Stepping back out onto South Boulevard, I arched my back and stretched. Froakie copied me atop my shoulder, making me laugh.
"So," Robert said to my left. "Route 5?"
Alex nodded, coming to stand on my right. "I think it's the only option. I would love to stay in Lumiose a bit more, but I guess we can do that when we come back around."
Then we noticed the crowd. They had gathered near the gateway to Route 5, blocking any point of leaving. The crowd was huddled around one woman moving along as she did. Her brown hair was made to look sort of like a stay in the back with short bangs that waved to the right. She wore all white from her shirt to her shorts, including a slim white trench. There were no other words to describe her than beautiful and stunning. She smiled as she waved to the crowd of onlookers and reporters as she made her way to a cafe. Going inside, the crowd stayed outside, pressed against the doors and windows.
"I wonder who she is?" I said and Alex nodded.
"She's absolutely gorgeous," she said wistfully.
"That dear trainers, is Diantha."
We turned around to the orange haired man there, smiling down at us. He stood a whole foot taller than I, but height never bothered me.
"Are you three perhaps some of the new trainers Sycamore has enlisted to help him?"
Resisting the urge to share a glance with my friends, I nodded, deciding it was the best option here. "Yeah, we are. I'm Zeno."
"Alex," my blonde haired friend said and my other blonde haired friend replied, "Robert."
The man grinned. "That is wonderful! Indeed. Zeno, Alex, Robert, I would love it if you three could come with me. I would like to introduce someone to you."
He walked off towards the crowd, and finally glancing at my friends, we decided we had no other option.
"I don't trust him," I muttered and Alex elbowed me in the ribs. "Ow."
"Lighten up a bit will you," she said as we followed behind the man, but not too closely. "He seems like a nice man."
"Yeah," Robert agreed. "What, already assuming he's a mass murderer?"
I grumbled to myself and the orange haired man was able to make the crowd part with a wave of his hands. Through scattered murmurs, I discovered this guy's name was Lysandre, who was the president of Lysandre Labs.
Robert's eyes widened. "Lysandre Labs. They're the company who manufactured the Holo Caster."
Lysandre held the cafe doors open for us and gestured for us to come inside. We walked in and were greeted by cool air. The cafe was empty aside for and elderly man behind the counter in the left corner and the woman from before sitting at a round table, swirling a straw in her glass cup to mix around the golden brown liquid and ice inside. Closer to her now, I could see that her eyes were a faded blue complete with purple eyeshadow. She also wore a necklace with some sort of pendant on it with a green orb gleaming from the middle.
She looked up when the bell above the door jingle when it closed shut. She smiled upon seeing us and Lysandre.
"Lysandre, it's good to see you again," she greeted, smiling like only a celebrity could, but unlike many fake ones I've seen on television, hers was genuine. "I see you brought some trainers."
"Yes," Lysandre agreed, motioning for us to sit down at the table. Robert and I sat to the left of Diantha while Alex sat to her right. Lysandre took the spot across from Diantha, folding his hands together. "These three are trainers enlisted by Sycamore to help with the problem."
Diantha nodded. "It's great to see such promising young trainers, but are they even qualified to help with the matter?"
Lysandre shrugged. "If Sycamore thinks they're up for the challenge, then I don't see a reason why we wouldn't trust his judgement."
"Excuse me," I said, joining the conversation. "Just so I know we're on the same page here, you are talking about the Garchomp incident, right?"
Diantha nodded. "He showed you the needle I take it?"
The three of us nodded and Lysandre sighed irritably. "I've had my best scientists try and analyze it, but so far we've come up with nothing. No clue on what it is or who made it."
Diantha nodded. "All of Kalos' police force is on high alert, but still, nothing. Which is why Sycamore thought it would be a good idea to enlist capable trainers to help look, since they're able to go anywhere at any given time. People like me and Lysandre are almost always busy with our work."
"Who are you two anyway?" Alex asked curiously.
Lysandre straightened a little. "I am president of Lysandre Labs, the number one company in all of Kalos."
"And I am a movie star," Diantha said with a small smile. "However, I also am the current Champion of Kalos."
My eyes widened a bit. "You are?"
