Delta 1
Three Years after Brendan became Champion
"Professor Cozmo! It's terrible, I need you to take a look at this right away," said a concerned astrophysicist at his computer.
The now gray-haired scientist, hearing the worried tone, almost ran to the man's side. "What's the problem?"
"Sir, the meteoroid's trajectory just changed out of nowhere. I ran the calculations repeatedly, and they all say the same thing," the scientist at the computer said. Cozmo didn't need to look at the screen's trajectory graph to know it was on a collision course with Earth.
"Where will it hit specifically?" he asked solemnly.
"Near a small island on Route 131. The meteoroid is six miles in diameter and it will most certainly wipe out the Hoenn region, as well as other regions nearby. Worst-case, it'll be enough to wipe out life on this planet."
"I see…" Dr. Cozmo looked to be deep in thought almost instantly. But…for it to suddenly change trajectory like that so suddenly…it would have to be…"
"Sir?"
Dr. Cozmo shook himself out of his stupor. "How long do we have before the meteor hits?"
"We have about three days," the scientist said.
"Contact Devon Corporation, tell them about this immediately. We'll need their help," he says.
"What about the Champion?" one of the assistants asked.
"He's four days from his wedding day. He and his fiancée don't need this stress right now," Dr. Cozmo said.
On the lone tower on Route 131, Sky Pillar, a woman with black hair about the length of her shoulders, with a black t-shirt with red claw-like patterns over her breasts, which was under a flowing tan cloak that looked almost like a jagged version of a Salamence's wings and tail, but the neck was surrounded by a black petal-shaped collar. She wore dark khaki shorts cut up to above her middle thigh. She wore gray open-toed shoes, with tan socks that went to just above her knees. On her right leg, however, there was a corkscrew-shaped anklet, almost looking like Rayquaza in flight, and it had a Keystone at the top of Rayquaza's head.
"Well, Aster, it seems that things have gotten tricky since those two stopped Kyogre and Groudon," she said to a little purple Pokémon with yellow ears. "But with this meteor approaching now…maybe tweaking a Keystone can help build up more of that same energy can get enough for what we need." The Whismur beside her gave a warble at the woman's words, making her smile weirdly. "Oh, Aster, I promise I'll protect you this time," she said with a hint of sadness and regret mixed with what most psychologists would consider a serious sign of instability.
In the three years that passed after Brendan took the title of Hoenn League Champion very little had been happening. Team Magma and Team Aqua had decided to merge into one group, which they now called Team Earth. It was a group dedicated simply to conservation efforts. With Shelly and Courtney working as the two leaders, Team Earth had done marvelous work in making Hoenn steadily look more beautiful and clean. Even Mauville, the most urban of cities, had become much cleaner by comparison to three years ago.
For Brendan and May personally, they had gotten much closer to one another. A year after Brendan became Champion, the two had moved in together, now owning one of the largest houses in Littleroot. They had enough space for their Pokémon to roam freely, and even space for battles and contest rehearsals. The following year, they started their own clothing line, which they designed for trainers. Since neither was creative with naming, they titled the line Maple Apparel Outfitters, and their products had proven to be wildly popular across the Hoenn region, quickly turning it into a global clothing line.
For May, however, today was the biggest change, and it happened in her doctor's office three days before she and Brendan got married. She had been getting some minor nausea lately, and she felt more groggy than usual in the mornings. So, just to be safe, she went for a check-up. Her doctor had run some tests and come back rather quickly with the results, and a smile on her face.
"Well, Miss Birch, it seems that congratulations are in order for you and your fiancé," her doctor said as she looked over the test results. "Your due date is around April 15."
May blinked in surprise for a moment, not yet comprehending what she had just been told. "My…due date?" she asked briefly, sounding confused before her eyes went wide. "Y-you mean that I'm…pregnant?"
"Yes, you're going to be a mother," her doctor said with a giggle and smile, watching as May's hand went to her belly, the shock of what she'd just been told etched across her face. "It was the same for me when I found out I was pregnant with my son," she said with a giggle as she wrote down the vitamin supplements May should take for the next nine months. "Just wait to see Mr. Maple's face."
