Chapter 8 – A City with Extravagant Flare!
Growing up in Galar, Hiccup had seen his fair share of big cities, and therefore had an inkling of what to expect when Meatlug crossed through the gateway and onto the streets of Lumiose. However, when the party emerged into the light and Fishlegs let out an audible gasp, Hiccup found a large part of himself empathizing with his friend's expression of stunned awe.
The splendor of Route 4 that had led them here had promised a sight to behold, and their first impression of Lumiose City did not disappoint.
The walls of the gateway fell away to reveal the wide, bustling streets of a sprawling metropolis. The buildings were mostly brick and the street lamps were tall and elaborate, giving the city an old-fashioned aesthetic that immediately contrasted with Hiccup's memories of Galar's Wyndon, emphasizing Kalos' trend towards beauty and history in its architecture. Trees sprouted from brick planters and flower baskets hung from lamps and balconies, further adding to the atmosphere of elegance. People in all manner of dress walked in all directions, dozens passing by in just the few seconds Hiccup had been staring, and cars rolled by on the larger roads, which were wide, neat stripes of asphalt amidst the brick and concrete. The pedestrians-only street him and Fishlegs stood on continued straight past the intersection and turned into a proper road, which cleared a path through the maze of buildings until it reached the city center. There, Hiccup was amazed to see, the famous Prism Tower speared into the sky like a giant chess piece, its glass surfaces reflecting the sunlight to indeed give the impression of a glittering prism.
"Well… we're here," Hiccup finally found it in him to speak. "Reminds you of home, doesn't it, bud?"
"Bay Bagon!" Toothless replied, scrambling to lean over his Trainer's head to get a better view.
"The pictures don't do this place justice," Fishlegs breathed, though it took him a minute to speak up, overwhelmed as he was. "Ooh, Meatlug and I have always wanted to come here! What should we see first? The parks, the Trainer supply shops, the world-famous patisserie that sells Lumiose Galettes? Come to think of it, I could really eat… our lunch was so light…"
Hiccup chuckled and got his attention with a tap on the shoulder. "Professor Sycamore's lab, remember? I want to catch Mom before she heads home."
At his suggestion, Fishlegs shivered and glanced back at him, his eyes filled with an excitement that nearly outshone the nervousness. "A-Already?" he fretted. "B-But we've been traveling nonstop since Santalune – I can't meet your mother, let alone the most famous Pokemon researcher in the region, looking like this! I-I've been wearing these clothes all day…!"
Hiccup couldn't help it – his chuckles grew to a full-blown laugh. "Fishlegs, you're fine! It'll just be a short visit, then we can find a Pokemon Center to hole up in. Besides, Mom used to spend days out in the woods, doing work for Pokemon Rangers. Unwashed clothes won't offend her, promise."
After taking a second to consider that, Fishlegs nodded with a quiet gulp and told Meatlug to keep going. The Rhyhorn lurched forward at her usual plodding pace, giving Hiccup ample time to extract the map from his backpack.
"The lab should be on the outermost main road… so our first left," he said, tapping at the indicated spot. One of the most interesting things about Lumiose City was that it was built like a spiderweb that had been stretched across the ground. Its largest roads were a series of concentric rings emanating out from the city center, with smaller roads radiating out in straight lines to connect the lot of them. Professor Sycamore's lab was on the outer ring, along with the gateways that led to every corner of Kalos and tons of Pokemon Centers placed for travelers' convenience.
For a few minutes, Hiccup and Fishlegs did nothing but sit in contented silence and soak in the magnificent sights around them. There were just as many Pokemon on the streets as there were people, some walking along behind their Trainers and others seated in the passenger seats of passing bikes and mopeds (all wearing helmets, of course). A couple of Pokemon carried passengers of their own; Fishlegs twisted around to shake Hiccup eagerly the first time they spotted a saddled Gogoat, apparently part of the city's public transit service. Less interesting than the Pokemon were the people, which all sort of blended into one crowd despite the wide variety of fashion styles – except for a few. More than once, Hiccup found his eyes drawn to eye-popping crimson suits that stuck out from the rest of the crowd like neon signs.
All too soon, the time for sight-seeing and comfortable silence came to an end. Meatlug stopped at Fishlegs' prompting, and they found themselves outside the front gates of Professor Sycamore's lab.
The lab itself was, at first, barely distinguishable from the neighboring buildings, appearing more as an estate than anything. It had two rows of tall windows taking up the whole front of the building, a large set of wooden double doors with gold handles, and a well-kept lawn and symmetrically-placed bushes guarded by a low concrete fence. The only hint that it was owned by a Pokemon Professor at all were the carved Poke Balls that decorated the top of the fence on either side of the barred gate.
Hiccup was the first to slip off Meatlug and approach the entrance, Toothless shifting on his shoulder. A bronze plaque underneath the right Poke Ball caught his attention, and he leaned in to squint at the engraved text:
Lumiose Pokemon Research Laboratory
Professor Augustine Sycamore, Ph.D.
Physiology and Processes of Pokemon Evolution
Ring And Enter
New Trainers Welcome!
"Pokemon Evolution," he mused, thinking back to what Valka had explained when she'd first gotten the job offer. "Why would he need a Pokemon conservationist in his line of work?"
"Um… his most recent papers have made reference to several Dragon-types as research subjects," Fishlegs offered, having joined him in reading the plaque. "Y-Your mother is a Dragon-type expert, right? Perhaps his research requires her expertise to run more smoothly…?"
He has Dragon-types in there? The thought of possibly getting to meet rare Kalosian dragons – or any dragons at all, really – sent a delicious quiver down Hiccup's spine. "Ring and enter", huh? So I guess I just…
He reached out toward the button directly underneath the plaque. Instead of the expected doorbell, there was a loud clatter as the gate swung open automatically, permitting them entrance. Hiccup motioned for Fishlegs to follow – who did so with a soft noise halfway between a hum and a whimper – and walked up the path to the double doors. They were unlocked, and gave easily when he pushed, opening the way into a large, dim foyer featuring soft red carpeting and a staircase leading up to the lab's upper level.
