Pokémon Journey: Kalos Quest
Hey guys Paradox here and welcome to Chapter 57 and Chapter 14 of the Kalos Quest. So this chapter will be the last before we finally reach Lumiose City. As the time draws near will be the an epic changer for the entire story. But for now,let's enjoy this small chapter.
"What you do today can improve all your tomorrows."-Ralph Marston
Chapter 57: Better Today,Stronger Tomorrow
As the group continued down Route 13,they were much obliged to know that they'll be arriving in Lumiose City by tonight,should they keep walking while sticking to the trail. As they walked,the group made small talk while walking.
"So what are we going to do once we get to Lumiose City?" Serena asked. "Well,there's always all those shops and restaurants you talked about." Drake said. "Well of course there's that." Serena said while daydreaming about the wonders of pastries and clothing right at her fingertips. Meanwhile she was brought back when she remembered that she had an egg in her hands and took a tighter grip on the container.
"Let's not forget my Gym Battle." Ash reminded. "Right,your battle against Clemont." Drake said,remembering the challenge Ash made to Clemont back in Coumarine City. "But Ash,have you properly prepare for your challenge yet?" Serena asked. "Unfortunately,I haven't...I keep getting distracted." Ash said. "Well,stop being distracted or Clemont might actually have a chance at beating you." Bonnie said. "I don't tend to look always look at the bad side guys. I'll get some training done...just as soon as we could take a break." Ash said. "Well,we are making good time. I suppose we could take ten." Drake said while looking at his watch.
After finding an open area,the group set a picnic blanket as Serena made sandwiches for the group. As they ate while their Pokémon ate Poke Puffs,Ash was watching Serena eat while she caress the egg. "Hey,how's the egg?" Ash asked. "Well...I think it's going okay. I mean..it is the first time I've taken care of an egg." Serena said. "What do you think it'll be?" Ash asked while intertwining her left hand. "All that matters is no matter what it'll be. It'll be part of our little family." Serena said. "You know,once it hatches,I can help take care of it." Ash said. "You'll the best. You know,taking care of a baby Pokémon is like taking care of a child." Serena said while grinning. "Yea,I could just she you as a mother." Ash smiled playfully. "And you'll be a great father." Serena added. Ash simply turned his mind around that...father...sure they're taking care of an egg and not an actual child,but regardless...Ash felt he couldn't give the absolute care an egg needs...let alone a child. Fact was,he felt he couldn't take care of himself without Serena by his side...but now the term child was stuck to his mind...he now started thinking of the future...what kind of person he will be?...which brought him back to what Malamar told him back on Grace Mountain along with Drake...with the words like parent,father in mind...Ash never felt more concern. Serena noticed the concerned look on his face.
"What is it?" Serena asked. "I...well,I've nevertruly care for an egg before. And I suppose raising an egg is supposedly is like raising a child..which brought me back to what happened on Grace Mountain...about how I was a parent...was I a good one? A good father?...were you there with me?" Ash asked with worry. Serena then felt guilty for putting this sort of responsibility on his shoulders. Perhaps put this from a parent's perspective was putting it mildly. After all they're just teenagers and Serena now felt she was probably taking things abit beyond their years.
"I'm sorry Ash,I probably shouldn't put matters like this." Serena said. "No you shouldn't apologize. I should,for overacting. It's just..." "I know what you mean,after all,it is still too soon and we're still young." Serena said. "And we both agree not to do anything...too extreme at nights." Ash said. "Right,I just l'm just anxious when the egg finally hatches." Serena said. "I know...but,then again,caring an egg will make good parenting practice. As long as I stick to the present." Ash said. "Yea,me too...so...Daddy?" Serena smirked. "Alright Mommy...but let's just hold that until the egg hatches." Ash said.
"Deal"
After lunch and getting alittle bit of training in,the group got back on the road as Ash talked about strategies he should use for his Gym Battle. "Let's see,Bonnie,what's Clemont usual Gym Battle rules?" Ash asked. "Clemont mainly challenges trainers with a three on three Battle. With substitutions for you of course." Bonnie explained. "So three on three huh...hmm...this won't be an easy pick. Since Clemont is an electric type trainer,and most of my Pokémon are at a type disadvantage." Ash said. "If that's the case Ash,you'll just have to pick three who could use the playing field just as well as Clemont can." Said Drake. "Uhhhh...ok,Bonnie what kind of Pokémon does Clemont use?" Ash asked.
