Volkner Beacon is a melancholy young man. His mood is a spark, shines bright only a moment before it fizzles out. This fated meeting and battle shall reignite his light towards exponential growth.

Volkner and Cynthia smirked at each other before they made their way to the opposite sides of the ring. They had every intention of enjoying this fight to the fullest.

"Roland, shine through!" Volkner yelled before sending out the battle happy Electabuzz. He whirled his arms a bit and banged his chest before his eyes fell on Cynthia. Immediately after his stance changed.

So he can tell she's strong too .

Cynthia's eyes lit up. "Roland the Electabuzz then? Well then, this should be fun for both sides. Heimdall, you're up!" She let loose a Pokeball and a small, blue and black jackal formed. They glanced around, saw Roland and almost grinned. Then put one fist against an extended palm, bowed slightly and got into a battle stance. "A close quarters match. I hope the both of you enjoy this battle."

"Granddad, why is that Shinx on their hind legs? Are they an Alolan Shinx?"

For some reason Grandfather nearly spat out his drink at my question, "Nope, that's a Riolu, they are a fighting type. Home to Sinnoh, but completely different."

"But they look so similar."

"Yet they are quite different. You'll see," He said before patting me on the head. I pushed his hand off my hair. I like it a certain way and he's messing it up.

"Likewise, Cynthia! Roland can't do everything Electivire can, but he can do enough! Move out, fight to your heart's content Roland. These aren't opponents we can take lightly."

Roland nodded and shifted his stance before he went running head on.

That's really straightforward, but I am going to assume he's got a plan.

He reeled back a fist, it wasn't glowing or anything, just an average punch.

Wait what?

Heimdall nodded in acknowledgement and met Roland's fist with his own, causing the battlefield to pulse with energy. They stood firm in their respective stances. A wave of pressure cascaded across the field before they started engaging in hand to hand combat.

Well, he did say fight to his heart's content.

Heimdall was primarily matching his blows and dodging, seeming to focus more so on improving his skill than attempting to end the battle. Cynthia smiled. "Let me know when you need assistance. Take everything from this that you can."
Heimdall gave a small howl of affirmation before using one of his paws to push the much larger Roland's fist to the side, then crouching and going for a low swipe.

It's neither a Low Kick or a Low Sweep. It is simply a low swipe. It's like humans fighting.

Roland did something unexpected and seemed to let him hit the low swipe, but his tail latched onto his leg and pulled him down as well. It quickly became a scramble before Roland attempted to pin Heimdall down. Heimdall is quite slippery though (apparently) and darted between Roland's legs before grabbing his tail. He then swung him around, throwing him a fair distance away before getting into a different stance, breathing and closing his eyes. Small blue flames burst to life on his paws, and he simply stood there waiting.

Roland recovered in midair landing on all fours staring at Heimdall with anticipation. He got into his own stance before his fists suddenly sparked to life. He proceeded to lob Thunder Punch blasts at him ending with a Thunder kick.

Yeah we'll call it that.

Heimdall however was dodging everything, at the least being grazed. At the same time though, he was busy doing that and not particularly able to counterattack. That is until the kick mostly whiffed, threw Roland just a bit off balance and Heimdall zoomed over to deliver a proper Force Palm.

There was a large explosion right on Roland's stomach, but when the smoke cleared we could see that Roland had stood his ground and was holding onto Heimdall's arm. He attempted another Force Palm, but Roland began electrocuting him before the attack could manifest. During this time he focused his left hand and began sending a barrage of Fire Punches at the small Riolu.

Paralyzation makes you slower and burns make physical attacks weaker. He must be trying to land a status ailment. Smart.

Heimdall had his hands (well, hand) full trying to not get hit too hard. Which is when Cynthia piped up to say "Stay calm. Detect their movements. You can turn this around." Heimdall took it before his eyes flashed and he used a brief lapse in punches to land a High Jump Kick knee right in Roland's chin.

There were some burn marks and it was clearly affecting him, but the moment Roland's grip loosened he flipped backwards seeming to split into copies of himself. They then started darting around Roland, making an advance before darting away just as quickly.

"Double Team again, huh? We have countermeasures for that."

Roland had staggered a bit and was currently rubbing his chin because while it looked like he was okay, to me it looked like it was really freaking painful. Before attacking he took a deep breath and closed his eyes, his horns glowing pink.

