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Porygon-Z March 9th, 2010 1:43 PM

Pokémon: Wing of Zapdos
 


Chapter One: Reunion


The lake’s ripples flickered in the dark night waters, as the surrounding bushes stood aglow with the illumise and volbeat that resided within. Glancing down at the pokétch on his wrist, Grey tapped the screen with the back of his finger to illuminate it. It was twelve past midnight. Tawny was late, and though Grey had promised himself that he wouldn’t be kept waiting this time, and knowing he ought to turn, head back to route 201 and reschedule this battle, his anticipation for this was too strong to let such a menial matter keep him from gauging his skills and the skills of his pokémon. The opportunities for true challenges were becoming very rare lately and in all honesty Grey knew the success had gone to his head a little. He needed this battle more than he cared to admit, and taking a pokéball from his waist, began to roll it in his hand. He had already made his mind up of what his opening play would be.
He couldn’t leave even if he wanted to.

The air was getting cold and thick, and though it was late Grey wasn’t tired, he was geared up. He turned, hearing footsteps approaching through the dim moonlight and moments later a fresh faced young trainer of about seventeen emerged from the wooded path to the lake. With her dark red hair semi-hidden under a baseball cap, her attire was, as always, mostly loose-fitting and scruffy, her glasses slipping down her pretty but modest face, and a coffee stained chequered shirt blew about her fitted black T in the night breeze.

“I know, I know and I’m really sorry but-” she began, but was interrupted by Grey.

“Were you trying to psyche me out, Tawny?” He joked.
Even though she was only twelve minutes late it had seemed like much longer due to the anticipation of the match and of seeing her in the flesh after such a long time.

“Wow,” she sighed “You look different.” Grey gave her a bemused look, and she laughed. “More confident, I mean.”

“Oh…I see.” He grinned. “Well, truth be told I’m a little nervous”

“Well Grey, I tend to have that affect on guys,” she said, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
The pair laughed for a moment as Tawny walked closer to the lake’s edge, placing her self in position, leaving a sizable space between her and Grey.

“Let’s begin,” She said smiling, and the laughter was broken.

A moment’s silence and then within an instant Grey slipped his finger over the centre button of the pokéball and it expanded in his hand. Tawny seemed to mirror his actions perfectly as both pokéballs were thrown, spinning into the space between them. Two great flashes of light filled the surrounding lakeside and in an instant were gone leaving in their places two pokémon.

With that the battle had begun and both trainers began to incite their commands.

“Fearow – drill peck!” urged Grey over Tawny’s shout for her Bellossom to use sunny day.

The bird flew, turning to face its trainer and then in a gracious swooping arc back toward the bellossom, spinning its entire body in a vicious attack. The impact sent the bellossom skidding backward as Fearow made another arc turn away and flew higher into the air. As the Bellossom picked itself up, it raised its arms to the sky and light surrounded the pokémon. Rising up, the light seemed to banish the sky of all the clouds above it. It was almost as if the light of the moon had intensified around the area where they stood, making it nearly as bright as day!


“Don’t let it throw you off, Fearow; one more drill peck should finish it off!” Grey yelled up.

As the Fearow spun through into another arcing attack, Tawny gave a command for her bellossom to use synthesis, and to Grey’s surprise the Bellossom managed to execute the maneuver before Fearow could land the hit! Fearow once again rammed into the tiny Grass pokémon with a super effective hit, but it still was not enough to knock it out.

“Chlorophyll! Of course,” cursed Grey, as he watched a proud smile spread across Tawny’s face.

“That makes the speed of our pokémon about even,” she declared triumphantly.

Grey realised he’d need at least two consecutive hits to take down the bellossom and ordered his fearow to strike again, as Tawny issued a command for sleep powder. Once more the nimble Bellossom was too quick and Fearow could not land the attack before flying straight into the cloud of blue spores. “No…” Grey muttered as his Fearow fell sleeping on the ground.

“And another synthesis, Bellossom!” cheered Tawny.

Grey began to see that Tawny wasn’t going to be as easy to beat as he had expected; even against a type advantage she was still managing to come out on top.

As Grey’s Fearow lay sleeping on the ground he realised, while sunny day was in effect, brute force alone wasn’t going to do the trick. He had an idea but he couldn’t give the game away until he was certain it would work, so he remained silent, issuing no commands.

“Solar beam!” Tawny yelled out to her Bellossom as it diligently obeyed, letting rip with a gushing arc of yellow and green light, which blasted the sleeping Fearow from above!

Although not very effective, the beam seemed to do a decent amount of damage and was enough wake the Fearow from its slumber.

“Perfect!” Grey uttered to himself. The timing for his plan could not have been better, and despite the risk, Grey had a feeling that this would work.

“Sleep powder again, Bellossom!” cried Tawny, surprised that the Fearow had awakened so soon.

“Let’s do it, Fearow!” yelled Grey to his pokémon as it took flight. “Mirror move!”

And all in one moment, the small Bellossom set loose its cloud of sleep inducing spores toward the great bird pokémon, as the Fearow made another spinning arc motion around the blue dust cloud, dodging it all together. The Fearow then stopped sharply in the air batting its wings open into full span, then rapidly slapping them together, forcing the dust cloud back upon Tawny’s Bellossom, engulfing it in a shroud of its own sleep powder!

A look of shock swept across Tawny’s face as the Grass pokémon fell victim to the Fearow’s mirror move.

“Now, drill peck!” cheered Grey, as the Fearow executed another super effective attack on the unconscious Bellossom.

“Come on Bellossom!” cried Tawny determinedly “You can do it. Wake up!” But much to her dismay the little pokémon remained snoozing on the grass, as the bright light of “Sunny day” faded away, leaving only the pale moonlight once more.

“One last time!” howled Grey excitedly as the Fearow began to repeat its attack!

“Bellossom!” shouted Tawny as her pokémon awoke!

It was too late however, as the Fearow drove its beak into the grass pokémon, just as it rose to its feet, knocking it out completely!

Tawny recalled her Bellossom as it collapsed, fainted. She smiled down at the pokéball in her hand, whispered something inaudible to Grey, and returned the ball to her belt.

“Always a trick up your sleeve, huh Grey?” remarked Tawny half-joking, as Grey grinned in silent celebration. “Well it’s not over yet” she announced stubbornly. “Go Mismagius!”

As the ghost burst forth from the pokéball, Tawny issued a command for a confuse ray and Grey knew this round had the potential to get much harder again as Mismagius’ shot a beam of eerie light that landed squarely on it’s target, plunging it into confusion.

“Mirror move again, Fearow,” And the Fearow using all its effort to obey, landed a confuse ray square on its opponent.

“Seems we’re in the same boat this time, Grey,” smirked Tawny, proud that she’d effected his fearow once again. “Mismagius – Thunderbolt!” she yelled, but it was no good. The mismagius simply flailed about injuring itself.

“Perfect,” said Grey as he looked toward his Fearow perched on the ground “You know what to do, Fearow!” but as the Fearow tried to fly it only tripped injuring its beak in its confusion.

“One more time, Mismagius! I know you can do it!” cheered Tawny, pushing up her glasses. But once again the Mismagius couldn’t summon enough focus to break free from its ailment and took confusion damage once more from its own strikes.

“Come on, Fearow, shake it off! Faint Attack!” Grey urged, and the Fearow rose into the air and vanished from sight, only to re-appear a moment later behind the mismagius, striking it hard with the dark type attack!

The Mismagius was badly hurt from the super effective blow but had managed to hang on.

“Last chance, Mismagius” pressed Tawny “Thunderbolt”, and before Grey could issue his command, theMismagius returned to its senses, and cast a mighty thunderbolt attack square onto the airborne Fearow!

“Good shot,” Grey commended.

