A Reminiscence

Chapter Fourteen

Arrival

()()()

For several days after that, we travelled aboard the massive steel ship, parting the great waves and bridging the final gap. Hour after hour, we inched ever closer and closer to that goal that once had seemed so far away: Unova, the largest country on the planet, where I would at last unveil my greatest creation and finally earn my proper respect. But such respect could not come without fair effort besides mere invention, no, I had to sell my creation to the masses! And sell I would, as I had not only put together a fairly in-depth presentation, which I would further fine-tune later on, but had several satisfied individuals to provide testimony. My work on it was cut short as an announcement finally came through the ship's intercom, revealing what I had been awaiting for some time: "Attention, passengers, we are now approaching Black City. Please prepare to unboard."

"About time!" I cried when I heard this beautiful news, getting up and making my way to the bow so I could observe our final approach. "I had almost gone made with everybody kissing up to me!"

"I can't especially mind that," Jack said, stepping up next to me. I noticed that he was wearing the translator I had built for him during the wait, a nice development. "Nothing wrong with people recognizing that you kicked ass."

"Perhaps you are simply more used to it than I." We continued walking out, stopping before a massive crowd upon the ship's bow. Despite the mass of people, we could still see an unimaginably beautiful sight: Black City, its massive skyline ever growing upon the horizon.

"My God," I said, removing my glasses, "have you ever seen such a sight?"

"I have, but never like this." Jack turned to me, a massively wide smile upon his face. "We made it, Larch! Son of a bitch, we made it!"

"You're not there yet," Anne said, pushing out from the crowd. "We still have to dock and unload. Anything could happen then."

"Anne, what could possibly happen? Wolfgang is rightfully in prison, we have everything in order for the presentation…honestly, I have never felt so ready!"

"Don't forget, Slick did mention weird stuff's been going on. That could still come back and bite us in the ass at some point."

"But aboard the ship, Anne?" I asked. "It is frankly too great a stretch. You do raise a good point, though, we should be prepared for when something silly happens."

"I can help out with that," Slick offered, stepping in as well. "I know I've been kind of vague, but I think I've figured out how to describe what's been going on lately."

"Well?" I asked, stepping closer to him. "What is it?"

"It's like…have you ever felt like you're being watched? Or followed around by somebody?"

I shrugged. "Of course I have. I would say probably everybody in the world has felt something along those lines at some point or another."

"But usually, it goes away after you look over your shoulder or something, right?" He shook his head. "Not with me. For the past…six months, I'd guess, something's been following me around, and I have no idea what it could be or why."

"Are you sure you are not simply paranoid?" I asked.

"Larch!" Anne scolded. "I'm sure he's fine."

I shot her a disbelieving look, but turned back to Slick. "Who would want to follow you, and why?"

Slick shrugged, evidently knowing the answer as well as I did. "Honestly, for as dashing and fascinating as I am, I don't know who would want to see it all the time. But it's not just that, everybody in Unova has seemed really paranoid too."

"Them as well?" I asked. "Curiouser and curiouser… do you have any idea why they have been?"

"It had something to do with the border opening, I'll bet," Jack suggested. "They've been cut off from the outside world for a while, and they've probably had all sorts of stories going around about how everybody from foreign countries wants to blow them up or something ridiculous."

"Hey, yeah, now that you mention it, the day they announced that the border would open back up was about the time that guy started following me!" Slick reasoned, his eyes widening. "Something is most definitely up here."

"Something may be up, you mean," I corrected. "We still do not know if you have actually been followed or not. Have you had that feeling ever since you left Unova?"

Slick thought for a moment. "Now that you mention it, no I haven't. Maybe he gave up?"

"Or perhaps he is waiting for your return," I suggested.

"If he even exists," Jack said. "Come on, let's find Ralph and get our stuff so we can get off of this boat. I'm starting to get claustrophobic on this thing."

"Now, there is something we can all agree on!" I said.

()()()

Ralph was quite easily found at the upper observation deck, looking at the oncoming city, and from there it was a simple matter to collect our things and make our way to the exit.

"All right, people," I said as we approached the dock, luggage in hand. "Let us do this!"

