someone shouted statue!

We found ourselves in the Pokémon Center in Cyllage City, a welcome reprieve after our harrowing experience in the cave. After thanking the Pokémon we had helped escape Team Flare, we made our way out of the cavern, eager to avoid any further interference from other villainous organizations.

Now, I was lounging on the bed in my room, while Alain took a much-needed nap. Larvitar and Gible were out of their Poké Balls, and I suddenly remembered that I hadn't scanned Gible since catching it. Pulling out my Pokédex, I aimed it at Gible.

Gible – Female

Ability: Sand Veil

Hidden Ability: Rough Skin

Current Move Pool: Sand Tomb, Dragon Breath, Bulldoze, Metal Claw, Bite, Dig

…Another packed move pool. I noted with satisfaction that she also had an egg move. Gible can learn Stealth Rock, and I just so happened to have purchased the TM a few weeks back. But for now, I was feeling a bit lazy, so I decided to teach it to her later.

I also recalled that Larvitar could learn Bulldoze. Perhaps I could have Gible teach it to him, saving myself some Pokédollars on TMs. That sounded like a plan worth pursuing.

Yeah, thoughts for later.

I could have had a big head start if the league permitted badges from any season. It is written that the badges given have the season they were handed out printed on the back of them, to make trainers stronger and give them more experience, they made this rule. You will need to redo the whole circuit every season to participate in the league.

And that is exactly the reason why I am waiting for next season. But on second thought, I could do the circuit twice. This year and next year too. I would have more experience under my belt like that. But that would be a hassle and right now, I am also doing research and stuff.

My plan is to help Professor Sycamore as much as possible and then when the circuit starts I would mostly focus on training and other stuff. And right now I have caught 2 more pokemon.

I let my eyes stroll over Gible and Larvitar. This was also not bad. I still have 5 and a half months.

I closed my eyes and took some much needed rest.

Cyllage City is a scenic coastal town in the Kalos region, known for its rugged cliffs and breathtaking ocean views. The city's multi-layered design, with winding cycling paths and staircases built into the rocky terrain, gives it a unique and adventurous vibe. It's a haven for trainers and cycling enthusiasts, featuring cozy cafés, a bustling marketplace, and a rock-climbing Gym led by Grant. With its beautiful beaches and stunning coastal scenery, Cyllage City is a must-visit for any traveler. And a trainer aiming to participate in the Lumiouse conference.

Alain and I were trekking through the mountains surrounding Cyllage City, exploring the terrain and keeping an eye out for anything unusual. It's been confirmed that these mountains have several hidden caves, so we figured it was worth checking them out while we were here. Besides, it gave us a chance to enjoy the rugged scenery as we made our way towards Route 10. We didn't have any business left to handle in Cyllage City, so this detour seemed like the perfect way to move forward with our journey.

The sun hung high in the sky, casting long shadows over the rugged terrain of the Cyllage City mountains. Alain and I moved steadily along the winding paths, rocky outcroppings and cliffsides stretching out around us as far as the eye could see. Aegislash floated silently behind me, its shield form shimmering in the sunlight, while Charmeleon and Larvitar followed in Alain's footsteps. Our newly caught Pokémon, Gible and Meditite, trailed slightly behind, still getting used to their newfound trainers and the rocky surroundings.

"So, how does it feel to have two future powerhouses under your belt already?" I teased, breaking the silence as I glanced sideways at Alain. He responded with a small smirk, eyes glinting.

"Feels pretty good. Though I'd say we both lucked out back there," he replied, reaching down to pat Meditite's head gently. The little Fighting-type looked up at him with a contented smile, and I could sense the bond forming between them already.

"Hmm, luck, skill, or just my overwhelming charisma—who's to say?" I grinned widely, spreading my arms as if to encompass the entire path before us. The view here was gorgeous. Even I had to admit that. Far below, the sparkling blue of the ocean glittered in the distance, and to our left, the towering mountain ranges stood like watchmen, guarding the route ahead.

After a few moments, we recalled our Pokemon seeing no reason to keep them out as there was no danger upon us.

After some time navigating through the uneven paths, we finally made our way down from the rugged mountain trails and stepped onto the tranquil grounds of Route 10. The change in scenery was almost surreal; the barren, rocky terrain gave way to a lush expanse of greenery, with a winding path bordered by wildflowers swaying gently in the breeze. There was something calming about this route, yet the atmosphere buzzed with an energy that kept us on guard.

