Watcher of Arceus - Path of the Immortal

by The Shadow Master of Weapons

Watchers, the direct descendants of Arceus herself, sets of twins born with her power. Born in pairs, these twins were meant to bridge the gap that had come between humans and pokémon, one a gifted human, born beside a pokémon. Inseparable immortal twins, the godchildren wandered the world. But now, a single pair remains. Full summary inside. Reboot of Watcher of Arceus.

26. Chapter 26 : The Fate of a Child

Watcher of Arceus

Disclaimer: I don't own Pokémon. Only the idea and OC's.

Author Notes:

-X-This will be used for scene breaks and for when the story switches to another character, but it does not mean that a new section of the story has started.

~xXx~ This will identify where each paragraph breaks.

"Human Speech" 'Character Thought' {Pokémon Speech}

Co-author: Catsithx

The following is a total and complete Reboot of the story "Watcher of Arceus".

~xXx~

Chapter 26 : The Scattered Idea of Hope

The early early morning hours were once again spent preparing for travel before the sun came up. Rebecca was happy to spend the night sleeping beside Thomas, but being woken up early still annoyed her though as she helped gather up their things, before being put away again. Of course, in the tree that gave off light all on its own, it didn't seem like the sun had yet to rise. Sarah had taken the rest of the day yesterday preparing a very long letter to her parents that would explain so much more then her call could while Xent and Thomas used some of the rope to make a harness for the saddles that Mew had and let them use, and so now it was just waking up and getting things packed up fully.

Sarah's only problem though was asking for a set of gloves to help her while climbing. She admitted to have cut herself one too many times while climbing before and just wanted to be safe, and Mew was quick to give her some gloves to work with. [You'll love these you will you will.] Mew had cheered when giving her blue with gold accents gloves with large a large creamy white disc on the back of the hands. Of course, Sarah couldn't understand him, but the gloves did look nice and felt strong, so she took them and thanked Mew, before catching up to Xent and Thomas who were packing up the last of their things.

It was slightly complicated though as Suicune insisted that they take all of Mew's high sugar drinks, which ended up being a few dozen bottles, most thankfully not even opened yet meaning that they could just donate them somewhere.

With that, they started their trek down the tree and into the depths of the valley, coming across the underground river that had been mentioned before, along with some various kinds of boats. Taking the one that could seat them all and hold their bags, Thomas pushed them into the water and Suicune just walked along the water's surface beside them. It was a calm strange ride through the crystal lit passage, before they finally came to the end of it as the passage opened up.

Suicune helped stop them, and guided them into a small alcove on the side, where Thomas tied the boat off so it would stay put, and then they worked to get down. Sarah quickly put on the gloves that Mew had given her, and as soon as she did, something just felt different as Radara was working on setting the bags down. It would have been easier to teleport the short distance, but in the darkness that made things difficult and so they were just climbing down the side of the mountain instead.

A few glow bulbs tied to the bags made it easy to see where they were, and Suicune was there to catch have just jumped down and landing softly in the water even from almost fifty foot drop, and she was there to guide them all as they climbed down. Xent went down first with his own glow bulbs to light him up and help him see in the darkness, and then Xent helped Sarah climb down, spotting for her as came down.

With everything else down, Thomas was the last to climb down, and Radara used their combined psychic abilities, she easily held onto Thomas as he climbed down at last, and then pulled the rope free starting to stow it.

Although the next ride would be a long one, far longer then the last one, it would also be much faster. Akra didn't quite like the saddle for her, even if it fit proper and Xent secured it nicely, but not restricting. It felt too weird, too unwelcoming. Still, for the speed that they were supposed to manage, as well as carrying some cargo, the saddle would come in handy and more importantly safe.

Suicune however found it rather comfortable though as Thomas secure the saddle to her and got it ready. With the saddle on properly now, and Thomas making something resembling reigns for him and Sarah to hold onto, he finally took the last of their glow bulbs and sticks, and secured a few to Suicune so that Akra could easily find her.

[You really think I need them to spot you.] Akra whined, still complaining a bit about the saddle.

[You will I think. We must go fast if we wish to be past Rota before the sun rises. They will also help you spot me even if there are too many twists and turns over the river, and I sense a great many already.] Suicune said, using a ribbon to rub her head a bit.

[Do no feel discouraged. I am a legendary pokemon yes, but this is not meant to be a contest. We are doing this for others, to help them right now. Just like you are at your best in the air, I am at my best in water, but I shall attempt to ensure that can you follow me, and then when we are done, I will make sure that you given a proper break and treat.] Suicune smiled and leaned down waiting for Sarah, Radara, and Thomas to get on.

"Ready?" Thomas asked, helping to make sure that Sarah had a good grip on the reigns and leaned her forward into Suicune. Radara was of course holding herself steady in front of Sarah, and Thomas leaned down against Sarah's back some to help further brace her for what was about to happen.

Suicune took a few quick steps on the water's surface, not even partially disturbing its On water, Suicune was easily twice as fast, and with a clear open path before her, there was nothing to stop her as Sarah yelled out surprise.

