The sun rose on the ranch, yet without it's racer it dulled away. In the paddock, the grass had grown as tall as the Rhyhorn's knees, who nonetheless chewed on the dandelions and tall weeds. In the barn, a pitchfork laid on a pile of hay, and the chores were left undone. Instead of hay, for the past week the Rhyhorn had to settle for a bucket of pellets.
In the center of the ranch, the home shut itself in. The curtains were drawn closed and the door was jammed with so many business cards that they were falling to the ground. The mail slot was so stuffed with envelopes that a pile grew behind the door.
Inside, the kitchen was dim. The only sound was the copper kettle boiling on the stove, and on the counter was an empty cup. Dishes piled up, and the overdue leaky faucet filled the sink.
The answering machine stretched from the wall to the table, where croissants and jam would have been. A spinning fan toppled a bottle off the table and took a glass of wine and papers with it.
As if stirred awake by the commotion, the answering machine flickered and cried out for attention. Yet, no one came running into the kitchen to quiet it, and so it went to voicemail.
"Listen, Grace." The caller on the other end took a deep breath. "I can't imagine the pain a mother feels when they lose the light of their life. When they lose the precious gift that they watched grow before them. I can't replace the hole in your heart with condolences or answers to what could have been done. All I can do is use everything in my power to find her and bring her home.
I've visited the station every day, stayed up every night waiting for news. Officers place her last known location in Lumiose. If you'd like to see me, I'll be spending the night at the station.
Just promise me, Grace, that whatever comes from this, don't let it harden your heart-"
*beep*
END OF MESSAGES.
In the upstairs bedroom, with the pink door, Grace pressed her face into her daughter's pillow. She forgot how many times she had marched up to this room. How many times the door had been slammed in her face.
Still on the nightstand were the pictures of her little girl and her little bow-haired friend; after her first race, after her birthday, opening up a present with Riley under the Christmas tree. Had it really been that long since she stood on that finish line, a proud mother showing the world her little racer?
"Grace has broken her own record! Twenty five wins in a row."
"Should we anticipate a future champion? Like mother, like daughter?"
"Now that would mean the world to me. Just wait, Kalos. Get ready for the next great Gabena. Isn't that right, sweetie?"
"Mommy. Let go of me-"
Through all the battles and silence, her nest and her heart had never felt more empty than it did right now. Not even when Eric left. Serena was shy of two years old then.
She couldn't explain to her daughter why her father hadn't come back from work. She was barely holding her home and her career. The house had to be cleaned, breakfast made and bills paid.
She'd never forget those rough early mornings, soothing a sobbing little girl. She'd never forget walking her to her first day of Pokemon school; holding her hand and promising that she was only a phone call away. She'd never forget the birthday parties that came together at the last moment all on her own—complete with cake, a free Rhyhorn petting zoo, and screaming kids of course.
With no one to teach a single mother how to raise a little girl on her own, Rhyhorn racing became the only way to share her love with her daughter. She had turned down many races, speaking events and awards to be home at the ranch with Serena and the Rhyhorn. She still remembered every booboo she kissed when her baby was first learning to ride.
After Serena had graduated Pokemon School, she was on to Rhyhorn Academy. After she helped move her belongings into her new room, she hugged and kissed her goodbye. That day was the second loneliest day of her life. When she returned home, she changed into her pajamas and finished a whole bottle of wine.
Today was like that day, except this time she had broken her personal record, finishing two bottles of wine. This hole in her heart was no easier to process sober than in her heavily sedated state. She laid on her back and watched the ceiling spin.
As grateful as she was to have raced so long, there were many moments she could never get back. And when she was honest with herself, as a racer and as a mother, she would have given up racing again to be with her daughter.
Blue light fanned across the ceiling. She covered her eyes and got up to shut the curtains, and then the room glowed red.
The whole room was bathed in red and blue. As her eyes adjusted, she could make out what looked like a giant blue Stantler in the center of Vaniville Town. Its horns fanned out like the roots of a tree.
Then in front of it, a crimson bird Pokemon with wings as long as buildings.
"...Are those Pokémon...?
The blue Pokemon reared on its hind legs, and the red spread its wings. She saw the explosion of light first. She pulled the curtains, dove to the ground and covered her head.
The house shook, and glass shattered like a hurricane had come through. Shards of glass showered her back.
When the wind had calmed, she opened her eyes. She couldn't hear a thing, except the ringing in her ears. She dusted the glass off herself, but her hand stopped. She couldn't feel any glass. There wasn't a drop of blood on her hand.
She looked around the room. It was like the room had frozen in time. The shards were floating in the air.
####
[ON AIR]
This is Lumiose City News:
"Good Morning everyone, this is Lumiose City News. I'm Leo Meridian."
"And Good morning, I'm Rebekah Contesta and welcome to Lumiose City News."
"Let's start this morning with a check on our forecast."
"We have our very own Kalos Elite Four Member and meteorologist, Lady Malva. Good morning, Lady Malva."
"Thank you, Rebekah and Leo. As we've all been hoping for, global sea levels have slowly been returning to normal since the events of the Primal Reversion. Pokémon Fishing industries and tourism have made a resounding comeback. So you can put on that bikini, because summer is back-
This just in. Breaking News. We're here to report an unidentified explosion across all of Vaniville Town. As of now, the cause of the explosion is still unknown and rescue measures are still underway. For now the authorities are advising citizens that roads and highways leading into Vaniville Town will be closed."
[ON AIR]
The ON-AIR light dimmed.
"Alright, people. We have a national emergency," said the manager. "I need everyone on their A-game pronto."
Papers were rushed to the news desk. In the midst of the studio chaos, Malva held her hand to her ear and shooed away her assistant.
