This is the seventy-fifth chapter in the Pokemon Heroes story. This is another part in The Ritchie Chronicles. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own Pokemon or any of the songs.

(Opening song)

Three days later, Ritchie walked into his room groggily. He had gone on a training mission with Luxord to a volcano on Cinnabar Island. He had to go inside the volcano to dodge lava that rose up. He could've died, but he knew that most of them wouldn't care that much, except for one. That person was particularly Drew, who disappeared. Ritchie lied down on his bed and took a deep breath. He had practiced more of his speech with Drew, so he can talk better now. He sat up and looked towards his door.

"I wonder where that guy went," thought Ritchie. Suddenly, the door flew open, scaring Ritchie, making him fall back down on his bed.

"Hey," said Drew as he walked in. "How's things going?" Ritchie sat back up, and looked at Drew annoyed.

"Why'd you go and do that for?" asked Ritchie as he sat up.

"What?" said Drew, "I can't hang around my buddy anymore?" Ritchie looked at Drew, and he noticed that the boy was beaten. He had a bruise on his face, and his clothing was kind of ripped.

"What happened to you?" asked Ritchie surprised. Drew at first didn't understand Ritchie's, but after taking a look at himself, he understood.

"This?" said Drew, "Just a mission. You don't need to worry about it at all."

"What did you do on your mission?" asked Ritchie. He hadn't yet joined any A-class missions yet, so he was really amazed on the way another Dark Signer would do.

"I just had to retrieve an Enigma Stone with Roman," said Drew, "Met an old geezer that pissed me off, and we got into a fight. I totally kicked his ass."

"Oh," said Ritchie. Drew then turned around to walk out, but stopped and turned back to Ritchie.

"Hey, if you're not doing anything right now, come with me into a city," said Drew, "I found something while I was on a mission." Ritchie nodded and stood up and walked towards Drew.

"I was planning to just sleep, but I might as well go with you," said Ritchie. Drew smirked.

"Alright," said Drew, "Let's go."

The Ritchie Chronicles Part 2: Friendship

Ritchie exited from the portal Drew created. He placed his feet on the ground and looked around. The city seemed normal, like any other city he has been to. He noticed that he was on top of a high building. Towards the distance was a clock tower. He looked towards Drew, who looked annoyed about something.

"Where are we?" asked Ritchie.

"We're in Haruka City," said Drew, "I had to come here a few days ago to do some training." Richie looked out again, and noticed nothing. He began to think for a second, and then turned back to Drew.

"What's so special here?" asked Ritchie. Drew then pointed towards the distance, and Ritchie saw the clock tower.

"There," said Drew, "That's where we have to go."

"Oh," said Ritchie, "Why didn't you just bring us over there."

"Making portals isn't that easy for me yet," said Drew, "It takes a good amount of energy, so it wouldn't be a good idea for me to make another one. Let's just go over there ourselves. Try to keep up." He then jumped ahead. Ritchie watched him go, and then he followed.

They made it to the top of the clock tower. It took them awhile, since they had to make sure pedestrians didn't see them jumping from building to building. Drew stopped to take a deep breath. Ritchie looked out into the distance. His eyes widened. He was so high up, that it amazed him. He could see the small cars on the ground, and the clouds moving in the sky. He looked back at Drew, who was still catching his breath.

"Why'd you bring me here?" asked Ritchie. Drew look towards him and smirked.

"Isn't it obvious?" said Drew, "I brought you here because this'll be our hangout."

"Hangout?" asked Ritchie.

"Yes, hangout," said Drew, "This is the place where we'll chill and talk. You don't expect us to hang around that gloomy castle all the time." Drew then sat down at the edge of the tower. He motioned Ritchie to sit next to him, and he did.

"How'd you find this place?" asked Ritchie.

"I found it after I went on my first mission," said Drew, "I got into a fight with one of my old friends, and I came up here after I felt something strange after fighting him. This place made me feel more at ease though. It's beautiful during a sunset. I just wanted to show you this place. It's too early to see the sunset, and we can't stay here forever. The Dark Signers might get suspicious. They won't be happy when they see us just hanging out here."

"Oh, okay," said Ritchie, once again fascinated at Drew's missions. They sat there in silence, looking out at the sky. After a few minutes, something was thrown at Ritchie's lap. He looked down to it and saw a small notebook. He looked into it and saw that it was blank. He looked towards Drew, who had tossed it to him.

"What's this?" asked Ritchie.

"It's a notebook," said Drew simply as he stood up, "I got it after a recent mission, and I thought that I should give it to you. You can write about your life in the organization, like your missions and stuff."

"Thanks," said Ritchie. He didn't really feel happy about the book, since he hadn't even gone on one mission yet. He stood up as well and turned towards Drew. He might as well ask him.