Akra took off right after, Xent knowing how to hold on properly as well, having seen too much to question this as Akra kept up pace in the open air with nothing getting in the way.

-x-

The rush on the water was the easiest time that Sarah ever had waking up, fully awake and aware, and a little shaken up, well before the sun rose. Even the few waterfalls that they had come across, the largest a twenty foot drop was soft and easy as they just rushed right past Rota without ever getting close. Within the hour of time that had before the sun finally started to rise, they had traveled far and Suicune started to slow.

It was certainly a bit of push for them on the lengthy trip with the added weight, but it took well enough as they came to a stop as the sun rose fully over the horizon now. Pewter City was in the distance now as they looked on, able to see some of the taller buildings over the trees. Akra landed down beside Suicune and took the chance to get some water after Xent got off.

As Xent walked up pulling out his pokedex, he couldn't help but notice Sarah showing off her strange new gloves. "Sarah... can I ask where you got those?" Thomas asked as looked them over.

"Mew gave them to me, and he seemed really happy about it." Sarah said, letting Thomas check the gloves. "They... feel really nice but different."

"There aura guardian gloves, a real pair." Thomas noted.

'A real pair of aura gauntlets?' Suicune now spoke up, moving to look herself.

"You don't think..." Thomas started as he looked at them more thoroughly, and then up to Sarah directly.

"Think what?" Sarah asked.

'Mew can sense things that many of us can't. If he gave you those gloves specifically, you might have a chance to use aura like the guardians did centuries ago.' Radara noted.

Upon hearing this though, Xent quickly started to feel like things were building up on him. The last week was nothing but one non-stop exercise in how under prepared he was, of how much things were costing him now and he couldn't help but feel like the smallest one in the party. Thomas and Radara were the children of a god along with Suicune, Sarah might be able to use aura, and he was being pulled along for the ride for his own safety.

The sudden strong feelings although entirely silent were just barely felt by Sarah though as she looked up towards Xent. "Is something wrong Xent?" Sarah asked, it only a feeling, a new one yes, but one that just felt there.

"Its nothing, its all fine. I'm just... this is all a lot to take in and I've got too many questions." Xent quickly stated, which wasn't exactly wrong, but wasn't quite the truth either. Sarah could tell for some reason that it was more as she looked at the gloves, and just curious, took them off.

All at once the feeling vanished, and she looked at Xent again, before looking over the gloves.

"You should keep them, they're combat ready, lightweight, and very strong. If you can feel aura, they'll help you learn to channel it, the metal disc there is like a small amplifier and will help draw out your aura's natural talents and uses. I can't really teach you anything about it myself, but the oldest and some of the greatest human aura users were all self taught too." Thomas suggested, not taking when Sarah offered to hand them to him for a better look.

"Really?" Sarah asked, Suicune giving a nod.

'It would be the first time in generations for humans that I've heard of one. There may be others out there, but its something far rarer then humans who can use psychic abilities.' Suicune explained.

"Well, I guess I'll keep them." She said, putting them back on, and instantly felt something weak again, and coming from Xent. She didn't push it though, and let it be as she looked them over.

Xent was already checking his pokedex for a signal, and while there wasn't a really good one this far out, there was still something that let him check for bank branches and a few other things.

"Celadon City, Viridian City, Saffron City, and Pewter City are all main places with branches of your banks... it looks like only the major trainer cities are the only places with a branch of your banks here in Kanto at all for that matter. I say we go to Viridian City, I've got a safety deposit box there with some extra things and if I intend to close my account anyway, I may was well collect it. There's a bunch of useful things I've stashed there. We'll need to be extra careful if you really insist on being seen though. Rumor is that its there might be a large branch of Team Rocket there since Giovanni is supposed their leader, and he runs the Viridian Gym with a focus on ground type pokemon." Xent explained.

"Me and Radara can confirm that Giovanni appears to be the one fully in charge of Team Rocket. I had a confrontation with him personally when I came to … meet Mewtwo for the first time. Giovanni arrived shortly after Mewtwo utterly destroyed the labs, and then Mewtwo personally threw two of his pokemon into the ocean. He's probably also the client that Hunter J mentioned wanted me." Thomas said looking to Radara who gave a nod.

'It would stand to reason that he would be the client who wants us personally. If he is in charge of Team Rocket, he could afford her services and he likely wants personal revenge on us for freeing Mewtwo.' Radara said thinking it over.

'We can still stop at-' Radara quickly turned towards Xent, who reaching into his pocket and pulled out a cellphone.

"I thought I fried them." Thomas stated, only for Xent to nod.

"This is an emergency phone that only three people know about and its not registered in my name. I don't even make calls on it, I only receive them on this." Xent stated, flipping the phone open and checking the number, it being an unknown number.

Xent answered it and quickly held up to his ear, this phone not even having a speaker feature, it was as basic as a flip phone got.

