A Trainer Journeys In Grace

by Terraspace81

In the Pokemon world lived a lonely boy named William. He had no friends or family, and only his first Pokemon Mudkip was with him. Then one day he found his way to Ephinea and he met Asbel Lhant. Soon the two of them became best friends, but when dark forces from the past and ancient secrets return to Ephinea can William and Asbel be able to save it or will it be lost.

9. Chapter 9

Hello everyone welcome back and to clarify any confusion Ducklett is a girl. I just realised that I used both male and female terms for Ducklett in past chapters. Now here's chapter 9.

Chapter 9

Repairing The Path

A day after the battle of Lhant, Hubrt and Raymond were in the office of the manor finishing the report of the battle with Hubert covered in bandages and some new glasses over his right black eye, and a cast on Raymond's right arm, with Drizzile sitting on the windowsill. While Alice was standing guard in front of Asbel's room with Ducklett, where inside the room, a sleeping William was laying on Asbel's old bed, and with Swampert laying next to William.

While outside the manor, Cheria was helping the injured soldiers from the battle, with Ralts watching her from a few feet away. And the rest of the team, and their Pokemon went to check on Fendel border.

"And as for Windor, large numbers of their troops remain deployed on the highroads leading to Gralesyde and Barona." Raymond said to Hubert, reading a report they got from their scouts. "So they could easily stage another attack." Hubert asked Raymond.

"According to our scouts, they set up defences, whatever that thing that attacked us was, has got them on the defence. The same can be said for the Fendelains, they have shown signs of increased fortification. We've deployed what we can spare to the Fendel border and are increasing our surveillance. If they plan something, we won't be caught off-guard. Oh, and Lieutenant… what was that light that appeared during the last battle, and what was that creature?" Raymond asked Hubert.

Hubert then stood up and walked to the windowsill, Drizzile was hanging out in. "You need not include these details in your report." Hubert said to Raymond. "Might I ask why? It could be a new weapon developed by the enemy… and what if that creature comes back…" Raymond said to Hubert. "Official reports are no place for guesswork and speculation. And as for the creature, it's gone for now, and we don't know what it was. Best to leave it out." Hubert said to Raymond.

"Very well. But we still have to consider the cyrus issue. Our higher-ups are demanding that we increase production in the cyrus mines, and yet nothing has been done." Raymond said to Hubert. "Even before all the injuries from the battle. We lack the manpower to do it ourselves and now we have no manpower to spare for cyrus mining. And I will not force the people of Lhant into hard labor. We are not here as a conquering force. We are their allies." Hubert said to Raymond.

"I suppose that's one way of putting it. However, you appear to be prioritizing the local people over the orders of our superiors." Raymond said to Hubert. "You only think that because you still see me as a wayward orphan from Lhant." Hubert said to Raymond, before he started to leave the room with Drizzile following him. "But isn't that precisely what you are?" Raymond asked Hubert making Hubert and Drizzile stop. Hubert turned to Raymond.

"I am a soldier of Strahta. I cast aside my homeland seven long years ago." Hubert said to Raymond, before turning back towards the door. 'Or rather, they cast me aside…" Hubert thought with a sad look on his face, before leaving the office.

Meanwhile, Asbel, Pascal, Malik, their Pokemon, and Sophie's Pokemon, were looking at the fortification the Fendelains made for the bridge that led to Fendel, while Sophie was looking at a frog. "Aw, Man! I don't think we can get any closer." Pascal said to everyone, as she bent her body forward. "It doesn't look like they're crossing the border. They're probably worried about William going on a rampage again." Asbel said to Pascal.

"What will you do now, Asbel?" Malik asked Asbel. "Just what I can, I think. I have to ensure that Lhant isn't swept into another battle. And I have to talk to William, once he wakes up." Asbel said to Malik. Then the group turned to Sophie. "And then there's Sophie. She died seven years ago. She died... protecting us. But now she's back, and not a year older. I guess William was right. I may not understand it, but I'll make sure we don't lose her again." Asbel said to everyone.

"Yeah, and we're totally gonna help! Right, Mr. Captain, Elgyem, and Growlithe?" Pascal said to Asbel and asked Malik and their two Pokemon. Both the Pokemon and Malik nodded their heads yes. "Of course." Malik said to Asbel. "Thank you." Asbel said to Malik, as he gave Malik a bow.

"Well, we came to investigate the Fendelian army, and we've done that. Let's head back into town." Malik said to everyone. "Agreed. Come on, Sophie it's time to go." Asbel said to Malik and Sophie. Sophie then stopped looking at the frog and moved to the group. "Can we visit the meadow, with William?" Sophie asked Asbel. "I don't know?" Asbel said to Sophie.

"Go ahead Asbel. Pascal and I will go check on William." Malik said to Asbel. "Okay. Let's go, Sophie." Asbel said to Sophie, as the two of them walked to the flower meadow, with Golett and Yamper following them.

A minute later the two of them and their Pokemon were on Lhant Hill, taking in the sight, with sad looks on their faces. "This is where we met, isn't it." Sophie asked Asbel. "Yeah. Actually, both times I met you and William, it was here." Asbel said to Sophie. "What happened to me after I saved you and William? And what happened before I met you both?" Sophie asked Asbel. Asbel said nothing.

"Where was I? What was I doing? Thinking about it... Worries me. Maybe I can't remember because it's something I shouldn't remember." Sophie said to Asbel. "Yeah, but you don't know for sure that your past was bad." Asbel said to Sophie. "True…" Sophie said to Asbel. "Besides, what happened in the past isn't important. All that matters is right now." Asbel said to Sophie. "Right… now." Sophie said to Asbel. Asbel nodded yes. "Let's go home. I want to check on William, and I don't want people to worry." Asbel said to Sophie. "Okay." Sophie said to Asbel, before the two of them and their Pokemon headed back to Lhant.

