Pokegirl Origins - Unova Chapter 26 - Purpose, a pokémon fanfic

"Ready?" Nicholas stepped back and hefted the target disk. "On my count."

Jade didn't move from her ready position. "Ready, Keeper."

"Right. In three, two!" With a grunt he flung the disk into the air, continuing his count as Jade began tracking the wildly curving object. "One! NOW!"

Jade's fist snapped up and with a shout her gauntlet blasted off her arm, rocketing through the air… only to just barely miss the discus as its curve tightened and looped away before Jade's projectile could impact.

Jade immediately brought her hand back, a new gauntlet forming from the streams of dust she emanated, and yanked her other arm around to quickly launch a second attempt. This time with the disc beginning to lose some of its spin she impacted it cleanly and the clay shattered to rain bits across the arena.

"HA! Good recovery," Nicholas praised her. "I'd hate to be the Flying-type that takes one of those to her wing."

Jade settled back as her gauntlets reformed. "As would I, Keeper. This will be useful."

Nicholas nodded with a smile. Every day a little more personality emerged from beneath the Golett's armor, even if Jade was still quite literal. He loved to see it. "Definitely. Maybe not right away but there's a Flying-type gym somewhere in our future." He turned to where the others were resting. "I think that's enough training for the day. GIRLS! Who's up for some sightseeing?"

"Not the gym, Master?" Kiana piped up.

"Nah, I want to give us a few more days of harem bonding and training so that I'm confident we're ready," Nicholas replied. "Especially for Melody's sake. Speaking of, did you talk to her about that stuff I mentioned or were you girls just hanging out."

"Kiana talked about the techniques, don't worry," Melody called back. The Palpitoad pulled herself to her feet and tapped one of the bumps on her shoulders. "Only problem is, I've always made my noise with these, not my fists."

He smiled. She didn't realize it yet, but he'd watched Melody using her fists to channel her energy just fine when the Palpitoad was still feral. "Well according to the pokedex you'll soon need to learn," Nicholas chuckled at her attitude. It was the outfit. Ever since she'd picked it up the day before Melody's attitude had shifted to match. The confidence it granted her had revealed that beneath the self-conscious and jumpy pokegirl he'd first met was an impudent little punk. He didn't think she'd uttered the word 'Master' once ever since putting it on. Or his full name, for that matter. It was always Nick – if she even used a name at all. Usually he just had to answer to 'hey dude' or some variant. It was great. She deserved the chance to be herself after suffering through her past and he intended to fully encourage it. "Seismitoad are all about projecting their noise through solid objects. The ground, the water, their opponents. Maybe it will come to you once you evolve."

"Eh, maybe," Melody replied with a shrug. "When's that supposed to be anyway."

"Pretty soon, I believe," Nicholas replied. "You may even get there before or during the gym battle here. Wouldn't that be fun?"

"Eh, I guess…"

Nicholas snickered. "If you evolve you might get larger breasts. Wouldn't you like that?"

"Hey, my breasts are just fine the way they are!" Melody retorted indignantly. "There is nothing wrong with their size, you've said so!"

"Right, right, my mistake," Nicholas laughed. That was one thing that had remained. The Palpitoad was very self-conscious about her bust. "Come on, let's all head downtown and see what Driftveil has to offer."

"Thinking of anywhere specific?" Adalinda asked as they got on the road. "I thought we were going to visit the gym quick and move on."

"We're focusing on the gym, but I'm thinking of letting more time pass is all," Nicholas replied. "I tried to rush you through Nimbasa. I'm not rushing us here." He began counting on his fingers. "Cheren was barely a gym battle. Then we lost to Roxie. Then, after quite a lot of training, we took a hard-fought victory over Burgh. We then only won against Elesa because we got lucky." He glanced at the Serperior. "We should have lost that fight. I won't sugarcoat it. We only won because you were willing to make a sacrifice, and Elesa wasn't. That kind of strategy will not win us many more fights. We need to win decisively, and Driftveil is going to be where we start doing that." He turned back to the road. "Clay doesn't hate me or anything, but I've annoyed him by my actions here in Unova. He will not be playing nice. So we can't let ourselves relax."

"But aren't we relaxing right now, Master?" Kiana asked quizzically.

Nicholas laughed out loud. "We're just combining training days with break days is all. Rest in moderation is just as important for a pokegirl's growth as hard training." He smiled to himself. "Cynthia was the one who told me that. And it's true. So in order to make sure we win here in Driftveil, I'm designating the rest of the day as a rest day."

"Sir Nicholas?"

Nicholas turned at Fiona's call. "Yes?"

"Is this, then, why you have so often instructed me not to train? Why you have forced me to sit with you at times when I am not needed?"

Nicholas nodded. "It's part of the reason. How much do you remember from your short time with the other Swords? What did you learn from them?"

"I learned…" Fiona trailed off. "To summon my blade, and… of their secrets, and of swordplay, I…" She hesitated. "They taught me so much. Where has it gone?"

"You were never given time to reflect on their teachings," Nicholas replied. "You will remember it in time."

Keldeo bowed low. "You are truly wise, Sir Nicholas. I am only reminded of why I should not question your instruction." She straightened back up. "So that is the reason you have interspersed my practice with your lessons. To reflect on one while learning the other."

Nicholas shrugged. "It is also because of what you are. Ada, Kiana, Jade, Melody… They look to me as a role model in ways, and so I show them, teach them, train them and work to help them grow. But you are not like them. You are Keldeo. The Keldeo, the one and only. You are destined for far greater things than the battles through which I will lead the others to victory. The other Swords are seen as symbols. Symbols of justice. They become as ideals, untouchable, incorporeal, truly witnessed and experienced by only a lucky few. You, too, regardless of what purpose you discover, will become a symbol. Become something more. It is the curse we share, that regardless of our own wishes, our own aspirations, we are destined to become a symbol that the world looks to. I, as the human World Champion, and you, as Keldeo, in whatever purpose you find." He turned away. "So I call you to sit with me, to listen, and to learn from me, because you are still young. You have not yet had enough time to learn naturally what I expect you to know. Perhaps it is even unfair of me to expect so much from you." He stared straight ahead. "But that is one thing I would hope you have come to understand from your mentor, Fiona. He expects, and demands, much. But never will he demand more than what you are able to give."

Fiona slowly nodded. "Yes, Sir Nicholas."

"Good. Then let's…" Nicholas trailed off. They'd already started moving again as he and Fiona were finishing their conversation and the group had just rounded a corner to find… It was unmistakable. A Plasma uniform. The original one.

"Someone is just…?" Nicholas began, staring at the man he could see dressed in what had once claimed to be a symbol of its own, a symbol of righteousness. A mask for the evil that had festered underneath. "And nobody else is…? Come on."

As they got closer Nicholas could see the other figure the man in uniform was talking with. Arguing with, he realized, as he watched the animated movements and the words finally reached his ears.

"It's the only way," the woman the Plasma member was arguing with was saying. "Everything that happened, it was going to work out, can't you understand? Nobody was listening to us. We had to."

"You're hurting people, Sarah," the Plasma member begged. "Can't you see that? The ends can't justify these means. Why can't you see? This is wrong, this isn't what our lord N would have-"

"'Lord' N betrayed us. Abandoned us," Sarah spat. "Ghetsis is right. Has always been right. If we want a better world for pokegirls then we have to take it for ourselves."

