Chapter 11 – Worthy?

The wonders of nature never cease to amaze do they? Circles of life to death played out underneath the foliage. Old growth which had seen hundreds of years watched the young play out these cycles again and again. And in turn, these old sentinels stood up to time, only to fall to the ceaseless machinations of this measurement. Though the living may fall, still the beauty and wonder held through. Captured within the next generation.

See there, the fallen conifer, its trunk the height of a man. Dead perhaps to the trees around it, yet home to those who needed the shelter close to the ground. In death, so to was there life. But one had to open their eyes to see. The trees watched so many pass beneath their gentle embrace, their protection from the elements of the sky, these young so bright and filled with life, never stopping to appreciate that which surrounded them. Never once pausing to wonder at the beauty. And what beauty it was!

Perhaps it was not entirely their fault however. Just look now at civilization today. Those in power were pushing ever forward for more, never once stopping for those behind. There were more things to consider in today's world than there was before, when the forest of ancients now was simply nothing more than saplings. Just look now upon the two young women and their friends as they walked through the gloom. There, the one with emerald eyes, she whose family was growing. And the other who while scared, was finding herself more and more comfortable that she would be okay. How to does terror come in to the minds of these young ones? Generations of sentinels had stood tall never once fearing that which would come. But then those roots stretched deep, deep into the soils of the planet. Anchored in place, a different type of freedom than that of the young woman whose heart was full of promise.

Worthy?

Jill breathed deep. The air here was so much different than what she was used to. Old growth she guess. Caladan seemed to be quite happy here in amongst the woods. Star was perched on his back as he walked along, the two chatting about all sorts of things. Chase was ranging out a bit further, Jill watching as he got used to his larger form. Epona walked beside Jill seemingly staring off into space as she was want to do.

Cheryl noted the comradery between Jill's team and came to the conclusion that this young trainer would make quite a formidable opponent someday. Though not perhaps until some more of her Pokemon had evolved. Some trainers liked to keep their Pokemon at a stage, while others had a hard time getting their Pokemon to a point where they could evolve. It was never foolproof. But Jill's bond was deep and thus she would be one of the few who would be able to address any situation.

The trek through Eterna forest took a few days. Cheryl and Jill talked about little things here and there, but one topic that was a struggle was of course about Team Galactic. These goons were out wandering around hunting down other people's Pokemon and attacking buildings for what? Jill couldn't figure it out, but it must have something to do with whatever new vision for the world the head of all this had. Because there was no way that people like who Cheryl was describing could possibly give rise to such an ideal.

Part of the way through the third day passing through the old growth, Cheryl pointed out a break.

"There! That's the exit towards Eterna City!" the young woman was excited to finally be back home. "I can't thank you enough Jill for getting me through those woods."

"Honestly Cheryl it was nothing! I'm just glad nothing happened!" Jill responded.

"Here take my number. If there's anything you need that I can help you with, just let me know alright?" Jill and Cheryl exchanged numbers and continued towards the city nestled in the foothills, and home to Jill's next challenge.

A city steeped in history. Here was the point which those of the past had given remembrance to the legends of old. Today many forgot that the legends were not just legends but realities not yet born into this world. Jupiter was at home here studying the ancient legends for her boss. And true to her word she had uncovered something of importance.

The local tradition of celebrating the legends of time and space had something else connected here as well. There were many different legendary Pokemon it could be attributed to, and this was the part which Jupiter was having so much difficulty with. Something was hidden from her, but she couldn't figure out what it was exactly.

The young woman followed her idol towards the festivals centerpiece. A statue of the legend itself, its features somewhat unsure as if whoever had built it didn't know which god to represent. If there was one thing Jupiter understood from her studies here it was that there was not just one god involved.

"The plaque has been removed." The voice jarred Jupiter out of her examination again of the statue to look at her mentor.

"Yes and we do not know when or by who sir."

"Yet you believe that this plaque shows that there are not one, but two?" Cyrus was examining the defaced portion of the stand more closely.

"Yes sir, at the very least. I believe that it may not be just two however."

"Why do you say that?"

"My research here has at least confirmed the presence of two, but I do not know if there are possibly more that we haven't discovered here." Cyrus nodded looking around. Jupiter was standing very still waiting for his judgement of what she had said. Of course he gave no indication of anything thus the young woman simply stood waiting.

"More than two…" Cyrus said under his breath. This would be something that he would have to discuss further with Charon. Which god would they summon forth? Or could Cyrus possibly obtain the power of more than one? How much would he need to create that which he sought out?