When they got back to Lahnt, they saw the distraction William did. Some buildings had either their roofs or one of their walls missing, the lamp poles were ripped out of the ground, and were scattered around town, and the streets were filled of rubble and injured soldiers of both Lhant and Strahta, with people that either knew first air, or healing magic helping the soldiers.

In the crowd of people Asbel and Sophie, and their Pokemon noticed, Cheria healing a few of the soldiers, with Ralts watching her from behind some rubble. The two of them then noticed Bailey walking towards Cheria with some medical supplies. "I found the medicine and bandages you were asking for, Cheria." Bailey said to Cheria. "Thank you Bailey." Cheria said to Bailey, as Bailey put down the supplies. It was at that time Asbel, Sophie and their Pokemon walked to Bailey and Cheria.

"Asbel…" Bailey said to Asbel. "What can I do to help?" Asbel asked Bailey. But Bailey just took a few steps forward making him back to back with Asbel. "Nothing. We have everything under control." Bailey said to Asbel. "No we don't" A female voice said to Bailey. Then the people and Pokemon turned to see Alice sanding a few feet away from them.

"Bailey I may not be in charge anymore, but I expect you at least respect the man who saved your hide." Alice said to Bailey. "But he vanished during our time of greatest need. If help is required, Hubert will no doubt provide it." Bailey said to Alice. "Need I remind you, that all this." Alice said to Bailey, as she spinned around. "Is cause Hubert won't leave, after he was told that the treaty he signed was with a man who killed his own brother to take the throne." Alice said to Bailey, making Bailey lower his head.

"Now get out of my sight before I give you the exact same "help" Hubert gave to this city." Alice said to Bailey. Bailey said nothing and walked away, keeping his head lowered. Even though Alice stood up for Asbel, it didn't make him feel any better. "Ignore him Asbel. Despite what Bailey and some of the others think. You're the one who really helped this city, while Hubert only made things worse for the city." Alice said to Asbel, as she and Cheria walked to Asbel. "Yeah Bailey doesn't understand…" Cheria said to Asbel.

"He's probably talking about my decision to join the Knight Academy. And he's right. I was gone for seven years. I abandoned my duty and thought only of myself." Asbel said to Cheria and Alice. "Asbel I asked your mother about that. And she said you were in a lot of pain that day. From both losing your friends Sophie and William, and from your father sending Hubert away. And you reacted just how any little kid would that day. To me the only reason you would have stayed was if your father just showed some compassion, insead of keeping his emotions trapped in a bottle." Alice said to Asbel.

"Alice what are you doing here anyway?" Asbel asked Alice. "Malik, Pascal, and their Pokemon came to check on William, since they were there I left Ducklett, and I went to tell you how William's doing." Alice said to Asbel. "And how is he?" Asbel asked Alice. "Still asleep, as far as I can tell he's completely healed from the whole event, but he still sleeps." Alice said to Asbel. "I want to talk to William, before I leave Lhant for good." Asbel said to everyone.

"You're going to leave again? I heard Hubert might be leaving too..." Cheria said to Asbel, surprising Asbel. "What are you talking about? Alice what is she talking about.?" Asbel asked Alice and Cheria. "I overhead one of the soldiers. Apparently, Strahta is displeased with the way Hubert is handling things here. I think they're going to recall him." Cheria said to Asbel. "Recall him? What's Hubert going to do about it?" Asbel asked Cheria. "I… I don't know." Cheria said o Asbel. "Alice can't you do anything?" Asbel asked Alice.

"I quit remember. It's not my job to clean up the messes Hubert leaves anymore." Alice said to Asbel. 'If Hubert leaves, what will happen to Lhant?' Asbel thought to himself. "I Have to go see my brother." Asbel said to everyone, before leaving with Yamper following Asbel. "Asbel…" Cheria said as a worried look appeared on her face. 'Are we all going to be separated again? No… I can't let that happen…' Cheria thought before she started to move.

Only for Alice to gabe the back of her shirt. "Hold it where are you going?" Alice asked Cheria. "I wanted to talk to Asbel." Cheria said to Alice. "Why?" Alice asked Cheria. "Uh… I…" Cheria said to Alice, not knowing what to say. "Why?!" Alice asked Cheria again, with a more harsh tune in her voice. "I don't want him to leave again." Cheria said to Alice, lowering her head. Alice signed before letting Cheria go. "Cheria Asbel doesn't feel welcome here. And from what his mother told me. You tried to talk to Asbel, before he left, and you failed." Alice said to Cheria.

"Then what should I do?" Cheria asked Alice. "Either find a reason for him to stay, or go with him. That's all you can do." Alice said to Cheria. Cheria said nothing and started to run towards the manor, with Ralts following her with her using Teleport.

Meanwhile at the manor, Hubert was writing some stuff down on a piece of paper at the desk in the office, when Asbel and Yamper came into the office. "Hubert, is it true you've been recalled to Strahta?" Asbel asked Hubert, as Hubert moved from behind the besk and to Asbel. "Who told you that? Anyway, yes, I've been recalled. The order was signed by the president, so I don't have a lot of wiggle room." Hubert said to Asbel.

"I guess Strahta's not happy with how things are going. What does that mean for you return there?" Asbel asked Hubert. "I'll likely be strippd of my title and never set foot here again." Hubert said to Asbel. "Did you go against their plans for Lhant's sake?" Asbel asked Hubert. "It's foolish to sacrifice future stability for immediate profits. Even a common soldier such as myself can see that." Hubert said to Asbel.

