Chapter Twenty-One: The North Wind
Location: Pewter City, Kanto
Two days after Silver's visit in Pewter City, Kris, Iris, Jupiter and Mars were all participating in the digging outside the Pewter Museum. The local gym leader had arranged them supplies and manpower and the searching continued 16 hours a day. Still no sign of any plates, though. With a suitcase handcuffed to her wrist, Kris ducked out of working and instead 'supervised'.
Kris and Iris' Pokémon were also helping. Shrew was digging excitedly while Fraxure helped with its tusks. Croc couldn't care less and didn't even try to help, but Kris kept him out of his ball so he could keep an eye on Jupiter and Mars. Iris' Goodra and Excadrill did their best as well while Kris' Gardevoir, Chandelure and Froslass floated around, mainly just so they could get some fresh air.
"Man, all this supervising is making me thirsty," Kris said out loud as she watched the others work. "Sure is hot today, too... I don't even remember what month it is, though."
"Here you go!"
A young, cheerful voice, belonging to another volunteer spoke next to Kris. They were short, with old-fashioned clothing that looked hand-made, a straw hat covering their bright, blonde hair. They were holding a water bottle, which Kris accepted gratefully and took a long sip.
"Thanks, um..." Kris paused. Well, this is awkward.
"Yellow," the volunteer said. "Um, that's my name. I know, it's weird."
"Not really, considering the people I know," Kris remarked. "But that was pretty quick thinking. Any special reason you're out here volunteering?"
"Well, I'm curious by nature," Yellow said happily. "Also, it sounds like you're searching for something really rare and valuable over here, and we don't see those kinds of things often here."
"You're from Pewter?"
"Uh, close by."
"Viridian City?"
Yellow scatched their nose awkwardly. "In between. I'm from Viridian Forest, so I often visit both towns. Yes, people do live there," Yellow added defensively.
"Hey, like I said, you're not nearly the weirdest person I know," Kris said with a laugh, feeling oddly relaxed with this young, eager volunteer.
"Anyway, I also came here because Ms. Leaf wants to see you," Yellow said. "Um, you were Kris, right?"
"Eeyup, that's me," Kris said and stretched her arms. "Well, I've worked pretty hard today already. Guess I've earned a short... a medium-length break. Keep up the good work, everyone, I'll be right back!" Kris yelled to no one in particular, not noticing Jupiter making faces at her.
As Kris left for the museum, she noticed the high-spirited Yellow following her. She didn't exactly mind, she didn't even care that Yellow wasn't working with the others, but it was still kind of odd.
"Um, do you know Leaf?" Kris asked Yellow to break the awkward silence.
But it got even more awkward as Yellow looked over their shoulder, then suddenly made a strange circular motion with their hand. Again, this was hardly the weirdest thing Kris had seen, so she shrugged and kept walking – then hit her nose on an invisible wall of some kind. She quickly realized that an invisible barrier had her and Yellow completely surrounded.
"Listen," Yellow said, their tone changing to a more serious one. "Even if you find the plates, you and your Pokémon are not ready for Giratina. You need to avoid fighting it as much as possible!"
Kris immediately reached for her Poké Balls hearing those suspicious words, only to remember that they were all empty. Fortunately, Iris walked just past her, wiping sweat off her forehead.
"Iris!" Kris yelled when Iris didn't seem to notice anything. "Help! Tell Fraxure to... Iris, are you listening?!"
"She can't hear us," Yellow said. "Do not panic, Kris."
"You can't tell me what to do!" Kris snapped. "Panic! Panic! PANIC!"
"There's no need for that. You're perfectly safe... Kris from New Bark Town."
Kris stopped panicking, and instead glanced at Yellow suspiciously while keeping as much distance as she could.
"Wes told me about you," she said as it dawned on her. "You're Red's friend!"
Yellow smiled. "Yes. I was the one who sent Wes after you in the first place. Sorry about that, by the way."
Kris felt a little more relaxed hearing that. "Yeah, well, you should be," she half-joked. "But he has helped me out a little, so I guess I'll let that slide. Maybe."
"Now listen carefully," Yellow said. "You have to find Red. I know he'll show himself once Cyrus' promised day happens."
"What, that?" Kris said and snorted. "We stopped that already! Get with the program!"
"Wrong," Yellow said calmly. "You know Cyrus is about to return, and this time he will bring Giratina and all its servants from the Distortion World and the dimensions beyond with him. And it will happen sooner than you think."
"...when?"
"It happens when it happens. But I know it will happen."
"Well, no offense, but that's dumb," Kris said, tired by vague phrases like that. "I've heard enough garbage about stuff that's 'destined' to happen or whatever. I've kicked destiny in the butt at least three times by now."
"You misunderstand," Yellow said patiently. "It's not about what's destined to happen. Your actions, hunting the plates and using them with the Legendary Pokémon Society to stop Cyrus is what will spark Cyrus into returning earlier than expected."
Kris almost went cross-eyed. "What?" she said. "I don't even... but he'll do it even if we don't stop him, right?"
"Yes."
"Oookay..."
"There is no way to know what consequences our actions will have," Yellow explained. "Even choosing not to act is an action. Nonetheless, we must deal with whatever may happen as it comes. Even actions that may seen insignificant can cause huge ripples, spreading thoughts to others in a way no one can predict."
That sparked something in Kris' mind, something she had tried not to think about as it caused her a headache... but she still remembered it clear as day if she wanted to. It was the conversation she had with Darkrai, moments before it gave up its life to protect her, Lyra and Wes from Latias...
"So..." Kris said slowly. "You could do that cool invisible wall thing, like a psychic-type Pokémon, right? Does that mean you can... see the future?"
Yellow shook their head. "No, but even someone like me has some useful talents. Still, I have made countless predictions and calculations, and I can communicate with... well, you probably wouldn't believe me, so I'll just say this: in a few hours, you'll have an encounter with a legendary Pokémon you've met before."
Kris cringed. "Not Latias?"
"No, fortunately it's not her," Yellow said to Kris' relief. "You'll probably figure it out soon enough yourself. Now, I think Leaf is waiting for you."
With a wave of their hand, Yellow made the invisible walls disappear. Kris still didn't move anywhere but kept eying Yellow suspiciously.
"Was Leaf's matter urgent?" Kris asked.
"Fairly."
"...all right," Kris grunted. "But after I'm done, I'll be back to talk to you."
"I'll be here until tomorrow," Yellow assured. "I hope I can help you find the plate."
Kris nodded and headed for the museum.