For only a moment, Hiccup, Toothless, and Fishlegs (Meatlug had been sent back to her Poke Ball out of politeness) basked alone in the cool, welcoming atmosphere that they silently agreed befitted a nobleman's mansion more than it did a laboratory. Then, from a shadowed hallway off to the right, a bespectacled woman in a lab coat entered at a brisk walk, her face relaxing into a smile at the sight of the visitors.
"Welcome to the Lumiose Pokemon Research Lab," she greeted them. Her eyes flicked from Hiccup to Fishlegs, then to Toothless, whom she noticed with a look of surprise. "Oh, are you not new Trainers? Most visitors your age come to pick up one of our designated starter Pokemon before they begin their journeys…"
"Uh, technically, we are still new," Hiccup replied sardonically. "But no, we're not here for Pokemon. I'm here to check up on my mom… uh, Valka Haddock? Red hair, about yay tall, has an Altaria named –"
A lilting, familiar call sang through the cushy air of the foyer, cutting off Hiccup's explanation. He looked up, a smile already spreading as he spotted exactly whom he expected to. The Altaria descended from the top of the staircase to land in front of him with a delighted coo, then turned to greet Toothless when the Bagon hopped down to nuzzle his feathers.
"Cloudjumper!" Hiccup exclaimed, kneeling to let his mother's partner nip affectionately at his fingers. "It's been a while! How're you finding the lab, and the other Pokemon?" he asked, to which Cloudjumper cooed happily.
"Oh, you're Valka's son?" The research assistant's eyes sparked with recognition as she turned on her heel to head back the way she'd come. "Hang on and I'll let her know you're here. We're just about to close up for the day, anyway, so –"
"Let me know who's here?" a voice called from above, its Galarian accent unmistakable. "Cloudjumper and I were just about to start packin' up and – Hiccup?"
Valka had appeared at the top of the stairs and, before Hiccup could call back to her, was already racing down the steps with her lab coat flapping behind her. His eyes widened in alarm when she reached the bottom and didn't slow down, but before he could duck away she grabbed him and smothered him in a painful embrace. His mom didn't quite have the same rib-cracking strength that his dad's hugs did, but he still thought he could feel his bones creaking under the pressure.
At last, Valka released him, crouching so that she could examine him eye-to-eye, touching his face and smoothing out his hair as a fond smile spread over her features. "I can't believe it," she remarked at last. "My boy, marchin' all the way to Lumiose on his lonesome like a proper Trainer. Are ya sure ya walked all the way here in just two days?"
"Oh, thanks for that." Hiccup made a big show of rolling his eyes in mock annoyance, though the way his cheeks hurt from grinning too hard ruined the effect. "And here I thought Dad was the one who doubted me."
"Never, Hiccup," Valka assured him, pulling him into a shorter, gentler hug than the last. "Just mighty surprised, is all. And proud of ya, of course."
"Bago bay!" Toothless chose that moment to come running, returning from Cloudjumper's side to wedge himself in between Hiccup's and Valka's legs. The junior Haddock teetered and almost fell on his backside, while the senior laughed and lifted the Bagon into the air, which he loved enough to start flapping his arms.
"What, I don't give you enough attention, you pampered lizard?" Hiccup snarked, though there was no real bite to his remark.
"There's Toothless, the wee rascal," Valka was saying affectionately, meanwhile. "How are ya, dear? Been trainin' hard? Lookin' after Hiccup?"
Toothless puffed up importantly and growled an affirmative answer. Rolling his eyes, Hiccup placed his hands under the Dragon-type's arms and pulled him out of Valka's before setting him on his shoulder again.
"Come here, you…" he muttered, before turning back to Valka. "We've got a lot to tell you, Mom. We met a bunch of other Trainers, Toothless learned some new moves – yes, we'll show her later, bud – and this morning in Santalune, we won… ah…"
He trailed off, distracted by a prominent scorch mark on the fluttering corner of his mom's lab coat. "Uh, by the way… do I want to know what happened to your coat?"
Valka twisted to look at the spot he indicated. "Oh, it was nothin'," she dismissed with a nonchalant wave. "Just a tiny little quarrel with the lab's Garchomp on my first day. We get along famously now."
"They have a Garchomp?!"
Hiccup froze at the unexpected echo and glanced incredulously to his left – he and Fishlegs had just blurted out their shared excitement in perfect unison. They stared at one another in bafflement, then exchanged grins, chortling over their coincidental synchrony.
Valka chuckled along with them before fixing Fishlegs in a welcoming smile. "You must be Fishlegs, then?" she asked, extending a hand. "Pleasure to meet ya at last. My son's already said a lot about ya – that you're a great friend and particularly knowledgeable about Pokemon."
"Y-Yes ma'am, F-Fishlegs Ingerman," he introduced himself, taking her hand and giving it a tentative shake. "I, um, think H-Hiccup's a good friend, too… a-and I certainly don't regret traveling with him. I-It's been fun getting to know him and T-Toothless, and I-I'm going to do my b-best to help him much more on our journey."
He sent a permissive glance to Hiccup, and he smiled and placed a hand on him to let him know he appreciated it.
"Glad to hear it," Valka, too, approved, beaming down at the Ingerman boy. "I can already tell my son is in good hands, and is sure to be successful on his journey with somebody like ya supportin' him."
No doubt feeling put on the spot, Fishlegs blushed intensely and tried to give a cohesive reply. He was about to stammer something out, when…
"Valka?" a new voice called from the upper level. "Before you leave for the day, would you mind terribly if I… hmm? We have visitors?"
If Hiccup hadn't been able to figure it out from the masculine timbre and the way Fishlegs gasped, he would've only needed to glance at the newcomer to discern his identity. Professor Sycamore was only a young man, early thirties at the latest with wavy black hair and an exceedingly thin beard, and handsome by anyone's standard. But despite his unassuming appearance, something in his voice and the way he held himself had a way of grabbing the attention of everyone in the room. This was the designated Pokemon Professor of Kalos, the foremost authority in the entire region, and even Hiccup – who'd never heard of the guy until recently – instinctively knew he deserved the respect that the title implied.
