Colress tried to lift Ghetsis's spirits through plotting with him, but as the strategizing brought the two of them even closer, Ghetsis's stress only seemed to worsen. He would give valuable input when Colress discussed Aether Paradise's floor plans, but then give single-word responses when Colress asked him how he was feeling. He could give impromptu lectures about sociology, but would only cough when Colress playfully teased him.
Finally, Colress stood on the white surface of the VFLS, which looked bright blue in the light of the waning moon. "I'll enter now—call me at midnight if you can."
"I will. Good luck, Colress—I hope this revivifies your love of study."
"Thank you, I believe it will!" Colress smiled sadly. "Oh, and I hope you'll feel better—"
"Farewell." Ghetsis hung up.
Colress sighed and entered the main building, his eyes downcast. He had to close then for a moment when he went inside in order to adjust to his surroundings—the cold air and fluorescent light was a bit shocking compared to the warm night. Once he was ready, he smiled at the employees working the front desks, then went up to the public PC. He withdrew one of his new pokémon, the one Ghetsis had recommended for this task—a Starmie he had caught while tagging its pre-evolved form. Over the past few days, he had EV-trained it in order to shape it for this task.
Colress surveyed they area—other than the two employees at the front desks, there were a handful on patrol. None of the scientists who worked in the basement levels were in sight, which made this the optimal moment to strike. Colress knew he was a welcome guest at the Paradise, so he walked to the edge of the elevator platform and pressed the buttons that would take him to the Conservation area. He had to act quickly, as he only had a few seconds' time. Ghetsis had explained to him that Poké Ball disruptors of the kind used in the Conservation Area could not work through flooring, so just before the platform reached the higher level, Colress quickly sent out his pokémon. It seemed none of the employees below could see Starmie through the platform—excellent!
The Conservation Area was dark, as it was lit by natural light. The Corsola were fast asleep, and the Staryu and Starmie were lighting up their cores. No employees were in sight, as there was no maintenance to be done that night. Colress's own Starmie looked over to the blinking lights, but he put his foot down beside it, making it clear it should not move. Colress activated his invisibility device before taking the platform back to the first floor. He then stepped off the platform, anticipating chaos.
A few seconds later, his Starmie used Rapid Spin and flew off the platform like a spinning discus, just as he had instructed it to do! The Aether Employees gasped and chased after it, but could not keep up!
"How did a Starmie escape the Conservation Area?!" one of them shouted. "Go, Dugtrio! Slow it down with your Tangling Hair—!" He sent out his pokémon, and while Starmie did slow down after hitting Dugtrio, Starmie immediately stood up and used Scald, knocking out Dugtrio and hitting delicate equipment with the stream of boiling water! As it had been trained to do, it even attacked the employees working the desks, causing them to flee.
"Why did it even need our help when it's this powerful…?" asked an employee with a Lurantis. Upon seeing her grass-type pokémon, Starmie spun through the front entrance, leading all of the employees outside, save one. This straggler ran toward the platform—Colress carefully took a few steps forward until he was beside him. The employee inputted a security code, and the two of them took the platform down to the basement level. Success!
One of the masked Aether scientists stood waiting in the basement. "A breakout?"
"That's right, we need your Magneton—it can slow the Starmie down with Thunder Wave!" said the employee.
Colress sidestepped the two of them and entered the nexus. He watched the employees head up to the first floor—finally, Colress was free to do as he pleased in the hidden laboratories! He entered one of the branching halls, the resounding thrum of air ventilation ringing in his ears. Finding the lab that housed the confidential documents on Type: Null was a simple task—the small lab room was easily accessible. He peered through the glass door in order to confirm no one was within, then tried the door, which swung open. They did not even lock up these rooms! It was so easy! He went inside and closed the door tight. Before him stood a shelf that reached to the ceiling, full of little drawers and compartments. Through its blue-toned transparent medium, he could see frozen pokémon-related specimens—remnants of Lusamine's collection. He shut off his invisibility device, knowing that his cameras could not function properly with it on due to the invisibility tricking their sensors. He leafed through files he found in a cabinet in the corner—there were several folders bursting with information about the development of the RKS System and the failure of Type: Null… oh, Type: Full! The most recent documents were dated quite recently, and detailed the discovery of the pokémon Silvally, who appeared to be a Type: Null brought to its full potential through friendship, mitigating the berserk nature caused by the implementation of the RKS System. It was the perfect case study for his research! Ghetsis had been so kind to suggest this heist and help him plan… if only Ghetsis could be happy himself, it would increase Colress's happiness immeasurably.
