"If you two don't pick up the pace you're both gonna get fined."
Both Dawn and Lucas scoffed at the blonde's usual impatience.
"Barry, I can see the town from here."
"Yeah man. We're almost there so chill the heck out already."
The blonde pointed an accusing finger at an already annoyed Lucas. "YOU REEEEEALLY BETTER HURRY IT UP!"
"Get your finger outta my face before I break it like freaking pencil."
"Let's all just calm down. We're like five minutes away."
The two boys looked at Dawn with a mild glare. "IT'S HIS FAULT!!!"
The bickering went on for another few minutes before they all proceeded to continue the journey. Unbeknownst to them, a figure was watching from atop a nearby tree branch.
Dressed in a black tank top, loose fitting grey sweats and a pair of black hi top work boots was none other than Black. He kept his eyes on the dark haired boy in particular. His eyes glowing a bright blue color in contrast to their usual chocolate brown.
"Well...What do you think?" He asked as he tore the tag off of a recently "purchased" red and white snap back cap that closely resembled his old one.
"His aura isn't controlled. He doesn't seem to be making much use of it either. He's vastly different from the Cre-" There was a pause. "Forgive me Hilbert. I almost slipped and said it again."
He flinched at the use of his biological name. "It's fine Reshiram. Besides, I think you've got a point. I really couldn't believe it at first either. The Lucas from my time was strong, confident, kindhearted, gentle...He was a real live hero. To think he started out as some short tempered brat with more insecurities than a kid should ever have is outright nonsensical."
"How do you plan to go about his growth? If we are to make a change, we will have to give him much more incentive than just a simple warning."
"Tch...Damn! I know I should try something but it could be risky."
"What did you have in mind?"
"I don't know his exact level of heroism yet. What I DO know is that he isn't too good when faced with a challenge that is unfamiliar to him. I could tell when I fought him. When he starts to lose the upper hand he doesn't get that sudden drive to do better. He loses his will. That has to change sooner than later."
"So what shall you do?"
"I'll give him to a little test. Put him in some situations that he has to really think hard when solving.
"...I feel as though you are thinking of something quite drastic."
"It'll be fine. I'll make sure no one is hurt. Just sync with me for a bit. I need a bit of your power for the first test."
"Please be careful Hilbert."
He grabbed the royal blue hoodie from the branch and threw it on. "I will. I promise."
Meanwhile…
Lucas, Dawn, and Barry had walked out of the Pokemon Center with there team all healed up. The had finally made it to Solaceon Town but had differing opinions on what to do next.
"Come on you guys! There's no time to go around sightseeing! Veilstone isn't even all that far! WE CAN MAKE IT!!!" Barry shouted while bouncing on his toes, ready to take off.
"What? No way. We just got here! Plus, I was gonna go check out the tower. I heard it's resting place for the dead." Lucas quickly protested.
"Who wants to go see a bunch of dead stuff? That sounds boring! I would rather get to Veilstone."
The other boy frowned with a vein bulging from the side of his head. "Whatever dude! Go run off to Veilstone by yourself then!" Lucas turned to Dawn with hopeful eyes. "You wanna tag along?"
"Oh, I was actually gonna go see the daycare instead."
He tried to hide downcast expression and opted to give a nod of depressing acceptance. "Oh okay…"
"Are you guys serious? We HAVE to get to Veilstone today!"
"Why are you in such a rush Barry? This is a journeyso let's actually see the sights."
He looked at Dawn with a nervous grin. "Nothing in particular. I just really want my next badge."
She shook her head and grabbed his arm. "Come on! We're going to the daycare to see all the little pokemon!"
"HUH?!?! But I don't wanna go!"
She ignored his flailing and screaming while dragging him down the dirt path. Lucas stood the glaring at his shoes before turning towards the tower. His mood being much worse than it was before.
As he stepped inside, he automatically got a chill up his spine. It was darker than he had expected. He'd be lying if he said he wasn't terrified of his ongoing phobia with the darkness. In a moment of weakness he called out Sparks and hugged him tightly.
"Umm...Lucas?"
"Don't ask Sparks. Just let it happen."
The electric type held back his embarrassment and decided it was best to just relax with his startled trainer.
"Where are we?"
"A tower for the dead. It's a resting place for pokemon that trainers loved."
Sparks looked around with empathetic glances at the sobbing humans around him. "These people all lost their partners?"
"Yeah...It's sad, but it happens all the time. Nothing ever lasts forever."
Lucas continued walking up the stairs to the next floor which was admittedly harder to see due to some light fog.
"Not to sound disrespectful but, why are we here? Did the grass type finally croak?"
"No! I just thought that maybe we could all take the time to remember those that we've lost. You know? Pay our respects."
"Oh...Is that what this is?"
