Not So Bad After All

'"Well, I thought that at least this time nothing would go wrong but how wrong was I…." I looked on.'

Alain and I had officially hit the road, and so far, nothing out of the ordinary had occurred, which meant we were in the clear for the most part. We had just left Lumiose and were now on Route 5. Along the way, we encountered a horde of Gulpin, and, by some stroke of luck, we even spotted a few Abra. Alain attempted to catch one, but every single one teleported away, and I couldn't help but find it amusing.

"So, any luck?" I asked Alain, struggling to stifle my laughter at his failed attempts. He shot me a glare and continued walking, which only made me burst into laughter.

As we continued on, the sound of rustling leaves caught our attention. Alain instinctively readied his Poké Ball, while I stood by, amused, waiting for yet another failure. Yes, I knew I was being a bit malicious, but it was too entertaining to resist.

Out from the bushes popped a Chespin!

"A Chespin?!" I exclaimed, my surprise evident. Alain looked equally stunned but quickly sent out his Charmeleon. The sudden appearance of Charmeleon startled the Chespin, which dashed away, leaving Alain helplessly watching yet another Pokémon escape him. Honestly, how could I not laugh? The rest of our walk was filled with my laughter and Alain's colorful curses directed at me. Life was definitely entertaining.

When we stopped for lunch, the routine kicked in. Larvitar helped me set up camp while Alain and Charmeleon went in search of firewood and other ingredients. Once everything was set up, a familiar rustling came from the bushes again, and this time, Alain merely looked on, unimpressed.

Then, out came another Chespin!

You should have seen the murderous look on Alain's face—pure gold! Being the good person I am, I called out to the Chespin and offered it some Pokémon food. It accepted happily, digging in with enthusiasm. "You like it, buddy?" I asked the wild Pokémon, and it nodded vigorously in response before continuing to munch away.

As Alain approached, he watched the Chespin enjoy its meal. After finishing its first round, the Chespin glanced up, hoping for seconds. Instead, it was greeted by Alain, and the poor creature looked terrified, ready to bolt. Alain swiftly caught it by the nape of its neck and glared, challenging it to run. Reluctantly, the Chespin submitted and watched in awe as Alain offered it more food. It hesitated, glancing between Alain and the food, as if unsure whether this human was truly generous. But after a few double-takes, it dove back into the feast.

Alain watched happily as the Chespin ate to its heart's content. "You should ask if it wants to join you," I suggested, noticing his curiosity as he turned back to me. "Huh, do you think that would work?" he asked, genuinely intrigued. I recalled how many Pokémon Ash had captured simply by asking rather than battling. Based on that, the chances of this working out were 80 to 90%. "You won't know unless you try, buddy," I replied with a smile.

He studied me for a moment before turning back to the Chespin, which was still happily munching away. "Hey, Chespin! Would you like to join me on my journey?" Ugh. That sounded… awkward? It was charming when Ash asked, but for others? Not so much. The Chespin paused its meal, looking back and forth between Alain and me before eyeing the food again, repeating the action ten times. Finally, it let out an enthusiastic "Chespin!" Guess that was a yes!

Alain was ecstatic at the Chespin's approval. Without hesitation, he produced a Poké Ball and tossed it. The ball wobbled a few times before clicking shut, signaling the capture. It struck me that this was the first time I'd witnessed someone catch a Pokémon in real life. Damn.

Catching Pokémon, huh? I had contemplated it during the past month spent in the Professor's lab. As much as I admired Ash's approach to making friends with Pokémon, his method felt too uncertain for me. Don't get me wrong; I'd happily catch any Pokémon I formed a bond with. But as a gamer, I preferred to seek out Pokémon I had experience with. In that sense, I was playing a real-life game, so even if I didn't have specific preferences, I would still aim for Pokémon that had the potential to grow stronger.

"Aahh!" I suddenly heard a shout, glancing back to see Alain and his newly caught Chespin engulfed in flames from Charmeleon's Flamethrower. Wait, was Charmeleon crying? HAHA! Charmeleon was jealous! I couldn't resist; I pulled out my camera. Yes, I had a camera—how had I just realized this? I started snapping pictures instead of rushing to help Alain. Hehe, I know, I'm an evil bastard!

