Chapter Fifty-Four- A Boy and His Legacy
The group flew across the mountains, making their way to Julian. Lux rode atop Flygon, while everyone else flew on other Pokemon. He held his hand out to the clouds beside him. His hand split the layer of condensed water slightly as he passed by. Snow trickled from it to the land below. He looked behind him to see his friends and allies soaring behind. Eight… He's made eight, not counting the servants, Linda, Draco, and the Gym Leaders, allies who'll support him...
"We're almost at Julian." Niles glided beside him, riding atop Salamence. "You ready?"
"Of course." Lux yelled over the passing wind. "I know I sound naive when I say this, but I believe that we can convince almost anyone to join us!"
"I almost believe you myself." Niles laughed. "I'll make sure you don't regret it!"
"Thanks." He beamed. "Thanks for being my friend, Niles!"
"Don't get sappy!" Niles growled. "You have to be our leader, understood? Leave all the sap for Luna!"
"Got it." Lux nodded. He averted his gaze briefly, before turning back to him. "So, why did your dad not come?"
"Elite Four things." Niles elaborated. "Apparently he doesn't need Sal or any of his other dragons."
"Hope things go well." Lux prayed.
…...
Draco placed his files onto the desk. He was in a backroom. Files on every Gym Leader and Elite Four member were stored on the computers and hard copies in the storage cabinets. He retrieved their files on Eris, Ares, and Gunther, opening Ares' first.
Name: Ares Stark
Age: 29
Hometown: Castelia City, Unova
Was apparently was abandoned by his parents, boarding a boat to Spes. While he constantly challenges Airi for the title of Champion, he backed down after every failure.
.
.
Nothing. He was just your everyday, power hungry fighter. He tossed the files to the side, grabbing Gunther's files.
Name: Gunther Fiedler
Age: 63
Hometown: Unknown. Possibly in Kalos or Fiore.
Lost his wife and daughter in an accident in Kalos many years ago. Jumped region to region before then. He has shown respect for Airi as Champion.
.
.
Nothing, again. He was just a veteran battler who spent his years traveling. Draco groaned, opening Eris' files.
Name: Eris Bonnaire
Age: 15(?)*Unconfirmed
Hometown: Unknown.
A girl who showed up one day. She tore through the gyms faster than a fat kid through a cookie store. She has supported Airi as Champion from day one.
.
.
Eris? Could she really be a Liberator? Draco sighed, leaning back. It was possible. The only other members where Airi and… Siegfried. His eyes widening in shock, retrieving Sieg's files from the cabinet.
Name: Siegfried Amity
Age: 37
Hometown: New Fang* (Before it's first destruction.)
A young man who commands dragons in battle. He has displayed an incredible bond with his Pokemon. Raised objections during Airi's proposal to add more gyms to the League. Was also reported missing on numerous occasions.
.
.
Sieg… Objections… Disappearances... Draco slammed his fist onto the desk. Sieg was the Liberator…
…...
Sotiria sat in her room, kicking her feet in the air. Just like her room in Purgatory, she had gadgets for Rotom to play with strewn about. She glanced over to her Rotom-Cam, a computer she built to track Rotom as it played in Julian. It could also be used to for Rotom to 'warp' through the city. It appeared to be in the Julian Mall, pranking the customers as usual. She pulled out her toy, holding it to her chest.
"I wish you were here right now..." She whispered. "I wish you could just tell me what to do-"
A loud beeping sound came from the Rotom-Cam, prompting her to look to it. Rotom jumped from the screen, changing the screen to one of the cameras she set around the town. It showed Lux and his allies landing near the Pokemon Center.
"So, you're finally here?" She exhaled, nervously. She twisted to face Rotom. "It's time to battle as Edy Tesla once again, Rotom."
…...
Lux and his allies landed in Julian, the town of electricity. It was filled with massive skyscrapers and numerous mechanisms scattered about. Scientists and workers marched through the streets, instinctively.
"Gym's up north." Aine informed.
"Alright." Lux affirmed, turning to the north. He began to lead the group up north, searching for the gym. They passed by the inhabitants, who looked pleased with their town. Hundreds of devices aided people in their daily lives. Some of them noticed the group, and glared at them in hostility. They finally arrived at a large metal building with the words 'JULIAN CITY GYM' written along the top. The stairs that led to the entrance were hastily blocked by a wall of citizens.
"You're Lux Amity, correct?" A well dressed man in the center interrogated.
"Yes." Lux confirmed, watching the inhabitants around him. "Why do you ask?"
