The Chasm

Kira slowly trudged up the stone stairs of Snowpoint Temple, each step burying her feet deep in the snow. Despite Candice’s warnings, she had had no trouble navigating the woods and making the long trek up to the old temple, with only a light flurry of snow dusting her head when she passed the city limits.

For as old as it was the temple was still in amazing shape. Kira assumed it was because of that Historical Team Candice mentioned, and she had to give them credit: the elegant stonework, paintings and beautifully colored tiles covering the entryway looked as though they’d been made yesterday. She ran her hand along one of the reliefs carved into the massive columns, smiling at the intricacies of the artwork. The temple was carved directly into the mountainside with only a long triangular roof and porch supported by four columns visible from the outside, and Kira figured that this was the best place to wait for her dad to arrive. She’d brought the letter he’d sent her just as he asked, and she was even wearing the necklace he gave her despite JC’s recent expressions of distrust towards it. Thoroughly excited to see her father, she sat back against the front of the stone building, the roof sheltering her from the snowfall but not the winds. Even with her thick coat and other winter accessories, Kira was cold. She shivered, slipping her arms inside her coat and holding them against her body for warmth.

“Think positive,” she said aloud, her breath clouding in front of her face, “I’m here for Dad!” That made her feel a little better, but her mind slowly started to think a few things through. Her dad had always been a bit eccentric, but meeting at Snowpoint Temple in this freezing weather? This was strange even for him…

“Maybe he’s never seen the temple before though, and he wanted to take me to share it with him!” she answered herself, trying to make sense of it all. I hope he shows up soon though, she thought, it’s really cold…

But as the minutes stretched on the frigid temperatures started to take their toll on the poor girl, and Kira slowly nodded off to sleep, her body closing down to preserve its heat. After nearly 40 minutes of sleeping in the worsening storm, one of Kira’s Poké Balls began to shake on her strap, releasing Twiggy of his own will. He nudged his Trainer awake, directing her into the temple and out of the freezing winds.

“Where are we?” she asked sleepily, “Is Dad here yet?”

Twiggy grunted a negative, moving her past the temple antechamber and down a narrow hall, determined to get Kira as far from the snow and wind as possible.

“Well then where are we going?” Kira asked, pulled finally from her daze, “We need to be at the entrance waiting for him!” She tried to squeeze past Twiggy as he continued down the narrow passageway, his wide girth finally getting the both of them stuck against the cool stone walls. 

“Now look what you did,” Kira mumbled, struggling to break free of their predicament. With a decent bit of forceful wriggling she finally did; stumbling two steps forward she quickly vanished down a dark shaft, the tile she’d landed on crumbling beneath her.

Twiggy frantically ran to the edge of the broken tiles, calling after her but only hearing his own echo in reply. He furiously clawed at the surrounding ground, desperately trying to locate his Trainer, but to no avail. Lost and confused, Twiggy bounded back down the hallway from where they’d come, quickly making his way towards the temple antechamber in search of help.

◄►

“And you’re sure it wasn’t him?” JC asked.

“Completely,” Cameron answered, “He had no idea what I was talking about.” JC’s silence was a bit too unnerving for Cameron’s taste. “What are you thinking?” he asked him.

“I’m thinking there’s something really sketchy going on here,” JC said, grabbing his coat and hurrying out into the hall. “She got another letter from ‘father’ asking her to meet with him here in Snowpoint today. She’s been gone for almost two hours; she should’ve been back by now. Another snowstorm is expected soon…”

“You didn’t go with her?” Cameron asked, surprised.

“I figured she’d want to spend some quality time with him…” JC sighed, “And given how little she sees him, you can guess how readily she accepted it. I just don’t understand it though; who would have such an interest in Kira?”

“I don’t know, but I’m getting a bad feeling about it.”

“Me, too,” JC said, running out of the Pokémon Center and into the snow, “I’ll call you when I know something; thanks for the info.”

“I just hope she’s safe…” Cameron said solemnly, hanging up.

You’re not the only one… JC nodded, slipping his Pokégear into his pocket and zipping his coat up tightly around him. He had no clue as to Kira’s whereabouts except her saying they were meeting “in town”. On top of that, a storm had started up and the sun was beginning to set; this wasn’t going to be easy.

JC released his Skarmory, the bird glaring at him angrily as JC tried to approach him. Several times Skarmory bared his teeth and ruffled his feathers, unwilling to cooperate.

“Come on, Skarmory, I need you to trust me right now. Kira’s probably in trouble and it’s my fault for not going with her; please help me find her!”

Skarmory squawked a few times before finally offering JC his back, his Trainer sliding onto its cool metal surface. The metal bird tested his wings, shifting his weight on his feet before racing forward through the snow and lifting off from the ground in a flurry of flakes.

◄►

Back at the Ironworks, Cameron slipped his Pokégear into his pocket, turning back to the anxious girls.

“He says Kira just got another letter from her dad telling her to meet him somewhere. She’s already on her way.”

Dawn’s eyes grew large. “But, he’s right here…”

“I know,” Cameron finished, “And now JC knows, too. There might be trouble.”

Serina quickly latched onto his arm, “Jemkyn… is he in trouble as well?”