May blanched a little at the thought at first before smiling and relaxing. "Brendan might freak out," she said before laughing slightly. Her eyes filled with tears of joy at the thought. "But…I'm going to be a mom."
Back at their house, Brendan was breathing heavily after finishing a training session with his team in the training fields behind the house. During the three years since becoming Champion, he had taken to working out with his Pokémon, their bonds strengthening greatly. He wasn't wearing his trademark hat at the moment, having decided to only use it for special battles after he became Champion. Gwen was by his side as he walked back to the house. "Gwen, you had a really good training session today," he said. "I'm pretty sure you've perfected Hyper Voice in every sense of the word."
Well, I had your help to develop it, Gwen said happily. During the three years after Brendan became the Champion, Gwen and Samuel had begun spending more time together, both reminiscing and having fun the same way that Brendan and May would on their dates. On a different topic, did you hear the news? You and May are going to have a meteor shower on your wedding night!
"Yeah, I heard. It'll be so romantic," Brendan said whimsically before a look of frustration crossed his face. "But I'm still looking for a good wedding gift."
Still? Brendan, you have three days left to find it and wrap it, Gwen said.
Brendan was about to say that he hadn't found one that felt even adequate for the love of his life, but life decided to intervene in the form of a weird woman with a Whismur approaching them. Strangely, though, Brendan recognized the woman approaching.
"Well...if it isn't the Champion…so nice to see you, even if you're sweating like an Emboar," she said as she approached him, her voice sounding almost venomous. "Do you remember me?"
"Yeah, aren't you Zinnia? You were the one who got me registered for the League three years ago, and took a picture for your daughter," Brendan said, noticing a wince on Zinnia's face as soon as he said daughter.
"Hmph, seems the great Champion can be bothered to remember details like the people he's met," Zinnia said with more anger. "Well, I was considering telling you something you'd be interested in hearing…but I've decided against it. Asshole." With that, Zinnia seemed to almost storm off.
"What…was that all about?" Brendan asked.
I don't know, but something seemed off about her, Gwen said.
May was walking home thirty minutes later, deep in thought as she held her test results from her doctor, the bag of vitamins and supplements from the pharmacy, and silently thankful that most everything was within walking distance in Littleroot Town, even after growing since she and Brendan bought their home here. "How am I going to tell Brendan? Should I surprise him somehow, or should I make it more meaningful?" she mused, holding her purse as she walked happily. "I wonder how big I'm going to get." She giggled at the last part, but her contemplating was interrupted as a strange woman approached her from the direction of her home. May was surprised to recognize Zinnia, a receptionist from three years ago, especially in that outfit. It seemed to suit her quite nicely, but it was the crazed predatory look that worried May.
"Well, Aster, seems we have our prey here," Zinnia said, sounding crazed, with creepy eyes. "Let's see if you can keep your Key Stone." Zinnia tried to rush at May, but Miranda, who popped out of her Pokéball without a command, grabbed the girl's wrist before she got within four feet of May.
"Yeah, that's not happening," May said sassily. "You think that I can't defend myself?"
Zinnia scowled. "Fine, keep it. I have other people I can take Key Stones from…in Petalburg," she said as she got loose from Miranda's grip and threatening gaze before she and her Whismur ran off toward Oldale. She then saw a huge Salamence fly out of the trees to Petalburg.
"Well, that was…unsettling," May said before shaking her head and continuing her walk home.
Brendan, whose hair was still damp from his shower, had just finished making some paninis for lunch when his phone rang. "Huh…Wally?" he asked before he answered. "Hey, what's going on Wally? How are you and Lisia doing?"
"Hello, Brendan; Lisia is doing great, we just went on a lunch date at Siebold's new restaurant in Petalburg…but that's not why I'm calling. I'm calling because some strange thefts have been happening around Petalburg," he said. "I know you and May are close to your wedding, but could you please come help me with this?"