"You're going to arrest Ms. Tesla, aren't you?" A woman accused. "We won't let you!"
"Easy there." Aine rationalized. "We aren't going to-"
"Liars!" Another man shouted, prompting the crowd to start up. "You're the reason she's depressed!"
"We were fine without your mother's interference!"
"We finally have Edy back after those cultist came here!"
"She's a victim of all your corruption!"
"Quiet!" A woman shouted from the building. Everyone twisted to face Sotiria as she walked down the stairs. "I know that I cry a lot, but this is too much for even me."
"Ms. Tesla…" The well dressed man frowned. "You've helped the people of Julian so much, please don't leave."
"Edy, we need you!" A woman cried.
"I know." Sotira smiled. "But, I'm still Gym Leader. I have to face Lux in a battle. Now go back to what you were all doing." The crowd glanced to each other, before dispersing. Sotiria continued to smile, approaching Lux. "Time to battle, Lux."
"Yeah." He nodded, watching her leave. As he followed, Aine stopped him.
"I should warn you. Sotiria has Zapdos on her side." She informed. "Be prepared for that."
"Got it." He nodded his head, entering the building.
Inside, there was a grate for the floor of the battlefield, and four Tesla coils on the edges of it. Sotiria made her way to the other side, before pressing a button. The coils sparked to life, covering the field in electricity.
"Galvantula!" She began, tossing out her lead. Lux tossed out Roserade. The field zapped her, but did little damage, before shutting down. "Sticky Web!"
"Toxic Spikes!" Lux commanded. Roserade covered the field in poisonous barbs, while Galvantula covered it in web. The field sent another wave of electricity, zapping Roserade again. "Sludge Bomb!"
"Bug Buzz!" Sotiria countered. Galvantula bombarded Roserade with sound wave, staggering her. She countered with a blast of poison, launching it out of the arena. She twirled, before getting shocked once again. She fell to the side, defeated. "Jolteon!"
"Haxorus!" Lux swapped. "Go!"
"Volt Switch!" Sotiria directed. Jolteon covered the field in a bright electricity, blinding Haxorus. Haxorus struck the ground, launching a shock wave at the opponent. Moments later, Zapdos flew from the electricity, standing proud.
"Zapdos..." Lux paused, as Haxorus was shocked by the field. "You got it Haxorus!"
"Thunder!" Sotiria countered. Zapdos flew into the air, launching electricity at Haxorus. He jumped to the side, avoiding the attack, before launching a blast of draconic energy at Zapdos. The blast knocked it to the ground, allowing Haxorus to whale on it. It attempted to fly away, only for Haxorus to grab onto it. "Shake it off!"
"Go all out!" Lux inspired. Zapdos released electricity, shocking Haxorus. However, Haxorus began to repeatedly bombard his opponent, dragging it to the ground. The moment they landed, he jumped up and slashed downward, defeating Zapdos.
"Jolteon!" She tossed out her Eeveelution again. "Thunderbolt!"
"Keep up the pressure!" Lux cheered. Haxorus took Jolteon's Thunderbolt, slamming his fist into the ground, launching a shock wave at Jolteon. It was knocked into the air, flying back in defeat. The coils fired up again, shocking Haxorus.
"Magnezone!" Sotiria continued. "Flash Cannon!"
"Don't let it!" Lux directed. Magnezone launched a massive wave of light at Haxorus, causing him to stumble. He cloaked his claws in energy, repeatedly slashing at Magnezone. The field started again, causing Haxorus to cry in pain. He fell forward, defeated. "Lampent! It's all you!"
"Thunderbolt!" Sotiria ordered. Magnezone launched a blast of electricity at Lampent. She expertly dodged the attack, retreating into the surroundings. She emerged from behind Magnezone, defeating it with a single Fire Blast. "Electivire! Earthquake!"
"Watch out!" Lux warned. Electivire slammed its fist into the ground, knocking Lampent out of the wall. It covered its fist in electricity, knocking Lament down. The coils started up, defeating her. "Lucario!"
"Fire Punch!" Sotiria commanded. Electivire cloaked its fist in flame, striking Lucario. She was knocked back, covered in burns. She growled in frustration, her aura covering the field. The field zapped her, causing her to howl. She covered her fist in ice, charging Electivire. It raised its arm, pounding Lucario into the ground with another Fire Punch. Lucario immediately struck Electivire with a rising strike, coming down with a second blow. Electivire reeled back, jabbing Lucario and launching her into the air. She created a gigantic Aura Sphere, throwing it downward. The attack destroyed the field, causing the coils to go haywire. Electivire was launched out, defeated. The field was covered in more electricity than before. "Rotom!"