Colress photographed each page, then opened the photos on his console screen in order to ensure the text was readable. There were no security cameras in this area—apparently, the Aether Foundation wished to hide its unethical research from many of its own members as well as the outside world, which he could respect. He put everything away, ensuring everything appeared undisturbed, then approached the door. He opened it quickly, revealing Intern Faba! He was carrying a mop and bucket.
"...Really, how could they reduce the new and improved Faba to the role of a janitor?" Faba grumbled. "Don't they know I only—" He turned his head toward Colress. "Aiyee! You've even stolen this floor from me?! Know-nothings like you aren't allowed in these rooms!"
Colress opened his mouth slightly, feigning surprise and confusion. "Why, I have no idea what you mean! The Ultra Recon Squad requested I research Ultra Beasts, and told me I must visit the basement floor of this building in order to do so effectively."
Faba's eyes narrowed. He held the mop directly parallel to his body, as if it were a blade."And why would they have the access codes?"
"Perhaps Branch Chief Wicke informed them?"
"Indeed… Ms. Wicke would invite just anyone down here." He pointed down the hall, back toward the nexus, his bucket swaying in the process. Some dirty water sloshed over the rim and onto the metal flooring. How careless! "B-But you ought not be in this room! There is nothing on Ultra Beasts in here! Only an old project of mi—th-there is nothing of import in here!"
Colress grinned lopsidedly as he looked down at him. "I appreciate your informing me! You are highly intelligent! Did you know I believe you should be awarded a much higher position in this organization? You do such amazing work."
"R-R-Really?" Faba's eyes watered. "I mean, such an astute thought! This must be why everyone likes you!"
"How flattering! Ah, I was wondering—if it's not an inconvenience, may I have a tour of this area? I've desired one for some time, but there is no potential guide as well-informed as you!" Was withstanding this sniveling malcontent's presence worth it for the opportunity to examine more of Aether's hidden resources? Colress supposed it was—he knew he would likely not be given another chance for quite a while. He could easily neutralize Faba if midnight approached, after all.
"Hmm…" Faba scratched at his goatee, pretending to carefully consider the offer. However, it was obvious from the look in his eyes that he had already decided to accept. "Well… a researcher like you could benefit from the tutelage of the new and improved Faba. Follow me." He led Colress out of the room, walking toward another pocket-sized laboratory. The mop slipped from his grasp. The handle fell to the floor with a clang! "Ah!" he exclaimed, but his voice sounded dull and emotionless. He put down the bucket and knelt down to pick up the mop, hiding his hands from Colress's view as he did so.
"Why did you intentionally drop that, Intern Faba? How unhygienic!" said Colress. His grin widened. "Oh, what could you be hiding…?" Nothing was more amusing than observing others attempting his own tactics and failing miserably!
"H-H-Hiding?! I'm not hiding anything!" Faba hastily picked up the mop, accidentally hitting the bucket in the process. "I mean, if I were to hide something, I would do so far more successfully."
"Of course. Your genius knows no bounds." The urge to roll his eyes was palpable! Colress maneuvered around Faba in a crescent, looking everything over carefully. He could not see any out-of-place objects. How odd. He cut past Faba, not wanting to listen to his continued blathering. In his peripheral vision, he saw a flash of orange! He spun back around.
Faba gestured toward him. "Use Nuzzle!"
First Colress's back, then his entire body, became engulfed by searing pain! He crumpled over and fell to the floor, his body experiencing residual twitching as the sensation subsided. Fortunately, since he was used to mishaps with electronics, and was unharmed. Wait—his electronics! He slowly looked up from the floor—the displays of his console had gone dark. He pulled out his cell phone and frantically pressed its buttons, but it would not turn on. "My phone! But that is the only way I can talk to—" He covered his mouth.
Faba laughed. "Oh ho, I told you I would only hide something using the utmost skill, yet you doubted me! Yes, yes, your phone… I heard those clicking noises coming from inside the laboratory! I knew you were using it to take photographs, and as the Aether Foundations's last line of defense, I had to short it out immediately!" He looked up at the fluorescent lights. "Now that I've proven my bravery and skill without a doubt, I'll be promoted beyond the rank of even Branch Chief! Why, I could become…"
Colress tuned him out. He adjusted his glasses and pushed himself up off the floor before standing to his full height. He rarely gave his tall stature much thought, but seeing his ghostly shadow fall over Faba was oddly satisfying. Colress pulled out his original Colress Machine—each of his Colress Machines had built-in voltage protection. Without taking his eyes off his real target, he pointed the Colress Machine at the Alolan Raichu who was hovering behind him and pressed the button. The pokémon let out a whimper and fell like a stone, its tail curling up to cover its body.
