Chapter 1: Here we go again...
So... what now? I guess everything's looking incredibly downtrodden right? Pryce was killed, Latias was killed, we all got a complete mental beating, and ultimately, S.P.A.S got away, right? Well... things have actually been really quiet since that fateful day. S.P.A.S haven't been knocking at my door (or knocking it in, more to the point) and we haven't seen hide nor hair of them. After a week's worth of R&R, Lt. Surge designated a specialist squad of men to see if they could track down the group. A year later, and still no sign of them; it's as though they disappeared off the face of the planet... well, 'their' planet should I say.
As time went by, the three of us (Josh, David and I) decided that it was better to stay here; where the land was always green and people had ridiculously powerful pets. Our families understood the effect of the events that happened back when we were younger, how we managed to get by on our own initiative and effectively come out alive (at the cost of my front door, Josh's entire house, his neighbourhood and his toilet paper). Fortunately, for us, things didn't turn all 'E.T' and we set off into the night. We boarded Surge's helicopter in the local fields, said our goodbyes and made haste for the rift. We knew that the rip in between our 'world' and theirs probably wouldn't stay open forever, but... you never know.
Now, fifteen years have passed since we left England, left our friends and family and our old lives behind. Now we live in various regions across the world, working in jobs that we would have probably gone for back home, but there's one difference... things are a lot more fun when you have Pokémon with you. I guess you're wondering what's happened in all that time, right? Well...
When we arrived back in Vermillion city, we were greeted by the locals en masse, everyone wanting to shake our hands and give us things. To this day I still don't understand why, because we never exactly did anything spectacular, but Josh seems to think it's because of 'our outstanding bravery in the field' and because of 'our remarkable initiative'. Personally I think he's full of shit, but your opinion will probably differ.
Anyway; when we managed to get past the crowd of onlookers, Surge led us to a briefing room at the far end of the military complex and sat us down, explaining the situation and what needs to happen on his part. For us, he suggested that we make ourselves comfortable here and to go see local breeders in the area. After all, we were all well over the regular starting age for being a trainer.
Now, being the dragon-type loving goon I was (and still am) I went with Josh and David to the various breeders across Kanto and questioned about the possibility in having a baby Axew to start off with. Apparently Surge had contacted each and every single one of them and told them our situation, but unfortunately we had... problems getting a starter since we all wanted ones that weren't native to the region. As time went on, we managed to find mediocre jobs around the region to get us going, eventually leading to us moving to various other regions, all in a short time span. Josh and David took the SS Anne to the Sinnoh, but went very different ways. Josh ended up in Jubilife city, working for the local T.V station, and lives in a very flash apartment in a block of high-rise flats, whilst David travelled to Snowpoint city, way up north, and lives in a comfortable log cabin, surrounded by large pine trees. He also managed to start his own local business that deals with anything electrical, which is a saviour to the locals. Both of them settled in extremely well with the neighbours, and both have good contacts. Josh is chummy with all the big names of the region, due to his working status as an actor now, and David... he's pretty friendly with Candice, the ice-type gym leader of Snowpoint. He gets access to the nearby temple where a massive statue of 'Regigigas' resides.
What about me, you ask? Well, I decided not to move anywhere. I remained in Vermillion, only leaving to see the others every once in a while. Buying a small detached house on the outskirts of the city, I joined the army as an officer. Surge welcomed me into the forces, stating that 'my initiative under pressure is outstanding', but it's something I've always wanted to do anyhow; I just had a better chance of getting a place here I suppose.
And our Pokémon? That's a rather strange story, really. Josh was given his first Pokémon when he started working in Jubilife; an Onix in fact. Unaware that his new Pokémon was actually recently born, despite being absurdly large, and had an awkward time keeping it under control. David's is actually rather nice, if I may say so. He was at the local coffee shop with Candice one day, when Maylene (the gym leader of Veilstone and a good friend of Candice's) joins them. Maylene then explains to David that Candice told her all about his situation and that she has a surprise for him; a Pokémon egg. Gratefully accepting the gift, he was delighted to find out that it actually contained a female Riolu, whom he named 'Aero'. As for me, Surge informed me that I would need a Pokémon if I was to be in the military, and (I quote) 'have a shockingly electric surprise for you, sonny!'.
