Listen, I need you readers to do me a favor. I think there may be something going on with the system, because its telling me that I haven't had anyone read either of my last two chapters. If you read this chapter, send me a private message saying you read it. I'd greatly appreciate it.


Unhinged

Although there was less than no reason for him to not ride straight for Celestic Town, Chris returned to Hearthome City to spend the next week there. The time had come for Togetic to get his first rounds of training in, but one week showed Chris very little at that moment. Outside of Ancient Power, Togetic didn't have that many good tricks up his sleeve. Still, Chris had a new basket for Togetic to sit in, that he could put his feet through.

Joining Togetic in Chris's party, he also had his Swampert, Infernape, Hippowdon, Electabuzz, and Leafeon. A phone call with Professor Rowan the prior day indicated that his other Pokémon that Chris had captured thus far were training with each other, and were remaining ready for when he was ready to call on them. It was painful for him to leave them behind, especially his very first capture Ikaros. But something about Togetic had Chris wanting to put time into him.

Once a week had passed, Chris got his team secure inside their balls, and starts his Harley. The path ahead to Celestic Town is a bit of a long one, and the terrain isn't always the easiest to traverse. Chris knows that he may need some supplies, but also knows that they'll likely be cheaper in Solaceon Town. He had heard about how bad the fog could get on Route 210, so he got all the tools he'd need to set up camp at an outdoors-man's store, then tied them down onto the back of his bike.

Once he was out on Route 210, the fog came in thick in no time. Once Chris was past the thick patches of grass, he rode on to the gravel leading to the waterfalls. It was next to no time before the fog became a problem, and yet it wasn't long before he was able to find a short refuge. In a small clearing of the fog, Chris was able to glance over to a field right in time to watch a Dragon-type Pokémon fire a burst of energy into the sky, that then becomes meteor like projectiles to slam to the ground. The entire spectacle was a truly memorable sight to behold, and a welcome distraction from the thick fog Chris would have to brave.

There were enough lights along the path that had flickered to life early to help people along the path. Chris had also turned the light on his bike up as high as it could go, to help guide him on the road. But that guiding light didn't last much longer.

At a certain point, his light started to flicker and fade. And Chris became alarmed immediately. "Fuck. No, no no!" He panicked a bit, as he started to bang on his headlight. He thought he had fixed the issue at first, but then the light grew weak just a few minutes later. Chris found himself in quite a predicament. He knew the light was not going to last much longer. The sun was going down, and he wasn't anywhere near close enough to Celestic Town. Chris wouldn't be able to make it through the fog, and he knew he had to find a safe enough spot to set up camp.

Going as far off the beaten path as he safely could, Chris unloaded his camping kit off the back of his Harley. He gets a fire going quickly with the help of his Infernape, and starts to get the tent up right afterwards. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed his Togetic getting fidgety over something as he finished setting up camp. After he sets a cooking pot down by the fire, Togetic begins to loudly chirp as he looks off over by where the waterfall is. "Togetic, what's wrong?" Chris asks. Without looking back at his trainer, Togetic then takes off, flying just a few feet above the ground. "Caesar, follow Togetic!" Chirs commands his fire/fighting ape Pokémon, as he doesn't want to leave the camp. The flame emanating from Caesar's head is more than enough to illuminate the path ahead. As his two Pokémon fade away from his distance, Chris notices a faint sparkle through the fog.

Not even ten minutes later, Chris is cooking the right amount of food for all six of his Pokémon as he awaits Togetic and Caesar's return. As he lets the food roast in the pot, he hears a high-pitched cry towards the sky, and then can see a flame descending towards him. "What in the..." He says as he steps away from the pot, and he is bewildered by what he sees. Togetic has evolved to Togekiss, and Caesar is riding on his back. Togekiss lands gracefully before Chris, as Caesar steps down. Chris walks up to Togekiss, rubbing underneath his chin. "How'd you?" He asks, not knowing how exactly this happened.

Chris then pulled out his Pokédex to take an entry on Togekiss. "Togekiss: the Jubilee Pokémon. Togekiss shares many blessings with people who respect one another's rights, and avoid needless strife." Some additional information on the screen indicates that Togetic evolves into Togekiss after contacting a Shiny Stone, which was enough for Chris to realize why Togetic took off in the first place. The Pokédex also indicated that Togekiss had an entirely new move set, and Chris suddenly realized that Togekiss was now more than ready for battle. That sparkle Chris spotted through the fog earlier had to have been a Shiny Stone, as Togetic's reaction was similar to Zyra's reaction when she was an Eevee.

