POKÉMON: INFINITE LEGACIES
THE CIPRYS REGION
CHAPTER 4
THE SHADOW OF FESTIVALIGHT, PART I

Back inside the Pokémon Centre, Flame asked Nurse Joy to heal only Litten. He sensed faint disapproval in her voice as she acknowledged his request. He agreed—but only a little. Sure, some would call battling so soon after healing his Pokémon reckless, but the battle had provided both he and Litten with valuable experience to take forward into their future.

Nurse Joy returned shortly after with Litten's Poké Ball. "Try not to come back so soon next time," she said with a good-humoured smile.

Flame rubbed the back of his head; with his other hand, his right, he took Litten's Poké Ball. "Heh, sorry. Thanks for healing Litten again."

"That's perfectly alright," Nurse Joy responded, still smiling brightly. Some might say their constant smiles were creepy, but the Nurse Joys of the Ciprys Region, like all the others, were known for their fantastic customer service record—as well as their expertise in healing Pokémon, of course!

Flame turned around. He envisioned the start of his journey: all the amazing Pokémon he was going to meet and all the strong trainers he was going to battle—he could hardly wait!

He was about to hurry through the automatic doors of the Pokémon Centre and out into the fading sunshine when a familiar-looking girl hurtled past. Flame was forced to quickly sidestep to avoid her. He might have said, "Watch it!" but stopped himself, noticing the look on her face.

Kaitlyn was her name. She'd been the student rep for their class, and although her much, much higher grades had set her apart socially from him, he'd never had a problem with her. In fact, while others had viewed the student rep election as a popularity contest, he'd voted for her because he thought she was the best candidate. Some of their classmates had even whispered that she'd give the Champion's son a run for his money in a battle. That's why it was such a surprise to see a talented, responsible, and composed person like Kaitlyn in tears, rushing without a thought of her surroundings toward Nurse Joy with her Pokémon cradled in her arms.

"Nurse Joy!" she panted. "Please! Please heal Bulbasaur! She . . . she's so badly hurt!"

Nurse Joy scanned her gaze over Bulbasaur; concern blossomed in her blue eyes. "What happened?" she asked gently.

Flame no longer looked, or moved, toward the exit. He looked back. He looked toward Kaitlyn and Nurse Joy. He didn't want to be nosy, but his surprise had hardened to disbelief. What could have happened to Kaitlyn in the hours since they'd collected their starter Pokémon?! Flame crept closer.

"I saw a wild Pokémon down an alleyway—or I'd thought it was wild at the time. When me and Bulbasaur had cornered the Pokémon, their trainer appeared. He challenged us. I accepted, but . . ." Kaitlyn couldn't go on. "I'm sorry, Bulbasaur, so sorry—I've let you down," she choked.

"It's okay," Nurse Joy soothed. Whilst listening to Kaitlyn's explanation, the resourceful nurse had summoned her assistant, Chansey, and had come out from behind the counter to take a closer look at Bulbasaur. "Can I please have Bulbasaur's Poké Ball?"

Kaitlyn opened her mouth to speak, but couldn't respond.

Nurse Joy nodded to Chansey. "Don't worry. Bulbasaur will be better before you know it."

"Chansey," Chansey soothed, prising Bulbasaur from Kaitlyn's arms and placing the seed Pokémon onto a stretcher.

Kaitlyn looked on for a heartbeat before she brought her hands up in front of her face and sobbed into her palms.

Flame still couldn't believe it. He had to blink and remind himself this Kaitlyn was Kaitlyn and not some imposter, a Ditto in disguise! What on Ciprys happened to her? he again wondered. A part of him wanted to go over and make sure she was okay, perhaps stay with her until Bulbasaur was healed, but awkwardness stopped him. He hardly knew her, and he already felt bad for staying to eavesdrop. I don't want to say the wrong thing and make her feel worse, he thought.

Flame half-turned. He was about to leave the Pokémon Centre, but for the second time, stopped himself—Frost had appeared out of nowhere and was heading toward Kaitlyn. What's he . . . wait! He must have been listening in like me. But why does he care? He knows Kaitlyn just as much as I do.

Frost stopped in front of Kaitlyn. "Kaitlyn, what happened?" he questioned. "What did this trainer do?"

Kaitlyn didn't respond. Flame, listening from where he stood, wasn't even sure she knew Frost was there, or that she even recognised the white-haired teen.

"Kaitlyn," Frost pressed.

"I don't have Bulbasaur's Poké Ball because he destroyed it, okay? After he crushed Bulbasaur, his Pokémon took it and destroyed it, okay . . ." sobbing again.

Frost was silent as if he was thinking of what to say next.

By this time, a few other trainers inside the Pokémon Centre had paid attention to Kaitlyn and had also overheard what she'd told Frost. "Crap," one of them muttered under her breath.

"What?" her friend said, stood beside her.