We arrived in Camphrier Town without encountering anything unusual, which was a welcome change. To be honest, there wasn't much to see in Camphrier, so we decided to spend the night at the available hotel. The next morning, we set out again, heading toward Route 6 and the Parfum Palace. This majestic palace had been converted into a museum dedicated to the legacy of the old Kalos King, so naturally, as aspiring researchers, Alain and I were eager to check it out.

As we walked through the town, I overheard a guy with a Fletchling perched on his shoulder chatting with another passerby. "Hey, did you know they're accepting new trainers into Battle Chateau with recommendation letters?" he said. That caught my attention. I had completely forgotten that this town housed a Battle Chateau. A recommendation letter? I didn't recall anything like that from the games or anime. It must be another change in this world.

Still, we weren't quite at the stage where we could challenge the Battle Chateau just yet. Perhaps that would be an adventure for another time.

After exploring a bit more, we set off toward Route 6. However, as we ventured forth, we failed to notice a glowing purple eye watching us from the shadows.

Somewhere in Kalos

We found ourselves in a dimly lit underground office, where two shadowy figures were engaged in a conversation.

"Did you find anything?" one figure asked, their voice low and steady.

"Yes, sir," the other replied, standing rigidly. "Based on the information gathered from our previous mission, I conducted further research. It appears that what we seek is most likely hidden in caves. The energy readings from across Kalos strongly indicate this."

"Very well. What are our next actions?"

"I have deployed our executives and teams to the identified caves equipped with energy reading machines," the figure responded, pausing momentarily before continuing, "However, sir, may I ask why we chose to provide all the Gym Leaders with Mega Stones and Key Stones? They are incredibly rare and valuable."

"You will understand in time. Do not concern yourself with that matter. Is there anything else?"

"No, sir."

"Good job. You are dismissed."

"Before I leave, sir, there's a letter for you. It arrived in a package that we did not order. The package was addressed to our lab, and upon opening it, we discovered this letter addressed to you."

"Odd," Lysandre murmured, taking the letter and examining it closely. The words on the front read: To Lysandre, but the sender remained a mystery.

At a mountains top

A trainer stood alongside his Charizard, gazing at the breathtaking scenery that unfolded before them, a sight that was simply extraordinary.

"What do you think caused it?" he asked the Pokémon.

There had been unusual energy frequencies emanating from a distant part of the world, as if someone had tampered with forces they shouldn't have.

The Charizard grunted, though its meaning remained unclear. The trainer understood, however, and his eyes hardened with resolve.

"I can only hope it's nothing serious. He's still not ready, so we'll remain here until the time comes." He turned his back to the magnificent view and stepped back into the cave.

The Pokémon grunted again, as if questioning its trainer's decision. The trainer paused midway, glancing back at the awe-inspiring landscape. "He will come to us when he's ready, seeking a battle. That's when everything will truly change, and that's when we will prepare him," he continued, his voice filled with conviction.

Meanwhile, Charizard lingered for a moment longer, cherishing the stunning panorama that unfolded at the highest point of their world: Mt. Silver.

"That palace was a true disappointment. We even wasted 2,000 Pokédollars on it," Alain whined beside me.

"Yeah, and that little princess—if I had to endure another moment with her, I might have seriously lost my cool. Consequences be damned," I replied, frustration bubbling within me. The palace had turned out to be a waste of time, just as I had anticipated from the games and anime. I had hoped for something different, but it was useless here, too.

We found ourselves back on Route 6, retracing our steps toward Camphrier Town before heading to Route 7. In hindsight, we should have just gone straight to Route 7.

At least the walk was peaceful.

And, as you might have guessed, I just jinxed it. Well done, me.

To top it off, this time we were confronted by a ghost-type Pokémon. A Steel-type, too.

A Pokémon with a sword and shield was staring us down, blocking our path.

It transitioned into its sword form, brandishing the sacred sword. Not so sacred when it's spamming attacks, I thought. Alain and I instinctively jumped to the side to avoid it. Honestly, why do wild Pokémon always seem to target us? I sent out Larvitar, while Alain called forth his Chespin and Charmeleon.

"Alain, this is an Aegislash. It switches between sword form and shield form, as you might have learned. I have a plan if you're willing to listen," I explained, my mind racing with strategy.

My plan was straightforward. Whenever Aegislash shifted into shield mode, we would have Chespin attack. When it switched to attack mode, we would retaliate with Larvitar and Charmeleon. It sounded good on paper, but execution is where the challenge lies. And this Pokémon was formidable.