The most striking feature of this route, however, was the tall stone menhirs that loomed in neat rows on either side of the path. Each one was different in shape and size, some towering over us like silent sentinels while others were shorter, weathered by time. Their surfaces were etched with ancient carvings and mossy patterns, adding to the mystical aura they exuded. These weren't just rocks; they were relics of a forgotten era, standing proudly like remnants of a civilization in the dead past.

"Whoa, take a look at these," Alain murmured, his eyes widening as he took in the sight of the massive stones.

"Yeah, these are the famous menhirs of Route 10," I replied, placing a hand on one of the stones. It was cool to touch, and as my fingers traced the rough texture, I couldn't help but wonder what stories these stones held. "They say these pillars have been here for thousands of years. No one really knows who put them up or why. But... there's definitely something different about them."

Alain nodded thoughtfully, stepping closer to inspect the carvings on a nearby pillar. "They almost feel... alive, in a way. Like they're watching us."

I smirked. "That's one way to put it. Maybe they're sizing us up. Or—" I raised an eyebrow mischievously. "Maybe they're just waiting for the right moment to mess with us."

"Don't go giving me ideas," Alain shot back with a half-hearted glare, though there was a hint of a smile tugging at his lips. He turned away from the pillar and glanced down the path that stretched out ahead of us. "But seriously, this place is giving me some weird vibes. It's almost like the stones are... markers."

"Markers, huh?" I mused, letting go of the stone and stepping forward. The path ahead seemed to narrow slightly, flanked by rows of menhirs that grew closer together. The stones were more here, their shadows long and foreboding. "You might be onto something. There's a local legend about these stones. Supposedly, each one is a gravestone for a Pokémon. Makes you wonder what else is hidden here."

As we continued along the path, the silence was broken only by the rustling leaves and the soft thuds of our footsteps. Even our Pokémon, usually lively and energetic, seemed to sense the heaviness in the air and stayed close by our sides. We hadn't seen any trainers so far, nor any wild Pokémon stirring among the tall grass. It was as if we'd stepped into a different world entirely, one where time flowed differently, and the past was just a heartbeat away.

Something about this place wasn't sitting right with me. I felt an odd pull, almost as if the forest ahead was calling out to me, urging me to step inside and explore. But there was this unsettling feeling that came with it, like I was walking into something I shouldn't. The deeper we went, the stronger the pull became, gnawing at me.

As Alain and I continued down the path, we came across footprints—both human and Pokémon—leading straight into the forest.

"Looks like people have been through here recently," Alain commented, crouching down to inspect the marks. "Pokémon too."

"Yeah... but something's off," I muttered, eyes narrowing at the trail ahead. "I don't like the feel of this place."

Alain glanced over, raising an eyebrow. "What do you mean? It's just a forest."

"No, it's more than that. I feel... pulled in, like something's dragging me towards it, but I can't shake the feeling that something bad's waiting for us."

He stood up, brushing the dirt off his hands. "You think it's worth checking out?"

Before I could answer, something flashed in the corner of my eye—an intense blue light that rushed past us so fast it made me wince. I covered my eyes, feeling a sharp sting.

"Whoa, did you see that?!" I gasped, blinking to clear my vision.

Alain looked confused. "See what? All I felt was a strong gust of wind."

I shook my head, trying to make sense of it. "No, it wasn't just wind. There was something—some kind of blue energy. It felt... off, and it hurt my eyes."

Alain frowned, scanning the area, but there was nothing to see now. "I didn't catch anything. You sure it wasn't just the wind playing tricks?"

"I'm telling you, it was real," I insisted, still rubbing my eyes. "Whatever it was, it came out of nowhere and rushed right past us."

"Alright," Alain said, his tone a bit more serious now. "If something's out there, we better stay sharp. No sense in ignoring it."

I nodded, still feeling that strange pull. "Yeah... we'll see soon enough what's waiting for us in that forest."

The path ahead became even more treacherous the deeper we ventured. Each step felt heavier than the last, and the once calm forest now seemed alive with tension. Alain and I exchanged glances every now and then, but neither of us said much. The air was uneasy to even take a breath, as though the forest itself resented our presence. Every crack of a branch or rustle of leaves had us on edge, ready to defend ourselves from whatever might come our way.