I swear if he uses a not fairy move.

It took a few seconds, but suddenly Heimdall stopped dead in his tracks.

That's Psychic right? Why can electric types use so many psychic moves? Are their brains supercharged too?

"Fighting types have lower resistance to psychic moves meaning they tend to get caught by them easier. By tracking the electric signals Heimdall's nerves send through his body Roland could latch on and target him," Volkner explained.

Roland didn't waste any time slamming Heimdall into the ground a few times before sending him his way before preparing a Hammer Arm haymaker flipping the poor not Shinx several ways to Sunday. Roland turned around and waited to see if he got up rather than pursue again.

Honorable. Or maybe prideful? Overconfident? Ah well, he's waiting.

Cynthia's eyes meanwhile were fixed on where Heimdall landed, and after a couple moments Heimdall shaklily pushed himself to his feet. "Do you wish to continue?"
"Rio."
She nodded. "Then let's go." Heimdall then cloaked himself in a white and blue light, streaking towards Roland. Even though Roland put up his arms to guard, Heimdall simply skidded around the side and went into a flurry not unlike what had happened earlier. Except rather than Fire Punches, this was full of Force Palms.

It took Roland a second, but his fists flared with fiery fury before he began his punch to palm fight with Heimdall causing burning explosions to burst all over the arena.

"Cynthia!" Volkner shouted, staring at Cynthia while the two duked it out. "This is the most fun I've had in awhile and I've got to thank you for that, I always love a good fight. Although, we'll be ending it very soon."

Roland finally saw his chance when Heimdall aimed a Force Palm right at his midsection. He quickly dodged to the side and let loose a mad discharge blasting Heimdall several feet back, but he was still standing.

"Endure…" Volkner whispered to himself.

Cynthia just smiled. "Soon, but perhaps not right now." And to punctuate that sentiment, Heimdall came roaring back to slam Roland right in the face as Revenge. More out of reflex than anything I guess it caused Roland to just ummm blip out of existence.

D-did he just vanish?

Cynthia raised an eyebrow, but simply sighed. "Detect where he is."

Heimdall's ear thingies were raised and he began looking for Roland. His eyes fell on Volkner who had his usual smirk before his ear thingies perked towards the ceiling where he saw Roland sending a giant Electroweb across the entire arena.

Why can Electabuzz use Teleport? And how come he never teleports me home from school? Pokemon powers are too convenient, that's unfair. I wanna teleport.

Heimdall stamped the ground, causing a rock to launch up. He then kicked it straight up, tangling the web around the rock and having a large electrified rock hurtling towards Roland. Meanwhile, he stood there waiting and ready for wherever Roland would move.

Heimdall is breathing pretty hard while Roland still looks raring to go. Despite that he still tossed that rock all the way up there. Amazing.

"Dodge!" Volkner shouted. I thought it was obvious, but I guess he just had to make sure.

Now I've seen a lot of weird plays today, but this I wasn't sure was possible. Roland stuck his hand out like he was about to shoot a web like Spider-Man… then actually shot an electric web like Spider-Man, dodging the boulder and landing on the wall. Volkner actually smiled at that one and I swear I could hear a quiet 'Nailed it'. Roland snickered a bit which never happens. He's having loads of fun… lucky.

Cynthia and Heimdall were more wondering at how exactly he pulled that off, but steeled themselves again after a moment. Roland then proceeded to prep himself before pushing off from his position at full force soaring directly at Heimdall, his expression reverting back to his usual scowl.

Back to his serious face.

As Roland came hurtling towards him, Heimdall quickly burrowed into the ground. There wasn't much of a pause though, as the second Roland hit the earth out came Heimdall with a Vacuum Wave bringing rocks and earth cascading along with it.

"This is your moment!"

Roland turned around and stared Heimdall dead in the eye before he created a barrier and kicked it to send it crashing into the rocks and Heimdall. Before Heimdall could deal with that properly, he was caught in a thin pink glow.

Psychic!

Roland's open palm was outstretched suspending the blue jackal in midair. Before he gave the final blow he said something in pokemon I could not understand before he closed his fist causing psychic energy to pummel Heimdall from all sides. He released after a good 10 seconds sending him to the ground.

"D-did you guys win?" I asked tentatively?

