Watcher of Arceus

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

Author Notes:

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

~xXx~ This will identify where each paragraph breaks.

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

Co-author: Catsithx

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

~xXx~

Chapter 52 : Sidelined

For Xent, the day was a blur. He recalled all sorts of forms and people, lots of yelling, and he couldn't be sure but he thought that he had felt Zai, and maybe Sarah leaning up against him at some points.

Everyone else however was in something of a rush and the garden was extremely busy. Finally though, after an unknown amount of time for Xent, he gasped out, trying to jolt up but only getting up a little bit before falling back.

Quickly there was a commotions again, but this time Xent was aware of them proper with only a groggy head. "What happened?" He asked, trying to lead up, attempting to reach up but not feeling anything. His right hand was on his head trying to rub away a killer headache while he wanted to lift himself up with his arm, but there was nothing. Already Xent was getting agitated.

"Xent, calm down, take it easy." Dahlia stated suddenly.

"Oh don't baby me, I can move." Xent stated firmly as he tried to lift himself up again, still reaching out with his left arm before finally opening his eyes and trying to jolt up and looking for anything to grab. Immediately though, he noticed that his arm wasn't where it was supposed to be and he tried to moving his arm, only to see a bandaged stump.

Xent just stared at the bandaged stump of the arm. Everything from just above his elbow was gone, and if he had to guess, it looked like he barely had even half of his upper arm left. "Shit..." Xent stated, Zai carefully taking his other arm and pulling him up carefully into a sitting position, but she was wet. Sparing her a glance, he could tell that she been in one of the ponds just to try and hide her tears, still easily able to make out her red sore eyes though.

Xent gently rubbed her cheek, not calling attention to her eyes. "I'm sorry I worried you..." He said softly before slowly looking a bit more carefully over her making sure that she was physically fine at least.

"What happened? I remember Coria cutting into my arm, I could hardly focus on anything other than the pain." He looked towards Dahlia, just barely moving the stump of his arm around as if still having trouble thinking it was real.

"Like an idiot, you jumped into harm's way and paid the price." Thomas stated now, slowly walking up. "I'd slap you for doing something this stupid again, but I kind of owe you. Maybe I could have held her back, maybe not. She's been trained exceptionally well, better then any other Knight I've encountered. The is no doubt she's a king or will be one in their order on skill alone. Attempting to go slow, to hold back so we didn't hurt her... that was mistake. I'm sorry that you had to pay the price for it."

"Believe me, if I was sure you could fend off her next attacks, I wouldn't be missing a forearm. But I've fought you and watched you fight Dahlia over the past two years. It was 50/50 whether you could or not." He sighed, twisting his stump to look it over. "You were right Dahlia, she outclasses me in just about everything, and now she's psychic..."

"When it became clear that your grandfather had succeeded and you were successfully removed from the Knights, Coria began her training within a month. She lost her childhood, and gained power, respect within their order, and training from around the world all to try and end this on going fighting. The whole psychic aspect is new to me however. She never showed a direct evidence of having those genes when I was held captive though. This mistake is as much mine for not paying more attention to her given how much trouble she was even without being psychic." Dahlia sighed, Zai having run off without Xent even noticing before coming back with a tray of soup and bread for Xent, and a large bottle that Dahlia quickly took from her.

Zai about lashed out entirely when Dahlia did that, before Dahlia forcibly sat herself down. "Think of Xent... how's he going to feel if you try drink yourself to death right now. I let you have half a bottle already, but you're chugging it. No more." Dahlia stated firmly, almost shoving Zai into Xent's side only being careful not to hurt to Xent.

Xents eyes widened and stared and Zai. "Zai... I'm fine, don't fall down that pit, we've both seen what that does to people." He said while wrapping an arm around her and pulling her close, despite her soaked fur.

"So... how long have I been out? How much have I missed?" Xent asked after a few.

"Its been roughly twenty-two hours since Coria escaped. You might feel better now, but don't think that your even remotely healed. You'll be bed ridden for another week or two at least." Dahlia stated.

"Just two weeks... sounds like I've got some great health care plans then." Xent said with a half grin, glad to know that he could potentially be back on his feet very quickly. "Still... not sure how much I can do now without an arm. That's kind of a career killer and well... for as much I'm still ready to help you, I'm no preacher, and trying to fight with a handicap like this. I'll do more harm then good." Xent stated rather bluntly, looking down to see that Zai had passed out beside him.

