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Arc 2: The Interdimensional Police Officer

Chapter One: Look Who's Here

The Day after defeating Diantha…

(The first day without Alex...)

Grace pauses at the door, leaning her ear against it. There are no sounds. She sucks in a deep breath, transfers the plate of food to one hand, and knocks.

No answer.

"Xena?" Grace asks softly. "May I come in?"

Still no answer.

Grace purses her lips and squeezes her eyes together. She leans back from the door and sets the plate on the ground. "Food's at your door, ma puce. Please, try to eat."

Grace turns, not looking at the other shut door before she descends down the stairs.

They may not actually be her kids, but it still feels like they are her kids. And one of them is gone. Grace is still in shock. She doesn't know what to do.

Meanwhile, Sienna is in the pink room; her room. The curtains are drawn, and no lights are on. She keeps her arms wrapped around her legs, head resting on her knees, and stares unseeing at the wall across the room.

She has a lot of questions, and even more worries.

But for now, she's shut off the world.

No feelings.

No questions.

No pain.

Just a never-ending numbness, and the six Poké Balls on her bed.

;;;

Grace is humming, drying dishes as she watches the large television. It's the morning of Friday, January 3rd. The only news stations on have been covering the same things for the past week: how the calendars have been changed, how the borders are being tested, and how the public has responded to learning how large the world is.

Or how small the world is, and how public isn't taking it well.

Grace looks over at the clock, and blinks. The woman sighs, shaking her head and putting down the dish and hand towel to go grab a backpack off the couch. "Xena!"

As her daughter thumps down the stairs, the newscaster continues to talk. "-as the power plant undergoes large reconstructions, so please visit your nearest Pokémon Center to learn when your area may be affected with a power outage."

Xena pauses at the bottom of the stairs, blue eyes wide at the sight of the bag handing from Grace's fingers. The woman smirks. "I think you're forgetting something."

"Thanks Grace," Xena breathes a sigh of relief and grabs the outstretched bag. "I'll be back in time for dinner."

"Enjoy your last day of freedom," Grace laughs and returns to the kitchen. She doesn't notice her daughter's trepidation in the split second it seeps through. The ladies share smiles and Xena calls out once more before she's gone.

Grace turns back to the television just in time to see a grey streak come and go in the sky behind the report.

"Our Pokémon League encourages people to look to their nearest Gyms or Trainer Officials for any assistance needed. If you need any travelling help, air transit will be open at the start of next week. Remember, make sure to book-"

Grace shakes her head and picks up her cloth and dish. She returns to methodically drying, hoping her daughter will have some fun today before she starts her new job. Grace is proud of her, but she worries.

Though, it is the last day before Xena starts shadowing Diantha. Grace probably shouldn't worry too much.

Grace is a mother, though. She'll end up worrying regardless. Especially after that nose dive Aerodactyl did on camera.

;;;

Xena leaves the therapists office in Lumiose City feeling emotionally tired. Backpacker Lane, the young man she assisted getting help, was crying when she left. The 'thank you' that came from the head therapist, Janie, was the only thing spoken, with the secretary in the waiting room nodding to acknowledge her as she left.

The therapists' building is one of the few buildings that sorted out everything and started up within the day of Xena winning the title Champion. The Battle Chateau, Pokémon Centers, and diners had never stopped, so they kept running when the shift happened. Doctors and law enforcements have been struggling to find places to set up.

All the while, the Pokémon League has been keeping order however they can.

The day she beat Diantha had caused something to click – or unlock – in the citizens in Kalos, for better or worse. Now, they have to deal with the fallout of the world turning on its head.

Xena's Holo Caster bleeps and she freezes on the sidewalk in front of the therapists' building. She pulls up her left arm, expecting Calem, Serena, Shauna, or Diantha. She doesn't expect a blue coloured, generic image of a smiley face, but that's what she gets hovering over her watch.

"Ahem…" the deep, unfamiliar, male voice sounds through the message. Then her name is said, and she raises her eyebrows with a strangled sound because how did a stranger get her number? "Xena. Please excuse me. I only need a moment. Or perhaps three. There is something I really need to talk about with you. Please come to the Looker Bureau. The building is close to Rouge Plaza. I can't say any more right now. I will expect to see you soon."