She gave a small chuckle. "Yes. Maybe one day you'll end up challenging me."
Froakie pounded his chest with his hand and I smiled. "We'll try."
Suddenly, something in Lysandre's chest pocket beeped twice. He took out a Holo Caster and frowned at a message sprang up in hologram form.
"Interesting," He murmured. "It appears a disturbance of some sorts has been sighted near Geosenge Town."
Diantha leaned forwards, hands now folded, drink forgotten. "Is it related to our current matter?"
"In terms of utter randomness," Lysandre deepened his frown. "Maybe. It seems two of the stones on Route 10 were stolen. By whom, unknown. But it was recent, so I'll head over to check it out."
He stood and gave a short bow. "It was a pleasure to meet with you Diantha. I hope your beauty is never tainted by the world's ugliness."
He smiled at us three. "It was good to see you trainers as well."
He waved us farewell and left the building, the crowd outside parting for him and some reporters turning to him.
"Well," Diantha said, getting up. "I need to go as well. The crowd's getting impatient. I'll try and lead them away from this place for you three."
We smiled at that, then she said, "I can tell you three are strong trainers. That's why I'm not going to push the issue of you being too young. That's why I'll tell you this. We've been having disturbances recently in the coastal area of Kalos. Building's ransacked, scientific equipment stolen, and Pokemon disappearing as well. Now the stones on Route 10. Since there are a couple gyms along that route, I'll ask you to keep an eye out."
She took a napkin from the table, then a pen from a pocket. She scribbled something down and left it there. "I don't doubt you three are competent, but if the need arises, call me through the Holo Caster and I'll come as fast as I can."
"Diantha?" Alex asked and she looked at her. "If you don't mind me asking, why are you the champion?"
Diantha stared at her for a second, a bit surprised, before smiling again. "Ah, I see. It's because I'm a movie star that has you wondering isn't it?"
Alex nodded. "I was just, why both?"
"Well," Diantha tapped her chin. "I was chosen to be a actress. I went along with it and after a while, I decided I wanted to do something for myself, something to prove my worth. So I challenged myself to become a trainer, defeat the Pokemon League, then challenge the Elite 4."
She laughed lightly. "Honestly, I surprised myself when I won. I don't think I ever expected it."
Now I had a question. "What makes you want to be trainer and the Champion."
"I became a trainer solely so I could change who I was," Diantha replied. "Staying as one now, I do it because I enjoy being one alongside my partners. But staying as the champion, I do it to protect this region as its strongest trainer."
"Of course," she said, eyes glinting like that of a veteran trainer. "That's only until someone worthy of knocking me off my throne comes along of course."
She turned to leave, hand on the door, before turning her head. "I hope that answered both of your questions. Now, for future reference, may I know your names please?"
"Alex," she said first. "I look forward to hopefully battling you one day."
"Robert," he said, looking up from his Holo Caster.
"Zeno," I said. "I guess Froakie and I will be aiming to top you then as well."
Diantha chuckled. "Till then trainers."
She left and was once again swarmed by people. When they were all gone down the street, I asked, "You were awfully quiet Robert."
He spared a glance at the man behind the counter and said, "Let's get going shall we."
He hurried out of his seat, grabbing Diantha's Holo Caster number on the napkin and went to the door. Alex and I shared confused glanced before following him.
"Look," Robert said as we were halfway to the Route 5 Gate. "I only did this because I thought it would be funny to prove you wrong, but..."
"What?" I asked, coming to a sudden halt before we fully reached the gate.
He glanced around before holding out his Holo Caster. "Here, take a look at-"
Just then, something zoomed between us, snatching the Holo Caster out of Robert's outstretched hand. It, no, the Pokemon ran full tilt into the gate.
"A Riolu!" Alex remarked.
"Never mind that!" Robert yelled, running after the Pokemon. "We need to get that Holo Caster back!"
I heard desperation in his voice and I was beginning to wonder what was on that device. Disregarding that, I ran after them, Alex close behind. Bursting onto Route 5, I saw Robert running towards a roller skate park. The Riolu ran past people skating, knocking a few over in the process.
With a flash of light, Arcanine was running besides me and I yelled, "Stop that Riolu! No fire! Froakie, use your bubbles!"