'Dahlia! I found something. Come down here please.' Latias's voice called out, barely seen at the entrance down to the control chamber before flying back down.

"I hope its good news... I'll keep you posted on anything we figure out." Dahlia stated, starting to walk down, leaving just Thomas, Xent and Zai.

"I'll leave you two b-" Thomas started, only for Xent to quickly look at him.

"You stay for a moment... We need to talk." Xent stated.

"About? I'm not sure I know much more about what's going on with Coria right now to be honest." Thomas started.

"This is about you. What's been messing with you Thomas? Over the last few days you've been more and more moody, I laid off because I figured you'd talk to someone else about it. I know you perked up a lot after your wedding but honestly, you still look distracted and not in a good way. I'm missing half an arm here so I figure I have all the reason I need to." Xent asked very bluntly now.

"I would rath..." Thomas started, but Xent just held up his stump of an arm and Thomas took a few long slow deep breathes. "I had a dream... three days before we arrived here in Alto Mare. It was... very real." Thomas started.

"All this over a nightmare. That doesn't seem like you." Xent stated.

"It was very vivid." Thomas replied.

"And what was it about? Something has you distracted Thomas, and I stand by the fact that it was 50/50 odds of Coria killing you if I didn't step in and look where that got me." Xent said again.

"I was in a home... with Rebecca. We had just woken up together and were starting our day. It was a nice home... our home, mine and Rebecca's. It a cozy place, with enough room for us, and … our kids. Riolus... two of them but with my eyes, some extra hair on their heads... ours, mine and Rebecca's children. We were happy, and then there was a knock on the door and I went to open it. I realized too late that something was wrong. A full team of armed personal and pokemon rushed into the house and grabbed me and I couldn't tell what was going on behind him, only hearing the noise of a major commotion." Thomas started.

"This wasn't some criminal group though. They were in full swat gear, it was an official police group, and they dragged me outside. Most of my family was there, the legendary pokemon, Andrew, Vivian... Our mother Arceus... None of them stopped it, they just looked on as if they didn't want me, like they just wanted to watch. I woke up to a gunshot, but I don't even know who fired at who because it sounded like it was behind me. Maybe one of the swat team shot me or maybe..." Thomas said slowly.

"And all of this because of a child you can't have... I thought you had already accepted the fact that you can't have a child with Rebecca, its too soon and you only child would just be another you, not a riolu." Xent asked.

"My last wife was six hundred and fifty some years ago. Its been over five generations since I even tried for a family. All my reincarnations in that time were... difficult. They were raised by family's like Andrew and Vivian, ones I picked out for them to be raised with rather then a woman I would have called my wife helping to raise my next life beside Radara. My deepest desire is a family... with everything that goes with. I've always wanted to help raise a child of my own with a wife, but after six hundred years of running, of hiding, intentionally trying to convince everyone that I didn't exist, I didn't want anything more then a friend for a short while if I was even that generous in the first place." Thomas continued, taking a seat and just holding his head a little.

"It was so real though, everything was just perfect and natural in the dream, like was meant to be. I was happy, I had all that I desired, all I could want. And then I was hunted and the rest of my family just stood there, watching. They didn't help me when I needed it, they just... watched and let it happen, as if disappointed me with, wanting to get rid of me." Thomas finished.

Xent remained silent for a few moments, clearly thinking this over. It didn't make sense to Thomas to have this dream, especially now of all times. He knew about the wedding, so that was something he was looking forward to for at least a good while. "Thomas, that dream is suspicious as all hell. Dreams induced by stress are not typically vivid, they have more a chaotic element to it. It had everything you ever wanted, and then took it away while your current family, including the legendaries, just watched. They wouldn't just stand by, that element of the dream is too much out of left field. Unless Darkrai is pulling some cruel joke, there's something else going on here."

"I assure you both, this is not my doing..." A new voice sounded, Darkrai coming up and into the space beside them. "I don't give nightmare to my family, I rather work to take them more often."

"What are you doing here, Darkrai..." Thomas stated, extremely annoyed however.

"I was waiting my turn to see my possible champion. I would have waited until you left, but if I was so easily brought into the conversation, then it might as well be an invitation. Its a true shame to lose you to such things after the year I spent training you with Dahlia though... and all to defend you. Who else knows of these vivid dreams? They are unlike you to become such nightmares." Darkrai asked, moving in and looking over Xent's stump of an arm.

