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Chapter 11: No Honor In Blood

I was nervous as hell watching Dorian stare down Sharon's Espeon. The last time he battled here, he went berserk and almost killed his opponent. If he did it again, now, in front of all these cameras, my career was done. Worse, the League would claim he was too dangerous and try to make me give him up.

I pushed the thoughts away. I needed to be in the present. Daydreaming was the first way a trainer lost a battle. "Dorian, let's kick things off with Flamethrower!"

Dorian didn't move. He continued his staring contest with Velvet.

I chuckled nervously. "Dorian, please don't do this to me now. I know you do things at your own pace, but I really need you to take this seriously."

Dorian continued to ignore me. I was ready to throw something at the back of his head.

"Looks like you're having trouble. Perhaps you should forfeit," Sharon taunted.

I wanted so badly to tell her off, but I also didn't want her to have the satisfaction of knowing things were falling apart on my end. What are you doing to me, Dorian? We're so close to ending this! Why are you choosing NOW to act out?

Sharon's smile widened. "I guess I'll attack then. Velvet, use Dazzling Gleam."

Velvet stared at Dorian, her tail swaying in rhythm. I snorted into my hand. "I guess I'm not the only one having trouble," I said.

Sharon didn't share my amusement. She glared at me as if she wanted to run across the field and punch me in the face. "Velvet, unless you have fallen in love with this Houndoom, I suggest you obey me." Velvet looked back and Sharon stepped backward looking like a child who just mouthed off to their parent.

"Um, ladies? You know the match has started right?" the ref said.

I ignored the ref and said to Dorian, "What's up with you? You don't normally act like this."

Dorian gave me an annoyed look. I knew immediately what it meant. He didn't want to battle.

I was pissed. All that work and preparation, and it ended in a forfeit. The years I spent training, the things I threw away to get here, and this was what it all amounted to? I didn't want to accept it, I couldn't. Forfeiting after coming this far was no better than throwing it all away.

But what's the alternative? I thought. I can't force Dorian to battle, and even if I could, what kind of trainer would that make me? I did things I'm not proud of, but I never forced my Pokémon to do anything they didn't want to. I remembered the journal Neil, Patrick, and I kept as kids: Trainer Rule #24: Defeating an opponent and winning a battle are not the same thing.

I laughed at myself. "Fine, Dorian. I don't know what changed with you, but we'll do it your way," I said. I told Sharon, "I forfeit."

Sharon looked as if I just told her she wasn't wearing pants. "Wh-What?"

"Dorian doesn't want to battle," I said simply. "I can't force him, so I give up. You win."

Sharon shook her head. "Don't you mock me! Not once in your career have you ever forfeited a battle. Now, when you clearly have the advantage, you give up without even trying?"

"Take it however you want, Sharon, but no one's mocking you. I have no other Pokémon left. End of story."

The ref spoke first. "Well, uh, since Maya has forfeited, I guess the winner is--"

"I will not accept this!" Sharon cried. She glared at me, but Velvet was strangely calm. The Espeon never took her eyes off Dorian. "I know you're not done. You finish this battle, right now!"

I fought to keep from laughing. "Really? I thought you couldn't stand me? So what difference does it make if I lose by forfeit or not? Unless...you secretly respect me after seeing me in battle?" I asked tauntingly.

Sharon's jaw dropped and her face turned red. I couldn't tell if she was pissed or embarrassed. Either way, I found it hilarious. I patted my leg and headed for the elevator with Dorian following, laughing the whole way.

As we rode the elevator down, I turned to see if the bird Pokémon were still perched on the roof. All the bird Pokémon outside were still sitting there, staring up at the elevator. They all took flight at once. Even in the elevator, the sound of their wings flapping made me cover my ears. The elevator got dark as the sky darkened. I backed against the elevator door. Dorian stepped in front of me. The Pokémon didn't fly into the window. They split into smaller groups and scattered across the sky then it was quiet All of the good feelings from embarrassing Sharon were gone. I stayed flattened against the door until it reached the ground floor.

I really wanted to get my team looked at before heading out, so I went the Center inside the building. The moment I entered the room, a reporter shoved a mic under my chin. "Maya Martin! Hi, Chandler Goldman. I'm with the Trainer's Daily Report. Your match against Sharon was spectacular. If you I could have a moment of your time--"

"I need to treat my Pokémon. Move," I said, shoving the reporter out of my way. I approached the nurse behind the counter and handed her my Poké Balls except for Dorian since he didn't do any battling. Dorian planted himself between me and the reporter.

Chandler didn't seem to take the hint. He appeared right by my side again still wearing that same fake-friendly smile but did so from a safe distance. "I understand you're busy, but many people all over Kalos--myself included--are wondering why you chose to forfeit the match when it was clear you had the upper hand. I'm no Pokémon trainer, but I do know not many psychic-types can hold their own against a dark-type."

I sighed and faced him. "Look, I'm tired. My Pokémon are tired. Sharon won, I lost. Go and bug her if you want an exclusive."

Chandler's smile fell. He leaned in and whispered. "I get you're tired, but my boss is jumping down my throat to get something. Please, just one question. That's all I ask."

I wanted to tell Chandler I wasn't answering any questions, but then I realized I had nowhere to go until my Pokémon were done being treated which meant this guy would pester me until I finally gave in.

Dorian stepped between the reporter and me and growled. "Looks like my Houndoom isn't in the mood to answer questions," I said.

"But--"

"He's asking nicely. You keep bothering me, and he'll stop asking." I never had to worry about Dorian attacking someone, but I didn't think Chandler would see through my bluff.

Chandler held up his hands and backed away. When he had backed up several feet he turned and left the room, slinging curses that echoed through the hall.

I smiled and turned to the TV hanging on the wall. There was a breaking news story about the massive flock of Pokémon that sat on the Pokémon League. Researchers were saying they'd never seen anything like it and had no idea what drew the Pokémon here or what made them fly away. There were tons of theories from weird radio signals to a sudden change in their environment. Eventually, I got bored of listening to the endless speculation and started thinking about my next move.

I owed Dorian for opening my eyes. I didn't have to prove anything to anyone. I held my own against the current Champion. Whatever point I was trying to make, I made it. I wasn't coming back to the Champion seat regardless of how things turned out. Gwendoline wanted me to lose anyway. She got her wish. Everyone was happy. Sharon wasn't, but screw her.

Dorian lifted his head and growled. I turned to him, surprised. I thought that annoying reporter was coming back, but we were the only ones in the room. I couldn't ignore him, he wasn't the type to just bark and growl at nothing. I listened and heard muffled screaming.

I jumped to my feet and headed for the nearest exit. I was almost knocked down by the rush of people desperate to get away from something.

I had no idea what they were running from, but that could wait until later. "In here, quick!" I shouted. People immediately began filling through the door. I stopped a man as he was running inside. "What's happening?"

"I don't know," the man said, panicked. "Pokémon are attacking people and everyone is running in a panic."

Before I could ask any more questions, I heard a loud roar. I peered over the top of the crowd and saw a Tyranitar stomping toward the crowd. The screams of terror turned into piercing shrieks as people began pushing harder.

