Savoir-faire – To Know and To Do
IX: Rêver – To Dream
Day 11 (am): The meeting has begun.
It is a curious case of balance that Indigo Plateau attempts to walk, I observe. Its long-time ally, Sinnoh, boasts a Champion that could take on Lance and Clair together. Its rival, Unova, is the same, a Champion blessed with talent that comes once a generation. Kalos, the ally of its rival, a country with a long history of unification under a monarchy, that had not only turned the tables on Unova once, but had also fought Kanto and Johto to a standstill during the last wars between regions.
It is clear that, though the decision has been decided, Indigo Plateau wishes to exercise its power, hence Sabrina as speaker. Koga is the only ninja under League employ important enough to be sent to confirm security; he is no threat. Lt Surge fought in the last wars, with Drake; he would remember. This meeting will see if Indigo Plateau shall keep its supremacy, or herald the winds of change. I can feel it, the reason why Diantha wanted me here.
The fact behind disguises were that, they were always a self-portrait of oneself. The masks we paint is merely a facet. Daisy Linden was a rather innocent, quiet girl that became Champion because her Pokémon fought for her, lending her their strength. Daisy Linden was a mask used to hide the loneliness, being unable to relate to others, being abandoned and alone as Champion of Kalos, elevated to Grand Duchess and princess, and-
"I- I just can't. I'm sorry."
The current Shauna had never known her mother's cruelty, the arbitrary cruelty that drove the Shauna I had known to leave. Apparently the Champion was not a human being in their eyes, but something on a plinth.
I wanted to discard the mask of Daisy Linden. To do that, in her place I must create a persona opposite of Daisy. Daisy Linden had been a drifting soul for most of her life; the persona must be Kalosian, and act as a native would. Daisy would be content with the same high-waisted outfit, hence my bank accounts should flow to a tab in Boutique Couture instead. Daisy Linden was gentle, kind; the persona would be cruel, rational and self-serving, because kindness could be cruel too, and to be cruel would be a social death sentence.
The clue was in the name. Marguerite would become Daisy's newest incarnation. If Marguerite was going to be the rational Pokémon professor on fieldwork, then the accompanying cultural associations must be built as far as possible in Donar's view. Only the Elite Four would ever have a chance to realise that blue-eyed, blonde-haired Daisy Linden had reincarnated into the green-eyed Dr Marguerite Linden du Bois with midnight locks.
The problem with disguise, though, was that the result was always a self-portrait. And I had been Daisy Linden for a lot longer than I had been Marguerite Linden du Bois.
"Are you alright?" Altair stared at me. The hairs on the back of my neck prickled.
"I am," I whispered. The magic, or whatever force that was left after Banette cursed that Pokémon with its Destiny Bond between it and I, had done its work, and I felt alive once more rather than a dead woman walking. "Look, there's Korrina. Why don't you go catch up with your brother?"
Altair nodded, and left me, approaching the Lucario that followed Korrina around. At least Cynthia had chosen not to bring her Lucario out.
The children save for Iris, which included Wallace's and Winona's apprentices, had fallen asleep, and now, under the cover of night, decisions over the world of Trainers would be made.
"First round of negotiations, taking place on March 17 of the year 20XX midnight. First on the agenda," Sabrina recited. "Proposition 42: To aim for the unionisation of the Pokémon League. The implication being that, as a union of Trainers, the League would be subject to regulation under the Industry Act and thus hold governmental control. Representing the League of Indigo Plateau, which encompasses the Kanto and Johto regions, speaking in place for the Sevii Islands and the League of the Orange Archipelago, Champion Lance Wataru. Representing the League of Ever Grande City, covering the regions of Hoenn, Almia and Fiore, Champion Wallace Mikuri. Representing the League of Lily of the Valley Island, that encompasses the region of Sinnoh and the Battle Frontier, Champion Cynthia Shirona. Representing the League of Vertress City, that encompasses the region of Unova, Orre and the Decolore Islands, Champion Iris of Dragon Village. Representing the League of Île-de-l'arc, encompassing the region of Kalos and the Royaume-Uni, Champion Daisy Linden.
At this, she took a breath. "Speaker and secretaries: Sabrina Natsume, Gym Leader of Saffron City Gym, Kanto region. Olympia Gojika, Gym Leader of Anistar City Gym, Kalos region. Elite Four Lucian, of Lily of the Valley Island, Sinnoh region. Having affirmed the relevant parties' presence, the witnesses will now swear to allow no word out of this place."
In the four corners of the hall, and in the centre, five static generators in the form of a Raichu, a Manectric, a Zebstrika, a Luxray, and a Heliolisk began to hum.
"Static generator okay," Volkner confirmed.
"The static is messing with my hair, but I'm fine," Elesa relayed.
"Hahaha! Here I'm fine!" Wattson called.
"C- Clemont reporting! The static generator's working!" Clemont called.
"Surge to Sabrina, Raichu is in full form," Lt Surge answered. "Over."
"Security is fine all around," Koga finally reported after having reappeared from thin air. We were all seated around in a circle formation, Viola, Valerie and Ramos representing the Gym Leaders of Kalos as silent witnesses, reminders that we were deciding the future of Pokémon Training.
"Then, begin," Sabrina called. "The floor is opened by Champion Shirona."
Cynthia was the first to start. "First, I would like to state that I am for the passing of Proposition 42. Before recriminations begin, first allow me to elaborate upon the training climate that has changed since Team Plasma's revolt. The trainers were realising that they had the power. It is neither police authority nor Jubilife City that has kept order in the region for years, but its Trainers, the children who leave for the wilderness and train their teams for years. To allow Trainers an authority beyond the norm, to allow the League more powers than we already have, is merely a formalisation of the proposition laid out here. I cannot speak for all Trainers, but a lot of things would be done faster were we to cut off the formalities and rituals that go on. Thus ends my point."
