Chapter Text
Chapter 25: Aftermath
Location: Longan Laboratories, 35th Basement Floor, Hospital Wing
Time: The next day, 12:58…
Hiro slowly opened his eyes after what seemed to him like a couple hours was actually twenty-one hours. The first thing he noticed was that the room he was in was white. Clean white. Why was the room clean white? He looked around more, and he noticed that he was also in a bed with rails on them, and that’s when realization hit him in the face. He was in a hospital room. He looked to his side and found Pikachu nuzzled up to him. Upon further inspection, he also saw Delia resting her head on her arms, asleep.
Hiro petted Pikachu, prompting him to stir in his sleep. “No,” Pikachu said in his sleep, “that’s my ketchup.” Hiro chuckled and shook his Pokémon awake. “Hiro!!” Pikachu exclaimed after rubbing the sleep from his eyes, “You’re finally awake!!” This, of course, made Delia stir awake. “What is it, Pikachu?” she asked before looking at Hiro. As soon as she saw he was awake, she gasped, jumped out of her seat and hugged him tightly. “Owowowowowow!” Hiro winced at the sudden pain that came on as he was being hugged. He didn’t understand how a hug would hurt him so much. Hearing him complain of pain, Delia promptly let go. “Sorry, Hiro,” she apologized, “Grandpa warned me you’d be sore when you woke up. Speaking of which, I should go and tell him you’re awake!” She got out of her seat and walked out.
Hiro looked around as he rubbed Pikachu’s back. “How long was I out? Last I remember, I was about to celebrate with the Pokémon after we chased off Reil-Roh.” “That was yesterday, Hiro,” Pikachu told him. “Yesterday?!” Hiro exclaimed, “Jeez, I must’ve been out for a long time if I can’t remember anything.” “That you were, Hiro,” a voice said, getting his attention. Hiro looked at the doorway to find Professor Joshua walking into the room.
“What happened?” Hiro asked. “You crowned out and fainted from Omega Power Exhaustion,” Joshua answered as he sat by Hiro’s bedside. “‘Crowned out?’” Hiro asked with a raised eyebrow. “That’s the term used for Parlonians who let their Omega Power get to their brains,” Joshua explained, “something that typically happens when they use Omega Power for the first time. Those that are getting them for the first time are often tied down after surgery due to the risks I mentioned earlier. You encountered one of those risks on the battlefield, but you were lucky. We all were.”
“What do you mean ‘we all were?’”
“Remember when I told you about Leader Aura? It influences the other aura types. When someone sees someone with Leader Aura Omega Power, others are compelled to activate their Omega Powers as well, and they activate them at whatever intensity the user uses. In this case, you were crowned out.”
“And that compelled them to crown out too?”
“Precisely.”
“At least we won, right?”
“Yes, we did. Though, there were casualties when we assessed the damages. Our front lines suffered the most losses.”
Hiro widened his eyes at the news. From what he understood of the situation, some people and/or Pokémon died because the shield was down. “Hiro?” Pikachu asked, trying to console him, “Are you okay?” “I could’ve prevented this from happening,” Hiro said, looking down, “I should’ve caught Xavier’s lie sooner. If I had, then he wouldn’t have disrupted our training and would have been unable to disable the shield.” “No, Hiro,” Joshua shook his head, “The shield would’ve come down under the stress either way. The battle still would’ve been fought, whether we wanted to have fought it or not. It turns out that Reil-Roh was just as relentless as in the war.” “Professor?” Pikachu asked. “Yes, Pikachu?” “Did anyone in the front lines survive?” Joshua looked to Hiro for a translation. “He asked if anyone in the front lines survived.” “There were several that did,” he answered as he disconnected the diodes and wires from Hiro’s chest and back, “Although, the losses were great, even for the Delphox Magicians. They suffered heavy casualties, too, both human and Pokémon alike.” “Did any of them survive?” Hiro asked, referring to the Delphox Magicians.
“… Just one.”
