Sorry for the super late chapter. A lot of things were going on at my end, including (but not limited to) a severe case of the flu that left me unable to stand unassisted. But I'm back and (almost) better than ever. Happy reading!
What use is loyalty towards man? Man has limited capabilities. They succumb to sickness, they fight over trivialities, they lie, cheat, kill, and overcome others for personal gain. I am one of those people myself. I know about the detriments of man more than the next person, and for that reason, I know that loyalty toward man is pointless. I only serve one master now—undying, all-powerful.
The Ideal One sat on a large chair situated behind a large glass window, overseeing a large training room below him. However, he wasn't focused on what was going on within the room. Instead, he sat still, deep in his thoughts.
He should've been there. He should've ignored his orders and fought alongside his master. He was strong enough. He had poured every ounce of his being into getting stronger to serve him, to stand next to The Consumer in battle.
And all that had been for naught. Because when it came time for him to show the fruits of his labor, he was stuck babysitting instead.
The Voidcaller had assured him multiple times that The Consumer would be pleased with Melissa's progress. But it didn't matter to him. He was The Ideal One, the man who was meant to fulfill the goals and wishes of The Gloom Organization. He'd make more of an impact fighting beside his savior than he would training Melissa. After all, Abaddon had a closer connection with the girl anyway.
But no, Abaddon was off doing who-knows-what. Ever since they returned from fighting Zygarde, he'd seen the damn man less and less. Surely, he wasn't getting sent on missions while he was stuck here.
The Ideal One shook his head. That wasn't possible. The Voidcaller trusted The Ideal One far more than he trusted Abaddon. He was pursuing something personal.
But whatever it was, The Ideal One didn't care. Abaddon was a loose cannon. So long as whatever misadventure he was having didn't harm the Gloom Organization and its interests, he would let it slide.
Otherwise…
The Ideal One sighed, shaking his head. The only reason he currently had a life to live was because of The Consumer. Even if he didn't understand why he was given an order, he would carry it out to the fullest.
"Ponder much?" asked a sarcastic voice behind him.
The Ideal One didn't turn around, knowing exactly who it was. "What are you doing here, Abaddon?"
Abaddon gave him a shark-like grin, pulling a chair over and sitting some distance away.
"Why so cold? Am I no longer welcome here?"
"That's for you to decide. After all, I haven't been seeing much of you these past few days. For a moment there, I thought you decided to desert us."
"Yet you showed no surprise to my being here."
The Ideal One felt a flash of annoyance. He really didn't like Abaddon's games.
"I ask again. Why are you here?"
"Your previous question was, 'What are you doing here?'"
The Ideal One didn't respond. He knew better than to.
"Well," said Abaddon, stretching slightly. "I came for two reasons. Number one: I came to check on Melissa's progress, something you don't seem to be doing very well. And two: I've heard there have been some developments."
"You don't know the specifics?" asked The Ideal One, glancing at him.
"Who would I get the information from?" countered Abaddon. "The Voidcaller doesn't talk to me. Most people in the Gloom Organization don't know half of what goes on behind the scenes. And Andras just up and disappeared for god knows—"
"Andras is dead."
Abaddon paused, his eyebrows shooting up. "That's… quite the development."
"Not only is he dead, but The Consumer was forced to take on a large group of Chosen," said The Ideal One, his voice growing louder. "Now, the girl's escaped, and The Consumer has been greatly injured. And you're telling me you haven't heard? Let me help you, Abaddon—perhaps you haven't heard because you haven't been around!"
"I have—"
"Tell me, Abaddon," said The Ideal One, his voice growing cold. "What is the Gloom Organization to you? What is your purpose here?"
"I see the Gloom Organization as a powerful force, one that's worth serving. If I intend to live, then I should be siding with the strong and capable, don't you think?"
"And what happens if the Gloom Organization is no longer as powerful?"
"Then I cut my losses and move on, simple as that."
The Ideal One narrowed his eyes, the large scar stretching down his face contracting with the movement. Abaddon was playing at something here. He'd known him too long to say otherwise.
"Such a statement is treason. To speak of such things boldly. What—"
Abaddon shrugged, spinning around in his chair casually. "It's human nature, Zek. People only do things for self-gain. If I were a leader of a group, I'd be more wary of people with abstract beliefs and purposes than I would be of people with realistic ideals."