"Larvitar, use Dig!" I commanded, and my Pokémon burrowed into the ground. Alain ordered Charmeleon and Chespin to attack. Aegislash went into its shield form, absorbing the hits effortlessly. The moment it transitioned to sword form, I shouted, "Now, Larvitar! Rock Slide!"

The attack landed, making Aegislash flinch just as Alain unleashed a point-blank Flamethrower.

The onslaught continued, and I quickly commanded Larvitar to surface and use Bite. As a Dark-type move, it was capable of landing a super-effective hit. But the power difference was overwhelming, just as I had feared. The attack landed, yet it barely moved the Steel-type, which retaliated with a Fury Cutter that blasted Larvitar away.

Aegislash swiftly returned to shield form as Charmeleon unleashed another Fire-type move.

Just as we had planned, Aegislash was now in shield form, allowing Chespin to keep attacking. Frustrated, it changed back to sword form. "Now, Larvitar! Charmeleon, together!" I shouted. We launched a coordinated assault with Flamethrower and Payback. Aegislash retaliated with its sacred sword once more, but this time, its power was diminished while clashing with Charmeleon's flames.

It may have been victorious in the clash, but since it attacked first, Payback would deal double damage. A smirk spread across my face as Payback struck true, causing significant damage to the ghostly warrior.

"Do you mind if I catch it, Alain?" I asked, locking my eyes onto the Aegislash, which was now trying to recover.

"No," he replied curtly.

With that, I retrieved a Poké Ball and hurled it at the Aegislash. It hit its shield and sucked it in.

It wobbled once.

Twice.

Thrice.

And even a fourth time.

Both Alain and I braced ourselves for another fight, but it wasn't needed. The Poké Ball stopped wobbling, and with a satisfying 'ping,' it signified my capture of the Pokémon.

Well, damn. I had officially caught my first Pokémon. Though I hadn't done it entirely on my own, it still counted, right? I didn't care. I just captured a Pokémon through battle, after all. The Aegislash lay there on the ground, waiting for me to claim it.

I went forward and picked up the pokeball-

'A battlefield erupted around me, filled with turmoil and confusion. People and Pokémon alike were in jeopardy due to the unfolding events.

Why was this happening? He didn't know. He didn't have time to ponder it as he heard a battle cry filled with hostility and raw power. Looking straight ahead, he saw humans and Pokémon charging toward him, realizing they were about to tear him apart.

To his side, an Aegislash, different from the rest, emerged. It shifted from shield form to sword form, or as they called it, the SACRED sword form, and landed in his hand. Why? He didn't have time to reflect on anything as he faced the army-'

"Gojo, are you alright?" I opened my eyes to find myself under the shade of a tree, Alain next to me. I sat up, confused.

"What happened?" My head throbbed with pain. This was the second time something like this had occurred. First, it was an Absol, and now an Aegislash? And what were those scenes playing in my mind? They felt more like visions than dreams—far too detailed.

"Well, we captured your Aegislash, and as soon as you reached for the Poké Ball, you just straight up fainted," Alain explained.

I glanced at the Poké Ball in my hands, thankful to Alain for taking care of me and explaining what happened before I released the Pokémon I had just caught.

Upon release, the Aegislash looked at me with wide eyes, as if it recognized me.

Everything was happening too fast for me to comprehend. After a moment of mutual staring, the Aegislash closed its eyes and bowed deeply, a gesture that suggested it respected me as a warrior.

This was more concerning than I anticipated. I had fought it with three Pokémon—albeit two weren't mine—and it wasn't an honorable way to capture a Pokémon. Aegislash, a Pokémon that prides itself as a warrior, would normally not take kindly to such an act. Yet here it was, warmed up to me in an instant, respecting me?

What is even happening? I questioned myself for the hundredth time today, though I knew I wouldn't find an answer..

We found ourselves on Route 7, cloaked in the gentle embrace of night. The cool evening air brushed against my skin as I reflected on our simple yet satisfying dinner, the flavors still lingering on my palate. It was hard to believe that I had just made my first capture in this vibrant Pokémon world, and it happened to be a fully evolved Aegislash, a Pokémon far beyond my current level. The excitement that had surged through me moments ago now felt like a distant echo, replaced by uncertainty.