Faba whirled around when he heard it drop. "What in the name of—"
Colress could not resist utilizing his superior strength and stature! He stepped forward and shoved Faba, his hand right over his solar plexus. He slammed him against the nearest wall. "Intern Faba, I always thought you had a low level of energy. Now that will be made clear!" Colress took out his device and held its antenna up to Faba's neck. He pressed the button, holding it down for an inordinate length of time.
Colress released his hold on Faba, whose body slid down the metal wall until it reached the bottom. He fell forward and his chin hit the floor. It appeared that he was drooling a little. He was so vulnerable, like a baby Kangaskhan lost outside its mother's pouch! Colress lifted one leg—he could not resist some additional entertainment. He put his foot down on Faba's back, then moved it up to his neck. He would not end his life, but Faba's suffering was a nice distraction from the careless loss of his phone, and by extension…
As soon as his cold metal heel touched Faba's neck, Faba let out a blood curdling scream! The Colress Machine apparently did not reduce his ability to shriek! Colress took his foot off him and stepped back, but it was too late—in the nexus, the elevator had activated. None other than Lusamine and Lillie were taking the platform down to the basement, and they were staring right at him.
"What in the world are you doing to Mr. Faba?!" Lillie covered her mouth in horror.
As soon as the platform touched the floor, Lusamine lunged forward without a word. She halted at Faba. Lillie rushed after her, but Lusamine moved to shield her and Faba's body from Colress. "How will you try and fail to explain this terrible scene?!" she snapped.
"There's no reason to be upset! I simply stumbled upon Intern Faba, who fainted for no apparent reason."
"He lies!" shouted Faba. His head turned slightly, but the rest of him remained immobile. "Didn't you see his foot on my neck?! He is the nastiest scientist I've ever met—even more so than you, President! N-Not that your meanness is a detriment, President—"
"Enough," said Lusamine. "Colress, as the president of this foundation, I can't allow you to cause such chaos, let alone break in and attack my employees!" She took out an Ultra Ball, so Colress responded in kind.
"Mother! Be careful!" said Lillie.
Colress openly sneered. His facade had already become transparent, so there was no reason to hold anything back! "Well then, you're certainly saying confusing things! Calling Lusamine your mother…? But Professor Burnet is your actual mother!" he told Lillie. "And Lusamine, why would you cite your position as the president of Aether? Why, you haven't deserved such a position for quite a while now..."
Lusamine looked over toward Lillie, who turned away and tilted her head down. Lusamine shook her head and glared back at Colress with additional resolve. "...While I can't be a mother to Gladion and Lillie, and I'm not worthy of being president, I learn from my mistakes, unlike you! I can recognize that ugly glint in your eyes, for I once had it..." She walked forward, her heels tapping against the shining floor as she did so.
Lillie took out a Poké Ball of her own. "You don't have to do this alone—I can use my power to help you."
"Oh, Lillie… you are strong and beautiful. But facing a foe like Colress might require unattractive tactics. Assist Intern Faba." Lusamine's grin resembled a tilted crescent moon.
Lillie nodded and sent out her Comfey, whose flowers shook at the sight of Colress.
"You know, you failed to stop Team Rainbow Rocket's invasion." Colress's grin mirrored hers. "I can draw out my pokémon's power even more effectively than the evil boss of that team! Neutralizing your pokémon will be a simple procedure."
"You're a stronger trainer, but you didn't help us fight any of the leaders…? You are awful!" said Lillie.
Before Colress could ready a retort, Faba interrupted him. "Hmph. This drama is undoubtedly interesting, but serves no purpose," he said. "President, punish this miscreant!"
Without another word, Lusamine threw her Poké Ball. In a flash, her Lilligant appeared and performed a mid-air flip before landing elegantly before her. Colress sent out his Magnezone—he had been anticipating her Clefable, but this would be more interesting!
"Magnezone, use Charge Beam." Perhaps he could bring out his pokémon's full power immediately, then sweep her entire team! Magnezone spun its magnets faster, preparing the attack.
