Navel Rock
Lostelle vehemently hugged her grandfather. She was overjoyed to be back safely. She showed off the various berries she managed to collect in her small wooden basket to her grandpa.
"I can now make daddy his lunch for tomorrow," she exclaimed in her high pitch squeal.
"I'm just glad that you are fine," the elderly grandpa held the girl tightly with tears streaming down his cheeks.
Emily stood in place with a sad smile as she witnessed the heartwarming reunion. She bade them farewell before catching up with her teenage group that have started to make their way back to the small dock.
"Don't you feel glad we helped the grandfather now, Blue," Leaf pressed Blue who kept a straight face throughout the touching moment.
Blue kept his arrogant demeanor. "Pft, needed some kind of lead to find this kubia-lora type of people so it worked out like I planned," he replied putting his hands behind his head.
Red glanced to Emily hoping for a retaliation attack against Blue's snide remark but to his astonish, she didn't seem at all molested by Blue's curt behavior. She lagged behind the group as she contemplated over a personal matter.
"What's bugging you, Emily," he decided to ask.
-"Yeah, Emily, what's wrong,"- Zexal innocently asked looking up to his trainer.
Emily seemed confused for moment as she collected her thoughts. "It's …nothing," she dazedly replied.
"Oh, okay," Red awkwardly said. He was certain Emily was pondering on a subject that bothered her but decided it was best not to pry too much and let her be for the moment.
"Our ride is waiting for us," Leaf said, seeing Lorelei's boat docked.
On the boat awaited them the gym leaders with only the two Elite Four members missing. The captain of the boat took no time to depart once the Kin Island group boarded the ship.
"I heard from Lance that you guys managed to make those black cultists spill the beans," Misty brought up.
"Black cultists?" Red said confused.
"I think she means the Xclus clan," Leaf clarified. "And I presume you had the chance to fight them as well."
"Those chums were easily crushed under the mighty power of Kanto!" Lt. Surge bellowed while flexing his biceps to intimidate everyone.
"If they were so weak, why did you, Sabrina, had such a difficult time with them?" Red brusquely asked.
"Are you blatantly insulting my battling skills," Sabrina glowered the boy.
"No, no, I was just thought it was strange that…you could have been pinned down by such a group of people," Red tried to rephrase his question but failed to improve it thus making it even more awkward.
Sabrina bitter stare didn't make Red feel any better. "If you don't remember, I was targeted by three trainers who specialized in Dark type Pokemon. Must I remind you that Psychic type attacks have no effect on Dark types," she bluntly stated.
"Simple type advantages can force the strongest trainers into a tight corner," Misty strongly interjected.
But shouldn't gym leaders be able develop elaborate strategies to overcome their weakness? Red muttered in his head.
"Refrain from insulting me even in your own mind," Sabrina demanded from the trainer.
Red tensed up forgetting the privacy of his mind was not valued by Sabrina. The disconcerting situation Red found himself in came to an end once the boat lurched to a stop in front of Four Island. Waiting for them was Lance and Lorelei.
"Such disgusting people they are," Lorelei angrily remarked. Her hair was misshaped in some areas to add a feral look contrast to her calm, neat demeanor.
"Only lowly criminals wield dastardly hearts that lead them to attack innocent civilians," Lance waltz right behind Lorelei. "The rest of the islands must be facing the same oppression but we will have to come to their aide a later time for our target is the main body."
"Well, hurry up and set this ships course to their base!" the army veteran edgily demanded. "A true soldier attacks first before the enemy can retaliate."
"I do believe we have the advantage in the situation," Lance acknowledged.
"But they do have three legendary Pokemon with power beyond ours," Red sharply brought up.
"That may be so but I can assure you that they won't be used during this confrontation," Lance smoothly replied with a smug look. "Articuno, Moltres, and Zapdos will be occupied for they are needed for the ceremony that Kuraisora are preparing to perform."
"Ceremony?" Red vacantly repeated. "How much do you know about Kuraisora plans?" Even I wouldn't have known that yet I have dealing with their affairs longer than Lance…Or has he been dealing with them longer than I have? Red wondered in bewilderment.
"Just based on some old legend I've been told," Lance replied impassive. "I come from an aged town home to my clan. This story was told around in my small village."
"You're basing your assumption on a children's story," Emily sad skeptical.
Red was about to raise the same argument but remembered how he found out his fairy tale turned out to be true. "Let us hear him out first," Red stood up for Lance.