Knocked out, his Fearow began to fall to the ground and Grey sent out a beam of red light from his pokéball, recalling it just before it landed on the grass beneath it. “Well done, Fearow” he said, stashing the pokéball away once more.

“Even,” stated Tawny simply.

“Don’t count on it,” retorted Grey with a cool smile, as he reached for his second pokéball, and sent in his next pokémon: Muk.

The sludge pokémon appeared with an abrupt flash on oozed out onto the moonlight grass.

Tawny flashed Grey a puzzled look, and he could see she didn’t know what to expect. But that look quickly vanished into one of determination as she incited her instruction to her pokémon.

“Mismagius, pain split-”

“Nice try, but not so fast!” Grey said calmly, cutting her off. “Muk, Shadow Sneak!”

“What?!” Cried Tawny in dismay, as the Muk melted into an almost invisibly thin layer of slime that shot across the ground at lightning speed and struck the Mismagius down before it could make a move!

“Super effective.” Grey grinned, as his muk returned to his side of the field.

“But, how?” Tawny frowned, “Muk can’t-”

“I bred this Muk especially,” Grey said cutting her off again. “Its shadow sneak is a move it inherited from Dusclops.

“I didn’t know,” sighed Tawny, as she recalled her fainted Mismagius to its pokéball.

She briskly shook her head to snap herself out of her daze, as she prepared her final pokéball of the match.


“Last one, Tawny,” said Grey triumphantly

“You don’t want to extend the match to six each do you?” she joked “but then I suppose rules are rules.”

Grey nodded as Tawny threw in her final pokéball and in a flash of light, there stood a great Typhlosion.

“I was saving him till last.” She smiled, but then broke into another command, “Fire Blast Typhlosion – take no prisoners!”

Faced with the immense flames the Muk stood its ground!

“You can take it, Muk” cheered Grey as the five pointed blast engulfed the sludge like monster.

“Sorry Tawny.” Grey smiled quietly before he cried out the final command “MUK - EXPLOSION!”

An intense glow of yellow and white filled the area and moments later a colossal blast blew air and smoke outward in a fierce current.

When the smoke cleared both pokémon lay fainted on the scorched grass.

There was a long and silent pause between the two trainers, for what felt like an eternity. Grey looked to Tawny who only stared at the ground, appearing crushed. Was that last move too cheap, thought Grey as he gazed back down to his K.O.’d Muk. He prayed he hadn’t gone too far and that she would understand. He never meant to hurt her. He would never…”

The silence was broken abruptly by Tawny whose expression flickered instantly to a large smile as she looked towards Grey from behind her glasses.

“That’s that then,” she said cheerily recalling her Typhlosion, “Well played, and good job to you too, Typhlosion!”

“Tawny I-” began Grey but was interrupted by Tawny’s merry tones,

“And since you still have one pokémon left in reserve, that means you win!”

“But that was-” He tried to explain but couldn’t fin the words.

“Brilliant strategy,” Tawny said completing the sentence for him. “Grey.” she continued, “Don’t worry, I’m a big girl, I can take it. Besides it just shows how strong you’ve gotten!”

Grey didn’t say anything, he felt so guilty. How could he have been so rough with her? Was he really that desperate to stay on top? How ruthless.

“Come on champ, lets go to the P.C.” Tawny Grinned

Grey had finally summoned the words and began;

“Tawny…you were awesome, and if it wasn’t for how lucky I got with Fearow and the sleep powder and the confusion…well you probably would have had me in a corner. Your strategy was great too, and I was worried to death through half of that battle.” He paused “You’re much stronger now too.”

It was emotional but Tawny managed to take Grey by the arm and shaking her head in happiness simply said:

“Come on you!”

Krystallyn March 10th, 2010 7:12 AM

Aww... I love how Grey apologized at the end of that chapter. I really liked it. Also, you did really good writing the battles. I can't wait to read more!

Porygon-Z March 10th, 2010 7:39 AM

Thanks very much for reading! I'm glad you liked the battle! I'm trying to keep them as accurate as possible, lol!

There's another five chapters already written but I'll probably have to break it up to make it more reader friendly! I'll post them at intervals, lol!

Krystallyn March 10th, 2010 8:03 AM

Alright. :) I'll be reading!!

Porygon-Z March 14th, 2010 5:15 AM


Chapter Two: Rowan


The lights in the Pokémon centre were dim in the late night as Tawny and Grey stepped gingerly through the sliding door which glided closed behind them with a faint hum. Heavy rain had set in just before they had entered Sandgem town and the pair were soaked through despite only having walked through the downpour for five minutes or so. Grey silently approached the deserted front desk and pushed a small white button that sounded a dull electric chime. Moments later a nurse appeared from the door behind the counter to greet them.

“Hello,” she said serenely “Are you looking for beds for the night or is it just the restoration service you’ll be needing?”

“Both would be great,” answered Grey with a shiver

“Very good. The dorms are just down the hall to the right whenever you’re ready, and if you’d like to give me your pokéballs for a moment I’ll pop them on the restorator for you.” She spoke in a very quick and well rehearsed manner but even so it was clear that the nurse was tired from the late night shift.

“Thanks.” Tawny smiled handing over the pokéballs as the nurse gave her a polite nod.

“So it looks like you got caught in the rain you poor things,” the nurse said chattily as she placed the pokéballs on the restorator “Oh and it must be so cold out at this time of night too. You know it’s funny we’ve been having these odd spells of heavy rain lately and-”

“Do you know if there’s a coffee machine in here?” Grey cut her off mid sentence.

“Oh yes,” she replied sweetly “Just by that potted palm in the corner.”

“Thanks,” said Grey strolling over to the machine, well concealed behind the green of the palm tree.

“If you want to take a seat I’ll call you over when we’re all done,” the nurse said, looking to Tawny, before disappearing dreamily into the back room.

Tawny sat in the circular couch in the centre of the lobby as Grey brought over two hot coffees. The two hadn’t really spoken much, and Grey was looking forward to a nice long catch up for once. The two put their feet up on the low table and relaxed in their wet apparel.

“I still can’t get over-” Tawny began, but was interrupted by the nurse who had entered silently and called over to them quietly from the counter.

“I’m so sorry I forgot to ask,” she began “do you know professor Rowan?”

“We’ve heard of him…” replied Grey looking slightly confused as he turned around on the couch to face her.

“It’s just he was in here earlier tonight asking for two trainers named Davys Grey and Tawny Brown,” she continued, looking over pleadingly.

“Yes that’s us,” Tawny said slightly louder that the quiet level of the night conversation.

“Very good, well he said to see him in his laboratory as soon as you can and that it was very important,” she said, adding “I’m very sorry I didn’t mention it sooner. It completely slipped my mind.”

“Did he say to wait till morning?” Grey asked her wearily.

“I’m sorry that’s all I know, I’m afraid. Oh-” She looked over the restorator noticing the pokéballs had stopped flashing and proceeded to return them to Tawny over the counter.

“There’s a videophone over there if you need it, and the dorms are just down the hall to the right. There are plenty of free beds, just try and be as quiet as you can as some travelers are already asleep in there,” she added with a smile as she slid off once more through the door beyond the front desk.

“I wonder what that Rowan business is all about,” remarked Tawny after the nurse had left.

“Surely it can wait till morning,” said Grey “It is quite late”

“I know but if it wasn’t really important he wouldn’t have come looking for us in particular…and in person too”

“What do you mean?” Grey murmured tiredly

“If it could have waited he would have just phoned instead of coming all the way out to find us himself,” she reasoned to Grey as he squinted tiredly to her. “We should at least call his lab to see what it is.”

“Are you kidding?” Grey grinned. “The man’s probably in bed, and besides I’m really tired. Anyway we may have been here sooner to see him in person if you weren’t late as usual.”

Tawny shot Grey a frown. “Well you can go to bed if you want,” she told him adamantly “but I’m going to call the lab.”

