Disclaimer: This author can't own Pokemon otherwise she would have already taken over the world. Lol. Jk.
Hey guys, I'm afraid I have some bad news.
If you haven't realize yet, but this story will now be on hiatus for a while until I can catch up with my other stories. Yes, I am sorry but like I said, I went by the votes. THIS DOES NOT MEAN THAT THE STORY IS CANCEL. Shadows within Fiore will be finished. I will not cancel a story unless something drastic comes up and I WILL MENTION IT.
Now, how long the hiatus will be will most likely be half a year if not more. It will depend entirely how I feel about this situation and whether or not I can come up with a brilliant inspiration that'll speed up this story.
Anyways, enjoy the last chapter before the hiatus.
Chapter 11:
"They're not here," Spenser said in frustration. "I can't find them." He and Umbreon had dug into the pile where Minun was found but there was nothing except rocks and more rocks. The sun shining down upon them was unbearable. Spenser could feel his skin stinging from the powerful rays of sunlight. Rui was holding onto Minun carefully like a baby. Nothing… and nothing! Spenser could feel the frustration overwhelming him. He rarely got this mad but this time he couldn't help it. He was the Ring Town's Ranger and one of the top rangers in the region yet he couldn't even protect his own team. What kind of leader was he if he couldn't even do that?
"Mr. Ranger, sir…" Spenser turned to Rui who looked quite uneasy to have interrupted Spenser's search but still wanted to say something. "Is it possible that they fell down there?" She pointed a couple feet away and Spenser followed with his eyes to where Rui was pointing. There was a cliff… it looked like the edge had crumbled a bit from the explosion. Spenser quickly walked over and peered down the chasm which was pitched black. Very unstable Spenser thought as he noticed dirt and rocks crumbled and plunged down quite easily. Yet… Minun was found very close to it…
"Rui and Umbreon, you two stay here."
"What? But-"
"The cliff is unstable." As if to prove Spenser's point, there was an ominous crack as the roots from a tree growing on the cliff lost its foot and tumbled into the chasm. The sound was dull as though a mere echo. Spenser didn't continue speaking until the noise stopped. "It'll be much faster if I searched alone. Besides we can't be sure if they're down there. I'll be back with the two if I find them." Spenser avoided wording the possibility of bodies… Rui looked unhappy but nodded while Umbreon looked furious and followed Spenser.
"Umbreon, wait here!" Rui exclaimed, but the Pokemon stubbornly refused to listen until the ranger crouched down to whisper in its ears.
"Please keep Rui safe." Spenser muttered. "I'm pretty sure your trainer would want to make sure she's okay." Umbreon's ears dropped as though battling conflicting thoughts. Finally, Umbreon gave a nod and walked back to Rui who looked a little bit confused as to why Umbreon suddenly decided to change its mind.
Spenser waved his hands into the air and his Fearow came and swooped past the ranger and down to the chasm. He gave one last look at Rui. "When backup comes, let them know where I am." After Rui nodded, Spenser quickly took out the rope with a grappling hook and threw it to a tall tree nearby where it was tightly wedged between the branches. He tied the bottom of the rope around his waist. Slowly and carefully, Spenser jumped off the edge and slowly loosened the rope so that he plunged down every couple feet or so. His feet were having a hard time to find a good footing due to the loose rocks and dirt. However, this didn't scare Spenser at all. And just in case, his Fearow would be there to help him. Right now there were more important things to think about.
…
Celebi giggled as it fluttered around the two boys. The one with black hair had his mouth hanging wide open like an idiot while the other white hair boy… well, he simply looked silently shock. Not every day Celebi got to show off to strangers. But then again it wasn't every day that it decided to save the day.
"What's Celebi doing here?" Wes turned to Lunick who seemed to be still muted in shock.
"Legend has it that Celebi resides here," Lunick sputtered. "There is even a shrine." Wes immediately looked around and saw that for once Lunick was accurate on his geography. There indeed was a small brown wooden worn out shrine in the patch of grass that wasn't covered with tree roots. Sunlight was streaming through and past the tree branches, shining specifically on the shrine as though to amplify the importance and the holiness of it.
Wes looked around his surrounding carefully for the first time. They definitely were moved here after falling unconscious from the fall. Wes could not see the cliff in sight. Only trees and a bit of white mist that made it hard to see farther back.