Lance politely smiled before continuing. "My clan trains the strongest Dragon Pokemon tamers since its founder, an aura guardian named Dragneel, formed the clan. A dragon user himself, he founded a special type of aura that even regular people could produce but one of the requirements was a deep bond with a Dragon Pokemon," he gave some insight on his village.
"And what does that have to do with anything?" Lorelei surprisingly spoke up. "Is this some covert gloating of your power? And shouldn't your lips be shut tight to not reveal any of your clan's ancient secrets?"
Lance bore an annoyed look but quickly masked it with a sincere nod of his head. "The Dragon requirement is not much of secret since many dragon tamers have flocked to our village to learn of our Dragon Clan's techniques. As for the background information, I believe Red can attest to how significant the Aura Guardians are during this entire crisis."
With an unconscious nod, Red said, "I'm sure even more Aura Guardians are tied with this whole mess. However, how did you figure out I knew of the Aura Guardians?" He bashed his head as to figure out a time he let his tongue slip about an Aura Guardian.
Lance seemed slightly hurt. "Don't take me lightly, Red. Do you think it would difficult for a Dragon Clan member to not recognize the potent Aura you emit? I must be blind as a Zubat to not notice it."
Red didn't move. He couldn't even imagine the possibility that another man who could detect aura was in his group. "Are you…an Aura Guardian?" he skeptically asked.
"I'm not an Aura Guardian but I have trained in their ways "Lance vaguely responded. "I should, however, make it clear that a normal human could never raise their abilities to the level of an Aura Guardian."
The difference in our strengths is significant, Lance bitterly admitted to himself.
"But we Dragon Clan members do have Aura Guardian tales to pass on from generation to generation," Lance continue, letting some resentment escape to his tone. "An old tale told in a form of a ballad illustrates a ritual that requires the use of fire, ice, and electric. These three elements are to be kept separate as they combine their powers to a single point. The elements are in fact the legendary birds who will be supplying energy for a ceremony."
"That is too much detail for an old story to give out," Red suspiciously remarked. "And how can I trust this source."
"How credible this fable is up to you to decide," Lance replied. "The account originated from our clan's founder. Dragneel, himself, witnessed this ceremony on his mission to combat the man who dared tried to control such unearthly power."
Lance continued before Red could disrupt with more pestering questions. "He was given the task to retrieve the Elemental crystals that were stolen from his respective kingdom. He didn't manage to stop the summoning but he did figure away to extract the legendary Pokemon that were trapped which is by destroying the disrupting the flow of aura in the room."
"Disrupting the aura? How can we normal people actually do that?" Brock asked arms crossed.
"One does not need aura powers to disrupt aura energy," Lance sharply relied. "Simply attack the base of the Pokemon's prison. The power will give in to your strength. If we manage to rescue them before the ceremony is completed, then we will be able to foil their plans," he stated like a fact.
"Then let's get a move on," Lt. Surge bellowed once more.
"Charging straight first into Kuraisora's headquarters is not the best of ideas," Lance replied. "We are going to sneak in under the cover of night to lower the risks of being captured."
"But the full moon will be up by then," Red fired back.
"And that is when they will start the time consuming ceremony," Lance rejoined. "We will have enough time to rescue them before Kuraisora could even finish their final goal."
"I still think we should still attack while we have the chance," Red bickered.
"I know how you feel but you must realize they will have an advantage against us," Lance helped Red realized. "In bright day light, they will be able to see us coming and will most likely try to attack us while we are stuck at sea. I will like to stand my ground on a more stable platform don't you?"
Red didn't have a retort. 'Fine, we will strike at night."
"Excellent," Lance said, feeling pleased to have met to a conclusion. "Let us break for lunch as we figure out our next strategy."
"I apologize for being incompetent. I promise this won't happen again," speaking in a manner between begging and high respect, Vladimir knelt before Kuraisora leader who towered over him with an indifferent look.
"Stand up."
Vladimir obediently did as he was told. His girlfriend, Electra, timidly lingered behind him feeling the need to be with him. She couldn't help but feel anxious for being in front of their boss after a failure. For the time they spent in Kuraisora they never let down their leader so being brought in for such an event was slightly nerve wrecking. Vladimir didn't, however, share his partner's apprehensive feelings and kept a somewhat apologetic face.
"This is just a small adversity we must face, but don't fret for we will absolutely not let it hinder us from completing the ultimate goal," his words kind but Leer's flat tone betrayed him. "We will have to make preparations for this group of people. For the man power that we can spare will be used to protect the three legendary birds during the ceremony."