Heimdall slowly, shudderingly pushed himself onto one knee. Then he started to stand up. He rose slowly… before falling back, breathing hard and resting on the ground. Eyes not spinning, but clearly down for the count.

Roland turned to me and shook his head before stretching his hand out.

Is this what they call delivering a warrior's end?

I just noticed I had stood up when Heimdall was being pummeled, but he got up anyway! This is exactly like a shounen. I wonder if Roland said 'Sleep warrior'.

Rather than go for another Psychic, Roland simply lifted up two fingers and shot a weak Thunder Shock at the little Riolu to officially knock him out.

It was almost like a small grin spread across his face before he was hit as his eyes became spirals. Cynthia smiled, walked over and picked him up. "You did quite well. Congratulations on your progress." Before she recalled him into his ball.

"Heimdall is unable to battle, Roland and Volkner are the winner!" Granddad cheered.

"Buzz buzz!" Roland cheered whirling his arms around. He wasn't smiling, but I could feel the happy coming off of him. Volkner walked into the battlefield and patted him on the shoulder.

"Looks like you're satisfied. With trainers like her, we've got to up our game. Maybe it's about time we think about evolution," He offered which caused Roland's eyes to light up. "I knew you'd like that."

Volkner then walked over to Cynthia extending a hand. "It was a great battle, you, Heimdall and all your pokemon fought well today. With power like that, I'm sure saving your sister will be a breeze."

She shook his hand, but there was a scowl on her face. "I'm not so sure. I need to be stronger." Then her expression softened.

I wonder what she's thinking about.

"Brave little tyke ain't he? Roland is the same way. Ya know Cynthia, I like you. That means a lot since I don't say that to any challenger ever. Given me things to think about."

"Yes yes, my old boys couldn't even defeat one of your pokemon. You'll go far if you keep going at it like this. Maybe we are witnessing the growth of a future champion, Volkner," Granddad interjected.

Wait, is this part where we say things? I wanna say things!

I ran over to Cynthia eagerly with my vital question. "Do you name all your pokemon after mythological entities? What other pokemon do you have? Why is your sister missing? How do you remember all the moves?"

"Come now Topaz, we have to let Cynthia leave. Three of her pokemon are injured and the field is a wreck," Granddad said in his attempts to accost my fun.

"But they are super quick… well, if you gotta heal them up, then you can go now," I huffed. They fought hard and deserved a rest.

Cynthia meanwhile was laughing. "Seems we've made an impression on the whole family. Well, Volkner. You've given me things to think about in turn, and I have to thank you and Roland again for helping me and Heimdall learn. Leader Vito, I fully intend on becoming the Champion. And as for you Topaz… I name them after myths because I adore mythology, the other two I've the privilege of traveling with are Aphrodite the Milotic and Idunn the Roserade, I'm… not yet sure why my sister is missing, but I know it has to do with the kidnappings recently. And I intend to demolish those who are hurting so many people. As for remembering all the moves, you get used to it." She hitched her bag up a bit higher and waved. "I hope to see you all again, but I must be going! My team needs their rest after all." She quickly jogged off to the Center, cloak billowing behind her.

Even her exit looks championy… so she's looking for her sister? And people are getting kidnapped? I wonder if they all went wherever my parents went? I wonder if my parents were kidnapped too…

"Who's the champion of Sinnoh?" I asked curiously.

"That's the thing. Sinnoh doesn't have a champion, not yet anyway. We haven't established the same kind of League as the other Japanese regions. You're just supposed to beat the gym leaders and be done with it. You get a star on your Trainer Card I think, but otherwise, you just do your own thing," Volkner explained. "I guess there's an elite four, but we're one of the regions without a champion at the moment. No one has been willing to take up the mantle."

Huh. Boring! No wonder there's barely any Sinnoh matches on TV, there's not enough representation! I hope that changes soon.

"Topaz!" Volkner said a bit louder than I expected, stirring me from my head. "You looked pretty interested to me, so you're gonna help with training while I'm still psyched!"

"But-!"

"I want to train Roland a bit more before we evolve him. As for the others we need to really work on amping up their power levels, if even her weakest pokemon are that ingenious we need to work on what the others can do on their own. You'll do the small stuff, getting snacks, water bottles, come on you'll get to see a trainer work up close."

And I get to do your dirty work, yay… but I do kind of want to see trainers train properly now. I wanna see what other whacky moves they know.