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Location: Longan Laboratories, 33rd Basement Floor, Chapel Wing
Time: 13:15…
Hiro and Pikachu walked to see Delia, Giovanni, Jason and Samuel standing outside of the wing. Giovanni turned and saw Hiro coming up to them. “Well, well, well,” he said, “Look who finally woke up.” Jason looked where Giovanni was looking and smirked. “There you are, Hiro,” Jason said, “Good. You can console the five-year-old.” “He has a name, Jason,” Hiro said to him, “Is he in there?” “Yeah,” Giovanni said, “None of us can talk to him, since none of us really lost anyone.” “We figured you’d be able to lift his spirits,” Samuel said, “since you know what it’s like to lose a family. Though your family was small, you know how it feels. Christian lost them all yesterday.” Hiro looked to Pikachu, who nodded his head to let him know that he should do it. Hiro nodded to the others before stepping inside.
The wing was huge, lined up with pews, a podium on the stage, and decorative stained glass, like anyone would find in a chapel up on the surface. However, that meant little to him as much as it did to the boy that was standing by several pod-like caskets, sobbing silently in absolute sadness and pain. He could do more than imagine why as he looked into one of the pods. There lay Lady Loretta, silent, emotionless and still. Hiro remembered when he was eight when he lost his parents that he was in a similar situation. He had cried his eyes out at their funeral. And now, here Christian was, doing the exact same thing.
Hiro placed a hand on the kid’s shoulder, prompting the saddened child to look up at him. He looked at his face for quite some time to find any signs of sympathy. Thankfully, there was plenty. Hiro’s eyes held all the words that needed to be said. He knew what it was like to lose a family. He knew what it was like to never see them smile again. Hiro also gave him a look saying that he had every right to be sad. He had every right to cry. But above all else, none of what happened to them was his fault. Christian didn’t see that last part, though. That’s when he started speaking.
“I should’ve been there,” Christian said as he tried wiping his tears away, “I should’ve been with them. Maybe some of them would’ve lived…” “No, Christian,” Hiro said as he shook his head, “You would’ve ended up just like them. None of this was your fault. This was completely Halzief’s fault. He’s the one to blame. Professor Joshua told me the shield would’ve come down under the stress of Reil-Roh either way.”
Suddenly, one of Christian’s PokéBalls went off, and out came his Braixen. Christian looked up at his Pokémon and watched as it looked around. Putting two and two together, Braixen sported a sad face and hugged Christian tight. Hiro saw Braixen face him and heard him say, “Will you translate for me?” Hiro nodded before Braixen faced his owner. “Christian,” he heard him begin, “I know you’re sad now, and you have every right to be. But, deep down, in my heart, I believe you’ll never be alone. Because you’ll always have us by your side. As well as your friends.” Sniffing and wiping his tears away, Christian asked, “What?” “Your Braixen says that you’ll never be alone because you’ll have your friends and your Pokémon with you,” Hiro translated. Christian nodded and hugged Braixen back.
“Hey, Christian,” Hiro said, “Your Braixen mentioned ‘having us by your side.’ Do you have another Pokémon besides your Braixen?” “Actually,” Christian said, reaching for his other PokéBalls, “I have four others.” He tossed them in the air and out came a Psyduck, a Wartortle, an Ivysaur, and a Honedge. Hiro whistled, “You have quite the team.” “Yeah,” Christian said, “I’ve been training them for eight months now, and they’re all quite dope. Though, Ducky, my Psyduck, likes to come out at random times.” Hiro laughed at that last comment.
As soon as he was done, he turned to see Giovanni, Jason, Delia and Samuel walk into the chapel wing. All of them stood behind Hiro and looked at Christian, who still had tears threatening to spill. “Kid,” Giovanni started, “For what it’s worth, I don’t even know where either my mom or dad are. I don’t even know if they’re alive throughout this whole ordeal.” “I never knew my family,” Delia said to him, “the only family I knew were my aunt and uncle, and my Grandpa Joshua. And Hiro lost his family in a car wreck. His family might not have been as big as yours, but he still lost everything. Like you did.” “The point we’re trying to make is we’re going to be here for you,” Samuel said, “just as much as each other. After the whole Reil-Roh experience, we can’t afford to overlook one another’s safety anymore.”