Putting on a burst of speed, Arcanine sped forwards with Froakie on his back. Now out of the roller skate park, Riolu was running for the cover of some trees. Arcanine zoomed past him and got in front of him. The Riolu skidded to a halt and looked frantically where to go. Froakie threw some of his bubbles, but Riolu jumped backwards to dodge them, right into the wall known as Robert's Snorlax.
"Got you now," Robert wheezed as Riolu was now trapped between Snorlax and Arcanine. "Hand over the Holo Caster and no one has to get hurt little guy."
Riolu seemed to understand his situation just fine, then he appeared to smirk. He threw the device to the right and ran left. Froakie acted quickly and threw his bubbles, catching the device midair and sticking it to a tree. Robert immediately ran to check on it as I ran after the Fighting type.
As I ran past Arcanine, Froakie leaped onto my shoulder. The Riolu was fast even as we climbed a grassy hill, so I had to be smarter.
"Froakie," I said. "Quick Attack!"
Froakie leaped from my shoulder and hopped towards Riolu faster than he had before. I changed direction in an arc to cut off the fleeing Pokemon. I saw Froakie form a white blade, Cut, and throw it like a knife. I didn't teach him that, but the way he threw it, it reminded me of myself.
It struck the ground right in front of Riolu, tripping him. I turned and came to a halt in front of the Fighting type, who was rubbing his head with a paw.
I bent down on my knees. "Now where do you think you're going?"
Arcanine padded up beside me, flames licking around his maw. Riolu grinned sheepishly and sat up, not bothering to run.
"You're pretty fast," I said appreciatively. "Why'd you steal the Holo Caster?"
Riolu kicked his feet up and down as he continued to smile. "Riol!"
Even though I didn't understand his words, I had a feeling I understood his expression. "For fun? Do you commonly steal people's stuff for fun?"
"Riol!" He cried again, grinning, and I knew my finger was on the mark.
I sighed and sat down in front of him. "Listen, it's not good to steal, but I think you know that."
Riolu swayed his head from side-to-side contently, eyes closed, probably figuring I would leave soon.
An idea came to my head, so I said, "Because I don't think it wise to leave you to your own devices, how about you join me."
That wiped the smile off his face and his eyes widened. It wasn't out of fear or panic, but curiosity, a good sign.
"Together," I said, smiling at him. "We could put your speed and agility to good use. Instead of stealing, you can join me, Arcanine, and Froakie on our adventure through Kalos. Let me give you an experience much more thrilling than stealing."
Riolu regarded me and I stood. "Of course, I can't force you. I could actually, but I won't. But at least let me give you a taste. I propose a battle. You and Froakie."
Riolu stood up to about me knee as he looked up at me and tilted his head, as if asking a question. I nodded. "If you win, you stay here and I don't interfere. If I win, you join us and I'll show you what it's like to live."
By this time Robert and Alex had made their way over to us and were watching from the sidelines.
Riolu considered it for ten seconds, before nodding. I grinned. "Alright then. Froakie, you're up. Sit this one out will you Arcanine."
Arcanine glanced at Riolu and turned away. I guess he was saying that Riolu wasn't worth his time. Froakie and I put some distance between Riolu before I said, "Whenever you're ready Riolu."
Riolu slammed his fists together. "Riolu!" His fists glowed and he shot forwards, swinging them at blinding speeds.
"Dodge!" I shouted.
Froakie leaped over Riolu, but the Fighting type skidded along the earth, swiftly turning his body and jumping after the Water type. He swung his fist and struck Froakie in the back. He slammed into the ground, dirt and grass flying.
"Don't give up," I yelled. "Use Quick Attack!"
Froakie leaped to his feet and burst towards Riolu. The Fighting type put on a burst of speed as well, both Pokemon slamming into each other.
"Use Cut!" I shouted.
Froakie's hand glowed and a small white blade formed. He jabbed forwards, slicing it past Riolu's side. The Fighting type winced, but swung his open palms at Froakie.
"Roll," I said and Froakie rolled to dodge the attack. "Now slice and jab!"
