Journey Through Shadows

By Tonkinese Cat

'I had an inheritance from my father, It was the moon and the sun. And though I roam all over the world, the spending of it's never done.'

-Ernest Hemingway, For Whom The Bell Tolls

Prologue

A Fletchling Trainer

In the heart of Petalburg Woods, the dappled sunlight filtered through the dense canopy, casting a mosaic of shadows on the moss-covered ground.

Sixteen-year-old Amy, with fiery determination in her emerald-green eyes, cautiously threaded through the maze of ancient trees, her overprotective parents' warnings echoing in her mind like a persistent Pidgey's chirp.

Clutched tightly in her hand was a Pokeball; the gateway to her dreams.

By her side, a loyal companion and her first-ever Pokemon, a spirited Electrike named Bolt, crackled with electric energy, sparks dancing along its fur like stars in the night sky.

Amy's goal was clear – to hunt down elusive and shimmering Pokemon, shinies that glimmered like rare gems (though right now she would make do with any Pokemon to bolster her current one-Pokemon squad), and to rise through the ranks to claim the title of Hoenn's Champion (though right now she would make do with feeling confident enough to beat the first gym leader Roxanne in Rustboro City).

As Amy ventured deeper into the heart of Petalburg Woods, the rhythmic hum of the forest seemed to intensify. Suddenly, a soft rustling in the treetops caught her attention.

Gazing upward, she spotted a pair of vibrant-coloured Fletchling darting through the foliage, their wings creating a kaleidoscope of red and blue against the green canopy.

Drawn to their graceful flight, Amy marvelled at the avian Pokemon's aerial display. One Fletchling, with striking markings on its feathers, descended and perched on a nearby branch, its inquisitive gaze meeting Amy's.

Enchanted by the beauty of the encounter, Amy felt a sense of connection with the Fletchling. With a determined gleam in her eyes, she readied her Poke Ball, eager to forge a bond with this winged Pokemon and begin a new chapter in her journey through the dense and captivating Petalburg Woods.

'Bolt,' Amy said in a hushed tone, 'Thunder Wave.'

Bolt the Electrike jumped into action. He swiftly moved across the mossy ground, leapt on to a nearby tree and then sent a single, paralysing bolt towards the Fletchling. One of them was quick enough to avoid the sparks, but the second was not so lucky. It fell from the tree. Amy waited for the bird to hit the ground, then threw her Pokeball. The red-light absorbed the bird and a moment later, the shaking from the ball subsided.

'Yes!' Amy whooped, with a fist in the air, 'Great job, Bolt!'

'Lect!' Bolt barked.

Amy picked up the ball containing her newly-caught Fletchling.

As Amy secured the vibrant Fletchling in her Poke Ball, a sudden chill swept through the air, causing her to tense. The rustling leaves hinted at a presence nearby, and when she turned to leave Petalburg Woods, she caught a glimpse of a shadow behind a gnarled tree. Instinctively, Amy narrowed her eyes, her senses on high alert. Stepping out from the shadows, a mysterious figure clad in a dark cloak emerged, their features obscured by the hood.

'Quite the catch you got there,' the stranger remarked, a hint of amusement in their voice. Amy's Fletchling chirped nervously, sensing the tension in the air. The stranger, seemingly unfazed, continued, 'I've been watching your progress. Impressive for a young trainer.'

'Young? I'm older than most around here.' Amy said defiantly, trying to hide in her expression the fear that was creeping up her spine.

'Ah - but young in experience.' The stranger replied.

Amy, though wary, couldn't discern the stranger's intentions. The enigmatic figure stepped into the dim light filtering through the trees, revealing a glint of determination in their eyes.

'I've got a request for you, Amy,' the stranger said, a sly smile playing on their lips.

'How do you know my name?' Amy asked defiantly.

'I'm an… old friend of the family.'

'You know Mum and Dad?'

'Dad, mostly.'

'How do you know him?' Amy said, sure the man was lying.

As the hooded figure took a step closer, a break in the dense foliage allowed a sliver of sunlight to reveal his features. Tousled locks of raven-black hair spilled from beneath the hood, framing a sharp and angular face. Pale skin accentuated the intensity of his piercing azure eyes.

A neatly trimmed beard adorned his face, adding an air of sophistication to his otherwise shadowed countenance. His attire was a mix of dark, flowing fabric and intricate patterns, giving him an aura of the type of mystery you'd be better off not knowing about.

'Don't worry, I am not here as an enemy on this occasion. I have my reasons for reserving information as I'm sure your father does.'

'What do you want?'

'I want you to send a message to your father.'

'Why can't you tell him yourself?'

'Oh, trust me… this is less troublesome. Plus, I think this way the message might… sink in.'

Amy didn't like the way this stranger spoke; like every sentence had a menacing undertone.

'What's the message?'

'Tell him that Sebastian said that payment is now due. He will know what you mean.'

'What's going on? Why are you following me into the woods, trying to creep me out? You think I'm going to be scared of you?'

'Oh no, not at all,' Sebastian replied, 'After all, ignorance is bliss.'

'What's that supposed to mean?'

Sebastian ignored her. Bolt began growling quietly.

So Bolt has a bad feeling about this guy too, Amy thought.

'Well, I must be off. It would be wise to deliver that message sooner, rather than later. Until next time.'

Sebastian turned and slinked back into the darkness of the woods without another word.

Amy stood there, apprehensively clutching her newly-inhabited Pokeball, expecting Sebastian to come back and attack her or something crazy.

But Sebastian was gone.

After a minute, she allowed herself to take a breath and look away from the spot Sebastian had disappeared through.

Had he really known her father? Her father who was so overprotective, he's the last person you'd expect to be involved in anything shady.

Or maybe that's exactly why he's so overprotective, Amy considered to herself.

She sighed.

'Come on, Bolt.' Amy called over to Electrike, 'Time to visit Dad.'