[ episode nine ]
Clair was up before dawn. Like she had so many times before, she dressed in cycling shorts and a tank top, putting her hair up in a high ponytail. After applying sunscreen, she was out before either of her Pokémon noticed she was gone. A morning jog always seemed to clear her mind and prepare her for the steps ahead. The night before, she'd texted Lance her plans—a simple, "I heard Glittering Cave was interesting, will hike there tomorrow. Also: Aella. Take a guess what Pokémon it is."—and left him on 'read' as he excitedly texted her his guesses. She'd snap a picture of her today and send it to him, he'd love it. Now, as she jogged the last stretch before heading to the Inn, she thought of how she'd be able to tackle a young, energetic dragon without the secluded safety of the Holy Lands back home.
Hidden in the mountains just past Blackthorn was the dragon tamer clan's precious treasure: the dragon Holy Lands. Dragon Pokémon of all species could find a home there without worry of meddling humans. Only those from the clan were allowed entry, and even then, its existence was a mere whisper on the lips of the elders. It brought Clair great joy to know only she and a few select others were allowed inside (though her admittance was controversial). And though dragons were rare in the wild, various nests could be found hidden between the mountain peaks. Watching over the lands was her grandfather's ancient Dragonite. Despite his massive size, he was gentle, and enjoyed teaching the hatchling Dratini what it meant to be a dragon. The Holy Lands were perfect for a young dragon to roam and be as destructive as it wanted under Dragonite's watchful eye. But here in Kalos, Clair had to find an alternative.
After returning from her run, Clair allowed herself a brief nap before gathering Windie and Jude, collecting her bag, and heading to breakfast. When it was over, they began the long walk to the end of town, eventually reaching Kalos' ninth route.
She needn't have worried.
Spikes Passage, it turned out, was a long stretch of rocky road perfect for a young dragon to rampage in. The path was built along the side of the mountain, with massive boulders and jagged rocks jutting from the ground at odd angles. Cracks could be found in some, while others were split in half. While the main path was worn and well-trodden, it came to a complete halt at the city's limits. The terrain was uneven and very rough, making passage difficult.
"Come out, Aella!" Clair said, grinning.
The small Pokémon materialized in a flash of light. Looking at Clair, then spying Windie, the Axew chirped and ran over to her. Clair kicked her leg out, blocking her way. "No way, not right now," she chastised. "We can play later." Aella looked from Windie, to Clair, then back at Windie. Clair snapped her fingers. "We're partners now, you and I, which means you need to listen. Do you understand?"
The Axew stared at her for a long moment, then nodded. She teetered from one foot to another. Windie's ears drooped. Jude looked pleased. Clair nodded and kneeled in front of her new Pokémon. "My name is Clair, and these are Windie and Jude. It's going to be a lot of hard work, but I'm going to make you strong. Will you trust me?"
It was a lot to ask. Aella didn't know Clair, couldn't care less about her, and was just taken from the only environment she'd ever known. But Pokémon were strange, intelligent creatures, able to understand the human language regardless of locality. Windie and Jude knew Kalosian almost as well as Clair's own Johtonese. And Aella…
Aella tilted her head to one side. Sniffed the air, bored. Clair took it as an affirmative. "All right," she said, standing. "Let's get going."
She moved to walk on the difficult terrain. It was dry and rough, crunching underneath her boots. Clair was glad she'd brought several pairs of shoes for this journey. Adjusting the bag on her shoulders, she kept moving forward, pausing after a moment to see if her Pokémon were following. Jude hopped from one semi-smooth pocket to another, brows furrowed in concentration. Aella had no trouble, and all but barreled through the path. Only Windie remained behind. She refused to take a step on to the rugged trail. Clair raised an eyebrow—usually her Braixen would be the first to jump into a new situation. She doubled back and went to check on her Pokémon.
"Come on," she whispered, placing a hand on Windie's shoulder. "It's going to be okay. Look at Jude—he's doing it." Windie peeked around Clair's shoulder to see Jude stumble and fall to his knees. She winced and shook her head, crossing her arms under her chest. "Well, I can't carry you. It's either you walk, or you go into your—"
Windie made the decision before Clair finished speaking. She lunged forward and tapped on the capsule at Clair's waist, disappearing into it without so much as a bark. Guess that's it, then, she thought, frowning. Clair resolved to withdraw Windie once they reached a more suitable walking trail. She looked to Jude, who, despite falling earlier, still managed to keep his footing. Aella rolled in the dirt behind him.
Clair walked forward and caught up to the young Riolu in a few large steps. "You're doing great," she told him. He looked up at her and smiled, his top lip lifting to reveal little pointed incisors. Spirits, he was adorable. She leaned over and ruffled the top of his head. "Let me know if you want to be inside with Windie."
