Reawakening

I have watched my Champions grow over the past few years.

They have each become remarkably stronger.

The Renegade's power has been dormant all this time.

But today, I felt a pulsing…

Close Combat!

Fireball reared its head and let out a deafening bellow that could no doubt be heard throughout the entire building as its fists glowed white with power. Half of the surrounding crowd covered their ears and cringed at the noise, while the other half shouted gleefully with it. The eager Infernape lunged forward towards its victim: a poised Blaziken, belonging to a young man in his twenties with large spectacles and an aggressive battling style.

"Blaze Kick!" Jordan's opponent ordered.

The Blaziken crouched as its right leg was coated in bright orange flames. It leaped into the air a moment later, spinning skillfully as it prepared to bring it's heel down on Fireball. Flaming kick met powerful fist, and a shockwave exploded outwards from the impact. It seemed that the ground would crack beneath Fireball's feet.

Blaziken flew backward, flipping and landing lightly on its feet. But Fireball was not finished. It growled and followed its opponent's retreat, staying low to the ground.

"Again!" The trainer with spectacles said.

Blaziken's leg once again went up in flames. It swung a kick forward towards Fireball's head, but the Infernape impressively ducked even lower, evading the attack. It then struck Blaziken's only supporting leg, causing it to lose its footing and fall. What followed was what could only be described as a massive beatdown as Fireball climbed on top of Blaziken and unleashed a flurry of blows. Within a matter of moments, the match was over. As soon as Blaziken's HP dropped to zero, Fireball withdrew, its glowing fists beginning to dull.

"Winner!" The referee called. She extended a rigid arm towards Jordan's side. "Jordan Mallack and his Infernape!"

A roar of approval came from the crowd. Jordan smirked as Fireball let out a cry of victory. His opponent sighed and returned his Blaziken to its Poke ball. He received a few condolences for his loss, but most of everyone rushed towards the victor.

"You're so strong!"

"He didn't even say any commands!"

"How long did it take to train your Infernape?"

"Do you think you could battle me sometime?"

Jordan smiled at all of them politely. He turned when he felt a light punch on his arm and saw a familiar face. His smile widened into a grin and he put his arm around her.

"You lost," Hannah teased lightly. "You said you would beat him in five minutes. It took seven."

Jordan sighed. "His Blaziken was actually a little stronger than I gave him credit for. I also didn't expect him to use an X attack at the start of the match."

People were still talking loudly around them. Hannah led him away, saying that Jordan needed a break and was done battling for now. He called his Pokemon, and it happily bounded over. It greeted Hannah warmly, snuggling beside her and making her laugh.

Jordan's hand was still tingling from the shockwave-inducing punch. Hannah eyed him as he shook it out.

"Yeah, that looked like it hurt," she remarked.

Jordan nodded. "Kyle really wasn't joking about the whole Battle Bond thing."

They were inside a rather large building. It had once been an old warehouse, but the CPP, specifically Professor Pine, had bought it and turned it into one of the first "Pokemon Centers." Here, trainers could gather together to battle, trade, or play with their Pokemon. They even offered free healing here. The main floor was covered in different sections where different battles took place.

"Hey!" A voice called out to them. Another familiar friend: Carol. She brightly jogged over, Scarf hovering behind its trainer. It had finally evolved into a Dragonite a little while ago, and since then, quite frankly, she had been kicking everyone's ass. She, along with Jordan and their other friends, was somewhat of a celebrity in the Pokemon Center. However, despite her Pokemon's raw power, she still hadn't managed to take down Adrien and Chu. Those tryhards still hadn't lost to anyone yet.

Jordan and Hannah said their greetings as Carol came up to them. "Jordan just won another battle," Hannah said. "I was thinking of maybe taking him to get something to eat. Do you want to come along? Kyle and Adrien can join us, too."

"Actually," Carol said, "I was going to ask you where they were. I haven't seen them in a while."

Jordan and Hannah exchanged glances. Hannah then held out a hand and pointed a finger straight down. Carol immediately caught her meaning. A small tremor suddenly passed through the ground, and suspicions were confirmed.