"Leave it Darkrai... I've already got to live with this now, isn't that enough. You don't have to go rubbing it in." Thomas started.

"If you put lives in danger because you're not all there, then it is very much a concern for the family, for all of us. And I will say it again, such dreams to become nightmares are very unlike you, and they should be talked about. Hardly with me, I don't rightly care for how they turn into nightmares, but I'm inclined to take Xent's opinion here. We know that evil fiend already mocks us, and its has already possessed others. It already announced its desires to turn and your personal sister to its cause, this could be related." Darkrai stated.

"He has a point. You explained to me very well that it doesn't like to lie, but you also explained that it does like to break people. Seeding doubt seems like a good way to start. Trying to give you a reason to turn against the world, against the people we're trying to help, to protect. Well that seems like a good reason to make you think about what it can offer." Xent added.

"Take this mention of dreams to the others, or I will. If you don't sort this out, others are going to get hurt, so you need to deal with this." Darkrai added.

Thomas just grumbled loudly, before taking a few deep breathes and then leaving now. "Think he'll actually share that?" Xent asked after Thomas left.

"His sister already knows of it by now, and if she does not, I'm still telling everyone. He has a role to fill, and he cannot be distracted hiding such thoughts and feelings. The Guardian Aegis requires a certain level of dedication, concentration to make proper use of it. Distractions bottled up like that will not let it be used in full. It does not require his absolute focus, but these bottled up feelings will bleed into trying and ultimately failing to use it when its needed most." Darkrai stated.

"Stop pushing him to take the blade already. Like you said, he needs a certain level of dedication to it to use it right. Forcing that on him won't let him dedicate himself to it properly if he feels too forced into using it." Xent reminded Darkrai.

"He needs to be ready to take it up. When that think breaks out, it will be trouble for the entire world. I don't like just waiting around for something to happen." Darkrai stated.

"I know the feeling. More then ever now." Xent stated, looking over the stump of his arm again, but still holding Zai a bit more. "How have you been passing the time? Might give me some ideas on what I can still do like this."

"I have been busy attempting to ensure that we know as soon its begins to try and break free. I have no doubt that it wasn't lying, but by telling us, it might as well have said it was all a trap. Its not like we can't be there though. Letting it run free as soon it gets out would be a disaster." Darkrai said, clearly unhappy with the predicament. It no doubt wanted the legendary pokemon there to witness to the event, and would be ready for them, but to let it out freely would be just as bad.

"Its had all this time to recover, to prepare and well... I wonder how ready you all would have been... how better off the world would have been if not for the knights. Wonder how they'll take it that the world's best chance as survival and freedom right now is at risk because of their actions." Xent sighed loudly.

"I'd kill them all myself if not for the wishes of mother. I will honor her request, but only because they have grown so large. It would be war and right now, what we need is a speaker to help the world. Starting public hostilities will be a hindrance to our cause, but perhaps their attacks against us can instead bolster it. Thomas still needs to cast off this foolish false name he uses and take up his proper place to see this work. I'm doing what I can, but he needs to be doing all that he can." Darkrai stated very firmly.

"And forcing him into the spot right now only makes it worse..." Xent said, slowly looking back towards to Darkrai right now. "I'm no preacher, never will be. But as soon as I'm on my feet, I'll need to figure out something I can do. Fighting the knights handicapped like this is a mistake, but I'm flat out of the fight yet and if it comes to it... well me and Zai will both there if it need be. Just promise us both that if one us dies saving the world... you guys will take care of the other." Xent stated.

"Tis unfortunate that you would think so little of things that you can do right now. No matter, I understand your confusion. I have seen the effects of losing a piece of yourself on many. I have faith in your strength as you have already demonstrated. I am sure that we find some new way to allow you to help the cause, save the world. It remains to be seen if you can still be my champion, but I can already tell that you are not out of this fight yet." Darkrai stated, before turning back looking over other parts of the garden.

"There are things still that I should be doing now though. I came to pass along messages, but hearing of this attack, it would have been a shame not to come visit what may have been my champion. I still honor the choices you have made, and please... don't let this loss of limb carry too hard on you. There is always work to be done. Even with your handicap, I eagerly look forward to seeing how you adapt. Perhaps there might still be a place for you as my champion... I so dearly hope so. In the meantime you have other company" Darkrai stated, before floating off quickly.

"Other company?" Xent asked, Darkrai lifting aside a curtain and Suicune quickly moved, right up next to the bed, just barely resting her head beside him.