"I… I want you to stay. You've meant a great deal to Lahnt. I can see that clearly enough. You have the ability to think ahead and guide our people to a more prosperous future. I don't have the talent for that kind of thing… You're the only one who can protect Lhant now. Hubert, please!" Asbel said to Hubert. "Surprising words coming from the looard of Lhant… even if in name only. You don't mind your lands being ruled by a stranger?" Hubert asked Asbel.

Asbel shook his head no. "You're not a stranger. You're my brother." Asbel said to Hubert. "What?" Hubert said, surprised by Asbel's words. "I believe you will always act in the best interests of Lhant. So all I can do now is help you." Asbel said to Hubert. "If only there was more time." Hubert said to Asbel, as he turned away from Asbel. "What would you do with more time?" Asbel asked Hubert.

"I can't solve all of Lhant's problems, but I could fix quite a few. At the very least, I'd like to strengthen our defenses and make plans for an orderly transition of power." Hubert said to Asbel. Asbel then started to think. "Then I'll go to Strahta instead." Asbel said to Hubert, making Hubert turn to Asbel. "I'll tell them how much you mean to both countries. I don't know if I can stop your recall, but I should be able to buy some time." Asbel said to Hubert. "Do you realize what you're saying? There will be no way to guarantee your safety." Hubert said to Asbel.

"If it helps you, I'm willing to risk it. Besides, I'll have Yamper. I'll be fine." Asbel said to Hubert. (Yeah I'll go with him.) Yamper said to Hubert. "Why are you doing this?" Hubert asked Asbel. "Because it's a way for me to protect Lhant." Asbel said to Hubert. Then Hubert started to think, before moving to the desk. "I'll write a letter to the president. Bring it to the presidential palace in the capital city of Yu Liberte." Hubert said to Asbel, as he wrote the letter.

"You know I was planning for Alice to do this when she went home, but before I could ask. She told me to leave or she gave me another black eye." Hubert said to Asbel, as he walked to Asbel with the letter in hand. "So you're accepting my proposal?" Asbel asked Hubert, as he took the letter. "And be careful around Mr. Oswell. Don't ask for his help, no matter what." Hubert said to Asbel. "Isn't he your adoptive father?" Asbel asked Hubert.

"He is, first and foremost, a businessman with considerable influence in Strahtan politics. The plan to station troops here was almost entirely his idea." Hubert said to Asbel. "I see. You're in a tough position, Huert, and yet you're still doing your best for Lhant. Thank you." Asbel said to Hubert, as he bowed to Hubert. "All right, get going. That letter won't deliver itself." Hubert said to Asbel. "Okay. I'm off. But I'm going to check on William first." Asbel said to Hubert.

"Fine. We still control the port that lets you access Strahta's mainland. You can get there through the west gate." Hubert said to Asbel. Asbel then left the room and headed to his old room.

When he got there he noticed Pascal, Malik, and the Pokemon were gone. 'I wonder where Malik and Pascal are?' Asbel asked himself as he opened the door. When he entered the room, he found it was empty, no William, no Swampert, no one. The only thing in the room was the flower wristband Asbel gave to William, when they were kids.

"William? William where are you? WILLIAM!?" Asbel yelled as he grabbed the flower armband, and started to look around. (Asbel over here.) Yamper said to Asbel. Then Asbel noticed Yamper by the window. "Did William leave though the window." Asbel asked Yamper, as she walked to the window. (I think so. I can still smell his scent, he must have left a few minutes ago.) Yamper said to Asbel. "You think you can find him?" Asbel asked Yamper. (Yeap.) Yamper said to Asbel. "Then please find him." Asbel said to Yamper as they rushed out of the manor.

A FEW MINUTES AGO

After Malik, and Pascal checked on William, Swampert was sleeping next to William, while William was tossing a turning in the bed.

IN WILLIAM'S MIND

William was standing in the middle of Lhant, with a violet storm raging around him, with a look of fear on his face. The storm was tearing everything apart from the buildings in town, to the very ground that he stood on. But the storm and the destruction wasn't the reason William felt fear. It was the images of his friends and the Pokemon with them, all killed in different ways. Somewhere crushed, somewhere priced with ruble, and somewhere stains against the rock walls.

The only one missing was Asbel, who William was frantically looking for. Then Rayquaza appeared above William. "Rayquaza?" William asked, wondering why Rayquaza was here. Then Rayquaza flew into William, and William turned into the form he was in, when he battled Asbel. William then looked at himself, but then Williams saw his hands turn red. William then looked up and saw Asbel standing in front of him, with Asbel, holding his hands over his heart where a large hole was.

"Why William? I thought we were friends?" Asbel asked William, as he dropped dead. William then stared at his hands and Asbel, his eyes full of fear and shock. "AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!" William screamed in fear as the storm slammed into him.

REALITY

William then shot up and breathing heavily. This woke Swampert up. (William you're up.) Swampert said to William. William said nothing, he just stared at his hands and started to cry. (William?) Swampert asked William worried about him. William said nothing again as the treas kept coming. William then grabbed Swampert's Pokeball. (William what are you doing?) Swampert asked William, before William returned Swampert to his Pokeball.

Once Swampert was in his Pokeball. William got up, and started to gather his things. After he had everything, he looked at his flower armband. William then removed his keystone from it, and took off the armband. Once it was off, William placed it on the bed. Then William walked to the window. He then looked at the room with tear filled eyes and as he pulled his hood over his face, and then jumped out the window.

PERSENT

Cheria walked to the door of the office, hoping that Asbel and Hubert were still inside, not knowing that Asbel was outside right under the window William left from. 'I hope Asbel and Hubert aren't fighting…" Cheria said to herself. But before she went in, she noticed someone was cooking and hid behind one of the wooden pillars of the manor. That person was Raymond, who knocked on the office door.

