Chapter Text
It was a night that Allura wished was just a nightmare.
“A few hours ago, Princess Allura and the head advisor of state Coran have fled the country. They are convicted of plotting against the kingdom and attempted sabotage. It pains me to say this of my own daughter and friend, but they are now a threat to this country and I ask that every region help us track them down and bring them to justice-“
King Alfor’s voice cut out as she turned off the radio, unable to listen further. “Zarkon, you will pay for this.” She murmured, hands clenching at the thought of the Galra Foundation and the fake king leading her people. Allura gazed at the dark horizon in the direction of the Altean islands as the airship sped away over the sea. On any other occasion she would have admired the beauty of the moon reflecting on the water, the shimmering stars above, but not this night. Her crystal blue eyes were full of tears as she turned her back on the view and headed to the control room, wiping them away.
-
“Coran, where are we headed?” She asked quietly.
Coran sighed. “For now, Hoenn. It is closest, and perhaps we can find help there.”
“Who would help us? I checked every form of media, and the Galra wasted no time labeling us as dangerous enemies of Altea. I’m sure they will, and are, doing all they can to make sure we are wanted in every region...”
“That may be true princess…but at least we will be away from Altea.” Coran’s heart ached at being forced to run away from their home, but this was the only way he could keep her safe. Checking the monitors, he commented tiredly, “We can figure out what to do once we arrive, but it’ll be awhile till we get there. I suggest you get some rest.”
“You’re the one who should rest. You’ve been flying for a few hours now. I’ll take over for a while.”
Knowing she would not take no for an answer, Coran stood up from the cockpit and Allura took his place. He placed a hand on her shoulder, which she took with her own briefly before placing her hands on the controls. Coran solemnly went out the door, before quietly closing it behind him.
-
-Earlier that day-
“ I…am not that easily controlled Zarkon.” Alfor said through gritted teeth, breathing hard.
“A pity. I wanted you alive to see the Galra take over your kingdom…and then take over every region one by one.” Zarkon said, a hint of regret in his voice as his Malamar snorted in frustration at the king’s resistance.
“That is an impossible goal. You…will never succeed.”
“Oh. But I will. Once I get my hands on Cresselia, this island will be mine, followed by the rest of the world.”
“Cresselia will not be so easily found…or controlled!” Alfor spat angrily.
Zarkon touched his ear and listened to his communicator, then broke out into a smirk. “I’m afraid that is where you are wrong. Cresselia is now in our possession. It is surprising how easy it can be to control even the most powerful with the right methods…except for you.”
Zarkon sighed. “I had not wanted it to come to this…for the sake of our past friendship. But you are too dangerous if you cannot be controlled. And unfortunately since I must get rid of you, I’ll have to go after your daughter.”
“Zarkon…don’t you dare touch my daughter.” Alfor exclaimed threateningly, his eyes gleaming with anger. “How could you have fallen so low?”
“This world is what has fallen, and you along with it. I’m merely taking it into my hands to restore it- no…to perfect it.” His eyes grew frenzied. “Yes, I will make this world into a perfect one under my control. And I will not let you, or anyone else get in my way!”
He turned on his heels and swept through the door, a resounding clang echoing in the room as the door shut behind him. Zarkon paused outside and said quietly, “Goodbye Alfor.” Before walking down the empty corridor, screaming sounding from the room before dying off.
-
Coran had his hand over his mouth as he heard Alfor gasping for breath through the bug they had snuck into his jacket. Earlier that day, Alfor had confided in Coran that something was amiss. He hadn't been in full control of himself at multiple times throughout the day. As a precautionary measure, Alfor had placed a device that he could easily activate to contact Coran if it happened again to see what was wrong...But this was far beyond what either could have imagined. “Coran…my old friend.” Alfor said weakly. Every word seemed pained. “Take care of my daughter…and Altea…”
The breathing grew weaker, and then there was terrible silence. Coran slammed his fist into the table, his face white with rage. He felt his grief turn into fury, and he desperately wanted to get revenge that moment. But Alfor’s last words brought him back to reason. Even if he had wanted to, he had no idea where any of this had taken place. He took a deep breath, attempting to calm himself, before running out of the room.
-
After a few hours, Coran insisted that she go rest, and honestly she knew she needed it. She moved to the lower deck lobby, and sat down in the corner. No tears would come out anymore. All that lingered was this inexplicable emptiness. How could her father have been murdered? How could Zarkon have betrayed them, and have this goal to mind control Altea and then take over the world? Before she would have thought it impossible, but now…
Her right hand punched the wall in her frustration at not being able to do anything, before her arm fell limply to her side. She knew there was nothing she could do alone in this situation, and she put her other hand over her eyes. Suddenly a gentle touch of a cold nose to her hand made her glance to her right, where Espeon stood, nuzzling her hand. Behind Espeon, her other Pokemon had come out of their pokeballs, all looking at her with concern. Her heart, which had moments before been aching with emptiness, began to swell with affection for them. Altaria settled down near her and gestured for Allura to come lean against his wing, which she obliged. Once she was settled in, Salazzle, Espeon, Litleo, and Lopunny came over and arranged themselves on her or nearby, and feeling reassured by their presence, she drifted into blissful unconsciousness.
-
Young one…do you hear me?
Allura woke up startled and looked around for the source of the unfamiliar voice. Abruptly a blinding light shone in front of her, and took the form of none other than Cresselia, one of the patron legendaries of the Altean kingdom.
“Cresselia? How…”
I’m afraid I don’t have long. I am being controlled by the Galra, who are planning on using my powers to bring the kingdom, and then the world under their influence.
Allura was awestruck at this whole encounter, but then something occurred to her and she looked suspicious. “If you are being controlled, then how are you here?”
They seem to underestimate the fact that I am the deity of dreams. They may be able to control me when I'm awake...but they cannot control what I do in my sleep. Now…Princess Allura. You must free me and protect Altea.
The princess was quiet, looking down at her hands defeatedly. “What can I do? If the whole world is against me…I can't do this alone.“
No…you can’t do this alone. But you won’t be. There are those who I have chosen who will help you. To find them, let my amulet be your guide.
Cresselia slipped off Allura’s bracelet with the mark of the legendary on it, and it floated to where she hovered. The moment the bracelet made contact with Cresselia it glowed gold, and then it floated back to Allura and into her hand.
“But…will these people believe me?”
Cresselia began to fade away, and the dream was coming apart at the seams. As the world went black, Cresselia's words echoed.Do not fret child. I will make sure of it.
And then, Allura was falling into the darkness.
Allura shot up from Altaria’s side gasping, adrenaline running through her veins and her heart beating like crazy.
Espeon woke and looked up at her in surprise as well. “You felt she was here didn’t you?” Espeon nodded, before pointing at her clenched hand. Allura looked down and opened her fist. There lay her silver bracelet with the charms of the two deities of the Kingdom. She moved carefully so as not to disturb her other Pokemon who were still asleep, going over to the window.
“But how do I find these people?” Allura pondered, fiddling with the tiny amulets. It was early in the morning, but looking out the window, she could see the faint outline of Hoenn in the paling sky.
Espeon was sitting at her feet, forked tail wrapped around Allura's legs. Bending down, she stroked his head fondly before straightening. With a deep breath, she pushed her father out of her mind, blue eyes hardening as she steeled herself for the mission at hand. There would be time to grieve later when Altea was safe again.