"Use Stun Spore." Lusamine nodded to her pokémon. Lilligant leaped into the air and spread its leaves, releasing a golden cloud of little sparks. Nothing happened. Magnezone released its pulse of energy and sniped Lilligant, who flinched but staying standing. The excess energy powered-up Magnezone.
"I have difficulty believing that an environmental scientist like yourself would forget that electric-type pokémon cannot be paralyzed!" said Colress. Even though his console had been shorted out, he mimed typing.
Lusamine's grin widened. "Why would you assume I was aiming for your pokémon?"
The cloud of spores descended on Colress's face! He held up his arms and walked backwards down the hall while keeping his eyes on the pokémon.
"Now, use Teeter Dance!" Lilligant swayed and bounced before Colress could turn away. The hallway and the people inside it seemed to shimmer and blur as if he were underwater! His arms dropped, and then he found only his eyes could move. He heard voices echoing, as if the people speaking were located on a distant mountain range. "Return. Now, look away, Lillie!" A bright ball of light appeared, then vanished, and soon a black and pink blur replaced it. The blur grew closer, until Colress could make out the beady eyes and white ears of a Bewear. The Bewear's arms became engulfed by violet flame, before it struck Colress in each side. He heard himself yell, but he still could not regain control. The Bewear locked him in a tight hold, and reports of this species snapping the spines of trainers came to mind, but he could not struggle. He watched the ceiling grow closer as he was flung into the air, then become distant again as he fell… all the lights overpowered him as he whited out.
Colress's eyes flew open. He was sitting in a white space, unable to look around. Was he in the throes of sleep paralysis? He moved his eyes around, searching for detail. Eventually, the white light diminished, and he realized he was in the very room he had first broken into. The door stood before him. Through the frosted glass panel, he noticed Lusamine, Lillie, and Faba in the midst of conversation. Colress tried to get up and try the door, but his body was leaden and stiff. His fingers and toes twitched, and he immediately felt pins and needles piercing his skin. He was still suffering the effects of Stun Spore! Did Ghetsis experience this sensation all the time, considering his partial facial paralysis—wait! Colress wrenched his head around, clenching his teeth from the pain, and got a glimpse of a PC's screen behind him. He checked the clock—as he had feared, it was long past midnight. Even if he repaired his phone instantly, it was impossible for Ghetsis to call at this hour. How would Ghetsis react? Would his recent sadness be amplified by Colress's lateness? Would he be enraged, and rightfully so? Or would Colress be able to explain what had happened, causing Ghetsis to show him tough love over his overconfident behavior? Imagining Ghetsis showing him tough love made Colress's heart sing—only his true friend had ever done such a thing, and he longed for that precious gift now. But how ridiculous this was! He was being held captive, he had lost a battle, his opponents were outside, and his electronics were broken, and he could only think of Ghetsis?
"And how is young Moon?" Lusamine asked Lillie.
"She's still resting in the medical room. I would never have thought Doctor Colress might have wanted her to get stung by that Ultra Beast, but… I don't know anymore… he's acting just like the man who hit me—Ghetsis!"
Colress became attentive at the mention of Ghetsis.
Lillie turned to peer through the glass. "But… I think Doctor Colress is also suffering somehow. When Moon and I last saw him, he seemed so happy. Now, he looks very sad. I think it has something to do with his—"
"If he's unhappy, what does it matter?" Faba asked. "He deserves endless suffering after all he's done!"
"Faba is correct. Colress's actions can't go unpunished," said Lusamine. "A simple reprimand would not be enough."
Lillie was once again the weak link! Colress took out his nonfuctioning phone and looked down at its black screen, hoping Lillie would see him and be consumed by pity.
"Of course he needs to be punished a little… he's been terrible. But he's done many kind things, too." Lillie looked Faba in the eyes. "Mr. Faba, you should understand. We trusted you, and you betrayed us, but we gave you a second chance." She slowly turned to Lusamine. "And… if everyone had decided you were all bad, you wouldn't have learned any of this. Please, listen to me. I'll scold Doctor Colress myself after you let him go."
"You won't listen to her frankly outlandish request, will you, President?" Faba asked.
"Lillie is right. If we turned our backs on everyone who made mistakes, we'd have nothing left to protect." The shadow of Lusamine's hair obscured her eyes. "And I have rejected Lillie's choices too many times in the past… I trust her judgment. She is always right in the end, after all." She strode toward the door, and unlocked it. She waited for Colress to emerge.
