Chapter 57

There is one day when Emma comes back, and she says, "Hey, brother Ash! I was hoping to find Mom. I've been so busy lately that I'm hardly ever here anymore. Do you have any idea where she is?"

I shake my head and say, "She's been injured and she's sent to the hospital."

"Wha...? She's in the hospital?! What's wrong with her? Now I'm even more worried than before! B-but... I'd need more money to get to the hospital..." Emma frowns.

"Don't worry, we have money to take care of her." Serena says, but then she gasps, "Ah! Is that the time?! I'm gonna be late! I gotta go, Mimi! We'll talk later!"

After she leaves, a man comes in and says, "Please pardon my intrusion...Would I be correct to assume that this is the Ketchum's residence and you might be Master Ash?"

"I am, but why?" I ask the man.

"I am terribly sorry to intrude upon you, but I have a request. But before we discuss the reason for my visit today, would you allow me to verify your strength, Master Ash?"

"Uh, sure?" I'm confused. "As expected, the confidence of a Champion is unshakable. Please allow me to begin the battle at once!"

Then he uses a Braviary so I use Pikachu to defeat him once and for all. After he's done, he says, "I see... Yes, as I suspected... You abilities and strength are without peer, Master Ash. Even I, a former admin of Team Flare, had no chance against you."

"You were an admin of Team Flare?" Alice asks.

"Please forgive me for testing you. I am a mere servant, sent here by order of my mistress. She told me to measure your skill, and to proceed only if I judged you to be able."

Then he gasps, "Oh goodness! Look at the time! My mistress is not a patient woman! If she is made to wait too long, the consequences will be severe. Please, Master Ash! You must hurry to Hotel Richissime's Royal Suite at once!"

We rush to the Hotel Richissime, and we manage to find who's waiting in the room. Malva, the Elite Four. She says, "Took you long enough, Ash. It may happen that I have need of your services, but I expect you to keep in mind how valuable my time is! Oh, never mind!"

I ask, "So what do you want from us, Malva?"

She says, "I am one of the Elite Four. People know me as the Fire-type-Pokémon user." Then she opens up a secret door, and we are surprised to find the battlefield, 2 pillars of Flame shoot in the air as the field is covered with Fire.

"Is this... the Fire Chamber for Elite Four battles?" Serena asks.

"Yes, and I shall be your opponent today. I can't possibly have a reasonable discussion when my emotions are so inflamed, and you also need my medal to challenge the Champion."

I say, "Very well, I accept the battle."

Malva's first pick, Pyroar, faces off against my Clawitzer. The battlefield ignites with energy as Pyroar initiates with a Noble Roar, strategically reducing Clawitzer's offensive prowess. Undeterred, I counter with a punishing Crabhammer, causing Pyroar to stagger.

"Flame Charge, Pyroar! Swift and elegant!" A subsequent Aura Sphere from Clawitzer is met with a deflection courtesy of Pyroar's Flame Charge. Yet, Clawitzer's persistence pays off, ultimately defeating Pyroar with another well-aimed Aura Sphere.

Next in line is Malva's Chandelure, a spectral presence wreathed in eerie flames. Malva smirks, "Chandelure, show them the power of the spectral flames! Phantom Force now!"

My Clawitzer succumbs to Chandelure's Phantom Force and the effect of Flame Body. I decide to send Malamar to the fray this time. I command it to use Topsy Turvy, which reverses Chandelure's stat changes. "Malamar, let's keep the momentum going! Show them what you've got with Dark Pulse and Psybeam!"

And it because of those two moves that Chandelure is defeated. The battle rages on as Malva unleashes her Talonflame, which swiftly overwhelms my Malamar with a combination of Brave Bird and Flare Blitz.

I decide to go with Barbaracle, and Malva smirks, "Impressive choice, Ash. But can it handle Talonflame's might?"

"Barbaracle can handle this. Poison Jab!" Poison Jab inflicts Talonflame with poison, setting the stage for a tactical onslaught. Razor Shell and Stone Edge follow, culminating in Talonflame's defeat.

Malva scowls, "Well played, Ash. But the battle is far from over." She goes for Torkoal, whose Gyro Ball proves too formidable for Barbaracle and it is knocked out by the move.

