Chapter 78: Life, Death, Order, and Chaos Pt. 1: Calling Upon the Legends

"This is the place!" Robert yelled over the sound of the helicopter rotors as he pulled open the side door. Wind and snow rushed past, nearly blowing him over. He gripped the metal tightly, giving a thumbs up to the pilot before leaping out. He opened the pokeball in his left hand and bounced off Snorlax's stomach and landed in the snow. He pulled himself up, shaking his blonde hair, snow flying in all directions.

"Brr," he rubbed his arms, the chill in the air seeping through his clothes. He could barely see through the dark snowstorm and his boots sunk nearly a foot into the snow.

"Jump out of helicopters often?" Robert turned to find a Radiance grunt leaning against a tree, watching him from only two feet away.

"Surprisingly," Robert glanced back up at the helicopter, hovering just above the treetops. "It's becoming quite normal. I'm hoping that's a good thing." He sneezed, nodding to the grunt. "Take me to your leader."

The grunt rolled his eyes, taking off his cap and shaking it loose of snow that accumulated on top, revealing his strawberry blonde hair. "Follow me."

...

"Where exactly are we heading?" Alex asked as she glanced out the helicopter window as Lumiose was left far behind in the distance. "South?"

"South," Sandra confirmed, sitting in the seat across from her. "The mountainous regions in Southern Kalos have few settlements and many areas left alone for wild Pokemon. That is where we will find Yveltal."

"How do you know so much?" Alex asked bluntly. "And don't say it's because you're an archaeologist or whatever. We all know there's something about you that you're not telling us."

Sandra raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And what could I be hiding?"

Alex shrugged. "Zeno told us what Clara told him about the mines. You let something slip. You said you took an expedition into Terminus Cave when the mines were still in operation. But they've been abandoned for fifty-ish years." She took a deep breath. "You're like AZ, aren't you? Someone who's immortal."

Sandra stayed quiet for a long while, staring out the window at the rushing scenery. Just when Alex was about to nod off, Sandra spoke. "Yes, I am immortal. Not by choice, but it is my fate." She smiled softly, still staring out at the approaching mountains. "I'll assure you one more time, Alex. I am not your enemy. I am only here to help."

Alex opened her mouth to respond, but then Sandra let out a small, "Aha." Alex blinked and Sandra nodded towards the window. "Kiloude City is below. We're not far from Yveltal now."

Alex looked out her window, the sky still dark with stars lighting up the night. Lights flickered from the city below, nestled in a space surrounded by mountains. Sandra spoke more instructions to the pilot as Alex watched the night sky slowly brighten. Dawn would be approaching soon. She could only hope Zeno and the others were okay, but the feeling of helplessness still gnawed at her.

"No, I'm not helpless," she told herself as the helicopter flew over a mountain. "I'll be back as soon as I can, Zeno. I promise."

...

"Now that's the stuff," Robert sighed in relief as they entered the main cave. The air was warmer and all the ice within had melted. "You guys let some of the steam from Volcanion enter this cave. Controlled, less you all collapse from heat exhaustion."

"Correct." Kamake strode up, nodding to the grunt. "I'll take it from here."

Dismissed, the grunt turned and headed off to the left, patting another grunt on the shoulder, who groaned. She fixed her cap on and tugged on the camo coat before heading out into the snowstorm.

"Come," Kamake headed off down the cavern where Xerneas was still in tree form in the cylinder tank. Eve looked up from a desk, standing when she recognized Robert.

"I can assume you can explain what's going on?" Eve asked.

Robert blinked. "And that would be?"

Kamake tapped at the computer on the desk, bringing up a map of Kalos. It showed a purple hue beginning to form in Lumiose City. "This," Eve said. "We know it's Chaos energy and we think you know what's going on."

"Chaos is rising," Robert said, grimacing. "And we need Xerneas' help to stop it. We need to wake her up."

Eve shared a glance with Kamake. "Is that possible?"

"Theoretically," Kamake picked up her tablet, tapping something on it. "But we could only stimulate her body and mind. It would ultimately be up to her to wake up fully."

"She has to," Robert said firmly. He then gave both Eve and Kamake a curious expression. "You two are going to help just like that?"

"Team Radiance will do its part to fight the darkness that plagues this world," Eve smiled. "So we will help. Kamake," she turned to her Technical Officer. "Do what you can to wake her."

