Pokeumans Chapter 14

I couldn't think. My thoughts were cloudy and tears ran down my face.  "I-I have to make it back. I have to…"

I was carrying Reggie's body in my arms, and I just kept walking. I wasn't controlling my legs; my body was completely numb. I felt disconnected…like my spirit was watching over myself. As I made it to the boulder, I realized the cruel irony of the situation. The day I arrived, I passed out, and Reggie carried me inside the base. Now it was I who was carrying him back to the base. I pressed my paw on it, and the secret elevator opened. As the elevator went down, I felt nothing. Not sadness, not anger, not guilt, just…nothing.

The doors opened, and small crowds consisting of all of my friends, the Big 4 of the PRT, as well as other Pokéumans I didn’t recognize, I’m guessing were Reggie’s friends, were in the grand hallway, cheering for me. I saw the blue banner, waving above their heads, mocking me.

"Welcome home Brandon and Reggie!"

I dropped the bag as I collapsed onto the ground, crying hysterically. It took a few minutes for them to realize that Reggie was dead, as his body lay motionless on the floor. I have no idea how everyone reacted, I was sobbing too hard, all I know is that I felt two pairs of arms around my body, and from their aura I knew it was Starr and Mike. Someone else then picked me up, and carried me off.

“Drink this.”

I was handed me a cup and I sniffled and gasped as I struggled to swallow the drink. In an instant I was able to calm myself down, and breathe normally. The wiped the tears from my eyes and at once Asula’s face appeared. Starr and Mike were both there too, with their arms on my shoulders.

“Now Brandon,” said Asula, “I want you to calmly tell me what happened.”

I told her the story as best as I could, about how we found the gem in the Statue of Liberty, how we narrowly escaped Pokéxtinction the first time, how we narrowly escaped the second time, how we met Officer Johnny, how Dean came to reveal himself and how Reggie was killed mere yards away from the base. The whole time, I kept hyperventilating during the important parts, and Asula made me drink more of the blue liquid that was somehow keeping me from shattering in front of her.

The Milotic listened patiently throughout the whole story. Starr and Mike had their arms on my shoulder giving the occasional pat.

“I understand Brandon you are upset, but we need you for this. We have intel that Pokéxtinction is gotten very active lately. We expect big things are going to happen in the next few days. You should get some rest until then.”

Starr and Mike took me back to my room, where I numbly collapsed onto my bed.

I don’t know how many days passed since then. Starr and Mike unsuccessfully tried to make me feel better, but eventually decided to let me be, making sure they brought me food every meal. I couldn’t feel anything, I couldn’t think anything. I just lay on my bed, struggling to keep the terrible experiences from invading my brain. I numbly heard Cameron and Kyle returned but I was too upset to care. I wanted to sleep, and that’s all I wanted to do.

One night, I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned my head to see Mike and Starr staring worriedly at me.

“Hey bud, you want to go to dinner?” asked Mike.

I shook my head, “I just want to be alone.”

“Brandon…” said Starr worriedly, “You should come with us to dinner…you’ll feel…”

“I SAID I WANT TO BE ALONE!” I roared.

The shocked looks on Starr’s and Mike’s faces were enough to immediately make me feel guilty. I had never shouted at anyone of my friends in anger.

“I’m….sorry….” I said.

“It’s okay Brandon,” said Starr, “We’ll bring you something back.”

Mike was about to say something before Starr dragged him out of the room.

I curled up on my bed, not motivated to move, to eat, watch TV, or do anything. I just wanted to be alone, alone with my thoughts. But, after days of suppressing, the flood of bad thoughts and horrible guilt slowly took over my mind.

I could’ve saved him. If only I had taken them out, if only I had seen that laser. If only…I could’ve stopped him and taken the hit instead. It’s my fault…IT’S ALL MY FAULT!

I couldn’t take it anymore; I had to let out my frustrations.
“I should’ve died out there, not Reggie…IT’S MY FAULT!” I screamed. I balled up my fist and I slammed it into the crystal wall.

I punched the wall as hard as I could, making cracks in the crystal, crying with each punch. Reggie was dead, Reggie was dead because of me. He died to save my life, but I never asked for any of this! I didn’t ask to be an Energy Channeler, I didn’t ask for this life! And now someone who gave up their life too was gone, gone forever…and there was nothing I could do.

“WHY DID YOU SAVE ME YOU JERK?!” I yelled before slamming my fist into wall so hard it crumbled, leaving a big hole in the wall. I slammed my face in my pillow, not caring my chest spike was poking the mattress. I screamed as loudly as I could into the pillow, screaming out my frustrations, my anger, my grief, my guilt. I screamed until my throat was hoarse and my vocal chords ached.

And then it was over. I felt my body weaken as my energy drained away. I only could let my body loosen as I fell asleep.

When I opened my eyes, the lights were on and Starr and Mike were staring at the door. Slowly, I got up and walked over to our crystal door, where someone had carved into it.

“IT’S YOUR FAULT”

Starr balled her fist in anger. “WHOEVER DID THIS IS GOING TO PAY!” she roared. This time, it was I who was taken aback by fear. Starr knew the anguish I was going through and I could tell she was trying to help me.

“Who the heck did this to our door?!” asked Mike?

“A very little Pokémon,” I said.

Starr and Mike gasped as they turned around.

“Brandon…you’re awake…” said Mike, a little nervous due to my outburst last night. I looked up to the wall where I punched a hole in the crystal.

“Yeah, I just needed to clear my head…” I said.

“Brandon, um, today’s Friday, and you’ve been missing a lot of class. We should get breakfast and get ready.”

