Sylveon was running side to side. She was a little nervous and she was doing several things at the same time.
– Here. More food, only in case of. – said Sylveon putting more food in their bags.
– Mom. – said Blaze, but Sylveon ignored him passing over him.
– I think this survival manual will help you too. – said Sylveon putting the big book to Blaze's bag.
– ¡Mom! I think you are exaggerating a little bit. The corporation will pay all the trip cost; food and lodging. – said Blaze trying to calm his mother.
– Don't ask me not to worry! Never ask that to a mother! This is your first trip without us, the house is going to feel more empty without you and Summer. I don't even know if Summer is ready for this school trip.
– I'll be okay Mrs… Mother. – said Summer a little embarrassed.
– She's right, honey. Blaze is going with her, besides, I heard about an Explorer from Progress City taking care of them. About that, Blaze, can I have a moment with you? – asked Hydreigon taking his son to the room next to the living.
– Is everything okay dad?
– Take this with you. – said Hydreigon giving him a little bag. – This bag is full with money… Only for emergencies!
– Wow! It's a little heavy. – said Blaze meassuring the weight. – Don't worry dad, we will not use this money if it's not necessary.
– I hope that, but that's not all I wanted to talk with you.
– Is something the matter?
– Your mother told me a week ago that you tried to use Ember, but it was too weak. Are you feeling okay? – asked the father worried.
– I'm okay, that day I must be a little nervous, because I tried to use it again and it was more like a Flamethrower. – said Blaze.
– What a relief. I want to talk about you and Summer too. I want you to stay with her all the trip, because I couldn't teach her how to fight because the time we had and you have already some years training with me. And that's why I don't want you to be too much confident.
– It's okay dad, I will be with her all the time. And your first training rule was "Never be too confident"
– That was just one of the rules. Remember: don't to start a fight, and don't fight if your life or someone you love is in danger. And finally, remember you are special, you, knucklehead. – said the father caressed his son's head.
– Are you talking seriously? That makes me your son. We are too stubborn.
– Talking seriously, you are the only one of your kind. I never heard about a Charmander with a hidden power, and no about one who can learn Dragon type moves besides Dragon Rage. That's why you must understand that fighting against someone could mean that you can take someone's life.
– I understood… dad, did you know Glaze's dad?
– Uh? Why are you asking?
– He… was murdered, is that true? – asked Blaze. His dad took his time in answering.
– I knew him very well; we were like brother. When I met him he was a Luxio and I a Zweilous. We used to work together making different errands like the one we did to the old Kecleon… and it's true, someone killed him. That's why I want you to understand how dangerous is this world. Now you need to go or you'll be late.
Both kids hug and kissed their parents before leaving to the school. The parents could only see their children walking away.
– Maybe I told you not to worry… but I'm worried too… – said Hydreigon
– That's because you know how is this world… when are you going to tell him the truth about your past. – asked Sylveon.
– What for? To encourage him to be a member of a Rescue Team or an Explorer? That's not the life he needs, I don't want to be that way. – said Hydreigon.
– Our son has your adventurous spirit.
– Yes, and that spirit made me committed many mistakes throughout my whole life. And when you entered in that life, you'll never be able to quit, I know that too well, and it's going to chase me for the rest of my life.
– Don't blame yourself; Bolt's death wasn't your fault.
– But it was! It's my fault… Because my mistake, that girl lost his father.
– Okay! Enough! You only thought what was the best for your family, something that Bolt didn't understood! No one can ensure that if you had gone to explore with him, he would be alive.
– Maybe not… or maybe yes.
– Or you could die with him! Even Destiny asked Bolt to quit the Exploration life for her daughter! SO PLEASE UNDERSTAND! Bolt's death was the murderer fault, not yours. – said Sylveon angry but at the same time she decided to hug him.
– I know… but…
– Please… I don't want to lose you… Blaze needs you… Summer needs you… I need you… I love you so much to lose you. – said Sylveon crying.
– Funny… Now I remember why I quit exploring… - said Hydreigon hugging her too.
The children were already in the school with their teacher. And when she decided that everything was ready, she started.
