Chapter 16 – Report

"What have we found out?" he asked as the young woman entered the room. He needed to remain level as usual. It unnerved most people he met. And when things didn't go as planned or complications arose, he was still the same level demeanor. So when news came of Jupiter's run from Eterna and a police investigation at the Galactic building there, people were worried. Nothing like this had ever happened before and the company was known for upstanding work.

Before Jupiter arrived in his office, Cyrus was watching the news from Eterna. Reports were unsettling for the company at best, but the spokespeople for Galactic corporation were handling the situation… adequately. Cyrus had remained out of the spotlight for the time being but would probably have to make a statement soon if only to reassure shareholders. The stock hit at the moment was acceptable but it would not do to continue losing profit. At least, not while his goals and plans were still some time away.

Jupiter walked in looking somewhat nervous. Her eyes were wide and she had taken care to look the part of a professional. She was wearing a simple white blouse and black skirt, hair pulled back into a bun. By all accounts, no one would recognize her as a commander. She stood behind one of the chairs looking out of the window while she waited for her commander in chief to address her. The question caught her off guard.

"Sir?"

"I do not find much use in constantly having to repeat myself Jupiter" the man said in his almost monotone voice.

"Sorry sir. The information from Eterna was far more than I had originally assumed it to be."

"In what way?"

"The statue sir was not what I hypothesized." Cyrus looked at the young woman resting his forearms on his desk. After a moment he gestured to one of the chairs which Jupiter took. She sat back straight and legs angled and hands in her lap.

"I've read some of the report but summarize it."

"The statue sir, I believed to be a convergence point. But it is just a simple representation of powers much greater than expected. We know of some legendary Pokemon out there with amazing qualities and unquantifiable power. Something that those who have experienced it can't describe accurately. These Pokemon however that I found out about… Sir they are just legendries. I think they are closer to gods." Cyrus didn't seem fazed by this information. He simply leaned back and turned around.

"Sir the statue in Eterna was a fusion of legends. Representations of both Pokemon spoken of and therefore not a depiction. There was a historian of sorts in the city as well though and he said that these Pokemon were around during the beginning of our universe. That they are the corporal representatives of space and time and hold those powers themselves." Unbeknownst to Jupiter, Cyrus was actually smiling. This was precisely the information he was hoping for. He had always assumed the legends were not just stories passed down but rather were founded in truth. Now it would appear that he was right. Silence enveloped the room.

"Are they real?" Cyrus finally asked, breaking the silence. He still wasn't facing Jupiter.

"I believe so yes. They don't seem to have much bearing beyond the obvious in our world currently, but they must somehow exist out there. There was one more thing sir." At this, Cyrus did finally turn and face his commander once more.

"There is evidence that a third power may also exist. I don't have any empirical data to back this assertion but the myths and points always point to a triangle. Another power to balance the other two."

"So if one were to attempt to access one of the two powers, the third may also come in to play?"

"Yes sir."

"Your next mission is to find any information out about this third power." Jupiter nodded. She was still nervous and maintaining perfect posture however waiting for judgement she knew must be coming.

"You will have any resources required at your disposal. It is a top priority."

"Understood sir."

"Anything else to report?"

"Just one more thing sir. I believe there is a convergence point here in Sinnoh still."

"Not in Eterna then."

"No sir. I believe at the top of Mt. Cornet. People have found ruins at the peak and there are interesting energy readings there. Some myths I found pointed to this area being a hotspot. Even researchers have examined it and believe there to be something more to those ruins than what you can just see on the surface." Cyrus frowned and looked at the paperwork before him. Jupiter waited in silence.

"I will see it properly studied then. You will have any reports I deem needing of further consideration."

"Yes sir." Cyrus nodded and Jupiter took her cue to leave. As she reached the door however, Cyrus added the one thing she was fearing.

"Jupiter?"

"Yes sir?" she asked turning to face her boss and taking her hand off the door knob.

"Do not make a mistake like this again. We cannot tolerate any disturbances and extra scrutiny. Keep the soilders in your command under control. You will not be held accountable for this accident but unable to be found. Am I understood?" Jupiter felt her eyes tear up and throat constrict. There was no tone of threat nor anger but something chilled the commander none the less.

