Zach's Years: Freshman. A Pokémon Fanfiction. Chapter 9, Hontia

Author's Note: Well here we are again. This time though it won't be as extensive. We're back into present time, and things get quite heated up. This and the next make up the climax of the first half of this year. After that, the slates almost completely wiped except with new events.

I'm starting to think that some people aren't too intent on reading 10000 word chapters. Maybe they'd enjoy the shorter style. Oh well. Those people aren't getting any around here.

Though I do give thanks to whoever has read this story and continues to read as I update. It's nice to know that people appreciate the hard work I put into this stuff.

Sorry for the tardiness, as my mind got stale several times, as well as taking a break to settle out things in my life. After next chapter is when my new story starts up, and I'll be ramming three of those chapters in a row instead. I'll need a break from creating 5 simultaneous chapter (which is over HALF the series so far) in a row.

Everything set aside, it's reading time! Enjoy!

Disclaimer: No rights to pokemon owned here. SORRY!

...

"What happens when the person attacks the possessor of the hand that feeds them?"

Arcotti Norelli

Historian, Fearow, 843-900

"The what seal?" my dad asked.

"It's odd to explain. A long time ago I went into a volcano to find fire stones to make some money. However, I took a wrong turn and got lost. I stumbled on a little creature. He was extremely strong though, and had incredible powers. He implanted a seal on me that was shaped V. It gave me unusual powers, and he taught me a few. I could copy something put it into a mental inventory. I could only copy once, but once it was in the inventory, I could take it back again whenever I wanted. It only works on non-living things," I explained. His eyes were wide open in shock.

"How long have you known this…?" he asked.

"Two years. In fact, through the powers of the seal I can communicate with the Victini, as well as learn moves that Gallades would regularly be unable to learn, but they have to be tutored to me," I told him.

"This… Is all insane… It's hard to believe you…" he moaned.

"Do you want proof?" I said. I teleported a book out of thin air. He was immediately surprised. "This must all be some sort of crazy occurrence. You should really know what happened over the past few times."

"What do you mean?" he asked.

"I've had to be away twice now. Once a day and then I wound up in a car crash. The other time it was a miracle that I survived the explosion. Well I must correct in what really happened. The first time was actually me getting kidnapped by a dark legion member. I went all the way to Cortia City, and they made me get on a helicopter. They got about three miles into the sky, but I had broken free of their chains. I killed both of them with sneak and weapons, but then the controls malfunctioned. I plummeted out of the sky but lived due to the helicopter's roll cage. I recovered for those two weeks but then the explosion happened. What really occurred is that another dark legion tried to assassinate me by igniting the school. Just for me…

I had no way of escaping except to blow up this half of the school. It launched me extremely high into the sky, and sent me flying so fast that I landed on top of a skyscraper in Vosa Nové. When I was there a paranoid doctor hired two dark legions to kill me. I evaded them both, and had to try and get out of the city. I wandered around and heard that a bar tender might be able to get me out. I got the directions, and had to cross the town to get there. At night, I was tired and met a group of street performing Kadabras with their Alakazam guardian. They gave me a place to stay for the night, when I was ambushed by one of the dark legions at the hospital. I used a super move, that I'll get to in a bit. I then went to the area to escape. Had a few troubles, but got out safely and got home safely too.

Now I said I used a super move. The truth be told, one day I had a suspension, but I didn't tell you about it so I could go to the volcano where I met the Victini, or as I refer to him, just Vic. It turns out that a legendary bird named Moltres lived in the area. There's also a massive underground lava sanctuary beneath that volcano… I loved the beauty of it. Anyways, Vic brought me to meet Moltres. Remember how I could learn any move that could be tutored? Well Moltres taught me an extremely powerful version of fire punch. It has more power than a hyper beam. It's also a lot larger than a hyper beam too. Ever since then, I use it as a dire situation sort of move, because it really tires me out if I use it.

So you may be wondering what this all has to do with me getting shot, as well as going to Hontia. With me being shot, it's a whole new story. Due to some bad experiences, I had become too paranoid. You remember the whole business with me punching Brian right? Well I had thrown up so overwhelmed by the paranoia and I stumbled upon the Gardevoir waiting out there in the lobby. She wanted to help, but I tried to get her away. She wanted to know why I was sick and paranoid, and she persisted no matter how much I didn't want to tell her. I finally knew what was best for me and told her everything… And she didn't believe me!

She held onto that grudge for a few weeks, and then it was the football game. When I was watching, I spotted a shady man with an unusual item that he was carrying. I immediately followed him and saw he had set up bombs all over the underground management of the football field. There wasn't enough time to get rid of the bombs, so I cut off all the power instead. The Gardevoir didn't react so nicely. She found me and pinned me onto the ground. Just then, the shady man, who was a Bisharp, was standing there just staring at both of us angrily. Because she had knocked me down in a bad way, it sort of hurt to stand up. However, she poked fun at the Bisharp, which led me to being shot.

You know the rest of that, so how about I answer Hontia. A while ago I found out about a mythical thunder dog named Raikou. He only comes down to earth when the strongest lightning bolt in his storm hits the highest ground in the area. He stays there for a minute to take in some fresh air, and then leave with his storm. Incidentally, the storm is stronger and larger than a hurricane. I found out that this storm was going to go over Hontia, and you wanted ideas for a vacation. I knew that Raikou could teach me something, so I suggested that we could go there since the storm would be passing over. In fact, the end of school is in a few days, and we leave the last day of school before break," I said. My dad must be overwhelmed by all the information. He was clearly stunned.