“No, we can’t,” they heard Professor Joshua say as he entered both the wing and the conversation, “Have you had your time to mourn, Mister Delphox?” “No,” Christian said, “It hasn’t been twenty-four hours yet…” “Twenty-four hours?” Hiro asked. “My mom always told me that when something really bad happens, we’re allowed twenty-four hours to cry about it,” Christian answered, sniffling. “For what it’s worth, Mister Delphox,” Joshua said, “when I fought in the war, many people had lost loved ones. They lost wives, husbands, children and grandchildren. Pokémon had their fair share of losses as well. I did, too.” “How did you cope?” Pikachu asked. “Pikachu wants to know how you coped, Professor,” Hiro translated. “I was three hundred twenty-eight when we started to train with the Pokémon,” Joshua said, “During the twenty-five years we trained, we learned to respect one another. Some became best friends. Others became close enough to be brothers and sisters to one another.” “What are you saying?” Christian asked. “While it’s not an official adoption,” Joshua explained, “you could always view your friends as your surrogate family.” “What’s a surrogate family?” Christian asked, a little offended. “A substitute family, not to say that your family can ever be replaced, and they won’t be. Until Halzief is dead, if you choose to, you can refer to your friends as your new family.”
The five-year-old looked between his friends and the pod-like caskets before saying, “I don’t know. I don’t want to forget my family.” “You wouldn’t,” Hiro said to him, “You’d carry them in your heart. Just like I carry my adoptive family in mine.” Christian smiled after that. “In that case,” he said as he hopped off the pew and pointed at Joshua, “you’ll be my Gramps!” “I suppose I’ve been called worse,” Joshua responded. Christian then turned and pointed to Delia, “Big sister!” “Aww,” Delia said, “how sweet!” He turned, pointed at Giovanni, and said, “Big bro!” “Oh, joy,” Giovanni dryly said, “I always wanted a little brother.” He got a nudge in the ribs for that comment. “Cousin!” Christian said as he pointed at Jason. “If only I get to be the fun cousin!” Jason said as he folded his arms and smirked. Then the five-year-old pointed at Hiro and said, “Best friend!” “Huh?” Hiro raised an eyebrow, “Only a friend?” “Uh, no, no, no,” Christian clarified, “‘Best friend.’ You were automatically bumped up.” “But how come I can’t be like a brother, either?” Hiro asked. “Well,” the youngest one said, “I can’t call you a brother while you like my big sister Delia, can I? That’d be wrong.” Christian wiggled his eyebrows at the last part, causing Hiro to blush. Everyone laughed, including Joshua, much to Hiro’s mixed chagrin and embarrassment.
“Wait a minute,” Hiro said, “You said ‘they won’t be.’ Replaced, I mean. What do you mean by that?” “A fair question, Hiro,” Joshua replied, “Would you believe me if I told you that the lives of those lost to Halzief and his minions could be restored?” Widening their eyes, the kids instantly looked at the Professor. “It’s true,” Joshua said to them, “I learned this was possible, albeit after the war was over.” “How do we do that, Grandpa?” Delia asked. After a bit of silence, Joshua looked at the kids over his shoulder and answered, “With the Jewel of Life. And it’s not something that just anyone can do. The Chosen Hero has to do it.”
“Where do we find this Jewel of Life?” Pikachu asked. “Is he asking where we can find it?” Joshua asked. “Yes, I am,” Pikachu nodded. “Sadly, that’s going to be a stressful task,” Joshua explained, “because one of the guardians carries it with him.” “Arceus?” Giovanni asked. “Unfortunately, yes,” Joshua confirmed, “It’s a long story, and one we don’t have time for right now.” To that, Joshua pointed at the entrance of the chapel wing, and the kids saw more people and Pokémon pouring into the room. It was at this point that the kids figured that the funeral was about to start, so they took their seats.
