As they continued their stay in Slateport City, the Trainers then ran into Charmaine, the city's Gym Leader, and her boyfriend, a fellow Gym Leader named Wally. Summer and Charmaine bonded over a person they both knew, and the former learned of their father's passing. Summer left a voicemail for her depressed friend, encouraging him to hold onto his memories. Summer and Weldon now begin their trip to the next city, but a local event catches their eye, along with someone from Summer's past. What is the event about, and who will they meet?

Chapter 19- Escaping the Trick House

After we finished checking out, Weldon, Lightning and I exited the Pokémon Center. Slateport City was beginning to wake up with the morning sun, so the vendors at the marketplace were taking advantage of the cool breeze to set up their wares.

Weldon stretched. "Right then. Let's make our way to Mauville City."

"Sounds good. I think you'll like the city, Weldon. It's much more developed compared to Petalburg or Slateport."

"Interesting. I can't wait to see it."

We headed north to Route 110, and Weldon was shocked at the sight of an elevated concrete path over the grasslands and river leading to the ocean.

"Wh-What it the world?" he mused.

I giggled. "It's cool, isn't it? That's Seaside Cycling Road. They built that bike path for quick access between Mauville and Slateport without disturbing the Pokémon living underneath."

"I knew Hoenn was all about the relationship between people and Pokémon, but I didn't know it extended to infrastructure like that!"

Once the shock wore off, another curious sight blocked our way forward. Several groups of Trainers clustered around a small wooden house near the forest and river. We got closer and saw a white banner over the door with the words "20th Annual Trick House Challenge" in large, wavy black letters.

"Trick challenge?" Weldon asked.

"Oh, wow. Is it that time already?" I said, stroking my chin. "I didn't expect it to be happening while we're traveling around here."

"So, what is it?" Lightning inquired.

"It's an escape room event the Trick Master, owner of the Trick House, hosts every year. Groups of three people team up to solve puzzles and find objects to escape three rooms. Each team is given thirty minutes to complete it, and the group with the fastest time wins."

"A mental challenge… That sounds intriguing. I'd be down for that."

"But it looks like everyone's already in groups of three. Do you see anyone by themselves?"

Lightning scanned around and pointed to someone standing by the house. "What about her?"

A teenage girl with brown eyes and long, light brown hair stood nearby. She was pretty fit, so she was able to wear her red skin-tight shirt and green shorts well.

Once I saw her green hair clips and the jade-colored bandana around her neck, I instantly knew who it was. I ran over and shouted, "Jade!"

She looked up and grinned. "Summer!" After we exchanged hugs, she continued in her usual cheery voice, "It's been too long! How's your journey going?"

"Great, but it's gotten better after seeing you." We laughed just as Lightning and Weldon approached. "Jade, this is Weldon and Lightning. Guys, this is Jade, my old babysitter and Professor Birch's junior research assistant."

My former babysitter gave a friendly wave. "Hi there. It's so nice to finally meet you in person. Uncle Birch has told me quite a bit about you two."

Weldon nodded. "It's nice to meet you too. Are you going to participate in the contest?"

She glanced at the sign. "I'm not too sure. But...I'll consider it if you're doing it."

I beamed. "Actually, we are."

"Oh good! I haven't done one since I left for the Lilycove School for Young Researchers. I can sign us up. Be right back!"

She entered the house, and after a few minutes, she returned with three red goodie bags, a small plastic lantern, and a small booklet about the event.

"They said they'll start taking in groups in about a few minutes."

Weldon raised an eyebrow. "Isn't there going to be an introduction speech or something?"

"Well… The Trick Master is...an eccentric person. He tends to do things out of order to make it, as he says, 'more exciting'."

I smiled. "He does, doesn't he? Anyway, let's read the booklets and prepare for what's ahead."

"Good thinking, Summer!"

We spent our waiting time looking through our copies. Though there were illustrations and pictures of what the rooms consisted of, it was hard to make out the wording in them. At precisely one hour since she returned, Jade's Pokégear vibrated.

"Oh, it's our turn. Ready to do this?"

I smiled. "You bet, Jade. Let's win this thing!"

Weldon smiled at my response, which caught her attention. We entered the wooden house and were given a refresher about the rules by a young male volunteer: we had to make it through three rooms in thirty minutes, we cannot use our Pokémon, and we cannot use any of our devices to look up information. Lightning sadly returned to her Poké Ball, and we placed our belongings in the cubbies by the door. Once we were ready, the volunteer guided us to an open wooden door that led to the back of the house before locking us in.

The room was fairly dark, with the orange-glowing candles illuminating our surroundings. I could make out a large table, several drawers and bookshelves, and the door leading to the next room.

Jade stroked her chin. "From what I gathered in the booklet, it looks like we gotta find the key in here. Summer, check the books. Weldon, you can look at the cabinets. I'll try to see if the walls or floor reveal anything."