'Do you mind if I catch it?' I had asked Alain, my voice brimming with enthusiasm. HAH!. But now, I felt a twinge of foolishness for even contemplating such a bold move. What was I thinking? Now I don't even know what I am supposed to do.

Alain had already drifted into a peaceful slumber, leaving me alone with my thoughts under the expansive night sky. I gazed upwards, mesmerized by the twinkling stars scattered across the vast canvas of darkness. The serene sounds of the wild echoed around me—chirping crickets, rustling leaves, and the soft whisper of the wind—creating a calming atmosphere that made me feel strangely isolated in my thoughts.

To ease my solitude, I released Larvitar from his Poké Ball. He scanned our surroundings cautiously, ensuring there were no lurking threats before settling down beside me, his gaze drawn skyward, captivated by the celestial display.

After a few moments of shared silence, I turned to him, curiosity piqued. "Any idea how I could approach Aegislash?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Larvitar paused in his star-gazing, shifting his focus to me. For a moment, we exchanged a quiet understanding. He made a noise that sounded like a shrug—an expression that mirrored my own uncertainty. We were both in uncharted territory, after all. "Well, whatever happens, I'm going to release him. So be ready, Larvitar," I said, In a neutral tone that showcased how much I didn't want to deal with Aegislash right now.

I retrieved Aegislash's Poké Ball, feeling the familiar weight in my hand as I prepared for the moment. With a deep breath, I released him, and a radiant red light enveloped his form, solidifying into the distinct silhouette of the majestic Steel-Ghost Pokémon right in front of us.

What happened next was unexpected. Instead of launching into a battle stance or displaying any aggression, Aegislash merely stood there, his sword-like body poised, staring intently at us. A palpable tension filled the air as we all remained frozen in place, each unsure of what to do next.

Larvitar, however, seemed to quickly assess the situation. Determining that Aegislash posed no immediate threat, he returned to his earlier position, settling down once more to soak in the beauty of the night sky. I shot a glance at Aegislash, then at Larvitar, and finally back at Aegislash, contemplating the peculiar moment we were in.

With a soft sigh, I shrugged off the tension. I joined Larvitar, sitting beside him, allowing the tranquility of the night to wash over us once again. To my surprise, Aegislash observed us for a few more long moments before slowly lowering himself to the ground, joining our stargazing session.

"Welcome to the team, Aegislash," I said softly, my heart at ease.

In that moment, beneath the shimmering stars, I felt a sense of camaraderie blossoming among us—a shared experience that would mark the beginning of our journey together in this extraordinary world.

Connecting Caves

Well, they were aptly named the Connecting Caves, serving as the vital link between Route 7 and Cyllage City. Heh, makes sense, right?

The journey from Route 6 to here had taken us three grueling days, and every moment was spent getting to know my newest Pokémon, Aegislash. After that initial night of uncertainty, he and Larvitar seemed to form a quiet bond with me. I even had him walk alongside me for the entire trek. Aegislash was a reserved Pokémon, which wasn't surprising, and it was clear he accepted me as his trainer. I often found myself wondering why he had looked so astonished when I released him after catching him, but even if I dared to ask, I doubted I would comprehend half of what he would say.

I had scanned Aegislash with my Pokédex, and to my delight, I discovered he was male. Aegislash possessed the ability Stance Change, and his moveset included: King's Shield, Sacred Sword, Slash, Iron Defense, Night Slash, and Psycho Cut.

He was packed. I couldn't wait to train him and test his skills in battle. Yet, I hesitated to spar with Alain, despite his numerous offers. We still had a considerable distance to cover before reaching Cyllage, and I wanted to save our potions for more pressing encounters along the way—after all, our luck could turn in an instant.

Aegislash intrigued me in more ways than one. Most of the time he floated beside me in his shield form, behaving like a noble knight. Whenever I attempted to strike up a conversation, it felt as if he was responding with a kind of grace that would make anyone feel like royalty. I couldn't help but deadpan at him for that.

The Connecting Caves were expansive—far larger than I had anticipated. The air was cool and damp, the rocky walls echoing with the soft drip of water from unseen sources. The cavernous space was indeed just like a cave, filled with jagged rocks and shadows lurking in every corner. Unfortunately, there was nothing of real interest here. I found myself yearning for the exit, eager to leave this stony labyrinth behind.