"Bii!" Celebit squealed and, to Wes' surprise, tried to grab the thief's hand and pull him up. Of course, with its weight, the little Pokemon couldn't do much except lift Wes' arm up. "Bii!" Celebi said again only this time it sounded a bit impatient. Not want to hear its high pitch voice nonstop, Wes got up and immediately Celebi let go of his hand and spun around him in an upward spiral. Then it stopped in front of Wes' face so that he was staring straight into its giant eyes.
"What are you staring at?" Wes said, looking a bit annoyed.
"Wes!" Lunick said, angrily, "Celebi is a rare Pokemon. The fact that it is standing in front of you is considered a blessing."
"Just because you're a legend doesn't give you a right to be rude," Wes said calmly.
"Nor if you were a thief," Lunick fired back. Celebi frowned as though frustrated that Wes couldn't tell what it was thinking then zoomed down to his waist and flew upward like a summersault. "What are you doing?" Wes said sharply and made a grab at Celebi. Lunick had no idea what Wes was talking about until he saw a Poke ball in Celebi's hand. How it took it from Wes' pocket and how Wes immediately figured it out, Lunick had no idea. The legendary Pokemon, flitting out of Wes' reach, opened the Poke ball and revealed Joel's Shadow Dodrio that Wes caught. The Shadow Pokemon squawked with anger and still looked batter from the previous fight. Celebi immediately glowed and started to sing in its little voice. Suddenly, small green orbs of lights surrounded Dodrio like little planets revolving in the solar system and leaving trails of light like an intertwined web. Wes and Lunick stared shock-like while watching this magic. The light grew brighter and brighter until suddenly it went out like a light bulb and for a moment, Wes could have sworn he saw purple-black darkness leaving out of the Dodrio's body.
The Dodrio had lowered its three heads to the ground and stood motionless in place during the whole process. There was a deep silence; even Celebi was quiet though its wings were buzzing with anticipation. Suddenly, Wes immediately walked up to it.
"Hey, what are you doing?" Lunick said, not understanding at all what had just happened. Wes then raised his hand and placed it gently on one of the Dodrio's head. For a moment, Lunick though that Dodrio was going to peck and make Wes lose his hand. Instead, something miraculous happened. The head Wes was petting cooed softly in happiness and the other two heads immediately started to push around, wanting to be petted as well. They bumped their heads and tried to cuddle against Wes' head.
"Hey, stop it," Wes grumbled though he didn't try to push away the three heads. Celebi decided to join in the fun as well and tried to hug Wes. "Whoa, too many of you guys! Get off!"
For a moment, Lunick could've sworn that Wes smiled. Not the creepy thief smile but a rather kind one – the same one back in Krokka Tunnel when they both managed to release Wes' Umbreon and Espeon. It was strange to see Wes like this… Suddenly the moment was gone and Wes immediately walked over the Lunick.
"Looks like Dodrio is back to normal now." Lunick gave a meek stare at Dodrio before reaching out his hand as well though more hesitantly than Wes. Dodrio immediately crowed and cuddled with Lunick as well. Lunick sighed with relief.
"Y-yeah! He's definitely back to normal! Joel would be so happy!" Lunick said but then realized that Dodrio was now Wes' Pokemon… Joel didn't have any rights to the Pokemon…
"I'll release it back to its owner," Wes said as though he could read Lunick's mind. "Anyways, shouldn't we be worried about your Pokemon instead? Where is Minun?"
"Ah that's right!" Lunick said as though he just realized it and immediately started to panic. Why didn't Celebi save Minun too? Didn't Minun fall down the cliff as well? "Minun! Where are you?"
"What the hell are you yelling at?" Wes said, souding embarrassed that he was from the same species as this guy.
"I need to find Minun!" Lunick said, freaking out, "Minun must be scared and all alone and injured! What am I going to do? What am I going to do?" This time Lunick started to run around in circles and running his hands through his hair as though he was going to go mad with worry. Celebi immediately giggled at this new game and immediately flew around in circles over Lunick like some sort of green halo. On the other hand, Wes and Dodrio stared at the two like they were idiots.
