Chapter Thirteen
Virizion's Mission Begins
It has been three days since Team Justice had learned about the ancient legend of Keldeo. The team had been continuing their guild duties, but wondering what would come next.
Also, in the weeks since she had been found, Virizion had been making a steady recovery. It was this day that Virizion was cleared to leave and ready for battle. Now, the time for the search for the other Swords of Justice had come.
Virizion had gone to Team Justice's crew room, remembering the promise they all had made.
"Virizion, it's great to see you ready to go," said Keldea, "And we remember the promise we made you."
"Promise?" asked Latias, "What promise?"
"Right," said Keldeo, "You weren't here when we made the promise to Virizion."
"We promised Virizion that we would help her find her teammates," said Shaymin, "The other two Swords of Justice, Cobalion and Terrakion."
"I want to help, too," said Latias, "Like you said, maybe the same Pokémon who kidnapped the Swords of Justice kidnapped my brother."
"We'll see if that is the case," said Virizion, "And since you are now a part of Team Justice, you can help if you want."
"So, where do we start?" asked Keldea.
"We start at the dungeon we were ambushed at," said Virizion, "The Ancient Ruins."
"Then let's move out, team," said Keldeo.
So the team left on their mission to find the Swords of Justice, beginning where the two Pokémon were last seen.
When the group arrived at the ruins, it was very peaceful and quiet.
"This is it," said Virizion, "These are the Ancient Ruins."
"Let's split into two groups," said Keldeo, "Me and Keldea will look that way. Virizion, take Shaymin and Latias to look that way."
"Ok, shout if you need help or find something," said Shaymin.
The team split up to search the ruins quicker, each taking a different side. It was nearing midday when Virizion spotted something.
"Hey, everyone, look at this," shouted Virizion.
Everyone rushed over and saw what Virizion had found.
"They look like drag marks," said Latias.
"Should we follow them?" asked Shaymin, "It might lead into trouble."
"But it could also lead to my teammates," said Virizion.
"What do you think we should do, Keldeo?" asked Keldea.
"Nothing ever got done by doing nothing," said Keldeo, "I think we should follow them."
"Then let's follow them," said Latias, "If Keldeo says we should, I won't argue."
"Come on then," said Virizion, "Let's move out!"
The team followed the tracks late into the evening, until it was too dark to see them anymore. And the young Pokémon were beginning to succumb to fatigue.
"Perhaps we should rest for the night," said Keldea, "I think we'll need our rest in case of a big battle tomorrow."
"I see your point," said Virizion looking at the weary Pokémon, "We'll pick up the trail tomorrow."
"We should set up a sentry," said Keldeo, "In case a Pokémon decides to attack in the night."
"I can take the first shift," said Virizion, "You all need your rest. I'm used to staying awake through the night."
"Alright, wake me up in two hours," said Keldeo.
So the Pokémon made camp and Virizion took up watch. And they continued the shifts until daybreak.
The next morning the group was right back on the trail of the drag tracks.
"How long are these tracks going to lead?" asked Shaymin, "These look like they go on forever."
"Who knows," said Keldea, "But we'll probably be here a while."
"There's some kind of structure over there," said Latias from above.
The trees began to clear and in front of them was yet another ruin.
"The Legendary Ruins," said Virizion, "A tribute to the Legendary Pokémon who keep the world in balance."
"Could the captive Pokémon be inside?" asked Keldea.
"It is a very good possibility," said Virizion, "We should check it out, just to be sure."
"The drag marks lead inside, and then back out," said Shaymin.
"Come on," said Virizion, "Someone might still be inside. But be careful."
The team entered cautiously, aware of their entire surroundings, searching for any sign of an ambush. They saw none.
They searched each room and chamber in the ruins until there was only one left.
"Listen," said Virizion, "There is someone on the other side of this door. Be ready for anything."
The door was locked, but that wasn't going to stop Virizion. The team readied themselves for what would come through. Virizion used a move the twins had never seen before, Sacred Sword, and knocked the door down. Inside, lay a familiar Pokémon, none other than…
"Terrakion!" said Virizion as she rushed to her injured partner's side.
"Virizion?" said Terrakion, "You're okay. I'm glad they didn't capture you."
"Who captured you?" asked Virizion, "And where is Cobalion?"
"I didn't recognize the Pokémon," said Terrakion, "And they took Cobalion away a few days ago."
"So we were too late," said Virizion.
The team watched as Terrakion regained his strength, thanks to some berries they had brought with them, and started out after the trail once again, not knowing where they would end up this time.