"Well,I can tell you about Magnemite,Magneton,Heliolisk,Bunnelby,Chespin,and now Luxray." Bonnie listed. "Right,Clemont has all those options. Now I just need to figure who I should chose for this." Ash said.
"Maybe,I could help."The group turns to see the source of the voice coming from behind a tree. Walking into view as the gang saw it was Tierno.
"Tierno!" The group said but Drake however was once again confused with another stranger in his mist. "It's great to see you all. And?" Tierno said as he then did a dance and landed right in front of Serena. "Its is great to see you." Tierno said with hearts in his eyes and bowed.
Everyone however was lightly chuckled by Tierno's antics. Serena was lightly blushing but also embarrassed by the nice gesture. Ash however was fuming in slight anger and inched closer to Serena. It's been awhile since Ash felt jealousy and hoped not to experience it ever. Tierno however was clueless as Ash's expression was towards him and everyone else's was looking slightly embarrassed. "Umm...is there a problem?" He asked. "Uhh...Tierno is it?...well,it isn't smart to flirt with a girl who's heart is taken." Drake stepped forward. Tierno blinked and then looked back at Ash and Serena who then intertwined their hands,and Tierno then remembered.
"Ohhh...oh!...yes,yes I'm sorry. Shauna told me about this a few days ago." Tierno said. "Yet,you insisted on doing it anyway?" Ash asked bluntly. "I forgot..I'm sorry everyone...Ash." Tierno said. Everyone then looked at each other and nodded. "It's alright Tierno. We forgive you." Bonnie said. "Yea,just...don't do it again." Ash insisted as Tierno nodded.
"So wait,Shauna mentioned us?" Serena asked. "Are you kidding?! Aside from talking about Ash's hot brother...which I'm a assuming it's you?" Tierno asked. "Drake Ketchum." Drake introduced. "It's a pleasure. Anyway aside from that. She kept on going nonstop about how cute you guys were together. How lucky Serena was. How Ash always treats her like a Queen." "Ok,ok...remind us to thank her the next time we see her." Serena said as Tierno nodded.
"So what brings you here Tierno?" Ash asked. "Well,I was on my way to Coumarine City. I've been challenging the Gyms around Kalos for awhile now. Recently a week ago,I've challenged the Lumiose Gym and earn this." Tierno then showed the group of a of a shield badge with several bolts around it. "Wow,so you beat Clemont?" Bonnie asked. "Clemont? No,I was challenged by a weird robot. Whoever it was,it was strong and put up quite a battle.
"Then that was Clembot." Drake said. "That was my brother's invention. He designed it so that he could come along with us." Bonnie said. "Speaking of which. Where is Clemont? Tierno asked. "He's in Lumiose City. We are supposed to meet him there." Said Drake. "Awesome,tell him hi when you see him." Tierno said as the group nodded.
"Hey Tierno. Since I will be challenging the Lumiose Gym. Let's have a battle." Ash said. "Sure Ash,but before we do that." Tienro said as he then released five Pokémon. A Palitoad,a Himontop,a Luicolo,a Raichu and lastly a Wartortle.
"Wow,Tierno is this your new dance crew?" Ash asked. "You said it. We do it." Tierno said as he and his Pokémon did a synchronized dance. "Wow,that is a happy group." Drake said. "Yep,all six of us are going to storm the rest of the Kalos Gyms." Tierno said. "So,are we going to have that battle.?" Ash asked. "Of course perhaps maybe I'll pick."
"Guys.."
Everyone then turned to Drake. "What is it Drake?" Ash asked. Drake turned to see a couple of bird Pokémon flying South,away from North. However,he noticed more and more bird began to fly South. He then noticed Pokémon on he ground,running through the forest,also heading South. Drake the knew this wasn't a sort of gathering and looked North.
"Drake what is it?" Ash asked. "Ash,Vision,Now." Ash simply blinked and then used his Aura Vision to see more and more Pokémon signatures running thorough the forest around them heading South. "Ash,what did he mean by Vision?" Tierno asked. "Honey,what is it?" Serena asked worried.
"Where are all the Pokémon going?" Ash asked. "Guys,seriously,what's going on." Serena asked impatiently. "Ash,look North." Drake said. Ash nodded as he honed in on what was beyond them and what they spotted nearly overwhelmed their senses,causing them to stumble.
