Pokémon Journey:Adventures in Kalos
Hey Guys Paradox here and welcome to Chapter 39. We finally made it this far,but still a long way to go. First,Let me just since the earliest chapters this story got in the thousands in views. Now this just broke over 21,000 views. Once again guys no words could express how grateful I am in your support and for that I thank you. Now the gang is in Shalour City,watch as now everything comes to the table. Let's dive in
"your mind is the only judge of truth-and if others dissent from your verdict,reality is the court of final appeal."-John Galt
Chapter 39: Verdict
After a few hours of walking down Route 12,the gang finally arrived in Shalour City. The first thing they did was stop in front of the Pokémon Center,which was also located next to the ocean to where they could see the Tower of Mastery on an island of its own.
"Wow so that's the Tower of Mastery." Ash said. "Yep,also where the Shalour Gym is." Said Serena. "I wonder if Korrina is coming along." Said Clemont.
"You got that right." The gang then turns to see Korrina high in the air with her rollerblades on along with Lucario by her side. "Hey Korrina!" Ash said as they hurried over. "Yes,I made it here first." Korrina said energetically. "What do you mean by that?" Serena said. "I raced Drake to see who would get here first and I won! Wooo!" Korrina said as she and Lucario did a little victory dance.
"I wouldn't be too sure about that." The gang then turn up the steps towards the Pokémon Center to see Drake perfectly leaning against one of the columns. Korrina then suddenly stop and both she and Lucario had their mouths opened wide with surprise. "Uh...how long have you been standing there?" Korrina asked. "For...about six and a half minutes,so...I won." Drake smirked. Korrina and Lucario felt shattered. No way he was that fast. "No fair,you have powers." Korrina complained. "I've trained I jungles,forest,and more recently..big cities back then. Korrina you're not the only one who could parkour." Drake said,leaving Korrina so called victory short.
"Hey guys,it's real good to see all of you." Drake said then grunted,only to look down to see Bonnie give him a hug. "I miss you too Bonnie." He said. He then came over and gave one to everyone else,even Ash. "How you been brother?" Ash said. "A bit dull,but a lot has transpired since I've been here." Drake said. "What about you guys." He asked. "Equally a lot of transpiration since we attended Summer Camp." Clemont said.
"So Korrina ready for our Gym Battle?" Ash asked. "Yep,but unfortunately we can't go over to the Gym yet." Korrina said. "Wait,why not?" Ash asked,feeling uneasy. "Well...that's why." Korrina pointed to the ocean. "Is there a boat we could take?" Serena asked. "Nope,but don't fret in time we will see the path." Korrina said. "We could just fly over there." Ash said. "True,but like my Grandfather said. A wise trainer is patient before the fight." Korrina said. "If you say so." Ash exhausted,deciding to wait for his Gym Battle.
"So what do we do in the meantime." Serena asked. "We could just walk around Shalour City for awhile." Korrina said. "That sounds good,I've always wanted to try the shops here." Serena said. "Yea,let's do that." Bonnie agree. "You guys could do that. In the meantime me and Ash are gonna catch up." Drake said. "That's alright,Clemont here can hold our bags." Korrina blurred out. "Huh?!..wait,wait a minute I didn't agree to-" Clemont was cut short when the girls started dragging him away. "We're meet here in two hours." Korrina shouted. "Okay,and Korrina?" Drake said. "Yes?" Said Korrina. "I didn't even use my powers." Drake shouted.
"OH COME ON!"
As they walked around town,seeing the various shops,and newer Pokémon,Ash and Drake were still conversing. "So what happened during Summer Camp." Drake asked. "Aside from coming in first and winning in the Hall of Fame with Clemont,Bonnie,and Serena,I was being stalked." Ash said. "Ohhhh...girl trouble?" Drake said. "That would've been simpler,but no,by a Pokémon." Ash said. "Really? What kind?" Drake asked. "That's the thing,I never met this Pokémon before and it knew everything about me. It even knows about you too." Ash said. "Ok so who is it?" Drake asked. "I don't know if you know of the Pokémon called Xerneas?" Ash said. "The Life Pokémon Xerneas? It's a Legendary." Drake said. "Yea? Well it's the most persistent Legendary I've ever met." Ash said. "What did it do to you?" Drake asked. "It tried to force a decision that's practically out of my hands." Ash said. "And that is?" Drake asked. Ash was about to say,but stopped feeling that somehow now isn't the time. "I'll explain later,but enough of me what about you?"