Ordinarily, the Gym Leaders of Vermilion, Mauville, Sunyshore, Nimbasa and Lumiose would never have met. However, the current situation was too volatile.
"The floor recognises Champion Linden."
"I dare not agree with Champion Shirona," I spoke. "First, though, I would like to pose the question: what is a Trainer?"
"What do you mean?" Cynthia asked. "A Trainer is someone who Trains Pokémon! What relevance does this hold?"
"This question is relevant to my points," I severely answered. "Take each region's criminal organisations. There cannot be a debate that their members are not Trainers, am I not wrong?"
"Much to our disgust," Cynthia admitted. "But, the trash of Trainers everywhere does not relate to this question!"
"They do," I clarified. "Because, by ratifying Proposition 42, we will also be giving Trainers under those Teams the same authority that we ourselves hold. We are the Pokémon League, and we hold some of the world's greatest Trainers, but so do those Teams. And, I would like to speak of motivations. Say, for example, the various motivations of the regional reactionary teams. Rockets in Kanto and Johto were based around the ideology of exploiting Pokémon for human gain, which is a reaction to the Oak idea of Pokémon coexisting as equals. On the extreme end of Oak's ideology would be Team Plasma in Unova, who advocated for the liberalisation of Pokémon and the unification of societal forces, ergo, the separation of humans from Pokémon. Hoenn's Team Magma and Team Aqua were a reaction of the desert- and coastal-dwelling population of the Hoenn region to each other when the Hoenn region was unified. Team Galactic wanted to recreate the world, and Team Flare..."
I paused, trying to gather my words. "All motivations discussed are noticeably different. And what of the Pokémon League itself, composed of diverse minorities and groups as it were? The League would find itself with nowhere to stand, because no matter where it stood, no matter what action it takes, someone will hurt for it."
I took a deep breath. "Furthermore, let us examine the implications. To achieve their ends, the criminal organisations sought out the legendary Pokémon, and some did morally repugnant things such as to genetically engineer powerful Pokémon. The criminal teams have proven that the best way to attain power is to control a Legendary Pokémon. In order to counter such threats, were we to be given the official onus as Trainers under governmental control, we would, eventually, have to control Legendary Pokémon ourselves, even if those Pokémon end up fighting for ideals they themselves do not support. What then? Will we force them, bend natural powers into our will and perhaps cause a catastrophe? The Porygon line, and possibly the Rotom line if Professor Rowan is correct, are the results of such experimentation, to say nothing of the urban legend of Mewtwo, the corrupted clone of Mew. It seems like the logical development of the Rocket ideology of exploiting Pokémon. What other depths shall we, as humans, fall to in the pursuit of power?"
"The floor recognises Champion Iris," Sabrina stated as Cynthia and I stood down.
"I believe that Trainers on a whole know power," Iris stated. "But, I do not believe that any one Trainer can bear the responsibility of great power. The ambition of many a Trainer is to control a legendary Pokémon, but we are speaking of living beings as well. I am acquainted with the clash of ideals between Trainers; Team Plasma has proven as such, and with them, Reshiram and Zekrom. True, with additional powers granted to the Pokémon League, we could protect Pokémon better... but, when are we protecting Pokémon, and when are we merely exerting our control, that line remains a blurred zone we do not comprehend. Until those limits can be defined, I, and Unova, cannot endorse this agreement."
Sabrina eyed me as Iris sat down. "The floor recognises Champion Mikuri."
The purpose of the speaker was not to express opinion; that was Lance's decision. Instead, now the speaker and two secretaries were to record the topics discussed, and protect them from psychic thieves looking for insider information. I was forcefully reminded of this when Sabrina did not even turn her head to acknowledge Wallace.
Wallace coughed into his fist. "It's all very well and good, but the Industry Act will also allow the League additional loans from the world banks. From a practical standpoint, right now it is the League's status over Pokémon tournaments that places it as a sport, a blood sport but a sport, and thus out of financial obligation. Banks, financing, business, industry, etcetera, are kept out of Pokémon battling for this reason. They are not the purview of the League, unless Pokémon become involved in a criminal capacity. They are not our speciality... well, perhaps not to most," he laughed with a nod to everyone. "Most Trainers are still underage, and I do not think I need to stress that point more, since we have living examples amongst us who also serve as Gym Leaders. We cannot manage these things, not well. If the world favours Pokémon battles, then it merely favours us as a proof of being the best and hardly everyday life."
I could see quite a few nods of agreement. While Iris could probably be trusted to pick up on the idealistic tones, Wallace had been Champion longer, and could be trusted to speak on the practical aspects. The cool reality, unhindered by his natural superiority with the impromptu competition, had worked – Wallace could see past his personal experience with Magma and Aqua, the two teams that could have been brought down sooner if Trainers had only held the power-
"The floor recognises Champion Wataru," Sabrina spoke quietly.
"The Pokémon League works primarily with Pokémon," Lance stood, the quiet air of authority daring anyone to rebut him. "We are debating on a human matter that is imposed upon us. A Trainer is about as far removed from the concept of human society as is possible to still walk amongst human beings. The arguments of Champion Linden and Champion Iris are recognised; the League must limit itself, and by skill and example show our respect to the Pokémon of our world, and Trainers, and Training on a whole. I confess, I walked into this meeting, unknowing of the troubles everyone faced, only aware that within this room contained the possibility of regional war. I am glad that this matter has been brought to our attention.