"Okay… Zach. I'm going to tell mom all this. Just… rest here," he said. I nodded. He left the room. I saw a bottle of water next to my bed. I took it zealously and chugged it all in one. I was parched. Just then I heard knocking.

"Come in," I groaned. Brian opened the door and walked in.

"Hey bro… Just wanted to check on you… Haven't been able to sleep a wink," he said.

"No kidding. Brian… Dad just explained a lot to me. You need to hear it as well. This may come as a shock; but it shouldn't be as shocking as what I've been through," I said. I told him the entire story. His eyes were wide open by the end of it. He said he was tired so he left. I still heard mild sobbing from outside. Was that Alexis or mom? Either way it was clearly grief that was causing it all. I got up. Despite everything I was already feeling much better, aside from the slight pain by my spike. I looked out and saw Alexis at the end of the hall, with John by her side. Patting her on the back. She had her head in her lap, arms around her head. I saw John get up and leave. He must be tired. I looked and saw the clock and it said 3:21. Very early…

I opened up the door. I didn't care if anyone saw me in my boxers and blue apron. I just eyed her at the end of the hallway. She didn't look up. I felt exhausted just then, so I closed the door, got back in bed, and slept like a rock.

It made me wonder… Just how much worse was emotional pain then physical pain?

POVS (Point of view switch)

I woke up late in the afternoon. 2:32. I had spent all night crying myself asleep… yet I hardly fell asleep at all. I had nightmares based on what I had done. I was still having trouble keeping back the tears. I got out into the hospital hall. The Regaldi's and John were going out to lunch, leaving Zach here. They decided to leave me alone I guess.

When I walked out into the hall I saw Zach just leave his room. He looked very groggy, and uninterested in his surroundings. He went to the nearest bathroom. I was the only one besides Mrs. Regaldi that hadn't talked to him. I wanted to change that.

I waited about a minute until he came walking back. He saw me this time, and I walked up to him.

"Do you mind if I talk to you for a bit?" I asked. I wanted to seem as casual as normal, but it was hard keeping the strain out of my voice.

"I don't mind," he answered. His voice sounded rough, and not the regular strong that it was.

"You sound a bit worse…" I said. I was just calling it as it is.

"I'm infected with some virus from the bullet. They say that it'll mainly mess up just my voice. I'm still somehow in good physical condition," he responded. He plopped down on his bed, clearly tired. He had 12 empty water bottles in three different trash cans. He took a thirteenth, and chugged it down in 20 seconds. I observed him and started to figure out something in my head.

"I think that virus may be making you thirsty," I said.

"Maybe… I don't care, I just need water," he said. All of a sudden my eyes began to water. I wiped them away. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah… Yeah… just thinking… Do you hate me now?" I asked.

"No… You didn't know what you were doing," he said.

"I shouldn't have been so foolish," I pouted.

"You don't have to be mad at yourself," he argued. I looked up. "Look… Here's the point. You're going to go back home with John. You're not going to tell ANYONE, under ANY circumstances. Only if the dark legion finds you should then say something. But not to your parents, friends, relatives, or anyone else important. My family is going to Hontia, for reasons that I can't tell you. I think with all that's just happened that there should be no questions."

"Okay… Zach?" I asked one last time.

"Yes?" he asked back.

"… Be careful. I know this may sound ridiculous, but be careful. Whatever you plan to do in Hontia, make sure it isn't too much," I warned. He nodded. I then walked out of the room. So I would go home. Suddenly school seemed distant. Even relations with Jake and John M…

Could it be love? I don't know. I can't determine it. I'll just see what happens between me and Zach. Though he's definitely attractive… I could see why all the Gardevoirs had admired him that first day in physical education.

I need to figure things out. Zach clearly has been through more than I could ever imagine, and I've known him for only 4 months. In that time several unusual things have occurred. Rumors about him, crushes on him, rivalries towards him, and much more. But he's been pummeled, shot, fallen from three miles out of the sky, and only Arceus knows more.

But why do I feel like I love him? Maybe that Bisharp pointed something out. All this time I've been rejecting it, but… I do love him. I have to face the facts.

Okey, reverse POVS

Dad was rallying everyone for the trip to Hontia. As it turns out, John's family was also vacationing in Hontia. I didn't care too much for Alexis. She was more of a just a bump in the road now.

I explained to John why I was going to Hontia, and he seemed quite concerned. He didn't like the idea about going into the storm, considering his parents had no idea about it. He was also worried about me having to run into the heart of the storm.

It has been a long past two days. With getting shot, and listening to dad's story, if that wasn't a wake up slap already, then this would have to do. Going to Hontia was very serious business, considering what I intend to do there.

However, another thing caught my eye. The storm would actually come a few days after we got to Hontia. That meant we had some actual vacation time.

I should pretty much sum up everyone's reactions to the Hontia trip.

I am afraid, yet excited. I'm scared of the danger the storm will bring, but I also am excited to try and meet Raikou.

John is somewhat afraid, but is happy about being in Hontia. It's quite famous for its beaches, and he says he definitely wants to spend time there.

Brian was originally resistant to the idea, but when he heard that John's family was coming along (including Rachel), he couldn't resist. It was the first time they would spend vacation time with each other since two years ago. He was elated.

Dad was definitely the most hesitant about all of this. He was afraid that I would get hurt in several different ways, and I don't think he was convinced that I was able to handle myself. Yet, he agreed to go on the trip.

Mom didn't seem to care too much, except she was afraid of the storm that would come.

And then something terrifying showed up on the news.

"BREAKING NEWS! URGENT REPORT! A.J. RON IS DEAD!"

