Chapter 24 – A Gravestone's Throw Away!

"One more time, from the top!" Hiccup shouted encouragingly. "Toothless, Zen Headbutt! Sharpshot, Water Pulse!"

The two Pokemon let out their most passionate and defiant (and underwhelmingly squeaky-sounding) cries, then threw themselves into their moves for the eighth time that day. Toothless lowered his head and raced ahead with his helmet primed to smash, its white light beginning to flicker into a light blue. Sharpshot, meanwhile, didn't move at all, instead narrowing his eyes and gathering up all his focus.

Hiccup's sparring partner, one Fishlegs Ingerman, gave his own orders with enthusiasm. "Get ready for it, you guys! Darkvarg, counter with Thrash! Meatlug, use Protect!"

Both Rock-types sprang into action as well, Darkvarg running headlong toward the charging Toothless and Meatlug hunkering down to let her barrier spread over her. At first, it looked as though the clash would be ferocious, and Hiccup braced himself…

But, at the last second, Toothless' budding Zen Headbutt faltered, going back to just a regular Headbutt that smacked uselessly against the punch Darkvarg threw up to block. He hit the ground on his rump, clutching his head with a moan. And as for Sharpshot, the Water Pulse he'd spent so much concentration on forming turned out to be a slightly bigger "Bubble Bullet" that fell apart into a splattering of droplets that never even reached Meatlug. The Horsea hung his head, gurgling dismally.

"Um… h-how about time out?" Fishlegs raised his hand to suggest. "We've been going at this for several minutes straight, and they've already exhausted themselves."

Hiccup frowned at him, wanting to protest, but thought better of it. "Okay, you're right," he relented. "Break time, you guys. I'm sure you'll make more progress the next time we train."

"B-Bago," Toothless panted, managing a weary smile up at his Trainer.

"Hor-see," Sharpshot added. He fluttered his fin before hopping away to join Skullcrusher on the sidelines.

Hiccup straightened up and stretched out his back, feeling a little tired himself after so much training and walking. The peaceful beauty of Route 10 greeted him wherever he twisted his head to look, a quiet grassland that extended north from Cyllage City to encompass almost the entirety of Kalos' northwest. Him and Fishlegs had made significant headway across this grassland since leaving Cyllage that morning, and had decided to use this spot as a rest stop before resuming their journey. The wide-open spaces and serene silence made Route 10 the perfect place to relax and train.

Perfect, that is, if it weren't for the giant, square-shaped monoliths that rose twenty feet above the earth every few meters. They were the signature feature of Route 10 and the outskirts of Geosenge Town, according to Fishlegs… but Hiccup found something about their flat, featureless surfaces and perfectly uniform positioning kind of creepy.

"Your victory against Grant must have really fired you up, Hiccup!" Fishlegs said abruptly, walking over with Meatlug and Darkvarg. "Usually you have your Pokemon do target practice, or spar with each other. O-Of course, that's not to say I don't mind! We're always ready to help you out when you want a training buddy!"

Meatlug and Darkvarg concurred, expressing their support with light growls.

"Well, yeah… we performed really well at the Cyllage Gym, and I want to build on that," Hiccup answered, rubbing his neck sheepishly. "If we want the tag battle tournament in Shalour to be our next win, then I need to help everybody improve as much as I can. And more powerful moves are going to help a lot."

"R-Right!" Fishlegs agreed, bobbing his head vigorously as he retrieved his notebook from his jacket. "So, are you going to train Skullcrusher next? We should definitely look at his Slash first and foremost, as well as general stamina training…"

"Yew!" Skullcrusher came toddling up in response to the subject of his training, ready for his turn. Sharpshot followed him, tired from his workout but still managing a supportive trill, which Hiccup was tickled to see – because they'd been Hiccup's two choices for his battle with Grant, it was like they saw each other as battle-brothers now.

(It helped that Skullcrusher was the most tolerant of Sharpshot's bouts of mischief.)

"Actually," Hiccup replied to Fishlegs' suggestion, causing the Ingerman boy to drop his eager grin in confusion. He reached into his pocket to pull out a Poke Ball – his fourth Poke Ball, containing the only Pokemon that had yet to be released.

"I was thinking… I want to give Inferno another try," he admitted.

This wasn't just a whim on Hiccup's part. Just like how his last victory had inspired him to take his team's training to the next level, it was Grant's advice – and how he'd put it into practice by connecting with Sharpshot – that inspired him to make another attempt at training his rebellious Tyrunt. Like the Gym Leader had said, he needed to have the patience and will to first find out who Inferno really was, then get through to her enough to connect with her.

"H-Hiccup, are you sure about that?" Fishlegs quavered. "I-I mean… the last time you trained with her… w-well, calling it 'training' isn't very accurate…"

He smiled reassuringly at his friend and answered, "I can't just leave her in her Poke Ball forever – I'm her Trainer, so it's up to me to make her a part of the team. Besides, I have a better idea of how to approach her training. If I give her an exercise she actually likes, that might put us on the same page and provide a good opportunity to… you know, actually bond."

"I seem to recall you saying she got bored quickly with basic move training," Fishlegs reflected.

"Exactly. Which is why I'm hoping that if I give her a sparring partner, she'll be more inclined to listen," Hiccup reasoned. "Please, Fishlegs?"

Gradually, Fishlegs relented, though his frown remained. "O-Okay, that sounds logical. I-I hope this works out – my Tyrunt info card h-has been blank ever since you got her."

They exchanged a chuckle, and Fishlegs and his Pokemon returned to their starting positions; Meatlug took the spot in front, battle-ready, while Darkvarg hung back. Hiccup didn't release Inferno right away, instead giving the Poke Ball in his grasp a long, imploring look. A shred of doubt slithered across his mind as he, ever so briefly, second-guessed his decision.

