The Beautifly Effect

Chapter Thirty-Two -- The Truth is revealed

Four years later, at Abigail's farm...

"With careful marine management, Goldeen and Remoraid numbers have gradually been increasing. The next step..."

Abigail turned down the television volume with the remote control. She wanted the baby sucking on her breast to settle down for his next sleep. Moreoever, documentaries were interesting, but so many of them these days were biased towards how well the world was being managed. She couldn't help but admit, though, as she switched Ben to her other breast, that things were improving since the events of four years ago.

"Hey, Ab!"

"I'm in the living room, Richie."

Richie walked in with the day's mail.

"Paul sent us a letter. Here's a photo of him with his Blaziken outside his new school."

"Oh that's right, he was going to Hoenn Pokémed, wasn't he."

As he looked down at his little one, he said, "I hope our kids turn out that good."

Just then a newsflash flikered on the television set. Abigail turned the volume back up.

"...news update. In a surprise move, the world leader has identified himself. Over the last four years, he has kept his identity secret, setting only high-level guidelines to be followed by the world's governments, who have otherwise kept relative autonomy. The biggest surprise is that the world leader has now revealed himself to be a Pokémon. An as yet unidentified species, he calls himself 'Mewtwo', and has indicated that he is a psychic Pokémon. His location remains a mystery, but watchers have suspected a number of centres of operation, all in remote island groups. Mewtwo has also revealed plans to gradually increase his public presence as well as his influence over the world's authorities, with a view to equalizing Pokémon rights to those of people. It is still illegal for people to train Pokémon and engage Pokémon in battle for sport, and this edict is likely to remain permanently. We will bring you further bulletins as details come to hand."

Abigail and Richie looked at each other. Their expressions were a mixture of astonishment and unbelief, tinged with fear. Abigail clutched their baby tightly in her arms. With his stomach full, he was now content and starting to doze. Richie braced himself to deal with the challenges of the future, resolving afresh to protect his wife and young family. Uncertainty was not a good thing.