"This has happened before. They called him the Shadow of Festivalight. He went around seeking 'worthy opponents' to face. If he deemed them worthy, he'd let them go after battling, but . . ."

"But what?"

"If he didn't," she murmured, "he'd take their Poké Balls and destroy them as a warning—even if a trainer still had Pokémon inside. He disappeared years ago, thank Zeurelic, but his actions were partly why the age limit was raised."

"Really . . . ? That doesn't sound good."

She smiled back at her friend. "He wouldn't last long against Alyssa, I bet."

"Maybe . . ."

Flame overheard most of the conversation. So did Frost.

"I'll find him," Frost said quietly. "I'll find that creep. I'll make him pay."

Earlier the streets of Festivalight had seemed so vibrant, so peaceful, but now a dark shadow had stretched over and across them and no longer did Flame feel so content, especially since the sun was beginning to set and the number of people and Pokémon on the streets had dwindled.

As he walked, anxiety jabbed him hard in between his ribs. The Pokémon Academy of Festivalight was supposedly the greatest in Ciprys, but if Kaitlyn was beaten so easily, how would he cope? If he came across her attacker.

Flame gulped inwardly. He was desperate to become stronger, and he knew that would only happen if he faced stronger trainers, but he feared what might happen. He didn't need a Xatu to see into the future for him. Litten had already endured one defeat, and he refused to sacrifice his Pokémon when he knew how hopeless their attempt at victory would be. He thought of his two Pokémon—safe, for now, inside their Poké Balls—and shivered at the prospect of a loss against the Shadow of Festivalight.

Flame glanced up at the sky, which was darkening by the minute. Was it wise to travel as night neared? With that in mind, thinking too of the Shadow, he decided he'd better stop off at one of the Pokémon Centres nearer the edge of the city. Festivalight City, situated toward the eastern tip of the Ciprys region, only had one route in and out.

He continued down Festivalight's main street, watching the sun uneasily. He came to a stop suddenly when a young girl rushed straight into his path. Flame suppressed a sigh; it was his sister. Although most was hidden beneath a patterned knitted hat with ear flaps, she shared his dark brown hair while her eyes were a paler shade of orange. Her face was more rounded than his, however—chubbier because of her younger age and her legs and arms slimmer.

"What are you doing here?" Flame said. "You should be back at Grandpa's."

Helia folded her arms theatrically. "You didn't say bye!"

"I did last night."

"Last night's not today though, is it?"

"Well, bye." Flame sidestepped her and started to walk away. As he did, he glanced up again at the sky; the sun was lower than before, shadows haunting the street. I've already wasted enough time, he thought.

"I'm not gonna see you for months."

Guilt stabbed at his heart. He felt bad. Nothing could stop him from leaving, but with only their grandfather for company in Festivalight, he realised he should have handled that exchange more delicately.

Flame turned, returned to his sister, and dropped to one knee. "You'll start at the Academy soon," he said softly. "You'll be busy then."

"I suppose . . ."

"What's wrong?"

"If I need help, or I struggle at the Academy, what do I do?"

"Speak to Grandpa," Flame answered, suspecting this was Helia's true reason for rushing to see him. "Or—you should be in one of her classes—ask Professor Aconite for advice. She was super helpful when I was at the Academy."

"Can I see your license?"

At the time, Flame was more concerned with making his little sister feel better than keeping hold of his trainer's license. Her request surprised him. However, he reasoned Helia wanted to see what her hardwork at the Academy would bring her. He got it out of his wallet and handed it to her. "This is it," he said proudly. "Once you graduate, you get one of these and a pick of 21 starter Pokémon too."

Helia pulled it closer to her.

Out of curiosity, Flame guessed.

"Who did you pick?" she asked, genuinely interested.

"Litten. We just faced a boy from our class, actually, but we lost. Next time, though, it'll be different!"

"Oh. Sorry about that."

"It's not your fault. We gave our all, so I didn't feel too bad in the end."

"Sorry about this too."

Helia turned away.

Shock pulsed through Flame.

Helia tucked his trainer's license into her pocket and scrambled away.

Before Flame could comprehend what had happened, he was racing after his sister. "What are you doing?!" he shouted after her.

She gave no response—either she had not heard, or chose not to.

Damnit! Flame thought. I don't know why she's doing this, but they won't let me leave the city without that trainer's license. I could get another one ordered, of course, but that'll take time. Time that Frost can use to get stronger while me and Litten are sat here waiting.

Flame wished for a Flying-type Pokémon as his smaller and more agile sister twisted left and right through Festivalight's tight, meandering sidestreets. If he had a Pidgeot, or even a Swellow, he would only need to send them out in pursuit. Then he could follow at a much more leisurely pace. Maybe in the future that would be a possibility—but in the present, still he was forced to hurry after his sister. If she didn't keep veering from street to street, his longer legs might have given him the advantage in outright speed.