When I first heard those words on the TV, I stopped drinking the water I had. He had been shot and stuffed in a closet. This must be massive.

"Investigators have found that he was killed by an item that the Dark Legion had manufactured. All the figureheads are screaming for more attention towards the war over the loss of their leader figurehead."

I knew this couldn't end well. Now that a Dark Legion had gone and killed Ron, things will be a lot more hectic.

A government limousine drove us to the airport. I sat in the front seat while everyone else sat in the back. It was a silent ride, with no one even daring to usher a word to break the silence. It was a good two hours away, but we had a few hours before our plane left. Alexis was leaving later than the rest of us.

The Terra City was the largest airport in the Avenger side of the world. It was massive, and had twelve different wings, and over 50 miles of just runway. It was always crowded with businessmen as well as travelers and families. This entire thing though was government paid, so we were getting bodyguards while in the airport, and on the flight. After that they had other work to do elsewhere. We didn't want to ask.

We skipped security as several people all around looked at us eerily. I heard some complaining, but they soon realized that these were federal agents. They must have wondered why someone like me would be protected by the government considering my age and size… I was short for a Gallade my age.

A few hours later it was time. The plane to Hontia was now boarding, and the guards had to leave early due to urgent reasons. I reinforced Alexis about not talking about this incident at all. I think she had it clear in her mind now. I didn't do anything but look back one last time before I got on the plane. Her face was embedded with sorrowful cracks in the white skin… It was supposed to be smooth, but at times so dark… Gallades and Gardevoirs will lose most of their shine, in more ways than one.

The plane ride was interesting. Hontia was on the other side of the continent from Heidelberg, so it would be a half-day long ride there. It was plenty of time to rest.

They offered only me first class, though I said I would ride first class only if everyone else could get it too. In the end, there were luckily enough spots for the five of us to ride first class. Me and Brian sat together with John across from us and mom and dad behind us. I zoned out to talk with Vic. We hadn't had a serious talk in a very long.

"Hey Vic… All this news must be coming to you like a jolt of blood to the head," I told him.

"Yes… This is all quite hectic. First the episode with Alexis not believing you, and then getting shot… This must be a pretty traumatic experience," he noted.

"It has been. At least it's time for Hontia. This shouldn't be too bad aside from the storm," I said in my usual tone. I sensed uncertainty in Vic.

"You say that so nonchalantly yet this storm will destroy Hontia… Plus you plan to just deflect the largest and most powerful bolt of lightning in the world," Vic complained.

"I am aware of how this storm will go. I also revised my plan about protecting the bell. I'll get a large mound of dirt from the earth and place it above the bell just before it strikes… It's a better and safer way of just trying to deflect it instead," I reassured Vic. He started to relax more.

"You're still insane in my book by the way. If somehow your convoluted scheme works, I'll actually teleport to you since I know Raikou and have not talked with him in a very long time," Vic told me.

"I'm fine, just as I learn something interesting from him… He will teach me something, right?" I asked.

"He probably won't unless I'm there, so I'll have to come to you beforehand. He won't trust any random person, even if it's a red Gallade. He's actually quite out of touch with the modern world, so you may appear odd to him. He still acts as if he was living 1000 years ago," he said. Wait… 1000 years ago… That's right…

"Wait… Vic. I need to explain something to you. My dad is not regular. He's someone completely different and important than who he claims to be. He told me a story of his past… He's traveled through time," I said. Vic's eyes widened.

"Dialga wouldn't-" he said.

"Just listen! I need to tell you this. It all began…" I said. I told him the story over a span of 15 minutes. He was astonished.

"Wow… That's insane," he said.

"Yes. But an important thing is that he said his parents were taken and killed by a massive flaming bird. It's obviously Moltres, right?" I asked.

Vic thought a moment. "I need to ask Moltres telepathically. This may be a moment." I disconnected from our psychological chat room and came back into reality. I looked over at Brian. He was on his iPod and I saw the time. We left at 1:30 P.M. and would arrive at roughly 2:30 A.M. It was now 4:23… Still 10 hours to go. Soon Vic came back.

"Yeah… Moltres remembers that. He said he needed food for his villagers and the crops were running low. I'm… so sorry… about what happened to your grandparents," Vic sorrowfully replied. I felt a bit of grief for my dad. I knew one of the strongest moves in the world from a being that killed my grandparents. I felt a twinge of a mix of pain in rage in my spike. It disheveled me.

"How's the bullet wound holding up?" Vic asked.

"Getting better. It's going to be a pain that will just act up now and then… It's gonna bug me. It's inevitable," I answered. Something didn't seem right. Was Vic hiding something?

It didn't matter to me. I took a nap until the dinner was served on the plane. I had reheated fruits and vegetables with a side of steak. It was as good as airline food could get (even though it still wasn't as good as an average meal on the ground). The next four hours passed quickly. It was now 10, and I wanted to review everything.

Mostly based on my social relations though. John will never treat me the same again. He'll act differently towards me and others most likely. It's clear in that. Brian… already protects me but might worry more. I've told him to stay out of things but he always wants to intercept whatever goes on. I admit, he did save my life in the shooting, as well as Alexis's, but he might get too involved. The same goes for mom and dad.

Though Alexis… Something changed in her. I'm not sure if it was guilt or realization about this entire mess. She realized that I had been through a hell of a lot more than anyone she's known. I feel sorry for her in that she unwillingly got mixed up into all this.

"What are you thinking about?" Vic suddenly surged in.

"H-hey! I'm just… uh…" I stuttered. I didn't know how to put it into words.