Brendan looked at the sandwiches that Gwen and his other Pokémon weren't eating, realizing that he would be need to rush his lunch, but he wouldn't be able to see May's smile when she came home to his cooking. Granted, he knew he'd at least leave May a surprise for when she came home. "Alright, but you owe me for this," Brendan said.
"I'm already your best man. What else do you want?" Wally replied with a chuckle.
"Good point. I'll fly over shortly," Brendan said before hanging up. He grabbed his sandwich and ate fast. Once he and his Pokémon were finished eating, he recalled them and wrote a small note for May. He then walked outside with Gwen and Avery, the Latias letting them onto her back before she Mega Evolved, her purple form and larger wings better suited to flight with two passengers. She then took off and flew to west to Petalburg.
May opened the front door to the house, immediately catching the scent of a chicken spinach and feta panini, one of her favorite sandwiches, and one of her favorites from Brendan's repertoire. She went to the kitchen and saw the beautifully made sandwich with a side of her favorite kettle-cooked salt and vinegar chips and a mixture of lemonade and sweet tea to drink. "Aww, thank you Brendan!" she said as she saw his note.
"May, something is happening in Petalburg, so I'm going to check it out. Enjoy lunch and please come join Gwen and me there. I love you. - Brendan" she read with a smile. "I love you too Brendan."
She took the sandwich and ate happily. "Guess I'm eating for two now," she said with a smile as she gently rested a hand on her stomach.
Brendan and Gwen had just landed in Petalburg near where Wally and Lisia were living together, and he immediately heard a disturbance from a gruff, familiar voice. "Boy, I swear, if you're screwing with me, I will beat the hell out of you," Matt said. He was in a pair of khaki pants, like those a park ranger would've worn, as his Team Earth uniform. He was starting to muscle himself closer to Wally, who was standing in front of Lisia protectively. It was when Wally perked up that Matt noticed Brendan and winced as he remembered the severe beating the Champion had given him last time they had met in Team Aqua's base. "Umm, what is the punk doing here?"
"Matt, I could ask you the same thing," Brendan said with a look of annoyance. "What the hell are you doing? Because it looks like you're harassing my best man and May's maid of honor. I highly doubt that Shelly will approve of what you're doing."
"My damn Key Stone is missing. I dozed off in the park, and it was gone when I woke up," Matt said in a fit. "I'm positive these two stole it to prank me."
"Why would we want your Key Stone?" Lisia asked. "We both had our own until a few minutes ago."
"Wait, what do you mean?" Brendan asked. "What happened to them?"
Wally sighed. "We left them in our apartment while we went to lunch, since the Siebold's restaurants apparently have a 'No battles or battling gear' policy. When we came home, our bedroom window was opened, and both our Key Stones were gone from our bracelets."
"Hmmm…there was a weird woman who came to my house and said something about stealing Key Stones. Maybe she's going around to find every trainer who can use Mega Evolution and steal their Key Stones," Brendan said in a contemplative voice
That was when May came up behind Brendan, hugging him from behind. "Hey," she said, her tone serious, yet sympathetic as she spoke. "Glad I got here in time. I heard you guys talking, and it sounds like Zinnia got to all of you three." When he saw the brunette, Matt moved like he was about to crouch and guard his shins.
Lisia, now ignoring Matt, walked forward to May. "Hey girl!" she said as May let go of Brendan and tightly hugged Lisia. "So, you know the girl who stole our Key Stones?"
"Then you know where she is!" Matt shouted as he approached May. "Tell me where the bitch is, right now!"
"Matt, shut up, or Erza will be the one hurting you," May said calmly, and clearly not intimidated by the man's façade.
Matt grunted in frustration. "Whatever, I don't have time for this," he growled as he stormed off, heading west.
Lisia sighed. "Well, that was really fun," she said. "Sorry we can't spend time with you two today. Wally and I need to go make sure that nothing else was stolen before we get the police here, and Wally needs to go pick up his tuxedo for your wedding."