_ What the hell is that doing here? Tyranitar don't even live in this area._ I pushed my way through the crowd toward the Tyranitar. Just one could tear down the whole building. I didn't know what the police were doing, but I had to buy time until they got here. A dark-and-fire-type like Dorian was a bad matchup against a dark-and-rock-type Tyranitar, but he was the only Pokémon I had. The others were in the nursing center, and even if they weren't, they were in no shape to battle.

I ran across the grounds away from the crowd. The Tyranitar noticed me immediately. He roared and stomped toward Dorian and me. At least one part of the plan is working. Maybe I can lead it into the trees. If I battle here, someone could get hurt.

A bolt of lightning struck the Tyranitar in the back. He stopped moving and looked back at the new intruder. A trainer with long hair faced the Tyranitar. I almost thought it was Ian until I saw this trainer was a blond and a woman which was weird because she looked just like him. Standing next to the woman was an Ampharos. One look at the Ampharos told me it was female.

"That's right, big boy. Let's see how you deal with prey that fights back."

What is that woman doing? One missed attack, and that Tyranitar will be firing into the crowd!

"Ion, use Thunder Wave!" the trainer cried.

The Ampharos fired a small bolt of electricity at the Tyranitar. The Tyranitar went limp on the ground almost instantly. The trainer threw a Poké Ball at the Tyranitar. The Poké Ball bounced off its target.

My stomach dropped. Either the Poké Ball was defective or the Tyranitar belonged to a trainer which meant my job just got harder. The Tyranitar was already fighting against the paralysis. We had only a few moments before he was moving again.

"Hey, we need to lead him way from here!" I shouted.

"Don't sweat it! I'll have him down in two shots! Ion, use Focus Blast!"

The Ampharos fired an energy blast the Tyranitar. He took a direct hit and howled. He started thrashing wildly, making the ground shake. People nearby screamed and a few fell over from the quake.

Damn you lady! "Dorian, Flamethrower!"

Dorian fired a quick Flamethrower attack at the back of the Tyranitar's head. The Tyranitar whirled around, his eyes filled with rage. There was something about his eyes. He didn't look pissed at Dorian, he just looked pissed. Whatever his problem was, he was angry at the world and didn't care who was on the receiving end.

I whistled for Dorian to follow and ran away from the crowd toward the trees. I didn't need to look back to know the Tyranitar was following me. I could hear the trees behind us being snapped in half or uprooted in rage.

I turned and faced the Tyranitar when we reached a clearing large enough to battle in. He glared at us and was beginning to foam at the mouth. What the fuck could piss a Pokémon off this much? I thought. "Dorian, be careful not to kill him."

Dorian gave me a disapproving look and turned back to the Tyranitar. The Tyranitar roared and a bright began forming in his jaws.

Of all the Tyranitar in Kalos, I had to fight the one that knows Hyper Beam? "Dorian, intercept him with Sludge Bomb!"

Dorian launched a dark ball of sludge from his mouth. It hit the Tyranitar in the face and exploded, making him cry out and stomp around while trying to clean the sludge from his eyes.

"Good job! Now use Hidden Power!"

Wave after wave of light slammed into the Tyranitar, each hit driving him back. Eventually he had enough and a dark aura shot from his body, intercepting Dorian's Hidden Power. It provided enough of an opening for the Tyranitar to use Rock Polish to boost his speed. Dorian tried to catch him with Hidden Power again. Instead dodging, the Tyranitar ran into the attacks. Thanks to the speed boost from Rock Polish, he was gaining more ground than he was losing.

He eventually closed the gap. Dorian and I leapt out of the way as the Tyranitar slammed a fist into the ground hard enough to shake the surrounding trees. I lost my balance and fell over. The Tyranitar honed on me, snatching me up by the shirt and slamming me into a tree. All the air rushed out of my lungs. The Tyranitar roared in my face. I was glad I couldn't breathe so I wouldn't smell his bad breath.

This is easily the craziest thing I've ever done. I took Dorian's empty Poké Ball and slammed it into the Tyranitar's eye as hard as I could. He screamed in a way I'd never heard a Pokémon cry out and dropped me. The Tyranitar was snatched backward. Dorian had grabbed him by the tail and pulled him away from me. I had no idea Dorian was strong enough to move a grown Tyranitar, but I had to think about that later.

There was a definite change in Dorian. The way he growled sent a chill through me. He looked like walking shadow as if his fur swallowed all the light around him. He stepped in front of me, planted his feet, and fired a stream of fire at the Tyranitar. There was something off about the attack. The fire seemed...darker somehow as if it swallowed the light like Dorian's fur. The Flamethrower knocked the Tyranitar through the air. He slammed into the ground and slid to stop. Dorian rushed back to me and started checking me for injuries.

"I'm fine," I said as I struggled to my feet. I was still a little winded, but I was fine. "If I didn't know any better, I'd say you were worried about me. Don't worry, I won't tell the others." Dorian scoffed and turned away.

I slowly approached the Tyranitar. He was still alive--that was good, but Dorian's last attack knocked him out.

"Damn, I didn't think your Houndoom had that much power." It was the trainer from before. She came walking casually through the trees with her Ampharos.

"Were you watching me?" I asked, offended.

"A little. I was gonna help after I saw the Tyranitar take a hold of you, but you handled it pretty good on your own. I guess it's true what they say about the Champion title being earned." She held out her hand. "Name's Bella by the way. I know who you are Champion Maya Martin."

Before I could say anything, I heard a low growl. I turned and saw the Tyranitar struggling to his feet. Blood dripped from his teeth and there was a shiny burn on his chest from Dorian's attack. He stood up to full height and glared at us, the rage still never leaving his eyes.

"Tough bastard," Bella said. She sounded impressed. "Looks like I get to show you my skills after all."

"Something's wrong," I said. The Tyranitar was fighting back too hard. Any other Pokémon would've been stopped by its injuries. It was as if he just didn't care. That destroying everything was his sole purpose in life and he would gladly die for it. I whispered to Bella. "You have any fast Pokémon?"

"I have a Zebstrika, but what good is speed against this thing?"

"I want you send it into town," I said. "Tell it to look for a woman named Cassandra Knowling. She has a Lucario with her at all times."

"Between you and me, we can handle this," Bella said, nettled. "If you need her so bad, go yourself. I can handle things until you get back."

"I need her because she may be our only chance of stopping this Tyranitar without someone getting killed."

The Tyranitar roared, getting our attention. I noticed too late he was preparing another Hyper Beam.

"Get down!" I shouted and dove to the ground. I felt the heat of the attack pass over me. All I heard was the sound of the beam tearing through everything in its path. The heat of its energy burned my back and arms. In an instant, it was over. I quickly jumped to my feet. Luckily, the Tyranitar was facing away from town. The Hyper Beam had cleared a path wide enough for three people side-by-side.

"We need Cassandra here, now!" I shouted. "Dorian, Sludge Bomb!"

Bella swore and released her Zebstrika from its Poké Ball. At the sight of the Tyranitar, the Zebstrika whinnied and stamped it's hooves on the ground, sparks shooting from its black and white striped fur. "I need you to run into town and find someone named Cassandra and bring her back here."