"Oh, Augustine, perfect timin'," Valka said, motioning for him to come down. "I was just about to head home, but my son is already in town and came for a wee visit. Hiccup, I'd like ya to meet my new boss, Augustine Sycamore."
Professor Sycamore descended the steps smoothly, the smile gracing his face equally as smooth as he approached with a friendly, raised hand. "So you're the boy Valka told us all about. Welcome, Hiccup… and my, if your Bagon isn't a marvelous specimen! Your mother told me that you're an aspiring Dragon Tamer like she once was, yes?"
"Uh… yes," Hiccup answered, lamely, as he tried to process the sudden compliments being thrown his way. "This is Toothless and, um… thanks. We've been best friends for years, and now that we're finally on our journey, we're helping each other make our dreams come true."
"Marvelous! A great example of the bonds between people and Pokemon if there ever was one!" Sycamore praised, and reached out to pet Toothless. Unfortunately, Hiccup couldn't tell him to stop in time, and the Bagon's mood instantly soured to snap at the fingers that almost brushed his snout. The Professor jumped back and retracted his hand as though he really had been bitten, and Hiccup grimaced at his partner's poor behavior.
"Sorry, that's just his stubbornness issue rearing its head," he explained by way of apology, and scratched Toothless' chin to keep him calm. Toothless instantly melted at his touch, purring as though he hadn't just attempted to take a man's finger off.
At least Sycamore was gracious about it. "Ah, it's my fault as well. That's the same haste that landed me in trouble with Garchomp some years back. Though, of course, back then she was just a Gible, but that certainly didn't make the bites hurt any less…"
He trailed off from his anecdote and finally turned to address Fishlegs, the disarming smile back on his face. "And you, young man? Apologies for being distracted – are you a new Trainer here to sign off on a starter Pokemon, by any chance?"
When no reply came, Hiccup gave his friend a sidelong glance. Fishlegs had been extraordinarily quiet since Professor Sycamore had arrived, saying nothing and doing nothing except for practically vibrating on the spot with nerves and barely-restrained glee. He stared with wide eyes, simultaneously frightened and starstruck, and when Sycamore addressed him directly, he stiffened with renewed tension and clammed up even tighter, like a human Sudowoodo.
Hiccup ended up having to introduce Fishlegs himself, and Sycamore's eyes lit with understanding before he returned his attention to the boy, offering a handshake just as Valka had. "My mistake, then! It's a pleasure to meet you, Fishlegs, any friend of the Haddocks is a friend of –"
"Nonononono, th-the pleasure's all mine, r-really!" A rushing tirade of words exploded from Fishlegs as he rushed to clasp the Professor's hand, and both he and Hiccup flinched at the sudden flood of babble that washed over their ears, the dam that was Fishlegs' nervousness finally surrendering to his withheld, unadulterated ecstasy. "I-It's an honor to meet you, Professor Sycamore, truly an honor! I-I've heard so m-much about you, a-and r-read a lot of your work! Your p-paper that c-confirmed E-Everstone exposure h-had no negative effects on the d-development of unevolved P-Pokemon w-was what helped me d-decide to g-give my Meatlug one! A-And your latest research is so fascinating, i-it sounds like you're c-close to a b-breakthrough and that's so excit–"
Sycamore was overwhelmed, staggering back even as Fishlegs held fast to his hand. It wasn't until he was deep into his tirade of admiration that he gained awareness of how everyone was regarding him, and he cut himself off mid-tirade, mortified. With flaming cheeks and hands clapped over his mouth in horror, he averted his eyes to his boots and mumbled, "S-Sorry, I mean… I-I find it i-interesting, is all…"
Like a popping balloon, the stunned silence broke with a hearty guffaw from Sycamore, whose shock gave way to warm delight. "Well, it isn't every day that I hear of my research being of such interest to a Trainer of your age!" he beamed, taking Fishlegs' prattle in stride. "Well, Fishlegs, I too am honored to meet a young scholar with so much passion for learning about my field. Knowing that there are people out there becoming inspired by my studies is very encouraging!"
"'Inspired' might be selling the lad a bit short," Valka commented wryly. "Sounds more like ya want to become a researcher yourself, eh Fishlegs?"
"N-No, I, um…" Fishlegs retreated further into himself, and Hiccup patted him sympathetically. He knew all too well how humiliating it was to be on the end of his mother's good-natured ribbing.
"Oh, Valka, before I forget again," Sycamore began, only just now remembering that she was there. "Take this with you when you leave for the day. Just hold onto it for now, but if you can confirm that it's Altarianite…"
He slipped Valka something, a small sphere of which only a glint twinkling through his fingers was visible to Hiccup. He blinked, wondering why Sycamore would be handing his mom a marble.
"I'll see what I can do, Augustine," Valka replied, dropping it into her pocket and changing the subject as if it were of no further importance. "But Hiccup and his friend came all this way just to see me, so it'd be rude to leave just yet. That is, if ya don't mind us stickin' around just a few minutes longer."
Inspiration brightened her features as she walked over to put an arm around Hiccup, and the other around Fishlegs. "Actually, why don't we all stay for the occasion? There's a kitchen here in the lab – I could whip somethin' up for us all to enjoy!"
Hiccup winced reflexively, and as Valka exited the foyer without waiting for approval, a similar feeling of dread passed over Sycamore and his other assistant. "Th-That's far too much for one person to do, so I'd better help!" she announced on her way out, chasing after Valka as fast as she could.
"And I… will take the boys on a quick tour of the lab, I suppose," Sycamore stated to nobody in particular, his grimace rearranging itself into a pained smile. "Might as well show you two now, before we shut everything down for the day. What do you say?"
"Oh, would you?!" Fishlegs squealed. "A-As long as it isn't too much trouble, I-I would absolutely love to see a real Pokemon research lab!"
"Thanks, Professor. That's really nice of you," Hiccup said, and Toothless chirped in agreement. When Sycamore turned and motioned them to follow, he saw the pain still lingering in his eyes and added in apologetic tones, "So, ah, you've already had to experience Mom's cooking? It's… something, isn't it?"
