Realgam Tower

The next morning, Alicia was awake earlier than Michael and Liz, who were sleeping in separate beds, so she decided to take a shower for the first time in well over two months. She let the hot water wash over her, slowly closing her eyes happily. Michael and Liz, you're so like Brendan and May together. I want to see you both grow as trainers, she thought pleasantly.

What are you so happy about, monster?

Alicia's eyes went wide at the sudden, yet very unfamiliar voice. Hello? Who's there? She looked around the shower, then peaked past the curtain, but she saw nobody in the room. She couldn't even sense another presence in the room. M-must've been my imagination. She finished washing up, though she was worried about the voice she heard. Once she had finished brushing her hair, she looked at herself in the mirror. I look just like the pictures of Mom when she was a Kirlia.

You're really admiring yourself after what you've done? Alicia whipped around again, still seeing nobody in the room. That man was probably killed after your special treatment. That's when Alicia's vision twisted and she returned to her mental landscape. There, she saw what looked like a mirror image of her, but its eyes were filled with malice, and her body was surrounded by the aura of a Shadow Pokémon. You think you're free? You couldn't be more wrong.

Alicia's eyes went wide. Who are you?

I'm you. Don't act like you don't recognize me, the doppelganger said.

No, I'm the only me. Who are you really? Alicia asked.

The doppelganger smiled evilly, then suddenly appeared right in front of Alicia, the demented eyes and smiled dangerously. I'm the one who will tear at your mind steadily until you completely lose it. Then I'll kill those two you call friends and return you to being a slave. How and when? I'll let that be a surprise for you. Try not to go to sleep. With that, Alicia was returned to her body, dropping to her knees in a cold sweat.

No… she said in deep-seated fear. Did a part of the Shadows stick to me? I can't let it hurt Michael or Liz.

She was pulled from her worries when a knock sounded at the door. "Alicia, are you okay?" Michael said.

Alicia perked up and gently slapped her face with both hands. Wake up girl, she said to herself before addressing Michael. I'm fine. Just had a knot in my hair. She opened the door as she spoke, looking up at Michael happily.

"You sure you're okay?" Michael asked. "Sounded like you were taking a lot of deep breaths."

Yeah…I'm just nervous. This is the first time I'm calling home since I left on the Libra, Alicia said. Mom's probably yell at me for not calling. Her tone told Michael that she was joking about her mother, but he could tell she was hiding things from him.

"Okay, if you say so," he said, deciding to let her open up at her own pace.

"Hey Alicia, how're you today?" Liz asked kindly.

I'm feeling great. Ready to take on the day! Alicia said happily.

"Glad to hear it. Ready for the call?"

Alicia skipped over to the phone. Yep, and I memorized the number. She dialed the phone, hearing it ring.

In the Maple house, Brendan was just mixing batter for a batch of blueberry pancakes. They had been watching the whole live broadcast from ONBS, with Gwen cheering as she saw Michael battle with Alicia by his side. So, Brendan felt a celebratory breakfast was in order. Seems like you're hard at work, the Gardevoir said.

"Well, we know Alicia is going to be okay now," Brendan said. "Why shouldn't we celebrate?"

I just hope whatever that Cipher group did to her can be reversed, Gwen said. Almost as if on cue, the phone began to ring.

"Huh? Who would be calling now?" May asked as she and Selena entered the room. May's small bump just barely noticeable to Brendan and Gwen.

"No clue," Brendan said, wiping his hands clean as he walked to the phone. "From…Agate Village?" He asked.

Wait, nobody in Orre should know our number. Only Alicia would know it, Gwen said. She ran forward, touching the video call button. Immediately, the face of a Kirlia was projected on the screen.

MOM! Alicia said happily, with some tears of joy in her eyes.

A-Alicia? Gwen asked in happy disbelief. Are you okay? Please, tell me everything.

Where do I start? Alicia said with a laugh. I guess I'll start with the voyage. She started to talk about her trip, how much fun it was, and all the friends she'd made along the way. Michael perked up when he heard all the names of his team, including Artemis. She then started to talk vaguely about Cipher, and her whole experience as a Shadow Pokémon. Gwen could tell her daughter was hiding something, but she let her continue her story. Next thing I knew, I was being purified in this beautiful forest, and I was actually able to meet my new trainer.

"Oh, since we're on the subject, we'd like to meet Michael and Liz," Brendan said as he and May came in behind Gwen. He was also holding Selena so she could see her best friend.