"That can go two different ways. What's stopping you from switching loyalties if something doesn't go your way?"
"The same can be said about you," countered Abaddon without hesitation. "Ideals are nice and all, but all dreams die one day. Someone or some group you believed in could turn their back on you. After that, what would you do?"
"You make it sound personal."
"You're deflecting."
The Ideal One gave him a level look. "So are you. I recall you not answering my earlier question."
"If you care so much about my services, then prove yourself worthy of them. After all, one man can't do everything. Now for my question."
The Ideal One thought for a moment, unsure of how to respond. What would he do if The Consumer decided he was no longer needed?
"Then I'd forge my own path," he said after a length. "One of my own ideals."
"Then we're not so different, you and I."
The Ideal One gave him a cold smile, standing up. "No, Abaddon. We are completely different. My ideals are not based on material gains. I seek a deeper meaning of what's right and wrong—the mystery of who I am. As Zekrom's Chosen, I was put along a path of greater destiny. And to ascend that path, I will stand by The Consumer, right to the bitter end."
"One more thing," he said as he started to walk away. "Kindly remind Melissa this isn't a fight to the death."
Abaddon watched as The Ideal One turned and left, his words floating in Abaddon's head. What did he mean by 'mystery of who he was'? And what was this about a 'greater destiny'?
The Ideal One had always been an enigma. Abaddon could hardly get a grasp on who he was. None of their conversations had given him any deeper insight other than the fact he owed The Consumer his life somehow.
A flash of light from a console in front of him brought him out of his thoughts. Rolling his chair over, he looked at the training room in front of him, trying to see what the alert was about.
By the looks of it, Melissa was done training. The four Gloom Agents she'd been sparring with were currently on the ground, two of them unconscious. She stood over a third one with her foot against their chest, her breath ragged as she held a quarterstaff at the agent's head.
Abaddon sighed; this is what happened when you took your eyes off of her for just a few minutes.
"Well done, Melissa," he said, pressing the mic key. "Next time. Try not to go too overboard. That's the eight moderate injuries we've had this week from what I've been told. Please try to remember these people have duties elsewhere."
"I was promised power," said Melissa, ignoring his comment. "I've been training nonstop for over a week, and I haven't been told anything."
"To wield such a power requires strength, both physically and mentally. While your progress has been impressive, you're not ready. How much training did you have before wielding your power, huh?"
"I don't have time to wait!" shouted Melissa, whirling around in a
"Being a Grafted is different, I'm afraid. From what I heard, the last time an unprepared person was made a Grafted, they ended up summoning portals across Ultra Space and nearly destroyed everyone in the Gloom Organization. A fun thing to watch, no doubt."
Melissa growled in frustration, Abaddon's humor clearly not helping. "I was a trained sorcerer for years! How do I not have enough preparation?"
Abaddon shrugged. "It's not the same I guess."
"You guess?"
"This really isn't my choice," said Abaddon, using a tone one would expect if you were explaining to a five-year-old why they couldn't get something. "I'm just telling you things, so you'll stop asking me questions."
Melissa paused, staring off into the distance. All of a sudden, she threw the quarterstaff at Abaddon, storming off as it hit the glass and bounced off, careering into the opposite wall.
Abaddon watched her leave, shaking his head. "Mental breakdowns to temper tantrums. I don't recall being this troublesome as a teenager. Were you guys like this when you were teenagers?
The only response he got was a pained groan.
"She really did a number on you guys, didn't she?" he asked, making it obvious he was holding back a laugh. "To think you have some semblance of military training."
"Please don't do this to us," moaned one of the agents as she got up. "We've suffered enough today."
"Have you?" asked Abaddon, standing up. "It doesn't matter. G get some rest. Before that, however, can someone go make sure Melissa isn't having an episode?"
The two conscious agents looked at each other in hesitation.
"If you don't mind me saying this," said one of the agents carefully. "But as it currently stands, we are currently very battered. Melissa's episodes can't be… violent at times. Wouldn't it make more sense, given the scenario we're in currently… for you to check on her?"