– Alright, everything seems ready. Now, we will wait here for the Explorer from Progress City.
– How will he be like? – asked Glaze.
– Maybe he's in final evolution phase. – said Red.
– It's not necessary to be strong in your final evolution phase, others van be on their second phase or even on their first. Obviously, it's more common on the final phase. – said Fur with a huge backpack.
– Uhm… what do you have in there? – asked Blaze.
– Only what I need to survive this trip. The best books from the library; from survival books to novels and history books. – said Fur.
– Fur… are you sure that you want to carry that death weight all the trip? – asked Glaze.
– Death weight? I need to read my 2 daily books, if not I get in a bad mood.
– I agree with Glaze. – said the teacher. – Some Pokémon said that there is an enormous library in Progress made with 2 buildings.
– T-two buildings. – said Fur getting excited.
– In fact, now, there are 3 buildings. – said a near voice. – It's a pleasure, I'm the explorer Aggron, and I will be your guide.
– It's a pleasure too, I'm the teacher, Chimecho. – said the teacher. – And these are Blaze, Fur, Soul, Jay, Glaze, Summer, Yang, Red and Cotton.
– Everyone greeted kindly, Aggron seems to be a nice Pokémon, he treated them all very nice, without exceptions. And when they leave Luminous Village walking behind Aggron, he started talking.
– Kids, listen up, if we want to make this trip safer, we need to put some rules. The first one and the most importantly, you will never get away from the group because we are going to enter to Mystery Dungeons, and there will be Wild Pokémon. The second rule, I will be leading the group, so I will fight first, you won't need to make a single move. Your teacher is going to be always behind us, covering our backs. If you respect the rules, the trip will be more funny. – said Aggron trying to be straight but with a smile on his face. – By the way, it will take us at least 2 days to get to Progress City. The corporation gave me so much food and water, so no need to worry about that, and your teacher will say when we are going to rest a little bit. And that's probably all I want to say, so don't forget to relax and enjoy the trip and the nature.
The road was very long, but not tired, because Aggron lead them to easy and safe Dungeons knowing that it will take them more time to get there. They rest several times to drink water and eat, and when the night fell they were already in a Safe Zone.
– Listen kids, we are going to camp here. – said Chimecho.
– That's right, this is a Safe Zone. Several Pokémon hired by the corporation will patrol the surroundings while we sleep. There are 5 tents, your teacher will decide where you are going to sleep.
– Okay, only to be sure that you are not going to stay awake, Red, you are going to sleep with Yang, Cotton with Fur, Glaze with me, and Summer with Blaze.
– Are you sure about your final choice. – whispered Aggron to Chimecho.
– I know when my decisions are correct, after all, they are siblings.
– Siblings, who is the one adopte-
– Either. – said Chimecho interrupting Aggron's question.
When they left their backpacks in their tents, they sat around the campfire, which Agrron lighted up. They rested, ate their dinner and finally, they slept.
The next night they camp in a different Safe Zone, and the day after that, they finally arrive to Progress City. Everything was huger that everyone's expectations, and what stand out more, was that big edification made by six tall buildings. The city lightning was incredible powerful in spite of the daytime, but that big edification lightning was too ridiculous.
– Here we are, safe and sound. – said Aggron. – That big edification is Gallade's Corp., in front of the corporation is a luxurious hotel where you are going to lodge, and unlike the tents, you are going to have your personal bedroom.
– You are already here. – said a Pachirisu with a tablet on his hands. – I'm Pachirisu, for many Pokémon I'm Mr. Gallade's secretary, but I'm Gallade Corp. vicepresident, I won my place here with all my effort.
– Hi Miss Pachirisu! – said everyone.
– Over here. We have some time to see at least one building, after that, you will go to the hotel to rest from your trip. – said Pachirisu walking through the wide streets of the city, and when they arrive at Gallade Corp. Pachirisu said. – As you can see, Gallade Corp. is a set of six buildings where, in each building, something specific is made. The first one, at your left, is where we make all the new technology we produce and sell. In the second one you can find the Data Base of all the buildings. In the third, it's the Genetic Research. The fourth is where Mr. Gallade's office is, and obviously my office. On the fifth is the Genetic Manipulation. And the last but not least important is the History Research. Talking honestly, for me, the sixth building is just Mr. Gallade's whim. He's a total fanatic of our history, right there, we research all the historical discoveries, and paleontological discoveries and ancient stories. Today we can start with… the fifth.