Alain had his Charmeleon out to provide light, illuminating the jagged walls and helping us map our way through the caves. I released Aegislash as well, keeping him close in case we encountered any wild Pokémon hiding in the darkness. The rumbling sounds inside the cave hinted at the presence of rock-type Pokémon moving about, creating an atmosphere thick with tension.

Suddenly, the ground began to tremble beneath us. Before we could react, a shadow darted from the depths of the earth, snatching our bags with a swift motion.

The creature revealed itself in a burst of chaotic energy, standing defiantly before us. It was a bipedal, dragon-like Pokémon, and it was every bit as intimidating as it sounded. Its massive mouth, filled with sharp teeth, seemed to be grinning in a predatory manner. It had no visible neck, and its arms jutted from the outer edges of its jaws, creating a menacing silhouette. The Pokémon's stomach was relatively small compared to its enormous mouth, and a striking red underbelly stretched from its abdomen to the bottom of its jaw.

Two horns jutted from its head, resembling jet engines, where our bags dangled precariously. The creature regarded us with a final taunting glance, as if mocking our helplessness, before it burrowed back into the ground, sending more tremors rippling through the cave.

…

..

.

What the fuck just happened?

Me and Alain had summoned all our Pokémon and set off in search of the elusive dragon that had snatched our bags. Unfortunately, our search was proving to be a complete disaster. It was as if the little creature had completely vanished from these caves, leaving no trace behind.

Despite our lack of knowledge about the caves' full extent, it was frustrating not even to have a hint of whether it lived here or not. Aegislash had been proactive, communicating with the wild Pokémon and relaying their findings to me. Strangely enough, none seemed to know of a wild Gible residing in these caverns. What kind of do I have? stumbling upon such bizarre situations.

Suddenly, Aegislash perked up, catching both me and Alain's attention. With a flourish, he whipped out his Sacred Sword and began cutting through the cave wall as if crafting a path through the rock.

I didn't question his methods; I simply followed. The sound of his blade against stone reverberated around us, creating an unsettling sense that the cave might collapse at any moment. If only I had Infinity to help us navigate this place! But alas, I was just a normal Human—though I did somewhat resemble the person who wielded it before.

Eventually, Aegislash led us to a spacious clearing within the cave. I'm not sure what you would call it, but it felt like a vast open area surrounded by towering rock formations.

In that clearing, we stumbled upon a horde of individuals clad in striking red uniforms, with an 'F' emblazoned on their chests. Team Flare. We were in trouble—or rather, they were. Either way, trouble was brewing.

I acted instinctively, pulling Alain behind a large boulder while covering his mouth with my hand. The Pokémon followed suit, ducking behind their own rocky shelters.

Peeking over the top, I saw the grunts using technology that felt far too advanced for the general populace, attempting to detain a Garchomp, Medicham, and several other noteworthy Pokémon native to the area. After a few moments of observation, Alain, now calmed, began to survey the scene as well.

"What should we do?" Alain asked, his face serious.

I returned his gaze, contemplating any possible solutions. Hollow Purple flashed through my mind, but I quickly dismissed the idea; this was no time for jokes. Before I could form a proper plan, we heard a whimper followed by the chatter of voices from the other side of the cave. I exchanged glances with Alain, and we silently agreed to investigate.

With our Pokémon still by our sides, we crept toward the source of the commotion, finding a vantage point where we could observe without drawing attention. Through the rocks, we could see three grunts attacking a Gible, along with a Meditite and various unevolved Pokémon that appeared to be the younger forms of those being detained.

They had a Mightyena and a Scraggy assisting them—typical choices for an evil team. Dark and Fighting types? Come on, couldn't they be a bit more creative? Seriously, choosing Dark types because they're a shady organization is cliché at best.

Words were unnecessary at this point. I signaled to Alain, and we launched our Pokémon into action.

"Aegislash, use Sacred Sword on Mightyena! Larvitar, hit Scraggy with Rock Smash!"

" Charmeleon, Metal Claw! Chespin, Rollout!"

Aegislash transformed into his sword form, unleashing a powerful Sacred Sword attack on Mightyena, knocking it out instantly. Alain and I exchanged surprised glances. The raw power he displayed was impressive; during our earlier battles, he hadn't shown this level of strength. It seemed he had been holding back—another mystery for another time.

With Mightyena down, Alain's Charmeleon swiftly moved toward Scraggy and struck with Metal Claw. The Team Flare grunts, momentarily stunned by our sudden appearance, quickly regained their composure. One of them bellowed at Scraggy to use Focus Blast on Aegislash.