"Hey calm down!" Wes said, not able to take it anymore, and grabbed Lunick so that he would stop. "We'll figure out something. Right now, the best solution is to stay calm. I mean, isn't that what a ranger is suppose to do?" Lunick took a deep breath and tried to swallow his fear.
"Y-yeah you're right. I'll stay calm."
"Wow," Wes said, feigning surprise, "I'm right? You actually admitting I'm right?"
"Sh-shut up!" Lunick said, immediately regretting that he said such a thing. "You're only right this time!"
"Whatever," Wes said, shrugging his shoulders and apparently bored with teasing Lunick now.
"Bii!" Wes and Lunick noticed that Celebi was floating above them and wasn't pleased at the lack of attention it was getting like it did earlier. Then it lowered itself down a bit and immediately poked Lunick's cheek. Celebi giggled when Lunick tried to make a swipe for it but missed. Wes groaned at Lunick as he continued to chase the Pokemon.
"Think it wants to play," Wes said calmly. "Really," Wes said, grabbing Lunick by the collar of the ranger's red uniform jacket and looking calmly at Celebi, "We thank you for helping us but we're too busy to play. Maybe some other time." Celebi looked rather unhappy and buzzed its wings angrily.
"Soooo… what now?" Lunick muttered, pushing aside so that Wes would release his jacket. He was unsure what to do exactly after one encounters a legendary Pokemon, much less one that wasn't trying to kill you.
"Well, I'm guessing Minun is somewhere near the blast vicinity. If we go back to the factory, we'll find your Pokemon. Rui and your ranger friends should be there as well." Wes said this in a matter-of-fact logically which made Lunick feel stupid. However, Wes avoided bringing up the possibility that Rui, Solana, and Murph didn't make it. Wes himself didn't want to think about it either. This was one of the few times he was actually trying to look at the positive of things.
"Great, so what direction is that?" Lunick too was looking around as though hoping for a sign to help them point in the right direction. There were none. If Lunick didn't know, Wes certaintly didn't but he decided not to make a sarcastic remark this time. He, instead, eyed over at the unhappy Celebi and immediately had a plan. It was a long shot but hey, better than nothing.
"Say, Celebi, on second thought, want to play a game?" Lunick and Celebi immediately turned to Wes as though they couldn't believe what they were hearing. Much less from the very guy who doesn't even know the word 'fun'.
"Huh?"
"Bii?" Both Lunick and Celebi had the same expression on their faces and it would have made anyone laugh except Wes wasn't the kind who would.
"Simple," Wes said, giving a quick "Don't-say-anything" look at Lunick before turning back to Celebi. "We'll have a race. You versus Lunick and me on Dodrio. Finish line is the place where the factory was. The place where you saved our lives. How about it?"
"Whaa?" Lunick thought and opened his mouth to say something but was immediately shut by Wes' hand. Celebi placed one of its petite fingers to its lips as though contemplating the challenge. Then immediately, squealed and nodded its head in agreement.
"It just agreed like that?" Lunick whispered but Wes merely shrugged his shoulders.
"Hey, we're getting a free tour guide. Besides we won't have to waste time waiting for you to capture a Pokemon who has any sense of direction, so don't complain," Wes said, climbing on top of the more obedient Dodrio. "Now hurry and get on. We got a race to lose."
…
Deep within a temple…
Deep underground there was a rather large wide open area. There were several cliffs on the side of this mountain like area with stairs leading up to four doors that were decorated with the symbols. In the center there was a large statue with four unlit stone torches leading up to it. The place was rather dark and chilly. However, it wasn't inactive and was rather bustling with activity. Go-Rock Squad members were running around with equipment as though getting ready to shoot a movie at the last minute. The sound of their hurried footsteps echoed like thunderous applause. The only four people who weren't even doing anything were the leaders of the group and were sitting rather bored-like in front of the statue in the center of the place.
The female, and the only one, in the group had stylish white and slightly wavy hair that went down to the back of her shoulders. She was wearing a flowing red robe that was open, revealing her tight purple tube one piece and a loose white belt on her waist. She was filing her nails as though she was rather bored and didn't seem to notice that one of the grunts was having a rather hard time carrying her shopping bags to her.
