Chapter 2 — The Forest Maze
Aquacorde Town now behind them, the five friends found themselves back on the winding country roads that stretched through the rolling meadows. The fields they passed were teeming with breeding Pokémon, their playful antics adding a touch of liveliness to the serene landscape. The air was filled with the soft bleating of Mareep and the thunderous calls of Dodrio, their three heads bobbing in unison.
Tierno observed the herd of tricephalous ostrich Pokémon with a curious expression. "You know, having three heads can't be easy every day, especially if they're in the habit of arguing non-stop."
Trevor chuckled, nodding in agreement. "Tell me about it. If I had to carry around two extra heads with Shauna's personality, it would drive me so crazy I'd end up in an asylum."
The dynamic trainer involved in this joke playfully swatted Trevor's arm. "I could say the same about you, nincompoop. You'd weigh me down, no matter how you interpret it. Hey now, watch this !"
Shauna's eyes sparkled with delight as a curious Mareep approached them, its woolly coat beckoning for a gentle stroke. She reached out her hand, but before she could make contact, Serena swiftly intervened, her voice filled with caution.
"Shauna, stop ! Don't touch it," Serena warned. "Mareep can release electricity from its wool, and you might get a shocking surprise."
Shauna quickly withdrew her hand, a look of gratitude mixed with disappointment on her face. "Phew, thanks dude. Too bad, it looks so fluffy. Well, I guess I'll admire them from a safe distance."
As the quintet trudged on, the landscape began to change. The plains became more wooded, filled with taller and denser trees. Finally, the group was struck by the unfolding greenish expanse to their left. Its dense canopy whispered with mystery, beckoning them to explore its depths. Their route skirted an impressive forest for about forty meters, before zigzagging back through crops and cattle ranches.
Jude beckoned his comrades to break stride. "Guys, here we have a choice. We can stay on the main track or cut through the forest. Crossing the woodland would save us about half an hour's hiking time."
Trevor's face brightened at the prospect. "That sounds like a great idea. Less walking, more time to relax. I'm game."
Jude's voice grew serious as he cautioned them. "However, this forest is dangerous. It's home to many wild Pokémon, some of which can be aggressive. They won't hesitate to attack if they feel threatened, or if they're simply hungry."
Trevor's cheerful face instantly shifted to an anxious expression. "Obviously, I should have suspected there'd be some trap like this..."
Serena's determination shone through as she spoke up. "I think we should take the risk. If we're raided, it could be a good opportunity to strengthen our Pokémon by making them fight. They'll gain experience while protecting us."
"I agree," Tierno interjected, "If we're not even capable of facing wild Pokémon, then we'll be no match for the perfectly battle-prepared gym leaders' Pokémon."
"So, the die is cast. Let's release all our Pokémon, they'll serve as a protective barrier against assaults." Setting an example, Jude flung his Poké Ball skyward. When it opened, his loyal Froakie emerged in a bluish halo, performed a somersault and landed nimbly next to his trainer.
Shauna mimicked her friend by gesturing similarly with her own Poké Ball. "Chespin, I choose you ! Join me and work wonders." The grass-type creature immediately took up position next to the azure frog, exuding a spirited aura.
"Raichu, Bunnelby, I require your presence," Trevor declared, freeing his two companions from their temporary homes. A rabbit-like animal and a large electrically-charged orange mouse joined the small army.
Tierno grabbed the two Poké Balls clipped to his belt and simultaneously pulled them open. "Squirtle, Noivern, let's get this party started !" His beloved aquatic turtle appeared, twirling nimbly on its shell. It was accompanied by a large black bat-like dragon hovering above its trainer.
Serena's Fennekin, already by her side, looked around with keen eyes. Before dipping into this vast labyrinth of leafy trees and teeming swamps, a short briefing was in order. Jude stood at the edge of the dark verdant lair, his gaze fixed on the bumpy path that lay before them. He turned to his friends, his voice steady and collected.
