Chapter 1: Crossroads

A/N: Wellp, with enough demand (although it may not be visible due to it flowing into my Discord DMs), here we are.

To start with, I recommend checking out the oneshot that preceded this fic in publication. It's called Unova Unchained, and it contains some pretty vital background stuff for this fic, including lore for legendaries, some stuff about how this version of BW went, and other awesomeness encapsulated by dramatic scenes.

Please note,

This is a novelisation protected under fair use. I do not own Pokémon or any related intellectual property published in any of their media products. All rights go to Nintendo, Gamefreak and the Pokémon Company. Please support the official release.

With all that said, I hope you enjoy this story :)

"Wow, Hilbert, you sure made a mess!" chirped the tiny brunette as she entered her brother's room.

The place looked like it had been hit by a tornado. Amidst the broken furniture, cracked walls and scattered books, three older teens stood with sheepish looks on their faces. The tallest one — the brother in question — simply stuck his tongue out in embarrassment.

"Sorry, Rosa. I guess we got a little carried away…"

"A little, Hilbert?" the boy next to him, who wore spectacles and a stoic expression, asked. "This is going to be a complete bother to clean! We had best get on our knees and apologise to Mrs. Grant."

"Maybe you and Bianca should go, Cheren," Hilbert smirked. "I did wipe the floor with you two just now. I'm calling that chit in."

"We agreed on no such chit!" Cheren shot back. "Besides, this is your room!"

"Which you wrecked."

"While battling you!"

"Oh yeah—?"

Rosa watched the argument devolve further and further as Bianca — the bubbly blonde girl who had kept mum through the entire ordeal — awkwardly slid over to her side.

"I'm super sorry about the mess… pretty please let Mrs. Grant know?" she asked pleadingly. "I'll uh… try to fix this other mess."

She referred to the two boys, whose squabble had become silly name-calling. Rosa nodded "Good luck!" before rushing downstairs. The entire ordeal to her had been hilarious, while simultaneously indicative of her own journey in the future. The fun to be had training such beasts as pokémon got her feeling giddy.

Mrs. Grant, the mistress of the house, had been quite understanding of the excitement that clutched young sixteen-year-olds when they received their first ever pokémon. Professor Juniper had sensed the potential these three held, and had facilitated this present on Hilbert's sixteenth birthday by coordinating with all their mothers. She had foreseen something like this happening.

Once Cheren and Bianca had apologised vehemently and left to say their goodbyes to their families, Hilbert met his mother and Rosa by the doorstep.

"Thanks for covering the cleanup, Mom," Hilbert laughed. "Especially for not making me help…"

"Since today is your big day, I'm willing to let it slide, champ," Mrs. Grant said with a smile. "Now you do your best out there! And no matter what happens, remember that I'll always be here to support you!"

"Haha, of course."

"Don't forget to eat your meals on time."

"Uh-huh."

"Also, you are to call me every time you enter a new town. Tell me all about your journey then!"

"Of course."

"And your underwear. Wash it regularly, or you'll get nasty rashes there!"

"Du~uly noted."

"Oh, and one more—" Mrs. Grant stopped and squinted. "You're being awfully nice about my nagging…"

Hilbert shrugged. "If I did freak out — big if — would that get you to stop?"

Mrs. Grant had no idea what to say. He had her there, as was evident by his trademark smirk.

"Didn't think so. Besides, Rosa's a big girl — she probably knows about men's underwear by now."

"Hilbert!" Mrs. Grant frowned.

"Kidding. That was a joke—"

Rosa had been dead silent through the entire exchange, something her elder brother had picked up on. She withdrew at the mention of her name, not so much as flinching at the context. A downcast expression formed on her face.

"Something up, kid?" Hilbert asked. "You seem a li'l down."

Mrs. Grant watched carefully as Rosa's eyes were welling up now. "Are… are you leaving forever?"

"Forever? Nah!" he laughed. "You can't get rid of me that easily!"

"But I won't see you for a long time, right…? And… and there's no one to protect you out there! What if— What if—"

Hilbert knelt to the eleven-year-old's eye level and placed a hand on her shoulder before enlarging a pokéball in his palm. The sphere released a burst of red light, forming from the silhouette to the form, a tiny but fierce looking otter with blue fur and a shell hung on its chest.