"Are you properly awake now my son?" Suicune asked, a very concerned look in her eyes as she just sat there beside him, Xent biting his lip looking at her.

"I... well, I'm alive. I have no intention of changing that right now, but... I'm sorry that I might have to stay, wait. No, no that might not be a bad thing. I can't help Thomas directly, but maybe I could help you some while I'm stuck here." Xent stated, thinking that maybe he could be help somehow for a while at least.

"Is... something wrong my boy Thomas? I know how much it pains him when others are hurt because of him." Suicune said and Xent just looked down for a moment clearly thinking about something.

"What's wrong?" Suicune asked easily noticing the change in mood.

"I guess if anyone can help him, its you. As much as I want you here right now, and you've really become a true mother for me as well... I think Thomas needs your help more right now. He's distracted, he needs someone to talk to more then me right now." Xent stated after a moment.

"What's wrong with Thomas? Did I miss something? He wasn't poisoned too was he?" Suicune quickly asked, very wrorried.

"I think its far worse then that. He's not... look its not really my place to say, but he needs the help, before Darkrai does something drastic." Xent replied, looking at her and putting on the best smile that he could.

"I'm fine for now... I've got almost everyone looking out for me apparently. I feel like shit, but I'm well enough. Not sure I can stand right now, but for as many problems as I have, I think Thomas needs your help first." Xent stated.

-x-

The rest of the day was a slow mess for Xent who just comforted Zai for now. She wanted to stay up, but multiple times she just passed out beside him, not that Xent could blame her. The night was a long slow one for Xent as he was still slowly coming to terms with what all missing arm would now mean and what all he could no longer do easily. Zai was a little too over eager to help him out and Xent grumbled a few times about how much he needed the help, but he couldn't argue how was he was recovering though.

The next day, he got moved to a much more comfortable room since his life wasn't in direct danger now, and even a pair of trusted doctors were teleported in to still keep the garden hidden and make sure that no one could find the garden right now. Even the doctors were impressed with how much Xent was recovering and at what rate and word got to Xent about the wishes from the people to Arceus that Xent would recover.

Xent had no idea how to feel about that, only for Sarah to finally show up as the doctors were leaving. "Haven't seen you since we got split up. How have you been?" Xent asked eagerly.

"I never knew police work and an interrogation could be so hard..." Sarah groaned, shaking her head some.

"What polic... wait, that's right we did capture one of those knights. One tried to help Coria by that restaurant. Please tell me you got something out of him. Losing my arm, letting Coria go free... the bastard had better have of spilled something for us to use." Xent stated.

"They've been rather uncooperative. Aura makes it easy to point out their lies, but they've been swearing to their stories. A few fancy lawyers have tried to butt in on things, but the Rangers in the Arceus Division have special permissions to hold people of interest under special circumstances and given the direct and coordinated attack against Latias and Latios, that made it easy. The matching tiaras that each of them wore, plus the swords, makes it easy to connect them and the people are furious right now. Its enough of a hassle just to keep them out of the police station that they are locked up, which at this point might as well be for their own safety." Sarah sighed.

"Did you say... they? As in more then one?" Xent asked, wanting to make sure that he had heard right.

"Yeah. Another one came into the building we tried to talk to Coria in after everyone left in a hurry. She tried to sneak in to figure out what was going on or something I guess and when she caught me struggling to get out of the staircase, she knocked out the two rangers and lucario trying to help me out with stun spore." Sarah explained pulling up a chair to sit down now.

"She thought she had me cornered and locked up tight. Aura made her easy to read and when she tried to order her butterfree to attack me through the bars, my aura kept me safe. Her butterfree had to use the same gap in the bars under the stairs that Zai used to get, but it was such a cramped spot, that made it easy to knock out with an aura sphere. That only made her mad though. She has a mouth on her just as bad as yours... but I figured two can play that game. I tricked her into trying to get into the staircase too and then when she was struggling with the keys, I rushed up and grabbed her arm and just trying to jerk her through the bars." Sarah stated, a small blush on her face of all things.

Xent gave a whistle of approval before chuckling. "I'd give a few claps if I could... but you'll have to settle for a pat on the shoulder." He said while giving her a few quick pats on the back.

"Thomas is gonna need that out there given he's been distracted lately. This handicap means I'm not exactly knight fight capable, and I doubt I'd be able to floor Hurk like I want to. Sorry for taking myself out of the fight, but well. Well at least I went out a hero and actually did something worth it. Just need to figure out what else I can do now with a missing arm." Xent added.