"The only thing Ghetsis wants is to take the world for HIMself!" the man cried desperately as Sarah turned away. "Open your eyes, Sarah! Stop this! Do the right thing before it's too late!"

"I wish you would join us," Sarah muttered. "I liked you, Pat. But I guess… I guess you were always too weak to do what has to be done."

Nicholas and the others had gotten close enough now that as Sarah began to walk away Nicholas hailed her. "Hey!"

The woman barely turned to look at him. "What."

"I heard all that. You're a member of Neo Plasma, aren't you?"

Sarah smirked and turned away again. "Says who? I'm just a girl enjoying the city. The only Plasma uniform I'm seeing is on that fool over there." She waved a hand dismissively towards the man as she walked off. "Bother him, not me."

Nicholas growled under his breath. He couldn't go after her, could he. Without a uniform she was just what she claimed. Maybe if there was a warrant, something… but he wasn't a member of the Driftveil police. He could only watch as the Neo Plasma member walked away.

"You're lord N's friend, aren't you?"

Nicholas turned back. The man in the old Plasma uniform was looking at him. "I… Honestly, it makes me happy to hear you call me that. Yes. I think I am." He walked over. "What's your name?"

"Patrick." Patrick extended his hand for Nicholas to shake. "You can call me Pat, though. Ladies Anthea and Concordia speak of you often."

Nicholas blinked before a smile spread across his face. "So that's it. I'd been wondering why someone would be walking around in that uniform anymore. They're trying to reclaim it, aren't they."

Patrick broke out in a huge smile of his own. "We are! From those who…" his smile slipped away as his eyes flicked in the direction Sarah had gone. "…From those who did not wear it truthfully," he said after a few moments. "We wear it now… because we have been shown the truth." He turned back to Nicholas with a calm smile again. "Thank you."

The two hadn't released their handshake and Nicholas gave Patrick a firm squeeze before he let go. "I am glad you did not let what happened last year make you lose faith in your ideal, Pat."

"You were the one who told us to endure, weren't you?" Patrick asked quietly. "I wasn't there, in Virbank, but I listened to your words. We all did. And when the call went out, and everything… happened… what you said helped many people realize the lies we had been told. So many decided to abandon Plasma. But some of us…" His eyes moved back towards where Sarah had long since vanished. "Some of us knew what had to be done."

Nicholas followed Patrick's eyes. "Someone you knew, then? That woman?"

Patrick remained silent for a while before pulling his gaze away and shaking his head. "No. I've learned that I never knew her at all." He let out a deep sigh and gave a noncommittal wave in Nicholas' direction. "Sarah said something about a mobilization. Ghetsis… He's still in hiding, but she talked about a leader. Someone who's taking over, calling for the scattered cells of Neo Plasma to come together. I need to tell my ladies of this development."

Kalmiya came to life in Nicholas' ear at Patrick's words before a voice came from behind him. "I, apologize," Fiona's voice called nervously, everyone turning to see her glancing around with a worried expression, "but everyone is talking, and… I'm afraid I do not understand what it is about."

"Are you not from Unova?" Patrick asked in surprise. "I would think everyone here was affected by the events of last year. And it even spread beyond our League, the news talked about the World League itself sending resources…"

"Fiona here only, ah, 'hatched' recently," Nicholas explained after giving Kalmiya quick permission to report the new information to the World Police. "Sorry, Fiona. I should have explained before now. Pat here was a member of a pokegirl rights activist group of sorts called 'Plasma' who sought to liberate pokegirls from humans so that they could no longer be abused. The man who led the group, however, was only pretending to be righteous. He was in fact attempting to use Plasma's ideals to take over the region."

"And still is," Patrick growled. "Sarah… She thinks she's doing the right thing. She thinks that overthrowing the League government and replacing it will mean they can finally realize the separation of humans and pokegirls. And maybe it can. But even if that wasn't wrong, it would be fueled by hypocrisy. They're all just using pokegirls, the same as the evil humans they claim to be against. All because of Ghetsis. No end can justify their means."

Nicholas cocked his head. "'Even if that wasn't wrong', you said. The separation of pokegirls and humans? Your ideals have shifted?"

Patrick shook his head. "Not… entirely. But I can admit when I'm wrong. And I was wrong to believe that there was only one solution, or that any solution was right for every problem." He grimaced. "Or… to blindly accept our lord N's pacifism."

Nicholas frowned. Patrick had lowered his voice inaudibly at the end. "What was that?"

Patrick quickly turned and motioned for them to follow. "Nothing. Would you like to come back to the safehouse with me? One of the old buildings we had, before… you know. My ladies have turned it into a place of hope."

Nicholas immediately struck out after the other man with a smile. "I'd love to."

Patrick led the group to the outskirts of the city, climbing as they went into the foothills of the mountain range until they were walking off the road and up a grassy hill towards a sprawling mansion that, while it looked as if it had seen better days, still stood quietly overlooking Driftveil.

Patrick pulled up at the door and gave it a heavy knock, waiting a minute before pushing inside. "Hello? My ladies? Wise elder?"

"Wise elder?" Nicholas asked in surprise as they walked inside. The lobby to the building was empty. "Who else has joined your quest for atonement?" He looked around at the large space. "And how many do you expect in a building this size?"

"More arrive every week," Patrick replied confidently, striding towards a large set of doors along the wall beneath a grand staircase leading towards the upper floors. "I told you. My ladies have made this place a cradle of hope."

Patrick flung the doors open to reveal a grand ballroom bursting with life. As the group stepped inside Nicholas could only stare around at the number of bodies moving about inside. All pokegirls. Or, at the very least, the vast majority were. He definitely saw a few others dressed in the old Plasma uniform moving through the crowds, and the sound. Conversation filled the air, laughter, there was no hint of the tension that had followed Plasma whenever he'd seen them in action before. "What is this?"

"Hope," Patrick repeated softly. "So many tamers were separated from their pokegirls. Some by their choice, some not. So, so many pokegirls lost their friends." He gazed into the crowds, but his eyes weren't looking at them. "It has become our duty to make things right."

"Patrick!" Nicholas turned at the bright voice and grinned when he saw the head of pink hair bouncing towards them. "You're back and who-" Anthea gasped before doubling her pace to nearly sprint over and throw herself around Nicholas in an excited hug. "Champion Nicholas!"

"Hey, I- I told you not to call me that!" Nicholas laughed, catching Anthea and hugging back before setting her gently onto the floor. "It's just Nicholas, alright? You let me call you and your sister by name, it's only right I do the same."

"Oh but you are so much more than just that…!" Anthea was saying.

"My lady."

Anthea twisted. An older man in a plain brown robe was walking towards them. "Oh! Elder."

The man snorted quietly as he came to a halt in front of them. "Please, Lady Anthea. You have a terrible obsession with titles. I am no longer fit to be given that respect, and the Hero of Truth wishes to be more than a mere symbol." The man's gaze was firm as he and Nicholas looked at each other. "It would be best for you to speak of us truthfully. Would you not agree, Sir Hero?"