"You alright, Lucario?" Lux tended to his Pokemon. She gave a pained grin, falling to her knees. "Return! Go! Gardevoir!"
"Thunderbolt!" Sotiria demanded. Rotom mimicked Lampent, disappearing into the surroundings. Gardevoir closed her eyes, levitating over the field, and waiting for her opponent's move. She flipped to the side, avoiding Rotom's attack. She countered with psychic blasts, forcing Rotom to retreat. Rotom appeared from the ceiling, attempting to attack Gardevoir. She created a barrier around herself, dispersing its attack. "Rotom!" She cried, causing Rotom to flee into the broken coils.
"You're doing great, Gardevoir!" Lux praised. Gardevoir gave a brief smile, before shifting back to Rotom. Rotom emerged from the coils, super charged. It released its energy at Gardevoir, staggering her. Her eyes began to shine brightly, before she let out a piercing cry. The attack injured Rotom, forcing it to retreat again.
"Get out of there!" Sotiria panicked. It darted from electronic to electronic, trying to find an opening. Gardevoir patently prepared another barrier, when Rotom fired electricity from the broken coils. It jumped coil to coil, launching electricity at Gardevoir. She evaded every attack, countering with numerous psychic blasts.
"No!" Lux wailed, noticing Gardevoir's position. She was in the center of the coils, when they started up. She was trapped and electrocuted by all of them at once. She shrieked in pain, struggling to look for Rotom. She saw a small light from one coil, and attacked it with all of her power. The attack launched Rotom away, defeating it.
"Oh…" Sotiria sulked, turning off the field. Gardevoir weakly floated down, allowing Lux to retrieve her. Sotiria let out a weary laugh, pulling out a badge with electricity surrounding an atom. "Congrats, Lux Amity."
"Sotiria." Lux accepted, looking her in the eyes. "Or Edy, will you join me?"
"I…" She sulked, shaking her head. "Let me show you something." She stated, leaving. Lux and his allies followed her into a back room. It seemed to be her bedroom. Gadgets were strewn grabbed a key from her desk, handing it to him. "Your mother told me to give this to you."
"I see." He paused, gripping the key. "Thank you, Sotiria."
"Yeah." She dipped her head, before reaching under her bed, pulling out a disk and a laptop. She inserted the disk into the desktop, looking to the group. She gestured for Lux to sit beside her. He made his way to her side, sitting beside her. She pressed a button on her laptop, causing a man's voice to play.
Hello, Lux. Hello Sotiria. The man greeted.
Lux's face went pale as he recognized the man's voice. Dad!? He closed his eyes, listening to every word that played.
I know that I haven't helped you as much as I should have. Either of you. I must first tell you this, Lux. I'm sorry... I am not who you think I am. I am not the father you worship. I am not a hero. I… created the Liberators.
What!? Lux jumped, feeling his heart stop. He gripped his teeth, listening to the rest of the recording.
Please understand. I'm sorry. I needed to get that out of the way first. No, I needed to clear my conscience. Let me explain. I created the Liberators… or at least what it once was. During my time in Unova, I met with the reformed Team Plasma. I wanted to help Pokemon, just as they did. We started as… well… a group of hippies. Really needed to cut my hair.
"Haha…" Lux grinned, feeling some tension release. He continued to listen.
But, one day… I saved a young woman from a lab. An emerald eyed, raven haired woman... Nox. I told her my beliefs… and something clicked in her mind. She began to use the Liberators to… release the negative emotions in Pokemon. She wanted to turn them against humans, and recreate the world for only them. I'm going to try and stop her. And… I'll probably die.
"If you're hearing this…" Lux mumbled.
"He died… about three months ago…" Sotiria informed. He shook his head, listening to the rest.
Sotiria. I want you to help Lux. Please. I led you astray. I dragged you into my mess. I dragged Lux into my mess. I dragged all of Spes into my mess. My mistake. But let me tell you… Nox is not evil. She's lost. I want to save her. I really do, Lux. Because she's… It's nothing. Nevermind. You're my son. Remember that. I want you to save Nox and Gabe. Yes, I mean Galen. He's not evil either. In the end… I'm the true villain, I guess. I created everything. I'm your greatest source of suffering. Please… Save everyone. I love you, son. He ended. Everyone sat there in silence, unsure how to react.