Yeah, of course! Alicia said, motioning for the two to join her on the call. Brendan almost laughed at their nervous demeanor.

"Um…hi. I'm Michael Orison," Michael said.

"A-and I'm Elizabeth Hanz," Liz said. She'd been a huge fan of May's for as long as she could remember, especially seeing her idol perform right before having her first baby. "Oh, wow, this is overwhelming."

Brendan laughed a little. "Well, it's a pleasure to meet you both. Gwen has been speaking quite highly of you both since she found you," he said. "And, given how fast you've helped her recover, I can't even begin to thank you enough. If there is anything that we can do to help you, please call and let us know."

Liz was at a loss for words, with Michael almost in the same state. "Oh, um…thank you," Michael said.

"Mr. Michael, are you super strong like daddy?" Selena asked innocently.

Liz looked over at Michael, noticing May laughing into her palm. Michael looked a bit sheepish. "Actually, I'm not at his level yet. I just started training," he said.

"Oh," Selena said, almost sounding disappointed before she brightened up. "Could I see the other Pokémon you have?"

Brendan and May both laughed. "Selena, I'm sure they won't have the time to show us every Pokémon they have," May said happily. "But I'm sure we'll meet in person someday."

"So, you two are from Orre's HQ Lab, correct? We haven't exactly been able to get Orre news other than the broadcast shown worldwide during your rescue last night. Has the Purify Chamber been completed yet?"

"Yeah, it was just completed a few days ago," Michael said. "They even made a second snag machine for Liz to help with the fight."

"Impressive. Now, can I get the number for the lab," Brendan asked. "I'd like to speak with the directors there about something."

"Oh, I guess that'd be okay," Michael said before reciting the phone number easily. Brendan wrote it down and smiled. He was glad that he could start helping the Orre Region improve.

"Well, I'm glad we got to meet you two, but I get the feeling that you three have work to do. Alicia, promise you'll call us often," May said.

Of course! Alicia said happily. Love you guys!

Michael, Liz, Gwen said, getting their attention. Keep her safe. Please.

"I promise we will," Michael said.

"Me too. We won't let her get hurt," Liz said.

Thank you, Gwen said with a smile as she ended the call.

Brendan looked at Gwen with a smile. "She's back to normal," he said.

Gwen started to cry tears of joy again, feeling all of the stress and fear she'd had these past two months fade away. It's such a relief, she said, hugging Brendan. And I know they will do amazing things together…like you two did.

Brendan and May both smiled with her, though Selena looked both happy and confused at the situation. "Mommy, Daddy, what happened to Alicia?"

Brendan smiled, deciding to explain it simply and without scaring the little girl. "She found her trainer, and she's working to save her home."

Selena gasped. "She's a superhero?"

The adults all laughed. "Yes, sweetheart. She's a superhero."

"Well, I think it's time to make some pancakes and bacon, what about you?" May said, putting her hand on her stomach slightly. "Call it a craving."

"Holy shit, that was so nerve-wracking," Liz said, sitting on the bed.

"But…we actually talked to the Maple family…" Michael said, sounding awestruck. "That was so cool!"

Really? That was just a normal call for me, Alicia said with a teasing tone.

Michael laughed slightly. "Well, they are your family," he said. "I'd hope you can talk more easily with them."

Alicia smiled. So, we're heading to Phenac City today?

"Yeah. We need to make sure the people there are safe," Michael said. "Especially since Cipher seems to have plans there."

"We should get something we can eat quickly," Liz said. "Then get on the road. I doubt we'll have much time to alert the people of Phenac about Cipher."

"We should go to the mayor so he can help us with that," Liz said as they walked to the cafeteria, getting some egg sandwiches. They ate as they walked out of the Pokémon Center. Alicia was surprisingly the first to finish hers.

Should I get into the ball? Alicia asked politely as they got to Michael's scooter.

"Probably…unless you want to wear Jovi's helmet," Michael said.

Alicia tilted her head with intrigue. Jovi?

"She's my little sister," Michael said. "Actually, the size of the helmet might actually work for you. Want to ride?"

YES! Alicia's tone was one of pure excitement.

Michael smiled and helped the Kirlia get her helmet on properly. "I think you and Jovi might get along if you met."

I'd like to meet her soon, Alicia said kindly as they all got on the scooter and started to drive off. If she's like you, then I'm sure she's wonderful.