"Feels like the forest is trying to swallow us." Alain muttered, barely catching his balance as he stepped over a twisted root that seemed to rise out of nowhere.

"You're telling me," I replied, scanning the increasingly dense surroundings. "It's like something doesn't want us to get any further."

We pressed on, but the obstacles started piling up. Thorny vines crept along the ground, snagging at our clothes with every step. The branches overhead seemed to close in, forming a canopy so thick it was difficult to tell what time of day it was. The ground beneath us had grown uneven and slick, forcing us to slow down, every rock and incline another challenge.

"Starting to feel like someone's setting up roadblocks," Alain grumbled, pushing a thick branch out of the way.

I shot him a grin, trying to keep the mood light despite the unsettling feeling creeping in. "What's the fun in a straight path? Adventure doesn't come easy, you know."

He grunted in response, not entirely convinced.

Just when we thought we could catch our breath, a sudden movement ahead caught our attention. A wild Pokémon darted across the path, disappearing into the shadows before we could even react. Instinctively, my hand flew to the Pokéball at my waist, but Alain put a hand on my arm, stopping me.

"Let it go," he said, his voice low and calm. "We're not here to fight every Pokémon we see."

Though his words were reasonable, we both kept our eyes peeled, our nerves on high alert. The forest was starting to feel less like a place to explore and more like a trap waiting to spring.

After another hour of navigating around tangled roots, climbing over fallen trees, and plunging through the overgrown bushes, we finally came upon a steep rock face. Massive boulders blocked our way, forming an almost impassable barrier.

"Great," Alain sighed, running his fingers across his hair. "Another detour?"

"Seems like it," I said, my gaze trailing up the rocky slope. "Unless you're up for climbing?"

He gave me a skeptical look, but before either of us could suggest another route, a sudden gust of wind howled through the trees, unnatural and cold. The forest seemed to come alive with whispers, as if the very air was warning us to turn back.

"Did you feel that?" Alain asked, eyes narrowing as he scanned the forest.

I nodded, my instincts on high alert. "Yeah... and it wasn't just the wind."

We finally decided to skirt the boulders, cutting through the thick underbrush on the side. The forest grew darker, the dense trees forming an almost impenetrable wall around us. Even the light seemed to bend in strange ways, casting eerie shadows that shifted as we moved.

And then, we reached it.

At the edge of a secluded clearing, the path opened up, revealing something that made us both stop in our tracks.

When we finally reached the site, our initial focus was on the footprints still etched into the ground. However, it was the stone statues that truly captured our attention—figures of actual humans, frozen in lifelike poses. Alain stood there, eyes wide with shock and disbelief.

"What… what are these?" he stammered, stepping closer as if drawn by an invisible force.

I remained silent, my heart heavy with understanding. I already knew that Yveltal had the power to turn living beings to stone, but I hadn't anticipated finding human statues in this remote location. It seemed unlikely that this place would have remained undiscovered for so long.

"This isn't right," I murmured, scanning the area. "If people have been turned to stone here, it should have been found long ago. And those clearings we passed? Something—or someone—was protecting this site."

Alain turned to me, anxiety etched across his face. "But why would the forest let us through if it's trying to hide something? It's like we've stumbled into a trap."

"Exactly," I replied, feeling the tension in the air thicken. "The forest feels alive, almost like it's guiding us while simultaneously trying to keep others away. We need to be on our guard."

Alain nodded, his gaze darting nervously from one statue to another. "What do we do? We can't just stand here. This is… unsettling."

Taking a deep breath, I tried to steady my thoughts. "We have to investigate further. If there are people here who've suffered, we can't leave them behind. But we need to tread carefully. We don't know what other threats might be lurking in the shadows."

"Right," Alain said, steeling himself. "Let's keep moving, but stay close. I don't want to end up like… them." He gestured toward the statues.

"Don't worry; you won't end up like them," I reassured Alain, just as we were about to move. Suddenly, we heard rustling from the bushes. Instinctively, we both dove behind a large stone, our hearts racing. We didn't want to be caught by whatever—or whoever—was emerging from the foliage.