The message ends and Xena doesn't know that what think. No one should be able to phone her Holo Caster without it showing their face, or at least giving a name because caller ID is a thing here. She takes out the physical Holo Caster, going through the recent calls just to be sure.

Unknown Name. Unknown Number.

Xena scowls at the device and goes to slip it back into her side bag. She pauses, and then takes it out again. Moving to a nearby ledge, she places the device down and starts recording a message.

"I got a mysterious call and I'm going to a place called the Looker Bureau," Xena says, crossing her arms and looking nonchalant. "Just thought I'd let someone know in case I go missing. Hope you're having a good morning."

She waits for the final seconds to tick down, and then walks towards the device. The message gets sent to Calem, and Sienna finally pockets it with a weary sigh.

Then she turns towards inner Lumiose City, fully knowing she's about to get lost.

;;;

It's her own fault for walking around the inner circle instead of biking. That would have made the search much faster. Thankfully, she doesn't have to go all the way around; that probably would have made mysterious caller as annoyed as she is.

Xena finds the Looker Bureau in an alleyway across from the Sushi High Roller. She wonders if they could hear her scream if she gets in any trouble.

Xena immediately grimaces at the thought. She can't actually scream without sounding like a dying radio, crackle and all. She'll just Mega Evolve her Pokémon and let them deal with the problem if it comes to that. Her team's been itching for a battle lately.

Preparing for the worst, Xena takes a deep breath and starts to walk into the building. She looks at the sign outside one more time, and stops.

Looker Bureau

Looker Bureau

Looker

Xena's mind flashes to Pokémon Platinum.

It couldn't be…

No. Way.

She steps inside.

And there is a man in a brown trench coat, his back to her.

"It was good of you to come," the man says. His voice is the same as her mysterious caller, so that's one question solved.

Then the man turns around and Xena's eyes widen and her inner voice squeals because it really is Looker. She's meeting a Pokémon legend.

The man does a double-take for a second. "Zinnia?"

Xena blinks, but he shakes his head when she opens her mouth.

"My apologies," Looker says, gazing at her seriously. "At first glance you appeared similar to an acquaintance of mine. You are Xena, are you not?"

Xena nods her head slowly; the sixteen year old feels small under his serious gaze. "Yes."

"Yes…" Looker says. "I need thirty seconds of your time. Or – three minutes only. Thirty minutes, maybe." Xena suddenly doesn't feel so small. Her lips twitch and she relaxes as the man scrutinizes her. "First, you must know that I have taken the liberty of investigating you, Xena." And, she stiffens again. "For example, I can say that you're the newest Champion of the Kalos region. Also, I can say that you were the one to save our world from the group known as Team Flare."

"It wasn't just me," Xena breaks in softly. "My Pokémon, and my friends and their Pokémon helped."

Looker's eyebrows rise. "Indeed." His lips twitch up, and then go back into a serious frown. "Good. Very good." He suddenly points, as if to say something, but then pauses, relaxes, and restarts his thought out loud, "I have delayed in giving my introduction. My code name is – no! Hah! I mean to say, my name is Looker. I'm no more than a grim, middle-aged man who works in this town as a detective. And now, let us approach the real subject, Xena, my friend.

"I investigated you, yes. I called you here today, yes. The reasons for these actions? Listen well…" He turns to face the wall. "Lumiose City… It is a tourist destination whose name is known all over the world." Xena bites her tongue, wondering if he knows. She doesn't want to burst his bubble if he doesn't. "Many kinds of people live here, and even more come to visit and enjoy the atmosphere. The fact is, wherever there are so many people in one place, trouble is never far behind. Trouble beckons me. Yes. Trouble troubles me. And so I arrive, and so I open this agency."

He turns to Xena, still talking. "Being a detective and doing such hard work requires a person with a hard-boiled heart. But even a heart that embraces the loneliness can sometimes stumble, falter, doubt. And that's where you come in, kid. I want you to be my assistant."