We nodded and explored our respective areas.

I scanned the hardcover titles. "Mazes 101", "How to Confuse Your Guests", "Constructing Puzzles and Riddles", "An Introduction to Escape Rooms"... Wow, the Trick Master really is obsessed with his passion. But I don't see anything that could show where the key could be.

An ice-cold chill ran down my spine. I turned around and saw nothing.

That was weird… Then I noticed a book that read "The Key to Setting Up Puzzles." I pulled it out and opened it. Inside was a hollowed-out square that held a red key and a folded-up note that read "The lock is rock".

Excited, I turned to my teammates, but when I noticed them holding similar keys, my heart dropped.

"This is...interesting…" I stated. "Did you both also get notes too?"

"Yeah," Jade replied. "Mine says, 'Place the keys in the order of type'."

"And mine says, 'The keys represent the three key types'." Weldon added.

I pondered the notes for a bit, then said, "Wait, I think I know what we need to do."

I ran to the door and saw the lock, made of stone, with three keyholes. "If the key colors represent Pokémon types, then we need to insert the order compared to the Rock type."

"I see!" the young researcher exclaimed. "Then if we're starting at Rock, then we need to go Fire, Grass, and Water."

Weldon nodded. "That sounds right. I can insert the keys."

We handed our items to him, and he placed the aforementioned keys from top to bottom. There was a soft click with each turn, and once the blue key was turned, the door opened. Inside, the next room was more well-lit, but it was cluttered with boxes stacked on each other. A table with two sets of scales sat in the middle of the room. We headed there and saw a piece of paper with instructions.

Jade read aloud, "'Find nine Pokémon figurines hidden amongst the boxes. Arrange the figurines based on height from shortest to tallest.'"

Weldon looked at the cardboard boxes and sighed. "Then we better get started."

We split up and combed through the boxes filled with tissue paper and packing peanuts. After five minutes, I was able to find marble figurines of Hariyama, Altaria, and Skitty.

"I got three Pokémon!" I informed as I returned to the table.

"So did us," Weldon answered. He and Jade came over and placed their figurines on the surface.

"So, you guys found a Roselia, Wailord, Aggron, Dusclops, Manectric, and Camerupt. Do you know anything about their heights?"

Jade frowned. "No… Ugh, I knew I should've studied them more in school!"

Weldon, on the other hand, remained calm. "I think I have a general idea."

I raised an eyebrow. "You do? I didn't know you studied Hoenn Pokémon at your school."

"We had to memorize crazy statistics on every Pokémon in existence," he replied with a smirk. "I'm just surprised that knowledge's relevant now."

We stepped away from the table, allowing the Kantonian to study and arrange the figures on the scales. Starting on the left, he placed the figurines in the following order: Roselia, Skitty, Altaria, Manectric, Dusclops, Camerupt, Aggron, Hariyama, and Wailord. The scales adjusted based on the Pokémon on them, creating a perfect downward diagonal line. But before we could celebrate, there was a chill in the air, and a puff of light gray smoke covered the surface. When they disappeared, the scale was replaced by a map showing the various habitats found within Hoenn.

The instructions also changed to read, "Now arrange the Pokémon by geographical location."

Weldon groaned. "Really? I didn't study this…"

"But Summer and I did!" Jade squealed. "Come on, Summer! It'll be quicker if the both of us do this."

"Sure."

I grabbed the four lighter Pokémon as my former babysitter took the heavier ones. Inching the map closer, I placed the Altaria on the forest symbol, the Skitty on the mountain symbol, and the Roselia and Manectric on the grassland symbol. Jade then placed the Dusclops on the forest symbol, the Wailord on the sea symbol, and the Camerupt, Aggron, and Hariyama on the mountain symbol.

The door creaked open, and we ventured into the final room. This time, the room was mostly pitch black, with some low red-light illumination on the ground.

After my eyes adjusted to the change in brightness, I surmised, "There must be a way to light up the room and figure out what we're doing here."

Jade replied, "There should be three lanterns around here. Everyone split up and see if we can turn them on. I'll move towards the center of the room."

Weldon announced, "I'm going to stay close to the left wall."

"Then I'll go along the right wall."

I walked forward, my right hand gliding on the slightly bumpy border. After a few seconds, I felt something solid right next to the wall.

This feels like a table.

I moved my hands on the object and felt its smooth, wooden surface. Realizing I was right, I leaned forward to find the lantern. Unfortunately, I was too eager and jammed my left pinky finger on a metal object. I held my breath, not wanting to lose its location, and was able to find a small knob. I turned it to the right, and a soft yellow light illuminated the nearby areas.

After rubbing my pinky, I grabbed the lantern and turned to my teammates. Since they were still looking for theirs, I assisted them by guiding them to their proper locations.

