Chapter 32
Clefaria Town
Late that afternoon, a flock of Pelipper and Pidgeotto, members of the messenger guild, emerged from the clouds far above the humble town of Clefaria bearing incredible news about a small group of Bulbasaur who had escaped from Iron Town's holding cells…
…As well as, ironically enough, the Bulbasaur themselves.
There were eight of them in all, including residents from Iron Town, inhabitants of the grasslands in the southwest, travelers from far away cities, and, of course, Saura himself. Since other Bulbasaur had been rare to see in his line of work, Saura expressed a desire to fly with them to Clefaria and visit with them while he had time to spare.
After being dropped off at the entrance to the underground den where the escapees would be staying the night, Saura waited impatiently for the invisibility effects to completely wear off and for the other Bulbasaur to arrive.
The den was a cozy little place. It had a very low clearance, perfect for rodents and other small Pokémon such as Bulbasaur. A design of smoothed rocks embedded in the ground and the placement of a couple tiny candles in the corners gave the place a very homely feel, even though it was really nothing more than a rough ditch in the ground. It definitely wasn't a permanent habitat for any townspeople, Saura guessed, it was probably just built as an emergency shelter from the Watchers.
As he breathed the welcome odor of fresh dirt which filled the room, anticipating the company of the other Bulbasaur, Saura found his thoughts taken back to somewhere he once knew, a place which this little den reminded him of. Before he knew it, he found his mind led back to a distant thought he hadn't touched in a very long time: his family.
It had been many weeks since he'd fled from his home back at the Tiny Meadow, and he'd come a very long way. But through it all, he'd made a point, ever since stumbling upon Char and devoting himself to the resistance, to forget about it. Perhaps it was out of regret; it caused him a twinge of pain to remember everything he'd given up so eagerly when he and Char agreed to join the Gold Division. Suddenly, he remembered the days he spent exploring the meadow and the forest with his brothers, who helped him learn how to defend himself in the wild. He remembered the time he got too courageous and tried to go exploring without them, only to get trapped in a nearby Mystery Dungeon until they found him. He remembered the days he spent walking his little sister back and forth from Ivy Bluff, just so she could see her friends. He remembered his mother and father, both lazy old Venusaur, who loved and cared for their children more than anything. He remembered how he could always count on them for support, whether he'd scraped his leg on a thorn, or gotten his vines tied up in a horrible knot, or simply couldn't reach far enough to get the berries on the top branch of the tree. Yes, he could count on them for anything. Anything, that was, until one day when some Pokémon visited them…
No… Saura said to himself. I don't want to remember that part. There's no need.
He remembered his own friends, the Pokémon he liked to spend his time with. He remembered the Nidoran boy, who had no name, and all the afternoons they spent together trying to find the treasure at the bottom of Tenfold Pond, absolutely convinced one existed. He remembered the time the Nidoran somehow got wedged between a rock and a tree, and Saura had to defend him from a vicious wild Ekans while he struggled to free himself. He remembered the time they found a fallen Pidgey and spent the rest of the day getting it back into its nest, only to have the mother Pidgeotto suddenly fly home and relentlessly mob them. He remembered the Nidoran's wonderful yet twisted sense of humor, the most unique personality he'd ever met. He remembered all the adventures they had together, and how he could always just cross the meadow and visit him whenever he felt bored or frustrated with something… until one day, when he came to find that the Nidoran and his mother were not home anymore. He never saw them again…
I never even said goodbye, Saura thought sadly to himself. You, of all Pokémon, deserved a goodbye from me. I hope, wherever you went, you're okay…
He remembered Clari, the Chickorita who first showed him the secret entrance to Gravelrock Tunnel and dared him to find his way through the cave. He remembered her fiery, adventurous, daredevil personality that always had them into trouble with someone. He remembered how they always played hide-and-seek, but he never won once, because she always peeked. He remembered being endlessly jealous of her ability to sling razor-sharp leaves around, and how he unsuccessfully struggled month after month to copy the trick, relishing the thought of finally getting even with her. But not even that came to be, because one day, she said goodbye and moved far away, where it was safer for their family to be…
Everything ends, Saura reminded himself. Every sunrise ends with a sunset. I shouldn't be upset about what I left behind. I have a new life now, and I'm proud to have it. Heh… I knew, from the moment Clari showed me the Gravelrock Tunnel, that my future was somewhere on the other side! I just could never get the courage to enter it… and I never would have guessed that someone would have to chase me in!
Despite the significant effort Saura was making to convince himself he didn't have to be ashamed of anything, a strange sense of disgust welled up in his belly. There was still something he didn't feel comfortable about, and it wasn't going away.
I had to run away! Saura told himself harder. Mom and dad betrayed me! Well, I know they didn't think there was anything wrong with me joining the Master… they thought it would be a good future for me… but they… they didn't listen when I said I didn't want it… They didn't protect me… But if they protected me, they would have gotten punished… That's why I ran away…
But just then, Saura had to cut his painful reflection short as the first Bulbasaur entered the den. He knew the rest would be arriving in mere moments, so he put on his best smile and got ready to greet them.
The first one was very young—only a little sprout—and it looked scared to death. It made Saura's heart just melt looking at the poor little thing…
"Hi!" Saura said, quickly running up to the tiny Bulbasaur. "Are you going to be okay? You're safe now. Nobody's going to capture you here."
"Are you a bad guy?" the little sprout replied, backing away slowly.
"Hah, no, I'm not," Saura laughed, albeit a little oddly. "I'm a really good guy, I promise. I helped you escape!"
Seeing the little thing so shaken, Saura just wanted to give it a big hug and tell it everything would be okay. But as he tried to do so, the little sprout yelped and backed away into the corner, panting in fright.
"GO AWAY!" it screamed. "Mommy said I should NEVER let strange Pokémon constrict me!"
"That's… good advice," was all Saura could think of to say before deciding to leave the little thing alone.
Next, three more of the Bulbasaur descended the stairs and entered the dugout. They were a lot bigger and older than him; they were late-bloomers, Saura determined, being surprised that they were not Ivysaur yet. But then he remembered that evolution was currently not available, so he decided not to criticize it—especially since he, after all, didn't have any plans to ever evolve.
"Hey, guys," Saura said to the older Bulbasaur as they came in. "Happy to be out of that place? I know I am. That was a really stupid law, it just came out of nowhere."
"Yeah, and you want to hear the punch line?" one of them responded. "Bulza here was in prison for a week before that law even came out. He's a real criminal!"
"Nah, be quiet, I didn't do anything real horrible," Bulza insisted. "I just got caught stealing some food. No biggie. I won't make the same mistake again."
"Do you mean that, as in, you won't try to steal anymore, or you won't make the same mistake and get caught again?" Saura asked jokingly.
"Probably both," Bulza replied. "I'll probably quit the habit for a week, then I'll break down and go back to doing it, and I'll be better at it too! That's the way it always works."
"Oh…" Saura said, halfway disappointed, before brightening back up. "Well, you can't be a bigger criminal than me! I'm the one who helped break you out just now!"
"Oh, well, I guess we owe you some thanks," one of the other Bulbasaur said, nodding. "It was fun being invisible for a while. I wish I could'a gotten away and done something with it, though. But those stupid birds kept us…"
"Hey," Bulza said, his voice dripping with genuine interest. "Got any more of those invisible maker things, by chance? Huh?"
It was then that Saura decided he wasn't really interested in further conversation with this group of Pokémon, so he politely cut short the chatter and awaited the next newcomer.
When he saw the next Bulbasaur descend the staircase, his jaw hit the floor.
It was about his age, if not a little older than he. There was something truly incredible about it: the seed it carried on its back was the deep, dark color of evergreen, and its skin had an unnatural yellowish-green tint to it. It stared at the ground as it entered the den as if trying not to meet Saura's gaze, but it cast a glance at him as it passed.