"Sorry I couldn't be there... Whatever Coria did when she threw me and Zia into the staircase screwed with the locks. I tried to get myself out, but I couldn't. For that matter, they actually had to cut the lock off. Still, I was able to handcuff that one knight to the bars. The hardest part was trying to get to the ranger's belt to get a pair of handcuffs to lock her in place, even more when she started to recover while I was still reaching for it." Sarah sighed.

"Don't worry about it. If you were stuck, you were stuck. Zai I swear can fit through anything she can stick her head through. Still, good job on it. I mean really good job. I know it couldn't have been easy. There's no way that was luck, so you did great. A great job, I mean it." Xent stated.

"The hardest part was making sure to not hurt her after I hand cuffed her to the bars. I mean it, she has a mouth on her. You would not believe the things she said about what she was going to the two of us once Thomas was dead. I think she's a higher ranking member too, she let spill a few things about how she was going to walk free and have another chance at this later, there was no escaping her, not after what we did to her sister... Unfortunately for her, most of her rant was caught on camera so, there's no way she's getting out after that." Sarah continued, a bit of a blush returning again.

"You... okay there Sarah?" Xent asked.

"Sorry... they just got uh... real... real descriptive about you and what they were going to do and it just... It was hard not to lose my cool." Sarah admitted slowly.

"I'm the last person to blame you for losing your cool over that, trust me. If we do somehow fight her again, she's all yours if you want." Xent said, still just trying to reassure her right now, moving some only to cringe just a bit and bite his lip.

Sarah just nodded lightly, finally looking to him fully at last when he gave a small grunt of pain. "Hows... how's the arm by the way? Does it still hurt?"

"Arm... fine, barely feel it. Leg... cramping from being stuck in bed too long." Xent grumbled trying to at least adjust himself some.

"Can I get you anything?" Sarah quickly asked.

"You could check on the television I was promised." Xent stated, mostly in jest. "Latias and Latios want to give me one later, they just want me to stay right here for the moment to monitor my vitals and don't want other electronics to interfere with that. Honestly, I'm getting a little sick of just sitting here waiting for a clean bill of health. Besides that though, I'm managing."

"I'll go and check in on that. They said just a few days right?" Sarah asked.

"Yeah... hopefully tonight or tomorrow I'll get a better room." Xent shrugged.

"Here's hoping... I'll try to find a few newspapers for you though in the meantime." Sarah stated as she got up and blushed a bit more just standing there for a second before walking off as Verna approached with his lunch and to check on him.

As Verna came up with Xent's evening meal, she did her usual check on him, rebandaging his arm and making sure that he was recovering fine. She was able to easily start understanding the holograms that were monitoring his health somewhat now, and even easily took a blood sample from him.

'You know she's jealous of you right? And that she knows that you like her some.' Verna said as she started to take the sample.

Xent had been taking a bite out of a biscuit letting Verna change his bandage while also taking a blood sample, and he paused when she said that. It took a few seconds to gather himself back up and finish chewing and swallowing it down before giving a small sighed. "Yeah, I know, but what can I do about that?" He asked. "I don't exactly like the idea of cheating and I'm pretty sure Zai isn't willing to share."

'I stayed out of trying for your feelings because you didn't act like you wanted to return them. You thought of me too much as a daughter.' Verna replied finishing up with little bit of work.

'Zai knows she's top dog now, and honestly if I didn't have Dahlia, I might have tried to make you accept me too. If it was just me instead of Zai... I would have tried to make you see me as more then a daughter a long time ago, and would have happily wanted you with Sarah too. I mean some gardevoirs can get very jealous and protective of their trainer wanting them to themselves, but some gardevoirs just want their partner to be happy, even if it means they have to share. But... gardevoirs aren't the only ones who might want their chosen male to be theirs alone. I've heard that most zoroark's form large families, with a leading male and female figure, but they aren't always exclusive to each other.' Verna stated, getting up slowly with the blood sample now and finishing her general check up on him.

"And what about Sarah? I'm not... exactly sure she'd be over the moon with a love triangle." Xent pointed out, his face ever so slightly red now, not wanting to hurt Sarah by trying to invite her into something knowing that Zai would always be there.

'You might be surprised. Zai doesn't really offend Sarah, she'd just need to be coaxed into it a little. She can have a wild imagination at times... if you played into it.' Verna smirked, before leaning in really close as if to whisper something to him, playing it up now as the tiniest voice entered his head, clearly a secret for just Xent to hear.

