Why am I the only one? I need to be protected, I can't do anything on my own, I can't do anything. But I have no right to be angry. They didn't choose for this, yet they do it anyway. They're the heroes, I'm no one, just a wayward boy who tries to be heroic. I'll never be accepted, never was. I have to become someone else, someone better, it's always been like this. And until that happens, I'll never stop.

"How long are we going to be like this?" asked Aaron, walking into the main room of the base.

Inside the room sat Kai and Lewis. Lewis was reading news from an old monitor while Kai sat cross-legged on the floor, his eyes closed as he meditated.

"Like what?" asked Lewis, looking up from his monitor.

"In this inactive state! Since recovering the Ultra Beasts, we've done nothing but sit around and twiddle our thumbs. For all we know, the Gloom Organization could be making a big move, and we won't even be around to witness it!"

"We can't just rush into things, right?"

"And we can't sit around and do nothing either."

"Correct me if I'm wrong," Kai said calmly, his eyes still closed. "But we're currently without a leader, correct?"

Aaron and Lewis paused, looking down. During their fight against Selena, The Voidcaller intercepted Aiden and Ava as they came to assist, nearly killing them had Orion not stepped in. Neither of them had come to yet, and everyone was growing worried.

"There's Orion," said Lewis. "He's been a Chosen for years and has ties with Aiden and Ava since then."

"And where is he nowadays?" asked Aaron. "He never shows up for more than a day or so."

"I'm sure he has his reasons," stated Kai, standing to his feet. "But being absent from his team for so long makes him unfit to be a leader."

"Then who'll be leader?" asked Aaron.

"That's something we should decide as a group."

"And where is our group right now?" snapped Aaron, his voice rising slightly. "One person keeps running off solo, one person trains every day to the point where it'll kill him, another has been completely despondent for the past few days, and worse yet, Cyan sleeps all day!"

Lewis raised a hand. "Who're the other three people you're talking about?"

Kai gave Aaron a level look. "Have you addressed these issues with them?"

"I'm in no position to."

"Doing so is the role of a leader, that's what you're saying."

Aaron gave him a half-smile. "Meditation teaches you perception?"

"Naturally. I have a question, Aaron. Do you want to be a leader?"

Aaron paused, thinking. "I'm not suited to be one, too much thinking involved."

"Is that the only reason?" asked Lewis.

"Yeah," said Aaron, a bit uncertainly.

Kai gave him a look. "Then there shouldn't be a problem, you have many qualities a leader should have: You see the strengths and weaknesses in people and prefer to judge them fairly, you have a strong sense of justice, and a leader needs to be headstrong."

"But they also must be levelheaded at times, especially when their choices could greatly affect the lives of other people. You're levelheaded and perceptive, why don't you be leader?"

"This team doesn't need a leader; it needs unity among its people. But as you pointed out earlier, we're currently disjointed. We have no idea what we're doing or what needs to be done. "

"That's what Ava and Aidan were for," said Lewis. "But now that they're out of commission…"

"We have to make choices as a whole."

Aaron let out an exhale. "Yeah, that works. But now what? We technically still haven't gotten anywhere with this conversation."

Kai shook his head. "That's not necessarily true, but that's not the focus here. As you said, we need to do something. Let's get the team together so we can discuss."

"Easier said than done," said Lewis. "We don't even know where Luke and Cynthia are."

"Just call her," said Aaron, a grin spreading on his face. "Tell her that you're looking forward to a sparring match and she'll come running."

Lewis gave him a deadpan look. "Not happening. You can Kai can look for them, I'll get Seth and Galena."

"I'm not dealing with Cynthia," said Aaron. "Isn't she your fated girlfri- I mean rival?"

Lewis' deadpan look turned into a glare as Aaron broached on the word girlfriend. Aaron chuckled and headed towards the door leading into the rest of the base. "I'll look for Luke. If anything, he's probably hanging out with my siblings."

"I'll head out to look for Cynthia," said Kai, heading towards the sealed door. "After all, no one else seems willing."

"Thank you," said Lewis. "I'll see if I can convince Seth to come out from the training center, and I'll find Galena as well. Good luck you two."