Please, let this work, he thought, squeezing the capsule. Please, Inferno, work with me on this.

With a flash, Inferno materialized on the grass before him. Hiccup put the now-empty ball away as he greeted the most delinquent of his Pokemon with a tentative smile. At first preoccupied by her surroundings, as though surprised to be out in the open again, Inferno soon noticed him and glowered warily. She wasn't immediately hostile, thank goodness, but bad memories of their last interaction had definitely soured her.

For a split second, Hiccup considered trying the trust ritual again, and raised his hand… but he lost his nerve midway through. He snuffed the flicker of despair out as he hastily turned the failed gesture into a friendly wave.

"Hey, Inferno," Hiccup started, keeping his tone light and conversational. "The rest of the team was doing battle training, and I wanted to see if you'd like to join in."

At the word "battle", Inferno perked up, suddenly all ears. She whipped around to see Fishlegs and Meatlug waiting, each giving their own greeting when the Tyrunt acknowledged them, and her attitude brightened like the sun peeking through thinning storm clouds.

"Tyra!" she barked, running around in a circle with a broad grin on her open jaw. She leapt forward into a combat-ready position, lashing her tail and clawing the ground with boundless energy. "Tyra!"

"Good to see some enthusiasm!" Hiccup said. "Now, Fishlegs and Meatlug are going to be your opponents. Go out there and do me proud, alright?"

"Meatlug and I are ready!" Fishlegs called. "Right, girl?"

"Rhyyyyy," the Rhyhorn rumbled, tossing her head.

Stepping into a more combative stance, Hiccup advised, "Remember, Inferno, we can win if we just work together. Now, let's start out with Ancient Power!"

To his immense joy, Inferno actually did it – she took on a glowing aura and lifted several chunks of rock from the earth, then sent them flying at Meatlug. Hope swelled in Hiccup's chest. So far, so good!

"Run around them, Meatlug! Then Horn Attack!" Fishlegs said. Hiccup could tell he was just as delighted by this development as he was from the way he trembled with restrained jubilation.

Meatlug got going slowly, but she still managed to amble around the flying rocks with a series of swerving leaps. Once she'd cleared the Ancient Power, she accelerated to a gallop and lowered her horn, the curved spike glowing white.

"Inferno, dodge!" Hiccup cried.

Just as the ground started to shake under Meatlug's trampling footsteps, Inferno flexed her legs and jumped to the side. Confused as to where her target had suddenly gone, the Spikes Pokemon screeched to a halt and began to turn toward Inferno's new position. Internally, Hiccup cheered for Inferno, thrilled by her continued compliance, and got ready to give her a new order…

…when Inferno suddenly attacked of her own accord, snapping down on Meatlug's leg with a fierce Bite.

The hope, the euphoria, the visions of the successful future battles Hiccup would have with Inferno all shriveled up and died as quickly as they'd bloomed. The uplifting feeling in his heart abruptly turned to lead and drove his spirits down into his bowels as Meatlug's pained roar thrummed across the grassland, the Tyrunt's teeth buried in her stony skin. She kicked her away, but Inferno only snarled and ran at her again, and the sight of fire blazing in her mouth felt depressingly symbolic to Hiccup. The little bit of progress he'd made had just gone up in flames.

Of course it couldn't have been as easy as just switching up my training method… he thought bitterly. Just like that, the warm afterglow of his successes with Sharpshot and Grant had been doused in ice water. Despair began to creep in, but he immediately shoved it aside and focused on his frustration instead – that, at least, he could act on productively.

Aloud, he yelled, "Inferno, stop! This isn't how you're supposed to be fighting!"

"Tyra!" was the snarling reply he got, just before an Ancient Power rock whizzed by his head.

That close shave, in turn, set Toothless off. "Bago Bagon!" he bellowed, rushing in without hesitation to plant himself protectively in front of Hiccup and fire off a Dragon Breath. Inferno darted away from where she'd scored Fire Fang burns on Meatlug's leg and whirled to face her new opponent – but, fortunately, the Rhyhorn used the opportunity to retaliate with a volley of Rock Blasts.

Now that his partner was no longer in immediate danger, Hiccup scooped him up and reprimanded in a tone wavering with concern, "Toothless, you're still tired from training! Don't go picking fights – Inferno will hurt you just as she did last time. Skullcrusher!" he shouted abruptly. "Help calm Inferno down!"

"Y-You too, Darkvarg!" Fishlegs shouted, suddenly indignant. "That's enough, Inferno! Nobody picks on Meatlug and gets away with it!"

"Laaaaar!" Darkvarg cried as he ran into battle, mouth opening to reveal small, glowing teeth. Inferno was so busy dodging Rock Blasts that he was taken by complete surprise when the Larvitar slammed into her from behind. She roared when she felt the Bite pierce her scales and whipped her tail hard enough to send her assailant flying away.

As soon as Darkvarg was gone, however, Skullcrusher was there, tusks transforming into swords that struck across the theropod's vulnerable flank. Inferno staggered, surprised more than hurt by the attack, but when she advanced menacingly on Skullcrusher, Meatlug and Darkvarg returned. Together with Skullcrusher, they formed a triangle, fencing her in, and Inferno reluctantly reined in her aggression once she realized she was now surrounded by three opponents.

"Inferno, you have to back down!" Hiccup cried. "Listen to me or we'll call off the battle!"

But Inferno, apparently, didn't agree that it was up to him to decide. Raising her tail, she lifted a ring of Ancient Power rocks that she then launched with a spin, forcing Skullcrusher and Darkvarg to scatter and Meatlug to shield herself. One of the rocks flew wildly off course, its upwards trajectory carrying it into one of the nearby monoliths, where it clipped the top edge and crumbled a tiny piece off with a sound like hard candy being crushed.