'She misses her tailplugs... but I'm certain she has enough to share.'

-x-

That night with a few more tests, all traces of the poisons were gone and Xent was healing proper. He couldn't help but feel a little guilty about how much each of them were working to help him though, knowing that they needed all the power they had to deal with what was to come. Still, with Xent's easy bill of clean health and a few more quick exams, Xent was moved from the makeshift medical hut near the center of the garden to a small hut beside the Lunar Blessing. With the new hut set up, it was easy for Xent to have access to the Lunar Blessing and all that he immediately needed. Now that he had easy access to a television to look over the news, a way to attempt to stay up to date with the events of the world around him, he could attempt to figure out what he could do while he waited to regain full mobility and learn how to make do without an arm.

He quickly started flipping through the channels only to quickly focus in on one specific thing. "-nd through an impressive and very quick debate, it was a unanimous decision among attendees of the Emergency Meeting of the Nations of Japan Counsel to pass new legislation in regards to the growing concerns and problems that involve the phenomenon that is currently most commonly known as Villain Stage or Mega Evolution pokemon. All stones used in the transformation of this extra evolution will now be treated as the highest class of hazardous materials, and an immediate reward is now being offered for any such stones handed over to the Pokemon Leagues or Rangers in any region or independent kingdom." The news caster started while an image of the Counsel was shown on the left side of the screen, with a collection of nine different known marble shaped evolution stones were displayed. Additionally, a large panel that stated rewards starting at 2500 pokedollars were being offered for each stone turned in.

"Additional measures were also passed in regards to the application of these extra evolutionary forms of pokemon. Any trainer caught attempting to use such evolutionary forms will be immediately suspended, and be subject to a federal investigation. Furthermore, they maybe be subject to a minimum 25,000 pokedollar or equivalent fine, and charged in full in an expedited trial. Any deaths caused by this extra-evolution of pokemon will be treated as first degree crimes, and subject to maximum fines. The Pokemon League has also added one more additional regulation. All trainers attempting to compete in official stadium events will now be searched by staff before every stadium match. Any attempts to bring any of these evolution stones into a stadium and does not immediately surrender them to staff will be disqualified and possibly arrested." The reporter stated as it showed a few clips of the various Elite Four members from different Pokemon League groups in a major discussion about the stones in question.

"Well its about damn time..." Xent grumbled knowing just how dangerous these new evolutions were from the sneak peak with Hurk. "Wait... nine?" He stated, it suddenly clicking as the report continued.

"Nine such evolutions of pokemon have currently discovered in the past year, each one a serious threat to the surrounding area. These pokemon are blastoise, charizard, garyados, houndoom, tyranitar, gardevoir, camerupt, absol, and audino. Each of the nine extra evolutions of pokemon are to be considered the same as legendary class pokemon, possession strength and resiliance making them extremely dangerous. Worse, each of these extra evolutions also share a few other traits, including madness and a desire for destruction and loss of life. No trainer yet has been able to control their pokemon once they have tried to use these extra villain or mega evolutionary stages." The report continued as a few images of the some of the newly evolved pokemon taken from the encounters, and others were just sketches.

His eyes immediately widened and immediately pulled out his phone to start recording the report. "Gardevoirs now... what the hell?" He muttered, before making sure his next words were very much meant for whoever was listening in his head. "Whoever's listening right now, count Gardevoirs as able to mega-evolve, just learning this now on a news report. Dahlia, Verna, you may wanna come up here."

Almost immediately there were a few flashes of light beside him, Dahlia, Verna, and even Radara all there inside the den of the Lunar Blessing now, before knocking to come in. "You're gonna wanna see this." Xent repeated, a little surprised to see Radara there too, but just making a little bit of room on the couch.

Dahlia quickly started to record the new report with a few hand motions on the smart tv, as well as giving Verna room to take a proper seat as the report continued.

While the news caster continued to talk, the screen shifted to a multiple images of various images and videos taken of some of the mega-evolved pokemon mentioned going out of control, some censors on the screen blocking out the worst of the scenes, but still making a point to show case the destructive nature of some of the pokemon. Actual footage of the mega-evolved forms of blastoise, charizard, houndoom, tyranitar, and audino were displayed at various points as the news caster kept up the report.