"Seriously Tiffany, why did you bring your shopping bags here?" the guy next to her asked. He had white hair that was slicked back and separated in the back into two thick strands so that they drooped down like a male style pigtails. This one had a rather muscular body and wore a blue trench coat that was open to reveal a purple t-shirt underneath. He also had blue pants held by a black belt. Overall, he had a cool and silent type of look on his face.
"Uh hello?" Tiffany said, waving her hands in front of the guy's face to show her perfectly manicured nails. "I didn't bring my shopping bags here. My slaves did. I'll break a nail if I did the work."
"You know what I mean you lazy bum," the cool guy scoffed.
"Excuse me?"
"Clyde, leave Tiffany alone," another voice said, who was sitting next to Clyde. This voice belonged to another guy but he was definitely different. He had soft white hair like Clyde but it was soft and layered in the back so that the bangs looked long in the front. He was wearing a white trench coat that was decorated with red flames on the bottom and was buttoned all the way up. He had a soft and gentle personality. "Don't tease sister that much. It's not that much of a hassle to bring the bags along with our eqipment."
"Yeah Clyde, listen to your brother Garret. He's much smarter than you," Tiffany said, sticking out her tongue toward Clyde who merely looked coolly back.
"And certainly way smarter than you too." Tiffany would've grabbed and choke her brother's throat had not been her other brother, Garret.
"Ha! Don't get so antsy guys," The fourth and final one of the group grinned and stood up. His hair was probably the wildest one of the group. He had white hair that stood up and parted to the side like large ears. He wore a black blazer with a frizzy pink collar and black slacks. He looked like he was in a rock band. There was a slight arrogant look on his face. "With this ingenious plan I, Billy, came up with, we'll become the strongest team in the whole world and everybody will bow down to us!" The guy pointed to Garret as if to cue him which she immediately took.
"Even if you're in a hurry, stop in your tracks!" Garret immediately took out his bass guitar and strummed a low catchy tune.
"Open your ears to our melodic attacks!" Tiffany continued the rhyme and took out her violin and played a melody in such a high octave that it sent goose bumps down one's skin.
"The rhythm of rage pounds to the ground," Clyde continued and took out his Conga drums and pound the bottom of his hands against the drumhead in a quick and fast pace motion.
"Let the melody of ambition rise to the skies!" Billy said, taking out his electric guitar and strummed against the strings in a rock band style. "For we are-!"
"The Go-Rock Quads!" The four siblings concluded and all played the same tune they had earlier only this time together. Soon a harmonic music was created. Immediately, confetti fell from the top of the building and covered them. Of course, none of the other Go-Rock Squad members noticed this. They apparently had to deal with this too many times to even care anymore.
"You know, why is it that most mottos rhyme?" Tiffany asked. "I mean is there a point for that?"
"Who cares?" Clyde said, looking aloof. Garrent remained quiet and didn't respond.
"People who can rhyme are obviously smart," Billy said, "Making up lyrics is a genius' work."
"Tee-hee," Tiffany giggled, covering her mouth with her hand, "I don't know about rhyming but I'll admit Billy that your plans are ingenious. Even Cipher Team accepted our genius teamwork with your brilliant schemes. Dad was so happy when we told him."
"Well, we are still missing the final piece," Billy said, frowning slightly. "Until we get the 'okay' from the boss, we can't truly continue with the plan."
"Don't worry," Clyde said, "There is no way that all our hard work will go to waste." He flipped his hair back as though trying to act cool.
"I hope your right," Garret said quietly and looked up at the statue that they were sitting under. It was made from faded colored stone but creature looked proud and majestic standing on four legs with massive white paws. Its brown fur flowed as though wind was blowing through it. On its back the statue creature had a cape flowing in the shape of white smoke. Its eyes would have been passionately burning if it was alive. "If all goes to plan, the legendary Pokemon will be under our control."
…
Fall City…
"It can't be…" Professor Hastings muttered not believing his eyes as he stared at the strange device on his groaning table which was already holding many things already. He was in his room which was clustered with papers along with pens and pencils that were scattered everywhere. There was a lamp that brightened the dim room. Hastings adjusted his magnify glass to see the specific details inside. He looked at the broken pieces that Wes had given him earlier and the one that they took from their prisoner. If he put the broken parts into its original shape, the intricate design was exactly alike as the one that wasn't broken. However, this wasn't what was bugging Hastings. No, it was something much deeper. If his suspicion was true… why, they were in greater danger than he thought.