She was soon convinced of the urgency of the matter when she saw Leaf talking with none other than Cynthia, who looked strange wearing more casual clothes instead of her usual black outfit. She even waved at Kris in a very uncharacteristic way, showing something that looked just like the Insect Plate Kris and Iris had found, except it was brown.
"You've found another one?!" Kris asked, then became embarrassed at how obvious the question was.
Cynthia didn't seem to mind, though. "Yes, it's the Fist Plate," she said. "Kiyo, the head of Saffron City's Fighting Dojo, was using it to boost his training at Mt. Mortar. I convinced him to part with it for now."
Cynthia glanced at the suitcase still handcuffed to Kris' wrist. Kris was getting used to it by now and just lifted it nonchalantly while shrugging.
"Yeah, Leaf probably told you already... Silver really helped us out with this," she said. "I have the key, but I think it's better safe than sorry."
"I agree," Cynthia said and took a step closer. "Can I see them?"
"Uh... sure."
Kris gave Cynthia the key to the case. She opened it and narrowed her eyes as she looked at the set of plates inside – there were nine altogether, with the Insect Plate also there for safekeeping. Kris figured that now that Lance had two, Wallace had one and Cynthia had one, it was okay to keep the rest in one place.
"So, only four left to go, huh?" Kris asked nervously as Cynthia kept staring at the plates. "We're really making good progress!"
"Yes..." Cynthia muttered and looked at the other key in the chain. "This is for the cuffs, right?"
"Uh, yeah, I think so... haven't actually opened them once. Showering was a bit difficult - um, what are you doing?!"
Cynthia put the Fist Plate she had found in the case with the others, then locked the case and put the key in her pocket, leaving Kris aghast.
"Sorry, but this is safer," Cynthia said casually. "I mean no offense when I say this, but people are less likely to assume that you have something worth robbing. That man who interrupted your match at the Sinnoh League? He ambushed me when I was on the way over here."
Kris cursed to herself. Yet another problem to deal with...
"Considering the shape he and his Pokémon were in after our fight, I'd say he'll give up," Cynthia said. "But, he did manage to flee, and he seems like a very persistent guy."
"He is," Kris grumbled.
She still remembered how Missile had attacked her and Lyra back in Sinnoh, still carrying a grudge months after what happened in Johto. Kris looked at Leaf for help on the matter, but Leaf looked distracted by something, like she wasn't even paying attention to the conversation.
"You needed to see me?" Kris asked.
"Cynthia had something to tell you," Leaf said absently as she gazed out of the window.
"Yes, Morty just called," Cynthia said. "He's at Route 25, a place called the Cerulean Cape, by the sea. He wouldn't even tell me what it was about, he just asked for you, specifically, to come there."
Kris frowned in confusion for a second, but then it all fell into place: Morty was with Eusine, and considering Yellow's warning...
"I'll go there right away!" Kris said firmly and turned to Leaf. "Iris is in charge of the dig crew, I'll leave Shrew and Croc to help as well. In fact, I think I'll only need two Pokémon for this trip. I'll be back as soon as I'm done!"
"I actually have to go as well," Cynthia said and nodded at Leaf. "Thanks for the chat, and good luck finding the plate."
Leaf just nodded as Kris and Cynthia stormed out. As soon as she was sure she was alone, though, Leaf rushed for a locked cabinet that only she had the keys for and pulled out a crossbow and packet of bolts from it.
~o~O~o~
Location: Route 4, Kanto
An hour later...
Kris had left Iris in charge and grabbed Gardevoir and Chandelure with her before leaving alone for the Cerulean Cape. Croc hadn't looked happy about not being picked, but Kris had left it a bag full of Pokémon chow and a simple order: keep your eyes on Jupiter and Mars. This placated Croc a little. Kris knew she shouldn't let Croc go his own way like that, but that independence was why Kris liked him so much – and why he was so strong.
After catching a bus that went past Mt. Moon, Kris had to walk the rest of the way. It was quiet on the path leading to Cerulean City, hardly any people around. Kris doubted the suitcase looked too suspicious, even with the handcuff that Kris tried to hide as much as possible.
But she soon was pushed on edge as she heard a rough voice calling to her from out of sight:
"At last, I shall complete my mission!"
Kris prepared herself, thinking she would be fighting Missile... but the voice was actually different. And the fact that he had announced his presence made Kris even less worried.
But what fully got rid of her stress, though, was the sight of a man with turquoise hair wearing a black uniform with white elbow-length gloves and knee-high boots stepping out of the bushes and into Kris' path.
"Oh, it's just you," Kris told Proton. "Hey, you're back to your old get-up, that's neat."
Proton's eye twitched, but he didn't let Kris' flippant attitude get to him.
"You must have thought Team Galactic was finished," he taunted, "but I have a new master: Charon. He lets me wear what I please and he has given me the greatest honor. He has tasked me with waiting here until I found the valuable items he seeks. And now, at last, it shall be done!"
"Um, no offense, but Charon's kinda... dead, I heard," Kris said carefully. "And the other grunts were arrested. No idea what happened to Jupiter and Mars, though, guess they just split."
Those two better thank me for covering their worthless a-
"Lies!" Proton yelled and pointed at Kris. "Lies and fallacies! I will not take that! I was once considered the coolest, most brutal member of Neo Team Rocket, hand-picked by the Black Tulip to become an Executive, charged with training new grunts and whipping them into shape! There is no way I'd fall for your tricks, you... you... hold on, I'm trying to think of a cool insult here... it can't be too bad or I won't be seen as cool... but it has to sting at least a little..."
Kris rolled her eyes. "Yeah, anyway," she said, reaching for a Poké Ball, "do me a favor and-"
"Weezing, Tackle!"
Kris hadn't even noticed that Proton's Weezing had quietly floated behind her during Proton's little tirade. It charged at her, knocking her off her feet. Kris had to admit the trick was clever, but her Gardevoir would easily take care of it.
But before Kris could do anything, Proton dashed in and stepped on both of Kris' arms painfully, holding a hacksaw in hand as he giggled maniacally.
"I will get that case," Proton said quietly, a mad glint in his eye as he stood above Kris. "And for what you did to me, I will make sure to get your hand as well!"
Kris lifted her feet, attempting to kick Proton in the chest, but Weezing reacted to this, grabbing one of Kris' feet in its mouth, effectively keeping Kris in place.
"Oh, come on!" Kris wailed, struggling against their hold. "This is not happening! You're Proton! You're not important enough to be able to beat me!"