"Yes sir" she replied in a tight voice.

"Dismissed."

The CEO walked through his companies labs towards the man who was working day and night to bring about a fruition to Cyrus' plans. People were working diligently as they created breakthroughs for technology or increased profits. Computers screens illuminated faces that Cyrus viewed more as drones. He would never understand the ability people had to simply stand under heel and work without complaint. He had never once showed any compassion for those without the will to make a difference. It simply made them useful cannon fodder.

"Charon I hope we have made some process?" Cyrus asked as he stepped up to the older scientist.

"I believe so yes. But getting what we need will not be easy. By my estimations we are likely a year away from any meaningful advances."

"So you have a theory then?"

"I do yes. If this information is accurate, and considering the source it is, then we need a way to open the door from our side. Something no known species is capable of doing."

"Then we need the technology to do it for us."

"Not quite. I mean yes, but not in the way you are referring to. Instead we need to create the key to the lock."

"I thought you said we needed to create a doorway."

"We do."

"Charon I do not have the patience to decipher what you mean."

"If there already exists a weak point, then we can simply create a key to open the portal to one of their worlds."

"Something such as a convergence point." Cyrus said in an undertone.

"Precisely! There cannot be a way that these species exist without an access point where they do not need to exhaust themselves to enter our plane."

"And you have a means to open this?" Charon smiled and pulled up the files on the computer, projecting them onto his office wall. Cyrus walked up to the picture showing a triangle on a cave wall and three unidentifiable Pokemon. Inside was a circle.

"The key to the goal" Charon said.

It was said to traverse the caverns of Mt. Cornet was to find yourself steeped in the worlds history. That from which everything came was found within the mountains bowels. And atop the peak sat the ruins of the planet itself. Said to be as old as the earth itself, these ruins had baffled historians and researchers for years. Even the best trainers in the world couldn't place what it was about them, yet all agreed that there was something about the ruins that gave off an aura of timeless power.

Within the mountain, people had created tunnels finding items of untold historic relevance. No one alive knew how old the paths were but they had been in use for years upon years. Upon these paths, destinies had been followed. Those who would change the world around them walked here attempting to do the unthinkable.

The young woman who walked up to him to admire the underground water system and its accompanying waterfall seemed so full of life. Cyrus was almost taken aback by the full force of determination and emotion written upon her face. Her features were made that much more beautiful. She took a few minutes to gather her breath as her team arrayed around the young woman to also admire natures beauty.

"According to one theory, Mt. Cornet is where the Sinnoh region began." Cyrus had no idea what prompted him to speak to this young woman. It wasn't like he found her interesting. No, that was a lie. There was something about this trainer that had captured his attention. Or was it the collection of Pokemon? They seemed to follow her completely willingly. A Grotle, Ponyta, Luxio, Togepi and Gible? That was not the mark of an unsuccessful trainer.

"I'm sorry?" she asked in reply. Perhaps she had barely registered she had stopped next to another human being.

"There is a theory about this mountain" Cyrus repeated not in the least bit annoyed. "The Sinnoh region was first formed here. In a newly created world, where only time flowed and space expanded…" The young woman was looking at him with interest.

"All this beauty… A place where there had been no strife…. What then, became of this world?" Cyrus asked. The trainer seemed taken aback by the question.

"I'm not sure I understand what you mean…" she said in a quiet voice.

"How does a world which should have known no strife, a world of perfection and natural beauty, how does it become the world in which we know today?" The trainer frowned and looked back at the waterfall.

"I don't know. I suppose that times change? With that change comes the struggle of attempting to keep what we know and are comfortable with. Change scares most people because change is unknowable." Cyrus was silent for a minute to digest what she had said. There was truth to her words, but also hope. So much hope in fact that Cyrus himself wished she was right rather than he.

"You are not completely wrong, but that is not solely the reason. No instead, it is because the human spirit is weak and incomplete. This has allowed strife to spread to all aspects of our lives. The world is being ruined by it, a state which I find deplorable." He had to turn away. While he had said something to an outsider, it was something she needed to understand. The truth could not be run from. It must be faced and confronted.