"What is this?" Cyrus asked absentmindedly while thinking, pointing out a perfect spherical hole in the base. Jupiter had some thoughts on that.

"It appears to be the point which may open up a portal from our world into the gods. At least that's what I believe, however, I do not know what would unlock it." Cyrus stared down at the point with intensity. Something to open up a way into another world?

"Continue investigating this Jupiter. I must return to Veilstone and discuss things further." Jupiter bowed to Cyrus as he led the way back down the path towards the waiting vehicle. He was surprised to run into a few more people on his way down from the statue. It wasn't as popular of a landmark anymore as far as he was aware. But this person was unmistakable.

"Champion" Cyrus said as he passed by the woman. Cynthia's one visible eye tracked the recluse on his way down.

"Cyrus. Not often that we see you in public."

"No it is not something I'm fond of doing" was the only reply.

"One for history?" Cynthia asked noting where the man had come from.

"History holds such important lessons for those who are aware of what they say wouldn't you agree?" Cynthia and Cyrus locked gazes for a long minute appraising one another. Movement out of the corner of his eye made Cyrus break contact and look upon the new comer. The young man was staring intently up at the statue atop the hill.

"I wasn't aware you were dating Cynthia. Careful your emotions don't cloud your judgement." Cynthia's eyes narrowed at the statement as the business man walked away, trailed by one of his upper management the champion was sure.

"Been some time since I've heard thinly veiled threats like that" the young man said to Cynthia. The blonde could only nod as she watched one of the richest men in the region climb into a car and head off.

"I'm not certain he's behind anything, but it can't be a coincidence that I just happen to run into the man after having spent time researching him."

"I wouldn't think so. Life has an interesting way of working like that. Now I wonder what he saw up at that statue now." The young man started walking up to the structure, Cynthia following.

"Once you've rested up a bit, I would advise checking out the festival grounds. They're up on that hill there with the statue. It's believed that if you spend even a bit of time there, you can actually feel the history around you" Cheryl told Jill. While Jill wasn't normally that interested in history, she had to admit, doing some sight-seeing would be fun and there was no way her team was ready to take on the gym today anyways.

"That's a wonderful idea. I think I'll do just that!"

"And thank you again Jill. I don't know that I'll ever be able to repay your kindness."

"Honestly don't worry about it Cheryl. I appreciate the company! And besides, I'm pretty sure Caladan is even closer to evolving thanks to you. That's thanks enough!" The two woman hugged briefly before Cheryl headed down a different street and Jill continued on to the Pokemon centre.

An hour and a half later, Jill was climbing the hill to the statue. Something was most certainly pulling her here, but hell if she could point out what. There was just an energy about this place…

"This statue is meant to represent the legends of Sinnoh" Cynthia said to Arthur. The young man was looking at the inscriptions left behind. Someone else had ripped them off however, meaning that what Arthur was reading was basically gibberish.

"I take it you've found something out about them then."

"Sinnoh was here in the beginning, or so the myths go. It's somewhere here in this region that there's a convergence point. My grandmother has some ideas on that front, based off her research. However, the legends worshiped here are just the start. Like everywhere else, there is a balance to be achieved. So far, we've managed to keep that balance, but things aren't so lucky elsewhere. Palkia and Dialga, the two sited legends here, weren't the only ones though. I believe there were others, but I can't seem to find a link to any of them just yet" Cynthia explained.

"There's power here Cynthia. Just be careful, whatever you do." A ringing interrupted the two. Cynthia pulled out her phone and looked at the caller.

"I need to take this…" she said quietly looking at Arthur. He just nodded looking back at the statue, fingers inspecting the spherical grove in the base, his ever present fire type coming out to inspect the stone with him.

"I can feel some type of presence here" Blaze said quietly.

"Aye, there's something to all this alright. But for some reason, I don't feel the pull here like I did in Johto."

"So we're not staying?" Blaze inquired.

"No not here. My guess is that there's someone else here whom the legends have picked. Ra and Argyra both said that we weren't the only ones the legends have looked for right?"

"So the legends here have picked someone else?" Arthur shrugged. He honestly had no idea, but it made sense.

"Excuse me, but you're not from around here are you?" Arthur and Blaze both turned and regarded the person who had addressed them. Arthur was speechless. The girl standing there was nothing short of breathtaking. Cynthia was beautiful, in a somewhat mysterious and powerful sense, but the girl before him now was something else entirely. The sense Arthur got from her was confident but still young. Her shoulder length hair was a honey brown colour, with deep blue streaks throughout. The effect worked quite well on her. A white toque sat on her head, not quite covering her ears. A form fitting red coat covered her torso, but still showed off the most tantalizing curves, while tight jeans hugged her toned legs. Hiking boots stained and worn protected her feet. What truly caught Arthur's eye however, were the girls brilliant green eyes. The soft sea foam green that twinkled with life and laughter and hinted at insatiable curiosity. Blaze poked his trainer when the young man didn't respond for a second.

