Chapter 31 – Ambition

Barking Up the Wrong Tree: 300-Year-Old Oak Vanishes in Overnight "Mystery Boom"

Visitors to Absentia Natural Park woke up yesterday to a rather shocking sight – or rather, the lack of one. The park's beloved "Old Bartholomew," a towering, 300-year-old oak tree and a landmark of the park for generations, has mysteriously vanished, seemingly obliterated by a powerful, late-night blast. The only thing left behind? A smoking crater and a few twigs. "I've seen windstorms, lightning, even a mudslide take down a tree or two," Park Ranger Mel Wiggins told us, "But I'll be darned if I know what could've just…vaporized ol' Bart." Officials continue to investigate the odd event, leaving locals baffled - and mourning the sudden loss of their oldest (and largest) neighbour.

Colress almost skipped the tiny article in his morning paper. He was in a decidedly better mood than he had been in for a while. He had even managed a few consecutive hours of sleep the previous night while Elgyem had playfully roamed around him. The little space man was a refreshing presence in his gloomy lab. In some inexplicable way, it seemed to lift the oppressive darkness that pressed in through the perpetually black windows.

Colress did a double take as he skimmed the paper. 'A tree blown up... This is exactly what I've been waiting for. What other Pokémon could reduce a tree like that to ash? It's got to be...'

Colress didn't even finish his cup of tea before grabbing his cloak and skidding out of the door. Absentia Natural Park was in Castelia City. If he caught the train now, he could be there by early afternoon.

The sky was grey and the air full of a misty rain when he arrived at the park. The grass was soaking and muddy underfoot as he trudged to the large crater, which was still surrounded by journalists.

'Fascinating...' he thought, marvelling at the destruction. Charred splinters of wood and sheered roots sticking up from the earth were all that remained of the tree. Seeing it in person, he had no doubt that this was the work of Genesect.

What was strange was the lack of destruction anywhere else. It was hardly a rampage, more of a surgical strike, the calculated assassination of one singular tree. But why? Was the tree important? Colress chuckled to himself as he found himself considering whether Old Bartholomew had somehow antagonised the creature. No... But there was something he was missing.

Colress pulled out his scanner and began traipsing around the park in the rain. Absentia Natural Park was enormous. Some of it was open fields, where the decimated tree had stood, and some of it was dense woodland. By the time the sky began to darken, he was sodden, muddy, freezing and Genesect-less.

Colress sighed, tucking his scanner away. If Genesect had been here, it wasn't here anymore. The search continued.

For now, he decided that he needed a hot drink. The December chill was biting and his joints ached as he made his way back to the bustling city streets. Christmas lights hung on strings above him and every shop window was adorned with decorations. He barely saw them. He hadn't thought about Christmas for a long time.

He found a small coffee shop, tucked away enough that it seemed to avoid the worst of the holiday rush. It was warm inside and his glasses steamed up instantly. 'Cup of tea and plan where to search next,' he thought absentmindedly as he ordered.

When he turned to find a table, that's when he saw her. At the back, sitting alone with a large cup of coffee, was Annie. She looked the same as she always did, her green sweater peaking from beneath a worn denim jacket, her auburn hair falling in waves over her shoulders. She had a Friend Ball out on the table in front of her, which she was rolling absentmindedly under her finger. She looked lost in thought.

Colress froze. 'Should I leave?'

Last time they had seen each other was in Chargestone Cave, where Annie had made no secret of her vitriol for him. Would she demand a battle, right here in the coffee shop? Colress was freezing and tired, he would much rather drink his tea in peace.

Of course, that wasn't the real last time they saw each other. But Annie didn't know that he had almost dislocated his arm making sure she didn't plummet to her death in Dragonspiral Tower. Nor did he plan for her to know.

As Annie looked up and locked eyes with him across the coffee shop, Colress was forced to expedite his decision making.

"Annie," he smiled, approaching despite his better judgement, "Fancy seeing you here."