"Rebekah. Leo. I've got a call to Vaniville." She shuffled her papers together. "Cancel my weather update."
"Sure thing, Malva."
"Be careful."
Lady Malva brushed by the cameraman. His eyes traced her hips in those tight leather jeans. She reached for the door, and dropped her pen.
There's his chance. He snapped. He took off his hat, combed his fingers through his hair and took a deep breath.
"Hey, Malva. Hood on a second," he said, cutting off her exit.
"What's the meaning of this? I have people to see and places to go."
"Hey, listen…," he stuttered. Ready or not, no better time than a national emergency to make his move. And there's nothing more that a woman like Malva could need in times like these than a man to make her feel safe. He cleared his throat. "I just wanted to say you looked pretty swell, on stage, comforting the people of Kalos in their desperate time of need."
She scowled. "Is that really all you had to say? I don't have time for this."
"Wait a minute. Hold on," he stammered, grabbing the door handle. "See, what I really wanted to say. What I really wanted to ask is...would you maybe like to get coffee sometime?" .
"Hmmm. Lemme think. As a matter of fact, I'd love to-"
"Really? Say that's-"
"Afraid not. Hate to rain on your parade. I'll be swimming in calls and interviews till who knows when. Appointments. Reports. Editing. Can't say I have the time right now. What with these dire times and all."
"Right…"
"In any case, ciao darling. It's been a pleasure."
She walked out the door, and so did his perfect moment. He stood there with his untucked shirt and shoes untied, as the door swung back and smacked him in his face.
In the lady's room, Malva turned the faucet and wiped her hands. She kept her eyes on the door and peeked beneath the stalls to make sure. She put her hand on her ear.
"This is Lady Malva. Can you hear me my Lord-"
She heard a flush and her eyes straightened in the mirror. The bathroom stall behind her swung open, revealing a young lady with her legs curled and her fiction in her lap.
"L-Lady Malva? It's really you-I mean of course it's you. I didn't mean-"
"You must be new here. Sweetheart, would you be a dear? Get out."
The young intern turned two shades of red. She fixed her hair and pulled her skirt down. Her knees wobbled like a baby Girafarig, as she tried to make her way to the door. The door closed.
"Are you alone..."
Malva placed her hand over her earpiece. "Yes. Just you and I. My Lord, it's so good to hear your voice, I-"
The bathroom door opened again. An elderly woman shuffled in, taking her time before she closed the stall behind her.
"If you don't mind, I'd like to skip the pleasantries."
"Yes, my-" Malva bit her lip. "I've received word that our two suspects X and Y have arrived safely in Vaniville. My staff will rendezvous with them momentarily, and any report will be on your desk first thing in the morning."
"Good. I'll send one of my helicopters to escort you to the locations of the Aura Trio. So you're sure that the citizens of Kalos won't suspect a thing?"
"Of course not, Mr. Editor. Not a single detail will leave without my own revision. But there is one thing I should mention."
"Oh?"
"You remember that junior reporter I told you about? The one with the Heliolisk."
"Does she pose a threat?"
"I wouldn't say that. But a little Pidgey told me she has a story that's very interesting. I haven't mentored her in so long. I'll have to schedule a little editing session. Just the girls, y'know. Make sure she doesn't miss the facts."
"Good." There was a long pause. "Malva, let me stress how important it is that the citizens of Kalos get an accurate report of the events in Vaniville. Remember, Team Flare and your Lord are counting on you."
"Rest assured, I won't fail you..."
The toilet flushed behind her, and the elderly woman walked out of the stall. She washed her hands and powdered her face. All the while, Malva's hand remained over her ear. Then the door closed and they were alone..
Malva wrapped herself in her arms. "Lysandre, my Lord, why won't you say the words you're hiding in your heart—"
There was a ringing in her ear, and she twinged.
"H-h-hello-" The voice said through endless static.
"Hello, who is this speaking? Copy. Who is speaking?"
"L-L-Lady Malva. Agent Anderson reporting."
"Andy, my boy. What an odd surprise to hear from you, and I can barely hear a word you're saying. Please tell me, is there a reason why your perfectly operational Lysandre device is malfunctioning-"
"About that." Andy crouched behind a rock wall with his Tyrunt fainted beside him. "Remember those two kids that I told you about who visited our Cafe? See, I kind of maybe followed them-."
Malva's eyes twitched. "Really, Agent Anderson. That's funny. Correct me if I'm wrong, but are you saying that you abandoned your post." Lady Malva's eyes narrowed.
"Y-yes, but you see. Those two were catching onto our plan. I couldn't just let them walk away-"
"And not only are you admitting to abandoning your post, but do you mean to tell mean that you recklessly exposed Team Flare and endangered our perfectly organized operation? Tell me, Agent Anderson, where are you? Agent Anderson…. Agent Anderson?"
Andy lifted a rock and smashed the Lysandre device. The components sparked and Andy jumped back, watching the device smolder. He started to bite his nails; a nervous habit that started when his mother used to spank him as a kid.
"What'd I do? If Team Flare finds out. No. If Lysandre finds out that I disobeyed him, that Pyroar is going to turn me into mince meat. Think Andy. Think." Andy paced back and forth as trainers passing by, pointed and laughed at him. "Why'd you have to go to school for Psychology? If I just paid attention in school, I could've been a Business major. Then I wouldn't have all this student debt, and take out a loan from Lysandre and start working for Team Flare, and have to pay for this stupid red suit. Stupid suit?"
Tyrunt shook itself awake from fainting, and watched as its trainer stood on the side of the road in his boxers, stomping on his red suit.
"Ty-Tyrunt?"