Chris took a look at Togekiss's new body, and something about his new appearance had a new name for Togekiss pop in Chris's mind. "How do you like the name 'Jetfire'?" He says, while looking in the Pokémon's eyes. Togekiss lets out an affirmative cry, accepting his new nickname. Chris cracks a smile, then steps back towards the fire. He readies six bowls for his Pokémon, then fills the bowls equally. Once his Pokémon start eating, Chris starts making something for himself. By the time everyone has been fed, it seems like a good time to call it a night.

The next morning...

Stirring awake at the sound of a flock of Starly flying by and chirping along, Chris slowly sits up on his sleeping bag. Rubbing at his eyes as he slowly moves out of his tent, he is greeted by the pleasant sight of the fog having cleared. He pauses for a moment to light a cigarette, then awakens his Swampert and Infernape, who took turns sleeping outside to keep watch. His first two partners help him pack up the camping equipment, then tie it down on Chris's Harley. After finishing his cigarette, it goes in the rest of the trash from the previous night, Chris recalls his two Pokémon, then kick starts his motorcycle. The light goes on as soon as he does, which makes Chris let out a frustrated sigh. "I need to have it looked at." He says before continuing on to Celestic Town.

Once Chris rides into Celestic Town, he realizes that it might be more appropriate to call it Celestic village. There's a very small number of shops and homes here, with one in particular catching Chris's eye. It's a mechanic. He rides over to the man's shop, comfortable with the knowledge that this town is more than small enough for Chris to walk any distance.

The owner of the shop was seeing someone off outside when Chris rolled up to him, and he greeted Chris with a friendly smile. Unlike most of the other residents here who weren't children, this man seemed to be more middle-aged than elderly. "Welcome. How can I help you?"

Chris nods to him. "How ya doin'?" He greets the head mechanic. "I was on my way over to town last night, when my light gave out. I had to set up camp. Then when I fired up my engine this morning, the light came back on."

"I'll have a look at it, shouldn't take too long."

Chris raises an eyebrow. "Just like that huh? No other vehicles to work on?"

The mechanic chuckles at Chris's question. "This shop is my retirement, my boy. I made quite a lot of money working as a lawyer for some high profile clients, for thirty-four years. This here is more of a hobby, than anything." He leads Chris inside his shop, and notices the Poké Balls on Chris's belt as they walk. "Assuming that you're a serious trainer, you'll likely need to head to Snowpoint City in the future."

"I will, yes."

"Come back to my shop when you're ready to go that way. I have a snowmobile I'll let you rent, and you can leave your bike here until you return."

"I appreciate that. Thank you." The shop's garage door still open, Chris takes a look outside at the elderly faces going about their day. Finding Cynthia's grandmother among them isn't something he'll be able to do without a bit of aid. "Listen, weird question..." Chris starts, as he turns back around to look at the mechanic. "But could you help me find the Sinnoh League Champion's grandmother?"

The mechanic chuckles. "Trying to gauge her for a strategy?" Chris cracks a half smile in response, as the mechanic continues. "I don't know if it's her for certain, but there's an elderly lady who spends a fair bit of time at the ruins in the center of town. I may have seen her speaking with miss Cynthia on one of her occasional visits to town."

"Thank you. I'll be back for my bike soon."

The mechanic nods at Chris as he gets to work on the young trainer's Harley, and Chris makes his way over to the ruins. The walkway to the ruins descends down a hill, and an elderly woman is pacing back and forth as she looks across the way at none other than a Team Galactic grunt. Now approaching more wearily, Chris is nonetheless noticed by the elderly woman. "Excuse me young man. May I speak to you for a moment?" The kind woman asks him.

"Yes." Chris says, still looking mainly over towards the Galactic grunt grumbling to himself.

"Do you see that odd spaceman in front of the ruins?"

"Yeah, I do." Chris responds, his tone reflecting his weariness.

"There isn't anything there," The old lady continues. "but that only seemed to make him get angry. He's saying he will blow the town up with a bomb." Her words sent a shiver racing down Chris's spine, the memory of what happened in Pastoria City one week ago still fresh in his memory. "The nerve of it all! If only I were younger, I'd punish that spaceman with my Pokémon!" She concludes with a fiery tone.

"That's okay." Chris says, before looking her in the eyes. "I'll do it for you."