It let out a battlecry before realising there was no opponent.

"See this little guy? His name's Waver," Hilbert explained. "He and I are gonna conquer the Pokémon League together! We've already mopped the floor with our first two opponents!"

"B-But…"

"No buts. Waver and I are going all the way to the top. We might stumble here and there, but we won't ever stop.

"Now, if you're really not convinced…"

"If I'm really not convinced?"

"Follow along!" Hilbert smiled warmly. "Become a trainer and meet me on your own journey! We'll have ourselves a battle then; man to child."

"H-Huh?" Rosa puffed her cheeks indignantly. "I'm not a child! I'm eleven years old!"

Hilbert broke into a chortle. "There's the Rosa I know."

Mrs. Grant smiled, her chest swelling with pride. There was the Hilbert she knew. A splitting image of his father.

"You need to keep that energy, Rosa. Use it to get strong, so you can fight by my side when the time comes."

Rosa's tears of concern had all but dissipated, now replaced with a newly kindled flame of passion. Her frown turned upside down. "Got it! I'll become a strong trainer too!"

Hilbert pulled an unsuspecting Rosa into a warm embrace. "Take care, kid."

"Y-You too," she said, returning the gesture before breaking off. "Go rock the league!"

"Just watch me," Hilbert's eyes gleamed, almost shining.

"… Hello?" a voice interrupted Rosa's trip down memory lane. "You still there, lassie?"

"Huh…?" the brunette caught herself drifting three years into the past. "R-Right! Of course, Mrs. Lenora! I'm ready!"

While the Nacrene Gym had been retired, the stadium behind the Museum was still in perfect condition. That was where the two trainers had decided to square off.

On the right side, a curvaceous woman of middling age and dark complexion stood tall and proud. Her turquoise hair stood up in a wild afro, and her figure was adorned in a white shirt and blue trousers.

In direct opposition, a young brunette with her hair in pigtails coming off evenly tied buns held a calculating, determined expression. She was dressed for travel through the seasons in her blue and white shirt alongside black tights under a skirt.

"It's strange that you issued this challenge out of the blue, only to zone out," Lenora remarked. "Although, I'm sure there's a purpose. We can save that for afterwards, I guess."

"No need. I'll be straight with you, I just want some information," Rosa smirked.

"And you didn't think to just ask?"

"It's not the type of thing you'd tell any old trainer," she said. "Besides, I've been on the road for way too long! I'm itching for a fight!"

"… Very well."

Lenora had been sceptical of this girl at first when she had barged into the museum and demanded a battle, but if it was a fight she really wanted…

"Then let me introduce Watchog!"

A fluid motion led the ex-gym leader to hurl a pokéball into the air and unleash the beast within. What emerged leered Rosa down with its yellow-striped eyes. A pattern of golden striations covered its brown fur, casting an almost hypnotic air.

"Cool pokémon," Rosa commented. "But not enough! Percival, come on out!"

The brunette unleashed her own pokémon — an emerald serpent of a regal stature burst forth from the light, landing with a thud whilst immediately primed. Its crimson gaze lingered menacingly on its meerkat-like opponent.

"Tough talk, girl. Let's see what you can do!" Lenora was pumped just feeling the raw power emanating from the Grass-type before her. "Watchog, use—"

"Percival, Dragon Pulse!"

The Lookout Pokémon was blasted square in the chest by a stream of draconic power that sent it flying, much to Lenora's shock. Rosa simply smirked, rather proud of herself.

"Keep up the pressure! Iron Tail!"

"Counter with Thunder Punch!" Lenora ordered frantically.

Watchog's recovery was swift as it landed on its feet. Percival moved in with its sharpened tail brandished like a blade. Sparks flew as fist met tail in a series of brutal clashes. Their combat slowly moved beyond sight.

"Watchog, catch the tail!" Lenora commanded, and her pokémon obliged with its electrified paws wedging the metallic tail. "Now use Flash!"

The patterns across its entire body burst into an intense luminosity, blinding both the serperior and its trainer. Rosa's eyes burnt. "Gah—"

"Ice Punch!"