I silently nodded as Mike turned into his pinkish yellow Abra form and teleported us into the center of the mess hall. In an instant everyone’s eyes fell on me. The aura of the room was full of hostility. And that’s when I realized that they were angry at me. Reggie was a friend to them all and they blamed me for their deaths.

“What are you all staring at?” asked Starr angrily.

Many of them turned around and resumed their meals. Starr and I went up to get our food from Ms. Yepergo.

“Brandon! Sweetheart I’m so sorry to hear what happened!” said the Miltank, plating pancakes and sausages on our trays.

“I’m fine Ms. Yepergo…just fine…”

I turned to leave when someone hit my side hard, causing the trays to collapse to the floor. When I looked up, two Pokémon were fleeing the scene. Starr helped me up and Ms. Yepergo promised she’d catch them while giving me another tray of food.

I’ve had awkward moments in my life, but eating breakfast that morning definitely topped the charts. Every Pokéuman in the room had stopped to stare at the three of us. It was dead silence. Silence like death.

“What are you looking at?!” shouted Mike.

I turned around; picking my sausage with my fork when I felt a piece of paper hit me in the back of the head. Sighing, I uncrumpled it to see the message I’d been telling myself all day.

“It should’ve been you.”

Who? Who would do this to someone who has just lost one of their closest friends? I mean, what did I do to deserve this?

“I…think I’m going back to the room guys,” I said disheartened.

“Brandon…” is all I heard Starr say as I walked out of the mess hall with my ears drooped.

As I entered my room, I felt a familiar paw on my shoulder. It was Starr.

“Brandon, I would like to talk to you, is that okay?”

I slowly nodded and we shut the door behind us and we sat down on Starr’s bed.

“I know…it’s hard to lose someone…especially someone you care for very much. I blamed myself when Ryan was taken captive. I blamed myself each and every night, just wishing it was me. And I know that’s how you’re feeling; having that incredible guilt inside you, just wishing you could’ve done something to prevent it from happening. But, that’s no reason to give up on life. Don’t let the others make you feel like it was your fault, because it’s not. They should be looking at you and saying, ‘That’s the one who Reggie felt deserved to live more than him.’ You see Brandon, Reggie gave his life so you would continue to live for the both of you. Even though Ryan is back for now, I had to live for two years, two years without my baby brother. So, I lived for him during that time. I was strong for him and that’s what you have to do Brandon. Though Reggie may be gone, you have to live for him too.”

I stared at Starr, my best friend since I arrived here.

“S-S-S-Starr…it….it…hurts….it hurts my heart….”

I buried in head in her lap and sobbed quietly. She slowly rubbed my head. I remembered when we were in a similar situation when Starr told me about Ryan. She was crying then, and now I was the one crying.

“You have to live for him Brandon, you have to live for him…” she whispered.

I slowly brought myself under control, wiping the tears away. I reached out and gave Starr the biggest hug I had given anyone before, the aura bubbles surrounding our spikes again.

“Thank you…” I whispered. Reggie gave his life for me and it was my duty to make sure he didn’t die in vain.

“I think…I’m going to class today…” I said with a breath.

“I think that’ll be good,” said Starr as the bell rang. I slowly pulled out the dusty notebook from under my bed and brushed it off before silently walking out of the room.

I slowly walked to Ms. Tartaley’s classroom. Half of the room was glaring at me, with the other half looked sorry for me, including Mike.

“Ooh, Brandon! Welcome back sweetie, how have you been?” asked my Ambipom teacher.

“Fine…just fine Ms. Tartaley…” I said.

“Good, now pay attention, you’ve got a lot of catching up to doo!” she said.  

As she began teaching square roots, I glumly sat down trying to concentrate. I tried to block out the whispers from some of the others, and I could tell that they were being hostile towards me.

‘Hey buddy, long time no see…” said a voice from next to me. It was Travis the Raichu, whom I befriended on my first day of classes.

“Yeah, it has been a long time hasn’t it,” I said.

“I heard what happened, and I have to say I don’t blame you. You did great on your mission and I’m sorry about what happened.”

I sighed and put on head in my paw, “Yeah…thanks…”

Math class was pretty uneventful before I slowly walked to History. Along to way, people smacked into me on purpose, some whispered under their breath and others simply looked at me. At one point, someone swiped my notebook and threw it at the wall, spilling the papers within. I felt lower than a beaten puppy.

“Ah, Mr. Chan, I’m very happy you can finally rejoin us,” said Mr. Mayer.

History was worse than Math, considering there was no one to talk to. I had to ignore the pelting of spitballs and even spitballs that were on fire. After fifty-five minutes of torment, the bell rang. I slowly got up, unable to copy down the notes, and endured the walk alone to Gym.

“ALRIGHT WE ARE PLAYING DODGEBALL TODAY SO IT’S TIME TO PICK TEAMS!” shouted Mr. Gamlina.

“This should be fun…” whispered Mike in my ear.

As expected, I as chosen last, and I spent to the whole game dodging the various balls that were being thrown at specifically at me. I was hit with a Fire Ball and got scorched, a Ground ball that slammed me in the groin, and an Electric ball that paralyzed me temporarily.  

“This is what you get jerk!” yelled a Fearow as they smacked me with a gusting Flying ball.

“HEY! CAN’T YOU GUYS AIM AT SOMEONE ELSE?” yelled the Mightyena coach.

After being hit for a fifth time, I sat out the rest of the period on the bench. I had never been more grateful for gym to end when I heard the bell ring.

“Hey there kid,” said the coach, putting a paw on my shoulder, “I saw what the others were doing to ya.”

“It’s nothing…” I said.