With the room more well-lit, we were to see a list of instructions on the table.

"'Find the three items to escape,'" Weldon read aloud. "'A scroll with my image on it, an Escape Rope, and an Escape Orb.'"

We looked around the last room and saw piles of scrolls, ropes, and crystal orbs littered on the ground.

Frustrated, Jade crossed her arms. "Not again…"

"Still, we can't give up!" I encouraged. "There's gotta be a way to find these items quickly."

Then, something caught my attention. This cold air… It feels like it's been following us through each room.

I looked around and noticed what looked like a pair of small, black eyes observing us from the east wall. Though frightened, I walked over to them and asked, "Are you a Pokémon?"

The eyes blinked, then a purple gaseous form emerged from the wall. It eventually materialized into a spiky Pokémon with two claw-like hands and large triangular white eyes.

He chuckled and replied in a raspy voice, "You betcha, kiddo!"

Weldon gasped. "What's a Haunter doing here?"

Jade crossed her arms. "Wait, aren't you the Trick Master's Haunter?"

The Ghost type beamed. "Spot on. I've been watching you all since you first started, but you're the first group to actually find me!"

"So, what does that mean?" I asked.

"Well, that means I can help you with my master's puzzle in this room!"

"Wouldn't that be cheating though?"

The Haunter burst into laughter. "Nah, my master told me I can help any group who successfully finds me. But for one room only, which so happens to be the last one for you guys."

Jade grew excited. "Then, can you help us find the items your owner wants?"

"Sure thing!"

He waved his arms, and a magenta aura appeared around his eyes. With his psychic powers, the Haunter retrieved a scroll, a bundle of rope, and a crystal orb from the three piles and handed them to me. The lantern's light revealed very faint images of a crazy glasses-wearing man in a red suit on the rope knot and transparent ball.

"Thanks, Haunter," I said. My friends echoed my appreciation.

"No probs, kiddos," he replied with a smile. "Hope you guys win!" Then, he disappeared into the wall where I found him.

After Jade checked the scroll to make sure it showed the owner of the place, she grinned. "All right, let's put them on the door!"

We placed the items in the order mentioned in the note. The door creaked opened, and to our surprise, we went through the door we entered at the beginning. The volunteer then said the Trick Master will let us know of the results around 2pm. We retrieved our belongings and exited the building.

Jade sighed. "Guess we have a few hours to kill." She turned to me with a relaxed smile. "Wanna catch up, Summer? I've been dying to hear what you've been up to."

"Sure, Jade."

We found a nice patch of grass close to the house and sat down. Luckily, Weldon and I grabbed sandwiches and fruit from the Pokémon Center, and we shared them with Jade.

After we finished eating, the junior research assistant stretched her arms. "That was delicious. Thanks for the food."

"No problem, Jade," I said with a grin. "I'm just glad we brought extras."

"Me too," Weldon added.

Jade then turned to me. "So, Summer. How's this journey going so far?"

"It's going well. I got two Gym Badges."

"Congrats! You're making good time then."

"Thanks. Weldon and I have also been enjoying the sights too."

"Really," she said as she turned to my traveling partner. "I've heard it's your first time here. What do you think about Hoenn?"

He smiled. "I really like it so far, despite the humidity."

Jade chuckled. "Yeah, that does deter some visitors. But I'm really glad you're enjoying it here."

"Are you doing any research projects, Jade?" I asked.

"Yup! I'm helping Uncle Birch with his habitat research by studying how Pokémon of the same species behave differently depending on their current environment. It's pretty fascinating, especially with Pokémon like Poochyena and Zigzagoon."

"How cool! To be honest, I do miss doing those kinds of things."

"You know, you can always go back to doing research, Summer. I'm only going to be in this role for the summer before I become part-time again."

Knowing she had good intentions, I shook my head. "Thanks, Jade, but I'm focusing on being the best Trainer I can be right now."

"I understand. You've always had a good heart, unlike someone I've met…"

I raised an eyebrow as she grumbled. "Who'd you meet?"

"Oh, just that guy doing that Nuzlocke challenge…"

Weldon and I exchanged glances. "You mean Lapis Eurig?" we chimed.

"Yeah! That guy's such a jerk! He's mean to his Pokémon, his attitude's terrible, and he keeps beating me whenever we battle! He's so...infuriating!"

I crossed my arms. Despite her obvious anger, I could detect she wasn't that upset with him.

The Kantonian remarked, "You know, he's not so bad, Jade."

"No offense, Weldon, but you haven't spent as much time as I've had. Besides, I heard he made a huge outburst at the Dewford Town Pokémon Center about putting his Poochyena in the Pokémon Box."

"Well, that's true…but I spent two weeks with him on Dewford Island…"

"Oh…" Her demeanor became more serious. "Then what's he really like?"