"Yeah, how strange that I'm in a coffee shop five minutes from where I live and work," Annie narrowed her eyes, watching as he took the empty seat opposite her, "What do you want?"

"Ah, it does appear that we keep running into each other," Colress replied lightly, "It's not intentional, I assure you. I am searching for a rare and powerful Pokémon that I believe was in the area recently."

"I don't give a damn what you do," Annie snarked, sipping her coffee, "Just do it away from me."

"Tch, you're not still upset about your Galvantula, are you? I'll have you know that the data it provided me was invaluable to my research. An exceptionally well-trained Pokémon. Your talent for battling is still quite remarkable."

Annie's lips thinned with anger, but she closed her eyes and exhaled, seemingly talking herself down. "Colress, I swear to Arceus..."

Colress, feeling a little emboldened by her willingness to talk rather than fight, continued, "I'm rather surprised that you never became a Gym Leader. You obviously possess the skills for it. I'd rather hoped that you wouldn't waste your potential."

Annie glared at him, "You want to talk to me about wasted potential? You could have been anything. Done anything. And you decided to follow Ghetsis into Team Plasma."

"I can do anything. I have made the necessary sacrifices to achieve my goals. There is nothing wasted about my potential," Colress said coldly, "It seems you left your ambition at Blueberry Academy."

"If this is where ambition gets you," Annie gestured at him angrily, "I'm well rid of it."

Colress sighed, leaning back in his seat and sipping his tea. Annie did the same. They glared at each other across the table.

It was disappointing, he thought, that she couldn't see it his way. She was strong, talented, with an ability to create bonds that confounded him to this day. He always imagined that she would become a Gym Leader. Maybe even a Champion. She would be so good at it. 'Sigh, my parents would have eaten her alive for giving up like that.'

"If you're not becoming a Gym Leader, what are you doing?" Colress asked curiously.

"I told you," Annie replied, her defiant gaze never leaving his, "I'm going to stop Team Plasma."

Colress bristled, "Don't be a fool. Team Plasma isn't a school club anymore. You'll get yourself killed."

'And if it hadn't been for me, you'd be dead already.' Colress added internally.

"I can do this," Annie said bitterly, "I have to."

Colress studied her for a moment. Her grey eyes, framed by her glasses, had a desperation to them. She looked down at the table, not meeting his gaze. She was doubting herself, just like she had back then. He still remembered how she had vacillated between her dream of being a Gym Leader and her doubt that she was capable. Colress was struck by the overwhelming feeling that now would be the perfect moment to say something nice. Unfortunately, that was not Colress' strong suit.

"I'm looking for the Pokémon that blew up the tree in Absentia Natural Park."

Annie looked up at him with surprise, before her lips curled into a smirk, "Is that why you look like you've been dragged through a hedge backwards?"

Colress adjusted his glasses and ran a self-conscious hand through his damp hair, "Indeed. Have you seen anything unusual?"

"As if I'd tell you," Annie scoffed, "Just because I haven't thrown this coffee in your face, that doesn't make us friends."

Colress chuckled softly, looking down at his own drink, "No, I suppose it doesn't."

"I barely recognise you..." Annie said quietly.

Colress looked up at her, momentarily disarmed by the vulnerability in her voice. She spoke as if she wished she did recognise him. He quickly reminded himself that he was not the same boy she had known in Blueberry Academy. Whatever she remembered of him, it was from a time before he truly understood what it took to be successful. He was a man now, a scientist, who understood the sacrifices he needed to make. Her approval had been one of them.

"And you've barely changed." he noted sombrely, "Still talented, still underachieving."

Annie glared at him, "But not talented enough to take down Team Plasma?"

Colress drained his cup and let out a sigh, "I assume, by now, you are aware that N has Zekrom. The deity of ideals. You would make a splendid Gym Leader, that much is true. However, you will not defeat a deity with an Ariados."

To his surprise, Annie's expression brightened slightly. Had he accidentally stumbled on the nice thing he could have said earlier?