“Well I suppose it won’t hurt.” Grey submitted, as Tawny walked over to the video phone stall and began to dial the number from the directory.

Within an instant of ringing the phone was answered and a very disheveled professor Rowan appeared on the screen, the image his sombre face frowning into the dimly lit room.

“Miss Brown.” He began with a ring of urgency to his voice, “It’s a good job you’ve called. I need all able trainers in the area to come to my labs immediately. It’s of the utmost importance.”

“Professor what’s going-” she started to ask but was cut off by a very apprehensive sounding Rowan

“I’ll explain all of this when you get here, but first let me ask you, is your friend Davys with you?”

“Yes he’s right here,” she said as Grey leaned into the camera’s view saying:

“Hello Professor.”

Rowan ignored him and continued. “It’s important you both come immediately. I have an urgent assignment. A handful of other trainers are already here but I need you two here before anything can be done. This is an urgent matter,” he said soberly but with much anxiety.

“Wait” began Grey “Assignm-?”

“Please hurry!” Rowan stressed cutting off Grey before hanging up abruptly.

“Well?” said Grey looking to Tawny as if for answers.

“Gosh,” she said and sat still for a moment looking at the blank screen until resolving:
“Come on then we have to get over there. Now.”

“Hang on,” started Grey “We don’t even know what this is about and it may not be any of our-”

Tawny shot him a shocked glare.

“Grey, didn’t you hear how worried he sounded?! If he says it’s important and he needs our help, we have to go!” she reproached him. “Besides, Elm always spoke highly of Rowan and I don’t think he’s the kind of man to waste time unnecessarily do you?”

“No...Sorry,” Grey said looking regretful and apologetic. Then looking up at Tawny resolutely said “Let’s go.” And the pair hurried out into the night rain once more.


* * * * *


Rowan stood in the darkened storage room with his back against the door, his eyes shut in contemplation of the events that had already passed in one short and stormy night. The chattering voices of the young trainers whom had already arrived at the labs, at his request, could only be heard as a faint hum to him. It wouldn’t be long now till Tawny and Grey arrived. Rowan had never met the two, but had heard great things about each of them, had seen their battles, and had spoken to Elm about them, and had heard how far they had come. He had faith that they could help the most. As soon as they would arrive Rowan could begin, but in this small window of time he began to collect his thoughts and compose himself into his usual state of ever reserved calm.

His clothes were completely soaked and his trusty brown trench coat had been thrown carelessly on the floor forming a small puddle on the tiles. He shivered and took of his drenched waist-coat too, then slid the thermostat dial upward. Walking over to a high set bench he gave a long sigh and rested his hands upon a large, cylindrical, black, wooden box.

Thunder began to roll in the distance and the sound of the rain intensified. Unsurprised by this, Rowan once more shut his eyes in meditation, remembering the dangerous lengths he had gone to in procuring the contents of this very box.

Not four and a half hours ago Veilstone had been a scene of total pandemonium. People were running away in fear, fighting to escape the city, whilst others had been fiercely rushing toward the department store area, in anticipation and frenzied excitement, hoping to catch a glimpse of the monster.

The entire scene had been set beneath a grave canopy of vicious thunder and lightning as thick torrents of rain coursed down from the black heavens, making the already intense riot seem virtually apocalyptic.

It was by chance that Rowan had been on the scene, retuning late form his studies at Lake Valour. Those studies seemed so trivial now, in comparison to all that had transpired…in comparison to all that he knew was yet to come.

Images of his night flashed in his mind. The department store rooftop, and how he had been the first to go there. The tank of collected rainwater in which he had had to hide from the mob that came afterward, getting soaked to the bone to remain concealed. How he had to fight his way off that rooftop and even then only just managing an escape with the well timed rescue by a Kanto Silph field operative and a stranger. But most of all, he remembered that mighty bird perched there, its eyes tired and confused but also filled with power, almost evil, as it fled. He shuddered at the thought. Did it know what it had left behind on that same rooftop? More importantly though, thought Rowan, did anyone else know that the very same thing now lay in the box before him.

Snapping back into reality, Rowan heard the front door to the lab open to the fierce storm to let in more trainers. He knew it would be Grey and Tawny, and that it was time to begin. Slipping on a dry lab-coat over his wet shirt, Rowan took the box under his arm and with one last slow sigh, made his way into the lab to address those who had come to his aid.

Opening the door, Rowan paced slowly out into the lab where small group expectant young trainers stood, and without looking at any of them, placed the box on the table as all in the room fell silent. He turned to face them, Grey and Tawny standing at the back of the small group not saying a word, but looking at each other worriedly. Rowan knew that his current appearance gave away his struggle earlier that night and didn’t have the time to beautify himself in this dire situation. He knew that nobody was used to seeing a regarded professor of pokémon in such a dishevelled state. Still nobody said a word.

“Thank you for coming.” He began in a low and resonating voice, “I must tell you know that what you are about to hear is highly sensitive- no…” he paused for a moment and corrected himself. “Highly dangerous information.”

Some of the younger trainers began to look worriedly to each other but the more experienced of the group listened intently, unflinching.

“What I am about to ask you to do is also dangerous,” he addressed the whole room as he said this, but made a point of looking toward Tawny, who’s eyes did not stir, but remained fixed on Rowan. “So if any of you here, especially the less experienced of you, wish to leave, then now is the time.” There was a short pause, but nobody moved. “Very well,” said Rowan, “then we’ll begin.” He moved over to the table with the box on it and leaned back against it. He spoke once again in a very calm and controlled manner, despite the shocking information that he was about to reveal.

“If any of you have seen the news in the past five hours ago you will know what this is concerning” some of the group nodded at this, but Grey looked bemused and nervous at the back. “This evening in Veilstone city, the legendary Pokémon Zapdos appeared in the midst of the public.” There was surprise at this statement among the party but nobody spoke. “As you know pokémon such as Zapdos, are known as legendary because most people dispute that they even exist, but for a pokémon of this nature to appear this close to humans is almost unheard of. The sheer power that these legendary pokémon posses is unfathomable.” He looked toward his gravely attentive audience and with no questions he continued:

“The Zapdos, which flew in plain sight above Veilstone and eventually landed on top of the department store tower building, caused enormous unsettlement to the populous, and as you will find out Veilstone has been in a state of emergency due to the riots that ensued. As you can imagine most people were extremely afraid of such a powerful force of nature being so near. However there were others who having seen the Zapdos, were driven to ensure its capture, and so were equally as frantic. Disconcerting though this may be, it is not the problem. The Zapdos only stayed roosted for a short while before returning in flight back to the cover of the clouds.”

Rowan looked out once more and couldn’t help but notice Grey’s shocked appearance. He looked full of questions and disbelief. Most of the trainers present looked taken aback by the information too, as if they couldn’t believe what they were hearing.

“I assure you this is all true.” Rowan continued, “But the reason I have asked you hear on such urgent premises is a matter of different proportions, though of the utmost relevance to what I have just told you.” Rowan turned to the box on the table and lifted the lid, placing it beside the box. He carefully inserted both hands and slowly removed a large egg with a black stone-like shell.

Shocked gasps came from the group and everyone in the room looked instantly alert.

“I believe this is the reason that Zapdos descended to Veilstone and the reason it needed to roost on top the store building.” There was silence in the room for a long moment and the sound of the heavy rain on the rooftop seemed louder than ever before. “Luckily I was the first to venture up the Zapdos’ roosting place and through even greater luck managed to secure this egg and keep it hidden from the rioters.” Looking at the trainers before him he spoke with more severity than before, “I also believe we are the only people who currently know that Zapdos appeared for the purpose of laying its young, and that we are the only ones who are aware of this egg’s existence.” He paused again, and spoke ever more gravely. “However I am also sure that it is only a matter of time before someone who has knowledge of pokémon birthing habits also notices this and realises that an egg ought to have been, and come looking for it. So time is of the essence.”

