Pokémon Journey:Adventures in Kalos

Hey guys Paradox here and welcome to Chapter 37. So this will play out in a more...transitional sense as you want put it. Right now not much can be explained at the moment,so with that,let's jump in.


"Beyond the fog lies clarity."-Anonymous


Chapter 37: The Fog of Orienteering

Nightfall covered the forest by its moonlight as the Pokémon sleeping in their burrows and nest sleep the night away. Deep in the forest,the plant life was somehow in full bloom. Shrouded in deep fog lied a strange Pokémon,but the densely of the fog made it difficult to make it out fully,but only to see that it had the appearance of a huge stag. There,its gaze turn to the Summer Village down below.

The morning came as Ash and the group finally wake ready for the grand event today. Yesterday,professor Sycamore decided yesterday should be a free day so no activities were offered so no points earned that day. So far Teams Froakie's and Squirtle were tied for 1st with ten points. With today's event will break the tie should one of them win.

Alright everyone today's event is a very special event. A tradition that's been with this camp since its beginning. I'm talking about Pokémon Orienteering." Said the professor. "Now the idea of this activity is to gather a total of eight stamps located around the trainer's village and forest beyond. The idea is for your team to retrieve all eight stamps,and be back before sunrise. First team to return here with all stamps will be the winner of ten points,second team with seven,and Teri place with three." The professor explained.

Right away everyone was excited and anxious to get started,after they finish breakfast of course. "Awesome,today the day we finally settle this." Ash said. "We agree and we will win those ten points." Shauna said. "I'll have to disagree with that since we'll win first." Serena countered. "May the best team win." Tierno said. Both teams nodded and put on their best war face. Time to get busy.

After breakfast,everyone met under the arch on the road,where they were waiting to get started. "Alright everyone,remember to do your best,have fun,and stay safe." Said the Professor. He then raised a blank pistol,and finally pulled the trigger.

Right away everyone charged off,with Teams Froakie and Squirtle in the lead. "Alright Team Froakie,full speed ahead!" Ash shouted. Right away the group sped up trying to reach the first marker first. "I don't think so,petal to the metal Team Squirtle." Tierno said,trying to catch up to Team Froakie.

Right then,Team Froakie finally reached the first marker a big stone wall rested. "Well this is it,but I don't see the stamp post anywhere." Ash said. "But it has to be here around here somewhere." Serena added.

"Hey everyone,up here!" Right away everyone look on the top of the wall,there was Sophie waving to everyone. "Wait,you not suggesting?!" Clemont asked,having a hunch what they need to do. "Just send one of your members along with their Pokémon to scale the wall,the stamp is up here." Sophie said. "I'll handle this." Ash said,then released Froakie to help scale the wall. "Ready Froakie." The blue frog nodded,and both immediately started to climb,Luckily enough both had more then enough experience scaling things.

Not a moment to soon,Team Squirtle arrived to see Ash and Froakie,climbing the wall ahead. "Why is Ash climbing the wall?" Trevor asked. "The stamp must be at the top." Shauna said. "Perfect,this is our jam,right Squirtle?" The Tiny Turtle nodded and both immediately started to climb at a faster paste to catch up to Ash. Unfortunately Tierno and Squirtle grabbed a loose part of the wall,causing it to break off. Both immediately started to fall down,causing everyone to gasp in fear. Ash looked down to see Tierno fall,and reacted. "Froakie,quick use your Frubbles to cushion their fall." Froakie then dropped and fired a barrage of Frubbles at the spot where they were gonna land. "Thanks for the save you guys." Tierno thanked after landing softly on the the Frubbles.

Ash and Froakie nodded and preceded to climb all the way to the top. By reaching the top,Sophie met with them. "Good job you both,and very noble to save your friends." She thanked. "It was no trouble at all." Ash said while Sophie stamped their card. Ash and Froakie the slid down the slope,where Tierno and Squirtle were still climbing. "Next Time Ash." Tierno whisper. "Did you get it?" Serena asked. "Its right here." Ash showed them the card. "Perfect,now we're in the lead." Said Clemont. "Congrats guys,but we'll catch up." Shauna said. The group nodded and headed off. "He's coming back." Trevor said.

The group finally reached the second marker where Cosette was waiting for any teams to come. The group saw a rock wall similar to before,but with a tunnel system connected. "Travel down the tunnels to reach the top where I'll stamp your card." Cosette said. "I got this guys." Clemont said then released Chespin to help. Both then immediately ran inside. While that happen,Clemont then realized the tunnel system was very complex. Each one only lead to a nice view outside,but finally after finding the right one which contained stairs that lead to the next level. There were three levels and they were barely in the second. After six minutes of trekking they finally got the second stamp from Cosette. While on the way back,they ran into Trevor on the second level.