“I’m gonna guess,” Cameron answered her nervously, “He said there’s a snowstorm picking up, and odds are whenever he finds Kira he’ll also be running into whoever’s been sending those fake letters…”

Serina’s eyes looked up at Cameron with deep worry, then quickly to Dawn, her free hand migrating slowly to her satchel.

Dawn’s eyes widened, “Don’t you even think abou—” but Serina was gone, rushing through the entrance of the Ironworks.

“Serina!” Dawn shouted as she, Cameron and Lartar chased after her, but by the time they made it outside the girl was nowhere to be seen. Lartar pointed out her hat lying on the riverbank far from the doorway, as well as shreds of her clothing making a trail towards the woods.

“She didn’t…” Dawn said angrily, shaking her head.

“Um, if these are her clothes…” Cameron began.

“Don’t think about it,” Dawn cut him off, “Come on, we need to get to Snowpoint. And fast.”

“What about Serina?” he asked.

“She’ll meet us there.”

◄►

Kira slowly opened her eyes, looking around in confusion as to where she was. She remembered falling, but she must’ve hit something on the way down that knocked her out, since she didn’t remember landing. As her eyes adjusted and came into focus she realized she was in some sort of cave, but it definitely didn’t feel natural. First off, an unimaginably huge crystal appeared to be growing out of the floor in the center of the cave with numerous smaller crystals jutting haphazardly from its base. They were all electric-blue in color and seemed to give off a cool light, but one strong enough to illuminate the entire cavern. A stone statue towered next to her, one of many encircling the crystals, and as her eyes travelled upwards she saw that the rising walls ended in elaborate buttresses carved into the vaulted ceiling. On the floor was yet another carving: a combination of geometrics and four separate circles, one of which was glowing the blue hue of the crystals. Her mind still foggy, Kira’s eyes moved back to the crystals in front of her; she couldn’t shake the thought that they reminded her of the one hanging around her neck. In fact, they looked almost identical…

Kira tried to get up, merely twitching before she cringed and shouted in pain. She struggled to look down through her tears, barely making out a jagged stone poking out from her ankle, surrounded by a pool of blood on the cave floor. The burst of pain was enough to clear her head, but as Kira started to come to grips she was suddenly made aware of the countless cuts and bruises covering her body. Her head was throbbing, and as she pressed her hand to her forehead she could feel blood dried to her hair.

Alone and hurt, Kira started to cry, her exasperated sobs echoing throughout the cave. She couldn’t help but slip into despair, afraid that she was going to die here like this.

“Do not cry, young one…” a cold voice hissed through the air, perfectly audible to her despite her throbbing head. Kira looked quickly around the cave, seeing no one. And yet… somehow she could feel as if someone were there.

A bright flash of pink light suddenly filled the cave, vanishing just as quickly. As her eyes adjusted, Kira could barely make out the silhouette of a person standing in front of the crystals.

“I see you made it,” the figure said in a deep voice different from the first, causing Kira to freeze up in fear.

“Who… who are you?” she asked, her voice shaking.

◄►

JC and Skarmory had made several circuits around the city with no luck: Kira was nowhere to be seen. He was beating himself up for basically volunteering her to go alone; how could he be so stupid?!

But Skarmory’s sharp eyes caught sight of something running from the woods to the south: a small Pokémon that was calling out desperately as it barreled through the snow.

JC immediately recognized Twiggy, signaling for Skarmory to swoop down and land next to the petrified Pokémon.

“Where’s Kira?!” JC asked him, the poor grass Pokémon shivering uncontrollably and obviously distressed. “Has something happened to her?”

Twiggy struggled to indicate the path he had taken, nudging JC in the direction of the woods, the mountains, and Snowpoint Temple.

“Wait, she’s at the temple?” he asked in disbelief, “Why would she go there? Is she crazy?!”

Twiggy continued to push him in that direction and Skarmory confirmed his gestures, nudging JC with his spiked head. Still stunned, JC climbed back onto his Pokémon, Skarmory grasping his talons around Twiggy’s shell as he took off for the temple.

Once inside, Twiggy led JC deep into the hall, drawing his attention to the exposed shaft.

“What happened?” JC asked, seeing Twiggy clawing at the shattered tiles. “Did she fall down there?”

Twiggy grunted in agreement, leaning precariously over the never-ending hole.

“Alright, Twiggy, listen up,” JC said as he climbed back onto his Pokémon, “We’re going after her! Skarmory, take us down!”

Skarmory squawked loudly, his cry echoing throughout the long hall as he grabbed Twiggy and dove into the black tunnel.

◄►

Frightened, Kira struggled to drag her limp body back against the wall, trying to keep as much distance between herself and this unknown assailant.

“Now now, Kira, don’t be scared,” he sighed, “I’m not here to hurt you.”

“How do you know my name..?” she asked, trembling.

“Well, you are the sixth child, after all,” the man said, “How could I not know you?”

“What..?” she asked, her voice shaking. “What do you mean? Where… where’s my dad?”

“He was never coming,” he said pointedly. “I invited you here myself.”

“Why?” she demanded, “What for?”

“A ceremony,” the man smiled. “Now, come here.”

Kira suddenly felt her body tingle like the time she was teleported to Snowpoint, and in a flash of pink light found herself immediately next to the large crystals, and next to him.