"Barbaracle, you've done great! Now, return. Samurott, let's take the stage and turn this around!" I send out Samurott. The clash between Aqua Jet and Gyro Ball creates a spectacle, but in the end, Samurott emerges victorious with a combination of Aqua Jet and Razor Shell.

It all comes down to the final Pokemon: Houndoom, and she uses Mega Evolution just like what she did back in the battle against Lysandre. Houndoom unleashes Dark Pulse and Crunch, overwhelming my Samurott. My last hope rests on Lucario, and I also go for Mega Evolve. Dodging Houndoom's attacks with the grace of a seasoned warrior, Lucario counters with Bone Rush to deflect Crunch. The decisive blow comes with a powerful Aura Sphere, clinching victory in the battle.

Serena says, "You did it, Ash!"

"Yeah, nice battle." Alice says.

Malva says, "What news... So a new challenger has defeated Malva of the Elite Four! Fantastic. Utterly fantastic. I'll report to all the world the news of you and your Pokémon dominating the Pokémon League! I AM a Holo Caster star, after all. Heh, I'm such a busy woman... "

Then she gives me the Fire Medal, and I put it away as she continues, "Three more members of the Elite Four stand between you and the Champion."

"I know. However, we're here for another thing." I say.

Malva says, "Right. The first issue is the identity of the Trainer called Essentia. In truth, she is simply a young girl called Emma, wearing a piece of special technology dubbed the Expansion Suit. The Expansion Suit was created by Dr. Xerosic."

"Dr. Xerosic… he is the one who controls Squishy and Z2…" Squishy then pops out of Serena's bag after hearing his name. After bidding farewell to Bonnie back then, Squishy decides to stay in Serena's bag instead.

"I can see that name means something to you. You remember him, I take it. ...One of Team Flare's scientists. This brings me to my request, young children. Make sure Xerosic disappears. I don't care how."

"Why? Why do you want him to disappear?" Alice asks.

"If you need a reason, call it honor among thieves... Even we in Team Flare had our sense of pride. You may have disagreed with us, but we were doing what we thought was right. I won't let him sully our honor now. The hero of Kalos would hardly wish for that girl Emma to keep staining her hands with these crimes as Essentia. If you want to help the girl, you need to put a stop to Xerosic. And that I can help you with! If we leave now, we should find him at Lysandre Café. Don't dawdle. Be ready to face death if you go. Prepare well if you want a shot at surviving."

We nod as we follow Malva to the Lysandre Cafe and enter the lab, and she says, "You'll find Xerosic in the lab. It's a secret floor that only certain admins know about."

She presses something on the elevator and adds, "You'll need to take the elevator. I'll just enter the special password on this panel here... And voilà! Now you have access to the secret floor of Lysandre Labs. You should find Xerosic and his Essentia there. The rest I leave to you. The secret floor has the same layout as this one. You defeated Team Flare once, right? Then this should be a piece of cake."

"I see. Thanks a lot, Malva." I say.

"Oh. And one last thing... Tell that mother and father of yours... Tell that infuriating man and woman... Yes, tell them I fulfilled my end of the bargain. And they should keep in mind what will happen to them if they doesn't do the same. Good day."

After she leaves, Serena says, "I wonder what was the bargain..."

As we continue searching for Xerosic and Emma, we battled some scientists and even the Lumiose Gang members there. Nix says, "If it ain't you three! What's cookin'?"

"That's what we want to know." I say.

"Heh. Well, I got onto a part-time job as a security guard. See? Emma got us in with the boss of here. But I dunno why they want a guard. Ain't seen hide nor hair o' nothin'! Right bored, I am. Hey, how 'bout we have a little battle to keep me on my toes?"

"I guess that's fine for us." Alice says.

"Right! I'll give it my all! Yer better not expect another easy win like that time at the station!" After we swiftly defeat his Druddigon and Krookodile, he says, "Man, I lost in no time flat! Yer somethin', that's for true. It was fun while it lasted, but it's still a long grind till my shift ends, y'know? Allow as I've an idea... C'mere a sec!"