Amazed by the fifth building and all the workers going everywhere and at the middle of the way, Pachirisu stopped.
– Let's start, this building share information with the third building. Here in Genetic Manipulation, we try, as the name implies, manipulate, unite or separate some D.N.A. information, I'm sorry, maybe I need to slow down, maybe talking from the beginning… On the third building is where…
– Is where you try to find the chromosomic information from cell samples, and when you find them, it's processed and saved, then you can know about reproduction, cell division or clonation, like meiosis and mitosis, true? – said Summer automatically, and she surprised herself about what she just said. Everyone was bowled over.
– Wow! If all of you are so intelligent, my work will be easier. – said Pachirisu amazed. – Let's continue, when the information is already processed and saved, now, we can start with the experimentation phase in the Genetic Information of some species, right now, our scientists are trying to attach the resistance of the Chesto Berry to a Pecha Berry, so...
– So, the chromosomic attachment helps the Pecha berry with an incredible resistance for a tough environment where a delicate and sweet berry can't survive trying not to lose its curative properties of the dominant berry, or at least that is what Biotechnology engineer and Genetic engineer must do. – Summer couldn't believe it, she did it again, everyone was surprised again.
– That's correct… And with that, we can stop the world hunger which strikes our world recently… young girl… for a first year elemental student you are…
– You are too smart. – said a voice behind the group.
– M-Mr. Gallade, what are you doing here? – asked Pachirisu.
– I just wanted to know how was my guests treat. – said Gallade walking through the group with a kindly voice and smile. – Missy, you are too smart, even I could offer you a job here when you grow up. Congrats.
– T-thank you.
– What is your name, young one?
– S-Summer, Mr.
– C'mon, everyone, please, just call me Gallade. Missy, you are special, one in one million, and that's just for being a Riolu, but your IQ makes you more special. You must be proud of you. – said Gallade with his same smile.
– Thank you, but being honest, I don't feel that special.
– And with a modest attitude. Well, I need to return to work. Everyone, please enjoy the trip! – said Gallade and with a great energy he said goodbye, he turned 180° and he started to walk.
Summer would be happier if that didn't happen… Again, she started to feel dizziness, and followed by a blurred vision, then, she could see it. According to Alakazam, what she saw was Alakazam's warm and orange aura making her relaxed. But this time she felt fear, terror. Gallade was covered by a big and a black aura, the whole wide corridor wasn't enough for that dark and enormous aura. She thought that maybe behind that kindly smile was something darker, but she retracted, why would a villain has a laboratory with the purpose of helping the world.
Pachirisu ran trying to catch Gallade.
– Sir? Did you find it?
– Not at all, the weirder I could see was that Riolu, but she has no connection with what I am looking for, that means… I was wrong again. Let them finish their tour, after that I want them outside here the most quickly possible. – said Gallade.
Pachirisu sighed and returned with the school group.
– In spite of a short tour, we had an unexpected visit, that's all for today. You must be tired for your travel. I will show you the hotel, and I'm giving you this ID with which you be able to enter on the allowed zones, because I won't be able to be with you tomorrow, but with pleasure our worker will guide you.
They walked out of the building. In front of them was the hotel, and in the path, Glaze went with Summer.
– Wow girl, I knew you were smart, but not that much. – said Glaze.
– I… didn't know either. – said Summer talking to herself but saying that aloud.
– What do you mean? – asked Glaze?
– Eh? – reacted Summer.
– What Summer is trying to say is that she studied some books before coming to the trip, she said that she didn't want to come here without information. – said Blaze helping Summer.
– Uh? Yes… what he said. – said Summer.
– That's weird, I already read all the books from the library and none of them are about what we saw today. – said Fur.
– Well… that's because… – said Summer without ideas.