Seth launched his fists at a weighted sandbag, his blows mercilessly pounding the bag as he weaved in and out, just like Aaron taught him. His thick black hair was damp with sweat, his breath was ragged.

He was so focused on his training that he didn't notice Lewis come in. Lewis approached him and tapped him on the shoulder, causing Seth to whirl around and nearly punch him.

"Careful there," said Lewis, stepping back. "It's just me."

"My bad," said Seth gruffly. "What do you want?"

"Well, I came to check on you, for starters. Also, I need you to come with me. Aaron's been hoping to discuss our future as a group and wants everyone to be there."

"Then why look for me?" asked Seth, already growing annoyed.

Lewis gave him a confused look. "Because you're part of the team."

"Am I though? I'm not a Chosen, so I can't be much help to you guys. Carry on without me, I'm going back to training."

"If you can't do anything, why bother training?"

Seth paused, staying silent. The question hung in the air, neither of them saying a word. Seth turned around and resumed his training, the sound of his fists hitting the bag echoing through the room.

Lewis waited for a few minutes, unsure of what to do. "You didn't answe-"

Seth turned around, visibly angry. "I don't know, okay! Maybe it's pointless, maybe getting stronger won't mean anything! That's just how life is!"

Pushing past Lewis, he stormed out of the training center, slamming the door behind him and ignoring Lewis as he called out to him.

Maybe he was being unfair to them. They didn't ask to be Chosen. But at the same time, he didn't ask to fall into this world and end up with them. While they were out fighting, what was he doing? He was only getting in their way, that's how it always was.

Why did he want to fight anyway? He always asked himself that question but could never find an answer. All he found were reasons why he shouldn't fight. His past experiences only told him not to involve himself in things that shouldn't concern him. The fate of another world fell into the category.

But this was the world he was living in now, so it should matter, right? It was so confusing, and frustrating. He wanted nothing more than to punch something or throw a table. But that would make him look stupid, which would only fuel his anger more.

Finding himself hungry, he walked into the kitchen, only to realize someone else was there.

Standing next to the hot stove and clutching a mug of coffee was Cyan. From the looks of it, she was cooking a pot of noodles.

Under normal circumstances, this would be fine. However, Seth had noticed that Cyan seemed a bit slow and unresponsive at times. And with the way she was nearing the stove like that, Seth had a guess as to what most likely would happen.

"Hey-"

Cyan looked up at him, much faster than he would have anticipated. "Don't worry about me, I'm perfectly fine here."

"Are you sure?"

Cyan laughed. "I am, I already said don't worry. I understand your concern, I do always seem like a slow and lazy sleepyhead, don't I?"

Seth shifted uncomfortably. He didn't want to say anything to offend her, but he'd never really seen her do anything impressive. In fact, he was surprised to hear she was a Chosen anyway.

"Well, being honest… I mean, you just didn't strike me as being a Chosen."

Cyan leaned against the counter, taking a sip of her drink. "I know, it sucks, appearing so useless. Unfortunately, the situation's out of my control."

Seth flinched. Her words struck home, directly.

"I don't think we've formally met," she said, extending her hand. "I'm Cyan Lowell, Chosen of Articuno."

Seth accepted her hand, flinching at how cold it was. Though, it was fitting. "I'm Seth Cohen… not a Chosen."

Cyan's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Oh, can't say I was expecting that."

"Well, I don't blame you, said Seth, swallowing the bubbling feeling he felt inside. "After all, a normal person can't do anything against the Gloom Organization."

Cyan paused, thinking for a moment. "Y'know, I'm not too familiar with the subject, but I heard sorcery was a thing people could learn."

Seth sighed; he had explored that topic with Aiden sometime after facing Andras. "I can't learn sorcery. I Believe it or not, I don't come from this world."

Cyan smiled. "I know that feeling, I'm not either. I fell through an Ultra Wormhole and ended up here."

Seth's eyes widened. "No way, I'm not the only one?"

"It would appear so. Tell me, have you experienced any changes to your physiology after falling through?"

Seth shook his head. "No. Why do you ask?"

Cyan sighed. "Don't worry about it, I already expected the answer to be no anyway. If you don't mind me asking, what was your life like? I haven't been able to talk to anyone from my world for so long."