"That's what they always said!" Proton screeched, causing spit to fly everywhere. "They always doubted me! They said 'no one cares about that one guy who hacked off Slowpoke tails'-"
"And heads," Kris pointed out.
"-but look where I'm now! About to finally get rid of the pest who ruined – ruined, I say – Neo Team Rocket's greatest scheme! Begone!"
Proton raised the hacksaw, but just then, a spark of electricity hit Weezing, making it bellow in pain, letting go of Kris' foot. Confused, Proton looked around him for the source of the attack, allowing Kris to finally kick him in the chest, getting him off her arms. Kris sprang up quickly and prepared to take out a Poké Ball.
That wasn't necessary, though, as a Luxray appeared from the bushes to fight Weezing, first biting it as it was still confused, then avoiding its Sludge attack and retaliating with a Thunderbolt. As Proton prepared to use his hacksaw on the attacker, he was suddenly ambushed by a black-haired man wearing a red and black outfit. The attacker easily blocked Proton's swing with the hacksaw, retaliating with a knee in the stomach and finally by throwing Proton on the ground, Luxray doing the same with Weezing.
The attacker wiped the sweat off his face and turned to Kris, smiling gently.
"Sorry about that, Kris," Lunick said. "I know you had it under control, but I just couldn't bear to watch any longer."
Kris smiled. "I did have it under control," she said. "And thanks."
Proton withdrew Weezing and scurried on his feet, but was now outmatched. He didn't have it in him to yell out one last cliché 'this isn't over'-phrase, he just glared at Kris and Lunick and ran away like a coward.
"Well, that happened," Kris said casually. "What's with that outfit, by the way? Looks like some kind of uniform."
Lunick gazed at his black shorts and red jacket self-consciously, then fiddled with his red headband. "Well, um... this is a standard Pokémon Ranger's uniform. It, uh, has been designed to be waterproof, with thin but sturdy layers that provide protection against cold winds but also help cope with heat-"
"I was joking – you look good," Kris interrupted Lunick's cute rambling. "The real question is – what's up?!"
"The Sinnoh Champion, Cynthia, asked me to come here," Lunick said proudly, hands on his hips. "I couldn't pass a chance to meet you."
"...really?"
"Yes, I wanted to tell you this: I'm sorry."
"...for?"
"For leaving – again," Lunick said quietly. "Back in Sinnoh, I thought I was doing the right thing by leaving without saying anything. Once Team Galactic was done, I knew I had to return to the Ranger Union. I just don't see myself fitting in this time. But then Cynthia told me something that changed everything."
Kris tilted her head curiously.
"She has studied the subject, and it is possible I was pulled into this time for a reason," Lunick pondered. "The same forces who attacked my home are trying to do the same thing again, which means they'll attempt to open an interdimensional portal of some kind – am I right so far?"
Kris nodded.
"So, it is possible I can use the dimensional distortions that are occurring all over to return to the time I got yanked away into the future. But to do so, I must complete whatever purpose I had to fulfill here. Or, that's her theory, and it's an extremely slim chance. But I'll take it, especially if it involves fighting by your side again. If... if you'll let me join you, that is," Lunick added bashfully.
Kris smiled. "You're in," she said. "Now let me explain you a few things..."
~o~O~o~
Meanwhile, back in Pewter City...
"I found something!"
"Yeah, I've found about eight thousand rocks and a hernia but you don't hear me bragging about it..."
"Shut up, Jupiter! Hey, you! Uh, dragon girl with weird hair! Come check this out!"
Iris marched over to where Jupiter and Mars were digging, Croc having finished its massive bag of Pokémon food and wandering around hungrily nearby.
"I have a name, you know," Iris told the two. "I memorized yours, Neptune and Uranus!"
Jupiter blushed and suddenly stopped mid-insult, Mars looking at her in concern. "What?" she asked.
"Nothing, I just... I get that reference..."
"What did you find?" Iris asked with a deep sigh.
"Look at this thingymagoo!" Mars said proudly, demonstrating some kind of ancient artifact she found. It was made of some kind of soft substance, like leather, except obviously it had to be something else as it hadn't deteriorated during the years it had been buried.
Iris' interest was caught immediately as she grabbed the thing from Mars and started observing it from every angle. "Wow, this is pretty cool," she muttered. "The scientific value of this discovery is phenomenal. I could give it to the museum, but then again, Lenora back in Unova could also use something like this in her museum... but then..."
As Iris pondered the issue, Jupiter pulled Mars' sleeve.
"Hey, I think I could find a buyer for that," she whispered discreetly. "You distract her, I'll grab it, we sell it, split the profit 50-50!"
"No way!" Mars snapped. "I could never do something like that! I found it, so it needs to be 60-40 to me."
"Fine, deal," Jupiter muttered, Mars smiling triumphantly.
Sucker, she thought. When we're dividing up the profits, I'll 'accidentally' miscalculate and take 65 instead!
Sucker, Jupiter thought. When we're dividing up the profits, I'll just pinch her nose until she cries and gives me all of it! Solid plan!
"By the way," said Iris, suddenly appearing behind Jupiter and Mars with Croc. "I hope you two aren't planning anything like stealing and selling this!"
Mars gasped theatrically. "We would never-"
"Yeah, we did," Jupiter admitted, much to Mars' disapproval. "Hey, I'm not questioning that thing," she told her, gesturing at the hungry Feraligatr. "Well, how about it, kid? Get in on the deal with us, we'll sell it and divide the money three ways! Your friend from Johto doesn't have to know!"
"No way!" Iris protested. "This belongs in a museum!"
"You belong in a museum!" Mars countered lamely, then actually smiled proudly as if she had said something witty. "Yeah, take that, nerd!"
Iris rolled her eyes. "What about you, Croc?" she asked the water-type looming behind her, taunting Jupiter and Mars. "What would you do?"
"Are you seriously talking to that thing?" Jupiter asked in contempt.
"Hey, it's like a human sometimes!" Iris protested. "Just like Fraxure and my other Pokémon! So, Croc, what would be the best thing to do? Museum or sale?"
Croc stared at Iris for a while, then stared at the artifact in her hands, then glanced at Jupiter and Mars, then started rubbing its chin in deep thought, looking unusually focused and quiet. This went on for a few seconds, until finally... Croc swiped the artifact from Iris' hand and ate it, gulping it down with one bite. Croc finished its meal with a satisfied grunting sound and then went to sleep.
"...well," Jupiter sighed, her dreams of buying a planet ticket to 'anywhere that's not here' fading away.