"Alright everyone, listen up. It's crucial that we maintain a precise walking formation as we move through this place. Stay close, and be ready to react quickly if any danger arises. It's imperative that we stick together, as this woods can easily lead us astray."
His comrades nodded, their expressions resolute. They understood the importance of unity in the face of the unknown. Jude took the lead and the rest followed suit, backed by their trusted Pokémon ready to spring into action if needed. The dense forest engulfed them as they ventured deeper into its green embrace. Trees towered above, casting elongated shadows that danced upon the twig-covered floor. The air grew thick with the scent of earth and the symphony of nature's sounds.
With cautious steps, they carefully progressed like a squadron in enemy territory. An hour passed, and the group breathed a collective sigh of relief. Though they clearly heard some local wildlife noises, none had bothered to pay them any heed. So far, luck had been on their side, sparing them from any untoward encounters. Serena, however, couldn't help but feel a tinge of disappointment. "I wish we had come across some wild Pokémon," she said wistfully, her gaze scanning the surrounding foliage. "It would have been a great opportunity to catch some new ones."
Tierno smirked, a playful glint in his eyes. "Well, I guess it's better than coming across a Pokémon that sees us as a tasty meal. Remember how fond some of them are of human flesh."
Serena gulped in response, realizing Tierno's point. Safety was definitely preferable to a life-threatening encounter. The banter eased the tension and reminded them to stay cautious.
Suddenly, Trevor's foot began to ache once again, causing him to falter. "Ouch, I'm reaching my limit. Guys, can we take a break ?" he asked with a wince, his fatigue evident.
Shauna tried to motivate him, a hint of worry in her voice. "Come on, dude. We can't linger for too long. If we stay here too much, we might end up as a Feraligatr's lunch. You're too young and I'm too pretty to die here."
Trevor let out a light chuckle. "I'm sorry, but I'm so exhausted that even with a whole army of Ariados on my tail, I could hardly move."
Meanwhile, Jude's little Pokémon sprang up from between two tree trunks and swiftly dropped onto his trainer's shoulder. The azure frog tried to make himself understood to the young boy with a jumble of gestures and croaks. Apparently, this gibberish made sense to Jude, who seemed to congratulate his partner by stroking his head affectionately.
Jude intervened, extending understanding to his weary friend. "It's alright, Trev. I sent my Froakie to scout around and he spotted a safe clearing nearby where we can recover."
Relief washed over Trevor's face as they settled into the clearing, the soft grass providing a welcome respite for his tired body. He lay back peacefully, gazing up at the sky, savoring this long-awaited snapshot of tranquility. Raichu and Bunnelby patrolled around him, requisitioned by the group to stand guard. Squirtle and Fennekin were also doing their bit, staking out the glade on the opposite side. So, the close protection was ensured, but Jude figured that ideally they should also keep a wider lookout to anticipate eventual threats and better react to them.
He then got an idea and called out to his dancing buddy. "Tierno, your Noivern is currently the only one of our Pokémon that can fly. Could you send it out to scope the area around us ? It can warn us if any dangerous Pokémon approach."
"Sure, here's a job he'll excel at," Tierno nodded, appreciating the added layer of security. "You heard him pal, take flight and keep a watchful eye." The large bat-like Pokémon spread his long wings and soared into the sky. His sharp vision probed the landscape beyond him like a lighthouse beam charting the sea.
The fivesome took advantage of the break to replenish their energy, each engaged in activities suited to their needs. Tierno rummaged through his bag and pulled out a sandwich he had been saving for this very moment, while Serena lovingly brushed her Fennekin's fur, the Pokémon purring in delight. Jude, however, felt a restless urge to explore the surrounding area. He knew that the forest held the potential for new Pokémon encounters, and he couldn't resist the opportunity to expand his team. He knew he'd need at least a second Pokémon to confront Viola, as this gym leader always pitched two-for-two matches.