Without another word, Chris marches his way up to the Galactic Grunt. "This town is insignificant! There's nothing of value here." The grunt monologues to himself. "It doesn't need to exist, so I'll blow it up with a Galactic Bomb!" The grunt had yet to notice Chris to this point, but he would soon make him notice him. As the grunt goes to kneel down to activate the bomb, Chris rushes him from behind, drags his body away from the explosive, and then puts him in an ankle lock. The results are immediate, as the grunt cries out in pain with Chris applying the pressure. "What are you doing?!" He yells out.

"Is the bomb active?!"

"N-no! Not yet!"

Chris suddenly applies more pressure, to where it feels like the grunt's ankle is about to snap. "DON'T LIE TO ME!"

"IT ISN'T, I SWEAR!" The grunt yells louder, finding himself on the verge of tears.

With more swift movements, Chris lets go of the man's ankle, and then checks him for a gun. Finding nothing, Chris rolls him onto his back, then mounts him. He holds the grunt by the collar, his fist curled up and ready to punch him. "Listen to me. I'm going to give you one chance to get the hell out of here. I shouldn't, but I am. If you stay, I'm going to start punching you in the face until you never move again. Is that clear?!"

"Yes, I understand! I'll leave, just please let me go!"

Chris gets off the Galactic grunt, and gives him space to get up. "Get the hell out of here." The grunt gets back up on his feet, and hobbles away in pain.

Despite Chris's aggressive and violent display, the elderly woman he spoke to just a few minutes ago approached him with no signs of fear. "Well, there were certainly other ways that could've been handled." She says with a soft tone. "But given the circumstances, fight fire with fire as the old saying goes."

"I've already seen what Team Galactic is willing to do with these bombs." Chris says, taking a moment to look down at the inactive Galactic Bomb on the ground. "Would you excuse me for a moment, ma'am?" Not waiting on an answer, Chris takes a picture of the bomb with his phone, and then sends it and its location to Looker via text message. "Sorry about that. I'm helping a detective look into Team Galactic."

"You're forgiven, young man. As the elder of Celestic Town, I give you my thanks."

"You're welcome. Listen," Chris starts, as he pulls out the old charm that Cynthia gave him. "I think this may have been meant for you."

The old woman's eyes sparkle as she glances at the charm. "May I see that, dear?" She takes the charm as Chris hands it to her. "How did you get this?"

"Sinnoh's Champion asked me to bring it here, to you if I'm correct."

"So Cynthia entrusted you with it to deliver to me? My, my..." She then pauses to look back up at Chris. "Cynthia is indeed my granddaughter. Old charms were made in Celestic Town long, long ago. It was made in honor of a mythical deity said to have created Sinnoh, and the rest of our world."

That sounded like something Chris spent much of his time reading about in freshman year, during his free time. "Arceus?"

"Perhaps. These old charms are still discovered now and again. Since you're in Celestic Town, why not look around inside the ruins?" She extends her arm out towards the cavern-like entrance of the ruins. Chris takes a look at the cavern, nods, and then steps inside the ruins. The light pouring in from outside is disrupted a bit by the shadow cast by Chris's six foot tall body, once he steps further inside the cavern, he can see the ancient painting on the wall.

Chris approaches the artwork, wanting to get a closer examination. A whole section of the wall in the back is covered by mysterious designs, which depicts three strange Pokémon forming a triangle. In the middle of the triangle, there's a red spherical like shape, with white lines surrounding the sphere seeming to indicate that it shines. As much as it has captured Chris's attention, he cannot make heads or tails of what it might be about.

Interrupting him from his train of thought, Cynthia's grandmother steps up beside Chris to speak to him. The cave painting's meaning seems to be this..." She starts as Chris looks at her. "There existed beings. Beings so powerful, they were considered deities at the time. There were three Pokémon with power to match either being. The three kept balance with either being, as if they formed a pyramid. It's an ancient legend of Sinnoh that is still told in Celestic Town."

Whether or not there was more to the tale she was telling Chris, they both found their conversation interrupted by a rather cold-sounding man's voice. A voice that was more than a bit familiar to Chris. "I would like to know more about that legend, if you will." The man says. Chris and Cynthia's grandmother look back towards the entrance of the cave, and spot the same light-blue haired man that Chris first laid eyes on in Mt. Coronet.

"Who might you be?" Cyntha's grandmother asks as the man approaches.