“Professor,” Grey finally spoke up in the confused tone Rowan had expected him to adopt. “I’m sure this is very important, I mean it’d have to be but…” he paused for a moment and tried to think of how to phrase his next words. “What are we actually here to do?”

“Good question,” replied Rowan calmly and sombrely. “You live up to your reputation Mr. Grey. What I have called all of you here for is to undertake a dangerous and important task.” He looked once more on the confused group. “We must see that this egg gets to its home…to its mother.”

Krystallyn March 15th, 2010 1:16 PM

Can't wait for more. It's really good, and I'm hooked. I love the way the mysterious storyline is going. It's like nothing I've ever read. I'll keep reading!!

Porygon-Z March 17th, 2010 4:58 AM

Thanks Krys!! That's kind of you! I'll probably be posting the second half of chapter two on Friday!
:D

zapdos926 March 18th, 2010 7:00 PM

this story really interesting so far. neat story line

Krystallyn March 19th, 2010 1:49 PM

*gasp* This is an unexpected twist. I really can't wait for the next chapter. ♥ I'm dedicated, and won't abandon this story.

Skull Guardian March 20th, 2010 5:41 AM

Nice! This was an unexpected thing to happen! I never thought about a legendary pokemon laying an egg... anyway, I am hooked to this story! I will keep reading!

Porygon-Z March 20th, 2010 2:24 PM

Thanks for the awesome comments guys! I hope you all like what's to come! Thanks so much for reading!

zapdos926 March 20th, 2010 6:28 PM

this is getting very excitning! you have talent which i dont... :(

Porygon-Z March 22nd, 2010 3:33 AM

Hey all! Thanks for all the comments and reads! XD Here's the first half of chapter 3! :)
_____________


Chapter 3: Briefing

Cherrygrove, Johto: The Year 1261


Maylon Hotaru awoke to grey skies that morning as he looked out from the stone window that overlooked the sea, not so far away. It was late springtime and the empty streets of the small sea-front town were covered in falling cherry blossoms. The town was almost empty as it was still early morning, though the signs of the day’s beginning were evident: The muffled sound of the blacksmith’s workshop and the chatter of returning fishermen with their morning haul of magikarp, floating up over the bells chiming and morning song from the town’s grand shrine, while the melodies of hoothoot and noctowl returning to their nests from the night, were beginning to fade. Usually Cherrygrove was much busier, but this early morning scene was perfect for Hotaru to begin his journey un-noticed.

He moved from the window to the foot of the bed in which he had slept that night and reached for the bag that he had placed there. From it he took his robes which he gently put on. These robes were not the usual long and flowing, ornate red, gold and green robes that he would usually wear day to day. This time the people of his land could not know where he was going and so, for now, he wore his simple brown traveling robes and a long brown, hooded cloak over them. He then took from the bag six small red crystals, each one on a thin loop of silver chain, and put them all around his neck, tucking them beneath the cloak.

Putting on an old pair of spectacles he made his way quietly down the stone steps, into the hall and through the front door of the inn, in which he had stayed for the night. Closing the door softly behind him, he looked toward the ocean and began down the wide green streets, making sure all the time to keep his face concealed behind his hood. He began to reflect on his situation.

When he had called the order council to discuss the venture on which he was now about to embark upon almost all of the elder members had been disapproving. Messages from the land beyond the mountains had come asking for help. Great sky beasts had wrought havoc upon their land, and supernatural storms had occurred across the region. Even tails of fire raining from the skies had come over; Tales that spoke of evil bird-like pokémon. These messages had scared the people of even this land, Johto, and the neighbouring land of Kanto had become a place where none dare venture or even speak of.

Kanto had dispatched their own high sorcerer, Phaste Endargo, to tame the sky titans but he had disappeared some time ago. It was then that they turned to Johto and pleaded for Hotaru to come to their aid.

The people of Johto were very fond of Hotaru. He had been exalted as the most powerful high sorcerer in over two hundred years. For this reason, the council’s consensus to ask Hotaru not to assist the neighbouring land had been twofold. The nation had been worried about these stories of dangerous sky-beasts, and feared that if their treasured grand-high sorcerer went there, that he would not return. The second reason however was born of a deeper concern.

One of the reasons Hotaru was renowned as such a great sorcerer was his ability to understand and quell pokémon. The pokémon he himself utilized, he shared a profound bond with and the council, though they would not admit it, were afraid that if Hotaru were to try to tame these beasts, he would end up invoking them to himself and would become infected by their evil.

Hotaru however knew better. He knew that no pokémon could be evil, and it was his duty as grand-high sorcerer to help those in need. Even so, he did not wish to let the sorcerer’s order, or the people of the land, know that he was going on this journey. It would cause too much of a stir, and incite more rows within the order council. He had made up his mind, no matter what.

In all of his musings Hotaru had eventually made his way down through the blossom covered streets, to the shore, where a number of piers stretched a short way out in to the water. Fishermen were returning from their boats and a group of young men were stood near-by fixing a broken wheel on their stantler-drawn cart. Nobody noticed Hotaru as he walked peacefully to the shore.

When he reached the sea Hotaru gently placed one hand into his cloak and removed from his neck one of the small-red crystals that hung there. Looking out toward the grey horizon he held the crystal out in-front of him.

Just as he was about to speak he heard a child’s voice

“Master Hotaru?”

Hotaru dropped his arm and turned to face the little girl.

“So you recognised me even so.” He began serenely. “But please young one, call me brother Maylon”

“Are you leaving?” she said sadly, “To the land beyond the mountains?”

“Yes,” he replied with a soft nod.

“My mother says it’s too dangerous even for you.” She looked up at him with adoring and worried eyes, “And that you may not return if you leave.” She paused and gave a little sob. “Will you return?”

“What is your name young one,” asked Hotaru gently.

“Meya,” she replied as a tear ran down her cheek.

“When I return, Meya, all will be well in both lands, and I will return to this very shore to come and see you…” He dug deep in his pockets and produced a large seed which he handed to the little girl closing it in her small palm, and continued in his ever calm tone “…and by the time I get back this seed will have grown into a beautiful rose bush. Take care of it and grow a pretty rose for me for when I return.”

She held the seed close to her and dried her tears on her sleeve.

“Thank you. I know whatever you do master Hotaru, it will help everyone. Good luck,” she said, sobbing quietly

“Thank you young Meya.” Hotaru smiled. “That means more to me than you will know.” And with that he turned back to the ocean and once again held the red crystal out before him and said the words:

“I call upon Gyarados!”

And with a flash of light the mighty water pokémon appeared in the ocean before him and bowed its head so that its master may climb up onto its back.

Hotaru stowed the crystal, which had now turned clear, back under his cloak, and climbed aboard the Gyarados’ back.

As Meya waved a silent goodbye, Hotaru whispered that Gyarados begin their voyage and depart to the land beyond the mountains.


* * * * *


Sandgem, Sinnoh: Present Day



“But professor,” Grey pressed on, “I don’t mean to be contrary, but…” he held a hand out indicating toward the large, black, stone like egg on the table at the head of the room, “…doesn’t that fall under the pokémon rangers’ jurisdiction?”

Everyone in the room had turned their eyes to Grey. Tawny especially, looking at him with a mixture of incredulity at his forthcoming-ness in questioning the matters in such a critical situation, yet also acknowledging that his query was a very valid one.

Rowan answered, un-phased. “Usually yes, undertakings of this nature would be the responsibility of the ranger corps, however the rangers have not yet been made aware of the situation.” He paused “As I have said, we are the only who know about the egg.”

“Surely we should-” Grey interjected, but Rowan knew what he was about to say and answered before he had a chance to finish.