"This is what I think of your stupid suit and your stupid Team Flare, Lord Ly-schmander! Oh, Tyrunt there you are, buddy."
Tyrunt kicked its legs to try to get up, but having such stubby arms made it impossible.
"Say buddy. We don't need Team Flare. We never did. What with all their stupid rules. But y'know what we should do, Ty? We'll start our own little utopia, and it'll be so much fairer and egalitarian than Lysandre's. There'll be no money. No poverty. No countries. We'll welcome the proletariat with open arms, and squash the bourgeoisie once and for all, all on our own. Whaddya say Tyrunt?"
Tyrunt sighed. Seeing as he couldn't get up, all he could do was make a feeble grunt.
"That's the spirit, Tyrunt."
####
Red lights hung from the ceiling like Kakuna. Alexa and Viola huddled around a tub, fishing reels of photos and hanging them on a clothesline to dry. They leaned in and watched the tiny black cells bloom with color. The color radiated to its edges like petals of a Sunflora. Then the color grew brighter and brighter until it began to look bleached.
Instead of the proof Alexa was looking for, the cells were saturated with light, like the camera had taken a picture of the sun. Only two blurry black blobs in the center.
"Drat," Alexa frowned. "And that was my last roll."
Heliolisk crawled on top of the sink and crooked its neck at the string of pictures. Then Alexa took them off the string and threw them in the trash.
"Well, you can't say you didn't try," Viola said, flicking on the basement light. "Be honest with me, sis. Are you sure you didn't hit your head or something?"
Viola pointed to her bandaged head. "I'm okay. I promise. But I guess being the big sister, means I'm used to being the one checking up on you instead of the other way around."
Alexa sat down on the couch and Viola handed her a cup of tea. Alexa's eyes wandered around the gallery. On every wall there were pictures of Bug Pokemon from Weedle and Kakuna, to Vespiquen and Skorupi. Heliolisk crawled up Alexa's leg and curled itself in her lap.
"Your gallery is beautiful, Viola. Honestly, I'm surprised what a beautiful place you turned this gym into."
"Thanks for the compliment. But are you really that surprised though? If my photographic memory is correct, it was my big sister who got me my first camera. Once I became Santalune Gym Leader, I set up my own gallery and started developing the photos on my own." Viola laughed with her sister, but then she turned and her eyes looked worried. "So tell me one more time from the beginning. What did you see at Vaniville?"
"I was doing a story in Vaniville about the local wildlife. We were getting reports at the Lumiose Gazette that trainers were finding hundreds of wild Pokemon fainted. I tried to take every road I could to get to the sites of these fainted Pokemon, but everywhere I went the roads had been blocked off.
"I received a tip one day that there were reports coming from forests around Vaniville. Sure enough, this time the roads into the forest were completely open. But I tried to work quickly before anyone cut off the roads. The devastation was unbelievable. Water Pokemon, Bug Pokemon, Grass, Flying. Hundreds of them fainted. I tried to call for help, but then I saw the strangest thing in the sky. A giant red flying Pokemon with wings as large as buildings. And then another Pokemon with large glowing antlers.
"I had to take a picture but all of a sudden there was this big flash of light and a big explosion. It was like something I'd read about, like when we were kids."
"You mean that story mom and dad used to tell us about the Pokemon that give and destroy life? Don't tell me still believe in that stuff, sis?"
"I know it sounds crazy, but what else could it be?"
"Don't you remember?," said Viola. "Mom and Dad just told us that story, because Poochyena died."
"What about Kyogre and Groudon?"
"Look, if you ask me, Kyogre and Groudon were ancient Pokemon trapped from another time. Like Fossil Pokemon. Completely different story."
Alexa sighed. "Well, if I'm crazy, then I guess I'm going to need a different story for the Editor in Chief. I called him while I was driving out of the forest, about everything that happened. He told me to get the report to him as soon as possible."
"Look, sis. If it'll help you sleep at night, I guess I can help you get more evidence of your cooky theory," said Viola. "That is if you don't mind your little sis helping you out."
"No, not at all," said Alexa. "Besides, maybe being a gym leader can get you past some of those security clearances blocking the roads."
"I don't know about that, but I'll double check the photos that you do have. I'll let you know if I see anything that you missed. And in the meantime, it might not hurt to take some of the photos. People won't think you're any crazier than you already are."
"You're probably right," Alexa admitted. "After all, I need to submit some kind of report. That settles it. I'm gonna head over there tomorrow morning and get this scoop in."
"Wait a go, sis," said Viola.
"Talk to you later. It was great seeing you and thanks for the tea."
"Don't mention it."
Alexa and Heliolisk left and Viola flicked the red lights to look at the photos once again. She shuffled through the reels. Then found one that looked different from the others, that her sister hadn't noticed. Instead of two black blobs, there were two giant Pokemon. Both like Alexa had described them.
"No way," said Viola. "It can't be real."
####
"Hello, there little friend. Who are you?"
The orb of green light floated around her. She searched in the dark, but no matter where she looked, it was just the two of them. The little ball disappeared.
"Wait. Don't go." She reached and caught it. But it slipped through her fingers, like water. "Come back."
It was so dark without her friend and it made her shake. Her heart ached. But soon she saw her green friend hopping up and down, excited to see her. She promised she would never scare it away again.
She could make it do tricks with her breath. She would take big, fast breaths and watch the green ball skip up and down. And then she would hold her breath, and watch it settle down. It made her head hurt, so she let it play on its own; as long as it didn't leave.
Red flashed in the darkness, and some new Pokemon friends appeared. They had funny shapes. Some of them long like Caterpie bent again and again. Others round. They huddled together to stay warm. She looked at them all together 'WARNING!'
