Chapter 2 – New Acquisitions
Blaze walked alongside his friend on their way north through Kanto. Troubling news had reached the team the other day as they were leaving Viridian. The power plant was experiencing problems and was no longer able to supply energy to much of the region, including the magnet train. The league had reached out to Arthur asking if he was willing to head over that way to check on things. The local authorities were already looking in to it, but seeing as he was headed there anyways, Arthur said he would. So now he was pushing himself a bit harder to reach Cerulean faster.
"Are we going to stop in Saffron?" Blaze asked as the city was now in view from where they were passing. His trainer nodded.
"We need to stock up on some supplies if we're headed that far north."
"Doesn't Sabrina live there too?" the fire type inquired. A look came over Arthur's face, one of sadness and excitement. Blaze knew that meant yes without Arthur having to say anything.
"We're not ready to battle her yet." The Typhlosion looked over questioningly. "She's more powerful that we realize. The Elite Four were strong, but she could most definitely take them on. She's refused for her own reasons I suppose, but she's more than at that level. Her bond with her Pokemon is just as strong as ours."
"So you want us to wait until we're stronger?" Arthur nodded once more.
The duo made their way into the giant city. Saffron was bustling with activity, and being home to Silph Company, the economy here was extremely strong. Arthur and Blaze wandered the streets stopping to watch impromptu battles and the street performers. There was just something about the big cities which always seemed to capture Arthur's attention. The ocean held its beauty deep in his heart, but cities had their own appeal. He double checked his info on his Pokegear and headed north deeper into the city.
The new champion arrived outside the fighting dojo just past noon. Outside Arthur found a group of people waiting for him. First off was his mother holding a wrapped gift. Her smile brightened the day immeasurably causing Arthur to smile and Blaze to jump forward. Next was Lyra who was laughing at Blaze's show of affection. The fire type was a more personified expression of Arthur's emotions than the actual man they belonged to. Finally, the stoic Sabrina was waiting as well. Arthur smiled and hugged all three woman upon meeting with them.
"Happy Birthday!" Lyra called out, causing Arthur to laugh more.
The group made their way to one of the city's parks and sat down for a picnic. The weather was amazing, with the sun shining and not a cloud in the sky. Sabrina was more animated than Arthur had ever seen her. And both Lyra and his mother seemed to be enjoying themselves as well. At Lyra's request, Arthur had released his Pokemon so she could attend to them. Sabrina looked on and helped Lyra a bit which Arthur found interesting. The young gym leader seemed to be trying to determine what kind of a trainer Arthur had become since their meeting a year and a half ago at the Slowpoke Well.
The afternoon stretched on into the evening where the group headed out for dinner and drinks. It was here that Arthur was given his gift by his mother. Opening the package, he found nestled inside a shiny stone. The brilliant light that emitted from it seemed to warm the young champion from within.
"Where did you come across this?" he whispered.
"I used to travel as well young man" his mother answered in amusement. "I came across a few stones in my travels that I never needed to use. In this case, I had two of those stones. I kept one waiting for the right time to use it, but it never happened while on my journey once I met your father. So instead, while he wanted to pass down the water stone, I've decided that now is the time to present you with this stone. I believe you can use it to evolve your Togetic if that is your choice." Carefully Arthur put the stone away keeping it safe.
"So Lyra what have you been up to?" Arthur asked later in the night. The young girl looked up from petting her Azumarill.
"Actually I've been learning more about breeding from my grandparents. I'm going to be starting my own project soon."
"Oh yeah? And who are you hoping to breed?"
"Its' a secret" Lyra responded with a wink.
"Arthur are you planning on challenging this young woman here to a gym match?" Margret asked. Arthur looked at Sabrina who questioned the young champion with her body language alone. Blue eyes met violet, but Arthur shook his head.
"Not yet. I have to look into the powerplant issue first for the league."
"I thought the authorities were looking in to it?" Sabrina inquired.
"They are, but I'm going to try and lend a hand regardless." Sabrina and Arthur continued staring at one another. Margret and Lyra looked between the two and tried to figure out what was going on. Finally Lyra butted in changing the topic. However, the small amount of tension remained.
The group retired back to Sabrina's gym for the night. The drinks consumed earlier in the evening were finally starting to kick in and laughter was sounding out aplenty. Margret was recounting her travelling days to Sabrina while Lyra and Arthur talked about the Kanto region and it's Pokemon. She also was showing off her new addition, an Oddish who was loving the city at night.