Once he has stepped into the light, the man stands across the pit in the middle of the cave, now in plain view. "My name is Cyrus." He starts, giving both of them a stern expression. "I want to put an end to pointless strife and hostility. I am seeking the power to create the ideal world. Thus," He pauses, now staring Cynthia's grandmother down. "I want you to answer. The world today can't change because the three Pokémon keep it in balance. Is that what you are saying?"

"I wouldn't know." She responds, a bit of frustration evident in her voice. "I do know the world is in balance. I'm quite satisfied with the world the way it is. I'm not interested in your question."

Cyrus begins to shake his head, remaining expressionless as he speaks. "Plead ignorance, will you? What a pointless attitude. You fail to appreciate that the world is incomplete. I WILL change the world. As the first step, I will destroy this cave painting that you've protected all these years."

"The hell you will!" Chris says, Cyrus's words sparking his fresh memories of Pastoria once again. "I've seen more than enough destruction for one week."

"So you believe me to be wrong? Very well. If you feel that way," Cyrus activates a Poké Ball. "Challenge me." He takes another moment to look Chris up and down as he activates his own Poké Ball. "I know you, Trainer. We've met at Mt. Coronet. Why would you want to protect this incomplete world?

"I don't need you changing a damn thing, while I've still got plenty I want to do."

Cyrus snickers at Chris. "As the boss of Team Galactic, I will show you the error of your ways." He then throws his first Poké Ball, sending out a Sneasel into the pit between them. Chris throws his own Poké Ball into the air, deciding to send out Jetfire to test his new moveset.

"Sneasel, off balance it with Quick Attack." Cyrus commands, as Sneasel swiftly leaps up into the air to charge at Jetfire.

"Jetfire, Extreme Speed!" At a much faster rate of speed, Chris's Togekiss dives right at the airborne Sneasel, overpowering it to send it to the ground hard. "Now, use Aura Sphere!" Jetfire conjures up a blue sphere of pure energy between the tips of his wings, before launching right down onto the prone Sneasel. Sneasel dual typing leaves it highly susceptible to Jetfire's attack, a reality that is far too much for it to bear.

Without uttering a word, Cyrus recalls his fallen Sneasel, regarding the ball without expression as he deactivates it. That expressionless face Cyrus has, that doesn't change in the slightest as he activates his next Poké Ball, is starting to make Chris feel unsettled. "This changes nothing, boy. Golbat, it's your turn." Out comes the massive gaping mouth of the poison/flying type Golbat. It stares at Jetfire with a murderous expression, awaiting Cyrus's command. "Golbat, use Confuse Ray." Cyrus's Golbat emits a sinister ray of energy that hurdles towards Jetfire.

"Jetfire, use Air Slash!" Chris's Togekiss sends a blade of air right at Cyrus's Golbat. Chris's hopes that the attack would cut through the Confuse Ray prove ineffective, as the attack simply strikes Golbat, whilst the ray also finds its mark. Jetfire suddenly finds himself struggling to stay in the air. In a clear state of confusion, Jetfire bashes his body against the cave wall.

"Now Golbat, use Poison Fang." Golbat recovers from the Air Slash attack immediately upon hearing Cyrus's voice, and flies full speed ahead to Jetfire. Toxins emanating from its fangs, Golbat clamps down on Jetfire to deal some major damage with the type advantage. Jetfire barely stays conscious, and yet it is enough for Chris to not risk his Pokémon's health any further.

"Jetfire, return!" Chris exclaims as he recalls his Togekiss. He activates a second Poké Ball now, and muses quietly to himself. "Lets see what you can really do. Go, Electabuzz!" Chris calls out his horned Electric-type fiendish creature to the battle.

"Your sudden misdirection will not save you." Cyrus finally pipes up. "Golbat, Poison Fang." More toxins salivate from Golbat's mouth as it makes a beeline for Electabuzz.

"Electabuzz, Protect!" Chris's Electabuzz surrounds itself in a protective barrier that stops Golbat right in its tracks. Golbat finds itself in a highly vulnerable position that Chris has no intention of letting it out of. "Now, Thunder Punch!" Electabuzz drops the barrier, and its electrically charged fist ruthlessly socks Golbat. The poison/flying-type Pokémon gets launched back from the punch.

Golbat forces itself back up so it can get airborne again, struggling to do so. "Air Cutter." Cyrus commands, as the wounded Golbat launches razor-like wind to slash Electabuzz.