"I feel like I should know you," Nicholas replied instead. "You're vaguely familiar."

"Hm. Never face to face, but it is true we have met." The man lowered into a deep bow. "I am Rood. Once sage of Plasma." He remained in that position as his voice grew tired. "Once blind, and unable to separate the truths from the lies. Blinded by Ghetsis." He finally raised his head again. "Now I am but a foolish old man, seeking to atone for our misdeeds."

"You should not diminish yourself, Elder," Anthea replied kindly, placing a hand on Rood's shoulder. "In the absence of our lord N, are you not the one leading Plasma forwards? Why, I would say you are still our sage, and our greatest one, at that!"

Rood barely shook his head. "As the only one still loyal to lord N, perhaps," he replied quietly.

"Forgive me, but I'm surprised to see you aren't in prison," Nicholas replied. "Managed to avoid the World Police?"

Rood lifted his robe to reveal an ankle monitor blinking on his leg. "Of course not, Hero. What do you prefer being called?"

"Nicholas is more than fine."

"Nicholas, then." Rood let his robe fall. "No. I did not flee long. And I would have been content to pay for my crimes in a cell, until I heard of my ladies' efforts." He lifted his chin. "Once, these words were hollow, but now, I have found myself clinging to them. 'Superior men understand what is right. Inferior men understand what will sell.'. Alongside Ghetsis, I was only saying what would sell. But now I understand what is right. In times like these, when we are tested, those whose hearts weaken, those whose determination falters, can accomplish nothing. And so I refused to remain in my failings." He looked towards where Patrick stood. "I chose to fight."

Patrick chuckled and nodded. "Aye, wise elder."

Nicholas looked between the two. "Plasma's philosophy has changed greatly, it seems. I'd thought you followed N's doctrine of peace."

"At that time, we believed we were on the side of justice," Rood replied. "I believed, by following Ghetsis' lead and serving my king N, I would make a world without war. But I was conceited. So we will not let it happen again."

"Peace is a beautiful ideal," Patrick said quietly. "But against those who have no interest in it… peace must be able to give way for war."

"Patrick!"

"Let him be, my lady," Rood interjected over Anthea's scolding tone. "Even our lord N understood such a thing." He grew silent for a moment. "Someday… Someday, if our lord N would discover what he is seeking, I would like to see him again. More than anything, I believe… I wish to see N confront Ghetsis."

Nicholas was looking at Patrick. "Some of you know what has to be done, you say."

Patrick gazed back calmly. "Yes."

"Be careful you are sure of yourself, then," Nicholas warned quietly. "Those like Sarah believe they know what must be done as well."

"Oh, enough of this horrible talk!" Anthea complained. "Patrick, you should not be thinking of these things, you should be thinking of others! Like little Mia! Why, if she knew you had returned without immediately visiting her…"

Patrick quickly cleared his throat and began drifting away. "Er… Mia shouldn't be worrying about me anyways, my lady. We'll locate her tamer soon, I'm sure."

"I believe she has made it very clear…"

"I ran into a Neo Plasma member!" Patrick blurted out as he backpedaled for the door. "She said they've got a new leader, not Ghetsis! I need to- figure out more! Yeah! I have to go see if Rachel or Liam have heard anything about this! Bye!"

Rood was chuckling to himself as Anthea fruitlessly called after the fleeing man. "You must remember, Lady Anthea," he said, "that despite his zealotry, Patrick is one of our lord N's truest knights. He does not wish to ensnare any pokegirl, not even one that willingly would join him such as that Vulpix."

Anthea's outstretched hand fell slightly and she lowered her eyes. "I know," she replied softly. "But I had to watch as Eris and N suffered because he refused to accept her feelings. I do not want to see anyone else go through the pain that they had to endure."

"Did I just see Pat run past?" The group turned to see Concordia making her way towards them. "Anthea, were you pestering him again…? Oh! Nicholas!" With a massive smile she embraced Nicholas before pulling back with a laugh. "What a pleasant surprise to see you here! Did you wander in on your own? How did you know where to find us?"

"I ran into that young man, Pat, downtown," Nicholas replied. "He was confronting a Neo Plasma member. They knew each other."

"Ah." Concordia's smile slipped a bit. "That is… a shame. I've heard that those traitors had been approaching our members but for Pat to have been targeted… I hope he can shake it off soon. He was one of the first to answer our call last year."

"Speaking of, part of that was an attempt to reach Eris, correct?" Nicholas asked. "Don't let me forget, I have news of her. Though I'm curious, your call? I thought you said you were going to cast off the name Plasma, but it seems you're reclaiming it instead?"

His mention of the Zorua had grabbed both women's attention and Concordia quickly gave him an answer. "Yes. When Ghetsis' traitors tried to claim it for their own we knew we couldn't let that happen. The name of Plasma should have been forgotten, but it would have been worse to become known as only the name of a group of terrorists. But Eris? You have news? What news?"

"We haven't heard word of her at all!" Anthea exclaimed excitedly. "What news, Champion Nicholas?"

Nicholas rolled his eyes at Anthea's continued use of the title but let it go. "She's been following me, I think. I couldn't know of course, her being a Dark-type and hiding beneath her illusions and all that, but she revealed herself to me in Nimbasa City a few weeks ago. She was pretending to be a human hiker and we had a little chat about ideology but specifically… how she's currently feeling, especially in regards to her relationship with N." He fell silent for a bit. "She sounded… like if we hadn't had that talk, she might have gone to a rather dark place. She misses him. Horribly."

Anthea's hand had flown to cover her mouth in shock and Concordia held a pained expression as she spoke. "Eris…"

"You must look after her!" Anthea blurted out, lunging for Nicholas and pulling both of his hands between hers to clutch them tight. "I beg of you, Champion Nicholas! She has not appeared to any of us, but she showed herself to you! You must save her!"

"My lady," Rood said firmly, moving in to separate Nicholas from Anthea's grip. "Please, restrain yourself. From what Nicholas has said, it would seem Eris must save herself." He glanced in Nicholas' direction. "But… if possible, I, too, would beg you look after her if Eris were to ever appear to you again."

"I tried to tell her that you all care for her greatly," Nicholas replied gently, focusing on Anthea as she clung to Rood's arms. "I believe she knows she is loved. She just needs time. I promise, if she appears to me again, I will not turn my back on her. Just as I would not turn it on any pokegirl who might seek my help."

"Such is why you are the Hero," Concordia murmured, her eyes sliding shut as she bowed her head in prayer. "Our lord N… may you return soon and be reunited with the one who loves you more than any other."

"I've heard he's still traveling."

"As have we," Concordia replied, straightening again. "We continue to strive so that the Unova he will one day return to is one he can be satisfied remaining in. It is his land, after all."

Nicholas smiled slightly at her earnest words. "I suppose he is still of the royal bloodline. I wonder how things could have gone, without Ghetsis' interference."

"Without Ghetsis, there may have never been a lord N," Anthea replied. "In a way… In a way, we almost should thank him." She made a face. "Yech. I'd rather not, though." When the others laughed she brightened. "Oh, what was Patrick saying as he ran off? That there is someone new taking control of Neo Plasma? Has that stupid man lost control of even the last thing he had left?"