The man knelt next to her; Kira tried to move again but couldn’t, the pains ripping through her body more than she could stand.

“Please don’t struggle,” he said, unzipping her coat, “You’ll only make it more difficult for me.” Kira looked up at him with tear-filled eyes, her entire body quivering in panic. She could feel his hand searching around inside her coat and she assumed the worst, but to her surprise he simply pulled her necklace out into the open, holding the crystal tightly in his hand. He touched his other hand to the large crystal next to them, closing his eyes and taking a deep breath. The cave crystal’s light began to pulse with his breathing, and soon Kira’s crystal started to glow as well. A numbing sensation started to overtake her body, and her right eye began to ache as her vision blurred.

“What’s going on?” she cried, fearful and confused, “What are you doing?”

“I told you, it’s a ceremony,” he said as he concentrated, his eyes tightly closed.

“But for what?! What are you talking about?”

Surprisingly, the answer didn’t come from the man. Instead, the eerie voice from earlier echoed airily through the cave…

“As the sixth child you have certain… qualities, that are important to me. I am merely helping them develop…”

The voice’s cryptic statements made even less sense to Kira as her head continued to pound. She felt a sudden wave of exhaustion wash over her as the man ended his “ceremony” and opened his eyes, releasing her necklace. Kira felt it fall to her chest like a hammer, the energy from the crystal reverberating through her body.

Despite her lack of feeling, Kira’s body continued to shiver uncontrollably. The man pressed his right palm to her right eye and touched his left middle finger to the strange speck at the base of her neck, a soothing sensation giving her a momentary relief from the aches.

“Now, I’m going to need you to sleep for a bit,” he said, the soothing feeling changing to a small electric tingle. Kira felt her eyes close and she lost consciousness, her bruised body slumping lifelessly to the ground.

“Oh, and I’m going to remove your memories from the past few days, just as insurance…” he added, searching her pockets for something.

“Well what do you know, she actually did bring it,” he smiled, removing the letter he’d sent just as a large, metal bird flew out of a shaft in the wall and into the cave. “I just love it when the pieces all fall in place.”

JC jumped to the ground before Skarmory even landed, his gaze drawn to the enormous crystal in the center of the cave. He followed its faceted form to its base, his eyes finally landing on Kira’s limp body, and the strange man kneeling over her.

“What happened to her?!” JC demanded, rushing farther into the room. “What’s going on?”

“Well, well, if it isn’t number four…” the man said as he stood. JC tried to make out his face in the low light, but the crystal behind him let off a backlit glow and the man was merely silhouetted. “I’m afraid that I’m the cause of her current condition; we had business to discuss, you see…”

“What did you do to her?” JC shouted, his fists tightening. “Who are you?!”

“Unfortunately I can’t reveal that information quite yet,” he said, “But don’t worry, you’ll get to know me soon enough…” He left Kira and stepped out of sight behind the giant crystal; JC took off after him, but stepped back in shock as soon as he turned the corner: the man had disappeared in a bright flash of pink.

Unsure of what to make of what just happened, JC ran back to Kira and desperately felt her for a pulse. He pressed his ear to her chest, hearing a faint heartbeat.

“She’s alive…” he sighed, relieved. JC scooped her into his arms and ran back to his Pokémon, pulling Twiggy’s Poké Ball from Kira’s strap and returning him to it. After JC had climbed back on and secured Kira Skarmory took off, flying with all speed through the shaft and out into the blizzard.

“Come on, we need to get her back to the Center as soon as possible!” he shouted over the winds, holding Kira tightly against his body and trying to share as much body heat as possible.

Skarmory’s steel body was surprisingly warm, but it offered little relief from the relentless snowstorm. JC was shivering non-stop by the time they glided down in front of the Center, dismounting before they had even landed and rushing quickly through the doors into the warm lobby.

With Kira still in his arms, JC bounded up the stairs to their room; he struggled with his card, finally unlocking the door and rushing inside without even closing the door.

He laid her on the bed, stepping back and rubbing his torso to warm his throbbing limbs. He pulled back the blankets and set Kira inside, replacing the blankets and tucking as many more over her body as he could find. Finally he pulled a chair over next to the bed and seated himself, keeping a watchful eye on her.

Kira wasn’t shivering. Her breathing was shallow, and if not for her slight pulse, he would have assumed she was dead. JC jumped as Skarmory stepped in through the open doorway, his metal claws clicking on the tile entryway as he nudged the door closed behind him and made his way into the bedroom, standing next to his Trainer.

JC reached up and touched Skarmory’s head, resting it on his shoulder as he stared at Kira’s lifeless form. He tried to run through all that had just happened in his head, not sure if he could put into words what he’d seen.

What had he seen? Someone—that man—had done something to Kira. But what? And where did he go?

“Number four…” JC said aloud, remembering what the man had called him. What did that mean? The fourth what? He didn’t understand; and what did that have to do with Kira?

JC leaned toward the bed to brush some hair from Kira’s face. Her hair fell to the side, exposing her neck and a small black dot at its base.

What’s this… he thought to himself. Figuring it was dirt from the temple JC scratched at it, but it didn’t come off. Undeterred, he licked his fingertip and rubbed at Kira’s neck, trying to remove the debris. When it still didn’t budge he tilted his head in confusion; it seemed to be stuck to her skin. No, it was in her skin.