After the wing was full, and the cameras were on, Joshua stepped up to the podium and cleared his throat before looking at the open caskets. “I always think I’m ready for such things, seeing as I’ve outlived a vast majority of humanity,” he said, “but the circumstances this time are unthinkable. It breaks my withering heart to see friends I’ve known laying lifeless before my eyes. Men, women, and even their own children; brothers and sisters and their Pokémon have died because of yesterday’s attack. It was worse so that it came when our shields were down.
“When I led the charge thousands of years ago against Halzief, I had the unfortunate experience of hosting numerous funerals during the war. It broke my heart beforehand that there were faces I’d never see again, as they gave their lives to defeating Halzief and his unholy forces. Half of what remained of humanity lost their lives. But if there was ever a need for a good ending then, there was one. That being, we won the war. And we’ll do it again.
“The Delphox Magicians, their Pokémon, and many others lost their lives defending what we hold dear to us. They were the kind of people that wanted peace in our region, as were their family partners, the Greninja Shinobi and the Chesnaught Barbarians. The Parlona Region has lost a great ally, and they are survived by many of us, including only one of them that lived. I had the privilege of fighting with him and our Chosen Hero as we drove out Reil-Roh. And I’m happy to report that the Delphox Magicians’ efforts were not in vain.
“As you know, Knuckdown Town and Capitulos City were attacked by the same monster that attacked us. And many of them, both humans and Pokémon, have suffered a terrible fate. But if there’s any hope to be had, it’s that we have shown that we can drive away such terror. I will reiterate what I’ve told everyone when we entered these bunkers. History has proven time and time again that all nightmares have an ending, and one of us will put this nightmare to an end. The Chosen Hero has long since been identified, and he has helped me drive out the monster that ravaged Knuckdown Town and Capitulos City. If he has managed to do that, then I have full confidence that he will defeat Halzief, just as the prophecy foretells.
“‘Nevertheless, abandon all of your fears, for a Chosen Hero will rise to defy the demon who wishes for absolute genocide on mankind, and tyrannical enslavement of the Pokémon. He shall be a friend unto all Pokémon who oppose the tyrannical dragon. It is with his voice they will heed the call. He will bring together the guardians in unison, and they will give him the power that is vital. The guardians and Pokémon that reside under their government shall heed his soul when words become useless, for his music brings peace to them wherever he goes. His team of creatures proves unbeatable, and a mouse with a tail like lightning is chief among them. His Pikachu always at his side, they stay inseparable until the very end, claiming the ultimate victory atop the highest point above Earth. And when the dragon is no more, when the Chosen Hero frees us from this overwhelming oppression, he shall restore life and peace to the planet.’”
At this point, the people started murmuring amongst themselves. Some didn’t know what to think, others thought that Professor Joshua was crazy, and some held hope for the first time since the crisis began. “What this means, ladies and gentlemen,” Joshua explained, “is that the Chosen Hero will be the one to destroy Halzief, and he will also restore the lives of those taken by Halzief and his forces. And he’s sitting in the front row.” This only made the murmuring increase, and even some to look at the front row for any matching description. Most of them looked at Hiro, making him feel a little self-conscious and nervous. “Doubt me and the boy all you want,” Joshua said as he stepped away from the podium, “but he’s the one who played the music from the prophecy and halted the attacks of the Soul Harvesters. In addition to this, we acquired new Pokémon allies from the surface. He showed his competence and then some when he helped drive Reil-Roh away. With my aide, and the aide of his friends and Pokémon, I have no doubt in my mind that he will win against Halzief.”