"I mean no offense to your mother, Hiccup," Sycamore told him, sheepishly. "She's been a wonderful help in the lab so far, but… how do I put this… the baked goods she brought for the staff on her first day left much to be desired."
"I feel that," Hiccup replied, sympathetic. "I like how she cooks, because I grew up on it, but, uh… yeah, it's an acquired taste."
Fishlegs gaped at him in horror, which he chuckled uncomfortably at, and Sycamore's wince told him that the Professor agreed on a personal level.
By now, their pace had taken them up the staircase and out of the foyer, where the plush interior rather abruptly gave way to plain, unfurnished walls and tiled floors. Most of the doors they passed were locked, their labels informing them of refrigerated storage rooms and employee offices. It definitely looked much more like a research lab than the front had implied.
"I'm glad to hear Mom's fitting in here, though," Hiccup piped up after a minute of hearing nothing but their boots tapping against tile. "I've been wondering, though, Professor – what, exactly, does your lab need her for?"
"Believe it or not, her skills as a conservationist will help out greatly in my current research," he assured him, shooting a backwards glance. "Right now, there are certain populations of Pokemon in the region that I'm concerned about due to a new rule the Kalos League has introduced regarding battles, and I will be asking Valka to study them for me. I'm far too busy to do field work at the moment, again thanks to the League, so Valka's expertise is a great boon to the lab."
"Um… wh-what exactly is the League doing that required you t-to bring in extra help?" Fishlegs raised his hand to ask. His inquiry mirrored Hiccup's thoughts perfectly – his curiosity, too, was piqued by mention of the League.
"You'll see in a moment," Sycamore told them. "There's a particular matter I wished to speak to you about, anyway… aha! Here we are now."
Stepping aside, he ushered them both through the open door they'd stopped beside. Hiccup went in first, taking in the view while Fishlegs squeezed in after him. The room was small and bare, only a few cabinets containing lab equipment and a table piled high with notes and a few other pieces of equipment, as though it had just been in use. On the opposite wall, a large window provided viewing into another room, this one looking as though it belonged in a Pokemon Center. When Hiccup and Fishlegs approached, they spotted a Magikarp being held in a tank on a central table, various wires clipped to its fins. Machines in the back outputted whatever data was being measured from the fish, where an assistant and another Pokemon were busying themselves.
"This is our examination room," Sycamore said, striding in himself. "The lab has its own Pokemon habitat to house our study subjects, and this is where we bring them to get accurate physiological data. From the looks of things, it looks like Garchomp is already done, and Magikarp is soon to follow."
Indeed, just as Hiccup and Fishlegs drew reverent breaths at the name, the door to the examination room opened to let the assistant and Pokemon out. It was a Garchomp alright, Hiccup instantly recognizing the aerodynamic foils and scythe-shaped fins that were the great dragon's signature features. It was a female, he could tell from the lack of a notch in its dorsal fin. He would've been content to just stare at the magnificent creature – even as Dragon-types went, Garchomp were hardly common – but Toothless wasn't satisfied by that. Before Hiccup could stop him, his partner had jumped to the floor and scampered over to chirp a hello to the larger dragon, without a single thought as to his safety.
"No, Toothle–" Hiccup started to protest, but cut himself off when Garchomp moved. She bent down to sniff warily at the dragonling in front of her, deliberating for several suspense-filled seconds, and finally leaned in to give a short, friendly lick to the tip of Toothless' snout.
"There's no need for you to worry," Sycamore said, brushing past Hiccup to rub the Dragon-and-Ground-type's head and elicit a purring rumble from her. "Garchomp is one of our oldest residents, and she's perfectly friendly around newcomers. Feel free to come pet her, too. She won't mind."
"Oh, could we?!" Fishlegs exclaimed, once again accidentally giving voice to Hiccup's thoughts. There was an ecstatic fluttering in his chest as he approached the nigh-mythical beast, his feet carrying him across the room almost too fast – before he knew it, there she was, tall enough to look him straight in the eye.
Automatically, he assumed the posture that Valka had taught him when he'd first encountered Toothless, helpless and indignant in the poacher's snare. Head lowered, eyes down, hand outstretched just far enough to feel the breath on his skin. He forced his own breaths to come slowly, knowing that Pokemon could pick up on the faintest trace of apprehension, and willed himself to be calm. Approach from the blind spot in front of it… don't make eye contact… extend your hand as a gesture of trust… let it come to you.
The mantra had just finished repeating through his head when he felt it. A gentle pressure against his palm, its texture smooth in one direction and rough in the other. His fingers automatically relaxed to cover Garchomp's snout, and he lifted his head to see the deference in the dragon's eyes. Mutual trust.
"Marvelous," Sycamore commented, awed. "That's exactly how Valka calmed Garchomp her first day here. Your family really does have a way with Dragon-types."
"Just her side of the family," Hiccup joked.
He stroked Garchomp's head with a sort of numb amazement. It was so surreal that a part of him wondered if he wasn't dreaming – he was engaging in skin-to-skin contact with one of the rarest and most awesome of all Dragon-types. Was this what it was like to be Fishlegs? Maybe he'll let me tell him all about this to him later. This is really cool!
The Ingerman boy in question was watching him with eyes bugging practically out of their sockets, so enraptured was he by his handling of the dragon. Only when Hiccup moved aside to let Sycamore return Garchomp to a Poke Ball did he snap out of his spell and speak up.
"Um, so what is the research you're currently doing? What could involve two such different Pokemon as Magikarp and Garchomp?" he asked, growing bolder with each question. "What is the League doing that might affect whole populations of Pokemon? I-If you need Mrs. Haddock's expertise… is it something b-bad?"
Instead of answering right away, Sycamore was silent for a while. He walked unhurriedly, hands in his pockets, toward the table in the corner and moved aside some papers and equipment. When he turned back to the boys, a small metal box sat in his hand, open to reveal a spherical gem nestled in a foam padding.