"With that said," Lance paused for effect, "I would now like to submit an addendum that the League's response be one with a focus on civic responsibility. As the people who know Pokémon battling, I would prefer that the Leagues each represented submit their decision, that the Pokémon League shall not be assimilated into human politics; that we hope that all League Trainers shall stand by this decision, and that Trainers all over the world will continue to exercise a modicum of civic responsibility to the human and Pokémon communities that has supported their travels all over the world."
"Vertress City votes aye, with concerns to be addressed in the second round of negotiations." Sabrina whispered. "Lily of the Valley Island submits a request for an addendum, that Trainers holding four badges and above be allowed into the police examinations, and increase manpower for the understaffed cities of Sinnoh."
"Actually, that's a good idea," Lance spoke up. "Saffron, Celadon and Viridian City always suffer from manpower problems in their police forces. If we offer Trainers an alternative path in line with the urban restructuring back home, we could probably increase recruitment."
"Indigo adds an addendum for the implementation of Lily of the Valley Island," Sabrina read out.
Wallace raised a hand and said something.
"Ever Grande City would like to submit a request for the League to open investigations into the origins of Proposition 42 prior to committing to any decision," Sabrina read out. "Citing societal concerns, Champion Mikuri has noted that an over-admiration of the Trainer culture might in fact become detrimental to other notable industries such as medicine and Contests."
"Île-de-l'arc agrees," I stated, aware that the meeting could have gone a lot worse. Especially worse, if Steven and Alder was here. "Especially within the Kalos region, there are splinter groups of Flare grunts still existent. Within one year, Dr du Bois and I will submit a report behind the case of the criminal organisation Team Flare. That report shall serve as the basis for which subsequent policies shall be laid out."
"Understood," Sabrina commented. "With that, Indigo Plateau and Île-de-l'arc register an abstention prior to decision. Further negotiations shall be decided at the second round."
I stood, starting to leave. "Request for recess before we begin on the next item on the agenda, controversial research practices."
"Agreed," Cynthia stood. "It is Champion Linden and I who shall be doing the majority of the debate here. We should get all the debates hashed out before Champion Linden has to leave."
"Eh?" Iris blinked, barely hiding her yawn as I left the meeting hall for the salle de bains.
The mirror was speckled with droplets as I splashed my face within, watching my old eyes stare back at me. Diantha was an actress, surely she understood politics? Even Wallace understood everything, if only because Winona must have made him study all of Hoenn's current affairs. Winona Nagi was the most dangerous woman in Hoenn, regardless of Flannery, Roxanne, Liza, Phoebe or Glacia.
The door swung open, admitting Cynthia. The Sinnoh Champion was inclined to ignore me, so I assumed until I made to dry my hands with a towel laid out nearby.
"It is the first time we have met," Cynthia whispered. There was not a soul that did not know her, especially in her home region.
"Good evening, Champion Cynthia," I distantly replied. "I was unaware that you had an interest in Pokémon research."
"Archaeology has always been my trade," Cynthia replied, completely non-ionic if distant. "And you?"
"I have a greater interest in Pokémon in human sociology," I answered. "I believe my studies could actually branch into the Pokémon in political science, but that would be a field of greater historiography than I am interested."
"That sounds like it could use an anthropologist," Cynthia suggested. "Kalos is home to the researcher Marguerite Linden do Bois, is it not? I actually intended to visit the Sycamore Laboratory concerning the myths of Kalos. What Leader Valerie performed... that was a common Kalos folktale, was it not?"
"Some parts of it has been embellished, certainly," I answered cautiously. "Yet, Jeanne d'Arc was, to all intents and purposes, the first Kalos Champion as we understand it. The facts of SAS Jeanne d'Arc is at Geosenge Library, unfortunately."
"I'm sure that Camphrier Town must have its own myths, too," Cynthia added.
"If you are indeed researching folktales, then it is no wonder that you came to this town," I answered. "Parfum Palace itself is a historical monument both for the Pokémon that first appeared as well as the population in the tall grass along the Rivière. Other notable spots include Santalune, Shalour, Île-de-l'arc and the cities of the Montagnes de Kalos."
"Not Lumiose?" Cynthia teased.
"All roads lead to Lumiose," I advised. "One way or another, you will find your way into the capital of the Kalos region. It seems pointless to add onto your burgeoning itinerary when you will come anyway."
"True," Cynthia shook her head. "Fantima, Candice and Caitlin kept saying that Lumiose is the Pokémon world's leader in fashion, and... well, the people of the Kalos region are certainly stylish. I haven't seen so much pageantry short of Hearthome City's Contest Hall. The food is divine and the restaurants hospitable, and even the run-down cafés around the Lumiose Airport... it is a far cry from Sinnoh or Unova. It makes me feel that sometimes... old things must have value."
"Tonight's caterers would not be happy to hear that," I crisply answered. "Even in Lumiose City's lowest-grade cafés, you could expect a three-course meal for three thousand Poké. I believe that there is a high-class sushi restaurant owned by a Kanto native, Kazu. Oh, and in some cases battles between proprietor and customer are de rigueur- I mean, they are common."
"Food must be a subject close to the heart of Kalos," Cynthia sighed.
"If you wish, perhaps you could research on the association of the Swirlix line and the invention of confectionery in Kalos," I added, judging by the glazed look in her eyes that she was going to do just that. "But, that is more of my field. The link behind the proximity of Honedge, Swirlix and Spritzee to Parfum Palace might be of more relevance to your field, but that's not really what you came for, is it?"
"That topic sounds interesting, but it does not match up to the legends of Kalos," Cynthia looked around. "This building does not look three thousand years old."
"The AZ Empire," I guessed. "The legendary Pokémon of Kalos?"
"Aren't you curious?" Cynthia blinked. "I have seen the mural at the Lumiose Museum. The legendary king who built the ultimate weapon... what happened to the king in the end? What other wonders are there within the Kalos region?"
