Despised by everyone who lives, everyone except her. But she isn't here right now, and who knows if she'll even make it. Instead, I'm surrounded by haters. They don't know I know, their true feelings. But it doesn't matter, I'm used to the hate at his point. I don't need to prove anything to anyone. I just need to survive.

A military transport plane flew over a large city, its propellers whirring over the sound of emergency sirens.

Beneath the plane, the world was on fire. Sounds of destruction filled the air as Pokémon swept over the city, destroying all signs of human civilization. It was a desperate scene, one that invoked fear into all hearts.

But not the hearts of the multiple brave fighters aboard this plane.

Within the plane sat twelve soldiers, all wearing military-grade combat suits and advanced gun-based weaponry.

In front of these twelve men stood their troop commander, denoted by the ribbon on her armor.

The commander raised her arm in a salute. "Attention!"

"Yes sir!" chorused the assembled soldiers.

"Who are we?"

"This nation's defense force!"

"Why do we fight?"

"To protect the people!"

"Who do we serve?"

"Our region and her people!"

After the last statement, all thirteen soldiers stood up, placing a hand over their hearts as they sang an anthem, declaring their loyalty to their region and promising to lay down their lives in service.

Among them was Heyden, who was also wearing a military-grade suit. While he stood for this pledge, he wasn't reciting it. When he had tried doing so, he'd received a sharp glare from a blond-haired man to his side, who'd later painfully grinded Heyden's foot with his heel. As Heyden had quickly learned, he was not welcome here.

The assembled soldiers finished reciting the pledge, sitting back down.

"We're approaching the drop-off zone in T-minus forty seconds," said the commander, strapping on a parachute. "Remember, our mission is to drive back Pokémon forces and keep them away from major infrastructure and residential districts."

"If we're fighting Pokémon, then why are we taking the Accursed along?" muttered the blonde-haired man.

"Private Johnson! Is there something you wish to say?"

"No, captain."

"You better not have anything to say. We're not the only ones fighting here. We all fight for the same purpose, or did you not recite the pledge just now?"

Johnson didn't respond, choosing to quietly slip on his parachute. Heyden looked around for where his parachute should be but didn't find it.

Heyden could feel Johnson's spitefulness radiating off the man. With a slightly bemused expression, he turned to face the man.

"Not a good inventory manager, are you?"

Johnson looked at him, his expression cold. "Don't you have your Pokémon powers? Why don't you use those?"

"I'd love to, if they let me fly."

Heyden casual and sarcastic behavior only angered the man. "I don't know what Lady Aurora saw in scum like you. If it were up to me, you'd be sitting in an electric chair right now."

"Well, it's a good thing this isn't up to you." he reached out and patted Johnson's shoulder. "You know what would be a good saying? If you want to call shots for a military campaign, fund it yourself."

Johnson slapped Heyden's hand away, leading to another rebuke from the captain.

"Get ready people, we're dropping off! Private Smith, open the bay door."

"What are you going to do now?" mocked Johnson.

Heyden smiled. "Something impressive."

Johnson lined up behind the nearest person. "Go ahead, Accursed. Go to hell."

Heyden watched as the man leaped out of the plane, his parachute unfurling as he descended into the battlefield below.

Heyden was next. He bounced on his feet, preparing to jump. If things went well, he'd be fine. Most likely though, he was probably going to screw up. He could survive a major fall if he did things right.

The captain studied him. "Private Asher. Where's your parachute?"

Heyden laughed. "Don't worry about it, we all die someday."

Without another word, he jumped out of the bay door. As he dove to the city below him, he couldn't help but let out a scream of exhilaration. Despite the fact he was most probably plummeting to death, he couldn't deny it was fun.

Pulling himself out of his thoughts, he focused on the energy within him, charging up a large amount of Dynamax energy. If he did this right, he could create a blast of energy to redirect his force and land safely. At least, Melusine could. From how she handled her powers, she seemed to have years of experience.

But if she'd been a Chosen for so long, what did that make him? Heyden closed his eyes, he was no fraud. She was probably angry that she'd fallen out of Eternatus' favor.

He cursed inwardly as he realized his focus had slipped. He knew he didn't have long; he'd already passed the parachuting soldiers and was approaching the ground quickly. Releasing his power, he shot a blast of Dynamax Energy that sent him flying upwards, passing a soldier on his way.