As long as her friends were there, the darkness wasn't so bad. It was warm, and she felt like a baby in her mother's womb.
There was a ringing sound. Her friends couldn't hear it, but it was there, hiding very quietly in her ear. She could feel it kicking, but it was only a little annoying.
The darkness disappeared, and when she opened her eyes she was standing in a stadium. She was surrounded by hundreds of spectators looking down at her. But where were they looking.
She felt the ground shake beneath her and a dust cloud swirled around the track. In the cloud she could make out the grey hide of the Rhyhorn. This was what everyone must be excited about. She looked into the crowd of cheering fans. The swirl of dust overcame her, but she never saw who crossed the finish line.
The events happening in front of her were so fuzzy. She saw the Rhyhorn a second before they should have crossed, but she couldn't remember how it ended.
Confetti rained down from the sky, and three racers stood on the winner's box to accept their trophies. She caught one piece in her hand.
A man in a derby hat walked past her, and she recognized his voice as the one from before. He and another shook hands and passed an envelope, along with three medals.
"Now what I bet all of you have been waiting for, racers and fans alike. The first place winner of this years Rhyhorn Grand Prix is-"
But his voice sounded garbled, like he was trying to make the sounds underwater. His curled lips and his tongue resting against his teeth formed the shapes of sounds, but she couldn't put them together. It was like water and oil; no matter how hard they mixed they always unraveled.
You'll outgrow this silly phase of yours, Yvette.
The cheering crowd and the confetti disappeared, and when she turned around she was standing in a restaurant. The soft lilt of violin music carried into her ear. The tables were set with linens, napkins and silverware, and the candle flames flickered. She could hear laughter around her, and intimate whispers .But restaurant was completely empty. Except one table for two.
A grey haired man sat at the table. His face shined, like hand-crafted leather. The wrinkles around his mouth and eyes, looked as if they had been hand-stitched and pressed. His suit fit perfectly to his body, and on his wrist he wore a gold-watch, with the initials J.S.. If he spared no expense on himself, he must have gone bankrupt on the girl sitting across from him. He watched her like she was the apple of his eye, though he never said a word.
The young girl pushed her food around her plate. She recognized the girl from the race before, but up close she looked so much prettier. Her hair fell down in blonde-ribbons, and she gathered the rest in a neat bow.
"Honey, you're not touching your food. Do you want me to order you something different?"
"I'm okay, Daddy."
"Do you want me to order you something different. Order something different. Order. Order you. Do I make myself clear?"
"Yes Daddy. I understand."
"You'll outgrow this silly phase of yours. The Pokeworld needs jobs, honey."
A stack of plates fell to the floor and shattered behind her, and she jumped. She was no longer in the restaurant when she checked. She was at the stadium again. At the finish line, a Pokemon medic knelt down to examine a Rhyhorn. He shook his head after examining the leg.
"Don't hurt my Rhyhorn." A racer sobbed, as several men held her down. They fitted a mask over her face and whisked the gurney past Yvette. "No. Don't. She's hurt. Don't kill her..."
She looked over the medics shoulder, as he patted the Rhyhorn. He reached into a briefcase and pulled out a syringe. When she looked up, a wall of curtains surrounded her.
She shut her eyes, but now she heard a slow beeping. She opened them and saw the young brunette racer from before, laying, bandaged on a hospital bed with a tube down her throat.
Through the thin door window, she saw a man hugging his wife as a doctor prepared to deliver the news. They stood frozen as the doctor flipped through his notes and shook his head. The doctor closed his papers, and as he left, the man and woman sobbed in each others arms. Yvette looked down at the fragile brunette girl laying in the bed, as she labored for each breath. This girl must be very special to them, she thought.
You killed Rhyhorn, Yvette.
Yvette froze. The breathing tube was gone, and the girl smiled at her.
"I'm sorry. Have we met before-"
You killed my Rhyhorn, Yvette. You killed me.
Yvette stepped back from the bed and tripped.
"I don't know you. I don't know who I am. I-"
You wanted to win
"I didn't want this. I swear. I don't understand-"
Can't you see, Yvette. Serena killed Rhyhorn. Serena killed me.
Yvette shut her eyes. She opened them, and stared down the barrel of a hundred cannons. She watched them glow in the barrel..
"How are you feeling, my little weapon of destruction?"
"Who me?" she said, turning her head slowly to see the mad scientist, Xerosic, gazing down at her..
Xerosic pressed the intercom. "What's wrong, my little mercenary? Your pulse is more elevated than usual. Don't tell me you're getting stage fright?"
Yvette scoffed. "You don't know what you're talking about. I know exactly what I'm doing."
"Well, then let's get on with the final test shall we. It took some jerry rigging, but at last it is perfect.
"You don't say?" The elevator door closed, and Lysandre stood behind the scientist. "It better be. Even though she may be a little girl, my beautiful world depends on her. How is my pilot?"
Xerosic gulped. "She's absolutely stupendous. Just a tad tired. Nothing a 'vitamin' can't do," he laughed nervously. "In fact, I shall take care of her right now."
Xerosic pressed a button, and a green fluid began to course through the capillaries in Yvette's suit.
"Marketed to reduce stress, improve concentration and vigor. The recipe owing to moi, if you're wondering."
"Good. As long as she is ready."
Xerosic pressed the intercom. "Now remember my symbionic assassin. That my suit may be magnificent, but it's not impervious. So take care of it wisely."
Yvette scowled. "Just start the test already, you imbecile."
"As you wish. Powering electric cannons in minus 20 seconds."
Electricity arced between Yvette's fingertips, and she got in a running position.
"And begin," said Xerosic.