"No I'm not. What gave it away?" Arthur said with a quick half smile. This time it was the girl who was quiet for slightly longer than normal before responding due to a prod from her Pokemon.

"Your accent and your partner. Is that really a Typhlosion?" Blaze grinned as he was recognized, and Arthur laughed.

"Yeah I suppose Blaze is a bit out of place here isn't he? But where are my manners? My name is Arthur" the champion said, holding out his hand.

"I knew I was right!" the Jill said holding her own hand out to shake the champion of Johto and Kanto's. Arthur's eyes lit up a bit, twinkling as he kissed her hand. "Sorry" she said hurridly as the brush of Arthur's lips on her hand made her blush. This young man was even better looking than she could have imagined in real life. His skin was only lightly tanned, but his body she could tell was hardened by travel. Yet his touch was light and his hands soft. And those blue eyes streaked with grey… "My name is Jill, and this here is my partner Caladan.

"A pleasure Jill. So you're travelling around the region are you?"

"Yes I just recently started out on my journey a couple months ago. Caladan here has been instrumental in getting me this far already."

"I'm impressed" Arthur said, kneeling down to inspect the grass type. Already it was getting rather large, close to evolving the young man guessed and looked to be in exceptional health.

"What are you doing here in Sinnoh?" Jill asked the champion as he finished his inspection.

"I'm here doing some searching for some answers and helping Cynthia. However, I don't think I'll be staying long anymore." The young man's eyes had an interesting twinkle in them, as if the light within was dancing in laughter.

There was something about this young woman. Her looks were not the topic of Arthur's interest, although he'd be lying if he didn't find her overly attractive. No instead he was thinking that this person was someone who would protect the region in a way that neither he nor Cynthia could. Her confidence was abundantly clear to see and this gave Arthur hope.

The young man looked to his oldest friend beside him. Blaze's eyes were shining with excitement and for once Arthur too was feeling that rush from battle. Something was reawakening inside of the young man, brought out by this woman in front of him. A battle would tell me for sure. Whether she's one they would look to. Wouldn't it? Arthur's thoughts seemed to be the exact same as Blaze's as the fire type nodded.

"She reminds me of you. I think we should battle her."

"I think you're right" Arthur replied looking back at the young woman who was staring back and forth between Arthur and Blaze.

"Wait did you two just have a conversation with one another?" A faint sense of disappointment passed through Arthur as he realized she couldn't understand Pokemon.

"It's a little known talent of mine. Hardly anyone…"

"Can you understand all Pokemon, or just yours?" Jill asked cutting him off. Arthur frowned in confusion.

"I can understand all of them…" Now it was Jill who was frowning, looking down at her partner.

"I can only understand mine" she explained. Arthur's disappointment was wiped away immediately. He knew she was one of the ones the legends would look for and now he absolutely had to battle her.

"Well that in itself is impressive. Now why don't you and I have a battle?"

"You want to battle me?" Jill asked incredulously.

"I do. I want to see what you're actually made of" Arthur replied. "I only have Blaze with me however so he's the one you'd have to face." Jill was grinning which Arthur took to mean she was just fine with that stipulation. Arthur glanced down at his vibrating Pokegear quickly seeing a text from Cynthia. She said she would meet him at a café not far from the hill once he was done. Smiling, Arthur looked up at the stunning young woman he was about to battle.

"Are you ready?"

The two trainers stood a bit apart from one another, the massive stone statue looking on as the only witness to this battle. Blaze took a step forward staring at the opposing woman. Detached, Jill noted that the fire type had the same eyes and almost the same look as its trainer. She wondered if she and Caladan would ever get like that. Arthur was smiling but there was something behind it took. Jill looked on seeing what so many others must have seen. The mind behind the champion opening up and bringing forth every possible ounce of his essence to this battle.

Jill looked down at the Pokeball in her hand and released her first Pokemon. While in the forest with Cheryl, Star had evolved from a little Starly to a larger more powerful Staravia. The avian cried out and took stock of who she was up against.

"Let's begin!" Arthur shouted. Jill smiled and shot her hand out.

"Star, start things off with wing attack!" The flying type sped in and aimed her first attack at the fire type across the hill. She was so much faster now, it was a joy for Jill to watch her friend fly with so much more confidence and power. However, that joy was short lived as Arthur's Pokemon dodged the attack. Wheeling Star went in for another attack.