"Champion Shirona... why do you chase after fairy tales?" I asked. Any goodwill I felt had melted away at her confirmation.
"Why... it is the interest of an archaeologist, of course," Cynthia replied.
"Johto boasts the ancient civilisation of Alph," I pointed out. "Sinnoh itself holds Mt. Coronet, and the associated temples. Kanto and the Orange Archipelago hold the legend of Lugia and Ho-oh. Sinnoh itself must have the most legends of all, including the residents of the three great lakes, Mount Coronet, Sendoff Spring and Spear Pillar. Why did you come to Kalos?"
"For the talks, of course," Cynthia defended. "You are quite rude, Champion Linden-"
"No," I spoke. "Your reason to come to Kalos is not for these talks, not for the future of the Trainer world, not for the Sinnoh region. Your point was barely argued; it is not worthy of any student of the humanities, especially not for a field as intense as archaeology. Your reason is different. Different from Lucian, different from Volkner. Perhaps you do not care for the world of Trainers."
"H- How dare you-!" Cynthia flushed, her face blotchy between the collar of her black robe.
"You would not be the first Champion not to care," I suggested.
"As Champion of my home region, it is duty," Cynthia replied coldly.
"But being Champion is lonely and sad," I reflected. "Especially for an academic career. We can't attend a conference without our reputation being involved. When troubles occur, the public turns to us to fix things, and then blame us when we cannot. When we actually try to fix things, the resulting instability comes from those delusional enough to believe that the Champion exist solely to solve all Pokémon-related problems. If we are known as Champion, the other career paths we walk are lonely, because the world holds itself in jealousy of our power. Perhaps, Iris is the luckiest of us all."
"You're envying a child?" Cynthia shook her head.
"She has youth," I answered. "It becomes so hard, just to live as a human being and not being on a pedestal. I consider myself lucky compared to you, Champion Shirona, but to Iris, I fail completely. After all, Iris has managed to keep her family even after becoming Champion."
"I am Champion of the Sinnoh League," Cynthia informed me grimly. "I am one of the Pokémon world's most successful Trainers. I have matched the wits of men and women alike, and they have yet to win against me and my Pokémon."
I smiled at her, trying to consider what armour-piercing question I could use. I just went for the classic. "And then what shall you do, Champion Shirona? You will still be just as alone on your island."
She dropped the soap. It landed under the tap's flow, the suds building up as I left. It sounded like Cynthia was faced with realisations herself.
I came face to face with Sabrina on my way back to the great hall. "Good evening," I murmured in acknowledgement.
"Bonds with your Pokémon haunt you."
I turned around, looking at the Kanto Gym Leader. "As a Trainer, all bonds haunt us."
"Especially when our partners fall in battle," Sabrina glanced at me. "You are a very strong woman. Many Trainers would have given up faced with the decimation of most of their team. You have built yourself a new one."
I smiled to hide my reflex to tear her throat out. I wanted to call Aegis. I wanted him to Night Slash the Kanto region's most notorious psionic Trainer because she kept looking at me like that. I glanced down. Her shadow melted, a smile forming followed by glowing, slitted red eyes, and then a small tail attached to a rotund body with small limbs.
I smiled, kneeling down to meet the Kanto region's second-most dangerous creature. "Your Gengar is cute."
It smirked, its tongue flying out to lick my face. I accepted it, dripping slime and all. "Gengar gen?"
"Until he opened his mouth," I sadly added. "He looks like those minions in the movies. Can I pinch him?"
Sabrina bit her lip, her eyes twinkling. Her Gengar bristled, offended. I understood. Comparing him to a genetically engineered corn kernel seemed to have offended him somewhat.
"Yes, that was a low blow," I soothed. "Are you hungry, Gengar?"
"Don't spoil him," Sabrina intervened, the Ghost flitting back to her side. "A Chandelure, a Jellicent, and an Aegislash. I believe every Ghost Trainer would know that as a recipe for disaster."
"Crystal, Jelly and Aegis are such lovely babies," I agreed. "Would you like to see them? I'm sure Aegis would love to see all of you."
"A Quagsire would have been a better option."
"I'm not going to drug myself on Quagsire slime, unfortunately," I admitted. "They're very happy, the Quagsire. Very simple-minded, but happy. Being able to shrug off thunderbolts with a smile must help."
Sabrina's eyes widened, and she nodded. "I understand that you might not wish for hope. Yet there is something that keeps you alive, is there not?"
I closed my eyes. "I hope the sun is shining tomorrow. That would be reason enough to smile."
When I opened my eyes, Sabrina, and that cute if rather perverted Gengar, was gone. I smiled. Valerie's answer always seemed to be perfect; childish, but honest and perfect. Sabrina couldn't hold a candle to that.
The smile dropped when I got back into the hall to see it shrouded with Misty Terrain. Judging from the nature of the room, and that Lance had his Pokéball out, I guessed rather correctly that the Indigo Champion must have taken offence to something.
"A child can't understand what you're proposing!" He yelled at Iris in a manner rather our of character. There was a Dragonair out. I was halfway impressed at how disciplined it was, to stay in the middle of a no-Dragon zone.
"I- I don't understand!" Iris exclaimed, panicked. "I just said that if we have so many problems Indigo Plateau must be doing something wrong..."
"Indigo Plateau. Doing something wrong." I reiterated.
"I'm entitled to my opinion," Iris defiantly answered, staring down at Valerie's Sylveon, the only thing between her and that Dragonair. The reason for Valerie's appearance was becoming more apparent as both Dragon Trainers faced each other, and mentally I thanked Siebold for planning that out.
"This hall was not meant to accommodate a Dragonite," I severely directed towards both Champions. "Neither is it meant for a Haxorus. Tell me, Lance, what is the issue?"
