Chapter 5: Secrets Revealed

Roku's P.O.V.

Route 30

"L-Legend Keeper?"

"We're an organization dedicated to the protection of Legendary Pokémon," Reia explained. "We seek out the Legendary Pokémon of each region and protect them from evil."

"But…if you're such an important person, why follow me?" I asked. "I mean, is our partnership, our friendship, even real?"

"Of course, Roku! I'm not the one who just chooses to deceive some random Trainer!" Reia exclaimed. "I'm actually a little hurt that you'd believe that…"

"Oh, YOU'RE hurt?!" I exploded. "How would you like to know that the only Trainer you knew outside of your home town was a secret agent?! I thought you were actually my friend, but I guess you're after me because I can speak to Pokémon!"

"Actually, I was sent to recruit you because of your gift," Reia said, her look of sadness turning to one of hurt. "I thought you'd be a good addition to the team, but apparently, you don't want anything to do with me now…"

My expression softened up. I could tell that Reia's feelings were hurt.

"Look, you could've told me who you were before this would've happened," I said. "I wouldn't have thought any less of you, and you know that."

Did she really know that about me? I started thinking. I mean, we haven't even known each other for that long.

"…Of course."

I snapped out of my thoughts. "Huh?"

"I guess I should've told you…" Reia said. "Actually, I know I should've told you, but my commanding officer said that this was supposed to be covert. So I had to keep my real identity a secret. Well, part of it, anyway…"

I got what she was trying to say. No one would come up out of the blue and say they're from a super-secret organization unless they could be trusted.

"So, you wanted to travel with me to see if I could be trusted," I said. "Is that correct?"

"Yeah," she confirmed. "But that's not the only reason. I wanted someone whom I could trust, not just for the organization, but as a friend."

Reia walked up closer to me and placed a hand on my shoulder. "Our friendship is very real, and I never want you to think of me as anything else."

I stared deep into Reia's eyes. Her soft blue eyes told me everything I needed to know.

"…OK." I nodded and continued, "I'm sorry for blowing up on you like that. It was uncalled for."

"It's OK," Reia replied. "You had every right to be mad. I'm sorry for not being up front about my identity."

After that was over, we finally reached Violet City. It was definitely a quiet little town, but much larger than Cherrygrove City. Along the way, we had defeated a few other Trainers, and Luna ended up learning Quick Attack.

"So, where to first?" I asked. "I think we should take a little break first. Sound good?"

"Yeah, let's head over to the Pokémon Center," Reia agreed. "Lyra and I need a rest."

We got to the Pokémon Center to see two guys in black and grey outfits hassling Nurse Joy.

"You heard us! Hand over the Pokémon!" the skinnier one said.

"Yeah," the larger one said. "If ya don't, it'll mean big trouble for ya."

"Hey! Let her go!" I shouted, stepping up to them. The two guys turned around and snickered.

"Oh, yeah? And what's a little pipsqueak like you gonna do if we don't?" the bigger one threatened.

"I'm gonna send your sorry tail flying!" I shouted. "Now, leave!"

"Ha! I'd like to see you try and beat us!" the bigger one said. "Go, Poochyena!"

The bigger guy threw out a Poke Ball, revealing the small wolf cub.

"Luna, go get 'em!" I shouted, sending my Pokémon forward.

"Start off with Quick Attack!"

Luna disappeared and reappeared in front of Poochyena, smashing it back into the front desk.

"Now use Swift!"

Luna sent her star attack forward and decimated what was left of Poochyena.

"Huh? You!" the larger one said, obviously defeated. "You'll pay for this!"

The skinny one stepped forward and threw out his Pokémon, a Spearow.

"I'll take this one," Reia said, stepping forward. "Go on, Lyra!"

Reia's Vulpix jumped forward and let some sparks loose from her fur.

"Use Confuse Ray!"

Lyra shot forth the eerie ray of light that almost got me last time and confused the opposing Spearow.

"C'mon, Spearow! Use Fury Attack!"

The Spearow flew completely away from Lyra and slammed into a wall.

"Finish it with Ember!"

Lyra shot her sparks forward and engulfed the Spearow, knocking it out while also scorching the wall slightly.

"Spearow! Grr…"

The two thugs returned their fainted Pokémon to their Poke Balls and ran out of the Pokémon Center without another word.

"Wow, that was amazing, you two!" Nurse Joy exclaimed. "You two might be who the elder is looking for!"

"Thanks!" Reia said. "Oh, uh…sorry about the wall."

"Oh, it's nothing. You two should take the Sprout Tower challenge! If you manage to defeat the elder, he'll give you a Technical Machine!"

"A TM, huh?" I said. TMs were pretty rare as it was, and only a few PokeMarts sold them, mostly the department stores. They used to be only one use per disk, but now, because of the advancement on technology, TMs can be used as many times as needed.

"OK. That's where we're going next," I confirmed. "But first, can you patch up our Pokémon, please?"

"Sure thing! I'll have them battle-ready in no time!" We handed Nurse Joy our Poke Balls and sat back to wait.


Latias' P.O.V.