"Professor, are you almost finished?" A voice called from the other side of the door along with a knock. The door slowly opened and there stood Keith. He looked rather tired as though he didn't get any sleep last night. In his hand was a cup of coffee which was steaming slightly, giving an aroma flavor.
"Almost, almost," Professor Hastings said, trying to hide his worried voice and forced a smile on his face. "How is Joel?"
"A bit better. He can get up now though he will still need those bandages. I brought coffee for you," Keith said, changing the subject, and then added. "I made sure no sleeping pills were added."
"Oh good, good," Hastings muttered, "Just set it down somewhere." Keith looked around and frowned. Exactly where can he set cup down without toppling over and spilling its content all over the ground? Finally, with much difficulty, Keith placed the coffee on top of the desk after he pushed away a stack of magazines which were sent spilling across the floor. Keith looked uneasy but Hastings didn't seem to notice.
"So what's happening now?" Professor Hastings asked as he continued to look at the instruments on his desk.
"Well, we still haven't cleared the tunnel yet," Keith said. "But we're almost there. Also, Aria is interrogating the suspect. We'll let you know if we got something good."
"Oh okay," Professor Hastings said, nodding absently. And Keith quietly left. As soon as the door slammed shut. Hastings leaned back against his chair and groaned. He rubbed his eyes, feeling the fatigueless catching up to his old body. He looked up at the ceiling and looked at the pieces of tiles. How in the world was he going to solve this problem? He moved his chair back and noticed a strip sheet of paper fall to the ground. When he picked it up, he saw that scrawled on it in quick but fluid handwriting was the email address. That was when Hastings remembered that this was Wes'. Hastings had totally forgotten to give that guy a call. He'll send an email while taking a stroll outside. He could feel his legs falling asleep. The man got up and pulled on his white lab coat over his purple suit. He then grabbed his cane which he expertly used to take off his purple top hat off the hat rack, went out the door, and almost bumped into Aria.
"Professor Hastings!" Aria said sounding surprised and out of breath. Her golden blond curly hair was glittering brilliantly under the light that Hastings, who had been holed up in his dark room all day, squinted from the brightness.
"Oh yes, hello," Professor Hastings said, clearing his throat and straightening his tie. "I thought you were still interrogating information out of that guy, or are you done?"
"Well, we're still beating information out of him," Aria said calmly.
"Not literally I hope," Hastings said in a joking matter.
"No professor, we literally are beating information out of him." Aria said, still looking dead serious. "He admitted that he and some others were responsible for attacking Joel earlier and stole his Dodrio though he claimed that a silver hair kid took it from him." Hastings noticed that Aria's hands were in tight fists and looked like they have been recently used to hit someone.
"Oh dear," Hastings thought, looking thoroughly scared. "I better remember not to cross her. But then again, after all these years, I should know this already."
"Well, judging by the description they gave, I'm guessing Wes was the one who retrieved Dodrio so we shouldn't worry too much. We'll be able to get it back from him (I hope). And, now that I think about it, what are you doing out here?" Hastings asked, trying not to have fear in his voice.
"I got really good information from that low life. I need to use the Dragonite Bus to get to Ring Town," Aria said, leaving.
"Wait hold on," Hastings said, sounding shock. "What do you mean?"
"There was an interesting piece of information the guy gave us," Aria said. "Something about a factory in Lyra Forest."
"Factory?" Hastings said, not understanding a word Aria was saying now. "I don't remembering any news about a factory being built in the forest."
"Precisely," Aria said though Hastings merely gave a blank stare.
"Listen professor," Aria said, "Joel told me the whole story about Solana and Murph and their mission. My guess is that they got in trouble when they found this factory which was built in secret. This factory is probably the key in solving many questions we've been having. I'm going to find Wes and Lunick to get some answers. Especially with that perverted kid." Aria remembered the last time she saw that white-hair kid. His cold merciless eyes glaring back at her as though the thought of killing her had not crossed his mind.
"Did Joel allow this?" Professor Hastings asked cautiously. Aria sighed and shrugged.