"You're thinking about Alexis. I can read your thoughts Zach, remember that. You pity her quite a bit," Vic noted. I looked down at my crotch. Fortunately my pants didn't have a dent, but I was firmly erected. "What's this?"

"Don't get any funny ideas," I scorned.

"Oh come on. You have to admit she's very attractive," Vic said.

"Maybe she is, but I'm not going to fall for someone who got me shot," I angrily told him. I disconnected again and went to sleep. I forgot all about this in a few seconds.

I woke up in the middle of the night again. Another horrid nightmare. Not surprisingly, I felt immersed in a pool of my own sweat and the seat had been soaked. I took a towel that I had secretly stuffed in my backpack and dried myself off. Brian woke up.

"Gah… What is it?" he asked.

"Another nightmare," I moaned.

"Man… Those must really bite. What are they about?" he asked.

"I think you know what my nightmares are about," I said. Brian knew. I fell asleep again more tired than usual.

I was awoken we had landed. It still looked like it was night time, and we were escorted into another limousine. I looked out to the ocean... It was clear now, but tonight a black cloud the size of this city was going to appear on the horizon. We were going to make the most of our day going to beaches and touring the places, as well as eating exquisite food that was only available here.

Honestly, today I just wanted to relax. We didn't go anywhere for last year's summer vacation, and I desperately needed a break from my hectic life.

Our first plan was to sleep and get to our hotel. We got a room on the ground floor the farthest away that we could get from the ocean yet still be in short distance of the main attractions of the city. John met up with his parents, and they got the same room as the hotel.

*Sigh*

Mom and dad…

Rachel and Brian…

It's annoying me now. Vic is teasing me too much and it's starting to piss me off. I don't NEED love. It would be a convenience if I could actually find a relationship, but I don't have a crush, and don't specifically know anyone who does have a crush on me! It's disorienting!

Not to mention how confusing business at school has been. Not only Alexis makes me skeptic but several other girls just act too unusual around me! I've seen them from afar and they act nothing like they do around me.

The other issue is that being in love would change me too much. I have too many secrets to hide as well as having an unstable personality. That's my other issue, in that it seems like no one would fit me right.

It's something that I just wish I could ignore, if it weren't in my face every time I think about Vic.

I'll have to cope with it one way or another…

"X has gone missing. Ron is dead too. Plus, the football field confirmed not to blow up, so there's a good chance Zach survived," the agent told the advisor.

"Interesting. Any evidence of a relation?" the advisor asked.

"Not yet. We're going to continue focusing our attempts to seize/terminate Zach Regaldi. Please notice Alastor about that," the agent replied.

"Will do. You are dismissed," the Advisor replied.

=Governmental Document=

= Year: 1013 L: XRS #578=

=Report from Agent Blake Tony=

=Over the past four months, we've been keeping a close monitor on Zach Argsti Regaldi. His physical capacity is ever growing, as well as intellect, but we've started to see a rapid influx in mental health deterioration. He's becoming ever more depressed and frustrated with his life. It may be urged that he might need mental help. He appears to not realize his mental issues.

On another note, an unusually large storm has been spotted off the coast of Hontia, as well as the Regaldi family and Johnson family traveling to the same location. This was at a similar time to when A.J. Ron was assassinated. There may be some coincidence to everything, but we are not completely sure.

On a last note, Max Regaldi seems to have acquired a gun, and it may still be functioning. If we can acquire this gun, or a gun, we may be able to mass produce these and their ammo given time. Currently our warfare strategies are too volatile to obtain a gun, considering only special agents of the Legion have them. If we manage to find these Legion agents before they can strike, we may just get a gun, and give us a phenomenal boost in arms for fighting the war.

The only question is where to start, and how.=

I was the first to wake up this morning. The sun shone deeply through my window. We were all given private rooms. Mom and dad got theirs, Mr. and Mrs. Regaldi got theirs, Zach got his own, and obviously Sis and Brian got theirs.

It rarely occurs to me just what they do in their free time… Nah, me and my stupid perverted mind. Sure they're seniors but they can't be pulling those sort of activities.

We were all going down to the breakfast hall to eat. I knew what was in store today. Mostly going to the beach and eating fine cuisine, and then all hell would break loose. It was funny to think we were vacationing in paradise yet it was going to be worse than hell in a matter of thirty minutes. I was scared honestly. Zach, as strong as he is, is still just only 14. I'm not sure if he can manage to get to the top of a hill during the wildest tempest ever brewed up out at sea. It shows determination to meet this Raikou person.

I rushed my way to the elevator. I was starving, and had already showered by now. I was dressed casually; grey t-shirt, and loose jeans. I had a verification card so it would be easy to go anywhere here. The pool was nice, but it was missing a hot tub, so we all agreed to go to the beach instead. By the time I got to the elevator, I saw a door close down the hall. It was Zach.

"Hey wait up!" he called out. I pushed the open door button in an instant. "Thanks."

"Hey there. How was your sleep?" I asked. I knew he had been getting horrible nightmares recently.

"Fortunately well. No nightmares or anything of the sort," he said, as he cracked a smile. He didn't smile very often, but his smile was that sort of smile that just makes you feel good inside. It was the warm, friendly smile that your grandpa would give you.

"Good to hear. I'm starvin' so I need some food. How about you?" I asked.

"I forgot my lap top in the car. It was a gift for Arthur's Day," he told me. I nodded. We got to the ground floor. It was only 8:32, and the rest of us needed all the sleep we could get. Today was going to be chaotic, especially at nightfall. I convinced my parents to go back to the hotel before 10:00, as Zach said that was when the storm would come. He was going to go up to the bell to meet this Raikou apparently. I had no idea who Raikou was or how he looked.