Robert watched as the tank began to glow and bubbles began shooting upwards through the water. The tree glowed faintly, the stark white color changing into multiple hues. Suddenly Robert was standing in a field of multicolored flowers, mountains in the distance and the sky a bright blue. Floettes floated on the wind and a Bunnelby hopped past his feet. A cry from above and a Talonflame soared through the air, followed by two Fletchinders.

He blinked. "O-okay. Where am I?" He turned around to see the ancient white tree rooted into the ground. A soft wind rustled its leafless branches and filled Robert with a calming presence.

"You have come," a soft voice spoke in the wind."You have come to ask for my help in quelling Chaos."

Robert stiffened, then said, "Yes. We need both the power of Life and Death if we want to stop Chaos from destroying the world. We need you."

The tree glowed red. "And why should I!? Humans have done nothing but try to use my power for their own gain! Their cruelty in their hunger for immortality has shown just how much they value life! The reason I have chosen to stay in this form was to hide away from humankind and their greed! I will not help them now!"

...

The helicopter touched down in a barren field surrounded by the mountains at the very edge of Kalos. As Alex stepped out, the dead grass crunched beneath her feet. A cluster of dead trees stood where a small forest might have once flourished. A dried riverbed snaked its way through the valley, leading towards the mountains.

"This place couldn't support any life," Alex commented, seeing the tip of a bone sticking out from the coarse dirt. "At least, not anymore."

"But one can," Sandra began walking across the field toward where a small hill rose from the ground. Laying atop it with his wings draping over the sides was Yveltal. As Alex followed Sandra, she noticed that the closer she got, the more that she felt an ominous presence seeping over her. A single blue eye kept itself trained on the advancing pair, but the legendary Pokemon didn't react, even when they arrived at the foot of the hill.

"Herald of Destruction," Sandra dropped to one knee. "We have come to ask for your assistance in defeating Chaos."

Yveltal lifted his head, but he didn't look at Sandra. Instead he lifted his body up, leaning down over Alex, eyes flashing. "So you've come for my help, humans! And what makes you think I would help you when you have all proven to be untrustworthy!?" He lowered his head, closing his eyes. "I cannot help you. I have already caused too much unwarranted devastation." His wings curled around himself, closing himself up. "I can never protect Kalos again.."

...

"But-!" Robert took a step forwards. "You're the Legendary Pokemon Xerneas, Mistress of Life! You must see that if Chaos enters the world death will come from it! How can you ignore that!?"

"I have done humanity many deeds," Xerneas spoke, the air humming with energy as the tree glowed redder. "And all they've ever done was repay me with sin! You have brought upon this great evil on yourselves, so you must find your own way to solve your problem!"

"This isn't just our problem!" Robert yelled, finding that he was getting uncharacteristically angry. "This isn't an evil we just brought upon ourselves! We have done what we could to stop all of this from happening! And you've already helped us before, so why refuse now!?" He clenched his fists, feeling as if he might just punch the aged bark. "This world, humans, Pokemon, all forms of life that live together on this unforgiving world; are you just going to let them all die!? Those who have just been given their first breath of freedom, those who haven't gotten to choose their path yet, those who have been unable to prove their worth! Are you just going to let all that die!? They are what make this world worth protecting! You represent Life itself! It is your duty to preserve it!"

"We've made mistakes," he breathed, catching his breath as he glared at the tree, whose color had faded back to white. "Humanity has committed atrocity after atrocity. But there are so much more of us that fight to make this a better place to live. Can you really just let Chaos take all that possibility away!? To let us all die, along with all other life!?" He stepped forwards, slamming his fist against the bark with a loud CRACK! "CAN YOU!?"

...

"That's it?" Alex uttered in surprise. "That's it!? You're just going to go back to your ages-long slumber and let the world fall to ruin!?" Alex gave a short laugh. "Oh, well I guess you aren't called the Herald of Destruction for nothing."

"Alex," Sandra grabbed her arm, but the blonde pulled away, staggering up the hill towards where the cocoon had nearly finished forming upright.

"No," she growled. "I will speak and you will listen, Yveltal! You are a protector of Kalos! Death and destruction may be your thing, but you cannot forget your duty! Your title was given to you because of what you did to Kalos' enemies, isn't that right!? Where is your sense of loyalty!? Your honor!?"

"I have done what I can to protect this region," Yveltal murmured, as if he was slipping away into nothingness. "I have brought upon pain and devastation, but not on my enemies. I have wronged Kalos. I am unable to save it."