“Really weird…” he shrugged, pulled from his thoughts by a sudden knock at the door. Reluctantly, JC left Kira to Skarmory; opening the door, he was shocked to see Serina standing in the hall with a blanket wrapped around her body and head and only her face exposed.

“Serina..?” JC began, stopping as she suddenly jumped forward and wrapped her arms around him. She felt cold; the blanket covered her entire body, but even through his layers of clothing JC could tell her skin was bare.

“You are unharmed?” she asked, holding him tightly.

“Yeah, I’m fine,” he said, hugging her back, “But Kira…”

Serina retreated back to herself at the mention of Kira, and JC caught a glimpse of her naked body out of the corner of his eye before she covered herself again with the blanket.

“Wait, weren’t you just with Cameron and Dawn?” he asked, shaking the picture from his head. “How did you get here so fast? And what happened to your clothes? You must be freezing!”

“Do not worry about me now,” she said softly, looking away from him. “Go and tend to your fox.”

JC sighed to himself, “No, you need my help right now, too.” He put his arm around her and set her down on the couch, “First, let’s get you some clothes…”

Not feeling entirely comfortable digging through Kira’s wardrobe, JC brought her a few of his own: just a t-shirt and a pair of jeans.

“Sorry,” he shrugged, but this is the best I can come up with now.”

“Oh, no, it is no problem at all,” Serina said thankfully, taking the clothes from him. JC went into the bedroom as she clothed herself, giving her some privacy. After several minutes, he extended his arm out the doorway.

“Here,” he said, holding out the hat Serina had bought for Kira back in Jubilife. “I figured you’d want this.”

JC felt her take the hat, and then her wrap her arms around his.

“What happened to her?” she asked, the blankets hiding the majority of Kira’s injuries from her eyes.

“I don’t really know. By the time I found her she was already like this,” he said, coughing as a shiver ran through his body.

“You are cold!” she gasped, touching a hand to his cheek.

“I’m fine,” he said, coughing again.

“No you are not!” Serina said sternly, looking almost comical as she put her hands to her hips while wearing JC’s baggy clothes. She had him sit down in his chair and went to retrieve the blanket she had arrived in. She wrapped it around him as he coughed again, hugging him tightly to keep him warm.

The blanket was very warm, and JC could smell Serina’s sweet scent permeating it. He smiled for a moment, but his face quickly reverted to sadness when he looked back up at Kira.

“Serina, do you mind getting her out of those wet clothes?” he asked, rising from the chair with the blanket wrapped around him. “We should probably keep her as warm as possible.”

“Of course,” she smiled.

“Thanks,” JC said, leaving the room. He took a seat in the main room, pulling the blanket tighter as he suddenly noticed how cold—and how tired—he was. Skarmory followed him out of the bedroom, taking his own well-deserved rest from the day on the floor next to the couch, his heavy head resting on his Trainer’s lap.

◄►

 It was midnight when JC awoke, the loud whistling wind pulling him from his deep slumber. Serina was resting next to him with her head resting on his shoulder, barely rising and falling with her soft breaths.

The winds beat heavily against the window, reminding JC of the harsh conditions they had braved earlier that evening. He peered towards the bedroom but couldn’t see Kira through the thick darkness. Concerned, JC managed to reach his Poké Balls and roll one to the floor, releasing Kai. Once the light from the ball faded away, Kai ignited his flames, lighting the room in a soft, warm glow.

“Kai, go lay with Kira. I want you to keep her warm, okay?”

Kai drowsily acknowledged and turned towards the bedroom, his flames lighting the way. JC watched as the light travelled into the bedroom, hopped onto the bed, and then went out as Kai settled in for the night.

I really hope she’ll be alright… JC thought, slowly drifting back into sleep.

◄►

“Oh good, you are up!” Serina said cheerfully, “Your breakfast is almost ready!”

JC rubbed his eyes and stretched. “Breakfast?” he asked as she pranced around the kitchen cheerfully, still wearing his clothes.

“Yes, it is almost done!” she continued, tilting a skillet. “I very much hope you enjoy it!”

JC rose from the couch, his mind finally waking up as he peered into the bedroom.

“How’s Kira?”

Serina gave him a sympathetic look, “The same as last night. She is significantly warmer, but she has yet to wake…”

JC’s stomach dropped; he had hoped the answer would’ve been “fine”.

“Where are you going?” Serina asked as he walked past her and towards the door.

“Don’t worry; I’ll be right back,” he smiled to her, “I just need to make a phone call.”

JC took the elevator to the lobby, taking a seat on one of the large couches by the fire and pulling out his Pokégear. Just as he’d expected, the Center was empty save for Nurse Joy, so he felt comfortable in discussing the previous day’s events over the phone. He quickly dialed a number from memory, sitting up straighter as the line connected.

“Hello, Professor.”

“Well hello there, Jemkyn,” Rowan smiled from under his mustache, “How’s your journey going? You haven’t been away very long!”

“Almost two weeks,” JC nodded, “It feels like so much longer though.”

“That’ll happen when you’re out living every day as it comes! But you never were one for small talk,” he huffed, “Tell me; what can I do for you?”