"Fishlegs, you've read some of my latest work, yes?" the Professor asked, though his eyes flicked to Hiccup as if asking him, too. "So I can assume you've heard the term 'Mega Evolution' before?"
Mega… Evolution? The words repeated in Hiccup's head, no less mysterious the second time. He suppressed a shiver – the way Sycamore spoke the term with such weight, it sounded incredibly important, like its discovery would shake up the entire world.
Though Hiccup drew a blank, Fishlegs' face scrunched with faint recognition, clearly trying to recall precisely what he remembered. "Y-Yes, I read about it," he confirmed. "But… all I remember is that it's a kind of temporary transformation for Pokemon. It's like… the power to evolve further, almost."
"In a way, it is," Sycamore hummed, looking up at the ceiling with a slight frown. "It's a phenomenon that isn't very well-known and has barely even been officially studied, although it's apparently existed for centuries. Even after several years of investigating, I've only managed to uncover the basics of it. The stone I have here is a part of it – apparently, Mega Evolution can only come about through the union of two such stones, one held by a Trainer and the other by a Pokemon. That's what it takes to activate it, but to fully control Mega Evolution, it's said that the two must share an incredibly powerful bond."
"O… kay," Hiccup said, trying to wrap his head around the concept. He began to think that he had heard of this "Mega Evolution" before, though only in passing – his mom had mentioned it to him as Professor Sycamore's area of study when she first broke the news of her recent employment. "So what does this have to do with the Kalos League?"
Sycamore came out of his contemplation and looked at him. "Well, after I determined the requirements to unlock this power, the League told me to look further into it so that they could make it more accessible to Trainers. Right now, you can count the number of Mega Evolution users on one hand, but the League wants to make it a part of the tournaments. In fact, this year will be the first in which it's fully legal to use in official battles, be they Gym battles or otherwise. There's a lot of research I still need to do in order to better understand Mega Evolution and inform Trainers of the risks involved.
"To answer a few of your questions, Fishlegs," he went on with a nod to the Ingerman boy, "Magikarp and Garchomp are two of the Pokemon I've confirmed to have the potential to Mega Evolve. There are several others known, which I fear will make them popular targets for aspiring Trainers hoping to gain the edge over their peers. While I'm busy with my own work, Valka will be conducting field investigations to see if the higher demand has drastic consequences on the wild populations of these Pokemon."
Hiccup nodded more vigorously, his level of engagement increasing now that the conversation was changing to something closer to his expertise. But something Sycamore said stuck out to him, and his train of thought automatically followed it to its logical conclusion, inspiring a tense frown to tug at his lips.
"That means if I continue on my journey, I'm going to start running into Trainers that can power up their Pokemon," he concluded. "Pokemon whose capabilities will be almost entirely unknown, because they've never been used in official battles before."
"Yes, Mega Evolution is, for now, a completely unprecedented tool," the Professor agreed. "If you'd like, however, there is a way to find out more about it."
"H-How?" Fishlegs asked.
"Right now, my focus is dedicated to the applications of Mega Evolution and how it affects the Pokemon using it," Sycamore told them. "However, it's hardly a recent phenomenon – it dates back to the earliest days of Kalosian civilization. I don't have the time to spend on archaeology, unfortunately, but evidence of its presence does exist if you look hard enough. Any one of the historical sites you pass by on your travels might've been influenced by Mega Evolution at one point or another."
Fishlegs was almost glowing as he bounced from foot to foot, unable to sit still with ecstasy exuding from every pore. "Ooh, you want us to go on our own research expedition!" he squealed happily. "Traversing the wilds of Kalos, exploring ruins and conducting scientific investigations. Doesn't that sound incredible, Hiccup?!"
"It… does. It really does," Hiccup smiled, once again finding his friend's enthusiasm infectious. "Who knows, we might uncover something that'll help Professor Sycamore's research, too."
The man himself raised his hands. "Don't feel obligated to go so far out of your way for me alone," he clarified. "I merely suggested it because of the benefits that information may have for your future as Trainers. But, yes, I would welcome hearing about any interesting tidbits you come across on your journey."
He abruptly went back to his desk and proceeded to shuffle around a second time, this time returning with a folded map whose creases and coffee stains suggesting frequent use. Gesturing for Hiccup and Fishlegs to gather, he spread it out such that only the northern half of Kalos was on display, and jabbed a finger at the most northwestern part of the region. A populated area was sandwiched between a series of hills and a body of water labeled "Azure Bay".
"If nowhere else, I recommend visiting Shalour City's Tower of Mastery," he said. "It's said to be the birthplace of Mega Evolution, and the family that owns it has a long tradition of training to master the phenomenon – hence the name. The city has a Gym as well, so it won't be too far out of your way."
"Hiccup, can we?!" All of a sudden, Fishlegs' face was being thrust into Hiccup's space, pudgy cheeks pink and strained from how widely he was grinning, eyes sparkling with wonder. "L-Like he said, we'll be going that way anyway for one of your Gym battles! And just think, we'll get to contribute to groundbreaking new research from the Pokemon Professor himself! We just have to go!"
A snarky remark about Fishlegs already having his own research hobby to occupy his time was quick to form on Hiccup's tongue, but he just as soon swallowed it back down. After all, the whole concept of this Mega Evolution thing had him curious, too, and he would need to learn all he could if these mysterious, further-evolved Pokemon were to be his opponents in the future. What if there were Mega Evolving Dragon-types waiting to be discovered? What if he could catch one?
Who knows? He thought, chuckling internally at his own whimsy. Maybe we'll discover a Mega Evolution for Toothless. That'd be something…
"Alright, I can't say no to that level of enthusiasm," he said at last. A fond, slightly exasperated smile pulled at him as Fishlegs whooped and began to dance a little jig with the overflowing [enthusiasm] he'd come to expect from the guy.
Sycamore chuckled along as well. "Trust me," he winked, "I'm certain the Tower of Mastery will be worth a visit, whether it's for me… or just for yourself."
The sound of the doorbell chimed through the foyer, alerting any staff on the ground floor that there were visitors at the gate. In the kitchen, the lab assistant reluctantly tore herself away from the essential duty of making sure Valka didn't use too many garlic cloves and left for the front door, wiping her hands on her lab coat as she went.