Hiccup was glad that none of the Pokemon had been hit, though it was a tiny mote of positivity in the ocean of bitterness that was his current emotional state. But a loud gasp from Fishlegs made him turn – Fishlegs was swelling with anger, even more upset than when Inferno had gone after his beloved Meatlug.

"No! Don't you dare touch that priceless artifact!" he demanded, his expression thunderous. "Darkvarg, use Rock Slide to block her! Meatlug, follow up with Rock Polish and Horn Attack!"

As Inferno rushed after Skullcrusher, incidentally heading in the direction of the monolith she'd inadvertently damaged, she suddenly found her route blocked as a line of large rocks slammed down with a spray of dirt, cutting her off. Growling, she lunged for the next closest target – Darkvarg himself – when Meatlug came barreling in at speed. Her stony armor gleaming, she rammed the Tyrunt with a swing of her glowing horn, tossing her a distance of several meters.

Hiccup witnessed Inferno pull herself back up, panting so hard he could hear her breaths, and acted before she could get riled up again. "Now, Inferno… return!"

Even as Inferno turned her tired glare onto him, the light of the Poke Ball lanced straight and true, dematerializing and pulling her back inside the sphere. It wiggled once, and Hiccup braced himself for another breakout… but one shake was as far as Inferno's rebellion got. The Poke Ball remained inert.

Sighing, Hiccup slackened his grip and pocketed the capsule, his frustration waning to make room for a growing tide of disappointment. I guess that's another trip to the Pokemon Center for us, when we get to the next town.

"Th-That, um… went… b-better than last time?" Fishlegs offered, approaching tentatively before bending to inspect his Pokemon.

"Yeah, sure. She listened to one command instead of none," Hiccup snorted derisively. His irritation passed, and he moaned, a long-suffering sound as he rubbed his throbbing temples. "I can't believe I didn't see that coming. Why am I surprised that Inferno didn't follow orders? Grant said I had to make a connection… that wasn't a connection! It was me thinking I could command a troublemaking Pokemon just because we both like battles."

Toothless cooed in sympathy, shimmying out of his grasp and onto his shoulder to give him a gentle lick on the cheek. Skullcrusher and Sharpshot joined them, their expressions somber.

"No, I still don't get it quite yet. There's something I'm still missing," he continued to surmise, crouching to give his Pokemon absentminded rubs on the head. "Last time, I thought she acted out because she was bored and wanted action. So I gave her action, and she still disobeyed. Maybe she wasn't satisfied with the orders I was giving, like she had her own battle plan? No, that's not it… She acted like… like she just wanted me to stay out of her business and let her fight however she wanted. How do I deal with that?"

Receiving only questioning chirps from his Pokemon, Hiccup stood up with an irritated huff. "I can't just keep sending her into battle and hoping for the best. If I need my team to restrain her every time, she's never going to trust me… she's going to hate me. I need a plan, I need to know what she wants and why she – Fishlegs? Fishlegs, hello?"

With no reply from his neighbor, Hiccup turned around to find that he wasn't listening, or even there next to him, anymore. Fishlegs was at the monolith, absolutely engrossed in it as he ran his hands along its flat surface. After the failure Hiccup had just gone through, it was very exasperating to see that Fishlegs would rather study a rock than listen to him.

"Good news, Hiccup!" he, at last, turned around when he heard Hiccup's footsteps in the grass behind him. "Inferno didn't do any significant harm to this artifact! Goodness, what a relief! Route 10 is actually one of the most important historical sites in all of Kalos, its famous monoliths dating back thousands of years!"

"Really?" Hiccup, despite himself, found that bit of trivia more curious than he wanted to admit. "What, uh… what exactly is it?"

"I… um… d-don't actually know," Fishlegs faltered, pudgy cheeks darkening. "F-From what I've read, the general consensus is that they're m-meant as a memorial to something… b-but, um, none of the books have a definite answer. It's like it's been lost to t-time, or something."

Hiccup looked around at the plain around them… or, more specifically, at the grey slabs that rose high above them like giant gravestones. He shuddered, unable to escape the feeling that they were being penned in.

"We should probably get going," he said, returning his team and adjusting his backpack. "We've got a lot of ground to cover before we hit Geosenge… and that's only the start, right?"

"Y-Yes, I agree!" Fishlegs replied emphatically. With a rustle of paper, he dug into his jacket and retrieved a colorful flier – Hiccup remembered seeing it vaguely at the Cyllage Pokemon Center. "A-According to this, the tag battle tournament is to be held two days from now. W-We'd best hurry if we want to reach Shalour by then!"

"We'll stop at the Pokemon Center to get everyone fed," Hiccup stated, gesturing to the nearby path. "Lead the way, Fishlegs."

The trail led northward, winding through the rows of monoliths like a Silicobra through a rock garden. They set off at a brisk stride, hoping they'd be able to reach Geosenge by the time lunch rolled around, but they'd barely walked any significant distance before they started to realize something was wrong. The tall grass growing around the giant slabs started to rustle, indicating that they weren't alone.

"Uh, H-Hiccup?" Fishlegs whimpered, even as Meatlug rumbled uncomfortably. "P-Please tell me that was just the wind."

Looking around warily, Hiccup was about to ask him what he knew of the Pokemon in this area, but a flash of bright green zipping through the grass to his left made him swallow the question. Another flash passed by in a different direction, and an agitated Toothless took offense. With a loud, warning bark, he swung his head at the spot the creature had disappeared to and spat out a pink fireball.