"I'll keep that in mind." she said derisively, but with a trace of a smile on her lips.

"Well," Colress rose to his feet with a blithe smile, "This has been enlightening, as always."

Annie leant back in her chair, her eyes sweeping over him curiously, "Yeah. I suppose it has." she cast a look outside, where rain was now pelting down outside, "I hope you find that Pokémon you're looking for. Maybe you should take another walk around the park, just to be sure."

Colress rolled his eyes, chortling, "Yes, I'm sure the idea of me traipsing around in the rain all night is most amusing for you."

"It sure is." Annie smirked, "Bye, Colress."

"Until next time." he nodded, taking in her face one more time before turning on his heel and leaving the shop.

The rain continued relentlessly as Colress made his way back to the castle. He was dripping wet, leaving muddy footprints on the white marble floors as he navigated the endless corridors of the castle. He didn't bother keeping his hood up. It was late and the castle was dark and quiet. He had almost reached his lab when a lilting voice rang out.

"Oh my, look what the Purrloin dragged in. It's Hood Man, or at least it would be if he was able to follow a simple instruction."

Colress groaned, turning around. Of course, Zinzolin was leaning against a doorframe wearing a slimy smile.

"Ah, my esteemed colleague," Colress smiled back, his eye drifting to the glass of wine clutched in Zinzolin's hand. "And drunk, no less. What a treat."

"Hmph," Zinzolin shrugged, taking a long sip, "Of course, I'm sure the great Dr. Achroma has no time for such vices."

"No, he doesn't." Colress said with a cold smile, continuing to walk. To his displeasure, Zinzolin followed him, continuing to talk.

"So simple your life must be, Achroma. Is it liberating? Thinking so highly of yourself that you don't ever feel the need to be likeable?"

Colress gave him an exasperated look, "Is that what you think of me?"

"Well, I dread to think of the alternative," Zinzolin let out a cackle, "If this is your best attempt at being palatable, I'm afraid you've missed the mark."

"You know," Colress smirked, "You're not the most charming individual yourself, Viomare."

"Oh, please. Why would I try and charm you?" Zinzolin waved dismissively, "The difference between us is that I possess the ability to be charismatic. You're always insufferable."

"Ah, I was under the impression that the difference between us was that I am a PhD scientist, and you are a self-proclaimed lord." Colress chortled.

"Oh, for crying out loud," Zinzolin rolled his eyes, "What Ghetsis sees in you, I'll never know."

They reached the door of his lab and Colress flashed Zinzolin a bright smile.

"Well- Ah!"

Before Colress could get his last taunt out, Zinzolin barged past him and walked right into the lab. Colress scowled, following him.

"Please, come in..." Colress muttered.

Zinzolin chuckled, running his fingers over the machines as he quietly poked around.

"So, this is where the magic happens... I imagined it neater. You're a slob, Achroma."

"Unbelievable," Colress scoffed, "Do you have nothing better to do tonight than critique my lab?"

"As luck would have it, tonight I'm free." replied Zinzolin, a quiet bitterness lacing his tone.

Colress pulled off his damp cloak and sat down on his desk chair, watching Zinzolin curiously. Zinzolin wore a strange expression tonight. There was a hardness behind his icy blue eyes. 'Probably the wine,' Colress thought with a shrug.

"I hardly think your barren social calendar qualifies as my problem, Viomare." Colress said lightly, turning around to begin analysing the readings he'd taken at the park.

Zinzolin chuckled, leaning against the wall and draining his glass. "It is truly impressive how self-involved you are, Achroma. Were you an only child, by any chance?"

Colress swivelled on his chair to face him, exasperated, "What do you want, Viomare?"

Zinzolin let out a sigh, his expression softening ever so slightly as he looked down at the EMWT. His fingers grazed over the dials as he talked in a subdued tone. "Thanks to Rood, everybody has been fussing over me all day. There's only so much pity you can see in other people's eyes before you start drowning in it yourself."