"Dad..." Lux laughed, feeling tears stream down his face. "Damn it! Why can't my parents just be normal! Why do you have to keep these big secrets from me!?" He questioned, standing up. "Why couldn't we just have a normal life. Why is it conspiracy this! Mistake that! Don't you know how lonely it is!?" He wept, while the others watched him carefully.
"Lux." Niles comforted, hugging him. Luna, Gena, Anri, Nero and Albert joined him, holding him in their embrace. "It's alright, buddy."
"We're here for you." Gena reminded.
"Yeah." Luna beamed. "Just smile, alright?"
"No more tears." Anri commanded. "We'll get through this."
"Don't wear a frown! Turn it upside down!" Nero rhymed. "Or I'll throw you downtown~"
"You're gonna be alright." Albert empathized. "You're better than this."
"Guys…" Lux smiled, the tears slowing down. "Thanks. I'm really glad I have all of you." He shifted to face Sotiria, extending his hand. "Will you join me, Sotiria?"
"...Yes." She beamed, taking his hand. "I'll go inform the town." She ran out of the room. Aine let out a subtle smile, leaving as well. Sam shrugged, a grin on his face, and followed her.
He held his friends close for what felt like an eternity. "Let's explore the town… after a few minutes…"
"Whatever you say." Niles chuckled.
…...
"Edy." Aine faced her friend, looking over the town. "You did good here."
"Thanks." She smiled, gently. "I wanted to help people, y'know…"
"Good." Aine nodded, a terrifying grin scrawled on her face.
"Hey…" Sotiria pouted. "I'm… sorry about what I did to Amber…"
"Shut up." Aine snapped, striking her softly. "If I hated you, why would I be talking to you? You're my friend, Edy. You and Rika are the only friends I've ever know."
"Oh…" She realized, glancing to the ground. "We need to save Rika."
"Duh." Aine sneered. "She's an idiot. But she's our idiot."
"So…" Sotiria smirked. "What do you think of that Samuel Berk?"
"What're you suggesting?" Aine glared.
"Hmm." She leaned back. "Nah. I think Rika would be a better match for him."
"Is that seriously what you were implying?" Aine rolled her eyes. "You forget that she stole his job. And house."
"Details, details." Sotiria giggled. "Actually, who do you think Lux'll get with?"
"Oh yeah." Aine nodded. "That meteor thing shower thing should be happening soon. Every couple just dreams of watching it together. And every year the Amitys and Fangs watched it at the top of Mt. Eclipse."
"I'm voting on that Gena girl!" She squealed.
"No way Anri'll lose." Aine boasted. "And Rika would probably vote for Luna, just to mess with us."
"That'd be amazing!" She beamed. "Maybe we could watch it together! You, me, and Rika! Unless you have a date~!"
"Shut up." Aine struck her again, a small grin on her face.
…...
"Luna!" Lux ran to his friend at a museum. Hundreds of scientific discoveries and advances lined the walls of the massive structure. "How are you?"
"Great." She responded. "Are you alright?"
"Fantastic!" He laughed.
"Actually, can we talk?" She frowned. "I know I have to keep smiling, but honestly... I'm lost. I don't know if I'm really anything special…"
"Don't worry about it." He motivated. "You've got your whole life to figure things out. You're better than you think you are. Remember that."
"I see." Luna paused, before bowing her head. "Yes. You're right. I'll just keep trying my hardest. I needed that."
"Hey..." He coughed. "How's that egg?"
"Oh, this-" She gasped as she pulled out the egg. It began to shine brightly, revealing a small blue Pokemon.
"Phy!" It cried. "Mana-Phy!"
"Oh my Arceus..." She gawked. "A-a Manaphy!?"
"Amazing." Lux stared at the newborn. "It's adorable!"
"I have a Manaphy…?" Luna stumbled. "I have Manaphy! All thanks to you, Lux!"
"I just found it." He retorted. "You hatched it. I'm happy for you."
"Thank you so much, Lux!" Luna beamed, tears running down her cheeks. "Thank you! Thank you!"
"Take good care of it." He commanded. "We'll be going to Yuki after you face Sotiria."
"Okay!" She grinned, hugging Manaphy. She held it into the air, wandering into the distance. A contempt grin formed on his face.
His father created the Liberators. He contemplated. His mother killed Nicolas Tesla and hid all evidence on it. He inhaled, sharply. He knew their secrets. He knew more than before. He wasn't just a naive child. Time to put everything to use. He grinned, a blue glow coming from his bag. He pulled out the stone, watching as it morphed into a beautiful rainbow of colors, resembling a Keystone. He returned it to his bag, leaving the building.