"Beauty is universal," Valerie quoted, her eyes clouded as if in a faraway dream. "To control beauty is another form of power."
All eyes seemed to be on Lance.
"It is impossible to comprehend the stress of using one Pokémon League to cover two regions," Lance stiffly explained.
"There is unrest at every moment of life," I archly commented. "Champion Iris is well within her rights to make a suggestion."
"Her suggestion offends the Indigo League," Lance snarled.
"And then it falls to the Indigo Champion to punish for a slight to the League's honour?" I commented. "The implications are astounding."
"And what about you, Kalos's little heroine?" Lance snapped. "I know Kanto Trainers who are ten of you and use nothing more than a Pikachu."
"There is only one of me," I answered. "I have merely lacked the luxury to find these Kanto Trainers. Cool your head, Champion Wataru. Is there any other important topic to discuss?"
"No..." Olympia drawled.
"Then sleep is the order to be given until tomorrow," I answered. "Champion Iris, if you will."
"Y- Yes!" Iris quickly followed behind, leaving Diantha and the Elite Four to pack up. As I passed, I spotted Wikstrom staring by, and I had to ignore him as I listened to Iris chattering.
"And then Hydreigon had to eat the whole table and all..."
"Mmm," it was almost soothing, but I was hardly keen to have my ear talked off. "May I call you Iris?"
"S- Sure," Iris nodded. "Erm... you're Daisy, right?"
"...yes," the lie tripped on my tongue. "Are you lonely, Iris?"
"Caitlin's my friend," Iris defended. "She's lazy, but she's my friend. And my Pokémon are my friends too."
The conversation somehow segued from there. On top of a Haxorus and Hydreigon, she had a Druddigon, an Aggron, an Archeops and a Lapras. The last was a bit odd, and I said as much.
"And what about you?" Iris asked. "I mean, I know you have a Lucario like Cynthia, but what else?"
"I have a Chandelure, a Jellicent, an Aegislash and a Floette," I answered. "I also had a Flygon, but she decided to fly around Kalos. I think she's hanging outside of Lumiose at the moment."
"Hanging around?" Iris blinked.
I looked around. To show the crack between Daisy Linden and Marguerite Linden du Bois was always entertaining. "It's very hard to move around with a Flygon. Like trekking through Sinnoh with a Salamence on your tail in Snowpoint."
"Uhh," Iris shuddered. "I see your point. I like all of my Pokémon, but some of them are really weak to Ice."
"I don't have a particular like or dislike," I answered.
"I think Ms Valerie is very strong, to stand up to a Champion like that," Iris discussed. "That Sylveon is both cute and strong!"
"It's also immune to Dragon-type attacks," I added. "Plus, that mist attack that Sylveon used in the field was Misty Terrain, which not only prevents status effects, but also reduces the damage taken from Dragon-type attacks. In that field, it might as well be a Dragon graveyard."
"Eh?!" Iris nearly shouted in alarm. "It sounds scary!"
"If that was the case, then the Ralts and Cleffa line should terrify as well," I observed.
"Even as a Champion, I can't get used to Ice-type Pokémon sometimes," Iris sighed. "And now there's a new Pokémon type... Ms Daisy, how did you get used to it?"
"The new type?" I blinked. "I became a Trainer at the same time when the Fairy type came out, and everything was new to me. It made no difference to my education. And, even against Diantha's Gardevoir, my Venusaur dealt the finishing blow with Sludge Bomb."
"Your Venusaur?" Iris exclaimed. "Can I see it?"
I stopped in my tracks. Iris noticed the pause, but did not comment on it. "...he died."
Iris gasped, but I did not notice as we approached the guest wing. "I suppose I shall take my leave then. Bonne nuit."
"I'm... sorry if I mentioned anything uncomfortable," Iris apologised, a certain tension around us. "Sorry."
"It's not a problem," I mechanically replied before I turned my back on the Unova Champion. "If that is all."
"It's..." Iris swallowed. "I think the palace is haunted!"
"It's a palace that saw a war that killed a king and his entire guard outside," I flippantly replied. "Of course's it is haunted."
"Eek!" Iris squealed. "Please don't say such horrible things! My room... my room has things moving around!"
I stopped. "Then why did you not alert the staff?" I asked as I turned back to her. "Lead the way."
"Y- Yes!" Iris walked a bit down the hallway, before she opened a door. "Please."
I suppose that Iris's room could be called the green room, if such a thing existed. There was a leaf-green wallpaper, matched with the curtains of the four-poster, the window curtains, and the bedspread. The furniture inside was heavy oaks and associated dark woods, perfect if Iris decided to let her Pokémon sleep around. Sturdy furniture needed a bit of effort for Dragons to break.
"The cabinet?" I asked, knocking around. "Stay back, please."
"Y- Yes?" she asked as I produced a Pokéball. It released a sleepy blue Floette, who yawned, giving me a rather irritated evil eye.
"It looks like we have something here," I told her seriously. "We're going to help Iris look around."
Liz grumbled some more, but floated around me.
"Use Flash," I asked, Liz's flower glowing with a soft white light within that threw shadows against the bedspread.
"There's nothing," I turned to Iris.
"I- I don't want to sleep," Iris admitted. "I... it's my first summit. Alder was supposed to come along, but... his partner's death anniversary is coming. I've been having nightmares since I went to Caitlin's house in Undella Town, and it won't stop. Please..."
I leaned over and gave her a hug. "And Elesa?"
"She doesn't understand," Iris admitted. "I don't want to be seen as more immature than I already am. I... I represent the Unova region, and everyone I love is there."
"What was Unova thinking...?" I whispered, eyeing the shadows. "What do these nightmares show?"