“Kid, I know a troubled soul when I see one. I’m not just going to stand by and let the others kick you while you’re down. If you need anything, just come and talk to me,” said Mr. Gamlina getting up and walking away.

“If only it was that easy…” I said disheartened.  

I didn’t even bother going to lunch, I didn’t want to go through breakfast all over again. I just slowly walked to my room and flopped onto the couch, slowly flipping through the various channels. After a while, I heard a knock at the door. I opened it and looked around before looking down. It was AB.

“Hi master, how are you feeling?” he asked.

“AB, I don’t really feel like talking now,” I sighed.

My heart quivered when I saw tears swelling up in his big puppy eyes.

“B-But master, you and I haven’t seen each other in days! And…I-I miss you!” he wept.

I crouched down and hugged him, “It’s just really difficult right now, but things can’t go back to normal right away. I just need a little time okay?”

He sniffled before hugging me again. I guided him out and shut the door before shaking my head. That was one of the hardest decisions I ever had to make.

My stomach rumbled in hunger and I groaned. I was barred from food by my fellow Pokéumans. It made me sick. The bell rang and I willed myself to get up and go to Battle Class.

I was starving during the training session, my stomach clawing at itself for food. It was taking a toll on my strength; it was hard to keep up with everyone else.

“Lucario! Keep moving!” called Mr. Dorniyo.

I panted as we ran the longest ten laps of my life.

“Psychic…” I called weakly at one of the many wooden dummies. The energy was so weak it didn’t even leave my paw.

“Ugh…” I moaned as I flopped onto the ground with my ears drooped I was so weak, tired and hungry that it was impossible to use the full extent of my powers.

A Rage Candy Bar landed at the base of my feet. I looked up to see Mr. Dorniyo standing above me.

“Go on, regain your strength. Do not let these events deter you from achieving your best,” he said before slowly walking away.

He was right; I was letting my training slip because of personal issues. I haven’t trained in weeks, and I was already getting rusty. I unwrapped the paper from the bar and began nibbling on it, regaining my strength.

“PSYCHIC!” I called again before shooting a blast of psychic energy that ending up missing the dummy and breaking a piece of the ceiling off. Psychic was STILL giving me trouble even after class had ended. I tried using it to grab my notebook, but I ended up grabbing someone’s pencil. I sighed as I took my notebook and headed to Science & Technology.

“Due to recent events I would like to introduce today’s lesson on human psychology. Why do we feel certain emotions? What triggers them?”

Mr. Galasin’s lesson wasn’t making me feel any better. And I still had to deal with the heckling and whispers behind my back, not that I didn’t know what they were saying. Knowing everyone’s aura can suck sometimes.

“I can guarantee that there is a word that evokes the same reaction in us all. And that word is ‘goodbye.’ Why do we hate goodbyes? Well, implying the meaning of the word as a formal way of leaving, and as basic humans, or Pokéumans, we often rely on each others presence as a sense of comfort. Therefore, saying goodbye implies that the person will be gone from us, removing our form of comfort.”

I replayed Reggie’s death over in my head. His last words burned into my brain.

"Take down Mr. X for all of us. I know you can do it."

Reggie didn’t say goodbye to me then.

Mr. Galasin got into the other emotions, but I hardly paid any attention. Reggie didn’t say goodbye before he died…he didn’t say goodbye…

As class ended, I numbly got up and walked out of the classroom.

“There was a reason I chose today’s lesson…” said a telepathic voice in my head. I looked back to see my Alakazam teacher nodding at me.

An hour later, I was in my room. Mike was playing Halo 4 and Starr was nowhere to be found. I was staring at the ceiling, listening to the various game sounds when there was a frantic knocking at the door. I quickly walked over and opened the door. It was John the Dewott, who was out of breath.

“John? Is that you?” I asked.

“B-Brandon! I-I-I was just looking for you!” he panted frantically.

“What’s wrong?”

“It’s…Cameron…something’s wrong…” he gasped.

Mike, John and I were running for the Gym the moment the words left his lips.

“Cameron…please be alright…” I thought.

As soon as I reached the Gym, I was taken back by a strong, malicious aura. It electrified the room with a powerful force, a force that made me feel sick. I shook my head and fought through it to see Cameron, standing alone in the center, his claws in a fist and quivering. Kyle was there too, also standing back. There were some other Pokéumans in the area, training and running. The few failed to notice the lone Hippopotas in the center.

“Kyle, what’s wrong with him?” I asked.

“He’s been sad when he heard about Reggie’s death, but this morning he found out Mr. Raso had be killed during a Pokéxtinction raid. Now…he’s like this….”

My heart sank, “Mr. Raso is dead?”

Kyle shook his head, “I don’t know, but that’s what we were told, it seems more like he’s MIA, since they didn’t find a body.”

“Why don’t I go talk to him…” said John.

“No,” I said, putting my arm up to block him, “There’s something wrong. His aura is really dangerous and red. Let me talk to him.”

I slowly approached my Hippopotas Buddy. “Cameron…?”

"Why did Mr. Raso and Reggie have to die guys?" he said sadly.

"Cameron," I said, "Their deaths were noble."

Suddenly, a horrible flash of anger appeared on his face.

"But why.....WHY...WHY IS LIFE SO SAD ALL OF TIME? WHY-AUGGGHHHHHHH! I’m SO ANGRY, I COULD JUST- AUUUGGGGGHHH…"

"Cameron?" I asked concerned. I took a step forward when he wrapped his arms around himself. "GET AWAY! IT'S COMING!"

That got the attention of the others, who stopped what they were doing to look at Cameron.

“What’s coming? What is it?” I asked, worried.