Jude was in the middle of a step forward when he hesitated. Then he shook his head and bounded forward, leaping on to a nearby rock. He looked down at her and raised his paw above his head, then jumped down and skipped to the next rock. Aella, thinking it a game, chuffed and scrambled across the dirt after him. She moved along the trail as if the rugged path held no meaning for her.
A few minutes later a Ranger approached them, hailing them from the top of a Gogoat. She spoke in a thick Kalosian accent and blocked their path forward.
"I can't speak Kalosian," Clair replied in Common. She brought her Pokémon to her side, making more than sure that Aella wouldn't run off. For now, the young dragon seemed content to burrow in the dirt and climb the rocks around them.
"My apologies," the Ranger said, switching to Common and enunciating each word slowly. "The path ahead is too rough for travelers on foot. We recommend waiting for a Rider to escort you. I'm sorry, but you must go back."
Clair frowned. She couldn't see past the massive Gogat blocking the way, but she was sure it wasn't as bad as the Ranger made it out to be. Besides, they were meant to help young trainers traverse paths that experienced travelers like her could easily cross. "We'll be fine," Clair said, taking a step forward. "I'm no novice."
The Ranger adjusted herself in her seat. "Miss, you can't pass. The path is too treacherous. There's been rock slides that have made it impossible to go around. Perhaps if you've a bird, you can fly—"
Clair put her hands on her hips. "I live in the mountains," she seethed. "I know my way around a rock slide. Let me pass."
The Ranger's Pokémon shifted nervously. To her credit, the Ranger refused to budge. "If you do not go back, I will have no choice but to detain you," she warned. "Between the rock slides and the unusual electrical activity in this area, I will be forced to think you a culprit."
Clair bristled. Who was she to tell her what to do? She opened her mouth to speak—she had a thing or two to tell this girl—but stopped when Jude's small paw made its way into her hand. She glared down at him. He shook his head and tugged at her to take a step backward. Breathing a harsh sigh, Clair allowed herself to take a step back.
"Fine, I'll go," Clair said, gritting her teeth. "But I am going to Glittering Cave."
The Ranger relaxed. "Please be careful on your way back. My partner will meet you, and escort you to wherever you need to go."
Clair whirled on her heels in a huff. She snapped for her Pokémon to follow and stormed down the path, her boots stomping the dirt into fine particles. "Sure, fine, whatever, I'll wait for some stupid Ranger to take me down this stupid path," she grumbled to herself. Jude rushed to catch up, while Aella skittered on the pockmarked mountain wall beside them. She arrived back at the beginning of the path, jaw set. Scowled when she had to wait the two minutes for the Ranger's partner to show up.
This new Ranger, a young man with a goatee, led a Rhyhorn to Clair. "Take him and be careful," he told her. "While not as nimble as Gogoat, Rockwrecker here will keep you from trouble. My partner said you are from the mountains? Then you know the precautions we must take." He looked Clair over, then focused on her Pokémon. "While you look capable, this path is full of danger. The Pokémon are in upset because of the rock slides. This strange storm isn't helping, either. Do you still wish to continue?"
Clair rolled her eyes. "I'll be fine," she said, snatching the reins from the Ranger.
A little rockslide and some bad weather? Nothing could top the harsh environment of Mt Silver and the earth-shattering lightning strikes of the storms near its peak in winter.
When a near-perfect day becomes a hailstorm, Mt Silver becomes a deathtrap. Clair and Lance had been climbing when the sky turned dark. He'd wanted to go back, but she took it as a challenge—they were near the peak. Just a little bit more…! So they'd stayed as the hail fell, as the winds swirled and buffeted them, as their fingers turned icy and their breath came in labored puffs. And she'd collapsed to her knees with roaring laughter. The winds died down. They were left alone in peaceful silence, Clair's laugh echoing down the mountain. She'd needed a week to recover from climbing its peak (Lance, of course, recovered quickly). The mountain had become her playground ever since.
No, she definitely wouldn't need help.
Clair climbed on to Rockwrecker's back and pulled Jude into her lap. She'd tried to get Aella up as well, but the dragon preferred the rocky ground instead. The Ranger gave a final pat to the Rhyhorn before Clair pulled on the reins and steered the Pokémon back in the direction of Glittering Cave.
