Chapter 13 – Burdens
Which draws us back to the lake trio. Theirs is a power seemingly tied to the realms of space and time. But what of the third round? Arceus would have the power of all, thus it leaves us to wonder if the third is a link to Arceus itself, or something else entirely. Is there in fact another realm yet hidden from us? Something only the trio can understand?
The rest of the page was obscured by another book on top of it. Cynthia's desk at her grandmother's home was cluttered with the studies conducted by Professor Carolina. Her grandmother was a top researcher in legends, especially those from Sinnoh. After having met with Arthur in Kanto over a month ago, Cynthia had returned home to continue looking in to what her grandmother had done.
Links had been drawn, but it seemed, only to those within their respective regions. But yet, had not Dr. Soul found that the legends roamed all the regions searching for something or someone? So what made a trainer so special? What separated people like Arthur and Red from the other trainers? Arthur had commented on something about returning balance to the world, so did that have something to do with all of this?
One burning question for Cynthia however, was how all of the legends fit in. If one was removed, did that upset the balance? But what was balance if not an illusion? Forces in constant opposition creating the natural order, striving towards that goal of balance. But with chaos and order at odds, was such a thing even achievable? This knowledge that assailed Cynthia so, she realized, also came upon the young champion from Johto. And that knowledge suddenly brought tears to her eyes. For one so young, the pressures of the world seemed to rest upon his shoulders. A ring burst through the silence startling Cynthia before she answered the phone.
"Hello?" she said in a shaky voice, one coloured with disuse.
"Cynthia?"
"Speaking" she replied stronger.
"It's Arthur. Is this a bad time?" the young man asked. There seemed to be something akin to worry in his tone.
"Not at all Arthur. What can I do for you?"
"I've come across some more information, and it got me wondering if perhaps you've discovered anything more in Sinnoh?" Those words made Cynthia's voice catch in her throat. Could she burden the young man further? Was this his destiny? A man constantly forced to the front of a never ending war?
"I… I have. But not anything that would help you answer your questions about the legends of Johto." There was silence on the line. Finally Arthur spoke.
"You've burdened yourself Cynthia." The Sinnoh champion looked out through the window to the evening sun sitting low in the sky through the mountain pass.
"I've had to." There was a small sad laugh from the young man. "This knowledge about the legends Arthur, what they ask of you…" Her voice trailed off.
"The knowledge you've discovered Cynthia was always there. It just took you to open your eyes to see it. But it is not enough to simply know. It is what you do with that knowledge. Remember that Cynthia. This battle is something that can never be quit. But it can be defended. I have made my choice."
"You choose to stand in front of that which could change the world."
"This struggle is not mine alone. Know this Cynthia; even if I am to fail, I know that I have lived. I have seized this knowledge and made it my own. I have thrown the chains of despair to the abyss of my mind and thus free myself to take upon my own choices." Arthur's proclamation stunned Cynthia into silence. "Hope exists Cynthia." With those words, a weight seemed to lift from the older champion.
Arthur hung up the phone. He was shaken. Cynthia had attempted to burden herself, unduly almost causing Arthur's heart to break. Hers was a path of compassion, but in doing so, she would bring about the violence and heartbreak that would bring ruin to her soul. For it was this single thing that Arthur realized the legends knew. People of a good nature would the ones most hurt by the coming change. Power was being actively sought after. It was a problem that would drive the world to chaos.
He had spent some extra days in Pewter with Brock and his family, preparing for the long trek towards Pallet. Brock had called ahead and found out that the leader for the Vermillion gym was not around at the moment. Not that it was a problem for Arthur. He planned on catching the ferry from Pallet to Cinnabar Island. He meant to see firsthand the devastation wrought to that poor town on the volcanic island. If there was anything the champion could do then he would endeavour to assist. It was the least he could do to help the patrons who had gone through nature's wrath. For what could human or Pokemon alike do in the face of such overwhelming power?
Cynthia looked deep into the mirror. She was wearing her traditional uniform of black on black. Her hair hung loose down to the small of her back. And yet, as she stared into her reflection, it appeared to her that she had lost something. The air of confidence was gone. How could she claim it when a man, much younger than her, stood bold faced into his destiny, one fraught with peril and pain, and accept what must be done? Where then was her courage to help where she could? Where did this fear of the unknown come from?
Walking out, the champion summoned to her side her Togekiss. The ranch she wished to visit was some ways away, but her partner would help her get there. During her flight Cynthia continued to contemplate what Arthur had said. Chains of despair he had said. This led her to believe that the young man had questioned himself quite a bit before deciding on his path. But it wasn't destiny now was it? No this was a seizing of that which the legends had already seen with him. This was a trainer not accepting that which society had grown complacent with and resisted. Here was a trainer much like Cynthia had been all those years ago when she had allowed herself to be driven by ideals and strength than anything else.