"A new leader?" Concordia asked in surprise. "I'd heard nothing about this. I'm surprised Neo Plasma even has a leader. With Ghetsis still in hiding they've been fragmented."

"Pat was saying the Neo Plasma member he met talked about a new leader, one who was calling for the cells to come together as an actual force," Nicholas explained. "We may see more organized activity."

Nicholas heard a sharp intake of breath come from behind them and was hit by a powerful sense of déjà vu at the voice that followed it. "Power." The humans turned to see Fiona's eyes staring at something only she could see. "He seeks… power. An ancient power. Dead. Buried." She shivered and brought her arms to hug her body. "But not… gone. Cold. It's so cold…"

Nicholas quickly walked over. "Fiona?"

"So cold," Fiona whispered, her eyes sliding shut before her face twisted in terror. "Cold. Cold! Go away! No! NO!" With a cry her eyes snapped back open and she collapsed, falling to her knees as Nicholas futilely tried to catch her. "I- I can't-! I'm not-!"

"FIONA!"

Fiona couldn't hear him. Her eyes were open, she was awake. But the world had gone dark. Leaving only the looming figure in front of her, and the terrible cold seeping into her bones. She tried to reach for her sword. It was no use. Her limbs refused to answer her desperate pleas. The twisted figure was growing larger, dominating her vision, it was everywhere and she was powerless to-!

Light, three blades of light cut in from behind her, scattering the vision as a comforting warmth touched Fiona's back. "Do not be afraid," the warmth seemed to whisper to her. "Strike now." But she couldn't help it. She turned, finally able to move, to run from the vision… and the vision changed. She turned to find a towering wall of stone. As Fiona stared at it the shadows around began to melt, trees appearing, a tranquil forest glade taking shape. Her heart beat fast. Three distinct lines could be seen on the rock's surface. Two diagonal, one vertical, all three intersecting right in the center. A six-pointed star that seemed… incomplete.

"Not six, but eight." Fiona whirled but she was alone. "These cuts are the symbol of our determination." Fiona slowly turned back to stare as the voices continued to whisper in her ears. "Add yours."

Hesitantly, Fiona drew her sword, or perhaps it drew itself. The horizontal was clean. Unblemished. Adding her own mark would mean… bisecting the ones that had come before her. All three of them. One, to surpass three. How could she ever do that?

A desperate scream as she swung. A deafening clang as her blade impacted against the stone. A horrible vibration racing down her arms until Fiona watched with horror as her blade shattered, the remains dissolving until she was left holding nothing but a broken hilt.

"I, I can't." Fiona fell to her knees as her hilt slipped from trembling fingers. "I can't, I can't…"

The forest was dissolving when Fiona heard the whispers separate into three distinct voices, all speaking in thunderous unison.

"You must."

Fiona's head snapped up, but it was not to see her vision anymore. As she came to it was to see Nicholas' face inches from her own. "W-What… I… Sir… Nicholas…?"

"Breathe. Just breathe," Nicholas said, holding her steady until Fiona's gasping breaths had slowed. "You had a vision. It wasn't real. Breathe."

"I- I saw, or, felt…" Fiona's fingers tightened down on where she was clutching his arm. "I was… alone. All alone. Facing, this… presence. It was so cold… and…" She squeezed her eyes shut. "Then I could move, but instead of fighting, I… I ran."

Nicholas' lips thinned at the anguish he heard in Fiona's voice from her admission. "You ran."

"I ran," Fiona choked. "I am no Sword of Justice. I am a coward."

"No. What you are is young," Nicholas replied softly but firmly. "You will grow. And when the day comes, I have faith that you will not run." He settled back to give Fiona some space but didn't let go of his comforting grip. "I believe you may have just caught a glimpse of your purpose, Fiona."

Fiona blinked at him. "I did…?"

"It makes perfect sense to me." Nicholas glanced at the Plasma members watching them. "Ladies Anthea and Concordia, Sage Rood, do I have your word that what I am about to say will remain between us?"

The three nodded, each of them standing just a bit taller in response to the gravity of Nicholas' words. "You do," Rood answered for them all.

"Some weeks ago, I was approached by the legendary pokegirls known as Unova's Swords of Justice," Nicholas explained, keeping his voice low enough that they couldn't be overheard. "They explained to me that this land gave them form many centuries ago, and ever since they have stood as its guardians. Protected it. Nurtured it." He looked back to Fiona. "And then, unexpectedly, a new pokegirl like them emerged after the events of last year. They named her Keldeo and, not knowing why she had appeared, approached me to beseech my aid in discovering her purpose." He turned back. "They had hoped that Keldeo was a gift, thanks from Unova for my actions as the Hero of Truth. I never really believed that, though. And now I think we can guess as to why Unova saw fit to give form to a new guardian."

Anthea and Concordia shared a look while Rood settled back with a deep sigh. "It does not bode well that Unova itself has sent us aid."

"We were discussing this 'new leader' when Fiona had her premonition," Nicholas said. "I think it's pretty safe to assume that the threat of Neo Plasma is not one we can ignore." He turned back to the legendary. "Cold, huh. You kept repeating that. It's an important aspect of whatever threat will come."

"How do you…?"

"Because I've suffered visions of my own," Nicholas replied. "My bloodline is empowered by the Emerald Dragon, Rayquaza. For years after I woke to her power her presence grew within me and as it did I would often find myself reliving the moment she first granted the Draconid people her blessing. So I know exactly what you are experiencing now."

"The cold…" Fiona shivered again, though far less violently this time. "I… I had tried to forget, but I have felt cold before. Days ago."

"So this wasn't your first vision. That bodes even worse." Nicholas let go of her and began thinking. "Cold. There's a good chance that's something very literal. We should head north."

"Where?"

"I don't know. But I do know we should go north." Nicholas looked around. "Brycen and his Ice-type gym are up there too, along with Drayden and his Dragon-types. Even if we can't catch wind of whatever Plasma is working on the trip won't be for nothing."

"Gyms, Master?" Kiana asked.

"Yeah. We'd have headed in that direction regardless at some point, this just changes how soon that will be." He turned back and reached over to give Fiona a comforting squeeze on the shoulder. "I have faith in you, Fiona. Because unlike that vision, when the day comes for you to face your purpose you will not be alone. I will stand beside you for as long as you want me at your side."

"You better make this quick," Sabrina warned as the group walked through the early morning streets. "I've got an interview scheduled at one."

"I think that's the first time you've ever told me to finish quickly," Nicholas chuckled, his smirk fading when he saw Sabrina glaring at him. "Oh. No jokes?"

"I appreciate that you told me you were going for Clay's badge but honey, I'm really busy right now," Sabrina stressed. "Just about three weeks until the premiere. Speaking of, you're going to be there, right? You promised you would be."

"And I will," Nicholas replied immediately. It was two days after he'd met Rood and the rest of the newly reformed Plasma and it was time. Melody was settling in nicely with the others. If they could take the gym badge here in Driftveil that would be a nice even half of Unova's badges before the indeterminate break of Sabrina's movie premiere. "I will be the best trophy fiancé you could ask for."

That got a positive reaction from the woman glaring at him as she blushed and glanced away. "But you're not a-"

"I'm happy to be for the media," Nicholas replied, reaching out to snag Sabrina in a hug. "That day will be all yours, darling. The only reason I am going to be there is to make you look even better."