Before he ended his speech, he looked at Hiro, “I fought to prevent this from happening again. Now, it’s your turn to make history, Hiro Ige. Or rather, I should call you Hiro Ketchum.” Ignoring the gasps, scoffs and stares of others, Hiro looked to his Pikachu, who smiled at him and said, “I’m not going anywhere, Hiro. If you helped me, then I have no doubt you’ll help the world.” “I won’t doubt you can do it, Hiro,” Delia said, “You’ve got me, Giovanni, Christian, Jason, Grandpa, and all our Pokémon supporting you.” “This makes you sound overly special, Hiro,” Giovanni said, “but if the world has to be in anyone’s hands, I won’t complain that it’s yours. You’ll have my support.” “You’re gonna save the world, Hiro!” Christian exclaimed with a smile. “If he doesn’t, I get second dibs,” Jason said, earning him a nudge from Delia. “Dream on, Jason,” Hiro rolled his eyes with a smile before clapping was heard.
Hiro looked around before he saw the entire congregation of people and Pokémon clapping for him with smiles on their faces. Hiro looked back and saw the overhead holographic projectors showing himself before looking back at the people. He didn’t know whether it was from the speech Professor Joshua gave, or if it was solely for him. He got his answer when Mew floated to him and said telepathically, “ They’re clapping for you, Hiro . Some, to say thank you for stalling the Soul Harvesters and Corrupted Pokémon with your music. And others, to wish you the best of luck against Halzief. I’ve read their minds, and this is all how they feel, Hiro Ketchum .” Hiro smiled at his friends before smiling at the people, realizing that Xavier was completely wrong about how they felt about him. “Yep,” Giovanni said to himself, “overly special.”
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Location: Longan Laboratories, 1st Basement Floor, Basement Lobby
Time: Sunday, May 30th, 8525 at 12:00…
The day after the funeral, Hiro and his friends continued their training, this time under Professor Joshua and Samuel Oak’s watch. They continued their Pokémon Battling regiment as well as their training with their Omega Power against Soul Harvesters, Brute Chargers, and corrupted Pokémon. This time, when Hiro played his music during the training simulations, the Soul Harvesters stopped. It turned out Xavier had manipulated the results from the get go after Joshua went into surgery. Now it didn’t matter how many Soul Harvesters they could kill. All that mattered now was the Brute Chargers and Titan Reapers they were needing to handle.
Thankfully, some of the kids had the best teacher to help give instructions on how to handle those. Reiterating what he told them, he made sure they attacked the knees and the elbows for the Brute Chargers. For the Titan Reapers, he instructed the kids to keep their Omega Powers activated when facing off against them, and if they couldn’t, hide in shaded areas. They also trained against the Minotauros monsters that they were warned about, and those that could used Fire-Type Pokémon to burn the stitched areas, making them fall apart. Giovanni headed the group in strength, he and his Pokémon. Christian spearheaded the pyro techniques for the group, he and his Pokémon. Delia gave support where it was needed with positivity and a quiver full of arrows, she and her Pokémon. Jason was the one who phased through danger and cut them down, he and his Pokémon. And Hiro was shockingly the one who led the charge and stared danger in the eyes, he and his Pokémon. Together, along with Professor Joshua, they made the perfect team.
Currently, the kids were called to the first basement floor by Professor Joshua; the word was spread to them by soldiers who stopped by their dorms. As soon as they got ready for the day, the kids went up the elevator to the first basement floor. When they got up there, they saw at least a hundred soldiers lined up by the main door. Among them were their weapons mentors, Joanna, Reaper, Mario, and Alex. Professor Joshua was at the front of the line, and with him was Samuel Oak, all packed with camping gear and supplies. The same was said for Herod and Caesar.