"Well, it was quite dull compared to my life in this world. Actually, that's not necessarily true. I lived in the Calzei Region. Y'know, the region that got attacked and nearly destroyed by a psychic warlord named Scarlet."

Cyan frowned. "I don't actually."

Seth paused. "Then… maybe we got pulled from separate worlds."

"That's a possibility," said Cyan, shrugging with a sigh. "These portals reach into all sorts of places. Oh, looks like the food's done."

Suppressing a yawn, she removed the pot from the stove, only to nearly drop it as Seth jumped forward so much for her being awake.

"Let me carry that for you."

Cyan gave him a tired look. "Whatever, thanks."

Seth took the pot from her and helped pour it into a bowl, taking it to a table.

"Oh yeah," said Seth, turning around as he headed for the exit. "Thanks for the conversation, I'm feeling better now."

"Huh? I w-wasn't aware you weren't. You're welcome, I-I guess."

"One more thing, Aaron's holding a meeting in the main room."

Cyan bobbed her head up and down as if she was about to nod off. "I-I'll be there, I think…"

Lewis walked down the hallway, almost ready to give up looking for Seth. The kid would come around, hopefully. Ever since the Ultra Beast incident, Seth had become more and more antsy. He didn't know what to tell the kid. He either made the situation worse by telling him he couldn't do anything, or get in trouble with Ava by letting him fight, and worse if Seth were to get hurt.

There was a flash of electricity next to Lewis, causing him to jump as Luke appeared in front of him.

"Hey Lewis!" said Luke, waving his hand. "What's up? Why're you looking so down? Is everything alright, or do you not want to talk about it?"

Lewis' mouth moved, trying to form words as he attempted to catch up with what Luke was saying. "I'm sorry, what?"

"I was just talking about how sad you looked, as in emotionally, not sad as in-"

"I get it. Thank you for your concern. I was talking to Seth earlier about a team meeting we're holding, but he flipped out and stormed off, so now I was looking for him."

Luke nodded, bouncing from foot to foot. "I've noticed he's like that. I'll go find him and pass on your message if you want."

"That wo-"

Lewis didn't get a chance to finish before Luke dashed off, electricity sparking through the hallway. Lewis sighed, turning around and continuing on his way, only for a flash of electricity to flash by him again.

"Wrong turn!" shouted Luke, his voice echoing from down the hallway.

After a few more seconds, Luke appeared again, skidding to a stop. "I found Seth; he was in the main room already."

"Thanks, Luke, though you might want to tone the speed down, and the electricity."

"My bad, I can't help it. I may or may not have blown out a few lightbulbs on my way, the thirteenth time this week too. I guess that means something. Anyways, I'll be in the main room-"

"Before you run off," said Lewis, catching his hand, the one with the rubber glove. "If you see Aaron on your way, tell him I've already told you."

"Told me what?"

"Team meeting, main room."

Luke snapped his fingers, at least attempted to since the rubber gloves on his hand prevented it. "Oh right! Nearly forgot, my head's all over the place! Thanks for the reminder, Lewis! Anyone else you want me to grab?"

"That'll be all, thank you."

"All right, see ya!"

Lewis held up a hand, only for Luke to run off before he could stop him. "No run-" never mind."

Lewis shook his head with a smile, resuming his walk. That kid certainly was a handful alright. But they needed someone like that. With all of his energy and hopefulness, it seemed nothing could put him down. Cynthia was also like that, mostly born out of her fantasies.

He found himself standing in front of the infirmary, the door shut. Resting a hand on the door handle, he pushed it open slowly, poking his head in.

Inside, there were three occupants in the room, two of them still and unmoving. Seated between the two bedridden Chosen, was Galena, sitting solemnly as she stared at the blue-green iridescent pendant she always wore, twirling it in her finger.

"Hey," said Lewis, slowly walking in. "I was just looking for you."

"Oh, hi Lewis," she said, her voice sad. "How're you feeling?"

Lewis was a bit surprised by the question, considering it was Galena who looked sad and reclusive. "I'm doing okay, I guess. Still… it's hard to believe this happened."

Galena nodded sadly. "We weren't there to help them. They gave so much to buy us a little more time. But that's why we can't give up, right? If it weren't for them, maybe I wouldn't have gotten there in time, so many more lives could've been lost."