"Sir? May I come in?" Raymond asked Hubert. Hubert said nothing and opened the door. Raymond walked in and closed the door behind him. Cheria then moved to the door and placed an ear on the door, and started to eavesdrop.

"What? You're asking them to rescind the recall order? What is the meaning of this, Lieutenant?" Raymond asked Hubert. "I have entrusted Asbel Lhant with a letter for our president. If the order is rescinded, I will remain here. If that is not to be, then at least I'll leave someone behind to continue what I've started." Hubert said to Raymond. "Am I to understand you won't be choosing me as your replacement?" Raymond asked Hubert.

"Interpret things as you will." Hubert said to Raymond. "Your actions will lead to great losses for the Oswell family." Raymond said to Hubert. Hubert then got up, and walked to the window. "My duty is to Strahta. All other considerations are secondary. I am simply acting in my country's best interest. Or do you think the prosperity of the Oswell family should take precedence, Cousin Raymond?" Hubert asked Raymond.

"My uncle would be saddened to hear you speak such things. It's like taking in a stray dog only to have it bite you." Raymond said to Hubert, getting a little annoyed. Then Drizzile made a water ball and threw it at Raymond, covering Raymond in water. (And you're a wet mess.) Drizzile said to Raymond. "Drizzile control yourself. And you Raymond. You can say whatever you like. Now if you'll excuse me, I have business to attend to." Hubert said to Raymond, before he and Drizzile left the room.

Outside Cheria heard Hubert and Drizzile coming, and hid behind the pillar again. Cheria then saw Hubert and Drizzile leave the office, and closed the door behind them. "Does that mean Asbel left already?" Cheria asked herself, as she moved out of her hiding spot. Cheria then walked to the door.

"Damn him! Damn that upstart brat!" Raymond yelled from the other side of the door. "Finally I get a chance to take charge of Lhant, and he pulls this! What was my uncle thinking when he adopted him? I'm the one who's working for the good of the Oswells! I must stop that letter from reaching Strahta… " Raymond yelled, letting Cheria hear it all. 'Oh no! I have to warn Asbel!' Cheria thought. "You there! What are you doing?" A male voice said to Cheria.

Cheria then turned around to see a Strahta soldier standing behind her. "What? Who's there?!" Raymond asked as he came out of the office. "Uh oh…" Cheria said realising that she was caught red handed. "You! Were you listening at the door?" Raymond asked Cheria. "No! No, I was just um…" Cheria said, trying to figure out what to say.

Raylam then grabbed Cheria. "Ow! Let me go!" Cheria said to Raymond, trying to break free. 'She's one of Asbel Lhant's friends… hmm… If I were to use her… hehe, you won't win so easily this time, Hubert!' Raymond thought as he came up with a plan. But what they didn't notice was that Ralts was watching all of this from the second floor.

Back with Asbel and Yamper. Yamper was following William's scent, when they ran into Alice, Sophie, Malik, Pascal, and their Pokemon. "There you are. Good I have two favors to ask. First would you all come with me to Strahta? I'm going to ask the president to rescind Huberts recall order. Honestly, it could be dangerous. I don't know how the president will respond. But I… I need your help. So please come with me." Asbel asked everyone.

"I'll come." Sophie said to Asbel. (Sure.) Golett said to Asbel. "Thanks, Sophie and Golett." Asbel said to Sophie and Golett. "I'll come as well. I've hardly done anything to repay my debt to you yet." Malik said to Asbel. (I'll come to. After all, I still want that battle.) Growlithe said to Asbel. "I'm totally cooking! I've never been to Strahta!" Pascal said to Asbel. (I. Want. To. See. Strahta. To.) Elgyem said to Asbel. "I'm already heading that way. So I don't see a problem with helping you." Alice said to Asbel. (And where Alice goes, I go.) Ducklett said to Asbel.

"Thank you all." Asbel said to everyone. Asbel then looked around. "Um, has anyone seen Cheria and Ralts?" Asbel asked everyone. "She was worried you and Hubert would leave again and went to see if she could do something. As for Ralts I have no idea, that one prefers to stay out of sight." Alice said to Asbel. "Oh okay." Asbel said to Alice. "You said you have two favors to ask. You ask one, what's the other one?" Pascal asked Asbel.

"Williams missing." Asbel said to everyone, surprising everyone. "What? I thought you two said that he was still asleep?" Alice asked Pascal and Malik. "He was." Pascal said to Alice. "Can we focus on finding William." Malik said to Pascal and Alice. (Asbel I can help track.) Growlithe said to Asbel. "So you want to help find William too?" Asbel asked Growlithe. (Yeap.) Growlithe said to Asbel. "Okay here." Asbel said as he pulled out the flower armband. Yamper, and Growlithe then sniffed the flower armband and got William's scent. (This way.) Growlithe said as he led the way with Yamper right behind him, and the group following them.

With William. He was walking slowly up some stairs, heading for one of the gates of the city, with his hood up and looking down, trying his best to not look at all he's done. He was about to walk out of the city, when Yamper and Growlithe stopped him. "Yamper? Growlithe? What are you two doing?" William asked Yamper and Growlithe.

"William there you are. I was worried about you." Asbel said to William, as he and the others with him finally reached William, and was standing at the bottom of the stairs. "Why?" William asked Asbel, as he got to the top of the stairs not turning to face Asbel or anyone. "Cause you're my friend." Asbel said to William. "How can we be friends? I wrecked your hometown?" William asked Asbel. "It wasn't you William, it was the power of the Green Serpent. it made you go out of control." Alice said to William. "Rayquaza." William said to everyone.

"Who?" Pascal asked William. "The Green Serpent's name is Rayquaza. A legendary Pokemon from my home word, and one of the most powerful once. How could I've not seen this sooner." William said to everyone, surprising everyone. "Are you kidding me, the Green Serpent is a Pokemon?" Malik asked William. William then pulled out his Pokedex.