Abaddon frowned. What was this man and the word currently? "Yes, it would. However, I have an important matter I need to attend to. You'll be fine. And if you aren't, well, I didn't promise anything."
Before the man could argue, Abaddon strode out of the room, a devious smile on his face.
Abaddon walked into a command center where multiple Gloom Agents were working on monitors. The lead desk worker looked up as he entered, rising to her feet.
"Master Abaddon!" she said, approaching him. "I have prepared the information you asked me to gather, as well as some extra information I thought would prove useful."
"Go ahead."
The woman nodded, looking at the clipboard she held close to her black uniform. "While no information could be found directly on these three lakes, there is evidence that points to the existence of an ancient library buried underground in the Outlands."
"What can you tell me about it?"
The woman hesitated. "Not much, unfortunately. We can only estimate its location."
"Very well," he said, pulling a chair from a desk, the person residing in the chair still on it. "Get off."
The agent quickly complied, sliding off the chair and returning to his desk to work standing as if nothing had happened.
"What about Zygarde?" asked Abaddon, crossing his legs as he sat on the chair. "Have you been able to identify a pattern in its behavior?"
"No sir. Its movement is erratic and unprecedented. We've had multiple Zygarde sightings across different cities. It makes absolutely no sense how it could be moving so fast."
Abaddon didn't comment. What this woman didn't know, was Zygarde's ability to split itself into multiple constructs provided it had enough cores. The Voidcaller had decided to keep as much information on the Pokémon away from as many people as possible. Having fewer people know important information meant there was a lower chance of the wrong people getting it.
Zygarde using its smaller, more mobile forms meant two things. The most obvious one was that it was trying to cover more ground as it searched for its cores. Its second reason was most likely a need for secrecy. Zygarde was no fool: It understood the amount of opposition it faced from other Legendary Guardians.
"Give me a list of all its recent sitings, the ones from today specifically."
"There was only one from today, actually," said the woman, checking her clipboard once more. "Luster City."
Abaddon paused. "That name sounds familiar."
The woman nodded. "There was a report of an Ultra Wormhole from that area, one that Lady Selena had investigated. That's where we discovered UB-02, the Poison and Rock malleable Ultra Beast. Not only that but there was an old report of a Chosen residing in that area. From what we know, they never left that area."
"And you haven't caught them since?"
"Many attempts were made. But after a while, we decided that they weren't worth the hassle. From what we could tell, they weren't actively fighting against the Gloom Organization."
"An enemy spared is still an enemy. At this point, it doesn't matter. Zygarde no doubt will find and destroy them."
Abaddon paused for a moment, a thought occurring to him. "Do you know the general location of this Chosen?"
"Yes, sir. I shall find you the coordinates now."
"Good," said Abaddon, turning around to leave. "Prepare my transport. A flying vehicle, preferably."
This new development was something he could take advantage of in many different ways. And that's what he fully intended to do.
Bran sat on the old and beaten couch in his apartment, listening to the radio.
The Gloom Organization had finally come up with a story to explain the calamity that had happened regarding Celica.
According to them, the calamity was caused by a high-threat level Chosen after they unleashed their powers to fight against the Gloom Agents who were trying to capture her. The chaos had led to the death of their lead defense sorcerer. The report also mentioned she was working with two other Chosen who sought to abuse her world-hopping abilities.
Bran was already familiar with this, except for the part where the sorcerer they'd been fighting died. Bran was one hundred percent sure it was Celica who killed him. From what he saw, the girl was a dangerous force to be reckoned with.
It was the rest of the report he was interested in.
From what they had said, the Chosen had begun fighting amongst themselves shortly after the death of the sorcerer over who would control the girl, multiple Chosen picking sides as if it were some kind of civil war. Amidst the chaos, the girl had opened several Ultra Wormholes in an attempt to do… something. This spawned multiple Ultra Beasts into this world and caused destruction on a city-wide scale. The Gloom Organization had allegedly handled the situation, causing all the Ultra Beasts to disappear without a trace.
Of course, anything the Gloom Organization said could be taken with a grain of salt. Bran could already see multiple holes within their story. What Bran suspected had happened, was that The Consumer had gotten involved, The Ultra Beast story was most likely true, but he couldn't see the Gloom Organization taking multiple Ultra Beast one at once.