In the explosion of dragonfire that ensued, a medium-sized Pokemon jumped free of the blaze and landed on the path. Yellowish-green and canine in nature, it had racing stripe-like streaks of yellow along its prominent, swept-back head crest, and it bent into an aggressive crouch as it confronted the two boys with a threatening growl. It wasn't the only one of its kind, either, as four more quickly dashed out to join it now that their cover was blown.

"A-A pack of Electrike!" Fishlegs rattled off, Pokedex in hand and fingers flying across the buttons. "Electric-type, known for their incredible speed! They store electrical energy and release it when they run… and, uh, as evidenced here, th-they live in groups…"

"Something tells me it's our fault they're so angry with us," Hiccup guessed, thinking back to the ruckus Inferno had caused barely two minutes ago. "We can handle them, though, right? Our teams are really good against Electric-types."

"Y-Yeah!" the Ingerman boy brightened. "Meatlug, y-you've got this!"

The Rhyhorn stomped her foot and prepared to charge the Electrike, and Toothless hopped down to stand at her side, ready to defend. None of the Electrike backed down despite being at a disadvantage size- and type-wise, and the lead Electric-type bent its hind legs in preparation to spring –

Then, a sizzling, purplish meteor of energy struck the ground with a screech, blowing the Electrike backwards and kicking a spray of dust into everyone's eyes. As soon he'd wiped his face clean, Hiccup cast his gaze to the sky, heart hammering at the thought of what Pokemon he'd see coming to attack. But all he saw were clouds… until he realized that one of the clouds was swooping their way.

"Tyltaaaariaaaa~!" the Altaria warbled, its soothing voice a direct contrast to the second Dragon Pulse it launched at the Electrike gang. It hit the ground between the lot of them, which convinced them unanimously to turn and flee. Their tails had barely vanished into the grass when the Altaria came coasting down to touch down lightly, its inoffensive gaze on Hiccup and Toothless as it chirruped a greeting.

"Wha– Cloudjumper?" Hiccup blurted. As Toothless gladly climbed aboard the Dragon-and-Flying-type's back, Cloudjumper strutted closer and stretched out his neck in an obvious request for head scratches, which Hiccup granted in stunned bemusement. "Y-Yeah, it's good to see you too… But if you're here, then where's my –"

Another, louder, rustle in the grass provided the answer to his unfinished question. Valka pushed aside the blades and stepped onto the path, clad in the thick coat she usually wore when she worked outdoors. "There ya are, Cloudjumper!" she exclaimed. "What in the world possessed ya to come all the way out here without even lettin' me – oh, Hiccup!"

Her exasperated expression instantly became merry, a surprised grin breaking across her face, when she spotted Hiccup standing in front of her. Just as delighted at the impromptu reunion, Hiccup couldn't help but mirror the infectious expression when she beckoned him forward, and he instantly stepped into her arms to be smothered in a tight hug. Not even having his face pressed into her coat could take away the bubbling warmth that filled him within her embrace.

"It's good to see ya, son," Valka said affectionately, and pulled herself away from him only to roughly ruffle his hair. "To think it's only been a week since I saw ya last, and you're already past Cyllage City! Ya've been makin' progress, I trust? Eatin' well? You're not lonely, are ya?"

"No, Mom," Hiccup protested, ducking away from the rough horseplay that passed for physical affection in the Haddock family. "Actually, we've got more company than ever. Right, bud?"

"Bagooooo!" Toothless cheered, practically hurling himself off Cloudjumper and into Valka's stomach, so eager was he for head rubs. She hastily caught him before he could drive his helmet into her gut and pacified him with exactly that, running her hand over his scalp.

"And it's as good as ever to see my favorite wee hatchling, as well," Valka chuckled, and lifted her gaze to meet those of the party members she'd yet to greet. "Hello to you too, Fishlegs, Meatlug. You're both lookin' as swell as ever."

Fishlegs flinched, having been caught reaching for his measuring tools as he stared in awe at Cloudjumper. "O-Oh, y-yes, hi, Mrs. Haddock!" he squeaked. "I-I was… I mean, w-we were… um, th-thanks for clearing out those Electrike f-for us! Funnily enough, I never knew they could g-get so confrontational. Most small Electric-types prefer to use their high speed to flee from opponents, if they can…"

"Yes, that's true," Valka confirmed, her tone turning serious. "Augustine actually sent me here a couple of days ago to monitor those Electrike, as well as a nocturnal population of Houndour that also lives in the area. From what he's told me, they've grown a lot more standoffish towards humans in the past year or two."

Hiccup hummed at that. "That's strange. Any idea why they would start behaving like that?"

"It's linked to the recent breakthroughs about Mega Evolution, actually," Valka told him. Her use of the familiar term prompted him to blink, eyebrows shooting up. "The evolved forms of both of these native Pokemon, Manectric and Houndoom, are some of the few confirmed to be capable of Mega Evolution. As a result, Augustine predicted that more Trainers would seek to capture them… and from what I've observed, their behavior is in line with Pokemon that have been harassed by humans."

Her explanation brought back memories of Hiccup's previous discussion with Sycamore – the Professor had explained that that was the whole reason he'd hired Valka as his lab's conservationist in the first place. As Mega Evolution grew more popular with Trainers, those species with the potential to Mega Evolve would be increasingly targeted.

It appeared that Fishlegs had had the same brainwave. "That's right! The Professor sent you out on field expeditions to check on how legalization of Mega Evolution affected Pokemon populations! S-So… have you found any significant changes?"

"None so far," Valka confirmed, to which Fishlegs breathed a sigh of relief. "The increased aggression toward humans is a wee bit worryin', but I haven't seen any decreases in population numbers or drastic changes in habitat. So there's still time for the League to step in and take measures to prevent the worst from happenin'.