~o~O~o~
The trip through Cerulean City to Route 25 went by extremely fast. Kris and Lunick chatted the whole way, Kris finding herself feeling relaxed with him. She didn't have to act tough or cool, because for whatever reason, that's how Lunick perceived her already. Kris also explained what she was doing to Lunick, detailing everything from the plate hunt to the Suicune murder mystery in Sinnoh.
"You seem to really like this Pokémon," Lunick theorized after Kris finished a long, rambling story about Suicune.
Kris shrugged. "Well, don't tell this to anyone, but I think I... saw it as a kid. Only for a short while, and I didn't see it properly, but I've been kinda fixated with Suicune ever since. Of course, then I actually met it several times and I've had other stuff on my mind. Still, I want to find out what really happened in Sinnoh."
"We've heard legends of the North Wind Pokémon as well," Lunick said. "From what I understand, it's a warrior Pokémon who protects nature. It doesn't particularly care about humans, but it's certainly not violent by nature, either. I strongly doubt it could do something like that."
"Exactly my point – sort of!" Kris said excitedly. "There was definitely foul play involved. Either someone wants to trigger sentiment against legendary Pokémon – or all Pokémon – or... I dunno, but there is a conspiracy there somewhere."
Kris and Lunick eventually arrived to the meeting point: a fancy house by the sea at the end of Route 25. The house belonged to Bill, developer of the Pokémon Storage System, and apparently a member of the Legendary Pokémon Society. The man himself was waiting on his yard. He was with Morty, who looked cool as always with his shaggy blonde hair, purple headband and scarf, waving at Kris casually. There was also Eusine, who seemed giddy with excitement over Kris' arrival, barely containing himself. And finally, oddly enough, Wes was also there, leaning against the wall of Bill's house, standing slightly away from the others.
"Kris!" Eusine cheered and ran over to her. "I'm so glad you're here! We need your help with-"
"Later," Kris said and shoved Eusine away, glaring at Wes. "Why are you here?!"
"I was with Lance, May and Brendan, but they apparently had no need for my helpful commentary," Wes said calmly, leaning against the wall with his arms folded. "Now that most of the plates have apparently been found, I thought I'd come here to give you a hand."
"A likely story," Kris scoffed, "but I'll accept it for now. Okay, Eusine, now you can talk."
"This is amazing!" Eusine said and almost started jumping up and down. "We can catch two Pidgey with one Poké Ball here!"
"Is that possible with modern technology?" Lunick wondered out loud.
Eusine ignored him. "Ever since the Sinnoh League, when I was at Route 224, I have been pushing my skills to the limit. I have tracked the most beautiful Pokémon of all time here, to the Cerulean Cape, and it has not fled yet! But it won't come out, either, and that's why we need you!"
Kris looked at Morty for some explanations.
"He thinks both Suicune and a plate are here," he said with a shrug. "And the weird thing is that he might be right. The Aura Reader is giving out two strong energy readings here."
"And the other is a definitely a Pokémon," explained Bill. "We double-checked it with our sensors. Eusine keeps telling us that we shouldn't go over and actually look, though."
"You'll scare it off!" Eusine hissed at Bill. "The North Wind is like me – powerful, elegant, but also sensitive. It has a pure heart, one that cannot be tainted by human sins!"
"Has this man been possessed by some sort of otherworldly entity?" Lunick asked Kris.
"For all I know, he is one," Kris sighed. "But it seems like he has it right this time."
"Onwards, my friends!" Eusine yelled. "A great adventure awaits!"
"I'll be monitoring things from here!" Bill said as the others prepared to leave. "Good luck!"
Kris, Lunick, Wes, Eusine and Morty headed to the very end of the cape, on a small cliff by the sea. It was peaceful out there, with Wingull and Pidgey flying about and a swarm of Venomoth making their way to places unknown. The rest followed Morty, who was doing calculations with his Aura Reader, following the track, which ended just at the edge of the cliff. Morty peeked at the sea below.
"It's impossible to get a reading from the other energy source," Morty said, "but the plate is definitely down there. Anyone have any water-type Pokémon?"
Everyone shook their heads, Kris cursing that she left Croc back in Pewter City. She had just wanted to make sure the dig would proceed as smoothly as possible.
But as Morty took another look, he suddenly flinched and retreated as something suddenly emerged from the water with a huge splash. That something was a large but slim blue, quadrupedal Pokémon with a thick, flowing purple mane, a crystalline crest on its forehead and two white, streamer-like tails. A sudden gust of wind seemed to suddenly blow as the Pokémon landed on the cliff, only a few meters away from the group, who were frozen in place.
It had been nine months since Kris had seen Suicune, and it looked as beautiful as ever, the effect enhanced when its wet mane and crest glistened in the sunlight. It was holding a navy blue plate in its mouth – the Splash Plate, appropriately enough. Although Suicune stared at the group, as if intending to give the plate to them, something told Kris that it wouldn't just hand it over without getting something in return.
Eusine, of course, had no such thoughts. He didn't even notice (or care about) the plate Suicune was holding, but he was fixated on the legendary Pokémon, slowly approaching it with a Poké Ball in hand.
"The great North Wind," Eusine muttered. "The Crystal Beast. The legendary do... ca... gerbil. Suicune. I... I don't know if you remember me... my name is Eusine, we met back in Johto. I wonder if you would do me the honor of battling you fairly, and then letting me attempt to tame you-"
"Oh, come on!" Kris yelled at him.
Eusine looked at Kris in confusion. Though Kris was relieved that Eusine didn't just blindly try to fight it like at the Bell Tower, this still wasn't the right time.
"Kris, I'm grateful to you that you led this Pokémon here," Eusine said tensely, "but I've waited this moment far too long to let anyone interfere, even you, who deserves this much more. I'm sorry."
"Listen to yourself, man!" Wes chimed in. "You're not going to be able to defeat it alone, anyway! It's a legendary Pokémon!"
"And if you do somehow manage to capture it," Kris said, "then what are you going to do?"
Eusine stared at Kris. "What?"
"You've been pursuing it for Arceus knows how many years – for what?" Kris reasoned. "So you could put it on a shelf? So you could put a collar on it and keep it on your backyard? Are you going to stuff it, encase it in gold and make a statue out of it or something?!"
"Of course not!" Eusine protested. "How dare you even suggest that?!"
"Then why?"
Eusine didn't seem to have an answer to that question, so Morty decided to intervene.