Suddenly Cameron roared and went limp. When he looked up, he had an evil look on his face. My heart froze, what was wrong with him?

"......Why do you care?" he said, darkly.

My aura sensors detected a malicious presence inside of Cameron. It didn’t take me long to realize that this evil being must have taken over his body. The best thing I could do now is just try to subdue it through talking.

"Because...I’m your friend." I said.

He let out a dry chuckle "Friend? What are you talking about?"

"Cameron. Listen man, you're not yourself." said Mike, slightly nervous.

"ARE YOU CALLING ME CRAZY?!" he yelled.

"NO! LISTEN!" cried Kyle.

"NONE OF YOU HAVE EVER CARED ABOUT ME! YOU ALL THINK IM WEAK! THAT I HOLD YOU ALL BACK!" he yelled even louder.

“Hey kid, what’s wrong with you?” asked a Vibrava, flying closer.

Cameron snapped his head back at the group and roared evilly.

“Go!” I shouted, “Go get Asula or a nurse or someone! JUST GET HELP!”

The Vibrava, as well as the others, quickly scurried out of the Gym, leaving us four alone. Cameron was beginning to turn even more vicious.

"We've got to get through to him or he'll destroy us all!" cried John.

I nodded and took a step towards him.

"GO AWAY!" he screamed.

I knew this wasn’t Cameron, my friend was trapped in his own body, and it was my job as his Lucario friend to save him.

"SAND TOMB!" he yelled, and the quicksand began to wrap around my hind paws.

“AGH!” I cried as the painful sands whipped my body.

“I got it! WATER PULSE!” John fired it at me, washing the sand off.

“Cameron! You must stop this or I will be forced to stop you myself!” growled Kyle.

“DO IT! DESTROY YOUR FRIEND! HAHAHA!”

Suddenly, Cameron’s body grew in size. His skin turned jet black, and his eyes glowed with an evil red. His teeth sharpened, and his fists became cracked and rocky. He had grown to be at least twelve feet tall, and had turned into the very image of monster.

“What…what has happened to him…” whimpered John.

“I AM IN CONTROL! ALL WHO DEFY ME SHALL BE DESTROYED!” his voice boomed.

“Look! There! In the center of his body!” Kyle quickly pointed to “Cameron’s” chest. I looked closer before I realized it was the real Cameron, trapped in a liquid heart core. He was unconscious and floating inside it.

“SAND CRUSH!”

I roared before the sand wrapped around me, but it was tight! I yelled in pain as the sand crushed me, I felt like my bones and lungs would break.

“Die…” is all evil Cameron whispered as my lungs were about to give out…

“RAZOR SHELL!” John commanded as he slashed his scalchops into the sand, freeing me from its grip.

“Quick! We need to free Cameron from this evil thing! Attack!” I commanded, trying to get my breath back.

“AURA SPHERE!” yelled Kyle and I at the same time as we both fired our spheres at the dark mass but evil Cameron conjured up a sand shield and blocked our attacks, which was normally impossible to dodge.

“WATER PULSE!!!” called John as he shot a glob of water, but Cameron swiped it, and the ball shot off at the four of us, sending us to the floor.

“EARTHQUAKE!” it shouted as it sent a massive crack of earth into the four of us. The pain was awful, I felt like I was going to die right there.

“I promised myself I wouldn’t do this again…but…I have to!” Mike said.

“What are you…” I started.

Mike suddenly grew in size to massive proportions. His skin changed to that of red earth and giant spikes shot from his sides. The blue fissure patterns appeared on his body, and he let out a mighty roar. When he was done transforming, he had become a Groudon, perfect in everyway.

Everyone was silent as Mike examined himself over, checking to make sure he got every detail perfect.

“I…DID…IT! I transformed and I’m not deformed in any way! This is awesome!” he boomed. He then turned to evil Cameron.

“YOU’RE GONNA GET IT YOU PUNK!” he roared.

Mike swung his fist into the ground, sending a massive crack of earth straight into the evil mass that was possessing my friend. It roared as the massive Earthquake made it lose its balance and topple over, the impact breaking the bleachers, knocking over the equipment and leaving huge fissures in the ground.

Cameron attacked, but it was no match fro a Groudon, not even a Ditto clone of one. Mike swiped his claws at him, attacking with a Slash, knocking it to the ground. He then sat on his belly, pinning him to the ground. As it struggled, Kyle, John, and I ran up to where Cameron was trapped inside the gelatinous heart. With a roar, I slammed my fist into the heart, pulling Cameron out. The evil body screeched in pain as it dissolved into a dark shadow and dissipated. Cameron lay on the ground, unconscious.

Just then, Asula burst into the room with several nurses and some of the Pokéumans who were in the gym earlier.

“What happened here?” she asked.

Mike shrunk back down to his normal flubbery self. “What happened here? Cameron went nuts! He turned into this black, large, angry monster dude and attacked us all! But I beat him with my Groudon powers!”

“As well as destroyed the Gym…” replied John.

“It appears an evil presence had possessed his body. I have been fearful of him in the past mission…” replied Kyle.

“WILL SOMEONE PLEASE HELP HIM?!” I yelled.

John and I both lifted the unconscious Hippopotas up and the Chansey nurses carried him away.

Asula looked at the three of us.

“Okay, this base does not need anymore drama, so I must ask the three of you not to mention this to the public. I will have Mr. Galasin give him a psych evaluation. But…this is troublesome…When did he started exhibiting these symptoms?”

“Well, we found out Mr. Raso had gone MIA, and I think it set him off…” said John.

“I have been noticing he has been acting strange lately, like he would get angry and then revert to normal…” I said.