“In this case, the fewer people that know of this egg the better, as I am sure we all have every confidence in the rangers, they are a large organization and the further this information spreads the more likely it is to be leaked.”

Grey looked downward, silenced.

“As well as this,” Rowan continued, “I do not believe that the rangers could provide a level of security high enough to protect this egg from-”

He stopped realising he may have said too much too soon.

“From what?” one of the younger trainers asked from the small group, in a worried tone.

Rowan looked suddenly worried, as if he was about to reveal a harsh reality. “As you know,” he began again, with a tell-tale gulp of reluctance, “when people…or pokémon hunters to be more precise,” he said correcting himself nervously, “realize that there is an egg, and where that egg is…they may try to seize it with all force necessary.” He finished abruptly and nervously

Grey looked up in realisation.

“That’s why you can’t leave it to the rangers isn’t it?” he said gravely, “They lack the firepower to ward off an attack.”

“Regrettably,” Rowan answered soberly, “this is true. Rangers do not carry pokémon of their own therefore, it is safe to assume, that despite their prowess in field operations, the egg would be more secure with experienced trainers.”

Grey didn’t say a word, but simply gestured toward the younger trainers of the group.
Rowan did not respond, but looked toward Tawny and Grey pleadingly for help.

“That is the reason I called you and Tawny here tonight,” he stated quietly.

“Professor?” Tawny said, looking for a further explanation.

“I need both of you to be the custodians of this egg, and take it back to its mother, keeping it from harms way.”

“What?” said Grey flatly.

“I know it’s a lot to ask,” he said pleadingly “but you are the most able trainers here and I know you can-”

“Wait a second!” came another interjection, but this time from another male trainer in the group. He was about Tawny’s age, with dark flat hair that came down over his forehead and half covered one eye, standing with his hands on his hips, fists clenched “What makes them more able than me?” he continued indignantly.

Rowan was not in the mood for petty gripes at such a critical point and simply glared at the youth until he backed down. “You will have your task to complete and probably much sooner than you think,” he shot at the youth in quiet anger.

“Professor why us?” Tawny urged softly.

“As I have mentioned to you both, I have confidence in your abilities to complete this task, and I know you both work well as team, which will be essential in this mission,” he answered in his softer more reserved tone.

“Mission?” Grey repeated confusedly “Professor, where are we even meant to begin? How can we possibly hope to find a creature that is so elusive that it’s almost never seen?”

“I’m afraid that this task won’t be a simple one Mr. Grey.” He turned his attention to the other trainers of the group “Which is why I need all of you to go out and gather information. Ask all over, and find out where the Zapdos went.” He turned back to Grey and Tawny solemnly. “Tawny, Davys. Will you take on this task?”

Grey looked desperately at Tawny, who only looked deeply toward the egg on the table.

“Tawny,” Grey whispered, again hoping for answers from his old friend.

“Grey,” she replied in a sorrowful tone “we have to.”

“Okay,” he said solemnly and then gave a nod to Rowan, who issued them up to the front.

Tawny looked in a trance, her face filled with calm resolution. Rowan proceeded to place the egg back in its tubular box and hand it to Tawny. He looked at them both, so young and full of potential. He had more faith in these two than any other trainers here. Despite Greys reluctance, he could tell that he would take this responsibility and give it his all. As for Tawny…he could see she fully understood the gravity of what they were about to do.

“Your top priority is to keep moving,” he whispered to both of them. “Don’t let anyone know what you have and don’t stay in one place for too long.”

“Where are we meant to go?” Grey whispered back desperately.

“The only information I can offer you is that Zapdos is meant to be native to the Kanto region. Head there, but try to gather as much information as possible on the way.”

“Right,” Grey replied with a nod.

“You have to leave as soon as possible, right away.” He continued in a whisper.

“Leave out the back door, and don’t go near Veilstone. Understood?”

“Understood.”

Tawny held the box in her arms still not saying a word, until looking up at the professor and asking a question that seemed so obvious to Grey that it astounded him that nobody had mentioned it.

“What if it hatches?” She said with concern.

“It shouldn’t,” Rowan reassured, “but keep in regular contact with me, especially if the situation develops.” He paused as the pair began for the exit. “Thank you,” he said expressively to them and the pair nodded, heading out the back door of the lab in a hurry.

As the two disappeared from the room, Rowan then turned to the other trainers in the room, with a more solemn face than before.

“The younger trainers here, I advise to leave know. Go out and gather as much information as possible, and report back to me. Tell no-one of what you know, and watch out for suspicious behaviour. Information is key to Grey and Tawny’s success.”

The younger members of the group began to file out obediently as Rowan turned to two remaining trainers. A beautiful girl with long blond hair, and the trainer who had spoke out so adamantly to Rowan earlier.

“Now for you two,” he said sombrely. “What I chose to keep from the others, Tawny and Grey included, is that I believe I am being tracked.”

The pair looked shocked but listened all the more intently for it.

“I believe that a hunter in Veilstone has been following me, and may know about the egg.” He paused again. “I also believe she will come here soon to try and seize it.”

The pair couldn’t believe what they were hearing, and to the extent that the Professor knew he was being followed. The blonde girl looked more worried as Rowan explained:

“This is no ordinary hunter. She is one of the most formidable and resourceful in her profession, and I believe will pose a large threat on this operation. Sally, Uri, I called you here because I knew this hunter was coming. And because of your own formidable battle skills, I need you to hold her off long enough for Tawny and Grey to get far away from Sandgem town”

“Professor,” Uri answered taken aback by this request.

“Right!” the blond said with stern resolution.

“There wont be much time,” Rowan stressed gravely. “Soon, I think”

But as if following a queue, a colossal loud blast blew the double steel doors of the lab clean from their hinges, inward, slamming against the floor, infinitely louder than the thunder that rolled outside.

Rowan stumbled back and the two trainers reached for their pokéballs.

From the dark of the stormy night two mighty pokémon entered. A menacing Tyranitar and Metagross advanced, followed by a slender pale skinned woman, dressed all in black, dark ebony curls of hair falling about her ghostly shoulders. Her eyes full of confidence and danger.
The woman strutted into the centre of the lab, past her two obedient pets, and pointed a single slender finger toward Rowan, who stood backed against the wall glaring at her.

“I know what you have,” she said mockingly “and I want it!”

“You can think again!” Uri yelled to her furiously.

The woman’s body didn’t move a fraction, but her eyes darted to the young man, scanning him, as if only just realising he even was in the room.

“Still using teenagers to do your dirty work Rowan?” she said with a heavy sigh.

“We’ll fight you,” said Sally in a nervous threat that only attracted the same stare that Uri had received moments earlier.

There was a short pause and the heavy rain could once again be heard beating hard against the stony ground outside.

“Well then,” she uttered contemptuously, “you’re in trouble now”, and with a snap of her fingers the two goliath pokémon behind her proceeded toward them.

Instinctively the pair of defending trainers cast forth their own pokéballs, and with that a vicious double battle had begun.


_____________________

So that's the first part of chapter 3! Hope you all enjoy!


Quote:

Originally Posted by zapdos926 (Post 5639134)
this is getting very excitning! you have talent which i dont... :(

You should post your fan fic on the forums that way if you're not happy with how it's going people can read and give you pointers! :D

Krystallyn March 22nd, 2010 9:24 AM

Wow. Really good chapter. A little more explaination as to what's going on. I'm in suspense, wondering how this is going to play into the story exactly.

Skull Guardian March 22nd, 2010 10:03 AM

This is awesome! I especially like how you describe it all and how pokeballs are replaced by crystals. Ill keep reading!

zapdos926 March 22nd, 2010 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Porygon-Z (Post 5643454)
if you're happy with how it's going people can read and give you pointers! :D


i did, its called "dragons winter". So far the only one who has commented is Krystallyn

Krystallyn March 22nd, 2010 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zapdos926 (Post 5643868)
i did, its called "dragons winter". So far the only one who has commented is Krystallyn


And it's really good, too.