"Guys!" Bonnie yelled. "We'll be fine. One thing for sure is that things are going to heat up." Drake said. "Why do you say that?" Serena asked. "There's a fire,at least twenty feet North." Ash said,causing everyone to gasp in horror. "A Fire!" Tierno yelled. "So couldn't we run?" Serena asked. "We could,but right now I'm worried that the fire will spread." Said Ash. "Not to mention what Pokémon are trapped in there." Drake added. "So...we're going in the fire?" Bonnie added. "If you guys want,you could stay here and me and Ash will go." Drake said.
"Now hold on,I'm not staying unless Ash is with me,so I'll go too." Serena said while putting her egg into her bag,and causing Ash to blush as well. "I'm in this too." Bonnie joined. "Well,I don't want to be left out,so count me in as well." Tierno said. "Alright,let's go." Drake said as they ran inside.
Out of the Frying Pan
That's what Drake thought of as they ran through the burning woods. So far,he and Ash were right,many Pokémon,mainly small,were trapped behind smoke,fallen trees,and buried burrows. As they advance,Frogadier and Wartortle help deal the blaze and Pancham's Stone Edge help create fire barriers.
As they trench deeper,the hotter it got,and more and more trees have fallen,blocking their path and had to take alternate routes. Meanwhile Drake and Ash were using their Aura Vision to navigate when Drake spotted something. Hidden deep in a burrow was heat signature and walked up to it. Inside was a Magby,and clearly frighten. He slight dug the dirt blocking his view and reached out.
"Magby,it's ok. I'm here to help." Drake said as calmly as possible. Magby,figuring to take his word,frightfully walked up to him and then jumped into his hand and finally into his arms.
"By!" It cried. "Yea,I know little guy." Drake said as he then walked back until suddenly a huge tree on fire had fallen right in front of them,trapping them in between.
"Drake!" Ash yelled. "I'm fine but we need to put out this fire!" Drake yelled from he other side. Frogadier and Wartortle nodded and fired a Water Pulse and Water Gun to put out the fire,but alas the blaze prove to be quite durable as is the blaze around everyone closing fast,but the worst has just begun.
"Ash,it's getting alittle hard breath now." Serena said. "The atmosphere around is getting thin! Eventually we won't stay standing much longer!" Drake yelled. "Ash! Is there anything we can still try?" Tierno asked. "Maybe." Ash then took out another Pokéball and released Sliggo.
"Goo!" It said until it noticed where it was and then started to panic. "Sliggo. It's okay you're fine,but I need some help. Can you use Dragon Breath to destroy the tree in front of us?" Ash asked. "Ash? Destroy it?!" Serena questioned. "If we can't put out the fire,it leaves the second option." Ash said as Sliggoo agreed. "Drake you may want to step all the way back." Ash said. "O..Kay? Just hurry before I faint." Drake said nervously. Sliggo then charged up a powerful dragon blast and fired,which then spilt the tree in half. Drake then nodded and made a run for it with Magby in his arms.
"Are you alright?" Bonnie asked. "I'm fine,but we still need to put out this blaze." Drake said. "Alright,Sliggo use Rain Dance." Sliggo then cried and summoned storm clouds and right away it began to rain. But still the rain couldn't put out the fires and group was now feeling drowsy. "Guys...I feel..light headed." Bonnie said while stumbling. "Sliggo...I believe in you." Ash said as he along with the others beginning to collapse. Sliggo was then frightened by the sight of his trainers and friends fainting and tried to summon much stronger rainfall but fires prevailed.
At last with all its might,Sliggo cried that could've been heard for miles and storm clouds he summoned rolled throughout the forest and produced a heavy rainfall that kept getting stronger and stronger until all the blazes were snorted out. The last thing everyone saw before passing out was a bright light happening in front of them.
Ash,lightly opened his eyes and saw the clear skies above him. As he sat up,he notice that the major fire was put out and it was late afternoon with the sun setting. "Hey,hey guys.." Ash said as he then shook Serena to wake her up. Serena then stirred and woke up,seeing Ash above her. "Ash? Ash! Are you alright?" Serena sat up. "I should be asking you that." Ash pulled her closer and kissed her. Both melted into the passion until someone disturbed them and they retracted. "That's...unexpected." Tierno said while rubbing his temples. "That's...private." Ash said. Then Drake and Bonnie woke up and so did Magby. "Is everyone alright?" Drake asked as everyone replied yes thankfully. "Wait a minute guys. Where's Sliggoo?" Ash asked.