We enter the office and we find a lot of Pokeballs on the ground. "'Ere we are, yo! Nobody's supposed to be allowed in, y'know? Which makes yer think there's bound to be somethin' epic locked up in 'ere, eh? Stands to reason. I ain't got nothin' goin' on at the moment, so let's be havin' us a little look-see for slacks of treasures."

We notice the Pokeballs and also a diary that belongs to Xerosic.

"The XXth day of the XXth month... Posted an advertisement for part-time work at the Lysandre Café to recruit a test subject for the suit's field trials. The Expansion Suit should make even an average Trainer into a superhuman force, a force to be reckoned with... It is the ultimate result of my life's study-my magnum opus. The trials must be a success! I wait on the appearance of a young, healthy, and ambitious test subject."

"The XXth day of the XXth month... At long last, a response came to my advertisement for part-time work. The subject's name is Emma. She is a healthy girl, 16 years of age. When I attempted to explain the intent of my research, she gave little sign of understanding. She does appear to understand the passion I have put into the suit research, and she showed interest in continuing with the trials. Now that Team Flare has been disbanded, my funds are running severely low. I hired her on the spot. The trials must proceed with no time lost. First, I'll measure Emma's physical and mental abilities to ensure she can complete the trials."

"The XXth day of the XXth month... I have customized the suit to better fit Emma's frame."

"The XXth day of the XXth month... I have designated the code name Essentia to be used when Emma is wearing the Expansion Suit. "

"The XXth day of the XXth month... As we make final preparations for the trials, a new trouble strikes. I have learned that Emma has no experience as a Pokémon Trainer! With little other choice, I am forced to instruct the girl on all the basics."

"The XXth day of the XXth month... I have lent Emma my own Pokémon and am instructing her on the skills needed in a Pokémon Trainer. However, my Pokémon seem only to wish to play with the girl. They show no desire to engage in battle. Their behavior is most puzzling. They have never shown signs of being particularly friendly nor reluctant to battle. Their playfulness is a detriment to the trials. I will have to control the suit remotely in order to have any chance of starting the trials in time.

"The XXth day of the XXth month... Finally, the trials are underway. The first trial is designed to test the suit's physical capabilities. Using the texturing function, the subject has infiltrated the closely guarded art museum and left an insignia on a historical mural. The remote-control function has worked without complications thus far. Emma shows no ill effects from her time in the suit. Her memory is blank. When questioned, she describes her experience as "taking a nap." Perhaps I will give her a bonus in celebration of this successful trial."

"The XXth day of the XXth month... Trials begin of a key part of the Expansion Suit: the hacking cable I've called the Poké Ball Jack. With the texturing function enabled, the subject battles Trainers around the city. She then collects Poké Balls from Trainers she defeats, so that we may use them in our tests. The results of the tests have been quite favorable thus far. However, these trials have not been entirely free from incident. Some apparent acquaintances of Emma's are proving to be a hindrance to our progress. Among these acquaintances is a boy who appears to be the new Champion, but this is not yet confirmed. We encountered a glitch in the remote-control programming, and I lost control for a brief period. Fearing possible effects on Emma, I suspended the trials temporarily. When we returned to the secret base, I examined the girl for signs of damage, but she appeared to be unharmed. She still retains no memories from her intervals in the suit. The one thing she admitted was experiencing "a frightful dream.""

Alice says, "So these are the notes about what happened…"

Nix says, "Ermh... So there's just Poke Balls an' papers, like? Those Poke Balls got to belong to somebody, stands to reason. I promised Ms. Aurora, an' what's more, I meant it. I won't never take Poke Balls that aren't mine!"

Then the bell rings, and Nix says, "Waugh, my shift's finally endin'! I'm out, see? Later bruv!"

After he leaves, Xerosic comes in and says, "Hmm... Why did the remote control malfunction only that one time? Do I need to do more than simply put her in a state of sleep? Must I subdue her spirit, too? No, no. Doing that would put far too great a strain upon Emma's mind..."

"Look what we have here, Dr. Xerosic." Serena says.