"Percival—!"

It was too late, for Watchog threw the tail aside and struck at Percival's throat with a frosty fist. The serpent gagged and shivered in pain as the ice began burning into its skin. Rosa's teeth ground together; she cursed under her breath for having fallen to this kind of strategy. Now she saw nothing but spots.

"Okay, let's wrap this up with Hyper Fang!"

Rosa felt the decisive blow coming and chanced the entire battle on trust. "Don't let 'em! Snake the attack!"

Percival maneuvered with finesse around the incoming fang, perceiving motions through shifts in air pressure. Its serpentine body allowing it to deftly avoid the crippling chomp headed for its gut. Both Rosa and Percival now smirked as the light cleared, and they saw Watchog's exposed back.

Horror overcame Lenora. "Oh no—"

"Percival, seal it with Giga Impact!"

A violent flare of purple energy ended the battle with an earth-shattering explosion. Percival drove its entire body into Watchog, burying it four feet into the ground within its own cozy crater. Once the smoke cleared, the serpent stood tall and victorious.

"Alright! We won!" Rosa rejoiced with a smirk. Lenora sighed, congratulating her Watchog for a job well done while she retrieved it into its pokéball. Serperior shared a warm embrace with its trainer.

"Phew, retired or not, I got handled," Lenora chuckled. "You got the stuff, girl. If I still ran the gym, I'd hand you a badge this instant!"

"Thanks," she said, her expression unmoving. "But I need something else."

The museum director sensed the dire nature of her expression and instantly hardened her own. "Alright then, I'll bite. What did you want to know?"

"It's about Hilbert Grant… and what happened two years back."

The air went cold.

A cool spring breeze blew across Aspertia City, home to aspiring trainers. With the establishment of the Trainer School alongside its most recent upgrade to the status of League Certified Stronghold to the Basic Badge, Aspertia had attracted quite a number of settlers aiming to provide a premium education for their children. The town hadn't grown in size, but its population saw a steady upward increment, and what was once a quiet village now resembled a city much more.

Making her way down the southern street with the morning groceries in hand, Lucille Gray tucked a strand of her coffee brown hair behind her ear. She had just approached the turn into the house when her Xtransceiver went off. The contact making the call caused her eyes to light up.

"Oh, hi! Aurea, it's been far too long!" she said ecstatically. "What can I do for you?"

"Lucille, hello! How's the move to Unova been treating you?" the professor asked, delighted.

"Haven't had a hitch since I got here," Lucille smiled. "So, you go by 'Professor Juniper' now? How does the old man feel about your theft of the name?"

Juniper snickered in reminiscence. "He just gave into the times. Goes by 'Cedric' now. Just what Mom called him way back."

The two laughed off the old times before Lucille cut to the heart of things. "Right, so what is it you called about?"

"What, can't a friend call to check in on her friend?"

"Of course they can," Lucille said with a sly grin. "But we both know that isn't your style; we haven't talked since I moved. So spill."

Juniper could only roll her eyes on the video feed. "Alright, you got me. It's about Nate. How do you feel about me nominating him for the Pokédex Expansion Project?"

"Wow, a Pokédex? For my child? Why, that's amazing! A journey across Unova would be a wonderful experience for him."

"As calculated!" Juniper giggled. "I knew I could count on you!"

"Wha…?"

"My Assistant should be arriving later today. She's got the Pokédex along with a starter Pokémon. Standard issue stuff."

"Wow, you never change," Lucille sighed. "Once you've decided on something, you just start going."

"Hey, it was calculated."

"You may be a world class researcher now, Aurea, but we both know the scientific debate here gets you dunked," Lucille laughed. "But don't worry, I've got your back."

"You don't know how much that means to me," Juniper sweatdropped. "Anyway, my assistant's called Bianca. Blonde hair, red rimmed spectacles, big green hat. She really stands out in a crowd."

"Bianca? Got it; I'll talk it over with Nathan," Lucille nodded with a smile. "It was nice speaking to you again, Aurea. We should catch up in person sometime."

"Likewise, and I agree! I'll see what the schedules hold for me."

"Rain check? Got it. Take care!"