"Dra."
Everyone then turned around to see something in the shadows as it stepped out. It was still light purple with alittle bit of green,nearly seven feet tall,large horns and tail,and covered in slime. "Goodra,Goo." It said. Drake then clicked his Pokewatch to scan it.
"Goodra,The Dragon Pokémon and the evolve form of Sliggoo,it attacks with retractable horns. It throws a punch with force of a hundred pro boxers."
"The evolve form of Sliggoo? Wait...so that means?" Serena asked. "Sliggoo. You evolve?" Ash asked. Goodra simply hugged his trainers as a response. Ash laugh and knew his Sliggoo evolve to save everyone including the forest. When they retracted,Ash was covered in clear slime,causing everyone to laugh.
When they got clear of the burned part of the forest,they noticed all the Pokémon retuning. Grass types were repairing the damage done. Water and Flying types tend to the surviving plant life. The gang was glad that to see such a sight.
"Well,this has been quite a day." Said Bonnie. "Yep,so Tierno,how about that battle?" Ash asked. "If you're game. I'm in." Tierno said. As they stood across the open field they were on already. "But let's raise the stakes with making this a Double Battle." Tierno nodded as Ash agreed
"Since you're challenging the Lumiose Gym. I'll use Raichu. And my second will be Wartortle."'Tierno said as he released both Electric and Water type to battle. "Alright,I choose Pikachu and...Goodra." Ash decided as they stepped forward to battle.
Ash vs. Tierno: Double Battle,two on two
"we'll start this off. Pikachu use Quick Attack." Pikachu then charged in a white Aura and dashed to Wartortle. "Use Rapid Spin to shield yourself." Wartortle retreated into its shell and spun in place. Pikachu struck his target but the sudden spinning that increased defense and simply bounced off,and Pikachu retreated.
"Now Raichu,the old skate and turn." Raichu nodded as it hopped on Wartortle's spinning ride as Raichu rode Wartortle around like a skateboard. Ash thought as he knew that technique from the Summer Camp,but the whole riding shell-board thing was very unorthodox.
As Raichu rode circles around,Tierno acted. "Now Raichu,bombard them with Charge Beam." Raichu then charge up electricity in its paws and fired several shots. "Pikachu dodge it,Goodra use Bide." Ash said as Pikachu dodge the incoming fire,while Goodra took four shots and absorbed the blows to power up. "Use Focus Blast." "Pikachu,use Thunderbolt." Both Pokémon fired their attacks as both collided and canceled each other.
With the field in their favor,Ash needed a plan to knock Raichu off his paws. From what he remembered about his training,the most recent one was about opposites as Drake taught Ash about exact opposite natures...and alittle bit of physics.
Strength can be willed but be turned against.
Power can all good,but turn greed.
Speed is reliable but also relative.
That last one Ash remembered when Pikachu tried to Volt Tackle Drake's Raichu,even when Ash used a slight Aura Blust(which Drake resented) Raichu managed to use its tail with help of Iron Tail. Raichu managed to simply trip Pikachu,despite Ash swearing that Raichu couldn't be able to see and reaction that fast. Drake simply explained that with mental prowess,Raichu was able to slow Pikachu down...or basically see Pikachu's movements slowed and simply acted.
"Alright,slow them down,slow them down." Ash said internally as he tried to relax his mind. Tierno saw Ash and took the opportunity to attack. "Alright Raichu,use Charge Beam mutiple shots." Raichu shot dozens of shots while Pikachu kept on dodging and Goodra using Bide. "Alright,that's moving and grooving." Tierno said as he did alittle dance.
Ash meanwhile saw Raichu's complex movements through his Aura and saw Raichu in a slower fashion. While this transpired,Ash,trying to ignore the desire to activate another Aura Burst,cast it off and felt his Aura merge with his Pokémon. Pikachu and Goodra felt the same as Ash then acted and his eye grew blue but no blue outline around his body which was a good thing.
"Drake did Ash just?" Serena asked. "I don't think so,he doesn't have Aura outline around him." Drake explained. "So,he did it right?" Serena asked. "Only one way to find out." Drake said.
Ash followed Raichu's skating and found a narrow pattern but acted. "Pikachu,use Electro Ball." Pikachu jumped and charged a ball of Electricity and fired. The Electro Ball rather then going in a straight line arced around and just as Raichu was coming around the Electro Ball managed to strike Raichu,knoicking off his board,leaving Tierno surprised.
