CHAPTER 29
"So, there really is no way out for us?" asked one of the guild Pokémon.
Worry was starting to settle in amongst the Pokémon as Zorian delivered the unfortunate news.
"Guys, listen," said Vulpix. "We can't give up. We're not going to. Our world belongs to everyone, not just Slowking."
"I say we fight him," said one Pokémon.
"I agree," said another.
"But he and his teammates are the best of the best," said a third. "How are we supposed to fight someone like that?"
Vulpix looked at Rylan, then back at the others. "Rylan seems to think it's a good idea to try talking to Slowking. I've listened to Slowking as he revealed his plan to Rylan, and despite his twisted intentions, he seems to believe he is doing the right thing, and he still has a gentle soul. I'd rather not fight someone like him. Maybe we can reason with him."
"Whatever we're going to do," Nidoran said, "we'd better think of how to get it done. We all have enough food in our supply bags to last us a few days here, but I don't know how we're going to survive longer than that."
"Slowking mentioned that this trip to the Distortion World was some kind of time out punishment," said Rylan. "I don't think he's going to let us starve."
"He's just trying to break us," Buizel suggested. "He wants us to miss our world so badly, we'd be willing to accept his offer without a second thought."
"You're probably- Woah!" Zorian yelped. An intense gust of wind blew past everyone, forcing them to shield their faces. It subsided almost as soon as it occurred. Upon lowering his arms, Rylan noticed that all the other Pokémon had disappeared except for Zorian, Vulpix, Buizel, Wingull, Nidoran, and Gallade.
"What just happened?" Gallade asked. "Where is everyone?"
"They're in time out, of course," said a voice.
The four of them turned and noticed a small hole opening up in the air, like a portal of some sort. Slowking was visible inside it, and it appeared as though he was standing somewhere in the forest. Jynx and Bronzong were standing behind him, grinning at the trapped Pokémon.
"I have done to them what I have done to every other Pokémon that has been sent there. They are now all by themselves; they have been separated from each other and can never find each other unless I let them out of the Distortion World."
Buizel glared angrily at Slowking. "So I was correct, then? You intend to break their spirits?"
"Commendable deduction, Buizel," said Slowking. "You are right. I do not intend to let them suffer. I just want them to know what the pain of loneliness feels like. You will be amazed at how many Pokémon accept me as their king when they realize that what I am offering them will be the biggest relief in the world compared to a life of solitude."
"Then why did you not separate the seven of us?" Zorian asked.
"Quite simple, really," said Slowking. "Rylan has such an honest face. It piques my curiosity."
"What does my face have to do with this?" Rylan asked.
"You are a most intriguing Pokémon," said Slowking. "You possess qualities others do not. I think that if there is anyone who could see to the end of my idea, you could."
"Wait, you want Rylan to stop you?" Nidoran asked.
"Nothing of the sort," said Slowking. "I simply want to pit my truths against yours. I want to see which of us has the stronger will, the stronger heart."
"Are you going somewhere with this?" Zorian asked.
"I propose a challenge," said Slowking. "My teammates and I are going to enter the Province of Balance. We are going to seek out the two legendary Dragon Pokémon, Reshiram and Zekrom, who protect the justice of the worlds when it is necessary."
"But those two Pokémon are just make believe, aren't they?" asked Wingull.
"No, they are very much real," Slowking replied. "You remember your encounter with Kyurem, do you not, Rylan?"
Buizel looked at Rylan, shocked. Was Rylan telling the truth about Kyurem all along?
"Yes, I do," Rylan said. "That was the toughest battle I had ever fought."
"Kyurem is the third dragon from the Province, and he is quite indifferent to the words of others. As such, seeking his counsel would not have been wise. Hopefully, his time out will change the way he sees things."
Buizel looked confused and upset. The fabled dragon, Kyurem, send to the Distortion World as well? He could hardly believe it.
"Here is the challenge I am issuing," Slowking went on. "I am going to release you from the Distortion World. You will find a way to enter the Province of Balance. You and I will meet there, and we will speak with Reshiram and Zekrom. I value the efforts of teamwork, which is why I am allowing Rylan to bring along the ones he trusts most—his closest guild allies and his brother. Believe me when I say that the journey to the Province is not for the faint of heart. The journey will be a trial, one that will test your limits. I am more than prepared for the journey, which is why I need no more than my own team."
Jynx giggled and Bronzong nodded.
"You can accept my challenge," Slowking said, "or you can remain here. The choice is yours, but it must be unanimous."
Rylan looked at everyone. "What do you say, guys?" he asked. "This may be our only chance to save this world."
"Any chance is better than no chance," said Nidoran. "I'm in."
"Me too!" chirped Wingull. "Where Nidoran goes, I go!"
"The truth will shine the brightest in the end," said Gallade. "Of course I'm going."
"I'm coming, too," said Buizel. "I refuse to let Slowking have his way."
"We're a team, Rylan," said Vulpix. "If you're going, I'm going to be right by your side every step of the way."
Zorian smiled at his brother. "It goes without saying," he said. "There's no way I'm letting you go to this Province thingy without me."
"Everyone, thank you," said Rylan. He looked back up at the projection of Slowking. "You have our answer, Slowking! We accept your challenge!"
"I understand," Slowking replied. "In that case, it's time to come out. I wish you the best of luck on your journey."
Slowking snapped his fingers. Within seconds, Giratina had appeared. Its body was completely visible in the Distortion World, and it looked as giant and menacing as it seemed.
"So, that's what Giratina looks like," said Gallade. "Such an amazing Pokémon…"
As soon as Giratina appeared, the seven Pokémon felt the familiar sensation of being transported. The Distortion World began to fade from their vision and was soon replaced with the inviting view of Floral Meadow underneath a beautiful night sky.
"I know it hasn't been that long," said Vulpix, "but I was really starting to miss this world… Oh, Rylan, look!"
"What is it?" Rylan asked.
"Don't you recognize this place?" Vulpix asked. "It's where you and I first met."
Rylan looked around and noticed all the gorgeous flowers. "Oh, that's right. This is where I tripped over your tail."
Vulpix beamed and nodded her head.
"The reminiscing will have to wait," said Zorian. "We have work to do, so we better get started."
"Right, the Province," said Wingull. "Anyone know where it is?"
"I'm afraid I do not," said Gallade. "I never even knew it existed."
"The Guildmaster was still at the guild, last I remember," said Buizel. "Do you think he would know where it is?"
"We should check," said Gallade. "Everyone, let's make haste."
The group left Floral Meadow and followed the path that would take them back to the guild.