The Milotic sighed and rubbed her head, “I just have to thank the three of you for dealing with this problem. And Mike, I will let you destroying the Gym go if you promise not to turn into Groudon again unless absolutely necessary.”

“Yes miss…” shivered Mike.

“Good, now I suggest you follow the nurses to see if Cameron is all right.”

We all made it to the nurse’s and for two hours, we sat by his side, hoping he was gonna make it.

“Please buddy…” I said. Slowly but surly, one of his eyes opened.

I gasped, "Cameron....is th-that really you?"

He smiled at me as he sat up "Yeah Brandon, who else would it be?"

"Cameron....." said Kyle, smiling.

“You’re awake!” yelled John happily.

“Guys…I’m sorry that things got so crazy…” he said.

“Don’t worry! It wasn’t your fault!” said Mike.

“All that matters is that you’re safe, and that evil mass is gone.” I said.

We hugged each other, “Thank you Lucario Friend…” he said.

Starr entered while we were hugging, and stopped when she saw us.

“Guys, what are you doing here?”

“Cameron had an…issue…” I said, “Are you here to see Ryan?”

“Yeah…he’s still out cold. So, what happened?”

We spent twenty minutes explaining, and another ten for Cameron to be released from the infirmary. Exhausted for the days events, the all of us went back to our rooms.

“I’m not even going to ask if you want dinner…” said Starr as I climbed into my bed. It was early, but after all of the suffering I endured today, I just wanted the day to end. I wanted to forget about Reggie, but I couldn’t.

“No…I just…I just want to sleep…” I moaned as I pulled the covers over my head.

As Starr and Mike began doing why they do best, I curled up in a ball, supposedly protected by my blanket.

“I wish…I could see him again…” I whispered, the image of Reggie still burned inside my mind as I slowly faded into sleep.

After a bright flash of light, I was in the Dream Dimension again in the Dream Forest. The Lucario I have grown to respect appeared before me.

"What is wrong young Pokéuman? You look upset."

I struggled to fight back tears. "My friend…is dead. He sacrificed himself for me."

I started to cry. I didn't want to stop. "I just wish…I told him how much he meant to me…"

Spiritus smiled, "Well why don't you tell him yourself?"

Confused, I looked up. Reggie was standing in front of me.

"REGGIE!!!" I cried and ran over towards him to hug him, but I passed right through him.

"You cannot touch me," Reggie said sadly.

"What? Why?" I asked, confused.

Reggie knelt down at my side, "Brandon, my soul is now a part of yours now. When I sacrificed myself to save your life, I became your Guardian Spirit. My physical body is dead, but my soul lives on... inside of yours. Your Energy Channeling abilities will allow my internal energy to be projected so that you shall be able to see me."

I sniveled a little, trying to hold back the tears and nodded slowly.

"It's been decided," said Spiritus. "From now on, Reggie will become your day guardian, and I shall be your dream guardian. Reggie will appear only in the daytime or when you are awake."

I nodded and turned to the Grovyle. "Reggie, I'm sorry you had to die this way. It's my fault… If only I had seen the laser, if only I had…"

"No," Reggie interrupted, "It wasn't your fault. I just want you to promise me something.”

“What?” I asked.

He looked into my eyes, “Never give up Brandon, never give up…”

A huge burst of white light shot into my eyes, and I felt like I was fading away…

When I opened my eyes, Starr and Mike were sleeping in their beds, and the clock said it was 5:14 in the morning.

“Reggie? Reggie, are you there?” I asked cautiously, looking around room.

There was no answer. My ears drooped; I knew it couldn’t be true.

“Believe in your dreams and they become real…” said a familiar voice from behind me.

I slowly turned around, and a transparent Reggie was sitting on the other side of my bed. I could only stare at him, in total shock. The Grovyle gave me a smile.

I reached my paw out, hoping to touch him, but it only went through.

“As I said, you cannot touch me,” Reggie said.

“It really is you…you’re still here,” I said in disbelief. Even though Spiritus told me in my dream, I still couldn’t believe it.

“Brandon, when I died, I heard your promise that you wouldn’t let my death be in vain. I want you to tell me you’re going to keep that promise.”

I nodded, “I was serious. I’m going to take down Mr. X once and for all…” I said. With that, Reggie nodded and vanished into thin air.

Knowing that Reggie’s spirit was with me, I laid back down, a slight smile on my face, and slowly faded back into sleep.

When I woke up, Starr and Mike were gone and there was a tray of food sitting on the couch. I sat up, hopped out of bed and read the note Mike had scribbled.

“We’re trying to figure out who started this who ‘movement’ against you. For now, enjoy this breakFAST!”  

I rolled my eyes and started to hungrily eat the bacon and eggs in front of me. It gave me a moment to think. Why does everyone hate me for something I didn’t even do?

The announcement speaker went off and Asula’s voice boomed throughout the base.

“Attention students, today we will be hosting the funerals of Reggie the Grovyle and-”

The speaker feed went off, making the second name inaudible.

“-at ten o’ clock in the Auditorium and Training grounds respectively. Please come and pay your respects to these two fallen PRT members. That is all.”

I looked at the clock; it was 9:13 AM.

“I’ll go to your funeral Reggie, I wanna say something to the people who keep blaming me for your death,” I said.

Reggie’s spirit appeared, “That would be best…” he said before vanishing.

Sighing heavily, I pushed on the crystal door, which the scratches still on it and slowly ventured outside, where immediately I was met with booing from a tiny crowd that had gathered outside. They were throwing things at me and yelling obscenities.

Something inside me snapped.

“LEAVE…ME...ALONE!!!!!!” I roared.

That sent them scurrying in different directions. I sighed and slid with my back on the wall.

