Chapter Seventeen

"And, what is this about?"

Recording of Zinzolin and Colress' conversation finished, Ghetsis' face impassive.

"That is something you could not comprehend, Looker. I would not tax your brain, thinking on it."

"This hunk of junk?" Looker threw antenna on the table. "Don't make me laugh."

"Do you, earnestly believe that is all we have in our arsenal? You may have discovered our base, but that is one of them. Singular, Looker."

"I couldn't care less for your 'enterprise,' Ghetsis. What's the angle this time?"

"Trainers refuse to give up their Pokemon willingly, and cannot, forcibly be kept from catching them. They deserve to be free of humans, they force nature to evolve, force them to destroy one another."

Looker was incredulous.

"Says the man, with a team of Pokemon, and who caught Zekrom and Kyurem. Pot calling kettle black, Ghetsis. Get to the point."

Sage smirked.

"Trainers claim to love, there exists no love between Pokemon. They kill each other, nature dictates this. My team were created purely to kill Pokemon who did not comply. Simpering creatures do not deserve to exist. Strength must win, supersede logic."

"Kill? You stoop low. You attempted to kill Touko, even your own son."

"N is not my child. He is a freak, devoid of heart, devoid of meaning. He is nothing. He was a blank slate I chose to draw upon my plans, yet he remained barren, void."

"Are you sure we are talking about the same man, here? N has done much for us, and taken to travelling, training people he meets."

"Ah, yes. He is a 'man' now. He should have taken his life after he failed. He is of no use in this world. Those who leech, take, destroy deserve to die. Once vultures are culled, the weak will weed themselves out, Pokemon and human alike."

"You mean to take Pokemon from their trainers, you acknowledge they will fight back, you wish to stop that. This made Pokemon attack their trainers." Looker glared at accursed object. "Do you mean to kill trainers? I wouldn't put it past you."

"And," Ghetsis raised brows, mouth following, "I must say, I underestimated you."

"Answer me."

Looker stood, urge to smack table palpable.

"Most humans are hopeless, drains on society. They are told they are worthy, believe they can take, take, without giving back. I intend on giving back. Less humans mean less resources used, less fighting, I can rule over a kingdom of peace, and destroy anyone who attempts to thwart me. Why not use their Pokemon to do so? They can do the work for us."

"Definitely not."

Looker headed for the door.

"We will locate, destroy your bases, and everything that can be used as evidence against you will be. Your sick power-play games will end, they will not grow into anything else. Colress and Zinzolin will be arrested, the second we find evidence against them. This recording isn't all we have, Ghetsis. Learn that we are no joke, and you will rot in a jail cell, for the rest of your life."

Team Plasma's leader, their 'King's' glowing red eye eclipsed extent of man's evil, displaying clear signs of narcissism, sociopathic tendencies rampant, Looker questioning why anyone would (willingly) follow the man, given level of malevolence he exuded.

Though, he also showed signs of being a natural leader, Svengali type, influence huge, controlling people at will.

Quickly exiting room, making sure it was well guarded, Looker left Police Headquarters, heading straight for Veilstone City, urgent meeting between gym leaders called.

Piers got back from visiting Marnie, travelling with Edward, just in case his sister threw a fit, getting him a room at the Sunset Inn. He headed into bedroom, large, neatly wrapped parcel, with card and CD placed atop his bed fuelling curiosity. He took CD, placed it in ancient CD player, grabbing set of headphones, unwrapping gift.

He all but fell onto the bed upon hearing contents.

It was his and Celia's very first demo, their first recording, twenty-five years ago. Celia had then rerecorded it, singing both parts, Piers attempting to harmonise, pressing pause, unable to hear his voice. He took off headphones and sang along, voice tad shaky, but he managed, tears slipping down nose, dropping off onto wrapping paper. He looked at that, eyes widening, jacket appearing, bit by bit. Piers picked it up, jet black, pink stitching, pink zips and buttons, two belts wrapping around the waist. He turned it, more tears freeing themselves.

Cerberus was emblazoned, in all his glory, surrounded by pink, thick golden collar, accented with Spikemuth's Dark Badge, and four pink paw prints underneath Pokemon.

Piers had to put it down, locate tissues and blow his nose, cleaning himself up in the bathroom, returning to open card.

It also contained a letter.

Happy birthday, darling.

I apologise that I can't be there. With what happened, a few teachers decided to quit, suddenly, so Mr Wright had to rearrange shifts. I happened to get today.

(He apologises.)

I regret I haven't been as communicative as I used to be, lately. Things have been completely bonkers, and I felt you needed some space. You don't really get that, not anymore.

Talking may help, but it can also be chore, when you don't want to, and don't wish to say so, for fear of being rude.

You, certainly are not rude. I apologise if I have been. I assure you it isn't deliberate.

You are merveilleux, beau, and utterly fabuleux. My dear husband, my friend, my darling.

Thank you, for every moment, every second with you enriches my life.

Je t'aime, Piers. Here's to you.

P.S. Green Tupperware container, cupboard with the tea in it. You're welcome.

The card was homemade, Victor and Marnie gave him well wishes, signed it, their children, Alexander and Diane signing, as well drawing Galarian Zigzagoon's, Obstagoon in bottom right corner. Celia had signed it in the middle, black hearts around his name, calling him her 'Dashin' Dog,' taking him right back to his seventeenth birthday.

Knowing what would be in the container, but feeling excited anyway, Piers headed into the kitchen, Sylvain's gift on the worktop, Edward's next to it, cards on top. Placing his cards on mantelpiece, Piers opened gifts, a scarf and bracelet combo with Dark Badge accents, a box of his favourite caramel truffles, and a bottle of Kalosian bourbon was welcome surprise in the fridge.

Sure enough, inside the container was chocolate sponge cake, covered in chocolate fudge icing, man sorely tempted to cut it now, getting crumbs everywhere, no matter how hard he tried to keep them on the napkin/plate...

He resisted, texting 'thank you's' to Marnie, Victor and Celia, sending many endearments and kisses to his wife, awaiting her arrival from work, patience of a saint enacted.