"Of course," she said. "I should've known."

"You're going down this time, I swear," Kyle shouted.

Adrien shook his head. "We've kept our winning streak for more than two years. We're not about to drop it today."

Eve, in Jolteon form, darted around the demolished, colossal battlefield. Chu fired off another devastating black Thunderbolt, sending dirt and rock everywhere from where it struck. It failed to hit Eve, however, and the evolution Pokemon continued advancing towards its target. Chu used Dig and burrowed itself underground, but Eve was using the same move a moment later. The fight disappeared from view, but both trainers could still receive information from their connection to their Pokemon.

Bright streaks of magenta light burst from the ground, and a quarter of the battlefield exploded as the two Pokemon emerged. Eve had switched to Espeon at Kyle's command, then used Judgment while still underground. Still, it hadn't seemed to do much damage.

Kyle blinked once, then realized that Chu had disappeared. He cursed wildly. Adrien was using that move again. How Chu had learned it - hell, how Chu had somehow become a ghost type in addition to being an electric type - was beyond Kyle. It was an occurrence just as strange as Eve learning Judgment.

Kyle didn't even need to tell Eve what to do. Through their bond, Eve sensed Kyle's distress and switched back to a normal Eevee. Chu materialized a moment later, its body covered in a ghostly aura, it passed through its opponent harmlessly. That was the Shadow Force's weakness. It was extremely powerful, but it wouldn't work against normal types.

Adrien grinned as Eve reverted to its natural form. Kyle tilted his head, then saw a sphere of energy forming at the tip of the Raichu's tail.

Oh, crap.

Chu sent its Aura Sphere hurtling towards the normal-type Eve. This was something else that ticked Kyle off. Not only had Chu learned one move it shouldn't be able to learn, but it had learned another one. Eve hadn't learned anything out of the ordinary other than judgment.

As a fighting type move, it would deal double damage to an Eevee. He could easily use Dig to dodge it, but he had a feeling that Adrien would anticipate that. After all, he had clearly guessed that Kyle would switch Eve back to a normal-type in response to seeing Shadow Force's preparation. So he did something different.

Eve switched to Slyveon and brushed the undereffective attack aside, charging forward.

Iron Tail!

Eve's tail flashed metallic as it swiftly spun towards Chu, who used Iron Tail as well. The two clashed tails as two warriors would clash swords, evenly matched in their skill. Eventually, they broke away. Chu's body began to crackle with black electricity. Eve backed off as well and slowly began to charge up a powerful burst of Fairy-type judgment. The trainers were about to unleash their moves when a voice called out over the battle.

"Are you guys crazy? You'll collapse the ceiling!"

The two Pokemon stopped as their trainers turned towards Carol. Jordan and Hannah were close behind them at the foot of the stairs leading up to the main area of the Pokemon Center. They were in a room as grand as the one above, underneath the building. Pine had given them special access to it whenever they wanted a good place to battle amongst themselves or any other special challengers they came across, which was very often.

Carol's eyes irritably swept the room. "Where's the supervisor?"

Kyle sheepishly rubbed the back of his head. "We… uh… convinced him to leave for lunch."

Carol stared at the destroyed battlefield and shook her head sighing. "Come on," she said. "We're going to get something to eat."

Kyle and Adrien exchanged glances. "We're kinda in the middle of something…"

Carol's eyes flashed. Kyle felt silent and called Eve to his side. Chu hopped over to Adrien as the dark-clothed boy joined them.

"You guys need to learn that you need to keep a hold on your Pokemon's power," Carol said. "Remember what Lisa said? Pokemon are supposed to become catastrophically powerful at higher levels. You could definitely cause some major collateral damage during battles like yours."

"Sorry," Kyle said honestly. "We just needed a good fight."

Adrien nodded in agreement. "It's rather hard to come by a good challenge these days, especially now that most trainers use low-level Pokemon."

This was true. The CPP had just sent out a wave of Pokemon to the fifth generation of Pokemon trainers. Pokemon were seen practically everywhere, now, but this meant that Pokemon high in level were rarer.