"Alright Blaze, swift!" Arthur called out.

"Try and dodge this!" the fire type yelled out as bright flashes of light lanced out and intercepted Star. She cried out in pain and landed hard on the ground. The impact, while jarring was not enough to do serious damage. Neither Blaze nor Arthur were interested in that, especially with their past. Jill however was stunned. One attack had brought down Star.

"Her flying is impressive Jill. Only three shots landed." Jill looked across at Arthur who was appraising the young woman. Jill hadn't been training Star that long on the finer points of flying, most of it was her Pokemon's natural talent. That she had avoided two strikes from that attack stunned the young woman as she recalled the Staravia.

"How was that attack so fast?" Jill questioned. Arthur looked at Blaze who was still completely amped up.

"Blaze and I are strong when we're together. When you've been through what we have and trained as hard as we have, you'll see that some attacks are just stronger and faster than anyone expects." Jill believed it now. With a swift attack that fast, she would have to change tactics.

"Chase come on out!" Jill said as she released the electric type. Arthur was once more impressed that she had evolved another Pokemon already. It wasn't until his second gym if he recalled correctly that he had evolved more than one Pokemon. Jill didn't even have two badges yet. Chase was watching the fire type intently.

"Careful Chase, he's strong."

"I can tell blue. Don't worry, I'll take him down."

"Then go with spark!" Chase charged in. Blaze didn't even move as the blue Pokemon crossed the field and went to strike. As soon as the Luxio left the pounced however, Blaze was gone, moving faster than Chase could believe.

"You missed" Blaze taunted. Chase growled and attacked once more. Again missing as Blaze twisted out of the way.

"You scared to face me?" Chase yelled as he glowered at his opponent. Both Arthur and Blaze's smiles turned feral at the challenge.

"Scared? No, I've taken on my fair share of challenges. You don't even rank that!" Blaze said unleashing his attack this time. Jill never did hear what command Arthur said, but she saw the effect. The ground began rolling and shifting underfoot, nearly knocking Jill to her knees. Arthur seemed completely unfazed by the attack, his legs absorbing everything. Chase was at the major disadvantage though, a ground type attack like earthquake being used against him. The electric type yelled out as he was thrown from his feet and pummeled by the heaving earth. Jill recalled her second Pokemon and neither of her opponents were even sweating. Was this truly what she would eventually have to face off against?

"I didn't think Typhlosion normally learned moves like earthquake" Jill said as she reached for her next Pokemon.

"They don't, but I had Blaze learn it from another one of my Pokemon to help him combat some of the type disadvantages he would go up against" Arthur replied. Jill released the next challenger, Epona. Arthur's eyes widened at that a bit.

"Where did you catch a Ponyta?" He asked in awe. The steed was indeed growing stronger and stronger. If Blaze was as fast as Jill was beginning to think he was, then Epona was the only one who might be able to keep up.

"Outside Oreburgh. Epona wanted to travel the world so she decided to come with us to do just that. She's been an amazing addition to my team thus far because she's so fast!" At that, the horse took off, closing the distance between her and Blaze in the blink of an eye. And still she wasn't fast enough. Blaze rolled out of the way from the descending hooves, springing back up.

"Epona keep close so he can't use earthquake!" Blaze turned his back on Jill for once, and it was then that she noticed something that filled her with dread. The fire which was usually present on Typhlosion backs when they did battle wasn't lit on Blaze's. They're not even trying! Jill thought in wonder. For her part, Epona did what she could to keep close, but as large as she was getting, Blaze was still bigger. Arthur's fire type easily topped six feet at least and was powerfully muscled to boot. A quick roar and shove sent Epona stumbling, and Blaze launched a swift attack once more at Arthur's one word advice. The shafts of light crashed into Epona, knocking her unconscious before Jill could say anything.

Caladan watched as one by one his friends were defeated by this monster. Yes Jill had shown him the footage of this man and his fire type partner. He knew that they were powerful and wanted to get to their level. But his family was completely dismantled now by what scared him the most.

He felt his trainer kneel down beside him, but Caladan couldn't tear his eyes away from the gigantic Pokemon Jill would want him to face off against. Those blue eyes so deep and yet light as they were bright from battle. The way its fur was rippling overtop of the muscle.

"Cal I can call this battle now. I know you're not a fan of fire so I'm not going to ask you to do something you don't want to." He was struck numb. For once Caladan was overwhelmed with emotion. His beloved trainer was willing to forfeit the match for him. She knew he was scared and wanted to protect him. All because he couldn't protect his family. Couldn't face his fear and stand up in defense of what he wanted from life. His goals were his trainer's goals. He would help her become powerful. But to do so, he would have to face this challenge to understand. Lights popped out and his family materialized around him.