Froakie sliced through the air, catching Riolu a couple times before jabbing it into his chest, the blow knocking the Fighting type backwards.
"Good job," I shouted encouragingly. "Now use Water Pulse!"
Froakie formed a sphere of water and shot it at Riolu. The Fighting type leaped to his feet and swung the palm of his hand, blasting the Water Pulse into droplets. He ran forwards, fists glowing.
"Use Bubble!" I yelled.
Froakie blew bubbles in Riolu's direction, each one bursting when he got near, but the Fighting type nimbly dodged each and every one. He jumped and came bearing down upon Froakie, swinging his fists. The quick strikes hit Froakie at super speeds, sending the Water type flying backwards. Froakie tried to get up after that, but collapsed, exhausted.
I laughed a little, sitting on the ground. "Woah. Who knew you were that strong."
Riolu flexed his arms proudly and turned to walk away.
"Are you sure?" I asked and he stopped. "I know I lost, but are you sure you want to go back to stealing? What's the point?"
Riolu didn't look at me, but he didn't continue to walk away either, so I continued. "I promise you, if you come with me, I can give you more battles like that, harder, tougher battles, that'll make your heart race. What do you say?"
Riolu turned his head to face me, then smirked. He nodded, once, but that was enough. I held up an empty pokeball and smiled. "Welcome to the team, Riolu."
He walked over and punched the pokeball lightly, getting sucked into it. The ball shook for a couple seconds, before flashing green. I smiled and let him out again.
"Riolu?" He asked, confused.
"Well you're not going to stay in there the whole time," I responded as Froakie leaped onto my shoulder. "Part of the adventure is seeing the new places you visit and experiencing everything firsthand."
Riolu nodded and I walked over to Alex and Robert. "So, is it intact."
Robert nodded. "Yep, thanks to you Froakie."
He rubbed the Water type's head and Froakie beamed happily.
"Here," Robert handed me the Holo Caster. "Read it."
I took it and read the hologram message. "Squad 2 reporting. Two stones vital to our operation on Route 10 have been stolen. Currently tracking the culprits. Will report later."
The message ended there and I frowned. "Where did you get this?"
"Well," Robert rubbed the back of his head. "You see, that's the issue at hand. I was messing around with my Holo Caster while Lysandre and Diantha were busy talking. You know how you suspected Lysandre of, well, something, so I decided it would be funny to scan his Holo Caster to show how wrong you were. But when he received the message-"
"You got it as well," I finished, staring down at the message again. How many times have I sent and received messages similar to this one back in my Team Rocket days?
"So there is something wrong with Lysandre?" Alex asked.
"Not just that," I said. "But I wouldn't doubt that he's part of some organization, the leader in fact."
"What can we do about it?" Robert asked.
I looked at both of them. "You two sure about this? We've dealt with this kind of thing before. It may not go exactly like last time."
Alex grinned. "As you said, we've done it before. And since he's most likely part of some organization, they have some sort of endgame, like Aether and Radiance did."
"Yeah," Robert agreed. "Besides, we're the only ones who know about this. Who else will believe us?"
I smirked. "Just checking. But the question now is, are they the ones behind the Garchomp incident?"
Alex and Robert pondered this for a couple seconds before Alex's eyes widened. "Not necessarily. Remember, they're not the ones who stole the stones."
"Then," I turned to face the horizon where an uncertain future lay. "Who else are we dealing with here?"
...
"Ma'am," a grunt saluted. "We've successfully retrieved the stones."
The woman in the white lab coat didn't bother to turn around. "Good. Prepare to move out. There's something I need in the Connecting Cave."
She placed her hand on the huge cylinder container, bubbles hiding most of the person's ruined body inside.
"Soon," she whispered. "Soon I will revive you, mother."
This is the first chapter to exceed 3000 words. It's been a while since I was able to do that. Hopefully I can continue that. Also, I must give thanks to Raze Olympus for his open enjoyment of my story and kind words regarding the first comment on this story. I hope you continue to enjoy this story Raze and everything I have planned for it. Till next time. Toodles
May the 34 souls who died due to the Kyoto Animation Studio arson attack rest in peace and my condolences to the 36 injured and all of their families. May God watch over all of them