"How are they looking?"

Asked Lewis after a brief silence passed between them.

Galena looked up. "They'll be fine, I'm sure they'll come to, they have to. Things will be okay."

Lewis nodded. "Thank you, Galena."

Galena laughed, waving a hand. "I haven't done anything, no need to thank me. I'm just trying to look out for everyone."

"Just make sure you're looking out for yourself."

"Of course I will, I'm doing fine, Lewis. Is there anything else you need?"

"Aaron's holding a team meeting in the main room to talk about our plans since Ava and Aiden are currently incapacitated."

"What time?"

Lewis paused. "Good question. I think we're just to head over ASAP and we'll start once everyone's gathered."

"All right, I'll be there! Do you need my help gathering anyone?"

"No, Cynthia should be the only one left. Let's walk together."

Galena hopped off the stool she was sitting on, her pink and blue skirt settling around her legs. "Let's go."

"Cynthia of the Intrepid Sword fells yet another enemy," said Cynthia, brandishing her sword and raising it into the air as she stood over a fallen Pokémon. "By the divine light of this sword, all evil will be vanquished!"

Finished with her spiel, she brought the sword to her forehead and caused it to disappear in a flash of light.

"Now, what next?"

She walked down the street, the sound of her lithe blue armor rubbing together filling the street. Coming to a stop, she decided it would be better if she was less recognizable. After all, there were too many foes lurking around, waiting for a chance to fight the Great Cynthia. Not like she didn't like a fight anyway.

Disengaging her armor, she headed down the street once more, carefully looking around her for any more Pokémon.

She didn't expect to find any Pokémon here, however. While this city was somewhat populated, at least before the invasion, the presence of the Chosen had caused less and less Pokémon to attack the city. However, the same was true for the general public, who still believed the Chosen were out to destroy them. Because of this new development, Cynthia was more or less patrolling rather than performing great acts of heroism in all-out battles.

Cynthia found it extremely annoying that the public still believed whatever lies the Gloom Organization fed them. The Gloom Organization did its best to cover their acts of heroism and paint everything in a negative light. Why couldn't these people just see the truth?

And the biggest problem was that even if some people did realize the Chosen were the real heroes, what could they do about it? Challenging the Gloom Organization was essentially a death sentence, and fear was a powerful factor in keeping people silent. That's why she, Synthia of the Intrepid Sword, would stand as a shining beacon to dispel the fear gripping the hearts of people.

The sound of helicopter blades pulled her out of her thoughts. Looking up, she saw an army helicopter flying towards her.

Her eyes widened as she saw something drop from the helicopter, the object flying directly towards her with a roar of fire. She ran to the side as fast as she could, leaping away as the missile struck the ground and exploded.

Her body glowed as her armor formed around her mid-flight, protecting her as she crashed and rolled through a building. Getting to her feet, she brandished her sword and stepped out of cover.

In front of her stood twelve heavily armed Gloom Agents. Each of them wore high-tech white armor that covered their full body, armed with an enhanced form of their standard energy gun and their energy swords.

"You guys sure don't hold back," said Cynthia, twirling her blade. "I take it you know who I am?"

One Gloom Agent stepped forward, this one wearing a gold stripe on his armor. "Yes, we know who you are, Accursed. You have been found guilty of

crimes against humanity by allying yourself with Pokémon. Surrender now and we'll kill you in a dignified manner."

"Wrong answer," said Cynthia, raising her sword as it began to glow. "I am Cynthia of the Intrepid Sword, a descendant of the Legendary Galarian Nobles who put an end to Eternatus' terror hundreds of years ago. I am Zacian's Chosen, and I live and die by the duty bound to me."

"What the? Get a load of this girl! Kill her!"

"Don't say I didn't warn you. However, in honor of your commitment, I will not hold back!"

The agents surrounding her opened fire with their weapons, sending out red bursts of energy that exploded upon making contact with the ground. Cynthia leaped into the air before the attacks hit, reaching a higher floor of the building as its entire foundation shook around her.

Leaping off the building, she took off in a sprint towards the group of agents her sword glowing with energy.

"Solar Slash!" she shouted, sending a massive crescent of energy flying towards her enemies.