"You both got it already." He asked. "Yep,only six left now. See you at the finish line." Clemont said then left. "Got it Clemont?" Bonnie asked. "Right here,on to the next." Clemont said. "Alright,we'll see you guys soon." Serena said. "Alright." Tierno said. "We got to catch up." Shauna said after Team Froakie left. "I know,we gotta move fast." Tierno said. "Guys,I'm back." Trevor came back running with the second stamp on their card.

The third stamp was located across roaring rapids,and the only way was across a swinging bridge. "I'll handle this one guys." Serena stepped up. "Are you sure Serena? It looks dangerous." Bonnie said. "If you want,I'll do it." Ash said. "No,I need to pay my in this as well." Serena countered and began to cross the bridge. But immediately the winds picked up causing the bridge to jerk around. Serena immediately ducked and held on to Fennekin's Tail as they slowly move forward towards the stamp post. Unfortunately due to an extended time frame,Team Squirtle finally caught up. "Hey guys." Tierno said. "I imagine Serena's not fairing so well." Trevor said,looking at the teenage girl crawling across the bridge. "I'll handle this guys." Shauna said then released Bulbasaur,who then held on to her trainer's hand by one of her vine. They then walked straight across,bridge jerking or not,perfectly. "All caught up guys." Shauna told Serena as she and Bulbasaur walked past them. Serena felt really embarrassed,not only everyone seeing her cowardly crouched on a bridge,but this might've cost Team Froakie first place.

Even when Shauna was already returning back after stamping her card,Serena was almost across. Shauna then finally made it back to her group. "Got it guys." Shauna showed them the card of the third stamp. "Great,we'll catch you guys later." Tierno said. Team Froakie nodded as they watched Serena finally make it to stamp the card. Not wanting to waste anymore time,Serena and Fennekin walked back across. "I'm sorry guys. I should've listened to you." Serena said,feeling guilty. "Hey,it's alright you got the stamp." Ash said. "Yea,at the cost of us now in second." Serena pouted. "Don't worry,we'll get it back." Ash said,trying to cheer her up. Serena tried to look forward. She internally smiled,only Ash would know just to say to her.

The next five stamps were a breeze to find and now the group finally stamped the last one on their card located in the forest. "Alright,that's the last of them." Ash said. All the sudden a heavy fog rolled into the forest blocking their sight. "Guys,I think we're in trouble." Bonnie said. "How are we going to navigate through this?!" Serena said. "As long as we stay together." Ash said as they slowly walked through the fog. As they were walking Ash felt some sort of presence haunt his mind. The voice was was quiet,moaning with an echo. It spoke.

"...One"

Ash felt like he was hearing things. It surely wasn't the first time,but each time brought something different. He heard it again.

"...One..."

"Who's there. Where are you?" Ash tried to speak to it.

"...near..." it said. "What do you want?" Ash responded.

"Ash...Ash...Ash.""Ash! Look out!" But it was too late as Ash in crash into a tree branch on his face. "*groan* Should have saw that one coming." Ash said while hold his head. Serena meanwhile checked him for any cuts. "You're fine,no marks." She said. "Thanks you." Ash smiled,which she sent back. "Uhhh guys?" Both then drew their attention to Clemont. "What is it Clemont?" Ash said.

"Bonnie's gone."

Both immediately looked around for the little girl and realized she's not the only one missing. "Hey,Pikachu's gone too." Ash said. "What are we gonna do now." Serena asked. "We have no choice,we got to find them." Ash said then all three went ahead while calling out to them.

"Oh Pikachu,where do you think they've gone." Bonnie said as she and the Mouse Pokémon wander around to find their friends. Pikachu only responded,but Bonnie knew niether one of them had a clue where they are. Both then climbed over a tree that fell over. Unfortunately,Bonnie wound up landing on an Amoonguss who was sleeping,and it really didn't appreciate being woken up. It wound up spraying a green mist which Bonnie and Pikachu inhaled. "What is this stuff." Bonnie coughed out,while she and Pikachu ran away.