“It’s about Kira, Professor. Something happened.”

JC proceeded to tell him everything that had occurred since they last spoke: the trip to Jubilife, their group splitting up, he and Kira’s own journey, his Gym battle and what had happened the past night. He even slipped in what Candice had told them about the strange happenings around Snowpoint. After he had finished, Rowan slowly put a hand to his chin and sighed heavily.

“This is rather… unexpected,” he said.

JC was full of questions; “Professor, who was that man?”

“Unfortunately I can’t say; I’m not quite sure who he is. But, I’m going to do my best to find out for you.”

“Thanks,” JC said solemnly. “He called me ‘number four.’ What does that mean: the fourth what?”

Rowan was silent. “Hold on a moment,” he said before the screen went black. JC sat quietly, waiting patiently for him to return when he noticed Nurse Joy’s reflection in the screen of his Pokégear.

“Professor Rowan asked that I transfer you to a secure line,” she said, “Follow me, please.” She led JC behind the counter and deep into the back past all the various medical equipment, finally seating him at a solitary phone unit. Nurse Joy clicked on the screen and Rowan appeared, just as before.

“The Fourth Child, Jemkyn. That’s what he meant. You are the fourth child of your generation to be born and identified.”

“Identified as what?” JC stared at him, utterly confused, “What are you talking about?”

“Jemkyn, you’re familiar with the Pokémon virus, yes?” Rowan asked.

“You mean Pokérus? Yeah, I’ve heard of it. Why?”

“Oh yes, that is what the Trainers call it these days, isn’t it? Well, its namesake is actually a bit misleading; it’s not really a virus, but more of a microorganism.”

“An organism..?”

“A symbiote, actually,” he continued. “This virus lives in a mutualistic relationship with its host, increasing the Pokémon’s growth and abilities at a rapid pace. And an ‘infected’ Pokémon displays no negative behaviors, making the symbiosis a preferred condition for a Trainer’s Pokémon.”

“Professor, Pokérus is a Pokémon condition,” JC interjected, “I don’t understand what it has to do with my question…”

“We’re getting to that. You see, the Pokémon virus normally cannot survive in a human host as our bodies aren’t constructed in the same as a Pokémon. However, human infection is not entirely unheard of, and when it is discovered it is of great interest to the scientific community…”

“So people get infected,” JC interrupted again, “Professor, I feel like you’re avoiding my question…”

“Jemkyn, please!!” Rowan snapped, taking JC aback. He looked away from the screen in agitation and Rowan let out a long exhale, rubbing his temple with his hand.

“I’m sorry,” the professor apologized gruffly, “I can imagine this is the last thing you want to be hearing right now.”

“I just want to know what happened to Kira. And why that man seemed to know something about myself that I don’t.”

Rowan looked uneasy, “Jemkyn, you have to understand that we had every intention of telling you when it was time…”

“Telling me what?” he asked, suspicious.

“And it’s very important that you take this maturely and responsibly…”

“Tell me what, Professor?” JC angrily demanded.

“Those people I mentioned, the ones who are successful symbiotes with Pokérus? You’re one of them.”

JC sat back in his chair, thinking through what Rowan had just said.

“Okay, so I’m infected; so what?”

“Not just infected,” Rowan continued, “Gifted. Those that have the blessing of Pokérus are gifted with extraordinary abilities, abilities you could never dream possible.”

JC was hesitant. Rowan was the epitome of a scientific mind and the brightest person he knew, but the things he was saying… didn’t seem very scientific.

“I know it’s a lot to grasp all at once, but it is true,” Rowan assured him. “Would you like me to give you some time to think?”

“No, you’re fine,” JC said quickly, not willing to pass up this opportunity.

Rowan nodded, “Very well. People with your gift are called wielders, and there are only a limited number at any given point in time. Currently their existence is only known to a few select individuals: specifically Cynthia, the other wielders and the head professor of each region.”

Wielders… JC thought, “What is it they ‘wield’?”

“Weapons, Jemkyn. Living weapons as old as the universe itself. The wielders were brought together by Princess Shirona after the end of the war, once she overthrew her father. Up until then, people had partnered themselves with powerful Pokémon to rise to positions of authority, but Shirona was the first to recognize the mental bond she could form with her own partner, Dialga.”

“Wait, the Dialga?!” JC exclaimed, “The ‘ruler of all time’ Dialga?!”

“Yes, that Dialga,” Rowan chuckled slightly. “Does that surprise you?”

“Well yeah, a bit…” JC sighed, “It’s just so… strange. Now what about this bond thing. And what are these weapons you mentioned?”

“Well, your questions are actually the same,” Rowan hinted, “Shirona and her partner were able to connect on a level reminiscent of a psychic link, something we call synchronization. They could hear each other’s’ thoughts, feel their emotions; in fact Shirona began to share certain qualities with him that many would consider unnatural for a human. For instance, she claimed her concept of time was greatly expanded, and everyone in her kingdom noticed the boost in her physical health and mental prowess; she retained her youthful appearance well into her 60’s, and actually lived until the age of 130. Over the years she became a very skilled fighter, a quality she attributed to Dialga’s influence on her.