Xerosic notices us and says, "Oho ho ho! You're the children from the glitched trial! You've been interfering with my research! Very well. You will be the next subject for my trials! If Essentia can defeat you in the Expansion Suit, that is all the proof necessary to show that my research has been correct from the start! Come, Essentia!"

Then much to our horror, Essentia arrives and I gasp, "Emma?"

"Now, battle! Battle, my Essentia!" Xerosic says.

"POKÉ BALL JACK FUNCTION INITIATED. VIRUS POTENCY SET TO 60 PERCENT." She's using the first set, the Jellicent and Volcarona, so we defeat those two Pokemon swiftly.

"Astonishing! More than satisfactory! But Essentia's skills go far beyond this! Now, battle! Battle on, my Essentia!" Xerosic commands.

"POKÉ BALL JACK FUNCTION INITIATED. VIRUS POTENCY SET TO 70 PERCENT." She is using the second set, Whimsicott, Mawile, and Granbull, and we defeat those Fairy types without problem.

"Wonderful! Magnificent! But Essentia is only getting started! Now, battle! Battle on, my Essentia!"

"POKÉ BALL JACK FUNCTION INITIATED. VIRUS POTENCY SET TO 80 PERCENT." She is using Persian and we defeat the Pokemon in the end.

"Come, come, we can still go on! Or are you worn out? Too bad that Essentia will never experience physical or mental fatigue as long as she wears the Expansion Suit that I designed! Now, battle! Battle on, my Essentia!"

It is then Mimi comes in, along with Mom and Dad. "Mom! Dad!" I gasp.

"That is enough." My Dad says.

"What?! Who are you three? Why are you here?" Xerosic is shocked.

"Mimi is a Psychic-type Pokémon. It is only natural that it could find the friend to whom it has opened its heart." My mom explains.

"You can't just barge into a private residence like this! This is a crime!" Xerosic demands.

"That may have been true had we forced our way onto the property. However, all we did was step into a wide-open elevator." My dad replies. "Notwithstanding that, Ash is our son! Were he in trouble, I would follow to the highest heights and the fathomless depths!"

"Grrr... Still, you will not capture me! Go, Essentia! Get them all!" Xerosic growls.

My mom yells, "Stop this, Emma!" Mimi is also trying to call out to her.

"It's useless, you fools! Nothing you try will work! Emma cannot hear you! The one in control of Essentia is not Emma, but me!" Xerosic says.

"Can you hear me, Emma?! If you can wake yourself, I know you can break free of that suit! Awaken! Open your eyes! Emma! EMMA!" I yell.

With Essentia still silent, Xerosic says, "Isn't the power of science amazing? There's no way she will hear you now!"

When Mimi tries to approach Emma, Alice yells, "Mimi! Get back!"

But then, it seems that the suit is malfunctioning once more, as the screams can be heard.

"What?! How can this be happening? Not a problem, though. Watch this! Remote-control function... Set to maximum output!" Xerosic says.

We see how Xerosic is still trying to control her, and Dad says, "Ash, you have to stop Emma for all of us."

"Right, Dad, Mom." I say. And that's when she sends out two more Pokemon, which reveals to be Xerosic's own Pokemon: Crobat and Malamar, and we have to take them down this time.

With the final two Pokemon defeated, my Mom says, "There are no more Poké Balls! You must stop fighting! EMMA!"

As Essentia continues to roar in pain, Xerosic frowns before saying, "Remote control... Power down. Deactivate."

After he presses the button, we see that it stops holding head in pain. My dad asks, "E-Emma... Are you...all right?"

"All I did was turn off the remote-control capability. There was never any danger to the girl." Xerosic says.

Then we hear Emma's voice, "Mmh... Mmm... Yawwwn! Hm? Oh, Dr. Xerosic... Are we all done for today?"

"Yes, my girl... We're done... You did a good job, Emma. The trials are now complete. I'm afraid your job is all over." Xerosic says.

"Yawwwn! Oh, really? Then I guess I've got to start looking for a new job again." Emma then notices us and she asks, "Huh? Wait? Why is everyone here? I thought it was a secret that I was working here!"

I ask, "E-Emma... Are you...all right?"

"Hm? What do you mean? I've just been taking a nap. My job here was really easy. All I had to do was wear this suit while I snoozed away. What are you doing here, Mom? I thought you were in the hospital!"