How I love Surge's puns.
Turns out, he contacted the Elite Four aaaaallll the way over in Unova for a favour, who in turn contacted the local Castelia day-care. Long story short, I had an egg that came all the way from the Unova region, and I had my Commanding Officer to thank for it. After about a week or so it hatched as I was surfing the web when I was back home. Turning around I discovered that it was exactly what I was hoping for; a baby Axew. Now normally one wouldn't expect a female to be in the armed forces, but that's exactly what my Axew was going to be. The only thing that took me back was when I held the little squealing dragon in my arms and rocked it till it fell asleep. I couldn't help but think about how its whole life was going to be dedicated to the military; it made me feel kind of... evil.
In the time we'd been here, I've had to move on from the events in Saffron City; but by no means can I say I'm over it. Occasionally I visit the place where everything happened, at least once a year, and lay flowers at the crash site (equally for Pryce as it is for Latias). Naturally, visiting the place still pains me; even after fifteen years on.
To look at the crash site in itself is a strange feeling. The buildings had been repaired, the dead grass had re-grown and poppies have begun to grow where the fallen were. It's like nothing ever happened; but the locals know very differently.
After passing basic Officer's training, David suggested that the three of us meet up again, over at his house, as a kind of celebration. Having now trained up my Axew, alongside my squad, I think it's safe to say I could get there without a hitch.
After a little coercing on my part, I managed to 'persuade' my Haxorus to come with me. According to her, sitting in a freezer for an hour for weather training is a completely different thing to 'having to jolly' around in the snow. Let's just say that it cost me a portion of my salary and a trip down to the nearby costume store...
After booking tickets for a plane to Sinnoh, we reserved a room in Jubilife City; a few miles from the airport itself. I was to meet up with Josh and his team; we'd go to David's from there.
******************
There was a rapid knocking at the front door, followed by a hoarse cough.
Grunting loudly, I rolled onto my side and grabbed the alarm clock next to the bed; pressing it to my nose and squinting at it. 6:14 am. Grunting again, I got up from bed and put my furry dressing gown on before looking through the spy hole.
I was greeted by a young man with a short, stubby brown beard and curly brown hair.
"Jesus Christ..." I cussed, opening the door,
Standing at my door was Josh; suited and booted by the looks of things. He was wearing a thick woollen fleece, cargo pants, heavy-duty boots and what appeared to be a fisherman's vest filled to the brim with caffeinated drinks. Sleepily glancing down I noticed his Whimsicott sitting on his grey backpack.
"...early aren't you?" I asked, eyes straining to focus on him,
"Never too early Lucas, never too early!" he replied, entering the hallway.
Before I go on, I must stress, I don't see the point in paying for two single beds when one double bed costs half the price. Unfortunately for me; Josh had only changed in appearance, not personality...
As we walked into the bedroom-come-living room-come-kitchen Josh saw my five Pokéballs lying on the chest-of-drawers, whilst my sixth was just waking up.
"Tell me you didn't sleep in there, Lucas. I thought Pokéfucking was behind you." Josh sniggered, making my Haxorus visibly embarrassed.
Sitting on the bed, sighing, I replied, "Just remember Josh; It's all fun and games until someone gets their throat slit."
He shut up after that.
Getting up and patting him on the back, I laughed and said, "Don't worry man! She wouldn't anyway; besides, a double bed was a steal compared to two separate ones. All we did was sleep; I assure you."
"You know I would have put you up for the night in a bed with... less blades." He said, as Haxorus scowled at him from behind the covers.
I just laughed at him and gestured for him to take a seat before getting ready in the bathroom.
A short while later saw me prepped and ready to go; kitted out in my military-grade gear, complete with sunglasses and shemagh.
"So... we ready to go yet Colonel Cockwipe?" Josh laughed,
"If you are Sergeant Stunfisk."
"You've not changed a bit..."
******************
After dropping the keys off at the reception, the four of us set off for Oreburgh City, and ultimately; the passage through Mt. Coronet.
Josh knew the way perfectly since he's filmed in these parts for various things in the past; we, however, had no idea where we were going. After all, it'd been so long since we'd seen each other in a long while.