His only logical conclusion was that there was another group of Chosen who'd come to assist, or maybe the Legendaries themselves. That was perfectly fine with him. Getting involved was a mistake. Celica was the entire reason his life had been thrown upside-down. Staying with her only brought more trouble. He only wished to live a contented life; one he'd be able to defend with his own strength.
He switched off the radio and got to his feet, moving to the kitchen to fix himself a meal.
The apartment had grown quiet once more without Gladio. Bran didn't know how he felt about the lack of company. After all, he'd lived alone for over a year, it was more of a return to normal than a loss.
Even then, he found himself wondering what had become of the man. He was most likely fine. Bran wouldn't have allied himself with him if Gladio wasn't capable of taking care of himself. And that way, he had no regrets.
Something was wrong, it could feel it. A malevolent aura floated through the air, feelings of pain and anger surrounded it on all sides.
Zygarde paused in its approach, raising its nose into the air. This sensation wasn't natural, it was evil.
Quickening its pace, Zygarde sprinted down the street on all fours. The dark aura it was sensing began to draw closer as it ran.
Finally, as it passed by an alleyway, it saw the source of the energy.
Near it were five different Pokémon, all cloaked in shadow and much larger than normal. Each Pokémon radiated anger, pain, and hatred; these feelings were reflected in their glowing red eyes. These were Shadow Pokémon.
Fury washed over Zygarde as it took in the sight. These were the product of the humans. They had defiled creatures that were once pure, twisting them into tools unrecognizable from their original selves.
The Shadow Pokémon noticed Zygarde, turning to face the Legendary. A Jolteon sprung forward from the group, its fur blazing with electricity.
Zygarde crouched back in a fighting position. It knew that these Pokémon had lost all sense of reason, there would be no talking to them, even as a Legendary Pokémon. The only thing it could hope to do was put it out of its misery.
As the Jolteon hit the ground, it launched multiple bolts of electricity at Zygarde. The Legendary Pokémon, being a ground type, easily shrugged off the attack and used Extreme Speed. It instantly closed the distance between the two of them, bringing its jaws upon its neck with Crunch.
Zygarde let go of the Jolteon and dodged to the side as a Psybeam came flying at it from a Duosion. A Fraxure charged at Zygarde, its fangs glowing as it recklessly threw itself forward.
Slamming its feet into the ground, it used Earthquake, pillars shooting forward and striking all four Pokémon. Without pausing, it dashed forward and used Dragon Rush, slamming into the Fraxure and sending it flying into the Duosion.
There was a cry from above as a Mandibuzz came diving down, stretching its talons as it reached for Zygarde.
However, its attack did not occur as Zygarde disappeared, using Extreme Speed to appear behind the Mandibuzz and strike it from behind. Using its momentum, it leaped off of it at sprinted up a nearby building before causing it to collapse with a powerful Earthquake.
Building debris rained down on the Pokémon, burying them beneath that building and multiple others. Zygarde landed on the ground, walking away from the fallen Pokémon.
There was only one explanation for this crime, one species that was behind this travesty. It was going to make them pay.
Zygarde paused and raised its nose into the air, trying to detect the remainder of its cores. At the same time, its four other constructs mimicked these actions, searching in unison.
Zygarde remained like this for a few minutes, failing to detect anything. It lowered its head and continued on, annoyance flitting through it. Unlike most other Legendaries, it took actions into its own hands when the balance of the world was on the line. Because of that, Arceus had limited its power so that it could use its full strength immediately. But what if the crisis was great and immediate? Then it wouldn't be able to react in time.
Zygarde had made this argument multiple times. The response was always the same. "Should the crisis threaten to end the world as we know it, then you wouldn't be the only one incentivized to act".
Seeing how humanity was able to commit their crimes while being left unchecked made Zygarde doubt this statement. Too many of its brethren left matters to the Chosen. And as Kira Village proved, they couldn't always be trusted.
Zygarde paused again. It could sense someone's presence. After a moment, it deduced it to be a Chosen. From what it could tell, the Chosen was most likely holed up in one of these apartments.
What was a Chosen doing in the middle of an abandoned city? From what it could tell, there was only one of them. They had to be after something, perhaps they were the cause of the Shadow Pokémon in the vicinity.