"…Well, if you insist," Sabrina muttered bashfully.

Nicholas gave her a quick peck on the cheek and turned to the pokegirls around them. "You heard your Mistress, didn't you girls? One shot, and make it quick." He grinned at the scattered chuckles. "Ready, Ada? At long last, this is a battle where you can shine. And as the dragon you were always meant to be."

Adalinda started to lift her chin but hesitated and lowered it again after a moment. "I… will give it my everything, but I still feel like there is so much more I can be."

Nicholas nodded at her. "I would certainly hope there is. But this will still be your first battle as a Serperior. That's exciting, isn't it?"

Adalinda gave him a smile back. "Yeah."

"Your first battle as this harem's Alpha, Kiana," Nicholas continued, looking to the Arcanine. "Ready to lead them into it?"

Kiana's tongue popped out as she released a barking laugh. "That would be silly, Master. Ada and Melody will lead. But if they need help…" Her eyes narrowed as she trailed off. "I will be there. I promise."

Nicholas smirked as he continued on to Jade and Melody. "I know. How are you feeling Melody? We're not rushing you into a hard fight too quickly, are we?"

"Man, what kind of a question is that?" Melody grumbled. "What am I supposed to say, 'Yeah, it's too tough'? What kind of a pokegirl would I be then?"

"The kind who isn't afraid to admit her limits." Nicholas gave her a gentle smile. "The kind of pokegirl I want in my harem."

Melody's cheeks flushed slightly as she glanced away. "You're such a… I'm glad to be here, alright? That's what I'm going to say." Her fingers tightened into a fist. "And I'm not backing away from this fight."

"Sounds good." Nicholas gave Jade a quick glance. "How about you, Jade? Or do I even have to ask."

Jade shrugged, the movement barely perceptible. "I fight when you command, Keeper."

"Yeah, I should have expected that." Nicholas returned his attention to the harem as a whole. "Like we discussed. Ada will lead us in again to take the momentum. I assume she'll do quite well on her own but if she needs assistance it will fall to you first, Melody, and then Jade and Kiana. Clay's a Ground-type specialist. There will probably be some Steel-type representation as well but from what I know he's not just called the 'Miner King' because of his business. He's all about the pokegirls who burrow under the earth." When he got nods back from the four he turned to the road. "The gym isn't far. Let's take this badge."

As they stepped into the gym Nicholas allowed himself to relax with a smile. Every Unovan gym leader until now had had tricks or specialized in a type to make things difficult on the harem he'd built here. Not Clay. Maybe he had some kind of tricks to handle Grass and Water-types but the Ground-type was by far their best matchup now with the addition of Melody. His smile widened. Or perhaps the Poison-type was. He'd have to make sure they paid Roxie a visit after Sabrina's premiere.

"I like this. Modeled after a pit mine, huh." Nicholas gazed down into the depths of the gym. Cables crossed the open space and plunged down farther than the floodlights ringing the lip could reach. "Loose earth… I can sense a lot of movement down there. We may need to be alert for underground ambushers."

"Stands running the whole depth," Sabrina observed, she and the two legendaries wandering away. "Good luck, honey! I'm cheering for you!"

Melody had dropped to one knee and her hand was pressed against the ground. "I can feel… them," she murmured, eyes staring through the dirt. "Digging… Digging… Digging…"

Nicholas turned to see the Palpitoad's eyes unfocused. "Melody?"

After a few moments she looked up. "We need to go down, right? It makes the most sense to find the gym leader at the bottom."

"Probably."

"I want to lead."

Nicholas just nodded and turned to beckon her forwards. "Please do."

Melody started to get to her feet but paused, glancing down before bending over and yanking her boots off before she got up. "I couldn't feel anything through them," she said simply, dumping the heavy combat boots into Nicholas' arms and striding to the edge of the pit. Her toes dug into the earth as her eyes slid shut and she waited, feeling the vibrations running through the gym. After a few moments they opened again to a beatific smile from the Palpitoad.

"Oop, and there she goes," Nicholas hurried, scrambling after Melody when she stepped out and began sliding down the side of the first earthen terrace. "Don't get too far ahead, Melody!"

"I'll be fine," Melody replied, her pace unchanged. "This…" Her lips curled back, her long tongue snaking over them as her smile grew into a wicked grin. "This feels right."

"All those elevator platforms must be the easy way down. Full of gym assistants ready for a battle," Nicholas observed as the harem followed Melody's breakneck slide down the loose earth. "Heads up! I can sense at least two pokegirls digging towards-"

"HOLD ON, EVERYONE!" Melody screamed, her grin splitting her face as with a whoop she dug her foot into the next terrace and slammed her entire body back against the wall.

Dirt rained over her before suddenly it was all gone, blasting off into space as a shockwave raced through the wall to either side of the Palpitoad. A low buzz was beginning to be known as Melody amped up the vibrations coming from her body until suddenly the surface of the walls a hundred feet away exploded outwards.

Ecstatic laughter burst from Melody's chest when two angry screams accompanied the explosions and flailing bodies were launched into the pit. Nicholas barely got a glance at one of them, what had to have been an Excadrill with the glittering metal helmet of sorts, before he felt the entire floor shift underneath them.

"Oh, shit-!" he began, falling back onto the sliding earth as everything centered on Melody started coming loose. "Come on, Clay! Don't tell me your own gym can't withstand a little earthquake!"

"Ahh, we're fine, Nick!" Melody hooted back, clawing her way up the slide to give him a cheeky grin. "Well, most of us are. Come on Alpha! You can do it!"

The pokegirls had each reacted to the landslide in their own way. Adalinda was undulating her body furiously against the slide, the Serperior having turned sideways so that her coils could constantly push her against the flow. Jade was demonstrating her ability to levitate by just moving with the group without touching the earth itself, and even Cathy seemed fine, the Miltank having thrown herself free of the slide and curling up so that she was just bouncing off the surface as she picked up speed towards the bottom. But while Nicholas was managing to stay upright well enough, Kiana was floundering. The Arcanine's heavy fur was quickly getting choked with dirt and the added weight to her already dense body threatened to drag her under.

"KIANA!" Nicholas yelled, starting to move in the Arcanine's direction but falling back when he felt his feet sink into the loose ground. "Shit! Jade, give your Alpha something to hold onto!"

Jade immediately levitated over and with a grunt Kiana lunged, sinking her claws into the Golett's leg and trying to pull herself further out only for Jade to make a shocked cry as she was brought straight to the ground by the Arcanine's weight. Immediately Kiana had let go so that Jade could escape the landslide but the failed attempt meant that her momentum immediately buried her up to her neck.

"ARMS UP!" Nicholas roared, throwing his own out to increase his surface area while he fumbled with his belt. "I'm recalling you, Kiana! Keep those arms up if you go under the slide!"

"I shaid we're fine," he heard Melody say. Quick as a flash the Palpitoad's tongue had lashed out and wrapped around one of Kiana's arms, Melody herself turning to the wall and taking a deep breath. With a piercing high note she screamed, her voice blasting the loose earth away until she'd found the compacted layer underneath and could get her feet down long enough to torque her body around and yank Kiana out from under the dirt. "Shee-!"