Realizing he had overdone it, he used a smaller blast to redirect his flight, launching him off to the side. Unfortunately, he lacked the fine-tuned control Melusine had and was headed straight for a building.

There was a sudden impact from mid-air as something caught him, which he assumed was not the building. Looking up, he realized with a twinge of annoyance it was Melusine, who seemed to be flying perfectly.

"Thanks!" he shouted over the rushing wind. "I didn't expect you to care!"

Melusine flew to the ground, dropping Heyden none too gently. "Loathe as I am to admit, you're more useful to Aurora alive than dead."

"I knew you had a soft-"

"Shut up."

Listening to Melusine was dead last on the list of things he wished to do. "How'd you fly like that, without using propulsion blasts?"

Melusine looked at him steadily. "You'd be able to figure that out if you weren't a fraud."

"You keep saying that."

Melusine walked away, gauntlets appearing on her fist. "Don't slow me down."

Heyden chased after her as she launched herself into the air. "Try not to slow me down!"

He cursed as he saw the distance between them rapidly begin to increase. Gathering Dynamax Energy around him, he exploded into the air, trying to copy her movements as best as he could.

Melusine landed amidst a group of Pokémon, Dynamax Energy exploding all around her. She dashed to a nearby Blaziken, landing a punch that released an explosion of Dynamax Energy around her.

Heyden landed soon after, channeling Dynamax Energy through his arm and unleashing an explosion of energy at a group of three Pokémon. He spun around as a Corviknight came barreling towards him, dodging the attack.

Melusine dashed forward, using Dynamax Energy to speed herself up. She reached the Corviknight before it could fly away, grabbing it by its tail and whipping it around, releasing shockwaves of Dynamax Energy into it before slamming it into the ground.

"Your usage of Dynamax Energy lacks refinement," said Melusine, not looking at Heyden.

"Oh I'm sorry, I didn't realize this was graded. Any other pieces of feedback you'd like to give?"

"You're no use to anyone if you lack technique and are wasteful with how you use your power."

"You want to fight? I don't remember ever finishing our battle."

"I'd crush you in an instant."

Heyden knew he was broaching dangerous territory, but he was very fed up with Melusine at this point.

"I don't remember you crushing me in an instant last battle. Maybe I'm wrong, who knows? I'd love to see you try, Melusine. I don't know why you act so superior when it comes to being Eternatus' Chosen. Last I remember, I'm also its Chosen. Not only that, but Eternatus hasn't bothered contacting you in Arceus knows how long. So tell me Melusine, what makes you so much better than me?"

Heyden could tell he'd hit her where it hurt and regretted it for more than one reason. Melusine lunged forward, her fist swinging for Heyden's fist. Heyden however, saw it coming and blocked it, Dynamax Energy dispersing around them.

Melusine shoved him back, her eyes glinting dangerously. "A fraud like you would never understand. Get this into your head. You're not worthy of Eternatus' power, and you'll never be."

Heyden held her gaze, betraying no emotion. She turned around and flew off, leaving alone among the defeated Pokémon.

"Someone just had to go and make this personal," muttered Heyden. "Can there really be only one Chosen?"

Things had really gotten out of hand. His meeting with Aurora had left him with two choices. Fight against the invading Pokémon on Aurora's behalf while living under her endorsement. Due to being hated by the public, everyone would assume that Aurora was rehabilitating him after taking pity on such a horrid person, crediting her with any good he did. Heyden didn't like this, which mostly stemmed from his distrust towards Aurora. Also, serving under her would make him stand out, especially towards the Gloom Organization.

Refusing her, however, was a dangerous idea. If he valued his well-being, contradicting her would not be a good idea, especially since Ali was under her care. Heyden shook his head. Why had he been so useless that day? If it wasn't for him getting attacked like that, Ali wouldn't have had to step in and risk her life by tapping into her full powers.

No matter how hard he tried, nothing good ever seemed to come out of it. Ali put herself in danger because of him. Melusine was constantly showing him up. He wouldn't be surprised if Aurora decided he wasn't worth any consideration and got rid of him.

He closed his eyes, tapping into his feelings of anger and frustration, using them to fuel him as he headed towards the nearest Danger Zone. His grandmother always taught him about the importance of emotions. You could either harness them to your advantage or let them overwhelm you.