Krystallyn March 29th, 2010 12:43 PM

Hmm... I like the twist. I'm waiting in anticipation for the next chapter. :)

Silawen March 31st, 2010 8:13 AM

Hello! I've only recently joined this forum and wanted to get some reviewing done. I saw your fanfic and just had to give it a read. ;)

~

Quote:

Tawny was late, and though Grey had promised himself that he wouldn’t be kept waiting this time, and knowing he ought to turn, head back to route 201 and reschedule this battle, his anticipation for this was too strong to let such a menial matter keep him from gauging his skills and the skills of his pokémon.
There is nothing necessarily wrong with this sentence, but I think it's unnecessarily cluttered. By changing some minor things you could have a sentence that flows better and doesn't use repetition. For example, like this:

Tawny was late and though Grey had promised himself that he wouldn't be kept waiting this time – and knowing he ought to head back to route 201 and reschedule his battle – his anticipation for it was too strong to let such a menial matter keep him from gauging his skills and those of his pokémon.

You could easily replace the dashes by commas, but I'm overly fond of the things, hence their inclusion. I also tried to work around the repition of 'this' and 'skills', but I could understand you using the last one twice. I wasn't sure if emphasis was needed there.

Quote:

He needed this battle more than he cared to admit, and taking a pokéball from his waist, began to roll it in his hand.
I would change the commas here. If using commas the way you are, you should be able to remove the information between them and still have a functioning sentence. Here that is not the case. They could stand as separate sentences, really, so maybe cut them into two?

He needed this battle more than he cared to admit. Taking a pokéball from his waist, he began to roll it in his hand.


I don't know, really. Maybe rewrite that altogether, or something. It just doesn't read right when left the way you had it. To me, at least.

Quote:

“Were you trying to psyche me out, Tawny?” he joked.
This is a case of direct address and thus needs a comma. Direct address occurs when you're directly addressing someone or something. Most often this happens when, like you're doing here, using someone's name.

Other examples include:

"Wait for me, Anna!"

"I don't care, kid."


You're directly addressing someone and using some form of 'name' for them.

Quote:

Wow,” she sighed. “You look different.” Grey gave her a bemused look, and she laughed. “Moreconfident, I mean.”
Punctuation really is tricky, isn't it? *grin* Don't worry, it's easy to get a hang off once you know the rules. It took me quite a while to get the hang of it, too.

First I'll explain a basic sentence, then go into what you're doing here.

When deciding what punctuation to use it's very important to find out what kind of verb you're using. Is it a speech verb – a verb that is able to bring forth speech, such as 'whispered', 'asked', 'yelled', etc. – or a regular verb? When it's a speech verb, you get the following:

"Hello," she said.

Notice the comma and the lowercased word following it. She is saying that sentence, so they're directly connected.

"Wait!" she yelled.

In this case the exclamation mark overrules the comma, but the word following it still remains lowercased. (Yelled is, after all, a speech verb.) Same goes for question marks.

"I don't know." The boy shrugged.

You can't 'shrug' a sentence, so it's clearly not a speech verb. That means they aren't directly connected and so you get a period/full-stop and a capitalized word following. Does that make sense?

You've made your sentence a bit trickier, because it's cut into several parts. Let's have a look at it.

Quote:

“Wow,” she sighed. “You look different.” Grey gave her a bemused look, and she laughed. “More confident, I mean.”
Another tricky part about this is that 'sighed' is a very difficult verb. Some people say it's a speech verb and others say it isn't. In this case I'm assuming you meant to have her sighing that sentence and not sighing inbetween, so I used it as a speech verb.

Another difficult thing about your sentence is that you can either read this as 'Wow, you look different.' or 'Wow. You look different.' Either way works. I chose to punctuate it as if it was the second one. They're two separate sentences now and I punctuated it accordingly. You get a comma, just like the regular ones, and end the speech verb with a period/full-stop. Then the new sentence begins and you end that one too.

I sincerely hope that makes sense, heh. This stuff is mighty tricky, so if you have further questions, please don't hesitate to ask.

Quote:

Oh, I see.” He grinned. “Well, truth be told, I’m a little nervous.”
This is how I would punctuate this sentence. You can't grin a sentence, so it's not a speech verb. There is a pause after 'Oh' and 'Well', so you get a comma, and 'truth be told' is additional information that could be left out. (And is thus between commas.)

Quote:

The pair laughed for a moment as Tawny walked closer to the lake’s edge, placing herself in position, and left about eight metres or so between her and Grey.
The original sentence felt a bit awkward, especially because 'placing herself in position' feels like additional information, but couldn't be left out. Now it could be, making it sound much better to me.

[quote]Two great flashes of light filled the surrounding lakeside and in an instant were gone leaving in their places two pokémon.[quote]

Hmm, sounds a bit off to me. Maybe shuffle things around a bit?

Two great flashes of light filled the surrounding lakeside and were gone in an instant, leaving two pokémon in their place.


Just a suggestion. XD I wanted to say 'but were gone', but that would make it sound off again. Maybe rewrite it entirely?

Quote:

The impact sent the bellossom skidding backward as Fearow turned away again and flew higher into the air.
Merely a suggestion, because you used 'turning' and 'arc' in the sentence before it. Repetition and all.

Quote:

As the Bellossom picked itself up, it raised its arms to the sky as light surrounded the pokémon.
Same here. Maybe replace the second 'as' with 'and' or 'while'?

~

That's it for now. I've read through the rest of the chapter and while there are some minor errors here and there, it's mostly things I've already explained. (Such as direct address and punctuating speech.) These are things you could easily remedy yourself. ^^

The only thing I'm left wondering about is why you started your story the way you did. You have set up your characters, yes, but only minimally so and you've left Grey with nothing but victories. It's always much more entertaining to follow someone we can relate to, than someone who has everything handed to them on a silver platter.

However, all in all, this really wasn't bad. I especially enjoyed your opening paragraphs and the interesting moves you had the pokémon perform.

I hope this helped and if there's anything else I can do, don't hesitate to contact me! ^^

Porygon-Z March 31st, 2010 8:57 AM

Thanks for reading and thanks your advice! I'll fix those points as soon as I get the time!

About Grey though, I don't want to give too much away, but things aren't exactly going to be plain sailing in his future, lol!

Thanks for your help!

Silawen March 31st, 2010 9:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Porygon-Z (Post 5667481)
Thanks for reading and thanks your advice! I'll fix those points as soon as I get the time!

About Grey though, I don't want to give too much away, but things aren't exactly going to be plain sailing in his future, lol!

Thanks for your help!

No problem. I still feel that him losing that battle would have been the better option. It would have set him up as a believable and likeable main character if he started out with rising above adversity. Especially because you set him up as having won so much and needing a real battle, such as the one with this Tawny person. Instead of losing, he won through luck, with seemed unnecessary to me.

Also, what happens later on in the story shouldn't excuse what happens in the beginning of it. It's a response I get from a lot of Sue/Stu writers. (Not saying your character is a Stu, just using it as a reference.) If someone gets hit by a truck at age 82, then that doesn't excuse being extremely lucky the rest of their life.

Porygon-Z March 31st, 2010 4:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silawen (Post 5667511)
No problem. I still feel that him losing that battle would have been the better option. It would have set him up as a believable and likeable main character if he started out with rising above adversity. Especially because you set him up as having won so much and needing a real battle, such as the one with this Tawny person. Instead of losing, he won through luck, with seemed unnecessary to me.

Also, what happens later on in the story shouldn't excuse what happens in the beginning of it. It's a response I get from a lot of Sue/Stu writers. (Not saying your character is a Stu, just using it as a reference.) If someone gets hit by a truck at age 82, then that doesn't excuse being extremely lucky the rest of their life.