"She's got blue hair and travels with a Lucario," I said.

I had no idea how much Bella's Zebstrika understood, but it ran into the trees. The Tyranitar tried to follow, but a quick thunderbolt from Ion turned him back to us.

"Did it ever occur to you how this Cassandra is gonna know why a Pokémon she's never met is running up to her?" Bella asked.

I didn't answer. Cassandra would know because the Zebstrika would tell her. All I had to do was hold out until she got here. Easier said than done though. This Tyranitar was on his last leg, but I couldn't just let him tire himself out and risk another Hyper Beam.

"Listen, I think we should keep him pinned between our Pokémon," I said. "That way--"

"Ion, use Focus Blast!"

Ion launched a blast of energy at the Tyranitar who ducked and retaliated with Fire Blast. Dorian jumped in front of the attack and took the hit, his Flash Fire ability absorbing it. The Tyranitar immediately followed up with Stone Edge. Our Pokémon jumped out of the way.

"Dorian, Flamethrower."

Dorian blasted the Tyranitar with a stream of fire. The Tyranitar roared in pain and slammed a fist into the ground, causing a row of rock spires to shoot toward Dorian. The Tyranitar continued wildly slamming his fists into the ground, sending rock spires in every direction. Dorian and Ion tried firing attacks to intercept, but the Stone Edges were shielding him.

"Ion, knock those rocks away with Focus Blast," Bella cried.

"Wait, don't!" I shouted.

Ion fired an energy blast at one of the nearest spires. It exploded, shattering several rocks and sending shrapnel everywhere. I held my arms over my face, but I felt the little rocks cutting into my arms and cheeks. I lowered my arms and saw Ion laying on the ground, a large piece of rock sticking out of her leg. The Tyranitar was already bearing down on his prey. I turned to Bella. She was out cold on the ground a nasty gash across her forehead. I crawled over to her and checked for a pulse. She was alive for now but I might kill her myself if we survived this battle with the Tyranitar.

Dorian leapt onto the Tyranitar and bit down on the side of his face. The Tyranitar howled and started thrashing about. He kicked and knocked large rocks everywhere. I grabbed Bella and dragged her away from the battle. We were dealing with a Tyranitar, a Pokémon known for tearing down entire mountains, so there was no such thing as safe. Once I pulled Bella what I figured was a good enough distance I ran back to the battle.

Dorian was standing in front of Ion. Her leg was bleeding bad. She tried to stand up, but she cried out in pain and fell over. I couldn't get to Ion with the Tyranitar in the way. If this battle continued any longer, she could get caught in the crossfire.

"Dorian, Hidden Power!" I shouted.

Dorian blasted the Tyranitar in the chest hard enough to knock him onto his back. Dorian leapt on top of him and hit him point-blank in the face with a constant stream of fire. The Tyranitar tried to shake him off, but it was clear he was too weak. Dorian wasn't stopping although it was clear the fight was over.

"Dorian, that's enough!"

Dorian stopped his attack and walked toward me. The Tyranitar continued to lay on the ground and whined pitifully. I tried to look at him, but it made my stomach turn. I could barely recognize his face. He didn't look like the rampaging Pokémon that tried to kill us just a moment ago.

"Thanks for saving my life," I whispered. I couldn't blame Dorian this time, not for doing what he had to. I was more pissed at myself for not being able to do anything else. I fished out of my bag some bandages and a full restore and went over to Ion. I pulled the rock out of her leg and bandaged it. She kept trying to get up and looked around for her trainer. I didn't try to console her. I checked Dorian next. He tried to resist, but I wasn't having it. He had a few scrapes, but nothing was broken.

I was about to go check on Bella again when I heard Cassandra call out to me. She rode up on the back of Bella's Zebstrika. She hopped off and stared at the Tyranitar. "That your work?" she asked.

"I didn't have a choice," I said. It was true but it sounded like an excuse.

"I know, Maya. I wish I had gotten here sooner, but there's nothing we can do about it now. The best we can do is get this Pokémon some treatment." She looked around. "Where's Kirin's trainer? The Zebstrika, before you ask."

"She's this way." I led them to where I left Bella and found her standing up already. She had torn off the hem of her shirt and pressed it against her head.

"Looks like backup arrived," Bella said, disappointed. "Guess you were right. Too bad the fighting's over."

Yeah, no thanks to you. I thought. "The Tyranitar's hurt bad. We need you to ride into town and send help then get yourself and your Pokémon looked at."

Bella smirked and stroked her Zebstrika. "You don't like me much do you?"

"No," I said flatly, my voice rising. "You're reckless and don't give two shits about whether anyone gets hurt. You're Pokémon took a nasty hit because you got carried away, and that Tyranitar might die because you wouldn't listen!"

"Maya, that's enough," Cassandra said.

Bella continued to wear that smirk on her face. I wanted to slap her. "Looks like the Huntress isn't as cold-hearted as everyone says. But then you shouldn't believe everything you hear. I'll see you around, Champion Maya." She climbed onto the back of her Zebstrika and rode off.

I watched her ride away thinking, What the hell is that bitch's problem? I then turned to Cassandra. "Please tell me my family's okay."

"First, everyone's fine. Second, I'll gladly answer your questions, but we have to get you treated. You're bleeding."

I touched the cut on my cheek. It had bled a little, but nothing serious. "I'm not leaving that Tyranitar," I said firmly.

I sat by the Tyranitar while Cassandra explained what happened. According to her, the Tyranitar started rampaging just before my match with Sharon ended. According to rumors, someone was in the park training and something went horribly wrong. No one knew where the trainer was. Cassandra had her hands full trying not to get swept into it all. People panicking did more damage than the Tyranitar did. She passed at least a dozen streets packed with car wrecks on her way here. After the Tyranitar started rampaging, my mom called Cassandra and begged her to save me. "Your mom was beyond hysteric," Cassandra said.

I sighed and called my mom on the holo caster. She answered on the first ring. "Maya? Baby, please tell me that's you."

"Yes, it's me. I'm okay."

My mom started crying loudly. Greg's hologram replaced my mom's. "I'm glad to hear you're okay, Maya. It's been pretty tense here. Taylor mentioned going out to help and Cadence threatened to knock her out and lock her in closet. I don't think she was bluffing. There was talk of evacuating the city, but Cadence said she wasn't leaving without you."

Greg's hologram disappeared and my mom appeared again. "Maya, I'm sorry, but I can't do this. I know this is your dream--"

"Mom, are we really going to do this now?" I asked, struggling to keep my voice even.

"You're not a parent!" Mom shot back. She was already close to tears. "I already lost one child to this , and now this happens. What if that was one of your Pokémon? If something happens to you--I can't. I can't go through that again. You already did it. You're the Champion, what else is there?"

I looked at the Tyranitar on the ground. He wasn't moving. I sighed and turned back to the holo caster. "I'm sorry, Mom, but there's no point. That Tyranitar rampaging had nothing to do with me. I wasn't safe regardless of what I chose to do. At least as a trainer I can fight back and protect myself. I saved lives today. I wouldn't give that up for anything."