Thinking quickly, Aegislash transformed into his shield form and activated King's Shield. This provided Larvitar and Chespin the time they needed to land their own attacks, knocking out Scraggy.

Realizing the tide had turned against them, the grunts hastily recalled their Pokémon and made a run for it—most likely toward the larger part of the cave.

With the immediate threat neutralized, Alain and I rushed forward to comfort the wild Pokémon. We freed them from the strange devices holding them captive using Rock Smash and Metal Claw.

Before we could catch our breath, another wave of grunts appeared, this time numbering seven. They released their Pokémon, bringing the total to twelve, including Mightyena, Scraggy, and Croagunk.

Just as we prepared for another fight, two additional Pokémon landed in front of us: Meditite and Gible. Wait a second—wasn't this the same Gible that had stolen our bags? Talk about luck! I couldn't help but feel a mix of gratitude and annoyance; this little dragon was about to get a serious beatdown for leading us on this wild goose chase through the caves.

Gible turned to face me, and I found myself wondering—was it a he or a she? I'd have to figure that out later. It seemed eager for a fight, and I was more than happy to oblige.

As the battle commenced, we faced a numbers disadvantage, but our determination was unwavering.

"Aegislash, use Psycho Cut on the Croagunks! Larvitar, dig and prepare for a Rock Slide from below! And Gible… what moves do you have?"

Gible let out a cheerful cry before charging up a green ball of energy in its mouth. It fired a brilliant beam toward the Scraggys. Dragon Breath—this little guy had some serious skills.

While Alain engaged with a few other Pokémon, Aegislash held his own against the opposition. The battle raged on, and it felt as though our combined efforts were slowly turning the tide in our favor.

Seeing an opportunity to finish this, I ordered Larvitar to emerge and land a Rock Smash on the last Mightyena standing. Larvitar surged upward, landing a powerful blow before Mightyena could recover, knocking it out cold.

As the chaos settled, I noticed Gible signaling to me, urging me to call my Pokémon back. I quickly returned Larvitar and Aegislash to my side, and Alain mirrored my actions.

Then I watched as Gible placed its paws on the ground, causing the earth to tremble before unleashing a wave that slammed into all the enemy Pokémon.

Was that… Bulldoze? This Gible already knew Bulldoze, Dragon Breath, and Dig. Impressive.

The attack knocked out several Scraggys and Croagunks, leaving only a lone Croagunk and another Scraggy remaining. Alain, ever the impulsive one, ordered his Pokémon to charge in. I knew he could handle it, so I focused my attention on my own team.

Larvitar had been hit by a Focus Blast from one of the Scraggys, so I checked on him. A potion would suffice to patch him up. I noticed Gible staring at me, its big eyes filled with anticipation.

"Nice fight there," I praised it with a smirk. The little dragon had a strong move pool, and its potential was clear—it would only evolve into a more powerful pseudo-legendary. In my book, Garchomp was the reigning champion of pseudo-legendaries for PvP battles. I was excited yet apprehensive about what a Garchomp could do in this world.

Gible let out a happy cry and bounded over to the other freed Pokémon, seeming to take charge among them. Good for him.

"Everything okay?" Alain asked, sitting down near me.

"Yeah, nothing serious," I replied, turning to find the grunts tied up and unable to interfere. I hadn't even considered that aspect! At least we wouldn't face another wave of attackers, but I still needed that potion.

I reached into my bag, only to remember we didn't have our belongings with us. My gaze shifted to Gible, and upon closer inspection, it bore a striking resemblance to the one that had stolen our bags.

Noticing my attention on it, Gible turned and looked at us, Alain narrowing his eyes while I offered it a friendly smile. Gotta keep up appearances after lending a hand.

"Hey, I remember you! You stole our belongings earlier. If you could just return them, we'd be more than happy to forgive you," I said, maintaining a 'kind' smile.

After inspecting us for a few moments, Gible let out a joyful cry before darting behind a large boulder. Moments later, it returned, carrying our two bags that were still hung on its horn.

Well, that was surprisingly easy! We took our bags, and I immediately pulled out the potion to treat Larvitar.

With our business in the caves seemingly concluded, we prepared to bid farewell to our newfound friends.