"I will guard Zapdos even if it is the last thing I managed to do correctly," Vladimir politely yet determinedly said.
"Don't go alone and take some of the Xclus clan members along with your partner," Leer requested taking a slow step back. "I'll start making arrangements for the rest of the members to station close to the other two legendary birds."
"I'll notify them of their appearance before you," Vladimir said with dignity. "I will be taking my leave then." He did so silently and fluidly as he led his girlfriend through the cracked stone doorway into a more modern-looking room with flood lights lighting up the rugged rocky ground.
Leer slowly closed his eyes as if he was ready to fall asleep at that given moment. Still like the ancient ruins that lay dormant for centuries, Leer meditated in the silence for quite some time. The moment he found what he was searching for, he opened his mouth to say, "The descendant of Pallet is closing in."
He didn't flinch when his green eyes spotted the rest of his followers before him. All patiently waiting for what he had to say. The respect these members had was what many great kings would have wanted from their subjects rather than ambitious ones, but Leer made no mention of this nor a sign of thanks for their patience and continued with his plan for the night.
The sky dulled to darker shade of purple reminding Red of a sore bruise. Night soon came upon the open sea like a large blanket covering them and enveloped them with darkness. Their boat crept across the ocean at a moderate pace as the jagged mountain got closer.
Navel Rock felt like a deserted wasteland as the outside was devoid of any forms of life. Not even moss clung to the crags making it an even more ominous place, which Red deemed perfect for Kuraisora to set up their operations. A mystic aura the island gave out that sent shivers down Red's spine.
Janine returned from her scouting job for any potential entrance into the stray mountain on her Venomoth. She confirmed that there was a single opening that was only guarded by two hooded figures from what she could see. She directed the crew on to a route that will lead them to an open plateau she deemed as a safe place to land. Shortly after giving her report, she disappeared into the night to deal with the guards using her stealthy methods.
"Alright, Gyarados! Head straight unto we arrive to land that we can get off on," Misty bellowed over the railings of the boat. The dark figure in the water rose to reveal Misty's water serpent. Larger than the boat, it had no problem pulling the group with the steel cables attached to the ship that Lance ordered Lorelei to have on standby. With this approach, they'll be less likely to attract attention for a boisterous motor would be more noticeable in the silent night than a Pokemon slithering underwater.
Misty had her Pokemon steadily pulled up to the naturally formed plateau. Gyarados was pulled back into his Pokeball as the group unloaded onto the particular island. The eerie full moon illuminated their surroundings. White light fell on a set of cruelly made stairs that were chiseled into the side of the mountain and led up towards the base of the land formation.
In a single file, for the narrow pathway only allowed one person per a step, Red and the rest of the gang walked up the stairs. Careful not to lose his footings for a deadly fall would have been his end, Red led the way till they arrived to a lone guard post.
Above the archway to an opening into Navel rock was a single lit lantern flickering as it ominously swayed back and forth on its iron nail it hung from. The light bounced around the small crag that looked off into the empty sea and revealed two Xclus members just like Janine said but lay on the ground completely knocked out.
"About time you got here," Janine said as if they took moths to arrive. Her Venomoth rested on her shoulder as she sat on top of a boulder close to the edge.
"I appreciate it for waiting," Lance said before turning his attention to the entrance. Intricate ruins marked the edges of the stone entrance. The strange markings followed through the straight tunnel inside. A light bulb was strung evenly spaced on the walls to provide enough lighting for a person to comfortably walk through without having to strain their eyes for any odd protrusions from the ground ready to trip them.
"We will have to divide our forces," Lance said arriving to a break in the pathway. Three tunnels lay before him and each had a single ruin symbol carved above the tunnel's entrance. Lance didn't dwell too long on the markings and dished out his orders appropriate for the situation.
"But we have no time to think of the best possible groups so I'll number you guys off into four groups," Lance rushed and numbered the trainers like a teacher does to her students to create random groups for group projects. "If your number is 1 than the far left path you will take while the 2's will take the middle and 3's have the right tunnel."
Leaf didn't quite agree with the groups and decided to argue with Lance. "I don't think the teams are evenly spread in terms of power" she pointed out the two Elite Fours members in the third group.
"I told you we don't have the time to separate us evenly" Lance reiterated sternly. "Now remember to always stay in a group and if you come upon Zapdos, Moltres, or Articuno, do everything in your power to try and free them."