As always, Heyden decided on the first option. He wasn't going to let Melusine, Aurora, Johnson, or life in general walk over him. He was going to do something about his situation.

Melusine flew over the ruined city, silently berating herself over how long she had been away from Aurora. Yes, she left Aurora in perfectly capable hands, but she trusted herself over all others when it came to protecting her.

She shouldn't have spent so long arguing with Heyden. He was a fraud, an underserving holder of Eternatus' power. Yet he continued to mock her as if he meant something to the Legendary Guardian. Why didn't she matter to it? After all these years, and yet no contact.

Looking down, she noticed that she'd reached her destination. Below her was a large camp right in the middle of the city. A makeshift wall was built around massive white tents, armed soldiers desperately fighting off the nearby Pokémon.

She landed some distance away from the camp, choosing to enter on foot. Behind her, however, she heard the voice of a Pokémon speaking to her.

"Why do you fight with them?" asked the Pokémon, a Claydol. "Come to us, fight with us. The Oathbreakers aren't deserving of your abilities!"

Melusine didn't respond, she didn't need to. This Pokémon was of no consequence to her. Dynamax Energy swirled around her arm, gathering into a condensed ball of energy that she fired at the Claydol.

The Claydol flew backward, smashing into a wall and falling to the ground. "You'd defy us Pokémon? You know our forces cannot be repelled, yet you still persist. What drives you to such lengths?"

Melusine didn't need to think about it, nor did she need to answer. Her devotion to Aurora, a woman who had done so much kindness towards her, was her purpose in life.

Aurora was also the purpose for living when it came to many other people. With her overwhelming kindness and generosity, she changed the lives of so many people. Even now, this entire military struggle was funded by her. The inadequacy of the Gloom Organization and her powerful words inspired people to act in defense of the region, forming their own military.

It had only been a week after the major incident in Rosecove City, yet the people were already organized. This military base was the newest one of many built around the region. Evacuees were given a safe haven here as soldiers worked tirelessly to defend them as fortifications were constructed.

Despite the fact the base was unfinished and thus more dangerous than the others, Aurora chose to be there. She was a figure of hope a brought a sense of peace and joy to the assembled people. Everyone loved her, some going as far as to call her a benevolent prophetess.

As Melusine walked into the base, she saw Aurora standing on a podium, preparing to give a speech to the exhausted medical workers and wounded soldiers. Sinking into the crowd, she kept an eye out for any suspicious individuals, keeping watch on Aurora as well.

Aurora spread her arms in greeting, the sun's warm rays illuminating her figure. "I would like to thank all the emergency care workers, soldiers, counselors, search and rescue operatives, and all the people who are fighting. Whether it be in this base or on the base, all of you play a pivotal role in ending this tragedy and saving human lives. We can achieve brighter futures, futures where we can live in peace, futures without fear or despair! All of us are making an impact! Together, we are paving the way to this brighter future!"

The gathered people broke into cheers, Aurora's words resonating with their hopes and dreams. Aurora smiled, holding her hand up for quiet.

"While it is unfortunate that I must leave for now, I will not forget the faces of those who fought to secure our bright future. A leader is someone who doesn't hesitate to put themselves in danger before others, one who leads others by example. By putting yourselves out there, all of you are leaders. May all of us find strength within ourselves and each other. We will prevail!"

Once again, cheers broke out as Aurora stepped off the stage, her rally speech finished. Melusine appeared at Aurora's side immediately, as well as Coral and four of Aurora's bodyguards.

"That was a wonderful speech, Lady Aurora!" said Coral. Your speech invoked many different wonderful feelings. I'm sure the people are inspired by your words!"

"Tell me about the funding and supplies," said Aurora.

"The funding you generously provided is mainly going towards medical care. And food. Unfortunately, there's been a decrease in military supplies. The Gloom Organization has been setting up tariffs with other regions and is pushing for an embargo. As for infrastructure opportunities, those are available directly in this region."

"Have our suppliers sell directly to my companies in other regions. I'll have them sent here under my name."

"Of course, Lady Aurora. I'll see that it's done."

"What of our guest?"

"Her vitals are stable, there's no telling when she'll wake up though. We have our best doctors with her, but they're stumped."