– Mom and dad collect many kinds of boring books, my dad finds them and he buy them, then my mom read them, she loves to read. – said Blaze.
– That has more sense. – said Fur.
The children got excited when they saw the huge hotel from outside, and more from inside.
– Miss Pachirisu, good afternoon. – said an Espeon who was probably the receptionist.
– Hi, I'm here for the rooms I reserved for the school which we invited. – said Pachirisu apparently knowing Espeon.
– Sure, the 10 pent-house, right?
– Yup.
– T-ten pent-house?! – said Chimecho overreact.
– Yes, Mr. Gallade ask for bigger rooms, but…
– But 10 are too much, is that really okay? It must be super expensive.
– Everything is okay. – said Espeon with a smile. – Mr. Gallade is the owner of this hotel and many other franchises. This doesn't mean anything to him.
– That Mr. Gallade is really a kindly millionaire, isn't he Summer? – asked Glaze.
– Y-yes… kindly. – said Summer remembering what she saw.
– Are you alright? You seem a little distant. – asked Glaze.
– Yes, I'm fine. Must be the fatigue. – lied Summer, that day she saw many strange things.
– Okay everyone, it's time to go to our own room, your 9 pent-house are next to mine, so If you need anything, you can ask me for anything you want. – said the teacher giving every student a keycard.
– Me too. If you need anything, please tell that to Espeon and she will contact me. – said Pachirisu before leaving.
The teacher also said that everyone was going to the rooms together, because she wanted that everyone knew the way to the lobby to their rooms. And if they wanted, after resting some time, they could go to the hotel's restaurant.
Summer was lied on her bed, thinking many stuffs. For some reason, she remembered the accident making her cry again. It was a habit now, everynight she cried alone. After all, an accident like that is not so easily forgotten. She cried once a day to endure all the day, but this time she was interrupted by someone who knocked the door.
She went quickly to wash her face and when she felt ready, she opened the door. For some reason, she wasn't surprised at all when she saw Blaze outside.
– Hey. – was the only thing Blaze could say.
– You want to talk, right? – asked Summer closing the door when Blaze was already inside the room.
– I want to talk about many things now, for example, how did you knew what to say in the tour. – said Blaze.
– Believe, I want to know that too. – said Summer sitting on her bed.
– It's curious about the evolution of the beds. Years ago the beds were more primitive, like the ones my parents used. – said Blaze trying not to be rude asking directly. – But we still use the primitive beds on the village.
– Yes, they are like humans' bed. – said Summer caressing the bed.
– That's another thing I don't understand, you have amnesia, but you remember many things of your world.
– I think I didn't lose my basic knowledge… unlike my past.
– So, it's basic knowledge to know the topic that you seem to domain? That makes the humans more interesting. – said Blaze sitting next to Summer.
– Dunno, but I don't think so, but right now I couldn't remember what I said. It's like the words just came out. – said Summer crouching her head.
– Can I ask you something more… personal?
– Something more personal? – asked Summer raising her head.
– I heard you crying… since you arrived to this world, I heard you cry everyday… you know you can count on me, right?
– You… can't understand…
– You don't know that. – said Blaze.
– Of course I do! How you could, if you live with both parents who love you so much?! Do you know how is to lose your family and can't even remember?! – said Summer angry but with tears.
– … I do. – said Blaze.
– W-what?
– I'm not a fool, Summer… There is something I didn't explain you yet… Here there is something known as "Egg Group". It defines which Pokémon can reproduce with another, which species are compatible with other… A male Hydreigon can have a Charmander as his child, but it's impossible with a Sylveon… she must be a Charizard…
– Wait a minute, that means that Sylveon… mom is not your…
– No… And dad neither… and their relationship started when I was not even born. I'm not their real son.
– I-I… I didn't…
– It's okay, just remember that you can count on me, you are my sister after all. – said Blaze with a sincere smiling. Summer didn't need to see his aura to know he was being honest.
– It doesn't hurt you knowing that? – asked Summer.
– Of course it doesn't, I'm very grateful with them. They are taking care of me and I'm not even their son, so, why would I?