"How could someone as controlling as him be in the Elite Four," Leaf grumbled as her group wordlessly obeyed. She had the two Gym leaders Misty and Brock but her arrogant cousin was with her as well.
Red watched them off praying for their well beings before entering the third tunnel along with the Elite Four members and Emily. The cave grew narrower as the ceiling dipped a centimeter lower by each step. As lifeless the exterior of the mountain was, the interior portrayed the same thing. No exasperating Zubats trying to bite your head off or Geodudes nestled in the ground to trip you over.
"Shouldn't we be worried of potential traps in the cave," Emily asked, her eyes closely observing the rock surface for any potential tampering.
"Don't worry for such traps because I'm confident Kuraisora never expected any uninvited guests but even if they knew beforehand, I'm sure they wouldn't to mess with ruins and damage any of the property for the flow of energy that is gives off my escape," Lance thoroughly explained his position. "But it is a good habit to always remain alert. It will help as you travel through that tunnel with Lorelei." Lance smoothly said, steeping into a divide in their way. Only two tunnels this time.
"Come on, Red," lance ordered, entering the right cave.
"Wait-but," Red held his tongue when Lance shot him a quick yet unyielding stare.
"Don't charge me of being weak," Emily blazoned. "I'm probably more capable than you." She lastly teased before leading on.
Red wanted to express his concerns mostly due to because he felt several aura presences in their respective cave. The cave Lance chose only housed two brightly burning auras. Both outshone the rest of the aura he felt within the ill-omened mountain.
"How come-"
"There are two people we will like to both meet," Lance hastily replied, picking up his slow walk to a sprint to the finish line. The cave curved to a steep downhill run as they got closer to the bottom of Navel Rock.
Are you telling me Ember is waiting for me down there? Red thought to himself. The non-moving figures seem to be challenging them as to come after them
Electra awkwardly stood before a single cave entrance already blocked by a massive stone as heavy as a Snorlax to make sure the opening wasn't opening anytime soon. Vladimir, appearing solemn, leaned onto the rough wall. His eyes fixed on the only entrance to the gym-sized cavern.
The area violently shook to simulate an earthquake. Emily jumped back in surprise when a group of Xclus members were washed out of the narrow tunnel by a torrent of water. The hooded figures flopped on the ground coughing out water from their lungs.
Blue marched over the unimportant bunch of trainers in his triumphant manner. Blastoise rocked the ground beneath his foot as he trotted behind his trainer; cannons unsheathed.
"Stop right there!" Electra raised her Pokeball as her defense.
Blue headed her threat but soon forgot when Vladimir came into his sight. "Impossible!" he sputtered. "We had you tied up! How did you manage to escape?"
Vladimir pushed himself off the wall. "You children failed to properly handle my Pokemon," Vladimir responded, inching forward. "Toxicroak cut me free from my ropes with his claws." He smiled an unnerving smile. "The same claws that will rip your entrails out of your body!" He released his Toxicroak on his last word.
The poisonous amphibian hopped side to side, raising his blood red claws like a kick boxer raises his fists. Anger dwell in its wicked yellow eyes. His daring behavior brought out the spirited fighter from Blastoise who stepped in front of Blue.
"Electra, don't interfere," Vladimir said knowing his partner has already released her Jolteon. "I need to redeem myself," he declared.
Leaf walked into the open area. An irritated frown transformed into a surprised gasp on Leaf's face when she noticed Vladimir battling her cousin. She swiftly reached for her Pokeball to release her Ivysaur. Jolteon barked at his opponent arrival.
Ivysaur grumbled when Jolteon growled menacingly.
-"Give a fight that will make my blood boil throughout the battle,"- Jolteon eagerly demanded.
Ivysaur rolled his eyes. –"I don't have much taste for battle but if I need to protect Leaf, I will make sure I won't lose."- The flower on his back shuddered as Ivysaur tensed up for his battle.
"You kids are not getting pass us," Emily proclaimed, her voice fainter than a usual bold declaration.
"I don't plan on losing either," Leaf said with all her confidence. "Let's go Ivysaur!"
"Blastoise, we can't be defeated by these kind of people," Blue reminded his Pokemon. "This is not just for us but for all of Kanto!"
Brock and Misty fought off the groups of Xclus members that dared get in their way.
"I sure hope the kids are doing well," Brock expressed his concern as his Golem clobbered a Rapidash with his super effective attacks.
Misty flushed the remaining Pokemon with her Starmie. "I sure they are doing fine," she consoled Brock's uncertainty. "They do have the strength to defeat us gym leaders."
