Love in the Time of Turbulence

Chapter 11: A Counter

The Kalos League began today! And I'll admit to a little disappointment, but I'm sure the other episodes will make up for it, right? Well, hopefully Chapter 11 won't disappoint! So, let'z go! (Yes, I had to...)

Chapter 11

A Counter

"We're here, Diantha," called Kathi Lee, prompting Serena to look out the window. Sure enough, the rustic tiled rooves of Nova Town were right below them, slowly approaching as the helicopter descended. Craning her neck a little, Serena could see that the marketplace was still in shambles, but the townspeople were back on their feet, cleaning through the mess. She really didn't want to imagine how many had been injured in the attack yesterday, judging by the Pokémon Center's population. "How long do you plan on staying this time?"

"Not sure," Diantha answered. "We're here for information, and I'm not quite so sure how quick it will be to get any. Keep in contact, and let the League know my status. I'm sure the president is working towards any details."

"Oh, yes, that reminds me," the other woman responded, slipping a note over to Diantha. The Champion read it unblinkingly and then nodded. "He said he's waiting for your call."

"Then I'll make that the first thing to do upon landing. Be careful, Kathi; we don't know what Team Neo's plan is, so you should head away from here. I'll contact you when everything is in the clear."

"Roger that, Diantha," she replied and the helicopter promptly touched down. Diantha was the first out, but Serena wasn't far behind her, with Astrid and Rocky taking up the rear. Straightening her fedora a little bit, Serena followed after the Champion. They were here to find facts, and without having a place to start, following her seemed to be the best option for the moment. The older female immediately started making way for the Pokémon Center. Serena weaved her way through some of the citizenry of Nova Town, a few of them bruised but otherwise okay as they were helped along by (or were helping) their Pokémon. At the very least, the Pokémon Center seemed to be less busy than it was before.

"So, what are we doing here?" Rocky asked loudly. Serena shrugged while Diantha outright ignored him to reach the phone. The honey blonde watched as she waited for the line to connect and a man's face appeared on screen. She didn't recognize him, nor did she hear much of what he was saying, but Diantha appeared to be nodding.

"Then it was an impostor?" she asked. The man on the screen appeared to say something to confirm it. "Can't believe we never noticed that...and you're sure Aaron is all right?"

Now, Serena could hear something from the man on the other end. "Physically, he's fine. Mind still recovering from the Hypnosis, though. Had they attacked him back home we would have noticed sooner, but..."

"Thanks for your hard work. At least now we know that no one overtly betrayed the League," Diantha concluded. The man nodded and the conversation seemed to end, the line going dead with it while Diantha turned to look at her current companions.

"Is there something wrong, Champion?" Astrid asked. Serena watched Diantha's face, noting that she seemed slightly perturbed, as if she wasn't sure if she should say anything. Eventually, though, she sighed loudly.

"No. It appears we've found our 'traitor'," she explained. Hearing that, Serena's eyes narrowed as she listened intently. "One of the Sinnoh Elite Four was en route to the Summit location when supposedly one of his Pokémon got sidetracked by a signal from a similar Pokémon. He was taken captive and then hypnotized, likely by that Mismagius, to reveal the location of the Summit. One of Team Neo's operatives then impersonated him to give the signal to strike. Apparently, they let him wander aimlessly until he stumbled into Santalune City. They just got finished interrogating him."