"Whoa, hey!" Saura cried, finally gathering himself. "Look at you! You're—"
"Yes, yes, I know, I know, I know!" it exploded in Saura's face. "I get it! Okay?! I'm discolored! By Shaymin, you say it as though it was something new to me! Do you know how annoying it gets when every single Pokémon you ever meet greets you by pointing out your color?!"
"S-sorry!" Saura stuttered back, following it as it tried to walk away from him. "I-I didn't mean it like that! I was just—"
"You were just surprised at seeing such a freak of nature like me," it sneered flatly. "I know. Get in line. By Arceus, why me? I was actually glad to be invisible for a while back there, I'm so tragically sick of every Pokémon who sees me getting distracted by the shiny… Arceus, what a bad day this has been…"
It sulked over into a corner and said no more.
Saura started to eye the yellow-green Bulbasaur again to gaze at the spectacle, but then decided it was best to be polite and turned away. He was astounded that someone could have something so special and rare, but think of it as a curse!
Well, at any rate, I'm not doing a very good job of making friends, Saura realized. Let's see who's next…
"Saura?"
When the tiny voice sounded, it pierced to the core of Saura's heart. His breath caught.
For just a moment, it seemed to Saura that time had stopped, or that he was plunged into a dream. It was a voice he knew well, but didn't expect to hear, especially in a place like this…
"Saura! It's you! I knew it was you!"
He turned to the den entrance. He had to know if it was true.
It was. At the bottom of the stairs, overcome with just as much disbelief as he, stood a little Bulbasaur no greater than half his size—his little sister.
"Saurlee…?" he mouthed.
The two broke into a run and bounded across the floor towards one another, practically collided head-first. Sooner than he knew, his vines were squeezing her tightly and his forehead was tenderly pressed against hers. It was not relief, or excitement, or even joy that washed over him as he embraced her, it was something like pure love, mixed with the shame that came with knowing he'd been the one to withdraw that love from her. For just that moment, he didn't care why in the world she'd gotten herself in prison or why she was even in Iron Town to begin with, he was just happy to see her.
Although Bulbasaur were difficult to tell apart from one another, this was one that he'd never forget—it was Saurlee, his little sister, the second-youngest member of their family. Being a middle child and the one always stuck with the babysitting, Saura had become the best of friends with her, and she'd always looked up to him. This was the reason he felt regret for having run away from home, he realized: his family still loved him, no matter how much he'd try to convince himself otherwise. He knew in the back of his mind that, by leaving them, he had broken their hearts.
"It's really you!" Saurlee wailed, not daring to part with him. "I thought I heard your voice, but I didn't know it was you because you were invisible. Are you okay? We were all so worried when you just disappeared. We couldn't find you anywhere! You almost gave mommy a heart attack! I thought I was never going to see you again, Saura!"
"What in the world are you doing here, Saurlee?" Saura gasped, trying to avoid answering her questions. "You're so far away from home! How did you get here?"
"Me and Saurvor went down to the Seaside," she explained. "When we came back, we stopped to rest in Iron Town and they threw me in jail! I don't even know why!"
"You didn't do anything wrong," Saura assured her. "It's okay. It's just some stupid law they made up yesterday. You're safe now. You're okay."
"Saura, what happened to you?" Saurlee demanded, staring him in the eyes. "Why did you go away? Mommy and daddy are worried that you're lost! We searched for you for weeks! Even in the dungeons! Saura, we were so scared. It made mommy cry…"
"I'm just fine," He assured her. "I have a very good life now."
"Did you go to work for the Master?" she asked. "Just like the Flareon said?"
It was another memory he wished to repress as quickly as possible. Early one morning, his family woke to the summons of a Flareon, backed by a team of powerful soldiers, who picked him from the rest of his siblings to serve the Master. That day was like a nightmare to him; he already despised the Master, and felt that he would have rather died than given into his demands. And worse was how he spent the rest of the evening trying to convince his parents to help him, to say he didn't have to go, to shield him from such fate… and how they refused his every plea…
"Saaauraaaa!" Saurlee whined, drawing out his name just as she always would. "Did you join with the Master? Do they make lots of money there?"
"No, no, I didn't," Saura said, breaking himself away from his mental image. "But it's okay. I'm fine where I am. I make money, I have friends… I'm happy."
"You have a job now? What is it?" Saurlee inquired. "Is it fun?"
"Sometimes, yeah," Saura replied. "My job is… I help a lot of very important Pokémon do the things they're supposed to do."
"But what about the Master?" Saurlee cried. "Isn't he upset at you? Won't he punish you for running away?"
"Saurlee, I'm fine," Saura said again. "He's probably just going to pick another Bulbasaur. I think I'm off the hook."
While it wasn't completely the truth, it needed to be said.
"Oh, Saura, I missed you so much," Saurlee sighed again, leaning in again and resting her head against his neck. "C'mon, let's go back and get Saurvor, he's still in the city! He'll be so happy to see you! Tell us everything you did!"
Saura bit his lip. He just couldn't believe this. His heart leapt at the thought of spending all night with Saurvor, his older Ivysaur brother, and Saurlee, but…
"I can't," he sighed, "I don't have enough time. I have to go soon. Where I work, we're going to be taking a big trip tomorrow morning! And they need me there to help get things ready. I'd love to stay here all night, Oh, Saurlee, I'd love to. But I can't."
"Saura, please! Please don't go again!" Saurlee pleaded, wrapping her tiny vines around his leg to detain him. "I just found you! Don't leave!"
"I wish none of this would have happened in the first place," Saura grumbled. "I wish that Flareon never came to our home. But… this is how life is. Things don't stay the same. Even when they're the best things in the world"
"But I don't want you to leave again," Saurlee said again, on the verge of tears.
"Listen to me, Saurlee," Saura begged her, looking into her eyes again. "Please, don't cry. Listen. I want you to rest here for the night, and try to get along with all the other Bulbasaur. Tomorrow morning, some nice Pokémon will come and make sure you get back to Saurvor. I want you to go home with Saurvor. And when you do, I want you to tell mom and dad everything I just told you, okay? Tell them I found a place to live and they should be happy for me. Tell them that I'm safe and sound and there's nothing to worry about, okay? Can you do that for me?"
"Okay," Saurlee whispered reluctantly, starting to cry. "Promise you won't be gone forever?"
"I promise," Saura told her.
"I love you," Saurlee whispered.
"I love you, too," Saura whispered back, gently wiping away her tears with his nose.
He stayed with her as long as he could, until the sun in the sky started to dim and the afternoon began to turn to evening. Then, they said their final tearful goodbyes, and Saura was flown back by a Pidgeotto to the place he was obliged to be.
Division Base
"That… was… AWESOME!" Ray cheered loudly as Team Ember, led by Scythe, Marrow, and Markov, finally returned from the day's mission. "That was the best mission I ever did! Scythe, how in the world did you think of such a brilliant plan so fast?!"
"Well, to tell you the truth, it's not a new strategy to me," Scythe admitted. "I've actually done it once before, when we made a slight error in our plans and got Raon locked away for fraud in Boulder Ridge."
"Heh, but let me tell ya', that one didn't turn out all too well," Marrow added humorously. "We got Raon out, but Scythe forgot to think of a way to get himself out, so he ended up stuck in jail—with heightened security, even—for two whole weeks!"
"Well, we got it right this time," Scythe reminded them. "I figured the right way to pull it off was to have a civilian alert the police, that way their story isn't considered as suspicious. And besides, I only got caught because I had to suggest they open the cell door to check and see if Raon was still in there, so he could sneak out. But this time, those dumb mutts did that all on their own. And I think we have Ray to thank for it."