Xena opens her mouth, protest on her tongue.

Looker beats her to it. "No, more than that! I want you to be my partner. If a Champion like you and an iron-jawed detective like me join forces, I promise we can bring peace to Lumiose City!"

Xena rubs an ear, opening her mouth to say anything.

Looker steps forwards. "What does your heart say, Xena? Will you partner with me and fight crime?"

Xena opens her mouth. Closes it. Opens. "I have to start training to take over for the Champion. As much as I want to help, I don't think I have time."

Looker gives her a stern look. "Then find time. If you are to be Champion, you will hold much power over the region. Do you want your people to be safe? Do you to help the people of Lumiose City?"

"Yes, of course-"

"For your brave answer, I thank you," Looker says, cutting her off. "Lumiose City will regain its tranquility!"

"I-"

"Well," Looker cuts in, looking lost in thought as he gazes over her head, "I wish it could be that easy." Xena sighs. Somehow, this feels like a plot point. She doesn't even want to know if there is any plot left in this world. "Because even though you are Champion, you're still a rookie when it comes to detective work. And that's why I must ask you to enroll in my class in detective and espionage skills: 'The Looker Method: Yes, even YOU can become a detective in five easy steps'! When you're ready to learn the meaning of 'hard-boiled,' just come and talk to me again."

"I have one condition," Xena says. Looker raises his eyebrows, but nods to show he's listening. "If I do help you, you have to understand that I can't spend much time here. Once I start training to take Diantha's place, I have to devote my time to that." She pauses. "My condition is that you let my friend Serena work here, too."

"One of those who helped stop Team Flare?" Looker sounds like he knows the answer, but still has to ask.

"Yes," Xena says. "She's been looking for somewhere to help out. It would be good for her, and for Lumiose, if you allow her to join the Looker Bureau."

Looker nods seriously. "She would have to take my class as well. Tomorrow, if she agrees to join."

Xena looks immensely relived. "Thank you. I'll let her know. If you're ready to teach me, I'm ready."

Looker nods once again. "Allow me to explain what you will be doing. You will need to find five Looker Tickets that have been sprinkled about Lumiose City, and then bring them back to me! There's nothing more to it! Simple as can be!"

Xena deadpans. Lumiose City is huge. She'll probably be here all day.

"The Looker Tickets will be sure to catch your eye with their glitter and sparkles," Looker keeps a straight face while talking. The brunette swears he is enjoying this though. "I want you to succeed, so I have left some hints in my notebook about where to find the tickets!" Xena raises her eyebrows. "Ah ha," Looker says excitedly, "so then, it is time. Away with you to begin your training! I trust you'll live up to my hopes!" He strikes a pose.

Xena nods her thanks and walks around him to his desk. She feels his eyes on her while she reads the list on his desk:

1. In the Pokémon Center next to Magenta Plaza

2. In Centrico Plaza, in the tower illumination the city

3. On Vernal Avenue, at a shop selling medicines

4. On North Boulevard, 1F, in a place where people rest

5. On North Boulevard, 1F, in a place filled with art

"Alright," Xena whispers. She turns to Looker and waves as she walks for his door. "I'll be back soon."

Her Holo Caster bleeps as soon as she steps out the door. She sighs as the generic blue smiley face appears. Looker's voice comes from the speaker. "So now that you're heading off into the city, Xena, I just thought I would go over the locations of the hidden tickets once again."

Xena stifles the groan, unsure if he can hear her even though she's still in the alleyway in front of his building.

Looker lists off the five places she read off of his notebook. He finishes the message saying, "If you're having trouble, return to the Looker Bureau or read this message again. I wish you luck."

Xena sighs and clicks a button to pull her bicycle out. She rides towards the center of Lumiose City, thanking everything that comes to mind that she doesn't have to go the south Pokémon Center for any tickets. No one wants to deal with that Nurse Joy.

;;;

"Huh," Xena whispers, picking up the actually sparkling ticket. She wonders how Looker got them to do that.

The brunette looks around the nearly deserted Pokémon Center. It's either a slow day for Clemont and Bonnie, or they have too many challengers waiting in the tower's lobby. Still, it gives Xena the perfect opportunity to send a message.