"At least have the supervisor watch next time," Carol said.

Kyle caught Jordan's eye as his friend was hiding a laugh. Kyle discreetly scowled at him. Jordan had grown even taller over the years, passing six feet a few months ago. His blonde hair was cut short and splayed itself messily over his head.

Everyone had changed a little in appearance since the "Justice Champions" had made their move against Team Dominion, taking it down for good. Kyle had finally decided to fix up his own hair, cutting it short and sticking it up in the front. He had also grown a little taller as well, and had taken a page from Jordan's book and started working out, giving him a fair muscle tone, much to Carol's apparent approval.

Carol had grown to be an even prettier girl, if that had even been possible. Her bright blonde hair flowed past her shoulder blades, but not much else had changed physically about her. As time had passed, she had become much more focused on responsibility and school, working hard to get her grades to the best they could be. She was hoping to find a job with the CPP someday; an ambition well within her reach.

Adrien had changed the least. Even in the boiling pre-summer weather, where everyone else was wearing a t-shirt and a pair of shorts, he refused to betray his classic, signature attire of black jeans and a black jacket. He was also the only one whose hair had gotten noticeably longer; it was a complete mess that practically shrouded his blue eyes. He hadn't grown any taller at all, but he didn't seem to mind.

At Arceus's advice, Kyle had kept a close eye on Adrien since the day Team Dominion fell. Though the god hadn't given him any reason as to why he should do so, Kyle had a gnawing suspicion that it had something to do with Chu's strange appearance and moves. The two of them had reported Chu's strange evolution and moveset to the CPP, but nobody, not even Professor Cottonwood, had found anything that might suggest an explanation for the strange phenomenon. Adrien had claimed to have no hunches, either. He was usually good like that.

Kyle also didn't know if Arceus wanted Adrien to be observed closely because he was interesting, because he was in danger, or because he was a threat. Kyle remembered that moment in the park all too well: when Adrien and Chu had both gone berserk and tried to attack Petal Dance. But then again, that had been years ago, and nothing of the sort had happened since that one time. Maybe Arceus had just been paranoid.

Kyle didn't believe that, of course. But he wanted to. So he tried his best to make it seem like he did.

As they emerged from the underground room into the main section of the Pokemon Center, all heads turned towards them. Trainers surrounded them instantly, some asking for tips, others asking for a battle. The five of them politely declined their attempts at conversation and battle and moved on outside.

Jordan put his hands behind his head. "Man, imagine how much more popular we would be if they knew we were the Justice Champions."

Kyle scoffed. "Exactly why I kept out identities hidden in the first place."

Hannah shook her head. "I still can't believe you guys did all that by yourselves."

Jordan chuckled. "It wasn't easy, and it wasn't pleasant, either."

They all remembered Jordan in a wheelchair, then on stilts after that. He had dodged questions about it at school, but once he had eventually met Hannah and they started dating, she was filled in on what had happened. At first, she hadn't believed them one bit. But as they further explained their story, it grew more and more apparent to her that they were telling the truth. Since then, she had hung out with the rest of them, fitting in rather nicely with their group.

After leaving the Pokemon Center, they went to eat lunch, then discussed what would happen for the rest of the day as they waited to pay for the bill.

"Back to the Pokemon Center?" Kyle asked.

Hannah shook her head. "Jordan and I are having dinner with our parents later. They want us home early so we can be prepared."

Carol turned to Kyle. "We had something planned, too, remember?" She asked.

Kyle shrugged. "There's still time before then."

Carol rolled her eyes but smiled playfully afterward. "I guess there is."

The two of them had finally started dating. A little more than a full year after the Team Dominion incident, during their junior year, Kyle had decided he was ready, and after being encouraged by Adrien and radically pressured by Jordan and Hannah, Kyle had asked Carol about it. She had eagerly said yes, and they'd been in a happy relationship since.