“As far as the weapons are concerned, I’ve already touched on them. You see, Shirona was the first to realize that her partner could actually alter his form at will, transforming himself into a sort of weapon: a sword in his case. While formidable on his own, this allowed Dialga and his wielder to unite in a way they had never experienced, forming a combination that was nigh unstoppable in battle.”

JC’s mind was reeling, “And I’m someone like that?”

“Precisely,” Rowan answered. “More specifically, you’re the fourth wielder born in your generation, hence the designation ‘Fourth Child’.”

Things were finally starting to come together in JC’s mind, but he still had questions.

“So why me? And what does Kira have to do with all this? Wait…” JC thought, “Is she a wielder, too?”

“That’s right,” Rowan nodded, “Kira is the sixth child: a wielder just like you.”

“Sixth…? How many of us are there?”

“From what we know: at least six, maybe more. Anthea and Concordia were surprisingly unsure…”

“Who?”

“Oh, yes,” Rowan apologized, “Anthea and Concordia are like you, two individuals touched by the Pokérus. However, their levels are overwhelmingly higher than your own; too high for a proper synchronization, but high enough to give them very useful abilities of their own. They act as oracles, allowing us to identify wielders when they’re born. That’s how we found you and Kira.”

“So you’ve known this since we were born,” JC realized. “Does Kira know?”

“No, she doesn’t. We’ve worked very hard to keep your identities a secret. Although,” Rowan pondered, “If this man you saw recognized you as the fourth child, perhaps he also knew Kira as the sixth…”

That brought JC’s last pressing question to the forefront. “Professor, who would be interested in us? Wielders, I mean. Who would go through the trouble of getting Kira alone like that?”

“As I told you before, Jemkyn, I’m not sure. But this whole ordeal should clue you in to how valuable you are. Think back to what I told you about Princess Shirona; people would kill for someone with those abilities. The power to sync with a Pokémon like Dialga, the superhuman strength and fighting skills that come along with it… Think of the good someone could accomplish with even just one wielder under his command. But now look to the other side: imagine the destruction. That’s why we work so hard to conceal your existence. If someone desired your powers strongly enough, well, I’d go to any length to acquire something like that, wouldn’t you?” Rowan looked straight at JC, “I don’t know who this man was, but I doubt his intentions for Kira are pure.

“Now,” he said, shifting his tone, “Until we get to the bottom of this, you’re going to have to follow my instructions, alright? I think the confidentiality of all this goes without saying: you are not to tell anyone about this conversation, nor are you allowed to let anyone know you’re the fourth child. Do you understand?”

“But—”

“Do you understand?” he repeated sternly.

JC started to dissent, stopping himself when he remembered who he was talking to.

“Yes, sir,” he answered.

Rowan sighed again, his harshness leaving him with his breath.

“Talk to Kira when she wakes up. You can share this with her; she’s as much a part of it as you are. Try and see if she knows anything more than you do.”

“Yes, sir.”

“I’m sorry I couldn’t be of more help, Jemkyn, but I have to be going now. There’s much work to be done. Remember what I told you,” he added, the transmission going black.

◄►

Hundreds of miles from Snowpoint City, Professor Rowan leaned back in his chair and rubbed his eyes, the weight of the conversation finally catching up to him. But before his thoughts could wander too far they were interrupted by the clink of a teacup; Rowan turned to a woman seated on the couch a little ways from the videophone, her legs crossed as she casually sipped her tea.

“So, he’s finally found out?” she asked, smiling calmly to the aged professor.

“It appears that way. Are you alright with that?”

“It’s sooner than expected, but it was inevitable,” she answered. “Maybe this is fate’s way of making sure I’m on my toes.”

Rowan shrugged; nothing ever seemed to bother her. “And what of this mysterious individual?” he added, curious as to her response.

“I doubt he’s of any consequence,” she dismissed, “We’ve learned through experience that it’s foolish to think we can hide something as vital as wielders from the world without someone finding out. This man will end up just like the rest: when he shows his face again we’ll be ready, and it’ll be as if he never existed.”

The professor shook his head at her uncharacteristic violence, “I’m just not sure,” he sighed. “You… you don’t think it could be—”

“I know where you’re going and no, it’s not possible” she cut him off.

“But, if you consider—”

“Not. Possible.”

“I’m not trying to stir up bad blood,” Rowan reasoned, “I just want to be sure they’re safe…”

The woman smiled, taking one final sip of her tea before setting it on a side table. “Trust me, Edward, they will be. Another wielder is on her way to them as we speak; it won’t be long now before their group is all together.”

“She’s finished the training already?” Rowan asked, surprised, “That’s unbelievable given her track record!”

“I know, she progressed even faster than I’d hoped,” the woman said happily, brushing her long blonde hair from her face. “But did you expect anything less from the Second Child?”

“I suppose not,” the professor agreed. “What about Kira’s condition? Jemkyn says she’s been unconscious for quite some time…”

The woman smiled again, “Number six is strong; I doubt anything could keep her out of the picture for too long, so there’s no need to worry. I’m sure she’ll awaken soon, just as I’m sure Jemkyn will contact you when that happens. When he does, pass any new information along to me.”

“Very well,” Rowan nodded, “If that’s your plan, I’ll go along with it; just as I always do.”

“I couldn’t ask for anything more from my old teacher,” she said, shaking his hand. “Thank you, Professor.”