Lucas nodded before sending out the rest of his team. He filled them all in as they reached the top. By then, it had been nearly impossible to see anything aside from two blank gravestones in the middle of the room.
"Well, this is it. Anyone tryna go first?"
"...I will." Sparks said quietly. The group watched as he stepped forward and spoke.
"His father died? How did that happen?" Buizel muttered confused.
Grotle nudged him. "Shut up."
"Father...I don't know what to really say. I just wish that you were still here with me. I hope you're doing okay. If you're still worried about me than you can stop now. I'm fine. I'm growing stronger with each passing day. I've gotten myself a trainer too, so you can rest easy now. He's really nice. EvEven as a human."
Sparks walked back over to Lucas' side and sighed. Lucas gave him a nice little pat on the head.
"Alright. Who's next?"
"Oh uh, can I go?" Buizel asked with a raised flipper.
"Sure. It's all you bud."
The water type stepped forward and bowed his head. "Dear Sergeant, I know that I messed up a ton in training camp and that probably made you really angry. I just wanted to say that I'm sorry for everything. I let you down when our base got raided. I take full responsibility for your death. I'm also sorry that I left my post. I may seem like a traitor in the eyes my former comrades but I can humbly assure you that I will be stronger than you and even the Captain of the Floatzel Force one day. You have my word. I will prove myself worthy. Goodbye Sir."
He lifted himself back up and took a step back while wiping his face. Lucas gave him a slight hug. "I will make you stronger. I know you'vegot what it takes."
"Thanks Lucas."
That left one last member of the team besides Lucas himself. "Come Grotle. Even you've gotta miss someone."
"Hmmmmmmmmmm...NOPE! Can't think of anyone."
"Swallow that foolhardy pride of yours for once and speak!" Sparks growled.
"UGH! Fine...Geez dude…"
"Thank you Grotle."
The grass type stepped up and let out a groan. "Well...I'm here to talk to you sis. I uh, bet you're probably still mad about how I used to bug you all the time. You're also...Probably still mad that I ate most of the food on your birthday. Maybe you're mad at how I uh, ran away and you...died trying to save me. I know that I didn't listen. I caused trouble and you ended up being punished because of it. I know that I mess up a lot and I'm REALLY sorry. I just wanted to explore and be cool like you...I never meant for you to get crushed in that cave...I...I just…"
Lucas saw his starter getting choked up and decided to kneel down next to him. He clapped his hands together and began to pray. "Thank you. Thank you so much for inspiring the best starter I could ever ask for. He's amazing and has real potential. I know he's gonna do great things."
Grotle haulted his tears and stared at his trainer. He decided to keep quiet as Lucas smiled at him. He wouldn't admit it out loud but he felt the same way about his trainer too. He saw the endless amounts of potential. Now he wanted nothing more than to bring it out and show the world.
"Th-thanks…"
"Guess that leaves me now." He closed his eyes. "Grandpa...It's been a while since we've talked but I had to let you know that I'm really doing it now. I'm on my way to new heights. I've even goten two badges. I've even got number three on the way!" He took a pause and removed the hat. "It hasn't always been easy. I got beat up a lot. Met some real bad people. I've even heard that the future ends up real bad too." He gripped the hat tighter as his team stepped next to him. They all huddled up close for comfort. "That doesn't matter though. I've got my team with me. Dawn and Barry are here too. I've learned a lot so far and I want to change. I've got a long way to go but...Someone told me that I really can be great. I just have to-"
He put an end to his words and turned to face a panting woman the was running up the stairs.
"HOLY CRAP! KID YOU GOTTA GET THE HELL OUTTA HERE!"
They all looked back at the panicking woman as she practically dragged the boy down the stairs of the tower.
"What's going on?!"
"There was as sudden fire that struck the town. People are freaking out right now."
"Fire? How did that even happen?!" Lucas asked.
"No one knows. It just happened out of nowhere." She said through multiple coughs.
When they got outside the town was in complete chaos. Buildings were burning and starting to collapse.
"But we were just here! Everything was so peaceful before!" Buizel shouted.
"Come on guys!" Lucas said as he dashed towards the heat of the situation.
"Kid hang on! You can't just run off like that!" The woman shouted to no avail.
As he looked around, he saw the few people that resided there screaming with fear. The boy's eyes darted over each burning building until they rested upon the daycare.
"Barry and Dawn were in there. I've got no choice but to run in and save them!"
He charged inside the daycare center and pushed aside the burning rubble. He looked at Buizel who was already putting out multiple fires with his Water Gun.
"This is a lot of heat!"
"I wish I could use water type moves right now." Lucas said as he shielded himself from the burning debris. He scanned the wreckage until he saw them. "YOU GUYS!"
They looked towards him and waved frantically in his direction. The flames and tufts of smoke quickly approaching them.