"I don't care. I don't care if it's selfish, hearing my daughter is a hero isn't a reward for going to her funeral."

I hung up. There was no point in trying to talk to her like this. I felt sorry for Taylor. Mom wasn't going to let her continue her training career now. I ran away to become a trainer and put my family back together. Instead it's the very thing that's driving a wedge between us. Irony really is a dick. My plans for vacation were shot. There was no way I could enjoy myself on a long distance vacation knowing what I was putting my mom through.

I stroked Dorian while we waited for the police to get here. Normally, he was more distant. Today must had shaken him as well. It didn't take long before emergency responders found us. After a quick check, they confirmed Dorian and I were fine, but the Tyranitar had already passed. I knew he would've been put down if the police captured him, but I still felt guilty for not being able to save him.

I went with Cassandra back to the League building to pick up the rest of my team. The lobby was packed with people who all started clapping the moment I entered the room. I ignored them and continued to the treatment area.

The moment I entered the nursing station, I was tackled to the floor by a blue blur. Aqua whined loudly and shook in my arms. I hugged Aqua tight and stroked her back, trying to soothe her. "Hey, it's okay," I said. "I'm fine, see? I would never leave you, Aqua. I won't let you go through that pain again."

I picked her up and carried her into the back. I could hear shouting and a Pokémon crying out that sounded a lot like Dust. I broke into a run.

In one of the examination rooms, Dust, still bandaged from his battle with Sharon's Pokémon, was screaming in a panic, flapping his wings and stomping on the floor, trying to make the four nurses in his way to move. The nurses were trying to calm him down and stay away from his claws although he wasn't trying to hurt anyone.

I quickly went over to him. "Dust, I'm okay! Calm down, buddy." Dust quieted down and gave a soft warble.

"Thank goodness you finally came!" one of the nurses said. "I don't know how we were going to handle him if something happened to you."

"I'm real sorry about this," I said sheepishly. "Have any of the others been giving you trouble?" I got my answer before the nurse responded when Arbor and Maude ran into the room and jumped on me. I noticed Sunny wasn't with them.

"There's your answer," the nurse said. "We had to sedate your Volcarona. One of the nurse's hair caught fire when she started lashing out."

"I'm really, really sorry," I said again.

"No, we understand. Your Pokémon were worried about you and given the situation I couldn't blame them. I'm just glad they didn't do anything too reckless to go look for you."

It took some convincing, but I was able to recall my team to their balls except Aqua and Dorian. Every time I recalled her, she would bust out and jump into my arms again. Dorian was just being Dorian, but today I couldn't blame him. I carried Aqua back to the hotel. My arms were gonna be sore tomorrow, but I didn't care. Aqua kept her face buried in my chest until she fell asleep.

The city was noisy, filled with blaring sirens and emergency responders barking orders to each other. There was a lot of work to be done. Smoke was everywhere, cars were piled on top of each other. I wondered how much of the damage was done by the Tyranitar and how much was from panic.

The moment I entered the hotel room, I was swept into a crushing hug. I didn't fight it. I was surprised when Neil's parents, Samuel and Jocelyne Léonide joined in. Sparks barked happily and squeezed between everyone. Aqua was still in my arms. She squirmed and whined but made no attempt to get loose.

"When did you get here?" I asked Neil's parents.

"Just before the match started," Mrs. Léonide said. She was the first to break away. "We heard on the news that you led the Tyranitar away. You had us all scared witless! Don't you ever do something so reckless again!"

I flinched at her outburst. If it was this bad coming from her, I hated to find out what my mom planned to say.

"Well, what did you expect the girl to do, look the other way?" Mr. Léonide asked. Mom and Mrs. Léonide gave him such a dark look he hid behind Cassandra.

"Anyway, we wanted to help you, but after that multi-car pileup we just couldn't ignore those people," Mrs. Léonide said. "Now I understand the need to help people in danger, but your Pokémon were just in a battle, why did you think they could handle a rampaging Tyranitar?"

"I had Dorian with me," I said. "He hadn't battled Sharon, so I was okay. And this other trainer helped out, too."

"Speaking of your battle with Sharon, why did you forfeit?" Greg asked. "It was clear to everyone you were in the lead. You would've won."

"I just wanted to get out of the spotlight," I said, shrugging. I looked around and noticed Ian and Taylor were missing. "What happened to Ian and Taylor?"

"They're out on the balcony," Mom said.

I nodded and laid Aqua on the bed before going outside to where Ian and Taylor were. Ian leaned against the railing, staring out at the city. Normally, it would've been a great view, but now all could be seen was the destruction caused today. Taylor sat in one of the chairs, hugging her knees. Her Absol Abby sat perfectly still next to her. Flux and Lulu stood next to Ian, also looking at the world below. "Hey, whatcha up to?" I asked.

Flux and Lulu cried out happily at the sight of me. Taylor jumped out of her seat and wrapped her arms around my neck. "Aunt Maya, I was so scared! I thought...I thought..."

I returned the hug and tried to soothe her. "It doesn't matter what you thought. I'm here and that's all that matters." I turned to Ian who hadn't turned around. "How you holding up?"

"I'm fine," he mumbled.

"You don't sound okay," I said. I leaned on the railing next to him.

"I should've been there to help you," Ian said softly. "When I heard the people screaming and saw the fires, I...I hid up here. Like a wuss."

"Ian, no one expects you to be a hero," I said. "You've never dealt with anything like this. If you had went out there--"

"But what about you?" Ian said, frustrated. "How many times have you dealt with this? You didn't think twice about helping out. I saw the video, you went right after that Tyranitar."

"Yeah, and it was stu--Wait, there's a video?"

"It's already gotten half a million views," Taylor said. "I can't believe you challenged a Tyranitar with a Houndoom. Glad he wasn't the one I faced during our battle at the Under."

_ You should be since he wouldn't've went easy on you like Sunny did._ "I'm just glad you guys are okay. I heard things went wild here when the Tyranitar lost it. I know you wanted to help, but you shouldn't be so quick to put your Pokémon in danger."

"You say that, but we know what would've happened if you hadn't," Ian said.

Before I could say anything, Mom came outside with her holo caster. She seemed to be talking to someone. "Yes, she's right here. Maya, it's your dad."

I looked at the holo caster in her hand then back at her and shrugged. "So?"

"Maya, I get you're still angry with him, but doesn't he deserve to know you're still alive?"

"I'm pretty sure you told him. Why do I have to talk to him?"

Mom sighed in defeat and looked down at the holo caster. "She's still being stubborn."

"I can hear her," Dad said. He sounded upset. Good. "I guess I'll try talking to her later." Mom ended the call and my dad's hologram disappeared. She let out a long, defeated sigh.

"I still don't get why you forgave him," I said.

"I didn't blame him because what happened wasn't his fault," Mom said.

"What about remarrying less than a year after the divorce was final?" I asked, my voice rising. "What about fucking up my childhood, but playing daddy with someone else's kids? What about disowning Taylor without even bothering to check if she was his grandkid or not?"

