Chapter 15: Transitions

Sayo blinked as the bright sun suddenly burst forth. She clutched her brand new volcano badge tightly in her fist, squinting against the tears that automatically streamed forth. After spending almost two hours in the heart of the volcano, her eyes had become accustomed to the steam filled gloom. She took a deep breath in through her nose, feeling the fresh outdoor air filling her lungs. Ever since she had been a kid, she had always preferred the outdoors. The dim, sloping tunnels and vast chambers of the Cinnabar gym reminded her too much of home.

A radiating warmth suddenly loomed up behind her and she turned to see her newly evolved Charizard standing behind her, regarding her with his timeless brown eyes. The gaze reminded her painfully of Dante. Sayo simply smiled at her friend, and placed her hand against his chest. He was now so big. Charizard bent his large head down and motioned to her. She frowned for a few seconds and then let a big grin spread across her face.

"You want me to fly with you?"

The large dragon pokemon nodded, and puffed out a small jet of steam. Sayo laughed and at once scrambled up. There was a perfect notch for her legs just behind the joint of his large wings. It was as if this spot was made just for her, so that pokemon and trainer could fully understand the joy of the skies.

"I'm not afraid, my friend," she whispered in his ear. "Show me what you can do." Charizard let out a great roar and spread his great wings. Sayo could feel his powerful leg muscles tightening up as he prepared to spring upward. Still, as much as she tried to prepare herself for it, nothing could quite compare with the incredible breathtaking upward rush. She gasped for breath, her eyes streaming as the dragon pokemon beat his wings, rapidly gaining altitude. He turned his eye upon her, and snorted, obviously amused at her ruffled appearance. Sayo simply hugged his neck, and let him take over the flight.

Xeo watched as the pair sped away. A troubled frown was creasing his face. Blaine put a calloused hand on the boy's shoulder. "What's worrying you, my boy?"

Xeo shook his head, causing his blond hair to ripple slightly in the wind. "I'm still amazed at what just happened. I always knew that those two were special somehow. I've watched all of their gym battles, and fight after fight, Sayo gains miraculous victories in ways that even I can't imagine. Every time I meet up with them, she seems to have become that much stronger and determined. I don't know what to make of them."

Blaine grinned. "Worried that she may sometime come to surpass you?"

"No," Xeo replied grimly. "If I continue as I am, I am certain that she will."

The old man frowned. "I never thought that I would hear you say something like that, Xeo. What's wrong?"

"I think," he took a deep breath. "I think I'm going to challenge the Kanto Elite Four. I feel like I'm standing still when I watch that girl. I need to discover my own path in the future." Xeo turned around then, and looked in Blaine's eyes. "I guess I finally understand what you tried to tell me back when I left for Sinnoh. I'm too easily influenced by those around me. I'm still a kid I guess."

"It takes more than a child to realize the weakness within." Blaine said softly and ruffled the boys hair. "I'm proud of you m'boy."

"Well, for a wizened old grandfather, you make sense sometimes"

"And for an upstart brat of a grandson, you listen surprisingly well." The old man replied gruffly. "Here she comes now. I think you should give her what we talked about."

Charizard landed gracefully, using his wings to create a sweeping updraft before settling gently onto the ground. Sayo was not so lucky. Unable to control her numb muscles, she tumbled helplessly to the ground, landing flat on her back. Charizard snickered. Glaring furiously at him, she did not see the two men approaching her.

"Um, Sayo?"

She turned her glare upon Xeo too, and he hurriedly took a couple steps back. Elegantly, she raised herself off the ground and swept the dust off of her blue dress. Everyone except the dragon pokemon stood rigid as she gathered up her pack and swung it over her shoulder. Charizard simply snorted at her irritation and swung his nose in the air.

"Those two are made for each other," Blaine whispered out of the corner of his mouth. Xeo had a hard time keeping his face straight.

"Yes?" Sayo finally asked imperiously, after recalling her haughty pokemon back to his poke-ball.

"I have something for you," he said, and beckoned his grandfather forward. Blaine held out a glass cylinder, capped with a bronze lid. Inside, nestled on a silk pillow, was a large egg. "I gave it to my grandfather to keep safe while I traveled." Xeo said, gazing at it fondly. "Unfortunately, he can only speak with the hearts of fire-type pokemon and was unable to get it to hatch. I want you to have her, Sayo."

"Her?" Sayo breathed as she accepted the egg from Blaine. "How do you know it's a her?"

Xeo merely smiled. "This pokemon is special," he said. "You'll see what I mean in time. For now, just show her all the love and dedication you show to Umbreon and Charizard and I'm sure that she will hatch for you."

"Thank you," Sayo breathed. "This is a real honour. I promise to raise her well."

"I know you will." Xeo said, smiling. "There are not many who can raise this type of pokemon. They are rare to find, and almost impossible to train. Only a few of us have actually managed it."

"What kind of pokemon is it, Xeo?"

"One that will teach you much about yourself." Blaine cut in. "I know my grandson certainly learned a great deal from his."

Sayo's eyes widened. "You're his grandfather, Leader Blaine?"

"Just call me Blaine, Sayo," he said. "And yes, I am this brats grandfather. Don't let that fool you, though. I am to him as a Pidgey is to your Charizard. He is remarkably strong."

"Not strong enough." Xeo cut in. "Sayo, I'm sorry, but I don't think I'll be able to meet you in Viridian City like we planned. I have things I need to do. So I'll say good luck now, in your fight against the Viridian Gym leader." He held out his hand, and Sayo grasped it firmly.

"Do whatever you need to, Xeo." She said, gazing at him with her fearless eyes. "But if you miss my victory match at the Indigo League, then I'll be really angry."

Grinning, Xeo shouldered his pack. "Don't worry. I won't miss that for anything. Have fun on your journey." He gave his grandfather one last look before he walked away.

Sayo waved and called after him. "Good luck against the Elite Four!"

The boy nearly tripped. "How does she know these things?" He muttered to himself.

Hey everyone, and thanks for reading Legende Chapter fifteen! It's been awhile, but I promise I will get better at updating. In the meantime, please read and review. Thanks! :)