The 20-minute ride was uneventful and uncomfortable: Clair much preferred the easy glide of a dragon over the bumpy walk of this Rhyhorn. Each step was like hitting a rock, and Clair's neck muscles ached from clenching her jaw. Jude, however, seemed to anticipate the ride, and bounced in his seat at rehearsed intervals. Surrounding them on one side was the rough and uneven cliff face, and on the other, the sheer drop. Way below them was the canopy of the forest, and just beyond that, the ocean. Aella skittered up the wall and found a small hole in the rock, poking her face out and chuffing at Clair. She giggled—what a mischievous little thing!
The path finally opened up to a wider stretch, and Rockwrecker seemed to know where Clair was headed. Yawning, he loped easily past boulders in the path. On a wooden deck built from the mountainside, a couple of Rangers were talking. Two Gogoats and a Nidoqueen milled about, waiting for their human partners. Rhyhorn made his way to the Nidoqueen, bellowing a greeting, before letting them jump off on the platform. Clair helped Jude get off before she exited herself. She snapped for Aella, who popped her head up and snickered before hiding among the rocks once more.
An androgynous-looking Ranger with long purple hair approached them. "I'm sorry," they said in well-enunciated Common, "but this way is currently closed for tourists. I apologize, but you'll have to turn back."
"And why is that?" Clair snapped. She'd come all this way to go into some freaking cave, and it's what, closed? No way. Not today.
The Ranger placed a hand on their hip. "There's no need to be hostile, miss."
"I'm not being hostile," she said through clenched teeth. "I'm irritated. Now tell me why I'm not allowed to enter."
They opened their mouth to speak before another person's voice—a man's—interrupted them. "Is there a problem?"
"Oh! Mr. Guillory, I apologize, we didn't mean to interrupt you."
Coming from behind them was a tall man with fiery orange hair. By his side was an enormous Pyroar. It looked almost bored. With his hair slicked back in a ponytail and his face framed by black-rimmed glasses, Clair almost didn't recognize Lysandre at first. He strode over from the cave entrance that she hadn't noticed before. His clothes, a far cry from the pristine white button-down he'd worn a few days ago, were subtle, and reminded Clair of a scholar on sabbatical. How was he still so handsome, even when he looked like some boring teacher?
Clair quashed those intrusive thoughts. She wasn't a teenager anymore.
"Ah, Miss Clair," he said. "I must say I'm surprised to see you here."
The Ranger looked from Lysandre to Clair and back again. After it became clear that the two were obviously preoccupied with each other, they backed away slowly.
Clair didn't notice. "What are you doing here?" she sputtered. She hadn't expected to see him again, much less so soon!
A hint of a smile played on Lysandre's lips. "Performing research," he said coolly. "And you, Miss Clair? Do you wish to stop me from that, too?"
Ah, spirits, he'd remembered. The memory of them and Lance at the café, Lysandre opening his mouth to reveal a secret that shouldn't be told, her kicking him under the table, crossed her mind. A flush flashed across her cheeks. Though Lysandre's words were lighthearted, it felt like he was disappointed with her. And that made her feel… bad.
"Look, I—I'm sorry, all right?" she blurted out. "You were going to talk about—mega evolution," she lowered her voice to a whisper. "What was I supposed to do?"
Lysandre stared at her for a long moment. "And so you kicked me," he mused. His green eyes bore into hers, searching. "So you wish to keep it a secret, this power?"
"Yes. I mean, NO! I mean…" she trailed off, shaking her head. After a brief pause, Clair continued, "My cousin can't know. Nobody can know."
Lysandre cocked his head, his expression unreadable. His hand absentmindedly stroked through the Pyroar's extensive mane. His silence pained her.
She pursed her lips. Surely Lysandre of all people would understand.
"You heard him! Sycamore!" she went on, her arms gesticulating wildly. "It's supposed to be crazy-powerful, yeah? If Lance got a hold of that information, who knows who could come after him. He's been through enough." Clair stomped her foot. No more would harm come to her cousin. Lance, despite all his good qualities, was a blabbermouth. He'd tell his closest friends, and then he'd tell the Elites, and Karen would tell Clair, and then Will would tell everyone else he knew. At least Bruno knew how to keep his trap shut. When Lance finds out—if Lance finds out, it'd be all over. Giovanni would get word. Rocket would resurge again. Clair knew the old Gym leader enough to know he'd never stop until he got what he wanted. He'd never be defeated. He was just biding his time. "No more," she quietly.
Lysandre's face softened. He reached his hand forward, hesitated, and brushed a stray hair behind his ear. "So you wish to protect?" he murmured. "I agree. In the wrong hands, Mega Evolution would devastate our world. It's beautiful as it is…" he trailed off. Then Lysandre smiled sincerely for the first time. It made butterflies dance in Clair's stomach. "I'm happy you think that way.