"Now Pikachu,Volt Tackle on Wartortle." Pikachu ran fast to form a electric veil and struck Wartortle hard,sending him flying inside his shell and hitting Raichu who was still down.
"No! Come on guys, get up." Tierno said but when they did,they were dizzy and stumbled around,leaving Tierno worried.
"Now Goodra,finish this with Dragon Breath." Ash said. Goodra then charge up a much more powerful,rainbow blast of Dragon energy and fired which the blast shaped itself into a Mythic dragon and struck both Pokémon,and knocked them out. Ash was more concerned about the move Goodra just did that he didn't realize he won the battle.
"Goodra..that wasn't Dragon Breath was it?" Ash asked which Goodra was confused as Ash at what it just did. "Ash...I think that was Dragon Pulse." Tierno said as he returned Raichu and Wartortle. "And I think you just won the battle." He continued as he walked over.
Ash could only nodded about the battle part as his attention was on Goodra. "Wow,an evolution and a new move. You just keep on surprising me big guy." Ash said while hugging Goodra. "And you seem to gotten over that desire of going burst." Drake said as he walked over.
"I guess,but won't it tried to tempt me every time I focus?" Ash asked. "Believe me,it's gets less tempting in due time and balance." Drake said. "Wait...what are you guys talking about?" Tierno asked. Ash and Drake simply looked at each other as Drake took the lead to explain the short version to Tierno.
Afterwards Tierno majority didn't get it,but understood that Ash and Drake weren't normal people,and that their training was far different than the average person and just left it at that. "Well it does explain that incident with..um...that big stag Pokémon we faced back at Summer Camp." Tierno said.
"You mean Xerneas? That was a...slightly different reason but yea this is remotely related." Ash said. "Regardless,if you do this well on your Gym Battle like ours. You'll be just fine Ash." Tierno said. "Thanks for your help Tierno." Ash said. "Right back at yea,say hi to Clemont for me." Tierno said as the group nodded.
Later that night,the gang saw the bright lights,and sound of the city ahead of them. On top of a hill,the gang finally arrived at Lumiose City. "Here we are guys." Ash said. "Yay..I can't wait to see Clemont and Chespin again." Bonnie said as Serena held her hand. Ash saw Drake with a stern look on his face.
"What is it?" Ash asked. "You know aside from a Gym Battle. There's something else we have to do." Drake said. "Stop J...I get it." Ash said. "This maybe the toughest thing we would have to do...people will get hurt." Drake said. "We'll be ready." Ash said as he then followed Serena and Bonnie down the hill. "Well I don't think I am Ash." Drake mummers to himself as he followed suit as the Journey continues.
Done,Boom...once again I know I enter a viscous cycle,but...I've had a long trying week that more and more unexpected things that had to come first. But once again,here's a small chapter and Ash got some training in,Sliggo finally evolve and the gang finally arrived to Lumiose City...again. Next Chapter will be the battle itself as this draws near the grand climax that will leave you breathless.
Now before I go,there are two announcements I need to present.
First is that,while writing this story,awhile back I told you guys about how I would plan to write about the movies of XY,and so...with a promise I made to one of my biggest readers...I will start the Diance story next time I post. It'll be in its own book as I plan for organizational reasons. Another thing is that since THIS book is my primary,expect slow updates on the Diance story,but the good news is that it'll be shorter and the chapters will be smaller so...yea.
The second announcement is one I need your guys' opinion...whoever wants participate. As you all know,Serena got an egg last chapter. I haven't decided on what it'll be yet,and that's where you,the reader,comes in. Now before you guys submit your opinions on what Serena's egg will be,I have two requests.
1: it has to be something that goes well with Serena's personality or Serena in general. Something that will help her in her performances.
2: Choose something other than a Fire,Fighting,or Fairy type Pokémon. Yes,I know she doesn't have Sylveon yet,but still she'll have her soon,so any other different type other then those three will be fine since I'm trying to expand her combinations.
If you're interested in participating,PLEASE PM me your choices and I'll make a list of three or four of the most suggested Pokémon you guys chose. Then I'll make a poll where you guys will cast your votes and by the time Serena's egg will hatch...well that'll be her new member to the team.
And that is it for now everyone. Thanks for reading and for casting your opinion,and I'll see you next time. This is Paradox signing off. Goodbye.
