Metchi took her first step into Lake Valor, a step which was a lot more resolute than she expected.
The water shimmered gold under her feet in a straight line, the psychic barrier she'd deployed ridding her of the need for a boat. Monferno walked behind her, clicking his tongue nervously at being surrounded by about a million gallons of what he hated most. Azelf had gone quiet for the past few minutes, though she could feel its presence like a reassuring blanket of warmth all around her.
She set foot on the edge of the small island in the middle of the lake. A few feet ahead sat a pyramid-shaped cave the size of a small house, though she knew that was only the surface of it. The rock was dark and smooth, almost like glass, and even through the countless years of wind and water erosion she could make out traces of ancient carvings on the outside. She remembered the glittering, white stones that comprised most of the mountain Sootopolis was located in; this felt like the exact opposite of that.
Looking at it, a foreign wave of nostalgia filled her chest and she felt her eyes sting. She'd never been in this place before, but she could feel it calling to her, as if it were her own home. Some of Azelf's longing was intertwined with hers as well, which a few days sooner would've surprised her. The legendary Pokemon wasn't usually so keen on sharing its own emotions with her.
"All right then."
The entrance led to a poorly built set of stairs, leading deeper into the cavern. The inside was as dark as a Pyroar's maw, which is why she was grateful for Monferno's flame lighting the way as they walked. It wouldn't have been fitting for her to slip on one of the steps and break her neck after all that had happened.
As thin and claustrophobic as the downward hallway was, Metchi was surprised at the actual size of the room it led to. She could barely see the edge of it in front of her and at the sides. The floor, walls and ceiling not only were made from the same material as the outside but they were sprinkled with strange, sparkling blue stones that gave off a strong enough light to illuminate about half of the place, leaving small patches of darkness all over.
Chargestones, she thought with a wave of excitement. Never thought I'd see some outside of Unova.
Her enthusiasm was short lived, however, as she took a few more steps into the cavern. To say she was startled would've been a lie. Sure, she'd been expecting to be ambushed ever since Shadi's warning, not to mention she could physically feel someone's presence inside ever since she set foot on the island.
What she didn't expect was for only one person to be inside.
Two things stood in the middle of the room. Hovering a few feet above ground was Azelf's hollow body, its tiny arms and round head hanging forward lifelessly. The red gems on its forehead and tails had turned almost black, the light inside them evaporated long ago.
Next to it, arms crossed and eyes set on Metchi, was a man wearing Team Galactic's uniform. He was shorter than her and quite less intimidating, though she knew better than to take something like that for granted. His blue, crescent-shaped hair glistened with the light of the chargestones around him and his normally soft and friendly expression had grown rough and sour.
Metchi didn't take another step, unsure of what to do. She'd expected an entire platoon of Galactic grunts, or perhaps to be assaulted by powerful Pokemon the moment she took a step into the cave. But he seemed to be completely alone, and quite free of worry at that.
Laugh sprouted from the depths of her stomach and she was unable to contain it. The sound echoed off the walls, making it reverberate unnaturally. Saturn raised an eyebrow.
"Wow…" she whispered, shaking her head. "Not gonna lie, dude. Pretty shitty ambush you got going on here."
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Cyrus' declaration cut through the crowd like a knife.
Those closest to him –with the exception of Inyssa and Barry– took sudden steps back in an instinctive attempt to get as far away from him as possible. Those further back and on the edges let out gasps and shifted uncomfortably, silently wondering what they should do. A bubbling, growing anxiety could be felt through the entirety of the festival as the seconds passed by. Shock and fear were slowly replaced by anger and indignation as they began whispering, their expressions growing darker and their voices raising in pitch.
"You..."
Silence swallowed the crowd once more as Cynthia spoke, the sheer fury in her voice like the crackle of lightning before a storm.
The Champion jumped from the stand and began walking forward. People cleared out of her path without her asking them to, for no sane person would've stood in her way. She stopped before reaching the first hill leading to the road upwards, and though she stood in the middle of the crowd it would've been impossible not to notice her. Those standing closer to her could feel a weightless, invisible warmth emanating from her, as if inside of her chest lived a roaring fire.
"How dare you come here, on this of all days." Cynthia did not raise her voice, not that she would've needed to for everyone in the crowd to hear her. "If you think I'll stand here and listen to a terrorist blabbering nonsense…" She flicked her wrist almost unconsciously, producing an Ultraball on her hand. "…then it is clear you have truly lost your mind, Cyrus."