"No matter. I'll be heading back to my mansion for a day or two before visiting another military base. If she doesn't wake up by then, I still have the other one. Speaking of that, I hope you didn't give him too much trouble, Melusine."

"Nothing more than he deserves. I heard one of the privates let him jump from a plane without a parachute."

"Yet I was the one who said the Chosen could be there," said Aurora, beckoning one of her guards. "See to it the private learns to accept my orders."

"Yes ma'am."

Finally, the group made it to a helicopter. One of the guards went ahead to open the door, allowing Melusine, Aurora, and Coral to enter. Entering the pilot's seat, the other three guards went to fly three other attack helicopters, just in case anything decided to attack.

As the entourage flew off to Aurora's mansion, Heyden watched them, go. He had heard the speech and felt himself swayed by Aurora's words. Had he not had a chance to meet the woman up close, he too would probably have called her a benevolent prophetess. All he could hope for was not to piss her off.

Ali sat by herself, playing video games in an arcade bar. She went here frequently, mostly to relax. She didn't drink alcohol, and never would, but her friends enjoyed going there, which is why she got into going to such a place.

As of right now, the arcade bar was mostly empty. Her friends had left some time ago and so had most of the regular patrons. After all, it was that point in time when business would be slow.

That's why she was surprised when she heard the soft jingle of the door opening. Looking up from her video game, she saw a handsome man with dark gray hair and light green eyes, a light beard growing on his face.

She'd never seen the man here before, which was interesting. This place was old and therefore didn't have a lot of new customers due to the stiff competition around. Curiously, the man didn't order alcohol, options for a light side instead.

"I just needed something to drink," said the man as he paid for the soda. "It's been a pretty long drive."

"Going on a business trip?" asked the bartender, pouring the drink into a glass cup.

"Coming back from one actually. I've been living around here for some time, but never really came to these kinds of places. Work's been pretty demanding nowadays, I would love to take a break now and then to unwind, but I'm a pretty important guy around my workplace."

The man talked easily, there was a sense of confidence in his voice, one that Ali felt herself drawn to. She casually looked at the man, taking in his handsome features.

"I heard you had video games here," said the man.

"For paying customers."

Kai held up his drink. "So that means I count, right?"

The bartender laughed. "Of course. Go ahead and enjoy yourself. Just a warning, some of those games may be as old as you."

The man joined in on his laughter. "I'm guessing you mean to say the games here aren't old at all."

"I'll leave that up to you to decide."

The man chuckled, standing to his feet and heading over to the section where Ali was. He watched her play with a bit of interest, recognizing the game she was playing from his high school years.

"Isn't that Formula Zero?" asked the man, watching Ali as she easily drifted around the track into first place.

Ali nodded, a bit shy. "Yeah, it's the first game in a pretty old series. It was one of the first and most popular racing games of its time. I'm surprised you know it actually."

"Well, I played it in high school when it first came out. I recall not being very good at it. At least, not as good as you."

Ali gave him a sly smile. "The game came out almost twenty years ago."

The man gave her a jokingly horrified look. "Does this mean I'm old?"

They both laughed together, but the laughter faded as the scene shifted and distorted.

All around her, different scenes began to play. Their first date, their first kiss. Celebration over her graduating college, celebrating his promotion, and waving goodbye as he left for work.

The sinking feeling in her heart as policemen knocked on her door. The grave looks on their faces as they produce his picture.

"Karl Hiesen, age forty-four, dead. Nobody was found. The entire factory had collapsed. No one's life was spared."

Ali woke up, tears on her face. It had been a dream, no, it was a recollection of her life.

She closed her eyes, grief filling her body as she tried to adjust. Opening them, she realized she was in a lavish room, and unfamiliar one as well.

She tried to remember what had happened. Yveltal's Chosen, Heyden almost dying, opening a Distortion World. Everything after that was blank.

She got to her feet, almost falling over from weakness. How long has she been here? Looking around, she was amazed at how lavish the room was. Clearly, the person taking care of her was extremely rich.

Then she realized. She must be in Aurora's mansion. From what she remembered, that girl she and Heyden had allied with must've been affiliated with her. It only made sense that she'd end up here after passing out during the battle.

That also meant Heyden was most likely safe, which was a good thing.

She went to the bathroom to wash up. Afterward, she went through a large selection of clothes to find something to wear. Despite the lavish selection, she picked out a plain black dress after checking the length of its sleeves.