After almost two hours of driving, the group made it through the beautiful oasis city of Phenac. Along the way, they had seen the massive tower known for being the place where Wes beat Evice in an incredibly brutal battle. The fight had been broadcasted over a hijacked transmission on the original ONBS, and it drew almost the entire population of Orre to view it. Since the former Cipher stronghold fell, though, a rather wealthy business owner repurposed it to be a sort of casino and coliseum. While the stadium was being repaired, it was still a very popular place, where patrons could play Battle Bingo, train in simulation battle, or just relax at a nearby bar. Michael would've personally loved to go, but he knew it was far beyond his price range.

As they were pulling up to Phenac's main entrance, they saw the beautiful waterways, a fountain where a young man could be seen running with a Duskull, and a gorgeously tiered town that created waterfalls which contrasted beautifully with the sandstone. As they were parking, however, a young woman began approaching them. "Excuse me!" she shouted with an oddly cheerful voice that sounded almost like she was about to try and sell something. "A moment of your time!"

Michael stopped with Liz, though Alicia seemed a bit on-edge. "Can we help you?"

"No, I'm just here to inform you that, believe it or not, you're the millionth visitor to Phenac City this year. We'd like to award you with a Battle CD case, and some discs. Additionally, we have free passes to the Realgam Tower. Please, take these and have a great time!" The odd woman smiled and began shoving the case and passes at Michael and Liz.

"Wait, we have important business here. We need to speak to the mayor," Liz said.

"No, no. You need to go to the Realgam Tower. Trust me, nothing interesting is happening in this town anyway."

As if they were being compelled by some outside force, the trio got onto the scooter again, revving the engine and driving off toward the tower thirty minutes away.

The woman watched them drive off before pulling out a phone and calling Snattle.

"What is it?" the pompous man asked in a short, curt tone.

"Commander Snattle, Orison and Hanz just showed up at the entrance. I had to rely on the psychic Pokémon you stationed out here to get them to leave for the tower, but it's only a matter of time before they realize something's off. What are your orders?" she asked.

Snattle scoffed. "We'll prepare for their arrival. Let them in when they come back, and we will show them the true terror of Cipher. If it comes to it, I will make them burn."

"Understood sir," she said, hanging up.

"It's incredible!" Liz said with glittering eyes as they arrived at Realgam Tower. "I can't believe how beautiful it is."

"I know what you mean," Michael said. "It's a marvel of engineering."

Guys…why did we just come here? We need to go help Phenac.

"What do you mean? The lady at the entrance said it was all okay," Michael said as they entered the fancy door to look around. Soon, Michael had found an incredible shop, loaded with nearly every Technical Move in existence, including attacks like Flamethrower, Ice Beam, and even Thunder Bolt. Those incredible moves, though, were out of Michael's price range, due to them being the repeated use models. He and Liz still managed to afford Shadow Sneak, Power-Up Punch, and even Toxic.

"I hope we can use these effectively," Michael said with a smile as they started toward the coliseum and casino arena, seeing twin Sudowoodo fountains made of silver.

GUYS! Alicia called out. Are you seriously forgetting that Cipher is going after Phenac City?

Liz and Michael were both about to shake it off, until they overheard somebody else talking in the food court.

"Man, can you believe that we were the millionth visitors to Phenac City?" a young man nearby said. "I can't believe how lucky we are!"

"Wait…" Liz said as she approached the table. "You were told you were the millionth visitor too?"

"What do you mean?" the guy asked. "There could only be one person who gets the millionth spot."

"Did they give you a case with Battle CDs too?" Michael asked.

"Um…yeah, why?" the guy's friend said.

"Because they gave us one too," Michael said.

I told you something was up! Alicia said to the two trainers. Michael and Liz felt like a haze was fading from their minds as she spoke.

"Wait, why did we even let that woman push us out of Phenac anyway?" Liz asked, holding her head like she had a headache.

"Hey, mind leaving us alone?" the guy they were standing with asked, looking uncomfortable.

"Yeah, we needed to leave now anyway," Michael said as he led Liz and Alicia to the small tram platforms that drove between the small bubbles that made up the different sections of the compound. As soon as the platform arrived at the main entrance, Michael and Liz both sprinted to the scooter. Alicia was already there, having teleported and grabbed their helmets. Within a moment, Michael had kick-started his scooter and he was driving them to Phenac City. "Let's just blast past that woman this time."

"Run her over if she tries to stop us," Liz said, angry that they'd fallen for something so simple.