"Put Soular on the line. Now Xent Crostavia." A strange voice stated, female and a bit deep, almost hoarse like a chain smoker who had one too many. Xent instantly reacted and quickly lowered the phone though as he looked to Thomas, even going so far as to put it in his pocket to muffle it.

"When that thing just downloaded all that information into my brain, it also said your real name was Soular. How many people know that name, because the person on the phone just asked for you by that name, and called me by my last name.

"Only my birth family. I haven't used that name in over four hundred years..." Thomas stated, just holding out his hand for the phone, Xent a bit uneasy, but handing the phone to him.

"Who is this?" Thomas quickly asked.

"A proxy. My identity must remain hidden and I only have a few moments before I am discovered Soular, brother to Radara. The Knights of Arceus are tracking you and herding you into a trap. We have an informant inside Hunter J's crew, and the pokeballs of the stolen pokemon that you have obtained are being tracked. You must turn them over to someone else immediately. The knights are also well stationed inside Kanto and will be on your position within a few hours. Answers await you in a place called the Xanadu Nursery, just south of Pallet Town and ask for Mr. Bellhop. I can offer you answers about the inner works of the Knights of Arceus, a new cure for the poison that they use to hunt you, and even give you something far more substantial. Bring one of your special blue metal weapons as proof of who you are and I will be waiting to help you. I am well guarded, expect resistance. You have three days to reach the nursery and more Knights will arrive every day you delay. I cannot survive much longer without help. Get all new phones and do not us any old ones." The voiced stated in a rush now, before the call just ended.

Having listened and not asked any questions to start only for the call to end, Thomas just closed the phone and then fried it as well. "So... what did they want..." Xent asked, annoyed about losing the phone, but entirely understanding if someone else called that number and asked for Thomas, it was comprimised.

"We're being tracked. The pokeballs of the stolen have additional tracking software installed on them and the knights are sending out people here right now." Thomas stated, reaching back and pulling out the small case that he was storing the pokemon in.

"Then we need to drop them off in a office while we're here in Pewter, but how do we do that without paper work." Xent quickly stated.

'We don't. We find an officer or ranger near the side of Town, I make them susceptible to suggestions and then we give them the pokeballs and let them know that the pokemon stolen and are being tracked. It will take longer while they figure things out, but its only way to avoid hurting other people.' Radara said.

"And we can trust this person?" Sarah asked now.

"They knew my birth name, they said Radara was my sister, and they knew that the weapons crafted for my brothers and sisters were meant as proof of who we are. Whether I trust them or not, they know things about me and Radara and we have to find out how. If they know this, what other things might they know?" Thomas said.

"This sounds too good to be true. The timing of this makes it too perfect. NO ONE should have been able to nab that number without me knowing. Then again, they know your real name that you apparently haven't used in literal centuries..." he fell into thought, pacing back and forth to try to think of a way this could have happened at all. Had never had any interactions with the knights, as far as he knew. A thought then dawned on him as he recalled one incident several months back. Radara already picking up that he thinking hard and considering something took matters into her own hands as Xent's voice sounded once more, but this time in their heads.

'I got into a Magma facility last year to do recon and get some info. About halfway through, someone else attacked the facility. I never found out who they were, but I left before I got caught in the middle of it. There was a lead that the facility was the center of their Groudon ops, which turned out to be true. Last I heard, the facility was wiped... I wonder... did I get tagged there?' He was thinking this all in his head, but Radara was vocalizing it real-time, sharing his thoughts and seeing everyone staring him now gave it all away.

Xent realized what she was doing and glared at her before speaking again. "I've never had an op go like that before. Government agencies have done that, sure, but they're always on the news later. I didn't hear a peep about this from mainstream sources. As for how they know your real name and all that... are you sure all the other watchers ar-" Xent continued, but Suicune quickly rushed up and silenced him with a ribbon, now standing between him and Thomas and Radara, as if to protect him.

Radara was boiling now, rocks and more starting to rise up around her for even suggesting that, while Thomas was looking down and clearly strained as well. It almost seemed like Thomas had seen a ghost even, a bit pale as she turned away. 'He doesn't know what it means to be family for you. He doesn't know that you were all connected in some ways and that you were all personally struck with the pain when the link between twins comes to end, or the silence that you suffer from being the last of your kind. I know its been over forty years since the last of your brothers and sisters were taken, but don't take it out on him for foolishly bringing it up.' Suicune quickly stated, knowing that this suggestion could easily have gotten him hurt because of Radara's temper in recent lives and it would strain Thomas even more as he was still questioning who he was more then any other time before since they were hunted for the first time.

Xent remained quiet, realizing that he actually stepped somewhere he shouldn't have. Very slowly, and carefully, he bowed his head. "I'm sorry."