And if that were true, then it would make sure they didn't live.
Bran walked around his apartment, taking note of things that would require repair or replacement in the next few days, writing his observations down in the ledger he kept.
He did this every few weeks or so. It was a peaceful and meticulous task, something he did to fill his day with some meaning. Despite all the things that had gone wrong in the past, his life and how he lived it meant a lot to him.
He finished looking over the power cables, noting a few places where they were slightly worn down. With his task finished, he swapped his ledger for a broom he stored in a closet, heading over to the living room to start cleaning.
It was good to be home after the hell that had been the past week. He wasn't ready for that kind of adventure, nor did he have any wish to go on one. His powers were best suited for protecting what mattered to him. Stopping the Gloom Organization wasn't on that list.
Bran stopped his sweeping, raising his head as he thought he heard a noise. Before he could react, the wall facing the street exploded, a green and black canine-like creature bursting through it and sending debris flying as sparks flew.
Bran fell back in surprise as he summoned his stone armor around him, protecting him from the shower of building material. Zygarde landed on top of a table and sent wood splinters flying across the room.
Speak now, human. What did you do to the Pokémon in this city? Said Zygarde, its voice filled with rage.
Bran stumbled back; his arms raised. This Pokémon spoke directly to him. Not only that, but its voice contained a sense of power. He knew just by looking at it that it was no ordinary Pokémon.
"I haven't done anything," he said, his armor fading away. "I make it a point not to make contact with anyone outside my home."
Is that so? Asked Zygarde, beginning to circle Bran. Your lies fall on deaf ears. We know too much of human nature and human history to believe a word you say, Chosen.
This couldn't be a Legendary Pokémon then. Last he remembered, the Legendaries trusted the Chosen, more than regular Pokémon did.
"Please, I am only trying to live in peace. However, I won't hesitate to fight back."
Zygarde laughed, its voice echoing across the room. Fight back? Do you know who we are? We are Zygarde, the great balancer of the world.
"So, you are a Legendary Pokémon," said Bran, his tone neutral. "Then why do you choose to fight me? Not only have I done nothing, but don't the Legendaries not work against the Chosen?"
Times have changed. I am within my rights to retaliate after the Chosen opposed me. Make no mistake. As a Chosen, you are humanity's main representative. You and the rest of your kind will answer for your crimes.
"Has it occurred to you, that not all Chosen and humans agree with each other? The people who work for the Gloom Organization should be your main focus, not people like me."
None of your kind can be trusted. Oftentimes, those who take no action are as guilty as those who perpetrate said action.
"And that includes the Chosen? Even those who fight for both Pokémon and people?"
I have yet to see a Chosen who does so. Until then, all must be judged similarly.
"Even when that judgment is unfair?" he asked evenly.
Who are you to question my order, mere human? Just because you were blessed with the power of a Legendary doesn't make you akin to one.
Bran gave Zygarde a level look. "I don't care about status or whatnot. The way I see it, you're clearly delusional. You came and attacked me on the assumption that I did something, something that you haven't explained mind you, simply because I was human. Doesn't that go against your role as a Legendary Guardian?"
Zygarde stepped towards him, its body glowing in anger. Do you dare mock me? Have you any idea of my responsibility? I felt the pain of every Pokémon humanity has abused, every Pokémon you've twisted. Be grateful I will grant you a swift death.
"No," said Bran, not flinching. "I don't have any idea, and I'm not interested in knowing. Nor am I interested in having a swift death. As for who I am?"
Bran's armor formed around him, the Ting-Lu mask forming around his face.
"I am Omen."
Zygarde snarled at leaped for him. Bran planted a foot back, catching the Pokémon and using his body to block the attack.
Grunting in pain and effort, Bran threw himself forward, knocking Zygarde backward and out of the hole it had created. Without waiting, he ran forward and jumped after it.
Zygarde used Extreme Speed as it fell, immediately disappearing as it hit the ground and ran. Bran landed soon after. But before he could recover, he was struck multiple times by the fast-moving Pokémon.
Zygarde exited its high-speed dash behind Bran, switching to Dragon Rush and exploding forward. Bran pivoted around and raised his arms as the Pokémon made contact. The force behind the attack caused him to smash through a nearby building.