Yes I do see what you're saying, but the story has two main protagonists and it's important to have Grey portrayed in that light so other characters can develop later on, but again I can't say too much.

One of them has to win and one of them has to lose, so either way one protagonist will come off better.

Also perhaps Grey losing would seem more contrived if you get my drift. Strong people winning is more realistic than them being swatted out on page 1, but then I suppose it's a double bluff situation if you weigh it all up.

All I will say is that Grey really isn't the "main character" type, mainly because this story doesn't have one.

But I do see your point, and I'll give it a going over when I get the time.

Porygon-Z April 12th, 2010 4:11 AM

Hey everyone sorry it's taken me so long to post more! I've been mega busy recently!

Anyway here's the latest installment! Hope you all enjoy!
____________

Chapter 4: Dawning

Route 202 was a long, uphill road that ascended a number of small cliff faces. The road itself was situated in the centre of a very wide clearing in a dense wooded valley with the odd cluster of trees at the bottom of some of the cliff faces. As the sun crested the horizon in the east, light began to slowly advance down one side of the valley woodland, lighting the residual rain water on the tall trees, like a shower of morning stars.

It was beauty far lost on Grey and Tawny, the sombre pair pressing through the fading shadows without a word. They were heading north to Jubilife city and then on to Canalave from there. Neither one of them had said it, because both knew that the plan was to head for the Kanto region, so the nearest port was an obvious choice of destination.

From Canalave they would get the morning ship back home to Johto, (it being the most affordable) and make their way toward Kanto by foot and pokémon wing from there…neither of them knew what came after that however. There was no plan, and no warning for what was around the corner. They were as lost as that precious cargo that they were carrying, and they knew it.

Grey felt the soothing heat on his face as the sunlight reached the floor of the valley and the road ahead. The rain had stopped almost an hour ago, but he had a feeling that worse storms were yet to come.

The sweeping sunlight should have helped lighten his spirit as he was beginning to dry off, but the feelings of nervousness in the bottom of his gut just wouldn’t give way…not yet.

He looked up to the lofty trees and the sun peeping out from over them from a clear blue-ing sky that was overcast not so long ago. He gave a sigh and reflected how a new day can give a fresh perspective on most things, but this day only brought grave realisation, that he and his friend were about to become something barely short of fugitives, and had been told in all seriousness that only danger awaited them in their near future.

As the pair approached the first wind in the path, that snaked up and around one of the small cliffs, Grey noted Tawny’s expression. It hadn’t changed since they left the lab. She just stared at the ground in front of where they were walking, here face motionless, as if she was in a trance. Neither of them had spoken since leaving Sandgem town, and where normally silence between the two friends was comfortable, in this instance Grey found it made him quite uneasy.

“Tawny,” Grey started, but she didn’t react. “Tawny.” He tried again, this time provoking a weary sigh from his redheaded companion. “You haven’t said a thing since we left the lab. Are you okay?”

She rounded on him and the pair stopped. Looking him dead in the eye she replied, “No” and left a long pause to see what Grey had to offer in amendment, giving an unsurprised shake of her head when none came. She continued walking, Grey following shortly after.

“Listen Tawn-” he began again, but this time she wasn’t going to reserve her feelings of irritation and was quick to reply.

“No Grey, you listen. I still don’t completely understand what’s happening now, but I know the long and short of it is that were on the run, and I know it makes sense to talk and rationalise, but all I want to do right now is concentrate on getting on that boat, is that okay? Is it?”

“Fine,” Grey gave, after a short pause, and powered a few paces ahead of her, as she turned her own attentions inward and her eyes back to the ground.

It was a little while later and quite a way further down the road before either of the pair spoke. Grey reached for a pokéball at his waist and sharply flicked it open.
With a flash, his Yanmega appeared hovering before him.

“Yanmega, scout ahead, let us know if anyone is there, and if anything untoward is going on.”


The bug pokémon dutifully obeyed and zipped away into the morning air.

“We can’t be too safe,” Grey justified to Tawny, who looked a little surprised by Grey’s action, but with a curt nod signaled her accord.


“Agreed.” She blinked from behind her glasses.

It wasn’t long before the Yanmega reported back with the all clear, and they knew their way into the city would yield no trouble. Small relief, but appreciated widely by the duo.

As they approached the city, passing small rows of cottages, which gave way into streets, they found the area eerily calm. It was still early morning, but a city like Jubilife never really sleeps. Before they knew it they were in the city and besides from a few older folk walking their snubbul and growlithe, the puddle filled streets were almost vacant. Perhaps yesterday’s news had a larger affect on the public than Grey or Tawny had anticipated.

“We need supplies,” Tawny finally spoke.


“Oh,” Grey said thoughtfully, “Aren’t we meant to be staying hidden?”


“Low profile, Grey,” She retorted sarcastically “it doesn’t mean we turn into ghosts it just means we stay out of the way, because you never know who’s watching you.”


“Right.” Grey shook his head. He could appreciate the reason for Tawny’s mood, but she was beginning to become a pain.

“Listen,” she said as if reading his thoughts “I’m sorry for being such a pill, but we need to leave Sinnoh a.s.a.p. and we’ll talk about everything later, but right now we need lots of supplies….we never know when we might not be able to use a pokémon centre.”


“It’s okay,” he said with shrug, and the pair hastily made for the pokémart.



* * * * *


The battle was drawing to a harsh close, as the morning light began to break through the high ceiling windows of the lab.

Uri and Sally had used all but three pokémon between them; one of Sally’s and two of Uri’s.

The strains of the battle were evident on the lab itself too. Windows were shattered, tables toppled and broken, the entire floor was covered with a layer of sand and small puddles of water lay spattered across the tiles.

The situation was bleak at best, and it was almost certain that there would be no victory, so the entire battle became about stall tactics and Rowan felt that their enemy knew this too. The pair of defending trainers had actually been forced to cheat using nine of their pokémon collectively and only managing to remove four of the hunter’s team. It was a necessary measure…and a desperate one.

In the centre of lab stood four pokémon: a Gengar and a Ggarchomp on the attacking side and from Uri and Sally’s effort: a Bronzong of Sally’s and a Mamoswine belonging to Uri.

“You’re pathetic,” said the woman in black, flatly. “You double in numbers but somehow only posses half the power.” She looked to Rowan with a sneer, “And you expect to beat me with this? Ha!”

“Hey!” growled Uri sharply “The battle's over here and we’re not done yet!”

“Oh yes you are.” Came the cool and venomous reply. “Garchomp – Dragon Claw on that Mamoswine!”

Then came the attack, empowered by two Swords Dances performed earlier.

The Garchomp leapt from its spot with incredible speed and slammed its glowing red claw into the mammoth pokémon’s side. The Mamoswine, to slow to react, could not withstand the attack and collapsed in a heap on the floor.

“Damnit!” Uri grunted under his breath, recalling the pokémon.

“Useless!” The hunter added, followed by her sinister command to her Gengar, “Now Gengar – Focus Blast!”

The Gengar summoned glowing orange energy into its hands and within an instant the energy was unleashed and sent hurling to the Bronzong, ploughing into it and forcing the pokémon backward several feet, but was not enough to K.O. it.

Uri gave Sally a quick nod, and she knew what to do. “Bronzong – Explosion!”
A blast of intense yellow and white powered outward pushing warm air in a heavy stream in all directions.

When the residual blast cleared, two pokémon were down. One remained.
“Bronzong, come back, good job,” said Sally, her voice quivering.

“Return!” the hunter snarled at her Garchomp, and then looked toward the pair her expression of quiet vitriol unchanged. “You may have thought that was clever, girl, but I still have one left,” she uttered pointing one of her skeletal fingers toward her Gengar, floating forebodingly above the floor. “Explosion won’t work on ghosts, obviously, or perhaps you can’t count?” she continued with haughty
sarcasm.