"I think I'll take a little walk around, see if I can find any interesting Pokémon to catch," Jude announced.
Shauna perked up, her curiosity piqued. "Can I come with you, pal ? I'd like to spot even one wild Pokémon in this woods too. We've seen nothing but leaves and twigs so far."
Serena hesitated, her concern etched on her face. "Are you sure it's okay to wander off ? I thought we should stay together."
"Don't worry, I'm not going far and I know this place like the back of my hand. I won't take any risks, honest," Jude reassured her.
"Um, it's not really you I'm concerned about, but that pinky airhead who wants to tag along," Serena rectified, her eyebrows furrowed. "You know she draws trouble like a satellite dish draws lightning."
Shauna beamed with pride, puffing her chest out slightly. "Me, a troublemaker ? You must confuse me with someone else, because there's NO ONE more wary than me." As she spoke, she inadvertently stepped on Raichu's tail, causing the orange Pokémon to snap.
In an instant, the big mouse's eyes widened, and electricity surged through his body. A powerful shock of thunder shot towards Shauna, wrapping her in a bright yellow electricity-laden glow. When the stroke stopped, Shauna was temporarily paralyzed in a grotesque posture, her skin fried and looking disheveled. Her hair stood on end, resembling a wild, untamed bush.
Tierno struggled to stifle his laughter, his faces turning red with the effort. Serena, with a mixture of amusement and concern, turned to Jude. "Please, promise me you won't let her out of your sight. She's a walking accident waiting to happen."
"No problem, we'll be fine," Jude reassured Serena and guided the still-dazed Shauna away from the open zone, venturing deeper into the forest. They moved cautiously, their footsteps blending with the sounds of nature. Froakie and Chespin were there too, their eyes darting all over the vicinity for any sign of movement.
"Stupid Raichu, it's gonna take me hours to fix my hair because of him," Shauna lamented. "Can't he watch where he keeps his tail ?"
Jude wasn't sure how to respond to this, but he didn't have to, as a feeling of imminent tension gripped him abruptly. An instinctive alarm jolted through his body, alerting him to an impending danger. With lightning-quick reflexes, he swiftly dodged the sharp talons of a red bird that swooped down towards him. This vicious assault could have poked his eyes out if he'd been slower to react.
"What the hell was that thing ?!" Shauna exclaimed, only just realizing what had occurred.
Jude's eyes focused on the avian Pokémon hovering above—a fierce-looking wild Fletchling. Its fiery determination matched its fiery plumage, and it seemed ready to defend its territory with unwavering aggression. The hostile flying Pokémon circled back, launching another stinging strike. Startled by the sudden attack, Shauna quickly regained her composure. If this nasty bird wanted a fight, she'd be served. With boldness in her voice, she commanded her Grass-type companion into action.
"Chespin, teach this lout some manners. Use Magical Leaf, now !"
Chespin responded swiftly, releasing a flurry of razor-sharp leaves towards Fletchling. However, the bird Pokémon proved resilient, creating a powerful gust of wind with its wings to disperse the leaves before they could make contact. Undeterred, Fletchling dived towards the bipedal Pokémon, its feathers bristling with hostility. It spun around like a drill, its beak aimed for a critical hit. The impact was brutal, leaving poor Chespin unconscious and vulnerable.
Shauna gasped, her eyes widening, "Oh no, Chespin !"
Jude's eyes blazed with determination as he stepped forward, his voice firm and resolute. "Froakie, it's up to you. Protect our friends and rout out this angry bird."
Froakie went on the offensive, pulling Fletchling's attention towards him to make sure she left Shauna and her injured Pokémon alone. The azure frog turned his small size to his advantage by evading the red bird's onslaught with agile leaps and bounds. Its watery pulses clashed against the fierce pecks, creating a clash of elemental powers. Froakie cunningly used tree trunks to propel himself faster, enabling him to match Fletchling's flying velocity. Its nimble movements allowed it to dance around the avian Pokémon's attacks, waiting for the perfect opportunity to deliver the decisive blow.
