I stood before the Communicator, a slip of slightly crumpled paper in hand. The paper was printed with a set of numbers—Arietta's personal number. I clearly recalled her saying to call her once Meteor evolved, and I wanted nothing more than to learn the purpose of the gray stone I've had with me all this time and what it had to do with my stickpin.

   Arceus-dammit, Steven! Make the freaking call! Meteor exclaimed loudly, almost making me jump out of my skin.

   I am, you have no need to rush me, I said. Glancing at the number one last time, I punched in the numbers on the keypad.

   Words on the device's screen reading that a number had been entered lasted for a quick moment and were replaced with a loading icon, a dull-toned ring echoing from it every three seconds.

   Two rings

   Is... she going to answer?

   Four rings.

   With every bland tone I grew more impatient and discouraged.

   Six rings.

   She won't answer, will she?

   Eight rings, and my heart had fully sunken. No, she won't. As I reached out to cancel the call by the tenth ring, the screen's image changed to one of a blue-eyed girl I definitely recognized.

   "Um, who is this?" She looked confused, her eyes narrowed.

   "Arietta!" I sighed in relief. "It's me, Steven. Do you remember that you gave me your number a while ago?"

   "Of course I remember! How could I forget?" Her face lit up and she smiled. "It's been a while, hasn't it? So what's going on? Do you need something?"

   "As a matter of fact, I do. You told me to contact you when Meteor evolved. And, well, he's now a Metagross," I said, letting some pride seep into my voice. I wouldn't have lied if someone asked if I was proud of my partner's evolution.

   "Really? That's great! And I'm guessing you want that information I promised you, huh?"

   "It would be very much appreciated," I replied.

   "You're lucky to have caught me while I wasn't busy. Tell me where you are right now," she said. I told her, and she glanced at a watch she was wearing. "Okay! Give me forty-five minutes tops, and I'll be there. I need to pick up something first. A flight from Lilycove to Fortree is a breeze when Stella uses Dragon Dance a few times," Arietta explained, giggling. "Wait for me out on Route 120. See ya then!" The call then ended.

  After the call ended, I sighed and let my shoulders slouch. Forty-five minutes? Why did that seem like such a long time?

   At least it's not tomorrow or whatever, Meteor quipped.

   I agreed with him and looked over at the next Communicator. Wallace was showing off his Feather Badge to the video feed of his father on the computer-like device, talking a mile a minute. Seeing the genuine happiness he displayed, I couldn't help but smile.

—~*~—

Hey, Steven? Meteor looked at me. All of us were waiting on Route 120 for Arietta to arrive. Because of the huge amount of open space, I decided to let Meteor out. There was no reason why I couldn't have, so why not take advantage of it? I was leaning against one of his legs, and with him being the amazing Pokémon he was, he had no qualms with it. Do you still have that gray stone? he asked.

   Of course I do, I wouldn't have contacted Arietta if I didn't. Why do you ask? I responded, lazily meeting his gaze.

   Can I... have it? he questioned sheepishly.

   My brow furrowed in confusion. What sort of question is that? Why do you want it?

   I don't know. He squinted his eyes a little and he sounded puzzled. Since I evolved I've just kinda wanted it. Like, I was meant to have it or something. I can't explain it.

   If you had some way of holding it then I'd gladly give it to you, though I don't know why you'd want it at all, I said, retrieving the stone from my pocket and examining it. Nothing about it looked particularly interesting. Strangely, the "aura" that it always gave off somehow seemed different. I couldn't exactly say why. Without warning Meteor snatched the stone from my hand with his telekinesis. You're welcome, I muttered sarcastically.

   Sorry, I just really wanted it! he apologized.

   You sound like Winona when she 'accidentally' purchases something overly-expensive with Wallace's money, I remarked. What has gotten into you?

   Don't ask me, ask the rock! He practically shoved the stone in my face. You used to talk to these things, maybe one'll answer you for once! First time for everything.

   Can we drop that, please? I was hoping you had forgotten about it, I muttered, pushing the stone away from me.

   Not when it's so weird! Meteor laughed. My face flushed hot, and I looked away from him. I knew he wasn't trying to be mean, but I couldn't stop myself from feeling embarrassed.