"Fine, I'll help, but I'm gonna learn your secrets so I can beat you when I'm a trainer!"

"Ohoho, looks like you boys will be busy, I'll leave you to it while I go heal my team. They certainly need it."

We watched Granddad leave as Roland came up to us with arms whirling in excitement. Finally, something exciting to do! I get to help Volkner be the best trainer he can be! I whirled my own arms around in excitement which got Roland to spin his even faster until we were running around whirling our arms. For the first time in a long time I was truly… happy!

A light switch turned on in my brain. Cynthia and her pokemon were brilliant. The strongest team I've ever seen.

They never gave up and managed to charge through to victory! I wanna be like them when I grow up!

That night during dinner. For the first time in a long time I was able to taste the meal. And it was the best food I had ever eaten.

~~Sunyshore City Gym, October 8520~~

"Don't leave the gym today," Volkner commanded with Roland, an Electivire now, in tow. "Dad and Mom will be here so you should be fine, but make sure you don't leave."

But not my Dad and Mother… I miss them.

"Why not? Is something going on today?" I asked Volkner as I watched him put on his blue jacket and boots.

It was midday and he had apparently gotten a call from Cynthia, she had actually contacted all gym leaders. Something was going down today and it looks like they had all prepared for it. Volkner had surpassed Granddad in these months and was going to become gym leader soon so I guess he now had his responsibilities too.

"Ugh," He grunted. "Remember when Cynthia said her sister had gone missing?"

"Yeah?" Did she find her?

"Apparently her disappearance may be related to all the other disappearances that have been happening across the region for the past 5 months."

My heart skipped a beat. The teachers at school have been really careful about letting us go home alone and warning us about wandering too far away from adults. Usually they are a lot more casual. Most pokemon tend to not hurt children and most people are nice.

Cynthia helped me feel normal again. I hope she can find her sister too.

"There have been dozens of disappearances and we have received intel on a source," He said as he clipped on his pokeballs. "My job is to stay here until further notice and patrol the city for hostiles. Pretty sure we aren't a target, but there might be something going down at Veilstone. I'm not taking any chances and neither are you. Stay inside."

Not like I can do much anyway without a team, even if I wish I could. I helped you guys all these months, but that still doesn't mean anything.

"Well, I'm going, stay safe," He said as he opened the door.

"Vire," Roland voiced.

"Come back soon," I replied as I watched them leave.

Granddad and Grandma looked a little concerned, but they seemed to be trying to hide it. Right now we were in the gym recreational area. It's not open to trainers, it's where we keep all the electric types and where Volkner works on his projects typically such as figuring out how to expand the solar panel system in Sunyshore. Nowadays he's moving more of his stuff in here and taking Granddad's out since he'll be gym leader and he's eager to make updates.

We also had space in the back for all the pokemon to hang out and relax since we are located on one of the spires around the city, so they are all close to the sky just how they prefer. It's pretty nice back there, a bit breezy sometimes, but the Shinx and all that don't seem to mind.

I hope they'll be okay… wonder if he'll find Mother and Daddy…

I was bored and decided to check the TV in the rec room to watch one of my cartoons, but instead came on the news.

Ugh, Granddad must've been watching it earlier. Where is the remote? Under the couch?

I began looking under the couch until I heard something actually interesting.

"We are reporting straight from Veilstone City where League Officials seem to be engaging in a volatile battle with the alleged criminals known as Team Galactic responsible for the kidnappings over the course of the last 5 months!" Said the reporter standing several blocks away.

In the distance, maybe 200 feet away, I could see they were on a Veilstone street judging by all the old brick houses. At the end there was a giant blue building totally different from everything else in the city, with spikes on it.

Grownups like to be edgy too sometimes, I guess.

There was chaos everywhere, but the reporters didn't dare get closer. All I could make out was some kind of giant fire and ice plume in the distance right in front of the building. There were trainers all over the place, I could tell by their uniforms they had to be League trainers, but they were also some other uniformed guys wearing… blue wigs?

Or is that teal? Turquoise? Colors are hard.

"It seems a trainer and her Garchomp are beginning to descend rapidly into the commotion!" The reporter yelled, gripping my attention again.

They moved the camera upwards and in the sky you could see a Garchomp and a girl with long blonde hair billowing in the air as they dodged all the enemy ranged attacks coming from inside the building before landing by the entrance, breaking through.