I went into the dining room and immediately filled up two plates with eggs, waffles, pancakes, bacon, cereal, and any other staple of a breakfast meal. Zach came back and filled up his plate with a lot more bacon, but just as much overall as I had. However, he ate it down a few minutes before I did… Well everyone eats differently. I asked him if he could show me a picture of Raikou, but there is no confirmed one apparently.

All of a sudden I started to wonder something. Quite a few pokemon have a star appendage, as it's called, yet Blazikens do not have any. The entire Ralts family line has their spike as the appendage, and it is incredibly fragile. I looked at Zach's deep blue spike and something didn't seem right. All spikes were naturally straight, but his curved up and pointed sharper than usual. I'm not sure if it was anything unusual, but he doesn't seem to notice that.

"Hey- Zach… Your spike isn't irregularly shaped at all, is it?" I asked him.

"It's a less common shape, but it still seems to occur. The upward curve occurs about a third of the time a Kirlia becomes a Gallade," he answered.

"Okay just wondering is all…" I chimed out. He seemed more independent after being shot. I don't know why…

Soon enough everyone else woke up and ate. We just went up to our rooms to get dressed into bathing suits for the beach. Zach wears a full body suit, while I just wear some trousers. His brother also wears trousers, and everyone else is just average.

Zach apparently learned how to surf, unlike the rest of us. I know only the basic, but he's learned from a tutor. It's impressive how he can ride the waves, and even get airtime off the crests of them. I mainly body-boarded instead, while mom and dad and the rest of the Regaldi's stayed on the beach. At one point Zach knew a trick in where he could get under the sand, and Brian had taught him this. At the point where the waves wet the sand, but not too heavily, you could start digging under it, and created a stable crevice while doing so. Unfortunately it was steep, so we would just go down a hole. Instead, we dug an 8 foot hole in roughly 20 minutes the size in which I could fit down there. It was hilarious, considering I was the tallest out everyone here (yes, the tallest).

We went to a restaurant that specialized in more spicy foods, using certain peppers and berries to add a zest. It was a delicious meal, not to say, a talkative one too. We talked about the scenery, the weather, and how it was nothing of the same as Heidelberg. Heidelberg seemed a million miles away. In literal terms, it was around a thousand miles away, but you get the point.

We went to a boardwalk after lunch for some other, more recreational times. There was an amusement park, and all of us were thrill seekers… with the exclusion of Rachel and mom.

Yes, that's right. Me, Brian, Dad, Mr. and Mrs. Regaldi, and Zach, all LOVE rollercoasters, except Rachel and mom. Brian once convinced Rachel onto a coaster once, and it wasn't a very extreme one. She still hollered her head off and nearly threw up after the ride.

This park had a launching coaster that did a figure-eight-loop, as well as several inversions and several other cool stunts, and yet only lasted a minute. However, the hour long wait DEFINITELY compensates. It only started to occur to me at the end of the cueing line that the storm would be coming in only 8 hours… which was a lot shorter than is seemed. Of course, that thought was immediately diminished by a 70 mph launch and the rest of the ride.

It was loads of fun. Zach, Brian and I took turns riding front seat, while all the adults rode front in the next ride.

Eventually we split up into 3 groups, as we all wanted to explore different rides. Brian and Rachel got their own, the adults had their group, and then it was me and Zach. I was like a third brother to Zach, and just as close as Brian was to him. I was still a great friend to Brian considering my sister is his girlfriend… So I've gotten to know him inside-out.

We were going to go to a ride called a Gravitron. It was a ride that revolved extremely fast, and relies purely on centrifugal force to keep you pinned to the walls as you spin around extremely fast. It was a popular attraction at the park. As we waited in line, I started thinking some more.

"Hey Zach… You've really changed in the last four months. In several ways," I told him.

"I know how much I've changed, but I don't know how much I haven't. All I know is that I'm here to relax and enjoy these rides," he said with a smile. I nodded. That was interesting… He knows what he is, but he doesn't know what he isn't. I know its pointing out the obvious, but that made me realize things. We are always afraid of the known, but we fear the unknown because it's unknown.

After a few minutes the cue was up, and we were in. All the people took up the slots that were occupied, and Zach and I were placed near each other. Soon enough, the alarm sounded and the room started spinning slowly. It started to pick up, and soon it was spinning extremely fast. Then the floor started to lower and we were still in our spot! That was what was so cool about this ride.

Though something started to seem wrong. It was supposed to do this for 30 seconds, but soon it had lasted 40. The force was starting to hurt. We started to hear screaming, inside and out. Zach had blacked out. My head was starting to hurt. I had to do something. In my last efforts, I saw the rotor spinning the room. I gathered all my strength, and focused a flamethrower right at the rotor. It broke, and the room stopped spinning. Everyone fell on the ground, and they were all hurt. Zach had suffered worse.

He wasn't moving, and his eyes were motionless.

"Zach! Wake up!" I yelled. I grabbed him and brought him to the nearest source of water. There was a fishing pool, and I threw him in the water. He quickly came back to his senses.

"AGH! WHAT THE… Who… is there?" he asked.

"You blacked out. I think someone tried to take a stab at you on the gravitron," I told him.

"Argh… Well I'm going to give that person what for," he said. He looked up, and saw something. "Stay here."

"No! I'm going to come with you! It's too dangerous for you alone," I told him. He looked at me oddly, but then realized that I was strong.

"Okay. Just be careful, and run if he pulls out a weapon," Zach commanded. I nodded. I had always heard him tell these stories, but I never thought I would have to experience one myself. It exhausting, mentally and physically. My thoughts were whirling around in my head as my muscles ached from the tension of the centrifugal force. He ran off and I stumbled to keep up with him.