"Thanks once more, Lucy. Goodbye!"

On that happy note, Lucille swung her door wide open, fully excited about what she was about to share with her son.

"Na~te! I'm ho~me!"

"So, how's the move been?" a feminine voice spoke through the XTransceiver.

"I've gotten by… the adults are nice, at least. Helped with Mom's recovery."

"… Yours too, right?"

The boy sighed. "I suppose. Dad's gone, though… not dead, just… gone. I haven't even started looking…"

"Nate…"

Nathan Gray lay flat on his bed, eyeing the house's ceiling. This particular XTransceiver call lacked any sort of video feed, letting the brown-headed boy communicate freely with just the wireless earpiece in his ear.

"Depressing talk. Let's shift gears — you ever getting that camera of yours fixed? It's been kaput an entire year."

"Hey, I've been busy, okay?" the voice on the other side sounded like a pout. "This search has turned up absolutely nothing! Even Ingo and Emmet don't know about what happened…"

"Tch… and you want me to join this goose chase of yours?"

The girl hesitated before sighing. "An extra set of hands would be nice…"

"Hah, and to think you went and ran a gauntlet through the Battle Subway for him… this guy's lucky to have you."

"Hey! It's not like that, okay? He's just… a good friend. We battled together a few dozen times."

"Whatever. I've decided to join you anyway," he said. "This shithole's starting to bore me; I'm hitching a boat to Castelia tonight."

"But your mother…?"

"We're nearly on our third year and I haven't gone past freakin' Floccesy. I think it's time to move on," he said matter-of-factly. "Besides, I'm gonna be fifteen in a matter of months. Those life questions are about to start swinging; I'm fucking off first chance I get."

"Right, forgot we're a whole four years apart."

"Hag."

"Brat!" the girl shot back, causing Nate to smirk. Just then, the front door swung open, and a distinct Nate! I'm home! rang through the house. He lowered his tone. "Listen, I'll call back later. Mom's home."

"Give her my regards."

"If I manage to remember," he shrugged. "Take care, you omanyte."

Before she could retort, he hung up and lazily sauntered out of his room.

"Hi, Mom."

"Top of the morning to you too, sleepyhead!" Lucille chirped. "I've got wonderful news!"

Nate's hair revealed itself to be an even bigger mess than it usually was. Having just got out of bed, the fourteen-year-old was all but cheery with his messy brown hair and baggy hazel eyes.

"Well? What's up?"

"Freshen up first, silly. Then there's a few questions I need to ask before we go!"

"Eh…? Go where?" Nate blinked before recognising his mother as too excited to have heard his query. "Whatever. I'll be back in a bit."

After brushing his teeth, getting through a quick shower, and straightening his spiky mess of a head, Nate made his way down the stairs in his casual attire — a blue zipper shirt along with gray shorts over what appeared to be medium sleeved tights alternating a sleek design of black and blue.

Lucille was not fazed by his sudden change into outdoor clothes. "Nice! Eight minutes and fifty two seconds. You're setting records, kid!"

"And you're clearly excited enough to keep track," he sighed. "I got a little announcement of my own, but let's hear this news first."

"Uh-uh. Questions first.

"Question one: How tired of this small town are you?"

Nate was taken completely aback. "Wha— Uh… I mean—"

"Wonderful!" Lucille was practically giddy. "There's no other questions!"

Before the boy could so much as lift a finger to respond, he found himself smothered in her embrace.

"Mah— Mom…?"

"I'm so sorry… after everything at Veilstone, everything with Hart, I…"

Nate had little to no clue where this was coming from, but went along with it by returning her embrace. "Is… everything okay?"

"Besides me being sorry for holding you and Ray back for so long? Yes…"

"What do you mean?"

She pulled away, almost teary eyed. "Do you know Professor Aurea Juniper? She's a famous Pokémon researcher. Actually, she's an old friend of mine, and she called me today for the first time in ages!

"Aurea's nominated you for the Pokédex Expansion! It's her study of the Unovan Pokémon in recent years of shifting migration."

A torrent of emotions ran through Nate. Not only had his own announcement been rendered moot, but he was being given the perfect excuse to venture. To make connections through battle. To appease his partner and his contact.