Suicune turned towards Xent now, and just leaned up head close. Once more forced herself to speak clearly, this time for Xent's safety. "The knights want them dead, all of them. We've stood up for them, we've tried to reason with them, we tried giving them space and even waited for time to heal the wounds that they caused. We had our own problems, we were lost in family matters, but we could not risk starting a war ourselves. The last pair were killed over forty years ago, and I saw one of the bodies myself. We have looked, we have searched, and we have tried to find them all to confirm. There are ways that one could have tried to contact us, but there was no such word..." Suicune explained, knowing the pain that this was causing Thomas, who just started walking away, Radara following him. Suicune's head dropped now, giving a few last words and then turning away. "We... we think that when her brother was killed, the last sister they ever knew committed suicide, her body lost to time."

Sarah however in all of this was just starting to feel everything around her. It a weak, but she could feel it. A bit of pain, anger, sadness, she could feel the mixed emotions and quickly took off the gloves again, not at all prepared for any of it with a bit of a shudder and then quickly taking them off now.

Xent stared at Suicune for several moments, making doubly sure Radara and Thomas were out of hearing range. "A common occurrence when a species is hunted to extinction is the value of info. The fewer in number, the more valuable the information. I'm going to hazard a guess that in the beginning, there were the highest number of... murders. As time went on, the number of them went down."

"That fact was not lost on the knights, if they're this smart, do not take that as me saying they're wise. They needed information more than anything. So, the higher ups seeing this fact, would see the capture as a... 'necessary evil'. It may even be an ego boost, using watcher against watcher. You see it in cults all the time. The tiaras... I'd wager they could be used to restrain a watcher, if modified right. Rocket does similar things all the time." He continued know about all sorts of weird thing that Team Rocket had made for all sorts of weird tasks.

Suicune just shook her head. "The tiaras are made of a dark infused metal. They cannot control anything, they actually protect the mind against outside influence but is far from perfect. It can help against kinds of mental effects like some forms of pokemon induced confusion and hypnosis. The metal itself is a relic from the ancient ancient days of our time, but saw little use as time went on. Its a weak metal and sometimes confused with poor gold, but few humans saw a use for it given what little it did. Its easy to make though if you have enough high quality dusk stone though." She explained, just watching as Radara and Thomas moved along slowly.

"I'm just saying... how many others know his name like that." Xent started, but Suicune gently put a ribbon to his mouth again, but softly.

"Do not put this kind of false hope into them. Think about how you felt just at the possibility of losing your three pokemon. Image if you knew they were dead, and you could do nothing to help, that you may have been the cause. Now image that a hundred more times, and then a hundred more. Maybe sometimes you think you can save one or two... but then you find their body..." Suicune stated.

"Thomas is delicate at the moment still, he has only just come to the idea that he is allowed to be with a lover, someone other then the sister who suffers because of him. This kind of hope can kill... do not torture my son like this... please." Suicune asked, looking to Akra was trying to grab a magikarp from the water to eat while everyone else was busy.

"...I won't bring it up again." He slowly nodded. "And I'm asking this seriously, is there anything else I shouldn't touch?"

"It would be wise to avoid anything family related that is not directly relevant." Suicune replied. "Go call Akra back, and when we have a chance, she needs something good to eat for doing so much hard work recently."

Xent just nodded, and moved to call back Akra after he got the saddle and backpack off. Looking back over to there Thomas and Radara were, Thomas had called out Rebecca while he was looking, and was just holding her, Radara having taken a seat and just waited for Xent to hurry already if he had to guess from the way her tail was slapping the ground a bit.

After he called back Akra and put the saddle and impromtu reigns into his bag, he started up after Sarah, just in time for Suicune tap her nose to a pokeball and return herself. Thomas held Rebecca a bit more, and then with a nod, she returned herself to her own pokeball as well.

It was a very quite walk to the edge of Pewter City, at at the first sign of a Ranger Station on one of the rails before they even got to the city, Thomas just handed the pokemon to Sarah and together with Radara, they walked up to the station before turning them in. Radara ensured that it was nice and fast, before they just walked away. Right before they got into a small crowd though, the Rangers from the station suddenly started to try and call out and get them to come back, but they were already out of sight.

Only keeping a few bags of curry for a meal that night, they threw out everything else that they Thomas had collected from the airship just to be safe, making sure that nothing they had was being tracked. By then however, thoughts from Xent were already seeded in Thomas and Radara.

As they looked south, knowing where Pallet Town was, mixed feelings were stirring hard in both. They both had their own feelings, Radara still reeling in anger at even the slightest suggestion that they had failed any of their brothers and sisters to be left tortured and controlled by the Knights. Had her life been her own alone, and not tied taking her brother's life with her own, she would have given it quickly to save any number of their other brothers and sisters. She couldn't stand the idea of leaving any of them to suffer, of not helping, of leaving them behind. With the suggestion already made though, there were feelings too.

Radara wondered if it might be true. There was only silence among the god-children, her own link with Thomas something she considered different, but the idea that maybe they weren't alone was powerful, and gave way to a need to commit to action, determination and the need to help building.