"Wow I just had to get these new accessories for Fennekin." Serena said. "And Dedenne as well." Bonnie jumped in along with Korrina and Lucario. "Come on Clemont,hurry up!" They shouted at the far away boy who was carrying six heavy bags. "Why...we...already been to four stores already." Clemont huffed. "And many more await,full speed ahead." The girls said as they ran off,leaving Clemont behind.
"And that's it." Drake said with a somewhat glumped expression. "Wow...and I thought I was having It rough." Ash said. "So...Mara has an older sister who's a Guardian?" Ash asked,after being told about Drake's time at the Shalour Gym,training and being studied. Then that day he met Rene,and rescuing Diathna from a giant sinkhole. "Yea...which is what I need a remainder of right now. My Past Sins." Drake said. Ash looks to see that his brother still blames himself for what happened to Mara all those months ago. He was about regret asking this. "How did she take it." He asked. "*sigh* exactly how you expect. This whole time Rene was looking for her,only to never see her again. Plus I'm even more sorry since she still has to tell her parents." Drake said. "Whatever it may,I'm sure she'll tell them that Mara died a hero." Ash said.
"You sound just like Diantha." Drake said,feeling abit annoyed. "Speaking of which,how is Diantha?" Ash asked. "Diantha being Diantha,busy,and above all else...just Diantha." Drake said,while couldn't finding the right words to describe her. "Sure,she was hurt when I found her down there,but she's strong...she didn't even looked fazed." Drake said,describing Diantha's bravery. "She is the Champion." Ash said. "Not just that. She's a woman of many talents." Drake said,feeling abit fuzzed from saying that. "Even though we don't always see eye to eye on things." He continued. "You learn a lot from her huh?" Ash said,poking more. "Learning is a two-way street,but yes." Drake said
"Speaking of women,how are things with you and Serena." Drake asked. "Oh...it's great actually." Ash said nervously. "You still haven't come forward?" Drake asked. "I'm just looking for the right moment." Ash said. "Time waits for no one Ash." Drake said. "Plus the day we left...I screw up." Ash confessed,referring to the day he caught Hawlucha. "How do you figure?" Drake asked. "I wound up hurting her and she was angry with me for the next couple of days. But when me and Pikachu were stuck in different dimension."
"You were stuck in a different dimension?" Drake snicker. "You don't seem surprised." Ash said. "Well,aside from fighting along and against Legends,and even traveling through time and space. Not even the slightest." Drake said. "Figures...well I was stuck in this alternate world where Clemont,Bonnie,and Serena were the complete opposite from ours." Ash said. "Sounds...unorthodox." Drake said. "It was at first...even myself was the opposite." Ash said. "And me?" Ash then hesitated about that. His double told him that his possible brother or sister died of a miscarriage. "That's the thing...he told me that his mom had a miscarriage before having him,and the baby didn't make it." Ash said. Drake then looked a little fazed by the sudden news. "I'm sorry to hear that."
"Yea,it wasn't easy,and for the first time I was actually mad at Serena." Ash said,remembering the hideous thoughts of first meeting Mirror Serena. "She was that bad?" Drake asked. "Yea,even though she resented what she did. All I ever thought of was how will I ever apologize to Serena since I was stuck there." Ash said. "Did she feel the same?" Drake said. "Ironically,yes,all her anger was gone when I did come back." Ash said. "Sounds like she missed you too." Drake said. "Yea" Ash pondered back to Reflection Cave which lead to every moment he and Serena shared in Kalos. All the happiness,support she gave him sure was the best feeling he ever felt. Ash knew he owes her a response. "Gotta tell her soon...I just gotta" Ash thought.
Two hours have passed and the gang arrived back in front of the Pokémon Center. There,they stood on he beach looking towards the island. "So what are we waiting for?" Bonnie asked. "That." Korrina pointed to where the ocean cross and all the sudden a path began to form once the ocean spilted. (I gotta say. That was dope when that happened.)