Some time has pass and Pikachu and Bonnie were feeling the effects of the Sleep Powder. "Ohh,I'm so sleepy." Said a very sleepy Bonnie while rubbing her eyes. Eventually Pikachu was too tired and passed out,but Bonnie continued waking ahead. To make matters worse,she was unknowingly walking towards the edge of an chasm. Too tired to look or even stop,she kept going until she fell off the edge. Fortunately,something was carrying her back up along with many others. A hoard of Drifblim and Drifloon began to float up. Unfortunately the Drifblim that was carrying Bonnie was knocked by a passing Drifloon,causing the sleeping Bonnie to fall and land head first on the ground across the abyss (which by the way. You got to wonder how an eight year old girl survived such an injury,without being injured.)

"Bonnie!" Clemont called out. While everyone called out to Bonnie and Pikachu they had no luck nor sign. Nearby Team Squirtle was running after finally get the final stamp. Along the way they saw Team Froakie by the next bush. "Hey guys,its Ash and the others." Tierno said. "Perfect,that means we caught. Now on to the finish line." Trevor said. Shauna looked at the group to see they aren't running,and they were calling to something. Right away she knew something was wrong. "Uhh guys,something is wrong." Shauna said. "What's wrong Shauna." Tierno asked. "I'll let you know once I find out." Shauna said as she hurried to Team Froakie.

"They got to be around here." Serena said. "We'll find them." Ash said. "Hey guys." The group turns around to see Shauna,and rest of Team Squirtle behind her. "Hey guys." Ash said. "What's wrong." Tierno asked. "Bonnie and Pikachu got separated." Serena said. "And we're trying to find them." Clemont finished her comment. "Let us help." Shauna said. "It's ok,you guys finish the race." Ash said. "Yea,we don't want to hold you guys up." Serena said. "Surely you're kidding,why would we ever do that knowing something is wrong." Shauna said. "Shauna's right,we gonna help." Tierno said.

"You guys would do that." Clemont asked. "Of course,we're friends are we not?" Trevor said. Both teams put their differences aside and continue to search. Not far from where they're from Trevor found a set of prints. "Hey guys I found something." They saw a set of paw prints that lead off the trail and into the damp grass. "This paw prints. They're from a Pikachu." Trevor said. "So they went this way." Ash said as they continue walk down the path. "Guys,this fog is only getting thicker." Serena said. "I got someone who could help." Trevor said then released Charmander from his Poké Ball. "Charmander you think you could light the way ahead." Charmander nodded and used its tail flame to light the way.

Along the way they ran to the fallen tree that Bonnie and Pikachu ran into earlier. "The tracks go over the tree." Trevor said. "Alright guys,up and over." Ash said as he was first to climb over the tree and unfortunately land on the napping Amoonguss. The cycle repeated with Serena,Clemont,Tierno,Shauna,and Trevor,and the Amoonguss had finally had enough and started spraying Sleep Powder all over. The gang covered their face to not inhale the spore. "Quickly spray the powder with water." Said Trevor.

"All over it. Now Squirtle use Water Gun." Squirtle then fired a blast of water at the Sleep Powder,but it still kept spreading. "I got an idea,Clemont when I sau now,have Chespin use Pin Missile." Ash said then released Froakie. "Froakie,use Water Pulse." Froakie then fired a ball of water towards the spore.

"Now!"

"Chespin,Pin Missile." Chespin then fired a barrage of green missiles into the the Water Pulse,causing the water to explode into droplets,neutralizing the Sleep Powder. "Wow,great idea Ash." Clemont said. "Yea,sorry for waking you Amoonguss." Ash apologized. The Amoonguss just turned back angrily,what is it with stupid humans today.

They group continued to walk with Charmander leading the way. Then all the sudden Ash heard the voice in his head.

"...Stop!..." Ash then stretched hands to stop everyone. "What is it Ash?" Serena asked. "I..I don't know." Ash said until he noticed something unusual. "Guys look!" Ash point to where the fog was beginning to life to where they an chasm three feet away from there. "Wow,how deep is this." Tierno said. "It's a good thing we didn't keep on walking." Shauna said. "Yea,Ash how you know we needed to stop." Serena asked. "I didn't...something told me." Ash said. "What do you mean?" Serena asked. Ash wa about to respond but then heard snoring from behind a bush. He looked and noticed that it was Pikachu.

