"The atmosphere certainly feels old," Alex breathed in deeply. "You can just feel the history in the air."
"The houses are old looking as well," I said.
"We should look for a local library," Robert said. "That's the best place to find historical information."
We had entered through the stone gateway into the small town of Geosenge. It had a rich atmosphere, one that told many a story.
"We shouldn't need to stop at a Pokemon Center," I rubbed Frogadier's head. "So we can head straight for wherever the library would be."
We walked through the town, seeing people walking around, hanging up clothes to dry outside their homes, and three tall rocks jutting out of the ground in the center of town.
"What are those?" Alex wondered.
"They might have some connection to the rocks on Route 10," Robert suggested.
"Most likely," I said. "This town also has a wall of rocks surrounding it. Let's just hope the rocks really do speak volumes."
"Frog," Frogadier glanced towards some houses. I looked and saw another Frogadier there, coming around a corner.
"Another Frogadier," I said. "I wonder who it belongs to."
Coming around the corner behind the Frogadier was none other than Ash, Serena, Clemont, and Bonnie.
"Ash!" I called out to them. "Serena!"
They spotted us and hurried over, wide grins on their faces.
"Zeno," Ash said, clasping my hand. "It's been a while."
"Yeah it has," I grinned. "We haven't seen each other since the first gym. You too Serena. How's life as a trainer?"
"Oh, no," she waved her hand. "I'm not really a trainer. I've just been travelling with Ash, Clemont, and Bonnie because it's fun. Pokemon battling isn't quite my area. Actually, I've been looking into Pokemon contests, so I might try that."
"Clemont," Robert greeted the blonde. "You have a second? I hear your a tech wiz on the online forums..."
He led him off to the side while Serena went to talk with Alex about the contests, Bonnie and her Dedenne tagging along.
"Seems like our friends are hitting off just fine," I remarked.
"Seems so," Ash grinned widely, then raised an eyebrow at me. "I take it you won the Cliff Badge?"
"Of course," I cocked my head, grinning. "But did you, Ketchum?"
He laughed, Pikachu jumping off his shoulders to say hi to both Frogadiers. "Heck yeah. Remember what we promised back at the Santalune Gym?"
I nodded, tossing a pokeball into the air and catching it in my palm. "While the others talk and whatnot, let's complete that promise."
"Let's move over there," Ash pointed to where there was an empty space between the three stones and the houses. "We should keep the battle toned down though."
"No problem," I said as we walked over there, Pikachu and our Frogadiers running ahead of us. "But you might need to restrain that Electric type of yours."
"Hah," Ash stopped while I kept walking. "I could say the same about your Arcanine."
Ash's Pikachu and Frogadier ran back to join their trainer as I stopped with Frogadier by my side. "We'll have to make this quick. Me and my friends have some business we have to take care of."
"Oh?" Ash grinned. "So do we. How many Pokemon do you have now?"
"Three," I said.
"Then three-on-three it is," Ash said confidently. "Let's go, Frogadier!"
His Frogadier leaped forward and my Frogadier was ready to spring forth as well.
I chuckled. "So you two have your own rivalry huh. Fine. Let's show them who's stronger!"
"Frogadier," Ash called out. "Water Pulse!"
His Frogadier leaped into the air, firing the sphere of water.
"Cut through it," I shouted. "And use Double Team!"
Frogadier leaped and used Cut to slash through the Water Pulse, dividing into a dozen Frogadiers.
"Two can play at that game," Ash adjusted his cap. "Double Team!"
Ash's own Frogadier split into more than a dozen and all of them sprung forwards.
"Use Cut!" Ash shot his hand forwards, blades forming in each Frogadiers' hand. They slashed through the copies, so I shouted, "Smokescreen!"
My Frogadier, the real one, leaped backwards, throwing something on the ground, a cloud of black smoke bursting into existence.
"Splash Water Pulse on the ground!" Ash commanded.
The copies disappeared, his Frogadier slamming a sphere of water within the smoke, the water dissipating it.
"Now use Cut!" Ash shouted.
"Strike him hard," I ordered. "Power-Up Punch!"
Frogadier's fist glowed and he leaped forwards, slamming it into Ash's Frogadier's stomach, blasting him backwards.
"Quick Attack!" I yelled.
Ash shot out his hand. "Cut!"
His Frogadier sprung forwards, swinging his blade.
"Use Cut as well!" I shouted.
Their blades clashed and both Frogadiers gritted their teeth. Both sprung back from one another, flying back at each other, their blades striking again and again, no blows being landed. But my Frogadier, who trained like his blade was a real knife, was more experienced than Ash's. He sliced the blade across Ash's Frogadier's chest, before kicking him away.
The enemy Frogadier stood on shaky legs, before launching himself forwards.
"Water Pulse!" Ash yelled.
Frogadier formed a sphere of water before slamming it into the side of Frogadier's head.
"Aerial Ace!" Ash roared.
"Block with Cut!" I shouted.