"What are we going to do about the others back there?" Alain asked, glancing back into the depths of the cave.

Honestly? I just wanted to leave. Team Flare was not on my agenda, and I hadn't signed up to be a hero. But with Alain alongside me, I should have known I wouldn't have a smooth ride.

"What do you want to do?" I inquired, rifling through my bag to ensure all my belongings were intact.

He surveyed the group of Pokémon, noticing a Meditite clinging to his leg. "I want to take them down, Or at least send them running with their tail in between their legs" He answered with a smirk.

Ahh, why couldn't I have a journey free of evil organizations? But deep down, I knew that was unrealistic. This was the Pokémon world, after all—a place where ten-year-olds took on international criminals and terrorists without breaking a sweat.

If I couldn't run, I had only one option.

Face it head-on, of course.

A big smirk spread across my face

We returned to our previous vantage point, where we had been observing the Team Flare grunts. The sight was disheartening; they had captured and neutralized most of the Pokémon in the area and were now reporting their success with an alarming nonchalance. Clearly, the other grunts we had defeated earlier had fled the cave, terrified of the consequences that awaited them from their current boss. It was evident that the newly arrived group was from the sound of battle not of report. The people here seem to believe we had been subdued.

As I scanned the sight of our supposed enemy, I spotted the Pokémon we had freed earlier behind us. They were hiding behind the rocks alongside us, some even burrowed underground using Dig, awaiting our signal.

After observing for a few more moments, I signaled our Pokémon to create chaos among the grunts.

The wild offspring of the captured Pokémon surged forward, each utilizing different tactics—some dug beneath the surface, others levitated, and a few charged in with surprising speed. Although these Pokémon might not possess the strength to take down the grunts on their own, the element of surprise was enough to inflict some damage.

From our hiding spot, Alain and I watched the scene unfold. The first few attacks landed with precision, causing confusion among the grunts, who were still trying to comprehend the sudden ambush. Seizing the opportunity, we inched closer to the captured Pokémon amidst the chaos, attempting to remain unnoticed.

Before long, the grunts regained their composure and sent out their Pokémon to counterattack. But it was too late; Alain and I had already freed the captured Pokémon, who were now furious and ready to unleash their vengeance on Team Flare.

The battle erupted in a frenzy. Hyper Beam, Close Combat, and Earthquake tore through the air as the wild Pokémon retaliated. The grunts' Pokémon went down one after another, and many of the grunts were knocked out in the onslaught.

In the midst of the turmoil, the leader of the grunts—a woman clad in a striking red uniform—called forth her Toxicroak and Houndoom. Yet, despite her fierce resolve, she too succumbed to the combined assault of the protective parents.

It didn't take long for her to realize her situation was dire. She abandoned her grunts, fleeing the scene with surprising agility, narrowly escaping the clutches of the furious Pokémon.

But our relief was short-lived. The parents, their anger still simmering, turned their attention toward us. What would they do now?

We both exhaled sharply as their offspring rushed forward, comforting them and apparently explaining how we had aided in their rescue. The Medicham, alongside her Meditite, stepped forward and handed the little one to Alain—the same Meditite that had fought alongside him before. It seemed the little guy wanted to join him. Alain accepted the Meditite, glancing down at it with a mix of surprise and delight.

"Are you sure you want to come with me?" he asked, and after receiving a cheerful nod in response, he happily caught the Meditite in a Poké Ball.

"Congratulations on your second capture!" I exclaimed, a broad grin spreading across my face for my friend. Before Alain could respond, however, Garchomp, with Gible perched on its head, approached us. The imposing dragon carefully handed Gible over to me.

"Wait, what? You want me to take Gible?" I asked, momentarily taken aback. Garchomp grunted and growled, clearly trying to convey something. I didn't fully grasp her words, but the essence was clear: I trust you to raise my child, and this is also a token of gratitude from all of us. She gestured toward the other Pokémon, reinforcing her message.

Could I really refuse a Pokémon that would eventually evolve into one of the strongest pseudo-legendaries? Absolutely not.

I scooped Gible into my arms, feeling a surge of excitement at my second capture, which would soon be a second future pseudo-legendary. Now I am really glad for standing up to Team Flare.

I glanced over at Alain, who wore a knowing smirk. I returned the gesture with a thumbs-up and a bright grin.

Maybe everything isn't so bad after all.

'"I don't want to die again…." were my final thoughts'