"Pikachu!" Ash picked him up to see no wounds or anything,just asleep. "Come on buddy,wake up." Ash tried to shake him awake but no used. "I wonder if Pikachu ran into the Amoonguss from earlier." Trevor said. "That could explain Pikachu's asleep." Tierno said. "But where's Bonnie. I don't see her." Said Clemont. Everyone looked around but couldn't find the little girl. Trevor then use his camera to see across the chasm to see a rarity. "Huh is that." Trevor said while zooming in,only to see what everyone was looking for. "Uhh guys,you may want to look at this." Trevor then showed everyone what he saw. "That's no joke,it's Bonnie!" Clemont shouted

"But how did she get all the way over there?" Serena said. "Guys I think I found the answer to that as well." Trevor said,pointing to the bottom of the chasm. There lies the hoard of Drifblim and Drifloon napping. "A bunch of Drifblim and Drifloon." Said Clemont. "You think that's how Bonnie got over there?" Serena asked. "And that's we'll get her back." Everyone then turn to Ash. "Ash,this chasm is too wide to jump across." Said Serena. "I wasn't planning on that,but the Drifblim and Drifloon could help us." Ash said. "How do you figure?" Clemont asked.

"Well,as the Drifblim float up they can be use as makeshift platform. They can be use to hop across." Ash said,explaining his plan. "I don't know,sounds pretty risky." Said Tierno. "I think it's our only opinion." Ash said. "Alright,if you say so. It'll go,she my sister after all." Clemont said setting down his bag. "Hold on,I'm better at things like this. It's best if I go." Ash said. "No Ash,I insist." Clemont said. "Clemont,we may only have one shot. I'll go while the rest of you get the Drifblim and Drifloon to start floating." Ash said. Clemont then finally nodded after agreeing with Ash's plan.

"Alright,ready everyone." Everyone nodded and prepared to fire. "Now Use Flamethrower/Vine Whip/Water Gun." All Pokémon fired their signature attacks by the Drifblim and Drifloon so that they wouldn't hit them,just startled them to get them to float. As soon as they at the base of the chasm,Ash acted with a running start and then finally jump,only to land on the first Drifblim. "Alright he's on a roll." Said Tierno watching Ash jump from Drifblim to Drifblim. "He doesn't even look down." Trevor said. "Much less fazed." Shauna added. "You'd be pretty surprised at what he does." Serena told them.

After finally hopping to the last Drifblim,Ash jumped to land firmly on solid ground and ran to get Bonnie. Once he got to Bonnie,his suspicions were confirmed that Bonnie was asleep like Pikachu. Ash then had no choice but to carry Bonnie on his back as they would hop back across the chasm.

"Guys,I need the Drifblim to get closer." Ash yelled across. "Got it." All the Pokémon then fired once again to get the Drifblim and Drifloon closer to Ash. Once they got closer,Ash finally ran and jump to land on one of the Drifblim. He continued to hop across and was halfway there. "You're almost there Ash." Serena said.

All the sudden a gust of wind blew a Drifblim away while Ash was in mid jump. "Oh no,Ash!" Everyone shouted as Ash plummeted down. They then saw Ash managed to grab onto the antennae of a Drifblim with one hand while holding on Bonnie's ankle with the other. "Ash,Hang On." Shauna shouted. Ash felt the nostalgia of that comment. What else could he do besides hang on for dear life?!

"Guys...try to redirect the Drifloon towards you." Ash said as the Drifloon continues to float up. "Got it" all Pokémon aim to get the Drifloon to move towards them. "Guys try not to hit me." Ash shouted. As they were trying to direct the Drifloon towards them,but instead was going in the opposite direction. To make matters worse Ash felt he couldn't hold on any longer. "Guys this isn't working!" Serena said. "Keeping trying,we got to get them over here." Clemont said,worried about Bonnie's well being.

"Guys...I can't hold on any longer." Ash struggled to say while holding on. "Don't worry,we'll get you back." Said Serena. All the sudden a powerful gust of wind blew from opposite side of the chasm,causing the Drifloon to float towards the group,right above them.

"Alright guys,catch Bonnie." Ash said then dropped her down. Tierno and Clemont managed to catch the little girl,ironically who's still asleep. "Alright Ash get ready to drop-""AHHHH *thud*" Ash couldn't hold on anymore and let go.

"Down"

"Ash are you alright." Serena ran to him. "I'm fine,but how's Bonnie." Ash asked. "Ironically,still asleep." Clemont said. "Man,I can't believe she'd slept through all that." Ash said. "Speaking of which she's waking up." Said Tierno. "Huh,what happen." Bonnie said starting to wake up along with Pikachu as well. "Oh things beyond infinity." Said Clemont.

They then explained everything that happen for her rescue,and she in return explained what happen to her and Pikachu. "So that's what happen." Bonnie said. "So it was the Amoonguss from earlier." Said Clemont. "Well,at least everything is fine now." Said Shauna. "Yea,we should get going,who knows if we'll still win the contest." Said Tierno. Both group then started to walk until Trevor stopped them."guys look!" He pointed to where a large portion of flowers going in full bloom at once. "Wow I haven't seen so many bloom at once before." Shauna said. "Guys look." Ash pointed across the chasm.