"I wonder how the natives are gonna react," Slick mused. "I don't know how excited they're gonna be about this ship coming in."

"Oh, relax, I am sure it will be absolutely fine!" Indeed, as we came nearer to the dock, it became obvious that there was actually a throng of screaming people, waving all sorts of banners about, a series of dividers forming a canyon between them. "See? They are absolutely euphoric!"

"Wait, what's that say?" Jack asked, leaning in to get a closer look at the streamers flying about. "Welcome…Larch?"

I started, surprised at such an implication. "What are you talking about, Jack?"

"Look!" he said, pointing to the mob. "I think they're waiting for you!"

Indeed, as I took a closer look, many of the banners bore my name, although on several of them the spelling was rather questionable. Of course, one should not look a gift horse in the mouth, and it was quite a nice thing to see that the excitement over my announcement was quite widespread.

"When did you get so popular?" Ralph asked, also quite surprised.

"Perhaps they have heard of my impressive exploits and are wondering what brilliant technology I have for them?" I thought aloud. Anne glared at me, but said nothing.

Slowly, we approached the dock until the intercom came to life once again. "Passengers, we have entered Black City. Please be ready to unload from the ship in ten minutes," it blared. Evidently, the crowd below us heard it as well, as they started cheering quite loudly indeed.

"This is somewhat alarming," I noted. "Surely there is some sort of crowd control present here beyond those barriers?"

"Yeah, there is, look!" Slick pointed to a series of black trucks at the back of the crowd, which had gone unnoticed in the morass of people. "Damn, that's pretty heavy duty stuff, there. I think it might be official government guys."

"Governmental enforcement?" I asked. "Why would that even remotely be necessary here?"

"That's why," Ralph said, pointing to a motorcade that had just pulled in. Numerous police cars and bikes, sirens all blaring, were protecting what was clearly the presidential limousine, the famous Unovan flag somehow associated with any available space on it. As it made its way through, the crowd grew more and more excited, until eventually it pulled in just in front of where we would exit off the ship.

"Does the president want to see me?" I wondered. "I wouldn't have thought myself this popular…"

"Nobody would, Larch," Jack said. "This is really getting weird."

"Uh, please wait a moment, folks," the intercom blared, "we seem to have a personal request from President Greeley. Can Berkeley Larch and his group please make their way down to the president's limousine?"

We all looked at each other, and hesitated to do anything, confused by this sudden development. Soon, though, Ralph broke the pause and took a tentative step, making his way down the stairs with us in pursuit. The crowd saw us, and began cheering even wilder as we made our way down. I attempted a few waves, while Jack and Slick quite readily made their joy known, and it only seemed to make the crowd even more excited.

"Why isn't the security doing anything about this?" Anne said, barely above the noise surrounding us.

"They have not actually done anything yet," I noted. "I do not know how much longer that is going to last, though."

As we stepped off onto the main dock, several people attempted to rush towards us, but thankfully by that time several security workers had made their way towards the front and were able to prevent them from doing anything off. While the tide of people was barely being dammed, an imposing, quite handsome man in a very expensive-looking suit exited the limousine, waving to the crowd and impossibly rousing them further.

"Holy shit, is that President Greeley?" Jack asked, impressed.

"If he is, that must be the vice president," Anne said, referring to a slightly shorter, much older man who had just gotten out as well. His presence did not seem to rouse the crowd as much, but he still seemed to know exactly what he was doing. The two leaders, having had their fill of praise, walked over to us, surrounded by a practical army of agents, one of whom had a miniature x-ray scanner of some description.

"Here they come, mind the protocol!" I said, and we all straightened up in respect. The agent paused their movement, and quickly looked us over, finding nothing of threat. Satisfied in his safety, Greeley and the vice president walked up to Ralph, who was currently at the front of our group.

"Mr. Berkeley Larch!" he incorrectly said, grabbing Ralph's hand and shaking it vigorously. Although Ralph was naturally baffled, the president continued to greet him. "It's a great honor to meet you, sir, your invention is absolutely incredible, and we'll be very glad to have you present it in our greatest city!"