"Would you mind if I use my Holo Caster?" Xena asks the Nurse Joy on duty.

The redhead shakes her head. "I don't mind, and thank you for asking. The back by the changing room is the best place."

"Thank you," Xena says, heading for the area she found the ticket. She sets up her Holo Caster, takes a deep breath, and then records her message.

"Hey Serena. I remember you saying you didn't know what you wanted to do now, after everything, and I asked the man running the Looker Bureau if you could come and help us. You don't have to, but I think it would be at least something good to try out. Who knows, maybe you'll want to be a detective? I'll be in Lumiose for most of the day, so send me a message when you're free to chat."

She sends the message but, before she backs away the device, Xena records another one.

"Hey Calem. I'm still alive. This morning has been rather interesting, and I'd like to chat if you have any free time. Message me to let me know, and tell Trevor and Sycamore I say hi."

;;;

Xena cringes at the amount of people in Lumiose Tower's lobby. She quickly makes her way over to the sparkling ticket shoved off to the side, grabbing it, before turning and watching the annoyed crowd.

"Please," Xena spots Bonnie in front of the elevator with suspenders man. The young blonde is shouting at the crowd. "The elevator will be fixed by this afternoon. Go somewhere else!"

Xena squares her shoulders and walks through the crowd, people making their displeasure known as she cuts to the front. Bonnie looks nervous when Xena stands before her. The brunette kneels down. "You wouldn't happen to have a microphone, would you?"

Bonnie nods and takes off her earpiece. She presses a button, a small microphone pops out, and Bonnie holds it up. Xena gratefully takes the item and turns to the crowd.

"Attention everyone in Lumiose Tower's lobby," Xena says, her voice echoing from the hidden, overhead speakers. The crowd barely quiets. "You have been told that the elevator is closed, and that the earliest reopening will be this afternoon. There will be no Gym challenges until the elevator is deemed safe for use. Those of you here for the Gym challenge, please exit the building and enjoy the many sights and experiences Lumiose City has to offer." She pauses. The crowd still mumbles and no one leaves. "I understand how exciting this is for many of you. While waiting for the elevator to be fixed, I suggest training or preparing with your Pokémon. Clemont is a very skilled Gym Leader-" Bonnie smiles proudly, "- and it wouldn't hurt to get some practice beforehand."

Still, no one leaves.

Xena can feel her face twitch. At least they are quiet now. "Alright. Those of you here for the Gym challenge have ten minutes to leave the building. The police have been called and will be monitoring this place until it the elevator is up to standards. I will ask once more that you leave, or else the police will arrest you for interfering with official League business."

That gets them out of there.

"Thank you, Xena," Bonnie groans. She gratefully accepts the headset back.

"No problem, Bonnie," Xena says, looking at the remaining people in the room. "You might want to actually call the police and explain the situation. Tell them I'll pay them for their time if they don't agree at first."

"Thank you!" Bonnie cheers. "Ugh, it's so nice to get some peace and quiet now. Clemont's been trying to fix that stupid elevator all morning and no one would listen to me."

Xena looks sadly at the girl. "If you need any help, just make sure to give me a call, alright?"

Bonnie sighs. "It's not going to be easy. Diantha's left us on our own for years. I can't remember once when she did help out."

Xena winces at that. "I'm not Diantha. If you ever have a problem, I'm here."

"Thanks," Bonnie yawns. "Ugh, it's not even lunch time yet. I'll get the police over here. You'll be a great Champion, Xena. Don't stress about it."

Bonnie walks over to a secret door and disappears.

Xena looks around. She's the only one left in the lobby.

She leaves the building, combing through her incoming messages to find the last one Looker sent because she has no clue where to go now. And if Bonnie's reassurance left her feeling lighter than before, well, no one is around to see it.

;;;

Vernal Avenue is rather tame that time of day. Usually the foot traffic picks up in the afternoon, with most Trainers coming to buy items early morning before the work rush or late afternoon when the shoppers stop by.