"So far, damages have already reached twenty-five million poke-dollars in structural damages alone, have caused extensive damage to multiple pokemon reserves and national parks, and disrupted seven major transportation routes, the total costs of which have yet to be estimated. Far more concerning, the lack of regard of others, even their own trainer's well being is of major concern. There have been one hundred and thirty-four confirmed human deaths involved with these extra evolutions of pokemon, and six-hundred and ninety-two confirmed pokemon deaths related to these extra evolutions." The new reporter stated, before the screen shifted again.

This time it began to show sketches of the different new evolutions of pokemon, displaying points about each one. These sketches, some of which were accompanied by photos had various notes relating to each pokemon, describing both physical changes, possible elemental changes, and other notable changes. While the group was paying some attention, it wasn't until the image of the gardevoir's new evolution came up that they really paid attention.

The report on the new mega-gardevoirs started with six images of two distinct colorations, one listed normal on the left, and one listed as shiny, as well as multiple sketches detailing various things about it. "Gardevoir, Villian Stage. This evolved gardevoir is easily identified by its new much larger gown, and twin horns protruding from its chest. With slightly shorter hair, its ears now grow larger and almost horn like and it appears to have obtained large gloves. There is no visible height changes present in this evolution. Normal gardevoirs retain their usual white coloration, but lose most of their green upper robe, while shiny gardevoirs adopt a very black look with limited blues. As with all Villain Stage pokemon, this Mega-Gardevoir has boosted stats, reacting faster and far more aggressively. While all three instances of Mega-Gardevoir have stuck close to their trainers, not actively hurting them, they reacted with extreme hostility towards anything that might threaten their trainers, even indirectly. The psychic power demonstrated by these Mega-Gardevoirs have allowed them to easily throw cars, snap the limbs of other pokemon, and devastate the environment around them while still protecting themselves and their trainer." The reporter stated, before moving onto the next pokemon.

"A bonded gardevoir with their protective instincts dialed to 11 and power to 15." Xent stated slowly but very briefly and unintentionally, his mind flickered to what would have happened when his arm got chopped off and what Verna had done then alone. "Gardevoirs who bond with their trainers would rarely get out of control control like that..." He knew that the mega stones made them emotionally unstable, but looking over the damages that these ones had caused made them still just as much of a threat merely trying to protect their trainer. Before these confirmed reports on incidents, if he had been asked before about whether or not a gardevoir had a mega-form, he'd have wagered the bond would have given a trainer more control. It clearly wasn't true before another thought flicked into his head. "You know what they're missing... the bracelet Hurk had. He said if it was broken, he'd lose control of the tyranitar."

'Not broken... Hurk explicitly stated that as long as the stone was in his possession, he was control.' Radara stated.

"And I don't think it was the bracelet. I think it was that glowing stone. He called it a keystone or something. He very specifically needed it to be... a link to his pokemon, to be their sanity in the rage and anger?" Dahlia added.

"Yeah... a bond between trainer and pokemon. The stone for the pokemon let's them evolve, and then the keystone, I think it was that anyway is his to keep control of them." Xent noted, before pulling out a notepad and jotting a few things down. "What color was that stone for the gardevoirs to evolve again? I'm trying to keep a running list here."

'It looks like a cats eye marble, with a lot of green, some pink, and some red.' Verna quickly stated, rewinding back to the quick explanation of the gardevoir.

"Now if we could just figure out what a keystone is... but so far we only know it's just a glowing white orb small enough to fit in jewelry." Dahlia stated.

"You're not seriously thinking about using one those mega gardevoir stones..." Xent quickly stated looking up at Dahlia, but Verna just shook her head.

'No... No Dahlia would never trust herself with one.' Verna quickly stated.

"But if we learn the secrets of how the keystone makes a link, we might be able to calm those effected by the rage of a new evolution. They might also help us understand the process of how this evolution takes place." Dahlia replied.

"And if we can understand it, we might be to block it, in the same way an everstone does it to regular evolution." Xent nodded, understanding now. "Look, Verna... please don't take this the wrong way, but if we do ever find one those gardevoir stones, don't touch it either please."

~xXx~

Somewhere in Kanto...

Hurk moved into the supposedly empty building, the sounds of fighting loud and echoing through the room. There was a lot of commotion in the room, cheers, and even some pained whines as Hurk moved up to some railing looking down over a large mostly empty floor. A single man sat there at a table with a television and beside him an alakazam.