Her grandmother had been so proud when Cynthia became champion. What would she think now of the young woman who was doubting her every decision? Probably clout me upside the head Cynthia thought with a laugh. A warmth seemed to spread out from Togekiss to its trainer at that laugh.
"You understand don't you? Some people are the embodiment of their ideals. They are who they are and be damned the consequences. Well perhaps there really is hope out there then."
Arthur surveyed the scene around him. Lava, ash and boulders had completely changed the outlook of the island. People were still wandering around the now much diminished town, but it was a quiet and subdued feel around now.
"We can keep on winning and losing in Pokemon battles, but if nature so much as twitches, we can be overwhelmed in a second" a voice said from behind the champion. Arthur turned and saw another younger man, only a few years older than Arthur himself striding forwards.
"There's much truth in that." The other man nodded and joined Arthur in staring out over the island, each lost in their own thoughts.
"You're Blue aren't you?" Arthur finally asked after some time.
"That's right I am. And you're the current champion." Arthur nodded. "I suppose you're looking for a battle?" Blue asked.
"To be honest, not right now."
"Good cause neither am I. There's still some work to be done around here." Both trainers looked back at the people lining up for emergency food supplies and water. "Are you going to stick around and help out?"
"It's the least I can" replied Arthur. Together they made their way over to the volunteer staff.
The sun cast its evening light over the charred land, but the lapping of the waves did much too calm Arthur's tired body and troubled soul. Seeing the pain in so many eyes had taken its toll on the young man. Is this truly what I face? Was the question rolling through the champions mind the entire day.
This devastation was a part of a natural system. There is nothing anyone could have done to prevent the eruption. What we face is the manipulation of such power to create that which cannot truly be controlled.
"We face the imposition of order upon chaos, an unbalancing of nature. You're saying, we stand opposed to tyranny?" Arthur asked aloud. A knowing smile came to his mind and the soothing presence of the sea.
"Talking to yourself? Careful champion, people may begin to believe you're crazy!" Blue called out as he walked over holding two objects in his hand.
"If people were aware of just how crazy I really am, I doubt they would allow me to be champion" Arthur joked as he accepted the beer Blue handed to him.
"You sound like me when I was younger. The confidence, the stance, the ideals. But there's more of Red in you probably. I got too arrogant and was thus cast down when I have achieved everything I'd ever dreamed of."
"You knew Red growing up didn't you?" Arthur asked taking a drink. The beer was refreshingly cold and smooth.
"Figured we could use a couple of these" Blue said instead holding up his drink. It was a Kanto brew, a Tunnel dark ale from just outside of Vermillion. Arthur nodded in agreement.
"To answer your question, yeah Red and I grew up together. He was never much of a battler in the beginning whereas I was. And I was good. Still am." Arthur smirked. It seemed the once champion hadn't quite lost all his arrogance. "But there really was always something different about him. He touched people's lives in various ways and opened them up to something more."
"Interesting seeing as by all accounts, he didn't say much" Arthur said.
"Didn't need to. He was just always there. Never stood aside, and was the first one to stand up for what he thought needed defending. I remember our battle against one another. I don't think there has ever been a championship battle like it. I threw absolutely everything I could possibly muster at him and Red just swept it all aside."
"You did manage to take down a few of his Pokemon though" Arthur noted.
"Oh and I'm sure you would be able to do the same. Anyone who is strong enough and smart enough can take down one or more of Red's Pokemon. The difference is what he does after. Just so calm and collected these days. His is a power near unmatched."
"Do you know where he's hidden away?" the current champion asked.
"No idea. But I bet he's still training and figuring out mysteries. That guy will never stop being what he is." Arthur nodded, drinking the last of the beer. Blue wasn't far behind in finishing his drink. Opening his bag, he handed Arthur another bottle. A small smile crept across the young champions face as he accepted the drink. The sun was still setting, colouring the sky in red's and oranges. It was a serene scene.
"Did you just come down here to get drunk Blue?" the gym leader laughed.
"No, not drunk. I've smartened up some. We may not have been in the mood before, but come by Viridian gym next week and we'll have a battle. Seeing a strong trainer does get me in the mood and I feel that you've come a ways since your battle against Lance" Blue said staring out to sea. Arthur agreed and was silent. It was the first time in ages that two men of the same calibre had simply sat there and appreciated the world for what it was. A thing on beauty.
Hope you all enjoyed this chapter. I attempted to give some insight in to a couple of other characters from the universe who will play various other roles. Also, Blue's and Arthur's interaction was to show a history between the characters. Perhaps you can see what Arthur is thinking from it?
Anyways, this story is definitely going to a shorter one than Rise and thus I can see it coming to a close sooner rather than later. That means I'm still needing some ideas on Pokemon you'd like to see used as part of a Platinum team. Please send me your picks! Thanks