"But that's enough about me," she changed the subject with a growing grin, glancing between her son and the dragonling in her arms expectantly. "How are ya doin' on your journey? You've passed Cyllage City – does that mean ya won your second badge already?"

Hiccup wasn't usually the type to brag about anything, but he couldn't deny that the look on his mother's face when he showed her his badge case didn't make him puff out his chest a little. "We beat the Gym only this morning, in fact," he informed her. "And I've got a bigger team, too. Three whole new Pokemon to keep Toothless company. And he's never been happier about it, either."

That last bit was directed at the Bagon himself, whose eye-roll and grumbling response only made Hiccup chuckle. "Oh, complain all you want, you useless reptile. You love them as much as they do you."

"Well, don't keep an old woman on her toes, Hiccup," Valka said, an anticipatory twinkle in her eyes. "Show me who you've caught! I want to meet the mighty Dragon-types that'll carry ya to the Kalos League."

His cheeks heated up at her exclamation – the way she worded it made it clear she had high expectations for his team, and that honestly made him a little nervous. Her thoughts on Inferno, especially… how would that reflect on him and his goal? What if she was disappoint–

Darn it, Hiccup, stop it. It's Mom.

Exhaling out his nose, he made a big show of stretching his shoulders and pulling out Skullcrusher's Poke Ball to distract himself from his treacherous thoughts. He opened the ball, allowing the Axew to pop out with a curiosity that couldn't quite be masked by his serious demeanor. "Skullcrusher, meet Mom. Mom, Skullcrusher. I, uh… named him after Dad's partner. Obviously."

Humming to herself, Valka crouched to examine the Tusk Pokemon. Never dropping the reassuring smile she fixed him with, she extended her hand and watched as he leaned in to complete the bonding ritual. He then stepped back stiffly, regarding her like a soldier reporting to his commanding officer; his rigid stoicism coaxed a fond chuckle out of her.

"I can see the resemblance, alright," she concurred. "Good on ya, Hiccup. I've no doubt he'll become a Haxorus whose strength and loyalty makes your father's Aggron proud."

"Yeah… I figured you'd like him," Hiccup said, privately relieved to see one of his three concerns blow away like smoke. "Thanks, Skullcrusher, return for now. So, next up is…"

Instantly, Sharpshot replaced Skullcrusher, his natural exuberance on full display as he hopped in place and chirped with wonder at the new person standing before him. Drawn in by his childlike playfulness, Valka crouched again to meet him at eye level and offer her hand, which the Horsea bounced into with zero hesitation.

"That's Sharpshot," Hiccup continued. He was glad to see the normally mischievous Water-type get along with her so swimmingly (pardon the pun). "I only met him yesterday, but he's already proven himself a great friend and an even better – waitwaitwait NO!"

He was too late to stop it. Sharpshot hopped away and, without any warning, gave Valka his favorite greeting: hosing her in the face. Toothless and Cloudjumper squawked, and Hiccup and Fishlegs covered their mouths in horror. A tense silence fell over the group, broken only by the wild giggles spouting from Sharpshot's snout. Valka blinked, then tipped her head back…

…and burst into raucous laughter. "Oh, you're quite the character, ain't ya!" she guffawed heartily. "Full of energy and with a powerful Bubble Beam like that – I can already tell you're somethin' special, little one. Make sure my boy helps ya become a mighty Kingdra, ya hear?"

"See-hee-hee-hee!" Sharpshot cackled, then turned to Cloudjumper to spritz him in the beak before instantly returning himself to his Poke Ball. It all happened before Hiccup – much less Cloudjumper – could even blink.

"Uh… okaaay, that's Sharpshot for you…" he muttered, and palmed the third Poke Ball. He was happy his mother took no offense to the Horsea's gags, but that happiness was diminished by the creeping worry of what was to come next. He'd never known Valka to struggle to care for a Pokemon, ever, so what he was about to admit with this next introduction… it made him feel self-conscious, adequate. Hope Mom understands…

He sighed, turning the ball over in his hands. "Mom, I have to say… this last one… I really don't know what I'm going to do with her. She's been a handful since I got her, so… I'd like you to have a look at her, even more than the others. So… here's Inferno."

He was tempted to squeeze his eyelids shut when the Tyrunt materialized, afraid to see what she would do. But he did the opposite, watching unwaveringly as Inferno shifted on unsteady feet and glanced about shiftily. She took one look at Cloudjumper and instantly lunged at him, still hungry for battle, and Hiccup grimaced at the glaring flaw in his disciplinary skills on full display. That really says it all, doesn't it… she's out of control and I can't stop her.

Fortunately, Cloudjumper wasn't bothered one bit. With a flex of his wings, he produced a large, cloud-like, cottony barrier in front of him, and Inferno bounced right off with a distressed yelp. Satisfied, the Altaria dispelled the Cotton Guard, and the dazed Inferno sat up and shook her head, confused as to what had just hit her.

"See what I mean?" Hiccup sighed, looking to Valka resignedly.

However, Valka didn't reply right away. Rather, she approached Inferno with careful, quiet steps, moving as though she were dealing with a much larger Pokemon. Inferno quickly turned to her and growled, snapping her jaws, but Valka didn't falter. Her stride was cautious, yet confident, and she gazed straight into Inferno's eyes with an intense, unreadable expression. Inferno growled again, but backed down, suddenly nervous about this new human that wasn't deterred by her threats.