   Be grateful that I'm too nice to return you to your ball for saying that, I said, trying to hide my abashment.

   Yeah, lucky me! he snickered, grinning slyly. The conversation thankfully ended there when Wallace speaking to Winona caught my attention. I left Meteor to examine "his" stone and not-so-subtlety listened in on the half-siblings' exchange.

   "Winnie, you've been so quiet today. Is everything okay?" Wallace asked. Winona idly sat by with her flock of birds around her, all staring up at the sky. She seemed like she wasn't listening. Wallace repeated his question and she then acknowledged him with nonchalance.

   "Can I ask you a question?" she replied, patting Combusken's head as the duo sat beside each other. "Could you see me as a Gym Leader?" she asked.

   "I... guess I can. It would be a little odd, though," Wallace said.

   "Then you'll have to make it seem less weird," she pouted. After a moment's pause she declared, "Because I wanna be a Gym Leader!"

   Both Wallace and I were surprised by Winona's statement, but it was Wallace who responded. "A Gym Leader? Winnie, don't you know how long that would take? How much training and studying you would have to do?"

   The girl shrugged, standing up and facing her brother. "So? It doesn't sound that different from any Trainer-related job. After I talked with Miss Sierra I thought about becoming a Leader. All you really have to do is be an expert on the type of Pokémon the Gym you're trying out for specializes in, and that Normandy girl's a Leader." She spread her arms out in an imitation of wings. Her lavender eyes bore through her goggles, containing utmost seriousness. "The one thing I wanna do the most is fly with my bird Pokémon. If I can be the Flying Leader, then I can fly anytime I want!"

   So that was why she asked me about becoming a Leader last night... "I think it's great that you want to pursue a position in Gym Leadership," I chimed in. "If you have the confidence then it wouldn't hurt to try."

   Winona grinned happily when she heard my positive comment, and I was met with an astonished look from Wallace. I silently mouthed to him, "Let her do what makes her happy." He was unenthusiastic but seemed to agree with me, clearly remembering our conversation the other day. I knew he would figure out what he really wanted to do soon, and I didn't need a premonition to tell me that.

   "Sorry I'm late!" Arietta's voice suddenly sounded from somewhere inside the tall grass. There was a lot of rustling, and she burst out from the nearly six-foot high fronds. Her dress and leggings were splotched with dust, and bits of grass were stuck in her hair. "Stella kind of crash-landed when I told her to dive down," she said, smoothing down her wind-tossed hair.

   "It's not a problem at all! At least you don't seem injured," I said.

   "Eh, I would've healed up eventually!" Arietta said with a laugh. "Now that I'm here, we can get right down to business! But first, I have something for Meteor." She took out a strange metal band from her bag. It was in the shape of a "U" and was made, to my astonishment, out of pure stainless steel. Each end of the band had a sort of half-moon shaped indent, making me think they were meant to be put together.

   Cool, thanks! Meteor exclaimed. What does it do..?

   "I think it goes around your leg or something," Winona answered, taking the band from Arietta and presenting it to the confused Metagross. He looked at me for confirmation and I shrugged. How was I supposed to know?

   After some brief experimentation, Meteor used his psychic power to bend the band around his front right leg, creating some kind of bangle. The gray stone looked like it would fit in the combined indentation, and it turned out my assumption was correct. It now seemed like Meteor was wearing a stainless steel bracelet with the stone set in its center.

   "Okay, now Meteor has a brace to hold his Metagrossite," Arietta remarked.

   "Metagrossite?" Meteor and I asked, incredulous.

   "Yep! Metagrossite!" Arietta repeated the stone's unusual name. "Have you ever heard the term 'Mega Evolution?'"

   "No, I haven't. What does it have to do with Meteor's... Metagrossite?" The name felt strange to say and rolled off my tongue sloppily.

   "I'll try my best to explain without it turning into a history lesson," Arietta said. "So in the Kalos region, the regional professor—Professor Hawthorne—had started a new research project a couple years ago after the discovery of several strange stones near Shalour City.

   "I'm not too sure how they figured out this next part, but when the stones were distributed to Trainers and their Pokémon, a new type of evolution was discovered. This evolution allows certain kinds of fully-evolved Pokémon to evolve even further for a limited time. Professor Hawthorne dubbed it Mega Evolution."