"Uh, sir?" I interrupted. "This is Ralph. I would be Professor Berkeley Larch."

Greeley stammered, but shook it off and stepped to me, followed by his vice president. "Mr. Berkeley Larch!" He took my hand as well and shook it rather less vigorously, seeming somewhat embarrassed. "I'm sure you already heard the good news about our fine country from your friend there."

"Indeed, I have." I attempted a smile, but felt something was off about this whole business. "This is quite a lot of pomp and circumstance merely to greet me."

"Well, you did come up with one of the greatest scientific advancements in human history, not to mention everything you've done in the last week," Greeley explained. "Most people would consider what you've done impossible."

"So I've heard. Extensively."

"Genius is rarely recognized in its time. Is this your entourage we've heard so much about?"

I looked back at them, and turned back to Greeley. "Indeed, they are. That fellow you mistook for me is Ralph, and this is Anne, Jack, and Slick," I said, pointing to each of them in turn.

Greeley smiled. "Well, then, I suppose I might as well introduce my vice president, Mr. Zerus." He pointed at the man beside him, who waved his hand at us. "Believe me, I'm greatly honored to meet all of you. You're all heroes."

"I haven't done anything yet, though," Slick noted.

"Oh, I'm sure you'll get your chance," the vice president chimed in. Slick glared at him, but said nothing as he and Greeley walked off before he had a chance to, us gladly following him.

"Naturally, you're considered personal guests of the country, so we've already set up everything for you as long as you're here. You'll receive the finest penthouse in the best hotel in the city, a personal assistant, and full access to anything you could possibly want."

"This is certainly some kingly treatment!" Slick said. "You don't hold back much, do you?"

"Here in Unova, we always go all out when we can," Greeley explained as we approached the limousine. "Especially for such esteemed individuals as yourself."

"Well, thank you," I said as the chauffeur opened the door, revealing an impressive stately interior with room enough for all of us. "You certainly do know how to make a greeting."

"When you're in my line of business, you have to." We all entered the limousine, impressed by its splendor. Greeley and Zerus sat towards the front, still surrounded by the agents, while we took the back, myself sitting at the head, directly across from one of the most powerful men in the world. Soon, we were off among the cheers of the crowd outside, and although we did make some pleasant conversation, Slick was obviously quite suspicious of the whole proceedings, constantly glancing and glaring at the leaders.

The motorcade made its way through the city streets, several people pointing it out as we delved deeper within the concrete and steel jungle that was Black City.

"As you might obviously guess," Greeley explained, "we are one of the most prosperous nations in the entire world, and this city right here is the center of it. From Heere Street comes the stocks, the banks, the largest of corporations. Behind the Hall of Parliament, it's likely the single most important spot in all of Unova. I doubt any of you have much interest in going there, though."

"I never was one for economics, myself," I said. "Far too confusing a business."

"I understand the feeling." Greeley chuckled, and we all felt somewhat obliged to do the same, though it was still clear that Slick very much wanted to be somewhere else.

"I imagine that a lot goes on in this city, of course?" I asked.

"Oh, naturally," Zerus said, smiling. "Don't worry, I'm sure that despite all you've gone through in the last week, you'll find plenty to enjoy in our city."

"Of course," Greeley interrupted, "with such incredible prosperity comes incredible luxury, and as such, I'm very proud to present…the DeMatlio Grand!"

I looked around, but saw nothing that would require such a presentation, nor did we stop for such. Greeley looked around, and coughed into his hand.

"I said…the DeMatlio Grand!" Again, we did not stop, and Greeley turned around, pulling open the divider between him and the chauffer. "Why aren't we stopping?" he demanded, agitated.

"We're not at the DeMatlio yet," the driver called back, agitated as well. "Traffic's a bitch this time a day. It's even worse now that everybody's trying to get down to the dock."

"Oh." Greeley looked back at us, once more embarrassed, and then went back to the driver. "Well…okay, that'll have to wait, but it is impressive, trust me."

"The DeMatlio," Ralph interjected, "I think I've heard of that. Isn't that one of the tallest buildings in the city?"

"Indeed, and you'll be right at the top, in one of the grandest penthouses in the world!"