Rayquaza

The Sky High Pokemon

A Dragon / Flying Type Pokemon

It lives in the ozone layer far above the clouds and cannot be seen from the ground.

"Imposible." Malik said to William. "Rayquaza is the living embodiment of the sky. His rules the very sky, and is said to have made the sky itself." William said as he put away his Pokedex. "So that means you can control the sky. That's so cool." Pascal said with excitement in her vice. "HOW IS THIS COOL!" William yelled as he finally turned around, pointing at all the damage he caused, and letting everyone see his eyes, which was still filled with tears.

"William?" Asbel said to William, with worry in his voice. "I was completely out of control. I ruined the city. I was a monster." William said to everyone as he used his hands to cover his face and drop his weapon. "William." Asbel said to William, as he took a few steps closer to William. "Stay back." William said to Asbel, making Asbel stop. "I'm dangerous. I'm going to some unknown island where I can't hurt anyone ever again." William said to everyone as he took a few steps back, but he slipped and got down on his right knee.

"William, you're still weak. You need to rest." Asbel said to William. "Maybe Cheria could help." Pascal said to Asbel. "But I don't know where Cheria is?" Asbel said to Pascal. "Perhaps I can be of some assistance." A male voice said to everyone, making everyone turn their heads to see Raymond walking towards them. "Cheria Barnes is currently under my care." Raymond said to the group.

"What does that mean?" Asbel asked Raymond. "She was caught eavesdropping no military secrets. The punishment for this crime is... severe. I might be convinced to grant her pardon, but there will be conditions. In exchange for your friend's safety, you will abandon your mission to Strahta." Raymond said to everyone. "Hey! You just totally took her hostage!" Pascal said to Raymond.

"Asbel what mission is he talking about?" William asked Asbel. "I'm delivering a letter for Hubert. It's meant for the President." Asbel said to William. "So to stop this letter from being delivered you kidnap Cheria?" William said as he got up. "Raymond, have you completely lost it?" Alice asked Raymond. "I won't let you hurt Cheria." Spohie said to Raymond, as everyone grabbed their weapons.

Raymond just raised his hands. "Now, now, I wouldn't attack me if I were you. Assuming, that is, that you care at all for your friend's life?" Raymond said to everyone. "Damn you!" Asbel said to Raymond. Then William let out a growl and jumped off the top of the stairs. William then landed on Raymond's chest and had his hands on Raymond's throat. "You will tell me where she is now or you will take it to your grave." William said to Raymond, with a rage filled voice, and glowing green eyes.

"William relaxe, I'm mad at him too, but we need him alive." Asbel said to William as he pulled William off Raymond. William let go of Raymond and backed up, still growling. Raymond then started to get up, while William's eyes turned back to normal. "That's it! Give me the letter. Do it quickly, before I have the girl devoured by monsters." Raymond said to everyone. "Oh, Cousin. To think that you would stoop so low." A new male voice said to Raymond, making everyone turn to see Hubert, and Drizzile standing a few feet behind them.

"Lieutenant?" Raymond said to Hubert. "You will tell me where Cheria is, and you will do it now. If not, I will file a report for home detailing your clumsy attempts at blackmail. And that's not all. I will also inform them that you attempted to steal an official letter from a superior officer. Whatever you do, please decide quickly." Hubert asked Raymond. "And just out of curiosity? How did you think this would go? I may not be your Lieutenant anymore, but I still have some friends in high places, and I'm sure they would arrest you for treason, if not insubordination?" Alice asked Raymond.

"You… you two leave me no choice!" Raymond to Alice and Hubert, before he pulled out his dagger and stabbed himself in the gut, surprising everyone. Raymond then pulled the dagger out of him and fell onto the ground. "Raymond! You damn fool" Hubert said to Raymond, as he kneeled down to Rayla, applying pressure to his wound. "I always knew you were a coward." Alice said to Raymond.

"I'll take care of Raymond. Go find Cheria. Hurry! Alice help me!" Hubert said to everyone. "Why should we help him? He tried to undermine you, he kidnapped Cheria, and he tried to kill me multiple times." William said to Hubert. "I'm with William. Raymond has been nothing but trouble for both of us. He might be a good aid, but he's always trying to take our place in the chain of command. If he wants to die then let him." Alice said to Hubert.

"Alice, we're soldiers not judges. Raymond should be judged for his crimes, not left to die on the street." Hubert said to Alice. "One I'm not a soldier, and two when did you start caring if others live or died?" Alice asked Hubert. "Just find Cheria, I'm taking Raymond to the manor." Hubert said to Alice, before taking Raymond to the manor.

"Dammit! Cheria, where did they take you?" Asbel asked everyone. "Let's find out." William said to Asbel, as he grabbed his spear, and they all started to run around town.

"Look, it's a sopheria." Sophie said as they noticed a pressed flower on one of the roads leading out of the city. Sophie then picked up the pressed flower. "It's withered." Sophie said to everyone, as she showed them the flower. "I think it's been pressed. It looks quite old." Malik said to everyone. "Pressed?" Sophie asked Malik. "When People want to save important flowers, they press them between pieces of paper to dry them out." Malik said to Sophie.

"Could it be?" Asbel asked himself. "What is it Asbel?" William asked Asbel. 'I bet this belongs to Cheria… that means she must be up ahead somewhere.' Asbel thought. "Asbel what is it?" William asked Asbel. "Everyone! This way! Yamper, Growlithe, can you two find her with this?" Asbel said to everyone and asked Yamper and Growlithe, as he took the press flower from Sophie and held it in front of Yamper and Growlithe. (Yes we can.) Yamper said as he and Growlithe started to smell the press flower. Soon the two of them took off, with everyone else following them.