Hiccup watched his mother closely as she continued to advance on Inferno. She was in full Dragon Tamer mode, so focused that to anyone else, it would look like she was under a spell. Never breaking eye contact, never slowing her approach, Valka bent down to crawl on all fours until she was right in front of Inferno's snout. The theropod's growls quietened, her body stilled, and her eyes didn't waver from Valka's. It was incredible to watch, even though Hiccup had seen it many times – the way his mother asserted dominance was almost like an understanding between her and the Pokemon, a maternal blend of kindness and firmness.

At last, she lowered her gaze and offered her hand, and Inferno took it. The surge of admiration that rushed through Hiccup when Inferno's muzzle made contact almost floored him. But it was also tainted by the sour taste of envy.

"I can't believe it," Fishlegs murmured, having been speechless throughout the whole thing. "Sh-She… she did the thing! J-Just like that! Inferno did!"

Unable to help but nod along with his friend's amazement, Hiccup uttered, "Mom, you… how did you do that? I mean, I know how you did it… but Inferno, she's been such a headache that I… It's just unbelievable to see her accept anyone so easily."

For a moment, Valka still didn't say anything – she seemed deep in thought as she rubbed Inferno's chin with absent-minded strokes. At last, though, she glanced up to give Hiccup a pointed look.

"I don't think it was that easy at all," she said straightforwardly. "Your Tyrunt is an exceptionally willful and proud Pokemon. I've seen many like her. And like them, she humbled himself because she could perceive my strength. That's the only thing she values, and so that's the only thing she's willin' to accept."

"She… definitely thinks of herself as strong. And wants to get stronger," Hiccup mused, snippets of his failed training attempts coming to mind as he said this. He trusted his mother's expert opinion, and her assessment made sense when he thought back to Inferno's behavior.

Willful and proud… only values strength… the only thing she's willing to accept.

"So what you're saying is," he thought aloud, "because Inferno responds to strength, she isn't willing to cooperate with me. She thinks I'm not worthy enough to boss her around."

"Partly, yes," Valka responded. "But I think Inferno is also seeking to grow her own strength, and she attacks other Pokemon because, to her, strength is something she must pursue alone. She hasn't yet learned to trust in others, to accept your help in her goal."

"The pursuit of strength alone…" Fishlegs parroted, speaking the phrase as though tasting it. "I can see where you're coming from. Many Pokemon in the wild never find Trainers to assist them in their growth, and have only themselves to rely on."

"Yes," Valka answered. She gave him a brief nod before returning to address her son. "Hiccup, I believe you'll be able to get through to Inferno. But you'll need to be strong to do that. Not physically strong, but strong in heart – it will take unwavering patience and great love to help Inferno realize she can rely on you."

Patience and love… now where have I heard that before?

Having received the same confidence and support from two exceptional Trainers, now, Hiccup found his smile returning and his doubts receding back into the depths from whence they came. It was one thing to hear it from a Gym Leader, but it carried a whole different weight when spoken by Valka, his mother and role model. He felt again like he was on the right path.

"Thanks a lot, Mom," he said. He returned Inferno – who was too content from chin rubs to protest – and straightened his back with renewed resolve. "I know I've still got a long way to go before I'm as good a Dragon Tamer as you… but I'm going to help all my Pokemon live up to the potential you saw in them. We're already training hard for the tag battle tournament in Shalour City. Aren't we, Toothless?"

"Bay Bagon!" Toothless chirruped supportively, blowing out a stream of Dragon Breath to advertise the results of said training.

"A-And of course, I-I've been helping out, just like I promised!" Fishlegs interjected, slinging a flabby arm over Hiccup's shoulders. "N-Not only do I spar with him with increasing regularity, but I also use the data I gather from his Pokemon to guide their progress! Together, we're planning to win the whole tag battle tournament in the name of furthering our understanding of Mega Evolution! … A-And to help Hiccup get stronger."

Valka clicked her fingers suddenly, as though a memory had just resurfaced. "That's right, I'd forgotten. Augustine requested that ya look into Mega Evolution for him on your travels, didn't he?"

Seemingly coming to a decision, she nodded and told the two of them, "Well, if that's what you're investigatin', then ya simply can't pass up a visit to Geosenge Town's monument. Augustine's determined that it, as well as all the rocks ya see around ya, has a strange and poorly-understood connection to Mega Evolution."

"Wh-What?! Really?!" Fishlegs squawked, flabbergasted by this development. "I-I-Is that true?! I-I've never read… it's never been suggested… i-is th-that why the m-monoliths are so important, h-historically?"

Valka laughed at his flustered reaction. "Like I said, the whole thing's poorly-understood. Least I can do is take ya there myself and explain what the Professor knows. Come along, we'll take the car, just past the rocks over yonder. Cloudjumper, you too."

"Taaaaariiiii~," the Altaria sang, and took off westward with soft wingbeats.

"You have a car?" Hiccup asked, bewildered, as they abandoned the path and began to wade through grass.

"Of course. Augustine lent it to me for my fieldwork," his mother replied, and chuckled at him. "Didja really think I'd let poor Cloudjumper carry me and all my supplies halfway across Kalos?"

Valka's – or rather, the Sycamore Lab's – car was a well-worn van originally meant for five to six passengers, but its backseat was piled high with lab equipment, and the floor was covered in old lab notes and food wrappers. It definitely gave the impression of a vehicle that had seen a lot of use, and Hiccup and Fishlegs clung uncomfortably to the only two seats available as Valka piloted the clanking machine across the bumpy grassland. The ride was only marginally more tolerable once they got to a proper road – Valka's driving, like her cooking, was an acquired taste.

Soon enough, they were among the buildings of Geosenge Town, which Hiccup estimated to be about the size of Santalune. But Valka kept driving without any intentions of stopping; indeed, as it turned out, their destination lay beyond the urban developments. The farther they drove north, the sparser the buildings became, and soon they were trundling down dirt roads across wide swathes of green farmland, with only power lines and the occasional homestead indicating the presence of civilization. Hiccup and Fishlegs were silent for most of the trip, wondering just what awaited them at the very edge of Geosenge.