Just don't be like Cipher, Alicia said softly as they roared down the road.

It took them another half an hour to get back to the oasis city. This time, the lady at the entrance seemed to ignore them.

Something feels really off about this whole situation, Alicia said.

"We need to find the mayor first," Michael said as they drove around the city. They wound up going to every house but the mayor's, including one where a nice gentleman gave them a CD with Rumba of Love on it. Liz, being a fan of the band, happily took it. The whole time they were driving, though, they couldn't shake the feeling that something was seriously off with the whole city. There were some normal people, but far more seemed to be…out of place.

After a while, Michael just decided to stop and ask for directions. They saw an elderly woman beside a stream of water, seemingly just smiling about life. "Excuse me, ma'am?"

The woman looked at them. "Hello dearies, how are you two today?"

"We're great, thanks for asking," Liz said. "We're looking for the mayor's house. Do you know where that is?"

The woman giggled. "You mustn't be from around here if you need to ask," she said with a cheerful laugh. "Especially since it's right across the street there." She pointed to a building which seemed just a bit more extravagant than the others. "Though I haven't seen him too much recently. I think he's been really busy lately."

"That could be bad," Michael said to Liz.

"Yeah, I know," Liz said with unease in her voice.

"What was that? I think my hearing aide is getting low on battery," the old lady said.

"Oh, it's nothing to worry about," Michael said, not wanting to worry a senior citizen. "Thank you for your help." The woman smiled and waved to them as she left.

I'll get us there, Alicia said, putting her hand on Michael and Liz. In a blink, they were across the street. Now, let's move.

"Hold on, Alicia, we need to be careful," Michael said. "Let's go in calmly and see if the mayor is there before charging through the door."

That's what I meant, Alicia said with a blush as Michael led the way. She also noticed that Liz had a look of uncertainty, but it seemed to be a bit different than the uneasiness Michael was showing for their situation.

When they got inside the home, they immediately saw a woman in business attire, with short brown hair. "Oh, hello. You must want to meet the mayor. Sorry to say, but he's a bit busy at the moment," the woman said.

"Oh? And who might you be?" Liz asked.

"Just a house-sitter. I'm just waiting till the mayor returns, and keeping people out of the second floor," the woman said. "Though, I'm quite bored…" She then noticed the CD Liz had in her purse. "Is that the Rumba of Love CD?"
"Oh, yeah. Some guy gave it to me in the city," Liz said.

"Could I please use it for a bit?" the house-sitter asked.

"Sure…I guess. Just give it back later," Liz said, giving the disc to the odd woman. CD in-hand, the woman made her way to the music system, putting the CD into the slot. Once it began playing, she closed her eyes, getting distracted by the lyrics.

Michael, seeing an opportunity, went up the stairs with Alicia, finding the mayor's bedroom. Inside, Michael immediately noticed signs of a struggle. "Damn, did they not try to cover their tracks?"

Alicia got an intrigued look as she walked through the room. She went over to a nightstand, seeing a piece of paper underneath. She pulled it out from under the furniture, reading the text. Michael, come look at this.

Michael was at her side immediately, seeing the page, reading it. "It's a letter to the Pre-Gym's leader, Justy," Michael said, remembering the name of the only person remotely close to being a Gym Leader in Orre. "It says, I am getting worried. Citizens are disappearing for a day or two, then reappearing. It's suspicious. To be honest, with the rumors of Cipher returning, I'm worried that Phenac might be in d-." From the last letter, a trail of ink seemed to trail down the page, as if the one writing it was falling over.

It just stops there, Alicia added.

"Yeah…but I think it was going to say more," Michael said.

Hey…is it suddenly quiet now? Alicia noticed. Michael paused and noticed there was no longer any music playing.

"Yeah…the music stopped," Michael said. That was when they heard footsteps coming up the stairs.

"Oh, you naughty boy. You weren't supposed to see that," the housekeeper said in a worryingly sweet voice that had a lot of malice in it. "Now, I need to eliminate you." As she said that, her body flickered like a hologram for a moment before fading, revealing the pure-white armor worn by Cipher Peons.

No…they're impersonating citizens… Alicia said with a gasp.

With a smirk, the woman pulled out her two Pokéballs and got ready to battle.

Shorter chapter, I know. However, I think there are enough things happening here to make a chapter break.

Hope you enjoyed that. Please let me know what you thought in a review. I really appreciate feedback.

Until next time ~ jmoul18