Meanwhile in the shed that was just outside the city. Cheria was trying to get the rope that was tied to her hand off. "I have to escape and warn everyone…" Cheria said to herself. Then Ralts teleported right in front of her. "Ralts?" Cheria said to Ralts, surprised to see her here. (I hope you don't mind. I came to help.) Ralts said before she started to untie Cheria. "Why are you helping me? Matter of fact why do you keep following me?" Cheria asked Ralts.

(You may not like Pokemon for some reason. But I know you're a kind and strong woman. And I like that, and want to be just like you. So I watch and learn.) Ralts said t Cheria. "Yeah I have no idea what you said." Cheria said to Ralts. (Right I forget you have no idea what I'm saying.) Ralts said to Cheria, as she almost finished uniting Cheria. "Come on… Just a little more…" Cheria said to Ralts, as she started to push on the rope. Yes! You got it!" Cheria said to Ralts nce she was free of the rope.

"Thank you Ralts." Cheria said to Ralts, as she got up. (No problem Cheria.) Ralts said t Cheria. Then the two of them ran to the door. "It's locked!" Cheria said as she tried to open the door. "Let me out! Somebody open this door!" Cheria said as she banged on the door. (Here let me get it. Confusion.) Ralts said to Cheria. Then a pink outline door. Soon the sounds of gear starting to move came from the door. (There that should do it) Ralts said as she opened the door. On the other side of the door were a few Strahta soldiers and two big warthog monsters. (I should have kept the door closed) Ralts said as she slammed the door shut, still using Confusion to keep the people and monsters out.

A few seconds later the Asbel and everyone with him, found the shed, and saw people and warthog monsters ramming into the door of the shed. "I think we found her." Alice said to everyone. "What makes you say that?" Pascal asked Alice. "Why else would monsters and Strahta soldiers be ramming a door." Alice said to Pascal. "Cheria!" Asbel said as the group charged.

"Everyone be careful those monsters are known for their powerful charges." Malik said to everyone. "In that case I know what Pokemon to use. Slaking A little help here." William said as he let out a large light brown and tan gorilla with white fur around it's head. "Okay now Slaking show those warthogs, who's the strongest one here." William said to Slaking. (Nah I'm good.) Slaking said as it started to lay on its left side and closed its eyes. This made the Strahta soldier laugh at William and Slaking

"Slaking now's not the time for you to be a lazy boy." William said to Slaking. (Don't care.) Slaking said to William. "Fine then stay here." William said to Slaking, as he and the others started to fight. Luckily they were able to gain the advantage over the soldiers cause they were still laughing at Slaking, and forgot they were in the battle. The group easily knocked out the soldier.

The warthogs on the other hand were giving them some trouble. The two warthogs were charging at the group and were not giving the group a chance to attack. "Ducklett use Protect." Alice said as a warthog was headed straight for her. (On it.) Ducklett said as she formed a green bubble around her and Alice. The warthog was then stopped in its place. "Growlithe use Flame Wheel." Malik said to Growlithe, as he threw his blade. (Yeah.) Growlithe said as he jumped and a wheel of fire wrapped around him. And he rolled to the warthog that was in front of Alice, with Malik's blade next to him.

Growlithe and blade then landed a hit on the side of the warthog, making it slide a few feet away from Alice and Ducklett. "Golett use Pound." Sphie said to Golett, as she jumped into the air. Golett said nothing, as he charged at the warthog that Malik and Growlithe hit. Sophie then landed a punch on the back of the warthog while Golett slammed his fist into the face of the warthog. The two punches forced the warthog to the ground and knocked it out.

"Elgyem use Confusion." Pascal said to Elgyem, as a warthog charged at her. (Okay.) Elgyem said to Pascal, as his eyes glowed pink and a pink outline appeared on the warthog. But all Confusion did was slow it down, allowing Pascal to dodge the attack, and fire a few fire shots at the warthog. Then the confusion broke and the warthog was charging at Asebl. "Yamper use Thunder Fang. Asbel said as he gave Yamper a boost into air. "You got it." Yamper said as his teeth became long sharp yellow teeth.

Yamper then landed on the back of the warthog and bit hard into the warthog's back. Then the warthog tried to shake Yamper off it's back. "Yamper let go." Asbel said to Yamper. But Yamper didn't let go, he just tightened his jaw. "Yamper please let go!" Asbel said to Yamper again. But again Yamper didn't let go, as his eyes got intense. Then surprising everyone Yamper started to glow light blue. "What the?" Asbel said with a surprise look.

Soon Yamper started to grow, his legs became longer, his neck became longer, and the yellow fluff around his neck disappeared, his tail became longer and straight with a few spikes , with two spikes on the back of his hind legs. Then the light faded, revealing his new fur pattern. Yampers new body was mostly back, with his chest, back, tail, and back paws yellow, the front of his face and chest white, with his front paws being white, with a yellow line right in the middle of his front legs.

"Yamper evolved into a Boltund." William said to everyone. "Evolve?" Pascal asked William. "A sudden growth spurt giving Pokemon a new body and a power boost." William said to Pascal, as electricity started to come out of Boltund's mouth. "Like that." William said to Pascal. "That's so cool." Pascal said with excitement in her voice, as the pig screamed. Then Asbel came and finished off the warthog.

"Nice work Yamper." Asbel said to Boltund. (It's Boltund now Asbel.) Boltund said to Asbel. "Asbel Yamper is now called Boltund." William said to Asbel. "That's going to take getting us to." Asbel said to William. "I know." William said to Asbel. "Well it looks like we win." Pascal said to everyone.