Bran got to his feet, slamming his hands into the ground. Dark bolts of energy flew out from his hands, the energy weakening the structure of the building.
Zygarde dove for him, its jaws opened wide. Bran threw his arm forward, using the stone to protect it before throwing Zygarde backward, sending a ripple of earth exploding forward.
Zygarde hit the ground and used Earthquake, sending powerful tremors forward and blasting through Bran's attack. Knowing exactly what was going to happen, Bran sprinted for the nearest wall and crashed through it as the building rapidly collapsed behind him.
Bran landed on his feet and turned around, fully expecting Zygarde to break out of the rubble. Less than a second after he thought so, Zygarde did with Dragon Rush.
As the Pokémon flew through the air, Bran summoned dark lasers from his hands, sending them streaming toward Zygarde. As each one hit, its strength was slowly sapped.
Zygarde smashed through a building and used Extreme Speed, disappearing in a trail of light. Instead of blocking, Bran created multiple fissures around him, the ground splitting and shattering around him.
The slight movement to his right caught his eye. If he had calculated his attack correctly, Zygarde only had one sure path to travel.
Flipping around, his arm glowed with the power of Ruin as he brought it surging forward. Right as Zygarde dashed in front of him, his fist smashed directly into the Pokémon, dark energy exploding off of it as Zygarde hit the ground and skidded several meters away.
Bran stood in place, breathing heavily as energy crackled across his arm. He'd never gone all-out like that before against a single target. His abilities were more suited to destructive, wide-area attacks. But he couldn't do that, not with his apartment nearby.
Zygarde slowly got to its feet, staggering slightly. Bran saw an opportunity to talk it down. While he found himself unable to understand where it was coming from, the fact he had the upper hand here would surely be enough to get it to back off.
"This fight is over," he said, his mask crumbling away from his face. "Your anger against me is unjustified. I have nothing against you, even after you've come and attacked me. Depart now, and let's both pray we never see each other again."
Zygarde laughed, drawing itself up. You are in no position to be making deals, human. I am a Legendary Pokémon. You think you've won, but you are only witnessing a mere ten percent of my power.
Bran hesitated. Was this true? It certainly seemed possible. The fact that he'd lasted so long against a Legendary Pokémon already said a lot. Then again, not all Legendaries were equal in power.
"I have no interest in continuing this fight, whether or not I have the upper hand. Please, I've already said-"
Arrogant human! This fight shall not end on your terms, your existence as a species shall not end on your terms! I will not let another traitorous Chosen escape this time.
Bran decided he was out of options. As much as he hated the risk of getting his property destroyed, losing his life was much worse. Drawing himself into a proper fighting stance, the mask on his face reformed as dark energy surrounded him.
Zygarde sunk back, green light emanating from its body. Despite the distance between it and its other constructs, power flowed from them across the region, gathering into this one Zygarde construct.
With a release of energy, over a hundred pillars of light shot out from Zygarde, a weaker and less numerous Thousand Arrows surging towards Bran.
Bran muttered a curse and leaped through the nearest, mostly intact building, slamming a fist into a wall and collapsing it. The rays of light smashed through the crumbled wall, exploding on contact and tearing through the structure.
As the light faded, the section of buildings around Zygarde was reduced to scattered rubble. As for Bran, he was nowhere to be seen.
Zygarde scanned the destruction, silent. After a moment, it turned around and bounded away.
Abaddon lazily glided through the air, his red and black wings slowly rising and falling every few seconds.
As he flew, his attention shifted as smoke floated around him. Drawing to a stop, he noticed the smoke rising from a massive patch of broken and crumbled buildings below him.
Abaddon slowly descended to the ground, feathers detaching themselves from his wings out of precaution. This was the place. The recent destruction could only mean that Zygarde had come through here recently.
Was he too late then? A pity that would be, but it wouldn't matter too much.
Coming to a stop, his wings glowed as he searched for life energy in the vicinity. Much to his surprise, there was a single person buried beneath the rubble, unconscious, but on the verge of waking up.
Abaddon stared at the rubble, trying to figure out the easiest way to clear it without having to pick building piece after piece. He could just blast everything, but that didn't guarantee the safety of the person beneath.