"It was nothing!" Ray laughed. "And besides, that was awesome feeling all that electricity. With lightning bolts, I can only hold them in for a second before I have to discharge. But that generator? I had to hold those wires for twenty whole seconds! I felt like an electrode about to blast off to the moon!"
"Wow…" Char said. "Turning the prisoners invisible, then getting somebody to open the cells so they could escape. It's like they let them go by increasing the security. That's so ridiculous, I can't believe it worked. But it did!"
"That's often the best type of plot to spring," Scythe said. "Let the opponent know exactly what you are doing—no tricks there—but then, make sure their attempt to counter you will actually help you. If set up properly, you end up with a scenario where you will succeed if they fail, or if they succeed, you will still succeed. Let me tell you, there is no sweeter victory than to watch your opponent cross the finish line for you!"
"Ah, but all the mere mortals such as me and you can't hope to concoct witty enough plots to accomplish that," Marrow joked to Char. "Only the wits of the legendary Pokémon known as the Scyther are great enough-"
"BLAST IT ALL!" a voice screamed. "Not one! Not one more! Where is the order from Porcelain Town? BLAST IT!"
They were passing by Kecleon's shop on the way to storage to drop off their excess baggage when a surprisingly blustered voice erupted from inside, shouting curses that surely Dialga could have heard.
"Not to worry, not to worry," said another, calmer voice. "In sixteen days, we will have more orbs. I contacted them today and they said they were behind!"
"AUGHH!" the voice shouted again.
The pink-colored Kecleon brother appeared in the doorway, looking a little winded. His put his salesman's face back on, though, as soon as he spotted the passersby.
"Uh… what's going on in there?" Char couldn't help asking.
"Oh, it is nothing, really!" the Kecleon assured in his usual cordial manner. "My brother is just a little red at the moment, mostly because somebody got away with robbing him earlier today, and in Iron Town, no less. Can I do anything for you this fine evening?"
There was a noisy clack as Marrow struck his bone against his skull helmet. "Oh, wonderful. Almost forgot," he murmured almost silently under his skull. "Scythe, might need your hand here. I might need backup."
"Uh-oh," Scythe said concernedly. "Is this going to involve a battle…?"
Hefting the supply bag, Marrow entered the store, followed closely by Scythe. His curiosity getting the better of him, Char peeked his head through the doorway to spy on the happening.
Marrow calmly approached the front counter where the other Kecleon brother was furiously flitting through things like papers and supplies, leaving boxes and crates littered all over the ground. Char noticed that the pink-colored Kecleon wasn't kidding—he really was red, as in, the color of his scales had changed, making his appearance resemble some sort of horribly mutated Charmeleon.
"Uh, Kecleon sir, if you wouldn't mind," Marrow said.
"Sorry, sorry, terribly busy at the moment," the Kecleon replied in a very agitated manner. "Very sorry. My brother will serve you…"
Plink!
Marrow dropped a small sack filled with Poké coins onto the countertop. Char recognized it as the supply of Poké they'd withdrawn from the treasury that morning, namely, the extras left over after putting some in the tiny pouch Saura used to sneak the Vanish Seeds into the prison.
Kecleon's head turned. He eyed the sack of money.
"What is this?" he demanded. "What are you purchasing with this?"
"Nothing," Marrow said calmly. "This is interest. And this…"
Reaching into the bag, Marrow produced the Pierce Band which had allowed him to throw the Vanish Seeds straight through the solid steel walls of the prison chambers. He placed it next to the money.
Kecleon was floored. He was still furious, but shocked enough to listen for a minute.
"Marrow, how could you?" Scythe said in fully sarcastic astonishment. "This poor salesman's served you unconditionally for years, and you have the audacity to betray his trust and steal from him?"
"Our team rightfully owns two of them," Marrow explained, "but I forgot that Daemon took them both earlier this week. And I needed one for our job today, so… I made do."
Char held his breath, and it looked to him like Scythe and Marrow were doing the same. The lizard picked up the Pierce Band and appraised it, as if to inspect it for scratches.
"Well, then," the Kecleon finally replied, "In that case, have a wonderful evening, and thank you so very much for your business!"
Whoa, he's letting them off the hook? Char wondered. I wonder if Kecleon's faking being all polite, or does he really have such a one-track mind?
"I'm very sorry if I've caused you any distress," Marrow said humbly.
"No, no, the pleasure's all mine, really," the Kecleon replied with a little bow. "It makes my day to know that I have customers like you, Team Remorse. A thief who willingly returns what he steals can hardly be called a thief at all. I can't thank you enough. Always happy to be of service!"
Oh, no wonder, Char realized. Right. They're Team Remorse. They can get away with anything if they pull some strings. They've probably spent millions and millions of Poké here over the years, no way Kecleon can turn them down. But it really makes me wonder… just a few moments ago, Kecleon was screaming like some kind of enraged, rabid… monster. Makes me wonder if they're always hiding such a horrible temper underneath those smiles that are always plastered over their faces…
… … …
Once their supplies were unloaded, Team Ember relaxed downstairs and had a nice big dinner, telling one another about their day's experiences. Char explained where Scythe had taken him, and how they discovered the underhanded trick that Adiel was trying to pull. Saura and Ray gave the same reaction that Char did at first, wondering how Scythe knew that it was a bluff.
"He thinks that Adiel somehow found out when he's planning the final effort at Basin Canyon, and even though Scythe wouldn't fall for the trick, he knew that most of Iron Town would, so it would be really distracting. He called it a beggar's diversion."
"Wait, what?" Ray gaped. "Adiel knows the settlement date? That's awful! That's one of the things he's been trying to keep hidden from him. If Scythe meets with too much resistance, he'll fail really bad! I wonder how Adiel found out?"
"If Adiel's almost as smart as Scythe, maybe it wasn't so difficult for him," Char considered. "But I think Scythe's got things covered. He seems to know what he's doing."
"You're right," Ray said with a nod. "Maybe he's pulling one of those win-win plots he was talking about earlier. If that's the case, I bet Adiel's going down!"
Next, Saura told of his meeting with his younger sister. Char was really surprised. For as long as they'd known each other, Saura never talked much about his family aside from some brief comments now and then. He figured, since the day they met, that Saura held some sort of repressed resent toward his family and simply preferred not to talk about them. But now, as Saura told of his relationship with Saurlee, Char's view of him started to change.
"She was the last Bulbasaur I expected to see in that room," Saura rambled. "She told me how scared I made my parents when I left. I almost wish I could just…"
Saura's expression changed, and he cut his sentence short.
"Just what?" Char insisted. "Stay with her for the night? Go see your family again? Do you… want to?"
"I can't," Saura said, giving the biggest fake shrug Char had ever seen. "I have prior obligations. Besides, I'll see them again someday."
"I had no idea you felt that way about your family," Char said.
"Hey, Char, I'm fine," Saura claimed, wearing a big smile. "Okay, I'll admit, I've always felt a little ashamed of myself for leaving them the way I did, but I think today I made it a lot better. Saurlee's going to go home, and let mom and dad know everything's alright. So now I can stop worrying so much about them, when I know they're not worrying so much about me. But there's nowhere I'd rather be than here."
Char decided to leave it at that. He knew that, regardless of what inner conflicts Saura was keeping to himself, he'd made his decisions and was glad to stick to them… not to mention that the thought of going to Temporal Tower without him was just nightmarish.
Finally, just as Ray was telling the story of how he sabotaged the generator, Scythe approached their table.
"Eat well?" he asked.
They nodded.
"Good," he said, "because it's time to come. High Intelligence is calling for us now. Let's go."
Team Ember promptly cleared their dinner table and followed Scythe downstairs.