She was just in time to see the door open and the arrivals walk inside, and she paused, bafflement wiping away her welcoming expression. Not only were there six of them, but they held themselves with almost militaristic professionalism and were all dressed identically. The assistant had to blink several times upon sighting them – that was a lot of red in front of her.
"Greetings," one of the six stepped forward stiffly. "Is Professor Sycamore available? Me and my associates wish to propose a joint research project that would very much benefit him."
Managing to get over the startling first impression of their garish uniforms, she shook her head and answered, "I'm terribly sorry, but we already have our hands full. We don't have any room to accommodate other projects."
"Our focus is on Mega Evolution," a second spoke up, advancing to join the first. "We assure you, it would very much be to the benefit of all parties involved."
Quashing a spike of annoyance at their insistence, she again shook her head. "I told you, no. Professor Sycamore is already awfully busy as is, and we cannot afford to take on any more work. This is non-negotiable."
"Non-negotiable," the first parroted, and to the assistant's horror, he pulled out a Poke Ball with a threatening scowl. "Unfortunately for you, we feel the same. Swirlix, attack!"
CRAAAAAAASH!
A horrific din blasted out from elsewhere in the building, the combined sounds of shattering glass and collapsing furniture joined by a terrible tremor that seemed to rock the building itself. Lightning bolts of terror shot through Hiccup as the mini-earthquake struck out of nowhere, almost throwing him to the ground. Stumbling into Sycamore's desk, he kept himself standing by gripping its corners while, around him, Fishlegs screamed and Toothless tumbled across the floor with panicked shrieks.
Did that come from downstairs? A coherent thought surfaced from Hiccup's roiling mind, and the dread that arose with it sapped his awareness, the din around him fading into the background. Mom's down there still. Is she involved? Is she okay?
The chaos stopped as soon as it had begun, and Sycamore pushed himself away from the wall he'd been flung into. "What on Earth was that?" he demanded, more shaken than angry.
"P-P-Perhaps a P-Pokemon…?" Fishlegs quavered, slightly green from his own violent fall.
Sycamore flew out the door without responding, urgency fueling his speed. The end of his lab coat had barely disappeared down the hall when Hiccup realized what he was doing and made a spur-of-the-moment decision. Seizing Toothless, and ignoring Fishlegs' stammered protests, Hiccup willed his feet to carry him swiftly after the Professor, stumbling occasionally in his haste but somehow keeping the man in sight.
Coming out of the hall and into the foyer, Hiccup stopped at Sycamore's side and found the scene below comparable to a warzone. Smoke rose from the carpet and from holes that had been punched into the walls, furniture had been upended, and books and shards of glass were scattered all over the floor. Hiccup's widening eyes recognized Valka and Cloudjumper in the center of it all, the woman's voice booming as she snapped orders while the Altaria fended off multiple opponents at once, countering their attacks with screaming Dragon Pulses and spontaneous blooms of cotton.
The identities of the assailants themselves, though, were the focal point of the alarming scene. They numbered six, three men and three women, though it was hard to tell as they all sported the same identical uniform – formal suits and pants that were colored a blinding flame-red, their hair tied up and dyed to match. Finally, each one wore a mirrored visor in the exact same hue, completing their collective image as ostentatious, yet threatening, agents of evil.
Even as Hiccup briefly wondered who the invaders were, their Pokemon attacked Cloudjumper as one, four that Hiccup didn't recognize unleashing different elemental moves. At Valka's command, Cloudjumper immediately erected an enormous Cotton Guard barrier, absorbing all of the projectiles before disintegrating… only for the final two, a Scraggy and a Croagunk, to leap in and strike when Cloudjumper least expected it. Taken by surprise, the Dragon-and-Flying-type hit the ground with fresh bruises.
"Valka!" Sycamore called in alarm, blending with Hiccup's cry of "Mom!" and catching the attention of the assailants. Already reaching into his pocket for a Poke Ball, he thundered down the stairs with a backwards shout, "Stay back, you two! Let Valka and I handle this!"
The harsh tone pinned Hiccup in place, retracting the leg he'd been about to lift. He stared after the Professor in shock, faintly aware of Fishlegs' gasps getting louder as his friend caught up to them. He watched from afar as two of the mysterious people broke off from their group to confront Sycamore, cutting him off at the bottom of the staircase.
"That's far enough, Professor," one warned. His Pokemon, a fluffy thing with a dangling tongue and tail, floated behind him. "We must insist you not interfere and come with us."
"And where would you take me? Who are you people, and where do you get the gall to make such demands?" Sycamore snapped back, his anger contrasting starkly with his previous geniality.
The second stepped forward, her own black-and-red canine Pokemon at her heels. "We assure you, our goals are one and the same. We, Team Flare, are seeking to unlock the power of Mega Evolution to bring about a more beautiful world. To do that, we require your compliance as well as your research data."
"Not on my life!" Sycamore retorted, aghast. "I will not let you destroy my lab and threaten my staff for such selfish reasons! Garchomp, come ou–"
"Swirlix!" the man prompted, and before Sycamore could complete his command, the Pokemon at his side spewed a spiderweb-like thread from its body, entangling him. "Please do not resist. This will be to your benefit as well as ours."
"Augustine! Don'cha worry, I'm – Cloudjumper use Dragon Pulse!" Valka suddenly found her advance blocked by the four Pokemon firing projectile attacks, and she backed off, Cloudjumper coming to her defense with a Dragon Pulse that deflected the individual blasts into the walls around them.
Hiccup squeezed Toothless and ducked his head at the tremor that resounded through the building, the blood pounding in his ears almost louder than the ensuing explosion. Once it was over, he whirled to fix Fishlegs with a wide-eyed, desperate look. His mom and Sycamore were outnumbered and in serious trouble – they couldn't just stand here and watch!
The Ingerman boy paled, understanding what Hiccup's gaze was asking and frightened by the very suggestion. Hiccup twisted his expression into a determined smile, trying to encourage him. He's not wrong… it's probably a stupid idea. But we have to at least try! We might not be able to beat them ourselves… but maybe we can hold them off long enough for Mom and Professor Sycamore to get themselves together!