"Oh, boy, really?" Slick asked, rubbing his stomach. "I really don't like heights."

"Don't worry, the room comes equipped with parachutes," Greeley joked. Slick did not seem to appreciate it much, as his face quite literally turned a shade of green.

We continued to make awkward conversation as we made our way to the hotel proper, the buildings on either side of the limo progressively getting taller and taller as we plunged into the very heart of the city.

"Are we there?" Greeley asked as we eventually pulled to a stop. "Oh, thank god. Ladies and gentlemen, once again, the Dematlio!"

We all turned to the right, and stared in awe at the massive structure outside, which was very nearly as large as the Silph Co. building, and much prettier in its design, recalling the classic Art Deco style that grew to popularity in this very city. It was so massive, it was actually rather difficult to see the very top from the windows we were provided.

"That is one hell of a building," Jack said, whistling.

"And we're at the top of it?" Slick asked. "Don't they have a kennel or something?"

"I could never put one of my guests in a kennel," Greeley said, waving his hand. "Shall I show you inside?"

"I should not like to impose, Mr. President. Surely you have other things to be doing?" I asked.

"Perhaps, but I don't think there's anything wrong with some foreign diplomacy."

"You are certainly putting a great effort into it," I noted.

"Like I said, we never hold back in Unova. Come on, let's go in."

Our now quite large group exited the limousine and pushed through the crowd that had amassed outside and entered the frankly beautiful foyer, whose massive carpet was probably worth more than I made in a month, and a chandelier as large as my bedroom that was likely worth more than I made in a whole year. Several very rich-looking people stood inside, milling about and making light conversation about stocks or whatever it is those sorts of people make conversation about, but all of them paused to look at the president of their country as he walked up to the front desk, a gigantic, intricate slab of mahogany with numerous people manning the state-of-the-art computers atop it.

"Hello?" he asked one of the receptionists, a wiry-looking younger fellow who seemed to have just been hired. He turned to face Greeley and seemed shocked as he did so. "I have a reservation under the name Larch."

"Uh, yes, hold on just a second, your highness…" the receptionist stammered, quickly hiding behind the safety of the monitor and pulling up the necessary information. "Ah, yes, we do have a reservation for four people and a Pokémon, along with a personal valet and all the hotel's accommodations."

I flushed at hearing the treatment we would receive. "Mr. President, this is really not necessary!" I cried, but he waved me off.

"I understand that this may seem excessive, but you're one of the most important people we've had come in since the border opened up, and I want to leave a good impression."

"Well, you have certainly done a good job at that!" I said.

"I'm glad to hear it." Greeley smiled, and turned to leave us to ourselves. "I trust you have a handle on it from here?" he asked, looking back at us.

"I think we do," Jack said, smiling.

"Enjoy your stay!" Zerus said, very, very cheerful indeed.

"Uh, your valet will show you to your room, sirs," the receptionist said, tossing me the room's keycard. "You'll need to take the elevator up."

"Oh, great, an elevator," Slick said, "this just gets better and better!"

"Slick, calm down," Anne warned. "This is a perfectly safe building, you have nothing to be afraid of."

"Except falling off, a building fire, a home invader…"

"I assure you, sir, none of that is going to happen in this hotel!" a fellow, presumably our valet, said, stepping up behind me and nearly causing me to jump out of my skin.

"Jesus!" I said, turning to get a good look at him. He was a very tall, cheerful man, dressed like the most stereotypical butler imaginable, though he was much younger than the common portrayal. "Were you trying to give me a heart attack?" I asked, recoiling.

"Sorry about that, sir, I just noticed you with the president. Shall I show you to the suite?"

"I suppose you shall," I said, recovering. "Just…warn me next time, all right? Bloody hell…"

"Good, just give your luggage to the bellhop and we'll take it right up." He pointed to another man, standing next to one of those odd golden cages they use. We all put what luggage we had inside, and he immediately carted it off somewhere to bring it up.

"Are you ready, then?" the valet asked, quite eager.

"I think I might well be, at least somewhat." I said.

He nodded and began walking to one of the many elevators lining the wall, an impressive pair of silver doors.