Cyrus's callous attitude towards Golbat and the rest of his Pokémon is enough for Chris to sneer at the man. But the battle of course takes priority in his mind. "Electabuzz, finish it with Shock Wave!" Electabuzz blasts a lightning-fast jolt of electricity at Golbat, which bursts through Golbat's Air Cutter attack. The electricity is far too much for the poor Golbat to withstand, and it collapses in pain.

Without a single word uttered, Cyrus recalls his fallen Golbat, already having his final Poké Ball active in his hand. "Your luck ends here." Without uttering another word, Cyrus sends out his Honchkrow into battle. The Flying/Dark-type bird Pokémon bares a striking resemblance to the mafia boss characters Chris had seen in movies, and the irony of the leader of Team Galactic using a Pokémon that looks like this is not lost on Chris. "Feint Attack." Honchkrow seems to disappear for a brief second, only to reappear right before Electabuzz and strike. Electabuzz doubles backwards, but regains its ground quickly.

"Electabuzz, Thunder Punch!" Electabuzz's fist is fueled by pure electric energy once again, as it throws a haymaker at Honchkrow for massive damage. Honchkrow only just barely stays airborne after the attack.

"Astonish." Honchkrow begins to let out an alarming shout as it flies head on to Electabuzz. The attack lands, and Electabuzz finds itself doubling over. So startled is he, that Electabuzz cannot react to Chris's command, if he can even hear what his trainer is saying at all. This leaves Cyrus with an opening. "Now, Feint Attack." Honchkrow disappears once again, reappearing right in front of Electabuzz for a hard strike. "Astonish."

"Not this time." Chris responds. "Protect!" Electabuzz has regained his composure, and gets his barrier up once again to stop Honchkrow dead in its tracks, before it can hit Electabuzz again. "Now, Ice Punch!" A chilling essence engulfs Electabuzz's fist, as he rams it right into Honchkrows chest. From where Chris is standing, he can practically see the wind being punched right out of Honchkrow, as the Big Boss Pokémon crumbles right in front of Electabuzz. Chris has won the battle, and he quickly recalls his Electabuzz so he can gage Cyrus's next move.

Incredibly, Cyrus remains emotionless even in this brutal defeat. He recalls his fallen Honchkrow without so much as a word. "Impressive." He finally says after placing his deactivated Poké Ball on his belt. "Remarkable even. But the same result shall not happen should we battle again." He then turns his attention back to Cynthia's grandmother. "But Elder, your attitude told me what I needed to know. If the beings of time and space are brought together, they can't be stopped." Without another word, Cyrus turns away from both, and exits the cave.

Now alone once again, she looks back at Chris. "Such a strange, strange man. Spouting such nonsense. The time and space of Sinnoh are filled with the memories and thoughts of countless people and Pokémon. This is a wonderful world. What need is there to change it?" She then shakes her head. "Enough of all that. You've been a great help Chris. You have my thanks, and that of Celestic Town."

Chris smiles at her, bowing his head. He accompanies her outside of the cave, where the two find Cynthia waiting for them. "Was everything all right here? You saw those strange people with the Galactic Bomb, didn't you?"

"We did indeed, sweetie." Her grandmother starts, rubbing on Chris's arm. "But this helpful young man saw to it their plans were foiled."

Cynthia gives Chris a flirty smile. "He is rather handy, isn't he?" She pauses for a moment, looking over to the cave. "But those Team Galactic people! I thought they were harmless." All three begin to walk towards the large hut built on top of the ruin as Cynthia continues. "The bizarre way they dress, and all their wild claims about making a new universe. I thought it was just silly talk. Nothing to take seriously. But they're surprisingly more trouble than expected."

"If I'd known the full extent of their mission when I first encountered them, I'd have just laughed them off." Chris says. "But after everything they've done in the last week or so... they need to be stopped, by any means necessary."

Cynthia nods. "Trying to monopolize Pokémon just isn't acceptable!"

"If they seek to learn more about Sinnoh's legends," the elder starts. "It would be wise to do the same."

"Your right, of course. Chris, seek out the library while you're in Canalave City. Its become larger in the last few years, so it may be hard to find. But it's stocked with ancient books. You can look up Sinnoh history there. The ships going to and from Canalave City and Jubilife City leave every other day, so you should spend the night here, and then get to Jubilife tomorrow."

The three stop at the large hut, and Chris nods at Cynthia. "Then that's the plan. I need to go check to see if the mechanic fixed my bike."

"Go right ahead."

"I'd like to spend some time with my granddaughter. But you are more than welcome to spend the night in our guest room, Chris."

Chris bows his head once again. "I appreciate that. I'll be back soon."