"I apologize for my cold demeanor," Lysandre went on. "Mega Evolution, as it so happens, has been on my mind as of late, and that is why I am here." The Pyroar nudged his head against Lysandre's open palm, and his trainer petted him affectionately. "There have been whispers that Mega Evolution stones have been found here, so I came to investigate." He gave her a sly grin. "But I'm sure that's not why you're here."
Clair let out a nervous chuckle. "No," she admitted. "I, um, wanted to explore. Getting here has been… eventful."
"I see."
She rolled her eyes. "I tried to walk here, but the Rangers were like, 'no, you have to go back,' and then I was forced to ride that Rhyhorn over there—I could have walked! Today I was supposed to train with Aella and Jude, and this rugged terrain would have been perfect for it!"
"I'm sure you'll manage," he said, laughing heartily. He looked around and finally seemed to notice the Ranger had left them. "It seems we've been deserted!" he chuckled.
"What—?" Clair whirled around. Sure enough, the long-haired Ranger from before had split. In fact, the other Ranger seemed to have disappeared, as well. Only one Gogoat and Rockwrecker remained in the pen. Her face flushed bright crimson. She'd been so caught up in Lysandre that the Rangers absconded like leaves in the wind. Where could they have gone?
"I'm sure they had better things to do than babysit," Lysandre said, stroking his beard. "I was hoping to get a tour of the cavern, but it appears my guide has gone elsewhere." He turned to Clair, noticing Jude by her side for the first time. "Ah, hello, little one." He kneeled down and extended a hand for the Riolu to sniff. Jude curled his upper lip. "Still don't like me, huh? I wish I could change that." Lysandre sounded genuinely disappointed. "And where's Windie? You two seemed thick as thieves."
Before Clair could open her mouth to speak, Windie emerged from her capsule in a flash. She'd launched out of her Poké Ball and into Lysandre's arms in one fluid movement, barking excitedly. One of Jude's ears flicked backwards. Lysandre fumbled Windie in his arms before cradling her like a baby. "There's that beautiful girl! Could she get any cuter?" he said in a sing-song voice, laughing. Clair smiled—his laughter was infectious.
The Pyroar lay down, resting his massive head on his crossed paws. It looked at Clair with one lazy eye. Clair hadn't thought of Lysandre as a trainer before—she just assumed him some guy. Actually, that was a lie: she hadn't put much thought into Lysandre at all. The most she knew about him was that he was an inventor and a philanthropist. She vaguely remembered Lance mentioning he was famous. Clair studied Lysandre: he was tickling Windie with one hand and holding her with one broad arm in the other. It was so cute it was disgusting.
"All right, Windie, that's enough," Clair chastised. Her Pokémon had more than embarrassed herself—and Clair.
"Come on, Winds, time to get down." Lysandre placed the Braixen on the ground, and Windie reluctantly untangled herself from his arms. The man brushed himself off and smiled sheepishly at Clair. "I apologize, I got carried away. I took quite a liking to her when she was younger. Augustine wanted me to have her," he explained. "But that was around the same time that he'd picked you to be her trainer. I didn't want to impose." Windie bounded over to Pyroar and was poking him randomly. The Pokémon rolled over to one side, unperturbed.
She'd probably be happier with you.
Clair gathered Windie to her side and brushed her off, refusing to look Lysandre in the eyes. It—hurt—that her Pokémon seemed to enjoy his company over hers, that he'd get the bulk of her affections. But then there was Jude, who could care less about the man, if not actively disliked him, and who seemed calmed in Clair's presence. She rubbed her Riolu between the ears.
"Since you came all this way," Lysandre said a moment later, "Would you care to join me? I could use the company."
Clair lifted her head. He wanted her to join him? After everything she'd done? "Um, okay," she responded, her words slow, unsure. "Let me get Aella. She has a habit of wandering off…" She whistled for her Pokémon, a shrill, piercing noise that took years to perfect. Lysandre winced. Right on cue, Aella the Axew came wandering over, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "I'll let you explore later," she murmured, withdrawing the Pokémon back into its capsule.
"Incroyable," Lysandre said, his eyes wide with disbelief. "I would not think a trainer so new to the region would gather quite the team. You continue to surprise me, Miss Clair." He stared at Clair for a moment longer before shaking his head. He smiled and motioned to his Pyroar. "Allow me to introduce you to Thierry. He has been with me since I was a child. Augustine often comments how much we look alike, hah! Anyway, since my guide has forsaken me, shall we explore this cavern to our heart's content?"
Clair nodded and followed Lysandre's lead. He stroked the Pokémon on his stomach and ruffled his fiery mane. The Pyroar yawned, revealing large fangs, stretched, and gave Clair a cursory glance before following his trainer. Windie bounded along beside him, chattering excitedly. Jude stayed by Clair's side as they followed the tall man into Glittering Cave proper.