"Uh, Lucas...DO SOMETHING!" Barry shouted.
Both he and Dawn were huddled up next to a group of quivering pokemon. Dawn's Piplup was trying to keep the flames off of him but he seemed to be struggling.
Summoning all the strength that he could muster within his legs, Lucas dashed at the opening that his Buizel had created with his Water Gun. He quickly grabbed them and kicked through a burning wall. They all landed roughly outside of the now collapsed daycare.
"Holy crap! WE'RE ALIVE!" The blonde shouted. Before either he or the girl next to him could thank Lucas, another fire raged on. He had suddenly taken off in a sprint to help out more of the residents.
Lucas and his team stopped in front of a small house that seemed the most damaged.
"Buizel! I need you to back me up! I hear someone inside."
"Okay!"
"Sparks! You see if you can go lend a hand to any of the smaller victims."
The electric type nodded. "Easy enough." He bolted off towards the house adjacent to the current one.
Now, he looked at his Grotle. Both held a serious look in their eyes. "Grotle! I need you to carry as many injured people as you can OUT of the city. Between the flames and the smog, I'd say this place is way too hazardous right now."
"I got it!"
With his starter gone, he turned to his final partner. "Come on! Let's save this person's life!"
Buizel gave him somewhat of a salute. "Okay Lucas!"
He moved up to the building, bursting open the front door to see a somewhat chubby man with dark shades on. He was looking around the burning room trying to salvage some burning papers and a laptop.
"Buizel! Clear me another path." He nodded and did as he was told. Lucas moved quickly and cautiously through the small space he had and reached out for the man. "Come on sir! I'm getting you outta here!"
"NO! This could be a monumental scoop! I have to get the rest of my files!"
The boy glared at him. "Do you not see where you are?! COME ON ALREADY BEFORE YOU DIE!"
"I would rather die than go with out my stories! This could be what makes me millions! Forget the others! THIS IS ALL I NEED!"
"Excuse me? You're willing to trade away your life for a dumb story?"
"Not just A story…THE story! Listen to this. KID MONSTROSITY STRIKES AGAIN." He paused and thought of another. "LITTLE DEMON SPREADS HELLFIRE IN PEACEFUL TOWN!" He paused again. "FLAMING CHILD: THE STORY YOU NEVER KNEW!"
Lucas was stuck in a trance. Here he was trying to save the day and this ungrateful sack of crap was making headlines about him. All while Buizel managed the fires and kept them from spreading.
"Are you serious?! You really think that I was the one that caused this?"
"It's doesn't matter what I think. The media is gonna eat this up. Everyone saw you on the news in Jubilife City. You making fire from your body and whatnot. To hear that you're rampaging into another town will send them all into a frenzy."
"You've gotta be kidding me with that! I haven't done anything wrong!"
"Something started this fire kid. Saying that it was you will blow minds all across the world!"
Lucas clenched his teeth shut and stared the man down. "You only care about yourself! You're even willing to make me that bad guy of something that I didn't do! People like you don't deserve to be saved."
"Uh...Lucas! The flames are getting a little wild now. We should probably wrap this up."
Lucas looked around and did in fact see the fire swirling around with wicked movements. That wasn't it though. Some of them had begun to shift colors. Instead of a bright hot orange, they were pitch black. The odd sight had snapped the boy out of his annoyed state and pushed him to firmly grasp the man's shirt collar.
"ENOUGH ALREADY!" He threw the man full force out of a window before grabbing Buizel and leaping out himself. When he hit the charred grass, he noticed crowds of people looking at him. Sparks and Grotle among the many sets of eyes. Some looked relieved. Many were frightened. Others were angered.
Before Lucas could usher a statement, the reporter jumped up and shouted his piece. "IT'S HIM! THE KID WITH THE FREAKISH POWERS!"
"Huh?!"
"You all saw the way he threw me. He's a ruthless killer! He started that fire!"
Sparks was growling with hatred. "How dare he utter such lies!"
"I...I didn't…" The boy's meek words went unheard.
"That IS the kid from the Jubilife incident."
"I see it now. Did he really cause this?"
"I saw what he could do. It had to be him."
The people began speaking amongst themselves. Lucas could only sit there questioning what he did wrong. He shifted his eyes away in a timid manner, diverting his attention to a little bird in the sky. He didn't want them to see the slightest bit of nervousness that slipped from inside.
"HEY!"
He turned his head back slowly to see who had suddenly shouted. "Barry?"
"That guy and his team just rescued you idiot's! You should all be on your hands and knees praising him!"
Sparks and Grotle took the opportunity to stand by his side. It was Grotle who decided to boast first. "Obviously we saved you wimps! I mean, c'mon! Is it really that hard to see?"