Mom didn't answer, just headed back inside. I saw in her eyes she was hurt. I turned to Ian and Taylor, daring one of them to say something. They both stared at the sky. I sighed and leaned on the railing.

"Maya, the police are here!" Mom called.

The cops? What do they want? I thought. Ian and Taylor were giving me the same confused look. I went back inside. There was a woman with teal hair wearing a police uniform standing by the door.

The cop approached me and held out her hand. "You must be Maya Martin. My name is Officer Jenny."

I didn't shake the woman's hand. "What do you want, lady?"

"Maya!" Mom scolded sharply. "I taught you to show respect!"

"Sorry," I mumbled. "What can I for you, Officer?"

Officer Jenny sighed and I saw in her face that whatever she had to say, she didn't want to say it. "I'm here to inform you that while we appreciate what you've done, we'll have to ask you to leave the city as soon as possible." There was immediate outrage from everyone in the room.

"Hold on, after all she's done, you're kicking her out?" Mr. Léonide asked. "That's some thank you."

Officer Jenny remained straight-faced. "Don't get me wrong. I'm glad Maya saved those people. I shudder to think of how things would've ended if she hadn't acted. If it were my call, she'd be getting a medal. The problem is Pokémon trainers are not licensed to kill for any reason. The Tyranitar she battled died as a result of injuries sustained by her Pokémon. By law she should've been arrested. The League has a strict No Deaths policy. They can't afford to play favorites, especially with a Champion. They would have no choice but to launch an investigation and possibly strip her of her license."

"But the law allows for the use of lethal force in self-defense or to protect someone else," Mrs. Léonide said. "I'm pretty sure you'll find dozens of people who'll say Maya saved their lives."

"We also have dozens of witnesses who'll say Maya led the Tyranitar away from them," Officer Jenny replied. "By all counts, she had already protected them. Killing the Tyranitar wasn't necessary."

"It was a damn Tyranitar!" Greg countered sharply. "Anyone within a ten-mile radius was in danger!"

Officer Jenny remained calm and collected. "And I'm sure an investigation would conclude that, but the League doesn't want it to go that far. Maya's a hero, period. They don't the want the stress of having to drag her name through the mud just to make a point."

Officer Jenny turned to me. "The official story is that after you led the Tyranitar into the woods, the police arrived and subdued it. This way, we do not have to take any 'official' action against you. I suggest you stick to that story and not say anything else to the press."

"So she risks her life and you just swoop in and take all the credit? Who do you--" Mr. Léonide began. His wife stopped him before he could tell Officer Jenny what he thought of her.

"It's okay, Officer. I understand," I said. This needed to end before someone said something stupid and left here in handcuffs. I was actually grateful that I didn't have to deal with publicity of all this. I wasn't a hero. I was selfish. The only reason I got involved was because I was there. If I was back in the hotel with my family, I wouldn't've budged.

"Before I go, I just want to say thank you for what you've done. Despite our actions, we are grateful." Officer Jenny bowed and left the hotel room. Mom gently closed the door behind her.

"That was rude," Greg said. "Maya risks her life and that's the thanks she gets? A 'thank you and get out.' "

"She's right. If word got around that Maya killed that Tyranitar, it would put the League in a bad position," Mrs. Léonide argued. "They don't want trainers to think it's their job to save the world."

"If people knew what being a hero really got you they'd never help someone again," Cassandra said. I was shocked to hear Cassandra say that. She was always pushing "do the right thing."

"Let's just start packing," I said. I was tired and really just wanted everyone to drop the subject. I didn't wanna be praised anyway. Not when things could've ended differently. The Tyranitar didn't have to die the way he did.

Everyone was quiet as they gathered their things. I could feel the tension as everyone had something to say, but also didn't want to be the first ones to break the silence. Once we were all packed and heading out the door, Cassandra pulled me to the side.

"The Tyranitar had something to say before he died," she said. "He said, 'I'm sorry, Master. Please forgive me.' "

"Did he ever say who his master was?"

Cassandra shook her head. "If I had to guess, I'd say his master was likely the first victim."

"He killed his trainer? But why the apology afterward?"

"Maybe he didn't mean to. You said he was so pissed he wasn't seeing straight."

I nodded and fell silent. Whatever set him off, it had to be serious for a Pokémon to lose sense of itself.

There was no way all of us were going to fit on one elevator, so we decided to go down in pairs. Neil's parents went first. Cassandra and I stood at the back of the line. While we waited for our turn, Cassandra leaned over and whispered, "We've got a serious problem. You heard about the trainers disappearing around Kalos?"

"I heard about a few. But so what? I already looked into some of them when I searching for Bryce. There's no connection." The next elevator arrived and Ian and Greg got on.

"This time there is. Pokémon have been attacking their trainers. That's why those Pokémon were perched on the roof of the Pokémon League. They were confirming something. They wouldn't tell me what though."

I slowly turned to Cassandra, silently pleading that she would tell me it was all a joke. The serious look on her face said she wasn't. "Pokémon are turning on their trainers? But why?" Mom and Taylor rode the next elevator.

"I don't know. I have a theory; I just hope I'm wrong."

"Care to share?"

Cassandra pressed the elevator call button. "Not until I know for sure. I don't want you to panic."

"Too damn late for that!" I hissed. There was no one around to hear us, so I didn't bother lowering my voice. "My mom is dating a Pokémon trainer! What if something happens?"

"Maya, I promise you'll be the first to know once I find out what's going on. Just trust me for now."

I stared at Cassandra. Her eyes pleaded not to push the issue. The old me would've refused to drop it, but I wasn't that childish person anymore. Cassandra wouldn't keep me out of the loop without a good reason. I had to trust her judgment. The elevator arrived. I got on it without another word.

****

The weather sure is beautiful out here, Neil thought. He had been walking for hours, yet he didn't feel the least bit tired. He wondered why he never bothered to take walks more often. Most of the time it was go from one destination to another. He rarely went walking just for the hell of it.

His team walked with him. It was rare he roamed the streets with all of his Pokémon at once. But today was so quiet and peaceful, and the streets were near empty. Everyone except Garden seemed at peace with things. He'd tried telling the Breloom to think of walking as exercise, but she wasn't buying it. Light sniffed and yipped happily at everything around them. Pyrus and Ember happily examined things from a respectable distance. Sentinel didn't respond to her environment and stayed by Neil's side along with Noxis. Neil wished he had brought Claire with him, but she was off watching the Championship match. The whole town was watching the match which explained the empty streets on such a nice day.

He wondered how the battle was going. Right about now, Sharon was likely putting his ex-friend in her place. Or at least that's what he hoped for. Maya was never the type to go down easy, and she got fierce if someone challenged her pride. Win or lose, people would be talking about the battle for years.

The thought angered him. She didn't deserve to be number one. Not after throwing away her friends and her family for a stupid title. All because of some title, nothing else mattered. Her past sins didn't matter. It was sickening.

Then what changed? He thought. _Maya wasn't always like that. She was fiercely loyal, and always stood up for her friends. When did you fall into the dark? Was it something I did? Because I didn't protect you like I should have?_Neil grumbled under his breath. There he was again, trying to take blame. No matter what he did or didn't do, Maya made her bed.