There they what was only a glimpse due the fog,but what they could barely make out were two giant antlers. "Is that..a Pokémon." Ash said as the shrouded figure continue to just stare.

"...one..." Ash heard it speak in his head. "You." Ash spoke out. "It was you." The figure nodded and then galloped into the fog. "It's gone now." Said Clemont. "Ash what do you mean it was it." Serena asked. Ash thought really hard about it,and not even he had the rarest clue. "I really don't know." Ash said. "Come on guys we should head back." Tierno said as both group then head back. "Ahhh." Trevor shouted all the sudden. "What,what." Everyone said. "I FORGOT TO TAKE A PICTURE!" He said. Everyone then just laughed about that,talk about no such luck. "Oh well,next time Trevs." Tierno said while confronted the sobbing boy.

When they got back,it was late and the competition was long over with Team Fennekin winning first,Team Bulbasaur winning second,and finally Team Treecko winning third. Everyone congratulated the winners. Now with three teams now tied for the first position and Teams Froakie and Squirtle sure vowed to settle the score soon.

At night while everyone was asleep in their cabins a hush of wind actually blew the window wide open,causing Ash to shiver in the cold and then finally waking up to close the window. But before he could do so however,a whisper came to him.

"...one..." Ash gen jerked himself fully awake casing him to go outside. "Where are you." Ash whispered to the wind. "...one..." Ash then felt the voice come from behind their cabin into the woods. He followed suit and didn't want to stray too far from the cabin. Then all the sudden a fog rolled in. "I sure hope this isn't a cruel joke." Ash said to himself,then after turning his head forward,a great pair of blue eye was staring down on him. Ash was startled when when he saw this thing up close. The fog then all sudden lifted up and Ash caught a complete visual of what's in front of him.

It was indeed in a form of a stag. With a black lower body with with a large tail. The upper half was composed of blue with some parts of egg color patches of fur. It's horns were also egg colored but with also various colors of pieces sticking out.

"It was you. You're the one who summon the winds that push me back to my friends." Ash said. "Indeed. I have." It said. Ash,surprisedly,wasn't faze when it spoke in Telepathy. "Who are you?" Ash said. "I am called the Life Giver,once also known by the core name Xerneas." It introduced. "Why are you here." Ash said. "I am here because you're here." Xerneas said. "Me? But...but why." Ash asked. "Because I knew I had to meet you. I know everything about you...Chosen One." Xerneas said. Ash right away picked up on that alias from before. Many legends have always called him that title before. "One...that what you were trying to tell me before?" Ash said. "Aye..." Xerneas said. "But...I haven't been called the Chosen One in a long time." Ash said. "That title will never be lost as it will be remembered in legend." Xerneas said. "I know of your feats that you and your sibling,"The Guardian" have done in our hour of need." It continued. Ash then thought as to how Xerneas have come to known all he and Drake have done over six years.

"But how do you know these things." Ash asked. "Stories,rumors tells of two heros that can pass for one Legend to another." Xerneas said. "So why do you need to speak to me." Ash asked. "Because,inside...I feel your troubles deep in your sorrows." Xerneas said. Ash then thought about what it said and then noticed that the decision of whether to be trained as an Aura Guardian was still in his mind. "Don't read my mind." Ash said. "Apologizes...I know your struggle about this." Xerneas said. "Look,no offense but this is basically a decision that'll affect me for the rest of my life." Ash said. "I understand...but to do or not. You'll too focus to look at is and what will be." Xerneas said. Ash just continue to listen with a complete dissatisfaction look on his face. Clearly his business was being investigated by this...stag.

"There's a say of which if we only do what we can do. Then we will never be anymore of we can become now." Xerneas said. "What?" Ash said. "Sometimes there's a higher calling to forward to. And I think this is yours." Xerneas said. Ash then thought about this for awhile. But really all it sounded was that this...stag was just trying to say to say yes. Do the job. "But that's not.." Ash then looked up only to see the Xerneas was gone.

"Exactly helpful"

Ash then grunted about what Xerneas said,and took it back to bed,knowing that that the next day would be the final day of Summer Camp.


Boom done,alright so problems arise and tackled while matters are once again resurface. How will this fair for Ash and the gang. Stay tune. Like and comment on this story. Thanks for reading. This is Paradox signing off. Goodbye.