AN: Enjoy the chapter.
Ch 63 The Dark Stone
Everyone entered the Nacrene City Museum, and many Artifacts, Relics, and Fossils were displayed in the Exhibit. All over the Museum were Police Officers stationed there in case Team Plasma showed themselves.
Within the Gym Lenora guided her friends into her Museum, "Alder has informed of the situation," The Normal-type Gym Leader said, nodding at the Officer they passed by. "To think Team Plasma actually awaken the Legendary Dragon of Truth." She said worriedly.
"Please forgive my Wife for being worried; it's hard to believe that the Dragon from Legends is now in the hands of Team Plasma." Hawes apologizes for the distress they were in. "The news has all of us concerned for the future of Unova and People."
Cedric nodded, "Yes, troubling news. That's why it's imperative that the Dark Stone must be secure before things get even more complicated." The old Professor stated.
Lenora smiles, "It's fortunate that Alder sent us a message in time. I have safely secured the Dark Stone with the help of Professor Juniper and our City's Police Force to guard the Relic." The Gym Leader stated as they approached the Library.
"Professor Juniper's here?" Bianca asked, didn't expect the brunette Professor to be here.
"Oh yes, Professor Juniper got a message from the Champion explaining the situation to her too." The Normal-type Gym Leader informed the young blonde trainer. "She got here quickly as she can once she got that call."
Both Lenora and her Husband turn to the four trainers, welcoming them to the Nacrene Gym. "Everyone, welcome to the Nacrene Gym." Hawes greeted them, showing them the entrance to said Gym.
Everyone looks ahead, seeing the extensive Library with a vast collection of books inside. "Wow, so this is the Nacrene City Gym?" Helena asked in awe of the Library/Gym.
"I know you think this doesn't look like your typical Gym, but things here tend to be not what they seem to be," Adam explains to Helena, advising her to look at the room
"He's right," Helena turns to Lenora, walking to one of the bookshelves in the center of the room. She turns around to the group, leaning on the bookshelf behind her, "My Gym Challenge is known as a tricky one, many trainers get sidetracked by reading too much from what I say. Many read the books in this Library, some would take books they were interested in, and others tend to get thin ones thinking they can finish faster." Lenora explains.
Lenora crosses her arms, smiling at her unique Gym Challenge. "I like to know what sort of person the Challenger is by seeing how they react to this Challenge." She explains to the young trainer. "But since we're pressed for time, I'll let this slide."
The Nacrene City Gym Leader turns around, pulling a purple book from the shelf. The book stopped, causing the bookshelf behind Lenora to shift to the right and reveal a set of stairs beneath it.
"Woah," Helena didn't expect a secret stairwell would appear.
"Impressed?" Lenora asked the black-haired girl, smirking at her.
Helena nodded, only seeing these sorts of things in novels she read before and Hogwarts. "I only read about a secret passage from old buildings and in mystery books." She commented.
Bianca approaches Helena, hearing that she reads novels in her spare time. "Helena, do you really read novels?" She asked, grabbing her hand.
"Y-Yes I do," Helena chuckles, feeling uncomfortable all of a sudden. "I-I just read some during my free time and…"
"So what do you read?" Bianca quickly lets go of Helena's hand, realizing that she was a bit close to the young Researcher. "I-If you do mind, that is…" She looks away from Helena, embarrassed by her action.
The black-haired girl giggles, smiling at Bianca's quirkiness. "I don't, and since you asked, I like reading a novel called Love and Courage; I just got the book before leaving Mistralton City."
"You love that story too!? I do too!" Bianca cheered with excitement.
Adam cleared his throat, causing the two girls to flinch in place. They turn their heads to the Professor, giving him their full attention. "Please don't forget that we're pressed on time, girls." The Professor said, reminding them of their purpose in coming here.
"R-Right," Both Bianca and Helena deflate from the Professor's light scolding.
Cedric leans into his former Student's ears, whispering to him. "(I know that we don't have much time but do you really need to scold them)" He asked.
Adam leans into his former Mentor, answering his question. "(I know but considering the situation it's best not to waste time.)" He answers, feeling awful for being the downer but they need to secure the only chance of defeating Team Plasma.
"Try relaxing a bit, Adam. It doesn't help anyone if one person starts panicking then it doesn't help anyone." Cedric advises the blue and blonde-haired man, placing his hand on his shoulders. "Especially when you have a young Student who just discovered that her Friend is the leader of an extremist group."