"Philosophy aside, I won't let you do anything to it, Eusine," he said harshly. "The code of our organization forbids us from battling legendary Pokémon unless they are a threat, and so far, Suicune has done nothing. And we're certainly not allowed to capture it. I've let you go forward with your crazy stuff for this long, but only because the Route 224 mystery is still open! And it has a plate, so stand down!"
Eusine trembled, squeezing the Poké Ball in his hand and clenching his teeth as he stared at Suicune, who was completely still, though its stance indicated it was ready to leap into action at any time. Sighing, he finally lowered his hand and took a few steps away from Suicune, allowing Kris to carefully approach it instead.
"Stay calm," she told it, her voice cracking a bit. "I'm not going to try to battle you or capture you. I just want to... well, right now, I want to know. I know you can understand me: was it you who killed those three people in Sinnoh?"
Suicune's fierce, red eyes stared into Kris' brown eyes for the longest time, as if to determine what Kris really meant with her words. Finally, in a way that was almost creepily human, Suicune shook its head.
Kris sighed in relief. "I knew it," she said quietly, now realizing how quickly her heart was beating. "Are you or some other legendary Pokémon planning to threaten humanity?"
"Kind of a redundant question, Kris," Wes pointed out.
Kris was annoyed, but Wes had a point, so she amended the question. "I mean, are legendary Pokémon who are not Latias – or Giratina and its minions – planning to threaten humanity?"
Suicune stared at Kris again, then shook its head slowly, as if it wasn't so sure itself, so Kris tried one more phrasing, trying her best not to sound nervous or accusing.
"Are you, Suicune, a threat to us or any other humans?" she asked.
Suicune immediately shook its head without hesitation, and Kris relaxed, breathing deep. The others felt significantly less tense as well.
"Thank you," Kris told the Pokémon, wanting to pet the Suicune so much but knowing it was probably not a good idea at this point. "I can tell these people to stop hunting you, then. Considering the circumstances, I'm sure all you have to do is give us that plate, and then you can be left alone. So... can we have it?"
Morty sighed. "That's not exactly the best evidence, but it's fine with me," he said. "We need that plate way more right now."
Eusine nodded sadly. "Yes, I agree. I... I'm sorry if I troubled you in any way, Suicune," he muttered.
Suicune glanced at Morty and Eusine, then turned its attention back to Kris. Slowly, it lifted its paw and took a careful step forward, Kris holding her palms open to accept the plate.
But Suicune froze just as it was about to hand the plate over, looking at something in the sky. Kris also saw it from the corner of her eye: a Venomoth had broken from the swarm above them and was coming their way. As soon as the Venomoth noticed Kris and Suicune's stare, it blasted at the whole group with a deafening, high-pitched sound wave, forcing everyone to cover their ears. Then, it blasted the group with a bright flash of light, blinding them.
Unable to see or hear, Kris instinctively stepped in front of Suicune and shielded it with her body, even if she knew Suicune could withstand a lot more than she did. A human hiding in the shadows who had rushed towards Suicune when everyone else was blinded had to stop on their tracks when Kris was in the way.
When Kris could see and hear again, she immediately recognized the black jumpsuit and red cape of the purple-haired attacker, her face mostly obscured by her scarf. She hadn't met her in a while, either, not since the Silver Conference in Johto - Janine. She had just attempted to stab Suicune with her kunai, but seemed to hesitate when Kris was in the way.
Seeing everyone regaining their senses, Janine backed away a bit, her scarf falling off and revealing her face to everyone.
"You're the former gym leader of Fuchsia City!" Morty exclaimed. "You've been wanted ever since the Silver Conference!"
"Of course they couldn't catch her," Kris grumbled. "Are you after the plates, too?"
Janine scoffed. "The what?"
Kris stared at Janine for a bit, but quickly recovered. "Okay, never mind, then," she said quickly, "but what are you doing here? I thought those whoevers you worked for had ordered you not to harm me!"
"This has nothing to do with you, nobody," Janine said. "You can take comfort in the fact that my earlier orders still stand – unfortunately. I didn't even know you'd be here. I'm here for that thing."
Janine pointed at Suicune. Kris didn't appreciate the disparaging tone Janine used.
"You mean you're going to kill a legendary Pokémon?" Kris asked mockingly. "Easier said than done, I'd think."
"I have the means," Janine said with a smirk and covered her face with her scarf again. "But first I have to make sure it and all of you stay still. Venomoth, Stun Spo-"
Kris tossed her two Poké Balls right at Janine's face before she could finish her sentence, not caring about fighting fair at this point. Gardevoir and Chandelure came out, forcing Janine to retreat.
She was ready, though, whistling to summon her Muk to come aid Venomoth, the sludge Pokémon climbing up the cliff from the sea below.
"Nobody interfere!" Kris yelled as Morty was about to send out a Pokémon. "I'm going to protect Suicune! We'll show it that it can trust us! Gardevoir, use Reflect!"
Gardevoir brought up a protective barrier around her and Chandelure, stopping Muk's attempt to hit the two with Poison Jab. Chandelure then used Flame Burst, setting almost the entire cliff on fire, forcing the spectators to retreat. Janine also had to dodge the fires, putting some distance between her and Kris.
"I like your tactics," Janine told Kris. "Ever thought of becoming a ninja?"
Kris didn't respond. "Gardevoir, Psychic on Muk!"
Gardevoir didn't immediately do anything, which concerned Kris and confused even Janine, but after a few seconds delay, finally attacked Muk, lifting it into the air with her psychic powers, then letting it drop and get knocked out. Janine withdrew Muk and sent out her Ariados instead. Kris fully remembered Ariados' fighting style from the Silver Conference, trapping opponents in place with Spider Web – she wasn't going to let that happen.
And, predictably, it happened: "Ariados, use Spider Web!" Janine called.
"Chandelure, Protect!" Kris ordered. "Gardevoir, use Teleport to dodge it!"
Chandelure did as told, but Gardevoir didn't, instead readying her hands for a counterattack, looking like she wanted to use Moonblast – which wouldn't do much good against Janine's Pokémon.
"No, Gardevoir, Teleport!" Kris yelled again.
"Poison Fang!" Janine ordered.
While Gardevoir was focused on trying to attack Ariados, Venomoth circled around her and bit its purple-glowing teeth into her, knocking her out with one hit. Chandelure tried to blast Venomoth with Flamethrower, but Venomoth was too fast and dodged the hit, returning to Ariados' side while Kris withdrew Gardevoir.
"Shameful display, Kris," Janine taunted. "What have you been even doing these past nine months?"