The gathered agents scattered as they avoided the attack, allowing Cynthia to close the distance and leap into the air, bringing her sword down in a powerful arc toward the nearest foe.

"Moon Splitter!"

Her target raised his gun, trying to block the brunt of the attack. However, Cynthia's blade split the gun in half, causing a small explosion to blast the both of them away as sparks flew.

Landing on her feet, she dodged another shot, using her sword to block another oncoming attack. The nearest two Gloom Agents ditched their guns and pulled out their swords, charging forward with battle cries.

Cynthia smiled and dashed forward, engaging the two agents as they attacked simultaneously. She twirled around, deftly parrying both blades and attacking one agent, her blade cutting through their armor. Letting go of her sword, she ducked under an attack and kicked out at their legs, knocking them down and retrieving her sword before using her arm to block another strike.

The other Gloom Agent jumped back, allowing their comrades to open fire on her. Driving her sword into the ground, she let out a blue pulse of energy that created an explosion around her, mitigating some of the attacks, but not all.

Staggering back, she leaped for cover behind another building. Looking up, she saw the helicopter preparing to fire again. Looking around her, she spotted a building that was maybe ten meters away from the helicopter.

Forming a plan, she dove into the building she was currently in, racing up the stairs and breaking through the ceiling. There was a powerful roar as another missile slammed into the building, the ensuing explosion sending debris hurtling toward her and nearly blasting her clear out of the building.

However, she fought to keep herself steady and leaped into another building, catching its damaged wall and pulling herself onto the ceiling. Turning in the direction of the tall building she spotted earlier, she dashed and leaped across the large gap, shots firing from below.

The people piloting the helicopter realized her plan and began to pull away. However, they were too slow. Jumping through the top of the building, was Cynthia. She landed on the rooftop and launched herself at the helicopter, stabbing her sword through its windshield and control panel.

"Sorry to butt in, but your pilot's license has been canceled!"

With one swift motion, she kicked the armored piolet in the chest, knocking him from his seat. She threw him onto the building and twisted the flight stick to send the helicopter hurtling towards the panicking Gloom Agents, jumping out at the last second.

The helicopter hit the ground and exploded, a large fireball erupting around the crash site that knocked the scattered Gloom Agents and Cynthia to the ground with an impact that would kill a regular person.

Cynthia got to her feet, clutching her injured side. "Not the way I usually do things, but heroic, nonetheless. Fortunately, those heavy suits of armor aren't just for show. They should be fine. Me on the other hand…"

There was a noise behind her as the gold-striped Gloom Agent got to his feet, two of his men behind him.

"You damned Accursed. Today is the day you die!"

Cynthia narrowed her eyes. "So, the leader takes a stand one more. Hurt and bleeding, it doesn't matter. I'll vanquish you once and for all in the name of the Heavenly Behemoth Blade!"

"That won't be necessary," said a feminine voice from behind the three Gloom Agents.

The three agents turned around in surprise as a woman approached them.

She was a tall woman, standing over six feet and towering over all the people present. She had flowing, curly blonde hair and bright emerald-green eyes. She wore a set of plate armor, one that was technology-enhanced.

"Draw your weapons," she said, her voice powerful and calm as she drew a massive orange and silver sword.

"Who the hell are you?" demanded the leader, drawing his sword. "Another Accursed?"

One of the agents beside him flinched as she saw the sword. "S-Sir! We should leave immediately. You don't recognize her?"

"Should I?"

The woman pointed her sword at the man. "I am Gawain, Knight of the Sun. Your presence here is unappreciated. Leave the girl alone and conflict can be avoided."

The leader flinched at the name, knowing he was getting himself in hot water. "No can do, Ms. Gawain. This girl is an Accursed, this entire invasion is because of her kind!"

"So, what if it is? Starting a massive confrontation and destroying the city block is only furthering the goals of the Pokémon. Leave the situation to me, you're hurt enough as it stands. I doubt you'll be able to continue fighting."

"You're planning on letting her live, aren't you?" asked the leader. "You work for Aurora after all, and everyone knows about the two Accursed she has with her!"

Cynthia watched them, but everything they were saying flew over her head. Instead, her mind was completely in awe of the knight standing before her, wielding a sword and wearing armor.