May hugged Lisia one more time. "Alright. You two be safe and remember that you can call us at any time if you need help," she said. "At least until the wedding night. Then, Brendan, Gwen, our Pokémon, and I will all be in Lumiose City for the honeymoon," she said playfully.
Lisia giggled as she and Wally headed back inside. "We will. You two have fun!"
Brendan then smiled at May. "Hey, did you enjoy the gift I left for you?" he asked.
May kissed him in response. "You're so sweet. I love you," she said as they began walking, hoping to get home.
"So, Zinnia tried to steal your Key Stone too, huh?" Brendan asked.
"Yeah, but Miranda stopped her and glared her down, so I don't think she'll be trying it again," May said as they started to make their way through Petalburg, hoping to get a couple's walk together through Routes 102 and 101.
As they got out of Wally's and Lisia's apartment complex, and May decided now was her chance. "Hey, Brendan, I need to tell you something," she said.
"About what?" he asked curiously.
"Well…it's about my doctor's appointment today," she said in an attempt to keep the suspense for Brendan. "Aaannnd…" she was cut off by the ringing of Brendan's phone. She stopped as Brendan went to check who it was.
"Steven Stone?" he asked. "Sorry May, mind if I take this call first?"
"It's not a problem," May said, though she was cursing in her head angrily over the interruption. Even though she didn't want to, she was able to wait. She wanted to tell Brendan when he was able to pay full attention.
Brendan noticed how she was mildly annoyed as he answered the phone. "Hello?"
"Brendan, sorry to call so suddenly, but something critical has come up. Could you please come to Rustboro? We need to talk face-to-face immediately," the silver-haired man said.
"Alright. We can be there in a few moments," Brendan said as he hung up and put his phone back into his pocket. "Seems we're needed in Rustboro…specifically Devon's headquarters."
"Oh? What's going on?" May asked.
"All he said was that it was something critical," Brendan said. Gwen just touched their shoulders.
Let's get this over with already, Gwen said before they teleported to the corporation headquarters.
The building hadn't changed a bit in the almost four years since they first came to Rustboro together when their journey began. The doorway still featured a small statue of an Aerodactyl on the arch, and the interior was still granite flooring, with glass portions to show fossils and rare gemstones underneath. Steven was already waiting for them in the lobby. "Brendan, May, Gwen, it's great to see you all. How is everything going?"
"We're doing well," May said with a smile. "The wedding preparations are getting hectic, but I think we're all set."
"May, I remember you were freaking out about everything a month ago," Brendan said with a chuckle.
"You hush," May said playfully with an elbow nudge.
Steven chuckled a little before his expression turned serious. "I'm glad things are going so well…but we unfortunately don't have time for pleasantries. All too often, my intuition turns out to be right, but I never expected we would meet under circumstances as bad as these. Please, come with me, we need to talk in private." They all went up the elevator to Mr. Stone's office, and Devon Corporation's president, who was close to retiring, stood waiting for them. "Dad, our guests have arrived."
"Brendan, May, and Gwen, you've all grown up a great deal since you were last in this office. It's been nearly four years since that day," Mr. Stone said kindly, shaking their hands and gesturing to the chairs set in front of his desk. They all sat politely.
"I think so," Brendan said politely. He could see that Mr. Stone was beginning to feel his age, but the President was still keeping his composure quite well.
"It's great to see you all are well," he said, but Steven cleared his throat clearly enough to remind his father that they needed to be efficient with their time. "Oh, Steven, you are so impatient. You need to learn to be more patient if you are to take over this company soon."
"Dad…" Steven said as a gentle, yet firm reminder.
"Yes…I know…I just needed to get myself ready," Mr. Stone said as he turned to Brendan, May, and Gwen. "I'm sorry that this has to happen so close to your wedding day, but…I need to start on a very unpleasant and heavy topic. Are you ready to take this all in?"
Brendan looked at May, whose hand had gone to her stomach, but he didn't think anything of it. She just seemed to be relaxing a little in the chair. "I think we need to hear it, since I am the Champion," Brendan said.