Kyle's eyes were drawn towards Adrien, who was sitting on the opposite side of the table they were at. He was quietly drinking his water and didn't seem to be bothered in any way. Kyle thought it might be hard for him, being the only one of them who wasn't in a relationship. Especially when they were in relationships with each other. Especially when the girl that Adrien had admitted to having feelings towards, Carol, was one of his closest friends and also in a relationship with another one of his closest friends. Kyle certainly would not have handled it as well as Adrien looked to be. The guy was tougher than a Steelix.

Then again, Kyle had never really heard the guy so much as talk about girls. Jordan had said that Adrien had, in fact, wanted a relationship in the past, but lately he seemed to be indifferent. Adrien had actually become indifferent towards a lot of topics and ideas lately. It worried a few of them.

They all noticed the dark spots gradually spreading beneath his eyes and the winces every now and then that he tried to hide. When asked about, he would simply brush it off and smile. Adrien was never one to share what he was feeling at any given time, but something was clearly getting to him, even if he refused to show it.

When the bill was paid, they each went their separate ways: Jordan and Hannah went to their homes, Kyle and Carol went back to the Pokemon Center, and Adrien went back home. Kyle walked beside Carol, he glanced behind at Adrien, who had his back turned and was walking away. Kyle felt a weight in his stomach.

Keep an eye on him…

Adrien shut the door to his room and placed Chu's Poke ball on his nightstand as the Raichu eagerly hopped up on the bed. Adrien smiled and patted its head, then placed a quivering hand over his heart.

It had been dormant for some time. It hadn't appeared since that day in the Team Dominion facility when they had fought - killed - Dream Eater and his Gengar. He had searched the web for strange occurrences like the creature that had called itself the Renegade happening to others. In his research, he had found nothing promising. But, he had found a word, and had started calling the Renegade that name instead.

Giratina.

He had begun to think it was long gone, the only remnants of its existence being Chu's darker appearance and ruby-red eyes.

But Adrien felt it stir today.

It hadn't said anything, only shifted. As if it had just awoken from a long and much-needed slumber.

And it was hungry.

Carol sat on her towel next to Kyle, watching the sun begin its descent towards the ocean water. Eve was curled up between them; the harness that was usually secured on its small body had been removed to make it comfortable. Scarf sat at her other side, sharing her enjoyment in watching the sunset.

After spending some more time at the Pokemon Center and winning a few more battles, the two of them had driven themselves to the beach for a quick rest. They would be going to get dinner in a little while.

Carol was glad Kyle had finally worked up the courage to ask her out. She had been ready to do it herself, as a matter of fact, if he had waited just a bit longer. He looked even more handsome now, with his fixed-up hair and new muscles. She rested her head on his shoulder and could heard his pulse.

"Is it good to see Chelsey again?" She asked. "She hasn't visited from college in a while."

Kyle smiled fondly. "Yeah. We had a battle the other day out in the woods, actually." He chuckled. "Her Snorlax took down more than a couple of trees by accident."

Carol laughed, then stopped ad a concerning thought hit her. "Please tell me she isn't working again."

Kyle shook his head. "With the money we've been getting from the CPP, she doesn't have to anymore."

Carol sighed in relief. "Good. She's done more than enough."

"She says it's weird to not have a place to be all the time."

Carol laughed again. "Yeah, I bet."

Kyle's mother had been fortunate as well. After everything that had happened with Team Dominion and Kyle gaining a closer connection with the CPP, she was able to quit many of the billion jobs she had. Kyle was even happier about it than she was.

Kyle leaned his head back. "We'll be in college too, next year."

Carol groaned. "Don't remind me." Time was moving way too fast. She could hardly believe how far they'd come. There was only a month left until school ended for the year. The two of them had both been immediately accepted to a private university run by the CPP, where they would study Pokemon. Jordan wanted to join the military, Hannah wanted to be a nurse, and Adrien still wasn't sure what he wanted to do. It didn't help that every college out there was begging for him to join.

Carol felt a buzz in her pocket. As she reached into it for her phone, she noticed that Kyle was also taking out his. They had both received a message from Professor Pine.

"Woah, look at that!"