"Hey, that pokemon is what carried me out of danger!"
"Yeah and the smaller one lead me and my kids to safety."
"Are they really the heroes?"
"DUH! Can't you all see that?" Dawn shouted.
More of the townspeople looked at the sweating reporter. "You can't trust him! He's a freak!"
"A freak the saved your sorry ass!"
Everyone turned to face the new figure that landed behing the news reporter. "Who the hell are you supposed to be?"
"That's none of your business." The man looked towards Lucas and grinned. "Not to shabby kid."
"Black?! Why are you here?"
"I'm always watching kid. When I saw how you ran out to go help others, it reminded me of someone I knew. I didn't even need to step in. You commanded your squad and got it done. While the houses may be damaged, everyone still made it out okay. I give you a solid "A". Keep up the good work kid. You've got the stuff."
As quickly as he appeared, he soon vanished leaving everyone in the town dumbfounded. "Wait a minute...Did he-"
Dawn walked closer and whispered to him. "He's right you know. Whoever he is made a good point. You didn't even hesitate to run out and help someone that needed you. What you did was pretty cool. At least...I thought so."
"I uh...umm...Th-thanks Dawn. It was nothing…" He said with a nervous step backwards.
"LIARS! THEY'RE ALL LIARS! THIS KID HAD TO HAVE MADE THE FIRE! IT WAS HIM!" The townspeople all narrowed their skeptical eyes at him. "I know that he did it."
"Oh shut up! Quit spouting your nonsense! Where's your proof?"
"It was all over the news! He can make fire!" The man chanted.
"We don't care about some phony news article! They stretch the truth all the time! I say the kid is innocent. His pokemon saved us and he saved you! He aiain'ta freak! He's a hero!"
"Yeah! Three cheers for the kid and his team!"
"Finally some praise for my amazing talents!" Grotle shouted happily.
Unfortunately it would be shutdown before it even began. This was all thanks to a somewhat annoyed Barry. "SORRY FOLKS BUT WE'VE GOT A JOURNEY TO FINISH!!!" The crowd grew silent as they dropped their applause. "Yep! We were only passing by. Veilstone is our main priority so if you don't mind, we're gonna get back to it." He nudged Lucas. "Say goodbye so we can get the heck outta here."
Lucas waved. "So long everyone. I'm sorry about the houses and stuff."
The old daycare lady walked over and patted his shoulder. "You did more than enough. Let us take care of the repairs."
"All right you two! Let's move it!" Barry yelled. He started pushing both Dawn and Lucas down the path that led to Route 210.
The townspeople waved goodbye. All except for the reporter who opened up his cracked laptop and got down to work. "I will not lose this!" He grumbled to himself before storming off.
They wandered through a trail of tall grass while Barry danced with glee.
"FINALLY ON THE ROAD AGAIN!"
Dawn glared at him. "Oh Barry, hush! You're acting like you had the worst day of your life!"
"If the fire didn't kill me, I'd have died of boredom. A guy like me can only sit in a daycare for so long before it gets old."
She rolled her eyes prompting Lucas to crack a small smile. He took his hat off and nodded. "Next time grandpa. I promise!" He then thought about Black and lost his smile. Black was up to something. He showed up right after the fire and gave Lucas praise for his actions. That and he was the only other person the boy knew that could use fire type moves. "So he's always watching me…" He stopped walking and looked behind him. A tree stood there swaying silently. There was nothing in it. Not until he turned around to catch up with his allies.
Black looked at him with a blend of differing thoughts. Both him and Reshiram were engaged in a mental conversation.
"What do you make of his performance Hilbert?"
He bit back a swear and decided to ignore the use of his birth name. "He did as well as I had hoped. He has the potential there. His willingness to help is just like the one from my time. He just needs to mature a little bit more."
"I see. So the plan...Though a bit excessive...Was a successful operation. I'm glad."
"I wouldn't celebrate just yet. You felt the dark aura too, correct?"
"I did...It was very much a weaker aura. It isn't a real threat to anyone at that stage."
"I wanna think that too, but that would be foolish of me. I don't like it being near Lucas like that. If it is what I think it is then we have a problem."
"You don't mean-"
"Yeah...Damn! I feel like I'm changing so much in the past and yet it's still not enough to make a difference. I'm still here so my little stunt in town didn't do much of anything."
"What do you intend to do next? Are you going to start training him early."
"No. At least not yet. There are some lessons he needs to learn from his true masters first. He'll arrive at Veilstone soon enough. He'll learn hand to hand techniques from there first. After that, he needs to learn from the original master on how to use aura. He still hasn't shown any signs of using it. It's a little worrying."
"We just have to give him some time. He'll get it soon. He has too."
"We can't wait forever. I'll guide him through this as much as I can to speed up the process. I won't let him down."