The taunt stung, no matter how Kris tried to act like it didn't. Croc wouldn't always do what she told it, which was a handful enough – but now Gardevoir was going to outright ignore her commands in battle? That didn't bode well, especially considering what waited for Kris and the others.
"Well, we shall soon see," Janine said when Kris was quiet. "Venomoth, go around and use Zen Headbutt! Ariados, use Sucker Punch!"
Venomoth flew behind Chandelure while Ariados leaped at it with great speed from the front, leading to desperate measures.
"Overheat!" Kris ordered Chandelure.
Chandelure turned red, and before it could be hit, it blasted a stream of fire into every direction, knocking Venomoth and Ariados away and out with one, quick blast, but also exhausting itself to the limit, barely managing to stay afloat.
Janine had no choice but to withdraw her Pokémon and attempt to flee, but she was cornered on all sides: Eusine and his Alakazam, Morty and his Gengar and Wes and his Umbreon were ready for her, and as she tried to pull a flashbang to make her escape, Lunick managed to grab her and put her on the ground.
"Thank you, Chandelure," Kris told the exhausted Pokémon as she withdrew it. "And sorry for pushing you so hard. Now then," she said as she walked over to Janine, who Lunick was keeping in place. "Want to explain why you wanted to kill Suicune?"
"Yes, you fiend!" Eusine ranted. "The most graceful, the most breathtaking of all – I'll stop now, sorry..."
"Guess I can tell you," Janine lamented melodramatically, though she was still smiling. "You were right all along. Suicune is innocent. The three people who died at Route 224 were all members of Red's inner circle. They were investigating the activities of the Pokémon League and came across some distressing information."
"Did the Pokémon League sanction this?" Morty asked in disgust. "Arrange the murders and framed Suicune for it?"
Janine rolled her eyes. "As if," she said. "The order came from high – way higher than you'd think. But I'm not dumb enough to say from whom. You only wanted to hear why."
"Then tell us," Kris said threateningly.
Janine was having none of it and seemed outright relaxed despite her position. "A prototype for a human-Pokémon translator was created at Navel Rock before its destruction," she said, prompting Wes to listen intently as well. "Said prototype was recovered, but the one in charge wasn't thorough enough, and Red got his hands on it, but it ended up with members of his group as Red himself disappeared. Thanks to Red's friend with the eerie powers, a meeting was arranged between three of Red's friends and a warrior-type Pokémon with a deep connection to the legendary Pokémon Ho-Oh."
"Suicune," Kris said quietly. "So Suicune knew something, then?"
"They couldn't take the chance that it did," Janine simply said. "That's all that happened back there – the ones who gave my orders got scared and outsourced a cover-up job to a certain executive working for Galaxy Inc, one of the many companies entangled in their web of puppets."
"So Cyrus was the one who did it?" Kris asked, tired of Janine beating around the bush.
"He's not the type to march over there with a gun, is he?" Janine mocked. "Cyrus was given free hands to deal with the situation, so he hired an infamous criminal who had recently revived Neo Team Rocket to do the job for him – you know him as the Masked Man."
Kris felt anger surging inside her as she listened to Janine casually telling this. The same person who ruined Leaf and Silver's lives was also responsible for the death of one of Leaf's friends, and nearly started a war because of it. That made Kris all the more happy to know that the Masked Man had been dealt with... but Cyrus was still out there.
"Last two questions," Kris told Janine. "What did Red learn? And where is he now?"
"He found evidence of a conspiracy closely related to what went down on Navel Rock," Janine said. "He and his group found out about their experiments with the Griseous Orb and attempting to contact Giratina for unknown purposes. He also knew that someone very high up had a motive to subjugate Pokémon, eliminate certain troublesome legendaries who refused to bow down to humans, and perhaps even start another war between humanity and Pokémon-kind."
Everyone stared at Janine, who laughed at their shocked expressions. "As for where he is now, I wouldn't just sit on that kind of information," she said mockingly. "I have no idea, but you know yourself that he went to train on Mt. Silver and was ambushed by the Masked Man. He escaped his clutches, that's for sure, but what has he been doing since? Nobody knows..."
"He met Steven, and Darkrai," Kris said quietly. "He's after the same thing we are, I'm sure. All right, that's enough questioning."
"Yes, you've fulfilled your purpose, you criminal scum," Eusine said pompously, as if he had done the interrogating. "At least we can be sure that nothing will threaten Suicune again."
Just as Eusine said that, a crossbow bolt suddenly whizzed past him, almost hitting Suicune, but instead bouncing off the cliff. Suicune lowered itself in a fighting stance, making Kris nervous – if something upsets its now, everything will be ruined!
The one who shot the bolt soon came into view, riding up the cliff on a Rapidash – Leaf, a crossbow in hand a fierce look of determination in her eyes, which were focused entirely on Suicune.
"What are you doing?!" Kris yelled at her, but then her mind caught up with everything. "No, wait, Leaf, you have it all wrong!"
Kris stepped in front of Suicune just as Leaf was about to fire another round, making her hesitate.
"Hello, Kris," Leaf said grimly, still staring at Suicune. "Please move aside, as these will hurt. These bolts expand upon impact, so they'd ought to be enough to hurt even that thing."
"Leaf, you can't do this!" Kris protested. "This isn't justice! You're murdering a defenseless – well, not defenseless, but you're murdering an innocent creature! You're not like that!"
"Innocent?" Leaf scoffed. "Even the creepiest of all fanboys will admit to evidence pointing against it. And no offense, Kris, but you're not the most objective source of proof."
"Do what she says, Kris," Eusine said suddenly, gesturing at his Alakazam. "You already fought to protect Suicune – now it's my turn to do my part."
Leaf rolled her eyes, but hopped off of her Rapidash's back all the same. Kris was not exactly convinced Eusine had it, but he insisted, so Kris moved away, allowing Eusine to stand between Leaf and Suicune, holding his cape dramatically.
"Alakazam, Psychic!" Eusine ordered.
"Flare Blitz," Leaf countered.
Rapidash leaped into the air, dodging Alakazam's psychic blast. Before Eusine could make a move, Rapidash cloaked itself in fire and charged at Alakazam with blinding speed, the intensity of the flames forcing even Kris, Morty and Wes to back away. Eusine watched helplessly as his Alakazam fell from a single hit, forcing him to withdraw it.
Leaf pointed her crossbow at Wes and Morty, stopping them from moving, while Lunick was forced to stay still to make sure Janine wouldn't escape. Eusine quickly scattered out of Leaf's way, allowing Kris to step in again.
"I won't let you hurt Suicune," she told Leaf firmly.