Buildings blurred past as he followed, Helia just in sight but always beyond his reach. She didn't seem to be tiring—but then again, neither was he. He was thankful now for their arduous fitness routine at the Academy which, although had been a deep irritation at first, had been designed to keep them up to speed with their future Pokémon partners as much as possible.

Just when his breaths were becoming ragged did he start to gain on her. Helia never looked back, but perhaps she sensed this too. All of a sudden, she darted into an alleyway and disappeared from his sight.

Flame pictured all the time he'd spent at the Academy. All his hardwork and that was his reward. Whatever emotions his sister was feeling, he didn't care; he'd earnt his trainer's license and was determined to get it back.

Flame entered the alleyway. Helia seemed to have made it to the end, only to realise a fence blocked her from reaching the other side. She was three-quarters up the alley and might have doubled back and returned to the sidestreet, but now Flame stood in the way.

The Council of Festivalight encouraged everyone to exercise as much as possible, and thus all schools, not just the Academy, had adopted a focus on fitness. Even so, Helia was visibly close to her limit. Her stomach heaved and her lungs gasped for air. Her eyes locked with Flame's.

Helia saw only anger there. His patience and affection for her had shattered because of what she'd done, and she understood why. He hates me for this, she thought, but it's the only way to keep him safe.

Flame stepped toward her. "Why'd you take it?" he panted.

"You wouldn't understand," she retorted. While you were in the Academy, I was home with grandpa. I remember what happened to Mum and Dad—even if you don't! Tears might have dripped down her face if she'd been alone, if Flame wasn't nearing her as each heartbeat thumped in her chest. I have to protect him from what's out there. No one else will!

Helia dared another look over her shoulder. I wasn't sure before, but . . . it might be my only chance.

Flame saw this movement. He followed her gaze and was alarmed by what he spotted. Because Helia had stopped, he'd presumed the alley was a dead-end. However, the fence at the end was old, and time had chipped away at its bottom, panels bent back. If Helia struggled through, she might fit through.

Then, before he could think what to do—or what to say, Helia snapped round and raced for the gap. With no other choice, Flame bounded forward and dashed after her. She was a few paces ahead, and since she had initiated the resumption of the chase, she'd gained a foot or two there too. He would only have one chance when she had to slow and get herself underneath the fence. He'd have to lunge forward and grab an arm or leg.

Before he knew it, the moment arrived. Helia slowed. Sprinting toward her, he covered the gap in seconds. She spun, fell onto her back, and gripped the other side of the fence with both hands. She pushed and her body followed. Flame lunged, grasping at her ankle. Time seemed to slow. His right hand closed in as Helia's body disappeared beyond the fence, but he grasped only air.

He measured the gap, but knew immediately he wouldn't fit under. He slammed a fist against the fence in frustration. He hadn't been trying to, but his action dislodged a single panel from the fence. This didn't change anything; there still wasn't a big enough gap.

Flame considered his options. He could have had Litten use Scratch or Ember to destroy the fence, but if he was found out, he would lose his license anyway and probably Litten too. It wasn't worth the risk. "You can't run forever!" he shouted in the end, no doubt she would hear.

Flame glanced up once again at the sky. Too distracted, he hadn't noticed. The moon had replaced the sun. He forgot about the dangers of night as he searched his mind for an answer of what to do next. He had to get his license back no matter what! He couldn't afford to waste time. He was focused purely on the future, of travelling the expanse of Ciprys and of becoming as strong as he possibly could, until shock widened his eyes and he flinched. A scream, recognisable and terrified, split his senses.

Guilt welled up in Helia's stomach, an uncomfortable pain, but she pushed it away. She was protecting him, her family, and that was all that mattered in the end, right? Now that Flame couldn't see her, she could hide his license so he'd have to stay in Festivalight! Her mission was accomplished!

Doubt clung to her. "Sooner or later, he'll get another," she thought aloud. "And then what? I'll have to find another way to stop him from leaving." She sighed. "And that'll be much harder . . . Oh well," a smile formed on her face, "this is all I can do for now. Mission completed!"

Helia was about to throw her brother's license into a garbage bin when a shadow fell over her. She felt cold; a shiver ran up her spine. She shuddered and her smile was no more. She looked up and saw it, cloaked in shadows and without a face. Terror overcame her. She thought of her parents' fate and could only open her mouth. Helia was not sure what happened next, legs frozen in fear, but her vision flashed to black. Flame's trainer license dropped from her hand and fell to the ground, as she did.

Author's Notes:
Another chapter published! Hooray! This one is the first of a mini arc focusing on an old villain of Festivalight's past.

This chapter in particular, of course, focused on Flame and his relationship with his sister, Helia. We were also introduced to another of Flame's former classmates, Class Rep Kaitlyn and her Bulbasaur.

Hope you enjoyed this chapter and you're looking forward to the next one! Remember to follow and/or favourite to keep up to date!