… … …
The next thing they knew, Team Ember had been granted entrance to Intelligence's lair. They stood at attention near the room's central table as Alakazam gathered himself, preparing to address them. Saura was impressed at the room's grandeur, and Ray was spellbound by it all, unable to tear his eyes off the collections of books, instruments, and maps that covered the walls and tabletops of the whole room. Char eyed Metagross, still standing silently at the far end of the room and watching the meeting intently. It hadn't budged an inch since Char had last seen it.
"I can't believe we're actually in here," Ray gasped. "I don't know whether to feel honored or unworthy…"
"It is settled," Alakazam said from the other side of the table. "It was a challenge to get everything arranged on such a short notice, but it is done. It is all set in place for tomorrow morning. Your transportation will be waiting for you just outside the western gate. Be there at the first crack of sunrise, and you might make the flight to the Emerald Division in only two days if the winds are cooperative."
Flight? Char wondered. We're flying there?
"Scythe, I expect that you are prepared for this mission?" Alakazam spoke authoritatively. "The responsibility of this Charmander remains in your hands. Guard him with your life."
Scythe bowed. It had already gone without saying.
"This goes for you as well, Bulbasaur and Raichu, should you accompany him," Alakazam said gravely. "Your Charmander friend represents more than you will ever know. You must be willing to put yourself at risk for him. He must reach the top of Temporal Tower at all costs, even if it means it must be at your expense. Do you understand?"
"We know," Saura said. "We're going to give this everything we have."
"So be it," Alakazam said, motioning with his hand toward the table. "Now, the evening you arrive from your flight, you will present yourself to Team Regret. They are waiting for you. From there, you will spend a single night in the shelter of their base to further prepare yourself. They have been hard at work with researching Temporal Tower as they await you; they are able to offer you more specific help than I. The following day, once the Watchers have subsided from the sky, you will be flown north to the border of Zerferia. From there, you will continue by foot approximately seventeen miles north north-east, locate Temporal Tower, and enter it."
"Why not just fly all the way to Temporal Tower?' Char wondered out loud.
"The storms of Zerferia will not allow it," Alakazam explained. "Zerferia is a land of bitter snowstorms which never cease. No Pokémon can navigate in those winds, and even those who possess enough agility to ride the air currents would find their wings paralyzed from frostbite in mere minutes."
"Wait, waiiit," Char yelped. "This Zerferia place… it's… cold?"
"Devastatingly so," Alakazam said, pointing to the gigantic, white-colored landmass which lied north of Ambera on the map. "So cold, in fact, many Pokémon cannot survive there. Even those of an alignment to ice have trouble finding enough food or shelter to make a home there. Zerferia is barren."
Char felt his hopes drop just a little as he imagined braving the described place, slogging through a never-ending blizzard as sub-zero winds whipped across his body and numbed him until only a stabbing pain remained. He imagined his flame faltering in the wind, struggling to stay alive…
"Don't fear," Alakazam said, addressing Char directly. "You, of all Pokémon, will be envied by your teammates in that blistering place. You are the one with the endless fire broiling in your heart. It will keep you warm."
"Yes," Xatu added, approaching the table and standing at Alakazam's side. "You are a stronger, greater Charmander than you were weeks ago when we first addressed you. You have grown in size and stature, and the ember within you burns brighter than ever. It will sustain you well through this journey."
Next, Alakazam placed a very large travel bag on the table. It was bigger than any Team Ember had used before, and Char could see that it was stuffed with useful items.
"Your supplies," Alakazam said. "We have received the unfortunate news that Temporal Tower carries the properties of a Mystery Dungeon. These are the best items from our holds we could spare to you. We hope they will last you through your journey."
Scythe eyed the bag thoughtfully. "Hmm, may we see what is inside?" he asked. "We'd like to know what we're dealing with."
"Very well," Alakazam said.
He reached into the front pocket of the back and pulled out a bulging pouch.
"Ten Sitrus Berries," he announced. "Use them as liberally as you must to keep yourselves in one piece. And should those fail you…"
He reached in again and produced another bulging pouch, this one embroidered with shiny, golden threads.
"Ten Reviver Seeds," he said. "These are exceedingly rare, and they represent the majority of our stockpile. We hope they will serve you in your upcoming task."
Ohhh… Char mouthed, gazing at the bag. That's more Reviver Seeds than I'll probably ever see in a lifetime… I hope we don't have to use them all…
Another pouch was set before them, this one producing a very alluring aroma, making Char's mouth water even though he'd just stuffed himself with food moments before.
"Four Golden Apples," Alakazam said. "One for you each. If you do not squander them, it will be all the food you will need."
It didn't seem like there'd be any end to the wondrous items being placed before them. There came Heal Seeds, Vanish Seeds, Orbs that would petrify massive numbers of nearby enemies and render them harmless, rally lost teammates together, render the whole team invulnerable for a limited period of time, bewitch wild Pokémon into fighting on their side temporarily, and many more. Char lost count. Finally, he produced from the bag some odd accessories.
"X-Ray Glasses," Alakazam said. "to let you see enemies behind walls. A Detect Band, to increase your agility in battle. A Speed Brace, to give you a running start. A Mobility Scarf, if you find yourself cornered and unable to escape."
Char didn't see a reason to mention they already owned one of the latter items. He wasn't going to complain about having two.
In all, the bag was packed with forty-eight items, allowing no more to fit.
"If you wish to bring any additional minor supplies to suit your personal preferences, you must bring a second bag," Alakazam said. "But we have made sure you will not be left wanting. The hearts of all the resistance are behind you."
"This will work," Scythe said, smiling very oddly, in a way that almost seemed devious. "This will work very well. Thank you."
"There is one other issue I must bring up," Alakazam said. "Due to the nature of the tower, it is hard to say what type of Pokémon resistance you should expect within. You could be faced with anything. But, from various resources we have examined, we have constructed some ideas of what kinds are more likely to be there. For one, a mysterious Pokémon known as Solrock has been mentioned in the record books. I have never seen a Solrock with my own eyes, but it is said to be a normally-docile rock Pokémon with psychic potential. For another thing, like Dialga itself, you may meet some true dragons…"
"What does that mean?" Char wondered. "How can we prepare against them? I'm bad at fighting against rock Pokémon…"
"Precisely," Alakazam said. "Though you have your companions to rely on, you are the foremost concern, so you must learn to protect yourself. Thus…"
Alakazam slid a very strange item across the table. It was like a rock, but flat, and circular-shaped. And very, very shiny.
"Whoa," Ray said. "That's a TM disc!"
"Yes," Alakazam said, "And not only a TM, but it is one, among many, which has been personally engineered by myself. With the help of the Kecleon, I have periodically engaged in the hobby of recording TM discs that have not been previously created, even by human hands."
"That's amazing," Saura said. "How do these machines work, anyway? I've always wanted to know that!"
"It is a fascinating hobby, if I may speak my own mind," Alakazam said. "I only regret that I do not have the time to make more. Using Kecleon's equipment, a disc can be engineered by any sufficiently-skilled psychic, such as myself. I need to closely observe the mental impulses of a skilled Pokémon as they perform the technique, then repeat them back into the machine in a way it can understand. If successful, the disc can transfer the same patterns into the mind of another, allowing them to learn the technique as though they had practiced it their whole life."
"I don't have any idea what you just said, but it sounds awesome," Saura said. "I've always wanted to try using one myself."
"Wait," Char said. "What if it's not successful? Can you mess up a disc?"
"Yes, it happens very often, unfortunately. They are not always easy to record," Alakazam said with a nod. "I must thoroughly analyze each one I make, since a malformed TM can have very bad effects to the Pokémon who attempts to use it. At best, it will fail to work. At worst, it could blank a fair portion of muscle memory, turning a skilled warrior into a clumsy fool. But do not worry, I craft my discs to the highest standards. "
Char picked up the TM disc and gazed at his reflection in the shiny surface.