"Under Lady Aurora's leadership, the 'Accursed' turning on humanity is something you don't need to worry about. The Gloom Republic and Lady Aurora have very different ideals and perspectives. Maybe the reason the 'Accursed' are so villainous is because you paint them to be so. If you chose to look beyond the fact that their powers, come from Pokémon, then maybe you'd realize they're much more heroic than you realize."

"Nonsense! Your words don't change the facts! We found the girl first, and we will put an end to her and her kind."

"And I intend to stop you. She may have power, but merely looking at her tells you she's still a child. You would sanction this?"

"I don't give a damn if she's sixteen, fifteen, or even ten! An Accursed must die in order to save this country from the Pokémon threat."

"Even when they're still human."

"I know exactly where their loyalties lie."

"Even without proper investigation."

The unit leader was absolutely furious now. "Why do you care so much? Did Aurora send you here? Are you her little lap dog now, responding to her every beck and call?"

Gawain didn't react to the insult. "Lady Aurora did send me here, but for different purposes. Even then, I cannot idly stand by as a heavily armed group of people chase after and try to kill a young girl. I'm surprised you don't hesitate to declare you'd kill a child for owning powers they had no choice in receiving. But if there's nothing, I can say to persuade you, ten draw your weapons and fight."

The unit leader opened his mouth to respond with an angry outburst but paused. This whole time, this so-called legendary knight hadn't attacked them. Rather, she invited them to prepare themselves before fighting. Surely no one was that stupid to give up their advantage. Unless she was bluffing in order to avoid a direct confrontation. Yes, that must be it.

The Gloom agent lunged forward with his sword; his confidence restored. Without seemingly moving a muscle, Gawain parried the stroke and reversed her sword, slashing upwards and knocking the weapon from his hand.

The leader fell to the ground, clutching his hand. Gawain stood over him, her sword pointed at him.

"I'm giving you a chance now. Yield and leave."

"I-I-I yield! I'm sorry, take the girl!"

"Gather your comrades and go. It wouldn't be wise to risk a sneak attack."

Without speaking any further, Gawain walked towards Cynthia, helping the girl to her feet.

"Are you okay?"

Cynthia nodded. "This fight was hardly a trifle. It would take much more than that to harm a knight like me!" By the way, you're called the Knight of the Sun? That's so cool! I'm also a knight! Your sword is so amazing, and your armor is fitting of a chivalrous knight like yourself. Did I mention I was a knight? We're so similar! Does your sword have a name? Mine is the Heavenly Behemoth Blade: Vanquisher of Darkness and Primordial Evil's Bane!"

Gawain smiled. "That's quite the name. Min sword is name Galatine. As for being a knight, you could say I serve under the house of Lady Aurora. If you don't mind me asking, have I seen you before? Your face is somewhat familiar."

"Probably not, because I don't recognize you at all. Besides, anyone would recognize the famous Cynthia of the Intrepid Sword! Chosen of Zacian, vanquisher of darkness!"

"So, you really are Zacian's Chosen. I guess as much based on the sword and armor. It's truly an honor meeting the Chosen of the hero Zacian.

Cynthia was slightly surprised at Gawain's admiration. "Wait, you don't hate Pokémon?"

Gawain shook her head. "Not all of them. It is fairer to judge someone by their actions and qualities, not the actions and qualities of others. At the end of the day, Zacian and Zamazenta-"

She paused as she saw someone walk up from behind Cynthia. Stepping forward, she placed a hand on the hilt of her sword.

Cynthia turned as well, her face lighting up as she recognized the plain-clothed man with a white headband.

"Hi, Master Kai!" she shouted, waving at him.

Kai returned a small smile. "Please, you don't need to call me that."

Looking around, he saw the destruction from Cynthia's battle and noticed the damage to her armor. "I had a hunch you'd gotten yourself into some trouble. Are you injured?"

"This is merely a scratch! Nothing I can't handle."

Gawain had been silently observing their interactions, but now stepped forward, her hand never leaving her sword hilt.

"Tell me, Kai. Do you know of the Pine Orphanage incident? After all, you were one of the people involved."

Kai looked at her, his face betraying no information. "Not many people know that."