My Frogadier was shaking his head in confusion, a blade forming in his right hand, but he was too slow in raising it. Ash's Frogadier's foot came down on his head, slamming him into the dirt. We waited for a few seconds with no sign of Frogadier trying to stand.
"Alright!" Ash cheered, hugging Frogadier.
I walked up to my Pokemon and held him up off the ground slightly with one hand.
I smiled. "You did good. Seems like they managed to surpass us."
Frogadier croaked slightly, seeming to smile as well.
I grinned. "Next time. We'll grow stronger and beat him."
I returned him to his pokeball. When all was said and done, I would make a quick stop by the Pokemon Center. I just hoped it would be more of Ash's Pokemon needing to be healed.
"Alright then," I made my way back to my spot, unlatching Riolu's pokeball. "You ready Ash?"
"Stay in Frogadier," Ash said, then to me, "Heck yeah! Show me your new Pokemon."
"Let's go!" I shouted, throwing out the Fighting type.
"A Riolu," Ash sounded impressed. "This should be interesting. Water Pulse!"
"Bullet Punch!" I yelled.
Riolu shot forwards, his fists a blur as he punched his way through the Water move. He then struck Frogadier repeatedly in the face, before grazing his palm against the Water type's chest. Electricity sparked and Frogadier was blasted backwards as Riolu's palm shot backwards.
Frogadier collapsed on the ground, fainted. Ash returned him and spoke a few words into the pokeball. No doubt similar to what I had said to my own. Then he sent out a Fletchinder, who hovered above the battlefield, awaiting orders.
"Be wary Riolu," I warned. "This isn't a good match-up."
"Wing Attack!" Ash yelled. With a cry, Fletchinder wings glowed and he soared towards Riolu.
"Force Palm the ground!" I shouted.
Riolu slammed his palm on the ground, the blast of electricity and the force of the slam blasted Riolu into the sky.
"Hail of bullets!" I roared.
Riolu descended fast, blasting Fletchinder with a flurry of punches. The Flying type crashed to the ground as Riolu landed atop him.
"Force Palm!" I shouted.
"Flame Charge!" Ash yelled.
Fletchinder's body burst into flames and Riolu was forced to jump away. The Flying type flew back into the sky, circling back around to head straight for Riolu, picking up speed.
"Prepare to use Counter!" I commanded.
An orange aura enveloped Riolu, turning red when Fletchinder struck him.
"NOW!" I shouted.
Riolu leaped at Fletchinder, bringing his foot down and slamming Fletchinder into the ground with an incredible show of strength.
"Razor Wind!" Ash yelled.
A fierce gust blew up from the Flying type, sending Riolu into the air.
"After him with Flame Charge!" Ash ordered.
"Fire," I thought. "Fine then."
"Riolu!" I shouted. "Concentrate with all your might!"
Riolu seemed to understand as he closed his eyes while still in the air, Fletchinder speeding towards him. First, an ember, then flames roared around Riolu's foot.
"Fight fire with fire!" I shouted. "Don't lose concentration! Blaze Kick!"
The flames threatened to race up Riolu, but he held them back as he swung his leg down, he and Fletchinder slamming into each other. Flames blasted from them and both Pokemon were flung from each other. After crashing to the ground, neither got up. As I returned Riolu, I noted that his flames had only managed to slightly burn him.
"You'll make it," I promised. "One day you'll master that move."
"This is it," I said, letting out Arcanine. "Let's see how strong we've gotten."
"That's right," Ash held out his arm, Pikachu leaping off his hand and onto the battlefield. "Thunderbolt!"
"Flamethrower!" I shouted.
The two moves collided, creating a small explosion, blowing up a dust cloud from the ground.
"Flame Wheel!" I yelled.
"Volt Tackle!" Ash roared.
Arcanine spun into a wheel of fire and shot towards Pikachu, who ran at him like a bullet.
"Veer left and use Heat Wave!" I commanded. "Then Extreme Speed!"
Arcanine evaded Pikachu at the last moment, springing out from the wheel and blasting a wave of heat towards Pikachu.
"Discharge!" Ash shouted.
Pikachu came to a sudden stop and a dome of electricity sprang up from him, counteracting the Heat Wave. Then Arcanine was behind him. He slammed into Pikachu, sending him flying.
"Keep at it!" I yelled.
"Thunder!"
Pikachu's cheeked sparked while still in the air, storm clouds gathering above him. Several bolts of lightning struck the earth, one of them managing to hit Arcanine, blasting him backwards.
"That's the strongest Thunder I've ever seen," I breathed, eyes wide. "Arcanine, Flare Blitz!"
Arcanine howled and flames sparked from his pelt. He shot forwards, streams of fire trailing behind him.
"Meet him with Volt Tackle!" Ash yelled.
Electricity surged from Pikachu as he streamed towards his opponent. The two collided with a loud explosion with both Pokemon turning around swiftly after impact.
"Fire Fang!"
"Iron Tail!"