Colress shook off the last of the paralysis. Sweat dripped down his forehead—the room was cool, but he felt uncomfortably flushed. He stepped into the hallway, stumbling slightly due to the pulsating pain in his legs. He kept his mouth pressed into a thin line. He knew it was an inappropriate context for his usual smile.
"From this point on, you are banned from Aether Paradise. If you come crawling back, all of my employees will be on high alert!" She held out her hand. "Also, give me your poor Starmie's Poké Ball. That Starmie needs to be under our protection, far away from you."
Colress obediently handed it over. He looked down at his shoes, feigning shame.
"And finally, you are to give us your cell phone. We will retrieve its data and ensure no photos—"
Colress's head snapped back up. "Y-You can't take my phone! How cruel that would be! It's my only method of contacting—" He put his hands over his mouth.
"Your boyfriend?" asked Lillie.
Colress interlaced his fingers and looked askance. "Yes, my... b-boyfriend. Oh, and I did not take any photos with my phone!"
"Such unconvincing lies!" said Faba.
Lillie shook her head. Her eyes were wide and searching. "He's telling the truth. I can tell. I think you've done enough. I can handle everything else myself! I have the strength of a trainer—I've even been training at the Battle Tree. Leave Doctor Colress to me."
Faba tried to protest, but Lusamine hushed him. She dragged Faba off to the platform, with Colress and Lillie following close behind. They took it to the first floor. Lusamine led Faba away—presumably to the medical room, but made one more comment before she was out of earshot. "Colress, leave this place and never return—and if you lay a finger on Lillie, I will silence your forever."
Colress walked out the front entrance, feeling the glares of the wet employees on him. He walked quickly, but Lillie would not stop tailing him! Once he exited the building, the cold air coming off the ocean hit him, hard. It was now colder outside than the air conditioned interior. The moon was nowhere to be seen, and the ocean looked like a black abyss. Lillie ran in front of Colress, taking advantage of the sudden shock. Her arms were crossed. "Doctor Colress, what's happened between you and your boyfriend? Did you two have a fight?"
How could Lillie be so gullible? She still believed Ghetsis was his boyfriend—no, she did not even realize he had been speaking to Ghetsis at all! Even the foundation of her ideas was rotten. "Oh, perhaps," he said. He attempted to push past her. "That must be why I—"
"No, no, you two didn't get into a fight. That's not true." Lillie's eyes narrowed. "Wait… Doctor Colress, have you ever told him you love him?"
"What?" Colress's mouth opened in dull surprise.
Lillie's ponytail was shaking in the cold wind. In the dark, it looked pale blue, like celestine crystal. "My guess is you've never told him how much you love him, and he's suffering because of it… and seeing him suffer makes you sad, too."
Colress's face screwed up as he suppressed a giggle! "It is true, I've only told him I love him as a dear friend! Oh, you're highly perceptive."
"I knew it! Doctor Colress, it's time you stopped running away from your emotions. You can't run forever—it only hurts the ones you love. Don't lash out at others anymore just because you're heartbroken." In a grave voice, she added, "Tell him you're in love with him, please."
His urge to laugh did not return, despite the clear folly of Lillie's words. Instead, Colress's heart beat faster, and his mouth quivered. The wind was becoming unbearable now—it kept blowing his forelock into his eyes. "I-I promise to. Forgive my terrible words and deeds—your hypothesis is correct, of course."
Lillie nodded once in response. It was long past time to leave.
Colress stayed up until the crack of dawn repairing his cell phone. The Achromatic Wearable Console and the photos stored within its memory could wait—Ghetsis was his top priority. Replacing the phone's shorted battery was a difficult procedure, as was implementing intensive insulation and voltage proofing as an additional safety measure. As soon as he pressed the power button and saw the blessed screen light up and function properly, he promptly fell asleep at his little desk. He woke up at noon, and groaned quietly—his sides were sore, and beginning to bruise. He quickly checked his phone. He had not missed any calls, and so he was simultaneously relieved and uneasy—this meant he had not missed another one of Ghetsis's calls, but it also indicated that Ghetsis had either chosen to skip their morning call, or had somehow been unable to contact him. What if his condition had worsened? Colress hoped Ghetsis had simply slept in, considering he had stayed up late the night before, but he knew that was implausible. Ghetsis had always been an incredibly restless sleeper, who felt relaxation made him vulnerable to attack.