The man did not move an inch, nor did he seem intimidated by the Champion's words. Looking down at her from his spot –one that he'd carefully chosen so as to give himself the proper imagery– he simply bowed his head slightly, as if greeting an old friend. The gesture was polite mockery, of course, but those who didn't know their history couldn't know that.
"The first thing you do when confronted by someone who only wishes to speak is to threaten them with violence?"
He saw as Cynthia's eyebrows formed a line over the bridge of her nose. She had to know that the smart thing was to capture him immediately, but she'd been called out in front of cameras that were transmitting the event to the entire world. Indeed, Cyrus had chosen very carefully the way in which he would face her.
"I have nothing to say to someone like you," said Cynthia. "You are not above me, Cyrus, despite what the spot you're standing on might make you believe. Do you think the people of Sinnoh are unaware of what Team Galactic has done?"
"I'm sure the Association has had the time of their lives spreading easy to swallow lies about us," he said. "Tell me, what are non-trainers to do if they find the state of the world as unfair as we do? Is the only legal way to dethrone you, and attempt to change the world, to defeat you in a Pokemon battle? How can that be considered fair?"
Cynthia's fingers tightened around the Pokeball, their tips turning pale. "I am more than open to any kind of dialogue with those who aren't terrorists. The title of Champion has existed for a long time, and it is the best way to ensure that only those strong in spirit-"
"There you go again," sighed Cyrus. "According to you, only those with a strong spirit are worthy to become Champion? Well, you seem to have forgotten a second, far more important requisite: they also need to be Pokemon trainers." He put emphasis on the last two words, the shadow of resentment behind his voice. "Since you come from a well off family I'm sure you've never thought about this, but do you have any idea just how expensive becoming a trainer is for the average person? The cost of a trainer card, a Pókedex, equipment, travel expenses… it is simply unavailable for most people. And it is only that way in Sinnoh."
"There are plenty of free programs and scholarships available for those in need who wish to become trainers," Cynthia rebutted. "I've made sure of that myself."
"And what of those who, for other reasons, cannot become one? Those who have to take care of a family or a business or who simply lack the physical capabilities? Do they not deserve the chance to change the world simply because their circumstances are less favorable than those of the spoiled, rich brats who flood our region like pests?" He stopped to breathe, letting his words set in. "Isn't it despicable? It seems only those who partake in violence and are blessed with money and a normal life are capable of truly changing the world. We, as a nation, glorify conflict and personal pride instead of open dialogue and thoughtfulness."
With one swift movement he turned towards the closest camera, which sat atop a tripod being manned by two people. He spread both arms as if wanting to embrace the audience he knew he had, going so far as to attempt one of the smiles Saturn had taught him how to imitate.
"I know I am not welcome in this town, nor in most of Sinnoh, but I still urge all those for whom my words rang true to listen. I want to address first and foremost those whose indignity at the Champion's speech is the same as mine. I want to address the parents, children and lovers of those who tragically lost their lives in the war, those who weren't fortunate enough to be Pokemon trainers, to be granted the protection such a title entailed." He lowered his arms slightly, raising his chin as he kept speaking. "True, the war was ended by trainers, but we seldom forget that it was started –and not majorly fought– by them as well. Throughout the entirety of it the ratio of civilian soldiers to trainers was ten to one, and yet it is only the latter whom we celebrate as heroes, those who had the least to lose and the most to gain."
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Cyrus turned his gaze once more towards Cynthia, pointing a finger at her.
"I speak the truth; trainers are nothing but a menace!" He raised his voice for the first time, sending painful chills down the spines of all close to him. "This so called spirit of theirs is a sickness. Their competitive nature, their proclivity towards violence and their coveted pride do nothing but paint the entire of Sinnoh in a negative light. If unchecked, I assure you that such behavior will lead us all toward another war. And, just like last time, it will be all but the Pokemon trainers who will suffer because of it."
There was a certain flair to the way he ended his speech. A slow raise of his pitch, a slightly bent knee and the seemingly coincidental placement of his palm in front of his stomach as he bowed. It was a subtle enough gesture that most people wouldn't pick up on it, but it definitely added a good last impression to his words.
Cynthia, who'd been silent for the last part of his speech, took a deep breath and looked up at him. The previous anger was still there, but it had now been joined by what appeared to be melancholy.