Pikachu leaped up, swinging his Iron Tail, but Arcanine grabbed it in his flaming jaws and swung him away.
"Extreme Speed!" I shouted.
Arcanine slammed Pikachu further away before he could hit the ground.
"Discharge!" Ash yelled.
Before Pikachu struck the ground, a sphere of electricity burst from him, lifting him higher as the electricity struck Arcanine.
"Thunderbolt!" Ash roared.
"Pikachuuuuuu!"
"Flamethrower!"
The two moves collided once more, but Pikachu's Thunderbolt seemed stronger this time, pushing the flames back. The Thunderbolt struck Arcanine, blasting him backwards. He rolled to a stop near me, fainted.
"Woo!" Ash cheered. "Looks like it's my victory!"
I knelt and returned Arcanine. "Man, his Pikachu is really something else isn't he. Looks like we just have to get stronger."
"Great battle!" Serena called, running over to Ash along with Bonnie.
"Lost?" Alex raised an eyebrow, coming over. "To think you made it to the finals in the Pokemon League."
"A Pokemon League," I corrected. "Ash has made it to many. It's only natural that his Pikachu is stronger than Arcanine. They've journeyed for years now."
"Still," Alex smirked. "Your rival is stronger than you."
I grinned, walking over to Ash and Serena. "That's why he's my rival."
I clasped hands with him. "You've shown me I have much to improve on. Thanks."
"I may have won," Ash grinned. "But I learned a lot too. Want to head over to the Pokemon Center together?"
I shrugged. "Why not?"
Serena looked around. "Where did Clemont and Robert go?"
"They went on ahead to the Center," Alex said. "They were messing around with Robert's Holo Caster last I remember."
I shared a glance with her. From what we knew, Clemont was a tech wiz, and Robert needed help with the Holo Caster.
I turned to Ash. "Sycamore said you all were willing to help track down whoever made Garchomp turn wild."
He nodded. "I assume you are too?"
"Yeah," I confirmed. "After we drop off our Pokemon, we should compare notes."
Ash nodded. "Agreed."
...
"So," I asked Robert. "What were you two doing exactly?"
"Remember when I hacked Lysandre's Holo Caster?" Robert asked. I nodded and he went on. "Well, just a couple days ago I've been getting weird encrypted messages. I tried to hack them, but to no avail. So I asked Clemont."
Clemont pushed his glasses up further. "It was quite interesting really. They all seemed to be messages between this "Team Flare"."
"Lysandre?" Alex asked.
Robert nodded. "Yeah, as far as I can tell, he's part of their group. Most likely the leader. He seemed to be giving orders out. We've only managed to crack a few, but they all seemed to involve the stones."
"The ones on Route 10?" Ash asked and we nodded. "So you guys were going to investigate those too?"
"Looks like it," I nodded. "Since they've been getting stolen by Team Radiance, we thought it would be good to know their history."
"Wait," Serena held up a hand. "Team Radiance?"
"We have a lot to talk about," I said. "But we can get to that later."
"Yeah," Robert said. "The messages didn't talk about much, just about trying to locate the stones and the ones who stole them. There was also something about a Power Plant."
"Power Plant?" I wondered.
"They're probably talking about the one on Route 13," Clemont explained. "Something about a future mission involving it."
"That should be our next destination then," Ash decided. "Whatever they're planning, it can't be good."
"Agreed," I looked at him. "We all came here to do the same thing right? Why not help each other out?"
"That's a great idea," Serena piped up and Ash nodded. "Couldn't hurt."
"Oh, right," Robert stood. "We found where the library was. Follow me."
...
After researching in the library for a couple hours, we all met back at the Pokemon Center.
"Geez," Ash groaned. "So long, yet so little gained."
"All we got was stuff about it being an important battle site for the war between Kalos and Galar 3000 years ago," I said, rubbing my eyes.
"Supposedly they're all grave markers," Alex said. "To honor those who fell in that battle."
"And that's all she wrote," Robert sighed. "What a waste."
"What's next then?" Serena asked.
I shared a glance with Ash. "Where's the Power Plant located again?"
"Route 13," Clemont said. "Since you and Ash are doing the gyms, it'll be right after you get your fourth gym badge."
"I'd like to get their quicker," I rubbed my hair. "Did it say when the mission would take place?"
"Not for at least another week at least," Clemont said. "We should be there around that time."
"Good," Ash stretched. "We can meet each other there once we're both done getting our gym badges."
"For now," he grinned. "Let's get some sleep. I'm exhausted after all we did today. We can go our separate ways in the morning."
With that, we all began heading to rooms in the Pokemon Center to sleep. Before I did though, I glanced outside. I felt like something was watching me closely, but I couldn't see what. Whatever it was, I was pretty sure it didn't have a malicious intent. It seemed more curious. Shrugging, I made my way to my room.
Since I've finished with the first book of TMR, I can focus more on this. But, before that, I kinda want to get another chapter of Pokemon Dark for next weekend. We'll see if I can actually do that. Anyway, besides that, toodles