Eventually reaching the murky interior of the mountain structure, the amount of confusion that we went through the first time we came here flooded back to me and my god was it horrible not knowing where you were in this massive chunk of pointy rock. I wish it was as 'easy' as it was on the DS...
As we scrambled over the wet rocks, trying to get to the snowy exit, I turned to Haxorus. She was digging her sharp claws into the stone to pull herself up, effectively making it incredibly easy to climb. Meanwhile Josh was struggling up ahead, his Whimsicott clinging to his head as he puffed away.
"Let's... let's take a...a break." Josh wheezed, collapsing on the floor, near a bunch of fallen rocks. Since the area we were in was quite literally a cavern, we both let our Pokémon out for some fresh air and a stretch.
Leaning against the craggy wall, I slid down it and rested for a while. Taking the chance to remove my glasses, I cocked my head towards the golden dragon that was staring at me and made a hand gesture to her. She approached me and gently sat between my legs, her tail slowly swaying from side to side as she leaned against me. Josh just eyed us suspiciously, before his recently evolved Steelix clattered into his Tyranitar, forcing him to get up before they started to fight amongst themselves.
"Heh heh, just ignore him Hax; at least I show affection, right?" I chuckled, rubbing my hand along her armoured neck.
She simply dipped her head and started making a throaty 'purr' sound, her tail starting to sway just a little faster...
******************
An hour or so passed after our break (and after a certain Steelix took a fire punch to the chin), and we managed to make it to the snow-laden route that led to Snowpoint City. David sure picked a place that matched his quiet, thoughtful personality.
"Should be about another hour before we get to David's house, right?" I shouted above the sound of the howling wind, trying to clean the snow off my shades.
"Just about... that's if I don't suddenly fuck up and go the wrong way."
"Thanks for the reassurance there, Josh, Jeez..."
The one problem with having Haxorus from an egg was the lack of a Pokéball. Whilst the rest of my team were snug in their capsules, poor Haxorus was out here having to brave the elements with me, unlike Josh who had a Pokéball for each of his.
"Feelin' the cold back there?" I called, hanging back a little
She was dawdling along in the snow, arms crossed, and shivering as she looked up at me. God I felt bad for her.
Taking a deep sigh, i grabbed hold of her claw and held her next to me, in an attempt to share body heat for a while.
"Josh, I think we should find shelter, or at the very least hurry up... Haxorus doesn't look so good."
Josh nodded at me in confirmation. Removing my fleece, and giving it to Haxorus (who protested profusely, but I wouldn't have any of it) I tightened my shemagh. I was pretty glad I decided to wear two jumpers and a long sleeved t-shirt that day, I can tell you.
Keeping hold of her claw, we continued walking onwards into the flurry of snow (which, to our surprise, began to die down a little).
"Good job we're staying over for a while; I couldn't imagine travelling all this distance again tomorrow..." I sighed, Haxorus still shivering behind me.
******************
David was sitting comfortably in his armchair, as the roaring fire staved off the cold from outside. As he flicked through the pages of a new book he was reading (A Boy and His Rattata), a knock sounded at the front door.
"Wow... they left it a little late to get here, didn't they?" David thought, closing the book.
Opening the front door for us, the snow and wind nearly bowling him over, he greeted us over a handshake. As he led us to the living room, he turned on the jukebox he had sitting in one of the corners; which began playing a revised version of 'Miror B's theme.
Josh just stared questioningly at David for a while, as the snow melted from his beard whilst me and Haxorus sat as close as we could to the fire, the icy winds having taken a toll on her. After all, training can only help you so much.
"So... get here alright then?" David chuckled, as he headed for the kitchen,
"Near enough; the snow was torrential though." Josh replied, rubbing his hands together,
David laughed, as he turned the kettle on.
"A good ol' cup of tea'll sort you out then." He continued, grabbing a box of tea bags from the overhead cupboard. "By the way, guys, if you're wondering where you'll be sleeping, I've had the back of the house converted so there's two spare rooms there now. Just one thing though..."
"What's that, then?" I asked, trying to keep Haxorus warm,
"You and Haxorus NEED to stay in separate beds." He replied, laughing again,
I'm still not sure whether I should take that well or not.