With a bloodcurdling roar Kiana's body came alight and Melody yelped before her tongue quickly let go to avoid being burned. Kiana hit the slide hard, starting to sink again until she surged forwards and seemed to vanish from sight. The sonic boom echoed moments after as a white flash broke ahead of the landslide and turned, bounding side to side as it returned up the wall and rocketed through the harem. Nicholas found himself tumbling onto steady ground first, rolling upright to watch Kiana dash once more across the slide to rescue Adalinda and deposit her next to him. When she remained there with them for a moment, her body trembling, lips pulled back in a snarl, he couldn't help but snicker at the sight of Melody floundering all alone. "Alpha…"

With only a low, huffing woof Kiana dashed off again, and this time Nicholas was able to follow her as she sprinted over the earth. Her hair streaming behind her, her fur alight, a majestic, blazing creature. He was glad to see that the extreme speed other Arcanine had demonstrated to him seemed to be an innate ability of the breed itself.

Melody squawked when she was yanked from the slide and tumbled across the ground, sputtering as she got to her feet only to freeze when she saw bared fangs right in front of her eyes. "Uhhh…"

"Stupid," Kiana snarled. Her eyes were consumed in flame as she reprimanded the Palpitoad. "With no respect for this pack. For our Master." She leaned in close, far too close as she invaded Melody's personal space and even though the Palpitoad tried to lean back Kiana kept her snapping teeth inches from her face. "Does risking the lives of your sisters feel right?"

"N-No-"

"Then will it happen again?"

"N-No, Alpha," Melody stammered.

Kiana was growling low but she still leaned back to allow Melody some breathing room. "No. It will not. I am glad you understand." Her eyes flicked far up the wall to where they had been standing less than a minute ago. The slide had been massive, seemingly taking out an entire side of the mine and bringing tons of earth down to the bottom. "Your attack was good. Your judgement, on the other hand, appears to require some work." She glanced back at Melody. "I can only believe that you knew a slide like this was possible."

Melody squirmed under her Alpha's fierce gaze. "Th-The… The looseness, of the earth… meant my shockwave would work better."

"And?"

"And meant it was more likely to shake things free… yes, Alpha," Melody mumbled.

"Why was it a bad decision."

"Because everyone was right there next to me," Melody replied immediately. "I… put the pack in danger."

Kiana snorted, embers flashing from her nostrils as the look in her eyes began to fade. "So you do have a brain. Next time you will use it before you do something stupid."

"Yes, Alpha," Melody repeated in a small voice.

Nicholas coughed at the dust cloud she made when Kiana appeared in front of them and dumped Melody unceremoniously at his feet. "We seem to have made it to the bottom, Master," the Arcanine said normally. "What now?"

"Everything good with-?"

"No member of my pack is unable to meet my expectations of her, Master." Kiana stared directly at him and his words died when he saw the look in her eyes. There was no anger. Only a quiet disappointment. Clambering to her hands and knees between them, Melody's body language broadcasted her shame clearly. He didn't need to supervise his latest Alpha. She was a perfect fit for the role. She'd addressed the situation in a moment and already moved on to the next.

"Where's Cathy…?" he started, looking past where Jade was floating over and nodding when he saw the Miltank getting to her feet at the very bottom of the gym. "There she is. Yo! Cathy! Up here!"

Cathy shook herself to get the worst of the dirt off and began wandering over with a growl. "At least when Zisela buries me I know it's intentional." That got a few chuckles from the others and Cathy was nearly to them when she stopped, falling to one knee with a grunt as Nicholas felt a vibration shake the gym and an alarm began to blare. "Shit, another?"

"…Cathy, get to the wall!" Nicholas cried when he saw a perfectly straight hairline crack bisect the floor. Cathy leapt to safety as the crack continued to grow, light shining through to illuminate the gloom at the bottom of the pit and soon the interlocking teeth of this massive silo door could be seen as it opened. The dirt from Melody's landslide rained down into the opening as the door continued to pull apart until finally with a massive shudder it stopped.

Nicholas whistled softly at the sight. Crystals filled the hidden bottom of the Driftveil Gym and they all glowed with a gentle light to illuminate massive stone structures, each glittering with rich deposits of some precious metal or gem. "Guess that's where we're supposed to go."

"Something's coming up over there, Master," Kiana said, and Nicholas followed her arm to see a smaller elevator platform rising into place at the edge of the hole.

"I think the invitation is pretty clear," Nicholas replied. "We've taken the direct route to the gym leader." He struck out towards the platform. "Let's do this, girls."

Clay was waiting when the platform reached the bottom. Standing at the other end of a massive natural arena nestled between the ore deposits. "Big Champion Topolski!" he called as Nicholas approached. "You just can't get enough of breaking my stuff, can you? First my tournament, now my gym…"

"And next your pokegirls, Clay," Nicholas retorted, the two men smirking at each other while Nicholas recalled his harem. "Better hope they can hold up better than the walls did!"

"Oh, I'm not that kind of a Ground-type tamer," Clay chuckled as one of the crocodilian pokegirls from the desert appeared in front of him to face Adalinda. "I'm the kind whose girls'll be breaking yours instead. You ready? Four on four, TKO!"

"I highly doubt that we'll be the ones breaking," Nicholas replied. "Let's show them, Ada! The fury of a dragon!"

"Fury? Ha!" Clay's Krokorok seemed to grow larger with her eyes glowing as her lips broke apart and displayed rows of massive teeth. "Better show your pathetic 'fury' the best you can, little snake. You won't get a second chance."

Adalinda was staring back completely deadpan. "You can't be serious."

The Krokorok wavered slightly when she saw Adalinda's eyes narrowing. "Eh-?"

"Know your fucking place, lizard," Adalinda spat, coiling before shooting forward for her opponent. Nicholas laughed out loud when the Serperior's vines whipped out and Clay's Krokorok let out a shocked scream when one slashed straight through her breast to open a wicked gash the length of her body and the other smashed against her head, twisting the Ground-type pokegirl onto herself before she slammed against the ground and immediately went still.

"What the- Lama! Get up girl, she can't have hit you that hard! Nothing does!" Clay called. "Not after you scare 'em!"

"Hate to break it to you Clay, but Ada doesn't get scared," Nicholas replied as the Serperior lifted the unconscious Krokorok's limp body with her vines to make sure she was actually out before tossing her towards where Clay stood. "She gets mad."

"…So she's one of them, is she," Clay growled. "Fine! Get on out here, Vi!"

Nicholas nodded when an Excadrill materialized. "She won't crumple so easily, Ada!"

"Ha. One day she would," Adalinda hissed, falling back before throwing out her chaff as she tried to form a decoy.

She gasped when glowing claws cut straight through and Vi appeared in front of her without any emotion on her face. Adalinda immediately went for a knockout blow with her vines but one bounced off of Vi's metal head covering while the other only managed to open a nasty cut down the Excadrill's arm. It didn't stop her from retaliating and Adalinda screamed when Vi's glowing, serrated metal claws sank into her torso before ripping out with a spray of blood.

"Son of a- You can do it, Ada!" Nicholas yelled, but he was already reaching for the Serperior's pokeball even as she and Vi traded another set of blows that further bloodied the Excadrill but very clearly crippled the Serperior. "Melody, finish this!"