Xena picks up the Looker Ticket, eyes roaming around the medicine shop. She full-body flinches at one of the price tags. This is why she never shops in Lumiose City. Everything is too expensive.

Bleep!

At the nasty glare the counter girl gives her, Xena scurries out of the building with a sheepish smile. She stuffs the ticket away and tries to position her watch at the same time. Xena misses seeing who the hologram is at first, too busy stuffing her ticket away.

"Gees, Xena," Serena's hologram message giggles. "You're getting me a job? I would say I'm only twelve, but, you know, Trainer licence equals adult and work and all that. Or is it volunteering? Either way… thanks." The young blonde smiles softly. "I'm dropping by to visit Shauna this afternoon. So… any time after two? Let me know."

The hologram disappears and Xena shakes her head. She really needs to fix her Holo Caster.

Finding a quiet spot on the street, Xena sets the device and records her message. "Two o'clock works great. Meet you out front of the North Pokémon Center."

She reviews the message and then sends it off. Then she goes through previous messages to find out where to go next.

Its times like these she finds herself missing cellphones.

;;;

North Boulevard has one very well known, way too pricey, hotel called as Hotel Richissime. On principal, Xena feels that avoiding this place is good for those stingy with their money. Also, Xena found out early after becoming Champion that many people run out of the building crying. The reason: everyone inside critics your outfit.

And they don't pull their metaphorical punches.

"What is that absurd outfit?"

"How shameful can one be?"

"That shirt with those shorts?"

"What trashcan did she get those shoes out of?"

"Only a heathen would dare be caught in something so atrocious."

"Ugh, what clunky thing is that around her arm?"

"Look away, darlings. I don't want you catching skank."

Xena's hands are fists as she marches to the sparkling piece of paper in the corner.

"I mean, really, how someone so uncouth dares come into an establishment such as this is beyond me."

The urge to punch or flip someone off is strong.

Kalos' rich upper class. All these people are lost, aimless, without goals, and choose to spend their time in the 'high-class' places of Kalos while they wait for the world to sort itself out. The only upside are the employees subtly attempting to misdirect attention away from her. They aren't doing a good job, but at least they're trying.

Xena takes the ticket off the ground and holds her head high as she marches out of the building.

"Honestly, she's probably some homely girl from the outskirts of Kalos, trying to make a name for herself."

"The girl won't last ten minutes outside this building."

"Did anyone see those Poké Balls?"

"Not even one Luxury Ball."

"Those poor Pokémon."

Xena takes the high-road and doesn't tell them who's Champion now.

They'll hear it from their children and grandchildren soon enough.

;;;

This is her first time in Kalos' museum.

"Welcome to the Lumiose Museum," says the lovely receptionist with a real smile. Xena is astounded at how well put together this woman seems, especially since everyone appears to be close to breaking point these days. "Would you like to enter?"

"Yes, please," Xena says, looking from her watch's options to the woman.

"As a bonus, we lend stylish customers audio guides free of charge." The woman slips a scanner-like device with headphones over the counter. Xena takes it hesitantly. "All right. Please use this audio guide. Check the box right next to a painting, and you can hear a detailed explanation. Please enjoy."

Xena takes a deep breath and looks the woman dead in the eyes. "Thank you."

The woman nods, still happily smiling.

It's the best Xena's felt all day. She slips the headphones on her head, thinking it is funny how a small compliment can make someone's day.

The sparkling ticket is easy to find on the first floor. Xena bites her lip for a second, and then decides that there is time.

She really wants to see the museum.

So, she starts scanning the boxes beside the paintings and listening to what is said.

She didn't realize that she might start choking back tears.

The right side of the first floor contains paintings of places in the Kalos region. Xena can almost pick out where the Glittering Cave painting takes place. The Anistar Sundial she remembers quite clearly; there aren't any other natural crystals that big around the region … not anymore. The Fairy Type Gym is in perfect view of Laverre City's painting; it's so quaint that she almost finds herself missing the bog-infested town. Finally, Parfum Palace, with all of the statues and mazes painted in twilight colours.

Yet, Xena can only think of how different it will be as she will have to go to these places alone.