“Count this!” yelled Uri, as he threw down his very last pokémon, and their last hope. With a flash of white light a brave Tauros, stood before him.

“My Gengar’s Focus Blast will take that filthy Tauros apart, boy. You’re all out of luck.” The hunter mocked.

“Whatever,” Uri murmured back at her, for he knew if his Tauros could use Zen Head-butt before the Gengar could land a Focus Blast, then this battle might just be won. But both pokémon species were equally as fast, so there was no certainty that this final desperate gambit would succeed.

It all came down to who had the fastest pokémon. A roll of the dice and a despondent prayer.

“This is over!” the hunter jeered with a toss of her thick black hair, and the pair simultaneously provoked their attacks:

“Gengar – Focus Blast!”
“Taurous – Zen Head-butt!”

As the Gengar closed its eyes and began to summon the glowing focus of energy, the swift Tauros charged at the ghost pokémon, its head glowing purple and white, with all its speed.

In an instant contact was made as the Taurous drove its gleaming head toward the Gengar and the Gengar thrust the ball of orange light in the opposing direction.

In a flash, white smoke filled the lab and it was unclear which pokémon had prevailed.

The shatter point had been reached and Uri felt his heart sink.


* * * * *


The streets were gradually beginning to fill again as Grey and Tawny passed the TV station square. The images of last night’s events were being broadcast, depicting the silhouette of the enormous bird flying overhead against the backdrop of a raging sky. A group of tourists had congregated around the fountain their eyes fixed intently upon the big screen on the station building, their expressions aghast, for apparently they had not yet discovered what had transpired in Veilstone that had provoked such fear and enthrallment across the nation.

Even so, the screen’s illustration was a stark contrast to this morning’s sunny weather, which made it even harder to believe that these pictures were from less than 12 hours ago.

Tawny’s mood had improved somewhat, but Grey couldn’t shake this feeling that they were being watched…like they were exposed. He had to keep reminding himself that nobody knew what they were up to, and they didn’t look out of place at all, but the sense of vulnerability would not lift no matter how many times he told himself this.

The duo pressed on for a good half an hour, out of the city past the streets on the outskirts of town by foot until reaching the sparsely wooded area that opened onto route 218 and a small hut stood at the end of the copse. Grey looked around surveying their surroundings and upon finding they were alone, gave a subtle nod to Tawny.

“Flygon,” she said quietly, dropping a pokéball to the ground and with a flash, the Flygon appeared before them. “We need to fly again Flygon. It’s only a short trip. Can you carry both of us?”

Grey thought the Pokémon much too small to carry two people and was about to summon his Fearow, when the Flygon gave a nod, issuing an affectionate hum toward Tawny, bowing down so that they might climb onto its back.

“Tawny, I can fly with Fearow if you like, you know.” Grey gave, looking sceptically at the dragon pokémon.

“Well I wouldn’t want you to tire-” she began, but was interrupted abruptly by Grey who jumped in suddenly and began to recite expertly from the pokédex:

“Ah but with its huge and magnificent wings, Fearow can keep aloft for days without ever having to land for rest.”

“Wow Grey,” said Tawny as Grey grinned with pride, which changed to a playful grimace when she sarcastically added; “I don’t recall meeting a bigger nerd!”

The pair began to laugh briefly until they remembered their situation and their laughter once again was ended.

“Let’s just get on okay?” Tawny gave with a weary sigh, and the pair mounted the Flygon.

Grey found he had been absolutely right, as the pair huddled together on the back of Tawny’s pokémon; it was a very tight squeeze. Grey hugged into Tawny’s back tightly, struggling to keep on the Flygon, but there was not time to complain, for in an instant the pokémon had taken flight.

Over the way-hut and onto route 218 its self, the Flygon soared over a small grassy, waterlogged, field that lead up to a wide river filled by a network of small piers, the water shimmering in the morning sun. The waters were higher than normal due to the storm, but the river appeared especially calm today. Grey looked about him: a fantastic vista of clear blue skies over a base of lush greenery in the south and to the east, and a shimmering sea to the north and the west. Grey clung tightly to Tawny, as the water far beneath them seemed to zoom passed and eventually gave way to a rocky precipice and not too far into distance another small field that lead to a quaint wooded clearing and another way-hut.

Tawny issued Flygon to set down in the clearing and soon enough, they were once more safely, on the ground. Grey jumped off the pokémon’s back with the utmost speed, eager to be back on his feet, and thankful to be back on the ground.

“Thanks a million, Flygon” said Tawny recalling her dragon with a nod.

“Yeah thanks,” Grey muttered rolling his eyes, which made Tawny shoot him a reprimanding scowl. “Come on,” Grey said, moving on, “we don’t want to be late.”

And with that the pair moved on through the clearing and the vacant way-hut and were at once in view of the small harbour town of Canalave.

A short walk later and Grey and Tawny were approaching the foot bridge over the river, small boats passing slowly beneath and several staryu peeping out of the water here and there as they swam out to sea.

On the other end of the bridge stood Canalave’s tallest and oldest building, an impressive historic-looking library, towering above the other smaller two story buildings with splendour, wingull perched atop its lofty heights.

As they passed the library, the boarding pier for the ferry to Johto came into view and before they knew it they had their tickets in hand and were approaching the boarding ramp. A friendly looking, tall man stood at the bottom taking the passenger’s passes, and another stood at the top of the ramp greeting them on with a smile.
The pair handed over their tickets politely and approached the ship as they ascended the steel ramp.

“Welcome aboard the S.S. Endargo,” began the man, smiling broadly, “May I check your bags please?”

Tawny and Grey looked at each other as panic set in; Tawny’s face turning instantly pale, for both knew what was inside her rucksack, and that it could not be discovered by anyone, especially not this early on into their journey.

“Your bags please,” pressed the steward politely,

“Actually,” began Tawny looking all around her hesitantly, her voice shaking, “this is the wrong boat, we need to be on the other one.”

Grey looked behind him ready to turn away.

“I’m afraid I’ll still have to see your bags Miss,” urged the man more sternly this time, which attracted the attention of the steward at the bottom of the ramp who turned to see what the problem was, blocking their exit.

“We have to go,” quavered Tawny, backing away, but the man grabbed her tightly by the arm holding her in place.

“I’m afraid I need to search your bag Miss,” he said angrily, reaching for the bag, with the box, and the egg inside.
Grey’s head began to race and in an instant he slammed hard into the steward with his shoulder, toppling him over and releasing his grip on Tawny. The other Steward began to race up the ramp but Grey’s reaction was too quick.

With a sweeping flick of his hand Grey threw a pokéball high into the air and with a flash his Fearow emerged. Grabbing Tawny tightly, he held his forearm high above his head, and the Fearow latched onto it firmly and unyieldingly, like a sturdy handshake, and scooped the pair up. With a strong downdraught of air from its enormous wings the pokémon launched itself skyward carrying the two with ease, as Tawny clutched Grey tightly, hanging on for dear life.

The steward was to slow to catch them and the Fearow soared away with impeccable speed, leaving behind the uproar of shouts and shrill alarm whistles, which signalled that a pursuit may follow.

Grey felt a distinct feeling of dejection, as his spirit hardened in the face of the danger which had only just begun to befall them. He then knew that this event was likely to be the smallest in a long chain of troubles that stretched far into the distance of the road ahead, its end invisible. Vanishing beyond a bleak horizon.

Skull Guardian April 14th, 2010 9:23 AM

Wow, you are keeping me in suspense, about the battle in the end... I really liked how you described the attacks.
I am eagerly waiting for the next chapter!

Krystallyn April 14th, 2010 9:50 AM

I love how you left this as a cliffhanger. I ♥ cliffhangers.

It's good to see Tawny realistically snappy. Heck, if I were in her situation, I would be beyond cranky. :)


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