"Wow." Ash said. "That's what I said too." Said Drake. "Come on! We don't want to keep Grandfather waiting." Korrina said as she lead the group towards the Tower of Mastery. Finally arriving at the island the group stared at the giant structure. "Wow this is much bigger up close." Clemont said. "Trust me,it's older then it looks." Korrina added. There they walked towards the steps where Korrina's Grandfather was waiting. "Welcome,I trust you're all in good health?" Gurkinn asked the group. "Yes sir,did Drake give you the knowledge you wanted?" Ash asked. "Yes,I'm surprised as well. But the bottom line is that the power of a skilled Aura User could rival Mega Evolution." Gurkinn said. Ash was surprised to hear that,and then pondered to the thought of training. Now just learn so that he could face danger in the eye,but be more adapted when batting as well. Something that Ash hasn't taken into consideration,but regardless the fear of falling was still present.
"Come on,the Gym's this way." Korrina said as she showed them inside. "Inside the chamber,it was huge with a circling ramp that elevated to the higher levels. On of top,in the middle of the chamber was a giant statue of a Mega Lucario. "Exactly how big is this is place." Ash asked. "30 stories with over 60 rooms and 40 chambers." Gurkinn said. "Plus the ramp staircase makes pretty good exercise." Drake pointed out. "I'll say." Ash commented.
"And the statue sir?" Serena asked. "That has been here since the construction of this Tower. There a story that long ago a man and his Lucario came to this island. I put was then he found a stone that began glowing when he grabbed it. After grabbing it another stone began to glow from inside a small puddle. The man's Lucario grabbed it and both stones were brought together. It was only then both stones shined brightly and the man's Lucario Mega Evolved,thus making it possible of the world's first Mega Evolution."
The gang was surprised to hear Gurkinn's story about this. "And that's not all,one of the first people to Mega Evolve a Lucario was one of our ancestors." Korrina pointed out. "Amazing" Bonnie said.
"Yep,since then we carry on this legacy of this Tower and our bondsman to Lucario." Gurkinn said. "Yea,you guys should've seen the kind of battles Korrina has fought. Since coming back she's really improved." Drake said. "All the more reason for me to be pumped up." Ash pointed out. "But not enough,you still have to learn the secrets of this." Gurkinn said while taking out an old scroll.
"Come on Grandfather,not that old thing." Korrina groaned while facepalming. "What is it?" Ash asked. "A Secret Scroll that has been passed down from Gym Leader to Gym Leader." Gurkinn said. "Things that a Gym Leader should know." He concluded. "May we see it?" Bonnie asked. "No,only those who are proven may see it." Gurkinn decline,causing the little girl to puff up.
"We understand Gurkinn." Drake said. "Now it's getting late so I assume you all be treated to a nice dinner and rest." Gurkinn said. "You had me at dinner." Ash said,causing everyone to laugh as they heard to a corredor,unknown to them someone or someones were listening in.
After dinner the gang was assigned a five bedroom to stay in while Korrina and Gurkinn went back to their own rooms. As they were sleeping a loud alarm caused them to wake up. "What's that!" Serena shouted over the alarm. "Guys let's go!" Drake said,who was already at the doorway.
They rushed down through the corridor where they met up Korrina and Gurkinn,also in their sleeping wear. "Guys what is it!" Ash said. "We have intruders here!" Gurkinn said. "Come on,we got to head to the main chamber." Korrina said as she lead the way. In the main chamber,so far nothing was out of place. "Guys there's nothing here." Drake said. "Look there!" Gurkinn pointed to the Mega Lucario statue. Everyone looked up to where they saw three figures right by the mouth of the statue,holding something.
"Grandfather what is that?" Korrina asked. "The scroll! Those thieves have it!" Gurkinn cried out. "Hey give that scroll back!" Ash shouted. "I don't think so,twerps." A voice said. "Ohh...crap" Drake cursed to himself,knowing what was the deal.
"Prepare for trouble."