Melody appeared just in time to take a blow to her chest that had been meant to finish Adalinda and she staggered back with a pained yell, though she took it far better than the flimsy Serperior. "FUCKER!"

Clay gritted his teeth. "DROP HER QUICK, VI! BEFORE SHE CAN WASH YOU AWAY!"

"Oh you better believe I'll-" Melody started to growl, channeling an attack, when Vi fell back. Suddenly she was lunging forwards again, her claws wrapping around the surprised Palpitoad's head and slamming her face into the dirt to drag her across the ground.

Nicholas hissed. The attack had been uncontested. Melody was in trouble. Though not for long as Vi was forced to leap away to avoid the quick blasts of water that popped from Melody's hands and with her gone the Palpitoad rolled, nursing her neck as she rose and glared at the silent Excadrill. "Bitch."

"Finish her off, Vi!"

"Nah. Fuck you," Melody snapped. Vi had started to hunker down, intending on digging into the ground to avoid a counterattack, but it was exactly the wrong thing to do in front of the incensed Palpitoad. Vi had barely dug her claws into the earth when Melody dropped to her knees and slammed both fists against the floor.

A shockwave blasted from the kneeling Palpitoad and Vi finally made a noise, a wailing scream as the earth crunched down on her arms and yanked her down to slam against it. Even once the shockwave passed she didn't get back up.

Clay's eyes flicked over Melody as he recalled Vi. "I ain't letting you go without breaking one of your girls, Topolski," he called with a scowl. "Let's see if your Palpitoad can handle Ria! RIA!" A massive Onix materialized to glower at Melody. "It's time! Blow that Palpitoad away!"

A frown flickered over Nicholas' face at Clay's choice of words. There was no way an Onix could take out Melody, even as damaged as she was… A shockwave or two, maybe some water thrown in for good measure, and Melody would take another KO… Right?

His eyes widened. No. He knew how Ria could down Melody. But how could they-!

With a gasp Nicholas' hand whipped up as Ria lunged forwards and her entire body began to glow. "JADE!" he screamed, recalling Melody and sending the Golett out in her place, "DEFEND!"

There was no time. Ria was already on top of Jade when she appeared, the Onix's body bursting with power until it very literally exploded from her to consume the entire battlefield in an instant. Nicholas instinctively protected his face even though the arena barrier was holding just fine as he thought about the last time he'd seen a pokegirl use this technique. Bea's mother, sacrificing every bit of her energy to ensure her daughter couldn't have the satisfaction of beating her. A similar situation here. Ria had unhesitatingly given her energy to stop a threat to her sisters.

"I am so sorry, Jade," Nicholas was starting to say when he trailed off. The smoke from the explosion was starting to clear, Ria unconscious, but Jade…

The Golett's armor was gone, obliterated by the blast, but she was standing completely unfazed without it. Until the glittering dust wrapped around her to reform her armor and she strode forwards towards Ria's body, fury evident in the way her energy was leaking from the visor of her helmet.

"DAMNIT!" Clay swore, recalling Ria before Jade's vindictive kick could connect. "You've got good taste, Topolski! I have to give you that. I've got a Seismitoad and a Golurk in my own harem. But I said I wasn't letting you get away unscathed and I meant it. No matter how much it hurts to take down that Golett."

Nicholas' mind was racing as a Sandlash appeared on Clay's side of the arena. Jade had been completely unharmed by the Onix's explosion? Why? How? His eyes widened when he realized. Of course! She was incorporeal. An explosion that wasn't charged with any kind of energy, one of pure force and shrapnel, of course that wouldn't have done anything to Jade. Well, except for destroying her armor.

As he called for Jade to brace while he turned his thoughts to the latest threat he winced. The Sandlash hadn't bothered trying to attack, meaning Jade's guard was wasted and her opponent was free to prepare herself for the battle. Sparks were sizzling off the Sandslash's claws as she sharpened them against one another and as soon as Jade was forced to lower her guard to recharge Nicholas knew it was going to be bad.

It had to be done. "Jade! What do you think? Able to take a piece of her with you?"

Jade dropped her guard immediately and slammed her fists together with a bang. "Yes, Keeper."

The claws cut through Jade's armor like a hot knife through butter. The Golett refused to scream. She just swung back, despite the gaping hole in her chest, and made sure that Clay's Sandslash would remember her. A wicked blow to the head. A second slice, shattering Jade's armor for the second time as the Sandslash's earthen power skewered Jade's true form and the Golett's body went limp.

But her sacrifice meant Adalinda wasn't forced to rotate in and immediately deal with an attack. It was over. The Sandslash had no way to handle her vines.

Clay was grumbling as the arena barrier dropped and Nicholas walked forwards. "Making me beat up on such a fine lookin' Golett like that…"

"Like you said. I've got good taste," Nicholas joked. After a few moments Clay stuck out his hand to take the one he was offering. "I do apologize about all the trouble I've caused you, Leader Clay. Sometimes you just have to make a statement."

"Aye. And you've certainly done that, I admit," Clay grumbled. "I've had time to think on it, and I get that it's not exactly as I thought at first. See, to me it was like you was givin' up. And I hate that. Givin' up's the easy way out, but that ain't what you're about at all." He gave Nicholas a firm shake and let go. "You're doin' it properly. I can respect that, Champion Topolski. No shortcuts. Only hard work and effort." Clay chuckled. "I just wish we'd been able ta' give a better fight than this. Lama never got a chance to whip up some sand and that would have made this a completely different battle, let me tell ya."

"Oh, I can imagine that it would have," Nicholas replied. "But unfortunately she never got the chance to whip up some sand because Ada here," he said, reaching over to pull the Serperior into a hug, "whipped her first."

Clay burst out laughing. "Ahahaha! That she did! Take my badge, Topolski. And I better see those Ground-types of yours still around whenever you make it to face our Champion."

"I think I can promise you that one," Nicholas chuckled as he accepted the badge. "Thanks, Clay."

POKEDEX UPDATED

Tamer: Nicholas Topolski

Badges:

Basic Badge

Insect Badge

Bolt Badge

Quake Badge

Harem:

Kiana, Arcanine (Alpha) – Level 34

Adalinda, Serperior – Level 38

Jade, Golett – Level 36

Melody, Palpitoad – Level 35

Non-Com Harem:

Kalmiya, Porygon-Z – Level 35
Cathy, Miltank – Level 72

"You're not coming back with us, Nicholas?"

Nicholas shook his head at Nessa's question. "Two weeks is more than enough time to hike to Mistralton from here. I'd rather do that than get antsy sitting around waiting for the twenty-sixth. I think Sabrina will appreciate that I'm not there bothering her, too."

"I think the Mistress would take comfort in your presence, Master," Morgana replied gently. "She has felt very anxious recently."

Nicholas grunted and glanced away from the towering Gardevoir. "I want to give her some space."

"And she wants you."

Nicholas shifted uncertainly. "I… Morgana, you get this, better than any of them." He looked back up at her. "I've started a badge challenge now. I don't want to stop."

"Even for your mate?"