"What was that all about?" Chase asked as the man walked away. All eye's of Jill's team followed him as the gloom swallowed his form.

"I'm not sure Chase. That view of the wold, its so empty. I mean yes humans as a whole have caused as much harm as good but… I don't know. To put the blame solely at the feet of mankind for all strife?" Jill was frowning once more.

"For some, the pain of knowledge is too much to bear" Epona said. Everyone now turned to look at the fire type.

"Figures hot stuff over there would go deep…" Chase muttered. Sphyrna was looking from one to the other not sure what to make of the exchange.

"What do you mean the pain of knowledge?" Jill asked ignoring Chase completely.

"That which he believes trainer is almost too much to bear. He is closed to himself and others and thus it eats away at him."

"How could you tell?" Caladan asked.

"Because there is a steel about him that is rare. Very few humans or Pokemon poccess it, or so it was said among the herd. We travelled and only those who could show that iron in their spine were worth our time" Epona answered. This was the most she had really spoken at one time and seemed suddenly shy about the information she had divulged.

"Wait so is that why you stopped for blue here?" Chase pipped in.

"It's the only reason I'm here" Sphyrna said. She understood what the fire type was saying because she had seen the similarity between Jill and the unknown man as well. Jill was looking at her team shocked. She hadn't realized they all thought so highly of her.

"Come on everyone, we need to get out of this mountain. We have another gym match to prepare for remember?"

The tiny Pokemon looked out between the bushes. Other wild Pokemon in the area had heard about a trainer who was more powerful than any other that had passed through the area in a while. Even the most powerful in the area wanted to see what the fuss was about. Perhaps they would be able to take down a trainer Pokemon! Or even better, join them.

Icarium wasn't a normal strong Pokemon however. Everyone always overlooked the little guy because he was such a pushover. His will power was second to none, but he couldn't muster up the strength to be effective. His despair was growing daily.

At first he hadn't realized why he was so attracted to the area. This meadow wasn't anything special. In fact it was here that the stronger Pokemon came to spar. These bushes were frequently used by Icarium to spy out upon those doing battle. But on this evening, something else had drawn him forward. The happiness here was palpable, even to those who weren't sensitive to it such as Icarium. Other Pokemon of the same species were seen whispering in the woods about the feeling which had passed them by. Icarium was the only one to follow.

Out in the meadow the light was poor. He could vaguely make out something like fire sparks and a bright light. There were other shapes moving there as well. He needed to get closer. Pushing out his senses, Icarium made his way closer to the encampment. Something was going on with the raised voices and excitement…

"Oh Sphyrna! That's amazing!" The dragon was also looking pleased. She had only been travelling with this team of Pokemon and their trainer but already she had evolved. No longer the stubby little Pokemon she had been, now she was far more powerful. Arms had grown out, ending in sharpened claws. Her arm wings weren't as developed yet as a fully evolved Garchomp, but it was a start. And her tail! It was longer and more powerful, a perfect counterbalance to her more powerful legs which would most certainly make her a faster opponent.

"You've evolved! How's it feel toothy?" Chase asked slyly.

"Bet I'm faster than you now jumpy!" Sphyrna fired back. Everyone laughed while Chase scowled. He was never going to live down his attempted pre-emptive strike against Sphyrna when they had first met.

"You look very good" Epona said almost dreamily. She was still a bit away from evolving, but she was both large enough and strong enough that Jill could ride most of the day on her back now if she so desired. Jill was impressed as Sphyrna was almost as tall as she was now. Only a couple inches shorter. Urim was happily clapping along, causing Sphyrna to nuzzle the smaller Pokemon's head as he balanced on Caladan's shell.

"Jill, something's out there" Chase said quietly but seriously. Everyone froze and went on guard. Sphyrna moved much faster than she was expecting and almost tripped. Caladan caught her and steadied her. A quick nod of thanks before Jill placed her palm out and shook her head. Sphyrna's head tilted in confusion but something about Jill's expression told her to wait. Instead Epona and Chase took point.

"Hello?" Jill called out. Silence greeted her.