"And make it-"
"anymore less annoying please!" Drake said. "Big twerp! Nice to see you...not!" Jessie said. "Please,you're not much of a relief to see,and I have a name." Drake said. "You're all talk twerp!" James jumped in. "You?!,don't make me call your fiancé." Drake said,causing James to look worried. Sure the twerps helped him avoid that...bundling she-devil but that could change real fast.
"Hand over the scroll,now!" Ash demanded. "No chance,this scroll hold potential secrets to Mega Evolution." Meowth said. "So will this we'll leave so you all could have a good night sleep." Jessie said as they jumped down onto the staircase and began running upwards. "Stop right there." Gurkinn began chasing after them. "Grandfather!" Korrina shouted as she along with Lucario and the others began to go after them.
Gurkinn was still going strong as he pursued Team Rocket up the staircase. "Take it easy old man if you now what's good for you." Meowth said. Gurkinn wished to keep going,but his old,frail body wouldn't let him. "Grandfather,are you alright?" Korrina said as she finally reached him. "I'm fine,but retrieve back the scroll." Gurkinn said as slowly caught his breath. "We'll on it." Korrina said as she,along with Ash,Drake,and Serena ran behind her.
"Grrr,someone do something about those pest!" Jessie said. "You heard her Inkay,use Psybeam on the bridge." James said as he released the squid Pokémon. Inkay did so and fired a beam of psychic energy that destroyed a portion of the starcase. All four trainers gasped and only three made a sprint towards the gap and jumped,making it but leaving Serena behind as soon as Gurkinn arrived with Bonnie and Clemont's help.
"Some prevention James,they made it over." Jessie yelled. "Quit it,we're almost to the balloon." Meowth said as they turn a corner. There they reached the outside as they jumped over a railing to the lower platform. "Hurry!" Drake said as they saw them trying to reach their balloon. "Quick Pikachu,use Thunderbolt on the balloon." Pikachu nodded as he jumped up and fired a Thunderbolt at the balloon,causing it to deflate and then fly off into the night sky.
"Grrrrr!,you twerps ruin everything!" Jessie shouted. All three jumped to the lower platform and prepared to battle,but Korrina stopped them. "Ash,Drake,let us take it." Korrina said. "You sure." Drake asked. "The pride of the Shalour Gym is at stake. This is up to us." Korrina said,agreeing with Lucario. "Got it,we'll cover you." Ash Korrina stepped up with Lucario. At the same time Clemont and others finally made it to the upper railing to see what was transpiring.
"You three aren't gonna get away with this." Korrina said. "Ha,where's your backup?" Jessie said. Korrina then touched her Key Stone making it glow brightly along with tendons appearing and merging with Lucario. When the light dimmed out,Lucario Mega Evolved.
"THIS...is my backup." Korrina said.
"Pumpkaboo,come on out and use Shadow Ball.""Inkay use Psybeam." Both Pokémon came in and fired their attacks. "Back to sender Lucario." Korrina said. Lucario then form a bone Staff and redirected both attack back to the two Pokémon,knocking them into their trainers. "Now...don't ever come back here again." Korrina snarled followed by Lucario,who fired an Aura Sphere towards the trio,launching them into the sky.
"WHYYY USS!" They said as they flew off. All the sudden something shined down as it was hurling back to Earth,the scroll. Lucario then jumped up and caught it and handed it to Korrina. "Nice catch bud." Lucario smiled as he resurrected back to his original form. "Well fought battle Korrina." Drake said. "Yea,that was awesome." Ash added. Korrina and Lucario just shrugged the back of their hairs in envy. Drake was right,there is a thing as too much praisement.
"Here you go Grandfather." Korrina handed him the scroll. "You both did a great job retrieving this back." Gurkinn thanked. "Wasn't just us,it was all of us." Korrina pointed out to Drake,Ash,Clemont,Bonnie,and Serena. "Besides I'm pretty sure they should be rewarded for their efforts." Korrina said,emphasis on the rewarded. "Oh,alright,but just this once." Everyone then perk their ears for what they were about to listen. Gurkinn then opened the scroll and read out loud.
Rule 1: Early to bed and early to rise.
Rule 2: Eat with Modestly even if it's delicious.
Rule 3: Stay organize and keep clean.
Rule 4: Already stay positive,even when things look bleak.