The left side of the first floor is more like a trip down memory lane. Paintings from Johto, Sinnoh, and Unova decorate the walls. She can remember the history, the struggles suffered by the protagonists of those generations. She wonders what would have happened if she and her brother had been there instead of here.

Her mind flashes to Calem and Serena, and she stops thinking about it. She wouldn't change their friendship – their rivalry – for any other region.

The second floor has paintings that try to draw out emotion. These aren't as heart wrenching as the ones below, but the Power Plant paintings remind her that she needs to visit Alexander's Pokémon at Sycamore's lab.

Xena gets to the third floor, sees the largest painting, and tears slip from her eyes.

"I hope you're doing well, AZ," she whispers and then walks away.

She hands her audio guide to the woman at the counter on her way out. She gets a sympathetic look and a 'have a nice day' as she goes. Xena is thankful there are no comments about her red eyes.

;;;

Back in the Bureau, Xena hands Looker the five tickets.

"Ein, tvo, tri, fjore…" Looker mutters, leafing through tickets. For some reason, Xena's brain tells her he's switching the languages he counts it. She winces at the sudden ache hitting her head until he sticks to English. "Fif! Five Looker Tickets!

"Congratulations, Xena!" Looker continues with a hint of a smile on his face. "You have completed your training using my patented course, 'The Looker Method: Yes, even YOU can become a detective in five easy steps!'. From this day onward, you are a fully fledged, complete boiled detective!"

His smile is suddenly gone and he sees stressed. "…Ahem! With that accomplished, let me issue my request once more. Xena, be my crime-fighting partner?"

Xena blinks, and then breaks into a soft smile. "Yes."

"Excellent." Looker breathes a sigh of relief. "It will be an honor for you to serve as an official member of the Looker Bureau! And… as partner to the one and only Looker!"

Xena bites her lip to hide a smile.

Looker's lips twitch up. "I'll send you a message on your Holo Caster whenever we have a job to do!"

"Thank you, Looker," Xena says, nodding her head. "Um, would you be able to meet that friend of mine this afternoon? I promise you, she is a great person."

Looker nods seriously. "I will be here all day today. Come by with your friend whenever you have time."

"Thank you," Xena says again. "See you later, Looker."

He hums and nods his goodbye. Xena quickly exits the building, sighing once in the alleyway.

Bleep!

Xena jolts and looks towards the Looker Bureau. It shouldn't be him calling already, she just walked out. Xena raises her watch, and the hologram of her rival appears.

"You're being dramatic." Hologram Calem tells her with a smirk. "I saw the television this morning, I know you're alive. Anyways, Professor Sycamore sent a message to Grace – in person; surprising, I know – but since you said you were in Lumiose, I thought to call you. Aren't I nice? Anyways, he wants you to meet him at Lumiose Station. We'll meet up later, I promise. Go see what my boss wants."

The hologram ends and Xena rolls her eyes, unable to help the grin stretching across her face. The messages she gets when he's at the lab seem to hold lots of sarcasm. He says it's a new defence mechanism to keep away flirts and idiots. Then he says Sycamore still sticks around, so it must not be working.

It gets her to smile every time.

;;;

Looker stares out the window in his office, eyes blank in thought. He gives a small huff and mutters to his self. "To complete my patented training course, 'The Looker Method: Yes, even YOU can become a detective in five easy steps!' in so little time and with such ease… Xena, you truly are a masterful Trainer. The big case on which I have been at work… It is a certainty. We will crack this case together. And, as for what is past, old friend, be patient. Justice will be served – enough for all!"

Looker's hand goes into one of the pockets of his trench coat. He fingers the Poké Nav Plus.

"So similar, yet nothing alike," Looker mutter to himself.

A mystery for another time.

A/N: Thanks for reading! I tried to make the chapter long… (it's not as long as I'd like, but I cannot say how many times I've redone this chapter without the number being sad). I hope everyone has been alright, and thank you again for reading.

Thank you, Judgment of the Arbiter, for your review. Thank you so much. I really hope you've had a nice year, and that you have an amazing Christmas and New Years to come. Thank you again for your review, and I hope you enjoyed the chapter!