   I took a moment to let this new information sink in. I had heard of Pokémon evolving with stones before but this sounded like it was on an entirely different level, especially if it had earned a title as grandiose as "Mega Evolution." Arietta wouldn't have explained if there was no reason to. "So what you're saying is that Meteor is one of the Pokémon capable of this 'Mega Evolution?'" I asked, sure of where she was going with this.

   "Yep! You've technically had the tools to achieve Mega Evolution all this time. The last thing you needed was Meteor to have fully evolved." She brought out Stella, and I noticed that the Altaria wore a necklace holding a round pink stone that I hadn't seen her wearing previously. It had a blue swirl inside it and resembled a palette-swapped version of Meteor's stone.

   "See, there are three things essential to Mega Evolution," Arietta started. "The first thing you need is a Mega Stone that pertains to your Pokémon's species." Stella moved her head so her necklace caught the light. "Next, you need to have a stone known as a Key Stone for the Trainer, which in your case is your stickpin." She pointed at the stone set in her treble clef pendant, and then to my stickpin. "And something that has been observed but not confirmed yet: A strong bond between Pokémon and Trainer," she finished.

   The multicolored gem on my jacket glittered in the sunlight, as if flaunting its newfound importance. I could scarcely believe it. This entire time I had been carrying around not only a Mega Stone but a Key Stone as well. Obviously no one in my family knew the gem was a Key Stone, nobody had ever been a Trainer. And as for a strong bond, it wasn't exactly a secret that I was close with Meteor. By this point he was essentially my second half.

   "Now that I've told you that, I'll show you how you can activate Mega Evolution," Arietta said with a smile.

   "Wait, you can do it right this second?" I asked.

   "Yes I can. It's not that difficult to trigger, just watch!" She exchanged a small nod with Stella, then grasped her pendant tightly in one hand. "Stella, Mega Evolve!" she commanded.

Light leaked from between her fingers in tandem with Stella's stone producing light of its own, and the Altaria was engulfed in a ball of shimmering purple and white light. In the next moment it almost seemed like the light hardened around her like a shell, from which glowing cracks began to form from an unknown cause.

   The light burst away in a shower of shimmering fragments, revealing Stella, or what I thought was Stella. The Altaria had seemed to double in size, her cloud-like wings having gained easily twice the amount of feathers they used to have. Her tail was longer than her entire body, and she had grown a collar of feathers.

   "Altaaar!" Stella sung, spreading her wings wide. Her feathers had acquired a pink sheen that made them glisten mystically. A double-helix made of rainbow energy formed above her head when she cried out, showing that this was no ordinary evolution. I was in awe of Stella's new form, and so was Meteor. His jaw had dropped, and he was actually speechless.

   "Now it's your turn." Arietta smiled at me.

   After witnessing Stella's transformation, I was more than excited to try triggering Mega Evolution. Stella absolutely radiated power and energy, and it was exhilarating to watch her transform. Let's try it! Meteor, are you ready?

   Yes! Oh my Arceus, yes! he replied giddily.

   "Keep in mind you don't have to do it exactly how I did, but you have to make contact with your Key Stone in some way," Arietta informed. "Make it personal. After all, not everyone has the honor of being a Mega Evolution user. It's a privilege not even the majority of the privileged can have access to."

   Make it personal... I glanced at my partner and gave what I wanted to do here some serious consideration. I wanted this process to be special, to belong to us and us alone. Here goes nothing.

   With two fingers I delicately plucked the stickpin from my jacket, holding it like the heirloom it was. I then brought it close to my face, almost to the point where it could touch my lips. I thought of the bond between Meteor and me, and I could feel energy starting to flow from the Key Stone in waves like a pulse. It was an overwhelmingly positive energy, one that filled me with invigoration. To finish the activation, I extended my arm out towards Meteor like I was reaching for him, stickpin still in hand.

   "Meteor, Mega Evolve!" I stated in a stern, potent tone that didn't sound like it could have come from someone like me. Our stones glowed in tandem, the light enveloped my partner, and he transformed. The results were nothing short of incredible.