"I've heard enough," she said, closing her eyes for a moment, lost in thought. "I don't care what your intentions are, Cyrus. You made a mistake coming here today." She took a decisive step forward, chin raised high. "Maybe your words would've had some weight before what happened in Veilstone, but now…"
Cyrus laughed. It was such a dissonant, completely out of place gesture coming from him that Cynthia was left unable to keep speaking, eyes wide in surprise. His was a fake, premeditated laugh but she knew no one else listening would be able to discern that, not with how much he seemed to have practiced it.
Still, Cynthia had heard his real laugh many years ago when she still considered it one of her favorite sounds, and knew that what she was hearing was not it.
"Ah… Veilstone." Cyrus' sharp smile stretched across his face. "I was wondering when you'd bring it up against me. You really outdid yourself in Veilstone; didn't you? I can't help but admire your cunning, despite how despicable your actions were."
Cynthia reeled back. "W-what?"
"Tell me, Champion, what possible reason could I have for sending my men to attack a city such as Veilstone in the middle of the day?" He shook his head, as if finding the idea utterly ridiculous. "What would we gain from it, except for the spite and hatred of the people of Sinnoh? And ignoring that, even if we did lead an attack, what are the chances that not a single citizen was fatally wounded? Almost as if those alleged Team Galactic members were ordered to hold back. Yes… you certainly thought it through, Champion. To think the Association would go as far as to impersonate us and attack their own people just to smear the name of Team Galactic…" He tilted his head to the side, gaze falling on Cynthia. "Then again, you are quite familiar with those kinds of tactics, aren't you?"
The realization of what Cyrus was implying fell on Cynthia like a bolt of lightning. Her eyes went wide, the grey in them cackling with disbelief. She took one unconscious step forward, the impact of it sending an invisible shock-wave of heat all around her, barely a breeze of the storm of hatred burning in her chest. She looked as if she were about to heave from indignation alone.
"How… dare you…"
She took another step, looking ready to jump and physically assault Cyrus herself, when another voice broke through the high-strung silence.
"That's not true!"
All eyes turned towards Inyssa, even those of Cyrus and Cynthia, the latter of which looked as if she'd been startled out of her murderous rage.
She didn't know exactly why she'd decided to speak, and as she felt the gaze of everyone on her she suddenly froze. Maybe it was because of the sheer indignation of that man telling such a bold faced lie, or perhaps it was because for a moment, Inyssa saw in the Champion's eyes the same terrible anger as in those of Nyss', all those years ago when she stood in front of that painting. The same hallowed expression; as if both women were ready to burn down the whole world.
Inyssa tried to say more, but no words came out. Then she felt the pleasant weight of a familiar hand on her shoulder, followed by Barry's voice echoing through the valley.
"She's right, we were there!" he hollered. "We were the ones attacked by Team Galactic and we know they were the real ones! That man is lying!"
His voice was like a warm gust of wind; Inyssa felt as it lifted the heaviness that had set into her chest. All around her people shook their heads or looked startled as if they'd been woken up from some sort of trance. First they imitated Barry's expression. Then they began to yell and holler like him; throwing insults and incoherent yells at Cyrus, until the entirety of the festival was one, single voice full of indignity and rage.
"I see; you two must be the Champion's pets."
The crowd's yelling almost came to a halt once again, Cyrus' voice transmitted through the speakers feeling like cold water running down their backs.
"Inyssa Dawn and Barry Paladino, the star trainers who are sweeping through the region," he said, emulating sarcasm with his tone. "How convenient that they are always in the same place where Team Galactic appears, ready to take them down. Almost as if they were meant to. Almost as if their rise to notoriety has been meticulously planned."
Niss' let out a scoff, feeling her blood running hot. "Come and say that to my face you zombie-looking piece of sh–!"
"I see the rumors about your rotten attitude have not been exaggerated," said Cyrus. "Something I'm sure every person you've met in your journey has had to deal with by now. Is this really the kind of person we want representing us as a nation? Is this what counts as Champion material nowadays?"
"Cyrus!" Cynthia's howl broke through the air, startling everyone in the crowd. "I have allowed you to badmouth me and my peers, but if you think I'll let you talk like that to children…!"