"And I won't let you stop me," Leaf countered seriously. "Stand aside."
"We have a witness right here," Kris gestured at Janine. "You remember her from the Silver Conference, right? She can verify that it wasn't Suicune who - who did it."
"I lost three good friends that day," Leaf whispered. "And now Silver has left as well. I've got no connections left, nothing to lose. But I'll gain satisfaction if I can kill the one responsible."
"Leaf," Kris said. "I know this isn't going to be easy to hear... but you're wrong. It was the Masked Man. He and Cyrus plotted it together. We have proof right here!"
"We all heard it," Wes said, Kris being grateful he finally found something useful to say. "She's working for them, the ones you, Red and everyone worked against. She knows what she's talking about."
Leaf's hands trembled, Kris taking a few steps towards her.
"If you shoot Suicune now, you will not feel any better," Kris said. "I know you might think so right now - hell, that's probably what I would do in your shoes. And if I wasn't such a Suciune geek, I guess."
"But..." Leaf bit her lip. "I finally had the chance..."
"I can't even imagine what you went through," Kris said calmly, taking another step towards Leaf. "You've had to fend for yourself since, what, age 14? Kidnapped by the Masked Man at such a young age, and then having things made even worse by the same man, losing Red, Silver, your friends... the only ones you could share your experiences with. But, if it's worth anything, I really admire how you've pulled through that, ever since I heard about your past. You're like my cool senpai or something!"
Leaf lowered her crossbow a bit.
"I heard someone smarter than me say a pretty profound thing today," Kris told Leaf. "They told me about how even insignificant actions can cause huge consequences, something you can't prepare for no matter how smart or far-thinking you think you are. I think it's the same way with human lives. It's like... when two worlds collide, they always have the potential to be beneficial to each other... or leave them in ruin. People who associate with me tend to get pulled into some weird things. I'm sorry about that."
Leaf shook her head, lowering her crossbow completely now.
"No," she said quietly. "This isn't... I'm the one who has to clean up my messes..."
"I don't know if the feeling is mutual," Kris said while carefully taking the crossbow away from Leaf, "but I'm pretty glad I got to meet you and have you in my world. You taught me a lot when you helped me prep for the Silver Conference."
Leaf wiped her eyes, turning away from the group. "I'm sorry," she muttered. "Tell... tell Suicune I'm sorry, too. I don't think I can help you with this plate business anymore... sorry..."
Though Kris tried to call after her, Leaf left the cape, whistling at her Rapidash and then jumping on its back, galloping away from the cape. Because Lunick was distracted by this, Janine was able to elbow him in the gut and pull out a flashbang grenade from one of her many pockets, blinding everyone. By the time the light and the ringing in their ears went away, Janine was gone - and so was their chance of proving Suicune innocent.
Speaking of Suicune, it was still there, but as soon as everyone was able to see again, Suicune lowered itself, looking ready to jump. Kris thought it would attack, but instead, it chucked the Splash Plate into the air, allowing Kris to catch it. Then, Suicune jumped off the cliff and back into the sea, Kris clearly seeing it dashing across the water, disappearing into the horizon in just a blue, glittering blur.
Eusine looked disappointed, but Morty had no time to coddle him, he just patted his friend on the back with an 'oh, well'-look on his face.
"Don't worry, Kris," Morty said. "I'll make sure the Legendary Pokémon stops pursuing Suicune. I'll tell the International Police, too. It's earned it. And now we only have two plates left to go!"
"Two?" Kris wondered.
"Got a message from Cynthia while you talked with that Leaf girl," Morty said, tapping his Aura Reader. "Your friends back in Pewter have found the Pixie Plate! Because we're making such good progress, Cynthia wants us all to meet in Pallet Town."
"That was amazing, Kris!" Lunick beamed. "You solved the situation without any unnecessary force! I had no idea you had it in you."
Kris exhaled deep, only now noticing how hard her heart had pounded against her chest during the talk with Leaf. "Thanks," she smiled.
"I'm just sorry I let that ninja do that to me," Lunick sighed. "Now she got away, with all her knowledge about these conspiracies!"
"Hey, I couldn't have held her for that long," Kris said. "Don't worry about it."
As everyone else prepared to leave for Pallet Town, Wes hung back awkwardly, desperately trying to catch Kris' glance.
"What?" she asked him. "We're in a hurry!"
"Can we have a chat, Kris?" Wes asked quietly. "In private?"
Kris sighed, but waved at Lunick to go ahead with Morty and Eusine. She figured Wes was there for some other reason, although with all that was going on, she couldn't bring herself to care too much.
"What?" she asked Wes rudely.
Wes took a deep breath. "You remember it, don't you?" he asked. "What happened when Darkrai, um... swallowed us, I guess? Well, something cooky happened."
Kris stared at him. Oh yeah, she remembered. And she remembered that Wes had panicked at the prospect of revealing something. Not that it took a mind-reading legendary Pokémon to tell what a lying creep he was.
"I remember it all," Kris said harshly. "What are you hiding?"
"This isn't easy for me to say," Wes said, sounding like every word was a struggle for him. "I... Yellow wasn't the only person I told about you."
Kris narrowed her eyes at him. "What do you mean?"
"Someone hired me to inform him of your movements," Wes said, unable to look at Kris when he said it. "I mean, of course, I was going to try to do my best to help you anyway, but... I reported your whereabouts to him to the best of my abilities without telling you. I... played a part in manipulating you."
"You little creep," Kris said, her voice breaking. "I always knew you were up to no good, but... ugh, I feel so... you were using me?!"
"Helping someone to - I mean," Wes caught himself. "I suppose, yes. I didn't mean any harm!"
"Well, that makes it better, I guess!"
"I did it because the one who asked me to do it said it was for everyone's benefit!" Wes yelled defensively. "He's the only one who can help me get to the bottom of the Navel Rock incident!"
"And instead of asking me for help, you instead let him manipulate me?!" Kris snapped. "What is he doing with that information?!"
"I don't know," Wes lamented. "And I hated myself for doing it, I swear! The more I saw you do stuff... I mean, fight, against the Masked Man, against Latias, against Team Galactic... the more I started to admire you, legitimately! I want to keep helping you! But-"
"What is it now? And who is the one giving you orders anyway?"
Wes swallowed audibly, trying to hold back his tears of shame. "Cheren," he whimpered. "You remember him, right? It's because of me that he approached you in the Hoenn League, and in Sinnoh - but I had no idea he would do it, though! I swear!"