As she was putting it on, she ran a hand over the scars on her arms. Without him, she couldn't find a reason to live, yet here she stood. She defied death once again. It was too cruel. No matter how many times she faced death, she somehow escaped. Yet, he was gone.

She finished dressing and quietly opened the door, slipping out of the room. She needed to get her strength back. But first, she had to find Heyden.

By the amount of light streaming through the soft curtains, it seemed to be the mid-afternoon. She walked through the hallway, looking at all the doors around her. This Aurora person was definitely beyond generous, to be providing housing to so many people, even if temporary.

She noticed a girl walking towards her. She was wearing some kind of uniform, so Ali assumed she worked there.

"Welcome, Mistress Matthews. It's good to see you awake."

"T-Thank you. How long have I been asleep?"

"About nine days now."

Ali paused. Nine days?

The girl saw her distraught expression. "Our best physicians were looking after you. No major effects should bother you, but feel free to find me if you're experiencing any discomfort. As for now, food and exercise are vital. Would you like me to lead you lead you to the kitchen?"

Ali shook her head. "Not right now. What happened Heyden? The person who was with me?"

The girl looked away for a moment. "Master Asher isn't here right now."

"Where is he?"

"He's currently on a mission right now, fighting against an invading force of Pokémon. I don't know much about it, but he apparently made a deal with Aurora and now works for her. I'm sorry I couldn't be of more assistance."

"No, it's okay. What's your name?"

"It's Fiona, miss."

"Okay, Fiona. Why don't we head to the kitchens now."

Fiona's eyes brightened. "Of course! I'll be happy to lead the way."

Ali followed Fiona as the girl led her down the hallway. By the way, the girl walked, she clearly seemed to enjoy being there.

"Do you work here?" asked Ali.

"Yup! For four years now! I typically help Aurora's esteemed guests who stay here."

Ali was surprised. By the looks of it, the girl could've only been eighteen or nineteen at most.

"How did someone as young as you start working here?"

"Well," said Fiona, seeming a bit hesitant. "I was orphaned in a Pokémon attack some time ago. I never fit in at the orphanage either, so I was really alone. But one day, Aurora met me while visiting the orphanage. Her generosity had saved me back then, and I really looked up to her. Then, she allowed me to work and live here. Since then, I've made so many friends here and completely turned my life around."

Ali was silent, thinking. If Aurora saved so many people, one of them might have been Karl. Could she ask Aurora for assistance in finding him?

They reached the kitchen, where Fiona presented the various kinds of food prepared by the high-class chefs.

"Over here is the food meant for guests. I'll go tell Aurora of your awakening while you eat. She's staying in her mansion for about a day. No doubt she'll wish to speak with you as soon as possible."

After she left, Ali was left alone in the dining room, the ambiance of other's discussion surrounding her. From what Fiona told her, Aurora lived in a different building within the area, which only made sense. She had seen a few looks outside and had seen the massive amounts of land that belonged to her.

She began to eat the small amount of food in front of her. Despite having been inactive for so long, she found that her appetite was small. Then again, she had always found it hard to eat after he disappeared.

She finished her meal and stood up, looking around for where to put her dishes. Before she could figure it out, however, a different girl approached her.

"I'll handle that. Aurora will see you now. Once you exit the guest wing and head downstair, you'll find an escort waiting for you."

"She has time for me already?"

"I suppose you've piqued her interest, lucky you. I wouldn't keep her waiting. She's a very busy woman."

Ali nodded her thanks and left the dining area. She was one step closer to finding Karl. Hopefully, he survived falling through the Wormhole like she did.

Ali found herself in front of a large, beautifully carved door with many intricate doors. Behind her stood the three guards who'd first driven her from the guest building to Aurora's mansion, then escorted her through the building until they reached Aurora's office.

Curiously, she didn't see Melusine at all during the trip. If she had to guess, the girl was probably fighting in the same place as Heyden. Considering the kind of woman Aurora was, it came as no surprise to Ali that she'd assist with the war effort.

She still couldn't believe what was happening out there. Fiona had filled her in on all the details of the invasion, and it truly horrified her. In her world, Pokémon were protected and treated with respect after urbanization had lowered their numbers. While Heyden had filled her in on this world's history with Pokémon, she still couldn't believe that it would come to this.