"Research has been done. I know much more than you think I do. For example, I know that you and two other Chosen were involved in a battle against an otherworldly Pokémon. I have descriptions of both other individuals. Not only that, but a seventeen-year-old boy by the name of Luke Alistar disappeared after the battle and was most likely taken into custody by the group of Chosen, after being Chosen himself."

"Your research must be thorough because Luke's last name was never officially recognized."

"I knew him personally."

"Considering all the information you have; you had a purpose in coming here."

"Yes, I am to find and retrieve Luke Alistar. After all, he still is a ward of the state. Lady Aurora has already agreed to place him under her care."

"I'm guessing his status as a Chosen played a role in that. After all, Aurora has begun to employ Chosen in her army."

"Perhaps she's doing this out of kindness, perhaps she's doing it because Luke could prove essential in stopping the invasion of Pokémon. No matter the intention, I'm here to carry out her wishes."

"I'm already doing a perfectly fine job taking care of him."

"Only you?"

"Me and two other people."

"Including Cynthia, wouldn't that make it four?"

"The last Chosen has little affiliation with us. We were only unwilling allies for a moment, united against the Ultra Beast in order to stave off its destructive rampage."

"I see. Either way, how many people are taking care of him doesn't matter. While I'm not making accusations, you could be charged with kidnapping."

"There's just one issue. Luke is staying with us by his own free will. The decision of whether or not he'll be placed under Aurora's care takes his decision into account, does it not?"

"It does, but the issue could be forced if need be."

Kai thought for a moment. This conversation wasn't going anywhere for the most part. He knew of Aurora and all the good things she did, but he was hesitant to trust her with Luke, especially since he was a Chosen.

"Give us some time to think about it."

Gawain nodded. "Of course. I can come with you if you don't mind."

"It's fine, we can agree to meet somewhere in two hours."

"We won't try and run," said Cynthia. "You have my word as a knight!"

Gawain smiled slightly. "I trust you. After all, the word of a knight isn't to be taken lightly."

"Why'd you tell her there were only four of us?" asked Cynthia as she and Kai walked through the base's secret entrance.

"Forgive my cautiousness, but I am hesitant to fully trust Aurora's intentions, especially when it comes to a matter like this. The less people know of us, the safer things will be."

"I suppose, but she's so nice! She's a knight, just like me!"

Kai laughed softly. "Two birds of the same feather."

"There you guys are!" shouted Aaron as they walked into the main area. "We've been waiting quite a while now."

"My apologies. A lot of things happened between now and when I first set out."

Aaron waved the apology away. "It's not that big of a deal, at least we're all here!"

Cynthia sat directly next to Lewis, practically leaping for the seat. "It's been a minute, Lewis of the Dauntless Shield! Tell me, when will we spar? You haven't been doing much since we all reconvened here! It would be terrible for my fated rival to fall so far behind me! Like how steel sharpens steel, I will-"

"Now that we're all here," said Aaron, cutting Cynthia off. "We can finally talk about what we're going to do next. Ever since that battle, we've been inactive, twiddling our thumbs while the Gloom Organization does what they please and the Pokémon lay waste to humanity."

"Shouldn't we focus on stopping the invasion rather than worry about the Gloom Organization?" asked Luke, swinging his legs. "After all, we're meant to quell the Pokémon, I think."

"That's a great point," said Kai. "But I fear that's what the Gloom Organization is counting on."

"That we fulfill our purpose and make them look bad?"

Seth shook his head. "No, Luke. What Kai means is that if you guys are busy fighting the Pokémon, they'll be free to do whatever the hell they want."

"Such fiends," growled Cynthia, clenching a fist. "Laying down the lives of the people they pledged to protect for their own twisted goals."

"But it isn't all hopeless," said Galena. "Other people have started fighting back against the Pokémon. Doesn't that leave us free "to go after the Gloom Organization?

"I-If only w-we knew what they were d-doing," said Cyan.

"What are they even trying to achieve?" asked Luke. "World domination, destruction of Pokémon, infinite power? Or all three?"

"Well, this invasion gives them the perfect opportunity to do all three," said Aaron. "With the capture of Marshadow, many Legendries have grown hesitant."

"But don't we hold the Ultra Beasts now?" asked Lewis.

