1. Ash's Story (Part 7: Kalos)

Chapter 56

A week has passed, and during this week, Emma has been going out more and more often. My mom and dad find it worrying, not knowing where she goes, it is until Nix and the others tell us that Emma secured part-time work that at least we understand Emma's feelings.

My mom says, "Guys, look at this."

The three of us see the Holo Caster clip, and we find Malva there. I ask, "Isn't Malva turning herself in?"

"She was released after a few days and she's doing some community services. And now she's back to work." My mom says.

"We bring you a special bulletin... Late last night, an intruder broke into the Lumiose Museum and damaged a painting. Museum staff said that security is very tight and breaking into the museum is impossible. The culprit remains at large."

We all look at the news with surprise, and I ask, "So are we going to investigate?"

"I actually have an appointment soon that I cannot possibly miss, so I am stuck here... I hate to ask this of you, but I need you to start the investigation without me! I will be counting on your keen eyes,! Go at once to the Lumiose Museum on North Boulevard, and get to the bottom of this mess!"

The three of us nod as we head to the Lumiose Museum, after we go inside, we find an artist who says, "Hey, guys! Listen to this! You've got some timing, picking today of all days to come to the museum... Or are you here because you heard about what happened? Someone went and left some crazy graffiti on a piece on the third floor! Some kind of depraved criminal, I guess, sabotaging a historic and valuable artwork! You know, this place is supposed to have the strictest security. I wonder how a criminal would get access... Head up to the top floor, and you can see the outrage. Believe me, it's unbelievable. The museum director's up there, too. Maybe he can tell you more."

Serena says, "You know, did you remember Doctor Bellmond? What if he's returned?"

"I don't know...we did come here to stop him before..." I say.

And when we get to the top floor, we find the director and he says, "I am the museum director. May I ask you a question, young children? When you behold this graffiti, what feelings rise up within you? Do you feel the value of this glorious work of art has been affected? Does it seem too, too sullied to you?"

"Well, I guess it really makes us really mad." I say.

"Hmm... Yes, I can understand that. That would be the common opinion, would it not? Defacing a historical piece with graffiti... Defacing the history embodied by this great work of art! Consider the effort and pains of the artist... Well, it is simply profane to have treated this work so savagely! The problem is what to do now. Trying to restore the original work may worsen the damage. I think we will have to leave it as it is until we can decide. I suppose if the news brings curious citizens like yourself to our doors, that is something of a silver lining. But who could be responsible for this shocking work?"

After we go out of the museum, Alice mutters, "This is not really nice..."

"Yeah..." I sigh as we get another announcement from the holo caster. "We have another special bulletin. Poké Ball thefts are rampant in Lumiose City. The thief strikes directly after Pokémon battles, when Trainers let their guard down. These crimes are thought to be the work of a single individual, but reports on the suspect's features vary greatly, so authorities are struggling to identify him-or her. These crimes are occurring in back alleys and in other places where there are few people around. Residents of Lumiose City should exercise caution."

Serena says, "This is awful..."

I also get a call from Mom, and she asks us to return home right now. And once we get there, Mom and Dad are discussing about this, and my mom says, "Adam and I have devised a plan that will bring an immediate solution. It will be a sting operation."