The young Professor looks at his Apprentice smiling at Bianca. "I-I know…"
Lenora cleared her throat, gaining the attention of everyone. "So, if we're done here, shall we head to the Battlefield?" The Gym Leader asked,
"Yes, please," Cedric replies for everyone,
Everyone went into the hidden stairwell, following the turquoise-haired Woman. Bianca paused, turning to Hawes standing near the entrance of the stairwell. "Hmm? Hawes, you're not coming down with us?" She asked.
The Assistant director shook his head, looking at the young trainer. "Unfortunately, I have to coordinate the Officers right outside in case Team Plasma shows themselves," Hawes explains,
"Oh, all right," Bianca quickly went down the stairs, joining the group.
Once inside the Battlefield, Professor Aurea was standing behind a table with a black stone at the center. The stone was hooked to many Machines, analyzing the Relic.
Guarding the Professor were Officer Jenny and a few Policemen. "Professor Juniper!" Bianca came running towards the brunette Professor.
Aurea Juniper smiles, seeing one of her Students already here. "Bianca, everyone, I'm glad you were able to make it." She greeted them, placing down her tablet.
"Hello, Professor. Hilda and Cheren can't make it since they're keeping Team Plasma busy." Binaca informed the brunette Professor.
"Yes, I heard from Alder when he called me." Professor Juniper looks at her Father, relieved that he was safe. "Papa, thank Arceus you're okay."
Cedric chuckles, scratching the back of his head. "Well there were some close calls, but Adam was there in case the Grunts go after me." The Professor chuckles.
Aurea sighs, placing her hand on her forehead. "I swear, Papa you should at least have one Pokemon on you." The Regional Professor stated.
"Ahaha…the thing is…my Pokemon are back at your Laboratory," Cedric stated, informing his Daughter where his Pokemon are. "I think I left them in a rush after hearing my Lab was ransacked."
"Papa…" The brunette Professor sighs,
Adam approaches his Ex-girlfriend, curious about what she has discovered. "So, Aurea what did you find out about the Dark Stone?" The young Professor asked,
Professor Juniper heads back to the Dark Stone as everyone gathers around the table. "After a quick analysis, I discovered that the Dark Stone has a feint heartbeat." She explains her findings to the group, showing them her laptop with the heart monitor beeping.
"How is that possible? I mean we know the Stone is actually Zekrom and not a…stone." Bianca paused, realizing what she said. "So the Dark Stone is actually alive,"
"That's right, from what you gathered, Aurea. I think that Zekrom is in a hibernating state." Adam commented, observing the Stone.
"Hmm…so…how do we awaken Zekrom from the Dark Stone?" Cedric asks a pretty major question,
Everyone's eyes widen, realizing they have a problem at hand. "Professor Juniper's right, how do we awaken him?" Helena asked, wanting to resolve this problem. "Any ideas, Professor Juniper?" She asked the brunette Professor.
Aurea shakes her head, not able to give a definite answer. "Unfortunately, I spent my time here analyzing the Dark Stone and didn't find any hints on wakening the Legendary Pokemon." The young Professor said to the group.
"Same goes with me, I read what I can on the topic, and I couldn't find anything regarding waking Zekrom." Lenora sighs, unable to find anything useful.
"Well, it seems there's one place where we can get that answer," Adam commented, knowing where they can get the answer from.
"Professor, do you know where to find the answer to awaken Zekrom?" Helena asked her Mentor, sensing that he might have a clue about him.
Cedric smiles, knowing what his former Apprentice was talking about. "Ah, yes! Those two in Opelucid City," The old Professor stated, "If anyone knows about Dragon-type Pokemon it's those two."
"Then we're going to Opelucid City?" Helena asked, a bit excited to be going to a new place.
Adam turns to his Apprentice, nodding in confirmation. "That's right, Helena. Two People there will have the knowledge we need to awaken Zekrom from his slumber." He explains.
Professor Juniper looks at Lenora and her fellow Professors. They all nodded as she unhooked the wires connected to the Dark Stone. She held it carefully in her hand and walked over to Helena. "Helena, here," She said to the young Ability User.
"B-B-But I can't have the Dark Stone. It's too valuable for me to-"
"Hilda is preoccupied with keeping Team Plasma in Relic Castle." Professor Juniper urges the black-haired girl to take the slumbering Legendary Dragon. "The only candidate suitable for keeping the Stone safe is you, Helena."
Helena looks at the others, seemingly for her to take the Dark Stone. "P-Professor Ceder? Professor Juniper? Lenora?" She asked the Adults for their help.