“Reggie…this is the result of your death…” I sighed.

I really wanted to slink back into my room and disappear, but I stood back up, dusted myself off, and proceeded to walk down the hallways.

As I rounded the corner, I heard familiar voices, voices I haven’t heard since…I peered my head into the adjacent hallways to see Nat the Weavile arguing with Scott the Electabuzz and Milton the Skuntank, in other words, the M.S.N. gang.

“Do we really have to do this?” whined Nat.

“This is finally our time to take our vengeance on that heroic loser, and you’re backing out?!” yelled Scott.

“Yeah, he’s had it coming for a while! Kick him while he’s down!’ said Milton.

“B-But launching an entire smear campaign against him? Isn’t that a little extreme?” asked Nat.

“Are you in, or out?” asked Scott menacingly.

Nat shook his head, “I just can’t…you’ve gone too far guys…”

“Man what is wrong with you?” shouted Milton.

The Weavile ran away from the two, rounding the corner and ended up smacking right into me.

“Hey! Watch it pun…oh my god! It’s you!” shouted Nat, almost collapsing to the ground.

“O-Oh…i-it’s y-you…” the Weavile stammered.

“I heard…” I said.

“Look man…it wasn’t my idea! They wanted to get back at you for all the crap we put you through, and when they heard about Reggie’s death...they started spreading nasty rumors about you! And…”

“It’s okay, I believe you,” I said simply.

“Y-You do?” he asked feebly.

“Yeah, and don’t worry, I’ll get back at them and I promise I won’t beat on you,” I said, patting him on the back.

“Don’t worry…I’m getting tired of this whole thing anyways, if they get hit, I’ll be the one to drag them off the floor,” Nat said.

“Thanks man,” I said as he and I both shook paws.

I quietly followed Scott and Milton all the way to the gym. A small group of Pokéumans had gathered. I slowly poked my head through the door where various angry Pokéumans were talking about Reggie’s death.  

Scott was standing on a milk crate in the center, with a group of Pokéumans surrounding him, cheering him on.

“Reggie was one of our base’s heroes! And it’s because of Brandon he’s dead! Who is this Lucario to take away one of this base’s true heroes! He used him as a shield to protect himself! Now is our time to rise!”

Despite the fact everything Scott was saying was wrong, I had to slightly admire his public speaking skills.

“Um Reggie? You there?” I asked.

I waited for a second before the Grovyle’s spirit appeared.

“I’m here, and I’ve been listening to them. Despicable bunch…” he said with a grim tone.

“I mean, how can they even listen to those jerks? Scott and Milton are some of the most hated Pokéumans here at the base!”

“It’s common psychology,” he said, “I, as an Honorary Elite, have made so many friends while I was still alive. I helped rescue so many Pokéumans here that I was a hero to them. When a tragedy like this occurs, what happens? People try finding someone to blame, a scapegoat to say. Who better to blame than you?”

“Yeah, I understand, and it sucks. But if I just rush in and knock the daylights out of Scott, that’ll just show everyone that I’m the monster. I need a way to get back at him without physically confronting him.”

The Grovyle and thought for a moment. Suddenly, I had an idea.

“Do you think you can project yourself so that you can be seen and heard?” I asked.

“I might be if I can find a clear energy source to link myself to,” he replied.

“Great! Now we just gotta get Scott and Milton alone…”

After the two had ended their speech, they both headed back to their rooms, walking down the same empty hallway that I bumped into Nat. I hid behind the same corner and waited as they came down the hallway. I closed my eyes and focused my energies on Reggie’s spirit. Using my Energy Channeling abilities, I released the energy so that it would take the shape of a Grovyle. Soon enough, a projection of Reggie became visible, over twice his original size. The two bullies froze as the transparent Grovyle materialized in front of the two bullies.

“AGH! WHAT THE?!” shouted Scott, almost falling to the floor from shock.

“YOU HAVE ANGERED MY SPIRIT!” roared Reggie’s voice in a menacing tone (it was really my voice, but I guess they were too shocked to notice.)

“B-B-B-But you’re d-d-dead!” stammered Milton, staring horrified at the apparition.

“YOUR ACTIONS HAVE DISGRACED MY MEMORY! CEASE AT ONCE OR YOU SHALL FEEL THE WRATH OF MY UNDEAD SOUL!!!”

I even threw an Aura Sphere at the ceiling, causing it to spark and rocks to crumble. The two bullies screamed in terror and ran for their lives. I laughed as I walked back out.

“I think that took care of the problem,” said Reggie.

“Now let’s head to your funeral,” I sighed with a sad smile.

It was almost ten when I made it to the auditorium. Many Pokéumans had gathered inside, all to respect one of the strongest members of the Long Island PRT. Amy the Jigglypuff and Darren the Golurk were there, with Darren silently comforting the crying Jigglypuff. I noticed a Tangrowth sitting in center of the seats. A familiar Tangrowth that we parted ways from in the city.

“Val? Is that you?” I asked.

He nodded, “Yes, it is me; I came as soon as I heard. I can’t believe this is the last time I’m gonna see my buddy…”

I put my paw on his shoulder, “I know, I can’t believe it either…”

Silently walking down the aisle, I heard Asula whispering my name from behind the curtain. I made my up to see the Milotic waiting for me.

“How are you feeling?” she asked.

“Better…I just needed some time for myself…” I murmured.

“Understandable. I hate to rush your recovery, but when the funeral is over, Commander Cuczcoff would like to speak to you about the Dimensional Gems.”

I nodded, “Is it okay if I make a speech though?”

Asula sighed before placing her mechanical hand on my chin.  