"Hey Drew," said Ritchie, "Ever since I've joined The Dark Signers, I haven't been on one necessary mission yet. How much more training do I have to go through to become worthy to go on one?" Drew stared at Ritchie for a second, and then smirked.

"Of course you can go on one," said Drew, "All you had to do was ask. Just ask Saix permission first though." Ritchie's eyes widened. He didn't know it was that easy to go on a mission.

"Really?" said Ritchie excitedly, "How come you never told me about this before?"

"You never asked," Drew replied simply. Ritchie was now shaking with excitement. He wanted to go on a mission so badly, and now he'll get his chance.

"I'm going on one as soon as we get back," said Ritchie, "And I want to go on a hard one." Drew blinked, and then realized what Ritchie said and chuckled.

"You're kidding?' asked Drew, and Ritchie shook his head. Drew thought for a few minutes, and then sighed. He then looked back out at the horizon.

"Ask Saix," said Drew.

Ritchie and Drew went back to The Castle That Never Was, and went towards Saix. They found him in the lobby, looking out at the black sky. Ritchie walked towards him, and before he could say anything, Saix turned towards him. Ritchie felt himself shake by just staring into his eyes.

"What do you want?" asked Saix. His loud, scary voice made Ritchie shut his mouth. He didn't even think that answering back would be a good idea. The man looked like he could kill someone any second.

"I said what do you want?" asked Saix once again, making Ritchie shake again. Drew noticed him being nervous and walked over to the two.

"The kid wants to go on a mission," said Drew as he got close to them. Saix looked towards him, and then sighed, and then a book appeared in his hand. He started to flip through the pages.

"Alright," said Saix, "I guess your training has to come to an end at some point. You may go on a mission. There has been an opening for one at—"

"He also wants a hard one," said Drew. Saix looked towards him, and then looked back at Ritchie. Ritchie still didn't feel easy around the man, but with the small kick from Drew, he got back to his senses. He bowed before Saix.

"Yes," said Ritchie, "I would like to go on an extremely hard mission, please." Saix looked back into the book, and then flipped towards the back of it. He stopped and placed his hand on something, and then looked at Ritchie.

"I shall send you to Kasumi City," said Saix, "There is an extremely powerful Shadow Pokemon there, and I want you to catch it, but don't kill it, no matter how many times it tries to kill you."

"What Pokemon is it?" asked Drew.

"It's a very powerful Magmortar," said Saix as he closed the book, "Don't fail this mission, Ritchie, or else." He then started to walk away. It was evident that Ritchie was speechless, not having any clue on what to say at the moment. Since Ritchie wouldn't talk, Drew decided to step in.

"I'm going with him," said Drew, making Saix stop and turn back towards the two. Ritchie looked towards Drew as well.

"I'm not letting him go out and fight on his own," said Drew, "This is an A-class mission, and it isn't safe for a rookie, young Dark Signer to do it alone."

"But he offered to do it," said Saix.

"I don't care," said Drew, "I'm going with him." Saix didn't say anything, but just sighed. He then turned towards the two.

"Fine," said Saix, "You may go with him, but you are getting no credit for the completion of it at all." Drew looked towards Ritchie and smirked. Ritchie nodded, relieved that he didn't have to die without any backup.

"But on one condition," said Saix before he left, "If you're going to be a team, then include one more person." He then pointed towards the opposite side of the room, and the boys saw Xion standing there. She was just looking out, not listening to the boys at all. Ritchie stared at her, amazed at how quiet she was. He never really talked to her since she came to The Dark Signers, so it might be awkward. Also, he still felt strange around her. She only looks out the window with her hood over her head.

"She has been training lately, and I think it's time for her to go on an actual mission," said Saix, "Xion!" Xion looked towards the boys, and simply just walked towards them. When she got close enough, Drew looked back towards him.

"Alright then," said Drew, "We'll take her along with us." Saix nodded and then walked off.

"I'll be back," said Drew, "I need to get something in my room. Be back in a second." He then walked off, leaving only Ritchie and Xion. Ritchie looked towards her. She was awfully quiet, and she looked as if she was staring out towards nowhere. They were alone, so he decided to at least start a conversation with her.

"Hey," said Ritchie. Xion looked towards him, nodded, and then looked back to nowhere. Ritchie sighed.

The three stepped into Kasumi City through the portal. They looked around. It almost looked like Haruka City, but Drew felt that it was a little different. He placed his hands at his side, and closed his eyes.

"Where can we find the Shadow Pokemon?" asked Ritchie.

"Hell if I know," said Drew, "It must be close though. I can fell its negative energy." After a few minutes of just standing there, they all felt the ground shake a little bit. Drew opened his eyes and then looked towards the direction of the shake.