Mr. Stone nodded and took a breath. "Let me first ask how much you know about the great war 3000 years ago."
"Not much other than it was ended by something called The Ultimate Weapon," May said.
"I figured as much. It's not an event that people like to talk about. Let me take us back 3000 years ago to when that terrible war happened in what is now the Kalos region. As you said, the war was brought to an end by the power of The Ultimate Weapon, a weapon so terrible that it left generational scars in the world. Now…the question many people don't know the answer to is where that weapon got its power. The answer...is the life energy of all Pokémon."
"It…killed Pokémon for the power...to kill countless more?" May asked, disgust and sadness in her voice.
The energy that could be gained by the sacrifice of so many Pokémon... There are surely many people who would call it reprehensible," Mr. Stone said, and he paused for a moment. "But my grandfather, the president of Devon before me, said this... 'Couldn't we use the energy to improve the lives of people and Pokémon?' And so, he developed our greatest creation here at the Devon Corporation: Infinity Energy."
"Infinity Energy?" Brendan asked. He thought the term was familiar, but he couldn't recall what it was.
"It's commonly known for being the energy that triggers Mega Evolution and Z-Moves," Steven said.
"Thanks to Infinity Energy, Devon was able to become one of the top industries in Hoenn and developed into the giant you see today," Mr. Stone said. "You may be surprised to learn that the Devon Parts you recovered for us four years ago were, in fact, parts of a motor that would make it possible to power a submarine using Infinity Energy. It wasn't long before we began to expand our attempts at furthering human development," he paused for a breath. "So, we naturally moved to exploring space. The rockets launched from the Mossdeep Space Center using our Infinity Energy…They are the true results of our dreams, our passion, and our technology. But, never did we imagine they could end up as the best hope for saving our world."
Mr. Stone took a deep breath as his tone got more serious. "My preamble has been quite long, but we've now arrived at the real issue." He turned to the windows of the office and sighed. "There is an overwhelming catastrophe which now approaches us in the form of a huge asteroid, more than six miles in diameter. It redirected somehow, and it's currently on track to collide with our planet. It is expected to make landfall in just over two days...meaning the day before your wedding could very easily be the end of all life on this planet."
Brendan, May, and Gwen all gave a different reaction to this news. Brendan looked stoic, almost like he had been given a terminal diagnosis. May looked like she was having war flashbacks. Finally, Gwen looked almost calm. It was the Gardevoir who spoke up. I'm guessing you have a plan, otherwise neither you nor Steven would be so calm if you didn't.
Mr. Stone nodded. "We've been working together with the Mossdeep Space Center, which was first to recognize this danger. We are devising countermeasures that would use our rockets, but…for these plans to succeed, we need a Meteorite Shard."
"So, are we heading to Meteor Falls?" May asked.
"No, we traced the closest Meteorite Shard to Granite Cave in Dewford," Steven said. "I'm heading to Mossdeep Space Center for now to get this sorted out and to help with any preparations."
Brendan nodded. "I see. Then I suppose we're heading to Dewford to get the Meteorite Shard first," he said. "We'll join you at the Space Center when we get it."
With that, they left the building. As soon as they got outside, they sent out Avery and Drake, who were ready to go quickly with this flight. "Well, are you ready to see Dewford again?" May asked as she got onto Drake's back.
Brendan kissed her cheek as he and Gwen got onto Avery. "Race you there!" he said as Avery flew off.
"You cheater!" May called out playfully with a giggle as Drake followed his sister into the sky. Even with the looming threat of a meteor that could, and likely would, wipe out life on this planet, Brendan still made her smile and laugh. It was that exact quality that May had always dreamed she would find in the father of her kids. It now seemed that dream was becoming a reality.
And here is the first chapter of the Delta Episode. This took a lot less time than I expected, and I am pretty happy with it.
I will hopefully be able to keep this pace of writing going over summer, since I'll have a lot of free time.
As always, please leave a review, and let me know what you think (Just please don't be an ass).
Until next time ~ jmoul18