"Bagooooo!" Toothless growled, shoving himself out of Hiccup's arms and pawing the ground. Hiccup knew that there was no turning back now; sensing his worry and determination, Toothless would rush headlong into battle to protect him no matter how much he insisted otherwise. Once the thought of battle got into the dragonling's head, he had no choice but to go along with it.
With a motion to Fishlegs, Hiccup took a deep breath… and charged down the stairs, Toothless rushing ahead of him with a roar. "Break through with Headbutt, bud!"
So focused were Sycamore's captors on securing him, they were completely blindsided by Toothless' attack. He smashed into the Swirlix, which cried out and bounced into the other Pokemon when it hit the floor, clearing a space for Hiccup and a reluctant Fishlegs to stand protectively before Sycamore.
The assailants weren't surprised for long, though, and faced the two boys with outraged scowls. They commanded their Pokemon to attack, and Swirlix and the canine – a Houndour – responded with a gust of sparkles and short burst of flame. Toothless snarled defiantly, and Fishlegs yelped in terror as he fumbled with Meatlug's Poke Ball.
"M-Meatlug, use P-Protect, please!" he called, giving the capsule a feeble throw. The Rhyhorn appeared with a snort and produced a shimmering green force field that stood up to the projectiles without even fracturing.
"I told you to stay back!" Sycamore took advantage of the safe window to protest. "You boys don't know what these people are capable of! You're putting yourselves in danger!"
Shooting him an apologetic glance, Hiccup replied, "Just… just focus on getting yourself free, okay? The rest are still occupied with Mom" – a Dragon Pulse flew over their heads and struck the ceiling – "so Fishlegs and I can hold these two off for a little bit!"
"H-Hiccup!" Fishlegs squeaked, and he quickly turned back to face their opponents, which were already preparing to attack again.
"Use Headbutt again!" he yelled, and Toothless leapt to intercept the Swirlix's Tackle, two bodies colliding midair only to bounce back harmlessly.
"S-Smack Down, girl!" Fishlegs stammered, and an orange-brown orb formed in Meatlug's throat to be fired in time to smash through and dissipate the Houndour's Ember.
The man bared his teeth in frustration, his crimson visor glinting ominously. "You children will regret defying Team Flare! Swirlix, Fairy Wind!"
"Houndour, Bite!" his partner added.
Hiccup and Toothless had never encountered a Fairy-type move before, only knowing that it would be harmful and not knowing what it was like to experience one. Nor did they have any intention of finding out – Hiccup saw the sparkling breeze building around Swirlix and ordered adamantly, "Dodge it, Toothless!"
Ready to move as soon as the blast of air was fired, the Bagon dodged to the side with a spinning motion, just avoiding being grazed. Meatlug wasn't as lucky with her own opponent, though – too slow to move like Toothless could, she had no choice but to angle herself so that Houndour's jaws closed on her armored brow. Her eyes narrowed as she endured the pain and then tossed the dog Pokemon off of her with a rumbling roar. She pawed the ground and snorted, looking more aggressive and eager for combat than Hiccup had ever seen her.
"Th-That's it, girl! Now follow up with Horn Attack!" Fishlegs called, his fear seemingly tempered by the sight of the Rhyhorn performing so well.
"RHYYYYYY!" Meatlug bellowed, exuding a powerful rage as she bulldozed toward the Houndour. It attempted to nimbly jump out of the way, but a last-second jerk of Meatlug's head caught its leg on her curved horn and tossed it to the floor.
Hiccup allowed himself a second to admire Fishlegs and Meatlug, having not expected such ferocity in battle from those who usually shied away from it, before returning to his own fight. Swirlix flicked its tail to send another Fairy Wind whooshing forward, too fast to dodge this time, and so Hiccup had no choice but to take the offensive. "Toothless, Dragon Breath!"
"Bagawwww!" Toothless snarled and spewed dragonfire in a torrent that pushed against the glittering wind, the two forces wrestling before the weaker of the two was blasted apart. Hiccup felt a surge of triumph when the pink flames overwhelmed the Fairy Wind – although they, themselves, were significantly weakened by the resistance – and shot toward the exposed Swirlix, who made no move to run before it was engulfed.
As it turned out, the Swirlix had no need to run. A wave of chagrin brought Hiccup's spirit crashing back down when Swirlix emerged from the fading flames completely unblemished, an unfortunate realization dancing at the forefront of his mind as if to taunt him.
I knew Fairy-types were immune to Dragon-type attacks, which is why I only called for Dragon Breath to defend, he thought. But seeing it for myself… we really couldn't be at a worse disadvantage.
"Fairy Wind, again!" their opponent ordered, and Swirlix – not needing any recovery time from damage that didn't exist – flung out another sparkly wave with startling swiftness.
Unable to react in time, Toothless let out a searing shriek when he was hit dead-on, the Fairy-type energy burning him like acid when it touched his scales. Light, twisting scorch marks coiled along his belly and flanks where the wind's lashing tendrils had struck, and he struggled to rise as though the pain was bad enough to be felt through his entire body.
"Hiccup! Toothless!" Valka's voice split the air, strained by horror at what she'd just seen the Bagon go through. Cloudjumper fired a Dragon Pulse in an attempt to split up their opponents
Fishlegs, too, reacted with panic upon glancing over and seeing Toothless' wounds. "D-Don't worry, H-Hiccup! M-Meatlug and I w-will… u-um… Meatlug, u-use Smack D-Down!"
Somewhat clumsily, Meatlug changed targets and fired a blast at Swirlix, which only just managed to float out of the way. In doing so, she left herself open to an attack from Houndour, whose jaws struck her leg. Terrified by the unexpected blow, she reared up and inadvertently exposed her underbelly, which Houndour was quick to strike with an explosive Ember. Moaning from the pain, Meatlug toppled onto her back with a great crash.