"It's coming from over there," said Drew, "Let's go!" He then jumped away. Ritchie was about to follow, but stopped and looked back at Xion, who was once again just looking out towards nowhere.

"Are you coming?" asked Ritchie. Xion nodded and jumped after Drew. Ritchie noticed that her jumping skills were far superior to his own. After just standing there in shock, he pulled himself together and ran after them.

The three jumped on top of a high building. They saw the ground below them, and saw smoke rising from the ground. The area was in ruins, and a lot of people were already dead. Drew whistled and he put his hood over his head.

"That's a whole lot of damage," said Drew, "I'm beginning to know why this is an A-class mission." They looked down again, and Ritchie could finally see it. He saw the Shadow Magmortar, but looking at it made him wonder if it was a Magmortar. Its red flames were purple, and its eyes were yellow. Whenever it shot out flames, the flames seemed to be gooey and sticky. It launched a gooey flamethrower at the crowd and police.

"We should clear the area before we fight it," said Drew, "We don't want them seeing us. Also, remember to put on your hoods. They must not see us." Ritchie did so, and Drew jumped down and landed in front of the Magmortar, who just smiled like a madman in front of them. Drew stood up as the people watched him amazement. Drew looked back at them and smirked.

"Bye," said Drew, and flames spun around him and attacked the people in the area. They screamed as the flames burned and killed them. After mere seconds, the area was cleared. The Magmortar was still standing, since it was already made of fire. Ritchie and Xion were just able to avoid the flames. Drew chuckled at what he did. Ritchie looked around and saw the dead bodies. He didn't feel the slightest remorse for their deaths. He didn't have the ability to, or so he thought.

"Yo," Drew said, snapping Ritchie back into attention, "We still have to kick this thing's ass, so don't let your guard down." Drew then materialized his Chakrams and spun them in his hand. Ritchie materialized his Aura Blade. He had learned to master it, thanks to Drew. Ritchie looked towards Xion, who hadn't materialized her weapon yet.

"Do you know how to fight?" asked Ritchie. Xion didn't respond.

"She's still a newbie, Ritchie," said Drew, "If she can't fight, she can't fight. Let's just take care of this ourselves." Ritchie nodded and stepped forward to face the giant Pokemon.

"You should know that I specialize in fire myself," said Drew, as he started to mock the Shadow Pokemon, "Don't even think about underestimating me." The Magmortar laughed, intimidating Drew, and it worked.

"Shut up!" yelled Drew, and he raised his Chakram and dug it into Magmortar's body.

"Calm down, Drew," said Ritchie, "Remember, we don't have to kill it. We just have to bring it back to The Dark Signers."

"I know that!" yelled Drew, and he looked back at Magmortar, who didn't seem fazed of the attack at all, shocking Drew. His Chakram was just sticking onto it like mud. It slapped Drew away, crashing him on the ground.

"Drew!" yelled Ritchie as he started to run towards Magmortar, "Don't even think about hurting him!" He attacked the Pokemon with his blade, but it did no effect as well. It only stuck to him. It knocked him away. It started to laugh, and then it looked towards Xion, who was just standing there. It chuckled and shot out a purple, gooey flamethrower at her. Ritchie noticed this, and saw that Xion wasn't even going to dodge it.

"Xion!" yelled Ritchie, but before the attack hit her, she just moved out of the way easily, making it hit behind her, causing an explosion. The Magmortar was confused at first, and then it angrily yelled. It started to run towards Xion, but then Drew stood in front of it and crashed his Chakrams on the ground, causing an explosion of fire around Magmortar.

"That'll keep him occupied," said Drew, and he then turned towards Xion and gave a thumbs-up, "That was awesome at what you just did there." Xion didn't say anything, nor did anything, back.

"Well screw you too," thought Drew, and before he could say anything else, Magmortar broke through the flames and ran towards Drew, whose back was turned to it.

"Drew!" yelled Ritchie, and before Drew could do anything, Magmortar smacked him aside, making him crash into a bunch of rubble by Ritchie. Ritchie stood and ran towards Drew, who was now unconscious.

"Dammit," said Ritchie, "That basterd." He placed Drew down and ran towards Magmortar with his Aura Blade.

"You're coming with us whether you want to or not," said Ritchie as he attacked Magmortar with a slash of his blade, but Magmortar blocked the attack with a blob of purple fire in front of it, but Ritchie sliced through it. He tried hitting it again, but Magmortar blocked it once again the same way, but Ritchie broke through that as well. Before Magmortar could block him again, he headbutted it on its stomach, pushing it back.