Bursts of electric balls fired in Yvette's direction. With each fired ball she dodged it effortlessly. She jumped in between. But the slender assassin slid against the floor and lined up in the middle of two tripods. She grabbed two, and smashed them together sending their motherboards zapping.
Through the cloud of smoke, two rolled up hunks of metal sliced through the fog and straight through the bulletproof glass.
A door opened in the chamber, revealing Lysandre clapping.
"I'm very impressed, child," Lysandre said. He walked close to her, stretched out his hand and placed his hand on the side of her helmet. There was a click. The helmet retracted, and Yvette's face rested in Lysandre's palm.
"Your father was a stubborn man to refuse me, but with the help of his daughter, I've learned to forgive. That is why I'm depending on you, Yvette," said Lysandre. "As long as you obey my will, no further harm will come to your father." Lysandre tilted her chin up with a delicate finger. "Can you do that for me, Yvette?"
Yvette lowered her eyes to the ground. "I won't disappoint you."
"Good. That's just what I wanted to hear," Lord Lysandre walked out the door. "You'll be leaving at 04'00 hours."
Yvette pressed the button on the side of her helmet, and closed her eyes.
Can't you see, Yvette. Serena killed Rhyhorn. Serena killed me...
####
The helicopter hovered close to the treeline. Meanwhile, in the cabin, the four Team Flare Admins sat waiting for the trip to end. The trip had obviously put a lot of stress on them.
Mable crossed her arms. "Honestly, what are we even wasting our time here for anyway," she said. "A Pokemon that big.I'll believe it when I see it-"
The room shook. The cabin tumbled and the Team Flare Admins were shaken all around the cabin. Smoke rose from the Vaniville Valley ahead.
"Where could you be?" Xerosic said, scanning the horizon. "There you are." Xerosic shoved the pilot. The helicopter dipped to the right. Xerosic grabbed his binoculars, and scanned through the cloud of smoke. "Yveltal, you dirty birdy. You thought you could hide from Xerosic."
"Could that thing have killed us?"
"Yveltal is simply taking a rest. Xerneas really tired you out, didn't he, Yveltal?"
Professor Xerosic pulled open the hatch of the helicopter, and watched Yveltal in the distance. He took a big breath.
"I relish the beginning of a new history. The end of an era, and the beginning anew. Are you ready for your big show, my little mercenary—"
Professor Xerosic looked behind. He turned around and saw the four Team Flare Admins cowering in their chairs. In the seat opposite, blue sparks writhed in Yvette's palm and licked her fingers.
"I told you she was a freak," Mable said, as the other three Team Flare women held onto her.
"Careful now," Xerosic said. He grabbed Yvette by the wrist and pulled at her arm wouldn't budge, as if her arms were wired shut. She turned her attention away from the sparks in her hand, and Xerosic stared into the darkness of her visor.
"Did I do something wrong, Professor-"
His clammy hands lost their grip. "Ummm you must be mistaken. All I'm saying is there's a lot of sensitive equipment in this compartment. It could be dangerous-"
Xerosic stared into the dark abyss of her visor.
"Very well then," she said. The electricity between her fingers grew. And then she closed her fingers and smothered them.
Xerosic breathed a sigh of relief. Meanwhile the pilot called from the cockpit.
"Three minutes to touch down in Vaniville square," the pilot said.
Grace drove her car down to Vaniville, but was stopped in front of a checkpoint. They stopped her and told her to get out of her car. They told her to leave her car, and so she got out of her car and took Kara with her.
"Easy now, Kara," Grace said, helping Shauna's mother out of the truck.
Above them they heard the wavering sound of helicopters approaching.
"What a relief. That must be help coming," Kara winced, grabbing hold of her arm.
She heard someone running behind her. She turned and saw Portridge, catching his breath. He was covered in dirt and soot. "Are you alright? What the devil happened?"
"I'm fine. Just a couple scratches," Grace said. "Shouldn't you be at the academy?"
"I tried to explain to the guards that I needed to check on my students, but they wouldn't let me through. The imbeciles." Portridge saw the woman Grace was holding on to. "Excuse me, miss. You appear to be hurt."
"It's nothing. I promise," said Kara, guarding her swollen arm.
"Come now. No need to be stubborn." He helped her to sit by the side of the street and fashioned a sling out of his shirt. "There. That should heal up quite nicely."
"Thank you so much for your help," she said.
"No need to worry-"
Grace, Portridge and Kara gathered their belongings and made their way to city hall. The streets were buried in rubble. The skeletons of houses smoldered, as people pointlessly tried to put out the fires with their Pokemon.
In every home, something was lost; memories, family and Pokemon..
"This destruction is terrible," said Portridge, sulking. "Many of my students have families in Vaniville. I can't imagine how I'll break the news to them. How could this have happened?"
Grace shuddered, thinking back to what she saw through her window. "I can't believe it myself. It all seems like a movie. I don't know what to say, or even if I can.".
"Whatever it is, it'll have to wait. It seems everyone has more important things to worry about at this moment."
The caravan stopped in front of a fence to the city hall.
"Get back." A green-haired woman threw a PokeBall. "I said move it. Houndoom, use Flamethrower."
The Houndoom fired a Flamethrower above the crowd, and the people jumped.
"Stop it. You're scaring my little girl," a woman said, comforting her child in her arms.
"Why are you treating us like this? We're people."
A service worker stood on top of a box. "We'll be taking four families at a time. If you have any belongings, drop them now."
The service workers distributed water to the people. In tents doctors checked the conditions of women and children.
On the steps of city hall, the mayor tapped the microphone and spoke. The sound of the tapping startled the people in attendance.