While Clair had many years' experience traversing caves and mountains, nothing in Johto prepared her for this particular cavern. The dark interior was dimly illuminated by glowing, light green moss, with various crystals poking through the walls. Unlike the Connective Cave, Glittering Cave's ceiling was low, and its walls were narrow and cramped. Lysandre was forced to duck in some areas to avoid hitting his head.
"You know, I've never been here before," Lysandre admitted. He ducked under another series of crystalline stalactites, holding his hand over the point so Clair could safely pass. "This moss is beautiful; it's unlike anything I've ever seen. You are from Johto, no? Does your homeland have anything like this?"
Windie put her face in the crystals and chattered. She poked and prodded at them, half-heartedly pulling on some. Jude barked at her and gave her a stern look. Windie grinned toothily. Clair hissed at her Pokémon in her native tongue. "Windie, stop that. Don't touch anything." Then she looked at Lysandre and shook her head. "No. The Ice Path is nothing like this. The caves are frosted over and a thick mist settles to the icy floor. Powder-like snow and thick, heavy snow line the ground, hindering progress." Clair grinned a sly grin. "Although, such a place forces trainers to adapt and overcome. If they cannot, they are unworthy of challenging their final opponent before they reach the Elite Four."
Lysandre led Clair down a narrow, twisting path. There was no need for torchlight when the moss lit the way. "Forgive me, I've never heard of this Ice Path. I've been caught up in Kalosian affairs for many years, and I haven't had the time to explore the beauty of other regions." He looked over his shoulder at Clair—the path was too restricted for them to walk side-by-side. "This cave does sound quite fascinating, however. Ah—what's that sticking out by those rocks?"
The slim passageway opened into a somewhat wider area where the two and their three Pokémon could stand together in relative comfort. Thierry took his place at the back, while Jude stood between Clair and Lysandre. The man kneeled and dug at the wall. Clair watched over his shoulder as he dusted off gravel and dirt from the thing protruding from the wall.
"Oh! This is…?"
Clair leaned forward. "What? What is it?"
Lysandre adjusted where he was sitting and pointed at the object. "I wish I could take it out, but I do not want to disturb it." He gingerly ran his finger along the spine of the rock. "Do you know what this is? It's a fossil." He adjusted the glasses on his face. "Oh, how wonderful. Did you know that this used to be an active dig site? People used to come here all the time to collect fossils and crystals. But it came to be a detriment to the Pokémon who lived here. Now it has become abandoned due to sanctions from the Pokémon Ranger Association. Although some explorers like ourselves seem to visit it and disturb these sacred grounds." Lysandre stood and dusted off his pants. He looked at Clair expectantly.
"I can see why this place would be overrun by tourists," she said, looking around the cavern. The glowing moss illuminated the nearby crystals, sending fractals of color over every surface. Windie sniffed eagerly at the fossil. "Such places are often crawling with people." Clair made a face. Remembered when Lance first became Champion, and people of all over came to Blackthorn City to greet the new celebrity. They made their way and camped out on the bridge that led to the Dragon's Den, making so much noise the dragons became restless. Clair, young and naïve, happily went out to greet them, but she was nothing, she was nobody. "It would be better if they remained isolated, away from prying eyes. Hidden away and protected." She glanced at the fossil partially protruding from the wall. It needed more cover. Kneeling, Clair covered the sacred thing behind a handful of rocks.
Clair turned to face him, cheeks reddening. "I'm, uh, not used to this," she admitted. "Having someone to talk with. About, you know, stuff." She mentally kicked herself. Great, now he'd think her even more of an idiot.
Lysandre grinned. "You're fine," he said with a laugh. He peered at her cheekily. "It looks like there's more on ahead. Shall we?"
Windie yipped and launched down the next passageway. Yawning, Thierry the Pyroar loped after her, his long tail brushing the ground. Lysandre held out an arm, gesturing for Clair to go first. She did, but not without reluctance. He was being so courteous, treating her like an actual lady. She wasn't used to it. Clair strode forward, pretending not to notice the smell of his warm cologne and how much she enjoyed it.
This path was more winding than the last. Numerous bats chittered restlessly in their hidey-holes above them. As they walked, the crystals and moss grew more numerous, further illuminating the cavern. Jude, overcome by awe, held his head high and gazed wide-eyed around him. Blues and pinks and yellows and greens, glowing with every color from the light of the moss. I'm so glad I came.
Suddenly Lysandre stopped.
"One moment. I need to tie my shoe," Lysandre said. He waved her on. "You go on ahead. I'll be right there."