"Now, you must take this disc down to Kecleon to use it," Alakazam instructed. "He has the equipment necessary. He also owns a vast library of standard TMs for you to browse, should you desire to expand your current capabilities. Now, he has been known to charge a very large fee at even the mention of a TM, but you should make it very clear to him that I will cover any costs you infer at his market tonight. We cannot spare any expense for such a vital mission as this!"
… … …
"Hmmmmmm…" hummed the pink-colored Kecleon as he appraised the disc. "Looks like another one of Alakazam's works. Did he tell you what this one's good for?"
"Uh, no," Char responded. "I think he forgot to. He just told me to use it."
"Well, for the record, I take no responsibility for what the disc may do to you," Kecleon warned. "But, if you'd like to use it, I can help you with that. Follow me…"
Char held his breath as he, Saura, and Ray were lead somewhere else they'd never dared explore: behind Kecleon's counter. Careful not to touch a single thing, the threesome could only gape at the museum of packed, cluttered storage rooms which they passed through.
After descending a wide but short staircase, a few torches flickered alive to reveal a room lined with shelves, each containing a long row of TM discs. At the back of the room stood an extremely large metal machine. Upon closer inspection, Char saw that the machine was practically featureless, sitting against the wall like a giant steel brick.
"Well, Char and company, welcome to the fabled TM room!" Kecleon proclaimed. "Not very many Pokémon know this even exists, and it's better that way, if you ask me. Now, Char, let's get you set up! Oh, it always gives me chills watching this wondrous thing work its magic. Technology, glorious technology, crafted by human, perfected by Pokémon!"
Before Char could say much, the pink Kecleon yanked the disc out of his hands, and then led him to…
SLAM.
Char was locked inside of a very dark, cramped room. Complex circuitry ran up and down every wall, and the ceiling was lined with something that looked like a hundred tiny, opaque light bulbs. It took him a minute to realize he was inside of the TM machine. He suddenly understood that was a chamber, rather than a machine, which explained its dull exterior.
"You okay in there, Char?" he heard Saura's voice call from outside.
"I've loaded the disc," Kecleon announced, interrupting him. "Just say when, and I'll boot it up! And let me know what it teaches you, so I can categorize it."
Char clenched his fists, not knowing what in the world to expect. He gave Kecleon the word to continue.
The machine produced many loud whirring, beeping noises as it rumbled to life, making Char feel as if he was standing inside a roaring fire. Sparks flew from several wires as they filled with power, beginning to glow shades of blue and yellow.
And then, it all disappeared.
Char blinked. He was standing in the middle of nothing. Looking down, he could see his own body perfectly, but there was no floor underfoot. Squinting into the gray void, he could see hundreds of tiny kaleidoscope-like images, but couldn't tell if they were real, or just the effects of his mind's eye.
"It's turned on," Kecleon's voice reported. "Now to begin the program. Stand by, juuuuust a moment…"
Then came the very unnerving feeling that he was not alone, followed by the figure of a Pokémon standing in front of him. It slid out from behind the shroud of nothingness, standing on all fours…
Char's startled cry filled the room. Standing before him, staring at him with deep, sparkling eyes, was…
Eva?
"Do you see the Espeon?" Kecleon inquired. "If you do, it means the program is running smoothly so far."
"Y-yes," Char responded.
"Do you like her? Hmm?" Kecleon asked giddily. "Before, we just had a disembodied voice to give you instructions, so I decided to replace it a lovely young Espeon! Thought it would make the whole experience more pleasant. Now, here we go… Get ready, Char."
"Welcome to TM-X 024 AKZ" the Espeon said in a smooth, comforting voice that didn't resemble Eva's at all. "This training program will attempt to transfer the knowledge of the technique known commonly as Metal Claw. Do you accept this?"
"Yes," Char answered, wondering just what a Metal Claw was, but figuring he'd find out shortly.
"Before we begin, you must be made aware of the risks and warnings associated with Technical Machines," the Espeon said robotically. "Technical Machines must be used with care. Improper use of Technical Machine software or use of unapproved or noncompliant Technical Machine software has been known to cause, and may result in: memory loss, blindness, depression, loss of sanity, or paralysis. Do you accept these risks?"
"Y-y-yes, I guess," Char stammered.
"Technical Machine software operates by releasing precision-guided impulses of electric, psychic, or aura-based energy, depending on the type of technique to be taught, to imprint the recorded pattern into the mind. There is an inherent risk of corruption or erasure of existing muscle memory every time a Technical Machine is used. Do you accept this risk?"
"Yes," Char said again.
"Warning. This Technical Machine is not, in any way, authorized or approved by the Pokémon League Federation. The author of this Technical Machine software is not in any way licensed or affiliated by the Pokémon League Federation. Furthermore, the technique contained herein, Metal Claw, was previously deemed unfit for transmission through Technical Machine, and subsequent releases of Technical Machine software containing Metal Claw have been banned and destroyed at the request of the Pokémon League Federation. Do you understand, and accept the implied risks?"
"Yes," Char said once more, beginning to sweat.
"Very well," The Espeon said, "The program will now commence."
Char's heart was already beating rapidly as his surroundings became a strange, surreal cloud of purple and red. He tried glancing around, but whatever direction he looked, the Espeon always stood directly in front of him, like she was painted directly onto his eyes.
"Throughout the natural course of a Pokémon's life, a Pokémon will learn many ways to defend itself," The Espeon began to explain. "A Pokémon's physical weapons, such as its teeth and claws, are usually the most natural and intuitive forces available to them. Next, a Pokémon must learn about the elements they were infused with, and how to harness them to manipulate their surroundings inside and outside of battle. A Cyndaquil is infused with fire. A Totodile, with water. A Treecko, with flora. These strengths are essential for a Pokémon to learn and understand in the quest for self-mastery."
Makes sense so far, Char told himself.
"But, there is a third type of power which lives within every Pokémon," The Espeon continued. "This power mysterious, and not yet fully comprehended by Pokémon or mankind. It is a power that may come from the spirit, or it may stem from unseen facilities in the Pokémon's body. It behaves much like Aura, and may be a subset of Aura. With enough practice, any Pokémon may learn to channel this power, to unleash it in a variety of ways useful in offensive, defensive, or practical efforts. The technique you are about to learn—the Metal Claw—involves channeling this energy into specific points in the body, strengthening them physically. With the right application, the Metal Claw is capable of breaking rocks."
Of course! Char realized. This is what Alakazam wanted. Now, I'll have an extra edge against rock Pokémon like Graveler. I can't wait! Teach me this!
A large cylindrical boulder appeared in the void before Char, sitting on nothing in particular.
"You will now break the rock with your claw," the Espeon said.
Okay… let's give this a shot, Char said, looking at his claws. Now, how am I supposed to—
Unexpectedly, a streak of ice-cold energy shot up into Char's head from the back of his neck. It didn't hurt, but it made him convulse; it felt like somebody had impaled him with a long, thin icicle. The icy feeling remained, and a sizzling, tingling energy began to permeate his body. It spread into his chest, and through his arms, where it seemed to gather into the end of his individual fingers and… solidify?
Another insane sensation washed over Char, and this time, it felt like all the flesh had been ripped from the top of his head and dozens of needles had been stabbed into his brain. It still didn't hurt, but it felt really weird, and somehow, Char found he was able to mentally track the impulses he was receiving—no, not just able to, but he was being forced to…
Ching! Crunch!
The hollow sound of metal striking rock –and winning—echoed through the strange void. Char found that, by a strange impulse, he'd jumped at the boulder and dug his claws deep into it. The rough texture of the rock, and the way his fingernails had scraped across it, sent a chill up his spine. While it didn't cut like a knife through butter, it did good damage.