To search for the truth of six years past.

"Mom, I… I don't know what to say—"

"Say yes," Lucille pleaded. "Say yes for your poor mother, who's held you back all these years from the journey you deserve… please."

"Mom… I can't just leave you here, can I…?" Nate's shaky voice betrayed this: the last part of the question was almost pleading. "I mean, without Dad…"

Lucille sighed. "Don't worry about me, Nate. I did live alone before I had you and Hart… I can manage."

"But—"

"No buts, Nate. Please, say yes. Accept this chance…"

There was nothing further to be said. Nate simply nodded before pulling his mother back into his arms. "Yes… A thousand times yes!"

"Wait," Lucille stroked her chin. "Didn't you have something you wanted to tell me?"

Nate nearly fell over before quickly fixing his dire expression. There was no need for that approach anymore.

"N-No— nothing at all," he chuckled nervously, causing his mother to shrug.

"I'll get your things ready. Be sure to charge your XTransceiver! Heaven knows you're the type to get lost in town."

"Thanks for the faith, Mom," he drawled. "Re~ally appreciated…"

"Make it quick!" she called to her son, who walked upstairs. "The assistant'll be here soon!"

"Got it!"

Lucille could only smile weakly as Nate shut his door. Then, it happened; a burning sensation spread across the woman's entire body, leading into a steady breakdown of coughs and wheezes. The woman retched violently into a cup of her own hands, rushing towards the kitchen to reach for water.

After a violent fit, she managed to compose herself, breathing heavily over the sink. Her tear-filled eyes could only avert themselves then from the crimson splatter coating her hand.

The faucet was turned on.

Rosa did not waver before the sudden glare cast by the former Gym Leader. This was expected, after all. She didn't trust the League or the Media as far as she could throw them. Everyone in Unova saw the battle between Reshiram and Zekrom, along with the destruction it caused across the region. Then, a central figure to this war had disappeared. No, It was like he had been erased.

She was going to find him.

"What's the matter? Still think I should have just 'asked'?"

The crowd that had gathered initially to spectate the battle now grew aware of the sudden tension in the air. Mumbles spread through them regarding the sudden mention of a trainer nobody had heard of.

Lenora bit her lip. "No… I think you need to leave."

"What?" Rosa's eyes flared, and her partner hissed menacingly as it leered upon the unmoving woman. "I won! The deal was information!"

"Well, the deal's off."

"Don't give me that!" she grabbed the Director by the collar, much to everyone's shock. "I won fair and square, and you know something!"

"… Lassie, drop your hands before I break 'em," Lenora glowered. "I said drop 'em!"

The elder woman had betrayed none of the strength she displayed, for with a swipe of her backhand, Rosa not only let go, but was knocked onto her backside, her face reeling from the blow.

Percival roared a battlecry before unleashing another spiraling burst of draconic energy, but a violent flash of light revealed a freshly erected barrier. Before Lenora stood a mighty terrier with a towering stature and a fierce gaze. Its fur grew out like a moustache, and its snarl lingered as a proclamation of war on the serpent.

Rosa gritted her teeth. "You double-crossing… Percival, use— Agh!"

The emerald serpent's eyes widened when its trainer suddenly found her arms locked behind her. A couple of clicks revealed two men in blue who had detained the brunette and cuffed her without a second of hesitation.

Before the serperior could pounce in pure rage, Lenora's voice boomed. "Stoutland, use Retaliate!"

Percival felt the wind slammed out of it as Stoutland drove into its spine. With a pained gag, it broke through a nearby tree before collapsing, unconscious.

"Percival— No!" Rosa cried, only to be restrained as she flailed wildly. One of the policemen then twisted her arm back painfully before another drew his stun gun.

Rosa felt a rattling pain at the back of her neck before the world went black.

Nate made his way out the door, and the bustling city of Aspertia greeted him with the morning rush picking up. People rushed to their workplaces at breakneck speeds, and while seeing the familiar faces was nice, the brunet felt some semblance of relief when the main road was put behind him.

His gaze fell on a pokéball in his grasp. "Buddy, we're finally free. It's time to start our search."