"It seems the trainer made it into the base! Unfortunately, we cannot get any closer due to League officials blocking us and the various pokemon attacks making the airspace hostile, but we'll do our best to give you the best coverage possible. We'll be switching to our people in the helicopters!"

There was a quick transition and we got an aerial view of the carnage below. It wasn't the best quality since they were far away and attacks were flying everywhere , but they seemed to be doing their best.

"In the distance, we believe the Garchomp trainer is evacuating people, but due to the dust clouds and attacks we can't make out if they are the victims or not. Right there we can see the Garchomp once again amidst the dust and they seem to be ascending away from the conflict-" The Reporter's headset caused them to pause. "Apparently, there's going to be a cataclysmic explosion and we need to distance ourselves. The Garchomp is poised to attack!"

I stared at the TV screen with wide eyes as I watched, who I assume was Reginleif, charge through the roof of the spiky building. On the ground level I watched league trainers evacuate curious civilians who were trying to figure out why everything was exploding outside while various other pokemon who were too far to make their escape began forming Protect barriers. All anyone could was watch as the entire building was engulfed in a bright light that expanded across the whole city as an explosion rang. There were some screams from the reporter before the footage cut. There was a relatively loud boom that I could hear outside as well that caused me to turn.

What?

I stared at the TV in awe for what felt like hours.

What just happened?

'Ring ring, ring ring, ring ring!'

I jumped when I heard the sound of the phone ring loudly by my ear. I tentatively picked it up.

"H-hello?"

"Topaz? That you?"
"Volkner!?"

"Eh, you'll do. Tell my parents I have to go to Cadenza Town, Cynthia and the rest of the League are rendezvousing there."

"Cadenza Town?" I've never heard of that place before.

"It's a small farming town located on Route 210. It's even smaller than Solaceon and has even less to do. Just tell them that's where I'll be. I dunno how long this'll take," He quickly explained.

"Oh, alright, I will."

"Good. Remember, stay inside…" There was a long pause before Volkner spoke again. "Cynthia found her sister by the way. I thought you'd like to hear that."

My heart jumped . She did it… I'm… I'm happy for them. That's good.

I thanked him for telling me before I hung up the phone and looked out the window to check if I could spy Veilstone City. Even though it was dark out I could still see a vague cloud in the distance.

She really did get so much stronger since last time…

I simply sat by the window sill watching Veilstone City from a distance, wondering when Volkner and his team were coming home.

~~5 Days Later~~

I listened to the phone ring, waiting in anticipation for Volkner to answer. I've tried calling him a few times, but he's always been too busy to talk much. According to the news the kidnapping victims were actually saved, but their situation was being kept under wraps. No one has even seen them on film or anything yet, but my Grandma was talking about how their families were contacted.

Not a good sign… but maybe…

My parents… they went missing around when the kidnappings started, so maybe they'll be there and Volkner couldn't say anything about it? I got all hopeful, making excuses as to why we haven't heard anything yet. I was desperate for answers which is why I needed to talk to Volkner now.

The beeps stopped and I could hear a very familiar exasperated sigh on the other side of the phone.

"Topaz, this you?"

"Uncle! Are you free?" I asked eagerly.

"Yawn… for the moment yeah, but I was about to sleep. It's late and I gotta get up early."

I took a deep breath before exhaling.

"Did you find Mother and Daddy?"

I heard a swift grunt before he began to speak.

"Topaz… are Grandma and Granddad around?"

"They are busy, but I'm here. Where are my parents? Can they go on the phone now?"

Volkner took a deep breath. "We couldn't find them, Topaz. They aren't here."

I paused. Did I hear that right?

"Topaz?"

I woke from my stir. "What?"

"They're gone."

"I know that, but where have they gone?"

In the background I could hear him whisper something to someone, but I couldn't make it who it was. "Volkner, where are they!?"

"I don't know… I'm sorry..."

The world froze at that declaration.

He's just kidding right? No, they can't be gone, Mother said she'd be coming back and we could all be a family again. She promised me! Why would she lie? Where else could they be?

"Topaz? Topaz!"

I dropped the phone and ran to my room slamming the door behind me. I jumped onto my bed and screamed into my pillow.