   It was strange, it seemed like he had regained some of his traits from when he was a Metang. He hovered in midair, and his legs had taken on the role of arms, though he now had eight instead of four. The "X" on his face had turned the color of gold, and his claws were wickedly sharp. He looked nothing short of intimidating, and that was putting it lightly. Like Stella, the strange double-helix symbol formed above him before vanishing.

   Meteor looked at his arms and flexed his claws, going wide-eyed at the sight of them. This is amazing! he exclaimed. His voice was slightly distorted and echoed with strong reverberations. He raised two of his arms in preparation of a Meteor Mash and plunged them downwards into the earth, creating grass-rippling shockwaves that sent all of us who were standing to the ground. Haha! I've never felt so powerful! Valerie won't stand a chance against us!

   "Who's Valerie?" Arietta asked as she picked herself up.

   "No one important," I answered quickly, shooting Meteor a disapproving frown. I didn't want this moment spoiled by the mere mention of Valerie's name. "I heard you say that Mega Evolution lasts for a limited time. So for how long does a Pokémon remain Mega Evolved?" I asked, trying to change the subject.

   "In battle, they stay evolved until they faint or the battle's over. When used outside of battle, it doesn't last for more than a minute or so. I think Mega Evolving was meant as a 'last resort' kind of action, considering it doesn't last nearly as long when the Pokémon's not battling." As if on cue, Stella emitted a blue glow and upon fading she had reverted back to her normal form.

   Aw, really? That's no fun, Meteor sighed. A second later he too reverted and crashed down to the grass.

   "What did you expect?" I remarked. "She said it was limited."

   Then use me in every battle from now on! he proclaimed, slamming one of his legs into the dirt and frowning when nothing of substance happened.

   "You know I can't! It wouldn't be fair to the others," I said. He shot me a look of fake indignity before trying to use Meteor Mash on the ground again with unsatisfactory results. "Stop doing that! You're going to waste that move's Power Points!" As he continued to ignore me I was startled by a hand being placed on my shoulder, relaxing when I saw that it was Wallace.

   "Did you forget I was here?" he chuckled. "So... Mega Evolution, huh? You're really lucky, Stevie." He gave me one of his trademark smirks.

   I shrugged in response, half-smiling. I didn't verbally respond because I was afraid saying anything along the lines of agreement would have made me sound full of myself. The realization that I had basically left my friends out of this event then hit me and I felt bad for doing so.

  "You'll make your father proud, I know it," he then said.

   For some reason, that really struck me. I toyed with my stickpin, or should I say my Mega Stickpin, saying a quiet, "Thank you." My smile then turned bittersweet, and it wasn't his fault. It was because of my own thoughts on the matter, that they were the same as his. Was it conceited of me that I agreed with him?

   "You're heading to Lilycove City next, right?" Arietta asked a minute later. "Can I tag along with you guys?"

   "Really? Don't you have work?" I asked her.

   "That's sort of a funny story, actually. Basically, the building's being renovated after a tourist and their Talonflame got a little too into their battle. Nobody was hurt, but almost half the building was scorched. Everyone's off until things are rebuilt." She shrugged. "Hey, they're free vacation hours!"

   "Sure... I guess you could say that," I said. Though her train of thought baffled me, I wasn't about to question it. I was more than happy with the idea of her traveling with us, even if it wouldn't be for too long. Something about her had always intrigued me, and I thought by talking to her more I could find out what it was. Luckily there were no objections from Wallace or Winona, and it was agreed that Arietta could come with us to Lilycove.

   Because it was still relatively early, we decided to leave Fortree that day. I was sure I had enough supplies with me, but the others insisted on stopping at the Poké Mart and stocking up on items. Being in the minority, I caved and went with them.

    I was waiting for the others outside the Mart, taking stock of my Potions and such when I felt a third psychic presence enter the outskirts of my conciousness. Looking up, I saw a familiar Xatu standing before me, his eyes locked on mine.

   I jumped a little, acting more startled than I should have, before letting out a relieved laugh in self-deprecation. I was trying not to become frightened so easily now, and this hadn't done me any favors. But why was Sierra's Pokémon here, and how did I not notice him approaching me? I smiled at the newcomer nervously, waiting for him to speak. He didn't say a word.