As he continued to read everyone then sweat dropped as to wondered when is he going to mention anything about Mega Evolution. "Uh sir,is there anything concerning Mega Evolution?" Serena asked. "Oh...I'm afraid not." Gurkinn said. This caused everyone to drop down in embarrassment. "You mean Team Rocket would've stolen that for nothing?" Bonnie said. "It had no used to them of course. I spent countless hour writing this you know." Gurkinn said. "So this whole time...that?""this was only a guide to be a perfect Gym Leader should anyone follow these rules." Gurkinn finished his Granddaughter's thought.
"Okay...I'm gonna go to bed,and Ash...you better be ready." Korrina declared. Ash nodded and then headed to the platform all the sudden. "Was it something I said?" Korrina asked. "Don't worry,I'll talk to him. You guys get to bed." Drake said,having everyone nodded and then leaving.
"Hey,what's up." Drake said while walking over to Ash. "She right...am I ready?" Ash said. "Ash,you battled a dozen Gym Leaders,surely you're prevail on this one." Drake said. "It's not just that...earlier in the day Gurkinn said this power we both have could rival even Mega Evolution. And it got me thinking...you're battle style improved ten fold over the years." Ash said. "It's the lifestyle man...look back then even for awhile in Sinnoh I only battled as the Champion and the Trainer,but somehow it was unfulfilling. But it was only when Cynthia told me to battle to present yourself fully. Since then...I battled as the Champion,the Trainer,the Guardian,and the Warrior." Drake said.
"She sure had a way with words." Ash said remembering Cynthia's grand wisdom. "Look,one thing I left out from earlier was...*sigh*...you recall the trainer that Gurkinn was talking about who lives on Pomace Mountain?" Ash asked.
"Yea?"
"On the last night,she told me of her late husband who was an Aura Guardian like you. How she knew him all his life then embraced his gift,and all that time she said it changed him." Ash explained. "But it never changed his heart." Drake finished his comment. "Yea...how you know?" Ash asked. "Something that Sara hammered into me." Drake said in a soft voice. "That's the first time you ever brought her up in a while." Ash said. "It isn't something I prefer to bring up." Drake added.
"...regardless,she told me something similar to what Xerneas told me a few days ago,but I'm still weighing my options." Ash said. "You fear the change." Drake knew. "Let's be honest Drake...worst case scenario I become something I never wanted to be." Ash said. "I was afraid for that too you know." Drake said. "When I came back,I hardly knew what I was doing. I had no more guidance. I feared going down that path especially when we faced criminals." Drake said. "That will always be present...but it's important to not focus on what was or what will be." He continued. Ash just continued to listen,but had no answers coming up.
"Based on what you told me...I think those two and probably others know what you could thrive through. I seen this on our adventures over the years." Drake continued. "They said if I'll keep doing things with only what I know. I'll never be anymore then what I am now." Ash added. "They mean that you could do so much more. You gotta have faith that...you could expire to something greater. You owe it to yourself,and those around you." Drake said. "Plus...you won't be alone in this." He added.
"Should I do this?"
"Only you could know that." Drake said. "I'm still weighing my choices." Ash said. "Don't worry...take your time." Said Drake. "We should probably head inside. You got an early morning." Drake said. Ash nodded and they both went back to their room. Ash meanwhile dwelled on these thoughts. Could he have that power to protect those around him? Could he use it to better himself? Only time will tell.
It was the early and Ash and Korrina then stood across the battlefield facing each other. "Alright,the battle between Ash Ketchum and Korrina the Shalour Gym Leader will now begin. Each side has the used of three Pokémon and winner will be decided when all three on one side are unable to continue. Furthermore,only the challenger may substitute Pokémon." Said Gurkinn,who stood in the referee box.
"Look alive Ash." Said Korrina. "Alive and kicking Korrina." Ash declared as he then stared down his opponent,knowing that this battle will decide his three Kalos Gym Badge as the Journey continues.
Done! Wow that was cutting it close. So now the gang is in Shalour City and all the chips are down with issues,confusion and the outcome of Ash's Gym battle. Stay tune as Ash will take on what maybe the toughest battle to face down. So Like,and Comment and thanks for reading. This is Paradox signing off. Goodbye