"Something chasing... me, us..." Iris shuddered. "It's strange."
"If you're having nightmares..." I clapped my hands. "Prepare for bed."
"What?" Iris blinked.
"If it comes to situations like this, then a magic charm would work," I waved my hands. "Go."
Iris slowly nodded, rummaging in her closet only for a change of clothes before moving towards the en suite bathroom. The door closed, I checked the windows and shut them loosely as Liz used an Aromatherapy on the sheets as I fanned them out. The shadows remained, as I had first thought.
"How lucky," I whispered. "This song is for you, dark hero."
Iris came out in pyjamas, and I bundled her into the large bed that seemed to swallow her petite form. For a moment, I realised that I should have been taller, then I realised that I was about as short as her. I was older, but not by a lot, and I had the intelligence. I did not even know what Iris felt, coming to the Kalos region in a meeting that all she knew might have resulted in war.
"I was travelling in Kanto and Hoenn before," I reflected. "I think I had approached Sinnoh once or twice. You know, there exists a charm to chase away nightmares."
"A charm?" Iris echoed.
"A magic charm," I agreed, snapping my fingers to a tune I only vaguely remembered, as if from a fading dream. "Liz. Round. I will see a morning dream, come to greet the dawn."
"Flo!" It was a form of the move I had taught, and then improvised accordingly. As Liz began to sing, I changed the lyrics slightly, until the lullaby had been unfolded between us.
"No, not just right yet,
No, not just right yet,
Who knows what colour will we greet the dawn.
No, not just right yet,
No, not just right yet,
The night is still young, there is time to eat.
Morning bells will chime, wherever we are~
Now then, good morning, Nightmare,
The bad dream is asleep now, it is over."
Iris clapped, albeit slowly. "That was a nice lullaby, Ms Daisy."
"You're very trusting," I answered in reply. "The original version... Liz, sing with me."
"Flo, flo!" Liz spun around, beginning the song as my lips parted.
"Watashi wa asa no yume wo miru...
Mada dame yo,
Mada dame yo,
Nani iro no, asa ga kuru?
Mada dame yo,
Mada dame yo,
Mada yoru wa, tabekake yo.
Nemuru beru ga naru, doko ni iru...?
Saa ohayou, Nightmare,
Warui oyume wa, korekkiri..."
Iris blinked, her eyes lidded over as the Sweet Scent Liz released at the Sing hidden within the Sweet Scent took effect, before she succumbed to slumber, looking rather young. I wrapped her in the blankets and left, Liz hovering behind me and the shadow trailing behind.
Serena and Shauna might have assured me that in Kalos, people are very hospitable. In Sinnoh, which we were living in for a spell, they give things out for free. A Potion here, a Pokéball here, etcetera. In Kanto and Johto, they're a bit more stingy, but it's supposed to be – according to elementary school – easier to live off of the land.
In Kalos, here is their idea of dinner; a three-course meal of hors d'œuvres, a main course and either Skiddo cheese or dessert is just the tip of the iceberg. For your information, I got through five courses watching Wallace and Valeria show off, and then we were sent back to the hotel, this time with an Elite Four escort. I nearly did an about-face as Wikstrom himself was present.
"As part of the Elite Four, I am honour-bound to assist the Champion," Wikstrom stoically answered. He had discarded the armour for a dress shirt, pants held up by a belt and tough leather shoes that looked like they could trek through Viridian City and still have that rugged look. I saw Serena's eyes glaze over with Shauna's titters.
"I heard from Madame Linden that you faced some trouble with the local Honedge," Wikstrom mentioned as we walked down Palais Lane. "Did the townspeople not warn you?"
"Well, I wasn't expecting a monster sword to come stabbing at us," Shauna muttered.
"I hope the circumstances will not sour your experience tonight," Wikstrom answered.
"No," Serena shook her head. "We had fun, and it was... impressive. Mme Linden has done a lot for us. Altair, on the other hand... what do you think, Donar?"
"I'm... undecided," I swallowed. In the end, I had bowed out of choosing between Sylveon and Milotic, because there was no criteria I could choose. I had left feeling like... like I had left some rupture between Hoenn and Kalos.
"Donar's the strong, silent type," Shauna snickered. "We're sorry for giving you trouble, M. Wikstrom."
"It is not a problem," Wikstrom answered. "It is I who should apologise in the stead of Mme Linden."
"Erm, Mr Wikstrom..." I volunteered. "Do you..." Always act like this, I wanted to say, but found myself lost.
"My family descended from the chevaliers of the Royal Court of Kalos," Wikstrom explained. "Since the start, I had decided I wanted to train Steel-type Pokémon, to change their status as mere weapons to something higher. Of course, my path took me to a meeting with a Honedge right here, without arms or Pokémon."
"You've also met a Honedge?" Shauna blinked.
At this, he produced a Pokéball. "My partner, my sword and shield, Aegislash!"
Seeing the Royal Sword Pokémon reminded me of Dr du Bois, of her Aegislash and its monstrous power. "A- Aegislash..."
"That woman had one too," Serena's eyes were wide.
"That woman?" Wikstrom sounded surprised.
"She's conniving and tricky and always saying things to put people off..." Serena complained. "I hate her!"
"If she has an Aegislash, I'm not surprised," Wikstrom commented, patting one of his Pokémon's tassels. "For an Aegislash to battle effectively, it requires one to be a master of mind games, prediction, and surprise. Being too predictable makes it easy for the opponent to counter and destroy Aegislash before it can do anything. Being unpredictable allows you to deal massive damage while leaving your opponent constantly guessing what to do. I've heard of Trainers going for a whole personality overhaul just so that their opponents cannot decide how to counter while their Aegislash decimates the battlefield. In every sense, Honedge, Doublade and Aegislash are the Pokémon of a knight, and as descendant of a knight, I honour that bond."