I soon caught up and I saw his target. A Zoroark rushing through the crowd of people, heading somewhere. By the look of it, onto the beach. We had been stamped in case we needed to leave, so we could always get back in. I saw him rush out the gate, and onto the boardwalk. I quickly glanced out at the ocean. It was probably overlooked by everyone, but a darkening at small points on the horizon were visible. The storm…

We ran out the gates in hot pursuit. He was dressed in athletic clothes while we were in our bathing suits, though I was wearing a casual shirt. Zach had his swim outfit on still. We dashed onto the beach barefoot. The sand was hot, but the intensity of the situation was hotter. We kept in hot pursuit. At one point Zach launched a night slash at him when there weren't many people around that could be hurt. I also launched a flamethrower.

"This isn't working. He can out run us. I'm going to have to catch up," Zach said. Catch up?

"What do you mean catch up?" I asked. All of a sudden his eyes changed color. His regularly green eyes became a fierce red, and he dashed like the wind. His legs moved faster than my eyes could comprehend. He caught up within seconds to the Zoroark. He tackled him to the ground and pinned him down. We caught the attention of an Ampharos lifeguard.

"What is the meaning of this? What is the meaning of using attacks here?" he asked.

"This man assaulted me as well as several others. What can you do?" I asked.

"Well, I could take him into the local police station, but that's about it," the lifeguard answered. The Zoroark knew he was caught and defeated. The Ampharos took him away somewhere on the boardwalk as another lifeguard came in.

Zach immediately fell down on the beach. He was exhausted. I had my cell phone with me, and I knew Brian should have his cell too. I dialed his number and soon he picked up. "Brian, it's John."

"Hi. There a problem?" he asked.

"Yes… A Zoroark jammed the controls of the Gravitron and it went on too long. Zach passed out, but we gave him what was coming to him," I told him.

"Oh god… Not again. Where are you?" he asked.

"Out on the beach a bit far from the park now. We'll come to you, but Zach is more tired than I've seen him before. Even after his runs. I'll carry him to you," I told Brian.

"Okay… Quick. I think the storm is coming," Brian worriedly replied. I nodded and hung up. Zach was looking out at sea.

"The dark spots out at sea… That's the storm," Zach said.

"Yeah… I'm getting scared. This place is going to be demolished in time being. You're sure that you'll meet Raikou?" I asked him.

"Positive. Everything makes sense. There's no thing as a coincidence in this case," Zach reassured.

"Okay," I nervously replied. This storm was scaring me. I may have brushed it off earlier, but now… It's going to wreak havoc. I just have to trust him on this one.

"We have numerous reports of tempests on water funnels off less than a mile of Turqueq Beach. Every ship in the area has been drowned or flipped over. Rescue boats are having trouble just approaching the area. Sounds worse than a hurricane," said one of the reporters.

"This is insane. This storm literally appeared out of nowhere. There were no air distortions, pressure changes, and any other signs that a storm this catastrophic would appear," the Anchor replied. The entire news team was frantic, even though they were all the way in Terra City. They had been checking in on Hontia when they received frightening news of a horrible storm that was going to run straight into Hontia. They alerted the government, as well as the Red Cross and other communities that would provide for the needy.

The room was tense with frantic reporters and two anchors trying to keep everything under control.

"We need to order an immediate evacuation off the coast of Hontia. Five miles at the least away from the coastline. Flood warnings and tornado warnings are effective immediately. Get everyone out of Hontia as fast as possible," the Manager demanded.

"We're going live in 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, ACTION!" the camera man yelled.

"We interrupt this program to bring you vital and urgent news to the residents of Hontia, and any towns within 4 miles of Hontia. A massive gale is coming through the beach and will destroy almost all of it. You are to evacuate at least five miles in land for fear of floods. Tornado warnings are effective for any area within the storm. Once again, evacuate Hontia immediately. Go five miles inland as well as flood warnings and tornado warnings for the area of effect for the storm. Evacuate immediately!" the reporter repeated.

"That was relayed across every screen in Hontia and nearby. Good work. Now we just have to let nature take its toll," the Manager applauded.

The warning had been so noticeable. The darkness that had been hard to see now covered half the sky. It was now 6:20 P.M., and we were dining outside. It hadn't started raining yet, but soon we would be having vertical rain that will be more like a shower that knows no limit. The Johnson's had followed the weatherman's instructions, and took John and Rachel with them out of the city. They were frightened out of their minds, and only left us a message on my mom's cell phone as they left. At least it was justified fright; with a storm this powerful you have good reason to be scared out of your mind.

I could already see the lightning bolts out at sea. The entire town was now deserted. Since this restaurant would most likely be destroyed, we decided to get some food from it before the storm would come. I had managed to locate a safe house in our hotel, and mom and dad and Brian would be there while I go to meet Raikou…

"Well… Look out there. That storm will come through and wipe out anything in its path. It'll start to affect here in a few hours," I told them.

"When will the ultra-lightning bolt strike?" Brian asked.

"At around 10:30. I…" I started but couldn't finish. I knew how bad this was, and the concern was on everyone's faces. This storm was the most powerful known. Going out there in the heart of the storm was insane. You could have deemed crazy. Vic was still trying to stop me, but it was the only chance that this town would have a chance to rebuild. If I didn't get Raikou to call the storm off, Hontia would be obliterated, and all its culture would go down the drain with it.

It was also the only chance in that I could possibly save the bell. It was essentially the symbol of our nation, in that it's on our flag. The Peace bell was the pride of our country.