"You've done all the swears and promises you're going to do," Kris said mercilessly. "You'll never change. You'll always be a liar."
"Cheren is getting desperate!" Wes continued. "I don't know why, but... he wants the plates! He asked me to... to befriend you so I could steal them more easily..."
"I'm touched by your honesty," Kris said sarcastically, "but if you think you're my friend - especially after this - you're even more deluded than I though."
Kris turned around, ignoring Wes' desperate look. "I'm taking these plates to Cynthia and the others," she said. "I don't want to see you around anymore, Wes. Goodbye."
As Kris marched away, Wes didn't even try to stop her. He just stared after her sadly.
~o~O~o~
Location: Pewter City Pokémon Center, Kanto
"Kris, you're back! Oh my gosh, Lunick, hi, how you've been?! Oh, and hi to everyone else as well!"
A cheerful voice greeted Kris upon her arrival, Iris waiting for Kris in the Pokémon Center's lobby, along with Dawn, all of Kris' Pokémon, Jupiter, Mars, and just as Kris had requested, the mysterious Yellow. After Kris had healed Gardevoir and Chandelure, Shrew jumped into her lap and started rubbing itself against her, Kris getting mold all over her clothes.
"All right, sheesh!" she laughed as she grabbed Shrew. "I was only gone for a few hours!"
"It was all thanks to Dawn that we found the Pixie Plate," Iris beamed, the arguments between them earlier completely forgotten as she showed the pinkish plate to Kris.
"Yes, it was all thanks to me," Dawn said. "I just saved the world! Where's the book about my adventures?"
"But we helped, though," Mars piped in, causing Croc to snap its jaws at her. "Hey!" she exclaimed. "Kris, you better tell that Feraligatr to get a grip!"
"Yeah, if that thing harms a hair on her head, I won't be held responsible for what I do!" Jupiter said surprisingly, making Mars smile.
"Thank you, Jupiter!" she said.
"Yeah," Jupiter continued, "cause I spent like an hour dying it last night! You want all my efforts to go to waste?!"
"...thanks, Jupiter," Mars grumbled.
"It's true, though, they helped a lot with the digging," Iris said diplomatically. "Dawn was the one who figured out where to dig, though."
"All right, everyone, we're moving out to Pallet Town!" Morty announced. "I don't know what the deal with you two is," Morty said, glancing at Jupiter and Mars suspiciously, "but if you're interested in helping, we'll take who we can get."
Everyone left the Center besides Kris, Iris and Yellow, as Kris still wanted to have a talk with this mysterious, golden-haired and -eyed person. Yellow just observed Kris serenely, waiting for Kris to say something first.
"You knew Suicune was coming," she told Yellow. "This might not be smart, but I trust you."
"Yellow already told me what was up," Iris said, staring at Yellow in fascination. "You can really talk to Pokémon? What else can you do?!"
Yellow smiled. "All kinds of things, but there's really no time or need for them. Only one of my powers can be really useful to you right now."
"What's that?" Kris asked quickly.
Yellow looked hesitant. "It's not exactly easy for me and it has limitations, but I may be able to make your Pokémon stronger."
Iris and Kris glanced at each other, then crowded Yellow, just to make sure no one else would hear.
"How?!" they both asked excitedly.
Yellow smiled awkwardly. "Well, uh... I'd be imbuing them with energy that allows them to push past their limits and unlock their hidden potential. They'll receive a boost in their strength, speed, durability, tenacity, move power... everything you would need, but only for a certain amount of time. I'd estimate it to be around 12 hours."
Kris stared at Yellow. She'd never heard of something like that, but were it actually possible... a world of opportunities would open for her! Oh, and battling Cyrus would certainly be easier. She glanced at Iris, who nodded, and both returned all their Pokémon into their balls, putting all nine balls in front of Yellow.
"Do it," Kris said. "Um, please."
"I'd really love to see how that works!" Iris said cheerfully. "And I could use... well, um... yeah, I'm just curious!"
Yellow nodded and crouched on the floor next to the Poké Balls, holding their hands above them. Kris and Iris retreated a little to give Yellow some space, but also watched the results hungrily. For a short while, nothing seemed to happen as Yellow closed their eyes and concentrated. Then, their hands suddenly glowed and the Poké Balls started vibrating and shaking around a little, as if there was a very small earthquake happening. One by one, the nine Poké Balls began to glow and rise into the air, both Kris and Iris watching in awe as Yellow worked their magic. Sure, there were people like Sabrina the gym leader who could do tricks like that... but Kris and Iris could feel the energy surging from Yellow and into the Poké Balls.
After a while, the glow stopped and the Poké Balls dropped, Kris and Iris immediately crouching to grab them for themselves. They barely noticed how Yellow had gotten a nosebleed from using so much of their energy, wiping it before Kris and Iris noticed anything. Yellow couldn't hide the fact that they nearly collapsed shortly afterwards, Iris catching them just barely.
"I'm fine," Yellow insisted. "I haven't done this in a long time... I forgot how much it drains you."
"Thank you!" Kris told Yellow. "This is definitely going to help. I think we need to get to Pallet Town now, though. Are you sure you'll be okay?"
Yellow nodded, though the wobbly way they were standing didn't convince Kris. "I'm afraid I can't come with you at the moment, though," Yellow said. "I wish you luck."
~o~O~o~
Location: Pallet Town, Kanto
Kris, Iris, Dawn, Jupiter, Mars, Morty and Eusine met up with the whole gang in Pallet Town. Lucas and Barry were there, greeting Dawn enthusiastically and reluctantly, respectively. There were May and Brendan, Brendan looking very happy to see Dawn as well. And there were Blaine and professor Elm, waiting eagerly for news about the plates. And of course, most of the LPS was there, with Cynthia, Wallace, Steven and Caitlin waiting for them. Lance was the only notable one not present.
Cynthia, however, explained the reason for it: Lance was coming to Pallet, escorting the leader of the Legendary Pokémon Society with him, which definitely made Kris curious. She had assumed the organization had no leader, or if it did, it was someone high-ranking like Lance or Cynthia. But someone was up even higher than them... someone who Kris needed to impress.
She didn't have to wait long, either, as everyone soon turned their attention to a distant rumbling sound that got louder and louder: a helicopter was making its way towards Pallet, and based on Cynthia's reaction, Lance and the mysterious leader were aboard.
A/N: Edited this chapter to add that comic interlude with Iris, Croc, Jupiter and Mars. All credit goes to loyal reader and all-around great person DoctorWhale, who has given me a lot of great ideas. About 3-4 chapters left!