Icarium was breathing fast and hard. His rustling had given him away and now he was scared. He wasn't strong enough to take on a dragon! And one was simply roaming around with that trainer. She must be powerful to control such a beast. But the happiness had almost completely drawn him out.

"Hello?" said the feminine voice. Icarium crouched down as far as he could shutting his eyes tight.

"I could have sworn I saw something over there…" said a male voice. Icarium's senses quested out once more attempting to find an escape route. He lay frozen once more as a being came close. Once it was within range…

"AAAHHH!" Icarium shouted mustering up his power and launching it at the unsuspecting Pokemon. It lurched back and was flipped by the psychic power. Chest heaving, Icarium straightened. If he was to meet his end, then he would face it bravely.

"Wait Chase!" That same voice as before, the one that Icarium felt with kindness and peace. The one called Chase was standing close fur on end, fangs bared. Icarium wasn't sure if he could muster another attack like that.

"Chase this one is small but has the spirit of a warrior. See how it stands? It will attempt to fight back."

"What's your point Epona?!" Chase was in battle mode. A horse like creature stepped close, a sense of calm washing over Icarium from the Pokemon. That did nothing to ease his fear nor adrenaline coursing through his body.

"Wait everyone! That's a Ralts!" the female voice said. Everyone seemed to back off a touch at this statement. Icarium was very confused about what was going on. He finally took his glance away from the foreign Pokemon to inspect the person coming closer. He was shocked as this seemed to be the trainer that everyone in the area was talking about. She crouched down in front of Icarium.

"Hey there little guy" she said in a kind voice. "That was one hell of a confusion attack there. It takes quite a bit of power to knock Chase back like that. I'm impressed!" Her sincerity caught Icarium off guard. No one had ever said anything like that to him.

"Do you think he can talk?" Chase asked when Icarium stayed silent.

"Give him a minute" Epona said. Icarium was surveying the surrounding team with interest when the youngest member came over.

"Hi hi!" Urim said in an excited voice. The pure joy and happiness exuding from the young Pokemon filled Icarium with an unseen light. The two were immediately friends and not only that but Icarium knew that this human was different. Here was someone who could very well give him the strength he so desperately sought after.

"Hello" he said very quietly.

"You're quite an interesting little guy. Do you mind my asking what brought you here?" the trainer asked.

"I felt the happiness." That simple statement caught the entire team off guard. "Its been so very long since I've felt this emotion in the area."

"You mean the local Pokemon here aren't happy?" the trainer asked.

"No they are… its me who hasn't." This trainer's sadness at the statement was genuine and concerning to Icarium. It was an emotion he didn't want her to feel ever again.

"Why?"

"Because I need to be stronger. But I'm not getting any stronger…"

"Wait… you're not strong?" Chase asked. He was still surprised from the confusion attack. He wouldn't exactly call that a weak attack.

"No everyone else here is so much stronger. And I need to be."

"But why do you need to be stronger?" the human asked.

"Because everyone here is strong and they are constantly pushing around those of us who aren't! Its just…" Icarium looked down. What he wasn't expecting was to suddenly be face to face with the dragon of the group.

"You're small but you have a warrior spirit" the dragon said. "Not the right smell. But worth having around."

"Sphyrna are you saying you want to bring him along?" the trainer asked.

"Why would you bring me over the stronger Pokemon here?" Icarium asked.

"Because everyone here seems to see something in you. And quite frankly so do I." Icarium was shocked.

"You'll bring me with you?" the human smiled and nodded. A slow smile spread across the tiny Pokemon's face.

"So what's your name?"

"Icarium. My name is Icarium!"

Jillian's Pokemon:
Caladan (Grotle) - level 21, ability: Overgrow, nature: Bashful
Chase (Luxio) - level 20, ability: Intimidate, nature: Impish
Epona (Ponyta) - level 21, ability: Run Away, nature: Naughty
Urim (Togepi) - level 10, ability: Serene Grace, nature: Brave
Icarium (Ralts) - level 17, ability: Trace, nature: Lonely

Another chapter up, this one focusing on Team Galactic once more. Hope you're all enjoying my take on the corporation both business and criminal elements. Let me know your thoughts!