“Yes Brandon, yes you can. I would like to say right now how proud I am of you for handling the situations you’ve been dealt with. I know this is taken a lot off you, and you have my eternal gratitude for all you have done for us.”

I gave a small smile, “You said it yourself, this is my new life, and I have to accept it. My journey with Reggie taught me that.”

I stepped down from the stage and took a seat as they laid out Reggie’s coffin. Nathan the Pidgeot arrived a short time later.

“Brandon, hello there…” he said quietly.

“Hi Nathan, it’s been a while…” I said back.

The two of us looked at each other before we both embraced in a hug, the bird trying his best not to cry his eyes out.

“I’m gonna miss him…” shuddered Nathan.

“Me too man…me too…” I replied, patting his feathered back.

“He will never be forgotten…his sacrifice won’t be in vain…”

After patting each other on the back, we both let go of each other.

“So…how’s Zane doing?” I asked curiously.

“He’s…very well…Pokéxtinction’s influence over him seems to have faded. It’s nice to have my brother back.”

With a sad smile, Nathan and I sat down next to each other as Asula slid over to the microphone.

“Fellow Pokéumans, today we are here to celebrate the life and tragic death of on of our most prestigious PRT members this base has ever seen. Reggie the Grovyle was the hero for most of us, rescuing many Pokéumans, not just here but in other states as well. He is also one of the youngest to make the Honorary Elite rank, a rank that garners respect. We mourn now, but we keep on living, knowing his sacrifice would make our lives better. And now, the last person to see him alive, Brandon the Lucario would like to say a few words.”

I got a few claps as I took the stage. As I made my way center-stage, I stared into the coffin. Reggie's body was laid out as if he was sleeping, his arms folded onto his chest the laser wound still over his heart. Around his neck was the star-shaped medal that read "Pokéumans National Medal of Valor." I sniffled a little as I took the microphone.

“I just want to say right now, I considered Reggie not just a close friend, but a role model. He always strived to help others and protect the weak. He taught me moves that have helped me out of jams; he showed me that I can be strong. But, I know some of you think it’s right to blame me for his death, but I want you to know that doing so disrespects the kind of person he was. He was willing to forgive, and I wish you can see that. Reggie may be gone physically, but his spirit lives on.”

With that, I walked off stage. As I made my way back to my seat, a slow clap was heard that slowly evolved into applause. I nodded as I sat next to the smiling Nathan, who was clapping his wings together.

Reggie's spirit appeared next to me, "You made a great speech Brandon; I know I would've liked that," He gave me a small smile.

I turned to him and slowly, I gave him a smile too. "I'm sorry…" I whispered.

He looked into my eyes, "Don't be…" he said and vanished again.

There were more PRT members that gave Reggie’s eulogy, and I sat there quietly. Many saying how Reggie inspired them, or how they wouldn’t be at the base if it weren’t for him. It was very inspirational.

As I left the auditorium, I saw Asula beckoning me.

“Hey Nathan, I think Commander Cuczcoff wants to see me, do you mind if you tag along too?” I asked.

The Pidgeot nodded as we walked to the PRT command center.

“In here boys,” said Asula as she gestured to the door. As Nathan and I walked inside, Asula closed the door around us. I looked around to realize I wasn’t alone. Many of my friends were here, Mike, Cameron, Kyle, Sakato, John and even AB, who was looking at me with his puppy eyes.

“Guys, what are you doing here?” I asked, surprised.

“We helped get the gems, so we wanted to be here for you,” said Kyle.

“Yeah, I’m here for you,” said Sakato.

“So am I!” said John, showing off his scalchops.

“Master…” AB said before running over and clinging himself onto my leg.

“Where’s Starr?” I asked, looking around.

“She’s visiting Ryan, but she said she’d be here,” said Mike.  

Amy and Darren were both standing next to Commander Cuczcoff, who was with someone I wasn’t expecting.

“It is good to see you again Brandon…” said Dean the Typhlosion.

“You were telling the truth after all…” I said.

“Yes, I had Mew, better know as Satoshi Tajiri, confirm that Dean was in fact a trained mole. Brandon, the time is almost among us for your next mission. But before that, I must ask, are you ready?”

I looked around at the room full of faces. Everyone looked ready, so I was too. I turned to the Escavalier and nodded confidentially.

“Dean, if you will,” said the Commander.

The Typhlosion clicked a remote that was in his hand, bringing up the holograph in the center.

“As you know, Mr. X is using the Dimensional Gems to tear a hole in the fabric of time and space in order to enter the dimension where the original Pokémon escaped to. He plans on using the various brainwashed Pokéumans Pokéxtinction has captured over the years to build a gigantic army in order to take control of it. Once he has control, he will bring a never-ending army of Pokémon into this world, where he will conquer it easily…”

We all shuddered at the thought.

“Mr. X has put years of extensive research into the PokéDimension. While we do not know the exact layout, we’ve come to discover a channel of islands in the center of the world. These isles contain special portals that connect to the lands of various legendary Pokémon. But, the most important is here in the center, this mountain here. This is where Arceus resides…”

“How do you know that?” asked Nathan.

“This is where the central energy radiates, sort of like the Big Bang has an energy reading, sort of like an echo. When the world was created, it had to start somewhere, and it starts here at this mountain. It is natural for Arceus to reside in the place of which it created.”

“So…what’s the plan?” I asked.

“Well Brandon, we’re here to stop Mr. X at all costs, so we need to enter the Pokémon Dimension first and warn Arceus of Mr. X’s oncoming army.”

“Well what are we waiting for?! Let’s go and kick some Mewtwo butt!” yelled Mike as he grabbed one of the Dimensional Gems placed on the table. He shook it and tapped it, but nothing happened.