"I sort of did. He told me to go though I have to bring someone. Unfortunately, everybody is needed here. I figure I could just leave anyways." Immediately, Hastings came up with a brilliant idea. Sending an email to Wes seemed too risky and won't answer the many questions the professor had ever since he started to study the stylers.
"Well in that case, I'll come with you," Professor Hastings said immediately. "We can't break Joel's rule so I'll be your partner."
"What?" Aria said, looking shocked. "But professor, you're needed here!"
"Please," the man said, waving his hand toward his office door behind him. "I've been coped up in there too long. Besides, that Wes kid and I need to have a chat as well. I don't think an email will explain everything I've discovered."
"What?" This time Aria sounded shock. "What is it that you discovered?"
"Shhh," Hastings said, looking around to make sure they weren't overheard. "They are merely guesses. I don't feel comfortable talking about it until I'm absolutely sure they're correct. I need information from Wes first." Aria stared at the professor but the man refused to say anymore as he continued to stroke his trimmed cut beard.
"Very well," Aria sighed. Her curiosity got the best of her. "Then let's go and get prepared. No doubt we're going on a dangerous mission, even more than usual."
…
Wes and Lunick were riding on Dodrio after Celebi who was flitting to and fro past trees. Wes gave Dodrio strict orders to run fast enough to catch up with Celebi but not fast enough so that they were in the lead. Wes could tell that Dodrio was frustrated despite following orders. After all, the forest's roots and branches were making it difficult to move around for a bird Pokemon that was used to running in wide open space. Celebi was smiling and enjoy the fact that it was 'winning.' It even did a couple of loop-de-loops while flying but it was more of a distraction in Wes' opinion. Still, they were making good time compared to if they had decided to walk around aimlessly.
Suddenly, Wes' PDA gave a ringing sound that mad the guy almost jumped in surprise. Lunick looked surprised as well. "What's that sound?" Lunick asked looking Wes since it sounded like the noise was coming from him.
"My PDA. Someone must have sent a message to me," Wes said calmly, taking it out of his pocket. He took out the strange large bulky electronic item and opened it. "Oh, it's from that old man."
"What? Professor Hasting?" Lunick asked, sounding angry that Wes wasn't sounding a bit polite but nevertheless, curiosity got the best of him. "What does it say?"
Wes didn't say anything for a moment and then, "Wow, I get really good reception here. I wonder how that is possible if we're in the middle of nowhere… Maybe if I tinker with a couple of other electronic gadgets I can see-"
"That's not important!" Lunick said, sounding annoyed now, "What does the message say?" Wes rolled his eyes but opened the email.
"Professor Hastings said that he was coming over. 'Have some important information that I need to discuss with you. We need to talk face to face.'"
"Information? Is it on this Cipher group?" Lunick asked, wide eyed.
"Don't know," Wes said, sounding mysterious as always as he continued to read the email. "Oh yes, someone named 'Aria' is coming as well."
"A-ARIA?" Lunick's sudden outburst made Dodrio squawked in shock and almost tripped over a tree root.
"You don't need to scream," Wes said in annoyance.
"B-but if Aria is coming, then we're doomed!" Lunick said, the idea of pure torture coming into his mind. If Minun was with them, the little mouse Pokemon would have had the same expression and gesture as Lunick.
"Who's this Aria?" Wes asked, sounding more annoyed than curious.
"You don't remember! That blond hair girl back in Fall City. You know, the one who was supposed to keep an eye on us! She definitely came to kill us!" Wes fell into thoughtful silent and remembered vaguely of some blond hair arrogant girl who called him a pervert. Of course, her face was kind of hazy in his mind but it was not like he cared. He didn't try to remember names of people he deemed to be not important.
"Oh please," Wes said, rolling his eyes. "You actually think-" Wes didn't say anything after that because he suddenly found himself flying off Dodrio and face first onto the ground. His PDA flew from his hand and landed several feet away from him. There was a crash and when Wes got up he noticed that Dodrio had tripped over something and screeched in pain. Lunick fell right next to Dodrio and the ranger was groaning in pain.