"Of course I'll take a break for Sabrina. She's the entire reason I started this in the first place." Nicholas let out his breath. "But, it's just… if we head back now, that's weeks of nothing, and then maybe we can challenge the gym in Virbank, but once we do, what then? We take a slow boat back here? And continue, just… doing nothing? Going soft until we can make it to Mistralton?"

"But if you can lead them to Mistralton before taking that break…" Morgana let out a throaty chuckle. "You and your rules, Master."

"We're on a roll right now. I bet we can make it to Mistralton in a single week. Less," Nicholas said. "I promise, no training after that, no race for Skyla's badge. We'll come straight back."

"I know the Mistress will appreciate that," Morgana replied. "Travel fast, Master."

"Second beautiful woman in as many days to tell me to finish quick," Nicholas chuckled. "I guess if that's what they want…"

Morgana grinned as she stuffed his face into her cleavage and bent down to whisper in his ear. "I'd tell you to hold out as long as you can, but you see, I know that with me those things are one and the same."

"How dare you," Nicholas laughed, his voice completely muffled by the Gardevoir's breasts. "Why I oughta…"

"Save it for the new girls, Master," Morgana said in amusement and let him pull himself free. "I'll help the Mistress bridge the gap until you return."

Nicholas embraced her. "Thank you."

"Always, Master." Morgana stepped away when he let go and reached for Nessa, the Feraligatr having moved over to chat with Melody and Jade. "See you soon!"

"Knock 'em flat!" Nessa remarked brightly as she took Morgana's hand and the two teleported.

"Heh." Nicholas smiled to himself for a few seconds before striking out down the road. "Let's go, girls!"

"Come on, Ada!" Kiana yipped excitedly, shooting out ahead. "Jade and Melody with Master!"

Nicholas laughed as Adalinda hissed and flashed after the Arcanine. "Try and save some of that energy, would you?" he yelled, but the pair were already gone. "The first few days are going to be nothing. It's pushing through the caves near Mistralton that might take some time."

"Nothing, huh." Melody was working her fists, her eyes unfocused. When she realized she'd spoken out loud she shook herself and gave Nicholas a quick smile. "You know… back there, in that gym… My fists, huh? I think… I think using my hands to make some noise might not be as hard as I first thought."

"Especially not once you evolve," Nicholas replied with a smile. "I didn't say it to Nessa and Morgana, but that's another reason I don't want to stop right now, Melody. You're right on that edge. Let's push you over."

Melody nodded.

They made good time thanks to the clear roads into the foothills that surrounded Driftveil City. Barely any action until the sun was just touching the tops of the hills around them and Nicholas was starting to think about making camp for the night.

"I need my campfire maker!" he laughed, tapping his earpiece. "I know you can heeear me, Kiana…"

Jade was surveying the area and she pointed. "There is a defensible hollow there, Keeper."

"Good enough for me. Kiana, bring Ada back here so we can eat, alright?" He snickered when the radio remained silent. "Kalmiya has told me you're fine so what's the big idea, huh?"

Fiona's voice made him stiffen. "She is busy circling downwind of… her."

"Of-?" Nicholas asked, whirling to see the legendary staring off into the trees. "Of who? I can't sense anything nearby except for us."

A breaking twig brought his attention back to the forest and his eyes widened when he saw a shadow moving towards them. "Of me." Cobalion stepped into the open and Nicholas quickly gestured Jade and Melody to form up around him. The other legendary had her hand on her sword hilt, and it was not just to carry it, as she had held herself before. She very plainly was holding a ready position to strike. "Was that the one who slumbered so peacefully when last we met, Lord Nicholas? It would seem the beast slumbers no longer."

"I can hardly blame her, with you standing like that. Unless you want to claim that you are only on your guard because of Kiana," Nicholas replied. "Why are you here, Cobalion. Let alone cloaking your presence so completely."

Cobalion's fingers tightened on her hilt. "Keldeo must come with me."

Silence. Nicholas didn't even bother turning to look for Fiona's reaction. He could feel her uncertainty as he stepped out from the pokegirls to squarely face Cobalion down. "No."

Cobalion let out a quiet breath. "You understand now why I stand as I do?"

"I'm not interested in fighting you for her," Nicholas replied evenly, "because you are not taking her from me."

"Unova cries out in pain."

"Then go to its aid," Nicholas said. "But you and the others will go without her. Fiona is mine until she chooses otherwise."

Cobalion's lips began to twitch back from her teeth. "You place your name upon her."

"I believe you understand exactly what that means."

"I had hoped she had been meant for that purpose," Cobalion barely whispered. "She is not. I can not allow you to take her."

"Then you have already failed," Nicholas said, his voice ringing out with authority. "The one known as Keldeo belongs to me, is under my protection and guidance. Her purpose is her own. It is not yours to decide any longer."

"Then she is a Sword no longer," Cobalion retorted immediately, her eyes flashing. "A Sword's duty is to Unova. Unova calls for her Swords. DOES KELDEO ANSWER!"

Nicholas stared back. Cobalion's narrowed gaze dared him to answer so he finally turned away instead. "Fiona?" He gazed at the silent legendary. "Does Keldeo answer?"

He stepped aside when Fiona took a few small steps forwards to push out in front before stopping again. Silence returned to the scene, Cobalion challenging, Fiona, seemingly unsure as her fingers fidgeted with her own blade. Until they slowed, and stopped. Firmed their grip on her hilt as she lifted her face to match Cobalion's steely gaze with a resolute one of her own.

"Keldeo is no Sword of Justice," she replied, her voice holding none of the hesitance that had plagued the young legendary ever since Nicholas had first met her. "And she never was, was she, Lady Cobalion." Fiona drew her sword, bringing her offhand around to grasp the hilt as she lifted it straight up to stare at the pommel. "But she is still a Sword. And this Sword will answer." With a whistle Fiona swung her blade into the dirt and buried it a few inches into the ground. "But she will not answer to you."

A tense air fell over the scene as Cobalion's fingers tightened on her hilt. But then she leaned back and finally released her grip. "So be it." She turned away. "But you are no Sword, Keldeo. Fiona, as you have allowed yourself to be named. You have sworn no oath. Taken no vow. Until you do, you are nothing."

"Then tell me where I can find the stone."

Cobalion went still. Nicholas realized that the world had stopped. The only thing moving was Fiona's mane as it slowly twisted in an imperceptible wind.

Cobalion eventually glanced back over her shoulder. "If you are not a Sword of Justice, then I have no duty to guide you to the grove. Find it for yourself. Find it… Fiona. And…" Cobalion visibly hesitated before quickly turning away with her final words. "See if you make your mark."

Nicholas slowly reached over to rest his hand on Fiona's shoulder when Cobalion vanished. "Are you alright?"

Fiona closed her eyes. "I don't know."

Nicholas gave her a comforting squeeze and looked up when Kiana burst from the treeline. "Let's rest. I'm here if you want to talk." He glanced back to her. "She cares for you, you know. Cobalion. No matter what she says, I promise it is true."

The slightest of smiles pulled at the corner of Fiona's mouth as Nicholas moved to direct Kiana to start a fire. "I know," she barely breathed, the light of the flames dancing in her eyes as she remembered the warmth of her vision, and the slightest hint of respect that had flickered in Cobalion's gaze before she turned away.