With a swift, acrobatic bounce, Froakie launched a powerful jumping kick, connecting with Fletchling's mid-air form. The impact stunned the bird Pokémon, leaving it momentarily defenseless. Seizing the opportunity, Jude swiftly retrieved a Poké Ball from his belt, expertly throwing it towards the weakened Fletchling. The ball connected, enveloping the bird Pokémon in a beam of blue light before it clicked shut with a triumphant ping. A wave of satisfaction washed over Jude as he held the Poké Ball in his hand. It was the very first companion he'd captured, and he was proud of it.
Relief washed over Shauna's face as she knelt beside her fainted Chespin. With that crazy bird no longer a threat, she could calmly heal her Pokémon. Jude reached into his bag and pulled out a potion, offering it to Shauna.
"Here, use this on Chespin. That should help it recover," Jude said, his voice filled with concern.
Shauna gratefully accepted the medical help, carefully tending to her fallen Chespin. As she sprayed the healing mist, the wound slowly began to close, and the Grass-type Pokémon regained consciousness, albeit still slightly shaken.
"It'd be wise to wait a little before fighting again, but at least it's recovered well."
"Thanks, I owe you one. You were right, this place is more perilous than I imagined. We'd better get back to our friends before another bad surprise befalls us."
Jude agreed, and the duo retraced their steps in the opposite direction. Feeling that her Pokémon should get some rest, Shauna returned it to its Poké Ball to make sure it remained perfectly safe. They strolled back towards the glade, their hearts still racing from the intense battle they had just experienced. As they approached, their three friends turned their attention towards them, curiosity etched across their faces.
"Hey, what took you guys so long ?" Trevor asked, rubbing his eyes groggily after his short nap.
"Well, we had a little encounter with a feisty Fletchling," Shauna eagerly chimed in, her excitement palpable. "And Jude managed to catch it. This surly bird fought fiercely, but Froakie showed it who's boss."
Serena's eyes widened with interest. "No kidding ? Oh, that's neat. Can we see it ?"
Jude nodded, tossing his Poké Ball skywards. As it opened, the red bird emerged, shrouded in a flamboyant aura. Fletchling hovered majestically overhead, performing several loops before landing serenely on Jude's stretched arm. Shauna was reassured to see how calm it suddenly looked. She had feared that this scabby Pokémon would try to hurt them all to avenge its defeat, but getting beaten in a one-on-one battle had evidently softened its resolve.
No doubt she now respected Jude enough to see him as a worthy trainer. "Wow, it's amazing how a Pokémon can transform from an opponent to a partner, simply through trust and understanding," Shauna mused.
Jude nodded, a proud smile illuminating his face. "Yes, we had a tough duel, but we've gained mutual esteem for each other. Fletchling is now a part of my team."
He retrieved another potion from his pocket and gently sprayed it over the bird Pokémon, precisely where Froakie had kicked it. As the medical aid took effect, Fletchling's energy began to return, its wings fluttering with newfound strength. The Pokémon chirped softly, showing gratitude for the care it received from its new trainer.
"Fletchling isn't just a flying Pokémon, it can also master fire-type attacks," Serena informed them. "It's a combo that can come in handy on many occasions. So, what do we do now ?"
Jude gathered his comrades around him to give them an answer. "From experience, we'd rather not stay too long in the same place in this forest, as some wild Pokémon hordes might think we plan to settle on their land indefinitely and so attack us to drive us out. We must hurry and clear off while it's still quiet."
His friends didn't hesitate to pack their belongings in their respective bags, raring to move. They had no desire to disturb the local fauna, visibly as welcoming as a Rhydon who'd got out of the wrong side of the bed. Just as they were about to set off, Tierno's Noivern swooped down from the sky, catching everyone's attention. Froakie hopped off his trainer's shoulder and approached the dragon-like creature, ready to receive its report.