   "Um, may I help you?" I questioned the Psychic bird, hesitance edging my voice. He continued to stare. Ice snaking up and down my spine, I shrunk back from his blank, yet somehow scrutinizing gaze. I... I know you're a Psychic-type, I tried communicating telepathically. I-if you need anything from me, all you need to do is ask. I'm listening.

   Xatu's pupils widened ever-so-slightly when I spoke to him. Then, with what felt like a hard blow to the front of my head, Xatu's presence forced itself into my mind. I wasn't prepared for it in the slightest, making it all the more painful.

   A cry I mostly managed to stifle left me, and I put a hand to my forehead as though it would somehow relieve the nerve-shredding feeling. It became clear all too quickly that my mind couldn't handle three presences at once. It felt like my skull was being crushed in a vice.

   You have foreseen the downfall, a haunting voice whispered, worming its way through cracks of cognitive thought splintering the pain and making my skin crawl.

   I've... what? I managed to question, my thoughts being strangled by mental torment. Xatu ignored me and spoke again.

   The being of earth and magma, the primal one bearing the marks of Omega, the super-ancient deity that raised the regions against Alpha's will...

   Meteor tried to speak but Xatu shoved his presence down, muttering in a monotone drawl, It is not your time to commune, Metagross. Neither is it yours, Claydol. A word needs to be had with your Trainer.

   At that, Orbit's presence backed down. Theirs was so weak from the start I had hardly even noticed it. Intangible talons clawed their way to the forefront of my consciousness as the unwanted presence smothered the others'.

   You know what I speak of, prescient. Xatu's voice filled my head, drowning out my own thoughts.

   No, I don't understand! Please stop speaking to me! I'd never had to deal with something like this, I had no idea how to combat it.

   Like you, we Xatu were cursed with premonition. We see all futures when we gaze into the sun. While not in quite the same manner and on a far more limited scale, you experience the future as well. Through this we both have seen the drought, and you cannot deny it. We have seen and heard the thousands that are destined to perish in the heat and flames.

   Please stop! It hurts... I whimpered pathetically, the pain threatening to bring me to my knees.

   Get out of my Trainer's head, you freaky wad of feathers! Meteor's forceful resurgence brought me the greatest relief. All I wanted was for it to stop. He escaped the confines of his ball, turned on Xatu, and seized the bird without a second thought, his red eyes alight with an azure hue.

   Xatu was snatched off the ground and flung against the nearest tree. Bark was chipped and flew outwards in a splintering burst as Xatu smashed into the wide trunk. The Psychic-Flying-type was rendered unconscious within a heartbeat and crumpled to the grass, laying motionless at the tree's base.

   That'll teach ya... Meteor growled. The glow faded from his eyes and they flitted to mine. Are you okay?

   Staggering slightly, I gave my Metagross a small nod and slumped against one of his front legs, black splotches clouding my sight. The pain was thankfully gone. I was left with an ebbing ache in my temples, and I felt weak and sick as my thoughts gradually fit themselves back together. "I-I'll be fine," I got out, headache-induced nausea turning it into more of a gag.

   Are you sure? He didn't sound convinced. The last time you said that you—

   "I'm not lying this time," I stated sternly but with a comforting edge to my tone. "If I say I'm fine, then I am. I promise."

   Okay, I'm just making sure.

   "Oh, you found him!" From behind me I heard a recognizable voice sigh in relief. As I thought, it was Sierra, holding an Ultra Ball and looking annoyed. "Thank Arceus. That scamp always flies off whenever he gets the chance. My apologies if he caused you any trouble, though from his current state it seems some kind of scuffle took place."

   "I'm sorry, ma'am. Xatu startled us and, to put it plainly, Meteor is... overprotective of me," I answered with a partial lie. I was met with an irritated look from said overprotective partner that I returned without a second thought. For once I had the upper hand in being correct, and he silently admitted defeat.

   "There's not a thing to worry about. Nothing a visit to the Pokémon Center can't fix," Sierra reassured me as she recalled her Pokémon. "I wish you and your friend luck on the rest of your League challenges. And tell that purple-haired girl that I'm always willing to educate any interested Trainer in the field of Flying-types!" I thanked her and she left without another word.

   'Overprotective?' Meteor echoed me, frowning.

   "You know you are, don't deny it." I arched an eyebrow and crossed my arms.