Ching!
Another impulse shot through him, and Char swung his other claw, striking the rock again. The dent in the rock became deeper.
Crack!
A third time Char assaulted the rock with the pointed blades at the end of his fingertips, it cut all the way through, causing the top of the pillar to come crumbling down. It soundlessly struck the invisible floor, and the entire broken pillar blinked and disappeared from existence. It was then that he noticed his claws… they were luminous, shimmering like silver spikes dowsed in the sun's rays…
"It is done," The Espeon said. "This is the Metal Claw technique. The method of invoking the technique should now be clear in your mind. Make note that the effect does not always wear off right away. At times, it may linger, allowing increased attack strength for a period of time."
-Pop!-
With that, the Espeon and the strange purple dimension disappeared, replaced with the cramped interior of the machine as it powered down. Char felt his legs tingle—they were both asleep, as he hadn't actually moved his body physically for about fifteen whole minutes while the machine was active. It was all a psychically induced dream.
The door of the chamber swung open with Saura, Ray, and Kecleon waiting on the other side, concerned yet eager expressions spread across their faces. Char stumbled out of the machine.
"Well? Well?" Saura begged. "How'd it go? Did it work?"
"I think so," Char muttered, sitting down on the floor in a daze. "It taught me Metal Claw."
"Metal Claw?" Kecleon repeated. "That's very interesting. That's been an outlawed TM since the beginning. Something about… something about, they couldn't get it right without making you lose all feeling in your legs. Since some Pokémon use the claws on their feet rather than on their hands, they couldn't figure out a way to differentiate between them. Something like that."
Char's eyes widened. He grasped his tingling legs, and didn't feel a thing.
"Actually, no, that wasn't it at all!" Kecleon yammered. "I remember now. I was thinking of Fury Swipes. The Metal Claw TM was the one that would turn you blind! Yeah, that's why it was so bad. If Alakazam finally made one that worked right, great for him! That's quite a significant accomplishment!"
Kecleon pulled the TM disc out of the machine from a small, previously unnoticed slot at its side. He put the disc in a strange box, wrote some symbols on it, and filed it away on the shelf.
"Ah, Metal Claw," he sighed proudly, "Another great expansion to the library, and probably a first in the known Pokémon world…"
"Wait… you mean you can use it again?" Char said. "I thought TMs only work once…"
"Hah. Well, for the humans, they do," Kecleon said with a wink. "The Trainer's Federation made it that way on purpose. They recorded the moves on these flimsy discs that only worked with these portable machines that trainers had to carry around everywhere. They made them so flimsy, that they'd get scratched and become unusable after just one use!"
"W-why would they do that?" Saura wondered. "Make something bad on purpose? What's the point?"
"That's so the trainers would have to buy new discs whenever they wanted to use them more than once, and so they'd get more money!" Kecleon explained eccentrically. "That's what you call underhanded, if you ask me! So some really smart Pokémon got together one day and they went and reverse-engineered them and made their own. And now, they work as many times as you want, and we even get to record little demonstrations with them! Plus, it's a lot easier to charge per use of the machine rather than per disc! Now, who's next?"
… … …
Saura and Ray also had their turns at the machine, but nobody was willing to go in more than once. Saura learned how to command his seed to produce a powerful poison which could be injected into an opponent, and Ray claimed he learned how to conjure glowing balls of energy which did not behave at all like electricity was supposed to. Not sure whether to feel proud of their new skills or just freaked out, the team decided to head back upstairs.
"Well," Saura said, "If we want any other supplies for the big trip, now's our chance. Is there anything we need that Alakazam didn't get us already?"
"Hmm," Char wondered, looking around at the merchandise. "Probably don't need a Pecha Scarf this time. Probably don't need to worry about poison on this trip. Maybe a Defense Scarf? Or… Aspear Scarf? Wouldn't that prevent freezing? That might be useful…"
"HEY," the Kecleon shouted from the counter. "WAIT JUST ONE MOMENT!"
Char rushed back to the counter, wondering what was wrong.
"I see here," the pink Kecleon said, holding a small note card, "that, according to my morning report, your team's bank account is… empty!"
"Wait, huh?" Char cried.
"Oh, my, that's a problem," the Kecleon said sternly. "That's a problem, indeed! I could have sworn, last time I checked, you were fairly wealthy, certainly wealthy enough to use my machine. But now, how will you come up with the sixty-eight thousand Poké you owe in fees?"
Char's mind began racing. Our bank account… empty? What caused this?! And… we've gotten Kecleon angry at us! What will we do? What will happen?
Char was scanning the room for an escape route when Saura spoke up.
"Oh, heheh, yeah, you have me to thank for that," Saura said nervously. "Yeah, this morning, when you left me behind, I figured I'd get some work done. And since you were going to come home with a lot of money from your mission, And since we were about to leave on a trip and all, I… I went and made a big payment on Otto's tuition."
"Hey, you wait a minute!" Ray spoke out to the Kecleon. "Those TMs were supposed to be free! High Intelligence said they'd pay for them!"
"And why should I believe that?" the Kecleon challenged. "I've had teams pull that on me before. 'Oh, yes, I'm buying this on behalf of Team Carrier, just send the bill to them!' Oh, yes, wonderful way to get out of trouble, wouldn't it be? I do not withdraw from somebody's account without their explicit, face-to-face approval! That's just good business for everybody! Especially High Intelligence! If they had reason to accuse my brother and I of defrauding them, do you have any idea how fast we would lose our reputation?!"
Oh, man, oh man! Char said, feeling even more nervous. How awkward! We're no Team Remorse, we can't get out of this as easily as they did! That, and they gave a re-imbursement… but we're broke!
"No, really, I'm serious. Swear on the hooves of Arceus, I'm telling the truth!" Ray insisted. "The TMs were on the house! How else would Char have brought you a disc that Alakazam made, huh?"
Kecleon stopped in mid-sentence, his mouth hanging open. "Oh, hmm," he said. "Well, you do have a point there, good sir. Hmm…"
"Yes, if you really must know, Alakazam is preparing us for a trip to the Emerald Division, and we leave tomorrow morning!" Saura said. "He's the one who sent us here with the disc. He said he'd pay for it."
"Well, then," Kecleon said, soon calming himself back down. "If that's the case, I suppose I will simply get their attention at the next possible chance to verify what you said, and… that would be that. I apologize for getting angry, my good customers. My brother and I can be loose cannons when something goes wrong, especially when we have reason to think somebody's defrauding us. Please understand."
Char nearly slumped to the floor in relief.
To make up for the incident, Kecleon offered them the Aspear Scarf he'd been fixated upon, plus a few other useful trinkets, free of charge.
… … …
"Well," said Chansey, "it's a little late, but I suppose…"
Char, Saura, and Ray were down at the day care center, ready to say their final goodbyes to the someday-to-be fourth member of their team. Char hoped the little bird would take the news well of how long they might be gone… that is, if Otto's mind had developed enough to understand anything he said. But even if it hadn't, Char felt obliged to give Otto a farewell.
The Chansey who had been watching over the empty lobby disappeared through the door, and moments later returned with the little brown bird hopping in tow.
"He was getting ready to sleep, but he came running when I mentioned your name!" Chansey said. "Have fun, little guy!"
"How's he doing?" Saura inquired. "Is he learning much?"
"As much as can be expected," Chansey answered. "Oh, but you know what? We already have his interview with Syr, head of Team Silverwing, scheduled for early next week! Once he joins the team, he'll learn so much it'll make his little head explode! Well, have fun! Don't be too long!"