Thomas was struck with overwhelming grief at first though. He had formerly accepted himself as the last half of a pair, himself and Radara, the last of the god-children, the last of the watchers who had made a vow to protect the others. Despite that vow though, it was them, the watchers who fell and only the watchers alone. Their elder brothers and sisters had helped protect them on more then occasion, eager to return the favor, but none of them tried to really attack the Knights. It would be considered an act of war, it would go against the teachings of free will, of how as the forces of nature shouldn't take vengeance.

He never blamed the death of his brothers and sisters on his elder ones. It wasn't their fault that these knights came into power or that they weren't stopped. It was their choice, their actions, their refusal to understand and learn, and yet they were still people. They bad choices against his personal family yes and they took things too strongly in many ways. They had chosen to kill, and many were killed in turn, but it wasn't war. They were misguided yes, but weren't inheritance evil. Thomas knew that well, he knew what he considered real evil to be.

Beside all of this though, there was hope now. If there was a brother or sister to be saved, why should that be any different than the vow to save their elder brothers and sisters who could be in need. It was a willing choice when they made the vow, and even now it defined him, and would define him for thousands more years to come.

Thier feelings began to mix though, their shared mind letting the feelings flow back and forth. They bled back and forth and while noted and even pushed aside a bit by the other, the joint thought was too strong, and eventually took over. They were going to Pallet Town, and now.

Thomas get up fully now off the railing that he had been leaning against, and Radara quickly stood as well both of them turning. "We're leaving. Now." Thomas just stated firmly, it a flat statement and Sarah was just confused as she looked to Xent.

"You figured out where we going?" Xent asked. He already knew, but he just had to hear Thomas say to be sure. They were going another half hour or so to get a phone for Sarah call her parents and then e-mail her letter to them while getting a few more very basic supplies, but it was clear that wasn't happening anymore.

'Xanadu Nursery.' Radara quickly confirmed as Thomas just moved quickly. He kept slow enough to make sure that Sarah would keep up, but even she could tell that something was going on. She was worried now herself, but could tell that something was different. They were eager to do this, like it wasn't a choice but was something else. There was no way that they couldn't do this now.

~xXx~

The group left Pewter City with out another word now and Suicune was dreading what was to come. She had personally searched after all, but found no signs of their sister during the last attack over forty years ago, and she could only hope that Thomas would survive this. She knew that he was still about who he was himself, he was once more highly impressionable about things and this, this could be a disaster waiting to happen.

With only Sarah's bag needing carried again, and Akra only having to worry about Xent though, they were able to speed up even more as they returned to the river and took off. The whole trip was silent was they approached Pallet town within another hour and they stopped when they were getting close, Suicune running up a hill to look over Pallet Town now. Professor Oak's lab was of course the major thing there, and the rest of the town was just kind built up around it. More importantly, according to the map anyway, Xanadu Nursery was just down the way, a bit of a walk still but it was also where the mysterious caller had told them go.

Before that though, they still needed a few supplies just in case. Calling back Suicune again, after trying to reassure her that everything would be fine, they headed into the town and picked up a few things. First, they made sure to get Sarah properly stocked with the basics again, a tent and cooking gear, and a few more outfits. Thomas also made sure to get some leather and heavy duty string for his own needs, and Xent grabbed some new crowbars to replace his lost ones.

Everything else could wait as they started down the road towards the nursery now, just following the signs and thankful that the trainer's route to the nursery would take them though the forest which made it easier for them to hide as they walked along. Xent knew that this was entirely his fault though, and took the chance to at least ask how they would approach this, but it wasn't exactly easy. Thomas and Radara were not eager to speak with him at the moment, but he got them to admit that they needed plan and that at least got them starting a bit if not entirely happily.

It was a long long debate just to get there since they didn't want to get close on Suicune, but at last it was decided that Sarah would stay out of the place and just hide and wait under Suicune's protection after finding a place to hide. The two of them would be watching over all of their other pokemon, Thomas of course only going in with Radara, and Xent going in with just Zia. It was a risky move no matter what, but it was also decided that if things went south and this trap was too much for them, the fewer people that Radara might have to teleport out of danger, the better. The thought of losing even more pokeballs was also now a big concern still fresh in their minds, so Thomas and Xent wouldn't even be bringing any pokeballs with them.

As the two of them approached, it was clear that the place had very few people present, and no one stood out as knights, they all seemed to be workers aside from one other possible trainer today who just leaving, the trainer clearly too young to be a threat. The way that everyone they noticed treated the young trainer helped Xent and Thomas relax a bit though. Whatever knights were here clearly weren't in total control of the place, the people were just too nice, the trainer too familiar with them.

Walking in, there was a small fee to get in, and both Thomas and Xent gave a decent donation to help keep the place running, knowing that they might be stuck to cause some trouble protecting themselves as they walked in, just looking around. One person was serving a guide for the place as he tended some flowers around the booth, just giving a small wave as she watered a few more potted plants.

"Can I help you today?" The lady asked with a smile.

"We were told that a Mister Bellhop would be here, and were asked to meet him." Xent asked now, still looking around, trying to fake looking over the various flowers, but his eyes were all over. Zia was looking all around as well, but currently she was disguised as a very bright eyed saybleye to try and keep looks off of Xent and Thomas.

