A/N: Chapter 4, up! This chapter is a bit rushed feeling and kind of jumps in time a lot. Sorry about that, but I just couldn't find a way to make without it feeling rushed.

Chapter 4: Creator of the Holo-Caster

I absently hummed a tune as the elevator descended. Just before the elevator doors opened, Carla forced her way out of her Pokeball and gently touched down onto the ground.

"Carla!"

"Sorry Trainer Taylor. But I just couldn't stay in there any longer. It's too quiet."

"Oh alright." Carla chirped happily and flew up onto my head. "Why my head? It's always my head with you!"

"Your hair is comfortable." The elevator beeped and opened. I exited and started on my way to the front doors. Gotta get to a Pokemon Centre and heal up before heading out to Route 5!

"Ah, there's one of the trainers now! Taylor, come this way!" I blinked and looked over to see Sina standing next to a tall redhead man.

"Uh, hello Sina." I said, wearily eying her while making my way over. Did she still want to know about my team and ability? Or did she forget? I glanced at the redhead. "Who's this?" I asked, as I neared them.

"Trainer Taylor, can we go? I don't want to stay in a building much longer."

"One second Carla, we can leave soon."

"Taylor, did you just... never mind." Sina shook her head. "This right here is the genius mind behind the Holo-Caster, Lysandre!" The redhead nodded.

"So you are one of the trainers chosen by Professor Sycamore. I can see why he chose you."

"I really don't know why he chose me. I didn't want a Pokemon at first..."

"You didn't want us?" Carla cawed sadly, standing from her perch. I jumped and grabbed her, bringing her to eye level before she flew off.

"Ah! Carla, look, I didn't mean it! I said at first! Now though, I'm so happy to have you and Friar and Michelle and Fleur and Salmon! I, uh... love you guys!" I swear she smirked. Did she set me up?

"Phew, for I second I thought you'd release us all. I can't survive without those delicious Pokepuffs!" As soon as she said that, she stiffened. What was with that suspicious reaction?

"Carla, I've never..." I trailed off as I remembered an incident that happened in Route 4. I knew my bag felt lighter, but I just thought I didn't buy as many Pokepuffs as I thought! "You went through my bag! You're the one who ate my Pokepuffs!" She had the gall to look affronted.

"It wasn't just me!"

"Oh yeah! Who else was in on your schemes!"

"Michelle and Friar!"

"And what about Fleur, huh? Did she try to tell you to stop?" Of course she would. Fleur is such a nice Pokemon and would never-

"Actually no, she encouraged us." Carla said, shattering my hopes that I had at least one responsible Pokemon.

"What!? She's supposed to be the good one!"

"A-hem." I squeaked and jumped, looking over at Sina and Lysandre. Did I seriously forget that they were right there?

"Sorry, she's rather talkative." I said, holding Carla up to them.

"Talkative? Your Pidgey?" Sina asked, eyebrows raised. I nodded sheepishly.

"Yeah, she's a real chatterbox." Something dinged from within my bag, and I dug through it to figure out what it was. It was my Pokedex. Seems that it was shutting itself down due to inactivity. Was it pre-set to shut down after a few hours of no use? I didn't even know I could shut it down. I tapped the screen to keep it on.

"Hmm. I see that you received a Pokedex from the Professor. How wonderful! What a wonderful thing indeed. You are truly one of the chosen ones."

"Chosen... ones?" I asked, shoving my dex into my pocket. It didn't really fit though, so it stuck out a little.

"Yes. I, as Sina here introduced before, am Lysandre. I've tried to learn as much about Pokemon as I can to help build a brighter future. Professor Sycamore has helped me greatly with my quest." His eyes landed on my dangling Holo-Caster. "Oh, I see you have a Holo-Caster. Such a magnificent piece of technology. Knowledge is Power after all. Put it to good use." Whoa this guy changes subject often.

"I will, sir."

"Good. It is vital that this world becomes a better place. The people and Pokemon chosen to do so must work tirelessly to achieve it. My desire... is for a more beautiful world!" He seemed almost fanatical about his dream. It was a nice dream though. I wouldn't mind seeing such a place. "But, I must be off. Send Professor Sycamore my regards, Sina."

"Sure thing Lysandre." Sina waved as he walked out of the lab. I quietly started to tiptoe my way out of the lab, only to have a hand slam down on my shoulder. "Now you, missy, are going to explain this very instant what you meant earlier." She must mean when I said Pokemon speak English...

"Um, I'm special?" I tried.

"You are special, yes. You said you can speak with Pokemon, in plain English."

"I, uh, I don't really know how I can do it! Ask Professor Sycamore!"