When they got back to the gym Sabrina showed them around before going to the main room where Sabrina held her gym battles. More liquor followed the four inside, but suddenly it all stopped when Margret looked around. The three younger trainers watched Arthur's mother walk around the battlefield and stop in the centre eyes closed. Turning around, her green eyes flashing with a brilliance Arthur had never seen before.
"Sabrina! I would like you to battle me!" Margret announced. Sabrina stopped her pouring of her drink and appraised the older woman.
"Are you sure?" the gym leader quietly asked.
"Yes. I want to test how strong my son's Pokemon have become and what kind of a trainer he is. Arthur, allow me to use Lucky."
"What?"
"You heard me. I would like to battle Sabrina with Lucky." Arthur stared at his mother a little dumbfounded. Still he handed her the Pokeball and she released Lucky into the gym.
"Lucky, my mother here would like to battle Sabrina with you. Think you're up for that?" Arthur asked his Pokemon. Lucky stared into Margret's eyes and then nodded. The young champion took out the shining stone from his pack and held it out to Lucky. The small avian looked at the stone then up to his trainer.
"It's your choice whether you'd like to evolve or not. But I felt as though you should know about this and that you have the option should you choose it" Arthur said. His partner took a few minutes of simply staring at the stone to decide. The three women held their breath it seemed the entire team before they were all enveloped in a brilliant white light. The glow was infused with warmth and hope, touching the four trainer's souls. Happiness flowed through all of them as they re-opened their eyes to see Lucky's new form.
"Then let us begin" Sabrina said.
The following week flew by as Arthur travelled further north and east. The terrain turned from grassy plains to foothills to the rocky strewn mountain paths. The air was colder here than it had been closer to the ocean, but Arthur didn't mind. Both Tusk and Blaze kept their trainer company on the road. Tusk had taken to carrying Arthur's pack for him, while Blaze stuck close, the heat emitted by his body keeping Arthur warm. The power plant loomed ahead finally, leading Arthur to his goal.
People were wandering around all over the plant. Security personal were everywhere. Arthur was stopped no less than three times before even gaining access to the main facility. He was then led by another person to the head of the plant who was in a fit of rage yelling and screaming at anyone who came too close. Mechanics were sweating and working frantically under his supervision.
"Hello sir" Arthur called out over the din. The manager looked over, his expression confused. Stepping closer, the young champion extended his hand. "My name is Arthur and I've come to help. Is there any place quieter where we could talk?"
"Articuno..." The man whispered. "So long I have waited to meet you." The legendary bird of ice appraised the man in front of her. Her only question was why he wanted her. Humans were something of an enigma to her. The only human she had come to trust was the young man all those years ago. This person in front of her with the cold eyes however, did not inspire the legend nearly as much as the young man had.
"What am I doing here?" the avian asked.
"Can we understand them yet?" the man asked the woman beside him.
"I'm afraid not sir. However, this particular legend has power I've never seen before. Even Rivers said this bird was most likely the strongest of the three."
"And where is our elusive companion?"
"Searching for Entei. He said he has heard rumours of its appearance in various areas of Johto." The man continued watching Articuno. The bird did not understand what they were talking about but it seemed that he did not have an interest in battling. At least not yet.
"Well the first piece has been acquired. Perhaps our friend will find the next part." Articuno narrowed her eyes then let out an ear piercing call, causing the man to smile.
"Trust me, o legend of ice. Your powers will have a use in time."
That night, Arthur dreamt once more of the hidden cave. The silver light of Lugia shone beside him as the psychic type explained what was happening to the natural world. The first disruption had been created. One of the legendary birds had been captured.
"You're saying that just by capturing one legend, that the balance of the world has been upset?" he asked incredulous.
I am young one. Our powers are derived from the natural order of the world. Taking even one of these away disrupts everything. A power struggle will ensue between those who are not already involved. Arthur thought about the implications of legends doing battle amongst themselves. Everyone would pay the price then.
"So what's my role in all of this?" Arthur asked.
To keep the chaos at bay.
"So nothing big then..." The legend smiled.
Do not fear. We are not asking you to do this alone. That is why Ra and I have come to your aid. But we won't be enough. Our powers can only take you so far. It will be up to you to truly unlock all that we are capable of.
"I'll have you know, when I started my journey, saving the world wasn't something I was planning on doing. You sure you picked the right guy?"
Aren't you the champion now?
"Great a legend with a sense of humour... Like I didn't have enough jokers on my team..."