"I'm impressed so far," Jack said. "Even the elevators are spotless."

"Here at the DeMatlio, we like to make sure everything is as perfect as possible for our clientele," the valet explained, pressing the button to call the elevator down. "Can't make a bad impression when you're dealing with the finest people in the world, now, can we?"

"Personally, I would not refer to myself as one of the finest people in the world, but if you say so," I said, warming up to this whole idea.

"The president himself filled out your reservation, sir. You must be pretty important."

I smiled, as the elevator finally reached the bottom. "Indeed, I must be."

We all stepped inside, finding the interior quite nice, the bottom half being all red velvet, and the top being that same excellent mahogany.

"Your suite is on the 74th floor," the valet said, pressing said button. "The highest suite has already been reserved by somebody else."

"And who would that be?" I asked.

"Silas Silph."

"Ah!" I said, excited. "That is actually quite good for me, then. We can discuss production of my translator after my presentation."

"Damn, you're moving up in the world!" Jack said, as we did, indeed, start to go up.

"I still have a rather difficult time believing it myself," I said. "But here I am, heading for what I am sure is an excellent suite."

"Oh, you won't be disappointed," the valet said. "Not at all."

Thus, we made our way further and further up the hotel, eventually reaching our destination. As the door opened, we found ourselves in a hallway lined with similar elevators on one side and a great set of doors on the other.

"Your suite awaits," the valet said, pointing at the doors. I took out the keycard and looked it over, now seeing it was made of genuine gold and reflected the light as if it were a laser pointer. I looked the doors up and down, and then slid the card through the slot to their right, revealing an incredible sight. "Bloody hell." I whispered.

It was truly a massive suite, taking up almost the entire floor. Two large pillars were located in its center, obviously to prevent the ceiling from collapsing into the spacious room. There was another set of doors on the opposite side, the other walls having great windows that provided an astonishing view of the city. Also within was every luxury imaginable and then some. Massive bedrooms, a fully equipped Jacuzzi system, a massive entertainment system, plush carpeting, huge windows…it was the ultimate symbol of excess, and I had never been more excited for something.

"Holy shit," Jack said, stepping out inside the room, admiring the thick carpeting. "This is one hell of a room! I'm glad I stuck with you guys!"

"Me too!" Slick said, excitedly running out, though he paused when he noticed the skyline of the city from the impressive windows. "Okay, starting to question that decision," he said, backing up against the wall to safety.

"Relax, would you?" Anne said, stepping inside and staring in awe. "I mean, look at this place! This is incredible!"

"I never would have imagined such an impressive accommodation," I said. "I honestly do not know how to thank him."

"I don't think you would be able to do that in your lifetime," Jack said. "Not unless you save Unova somehow. Knowing you, you probably will!"

"There is not much doubt about that."

"Oh, those rooms look fantastic," Ralph said, finally putting in his part. He rushed over to one of them, leapt in the bed, and immediately fell asleep atop the covers.

"Uh…" the valet trailed off. "Will you be needing anything else?"

"Well, I would kind of like to take Slick down so we can look for that hat of his," Anne said.

"Down?" Slick asked, perking up. "Oh, thank god, the ground!"

"Quit being so dramatic, would you?" Anne requested. Slick deflated slightly, but went with her anyway, stepping outside and past the bellhop who had just arrived with our things. "Excuse me!"

"Sorry about that," he said, entering the room and leaving our things there, quickly taking exit.

"Sweet, our stuff!" Jack said, looking over it. "Yep, all there. Good service, too." He thought for a moment, and realized he also had some business. "I think I'll go do some research about the Pokémon around here. Might as well know if there are any legendaries around here, right?" He left as well, leaving me alone with Ralph's sleeping form and the valet as well.

"Sir?" he asked, leaning in expectantly.

"Oh, no, I will be fine, that is all. I need to work on my presentation."

He nodded and left, closing the doors shut behind him with a loud slam, though Ralph remained asleep. I pulled out my luggage and searched through it, quickly finding my laptop. I chose a room for myself, walked to the bed, and sat upon it, opening up the presentation and setting to work on it, quite serene. Little did I know what events would transpire next…