"Excuse me, Neil Léonide? I would like a moment of your time," a woman asked.

Neil stopped and turned to the voice. A woman sitting in the back seat of a black luxury sedan was staring at him. She definitely not from Aquacorde. Her green business-like outfit alone looked like it cost more than most of his neighbor's rent. His first instinct was kidnapping, but his Pokémon weren't showing any hostility toward the woman. "Yes, I'm Neil," he said weakly. He felt like he had been called into the principal's office.

The woman smiled warmly. Her smile was friendly, but her eyes hid a more serious nature, something Neil found unsettling. "I already know that, Mr. Léonide. My name is Gwendoline Barbara. I really need to speak to you about an important matter." She opened the car door. "It is a rather...sensitive subject, so I would prefer to do this in private."

Neil stared at Gwendoline, dumbfounded. He'd never met her, but he knew her name. She oversaw public relations and communications for the Pokémon League. What was someone like her doing tracking him down? It couldn't be for anything good. Several questions ran through his head. Did she know about the abuse investigation? That couldn't be right. He was a nobody. What did she care if he was investigated for Pokémon abuse?

He decided to check his speculations until Gwendoline confirmed them. His body moved on autopilot, recalling his team to their balls except Pyrus who refused. Gwendoline didn't object to him bringing his Flareon into the car. A canine Pokémon Neil recognized as a Furfrou sat in the car with Gwendoline, it's white fur trimmed to resemble a top hat and tie with cuffs around the legs. Gwendoline wore a similar green outfit minus the hat. On any other Pokémon, Neil would find the look ridiculous, but for Furfrou it somehow pulled it off. Pyrus stayed by Neil's side and eyed the Furfrou suspiciously. The driver pulled off the moment Neil sat down. Neil again reminded himself this wasn't a kidnapping.

"I bet you're wondering what this is about," Gwendoline said. "Well, I won't waste your time and get straight to it. I'm looking for Claire Bedford and I have it on good authority the two of you are dating."

"Hold on, Ms. Barbara--"

"Call me Gwen."

"Okay, Gwen, I don't want to sound rude, but have you been spying on me? How could you know Claire and I are dating?"

"There are many ways to acquire information," Gwen said calmly. "Also, the training circuit may not know, but you aren't as discreet as you think. The man in the Poké Ball Emporium had a few choice words to describe your behavior. But we are getting off-topic. I have something very important I wish to discuss with your girlfriend."

"And that something would be?"

"I'm afraid that's between me and Claire."

"And I'm afraid you're gonna need more than that if you want me to tell you where my girlfriend is."

Gwen studied Neil's face as if looking for a way to dissuade him to drop the subject. Neil refused to budge. He doubted she wanted to harm Claire, but for someone in Gwen's position to seek out any trainer, it had to be something serious. He would be damned if he was going to throw Claire into the ring without knowing why.

Gwen eventually sighed and said, "You see, our current Champion is less than ideal, so I need Claire to become the next Champion."

Neil felt all the air rush out him. He had to have heard her wrong. "I'm sorry? You want Claire to battle Sharon for the title?"

"Yes, that is correct."

"But why? The League Conference is coming up. Whoever wins can challenge the Elite Four then--"

"Actually, winning the League tournament is not required to challenge the Elite Four," Gwen interjected. "It's a prerequisite trainers imposed themselves. As it cuts down on the number of challengers, we've allowed the 'rule' to stand. There is also no reason to wait until after the League Conference. Now that Claire has all eight gym badges, she is free to challenge the Elite Four whenever she chooses."

"Wow, I didn't know that. But why Claire? There's literally hundreds of other trainers to choose from, including me."

"I'm sorry, Neil, but with you currently under investigation, any attempts to push you into the spotlight would do more harm than good."

Neil stiffened. Gwendoline knew about the investigation. He shouldn't be surprised given who she was, but he couldn't help his nervousness.

If she knew, who else knew? All it took was one slip, one person to open their mouth and he could kiss his career as a trainer good-bye.

"Do not worry, Neil. Your connection to Claire is known to only a few, and your investigation is held in the held in the strictest of confidences. There should be no danger to her--or your--reputation. Claire is extremely popular among trainers," Gwen explained. "Should she defeat Sharon, she'll easily be accepted."

"Why do you need Sharon to lose her title so badly," Neil asked.

"The problem is Sharon drew attention to someone whose popularity was well-contained," Gwen said confidently. "I was informed not ten minutes ago, Maya forfeited the match. However, the word spreading already is Maya won. Thanks to Sharon Maya is at the front of every trainer's mind."

"So you're worried about someone digging into Maya's past and finding out about the Sylveon."

Gwen's Furfrou shifted, making Pyrus' fur rise. Gwen appeared not to notice. Neil considered return Pyrus to his ball. It would be better than the two Pokémon fighting in the car.

Gwen spoke again, bringing Neil's attention back to the current situation. "So you know. As someone so close to Maya, it shouldn't be surprising, but she didn't strike me as the sharing type."

Neil leaned back in his seat. "So it's true. Maya maims a trainer's Pokémon and the League covers it up to protect their precious image."

Gwen's expression turned cold. When she spoke, her voice was just as icy. "You really don't know anything do you, boy? The Pokémon League has always been anything but political or corrupt. Pokémon training is a sacred bond between a Pokémon and a human. The League will do whatever it takes and protect that legacy."

Neil scoffed. "A sacred bond? I think you're putting a little too much thought into this." He was surprised when the Furfrou gave him a look as if saying, "You're one of those."

"I'm surprised to hear such a thing from a trainer," Gwen said. There was an undertone in her voice. Neil couldn't tell if it was annoyance or disappointment. "Did you know after the great war 3,000 years ago, Pokémon battling was banned in Kalos? There were no such things as trainers and leagues. It was such a heinous act, anyone accused of Pokémon training was put to death. It took nearly 1,000 years before the ban was lifted. A young trainer with the help of their partner Pokémon saved a village and the wild Pokémon from bandits. The poor trainer was beheaded for breaking the law, but their sacrifice inspired others. Trainers became traveling warriors, dedicating their lives to defending others and protecting the region from humans and Pokémon who would do it harm. Many trainers and their Pokémon died on these journeys. The people of Kalos honored their sacrifice by lifting the ban and holding a ceremony once a year. At the festival's end, the warriors would spar with each other and the winner would be crowned the festival champion. Over the centuries, things changed, but that festival eventually became the Kalos League Challenge we have today."

"We thought you weren't going to waste my time," Neil spat. "Now I have to sit through a history lecture?" He was more sour that he didn't know any of that and Gwen made him feel foolish.

"Ms. Barbara, you need to hear this," the driver said, alarmed. The driver turned up the radio and what Neil heard next made his blood run cold.

"I repeat, a wild Tyranitar is attacking the Pokémon League," the reporter said. "People are running scared to the building for shelter. It's absolute chaos out here. And I--oh god! It's coming this way! Move! Get outta my way!"

"Stop the car!" Gwendoline demanded. The driver brought the car to a screeching halt. "I need to make some calls. We'll have to continue this conversation later, Neil." She handed him a small business card. "When you finish relaying our conversation, have Claire call us with her decision."