A new Pokemon species had hatched from an egg today. A Rookidee, it was being called. It was a small, blue bird with a bright yellow beak. It looked similar to a Pidgey or Taillow.

"So, Arceus's power still lingers?" Carol asked.

"I guess so," Kyle said. "I mean, this proves it."

While some things touched by Arceus years ago had changed instantly, some things took a much longer period of time to develop into Pokemon. New species were constantly being discovered. It was possible that they could keep appearing until the end of time.

Kyle's eyes widened at something else that had been sent with the picture and information of the new Rookidee. Carol turned back to her phone and exhibited a similar response to what she saw.

"What?" She exclaimed. "They're getting married?"

Sure enough, there was a picture of Lisa Cottonwood, formerly known as Extrasensory, with a ring on her finger that Bradley Pine himself had slid on. They were both smiling gleefully, and Carol felt happier than anything for them.

After Kyle, Carol, and Cottonwood had expressed their concerns about the potential of the corrupt among the CPP, Pine had enlisted Cottonwood's help in exposing the CPP's dark side. What they found were plans to create artificial Pokemon that could be used against humans and given to the military. This information, along with evidence of an actual synthetic Pokemon named Silvally, was considered unethical and caused the removal of all those involved, which included every high seat in the organization. The CPP was almost abolished entirely, but Pine stepped in again. He then became the head professor, and appointed Cottonwood as his second.

Since then, the two of them had been doing outstanding work together. X-attacks and the like, ethers, and other innovations had come about due to them. They had been the ones to come up with the idea of the Pokemon Center, and had given Kyle and his friends VIP access to the one in their town. They also paid a handsome wage to Kyle for supplying them with the information he had received from Arceus, especially the phenomenon known as the Battle Bond. They had even made the harness stocked with evolution stones that Eve wore now, fashioned after the harness than Kyle had described Arceus made him.

After a few months of working side-by-side, Professor Pine and Professor Cottonwood had started dating, and now they were engaged.

Carol's heart began to pound at the thought of Kyle proposing to her someday. She took a deep breath and relaxed herself. Now wasn't the time to be thinking about something like that. There was more time to pass before then. Still, she couldn't help but smile at the thought.

Kyle noticed her expression and smiled as well. "What?" He asked.

Carol laughed lightly and kissed him. "Nothing. I'm just happy." She went back to leaning on his shoulder and watching the sunset. "Hey," she said, suddenly remembering. "The qualifiers are next week."

A tournament hosted by the CPP had been announced; the first ever nationwide Pokemon contest. Area qualifiers were being held at the Pokemon Center the following week.

Kyle grinned. "Yeah," he said. "There are six winner's slots, and I already know who will be in them."

Carol pondered. The two of them, along with Jordan and Adrien, were obvious. Hannah had expressed interest in joining as well; her Blissey might not look like much, but it could be a force to be reckoned with. That was five.

"Who's the sixth?" Carol wondered aloud.

"I'd have thought you knew" Kyle said, "with how excited he is."

"Ah," Carol said, suddenly realizing. "My brother." She smiled again. "He's certainly pumped for it."

"He's not the only one."

"You know, you really might have a good chance at winning the whole thing," Carol said. "Your only major problem would be…"

"Adrien," Kyle finished.

"Right."

He shrugged. "Who knows? Maybe I'll finally beat him." He patted Eve's head. "Right, Eve?"

The Eevee opened its eyelids, revealing its beautifully unnatural emerald-green eyes. It smiled and snuggled closer to its trainer, making Kyle and Carol both smile even wider.

Arceus fondly watched the two humans and their Pokemon from above. He had always enjoyed the strange phenomenon known among humans as love. Similar in a way to the Battle Bond, it was. A joy to watch unfold, as well.

The Alpha was interrupted from its enjoyable thoughts as it felt a chilling sensation from behind. Its normally white domain now had a significant blotch of black in one area. Arceus turned. It had waited for this moment for an eternity. It had wondered how it might feel when it finally came. It had thought it would at least be prepared.

It was not. The only description for the feeling bubbling inside it now was fear.

Hello, Renegade.