Otto, though tired, was beaming with joy at the sight of Char. It was almost like Saura and Ray were not even there. He eyed them occasionally, but he danced and hopped around Char's feet, valuing his attention the most.
"Hey, Otto," Char said in a high-pitched voice befitting of a hatchling. "How are you doing tonight? Feeling good?"
"GRRR-OOOOOO!" Otto squealed.
Char wondered if he was trying to say "good" or "great", but he got the gist of it, and smiled back.
"Listen, Otto," Char said while he had the bird's full attention. "We're leaving on a big trip tomorrow, okay? And we're not going to be seeing you again for a while."
The bird cocked his head and blinked. Char wondered it if was actually listening.
"We're sorry," Saura added. "We love you, and we don't like to leave like this, but we have to. You take care of yourself, okay?"
"We'll come back as soon as possible!" Ray promised. "Before you know it, we'll be back! And maybe you can be on our team!"
"Okay," Otto said.
Char was overjoyed, and his friends were also very impressed. Otto had understood!
"Wow, you can talk!" Char cheered. "You can talk now, can't you?"
"Yes," Otto answered.
"But I bet you can't say very many things yet, right?" Char guessed.
"Yes!" Otto answered again.
"Well, hah! That's just great!" Char said, rubbing the bird's head affectionately. "Listen to you, you're growing up so fast!"
Char learned that Otto's vocabulary had expanded to about six words, and if he asked the right questions in ways Otto could understand, he could converse with the little guy. It gave him butterflies in his stomach just knowing that he had helped raised him, and realizing how much he wanted see his personality take shape…
…But, that would be for another day. After a short but pleasant interaction with Otto, he had to return to bed…
…And so did Team Ember. Tomorrow would be the beginning of their greatest mission yet.
… … …
"Ah, home sweet home," Saura yawned as they retired to their hall for the night. "It's always so nice to see this place after a long day, you know that?"
"Well, enjoy it while you can," Char muttered a little sadly. "This might be the last day for a long time we get to see this place."
"It's so exciting, I can't wait!" Ray said. "Scary, but exciting! I bet I'll have trouble getting to sleep tonight. Maybe Char's insomnia will strike again and he'll keep me company!"
"Hey, about that," Char said, remembering an idea he'd had. "Storage is still open. Want me to go get some sleep seeds? If we eat them now, we'll sleep all night."
After rejecting several offers from Ray insisting that he wanted to make the errand, Char finally won out when he reminded Ray about the handshake they'd made. Char turned back and left the team's quarters, heading down the stairs for the storage area which would be closing in less than an hour.
… … …
Char took the scenic route down to the storage area that night, not caring whether he'd get there before closing. In reality, he just wanted one more good look at the spacious, sprawling cave he'd come to know as home. The Gold Division base was his home, the only one he ever knew, and if something tragic were to happen on the mission, this would be the last time he'd ever get to see it…
On all fours, he dashed down the rocky spiral staircase, down the wide, torch-lit halls, past the doorway to the base's main chamber…
They were all paths he now knew so well. He'd memorized them, engrained them in his mind. He knew the shortest distance to every last destination, from the cafeteria far downstairs, to the storage area, to the team quarters where his old and new friends dwelled… he knew the way to Team Remorse's room, where Scythe and his teammates would always consider him welcome, and the way to the recordbook room, where Jay and her assistants would chronicle the day's events for him… He knew how to get to the long-beloved meeting hall, which he still intended to tiptoe into the next chance he'd get, and the bank, where he'd transfer funds into Kecleon's account… he even knew how to get to the lair of High Intelligence, who were always quick to remind him that the world's fate rested on his shoulders…
At last, Char stood in the central chamber, gazing up and down at all its different levels, bridges, and passageways, all being traversed by busy Pokémon running the day's final errands or heading to their designated chambers for the night, the room glowing bright red from the hundreds of ghost torches embedded in the walls and the guard rails…
He stood in the same place he had seen the base for the first time, when Scythe had guided him in. He remembered how awestruck and breathless the sight had left him, pleasing his Charmander heart to no end…
…and realized that it still did. All of it did. This was his home, the place he belonged.
Char!
Char twitched, thinking he'd heard something. He disregarded it.
Char…
It happened again. Something was calling him.
But what? Char stood up like a squirrel and spun around, searching for the source of the voice which had called his name. He saw nobody, not down the halls, or at the opposite end of the great chamber…
CHAR! Do you hear me?
Again, Char whipped is head around, but didn't see any hint of who was calling him. That's when he realized he didn't particularly know what direction the call had sounded from… it had been voiceless. Telepathic.
Oh, you do hear me, the soundless voice said. Good. Now come here. I'm a floor below you, and at the opposite end of the base. Come, quickly.
Wondering about the identity of the unseen caller, Char followed its directions down the stairs and around the halls.
Down to the end of the hall, the voice insisted. I want to talk to you.
Doing as instructed, Char soon found his way into a place he didn't visit very often. All the way down the hall and to the left dwelled Team ARK, in the middle lived Team Shepherd, and at the far right, lived…
Wait, Char realized. Nobody lives down there. That's another empty space, just like ours was before we moved in. I wonder…
Char made his way further down the hall to the unoccupied lair. When he turned the corner, the identity of the caller suddenly became clear…
He saw her crouched in the shadows at the end of the hall, her velvet eyes shimmering back at him…
"Eva…" Char gasped. "You're here."
Hey, no reason to speak, Eva telepathically asserted. Just send me your thoughts. We don't want anyone to hear this conversation. Got it?
"Why?!" Char blurted. "The last time I did what you—"
SHUSH! Eva blasted soundlessly. Listen to me, Char. Thanks to Scythe, if anyone finds me here, and I do mean anyone, I'll get forcefully removed from the base for treason, or worse, locked up down in the dungeons.
"And why shouldn't you?!" Char almost yelled. "You're—AUGH!"
Without warning, Eva attacked with a sharp psychic spell, sending Char to his knees as he clutched his forehead.
If you'll just listen to me for one moment, I might be able to tell you. Eva said angrily. I know what I did. I made a mistake with you. I refused to look into your mind because I didn't think it was worth my time. I was very wrong. It was a mistake of pride. I'm sorry. But I want us both to forget about that incident.
Hah. You hid for all this time, just to tell me that?! Char returned. Oh, by the way, I did tell Scythe what you did. So no, you're not forgiven, until you get forgiven by him.
I knew you would eventually, Eva said, nodding her head. But I knew your conscience wouldn't let you say it right away. All I wanted was to buy some time to get away. I meant no offense to you in the end.
Okay, fine, whatever, Char said with a grumble, sneaking closer to her. What do you want?! You hid out here for, what, a month? What are you trying to prove?!
Char… just now, I found something horrible, Eva said. It's something I thought you would need to know.
What's so horrible? Char asked. There's not much I can do right now, Eva. I leave for the Emerald Division tomorrow.
That's the problem, Eva said. Scythe is going with you. And I just now found out what he's planning to do when he gets there! It's the secret he's keeping from you and even the rest of his team. He loves Shander like a brother, but even Shander doesn't know!
Char felt very uneasy about the direction the conversation was going. How did you find out? He inquired.
I'm psychic, Eva reminded him, swishing her tail. I can read minds. And I got him just now while his guard was down. I saw everything.
And why are you intruding upon Scythe's mind? Char demanded harshly. Even Alakazam has the decency not to do that. Don't you think his thoughts should be kept private?
Eva blinked at Char. She sat in the corner with a very proud, regal posture, her expression betraying no emotion except for her desire to be discreet and stealthy. Something about her was strange, and Char couldn't put his finger on it.