"My people of Vaniville," the mayor said. "This calamity has devastated our wonderful town and its wonderful people. If it weren't for the sacrifice this man beside me is making, our city might remain as sorry as it looks now. If I could have you all give a warm welcome to a man who needs no introduction, Lysandre. On behalf of all the people of Vaniville, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts."
The mayor shook his hand incessantly. Lysandre frowned. "If you don't mind, I don't think we should keep the people of Vaniville waiting."
Grace heard the microphone from the stage in front of City Hall. The three of them turned and saw the CEO of Lysandre Corps standing beside the city mayor.
Lysandre stood before the microphone. "People of Vaniville. People of Kalos. I look upon all of your faces, and see not just your physical suffering, your wounds, your tired eyes, your aching bellies. I see the spirit of a great community shattered and dismayed.
"I assure everyone you, I feel your pain. I hear your troubles and I have come to help with all of my resources laid in front of you; food, a bed and medicine for those who are dearly sick-"
"But alleviating the symptoms is not enough. My people of Vaniville. There is an ailment among you; a disease that ravages the poor, the weak. It has infected not only your town, but in your national government."
The curtains on the stage were pulled back, revealing a screen as a film began to project on it.
Mayor: You look absolutely ravishing miss. And your kisses are absolute heaven. Darling, if the Mrs. finds out about this, your Mayor could be in hot water.
Unidentified Woman: But you promise me beautiful house? Do you not love me, darling?
Mayor: *chuckle* Do you doubt your mayor? With the snap of a finger I can make a few thousand Pokedollars disappear.
The parents covered their children's eyes, as they watched a man who looked just like the jolly mayor having relations with another woman in office.
Mayor: Well, you do make a rather persuasive argument.
PokeSands Representative: The offer is fifty thousand Pokedollars for the land offshore.
Mayor: That much for that worthless piece of ocean. Consider it done. Oh, and you won't have to worry about any trouble from those pesky little protectionists.
The protestors in the crowd roared with anger.
Mayor's Assistant: Sir, half of the homes in Vaniville have been destroyed. Should we make preparations to shelter citizens in the estate?
Mayor: Tell the people of Vaniville they'll have to go elsewhere. I don't want my estate turning into a filthy den of beggars.
The citizens began to murmur amongst each other. The mayor could feel eyes looking at him.
The mayor turned on his microphone. "Now, what you see before you may seem concerning. But I assure you. I am a citizen just as you are. The city never asked me to turn my home into a shelter.-"
"Oh yeah. Well that's not going to be enough now is it," someone in the crowd shouted.
"Maybe we should get to decide who gets to run this place around here."
Portridge grumbled. "Poor fellow. They're going to eat him alive."
"Better question is, will he get out alive."
The protests were cut off by Officer Petit and his patrol who arranged themselves in front of the crowd.
Officer Petit held the megaphone up to his mouth. "Now, I want all of you to listen. Everyone is staying put. There will be no rioting. We are going to remain civil, and maintain the law in our town of Vanville."
"Why can't we leave the city? We need to call our families. We haven't heard anything on the news."
Lysandre chuckled and spoke into the microphone again. "People of Vaniville. For years, the people that you have entrusted with your lives, have abused it and used it for their own gain. While their children sleep peacefully, without fear of violence, they send your own children to fight wars, in countries where they don't belong.
"While politicians have plenty to eat, women and children scrounge the streets for the basic necessities to survive. For years, they have robbed you of everything that you have worked for your entire lives. They've robbed you not only of your land, but your resources. They've poisoned your waters. They've filled your lungs with toxins, all in the interest of greed.
"They've exploited Pokemon, your companions, so that you may all live comfortable lives. And while you worship them for their party, race or creed, they invest your money in drugs and women.
"People of Vaniville, if you want me to rid this disease in not just your humble community, but in all of Kalos, there is one thing I ask of you all. Reject your politicians, reject your society as you know it, and bow before me.
"I assume that there must have been meaning in why Xerneas and Yveltal chose your town to begin my rejuvination of this earth. But once I harness their powers, I will not just let this world fade away. So follow me, people of Vaniville. I will watch over your people as if they were my own flock"
"It's about time," a man shouted in the crowd. Security wrestled to subdue him. "Get off. I ain't leaving until I get to speak my mind."
Lysandre raised his hand. "Please, gentlemen, if you could let the man speak."
The man shook the guards off and cleared his way to the front of the stage. "You listen to me, Lysandre. I've been a proud Kalosian, forty three years since the day I was born. But in all my years, I have never, I mean never, seen such inaction by our politicians. This is appalling. It's been eight days and my family hasn't had clean water to bathe. My Swampert protected my family the best it could, but now both of them are sick. I don't care who leads this shipwreck of a country, ."
"Good citizen of Vaniville. I can assure you, I mean what I say. I feel your pain and the pain of the many others. Yes, that's what I admire about the people of Vaniville. They see so clearly, that their government has failed them."
A camera floated above the sight of the forest surrounding Vaniville, showing two large Pokemon moving around the Vaniville forest. Footage played back showing the two Pokemon clashing in the center of the Vaniville Plaza.
"Once I harness their power with the help of the people of Vaniville, I will recreate this world we live in—"
A boy rushed onto the stage and grabbed the microphone from Lysandre.
"Insolent child," Lysandre muttered.
"Is this some kind of joke. You're sick in the head, Lysandre." The boy spoke into the microphone. "You know what I think? How's this any of us kids faults. All you adults are the ones screwing everything up. Money. War. You must think we're dumb if you think we're gonna trust you."
Lysandre's eyes narrowed. "You're just children. How can you begin to understand the world around you?"
"But they are our children," a mother in the crowd holding her child. "And they deserve hope, even if we haven't given it to them."
"Can't you see that this world is beyond repair. When a part of the body is diseased, do you let the infection spread to the rest of the body?