"Owwww, what happened? Did Dodrio trip over something?" Lunick said, rubbing his head. However, Wes didn't say anything and quickly got up despite his arm feeling like it was broken. Celebi was too busy to notice what happened and was already leaving. They got to get back on or else they'll lose their way in this forest forever. The thief picked up his PDA which looked like it was broken but Wes didn't care too much and went over to Dodrio to look at its feet. Wes needed to see what had caused Dodrio to collapse so quickly and unexpectedly. To Wes' shock, it wasn't what he thought to be. It was no tree root that caused Dodrio to fall over. The Pokemon's legs were both injured as though something had attacked them. Most likely an Iron Tail… Immediately, Wes' body tightened as though ready for combat and immediately looked around his surroundings. Whoever it was, they were hiding in the forest pretty good for Wes could only see trees and tall bushes. There was a killing intent in the air that made Wes shiver with excitement. However, he knew that with the silence around them, Wes will figure out where the next attack will strike.
"Wes?" Lunick said, trying to get up, "What's going-?"
"Stay on your guard," Wes said; shushing him, "Someone is attacking-!" There it was. Wes saw it from the corner of his eye and managed to jump out of the way as a giant blast slammed against the ground, leaving a huge crater.
"Wes!" Lunick said, grabbing his Styler out, and immediately got away again as another attack came, this time, aiming for Lunick. The ranger immediately looked around, hoping for a wild Pokemon he could use to help him out. Immediately, Wes took out his Poke ball to release his Espeon. He pointed in the direction where the attack was coming from. Espeon looked well rested after taking a break from its Poke ball.
"Psybeam!" Wes ordered and there was a blast of brilliant colorful light that went straight to the bush that Wes was pointing at. Immediately, a large shadow got knocked out of the bush and fell to the ground. Wes immediately identified the Pokemon as the grass/fighting type Pokemon – Breloom. The Pokemon was immediately knocked by the psychic attack. Wes immediately felt his blood go cold. He knew this Breloom. How many times has he battle against this one to train his Pokemon…
"Impressive," a gruff voice said from behind, "Your skills haven't dropped down a notch since the last time we battled. However, you seemed to have fallen quite a bit behind as a strategist." Wes and Espeon immediately turned, both recognizing this hostile voice.
In front of Wes was a giant muscular bald man with a small red vest. His entire body was covered in scars. He had headphones on though he definitely wasn't listening to music. His wild mustache and eyebrows were the same as always.
However, Wes noticed, to his horror, that the man had one of his arms squeezing around Lunick's neck and dangled the boy high in the air. The ranger was gasping for short quick breaths of air while his arms uselessly try to pull the muscular arm away from his neck. Right next to him, Wes recognized the man's purple Granbull holding down squawking Dodrio. Wes immediately recognized the trap and cursed himself for not noticing it sooner. So… this was a hostage situation. Kind of cowardly of him. Maybe he was really desperate.
"Don't move," the man said, "Not unless you want me to break this boy's neck."
Wes lowered his arms to the ground and stood up straight, surrendering immediately. Espeon sat down elegantly and stood still though its eyes were furious. One false move on Gonzap's part and Espeon will see to it personally that he will be sent flying into the air.
"Gonzap," Wes said coldly, glaring unemotionally at the man's eyes.
"I see you escaped death not just once but twice," Gonzap said; his tone was hard to place. Wes couldn't tell if Gonzap was proud or furious. "You and I have so much to catch up on."
Author's Notes
Dun, dun, dun! Looks like things are going to get really ugly. Really, really ugly.
Man, Lunick gets in so much trouble. Don't worry, he'll have a bigger role later on and be less useless. XP
I really REALLY didn't like the Go-Rock Quads introduction every time you saw them together. Took forever just to finish it and I only wrote the simplified version. It was even worse than Team Rocket's repeated anime motto. At least theirs was less than a minute of pure torture. I was like "NOOOOOOO!" every time I saw them and started to smash the A button on my DS as fast as possible. Don't worry, I'm not going to say their motto too much. Or will I? lol.
Well, in other news, they're going to make a new Pokemon game. I'm guessing Grey version. Though I wonder what kind of changes will they make if they do make that version.
Well, this is the end of the chapter before the hiatus. I hope you all will continue to read after the hiatus is over. Be sure to check out news in my forum to make sure. :D
Now to thank my reviewers before I go.
…
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littlmidget123
Ahkalia
Trainer-Ken
…
That's it from me. I'll see you after the hiatus. (sad face)
-JapanDreamer