Briefly, the two Pokémon emitted a series of squeaks and rattles, communicating in a garbled language only they seemed to grasp. When they stopped exchanging, the azure frog returned to Jude to pass on Noivern's message. Froakie showed signs of knowing the deaf speech pattern, expressing himself through gestures. Jude watched it intently, interpreting the intricate communication for his friends. Tierno's flying Pokémon would definitely be a valuable asset.
"Guys, I'm afraid we'll have to proceed cautiously. Noivern has spotted several Beedrill swarms on our route," he explained, his voice tinged with concern. "These bug-type Pokémon are highly ferocious, and their stings contain a potent paralyzing venom that can even be fatal in large doses. We must avoid them at all costs."
"Wouldn't it be easier to simply fight them ?" Shauna suggested. "Okay, my Chespin is temporarily unavailable, but we still have seven valiant Pokémon ready to smash some cheeky bugs, right ?"
"Don't even consider it, that would be pure madness to try," Serena hastened to put some sense into her. "A single swarm can count around a hundred Beedrill, their overnumber would crush us and we'd all become snacks for the colony."
Trevor's eyes widened in fear. "What, a hu-hundred ?! Bu-but we'll never manage to defeat so many enemies, w-we're not strong enough for that. They'll nuke us !" he freaked out.
"Relax Trev, this is no time for panic. We won't have to face them directly," Jude immediately tried to reassure him. "Beedrill are very territorial Pokémon, and hate hunting too far from their hive. Instead, they wait for prey to come to them, and will only strike if it intrudes on their land."
"So, if we stay out of their turf, they'll let us off the hook ?" asked Shauna, scratching her chin.
"Absolutely, and that's where Noivern comes in," proclaimed Froakie's trainer. "He's pinpointed those zones we ought to skip, and can pilot us from the sky to bypass them. He'll be both our guardian and our pathfinder."
Tierno stroked Noivern's head fondly. "How cool, buddy. Looks like you're the real star of the day," he proudly stated, feeling gratified that one of his dear Pokémon was proving so crucial in a survival strategy. "Up to you, show us why you're the king of heaven. We're all counting on you !"
The dragon Pokémon let out a low, reassuring hum, affirming its commitment to the task. With a powerful flap of its wings, it took to the sky. With a newfound sense of security, the group followed Noivern's lead, their footsteps skimming the loamy ground as their vigilant companion glided gracefully above them. Its sharp eyes scoured the surroundings, ensuring that its fellow adventurers stayed far away from the buzzing threats that lurked within the trees. Step by step, they made their way through the forest, guided by the harmony between land and sky.
Meanwhile, in Lumiose City, the new technology train seemed primed to shift into high gear. The Royal Academy large conference room buzzed with anticipation as journalists from various news outlets filled the space, their cameras poised and microphones at the ready. The atmosphere crackled with excitement, each person eagerly awaiting the arrival of the man they had all gathered to see. The room was adorned with a large flat-screen TV displaying the red-white-blue emblem of Kalos. It was evident that something significant was about to be revealed.
Suddenly, the doors swung open, and the crowd erupted into applause as a tall, distinguished entrepreneur entered with an air of confidence. Accompanying him was a majestic Pyroar, its fiery mane complementing its trainer's vibrant red hair. The man took his place behind the podium, and the room fell silent. "Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed members of the press, I hope you're ready to take your first steps into the future," the man's voice resonated with authority and charisma, capturing the attention of everyone present. "I am Lysandre, president of Lysandre Labs, and I stand before you today to introduce a groundbreaking innovation that will revolutionize connectivity in the Kalos region—the Holo Caster."
As Lysandre spoke, the large flat-screen TV on the wall behind him flickered to life, displaying an image of the Holo Caster, an impressive device with a sleek design. The screen showcased the myriad of functions it offered, from real-time communication to augmented reality features and seamless integration with existing technology. The room erupted into murmurs of excitement as the journalists marveled at this fascinating invention. They eagerly raised their hands, their curiosity piqued by this technological breakthrough. Lysandre nodded, acknowledging their enthusiasm, and invited questions from the crowd.