"Greed has corrupted our industries. Industry has polluted our oceans, rivers and streams. War has engulfed many nations, and people live in ignorance in the wake of its destruction."
A woman held onto her grandfather's hand as she and his Slaking helped him to the front of the crowd.
"If everyone could listen to what this old coot has to say." Reluctantly the boy handed the microphone to the old man. "Now, I know these are just words coming from an old geyser like myself. But I've lived long enough to know one thing for sure. We're not going to solve any of the problems in our country, much less our Vaniville, if we're at each other's necks.
I own the Pharmacy a block from where the blast occurred. Well, right now it's just a smoking pile of a rubble. But it was by a miracle that my wife and I, and my Slaking had decided to head home early.
"We lost everything that we owned in this disaster. But, lucky for us the thing we didn't lose was our family. I agree that some of us could give more than others, especially our representatives who should be putting aside their desires over those of the people who elected them. If we want to save this town, let's come together. We don't need another promise of utopia."
Lysandre scowled. "Why should you trust weak people such as yourselves, when they don't know what they want?"
Lysandre looked around at the crowd with his narrowed eyes. "I assure you all, that if you follow me, you will all have enough food starting with the poorest and most vulnerable among you. We can tear down this city and build an even better one."
"Well, why should they get any food," a man shouted. "They can fend for themselves. I have children and family to protect."
"Greed has no place in a perfect society," Lysandre muttered.
"If you're not going to help us, Lysandre, then you might as well leave. Us men will do the work of fixing this town."
Lysandre's eyes narrowed. "You people are fools. Don't you see that the disease runs deeper than the skin? You cling to each ideals of brotherhood and equality, and don't realize it's the very people at the top that are treating you like fish on a spear.
"If none of you will follow me, then there is nothing more that I can do for this diseased town."
"I don't like where this is going one bit," said Aliana.
"Ya, I didn't sign up for this," said Celosia.
Lysandre's dematerialized and in his place stood a human-like machine in a black leather suit.
"You can't be serious?" a group of boys laughed with each other. "Hey, that thing looks pretty cute. If this is one of Lysandre's new inventions, I like this one."
"A real hottie if you ask me," another boy whistled.
"Hey there sweetie. Why don't you take that off and give us a kiss?"
The machine wobbled over to the tallest boy in front. "A kiss is what you want?" it said, in a staticy voice.
The boy smirked. "Hell y-"
The boy turned pale and looked down, as blood dripped out of his mouth. Everyone around screamed. His fingers trembled as he tried to grab at the blade sticking through him
"By order of Lysandre, you are all ordered to comply," said the bionic suit, pulling the blade out.
The people panicked, and tried to grab at their Pokeballs and release their Pokemon. But when they clicked the buttons, nothing happened.
"What the heck? Why isn't it working?" The boys took a step back.
"Pokeball-Deactivation activated," the voice said.
Xerosic turned to Bryony who looked like a deer in headlights. "What are you doing standing there, Bryony?" Xerosic said, he stammered. "Have those grunts of yours move it. On the double."
Bryony smirked nervously, then looked at Mable, Celosia and Aliana.
"All of you. You heard Lysandre. Round up all the citizens and make sure no one escapes."
Behind the Pokemon Center, a group of men gathered with their Pokemon.
"Listen, we can't let them hurt our women. Now we either stand and fight, or we die trying."
They each grabbed their Pokeballs and nodded.
"Alright, Tyranitar."
"Pangoro, go."
"Ride or die, Noivern."
The three Pokemon appeared out of their Pokeballs.
"Now let's take our town back."
A flamethrower shot at Noivern's back and the Pokemon screeched.
Portridge lifted Kara onto his back and she held her arm around his neck. "Hold on tight, now."
The three of them made a dash for Grace's truck, but as they were about to reach the truck, a Solarbeam blasted a hole through the engine. The engine exploded and the truck caught fire.
"On second thought-"
"Where do you think you're going old man?"
Grace, Portridge and Kara turned. Three grunts surrounded them with their Manectric, Weavile and Garchomp. Their Pokemon were out and they had fists coursing with electricity.
"What are all of you doing standing there?" Portridge looked at the group of women and children. "Run."
Portridged smoothed his hand over the stone columns. "It's a shame. For such beautiful architecture. Rhydon-" Portridge said. "Use Earthquake."
Rhydon grabbed the two columns in each of its massive claws and the earth began to shake. The foundation crumbled and began to sink beneath the stone pavers. Shattered glass and roofing tiles rained down from above, and like a house of cards the buildings began to fall. Portridge took one last look over his shoulder at the calamity and terror on the townspeople behind him. The alleyway was sealed.
Portridge ran as fast as he could, with Rhydon alongside.
"Keep going Kara. We can't stop," Grace said, helping the mother limp through the alleyway. Behind them they heard a huffing and puffing, along with a familiar Pokemon.
Portridge put his hands on his knees, and huffed and puffed. There was soot all over Portridge's sweater vest.
"You could have gotten yourself killed," said Grace.
He took one big breath. "I don't think we should be arguing right now. That barrier should hold them back, but I'm not sure how long. Are the women and children okay?"
The mother and her children nodded.
"Then let's keep moving along. If we're lucky there might be a way out of here in this mess."
"Hey, that Rhydon guy was all mine, before you got in my way-" the mercenary overheard.
"Fat chance."
"Just what we need right now. Two boys arguing."
The mercenary dropped the civilian. He pushed past the grunt, bumping him in the shoulder.
"Hey," the grunt said as the mercenary bumped into his shoulder. "You got a problem? You think just because you're Lysandre's pet, you can take my mission?"
