Chapter 3: 12 Hours
Obviously A Few Minutes After The Last Chapter, Unknown Location
Collin had just finished asking which question was the probably most important in his life.
Arceus answered:
''You will start your mission in a town close to Aquacorde Town, where you will meet your partner.''
''My…partner?'' Collin was surprised by this, and not in a good way.
Collin was instantly filled with nervousness. How would he convince anyone to join him on a quest that could lead to their demise?
''Arceus, how do you expect a person like me to successfully win over another human being, then get them to stay with me against a group of terrorists with guns?'' Collin asked, laughing at the absurdity of such a proposition.
But Arceus was serious.
''I will pay them a visit, you focus on getting to the town.''
''And one more thing: get some new clothing.''
Before Collin could ask what Arceus meant, he was surrounded by a cloak of darkness, and he lost consciousness.
11:36:37 AM, Vaniville Town, Kalos
''Serena! You tracked mud into the house again!''
Serena's mother was not enjoying this new trainer phase, as it meant that the floors of the house had to be cleaned almost every day.
Serena didn't care much about whatever came into the house after her. She wasn't going to grow as a trainer without getting a little dirty. Fennekin, on the other hand, was not happy at all with any kind of dirt in her coat.
Serena went upstairs to wash up. She turned on the water in the tub and took a nice ten-minute bath.
As she dried off, a strange, intense light filled the bathroom as Arceus materialized. Serena was about to scream her head off when Arceus spoke:
''Hello, Serena. We have much to discuss.''
Serena was amazed at first, then realized that Arceus could see almost her entire body, which is not a good feeling if you are ever visited by an all-powerful being in your washroom.
''Uh…what are you talking about?''Serena asked.
Arceus told Serena everything that she had told Collin, then followed this explanation with something that further aggravated the nervousness Serena was feeling.
''Serena, I have a person you need to meet. Be in Aquacorde Town in twelve hours.''
And with that, Arceus disappeared with a flash of light.
Serena wondered who this person would be. She thought they would be another girl, but she hoped that the person was a cute boy that would sweep her off of her feet.
She got dressed, and packed a small bag with clothes, potions, and money for buying food. She put on clean jeans and a pink shirt, her riding boots, and a watch before telling her mother that she was leaving.
Serena's mother gave her the typical response that most mothers give:
''Okay, be safe and have fun!''
11:36:37 AM, Santalune City, Kalos
Collin woke up in a hotel room.
He got out of bed, and stretched until he noticed something on the desk in the room.
It was a typed note that read:
Collin,
You have 12 hours to get to Aquacorde Town. Do not be late.
Also, I left you some supplies. Check the closet.
Collin opened the closet door, and found a small black MOLLE bag with money, a map of Kalos, a knife, and a trauma kit, which instantly put Collin on edge. Was Arceus planning for Collin to get injured?
After looking through the bag, Collin searched the room for any more surprises. He was sorting through an end table when he saw something astonishing: his reflection.
Collin looked at himself closer, and saw that his appearance had changed. He looked like a character from some anime. His eyes were bigger in proportion to the rest of his body, and his normal, real-world acne was gone. He did also see why Arceus told him to get new clothes: he was wearing pajamas.
Collin walked downstairs, and asked the lady behind the counter where he was.
The clerk giggled and said, ''Sir, you're in Santalune City.''