"Oh, I will. And if he doesn't explain it clearly, I'm finding you. Understood?"

"Yes!"

"Alright, now get going."

"Here you go, Trainer Taylor! Your Pokemon are fully healed! We hope to see you again!" The Nurse bowed. I thanked her and left the Pokemon Centre. I quickly walked down the sidewalk. I slowed at the sight of a bench a few metres away, and I made my way towards it.

"Phew. Sometimes Pokemon Centres scare me." I muttered, closing my eyes and sitting down on the bench.

"Hey! Lady Taylor!" I sighed. Can no one get a moment of peace? I opened my eyes to see Tierno and Trevor in front of me.

"Hello Tierno, Trevor."

"How are you Lady Taylor? Oh yeah, Calem wants to meet you in Cafe Soleil."

"I'm fine. Where is Cafe Soleil?"

"It's just down the road there. Shauna's waiting outside the Trainer PR Video Studio. She can direct you to Cafe Soleil." I glanced down the road and, true to their word, Shauna was standing outside a large purple building. That must be the Studio.

"Well, I guess I'll go there in a few. I just need to rest my feet a bit, okay?"

"Alright, and hey, meet us in Route 5 tomorrow! I heard that Pokemon are swarming there this time of year!" Tierno waved and Trevor bowed his head slightly before they ran off towards the Pokemon Centre. I leaned back on the bench and huffed.

"I don't get a break. Geez."

"Oh, hello neighbour!" I glanced to my right as someone sat down next to me. It was Calem. He was smiling slightly. "Did Tierno and Trevor speak with you?" I nodded.

"Yeah, wanna head over to Cafe Soleil? I could go for some..." I looked up at the sky. It was darker than I thought it would be. When had it gotten so late? "Dinner."

"Sure!"

"Oh, is that Lysandre and Diantha? They're here together?" Calem said, pointing over near the back of the cafe. The two in question were speaking in hushed tones to each other. "You know that Lysandre created-"

"The Holo-Caster, yes, I've met him before."

"Cool. Diantha is a famous movie actress! I wonder what they're doing here together for..." He trailed off as the two glanced over at us. "Oh wow, they're looking our way!"

"Hello, Taylor. What a surprise to see you here. This is Diantha. If only there were more people in the world like her... what a beautiful world it will be!" He was really fanatical about that dream of his. But it's nice that he can believe in something so much. "If you'll excuse me." As he left the Cafe, Diantha turned to us.

"And you two are?" Calem blushed. Did he have a fanboy crush on Diantha?

"I-I'm Calem, and this is-"

"Taylor, yes? Lysandre mentioned you quite often as we talked. What lovely names you two have." I smoothed out my shirt nervously, accidentally knocking one of my Pokeballs free in the process. I cursed softly and grabbed it. Luckily, it was the only empty one on my belt. "Oh? Are those Pokeballs? You two are Pokemon trainers? I hope to battle you both one day!" Diantha said. I smirked.

"I hope so too Diantha!" I said, and she smiled and walked out. "So, Calem, what did you want to talk about?"

"Um, I was just wondering if you wanted to, uh, compete, to see who was better! Since we're both from Vaniville and we started at the same time, I wanted to see how we both progress! So what do you say, neighbour?"

"Sure, why not?"

"Great! I won't lose though!" He smiled wide.

"Alright then, Superstar. Let's eat!"

"S-Superstar?" He stuttered, his cheeks reddening just a bit more.

"It's my nickname for you. You and the rest of the group have one for me. You like it?"

"Y-Yeah!"

I lay down on the bed in my newly rented hotel room for the night. My Pokemon rested up against me; Friar curled into my side, Michelle spread out over my stomach, Carla roosting on the bed post, Fleur comfortably lounging on the pillow next to my head, and Salmon laying against my feet. Aside from Fleur, they were all fast asleep. I couldn't sleep though. Too many thoughts circled in my head, from how hot the resident Professor was to gathering more Pokemon to the crazy beautiful world Lysandre wanted, which I wanted to see.

"Trainer Taylor? What's got you up this late?" Fleur asked in what she thought was a whisper, but was instead a shout. For such a small Pokemon, she can be rather loud. I was amazed none of my other Pokemon awoke because of that.

"Nothing Fleur..." She gave me a look, and I relented a bit more information to her. "I'm just a bit homesick. This is my first night away from home." While not exactly a lie, it wasn't the whole truth.

"Ah. Just relax then." I rolled my eyes. Thanks Captain Obvious.

"Yeah, whatever..." I snuggled into the blankets and let myself relax. After a few minutes, I felt myself drift off.