"That's truly admirable," I said, completely without sarcasm. "Erm... do people really swing around their Aegislash?"
"Only a Machoke would want to carry 53.7 kilogram of gold and iron on one arm," Wikstrom bluntly replied. "The weight is mitigated due to the Aegislash, which has the ability to detect leadership qualities in people. To use an Aegislash as a battle weapon, is the mark of an Aegislash master who has forged a truly deep bond of trust. Other than that, it just stands for a huge threat."
"A threat?" Shauna blinked.
"Most swords don't stab the other in the back when you throw them," Wikstrom commented. I decided not to analyse his meaning too deeply.
An accordion rang out over Camphrier, peaceful and sleepy, as we bid Shauna and Wikstrom goodbye at the Pokémon Centre. Wikstrom said nothing but pleasantries as he turned back to walk down the path towards Parfum Palace, and Serena and I just headed for our rooms. I let my Pokémon out of their Pokéballs to prepare for sleep, and allow them some room to stretch their limbs, resolving to call the Pokémon Centre if Dr du Bois did not return for some reason.
My face me the pillow. Somehow, my vision was greeted by white, that melted into grey, that melted into-
There was a rather exotic tone about as I ran, chanting following my every footstep. A constant repetitive beat that merged with multiple layers of instruments that made it disturbing and discordant, too many echoes of a single song being played over and over again on different instruments at different speeds.
Beside me, a Delphox screeched – I recognised the beast from reading through the Central Kalos PokéDex, the beast that Elmo would turn into. Unlike the dull red-yellow the PokéDex showed, though, this one glowed white with power, bright and great as a magnesium flare. I heard the pattering of footsteps, and I laughed.
"Well, Altair?" I heard my own voice, feminine and pitched low.
Both wings have been evacuated and cleaned, Altair nodded. I had no need to be present, not with Mme Drasna on hand.
"I got it," I nodded. "Shall we, then?"
Yes.
"Delphi, let us," I ordered, turning on one foot to set off at a brisk jog. I must have turned many corners of darkened hallway before I came across a bunch of guys in red suits. Well, actually, everything about them was red. Sunglasses, dyed hair, suits.
One stepped up, throwing a Pokéball. "Go, Liepard!"
"Altair, Swords Dance!" I ordered.
"Fake Out!" the female Trainer with the Liepard called as the purple and yellow leopard leapt forth and stopped Altair.
"Good," I praised. "Aura Sphere!"
Now that the leopard was close, the Lucario shoved a glowing ball of light up its nose. This probably had the effect of breaking cartilage, since I heard a crack of bone and the Liepard flew off into the distance.
"Bisharp!" the Trainer now called, releasing a living version of the statue at Parfum Palace.
I'd expected Altair to move, but I just snapped my fingers. My answers were provided when the skylights overhead crashed, a curtain of glass descending with the speed, colouration and claws of a Flygon.
"Delphi, Future Sight," I tersely called. "Vega, these Flare administrators. You're the fastest one here. Well?"
The dragon grunted in acknowledgement, a sphere of light charged.
"We're counting on you," I nodded. "Dragon Claw at close quarters. Earth Power at far quarters. Anything in between is up to you, as long as you don't use Hyper Beam or Sandstorm. Altair, Delphi. The Legendary Pokémon still needs to be freed."
The Delphox and Lucario murmured in acknowledgement, running as we took off for the next room. Soon, we arrived at a circular vault, the kind with wires trailing from the ceiling, and there was a six-on-one battle. I can't really describe everything, but that Delphox was damned scary, especially with Future Sight. What the Flare mooks were protecting, though... it looked like a tree and an egg. Why?
"Found them," I breathed a sigh, approaching the platforms where said tree and egg were. "I'm going to let you two out, alright? It's over."
I stepped back. "Altair."
Understood. He broke a steel cable. Sparks scattered over the metal casing, and yet the Lucario did not flinch. Not as the tree shook, not as the egg began to crack. Not as pink and white merged with red and black. Not as the branches of the tree began to shake, as the trunk splayed out into spindly legs. As the eggshell cracked, wings spread, and a beak formed to cry out. As auras mixed, he flinched.
Both the monsters, or Pokémon, began to scream, the walls shaking with their mirth and something undefinable. The horns grew larger, the jewels upon it glowing with the colours of a rainbow that it swung as the Delphox used its wand to defend me.
I screamed as the Delphox was beheaded in an instant. The other, bird-like Pokémon, bellowed, the dark red aura flying out to strike that Altair and I dodged.
"Everyone!" I screamed, unleashing three more Pokéballs. A Sealeo, large and fat, that read the situation perfectly and shot ice at the bird. A Venusaur bellowed, standing in front of me to defend, its legs thick as tree trunks and the flower maybe just as big as a tree. A Banette, the Marionette Pokémon chuckling before I snapped at it to use Phantom Force.
I raised my arm. "Deneb!"
The Venusaur bellowed in answer.
"We're going to have to chase the Legendary Pokémon away from this town," I called. "Understood? Altair, Sealeo and you, double team the other with ice and fists. Banette, you're weak to darkness, you're going to support Deneb with Will-O-Wisp."
"Ne, ne!" the Marionette's mouth unzipped to show its teeth.
The Venusaur cried out again, but there was no time, not since one of my Pokémon, no, my first Pokémon, had died, and then now... now I had a town to protect. I had a region to safeguard.
I raised my arm, and around my left wrist, I saw the jewel upon it begin to glow. "Evolve, Deneb! Venoshock!"