Weldon bit his lip. "He's… Well… It's….It's kind of hard to explain."

"I bet."

He cleared his throat. "I guess all I can say is that, despite his rough, even callous, exterior, I think he actually cares about the people around him. In his own way."

She scoffed, "That may be so, but he treats Pokémon like Muk."

"I wouldn't worry about that as much, Jade. I think he's slowly coming around. After all, he eventually got Onyx out and trained her some more."

Jade pondered his words. "Huh… I guess I have to see Lapis again to see if that's really true."

"After all, research is all about testing your hypothesis as many times as needed, right?" I surmised.

She laughed. "Yup! Responded like a proper scientist."

Then, a portly man with spiky grey hair and a red suit emerged from the house. A pair of swirly glasses covered his eyes. He twirled his thin goatee and shouted in a booming voice, "Everyone, gather round! I have the results of my magnificent escape event!"

We gathered around him and awaited the winners.

"Now then. I congratulate you all for completing my wonderful escape event this year. It has been quite some time since all of the participating groups have finished the challenge, although not all of you made it in the allotted time. I am sure you are waiting to see who has won my challenge this year!"

He removed an envelope from his pocket and opened it with his teeth.

"Alrighty! The winners are in the group consisting of Jade, Summer, and Weldon, who finished my challenge in twenty-five minutes! Please, come forward and receive your glorious prize!"

The crowd cheered for us, and we made our way to the organizer. The Trick Master waved his arms, causing small rectangular objects in various colors to shower over us. I held my hand out to gather some of them and recognized them as Pokéblocks, hard candies made with different Berries.

"You three have received a year's supply of Pokéblocks of any flavor! The rest of you will receive a fabulous consolation prize, a keychain with my lovely likeness! You can come into my abode to receive your keychain. Thank you all for participating in my escape event and I know you'll all be back for the next one!"

He clapped his hands and disappeared in a puff of smoke. As the crowd slowly filed into the house for their prizes, Jade, Weldon and I freed ourselves from the pile of candy.

I frowned. "What are we going to do with all of this candy? I know our Pokémon won't be able to eat a year's supply of Pokéblocks."

"Oh, don't worry, Summer," Jade reassured. "Once our Pokémon have had their fill, I'll arrange the supply to go to Uncle Birch's lab. I'm sure the Pokémon there will be happy to enjoy these treats."

"Good thing we didn't feed them earlier."

We let out our Pokémon, and they enjoyed the rare feast.

Jade motioned to us and said, "I have to head back soon to check in with Uncle Birch. It's been great catching up with you, Summer. I hope we see each other again soon."

I gave her a big hug. "Me too. Take care, and say hi to Professor Birch for me."

"I will. It's been great talking with you, Weldon. I hope we can talk some more next time."

Weldon nodded. "Likewise."

Thirty minutes later, with the pile of Pokéblocks gone, and Weldon and I continued our way down the grassy path towards Mauville City.

Summer's Pokémon:

Blaze (Blaziken, male): Brave Nature, Blaze Ability, moves: Fire Punch, Flamethrower, Blaze Kick, Sky Uppercut

Errol (Noctowl, male): Rash Nature, Keen Eye Ability, moves: Psychic, Confusion, Hypnosis, Air Slash

Aurora (Dewgong, female): Calm Nature, Thick Fat Ability, moves: Water Pulse, Ice Beam, Aqua Tail, Signal Beam

Lightning (Raichu, female): Adamant Nature, Static Ability, moves: Thunderbolt, Quick Attack, Iron Tail, Thunder Punch

Rocky (Steelix, male): Lonely Nature, Rock Head Ability, moves: Stone Edge, Crunch, Dragonbreath, Iron Tail

Olive (Treecko, female): Timid Nature, Overgrow Ability, moves: Pound, Growl, Absorb

Weldon's Pokémon:

Venusaur (male): Serious Nature, Overgrow Ability, moves: Solarbeam, Body Slam, Sludge Bomb, Vine Whip

Fearow (male): Adamant Nature, Keen Eye Ability, moves: Drill Peck, Steel Wing, Fury Attack, Aerial Ace

Golem (male): Bold Nature, Rock Head Ability, moves: Rock Slide, Earthquake, Rollout, Double Edge

Gyarados (male): Sassy Nature, Intimidate Ability, moves: Surf, Ice Fang, Payback, Waterfall

Arcanine (male): Naughty Nature, Flash Fire Ability, moves: Hyper Beam, Extremespeed, Flare Blitz, Fire Blast

Electabuzz (male): Rash Nature, Static Ability, moves: Thunder, Mega Kick, Thunder Punch, Shock Wave

Questions for the Chapter:

What did you think of the escape room event?

What did you think of Jade?