"I simply say what those with common sense are thinking. What option do I have when the government is bent on painting me and my associates in such a terrible light?" He shook his head. "Tell me, Champion, how many Galactic grunts have you managed to apprehend so far? There was no record of what happened in Floaroma nor Eterna, except for the fact that many of my people were found dead. And yet the only time you do manage to catch some of them; they refuse to divulge important information to this so called investigation?"
There was a moment of silence, carefully constructed by Cyrus so everyone could process what he'd said. Cynthia seemed as if she were about to reply, but it was clear he'd caught her off guard.
"Are you telling me that you haven't made that information available to the public, my dear Champion? About how not a single one of the supposed Galactic grunts that were captured in the Veilstone attack have revealed anything about my group? How can that be, when the Association counts with every method of interrogation known to mankind?" He turned to the cameras as he asked the question. "It's not hard to see the truth behind your hollow lies."
It happened then. He saw the change in Cynthia's expression; the same he was accustomed to whenever he used to drive her into a corner in their arguments. He saw her fingers clench into fists, her nose flaring and the way her shoulders stood stiff as iron. She'd reached the limit of her patience, but it was already too late. His words had already been heard by the rest of the world. Even if he were to fail his mission, the damage to the Champion's pride would remain.
"I will not hear another word," Cynthia said, taking in a deep breath. "I'll defeat you here and now, Cyrus. Then we'll see how truthful your claims are."
She raised her hand, pointing the Ultraballl towards him. A moment after the crowd erupted once more in cheers and screams, half insults thrown at Cyrus and half garbled yells of encouragement towards their Champion.
He sighed, raising his hand as well. However there didn't seem to be any kind of Pokeball in it.
"Very well. If violence is how you wish to resolve this then I have no choice but to comply," he said. "But I want everyone watching to remember… I was not the one to pull the trigger first."
Pressing thumb against index, Cyrus snapped his fingers once. There was an instant of nothing and then an electric cackle was heard all around the festival. Those closest to the cameras and speakers heard as something short-circuited inside them, followed by sparks as the devices turned off, dead.
"You…" Cynthia narrowed her eyes. "That's enough! Lorencia, come o–!"
She pressed the button of the Ultraball, lips curled into an expectant smile. A second went by. Nothing happened.
For the first time since they'd met her, Inyssa saw the barest hints of panic flash across the Champion's eyes. Hurriedly he pressed the button again, but the result was much the same. With her other hand she reached into her belt and took out another one, but as she pressed the button it failed to open as well.
"Wh–" She looked down at the Ultraballs in her hands, disbelief clear in her face. "Why aren't they opening!? What did you do!?"
Cyrus wished he could genuinely enjoy the look on her face.
"Did you really expect…" he said, "…that I'd give you the chance to fight back?"
Cynthia was about to reply, but then a whirring sound of metal rang through the valley. All gazes where pulled up toward the sky, where they noticed a strange, dark shape floating many feet above. It hovered still for a moment, and then began to fall at an alarming speed.
It crashed like a bullet on the ground in front of Cyrus, creating a shock-wave of rubble and dust, forcing those close to the place of impact to cover their eyes and jump back in surprise. Two shining, red eyes broke through the cloud around it and a moment after a persistent, metallic sound could be heard like the clicking of a Scyther.
Inyssa was the first to see it as the dust cleared. It was as tall as a person, though that's where the similarities ended. The segmented, oval shape of its purple body reminded her of some bug Pokemon, though she'd never seen one like this, covered from tip to toe in some kind of metallic armor. Its head was shaped like a saucer, with what seemed to be its teeth forming a wicked line across its face. Its thin arms ended in sharp, grim looking claws and from its back grew some kind of cannon-like device, the top of which glowed with a red, pulsing light.
She felt fear run through her veins, freezing her on the spot. The thing in front of her couldn't be a Pokemon, as much as it looked like one. Every inch of its body, from its sharp claws to its armor, told her that the creature's only purpose was to kill and destroy. There was absolutely no life behind its gleaming, hollow eyes. A quick look at Cynthia told her she'd come to the same conclusion, though the Champion seemed better at hiding how much that fact terrified her.
"For too long you've depended on your Pokemon for strength," Cyrus declared, voice emotionless. "Now that I've stripped you of that power, I will show you how feeble that so called spirit of yours is."
The creature's eyes flashed maliciously as it raised his claws, waiting for an order. Cyrus placed a hand on top of its head, his expression nothing like a smile.
"Today is the day you fall, Champion."