Colress paced large circles around his hotel room. He knew he had to eat breakfast, but his broiling anxiety made the thought nauseating. Eventually, he threw up the white flag and did eat a small salad, but he could barely withstand the sour dressing. As he was eating, his phone rang! He abandoned his plate and picked up. "I'm very glad you called! I'm sorry to say I was caught during the heist, and my phone was shorted out—I longed to speak to you, but it was impossible… oh, I did come away with the photos, of course, but..." He went on to explain his failure to be cautious and what occurred afterward.
Ghetsis let out a hoarse sigh. "You were certainly foolish. Turning your back to the enemy and letting yourself give in to overconfidence are the mistakes of a novice—I should know, after my failures." At first, Colress thought the phone was distorting his voice due to the damage it had endured, but it was not the transmission—his voice had truly deteriorated even further. Colress's heart sank. Ghetsis continued, "I'm glad you escaped with minimal injuries, but remember to check on your bruises often. Use your Achromatic Wearable Console to heat those areas and increase blood flow… do you promise to take this advice?"
Colress blushed—there was an example of increased blood flow! "Of course! You know, the Type: Null documents were indeed an ideal contribution to my research. You were correct! I deeply appreciated your help… you were so kind."
"I'm glad to have been of service to you..."
"Oh." He did not want Ghetsis to become some tool for him to utilize! "Yes, yes… and I hope you are happy, as well. I was concerned when you didn't call me this morning! Excuse me if it is rude to say so, but you sound extremely ill... "
"...Of course I'm happy to hear my suggestion was of great help to you, and that you've been inspired." He went quiet for a few seconds, and Colress knew he was calculating and recalculating his response. "If I sound… ill, it's because I came to realize that… when the condition of a patient at this asylum improves, the nurses put them on new medication. Now that I've continued my plan, I'm being forced to take medicine I don't need—as if I haven't been poisoned enough. I spit out as many pills as I can, but now and then I'm observed…"
Colress cringed away, as if he had been struck. "How terrible! But, I can tell this is not the only thing that has been weighing on you. You can confide in me!" He passed the mirror on the vanity, and noticed his brows were knit tightly.
"I know I can confide in you, but unfortunately, I can't be allowed to tell you everything."
"This again?! As I've already pointed out, who's watching? Subjecting me to this sick, sorrowful voice of yours is very unkind—and-and we're supposed to be dearest friends!"
"I apologize, Colress. I'll refrain from calling, if you wish it."
"How can you say that?! You bring out the best in me—that is, the best in my power!" Colress bared his teeth, not miffed, but truly angry. "I thought that you trusted my judgment. You realize that as I was being held captive, I could only think of you and how you would react, don't you? Why doesn't that matter to you?"
"What's this? You were thinking of me even then? Could it be that you truly… care for me, so deeply?" Ghetsis asked, breathlessly.
Colress looked out beyond the doors, beyond the windows, and beyond the balcony, to the vast sky. It was an astonishingly clear day, with not a single cloud. Somehow, he knew that what he would say next had the potential to change their lives forever. It would be an even greater change than their blossoming friendship! All he had to do was choose the right words. He took a breath—his heart fluttered as if he stood on the edge of a precipice. "Of course I do, Ghetsis. After all, I… am your friend!"
Ghetsis made a strangled, pained noise, as if he had been shot by Poison Jab. Immediately, Colress knew he had chosen incorrectly. Ghetsis said something that sounded like, "I was right to refuse to believe it," in a whisper, before letting out a hacking cough and returning to his usual volume. "And I sincerely appreciate your friendship. Unfortunately, I hear someone at the library door. Farewell, for now." He ended the call.
Colress collapsed at his desk again, He absentmindedly adjusted the temperature settings on his console in order to warm his body as per Ghetsis's recommendation. Colress glanced back to the sky, and noticed a vibrant rainbow had appeared there despite the clear weather. He felt nothing, and instead looked down at his desk as if its woodgrain was a most interesting subject. His connection to Ghetsis now was so frail! Currently, whether it was due to Ghetsis's health, stubbornness, the phone itself, or Colress's errors, it could shatter in an instant. He got up, with great effort, and walked out onto the balcony. He looked away from the rainbow and to the west, to the Ferry Terminal. It had once again fallen to him to utilize drastic measures—after repairing his console, he would take his Plasma Frigate and return to Unova.