"Oh yes, he's here. He'll be up there on the second story cat walk. I've been told to expect you." The lady smiled and turned around pointing out the little lounging spot on the walkway above them, a man sitting there reading something from what little they could see.

Radara of course was just reading her mind, only to find traces that someone had given her a few mental commands themselves, but the lady knew nothing about what was going to happen. 'Now this is strange... the guide has no knowledge of what is going to happen, she's not even going to tell this Mr. Bellhop that we are on the way up. She knows that she is supposed to point him out, but there's nothing about who told her this or why she things that its just a good natural idea.' Radara explained a bit confused.

"We have a little cafe down just under him too as well if your here on business. Its a little small and doesn't have much, but if you're going to be here a while, something to eat might be nice." The lady said just smiling still as she went right back to the plants and checking over everything on and around the desk.

Thomas just gave a small nod, and then continued along, finding the stairs up to the catwalk easily and started up the stairs with Xent behind him. As soon as they neared the top though, they found that the man wasn't alone, a strangely dressed gardevoir with him. With black hair and a red dress, and some kind of upper facial mask that was held in place by a very clear tiera, the man was now also seen wearing the same tiera and they knew quickly that they were in the right place now.

Still keeping a slow pace up towards the man, Zia shifted her illusion now to be a different place, hoping that her actions could at least help them a bit as Xent just moved his hands into the large pocket, carefully undoing the tie that kept his crowbars in place hidden away in his large sleeves. Even Thomas mentally prepared to draw his new weapon, the tonfas hidden under the back of his hoodie for now but he had taken special care to wrap some leather around the sharpened tips of the longer sides. He didn't want to kill anyone today, even by mistake, but it was also the only weapon he had on hand.

As he walked up, the man just kept reading until at last they stopped a good ten feet away and waited there. The man finished his page, and took a book mark, slotting it in place before slowly closing his book and setting it aside before standing up. "I do so hope you are who I was waiting for." He stated softly, looking to the gardevoir who gave a nod and just floated to his side. As the man got up, he revealed a large case that was sitting beside him, but he just walked across the path and then looked down to the flowers and more beneath him.

"Its called the Risen Bloom, a type of rose or so I'm told. I've seen images of them in bloom a few times, vibrant yellows and gentle reds, not unlike a rising sun. Of course, they these won't bloom for weeks still, they have a long cultivation period as it was explained to me. Of course, the root is rather bulbous and has another name, one I'm sure you've heard of before. Gorgon Root, which is used to make the poison I've been told that is needed to kill your kind." The man just said, having pointed down to a small patch of flowers behind some glass on the ground floor, but in easy view from here.

"Of course, the root is dangerous if made into a poison, but like so many other toxic things, can be used for good. The paralyzing nature of the plant has many medical uses when its not distilled so thoroughly and only used in small doses. I of course have a nice large thoroughly prepared dose at the ready myself just in case I need myself. The question is however whether I am even going to need it in the first place." He asked, before looking to Xent, Radara, and the fake sableye that Zai was using to hide, actually a few feet away from she really was.

"I have a lot to repent for, and a long road before me for the things I've done. I'm sure you do as well, but much like me, you could also stand on your own feet, and take the first step towards redemption yourselves. You need to cast down your service to this thing that embodies evil, help me end this all today, and you may yet be saved yourself. If you cannot... I had hoped to never kill someone so young again, but my new friends will be ready to do what I cannot if... if you can be saved from this thing that lies to you, I would highly prefer it." The man asked, merely offering his hand.

"Great, another brain dead religious nut-case... I guess this was just a trap." Xent stated rather annoyed, having just enough of this religious zealotry.

"Yes, yes this is all indeed as you might say a trap. I wrote that message from your e-mail, posing as one Andrew Falston, for you to come here. I took a chance, it would appear that it has paid off. I apologize for this, I truly do, but unless you save yourself first, there is no hope of help for you beyond today. You cannot help a person who would is not prepared to help themselves first." The man said, giving a small shift of his hand, still trying peace first as Thomas and Xent both spared a small glance at each other, not knowing about any e-mails from Andrew.

Thomas however was more focused on the gardevoir, something was very strange about her as he heard something behind him, and turned around, two knights there now, weapons draw and at the ready, and the smell of the poison only just now starting to be noticed. 'Thomas... something is very wrong here...'

"I know..." Thomas grumbled, as he drew his tonfas now, Xent's crowbars falling from his sleeves into his hands. "I just want to know what's really going on here now."

As soon as Xent drew his crowbars though, the man just sighed, dropping his hand and then nodding himself. "Show me what you can do then." He stated, and with that, things just happened. The gardevoir rushed forward, instead of gliding or floating, the gardevoir full on running forwards and sliding down, rushing first for the sableye, only to roll over at the last second and skip it entirely.