“What’s going on?” Jason asked. “There you kids are,” Samuel said, “It would seem that Professor Joshua has his mind set on leaving the bunker.” “It’s official,” Christian said, “Gramps has gone senile.” “That’s not nice!” Delia scolded him, “You’ve been hanging out with Jason too much.” “He’s got a sense of humor I can get behind,” he replied, “Sue me.” “Why are you leaving, Professor?” Hiro asked. “I’m not the only one leaving,” Joshua said, “You’re coming with me. You and your friends and Pokémon.” “Wait,” Pikachu said, “Why us?!” “Pikachu’s asking why you’re taking us with you,” Hiro translated. “Reil-Roh will return at some point,” Joshua reasoned, “Or worse: Halzief will join him and try his luck with us. We’re not running away, if that’s what you’re thinking.” “Then what are we doing?” Giovanni asked, “Last I checked, all this was a fight for survival.” “Be that as it may, Giovanni,” he replied, “we’re going to take the fight to Halzief early.” “Is that what the soldiers are for, Grandpa?” Delia asked. “Indeed,” he confirmed, “They are going to be our backup in the event Soul Harvesters will be large in numbers. Don’t let that scare you. They are trained professionals.” The kids looked over to the soldiers and found that they were armed to the teeth. They had Pokémon on them, they had weapons, and they had crates of ammunition. The kids couldn’t argue that they were well prepared.
“Is there another reason that we’re leaving, Professor?” Hiro asked. “Yes,” he answered as he motioned for Samuel to step up. Samuel handed the kids five red devices, one for each of them. “Are these what I think they are, Professor?” Hiro asked with widened eyes. “Yes,” Joshua nodded, “these are the up-to-date PokéDexes. Those are yours to keep. Consider them your homework as we go along. We aren't just going to fight. As we go around the Parlona Region, you’ll come into contact with various other Pokémon that are different from your region, and even some that are variants of other Pokémon. It’s going to be our job to free as many of them as possible from Halzief’s power and viral influence as we go along reducing his forces’ numbers.” “This sounds like a chance to get stronger as trainers as well,” Jason said, “Count me in!” “Don’t forget that we’ll be fighting for our lives, Jason,” Herod said, “Professor Joshua won’t tolerate insubordination from anyone.” “That is very true,” Joshua said, “I didn’t tolerate it then, and I won’t tolerate it now.” The kids nodded at this information and decided to give them their answers.
“I’ll say it again,” Jason said, “Count me and my Pokémon in! I wanna whoop Halzief’s butt!” “I’m sorry,” Caesar said, “are you actually the Chosen Hero, or is Hiro?” To that, Jason grumbled with his arms crossed. “Well, I’m not going to sit back twiddling my thumbs,” Giovanni said, “Count me in. Me and my Pokémon.” “Does this mean I can start as a Pokémon Trainer early?” Delia asked, raising her hand. “I started out at four, didn’t I?” Christian pointed out. “Good point,” she said before smiling, “Wherever you go, my Pokémon and I will go, Grandpa!” “And I’ll go wherever my family goes,” Christian said, “Count me and my Pokémon in!” Then they looked to Hiro for his answer.
“You’re not going to back down now, are you, Hiro?” Pikachu asked, perched on Hiro’s shoulder. “No, Pikachu,” Hiro answered, “After reading the prophecy Mew gave Professor Joshua thousands of years ago? After overcoming my nervousness about Pokémon Battling? After training and learning so much from Professor Joshua? After fighting by his side, and the sides of my friends? I’d be selfish if I said I didn’t care. I couldn’t live with myself if I said I didn’t want to join you guys. I’ll do my part in fulfilling your prophecy, Professor Joshua.” That put a smile on Joshua’s face. With that, he faced the broken-down door and walked to the lift. “Let’s not waste any more time, then!” he said, “Let’s get a move on!”
“Ready, Pikachu?” Hiro asked. “You know it!” Pikachu fist pumped. Smiling, he looked to his friends, who gave their silent support to him. Now full of adequate confidence, he and his friends joined Professor Joshua on the lift, followed by their mentors, Samuel, Herod and Caesar. The soldiers followed as well, filling the lift to the railing. Joshua pressed the holographic button to go up, and they ascended on the inclined track.