"Sure," she said, nodding. Clair didn't want to miss another second of this place. She wandered forward and placed her hand on the rugged wall. Aella would probably eat these crystals, she thought with a giggle. It was better that she wasn't here. Clair found a particularly small, mottled crystal and dug it from the wall. Turning it over in her hand, it was two inches long and a light green. She didn't know much about crystals—that was more Jasmine's thing—but she had a feeling this one might be jade. Clair made to put it in her pocket, but stopped. Bit her lip. No, she shouldn't. It took all her willpower to place the jade on the ground.
She turned her back on the crystal wall and saw Lysandre heading over. He smiled as he approached. "Sorry about that," he said sheepishly.
She waved him off. "No need. I think there's another cavern down that way." She pointed in the direction where Thierry followed Windie. Lysandre nodded and the two followed side-by-side down the passageway. They were silent for a minute before Clair grew curious. She glanced at him from the corner of her eye. "So, um, Thierry. He's not your only Pokémon?"
Lysandre ducked and moved out of the way of a particularly large stalactite. "Not at all," he said, laughing. "I have others. Loire, for example, is my loyal Gyarados." A fond look crossed Lysandre's face. "He was my first Pokémon. My father wasn't pleased, but Mother let me keep him. After all, it was considered lucky to find a golden 'karp!"
Clair stopped in her tracks. "You have a Gyarados?" she asked, incredulous. For someone to raise a lowly 'karp into the fierce dragon it was born to be took patience, understanding. "Magikarp—it was also my first Pokémon," Clair continued, studying him. Lysandre was the inventor type, the stuffy I-came-from-money type. He reeked of it. And yet he'd raised a Magikarp.
What kind of man was he, really?
Lysandre stopped walking and turned to face her. "You, too?" he murmured. Illuminated by the glowing moss, his eyes were an emerald green. "Evolving him was almost as difficult as getting into grad school," he confessed. "Loire took all of the patience I thought I had as a child. Even when I was a teen, he hadn't evolved. I thought I failed him. He wanted to become Gyarados so badly." Lysandre smiled a sad smile. "But one day, it happened. My little Loire emerged from the sea in his new form. I'd never felt so happy."
Something stirred in Clair's heart. His story was just like hers. She'd tried and tried for years, to no avail. In this dimly-lit passageway, Clair had never felt so close to another human before. She wanted to reach out to him.
She didn't.
"Magikarp are revered in my clan," she said, unsure how much she should divulge. Her grandfather would kill her if she revealed their secrets, but she didn't care. Nothing he did to 'discipline' her seemed to work out in his favor. She never turned out how he wanted her to. Not now, not ever. "There's a legend that talks about Magikarp at the base of the Black River and their attempt to jump the Dragon's Gate waterfall. Many 'karp swim upstream against the river's strong current, but few are capable or brave enough to make the final leap over the waterfall. If a 'karp successfully makes the jump, they are transformed into a powerful dragon." Clair blushed, embarrassed by the confession. She remembered when her Pokémon finally made the leap and emerged as a Gyarados. Not even Lance had managed the feat… until the next day, when he did. And her accomplishment meant nothing.
"Sometimes I still feel like a 'karp myself," she finished quietly, her voice barely above a whisper.
Lysandre heard it. "Sometimes all it takes is a little help," he murmured, taking her hand in his.
Clair opened her mouth to speak, but faltered. She stared up at Lysandre for what felt like an eternity. His fingers were calloused, like that of a hard-working person. Clair felt ashamed. She'd judged him without knowing him. Lance told her he was an inventor, philanthropist. He'd spent his life dedicated to the people of Kalos. And what was she but some backwoods bitch?
Lysandre kissed her knuckles before he let go of her hand. "It seems there's more to you than meets the eye, Miss Clair," he said, chuckling. "You intrigue me."
He turned his back on her and led the way down the passage after Thierry and Windie, leaving Clair flushed and at a loss for words. Her heart felt like it was about to burst from her chest. Jude placed a hand on her thigh, and Clair looked to him for reassurance.
What just happened?
[-]
As it turns out, Windie and Thierry had gone in a complete circle and were waiting for them at the entrance of the cave. She bounded over to greet Lysandre as they approached. He picked her up, cradled her in his arms, and walked out of the cave, leaving Clair to follow reluctantly behind. She wasn't sure if that actually happened. She'd felt—well, she felt her heart race like it hadn't in a long time. It must have meant nothing, however, since Lysandre didn't bring it up again. When he looked at her, it was through the eyes of a friend.