What the gardevoir did not skip however was Zia, her small size letting her easily just suddenly slip right through Zia's widened stance, and then suddenly behind her, the gardevoir twisted around in a low spin kick just throwing Zia entirely off her feet, only to get grabbed. The gardevoir continued to defy what was expected and used her hands to grab one of Zia's arms and physically threw Zai several feet away into another couch that toppled over before moving on.

Xent didn't even know what to think as he went to try anything, ready to block whatever he could, and try and strike her, but the gardevoir twisted to the side with a yell and the crack of thunder and sounds of sparks in the air, planted a heavy handed thunder punch right in Xent's gut, knocking him to the side and going right for Thomas.

The gardevoir was just too fast, Thomas barely able to put up his own defense, Radara trying to grab the gardevoir but couldn't, this gardevoir equally skilled in mental arts as much as physical ones as she jumped up onto the railing and then jumped over Thomas, landing at his side, Radara barely able a mega kick that dented the walkways frame inches where she had been, still moving far too fast to really keep up.

The gardevoir rushed up still not letting up and tackled Thomas in the back, forcing him to his knees and jabbing him in his side, flipping herself up and over him, and then kicking him in the face, using the chance to easily separate Thomas from the tonfas that were kicked back towards the man who was with her in the first place.

Just as quickly though, she released Thomas, dashing backwards and grabbing the tonfa before ending up right back next to the man, the gardevoir now holding and starting to inspect the tonfa.

"What... w-what just happened..." Thomas gasped a bit getting back up, Radara quickly putting up barriers around them, the other knights having not moved as if expecting this.

"Very good job, I will admit I am impressed D." Mr. Bellhop said giving a small clap. "As you see, we've taken the chance to prepare this time. These head bands are far superior to the models you've had experience with before." The man said tapping his tiera to make the point, before rolling up his sleeves and then opening the case beside him.

"So, here's how this is going to work. Today, this unholy crusade of yours comes to an end. Andrew will later be brought into custody and the extent of his crimes shall then come under study. If he has indeed been involved with Team Rocket, he will be arrested, and if you have guided him to darker paths, then other measures may be taken. If he is indeed innocent and you did only use them to help pose as family for the fake child you created the image of, then he will be free to walk and live without the dark clouds you would instill over him. And this abomination of a pokemon that was made as a mockery shall be destroyed, and Suicune and Mew shall be set free." The man stated, pulling out a pair of large gauntlets that were like some kind of really big and aggressive knuckles of some kind.

The gardevoir was still just thoroughly inspecting the tonfa, ripping off the leather off the longer sides and exposing their sharpened points, seeming entirely fascinated with them and ignoring everything else like the other two knights that were now behind them. "I'm surprised honestly that you have given my new employer so much trouble. Well, I suppose that is not entirely fair. It has been over forty years since they have actually killed one of you, so few of them have actual true experience against you and my partner here... well D is quite so-..." Mr. Bellhop continued, only to quickly be silenced, some blood dripping from his mouth as his eyes just slowly rolled up a bit into his head. The gardevoir had in the same speedy movements that she had pretty much embarrassed Thomas, Xent, and Zia had just delivered one more attack.

The sharpened spike of the tonfa had be jabbed straight up through his chin and into his brain. "She turned!" One of the two knights behind Thomas and Xent yelled out, the two knights that were behind Mr. Bellhop and the gardevoir rushing in. The gardevoir easily deflected the first two blows by just ramming the body of Mr. Bellhop right into the first knight, before pulling the tonfa free and then used them both to blow from a mace, pinning the knights arm down onto the railing of the walkway, and then using the other one to break the same arm, a loud crunch and scream of pain quickly stopped one of the two knights before the other was pummeled with multiple hits from the blunt head of the tonfa's to his chest, and a finishing upper cut that pushed him right off the side of the railing into the flowers and tress below.

Xent turned and threw a crowbar to Thomas, both of them forced to defend themselves from the knights that were behind them, Radara helping by putting a barrier up to help them in their confused and unbalanced state, Zai trying to provide some help herself, but trying to protect their backs.

The two knights going for Thomas and Xent were able to get a few blows in, but unable to get past Radara though before the gardevoir was already running towards them again, rushing up and jumping on the rail again before jumping over Thomas and Xent, kicking one of the knights in the chin and bringing both tonfas down on the shoulders of the other knocking them both down. Slamming the tonfa down again on the knight she had landed on, she impaled his right shoulder and gave him one more heavy handed blow to his head and then quickly rolled over onto of the other one, stabbing him in the hand and then grabbing his head and pounding it back on the walkway, before kicking them both off of the walkway in different directions, and then righting herself up to just stand there.

Radara just hissed a bit, her claws ready even if rarely used, no one sure what to think only to fall into even more confusion. Xent redoubled his efforts and even picked up a knife that had possibly come from the knights which was at his feet now, before the gardevoir started to slowly walk towards them. After a few steps though, she dropped the tonfas and then pulling off her tiera and starting to reveal her face while giving a tug on Thomas, but not aggressively. Instead he was pulled forward a step right into the gardevoir and caught her as she fell into him.