Summer couldn't handle it anymore and she started to cry hanging on Blaze. Blaze tried to comfort her while she was asking forgiveness between tears. They were like that for so long, until someone else interrupted knocking the door. Summer tried to relax before answering.
– W-who is it? – asked Summer.
– Hi Summer, I'm Glaze. Just inviting you to eat something with Cotton. Finally, I convinced Fur to come with us!
– Uhm… I…
– Sorry, but she's coming with me. – said Blaze.
– Blaze?! Is that you?! What are you doing in her room?! – screamed Glaze furiously.
– I'm sorry, I already won you. – said Blaze in a mocking tone.
– You are a…!
– But we can solve this problem. I'm going with you! – interrupted Blaze.
– No way! Today is girls night out.
– C'mon, is there a problem if I go?
– Yes! If you go with us, it would be girls night out anymore!
– For me there is no problem. – said Cotton that apparently she was right there.
– Me either, only if he is not a nuisance. – said Fur.
– W-what? But… ARGH! Fine! We are going to wait you downstairs. – said Glaze while she was leaving angry, and the silence she left supposed for Blaze and Summer that Cotton and Fur leaved with Glaze.
Summer washed her face again and when she was ready, both of them get out of the room. They walk through the long and confusing hallways until they realized they were already lost.
– Are you sure it was this way? – asked Summer.
– Honestly… I'm not sure anymore. – said Blaze while they were still walking.
– This seems to be only Personal Authorizes zone. Better to come back.
– Good idea. – said Blaze while they turned, but them crashed with someone else. He was wearing a hood which looked like a trench coat and something covering his head.
– W-we are sorry sir, but we got lost so we are leaving now.
– S-Summer, he doesn't look like he works here. - said Blaze getting in front of Summer.
– Calm down. I just saw you walking and talking like good friends so…
– So you decided to follow us, that sounds something I would do. – said Blaze putting on guard.
– I just wanted to talk… I wanted to…
– What did you want? Pedophile! – shouted Blaze.
– For the last time… I-
– I don't think he wants to hurt us. – said Summer.
– What?! – shouted Blaze.
– I can see it… his aura. – said Summer.
– His aura? – asked Blaze while he turned to see Summer. – Ah! Summer… your eyes!
– What happened with my eyes? – asked Summer worried.
– Your eyes… they are now a beautiful silver eyes… but. – said the stranger running to Summer. When Blaze realized, he tried to interpose, but the stranger was too fast. Blaze didn't know how he passed him. The stranger took Summer who was going to collapse.
– How did you-?
– I will tell you later. – said the stranger giving her a berry and with a cloth he cleaned Summer's eyes. – It was awesome, but it seems that she reached her limit. See? Her eyes… were bleeding.
– Blood? Summer! – shouted Blaze when he realized.
– Relax, I gave her a medicinal berry. She's going to be better.
– Who are you? And why you followed us? – asked Blaze who was still worried about Summer status.
– I can't tell you who I am. But what I can tell you is that I wanted to give you both, these. – said the stranger taking out some necklaces. The necklaces were holding a little and a peculiar emblem, the necklaces looked ancient and handmade with stone, and in the middle of the emblem there were some embedded black crystals.
– Why you wanted to give us that? – asked Blaze.
– That… I can't tell you neither. – said the stranger.
– Sure, and you expected that we will receive something that a stranger gave us? C'mon.
But the stranger didn't care about what Blaze said. He left Summer on the floor and he moved too fast for Blaze's eyes and when he realized he was already using the necklace and when he saw Summer, she was already using the necklace too while she was standing up.
In that moment, both crystals started to glow. They shone with an intense light blinding Summer and Blaze, and when they could see the crystals. The one who owned Summer was now an orange color and in the middle a blue and red DNA form. However, Blaze's crystal had a white color and in the middle the same DNA form but instead of blue and red color, his had a gray color in all the form.
When Blaze looked around, he realized that the stranger was already gone. Blaze explained what happened when she lost consciousness.
– And that's all. – said Blaze. – I think we should go and tell what happened to the teacher.
– I don't think he had bad intentions, besides, the necklaces seem very beautiful.
– You can say that for yours, mine is too less colorful.