"Yeah I guess you're right," Brock said. "Let's keep on going." He led Misty through the tunnel to soon arrive to an opening like the one Blue and leaf found themselves in. Waiting for them was Ice and Joey.
"Look Ice! We did managed to get some fighters!" Joey excitedly pointed out. Ice stiffly stared as if trying to disconcert them.
Brock intensely stared before snapping his fingers. "Those are the same guys who raided the museum in Pewter City," Brock remembered.
"Two gym leaders here to stop us," Ice raised an eyebrow. "I thought the Pokemon League had enough on their plate that rumors would have not have deterred your attention."
"How could we ignore rumors when I witnessed your crimes first hand," Brock said.
"But how could you believe a kid's word," Ice asked genuinely confounded.
"I trusted Red since the first battle we had," Brock took a step forward. "In battles you can learn from your opponent. I learned since we last battled which is why I came. For a rematch with you!" Brock pointed at Joey.
"A rematch…" Joey slowly murmured as he stretched out his limbs. "I really hope you're not as weak as you were before."
"Believe me. I have trained hard for this day," Brock said. Golem rolled to his trainer's side.
"I'll handle try hard boy then," Misty bluntly said.
"Careful, he uses ice type Pokemon," Brock warned.
Misty smiled. "They won't be able to handle my water Pokemon," she remarked. "Let's put Santa Clause down, Starmie."
"Santa?" Ice huffed running a hand through his snow white hair. "The name is Ice. Don't go around giving me stupid nicknames."
Misty smirked seeing she found one of Ice's strings and decided to tug on it more. "But Santa is more fitting. White hair, likes the cold and most likely you need 9 Sawsbucks to haul your fat ass."
Ice didn't form a rebuke and hastily sent out his Froslass. Ice glittered like crystals around Ice's most elegant Pokemon. Holding her head up profoundly, she gave Misty an unforgiving glare.
-"I'm still hungry," complained the pink blob known as Lickitung. His tongue oozed out saliva, ready to eat anything edible.
-"We just ate before coming here,"- Froslass sternly said. –"I even gave you my food when I didn't feel like eating."-
-"Bleh, dietary supplement is the worst kind of foods,"- Lickitung pulled his tongue in feeling disgusted. –"Now I have lost my appetite."-
-"Good, then we can get this battle started,"- Golem interjected, stomping the ground to produce a small shock throughout the cavern.
Red's heart pounded in his chest as he followed Lance quiet as a shadow. He felt like he was suffocating not only because of the crowded tunnel kept in the warm air both Red and Lance's bodies released but the knowledge of facing Red's brother left a lump in his throat. He told himself many times to remain calm yet he still felt anxious.
"Is something bothering you?"
Red glanced up see Lance has stopped. He didn't realized how far behind he has fallen from Lance. "Oh no, nothing," Red tried his best to mask his troubled mind. "I'm just getting a bit dizzy by the heat," he pushed the blame.
"Do you want to stop to catch your breath," Lance said sounding concerned.
"Oh no," Red shook his head. "We got to stop Kuraisora at all costs. Let's not waste time."
Lance sluggishly smiled. "Your right," he agreed. "We must protect Kanto."
Red listlessly nodded. He cleared his mind to perform one of Brom's exercises to calm his body. He managed to slow his racing heart to a slow pace. He took the time to observe his surroundings with his aura. Both Ember and Drake emitted strong auras similar in strength. The same aura he felt Lance emit resonated within Drake. A strange aura that Red never felt in his life. The same energy that some of their Pokeballs emitted.
Could that be the special aura Lance told me about? Red reckoned. Cold air blasted his face to his surprise. He walked into the empty room.
Not surprised at all, Ember stood before him. Granted he was a few meters away, Red felt like he was right in his face but Ember saw right through him as if he were a passing fly. Drake, however, looked tormented.
"What the hell are you doing here?" Drake's face was contorted with anger.
"Elite Four Lance," Ember politely addressed the Dragon Tamer. "What brings you here?"
"I've come here to put a clear end to your plan as well as bring this foolish idiot back home," Lance promptly proclaimed.
"Get off my case you bastard," Drake retorted. "I'm going anywhere! Not with you at least."
"I take it you don't want me to interrupt," Ember said turning to meet Red's stunned gaze.
Red undid the paralyzing spell to prepare himself for battle.
"Then I'll take care of the leftovers," Ember said.
The memory of Ember's cruel statement of killing his family lit the fire in Red's heart.