Leaving the cavern was difficult. Clair wanted to indulge in the light of the moss and get lost in the beauty of its walls. She gathered Jude and ushered him out into the light of the current day. They followed the three of into the outside world and stood awkwardly. Lysandre stopped playing with Windie when they arrived.
"Thank you for accompanying me," he said, standing. By his side, Windie pulled on his hand, whimpering softly. Lysandre ignored her. "I enjoyed your company. Are you heading back?"
Clair flushed. "Uh, y-yes," she stammered, her eyes looking everywhere but at his. "I was on my way to Cyllage before I was told about this place. It was—" Perplexing. She wished she had more time with him. "—breathtaking," she said after a moment. Then she grinned. "I'll be sure to write home about it."
"Hah! Good to know!" Lysandre said, laughing. "Let me join you. Since it appears as if the Rangers haven't returned, I've finished my business here." He gave her a wink. "I suppose I'll ask you to join me if I need to come back."
Clair choked on air. She turned away, waving Lysandre off when he came near. Nope, no, nada! When her fit subsided, she simply nodded.
"I didn't intend to take your breath away like that!" he laughed. He rubbed her back assuringly. "Come on, I'll ready Rhyhorn for you."
Walking away and leaving Thierry with them, Lysandre went to gather the Rhyhorn and Gogoat. He re-saddled the Gogoat and made sure their bridles were snug and comfortable. Clair went to meet him on the steps of the platform as he led the two Pokémon over.
"I think Patches here could use a break," Lysandre told her, rubbing the Gogoat's side. He looked at her sheepishly. "It seems I'm over the weight limit. Care to trade?"
"Yeah. You can take the Rhyhorn. His name's Rockwrecker."
Lysandre smiled and asked Thierry to return to his Poke Ball. Then he turned to Clair and offered her a hand up on the Gogoat. "After you, Miss Clair," he said with a smile.
Clair quickly put a foot into the stirrup and swung a leg over in one fluid movement. She avoided his gaze to avoid him seeing her face. "Thanks," she said, more curtly than she liked. Adjusting herself in the saddle, Clair fiddled with the reins as Lysandre placed Jude behind her. Like before, Windie refused to go on the rugged terrain. Clair was forced to withdraw her into her capsule for the time being. Casting a sideways glance at Clair, Lysandre gathered himself on to his own Pokémon. Cheeks beet red, she nudged her heels into the Gogoat's flank, urging it forward. Can't let him see, can't let him see, she repeated over and over in her mind.
Though the skies were clear, they heard the rumble of what sounded like thunder not a minute into their trek back to town. Below them the ground shook, sending small rocks dancing this way and that. A small rock tumbled from the sheer cliff beside them.
Lysandre shot her a worried glance. "The Rangers warned me that there were rockslides in this area. Let me go first and see if the way's clear. Rockwrecker can free the path if needed."
Clair nodded. As he led his Pokémon forward, she brought Jude to sit more safely in her lap. She didn't have to worry about Aella and Windie, as they were tucked away in their balls. Looking ahead, Clair saw Lysandre lead the Rhyhorn into a brief charge, crushing a massive boulder that lay in the path into smaller pieces. Then he nudged them over to the side, creating a small barrier to the edge of the cliff.
"Okay, you can come over now!" Lysandre called.
The earth moved again. Small rocks came tumbling off the cliff face and down to Gogoat's feet. It shifted nervously on its hooves, making a low sound in the back of its throat. Clair nudged her feet into its side and the Pokémon launched forward, hooves skittering across the rugged terrain.
Another rumble was heard from above them when they were Halfway to where Lysandre and Rockwrecker were waiting. Clair glanced up to see a massive rock tumbling down the mountain to her. Gogoat bleated and bucked, sending her reeling and holding on for dear life. Jude was tossed to the ground not five feet from where she was holding on. Eventually Clair let go, allowing herself to be bucked off. Tucking her shoulder into her body, she shut her eyes and tried to roll as soon as she hit the ground.
A flash of black and white hurtled past Lysandre. He blinked at it was gone. The boulder kept crashing forward. Jude scrambled to his feet, his small body covered with aura, and launched forward as fast as his small legs would allow.
Clair hit the ground with a solid smack! She bounced off the rough earth and rolled ten feet back where she'd once came.
Opening her eyes, Clair watched as the boulder tore through the mountainside and was hurled five feet into the sky. Its forward momentum combined with its massive weight made it deadly. As she scrambled to her feet, she knew she had a hair's chance of making it out of its path.
Jude lunged.
The white-black blur materialized on the other side.
With a deafening CRACK, the boulder was shattered. Clair held her arm over her face as she was pelted with flying debris. Lysandre's cries couldn't be heard over the sound of rock hitting the ground.