It took about two minutes to get up to the top of the track. When they got to the top, they saw the first floor lobby in a mess, along with broken glass from the windows and the entrance. “It was much neater the last time I walked through here,” Christian said. “That’s what Soul Harvester’s do, Mister Delphox,” Joshua said as he picked up stray papers and set them back in the receptionist desk, “They tear their way through every nook and cranny to find any non-infected Pokémon and living human.” “That’s horrible,” Delia said. “Can you imagine what it’s like outside of this building?” Hiro asked. “I don’t think I wanna know,” Pikachu said, “but we need to go out there.”
As he said this, the Professor walked toward the door. Hiro walked with him, followed by his friends. As the broken door hissed open, Hiro expected there to be light from the sun, but the light wasn’t as intense as he expected. He looked at the clock and read that it was only 12:10; it was too early for it to be dark. It wasn’t until they fully stepped outside, past the flying buttresses of the building that they got the full picture.
Outside, they saw it was just as dark as it was in Kanto. Notably more so was the state Freshstart Town was in. There were homes that were broken down — all of them evident that they were broken into. Cars and car parts littered the streets. Stores were in shambles, and debris was strewn out in both the streets and in the grass and sidewalks. Littering the street further were Soul Harvester bones, scattered post-battle — a derelict, if there ever was one. It was one that was unwanted in Professor Joshua’s home region, as was evident with the sad look on his face.
“What's wrong, Professor?” Hiro asked. “This is not how I wanted you to see my home region,” Professor Joshua said as he wiped his tears away, “I spent an insurmountable fortune on this region. More so in my home city.” “Information City?” Hiro asked. “Yes,” Joshua answered, “at the heart of the citadel, I might add.” “The heck kind of name is ‘Information City?’” asked Giovanni with a raised eyebrow. “I chose the name based on the fact that I gathered the world’s treasures and stored them there to build the city,” Joshua clarified, “It not only became a technological utopia, but it also became the world’s leading city for every aspect of science and knowledge. As such, it was also the birthplace of Longan Laboratories, but I digress. It’s also the closest place we’ll ever get to if we’re going to reach the guardians.”
“So how far is Information City from here, Professor?” Delia asked. “From here,” he answered, pointing northward, “It’s very far. It’s on the other side of the region.” “How are we going to get there?!” Pikachu exclaimed. “Pikachu’s wondering how—” “We’re going to get there?” Joshua finished for him, prompting Hiro to nod, “You’re all Pokémon Trainers, aren’t you? Pokémon Trainers typically travel on foot. So did the soldiers in the war. Our little platoon will need to keep moving if we’re going to survive. Not to mention we need to help as many Pokémon as we can to weaken Halzief’s grip on the region.” “So where’s the next town from here?” Christian asked. “Thousandpraise Town is just north of here,” Joshua said, “but that’s not our destination.” “I thought our destination was Mt. Endgame?” Hiro asked. “That’s our ultimate destination in the center of the region,” Joshua clarified, “but we’re going to be powerless against him without first getting the guardians on our side. That, and we need to run a few errands. So, enough talk. Let’s get a move on.”
“How?” Jason asked as they started moving, “We’re surrounded by a force field, and the portal machine’s destroyed. Reil-Roh destroyed our only way out.” “Well,” Joshua replied, “that’s not entirely true. I never told anyone this little fact, but there’s a way we can leave.” “You mean there’s a way we can bypass the shields?” Christian asked, “How?” “Just follow me,” Joshua said as they walked for an hour and a half longer.
When they got to the edge of the repulsor field, which altered between cyan blue and purple, they came to a trench in the ground, where the shield went through some borders in the shape of a giant, black, metal ring in the ground. The borders were sheathed in concrete and covered with organic soil. The ring also shone magenta lights in the technological, guttered seams in its design. It hummed a soothing, low tone as the dome-like energy shield encasing them all was still active.
The five-year-old walked up to the shield and was about to poke at it with his finger. “I wouldn’t do that, young man,” Joshua warned. “Why not?” Christian asked, “It’s just energy, right?” “Repulsive energy,” Joshua clarified, “One wrong touch will send you flying backward.” Despite his warning, Christian tried it anyway, poking it with his finger. The shield rippled five times before the ripples crashed back at once, and the impact sent the child flying backward straight into Giovanni, who fell on his back. “Awesome!!” Christian exclaimed, “Do it again!!” “Shut up,” Giovanni said in annoyance as he straightened both of them back up.
