Chapter 11: The Secrets of Johto Part 1

Ash, Lillie, and Goh smiled as the sea air whipped past their faces as the ferry dashed across the sea towards Olivine City, where they were going to meet up with Gladion. A few sea-faring Pokemon surfed past them, including a Mantine that nearly reached deck height. Goh, impressed, took out a Pokeball and threw it. The spherical object hit the Sea Creature head on, capturing it before returning to Goh's hand. After a moment of shaking, it burst back open and the Mantine kept surfing onward, much to Goh's disappointment.

"Aw man."

"Don't worry Goh, there'll be plenty of more Pokemon to catch once we reach land."

"Yeah, but it was so cool!"

Ash and Lillie just rolled their eyes as Goh walked off somewhere to mope.

"He sure is an energetic one, isn't he?"

"Oh, like you're one to talk!"

"Hey, I'm nothing like that!"

"You're right, you're even worse!"

"Why, you little-"

Lillie giggled and kissed Ash playfully on the lips, calming him down.

"Relax Ash, I'm just teasing. Besides, I love your energy."

"Thanks, Lillie. And I love that you're willing to put up with me."

"Well, someone has to keep you out of trouble."

Just then, the ship sounded its horn, alerting her passengers that they were beginning approaching land. Ash, Lillie, and Goh stared out into the sea as Olivine City came into view, their first look at the Johto Region.

"You guys ready for adventure?"

"You bet! I can't wait to see Gladion again."

"And I can't wait to catch all sorts of cool Pokemon!"

Once the ship had docked, Lillie practically ran down the deck in excitement, Ash and Goh following her at a considerably slower pace. Gladion was waiting just outside the port, and caught Lillie just in time.

"Woah, easy Lillie! I'm glad to see you too, but you nearly ran me over."

"Sorry, but it feels like forever since I saw you! I've missed you a lot."

"I missed you too, Lillie. I'm glad you guys could come."

Gladion smiled and shook Ash's hand.

"Good to see you, Ash. You better be taking good care of her."

"Who, Lillie? Don't you worry, she's in good company."

"Yeah, if anything I'm the one taking care of him."

"Hey, whose side are you on?"

Gladion laughed, then turned to shake Goh's hand.

"I'm Gladion, Lillie's older brother."

"I'm Goh, their coworker at The Cerise Institute. Ash and Lillie told me a lot about you."

"Oh? What kind of things?"

"Well, Ash says your kind of moody, Lillie says you're overprotective, and they both say-"

Ash and Lillie quickly covered his mouth, chuckling nervously while Gladion glared at them. Luckily, he let it slide.

"Come on, the site isn't too far from here."

When they reached the site, they found a large camp set up outside the cavern. Scientists ran about, setting up and checking equipment, comparing data, etc. Gladion showed them to the head researcher.

"Guys, this is Professor Xander. Professor, this is Ash, Goh, and my sister Lillie, the research associated I was telling you about."

"Pleased to meet you kids."

"Same here. Thanks for letting us join your expedition."

"Ah, it was nothing. Cerise and I are old friends, I knew I could trust anyone he employs. Come on, let me show you over to the main site."

Xander led the quartet of teens into a cave, where a bunch of scientists were gathered around a large stone. Bits of it stood out, with strange symbols dotting the surface. Goh couldn't help but feel letdown.

"This is your big discovery? A giant rock?"

"Ah, but you see this isn't just any rock. Listen."

Taking out a small microphone, he wedged it into one of the cracks and left it there before leading his guests to a recording device. Although faint, Ash and his friends could hear noises coming from the rock. The sounds were anything unlike they had ever heard before.

"What is this?"

"That's what my team is trying to find out. We believe this rock is the key, but we can't figure out how."

Goh approached the stone, examining it thoroughly. The symbols seemed to be connected somehow, almost as if...

"Wait...I wonder..."

Slowly but methodically, Goh began shuffling the stones around, trying to form a pattern. Ash and Lillie stepped closer to see what he was doing.

"Almost there...Got it!"

When Goh was finished, he had formed the image of an Unknown. The rock began to glow, as did the runes on the walls, much to their shock and horror.

"What's going on?"

"Goh, what did you do?!"

"Hey, don't blame me! I thought I was helping!"

Suddenly, the floor underneath them gave way, sending them plummeting into the depths. When they reached the bottom, all five of them groaned in pain.

"Oh man, that was weird."

"You can say that again."

"Note to self, never solve ancient puzzles ever again."

Once they had their bearings back, they took in their surroundings. They appeared to have landed in some kind of cavern, with strange markings lining the walls. An ominous glow surrounded them.

"Woah, this is spooky."

A noise caught their attention, directing them to an Unknown at the end of the hallway. Motioning for them to follow it, the Pokemon floated down another corridor.

"Do you think its showing us the way out?"

"I don't know, but I'm gonna catch it!"

"Goh, wait!"

But Goh didn't wait, and was already halfway down the hall before anyone could move. Sighing, his companions picked themselves up and followed suit.

"He sure is excitable, isn't he?"

"You have no idea."

When they caught up to Goh, he was in a huge, brightly lit room. In it contained Unknown of all shapes and sizes, floating about in silence. Lining the walls were depictions of Johto and the world's history, from creation to present day. Everyone could only stare in awe at the wonderous sight.

"Woah."

"Yeah, no kidding."

"Its all so...surreal."

Xander smiled at the Unknown who had led them here.

"Is this what you wanted to show us?"

The Unknown chirped happily, dancing around in the air.

"This is incredible! Thank you so very much, I promise this information is in good hands."

After getting some photos and recordings, the Unknown who had guided them there teleported the five of them out. Afterwards it flew up to Goh's Pokeball and bumped against it, allowing it to be captured, much to Goh's pleasure.

"Alright, I just caught an Unknown!"

"Thanks so much for all your help. Just wait until the museum sees this!"

"It was our pleasure. Come on guys, we'd better get going!"

"Good luck! You're welcome on any one of my expeditions any time."

"Thanks, we'll keep that in mind!"

Later, the quartet were eating dinner when Gladion asked a question.

"So, how long are you guys going to stay in Johto?"

"Don't know. Professor Cerise gave us a week, but with the expedition pretty much over..."

"Well, I was wondering if you guys would like to accompany me to Ecuteak City. My next Gym Battle is there, and if you guys aren't going anywhere for a while I thought it'd be nice to spend some more time together.

Lillie smiled and hugged her brother.

"Of course! I mean, if that's alright with you two?"

"I've got no complaints. I can't wait to see some fierce battling!"

"Let's go! I can't wait to catch more Johto Pokemon!"

Their next course of action decided, the three researcher went to bed that night eagerly awaiting what the next day had in store.