Neil took the card when he wanted to tell Gwen what she could do with it. Right now he needed to get in contact with his parents. They went up to the Pokémon League to support Maya. The moment he and Pyrus got out of the car, Gwen's driver pulled off. Neil shoved the card into his back pocket and pulled out his holo caster. He dialed his mom's number. It rang several times but there was no answer.

"Come on, answer the damn phone," Neil muttered under his breath. He barely noticed when his Pokémon burst from their balls. Pyrus seemed to be filling them in. Neil called several times, but all he got was his mom's answering machine.

Neil took a deep breath to calm his nerves. It didn't work. He couldn't stop the feeling his chest was being squeezed in a vice. He forced the macabre thoughts of his parents crushed under a fallen building or a Tyranitar's fists and dialed his father's number. Only the answering machine responded.

Neil swore as the tightening worsened. This couldn't be happening. His parents were okay, they had to be. They were skilled trainers, there was no way they would be killed that easily. The thought reassured him a little. He dialed his father again, but there was no answer.

"Damn you, answer!" Neil shouted.

Noxis slapped the holo caster out of Neil's hands. She then launched a Fire Blast, destroying in in an explosion of flame. Ember stepped in front of Neil to shield him from the force of the blast. An intense wave of heat still washed over him.

Neil stared at the charred remains of his holo caster, the only means he had of confirming if his parents were okay. He immediately spun on Noxis. "WHY DID YOU DO THAT?!"

Noxis flattened herself on the ground, her eyes closed tight. Her whole body trembled. Neil stared at her, nails digging painfully in his palms. "That was the only way I could contact my parents!" Neil thundered. "I swear if something happened to them and I don't get to find out because of you--"

His face suddenly exploded with pain. The world spun and he lost his balance. That he stumbled into the wall of a nearby store was the reason he wasn't on the ground. He turned and saw Ember standing there, clawed fist raised, her eyes full of pain. The rest of his team had surrounded Noxis and were giving him reprimanding stares.

"Neil?"

Neil spun around to see Claire standing a few feet away, her Serperior, Noble next to her. Fear, and shock was all over her face. Neil rubbed his sore cheek and went to Claire. "Hey, did you see the news?" he asked.

"Yeah, everyone was freaking out about it. That's why I came to find you," Claire said. "Did you hear from your parents yet?"

"I can't get them to answer," Neil said, his voice breaking. "She...She broke my holo caster. I can't even--" He paced around the sidewalk. He had never felt so helpless in his life. He wanted to go up there, but Sentinel couldn't fly at full speed with Neil on her back. It would take several hours to get there. Even if he got there, he had to track them down amidst the chaos.

Claire pulled him into a hug. "Hey, it's gonna be okay. I have their numbers, so I can call them. Let's get back to the house. They might try calling there."

Neil nodded and went over to his team. Noxis was still laying on the ground, bracing for her punishment. He quietly recalled everyone except for Ember. Neil and Claire climbed on Ember's back, and she quickly flew them back to the house.

The moment Ember touched the ground, Neil leapt off her back and sprinted toward the house. He slammed against the front door before realizing it was locked. He scrambled to unlock the door and rushed inside. He went straight for the cordless phone in the living room and checked for any missed calls.

There were none.

Neil sighed in defeat and sat on the sofa. Claire sat down next to him and wrapped her arms around his shoulders. "They're gonna call, okay?" she whispered.

Neil nodded and used the remote on the table to turn on the TV. Thick grey smoke covered the screen. People and Pokémon, covered in dust, sweat, and occasionally blood, ran through the thick smoke. Fear was all over their faces. The word's; BREAKING NEWS: POKÉMON LEAGUE ATTACKED lined the bottom of the screen. Neil squeezed Claire's hand. This is horrible. What the hell happened?

"As you can see, the entire city is in chaos," the reporter said. "There has been no sighting of the Tyranitar, but its wrath can be felt all over the city. Everyone is fleeing to the League building for safety. Water main breaks and downed powerlines are creating very hazardous conditions. Police urge anyone staying indoors to remain where they are unless absolutely necessary. There is still talk of evacuating the entire city.

"What are they waiting for?" Neil asked. "Get everyone out of there!"

"They can't risk the Tyranitar going after anyone trying to escape," Claire said.

"I just received word that former Champion, Maya Martin has led the Tyranitar away from the city," the reporter cried happily.

"Is she crazy?!" Claire cried. "That thing could kill her!"

"I'm more surprised she's giving a damn about someone other than herself," Neil said bitterly.

"I know you two don't get along, but she was still your friend once."

"I didn't mean it like that. Of course I don't want anything to happen to her. It's just Maya was the never the hero type. My friend Patrick was always the one telling us we had to help people because it was the right thing to do. Maya always said it was a waste of time."

"Sounds like you're friend rubbed off on her."

Yeah eight years too late. Neil was saved from further conversation when the phone rang. He climbed over Claire in his rush to get the phone. "Hello? Mom, is that you?"

"Neil! Thank goodness! I tried calling you, but I wasn't getting an answer."

"It that Neil?" It was his father this time. "Neil are you okay?"

Neil collapsed into the nearest chair, smiling so wide his cheeks hurt. "Really? You're the ones in the battle zone and you're worrying about me?"

"We're you're parents, it's our job to worry about you."

"I'm so glad to hear you're both okay, Mrs. Léonide," Claire said.

"It's nice to hear from you, too, Claire," Jocelyne said. "Baby, I'm so sorry we made you worry like that. Your father and Cadence are fine, too. Everything is absolute chaos down here. People are panicking and the police can't get a handle on the situation. We haven't heard word from Maya yet. Cadence is losing her mind worrying about it. She already lost one child. I don't think she could handle it a second time."

"I'm pretty sure if Maya died, they'd send her back."

"Neil, that's not funny," Jocelyne scolded.

"It wasn't a joke. Once, she made a cop feel bad for yelling at us. Trust me, she's so stubborn, Death is stalling out having to deal with her."

"That sounds exactly like her," Jocelyne said. He could hear the smile in her voice. "Listen, Neil, I have to go, but I'll keep you posted."

"Sure, Mom. Stay safe." Neil sat the phone on the table and snuggled up to Claire

Claire snuggled up to him. "See, everything worked out fine. So when do you plan to apologize to Noxis?"

Neil raised a brow at her. "Why am I apologizing for something she did wrong? She broke my holo caster."

"This has nothing to do with that and you know it," Claire shot back, her voice rising. "You were upset because you were worried about your parents and you took it out on her. Did it ever occur to you that she was trying to help?"

"Help? By knocking the thing out my hand and barbequing it?" Neil said, his voice rising as well. "Yeah, I felt so much better being left in the dark."

"All she saw was you were getting upset over that thing. She took away the source of your torment."

"None of my other Pokémon thought to do that!"

"Your other Pokémon aren't trying to impress you!" Claire was on her feet now.

Neil remained seated. "Yeah right. If she was with her last trainer, she wouldn't have blinked without permission. Now that she's with me, she becomes bold. I'm starting to wonder if she really had it that bad."