Why!? Why did she lie? Why did they have to go!? I'm all alone again! Everyone is gone…

I cried myself to sleep that night. My grandparents tried to console me, but I just kept yelling at them. Eventually they left me alone… alone to my thoughts…

After all this time they still won't come home. Why… why do I have to be alone?

~~Sunyshore Gym Construction Site, December Year 8520~~

PoV: Volkner Beacon.

My hands traveled across the keyboards of my computer at lightning speeds. There was construction going on within the gym right now, but I toned it out with my headphones and focused on my work.

Renovations are going well. Soon we'll be able to open. Actually have some bloody puzzles in this place and hire some more gym trainers. Some mechanics would be good to have close by too, as long as they can handle pokemon care. Could prolly stand to get some pokemon from the other regions outside of the main 4. I'll send an email to the Nimbasa leader later.

'Ding ding'

"She must be here," I said as I reached into my pocket to look at who texted me. "Right on time."

Before I got up, I put my jacket back on before leaving my new office area. It's still a work in progress, but it's got a beginning library and a lot of my tools from the house in here. My desktop was the first priority, but even that's due for an upgrade. That can wait till everything else is squared away though. I walked past some Machoke and Meditite helping their trainers with construction.

We're undergoing a major overhaul of the place now that I'm gym leader and I've taken inspiration from more creative gyms as to how I want it built. We've got the budget considering all the matches we've won over the years and considering I'm slowly learning how to power the entire city, but it's still pricey.

The pokemon will appreciate the extra space in their rest area, but until then they'll have to make do.

I walked into the reception desk area where I saw Cynthia waiting.

"Glad you could make it," I said, extending a hand.

She shook it, smiling a bit. "Of course. As if I wouldn't come." She glanced towards the rest of the gym. "I see you've decided simply having a couple trainers and an arena wasn't interesting enough."

I turned around to look at everyone working diligently over the blueprints they'd helped me arrange. I thought I had some pretty out there ideas, but they kind of just glanced at it and went to work. Must be used to gym leaders.
"New champion, new standards."

"I absolutely approve. Do you have a copy of the schematics handy? Just out of my own curiosity is all."

I took out my phone, found the files and sent right over. "The idea came to me while I was eating lunch one day. The electric barriers from Vermillion's gym gave me ideas so I utilized them for the puzzle room, but I also wanted trainers to answer questions like in Cinnabar's gym to weed out the idiots faster. The theme is gears and there are 4 battlefields, 3 for my gym trainers and 1 for the gym leader. Depending on their battles and answers determines how fast they get to challenge me as the gears rotate. What do ya think?"

She put a hand to her mouth before she just started laughing. "You thought of all this while having lunch? And people call me a prodigy. It's wonderful. And it shows that you're more than capable of doing what I came here to ask of you."

I put away my phone. "So, what's up?"

She took out a map of Sinnoh, with some simple lines drawn on it. "I'd like it if you could manage generating the region's power. Clearly you're more than capable with tech, and I want to make absolutely certain that we can maximize how much energy can be generated while intruding as little as possible onto Pokemon's homes. If there's anything I've learned while I was traveling, it's that humans need to bother Pokemon less. Of course your solar panels are perfect for this, and while I have some ideas myself I'd like to hear whether or not you're up to this."

Before I answered I took a moment to actually look at this map to see if it was feasible. Sinnoh has had a power problem for a while now. Floaroma has got the windworks, but that's nowhere near enough. I've got my own plans for Sunyshore, but this…

These locations are smart choices. I'd make some edits here and there if we're going to be powering multiple cities with these generators, but with the right budget and resources, I can make it work.

"It's possible. It'll be costly though. Some of these areas are known for their flatlands so windpower would be optimal which I've been studying up on. Course we'll need to make pseudo generators so electric types don't flock to the main cities' power supply. I've got my solar panel walkways plan in mind for Sunyshore, but if I observe what we've got to work with I can consult and devise plans," I said before pocketing the map.

"Thank you for this," she sighed, "I was hoping you'd say yes. Of course you can devise and edit to your heart's content. In addition, because this is most certainly going to require quite a bit of money, I've already made a deposit for you. If you need more, I'll do my best to procure it. Setting up everything I'd like to do is going to take time, but I'd say that having the power running across Sinnoh is just a tad important."