The flower on the back of the Venusaur expanded, glowing purple before it spat a mass of poisonous smog at the monster, the one that was impatiently pawing around, that glowed with a pearlescent light before it jumped, lightning-fast, and then a pink blast knocked Deneb back. The Venusaur bellowed as the flower upon its head was gored through, and the Banette was little better, the ghostly fire it used barely scratching at the true monster, the one shrouded in pink and waving its horns and then it attacked me.
I screamed as the pink blast nearly got to me, but Deneb had tanked most of it. My Venusaur was suffering, because this Pokémon didn't understand-
Sealeo backed slightly, its breath whistling.
"Icy Wind!" I called to the seal, who blew a spiralling gale that enveloped both shadowed, legendary monsters.
The horned one. The one that looked like a deer. The proud arrangement of horns lowered, glowing with the colours of the rainbow, but predominantly green. I recognised the move as Megahorn. It was going to hit Deneb.
My Venusaur charged a Solarbeam, aware that this was going to be its last attack. Aware that it was defending its trainer to the last. He was going to die. My Venusaur bellowed in defiance, but could not move within the vortex created by the Solar Beam it was about to fire. Around it was the mangled remnants of some of the Flares' Pokémon, Delphi amongst them.
"Deneb!" I screamed, swinging out. I stumbled, landing in front of the charging deer. The horn stabbed through my spine and came out in the other end. I looked straight, into Deneb's dying face where the pointed end of the horn had breached his skull.
"Fire!"
The Legendary Pokémon tried to move, but I held it down by the simple application of heaping my weight upon it. Monstrously strong Pokémon or whatever, I guessed physics really wasn't with it here since it could barely do anything but dig its heels and tug, and compared to holding onto a dying Venusaur for support, anything short of some weird power was going to ensure that the deer was going to stay.
"I..." I began to cry. "Can you create a Destiny Bond between people?"
It nodded solemnly. A zip pulled across its face in a broad, jagged grin that belied its panic. The deer screamed, trying to rip its horns out, but the many points it held proved to be its downfall. Especially as I clung onto them in my stomach, in my stained hands.
"Why did our comrades die?" I whispered. "I don't want this. All of this... Delphi and Deneb-"
Across the room, the bird was glowing a reddish-black. It threw a glowing red wing out, Sealeo throwing herself in Altair's path, tackling the Lucario off course but taking the brunt of the attack. Her empty eyes greeted me as the thick, fatty body slapped the floor.
"Altair," I gasped. "Step back. Get Vega. Use Rock Tomb."
What are you thinking?
Deneb cried, too tired to do anything but watch. The deer-like Pokémon, perhaps sensing death or the Banette's power in linking destinies, began to cry.
"For every wish these Pokémon granted, an additional curse was inflicted," I gasped. "Altair... go! This is our best chance!"
Your spine-! Your body-!
"When you get back..." I whispered. "If they're still alive, Flash Cannon. Flash Cannon everything. Steel is the only way to kill the immortal. Now!"
The bird-like Pokémon screamed at the deer and I, trying to move if not for that one of its wings had broken under one particularly vicious attack.
"I gave you fair warning," I growled as Altair hurriedly left. "I... do you think yourselves as gods to rain judgement upon humans? Just because you rule life and death? You lost responsibility the day we gained free will."
It screamed some more, a low, musical cry of rage.
I saw the ghostly chains of fate intertwine in Banette's hands, and I fell down, leaning against the wall, half-dangling between Deneb's corpse, the horns, and the wall. I could see the bird Pokémon try to attack, move, do something, but I guessed that its bones were broken since it could barely do more than lift its head.
"I'm sorry our time is so short," I whispered as I patted its head. "Thanks, Banette."
Altair entered the room again, perched on Vega's back just as the bird managed to get off an attack. As I saw the Oblivion Wing approach, I reflected-
How ironic that the immortal shall die with me.
I felt something cold hit my back and finally I could scream. I opened my eyes. I did nothing else. Heart thundering in my ears, I looked up at the plastered ceiling.
"I had a horrible dream," I reflected. "I dreamt that I owned a white Delphox that was beheaded by a deer and a Venusaur that died firing a Solarbeam at the deer and a Sealeo that died defending my Pokémon from an Oblivion Wing and a Banette that used Destiny Bond to make sure both the bird and the deer died with me."
I paused. That was absurd. I only had Frogadier, Fletchling and Bulbasaur. Bulbasaur was nowhere near evolution yet. The thing about dreams is that it was only when I woke up that I realised something was strange.
"Bulba?" Bulbasaur blinked from its restful place on the windowsill.
"Morning, Bulbasaur." I shook my head, and went to wash my face, brush my teeth, and generally do all the crap I reserved for just waking up. I don't think you're interested in my morning routine, no need to bore you with the general details.
"What's wrong, Donar?" Serena asked as I went into the hotel's attached cafeteria for breakfast. "You look pale. Bad night?"
I blinked at her, Serena with blonde hair and blue eyes, and something nagged at me. "You remind me of someone... someone I met in a dream."
"Ha?" Serena placed a hand on her hip. "Are you alright, Donar?"
"I..." I shook my head, whatever half-forgotten memory lost to the ether once more. "I'm fine. Just... just a dream."
...Iris was followed by a very nice Pokémon. I would like to bring him on the journey. Altair might disapprove. Correction. He does disapprove, despite our visitor's winning personality. Yet he also accepts that the issues are purely logistical. With any luck, perhaps I could turn the boy to my view once I give him my proposal.
If he doesn't run screaming first, that is.
– Marguerite Linden du Bois
The song, I Dream of Dawn, composed by Yuki Kajiura and performed by Fictionjunction Asuka, featured in the movie Puella Magi Madoka Magica: Rebellion. The English is my adaptation of the ditty.
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