"Oh stop your whining!" Alex planted her feet on the ground as she faced the cocoon. "Can you even hear yourself!? One mistake that wasn't even your fault! Team Flare used your energy to power the Ultimate Weapon, but that failed! You awoke and attacked the city because you had no idea what was going on! We don't blame you!"

"You stopped the weapon and my rampage easily." His voice was fainter now. "Humanity is capable of stopping Chaos without my help."

"Maybe we are," Alex said, taking a step back, careful not to go tumbling down the side. "But will you really accept the possibility of the world being plunged into Chaos if we might fail?" She blinked away tears. "My friends are there fighting for Kalos. They are putting their lives on the line to stop what's coming. If you're so focused on your failure to this region, get back up and do something to save it! That is the only way to make amends! So save us! Save the region you swore to protect! Save Kalos!"

...

"Robert Aspen." Robert lifted his head as a soft breeze rustled his hair, flower petals slowly dancing by. The tree felt warm beneath his hand as it glowed with several different hues. "He who seeks clarity. Thank you. I will come."

"Hey! Hey kid!"

Robert's eyes snapped open as Eve shook him. "I'm here," he gasped. "I'm here. Is-"

"Yes," the leader of Team Radiance breathed as the room was filled with light. "She's waking up."

Robert blinked away the spots from his eyes as glass shattered and liquid burst from the tank, filling the area with steam. Soft clopping noises sounded on the ice as a large figure loomed over them. Her head lowered to meet Robert's gaze, her antlers pulsing with energy. He reached out a hand, touching the side of Xerneas' face. "No, thank you."

...

"We're leaving," Alex growled to Sandra as she climbed down the hill, heading for the helicopter. If Yveltal wouldn't help, then she needed to make her way back to Zeno's side as fast as she could.

A large cracking sound from behind made her stop. She turned to see the cocoon slowly unfurling as red light seeped through. With a cry, Yveltal's wings burst outwards, lifting his head to the sky. He set his blue gaze upon Alex, flying to land in front of her. "You have a fire within you, young Alex. One that might just be enough to save all you love one day. Thank you for making me see what needs to be done." He lowered one wing, offering it to Alex. "If I am to go and fight Chaos, you must come along as well."

Alex glanced at Sandra, who nodded. "Go. I will find my own way back. So go and help your friends."

"Thank you," Alex smiled. "I'm sorry we ever doubted you."

"Think nothing of it," Sandra shook her head. "When this is all over, I will tell you all my story. But enough chatter. GO!" She gave Alex a soft push and she stumbled onto Yveltal's wing. She climbed aboard and gripped his mane of smoky-colored hair. He lifted off into the sky and soon they were soaring over the mountains, picking up speed.

"I'm coming, Zeno." Alex's hold tightened. "Just hang in there for a little longer."

...

I took a step back as a long snout appeared from the rift, poison dripping onto the concrete, where it sizzled and melted. Rows of sharp teeth revealed themselves as Chaos forced her head through and opened her maw. Her eyes narrowed at me and a voice echoed around the chamber. "Soon I will be free from this accursed prison. Then you all shall be the first to die. Watch as your efforts to stop me fail, Hero Born of Darkness."

Orbs attached to nearby pillars glowed and shot tendrils of purple chaotic energy into the rift, forcing more of it to open. The Cultists formed a line in front of the rift, facing the prisoners and us. Their Ghost Pokemon floated around them as they slowly advanced. I heard Preston gulp beside me as I released all my Pokemon. All of them were going to be needed for this fight.

"Just you watch, Zanarchggon!" I spat. "We'll defeat you yet! My friends are bringing help and I know they won't fail! Chaos has only returned only to be defeated once more!"

"Dance, little ones," Zanarchggon growled in amusement. "Show me the length of your stupidity." She roared as she tried forcing the rift to open more with several giant claws and the Cultists surged forwards.

...

Sandra stood atop a ridge overlooking the region. She could sense the chaos spreading, filling the air. She lowered her hand, cupping the tiny green creature in her hands. She lowered her mouth to it and whispered, "Go. Life and Death have been brought to order. You have sworn to protect humanity, so go forth."

The creature leaped from the mountain, amassing dozens of green cells as it fell. Sandra tilted her head back, closing her eyes. "Now all that is left is for the Foreign Legend to awaken." She blinked her eyes open. "Save Kalos. Save what I could not 3000 years ago."

This is part 1 of 3. This is where the battle for Kalos and the world ends, for better or worse. Till next time. Toodles