Legend Keeper HQ

"Hmm…"

Latias nestled down in her bed, trying to get some sleep, but somehow the Sandman wouldn't visit her tonight. Her virtual environment just seemed too empty without anyone to talk to.

"Gah…what if Roku's actually out there looking for me?" she said to herself. "He might not have an idea of where I am…"

Latias decided that night to go out and find Roku herself. She opened her door and floated out, transforming into her human form to prevent anyone from seeing her as she was.

"And where do you think you're going?"

Latias jumped and whirled around, seeing the Kimono Girl who rescued her earlier.

"Oh, it's just you," she sighed. "I'm going out for a little walk, catch some fresh air."

"OK. Just be careful," the girl warned her. Latias nodded, and the Kimono Girl let her pass. Once Latias was out of sight, she got onto her P*DA and made a call.

"Lance, you there? It's Sayo."

"What's up?" he answered.

"I need you to tail Latias and find out where she's going," Sayo said. "You are at the base, aren't you?"

"Yeah, I'm here. I'm on it."


Roku's P.O.V

Sprout Tower Entrance

"So this is the Sprout Tower…"

Reia and I were standing in front of the tallest and most imposing building in Violet City. It was very tall, no doubt, at least 100 feet.

"The locals say that the pillar in the middle was actually a 100-foot-tall Bellsprout," Reia explained. "It's constantly swaying due to the numerous battles being held up there."

"Then let's join the party," I smirked, walking in.

I gotta admit, the inside looks much bigger than the outside. It was definitely ancient, looked of Chinese cultural design, and the pillar was swaying dangerously back and forth.

"Uh…are you sure this is safe?" Luna asked nervously.

"Don't worry, Luna," I reassured her. "If it was dangerous, no one would be here."

We walked up to a monk who was near the ladder and asked him if it was OK to go up. He said yes, and that the other monks would be happy to take us on. With that confirmation in our heads, we traveled up the ladder and began to ascend the tower.


Darius' P.O.V.

Sprout Tower Spire

Darius shoved past the last monk that stood in his way to the elder. They were all weaklings, as far as he was concerned, and he hoped that the elder would prove to be a better challenge.

"Welcome, young Trainer," the elder greeted him as he stepped up.

"Cut the chat, old man," Darius snapped. "I'm not here to make small talk; I'm here for the TM."

"Very well," the elder said. "Let's get started."

The elder sent out his first Pokémon, a Bellsprout.

"Ha! No wonder you monks are so weak!" Darius scoffed. "You keep using those crummy Bellsprout! Get out there, Riolu!"

Darius lobbed out his Poke Ball, sending out his partner.

"Bellsprout, use Vine Whip!"

"Riolu, use Counter!"

Bellsprout sent out its vines, ready to strike Riolu, but Riolu slapped them aside and nailed Bellsprout with a vicious punch, sending it flying back and knocking it out.

The elder returned his Bellsprout and sent out his next Pokémon, a Hoothoot.

"Go, Riolu! Use Force Palm!"

Riolu dashed forward and struck Hoothoot, not dealing much damage, but Hoothoot began to shiver violently, showing that it was paralyzed.

"Finish it off! Use Quick Attack!"

Riolu launched himself at the Hoothoot, striking it hard and fast and knocking it out.

"OK…you win," the elder said, returning Hoothoot to its Poke Ball. "But you should treat your Pokémon better. They are not to be used for war."

"Shut your trap and give me the TM!" Darius snapped. The elder sighed and handed Darius the promised TM, which contained the move Flash.

"Humph…this was what I wasted my time for? Pathetic!"

"You!"

Darius whirled around to see the same guy that had defeated him in Cherrygrove, as well as some chick he'd never seen before.


Roku's P.O.V.

Sprout Tower Spire

"You!"

I had climbed the ladder to the final room after a series of tough battles, and I see none other than Darius Walker, the jerkwad who stole Professor Elm's Riolu.

"Humph…what a surprise," Darius scoffed. "You decided to become less weak. That's great."

"I wouldn't say that to the guy who kicked your butt last time we met," I shot back.

"Whatever. Go ahead and fight your last pathetic battle," he said. "I've got better things to do with my time than sit here talking to weaklings."

Darius shoved past me and climbed down the ladder.

"Humph…douchebag," I growled.

"Don't let him get to you," Luna said. "We've got a TM to win!"

"Right, let's go!"

I stepped up to the elder, who had just healed his Pokémon, and said, "I'm ready to get started."

"Very well. Let me test the bonds between you and your Pokémon!"

"Hold on!" Reia shouted, stepping up beside me. "Let's make this a Double Battle! If that's OK with you, that is…"

The elder nodded and motioned for his best monk to join him in battle.

"OK! Go get 'em, Luna!"

"Go, Lyra!"

The two Pokémon jumped forward and prepared for battle as the elder and his monk sent out their Pokémon, two Bellsprouts.

"Let's get this party started!" Luna shouted.


Author's Note: That was actually a shorter chapter than I intended to write, but I was suffering from writer's block the entire time I was writing this. My next update might not be all that soon, so just bear with me.

That's it for now. Strato Abyss signing out.