The woman turned and left, her long black coat flowing gracefully behind her.

My dearest Cynthia, Rowan thought, shaking his head uncertainly, always so sure of yourself. I truly hope you know what you’re doing…

◄►

Separated from their friends in their time of need, Dawn, Cameron and Lartar searched for the fastest way to reach Snowpoint City, finally finding their answer in a small train depot a little ways outside of Floaroma Town. But with the day waning away the trains had already begun closing down for the night, leaving the three of them out of options until morning. They returned to the Pokémon Center downhearted, but determined to pack up their things and be on the first train out of town in the morning. Already missing Serina, Lartar crawled onto the couch and immediately fell asleep, leaving the two humans to talk alone.

“Do you think we should call?” Cameron asked, sitting on the bed, “I’m worried about them…”

“I’m worried, too,” Dawn replied, pacing nervously around the bedroom, “But no. If JC needed our help he would’ve called us by now. The fact that he hasn’t means one of two things: either everything’s fine or something really bad has happened in which case the last thing he needs is a frantic call from us…”

“I guess…” Cameron sighed as he held his Pokégear tightly in his hand. Sensing his tension Dawn stopped her pacing and sat next to him on the bed, cuddling into his arms.

“I’m sure JC can handle whatever’s going on up there,” she assured him, saying it for as much his benefit as her own. “They’re both probably snuggled up in bed as we speak.”

“I really hope you’re right,” Cameron said, holding her close to him. They sat in silence for a while, both of them leaning on the other for support through their anxiety. But soon Cameron was up and moving around the room, nervously collecting their belongings and packing them away into their bags in preparation for the coming morning. With Dawn assisting him they zipped closed the final bag shortly before midnight and crawled into bed, somehow managing to sleep despite their overwhelming unease.

They awoke early the next morning and checked out of their room, leaving Floaroma behind in an early-morning fog as they jogged the two miles to the train station to purchase their tickets. A little sweaty from the humidity but two tickets richer, Dawn left for the bathroom to freshen up before their departure while Lartar took a look around the station, leaving Cameron alone in the deserted boarding zone.

Not overly impressed with the décor and still a bit on edge from the night before, he looked about for something to ease his boredom. Luckily he was only alone for a minute or two before his Pokégear rang; he eagerly checked it, hoping it was JC. To his disappointment it was a number he didn’t recognize, and the screen was telling him it was an “audio-only” call. Curious, he answered it anyway, lifting his Pokégear to his ear as the line connected.

“Hello?”

“Dawn?” the girl on the other line asked.

“No, this is Cameron Suou,” he answered, “Who’s this?”

The girl sounded ecstatic, “Cameron Suou!?” she shouted, “Seriously?!”

“Yes..?” he admitted hesitantly, “And who’s this?” he repeated.

“It’s May, silly! May Senri!”

Cameron had to think for a minute: he hadn’t heard that name in years.

“May!” he exclaimed happily, “Wow, no way! How are you? Wait, how did you get my number?!”

“This is your phone?” May asked, her mind struggling to sort things out, “Huh, I must’ve dialed the wrong number and gotten you instead! How awesome is that?!” she laughed. “To be honest I was trying to get in touch with my friend Dawn…”

“You mean Dawn Berlitz?”

“Yeah, you know her?”

“Oh, I know her pretty good,” he said slyly, “She’s my girlfriend.”

“GIRLFRIEND?!” May shouted so loudly that Cameron had to hold his Pokégear away from his ear. “She never mentioned she had a boyfriend! And she definitely never said it was you!!”

“Well we’re pretty much even: she never told me she knew you either!”

“That sneaky little… she can be so secretive sometimes!”

“Tell me about it,” Cameron laughed, “So how’s Hoenn been since I moved? I can’t believe we never even visited all these years…”

“Hoenn’s gorgeous,” May laughed back, “The air’s warm, the beaches are full; so you know: the usual. But actually, I just flew into Sinnoh; I was trying to find out where Dawn was so I could meet up with her…”

“Wow, you flew here? I’ve never been on a plane; what’s it like?”

“I wouldn’t know,” May laughed at him, “I flew over here on my Flygon.”

Cameron’s level of excitement grew even higher, “You have a Flygon!?” he exclaimed, “That’s awesome!”

“Well I had a friend who really loved them so I guess it just stuck,” she chuckled. “So where are you guys? I can’t wait to see you!”

“Me either!” he said, smiling wide. “Well we’re just outside Floaroma Town, but we won’t be for long: we’re about to leave for Snowpoint. We just bought tickets for the train and Dawn ran off to the bathroom.”

“That seems rushed; what are you going there for?” May asked.

Cameron suddenly got serious, “It’s a long story. A friend of ours got into some trouble up there, so we’re heading to see her. From what we’ve heard she’s not doing too well.”

“I’m so sorry to hear that. Is there anything I can do?”

“Not unless you can get us there any faster.”

“Sorry,” May apologized, “But Flygon can only carry one at a time…”

“It’s fine,” Cameron assured, “It’s good to know you’re still as great a friend as I remember. Some things never change,” he smiled.

“Well, we’ll see if you still think that once you see me again,” she laughed, “You might not recognize me…”

“Now I really can’t wait,” he grinned, “How old are you now? 19? 20?”