When the dust settled, Clair saw two incredible sights. One was a white and black Pokémon with a large black horn curling upward standing in the path beside her. Another was Jude, his silhouette appearing taller in the midday sun. Then he turned, and Clair saw that it wasn't her little Riolu.
It was a Lucario.
Jude's snout had elongated, and a yellow ruff replaced the blue fur around his belly. The tiny nubs on the back of his paws were now sharp spikes. His paws were surrounded with blue aura. And as the Pokémon turned around, he locked eyes with Clair. With a wounded cry he rushed to her side, his head now reaching up to her chest. Clair wrapped him in the tightest hug she could muster, wincing slightly as pain shot through her shoulder.
"Clair! Clair!" Lysandre called, urging Rhyhorn forward. "Are you okay? Gods, if something happened to you—!"
Releasing Jude, Clair turned to Lysandre and opened her mouth to speak. Then she finally realized that an Absol was standing off the path on a nearby rock, waiting patiently to be acknowledged.
"You both saved me," she whispered.
The Absol bowed its horned head. Jude nuzzled into her side.
"I'm okay," she said to Lysandre when he arrived. He put his hands on her shoulders and looked her over for injuries. "Really, Lyssa, I'm fine."
Lysandre ignored her protests. "You could have died, and what was I supposed to do? I just watched—" The Absol mewled, a soft noise that sounded more like a song than a cry. Lysandre's head shot toward it. He let Clair go and finally took in the scene. He glanced from the newly-evolved Jude to the Absol before looking at Clair. "What happened?"
"Jude and Absol attacked the boulder at the same time," Clair explained. "It was enough to smash it." Her heart still raced from the adrenaline, and her fingers shook. She was this close to being crushed. She felt helpless. If it wasn't for Jude, and for Absol… She turned to the large white Pokémon and bowed her head. "Thank you," she told it.
Lysandre ran frazzled hands through his hair. He paced for a solid minute while Clair caught her breath. She leaned on Jude for support, grateful for his extra strength. The Absol drew nearer and sniffed at Clair. Then it turned on its heels and bounded away.
"We should probably get going," Clair said at long last. She kissed Jude on the forehead and tenderly stroked his cheek.
"Yeah—right, right." Lysandre stared at her one last time before he bundled up Rhyhorn. The Gogoat was nowhere in sight. "Here, hop on. We'll share."
Before Clair could protest, Jude nudged her in that direction. He wouldn't take no for an answer. With a defeated sigh, Clair clambered on to the Pokémon's back and tried not to feel embarrassed when Lysandre hopped up behind her. She grabbed the reins before he could and ushered Rockwrecker back to the path and toward the city.
Jude remained content to walk. It seems with a new form came a confidence she knew he always had. He navigated the rough terrain with relative ease, his ankle not hindering him in the slightest. He caught Clair looking and did a little happy dance. She smiled. Her boy was still in there, but only bigger.
When they reached the beginning of the Spikes Passage, Lysandre was the first to hop off. He insisted on helping Clair down, citing she may have injured herself more than she believed. He wrapped his hands around her waist and gingerly set her on the ground. Clair tried not to imagine the feeling of his hands on other parts of her.
"Appreciate it," she murmured, not meeting his eyes.
Lysandre peered at her intently. He rested a hand on her shoulder. "Do you want me to walk you to the hospital? It isn't far. Please, I insist." Jude appeared by her side. Narrowed his eyes. Lysandre dropped his hand and took a step backward. He sighed. "I feel so guilty for being unable to help. Besides, Lance would kill me if he heard."
Clair chuckled. A sharp pain churned in her ribs. "What he doesn't know won't hurt him."
Lysandre's shoulders sagged, defeated. "Please let me know if there's anything I can do."
He looked like a beaten kitten. Clair bit the inside of her lip, unsure of what to say. It wasn't his fault—if anything, it was hers for not listening to the Pokémon Rangers to begin with. Not that she'd ever tell them that. So she did the first thing she could think of: awkwardly pat Lysandre's arm and tell him it would be all right. "I'm just bruised," she said with a smile. "Trust me, this isn't the first time I've hurt myself. I'll be fine tomorrow."
He rubbed his temples before running them through his tousled ponytail. "If you insist," he said. He took a deep breath to try to regain his composure. "At least allow me to walk you to your hotel," he said a moment later.
They left Rockwrecker at the pen at the entrance of the passage. The Rhyhorn seemed to know where to go, as he settled himself right in and promptly went to sleep. As they walked back to town, Clair caught herself sneaking glances at Lysandre. In such a small amount of time, she'd learned so much about him. And despite his outward demeanor, the man was an absolute mess.
She turned away, smiling.