"Zach… You're sure about all this, right?" Brian asked.

"No," I admitted.

"Good," he replied. Everyone gave him a weird stare. "Have you ever noticed something? Most of the time when you go into something expecting what's going to happen it mostly turns out bad. Yet with all these recent events, you had no idea what was coming next, yet you survived!" I saw his point.

"True… You're sure you don't want us to come with you?" dad asked.

"I'm very sure. Well… Actually…" I started. I reconsidered things.

"Please! Don't!" mom blurted out.

"What?" I asked.

"Zach… You can go. You seem confident enough. But Max! Please don't go out there!" mom pleaded.

"Megan what is this all about? You're not coming with me at all. It's too dangerous," dad replied.

"Exactly; I want Brian to stay back too. It's so dangerous out there… I couldn't think of anything happening to all of you. Including Zach," mom replied. Soon the three of them started counter arguing with each other. It lasted a few minutes.

"Just stop this! You're staying in that bunker and that's that!" I yelled, louder than the entire area was. "Mom's right. Dad, Brian, Mom. I couldn't think of anything happening to you. I'd be devastated. You'd be devastated if something happened to me too. But if all of us get hurt, then it will be worse. It'd be best if just I went," I pronounced. There was a silence. I had settled the argument. Dad decided to break the silence.

"Zach… You're still sure about doing this right? Nothing will change your mind?" dad asked.

"Yes," I answered.

"Well… This may sound nuts but just be careful Zach. At this point, anything can happen," my dad told me. I heeded his advice, and we finished up and drove to the hotel. We were taking all our items and bringing it into the bunker with us. There was another family in the neighboring bunker.

For the next three hours I stuck around with my family. We just laid on the couch. Mom was next to me, rubbing my head while I was sleeping. The speed sprint had exhausted me, and I needed to regain my energy desperately for the incoming chaos. Brian was nervously tapping his foot, while dad sat sleeping in the corner. When I heard the first major lightning bolt strike, I knew then it was time that I had to set out. It was half a mile to Peace road, which was a quarter of a mile uphill to the Peace bell. The upward hike would be the hardest part of this entire journey.

I hugged my mom, and hugged my brother, and woke up my dad by hugging him, and then left the bunker to do what had to be done.

It's funny just what people do. We often act before we think. It's instinctive.

A famous test was conducted by an experimenter using Herdiers. He was going to prove that every living thing was more instinctive than cautious. He would feed these Herdiers, and ring a bell every time he would feed them. They would drool due to the need to feed.

After conducting the same test several times, he rang a bell yet did not feed them. Regardless, the dogs still drooled. This was a highly accepted experiment, confirming everyone's beliefs that living things would act before thinking. Even sentient creatures have the same flaw as wild ones.

Another important philosophical experiment conducted was using five children that were aged differently. They were aged 8 months, 3 years, 7 years, 14 years, and 18 years. There were also 5 adults involved, aged 23 years, 38 years, 49 years, 60 years, and 80 years old. In each test they put them into a completely unknown, separate environment that was the same every time. All they needed to do was find the food, and there were several different sources. The crucial part about this is that the child that was eight months old had the easiest time getting food, while the 80 year also had the easiest time. In contrary, the 14 year old – 38 year old people had the hardest time getting food. It proves two things. One, age doesn't matter to determine the will and instinct to get what you most desire. Two, age is not a determining factor in most situations, but when it is, look where you would not look to find the best results.

Think how this applies to where Zach is Right now.

I walked out and felt the heavy rain unload upon me like a faucet. I looked up shielding my eyes from the rain, and saw the entire black sky. Cracks of thunder rocked the land scape. The wind had not come yet, but when it would, the entire city would be forced underwater. I had a vague idea of the landscape, and knew one thing that I had to do; get on top of a building. I needed to take the lightning rod from it, for safety that a bolt might strike me. I had brought rubber gloves so that electricity cannot go through the rod and into me.

I went to the apartment building across the street. I went up it and saw several rooms, with swinging, blinking lights. It was something out of a movie just before something horrible happened.

I traversed the staircase until I was on the roof top. I saw the large intricate metal placed above, and yanked it out of its position. Just before I went back to the stairs, I saw a funnel form very far in the distance. The first tornado had landed. It must be wreaking havoc already.

I sprinted down the staircase and held the wire above my head. I walked slowly. I had already taken considerable time; it was 10:03. I didn't have much time before Raikou would appear.

I started picking up the pace as I slowly walked through town. The rain started to pick up, and soon the wind came in. I heard waves start to crash in on the other side of town. Even from a few miles away I could hear these waves… that must mean the town had already started flooding. I wouldn't have much time until the hotel would go down in water too. I frantically started running, ignoring the several amounts of lightning bolts that were striking down around me.

Good thing I had taken that rod. All of a sudden, a jolt of lightning comes out of thin air and hits the lightning rod. I was thrown on the ground from the sheer power that the bolt had done. I was winded, and the wind had started becoming crazy now. Small items were starting to get thrown into the air. It was 10:12 now. I started running. The Peace path wasn't far away.

2 minutes later I made it, nearly being pelted by a postal box. Vic gave me two bricks to keep me grounded so that I wouldn't get swept up by the wind. Though as I started my trek up the hill, I became worried that the bricks wouldn't be enough. The wind had gone from a breeze to that of nearing a tornado. I saw items being lifted into the air with ease, flying around with such grace. It was frightening, yet somehow I stayed grounded. At 10:18, I finally reached the Peace bell after what had seemed to be an eternity. I dug my hands into the ground and formed a massive lump of soil. It was as tall as me and so long that my arms hurt from stretching it out.