“21; I was older than you, remember?”

“Oh, that’s right… You always hated when I forgot that.”

“I still do,” May laughed sarcastically, “Speaking of the past, remember that ridiculous hat I made for you? I know you said you liked it but I just have to apologize for the way it came out. I was going to tell you that you didn’t have to wear it when I saw you next but like you said, you guys never even visited…”

Cameron felt a small tinge of embarrassment, “Yeah… the hat, well…”

May’s voice dropped, “Don’t tell me… You didn’t actually wear it in public, did you?”

“Oh I definitely wore it in public…” Cameron admitted. “Actually, I wore it all the time. And when I finally grew out of it I had mom resize the thing so I could keep wearing it…”

“You’re just as funny as I remember you!” May laughed, “So when did you finally get rid of it? Or are you still wearing it even now?” she joked.

Cameron chuckled nervously, “Funny you should ask that…”

May was shocked, “You can’t be serious…”

“It was a gift to me from my best friend; it means a lot to me,” he confessed.

The other line was silent for a moment, but soon May’s resounding laughs once again rang in Cameron’s ear.

“You’re so sappy!! I can’t believe you kept it all these years, but wore it!? And what’s Dawn say about all that?”

“Well, Dawn doesn’t really—” was all he managed to say before he was face to face with Dawn herself, back from the bathroom with Lartar at her feet.

“Dawn doesn’t really what?” she asked. “Who’re you talking to?”

“It’s May!” he said happily before she snatched the phone out of his hands.

“May!! How are you?” Dawn asked, “Was Cameron annoying you?”

Cameron watched as Dawn’s happy expression turned to one of interest, then surprise, then jealousy as she glared directly at him.

“Really, you made it?” he heard her say as her eyes glanced up at his head. “You don’t say…”

Cameron’s hands slowly gripped his hat, holding it securely on his head, just in case…

Dawn turned away from him, “Yeah, he was right. You’ll want to just go straight there and we’ll see you tomorrow morning. Yeah, room 42. A guy named JC should be there with two girls: Serina and Kira. Thanks so much for coming; we’ve got a lot to talk about when we finally get to Snowpoint…” she added, glancing back at Cameron who shied away. “Love you, too. Bye.”

Dawn slipped Cameron’s Pokégear into her bag, “We don’t want to be late for our train,” she said, walking away towards the boarding gates. Lartar was quick to follow, but Cameron hung a short distance behind, keeping perfectly in step with the two of them as they boarded their train, sitting together against a window on a surprisingly vacant passenger car. The conductor came around shortly after to punch their tickets, departing their car when he had finished and leaving Cameron and Dawn in an awkward silence.

“I’m not going to steal your hat,” Dawn said suddenly as the car jerked into motion, “You can put your arms down.”

“Are you sure..?” Cameron asked, half joking. Dawn shot him an annoyed look and he obliged, releasing his hold on his precious headgear. He nervously put an arm around her which she surprisingly accepted, leaning into him and resting her head on his chest.

With Sinnoh speeding past their window Dawn and Cameron remained silent. While Lartar gazed in excitement at the many vast landscapes he’d never seen, the two of them sat together as they did the previous night, quietly comforting the other through their 27 hour trip.

◄►

Back in Snowpoint City, JC pushed open the doors leading to the back room of the Center, his mind still recovering from the enormous information download he’d just experienced. He was so distracted by wielders and Legendary Pokémon and numbered children and everything else Rowan had just finished telling him that Nurse Joy actually had to help him operate the latch under the counter; he was having so much trouble that she had to leave the Trainer she was helping just to assist him.

“Thanks…” he said mechanically, heading for the elevator.

“Wait, Mr. Kalmikov!” she said quickly, “Do you mind taking your Pokémon with you? I did watch them all night…”

“Oh right, sorry,” he said taking Tori and Kamé from the counter where they sat. “Thanks for watching them like that; we had a bit of trouble last night.”

“Oh dear! Hopefully not too much! If there’s anything I can do just let me know.”

JC turned and thanked her again, moving for the elevator once more.

“You’re welcome,” Nurse Joy nodded, turning back to the girl she had been previously waiting on, “And yes, that should be fine. Do you have the room number that you’re looking for?”

“Yes, I do,” May replied, “Thanks, Nurse Joy!”

“No problem at all,” she smiled, “Enjoy your stay!”

May waved to her as she hurried towards the closing elevator, barely squeezing herself through the narrow opening. Once inside she moved to push the button for her floor, but seeing that there were only two floors—and that floor 2 had already been pressed—she stepped back against a wall and sat on the railing.

Standing on the opposite side of the small elevator, and completely lost in his thoughts, was that same boy from the counter, holding those two Pokémon he had just picked up from Nurse Joy. May had never seen Pokémon like that before, and she thought about commenting on them just to be friendly, but the elevator was faster than she expected and the doors quickly opened again on the second floor. She followed the boy out and down the hall, searching for room 42.

39, 40, 41… she counted, hanging back when she saw the boy stop at 42. He tapped his card to the lock and went inside, the door closing heavily behind him.

“So that must’ve been JC,” she nodded to herself. “Well,” she said, straightening her collar, “Time to introduce myself!”