"Yeah no thanks to this Slaking. Why did you let him out?" Alice said to Slaking, and asked William. But before William could answer, he noticed the warthog Sophie and Golett knocked out, got up and started to charge at them. "Look out." William said as he pushed Alice out of the way of the warthog's attack.

The group then dodged the warthog's attack, and noticed that the warthog was heading for Slaking. "Slaking look out." Asbel said to Slaking. "Relax Asbel." William said to Asbel, as the warthog was about to strike Slaking. But then Slaking grabbed the warthog, by one of its tusks, with his eyes closed.

(You're not worth my time.) Slaking said to the warthog, before he picked up the warthog and slammed it into the ground, and he did this multiple times, with his eyes still closed. (Now get lost. Hammer Arm.) Slaking said to the warthog, as he let it go, and swung his arm with enough force to send the warthog flying off into the distance.

"You asked me why I chose to let Slaking out? Well simple Slaking is my strongest Pokemon, not even Swampert can bet him. But as you saw, unless it's a challenge, he doesn't care, and he ignores me." William said to Alice. "If he's such a pain then why'd you have him?" Alice asked William. "That's just part of Slaking nature. To be a pain." William said to Alice. "Here Alice." Asbel said as he opened the book to the Slaking page.

Slaking

The Lazy Pokemon

A Normal Type Pokemon

It is the world's most slothful Pokemon however, it can exert horrifying power by releasing pent-up energy all at once.

"While you have it out, can you flip to the Boltund page?" Pascal asked Asbel. "Sure." Asbel said as he flipped through the book.

Blotund

The Dog Pokemon

A Electric Type Pokemon

This Pokemon generates electricity and channels it into its legs to keep them going strong. Boltund can run nonstop for three full days.

"Wow, evolving is so cool. To think little Yamper can now run for three days straight" Pascal said to everyone, as the shed's door opened. (We're saved.) Ralts said as Cheria ran out of the shad with Ralts in her hands.

"Cheria, glad to see you're okay." Alice said to Cheria. "Cheria. Are you okay?" Sophie asked Cheria. "Yes, thank you Ralts and all of you. Thank you so much, everyone." Cheria said to everyone. Then Asbel took a few steps forward not looking at Cheria. "Uh.. thank you…" Cheria said to Asbel. "How could you have been so stupid?!" Asbel asked Cheria, with a very serious tune in his voice.

"No, I didn't mean… Things just happened." Cheria said to Asbel. "Things just happened? If we had been a minute later, then you would have been killed!" Asbel said to Cheria. "I wasn't trying to be captured, Asbel! Besides, Ralts was protecting me! And you don't even know what happened, so stop yelling at me!" Cheria said to Asbel, getting a little angry herself.

"Whoa, hey there kids, now calm down! Everything's just fine isn't it?" Pascal said to Asbel and Cheria, as she took a few steps forward. "No it isn't!" Asbel and Cheria said to Pascal at the same time. "Pascal you might want to give them a second." Alice said to Pascal. Pascal then took a few steps back.

"Do you know how worried I was?" Asbel asked Cheria. "YOU were worried? Oh, that's rich! Look, all this happened because I was trying to save you!" Cheria said to Asbel. "Ya know, you've been treating me like crap ever since I came back here." Asbel said to Cheria, making them both go silent. "Well that's your fault. In fact, all this is your fault!" Cheria said to Asbel, breaking the silence.

"Seven years ago, you walked out of my life. You never came back. I didn't know if I'd ever see you again. I missed you, dammit! I missed you so much!" Cheria said to Asbel before she started to cry. "I wanted to come see you, but I was worried you wouldn't want me there, so I didn't." Cheria said to Asbel, as she whipped her tears. "Sorry… I felt like I couldn't come back till I was a knight." Asbel said to Cheria.

"Aww, they're so close they make me jealous." Pascal said to everyone. "Indeed." Malik said to everyone. "Have they always been like this?" Alice asked William. "For as long as I can remember, but that's about a day." William said to Alice.

"All of you shut up! Asbel's nothing, but a big jerk! And I don't care about him at all!" Cheria said to everyone, as she turned away from Asbel. This made Asbel, and William laugh a little. "There we go. That's the Cheria I remember." Asbel said to Cheria, making her turn to Asbel. "Yeah that's the fire I remember." William said to Cheria. "And what exactly is that supposed to mean?" Cheria asked Asbel and William, making the boys back up.

"Take it easy, Cheria!" Pascal said to Cheria. "It just means that it's time for you to relax a little." Malik said to Cheria. "Yeah they're just remembering. Nothing wrong with that." Alice said to Cheria. "I'm really glad that you're the same girl that I used to know. And I'm also really glad that… well I mean… I'm just… I'm just glad you're safe." Asbel said to Cheria.

"And while we're all getting things off our chest. I would like to say I'm sorry. I've been thinking about what you did, I never once thought about how you felt. I thought you didn't care enough about Asbel to do anything. But in truth. You did care about him. You were just scared about how he would react to you. And for not taking in to account how you felt I am sorry." William said to Cheria. All this made Cheria stop crying, and turned her head away from the group.

"Is your fight over?" Sophie asked Cheria and Asbel, as she and Pascal moved closer, with Pascal giving them an odd look. "Our fight? Yeah. it's over. We're good now. Isn't that right, Cheria?" Asbel said to Sophie and asked Cheria. "Huh? Yes. it's all over." Cheria said to Sophie with a little blush on her check. Alice noticed this and gave her a cocky smile.

"So… are you friends?" Sophie asked Cheria and Asbel. "Yeah." Asbel said to Sophie. "Yes." Cheria said to Sophie. "Good then. Make a friendship pact." Sophie said as she grabbed one of the hands of both Asbel and Cheria. Then Sophie made Asbel and held hands and it was like the pain of the past seven years was gone.