The mercenary stopped. It turned and, as if scanning him through that black visor. The mercenary looked.
"You wanna start something? Let's see how tough you are-"
"You annoy me." It grabbed the grunt by the face with one palm, and he grabbed the grunt by the face. He put on more of a show with a thousand volts running through him. "You other idiots. If you don't want to end up like him, come with me."
The mercenary vaulted over the pile of rubble. The two grunts followed behind.
####
It ended in a wall, boxed off in houses still smoldering from the destruction.
"Drat. I had placed all bets on this being the way out," Portridge said. He managed a reassuring smile, as he saw the somber look in the eyes of the children.
"It's obvious I should take over," said Grace; her stern glance at Portridge, somehow reassuring. "We should go back the other way. One of these buildings has to have a bunker."
"From the war?"
"Ya. Even with all the destruction, some of them still must have survived. I thought I saw the entrance to one a little farther back."
"Well, it's as good a plan as any at this point," Portridge said, looking at the smoldering dead end. "So shall we everyone-"
"Oh, yoohoo-"
It was the voice of the machine from the plaza.
"Blasted. Everyone get inside," Portridge said, nudging everyone into the charred skeleton of a building. They huddled underneath what used to be a window.
"How cute," the mercenary said, as its long black shadow stalked the alley. "You want to play hide and seek."
The mercenary could sense heat through that visor. An aura of dark blue surrounded the the charred homes. Further down the alley flickers of red started to show, along with a warm cluster up ahead. The mercenary motioned to the grunts behind her.
"Come out, come out wherever you are," Yvette said. "Don't you kiddies want to play. I'll be the best big sister ever."
Grace placed her hand over the mouth of the sobbing Kara, as the shadow passed above them. Kara's breath began to slow.
"There you are."
They heard a cracking sound at the brick at the base of the wall crumbled into dust. A hand grabbed hold of Kara's leg and dragged her out.
"Please don't hurt me-" The machine held her by her broken arm. They were forced to watch the woman beg and choke between her tears. Then the light through the window glowed blue. She was peaceful, unlike the others.
"Everyone down the cellar," Portridge said, guarding the door as he held his Pokeball in one hand.
"I've been looking for you." It ripped the door from its hinges, like a piece of paper. "Did you all get lost?"
"Rhydon, use Horn Drill."
Rhydon's horn barreled down at the machine. It grabbed Rhyhorn's horn between its two palms, and flipped it over into the building behind.
"Everyone, get behind the door," said Portridge, as Grace shooed the children down the basement stairs.
"You did your best ol' boy. Now it's your trainer's turn," said Portridge, uncuffing his sleeves. "Time to do things the old fashioned way," he said, raising his dukes.
"How noble. But you were always better as a rider."
Portridge frowned. "And who do I owe the pleasure too? Or should I say what, you unfeeling machine," Portridge said. "Just what the hell are you?"
"You don't remember? I could've sworn it was just yesterday." The machine placed its hand on its neck.
"Yvette? No, it can't be you. What changed?" Portridge said.
"With so much spare time, I had to find another hobby. And I think I'm beginning to like this one." Yvette punched Portridge in the gut. She grabbed him by his neck and raised him up like a rag doll. "I was supposed to win the race. I was supposed to cross the finish line."
Portridge looked at those wretched eyes. He clasped at the hand around his neck. "I see now, Yvette. Even as I see you now, this can't be you."
Her arm trembled, though the suit was perfectly functioning.
"How did you get mixed up in all of this?" he said. "Could losing your friend really have caused your heart to change?"
"Don't talk about her," Yvette said, as the electricity coursed through his body.
Portridge fell to the floor on top of the rubble. Grace covered her mouth as she looked through a crack in the cellar door.
"Sorry for the interruption, Ms. Gabena," Yvette said, staggering toward the door. "Tell me. What has my good friend Serena been up to?"
Grace closed the cellar and swung the wooden board over the latch. The door turned to splinters just as Grace jumped over the stairwell to the ground below.
"Going so soon," Yvette said, shoving her hand through the fuse box on the wall. The room went black.
She found a way out of the cellar. She was able to help the others out the cellar window, but she couldn't leave Portridge behind.
"I bet you must miss her so much, don't you?"
Thank that the light went out. The window was brighter than ever. Grace tiptoed around bookshelves, upturned tool boxes and glass. But it was a piece of broken glass under her foot that gave her away. Grace ran for the basement exit window, but a hand grabbed her from behind.
"What do you want with my daughter? Look at all the people you're hurting. And all over a silly race."
"You're right. It does seem a little petty doesn't it. But now that I have Serena's mother in my hands. I have to say, you look just like her."
Grace could feel her arms and legs seize. Then she went limp and her vision started to go black, and she felt a thud on her head as she hit the floor. She looked around the fuzzy room. She saw Yvette kneel over her.
"I know I said nothing personal Mrs. Gabena, but to tell you the truth: I lied. I'll make sure to say hi to Serena for you-"
####
A caravan of Team Flare drove up the hill to the Rhyhorn Academy. They kicked down the door and stormed in with a detail of Pokemon in front of them.
"Rhyhorn Academy," the students heard over the intercom. "This is your student body president speaking. Rhyhorn training is cancelled—permanently. Please understand that we would like your cooperation.
"Oh and your Pokeballs, you won't be needing those. In fact, I've disabled them all. So there's no point in resisting."
Yvette pulled the Pokeball gravitationally towards her hand and then grabbed it from the professor.
The students began to run.
"Being difficult are we?" Yvette said. The halls went dark of the Academy and shocked it with her hand. The lights went out.
Row after row of prisoners were marched in single file down the trail toward the resting place of the Aura Trio, and began digging at the base of Xerneas.