A reporter from a prominent news outlet jumped in, her voice filled with excitement. "Mr. Lysandre, Alexa from Le Monde," she introduced herself as her assistant aimed his large camera at the businessman. "Can you elaborate on the capabilities of the Holo Caster ?"
Lysandre smiled, his eyes gleaming with pride. "Certainly. The Holo Caster is not just a communication device ; it is a gateway to a new era of interconnectedness. With its real-time holographic projection capabilities, users will be able to communicate face-to-face, regardless of physical distance. It will enable seamless sharing of information, foster collaboration, and enhance the overall connectivity experience for individuals and communities throughout Kalos. It also offers access to up-to-date news, and even interactive applications for entertainment and education."
Another journalist chimed in, "Gabby from Hoenn TV. What about security and privacy concerns, Mr. Lysandre ? How will the Holo Caster ensure the protection of users' personal information ?"
Lysandre's expression turned serious as he addressed the question. "Rest assured, we have implemented stringent security measures within the Holo Caster. Our brilliant minds at Lysandre Labs has prioritized data encryption and privacy safeguards to protect user information. We understand the importance of trust and confidentiality."
The room filled with a sense of optimism, reassured by Lysandre's clarifications. The questions continued, ranging from technical details to potential applications and user accessibility. Lysandre responded with eloquence, his passion for innovation evident in every word. He shared his vision of a connected Kalos, where the Holo Caster would bridge gaps, promote collaboration, and empower individuals. journalists eagerly scribbled down every detail, envisioning the impact this innovative technology would have on the Kalos region.
As Lysandre continued to captivate his large audience, a pair of figures stood at the back of the room, detached from the ecstatic throng. The first was Malva, an emeritus member of the Kalos Elite 4 known for her fiery spirit and expertise in Fire-type Pokémon battles. Standing beside her was a man emanating an air of mystery, his dark glasses concealing his eyes, adding to the aura of intimidation that surrounded him. They leaned against the rear wall, their attention firmly fixed on the proceedings.
Curiosity piqued, Malva turned to her companion. Her voice low and tinged with intrigue, she broke the silence. "So, are you planning to purchase a Holo Caster, sir ?" she inquired.
The man's response was cool and calculated. "No need, my old mobile will suffice if I ever desire a phone," he stated dismissively, a hint of amusement in his voice. "However, as a major shareholder in Lysandre Labs, I am relying on the inventiveness of my compatriots to find countless reasons to buy it en masse."
A sly grin crept across Malva's face, a shared understanding passing between them. They both knew the power of mass consumerism and how easily people could be swayed by innovative technology promises.
Seeking a change in topic, Malva's attention shifted to a significant event taking place on that very day. "Today marks the beginning of registration for the Kalos Pokémon League," she mentioned casually. "I wonder if any rare gems will emerge from this pool of impetuous trainers, foolishly believing they can replace us. The last batch three years ago was particularly unsatisfying."
Readjusting his glasses, the man remained enigmatic, his tone laced with anticipation. "Don't lose hope in the new generation, dear. It won't be long before one of them catches our attention," he cryptically replied.
Malva's amber eyes gleamed with interest. She recognized the underlying message in his words. Something extraordinary was about to unfold, and both of them would be watching closely for that glimmer of potential. As Lysandre's press conference concluded, the room erupted into applause once more. Malva and her shadowy partner maintained their positions as silent spectators, observing the journalists dispersing, their minds already buzzing with stories to write and deadlines to meet.
With a knowing smile, the calm duo exchanged a glance before quietly melting into the shadows, their presence unnoticed by the bustling crowd. Their discussion held the promise of intrigue and challenges that awaited, their eyes set on the unfolding journey of trainers who dared to dream. The stage was set, and the pieces began to move.
To be continued