A peculiar pulse of energy traveled up Nate's arm, giving him momentary goosebumps. He smiled.

"Yeah… we'll find Dad. And then, we'll be a family again."

"Na~te! Hi ~" came a shrill chirp to intrude upon the delicate moment. Startled, Nate looked up to see a girl with short brown hair and a vibrant spark in surprisingly melancholic eyes. A child not much older than ten.

He slipped the pokéball onto his belt before picking up the tiny girl and whirled her about. "Hi Trish!"

"I got the news! Your Mom called mine!" she said as he gently put her down. "Going on a journey is amazing! You'll get to meet lots of people and pokémon!"

"Will I?" Nate stroked his chin coyly. "I had no idea."

"Hey!" came another voice, gruff and masculine. "I hear you mocking my sister. Not cool."

Of course, Nate thought happily. If Trisha was here, he couldn't be far off.

Running around the corner of the block, a slender boy about Nate's age revealed himself. He wore a red and white sweater alongside navy blue pants. His hair stood up even higher than Nate's, and it held a distinct shade of blue along with a spike that painted the image of a qwilfish primed to strike.

Nate's grin knew no bounds. "Hugh! My boy, what's up?"

Distance between the two closed, and they locked palms with gusto.

"It's good to see you, Nate," Hugh nodded.

"So you heard the news?"

"We both did," Trisha exclaimed, ecstatic still. "I'm kinda jealous, to be honest. I wish I could train pokémon like the two of you!"

Nate chuckled. "You will, kiddo. The moment you get… say… this tall," he said, placing his hand around his chest level, but a head above Trisha. This caused the girl to puff her cheeks.

"Careful, Nate. You might see a growth spurt in a couple of years," Hugh warned.

"Likely story," Nate drawled. "Anyway, I'm on my way to collect the dex. You guys wanna join me?"

Trisha looked sad. "No, I've gotta finish my homework. It's due tomorrow."

"You didn't do your homework?" Hugh sounded outraged, causing his sister to hide behind Nate. "Trisha!"

Trisha stuck her tongue out at her brother, who grew more aggravated, all while Nate tried to think of a way to diffuse this.

"Hey, man, chill out," he reasoned. "She can just go get on that right now. No need to blow a gasket."

"Tch… well you're definitely headed home," he sighed. "Now run along!"

"I wasn't sticking around with you anyway!" Trisha shot back, before looking up at Nate. "Nate, enjoy your journey. And don't forget to call once in a while. Hugh and I will miss you."

She looked almost ready to cry. Nate had been a friend like no other in the three short years they had known each other. Nate himself lost his cool demeanour when with the little girl, due in part to the tragedy behind those eyes.

He knelt to her eye level and placed a hand on her shoulder. "Of course. I've got two Moms to report to, as usual."

"You… won't forget about us, right?"

"What? No way — how could I?"

"I was just making sure," she smiled. "Come back and visit sometimes too. And when you do, tell me everything about your journey."

"Sure thing, Mom."

Trisha smiled warmly, not in the slightest bit bothered by Nate's mockery. "Then I'll be off! Come back and let us know when you get your dex!"

With that, the little girl whirled about and made a sprint homewards. Normally, one would need an escort at her age, even in a city as safe as Aspertia, but very few people could boast being able to keep up with Trisha Beaumont when she got going.

Nate sighed as he watched her leave, before addressing Hugh. "I know you're worried about her after… well… you know what."

Hugh grimaced.

"But," Nate added. "Smothering her like that's no good. You need to lose that chip on your shoulder and show her you actually care."

The blue-haired boy took a moment to take in the advice. It took every ounce of restraint he had left while Trisha left his sightline to curb the burning fury he felt when thinking back.

"Heh…" he laughed grimly. "You always managed to make her smile again."

Nate looked at him, both a little sad and concerned when he read between those lines. "It's the least I could do. You guys stuck with me when I came here; even when those jerks at school didn't quite welcome me."

"You've got good instincts… I like that about you. I know you'll have my back no matter what," Hugh smiled. "Now… let's go get your Pokédex!"

Rosa groaned groggily as the world came into focus, and the sight of vertical iron bars greeted her. The shock of this claustrophobic environment jolted her awake.