"The wound is not that big of a problem, just a few days and I can get discharged. I had to make sure you were OK, Emma. I had to see you, so I found out where you worked and came to find you." My mom says.

"Oh, I see. I was afraid you might be mad because I started working without telling you. I kept it a secret all this time... You really are a great detective, aren't you, Mom? You found me anyway!" Emma asks.

"Naturally! Now, Emma, how about you go and get some dinner? Your father and I need to have a little grown-up talk with Dr. Xerosic here!" My mom says.

"Oh, sure. No problem! We'll head out now! Let's all go together! Mimi! And you, too, guys!"

Then we go out with Emma and Mimi while leaving our mom and dad to handle things.

After a few days, we learn that Xerosic is turning himself in, and my Mom is getting better. After that, we also head to the Lumiose Museum, and we find that the painting has been fixed thanks to my Mom and Dad.

Emma also asks us to come to Lysandre Labs since she wants to see Dr. Xerosic for the final time. Xerosic says, "I'm telling you I gave them back! Every last one of them!"

"Fine." My mom says. "If you really say that you returned all the Poké Balls that Essentia stole..."

"And I did! I returned them! And I'm turning myself in without a fight, so just give me a minute!" Dr. Xerosic says.

Then they notice we're here, and my Mom asks, "Ash, Serena, Alice, what are you doing here?"

"Because I contacted Emma, of course! I'm sure she'll be here any minute, too!" Then Emma shows up with us, and she says, "Oh, Dr. Xerosic! Thanks for your message!"

Emma says, "So mom... you're really going to put Dr. Xerosic in prison?"

My mom says, "That's right. But it seems that he has some words that needs to tell you."

Dr. Xerosic says, "Emma! I give you my Expansion Suit! I have removed the remote-control functionality, so you needn't worry! Please use your powers as Essentia to protect the world! And...and... Please take all of the Pokémon that I raised for so long! They are yours now!"

Emma frowns, "Dr. Xerosic... Dr. Xerosic, you've tried to do terrible things to the world, I guess. I find it hard to see you as that kind of person. I only became a Pokémon Trainer thanks to your being there for me. ... ... ... I will always cherish your Pokémon and your suit, Dr. Xerosic. I won't forget our bonds, either..."

My mom says, "I'm sorry to say this, but our plane is about to leave."

"You're leaving?" Emma gasps.

"Well, we are from Kanto after all, and mom has a home in Kanto too." I say.

"I see..." Emma nods. Then Xerosic says, "Emma! Don't you mess this up, my girl!"

After they leave, we head back to the Manor, and we find David, Elline, Clemont, and Bonnie waiting for us. We tell them everything about what happened, and David says, "So that happened..."

"Yeah..." I say, "But during the process, I have one medal now, so what do you say we travel together again for my Elite Four battle?"

Everyone nods as we all go to the next location, which is Seibold's restaurant.

Here is a new chapter, and the Emma arc is finally done. The next chapter will be more Elite Four battles.

Ash and Serena's Pokemon:

Venusaur, Charizard x2, Blastoise, Pikachu x2, Alakazam, Gengar, Kangaskhan, Pinsir, Gyarados (Shiny), Aerodactyl, Ampharos, Scizor, Heracross, Houndoom, Tyranitar, Gardevoir (Shiny), Mawile, Aggron, Medicham, Manectric, Banette, Absol, Garchomp, Lucario, Samurott, Audino, Zoroark, Hydreigon, Chesnaught, Delphox, Greninja (Shiny), Diggersby, Talonflame, Vivillon x20, Pyroar, Floette (Eternal), Florges (Rainbow), Gogoat, Pangoro, Furfrou, Meowstic x2, Aegislash, Aromatisse, Slurpuff, Malamar, Barbaracle, Dragalge, Clawitzer, Heliolisk, Tyrantrum, Aurorus (Shiny), Sylveon, Hawlucha, Dedenne, Carbink, Goodra, Klefki, Trevenant, Gourgeist, Avalugg, Noivern, Xerneas, Yveltal, Zygarde, Diancie, Hoopa, Volcanion