Immediately, all the fight drained out of Fishlegs, who threw himself at his beloved Pokemon's side to cradle her head in his hands. "M-Meatlug!" he wailed, already crawling over to frantically inspect her injuries. "D-Don't worry, girl, F-Fishlegs is here to make it b-better! J-Just hang in th-there…!"
Meatlug herself looked fine, but with her Trainer having abandoned the fight, dread swam up from Hiccup's gut and he took a cautious step back. Sweat slid down his brow as he quickly realized that he was now alone against two opponents, the only one left standing to defend the Professor. Although the woman with the Houndour was still focusing on Fishlegs, just in case he rejoined the fray, he had no doubt that she would switch targets at a moment's notice if necessary.
Come on, Mom, Professor… he thought, gritting his teeth as his opponent advanced, pushing him and Toothless back. Any time now…
"Fairy Wind!" the man snapped, suddenly.
"Dodge, bud…!" Hiccup countered, his tension making his fists shake. He was being backed into a literal and metaphorical corner.
Trembling from the damage done by the previous Fairy Wind, Toothless nevertheless forced himself to move out of the way, avoiding the next gust narrowly. On stiff, clumsy legs still wracked with pain, he attempted to retaliate with a Headbutt when Hiccup commanded him to, but Swirlix spun out of the way with insulting ease.
"Just surrender and make it easier on yourself!" the red-clad man insisted with palpable frustration. "Nothing you can do will stop us from taking what we want! Swirlix, bind them and get it over with!"
"Swirlllll…" the Fairy-type slurred, floating closer. It was now near enough for Hiccup to see the sticky threads beginning to ooze from its fur.
What do we do… Hiccup wracked his brain for a solution, knowing he had only seconds to act. Too slow to physically hit it… it's immune to our only other attack…
Fishlegs' voice, shrill with panic, pierced his thoughts. "H-Hiccup, listen!"
Surprised, he whirled toward his friend, and blinked in confusion at what he saw. The Ingerman boy was still crouched over Meatlug, but his eyes were elsewhere, staring intensely at something he held in front of his face. They looked like… flash cards? Whatever they were, the sight was weird enough to grab Hiccup's full attention as Fishlegs babbled further.
"S-Swirlix is the C-Cotton Candy Pokemon, a p-pure F-Fairy-type!" he recited, the words blurring into one another. "I-It lives in f-forests, and h-has a sensitive n-nose that it uses t-to locate sweet th-things to eat! Get it, H-Hiccup?! Y-You have to –"
A burst of fire from Houndour shut him up with a squeak, which impacted harmlessly against Meatlug's armor when she shifted herself to better guard her Trainer.
Cotton Candy Pokemon…? Eats sweet things…? Hiccup repeated to himself, shaking his head. Why did he think that any of that would help… in battle…
It hit him. Toothless' condition was too poor for them to fight back directly… but they didn't have to fight directly at all. If it bought the adults a few more seconds…
"Bud, trust me on this!" he told his partner, who perked up with a wince as his wounds smarted. "Use Dragon Breath again, and aim at the ground under Swirlix!"
The man stopped his menacing advancement, confusion written all over his face despite the obscuring visor. "What? What the hell is that even going to –"
A roar from Toothless and the sizzling of pink dragonfire drowned out the rest of his incredulous question. He spewed the powerful flames with as much ferocity as against any enemy, but as Hiccup had instructed, he wasn't aiming for any living thing at all. No, his Dragon Breath seared the carpet instead, crackling pink flames leaping high as they proceeded to devour the plush substance immediately. Foul-smelling smoke started to rise… right into Swirlix's face, with its sensitive nose that Fishlegs had highlighted so particularly.
The Fairy-type shrilled and darted away from the acrid stench, thoroughly distracted by its own disgust. Smirking at how well the unorthodox strategy worked, Hiccup used the opportunity to have Toothless ready a Headbutt – the gagging Swirlix shrieked when it was pounded from behind by an unexpected lunge.
Suddenly, Hiccup felt a hand on his shoulder. Startled, he flinched and spun around to face whoever it was. But although he half-expected another gleaming, menacing visor, he was pleasantly surprised by the sight of the reassuring smile that met him instead.
"Thank you, Hiccup," Professor Sycamore said, only a few scraggly strands of cotton candy still attached to his coat. "If it weren't for you and Fishlegs, these Team Flare people would have whisked me away to who knows where."
Relief made Hiccup's knees weak, and he scooped up the equally-tired Toothless as he retreated from the fight at last. "I'm just glad it worked out fine. You were right to warn me and Fishlegs… we couldn't handle them by ourselves for long."
"Nonetheless," Sycamore smiled optimistically, "you ended up buying me enough time, and now I can run these criminals from my lab once and for all."
The Professor strode forward to take Hiccup's place in battle, and the two assailants turned away from them to focus on him. Likewise, the four that had been keeping Valka occupied suddenly mobilized, leaving Sycamore facing six opponents all by himself.
"Come out, Garchomp!" Sycamore declared, a confident spark in his eye. "If they're so insistent, let's give them a taste of our research!"
AN:
So this is the big introduction to Professor Sycamore! Which of course means it's a big info dump chapter, where I explain about Mega Evolution as well as precisely what Valka is doing at his lab. I made her a Pokemon conservationist because that was essentially what she did in the movies – saving dragons from poachers – and I needed a reason to relate that to Professor Sycamore's focus on Mega Evolution. The idea that the discovery of Megas might cause certain Pokemon to become more popular amongst Trainers really appealed to me because it felt like a realistic consequence.
And that isn't all – Team Flare makes their debut early! Maybe it was just because of the XY anime, but I like them a lot more than most, which is a shame. Their aesthetic is fly as hell, and they have the potential to be really interesting. Unfortunately, they felt half-baked in the games overall.
I really like the idea that Fairy energy is like a natural deterrent to Dragon-types, like how acid burns flesh or water erodes rocks. I imagine that Fairy Wind would leave behind squiggly wounds like you see on box jellyfish victims because of the swirling air currents.
That's enough blathering from me, though. Until next time, please send reviews, and I hope you look forward to more next week!
Next time: Where Dreams and Adventures Begin Again!