She blinked furiously, feeling chilly restraints on her arms. "H-Huh? Where—"

"Good morning!" a familiar voice greeted her. "For how well you commanded Serperior, I didn't take you for the open-mouthed, drooling type."

She shook the drool off her face, and the events before her blackout came back to her all at once. The memory triggered a malicious scowl. Before her sat Lenora, director of the Nacrene Museum. All Rosa saw, however, was a rat who had ambushed her beloved Percival.

"You…" the brunette snarled. "Where's Percival? What the hell did you do to him?"

"It's clear you care for your pokémon very much. Though aggressive, I suppose you're not downright evil."

"I asked you a question!"

"Right, that is what got you into this mess, Rosa Fletcher," Lenora smiled. "Or rather… Rosa Grant, as you go by now."

"You…" she gritted her teeth. "How the hell do you—"

"Calm down," Lenora commanded coldly. "I know for the same reason you're behind bars right now.

"Retired or not, I was once a trainer with Gym Leader level clearance. Let's say I have friends in the right places.

"Now… you don't need to worry about your pokémon. Serperior has been healed up, and is currently at the pinnacle of its health."

Rosa's eyes wavered little in the unadulterated rage they exhumed. "And why should I trust a single word you say?"

"Because I could have you sent into solitary for a month on charges of aggravated assault, but yet, here you are in detention," Lenora replied. "Honestly, it's no surprise you grew up with that brat Hilbert."

"You knew my brother… of course…" Rosa muttered.

"Oh, I couldn't forget that smart-mouthed punk if I tried. The boy held enough sass for an entire generation of self-absorbed teenagers, and he was stupidly strong to boot," she was almost complaining. "Looking back, you're not too different, the two of you. Mannerless twits who barge into places thinking they're owed something."

Rosa looked away. The Nacrene Gym Leader knew Hilbert from her active days. Of course. He had conquered the Unova League, after all. He was dimensions above this ex-Gym Leader.

He was dimensions above herself.

"Tch… you think I'm as strong as him?"

"No, you're stronger than he was when he challenged me," Lenora said, causing Rosa to reel. "Hilbert was formidable for a trainer at that stage, but your Serperior, despite you lacking any Gym Badges…

"I had to restrain you this way because Stoutland would have lost a straight fight."

Rosa's glare did not falter at all. Normally, she was chipper, and would have revelled in the praise and comparison to her brother. Now, however, cuffed to this chair, she had nothing nice to say. This horrible woman had no idea how strong Hilbert was; to Rosa, she had uttered more blasphemy than anything. She could only continue giving Lenora a lethal look.

"You're right — it was inexcusable, but what you were doing was worse."

Lenora suddenly had her attention.

"Good. Now listen carefully: Hilbert Grant is not a bear you poke in front of a crowd like that. The Region's stability depends on it."

"What the hell does that mean?" Rosa growled. "Are you bureaucratic assholes using my only brother for your games?"

The question was a stab to Lenora's soul. The woman was assertive, but not heartless. A pang of sympathy flashed in her gaze.

"No… Not exactly."

Rosa's glare grew increasingly malicious. "Whatever it is, don't ever say his name again. You don't deserve to!"

"Of course… Listen, Rosa, it's not my place to tell you this."

"Don't give me that!" she spat venomously.

Lenora sighed. "I'll have you released along with your pokémon on the condition that you don't pursue this as… openly.

"Go to Aspertia City."

Rosa faltered in her anger. Finally, there was some information.

"My successor…" she said. "The current holder of the Basic Badge… He's far more qualified to disclose the full story."

"And who am I looking for?"

"You'll know when you see him," Lenora said. "I've got a Museum to run now. I can only wish you the best of luck on your quest."

"Hey! Wait!"

But the former Gym Leader was already on her way out. "When the paperwork is done, Hawes will facilitate your transport. Don't worry, it's not something as time-consuming as a boat ride."

Rosa bit her lip, now stuck with these shackles. To the solace of her mind, she had the information she needed. Finally, there would be a chance to find out what exactly happened after the sky-splitting clash of the two legendary dragons.

The conclusion to the battle between truth and ideals.