Cedric nodded, looking at the black-haired girl. "I know this is sudden, Helena. But we need someone who can guard the Dark Stone to Opelucid City," The Professor explains, all entrusted Helena with that task.
"They're right, the rest of us are preparing for whatever Team Plasma is doing," Lenora said, approaching the young trainer. "Helena, from what the others told me; you won't let anyone even Team Plasma get to you." The turquoise-haired Woman said, placing their trust in her.
Lenora smiles at Helena, "We're not asking you to be the one to awaken Zekrom or fight with him, Helena." She explains to the young trainer, "We just need someone whom we can trust to give to Hilda." She explains.
Helena blinks, seeing that this was just a delivery of the Stone to Hilda. Seeing that the brunette trainer dealt with both N many times and Team Plasma as well, it's obvious she's the right choice.
Seeing that everyone trusted her to protect the Dark Stone, Helena accepted the responsibility that was placed upon her. "Okay, I'll accept the responsibility," She stated,
"We appreciate your help, Helena." Aurea smiles, still holding the Dark Stone. "Now be careful," She carefully handed the Dark Stone to Helena,
Helena held onto the Dark Stone carefully in her hands, then she felt something within the Stone. "Huh?" She looks down, feeling a sudden surge from the Stone.
"Something wrong Helena?" Professor Juniper asked the black-haired girl.
Helena shook her head, looking back at the Professor. "I-It's nothing, I'm just surprised how light the Dark Stone is." She commented, feeling the weight of the Stone.
Aurea smiles at Helena's observation, "Of course, that's what Researchers were surprised about once they retrieve it from Relic Castle." She commented.
Adam steps forward to his Apprentice, "Helena," The young Researcher looks at her Mentor, hearing him calling her name. "I know that being entrusted with something important can be stressful." He stated, feeling bad for falling this responsibility onto her.
"But you're not doing this alone, I'll be by your side and ensure you're safe," Adam swore to protect his Student like he was her Father,
Helena nodded, appreciating her Mentor offering his protection in this task. "Thank you, Professor." She thanked him for his support.
A few hours later, both Adam and Helena stood before the Nacrene Museum. Both were ready to depart to Opelucid City, but not before bidding their friends farewell. "Good luck, Helena, and Adam," Cedric said to the two. "Both me and Aurea here along with Lenora and Hawes will continue searching for how to awaken Zekrom."
"Yes, we might be able to find something that Lenora and I have missed." Professor Juniper said, looking at the four helpers around her.
Bianca approached Helena, smiling at her. "Be careful, Helena. I know I can't do much but let's do our best, alright?" She said, trying to make things positive for everyone.
Helena smiles at Bianca, trying to cheer her up. She responded to the blonde girl's statement. "Yeah, let's give it our all."
Lenora looks at Adam, informing him of something else. "Adam, it's best to take the train to Opelucid City. A mode of Public transport is far safer than going on foot." The teal-haired Gym Leader said to the young Professor.
Adam nodded, taking Lenora's advice. "That's what I planned to do from the start." He smiles, wanting the best possible way to protect his Student.
"Well, we wish you luck you two. Be safe." Cedric said, wishing them safe travels.
"Thank you, Professor." Helena smiles at the bronze-haired,
"Helena," The black-haired girl looks up at her Mentor, "It's time to go." He said, prompting them to depart Opelucid City.
The two left Nacrene City, passing Pinwheel Forest and entering Castelia City where they took the train to Opelucid City.
The train ride went well, they took the Subway to Nimbasa Station where they took another train to their destination.
-ZZZ- Now arriving at Opelucid City Station, -ZZZ- The PA announce their arrival at the Station of Opelucid City.
Both Helena and Adam got out of the Subway and entered Opelucid Station. The Researchers went up the stairs, entering the Modern City with Dargon statues at every corner o the City.
The Buildings were modern; however, the roads were made of old Stone from the Medieval Era of the World. "This must be the most well persevering and Modern City I've ever been to," Helena commented, holding onto her bag with the Dark Stone carefully hidden.
"If you want to see a preserved Building, check out the City's Gym." Adam points to the large Building off in the distance. It was shaped like a pyramid with two Dragon Statues on both sides, a White one and a Black one.
Helena's eyes spot the Gym that her Mentor was mentioning. The mere sight of it spoke of an imposing feeling to all who gaze upon it, "Wow, it's completely different from the rest of the City. It's like they completely saved the Building from the moment it was built."
Adam chuckles, hearing what his Apprentice was saying. Then he heard chatter among the residents of the City in the City Square, "What's going on?" He asked, looking in the direction of the City Square.