Colress looked back at him blankly, his mind still on the readings that lay scattered on his desk behind him. 'Pity? Why would anyone fuss over-' A faint recollection stirred. A passing mention in one of Ghetsis' letters from his university days came to mind.

Colress quirked an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued but his tone indifferent, "Today is significant, I assume? Well, why you've decided to bother me with it is a mystery. I'm not known for my compassion."

"No, you're quite insufferable," Zinzolin agreed with a smirk, pulling a bottle of wine out from his robes, "but the idea of ruining your evening is cheering me up considerably."

Colress scowled as Zinzolin used the EMWT - 'Of all things!' - to balance his wine glass on as he topped himself up. "As glad as I am that I can provide you some merriment during this difficult time... You may notice that I am busy. My work doesn't stop just because a sage drunkenly stumbles into my lab."

Zinzolin gave him a goading look, "Yes, it seems not even getting fired is enough to stop Team Plasma's tenacious golden boy. Tell me, what exactly are you working on in here to justify the inordinate wage Ghetsis is paying you?"

Zinzolin ran an amused gaze around the room, his blue eyes coming to rest on some of the less-finished projects that were gathering dust. It was true, Colress wasn't working on anything of great importance. He spent most of his nights passing the time with impulsive ideas stemming from his musings about Annie's bond with her Pokémon, trying to replicate it with little success.

Colress covered his doubt with a confident smile, turning back to his readings. "Do I detect a hint of jealousy, Viomare?"

Zinzolin scoffed, approaching him, "The great Dr. Achroma... Little more than a decoration for the castle, yet you're treated like an integral cog in the Team Plasma machine. Your eight-year absence has been as quickly forgotten as the years I spent building this castle. You just arrive and Ghetsis acts as if it was you who grew Team Plasma into the operation that it is today." Zinzolin's voice darkened, "So yes, Achroma. You could say I'm a little jealous."

Colress looked up at him, a little surprised at his honesty. But then his eyes flicked to the glass of wine. Zinzolin wasn't swaying or slurring, but the alcohol had loosened his tongue. For the second time that day, Colress sensed that now might be the time to say something nice. For the second time that day, Colress did not.

"My eight-year absence was not a vacation," Colress replied curtly, "I have been accumulating knowledge that is invaluable to Team Plasma. The fact that you don't see the value in that just shows why Ghetsis is in charge, and you are not."

"We have many scientists on our payroll, Achroma," Zinzolin sneered, "Many scientists who believe in the cause and respect leadership. I believe you are a liability and you always have been."

"Oh, please. You believe in the cause as much as I do. That is to say... Not in the slightest." Colress chuckled.

Zinzolin leant on Colress' desk, his voice low, "Then why are you here? Money? Power? Somehow, you've never struck me as the type."

Colress gave a light laugh, leaning back on his chair, "No, you're right there. I am a scientist, nothing more. All I care about is the truth. My loyalty is to the pursuit of knowledge, but I see no reason for that to be an issue. Ghetsis is quite aware of my terms for aiding Team Plasma."

Zinzolin crossed his arms, regarding him with cool curiosity, "And what is this... truth you're seeking?"

"That's simple," Colress met his gaze with a smile, "What I desire is to bring out the entirety in Pokémon potential! If I can accomplish that, I don't care what it takes!"

Zinzolin tilted his head, mulling over his words, "Hmm."

Colress watched as he backed off, ambling back toward the door of the lab. Before he left, he turned to Colress with a smirk.

"You've given me much to think about, Achroma. Perhaps you aren't as useless as I originally suspected."

Colress rolled his eyes, "I will sleep so much better tonight, knowing that I have won the approval of the esteemed Lord Zinzolin."

"I wouldn't go that far, Achroma," he scoffed, "You're still insufferable."

"Good evening, Viomare." Colress chortled, turning back to his work.

"Hmph. Evening, Achroma."