Commander Cuczcoff grabbed him by his flubbery arm.  

“Patience, we don’t need to go just yet, besides the gems require a powerful energy source in order to activate them. We’re preparing a machine that will amplify the power of the gems so the portal will be big enough for our most experienced troops to enter. We plan on leaving in a few days.”

Suddenly, the door of the command room burst open and a familiar Lucario burst through the door. It was Starr, with a frantic look on her face.

“Brandon…Commander…Ryan has…escaped…!” she said with tears in her eyes.

“What?!” both of us shouted at the same time.

“Nurse Blissey said that Ryan suddenly woke up, attacked the staff and fought his way out of the base! They said his eyes were gray again…it’s impossible…”

“Pokéxtinction’s influence must’ve been stronger than we thought…” said Sakato.  

Just then, a Beedrill flew into the room.

“Commander! We have reports that a massive Pokéxtinction ambush is marching towards the base! It appears to be at least a thousand Pokéxtinction agents and brainwashed Pokéumans! Someone has breached our security defenses!”

“WHAT?!” we all shouted.

Not a moment later, a huge explosion shook the ground, sending everybody to the floor.

“What was that?!” yelled AB, still clung to my leg.

“The security monitor! Pull it up!” shouted Commander Cuczcoff.

Darren quickly ran over to the computer and pulled up the security feed from the grand hallway. The door had been blasted open, and hundreds of brainwashed Pokémon flooded the entrance way, led by Starr’s brother Ryan. They began invading the base, as Asula exited her office and began to fight them off.

“ATTENTION STUDENTS!” said a voice from the speakers. “THE LONG ISLAND BASE IS UNDER ATTACK! PLEASE RETURN TO YOUR ROOMS IMMEDIATELY AND DO NOT LEAVE. ALL PRT MEMBERS AND STAFF REPORT TO THE FRONT ENTRACE NOW! THIS IS NOT A DRILL, I REPEAT, THIS IS NOT A DRILL!!!”

“No…” she said, “It can’t be…”

“What are we going to do?!” shouted Cameron.

“Quick! Everyone get into the safety room!” yelled Amy, as a steel door in the command center opened.

Everyone in the room, me, Starr, Mike, Cameron, Kyle, Sakato, Nathan, John, AB, Amy, Darren, Dean and the Commander all ran inside, taking the gems with them.

“The LI Base is under attack! We need to go back and help!” I shouted.

“No! They’re here to capture you and take back the gems,” said Dean.

“Pokéxtinction’s brainwashing must’ve been stronger than we realized. Ryan must have escaped and has led an army back to us,” said Darren.

“There is no time! We need to use the gems now!” said the Commander.

“What? Now?!” yelled Kyle.

“There is no time to finish the machine, and we need our as many PRT members here as possible to protect this base, and I have to stay and command them all. So, I’m depending on the twelve of you to infiltrate the dimension until we can get more of our own inside. With only four gems, it should just be enough.”

“But how are we going to use these gems? Didn’t you say they needed a powerful energy source to use them?” I said.

“Think Brandon, where else can we find something that has the power to transfer energy?” asked Dean.

I thought for a second before it came to me. “I can…” I said with realization.

“The reason we need you is because you alone have to power to activate the gems without the use of a machine. Your Energy Channeling is how we were able to find the gems, and now we need you to use your powers to awaken the dormant energy within the gems. You alone are our savior.”

Everyone looked at me as I took a deep breath. It was my destiny to do this, and whether I wanted to or not, I had to do this.

“Mr. X needs to pay for killing Reggie, for enslaving poor innocent Pokéumans, and for taking countless people from their families.”

The base shook again as we heard banging at the doors of the command center.

“Go, I’ll stay here and ward them off, take care you guys,” said Commander Cuczcoff  before turning to the Golurk and the Jigglypuff, “Amy and Darren, I’m expecting big things from you. With Reggie gone, I am proud to say you two are some of the finest PRT members we have.”

“T-Thank you sir…” said Amy with a salute.

“I’ll make sure that we win!” said Darren.  

He sharpened his arm lances and burst through the doors. Some of the brainwashed Pokéumans made it to the center, but the Escavalier let out a battle cry before rushing them with X-Scissor. Darren quickly slammed the safe door shut.

“Go ahead Brandon, we’re all ready…” said Sakato.

The eleven faces that stood before me made me realize I wasn’t alone. I had all of my friends, and I shared my destiny with them.

“Okay, here I go!”

I held the four gems in my paws as I closed my eyes and focused. I channeled the energy from all of my friends, the people who have stood by me throughout my adventure, and I transferred it into my body, creating a hot, prickly sensation. Slowly, the energy flowed from my body through my arms, out of my paws, and into the gems. The gems began glowing brightly and shaking violently. Everyone gasped as I dropped them onto the ground.

They shone brilliantly, almost as bright as the sun, before they levitatied into the air and began spinning wildly. We could only stare at the magnificent spectacle before us. They stopped for a brief moment before they exploded, ripping a hole in the fabric of reality with a loud whooshing sound and a blinding light.

When we opened our eyes, there was a blue vortex sitting where the gems were. It was getting smaller and smaller by the second.

“Come on! We must hurry!” shouted Dean as he jumped headfirst into the portal. Cameron, Sakato, Nathan, Kyle, John, Amy, Darren, Mike, and AB each followed suit. Starr and I gave each other a reassuring nod as she entered the portal. I stared into it, even though it was shrinking to a point where it was now or never. This was it; there was no turning back now.

“Mr. X, I’m coming for you!” I yelled confidently as I jumped inside to, the portal closing shut behind me.