The world she was currently in was a bleak one, that much was clear. But she had to keep pushing on. She would find him, hope existed for a reason.

"Excuse me, Miss Matthews," said one of the guards, producing a pair of plush slippers. "We don't allow shoes in Lady Aurora's office."

Ali nodded, removing the shoes she was searing and exchanging them with the slippers. Satisfied with this, one of the guards knocked on the door. "Lady Aurora. Miss Matthews has been brought as you requested."

Confident that he had announced himself, he opened the door, waving Ali in.

As Ali walked in, she couldn't help but marvel at the spacious room in front of her. The walls were lined with bookshelves carved from rare and expensive wood, rare texts and manuscripts filling the shelves. Beautiful pieces of art dotted the walls in carefully calculated spots, a large painting framed in gold behind Aurora's desk.

Sunlight streamed through a large window, gold gold-colored curtains parted slightly. A soft rug covered the ground, intricate patterns sewn on it. The centerpiece of the room was the large desk Aurora was seated at.

"Welcome, Alika Matthews," said Aurora. "You've kept me waiting. Though, I suppose it's no fault of your own."

"Thank you for allowing Heyden and me to stay at your facility."

Aurora shook her head, indicating a chair in front of her. "It's of no consequence, have a seat, we have a lot to talk about."

Ali took a seat, sitting beneath Aurora's piercing gaze.

"How are you feeling, Alika?"

"I'm feeling much better, thank you. Physically, I'm feeling a bit weak."

"It's only natural, considering how long you were sleeping. I've heard of your exploits. The power you wield interests me. The power you exhibited that day is similar to that of Giratina's if what I've read is correct. That makes you Giratina's Chosen."

It wasn't a question, but Ali nodded anyway, not able to break eye contact with Aurora. She noticed, interestingly enough, that Aurora used the word Chosen rather than Accursed.

"I have a proposition for you, dear Alika. I'll give you a place to live, for as long as you need it. You'll have food, clothing, and anything you need. In return, you'll work for me."

"What would you have me do?"

Aurora steepled her hands, her regal posture exuding power. "It's simple. You'll fight under my name. I'm assuming you know about the invasion."

"Yes, Lady Aurora."

"As you may know, I'm committed to helping those in need and pushing back the invasion force, so no more lives are lost. You will serve as one of my fighters. After all, fighting as a vigilante wouldn't work out for you, considering the public's opinion of you."

Ali considered this. The invasion couldn't last long, what would happen after that? As long as she worked with Aurora, she'd have a chance to find Karl. "What about after the invasion is over?"

Aurora smiled. "We'll see after that. I have a few… annoyances that need to be taken care of. But for now, driving back the invasion is our singular focus."

"What's the alternative?"

"According to current law, you're still a criminal. Unfortunately, I wouldn't be able to let you stay here under those circumstances. While I have nothing against you, I can't say the same for the rest of the population."

Ali knew what she was implying. Heyden had already accepted, considering he was sent on a mission. "I accept."

"As I knew you would. You're smart, Alika, I can tell that much. Now, about what you wanted to ask me."

Ali paused. "About what I wanted?"

"Of course. There's something on your mind. I can tell such things, Alika."

Alika looked down. "There's a man I'm looking for, his name is Karl Hiesen. He disappeared after an accident one day. I've heard so much about your generosity and how you've helped so many people. Is it possible that he could be located?"

Aurora studied her. "You'll have to tell me more than that, Alika. You know more about his disappearance than you're letting on. If you wish for me to find him, then you'll have to give me more information. After all, you want your loved one found, don't you?"

"He fell into an Ultra Wormhole."

"Those typically lead away from this world, no? You're still hiding something."

Ali didn't know how much she should tell her but knew it was futile to try and hide things from Aurora. "Both he and I fell from another world into this one. I managed to survive falling into it, so I believe he did as well. Please, Lady Aurora."

"I'll see what I can do. It was good meeting you, Alika Matthews."

Ali nodded, slowly getting to her feet. "Likewise, Lady Aurora."

Aurora watched Ali leave the room, thinking to herself. Alternate worlds, all filled with people she could exert influence over. She liked that idea. Research into these Ultra Wormholes needed to be conducted. All it took was a bit of money.