“We’re not here to have fun, children,” Joshua said, “We’re here because I need to look for the way out, which is right here.” Joshua dusted a panel off with his hand and waved a keycard over it. When he did, the panel chirped, a green light lit up, and part of the borders revealed a doorway that separated the energy from the rest of it. “Everyone through the doorway!” Joshua ordered, “You have two minutes!” No one needed to be told twice. Hiro, his friends, the Professors, and the soldiers all went through the threshold before the doorway sank through the floor and sealed itself off.
“What was that?” Delia asked. “A last-minute feature I added years back,” Joshua answered, “in the event that survivors needed to get through when the shields were up prematurely, so that people and their Pokémon could get in so it wouldn’t be too late. A failsafe, if you will. The soldiers knew about this as well, but only the right clearance can open this door.” “Can we ever get back in?” Jason asked. “Yes,” Joshua said, “but there are only four entry points with panels on the outside, like the one you saw. And they’re difficult to locate, unless you’re a Longan Laboratories security employee.”
“So what do we do from here?” Hiro asked. “We travel from here,” Joshua said, “and as we go along, we continue our training and studies, all while continuing to fulfill the prophecy.” “And you’re gonna have your hands full while doing so!” Christian said with a toothy grin and his arms over his head. “Come on,” Delia said, “Don’t give my Grandpa a hard time.” “Hiro,” Joshua addressed him, “I hope you’re not having cold feet over this. This could be dangerous, but we all need your help.” “No, sir,” Hiro smirked, “I already said I was gonna help. Pikachu and I are gonna see this through to the end. Right, Pikachu?” “Absolutely!” Pikachu said with a fist pump. Nodding, Joshua led the way outward. Following him were his soldiers, his bright-minded scientists, the toughest Pokémon Trainers he’d ever known since the war, and the Chosen Hero among them.
Hiro walked with determination in his eyes as he followed closely behind Professor Joshua. As he did, he had some questions he asked himself: What else would they learn? Would they be successful? Will they be able to save more lives before any more were lost to Halzief? All of these would be answered in due time, he supposed, as he casted a side glance at his friend and partner, Pikachu. Pikachu smiled, nodded and winked at him in assurance that everything would be alright. The journey was just beginning, and with determination fueling every move, they were ready to fulfill the prophecy and bring light to a world shrouded in darkness.
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Location: Last Stand Valley, Parlona
Time: 13:59…
Halzief was beyond livid. Riel-Roh had all but failed his mission in Freshstart Town. To make matters worse for his reputation, he was beaten by an old man and several children and Pokémon. Hiro was strong, but not strong without his friends, he figured. The same could be said for Joshua Longan. He had two people with Leader Aura Omega Power to deal with.
His thoughts were interrupted when one of the Minotauros’ came and reported to him. In its own language, it relayed what was passed down to him by a corrupted Pokémon. “Joshua has left the shield perimeters?” Halzief translated. The Minotauros nodded. “He prepared well while I was dead,” the dragon pondered, “But two can play this game. If he has left his protective shields, then that means that he’ll be traveling with his precious Chosen Hero.” The Minotauros roared in response, as to ask a question. “ It matters not for what purpose,” Halzief answered, “If both are taken out of the picture, victory will be mine, as will the world.”
That’s when he got up from his throne and addressed his Soul Harvesters and corrupted Pokémon. “Joshua and the Chosen Hero are on the move, unprotected by their precious shields,” he growled, “The Chosen Hero will be with him! Find them and bring me their souls! Failure is not an option for any of you! It is either victory or death! Now, go!!” With that, the Soul Harvesters, corrupted Pokémon, and various other abominations went out in search of their enemies. The hunt had only just begun, and Halzief was going to see it through to the end.