Heaving a sigh, he flew over and got to work extracting each Giratina-forsaken material piece. It was an annoying and involved task. Multiple times he questioned if it was worth wasting time over it.
Suddenly, a piece of what looked to be a painting came away, revealing pure graphite-colored stone. Abaddon examined it in curiosity, noting that the part he could see was vaguely human-shaped, and there was clearly more of it.
The stone shifted all of a sudden, causing Abaddon to draw back. The rubble around it shifted as the stone began to move even more. Finally, it gave way as a human figure rose up.
The stone around the person fell away, revealing a tall and bulky man with light-brown hair. The man gave him a confused and slightly lost look before nearly collapsing had Abaddon not caught him.
"Are you okay?" asked Abaddon, his usual voice and demeanor much different.
"Y-Yeah. Who are you?"
"My name is Abaddon Faust," he said, helping the man stand. "As you can probably tell, I am one of the Chosen. I understand you're one as well."
"How do you know?" asked the man, his voice gaining clarity.
Abaddon sighed, sadness and a tinge of regret filling his voice. "Zygarde wouldn't have attacked you otherwise. What you encountered was a very dangerous Legendary Pokémon, one I have been committed to stopping ever since it first awakened. I knew it was headed in this direction, but it appears I was far too late. You're very fortunate it didn't properly finish you off."
Bran remained silent, staring at the destruction around him. His eyes finally settled on his apartment, or at least what was left of it.
The entire city-facing section of the apartment had been destroyed; the top floor having collapsed into the one below it. Smoke was rising from one of the rooms, Bran didn't want to think about which one.
"Is something the matter?" asked Abaddon, following his gaze. "Is… someone else living with you? My powers allow me to detect life. And there's none there."
Bran shook his head, anger surging through him. "That was my life. The damn thing destroyed it all, for something I had no part in."
Abaddon watched silently, resisting an urge to smile. "What will you do now?"
Bran stared at the ruins. Some things were most likely salvageable. Painful as it was, he was going to have to rebuild everything. But as Ting-Lu had told him, "Ruin gives way for rebirth". He just had to make it happen.
"I'll fix things," he said at last, walking to the building.
"That's it?"
"I don't see what else is there to be done."
"You don't desire revenge? As you said yourself, it attacked you for nothing."
"Revenge is pointless. You say you're trying to stop it, but I don't think you've seen its power. Besides, revenge isn't going to bring me any satisfaction or anything."
"What about stopping it from destroying humanity? Surely it gave you its entire spiel."
"Doesn't concern me."
Abaddon raised an eyebrow. "That thing can sense Chosen, you know. Nothing is stopping it from coming back. If I may quote you again, it's too powerful for you to fight back against."
Bran paused. "You want something from me."
"From the way I see things, we have a common story. Both our lives have been damaged and destroyed by Zygarde. In your case, no guarantee rebuilding it will work. After all, so long as it's a living threat, it can always come back and deal with you. Next time, you may not be so fortunate."
"Why do you need me specifically?" asked Bran, slightly suspicious. "There are plenty of Chosen everywhere."
"Who else has fought Zygarde and lived?"
Bran considered what Abaddon was saying. The man did have a point. If it meant being able to prevent another attack like this, then Bran had no other choice.
"Let me make you a deal," he said after a while, fixing Abaddon with a slightly unnerving stare. "I'm assuming you have connections somewhere. I don't care who they are, but I'm sure you have them."
Abaddon nodded, looking slightly impressed. "You're correct, I do have connections. What about them?"
"My home. I help you with your Zygarde hunt, you help repair my apartment. You have nothing to lose considering you're fighting Zygarde for purely altruistic reasons."
"A correct assessment," said Abaddon. "Consider it done."
Bran nodded, turning to face his apartment again. "Just to be clear. Once we're finished with this Zygarde fiasco, you and I are done. I'm not getting caught up in another big adventure or anything."
Abaddon gave him a dry look. "Noted. Say, what exactly happened in your past?"
"That's not for you to know," said Bran, turning around. "We're wasting time here. How exactly do you plan on stopping Zygarde?"
Abaddon allowed himself to smile, his face splitting into a shark-like grin. "That is an answer for Legendary artifacts and old legends. Follow me, to the Outlands."