Claire stared at Neil in shock. "Did you really just say that? Did you not see the way she reacted when you yelled at her? Ember had to tell you to back off."

The phone rang. Neil continued to stare at Claire, refusing to back down. Claire returned the gaze. The stopped ringing only to start back up again. Neil broke eye contact and checked the caller ID. Sharon was calling him.

"It's my mom," He got up and went out the back door. He checked to make sure the door was closed so Claire couldn't overhear and answered the call.

The first thing he heard was the sound of glass breaking and Sharon's furious voice. "Who does that bitch think she is talking to _me_that way?"

"Hello, is this Neil Léonide," a different female voice said. She was strangely calm despite the furious rant happening behind her. "Ms. Sharon Harris wishes to speak with you."

"Uh, yeah. Put her on."

"One moment."

Footsteps, then some indistinct conversation. More footsteps, then Sharon's voice much calmer than before. "Hello, Neil. I take it you've heard the news."

"Yeah, that Tyranitar attacking the city is pretty crazy," Neil said.

"Oh please. There hasn't been a single report of it killing anyone. People saw a Pokémon losing its temper and panicked. If it really wanted to attack this city, there would be way more destruction. But back to the real reason I'm calling you. You told me Maya would never back down from a fight, so explain why she forfeited just before the end."

Neil did his best to keep his face neutral in case Claire was watching him. Nice to see your priorities are in order. "I also told you I haven't spoken to Maya in years. Besides, if she forfeited that means you won."

"This was not about winning!" Sharon thundered. "She _humiliated_me! On national television!"

Neil sighed and rubbed his forehead. "You're career's not dead, Sharon. You still have the title. The next trainer who challenges you will still have to take it from you."

"No one's taking anything from me," Sharon said icily. The phone felt colder in Neil's hand. "This is far from over. I'll be moving forward with the next part of my plan. Maya will not be reveling in her glory."

Neil's stomach dropped a little. "But you said if you released that picture, the League would catch a lot of heat for it."

"I'm not releasing the photo, Neil. I'm talking about something much better," Sharon said the glee creeping into her voice. "But I will need your help."

Neil's brow rose. "Help with what exactly?"

"Nothing illegal, I promise you. Just when the time comes, you are to speak honestly about your feelings toward Maya."

"No problems there. But how will I know when the time comes?"

"You'll know. I'll keep in touch. Congratulations on your book by the way."

Sharon ended the call. Neil looked at the phone wondering what he got himself into. He felt dirty. Sharon clearly wasn't too worried about restoring the good name of the Champion title. Maybe it would be best if someone took her down, but there was no way he was asking Claire to do it like Gwendoline asked. He didn't trust her either.

Neil went back inside. He would have to do it himself. He couldn't think of anyone else and couldn't drag someone else into this anyway. The problem was his abuse investigation. If even a whisper got around, his career was done. Worse, if Sharon found out about it and his betrayal she would, no doubt, strangle him with it. But his biggest worry was Claire. She would be upset he went behind her back and became Champion and for not telling her about the eight-badge rule. He decided not to tell Claire about the conversation with Gwen. She didn't need to become a part of whatever power struggle was happening. She would become Champion on her terms when she was ready.

Claire was still laying on the sofa in the living room. Noble had been released from his ball and lay with her, his body curled around hers like a big green barrier. Claire had changed the channel to an action movie. Neil squeezed between them, earning him a disapproving stare from the Serperior as he slithered to the floor.

Neil wrapped his arms around Claire, and the tension from before vanished. Or maybe she wasn't willing to start an argument given today's events. They lay on the sofa, holding each other while the news continued. Close to a hundred people were reported injured, but no casualties, save one, a trainer named Leo Berardi was found dead. Police were investigating if his death was related to the Pokémon attack. Eventually, the news ended and returned to its scheduled program which was a romance movie about two trainers battling to become Champions.

"Ugh, we just started this movie and I can tell the plot is beyond cheesy," Claire groaned. She started flipping through channels. "It's because of crap like that why I hate chick flicks." She eventually settled on a crime drama. "Finally, something with suspense."

Noble extended a vine and tried to take the remote, but Claire pulled it away. "Just because you like trashy romance movies, doesn't mean I have to put up with them." Noble huffed angrily in response and laid his head on the floor.

Neil just lay there, staring at the screen but not watching the movie. He was glad to know his parents were okay, but he couldn't stop worrying about Maya. Stop. Just stop thinking about her. What do I care if something happens to her? We're not friends anymore.

"So what did Sharon want?" Claire asked. Neil could only stare at her in surprise. As if sensing his astonishment, she added, "I'm not stupid. Why else would you go outside to talk to your mother?"

"She's pissed Maya forfeit the match. Now people are saying Maya let her win."

Claire shrugged. "Maybe Sharon should've thought of that before she goes challenging people," she said, nettled.

Neil's brow rose. "What does that mean?"

"Nothing. I don't think it's fair how people are judging her without even trying to know the truth. Sharon just decided she was unworthy. What gives her the right to decide what people do and don't deserve?"

Neil sat up. He had to have heard Claire wrong. "Are you...defending Maya? Just last week, you got on my case for defending her!"

Claire stared straight ahead, refusing to meet Neil's eyes. "Well...I realized my judgment might have been a little...premature."

Before Neil could probe further, the phone rang again. This time it was his mother. He again answered without hesitation.

"Hey, Neil, honey," Jocelyne said, in a false sweet voice. Neil felt an all too familiar chill creep up his spine. She only used that false sweet voice when she was trying hide how pissed she was. "Just wanted you to know we found Maya. She's a little shaken up, but okay. We'll be heading back a little earlier than expected."

"O-Okay. Mom, is everything okay?"

"No," Jocelyne replied, quickly, firmly. She let out a long, slow sigh. "It's a long story. I just can't believe how unfair things are sometimes. Anyway, I just wanted to give you a heads up so we don't surprise you at a bad time."

"Mooom," Neil groaned.

Jocelyne snorted into the phone. "You're an adult. I know what you two do when no one's around. How do you think you were born?" She hung up before Neil could respond leaving him with this complex feeling of shock and repulsion.

Claire still watched TV as she asked, "So what did your mom want?"

"Nothing important," Neil said. He replaced the phone in the cradle and wrapped his arms around Claire. "Short version: Everyone's okay, and she doesn't want us fooling around while they're gone."

Claire nodded in approval, proof she stopped listening after "Everyone's okay." Noble looked back at him, red eyes piercing through him as if looking for something. Neil wondered if Noble overheard his conversation with Sharon. Even knowing the Serperior couldn't in any way tell Claire the truth, it still made Neil nervous. She didn't need to know. The less she knew of this the better. That way if it all came crashing down around him, she wouldn't go down with him.

Neil cuddled with his girlfriend and tried to watch the movie with her, but he was finding it hard to focus. I'm sorry, he thought.

_ _ "Don't be."

Neil started at the sound of her voice. "Huh? Did you say something?"

"I'm talking about this movie," Claire said. "Now be quiet. I wanna if this guy's guilty or not."

Neil fell silent and watched the movie. Turned out the guy was guilty.