   C'mon, if Xatu hurting you didn't warrant a tree-slamming, then I don't know what does! he scoffed before giving me a befuddled stare. What was that Gym Leader's Xatu doing here anyways? I couldn't understand what he was saying.

   "He was speaking utter nonsense, that was what it was," I declared bitterly. "Though he somehow knew about my prescience."

   Crazy bird... Meteor muttered. Wonder how he knew?

   "Xatu stare into the sun all day. It apparently allows them to perceive the future. I've never heard a Pokémon lie so it's safe to assume it's fact," I said. Recalling Xatu's words made me shudder. "Foreseeing the downfall" wasn't the most comforting of phrases to hear, especially coming from a prescient.

   Now that I could think without crying out in pain, I started trying to really understand what Xatu had said. The elaborate titles Xatu had stated were all clearly describing one thing, some kind of Pokémon if I had to guess. "Bearing the marks of Omega" stuck out the most to me. I swore I had seen a Pokémon with unnatural markings before.

   It then hit me. The monster I'd seen in my vision in Granite Cave had those glowing markings on its arms. Were those the marks of Omega? Xatu had also mentioned a drought. The world around me in my vision, while engulfed in flames, seemed like it had been in the grasp of a drought with grass-less, cracked earth and an unnaturally bright sun.

   And lives lost to the flames... The people screaming, accompanied by the charred, sickly sweet scent of burning flesh. It all matched up perfectly. I suddenly felt very ill. I had thought first encountering Orbit had been the precursor to my premonitions. No, it had started with Granite Cave. I had really seen the downfall.

   I had seen the end of the world.

   You what? Meteor gasped, his mouth dropping open. It kept slipping my mind that he was always reading my thoughts. I wasn't about to lecture him on it considering the situation. It couldn't have been a worse time to do so. The long-kept secret now out, I explained everything to him.

   I honestly didn't know what I had seen was a premonition. I wasn't keeping it from you, I'm telling you the truth! I affirmed him mentally. Even if the majority of the people out at the moment were above us on the suspended walkways, I didn't want to risk anyone hearing about my visions.

   I believe you, he said simply.

   Pardon? Disbelief took hold of me. You really do?

   It's the sincerity of your thoughts and reactions that did it. You don't react to something the same way after you've heard about it once, it just doesn't work that way. Also, even if that first fact weren't the case I'd still believe you. You've made an effort to stay truthful with me. He flashed me a wide grin that, despite the worry eating away at me, made me smile a little myself.

   You really don't know how much that means to me, I said. My gaze fell to the ground, and with it my mood. But what should I— I mean, we do?

   What is there to do? We have no leads to go on, not even a solid name. And when you really think about it, Xatu never said any of that would actually happen for sure.

   When have any one of my premonitions ever been incorrect?

   Maybe something'll be wrong this time. He tried to sound confident but I picked up on his uncertainty, and his refusal to meet my gaze wasn't helping things. He had always been the one to reassure me, and I felt as if it was my turn to do the same.

   "Do you know what? It's fine." My sudden utterance of audible words caught him off-guard and his attention instantly returned to me.

Where'd that come from? he asked.

"You said it yourself. Why should we stress ourselves out about something that cannot be helped?"

   He frowned, an expression that was genuinely off-putting coming from him. What's up with you? You never say stuff like that.

   "I'm trying to think... here's your favorite word, logically about this. Again, like you said, we have nothing to work with." As I expected, I was met with more confusion along with reluctance. But I had already thought of a counter. "Would you rather I lose more sleep worrying over what Xatu said?"

   No. That's the last thing I want to happen, he said in a huff.

   "Then do you agree with me?"

   Okay, yeah I do. You're right. He sharply turned away from me. No use in getting worked up for no purpose.

   "You're saying I'm right?" I feigned shock. "What madness is this?"

   You think it's weird? Meteor scoffed, mixed in with a laugh. Under his "surprise" he badly hid a smile that I openly returned.

"Thank you for agreeing with me," I said. He was right. Something like this occurring was more rare than a blue moon. Perhaps this needed to happen more often, then it wouldn't have seemed so odd. It was yet another task I added to my mental notes, and it was one I wouldn't forget.