Hurk moved down the walkway, before just hopping over the railing and down the two floors to the basement. His landing had a small stumble, but he still made it work before standing up, opening up the large bag he had with him, and pulling out a small fast food bad and a bottled drink.

"All they had were biscuit sandwiches today, but they had some more of the tea you like." Hurk stated, handing the fast food bag off to the man.

"Thank ya." The man stated, going to open it and quickly get his meal in.

"On the flip side of things, also got a job for you. Get back inside the Ranger's Office, they got new schedules being posted for things. You've got three hours to get the copies for the coast line offices before they shipped out." Hurk added, the man grumbling.

"So much for watching the fight..." The man stated, only to turn off the television as the alakazam looked to Hurk.

"Ready when you are." Hurk stated, and they both vanished in a flash of light.

Now standing in a large warehouse again, the sounds of fighting were even louder, a heavy cage set up for fighting on the back end of the building with a few pokemon watching, and a dozen or so people cheering it on watching.

"What round is my lovely lass on?" Hurk asked, walking up slowly towards the cage, a shiny lopunny clearly dominating the fight, a strong kick throwing another unfortunate pokemon into the cage, quickly followed by another one.

'Her current streak is thirteen defeated, twenty-seven killed in a single session. She's ruthless... I love it.' A male voice called out, before laughing, a lucario standing up from the side of the cage and looking over Hurk. 'She loves to fight, and she loves to show off for you. I think she even wants to prove herself against you.' The lucario laughed, still petting his houndoom companion.

Hurk just laughed himself some too. "I might humor her. Really getting the hang of how this new body works. Still, I need her to ready. I want her in complete control of herself." Hurk stated as the alakazam left Hurk's side to check on other things.

[If you want to train her, then let me in there with her!]A Machamp yelled out as he stood up, Hurk now able to understand him fully.

"And I understood that fully now. Guess that's another thing to check off the list." Hurk stated. "Still, I'll pass. She'll dance circles around you, and just make you mad. If you actually get a hit on her, it'll be a week to get her back up to proper condition again and I've got work to do muscle head. Still, if you ever want some real training, just let me know."

[You dare to suggest I need some human's help!]The Machamp yelled out now, pushing aside a few humans to try and get to Hurk.

"I think that your only asset here are your muscles. When I need someone to put a whole in a reinforced wall or rip a door off, I know who to call. If want someone alive to question them, or to do a task more complicated then punch something, I'll call for someone else." Hurk stated, just walking past him, the alakazam putting up a barrier over Hurk as he moved up the cage, blocking the machamp's fists.

'Leave him. He has work to do.' The alakazam ordered as Hurk moved up to the cage, another few pokemon getting released into the cage, and already under attack.

Hurk just watched the fight quickly come to an end as fast as it started, dealing with each of the released pokemon in turn. "She's on a roll today." Hurk smiled.

[She's restless. Hates that pokeball.] The blaziken at his side stated now, before opening up a small box in front of Hurk. [Our leader sends their regards. The beast from the other side will be in position in twelve days. When it breeches, they'll be free. The legendary pokemon and their champion will take notice before it happens though. Distract the boy and his group. Our leader wants them alive and there's no guarantee that the breech will spare them. These should help you maintain control of the situation if you are smart about it though. Just keep them busy until it happens and then let them go and deal with the mess.]

Hurk just looked down into the box and grinned. "Oh, those will be fun." Hurk grinned.

[They warn you not to use more then three at a time. Your mind may not be able to handle the strain, but if you need to let a few go nuts to keep them busy, do what you will. They can handle untrained ones alone now that the legendary pokemon are aiding their cause. Your lopunny should be a different case though with all the training you've done with her. Try not to get caught using her too much though. You'll be alone when distracting them, so be careful. If you need an emergency extraction, you may have to wait a few. The rest of us will be busy with other tasks, taking advantage of the chaos and causing some of our own.] The blaziken explained.

A bell sounded and the fight was finished, the lopunny inside finishing up the last few pokemon inside the cage before the cage door opened up. As soon as it did, the lopunny rushed out and quickly found Hurk. Charging him and jumping up, Hurk caught her leg before she kick him, Hurk still giving a laugh.

"Now now you." He stated, flipping her backwards, but she easily rolled and stood up straight as Hurk pulled out a can from the bag he had. "Behave, we've talked about this." He smiled, the lopunny rushing up and trying to open the can of liquid, only to get angry and just rip the entire top off. "We have some work coming up. Make sure your ready."