Char, I want you to listen to me right now, she said, her telepathy strong and serious. As of now, there is no other Pokémon in this base I support more than you. Not Alakazam, not Scythe, not Metagross. You. I wronged you when I refused Scythe's request. You had the Call. It was a mistake. And now I need to make that up to you. Char, I'm offering my services to you as a psychic. I'll read anyone's mind you wish. Just say the word. I know you're concerned about Scythe. I know he's been bothering you for a while. I can see it in your mind. So, I have read his mind for you…
How… much of my mind have you seen? Char asked suspiciously.
Enough to understand, Eva responded. I know, for instance, that you're a human. That is another reason I wish to make penance to you. I am a Pokémon. Pokémon serve humans. And I have offended you. And now that I know you are a human, I am indebted to serve you.
Oh, come on, I get enough of that from Ray, and Scythe, Char said. You too, now?
Why, of course, Eva said in a gentle voice that sounded sincere. By now, you must have noticed that every Pokémon you've gone and revealed your secret to has vowed to serve you unconditionally?
Unconditionally? I don't know about that, Char said. Saura, perhaps. Ray… well, I told him that I didn't think too highly of him treating me like that… Scythe… Um… well, he does respect me…
That's because he serves you as his master, Eva said. Just like Saura and Ray do. And now, it will be my turn to assume the role of your servant. You are now my master.
Eva bowed her head to him.
But quickly! We are wasting time. You must know what I have discovered! Scythe's plans are very dark and terrible. I fear that you will not survive the upcoming events if you are not prepared.
Then why are you dancing around the problem and not telling me already? Char demanded, crossing his arms.
Because I respect your decision, Eva said. Scythe has told you he cannot afford to have another Pokémon know. I am already one who does know. Do you want to be the second? I will tell you, just so long as you understand the betrayal you are making. If not, I will stay silent. It's your decision. Will you hear it?
Blindsided by the whole situation, Char took a moment to think it over. Yes, Scythe was bothering him deeply, but now, was Eva suggesting that Scythe's problems could put him in danger?
He's never given me a reason not to trust him, Char thought to himself. I even told him, I promised him that I would always trust him. He's not going to betray me... is he?
I know the answer to that question, Eva interjected, startling Char and making him realize he had no private thoughts. I don't blame you for trusting Scythe so much. He has deserved your trust until this point. But now, you have to realize that Scythe is all about playing games. This time, you're part of the game. Ask yourself: do you want to let yourself be part of his game? Do you trust him that well? Or... will you take things into your own hands?
Char paused for a moment. Then, he shook his head, not wasting his time with any more thoughts that were like an open book to the psychic. He wanted to get away from her.
No? Eva responded, looking a bit saddened as she bowed her head. Very well. I will not tell you.
I already betrayed Scythe once, Char determined. I'm not going to do it again. And this time, it really counts. He asked me what sacrifices I would be willing to make. I'll make this one.
A good choice, Eva commented. But Char, please be careful. Scythe's actions on this mission will surprise you deeply. They may even change your opinion of him. If you will not hear the truth, that is all I can tell you.
Feeling very unnerved, Char began to walk away. Eva's advancements had intimidated him, somehow, and he didn't know what else to say.
If ever you need me, I'll be right in this hall, Eva said. All I ask is that you don't tell on me, and I'll serve you unconditionally. Because, after all, I can't serve you if I'm kicked out of the base…
Goodbye, Eva, Char said, leaving her behind.
Stay on guard, and return safely, Eva said. I'll be waiting for you.
… … …
At last, the long day came to a close.
Char managed to arrive late to the storage area, but after pounding on the door long enough, Morrik conceded and gave him the desired seeds.
But when he settled down in his bed that night, he found he didn't even need a seed to help him rest. He'd risen early, and put in a full day's work… he was ready to collapse. So, he placed the seeds down by Ray's bed, careful not to wake him, and climbed into his own.
He enjoyed his comfortable bed, and the glorious fire which surrounded it; it was the final thing he had to be thankful for. He drank in the comfort, feeling the hot currents of air sweep across him and lull him into a blissful peace. Yes, he would miss them so dearly when he left…
Yes…
… … …
It was happening again. He could feel it coming.
So powerfully… so vividly…
The vision came. When it did, it was so real, so colorful, Char couldn't believe he wasn't actually there…
It's like I can see everything, Char realized. It's like… the memory is perfect this time… it's like it's not holding anything back…
Dialga stood before Char's eyes.
He saw Dialga in full, ethereal glory. It was beautiful. So much more magnificent than anything he'd seen—his previous visions, the statues down in the meeting hall, or even when the Call activated…
Char felt like he was going to cry just gazing upon the visage of the time god. It was like a living gemstone, its powerful aura pulsing across its sapphire body, shining like many suns. He could feel its presence, how time bended around its body, bowing to its will. Char felt so small in its presence, as it was larger in size than a whole building, staring down at the tiny little creature which must have been him. Its eyes, like deep red flames, betrayed its emotion—a deep humility, or respect, or perhaps… lament?
Dialga began to speak. Char gave it full heed, hoping that this time, he'd be able to understand…
"This is not something we wish upon you," Dialga breathed, bowing its head. It spoke powerfully, but so very gently… "You bring this upon yourself, by your own actions."
What? What? What is it? Char begged desperately, though he could not move or speak. What have I brought upon myself? What have I done? Why did I come here? WHY AM I A CHARMANDER?"
But Dialga… fell silent. His words once more became incomprehensible.
NO! Char exploded in grief, still contained within his own mind. No! Please! Tell me! Tell me more! Please!
Again, his visage shifted. Palkia stood at Dialga's left side, equally as majestic. A red aura rained from its form, blinding white light gleamed from its silver hide. Its wings were spread, its tail swishing mightily behind it…
Char waited for the thing he knew was coming…
And it happened. Palkia presented Char with the tiny, circular capsule… The Poké Ball…
It floated in the air, hovering between the spatial god's great claws…
Wait…
Char noticed something… peculiar.
That Poké Ball… there's something… about it…
He stared at the object, clear as day before his eyes, yet he couldn't quite tell what the memory wanted him to see…
That Poké Ball… it's special. It's very special. It's… very powerful. I don't know why, but… it's… dangerous, somehow… But… why? What's so special about it? I don't know! I can't tell! Why can't I tell?!
That's when something happened in the dream that had never happened before.
The two mythical dragons took a step backward, as if having been startled. Did they look… scared?
His vision lurched. His field of perception panned down. And, to his horror, he saw…
Claws. Red claws. Pokémon claws. Charmander claws.
No! It can't be! Char cried to himself. In this memory… I'm still a Charmander! I'm still a Pokémon! I'm not a human at all! What does this mean? What happened to me? Did Dialga and Palkia just finish turning me from a human into a Charmander? And what's with that Poké Ball? Are they going to… capture me with it?!
Char's vision lurched again. He was scared. Or, his memory was scared. Either way, he felt deeply panicked. He tried to move. He tried to flee. But…
I'm stuck! Char realized. Not just me, but my memory! It wants to move, but… I'm stuck. I can't move anywhere. It's like my feet are nailed to the floor!
Char!
He struggled, but to no avail.
Why can't I move? What is—wait! I think I know! Something's holding me back, isn't it? Something's got me from behind! Something's holding me in its grasp! It won't let me go! Why won't it let me go?
His vision shifted… around…
Hey, Char!
And behind him, he saw…
A claw.
… … …
Car's eyes drifted open. It was the middle of the night… but it was dark. So very dark. The torches at his bedside had been put out, as had all the rest of the torches in the room.
"Muhh…" Char grumbled, blinking.
"Char," Saura's voice whispered. "It's time to get up."
Char looked about him. Saura had climbed into his bed and was gently nudging him with his nose. Ray stood at his bedside. Behind him stood Scythe, bearing a packed bag.
"Char," Saura whispered again. "It's time to go."