"But they hold Marshadow," answered Kai. "Wo knows what kind of power that enabled for them."

Luke nodded. "If only we knew!"

"The answer is simple here," said Seth, rising to his feet. "We don't know what the Gloom Organization is doing. Then forget them! If we know they're using this Pokémon invasion to further their goals, then we fight the Pokémon invasion until it's gone and they no longer have leverage!"

"B-But then w-we may be p-playing right i-into their hands," argued Cyan.

"So, what if we are? Then they'd finally show their face! We're not winning a war of attrition and sitting here thinking won't do anything. We act now and fight our way through the consequences."

"I agree with that," said Aaron. "We've done nothing so far. Sometimes, you have to go at things guns blazing."

"And stand for justice!" shouted Cynthia, jumping up and brandishing her sword. "Together, Lewis and I shall vanquish the forces of evil."

Kai stood up, his voice serious. "If we are to follow that course of action, then our numbers won't be enough. We'll have to seek outside aid."

"What are you thinking?" asked Lewis.

"While I was out looking for Cynthia, we came across a woman named Gawain-"

"Gawain?" asked Luke, shooting up so fast that his powers activated. "As in the Knight of the Sun Gawain?"

"Ye-"

"I know her! She visited my orphanage a bunch of times and I got to talk to her a lot. Considering I was there all my life, I actually got to know her really well! I didn't know she was around, why was she here anyways?"

"She was looking for you. Aurora's caught wind of you being a Chosen and wishes to take you in."

Luke's eyes glowed, but then he hesitated. "But what does that mean for you guys?"

"That's what we need to decide. She also knows about me, Cynthia, and Cyan."

"W-We can all go as a g-group," said Cyan.

Galena shook her head. "Ava, Aiden, and Aaron's siblings are still here. Someone or some people are going to have to stay back and protect the base."

"Then I, Master Kai, and Cyan can accompany Luke! Not only will we gain more allies, but we can keep the rest of your identities a secret until we decide otherwise."

It was a surprisingly solid plan, especially considering the person it was coming from.

Lewis raised a hand. "Is it really okay, splitting the team up like this?"

Kai considered the question. "We don't have too much of a choice. And it may be better this way. A larger group attracts more attention. This could provide an opportunity to strike at the Gloom Organization from two fronts. Also, being sponsored by someone like Aurora has multiple benefits. The pros-"

He was interrupted by the sound of the main door opening, the hydraulics of the security door hissing open. Everyone got to their feet, preparing themselves for the intruder.

Walking through the door, was a tall, gray-haired man who seemed to be in his fifties. He had a gaunt expression about him and pale skin, an exhausted aura surrounding him. He wore an all-black cloak, black gloves, black boots, and a bowler hat that cast a shadow over his face.

"No need to panic," he said, his voice sounding like he'd been through a lot. "It's only me."

"Hi Orion," said Galena cheerfully.

Aaron gave a sarcastic smile. "It's the once-in-a-blue-moon guy. Good to see you, for about an hour or so."

Orion sighed like he always did. "Now's not the time for jokes. Honestly, there is never a time to be making jokes. A village far removed from the Mestian metropolis has been completely and utterly destroyed. I have confirmed the identity of the attacker and their role in this invasion."

Lewis looked up. "One of the Legendary Guardians, right?"

"Correct. A powerful Pokémon known as Zygarde is the one who incited the Pokémon to attack. This invasion is the result of Zygarde stoking the anger of the wronged Pokémon. What it hopes to gain, I don't know. What I do know, however, is that two of the Gloom Organization's strongest members confronted it head-on, having arrived at the village before it."

"Meaning they were looking for something beforehand, something that Zygarde was looking for as well," said Kai.

"Precisely. Zygarde is made up of one hundred cells. The more cells it has, the stronger it is. Some Zygarde cells were held at this village. Now, Zygarde is racing with the Gloom Organization to find its missing cells. Right now, it's at fifty."

Galena became uneasy. "And if it gets all one hundred…"

Orion nodded. "It's the end of the human race as we know it. Zygarde, as it stands, is too powerful for us to handle alone. All we can do is find its cells, prevent them from fusing, and pray the Legendary Guardians will step in."