Let us get this chapter started! (-o-)
The group of heroes were walking down the road, the sun shining brightly through the trees and warming the air. Everyone was quiet and forlorn, thinking back to the attack and what had happened there. It was disturbing how close they had come to dying.
Each of them was walking, even Victor, all lost in thought. Remembering battles, or family, or other regions, thinking of the future and the seemingly unapproachable destiny ahead of them.
Yet they strode bravely forwards, not letting their fears weigh them down. And so it was as they approached a tall hill with some stone structures atop it. They could not easily see what they were from the ground, though.
Ray recognized them, though. "We're at Henge Hill.", he stated, "This was an important temple in the old days, but has since fallen into ruin. It is just a few minutes' walk from Invertius, so we are quite close."
"It's like you've memorized the entire region or something.", Rex commented.
Ray replied, "I traveled it once."
"That sounds like it would be an interesting story.", Kelly said, "Maybe you could tell us it sometime?"
Ray muttered, "Maybe..."
Cain whispered, "I think he lost against someone at some point."
Ray gave him a look, but did not argue with him.
The band of Trainers started walking up the thick grassy hill, keeping an eye out for any wild Pokemon. But none showed their face.
"You know what I find pretty surprising?", Seth asked.
"Yeah?", replied Kelly, smiling slightly.
"In my entire time here, I've never seen a single one of those Trainers waiting on the roadside for a battle.", Seth continued.
Ray frowned. "That's a thing in other regions? Seems like a waste of time that could be better spent on other things considerably more important."
Rex laughed. "Well, that's quite an improvement! In other regions, you can't walk five feet without somebody saying you 'made eye contact' with them and demanding a battle. It gets frustrating after a while."
Ulfsigr commented, "Although, it is good for filling out a Pokedex."
"I don't care about that though.", grumbled Rex, "I just wish those random Trainers were more of a challenge. I can only get this good against proper Trainers..."
"I'll gladly rematch against you.", Victor said, "Though this time, using my rules."
"Yeah, no.", replied Rex.
They soon reached the top of the hill, where one could see the ruins of an old temple surrounded by the remnants of a circle of standing stones. It was quiet and peaceful out here, and everyone felt somewhat relaxed.
"So, I know you guys worship Pokemon or something. What is this temple dedicated to?", asked Seth.
Ray replied, "I believe it was originally erected in honor of the Moon Watcher, although it has been used for multiple purposes over the years. It's sacred ground - nothing dark can set foot here. We'll be safe from the Darkness while we're in town."
"You say that so assuredly...", muttered Cain, studying one of the markings engraved on the stones.
Ray replied, "Well, just because you don't believe in our stories doesn't mean they aren't true. Us being Legendborn is plenty of evidence that these stories are accurate. Come, let us make our way into the town."
The Trainers walked past the crumbling temple, glancing at the crescent-shaped spire atop it. The area did seem to have a magical presence about it, as if a Legendary was smiling upon them from above. Many of the worries brought forth by the Darkness were settling down, and everyone was feeling better than they'd been before.
As they reached the other side of the hill, they got their first glimpse of the town below.
It was a large village, filled with people working with their Pokemon. A path led deeper into the woods, flanked by two faded banners that seemed to feature a large Bug-like Pokemon upon them, but it was hard to tell. In the center of town there was a large market district, where people sold all sorts of wares.
"Welcome to Invertius.", Ray said, "Home of the Bug-type Warden, as well as the largest market in southern Regiras! Feel free to have a look around - I'm going to pick us up some food."
He walked off, leaving the others on their own.
Victor looked over towards the town square, where he noticed a crowd had gathered. Grinning as he heard the telltale sounds of a Pokemon battle, he immediately set off, followed by Rex, Seth, and Cain.
The others simply found a place to sit, and found themselves in an awkward silence.
Clara whipped out a notepad and started writing about her surroundings, Hickory floating lazily beside her.
Finally, Kelly commented, "So, uh, what can we talk about?"
Carla shrugged. "I dunno, what can we talk about?"
"Our Pokemon, perhaps?", suggested John.
"I'll go first.", Ulfsigr said, "I have a Mienfoo who swears a lot. I didn't even know until recently, when I got these powers and stuff. Honestly, she's quite impressive. I've been taking notes."
Clara rose an eyebrow. "Hope you don't get those mixed up with your Pokedex research."
"Bit late for that, girl.", Ulfsigr replied, "Luckily Professor Yellowflame has a sense of humor."
"Aren't all professors supposed to be named after trees?", asked Carlos, "Like, isn't that a universal qualifier?"
Ulfsigr answered, "Where I'm from, we don't really have trees. But Yellowflame could be considered a metaphor for lampposts, which are everywhere and are like trees there. So it still checks out."
"Maybe I shouldn't have asked.", muttered Carlos.
"By the way.", Ulfsigr added, "The professor herself came up with that reasoning because people wouldn't stop bugging her about it. So don't go thinking I'm crazy for that."
John sighed. "Shoot. For a second I had thought we had gotten a glimpse of the soul beneath that armor, but nope. You're still a mystery."
"I like to keep it that way.", Ulfsigr stated.
"Going to have to open up some time.", John replied.
"Dream on, kid.", Ulfsigr said.
Kelly said, "So, uh, I like Water-types!" She smiled, trying to change the subject.
"Another single-type specialist? That's good to hear.", replied Connor, "Perhaps we should have a battle sometime."
Kelly shook her head. "Thanks, but I'll have to decline. That Galvantula looks like it could destroy my team."
Connor nodded. "Alright, good point. No worries."
At that moment, Ray returned, frowning.
"Oh no. Don't tell me there's not going to be food.", Gary whispered.
Ray looked startled. "What? No. It's being prepared right now. There's a different problem."
"What seems to be the problem?", asked Connor.
"The Warden left this morning to investigate something in the forest and has yet to return.", Ray replied, "I don't like that, so after lunch we're going to look for him."
He looked over the table. "Hey, we're missing some people."
Kelly said, "Eh, they went off to watch a battle or something. They'll be fine."
"I suppose we'll wait for them to get back, then.", Ray muttered, "I doubt they'll be in trouble from watching a battle." (-o-)
"Yes! He won! Give me my winnings!", cheered Rex.
Victor groaned, and reached for his wallet. Seth commented, "There's a reason I don't make bets." Cain was silent as he studied a weathered Pokeball in his hands, slowly turning it around and lost in thought.
Victor placed a few Pokedollars in Rex's hand, and Rex grinned wildly. "Haha! Now I need to spend it on something!"
Seth stated, "That's not too wise...what if you need it later?"
Rex rolled his eyes. "I have a savings account."
Just then, a man dressed in dark blue robes strode up to them. His eyes were distant and cold, yet his hair was a fiery red. He glanced at the four of them, and smiled slyly.
"Hello, Legendborn.", he said, a Pokeball appearing in his hand. "Sleep tight."
Before they could react, a Malamar appeared, flashing its spots in a contorted pattern, causing them all to fall soundlessly into deep sleep. (-o-)
AN: Whew, this took a while to get out! Looks like our heroes are in trouble...what will happen to them?
We'll find out next time! See you then!