"Ah, young love, ain't it wonderful?" Pascal asked everyone with one of the eyes closed. "Enough of your jokes, Pascal." Malik said to Pascal, as he lightly hit her on the head. "Yeah besides Malik, we're all too young for those kinds of jokes." Alice said to Pascal.

"And William. I want to say I'm sorry too." Cheria said to William. "For what?" William asked Cheria. "For seven years I blame you and Swampert for everything. Asbel leaving. Lord Aston's trouble. I guess that's why Ralts doesn't like being close to me. I may not have admitted it, but I hated how you and Swampert just showed up and were closer to Asbel, then I was. And then when we thought you died. You still influenced our lives. And I blamed you for all the stuff that happened to us. So I'm sorry." Cheria said to William. "How about we call it even and try to be friends again." William said to Cheria.

"So you're going to stay with us?" Asbel asked William. "I don't know. I'm still too dangerous, and I have no idea what happened to me." William said to Asbel. "And I know we can figure it out. But not if you leave. So please stay, after all you said if being a knight didn't work we would travel the seas." Asbel said to William. "I did say that." William said to Asbel, as the two of them laughed a little.

"Well we should start heading back. We need to report our success." Malik said to everyone. Everyone nodded their heads in agreement and they all headed back to Lhant. With Cheria putting Ralt's down, and instead of teleporting away. Ralts started to walk right next to Cheria.

Some time later everyone was back in the manor where Hubert and Drizzile where watching over Raymond, who was laying on Hubert's old bed. "Cheria! I'm glad you're safe… This would not have happened if I had monitored my subordinates more closely. I apologize." Hubert said to Cheria, as he bowed at Cheria. "I still think you should have let him die." Alice said to Hubert. "Well, it's over now, so there's no need to worry." Cheria said to Hubert and Alice, as she moved to Raymond.

"That's a terrible wound." Cheria said, as she noticed his wound. "His plan was coming undone, and so he stabbed himself, it was incredibly foolish." Hubert said to Cheria. "You'll be all right. I'll take care of you." Cheria said to Raymond, as she healed him. "Y-You…" Raymond said to Cheria. "You should be fine now. Just make sure to get lots of rest." Cheria said to Raymond, when she finished healing Raymond.

"I treated you poorly. Why are you doing this?" Raymond asked Cheria. "Let's agree to forget all that. All right?" Cheria said to Raymond. "Thank you…" Raymond said to Cheria. "And next time you feel like doing something crazy, stop and think about it." Cheria said to Raymond. "I...I will." Raymond said to Cheria, before he went to sleep.

"Come on. Let's get to Strahta and deliver that letter. Cheria? Are you coming?" Asbel asked Cheria. "Yes, of course." Cheria said to Asbel. "All right, kids! Let's get walkin'!" Pascal said to everyone, as she waved her right hand in the air, with Sophie copping her.

"Wait, please." Hubert said to everyone. Hubert then walked to Asbel. "Take this." Hubert said to Asbel, as he handed Asbel a hand sized bag. "I meant to give it to you earlier, but things got... hectic." Hubert said to Asbel, before he walked away Asbel. "Hmm? What's this bag?" Asbel asked Hbert. "It's nothing, really. It's just a good-luck charm. Anyway, if you're going to go, you'd best get moving." Hubert said to Asbel.

"You got it. Farewell." Asbel said to Hubert, before he and the group left the room. "And be careful." Hubert said to Asbel, when it was just him, Drizzile, and Raymond in the room. (I guess you do have a heart.) Drizzile said to Hubert.

On the way to the dock, Sophie stopped everyone. "Asbel, can I see what Hubert gave you?" Sophie asked Asbel. Asbel then handed Sophie the bag. "Must be nice to get a charm from your little bro!" Pascal said to Asbel. "That's funny… When Asbel first entered the academy, he talked about his brother all the time." Malik said to everyone.

"Captain, come on. We don't need to bring all that up now." Asbel said to Malik. "I want to hear it!" Cheria said to Malik. "Me too." Sophie said to Malik. "Yeah, give us an embarrassing story of Asbel when he was in the academy." William said to Malik. Everyone then looked at Asbel to see what his response would be. But Asbel said nothing. He just signed in defeat, and raised his shoulders. The group took this as an okay.

"Asbel's brother had been sent to Strahta, and he worried about him constantly. Was he lonely? Was he being bullied? His brother was a quiet sort, and Asbel worried others would mistake that for weakness. You even sent him a letter, if I remember correctly." Malik said to everyone. "Yeah, but… I never got a reply…" Asbel said to everyone. "If I'm being honest that sounds just like you Asbel." William said to Asbel.

"I'm sure he knew you were thinking of him." Cheria said to Asbel. "I hope so." Asbel said to Cheria. "Here's the charm back. It's a special gift from Hubert. I'm sure it will protect you." Sophie said to Asbel, as she gave Asbel the bag back. 'Thanks, brother.' Asbel thought, as he looked at the direction Lhant was in. "Okay, we're almost to the port. Let's hurry." Asbel said to everyone. They all nodded their heads yes, and headed for the port.

It was sunset when they made it to the port. "It looks like Strahtan soldiers are guarding the port." Malik said to everyone. "We can take that boat to Strahta." Asbel said to everyone. "Correct, we should reach Strahta by morning." Alice said to everyone. "Then let's get going." Pascal said to everyone, as they all headed to the ship.

Alice then talked to the captain of the ship and they all entered the ship. Soon the ship took off and everyone went to their rooms on the ship and got ready for bed after they had some dinner. But when William was alone in his room, he got a headache and his eyes started to glow again, and the green glow turned to a blue glow, not that William noticed this. Soon everyone went to bed not knowing what was going to happen in Strahta.

Hello everyone please like, follow, or review if you like this story.