As we crouched there in silence, a voice cut through the tension—a woman's voice.

"Reporting: the statues are still here and intact." A few muffled responses followed, likely from a walkie-talkie.

"Okay," she said, sounding slightly annoyed. "So what am I supposed to do next?" We held our breath, hoping she would leave soon. "Fine," she concluded before her footsteps began to retreat, fading away into the distance.

Once we were sure she was gone, we cautiously emerged from our hiding spot.

"That was close," Alain exhaled, visibly relieved.

"Yep, but we should have at least checked who she was. Now we don't know what's going to happen to these statues," I replied, glancing uneasily at the figures around us.

"Do you think they were sent by the League?" Alain asked, his brow furrowed in concern.

"It's highly unlikely," I replied, shaking my head. "Something like this would require Elite Four-level trainers. With the dangers of this forest, reporters would be all over this place."

"What do we do now?" Alain asked, trailing behind me as I moved closer to one of the statues.

These stones were once real, living beings, but now they resembled sculptures meticulously carved by hand. If I didn't know the grim truth behind their existence, I would have assumed they were merely art installations.

As I placed my hand over one of the statues-

'"YOU HAVE TO RUN!" the woman shouted, urgency lacing her voice as she pushed me away. I felt an instinctive urge to stay with her. Why? Who was she?

"NO!" I shouted, my voice a mix of desperation and defiance. The force with which she pushed me sent me stumbling several meters away. In that moment, I watched in horror as a beam of red and black energy struck her, transforming her into stone before my eyes.

I turned to face the source of that devastating beam—it was Yveltal.

My heart ached with grief for the woman I had lost, but my survival instincts kicked in. I ran. I ran as fast as I could, feeling like I was sprinting through half of Kalos, but in reality, it seemed I had only delayed the inevitable.

The last scene I could comprehend before the world faded away was an image of Xerneas, shimmering with a brilliance that felt like a distant memory. And then, everything went dark as I, too, was turned to stone.'

I found myself enveloped in darkness once more. There was nothing but silence. What were these fragmented memories? Why did they keep resurfacing? It felt as though I had experienced those moments firsthand, feeling the exact emotions of the person who lived them.

Suddenly, a brilliant light flooded my vision, pulling me from the depths of another slumber. I blinked to find Alain glaring at me, his expression a mix of frustration and concern.

"What happened this time?" I asked, rubbing my temples to shake off the lingering haze.

"What happened? That's what you ask every time you pass out!" Alain snapped, his eyes narrowed. "This isn't the first time, Gojo. What's going on with you?"

"I don't know. It just keeps happening," I replied, meeting his intense gaze.

"You can't seriously think that's enough information for me, can you?" Alain said, crossing his arms and tapping his foot impatiently. "That barely makes any sense. You need to tell me what's really happening with you, Gojo."

I sighed, running a hand through my hair, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. "What do you want me to say? I wish I understood it myself! It's like I'm living through someone else's memories, and they're getting more vivid every time. I don't know why it's happening, or what it means."

Alain narrowed his eyes, unconvinced. "It's not just random, is it? You don't pass out for no reason. Something's pulling you in, and I can't help if you keep me in the dark."

"Believe me, I don't want to keep you in the dark," I said, my voice firm. "But I can't explain something I don't understand. I feel this... connection to those moments. It's as if someone is trying to tell me something." I replied, meeting his intense gaze. We held each other's eyes for a moment, the tension hanging thick in the air. Finally, I stood up and began to make my way out of the site.

"Alain, we need to leave. We don't know what—or who—might come back here next," I urged, pulling out my camera. "Let's document what we can and put together a research report before we go."

He nodded, still unconvinced but decided to leave it for now to address the situation. "Right. I'll note everything down." He pulled out his phone and a notebook, diligently writing down anything unusual and snapping photos of the statues and surrounding area.

For the next fifteen minutes, we worked in silence, the weight of the situation pressing heavily on us. Every detail felt crucial, but the sense of urgency pushed us to wrap things up quickly.

Once we finished documenting our findings, we retraced our steps along the path we had taken earlier, the oppressive atmosphere of the forest still weighing heavily on our minds. The eerie statues and the mysterious woman's voice lingered in the back of my thoughts, a haunting reminder of what we'd encountered.