The gardevoir just pretty much fell into his arms and rested against him as she looked down at Radara, who was looking up in utter shock now. 'D-Dahlia?!' Radara's voice halfway yelled in shock into all of their heads now, Thomas gently holding the gardevoir, and eased her head up and revealing her eyes properly now, yellow with a red trim, the true eyes of the god-children.

'Please help me brother, sister...' A new female voice sounded in Thomas and Radara's heads.

-x-

Xent didn't know what to think as he took up the rear with Zia following along, who was still angry about getting just tossed around, Xent unable to even answer what was going on as Thomas rushed out the door, carrying the gardevoir along at a rapid pace. Whatever happened inside was apparently a secret for now, all of the staff having just seemed to take a break at the same time and were only just coming back as Thomas rushed back, Zia hiding them all for a moment or two while they passed. All of them were just confused and wondering why they were suddenly outside and taking a break leaving the entire place alone all at once.

A brief glance into their minds from Radara, and she found that Dahlia had done it as soon as they were walking up the stairs to ensure that they would be alone. Thinking back now, the message that they had got on the phone, knowing Thomas's birth name, asking for proof of who they were in the form of a god-metal weapon that they were blessed with, maybe it was Dahlia who had called them using someone else to speak for her.

As soon as the group of people passed though, heading back for the nursery, Thomas and Xent once again hurried along, Radara leading them with Zia covering their rear still. As they ran with Thomas carrying Dahlia, it took a bit more time then they would have liked, but when they rounded the last corner, Sarah was just giving them the same confused look from the strangely dressed gardevoir, only for Suicune to suddenly rush up, ribbons moving to quickly help and hold the gardevoir as well.

'What happened, how? Where was she, what were they doing to her?' Suicune's voice rang out heavily in all of their heads, aided by Radara. Dahlia just looked up slowly hearing the other voice, pretty much on the verge of tears and still holding Thomas some, only to lean up and into Suicune a bit as well.

"The coast is clear for now... in the mean time, some context would be nice." Xent growled a bit, giving another glance behind him and around in general just to make sure that they were safe at the moment. "One minute, she was kicking our asses, the next she was kicking their asses."

Even Radara moved in and as Dahlia was given a seat, Radara was carefully curling up to her side, a few careful licks to her face just to show her desire to comfort the gardevoir as well, the event showing just how important this was right now. "Some answers would really be nice..." Xent repeated, only for Thomas to look up at him, emotionally torn himself now.

"This is Dahlia, one of our sisters, a watcher like me and Radara." Thomas stated, only for that to imply a lot of things.

"Yes, I got that. Mayb-" Xent started, only for Suicune to quickly shake her head, not even wanting to risk Xent making a mistake again about what to say.

'This is... this is all real right? I'll be free soon?' Dahlia asked again, her voice now a bit weak, something interfere with her and Suicune was already ripped part of the dress off, able to feel the restrictions about her. Leaning her up a bit with Thomas's help, Suicune ripped a large piece of the back of the dress off, found some silver and black metal bands wrapped around the back portion of her chest horn, as well as some anklets and wrist bands that were the same material.

'What have they... they've tethered her abilities somehow, its produces the same restricting field as a pokeball does when it tries to capture, but this is several times more powerful, even more powerful then you see in a master ball.' Radara stated as she inspected the bands with Suicune, letting Thomas just hold and comfort her right now.

'Can we remove it?' Suicune asked as Thomas just gently hugged Dahlia as she tightened her grip on him a bit.

'Just do it, I can't stay like this anymore.' Dahlia begged a bit, and Suicune just nodded, getting up carefully behind her now, using one paw to keep herself steady holding herself up on Dahlia's shoulder, the other getting ready to try and rip the bands off of her back. Holding onto Thomas a bit more, and then giving a nod, she gave a quick yell when Suicune dug her claws into her back just a bit, and then with a hard pull ripped it off.

As soon as it was though, Dahlia's eyes quickly began to glow and the other four bands on her wrists and ankles were torn off by her own power, before her whole body began to glow a bit as she used recover herself to stop all the bleeding. 'Thank you... thank you!' Dahlia said, her voice now heard by them all, but still as if almost crying, just giving Thomas one more hug and then letting him go and carefully picking up Radara to hold her in her lap, before even giving Suicune a kiss to her cheek.

"Can we just go over the part where you told me that you were the last of your kind and now you're saying that this is your sister again? I'm really confused here..." Sarah said after a moment, not sure what to think and having not hear Suicune's private words with Xent earlier, only that things were just flipped on their head, and then the alarm started blaring from the nursery in the distance, Sarah and Xent quickly looking in its general direction now.

Dahlia didn't seem to care though, and just holding Radara a bit closer, whispered just one word. 'Ready?' Suicune quickly threw a ribbon out and grabbed Xent, pulling him in close while Thomas just quickly tugged Sarah and Flare closer, Dahlia quickly leading a teleport away from the nursery.