"You can do this Cal. We believe in you" Star said.

"Yes little one, you have our support regardless of how you fare" Epona added

"Go out and show them how strong we really are here leaves. He tired him out, now you get the finishing blow" Chase growled.

"It's up to you Cal" Jill said quietly. He looked up into those green eyes of hers.

"No our destiny was decided back in your room Jill. We fight."

Arthur eyed the team around the not so tiny Turtwig. Jill was saying exactly what she needed to he was sure. They were all there supporting one another and Arthur was reminded of a time when he and his team had shared those moments, where the chips were down and to get up and push on seemed impossible.

"You were right about her. She's definitely a trainer they would look to" Blaze noted as he watched what their opponent was doing.

"Agreed. Now watch… I think we're about to see something special here."

Jill stood up and looked across to her opponents. Her exhausted team surrounded her as Cal stepped forward to face his fear. Everyone was looking to the quiet starter. Arthur and Blaze were both smiling about something but it wasn't a mean smile. No instead it looked like they were affirming something and waiting to see what would happen next.

"This battle isn't over yet!" Jill called out.

"I was hoping you'd say something like that. Let's see what you and your starter can do then!"

"Razor leaf!" At that a white light emitted from Caladan. The grass type yelled out his battle challenge as his form grew and solidified. The shell extended and bushes grew along the sides, whipping out a storm of leaves at the fire type. Caladan's jaw grew as well, bony projections protecting his underside. Jill's entire team was yelling and cheering as their friend attained a new level of power.

"Take this!" the deep voice thundered as the leaves closed on their target. Now both Arthur and Blaze were engaged, widening their stances and voicing their own challenges. Suddenly the flames of battle were roaring once more from the ashes in the champion. Here was what he was missing, the exhilaration of seeing your Pokemon grow and the power you can achieve!

"Alright Blaze, she's shown us her power. Now I think it's about time we show her our true power!" Blaze shrugged off the razor leaf attack like nothing. Caladan was stunned. He had sent such force with that attack he was sure that it would do something. Instead, at Arthur's words Blaze did what Jill had been expecting from the beginning. The fire was lit and just like that, heat was pouring off the Typhlosion in waves. Jill was both excited and fearful as well.

"Not bad, but you've got a ways to go before you reach this level" Blaze told the grass type starter who was looking on in defiance. "Here's a taste to show you how far you still have to go!" Air was sucked into the lungs and fire sacs at the back of Blaze's mouth before the airway in his throat constricted as he let loose a torrent of fire. Jill could only look on in fear and awe as the attack moved forward in slow motion. She was about to take a step forward to help her friend when she saw Arthur. Their eyes meeting, he shook his head and she understood.

Looking upon this battle one could see the future. These two here, held in their hands the power in which they could use to reshape the world for the better. Look now upon the young woman battling her hardest and her first Pokemon finally evolving. And to there, the young man who came in the search of answers and found them in her. The understanding he had about what he witnessed was impressive. Even without unleashing his fullest potential, it could be seen.

And now look as he helps her team. The fire type helping the grass type. The mutually held respect between the two battlers. Something here had been forged. Would it be enough in the years to come? Hard to say. Why though would one still question the truth behind such convictions? What was it that held someone back from committing everything they were to a cause?

The two presences left the hilltop, only the young man looking back. He knew because he had been bonded. The truth was present in his eyes and the soul stone. Those that took on that which it represented. Still the question lingered.

Worthy?

Jillian's Pokemon:
Caladan (Grotle) - level 18, ability: Overgrow, nature: Bashful
Chase (Luxio) - level 18, ability: Intimidate, nature: Impish
Star (Staravia) - level 18, ability: Keen Eye, nature: Lax
Epona (Ponyta) - level 17, ability: Run Away, nature: Naughty

Arthur's Pokemon:
Blaze (Typhlosion) - level 76, ability: Blaze, nature: Modest

Long chapter this time folks. There was quite a bit I wanted to add in. I cut down the time spent in Eterna only because I couldn't see how it would add to the story I was building. Instead this give us a different look at some things and how they inter-relate. I hope you enjoyed it and the special battle between Arthur and Jill. There was a brief mention of this before in Legends, however I expanded on Arthur's time here in Sinnoh to add to the plot. I will also note that I have taken some liberty with the Pokemon universe and have added some ideas that are mine and not stated anywhere I'm aware of. Please let me know what you think!