"I'm going to take you down myself," said Ritchie, "No one else needs to be involved." Magmortar shot out purple fire, and Ritchie dodged it, but didn't have time to dodge the second one that it shot out. It hit his chest, and he fell backwards. He was in pain now. He felt fire attacks before, but this kind hurt extremely, like acid. Magmortar walked towards Ritchie before he could even get up.

"I'm not through—" said Ritchie before he was kicked aside. His Aura Blade landed away from him, and he was too weak and injured to get it. He looked towards Magmortar, expecting it to stand over him, but it wasn't. He looked to see where it was, and was shocked when he saw it walking towards Xion, who just stood there.

"Don't hurt her!" yelled Ritchie as he ran towards them. Magmortar shot out its purple flamethrower at Xion, but she dodged it. It tried again, but she dodged it once again. It tried over and over again, but failed everytime. It began to grow frustrated at the girl, and tried to grab her, but suddenly, a fist went through its chest. Ritchie punched it so hard that his fist went through. His eyes flashed green.

"Don't even try it basterd," said Ritchie. Magmortar spun its head around to look towards him, without even moving its body. It then punched Ritchie towards the ground. It then kicked Ritchie behind Xion. Xion turned back at him. He couldn't stand anymore, and he watched Magmortar walk closer to Xion.

"Get out of the way!" yelled Ritchie. What happened next happened in an instant. Ritchie was beginning to think if he was dreaming, because he just saw something materialize in her hand, then she ran past Magmortar. She was now on the opposite side of him, and it didn't move. After a few seconds, it fell towards the ground, unconscious. In amazement, Ritchie sat up.

"That was awesome!" yelled Ritchie, "How'd you do that?" Ritchie looked towards Xion, but then froze. He couldn't believe what she had in her hand. It was an Aura Blade, just like his, but it was different. The color of the blade was red while there were green stripes as well (A/N: Just like the second Aura Blade Ash had at the end of season 2).

"What the hell?" said Ritchie. Xion looked at the blade in her hand.

"How'd you do that?" asked Ritchie. Xion just shrugged.

"I don't know," said Xion, "I just had an image of another you using it, I just thought of it, and then it appeared." Ritchie was surprised that she actually spoke to him, and was even more surprised at how beautiful her voice sounded.

"Another me?" thought Ritchie as he stood up and started to walk towards her, "That's amazing. I never thought you would have the same weapon as me. Marluxia told me that every Dark Signer should have a different weapon, since we're not all the same."

"We're very alike," said Xion. Ritchie once again didn't understand what she meant, but just brushed it off. Since she was shorter than him, at least to his chest, he started to bend down to get a closer look at her face, which was still concealed within the hood.

"What?" asked Xion.

"Oh, um, I was just thinking that I've seen mostly all The Dark Signers' faces, but not yours," said Ritchie, "Just wondering what it looked like."

"You want to see my face?" asked Xion.

"If you don't want to, it's okay with me," said Ritchie, "I just—" Xion then pulled down her hood, and Ritchie finally could see her face. He had to admit, he was surprised, especially at how beautiful she was (A/N: Remember, she looks like May, only her hair and eyes are black). Xion then started to walk away towards Magmortar.

"I hit its pressure point, so I just paralyzed it," said Xion, "We should bring it back before it starts to go astray. Also, wake up Drew. Let's get out of here before people come." Ritchie nodded, and was about to go towards Drew, but stopped and turned back at Xion.

"You're cool," said Ritchie, "After this, wanna come hang out with me and Drew. We arranged a hangout at the top of the clock tower in Haruka City. Drew said it looks beautiful in the sunset, and it's gonna be dawn in about two hours. Wanna come?" Xion stopped walking towards Magmortar and turned back towards Ritchie. What was on her face surprised Ritchie.

"I would love to," said Xion, with a sincere, happy smile on her face. She then walked back towards Magmortar. Ritchie froze. He's never seen a Nobody smile, especially a sincere one. He has never smiled, but Xion just did. He has seen no one smile except her. Drew's smiles were just evil smirks, not smiles. He got out of his shock and shook his head. He started to smile as well, yet, he didn't notice he was doing it.

"That girl keeps on surprising me," thought Ritchie, and we went back towards the knocked out Drew.

(Ending song)

Next Time on Pokemon Heroes: A week later, the three friends think that throughout their whole lives as Dark Signers, it will be peaceful, but that's not going to happen. As images start to flood Xion's mind, she starts to change towards her friends, and The Dark Signers. How will this change affect their friendship, and how will this change affect their future? Next Time: The Ritchie Chronicles Part 3: It Starts.

That was that chapter. The notebook Drew gave Ritchie will be very special in the future, so watch out. Next chapter starts Ritchie's challenges that he has to face now, so it starts to go into the main plot rather than the missions. Next chapter will be posted next week, and the movie is coming out next month. See you next week!

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