"Professor?" Helena asked, both following some People and their Pokemon to the source of the commotion.
The two paused, seeing none other than Team Plasma standing at the Center of the City. However that's not the only thing that surprised them,
There in front of the Grunts was none other than Ghetsis of the Seven Sages. "Ghetsis? What's he doing here?" Helen asked, holding onto her bag.
"I'm not sure, but stay close to me," Adam said, pushing Helena behind him to avoid the green-haired man's gaze.
"…That's correct!" Ghetsis held his hand out to the People. "Our Lord N has earned the trust and combined his power with the Legendary Dragon-type Pokemon, Reshiram!"
The Citizens of Opelucid City were conversing with each other about the concerning news. "He shall use his and Reshiram to usher in a brand new World." Ghetsis smiles, closing his eyes with confidence, hearing the conversations among the People. "We herald the return of the Hero of Unova, the Founder of this Region."
He moves to the side, continuing his speech to the crowd. "Pokemon are different from People. They are living beings who contain unknown potential." Ghetsis then moves to the right, "They are living beings from whom we Humans have much to learn."
"They are beings whose greatness we should acknowledge! Beings who should be freed from our oppression!" Ghetsis returns to the center of the group, holding his hand in the air. "We members of Team Plasma invite you to join us! We all want to create a new World where People and Pokemon are both free!"
Ghetsis smiles, holding out both hands to the People. "So, please People of Opelucid City, release your Pokemon," He looks up at the crowd, "And so, I end my pleas to you today. Thank you all for your attention."
With all said and done, Ghetsis and the Grunts of Team Plasma depart City Square, leaving the crowd of People be.
Helena couldn't believe her ears, "Is Ghetsis getting overconfident? He's literally saying release your Pokemon because we won." She commented, getting the gist of the speech.
"I agree, I guess with the King of Team Plasma already achieving awaking Reshiram; there is nothing they should be worried about," Adam added, also getting the gist like Helena.
"Fortunately, my Citizens are too smart to fall for that speech." An elderly and strong voice spoke next to the two.
(Insert OPELUCID CITY (White Version): Remastered ► Pokémon Black & White)
Turning around, was a muscular man with white hair and a beard covering his mouth. He wore a rolled-up white shirt, a locket around his neck, and dark grey suspenders with black gloves and dress shoes.
Adam smiles at the old man, "It's been a while since I saw you, Sir."
"Professor Ceder! Helena, it's been a long time!" A purple-haired girl approaches the two newcomers to Opelucid City,
Helena smiles at the sight of an old friend. "Iris! The last time I saw you was when we first arrived at Castelia City." The black-haired girl greeted her friend.
"I know, how have you since then? Did you catch a Petilili in Lostlorn Forest?" Iris asked, curious what the Ability User was doing since they departed.
"Yes, I did." Helena showed Petilili's Pokeball to her friend,
"That's great, Helena." The Ability User was happy to hear that Helena went and found the Petililies in Lostlorn Forest. "You have another friend to join you."
Axew pops out of Iris's hair, greeting the Ability Use. "Axew!"
The young Researcher smiles at the sight of the Tusk Pokemon, "Hello there, Axew. You're looking good," Helena promptly greeted the Dragon-type Pokemon.
A cough caught the attention of both girls, Iris flinched remembering that she hadn't introduced Helena to him. "Helena,"
Helena looks at Iris, motioning her hand to the muscular man. "This here is the Mayor of Opelucid City and its Gym Leader, Drayden." Iris introduces an important person in Opelucid City. She smiles, adding a comment o her own. "He's also my Mentor in being a Dragon master,"
The Dragon-type Gym Leader steps forward, greeting the young Researcher. "It's a pleasure to meet, Ms. Potter. I heard much about you from Iris here," Drayden commented, then his eyes softened at her, "I also heard from Lenora about what you're doing. I must say, it's very brave of you to take up the role of guarding the package."
"I-It's nothing, Sir." Helena blushed, gripping her bag, seeing it was just the right thing to do.
"Drayden, if you don't mind, can we talk somewhere…" Adam motions his eyes everywhere, unsure if any members of Team Plasma were listening.
Drayden nodded, understanding Adam's concern. "Of course, my home is not too far from the City Square." The Mayor said to the two, walking towards the direction of his House. He turns to both Helena and Adam, prompting them along with Iris to follow him. "If you all would follow me."
The three followed Drayden to his home where they will discuss the topic of the Dark Stone, while Helena and Iris catch up.
AN: How do you like it? Please leave a comment or review.