"Building a league and a region at the same time ain't easy. I've had to close my gym for renovations, but Lucian already set me up for some tournaments to gain exposure to Sinnoh gym leaders. He said something about how the exposure would draw in investors allowing us to actually make the League we want."

A weary smile crossed her face. "I'm well aware. My mother would have a fit if someone tried to pay her in exposure, but for trainers that's actually feasible. I also have two other requests, but these are much simpler. I'd like to establish a region-wide system of having gym leaders get potential starter Pokemon to give to new trainers, but I'd also like you to practice discretion with this." She put a hand to her head.

"So many thoughts, but moving on. If you can teach those in Sunyshore to not attack wild Pokemon for experience, please do. Experience can be gained in trainer battles perfectly fine, and the amount of Pokemon who were ready to attack me on sight and then didn't when they realized I wasn't about to suddenly attack them for no reason is horrifying."

"Hmmm, I remember that from my own journey. I'll let the mayor know; is that another one of your new laws waiting to be passed?"

"It is. Lucian's been quite helpful in letting me know what should be done first." She rubbed her eyes slightly, yet had a fulfilled look in her eyes. "It's tiring, but this is exactly what I wanted to get into. And I know it'll get easier as time goes on. Speaking of… is Topaz alright?"

"At least you have no regrets and you've got that brainiac on your side. As for Topaz, he's been better lately. Still pretty quiet, but I think he's adapting. It was a lot to process and he's still not completely okay, but he'll get there," I said, rubbing the back of my head.

She gave a relieved sigh. "I'm glad to hear. My sister still hasn't vocalized anything since I helped them all escape. She'll speak via sign language, which wasn't the worst to learn, but nonetheless. I'm worried for her. So it's nice to hear that Topaz is managing at the least."

I grimaced. "So she still can't talk about it all huh… Topaz is tough, he'll get through it. Your sister got through that hell alive, one day she'll be okay again."

"Helheim."

I did a double take. "Helheim?"

"She and everyone else who made it out have taken to calling the event Helheim. Which, if even a fraction of what I've heard happened to any one person I'd say it's apt. With everything, I'm not even sure the name Helheim does it justice. But it's best for them to be the ones to name it, and it's not like we particularly had a name in mind."

Her brow furrowed and she opened her mouth, paused and shook her head. "I know for a fact the priority for us is to make sure nothing like that happens ever again."

I folded my arms. "The fact Galactic has been able to elude us for 2 months ain't looking too good, but it's been quiet. Not even a mention of a kidnapping all over the region, so unless they've left Sinnoh we've left them crippled. We just have got to use this time to prepare for when they come back…" I closed my eyes before opening. "So, you want gym leaders to give out pokemon now? They started doing in the other regions right, instead of relying on just family or professors?"

She nodded, dragging herself back to the matters at hand. "Exactly. Asking ten year olds to trek across a region without a Pokemon is nigh on suicide. Frankly I don't think ten year olds should be trekking across the region at all , but that's something for the future."

I had to chuckle at that. "Coming from the 11 year old is ironic. Regardless, I'll look into it. It'll be nice finding all these electric tykes some good homes besides bumming around or till they go off into the wild."

A grin crossed her face. "One last matter. One I'm sure you'll be interested in. Not today, but about that rematch we were scheduled for."

"My arena is a bit messed up right now, but hey we can make it a grand spectacle when the Sinnoh League arenas are finished. Get more fundraising while we're at it too."

Hate to postpone a good match, but it looks like I'll be busy for a minute. Better make sure Roland and the others don't get soft on me now.

She checked her phone, then looked back. "Sorry, but I've got to leave. I have some time to spend with my family and Lance is keen to try and prove that three Dragonites is a brilliant battle tactic. Again."

"Well I wouldn't want to hold you up from that. Peace out, Cynthia," Giving her a two finger salute wave. She gave the same in return with a smile.

"Same to you, Volkner. Stay safe." A whirl of her cloak billowing behind her, a roar of a terrifying Garchomp and air screaming as they left. And she was gone.

She really does leave like a champion. Huh.

I turned around and looked back at the gym. The construction workers were busy fitting in the gears into place, making sure each one was secure and served its proper function. I took out the map Cynthia gave me with all the generators listed before looking up towards the glass ceiling above the unfinished arena.

Looks like I'll be busy for a long time. I let loose a deep sigh before smiling towards the sky. What a pain.

~~Chapter 2 Fin~~