Eventually, even the farmland gave way to more wild grassland, and the road ended in a circular patch of dirt surrounded by chain-link fencing. His posterior aching from the hour or so he'd spent sitting in the old van, Hiccup jumped out as soon as he was able and let Toothless down to stretch his legs. Fishlegs squeezed out after him with a gasp, rocking the car as he did so, and together they rounded the front and peered past the fence to look upon the Geosenge Monument.

A large ring of stones, barely tall enough to peek above the abundant wildflowers that carpeted the lush plain, surrounded a large hill in the distance. The stones had been meticulously carved into identical shapes and stacked by some ancient civilization, and had turned a green-brown hue by growths of moss and lichen. But this wall wasn't the monument they'd come to see – it was the three pillar-like stones that rose from the top of the hill, curved like the claws of some long-dead organism.

The sight was so awesome, yet also lonely and melancholy, that Hiccup at first deigned not to speak. There was undeniable history in those simple stone structures; he had no doubt that they'd seen entire ages pass.

"This is the most important historical site in all of Kalos," Valka told them – even her voice was hushed with reverence. "It was built three thousand years ago, which, as Fishlegs may know, isn't quite as old as Parfum Palace or Shabboneau Castle."

"I've seen pictures of this place, but never thought I'd see it in person," Fishlegs said, and Hiccup felt the awe in his tone as if it were his own. Then, the Ingerman boy frowned and asked, "But why is it so important? I've never come across any research concerning its significance. Even my history textbooks barely mentioned it."

"Most of its history was never recorded," Valka went on. "What little we do know is based on rumors and hearsay from around these parts. But, apparently, this is said to be the place where the Kalos monarchy ended.

"According to local legend," she continued to her, by now, spellbound audience, "a terrible war broke out across the entirety of Kalos. It raged so fiercely and for so long, the region was almost destroyed. However, three thousand years ago – at the absolute height of the war – something happened on this very spot that brought an end to the battle. After that, the region was in such a sorry state that the monarchy collapsed and the old rulers fled, allowing a new government to take shape. The survivors of that final battle joined with the locals to erect the Geosenge Monument, as well as the monoliths on Route 10, to commemorate all who had been lost."

So they literally are tombstones. Hiccup thought back to the way they stood vigil over Route 10, and suppressed a shudder. No wonder that place felt so eerie…

Still, the tale that Valka had told – or what few details she could tell – left him with a certain sense of awe. It sounded like a fairy tale, something too fantastical to have ever happened in reality. He returned his attention to the monument, its three claw-like stones pinching the air, and tried to imagine a scene of such violence ever befalling that tranquil hill.

Fishlegs, too, had been totally absorbed by the tale, but it wasn't with awe that which he stared at the stones. Rather, his brow was furrowed with incomprehension, which he turned on Valka. "Um, Mrs. Haddock," he asked, "y-you mentioned that these stones are connected to M-Mega Evolution somehow… so how does that tie into their history? Was Mega Evolution a part of the war?"

"I couldn't say," Valka shrugged. "But I can say that, according to Augustine, these rocks give off faint traces of energy – the same which is emitted by Mega Stones."

As Fishlegs gasped, his hands flying to his mouth, Hiccup raised his eyebrow. "You mean those marble-like things that cause Pokemon to Mega Evolve? That's an… uncreative name."

"That it may be," Valka chuckled, "but yes, Mega Stones and the Geosenge Monument are connected somehow. Augustine found it out by accident when he got energy readings from the site while searchin' for Mega Stones. He's been fascinated by this place ever since, but unfortunately he's had no time to investigate further, what with the League putting pressure on him and all."

"H-How fascinating!" Fishlegs began to babble, launching into one of his excited geek-fests. "Th-The implications of such a connection might be endless! Considering the monument's exceptional age, these stones may be composed of the same raw material… Mega Stones may well be processed or purified in a certain way to attain their crystalline properties… and the fact that the Professor was looking for Mega Stones in this area may imply that Geosenge has a unique geology allowing for their natural occurrence… oh, there're so many questions to ask and so little time!"

Abruptly, he whirled on Hiccup, who yelped when he clasped his hands tightly in his and leaned in with uncontrollable glee. "This just means that we have even more to learn about at the Tower of Mastery than I ever imagined!" he gushed. "W-We have to find out the specific mechanics as the Professor requested of us, a-and now the history of its use and how it's linked to the Geosenge Monument! O-Oh, but in order to do that, we have to win the tournament, first!"

"Right," Hiccup nodded, excitement starting to boil within him, too. Fishlegs had only put into words what he already knew – and he had his third Gym badge to win there, on top of all that. There really was a lot to do when they got to Shalour City.

Valka looked at them curiously. "Ya mentioned a tournament before, as well. Are ya tellin' me you two are aiming to win the tag battle event being held in Shalour the day after tomorrow?"

"Bago! Bago bayyyyy!" Toothless declared, pumping his fists as though getting ready to fight.

"I think what Toothless is trying to say is 'yes'," Hiccup smirked, petting his partner. "We heard about it a while ago, from some… uh… acquaintances of ours. The grand prize is apparently something to do with Mega Evolution, so we're hoping to win and see what it is."

"We have to win!" Fishlegs emphasized, eyes twinkling. "If the winner is granted the secret of Mega Evolution, then it must be us!"

Amused by the Ingerman boy's passion, Valka folded her arms and stated wryly, "Well, you'll be pleased to know, then, that the grand prize is somethin' a bit more substantial than just knowledge. The owners of the Tower of Mastery are givin' away Mega Stones to whoever wins."