– The patterns are really beautiful. I never saw anything similar. I said we should keep them.
– Are you sure? We are going to accept a stranger's gift just like that? – asked Blaze. – We don't know where they come from, or who were the owners.
– I know… but I saw his aura and it had sincerity… and a little of pain… or at least I think that.
– Let's ask Alakazam when the trip finish, now, the best we can do is trying to not attract attention, and a good way doing that is going with the girls before they get worried.
When they accepted that, they returned where they came from until they found the exit.
When they arrived to the restaurant, they could see how luxurious it was, there were many Pokémon but not that much and they found the girls in a private room separated by the rest of the restaurant by a door and a glass wall.
– Isn't it great? This private room is only for special events, like our school trip! – said Glaze excited.
– And the drinks we already drank were delicious. – said Cotton.
– Yeah, I would love to come here to drink a tea and read a book at the same time. – said Fur.
– You love everything about books, true? – asked Cotton.
– Sure I do! The books are my life… I'm so excited to know the library of the city!
– Uh? And those necklaces? They are too similar, where did you find them? – asked Glaze.
– I read about something like that. Some Pokémon use a similar accessories showing their friendship or engagement. – said Fur.
– We are not in a relationship! / They are not in a relationship! – said Summer, Blaze and Glaze at the same time.
That night they had a good time talking, eating and knowing better each other. It was a pleasant night with friends.
– So, Glaze. Why you hate Blaze that much? – asked Fur.
– I don't hate him… it's only that he can be a little… annoying. – said Glaze.
– What curious, you didn't say that when we were kids. – said Blaze.
– Uh? W-wel… t-that's because…
– Come on Glaze, don't get blushed. – said Fur.
– I'm not blushing! T-the tea is still hot.
– That's true, I want to know your story. – said Summer.
– That's not the big deal, my dad was his dad's friend, that's how we met each other. – said Glaze gaining control of herself again.
– And tell me Blaze, what do you think about Glaze? – asked Fur interested.
– Hey Fur! I didn't invite you for…
– I think she's a good friend… but her problem is that she can't show her real emotions. And I'm grateful with her for taking care of my sister. – said Blaze hugging Summer.
– Awww. – said Fur and Cotton.
– Y-yeah, whatever, I'm doing this for her, not for you.
– Talking about you, Summer. What's learning method do you use? – asked Fur.
– The learning method I use? – asked Summer.
–Yeah, it's too difficult to learn many stuffs in a few days and memorized all you said. That were specific topics, not too difficult for a scientist, but a little difficult for a first year elementary student like us, even, you amazed Miss Pachirisu and Mr. Gallade.
– I… read and… I try to memorize what I read… I think. – said Summer a little nervous.
– If that's the case, you must be multi-talented. – said Fur.
– I don't consider myself a…
– Don't say that, you are very, very smart. – said Cotton.
– It's true, I never heard about someone like you, you are becoming more and more special. – said Glaze.
– Why everyone tells me that? – asked Summer.
– It bothers you? – asked Fur.
– I'm not that special like everyone says… besides, I don't like to be the center of attention.
– But you are, I think you must give you more credit and esteem. – said Glaze.
– I think that's only something that characterize me, but everyone has something that make them special.
– Everyone? Are you sure? – asked Fur.
– Yes, for example; Fur, you are a talented and a passionate reader. Cotton, you always think before act making her so kindly. Glaze, you are a little bold, but you have a leadership skill. Red is so lively and skillful when we talk about flying. Blaze is so kind-hearted and he can be serious when it's necessary. Soul… I know him a little bit, but he must have a skill… And finally, Yang is… he is… - thought Summer.
– His only ability is to be lout and a jerk.
– I agree. – said Glaze.
– Come on girls, it's not right to express about a classmate that way.
– I agree with Blaze. – said Cotton.
– We are having a good time, but we must go. The teacher told us about being in the hallway of our rooms at least at 9:30, to be in bed at 10:30. – said Fur.
– Okay, then. It's time to leave. – said Glaze getting up and stretching.
That was how everyone left the restaurant and returned to their hotel rooms.