I stood there at the liberty bell for at least 5 minutes with my arms sore, and my face starting to hurt from all the water. Water had never hurt so bad. I managed to stay grounded due to the girth of the soil lump I was holding, watching lightning and three more tornadoes that had formed wreck the landscape.

I felt like my arms were about to give way, just as I saw a funnel in the clouds forming. It formed a spiral… This had to be it. No doubt about it. I used the rest of my strength to hold up the mound, and then, as if a judgment from Arceus himself, the enormous lightning bolt hit the mound. It was just large enough for it to conatin the bolt. Soon enough I heard something.

"This isn't the landing ground I requested," said an extremely low voice. All of a sudden, the entire storm halted. The rain, the wind, tornadoes, lightning, and everything else. I threw the rock down. I took a gasp of breath, regaining what oxygen I needed. Raikou jumped off, and saw me.

"A red Gallade? What are you doing here son? Don't you know how dangerous it is in my storm?" Raikou asked. Vic was wrong. He did know things about this society, otherwise he wouldn't have noticed the clothes I was wearing had been so different.

"I'm… here to *gasp*… learn from you," I painfully said.

"Calm down. Catch your breath and then talk," he replied. He was very respectful actually. Not very much like Moltres. He waited a minute for me to stop panting, and I could finally talk now.

"I came to learn from you. I've learned from other great beasts," I told him.

"Really now? Even for a red Gallade that's preposterous. There's no way someone like you could have gone and-" he said, just as he was about to eat his words. Vic appeared right beside me.

"Victini! What are you here for?" Raikou asked, very surprised.

"That's because I blessed him. He's telling the truth. He learned Flame Fury from Moltres," Vic explained. Raikou took a good luck at me.

"By Arceus's name you're right! I didn't take good enough of a look at him… Well, you wanted to learn didn't you?" Raikou asked.

"Yes sir," I answered.

"Good. I will teach you Voltage Outburst," he said. "Close your eyes and let your inner aura take control." I closed my eyes, and my pike started to feel different. It was glowing yellow. Soon I had come into another alternate dimension. I was floating in midair, and I saw Raikou.

"Count to eight," he commanded. I did so, and the entire room became an eerie yellow. He roared and turned me around. He brought me to his face, and the roared into my V seal. Soon enough, the entire experience was over.

"How do you feel?" he asked.

"Electrified," I told him. I felt enormously energetic.

"Discharge your energy by taking it from your spike," he commanded. I channeled energy like I did with Flame Fury, except this time my spike glowed yellow rather than red. "Release the power!" he commanded. I let go of the power and the entire area around me became enshrouded in electricity. Raikou absorbed it all though, but I saw. It was insane, just like Flame Fury.

"Fantastic! I can't remember the last time I had done this," Raikou exclaimed.

"Thank you very much. This is an immeasurable honor," I told him.

"It is an even greater honor to meet someone like you, and meet with Victini again," Raikou replied. With that, he roared, and all of a sudden, the clouds disappeared entirely, revealing a clear blue moon sky. With that, I laid down on the wet grass, and just relaxed.

"Well now what?" Vic asked. I didn't know the answer to that question.

"Well, I have an idea. Everyone has helped me so much in this journey, especially my parents. I'd like to do something for them instead," I told him.

"That's a very responsible thing. What do you have in mind?" Vic asked.

"You'd think its crazier than this," I told Vic.

"Are you kidding me? This was unheard of! A fourteen year old child going through a storm of this measure and then braving a bolt of lightning, and the strongest lightning bolt ever? It's crazy!" Vic exclaimed.

"I guess you have a point… But you remember the entire story of my dad right?" I asked him.

"Yes. Why do you mention that?" he asked back.

"Well… Dad's friends, Skit, Fray, Crow, and Oscio were incredibly strong. However, they were ambushed and imprisoned. Where I'm going with this, is I want to break into the highest security prison in the Avengers, that was built just to keep them controlled, and break them out of there," I answered. There was silence.

"You know, I think I was wrong," Vic replied.

Hee hee! Well I have the next chapter set up already. Though I really need a break before I go on with it, since I am wiped from doing this chapter. I'll be getting braces soon, which is a big downer. It's going to get in the way of typing for sure.

I've decided to give myself a week off of typing since I want to spend time video gaming and doing other things. That includes trying to get drawing, as I want to expand my ways to tell my stories, although writing is the fastest and most time-efficient hands down.

I also released a new story that I originally wanted to start drawing, but I ran into technical difficulties, as well as my mind getting stale on writing the rest of this chapter (hence it taking much longer than it should have).

As I mentioned before, this is the penultimate climax to the first half of Freshman. After that, the story concept will still be here, but other problems will dominate instead. It's also going to turn into more of a dramatic story too.

Obviously I'm going to start incorporating romance in this, if you haven't figured out from the entire scene with Alexis and the previous chapter with the mention of lemons too.

After the next chapter I'm going to start my new TF2 story, which will end my writing spree. I'm looking very forward to this story, and I am eager to write it. Chapters will switch back and forth while writing these stories, with my new story as a mold breaker. However, the TF2 story will only be 5,000 words long per chapter, rather than these 10,000 word chapters.

I have nothing else to explain, so that is all for this chapter.

I would be overjoyed if you left a review as long as it is positive. If you have negative feedback, translate it into constructive criticism. If you like this story, and would like to find out when it updates easier, just add it to your alert list or favorites list. I will have the next chapter out when I can, and when I feel like it. Please be patient for your own enjoyment.

~DTH~