That had not been what Hiccup was expecting. A Mega Stone! his mind shouted at him, an image of the mysterious crystal he'd seen at Shabboneau Castle flashing to mind vividly. Fishlegs was right, in a sense. They're not just giving away the secret of Mega Evolution, but the means to achieve it for ourselves!

It was taking a while for Fishlegs to speak – Hiccup assumed that if he was excited, his neighbor would be bouncing off the walls. But Fishlegs was simply so overwhelmed that, for a minute, he could only open and close his mouth like a Magikarp out of water.

"W-We might get r-real Mega Stones…?" he stammered at last. "M-Mrs. Haddock… H-How do you know this?"

By now, Valka was shaking with mirth at his amazement. She chuckled, "Augustine's been recommendin' the tournament to any seasoned-lookin' Trainer that stops by the lab. He's itchin' to find out more about how the phenomenon works," she explained, and gave them a cheeky wink. "Thought I'd let ya know as a little extra incentive for ya to win."

It worked, Hiccup observed. He wasn't wriggling in anticipation like Fishlegs was, but he couldn't deny how his heart was racing. There are going to be Mega Evolution-using Trainers I'll have to face on my path to the Kalos League. If I can master it myself, I'll be able to compete with them… but also…

"Thanks for telling us all about this, Mom," he said, smiling, and Toothless echoed him with a chirp. "Now we really have to get to Shalour City. We'll learn all we can and win that tournament… if I can, me and my team will be that much closer to becoming what we want to be."

"You'll do great, son," Valka reached out to muss his hair again, and to give Toothless' helmet a rub. "Your team still has a long way to go, but I see the makings of somethin' special in 'em. Keep trainin' 'em hard, and they – even that feisty Tyrunt of yours – will carry ya far. Remember what I told ya in Vaniville: do whatever ya believe is right, and never give up.

"And as for you, Fishlegs," she turned her smile on him, who stiffened, "I don't know much about your goals, but I'm countin' on ya to keep lookin' out for my son."

"Y-Yes, ma'am!" he cried, saluting. "We'll keep training and reach the Kalos League together, no matter what!"

"We wouldn't have gotten as far as we have if we didn't have each other," Hiccup remarked. He gave Fishlegs a friendly swat on the arm, making him blush as he nodded [in agreement]. "I don't think you need to worry about us – but I'm still glad to have your support, Mom."

For a tiny, guilty instant, the sinister visor of the Team Flare scientist appeared in his mind's eye. He shoved the image away.

"Of course I'm supportin' ya," Valka replied, the way she brushed him off flippantly not matching her impish grin. "After all, who else is gonna give Augustine those Mega Evolution secrets?"

"Oh, thanks for the vote of confidence," Hiccup snorted, which made his mother toss her head with a bark of laughter.

"Alright, you two," she chortled. "We'd better be headin' back now. I need to return to my post on Route 10 – why don't ya hop back in and I'll drop ya off at the Pokemon Center on my way."

At their words of affirmation, she walked back to the van and slid inside, Cloudjumper's trill audible from the open door. Hiccup was about to follow, when a hand on his shoulder stopped him. He was graced by an uncharacteristically challenging smile from Fishlegs, radiating confidence and drive.

"Hiccup, before we leave Geosenge, let me draft up a training plan for the road to Shalour," he requested, bunching his fists. "You and I will work our Pokemon into tip-top shape, teach them new moves, and make them the best they can be for Shalour! Nobody's gonna stop us!"

Hearing Fishlegs so motivated added even more to the confidence Valka's support had stirred up in him, and Hiccup responded with a firm, resolute nod to his friend's proposition. Knowing that Fishlegs had his back as always made the struggles ahead seem less daunting – and the rest of his journey that much more exciting.

"That's the spirit, Fishlegs," he answered. "You know, I meant what I said earlier, about how we've pushed each other this far. With you and Mom supporting me like this… I believe more than ever that we can win that tournament, and down the road, even more than that."

"L-Likewise, Hiccup!" Fishlegs concurred, cheeks dusted pink. "I've made so much progress on my field dictionary and got the chance to examine lots of amazing Pokemon, thanks to you! Now let's go make Professor Sycamore proud! Shalour City awaits!"

"It does, indeed," Hiccup replied bemusedly.

Him and Fishlegs shared in a friendly fistbump (and so did Toothless, sticking his arm out with a bark that made it clear he felt left out) before they finally headed back to Valka's car. The old vehicle chugged and jolted before turning around and rumbling back down the path toward the city, leaving the idyllic plain for the distant glimpse of buildings on the horizon.

Behind them, the Geosenge Monument remained where it had always stood, left alone once more to resume its eternal, lonely vigil over the land.

AN:

Transitional chapter! As much a shame as it is to gloss over Geosenge Town so quickly, it really isn't as important as the monoliths themselves, which I wanted to use as the main focus of this chapter. Of course, you all know that Geosenge Town and the monoliths become far more important later, so for now, the mystery will be laid to rest.

It was also a great opportunity to show Valka again, and the work she's doing for Professor Sycamore! I quite like the role I've given Valka in this story – sort of a mix of Alder and Sonia from Black/White and Sword/Shield, simultaneously a mentor figure and a walking exposition dispensary. Her job as a conservationist working under Sycamore works out nicely for the narrative, giving her the freedom to appear as needed.

As for Inferno… well, Hiccup's no closer to connecting with her, but at least Valka helped identify the problem. Will her insight help Hiccup successfully reach out to the rebellious Tyrunt?

Thank you for reading and enjoying, dear readers!

Next time: Training Wreck!