As we emerged back onto Route 10, the familiar sights of the landscape brought some relief. It took us nearly a day to reach Goosenge Town, the vibrant surroundings offering a stark contrast to the foreboding forest we had just left behind. However, just as we neared the town's entrance, we spotted a woman clad in striking red attire, a belt emblazoned with the letter "F" prominently displayed around her waist. She walked briskly past us, speaking into her walkie-talkie.

"I'll be there by the time you reach; don't worry," she said, her tone confident and slightly impatient.

Alain and I exchanged glances, a mix of concern and urgency flooding our expressions. "Did you hear that?" Alain whispered, his heart racing. "That voice sounds familiar. She must be the same woman we overheard at the statues."

"Yeah," I replied, my brow furrowing. "If she's with Team Flare, then they're definitely after those statues. We need to let Professor Sycamore know—like, right now."

"Exactly," Alain agreed, a sense of dread creeping in.

The town was bustling with activity, but we paid little attention to the sights around us, our focus solely on getting to the center. As we entered the Pokémon Center, the familiar scent of antiseptic and the soft hum of conversation enveloped us.

Trainers and Pokémon were scattered throughout the Pokémon Center, enjoying moments of peace and happiness. Laughter and friendly chatter filled the air as they shared stories of their recent battles and adventures.

We approached Nurse Joy at the front desk, handing her our Poké Balls. "Can you take good care of these?" I asked, hoping for a quick turnaround.

"Of course! I'll have them all healed up in no time," she replied with her usual cheerful smile.

With our Pokémon in her capable hands, Alain and I made our way toward the video call booth. I dialed Professor Sycamore's lab, our hearts racing with anticipation. The screen flickered to life as he answered.

"Hello, Gojo and Alain! It's been ages since you last called me. How have you been?" he greeted, his trademark grin brightening the room.

"We're fine, Professor," I replied, matching his smile, but my expression quickly shifted to seriousness. "Professor, we called to let you know about something important we discovered on our way here."

His demeanor changed as well, curiosity piquing in his eyes. "What is it?"

"Can I transfer files and information to you somehow right now?" I asked, feeling the weight of our findings.

"Absolutely. Can you see a tray next to the mouse? Just place your phone and any documents there, and it will transfer the information you wanted to me," he explained, his voice steady and professional.

With a nod, Alain and I immediately sent the research material from the forest to Professor Sycamore. As the files began transferring, I felt a mixture of relief and anxiety.

"While that's uploading, can you tell me what you found?" he asked, leaning closer to the screen, his expression attentive.

"Sure," I began, glancing at Alain for support. "We discovered stone statues in the forest—actual human figures turned to stone. But during our research there, we got to know that Team Flare was also involved with it somehow."

Professor Sycamore's eyes widened. "This is alarming. Are you sure it's Team Flare? They've been quiet lately, which is concerning in itself."

"Yeah, we overheard one of their members talking in Goosenge Town," Alain added, crossing his arms. "They're planning something, and we need to do something about it."

"I'll review the information you sent me," Professor Sycamore replied, his tone becoming serious. "In the meantime, you two must stay vigilant. If Team Flare is involved, we can't take any chances."

"Understood, Professor," I said.

"Good luck, and keep me updated," he instructed, already shifting his focus to the incoming data.

As the call ended and the screen dimmed, Alain and I exchanged a look.

We have to think about a lot of stuff now.

In the clearing of Route 10

"I've reached here," the woman reported into her walkie-talkie, her voice steady despite the eerie stillness of the forest around her. Just as she finished, a sudden gust of wind picked up, sweeping over the clearing. She glanced upward and saw the source—an approaching helicopter.

The chopper descended swiftly, its blades chopping through the air with increasing intensity. The gusts grew stronger, whipping the trees and scattering debris. She squinted, barely able to keep her eyes open against the force of the wind.

As the helicopter landed, the roar of the blades made it hard to hear anything else. She raised her arm, shielding her face as best as she could, and took a few steps back. The winds finally began to die down as the rotor blades slowed, and with a heavy thud, the helicopter door swung open.

Her breath caught in her throat as she waited for the passenger to emerge.

From the shadows of the helicopter's doorway, Lysandre stepped out with his usual air of composed authority. His red hair, wild and sharp as ever, flickered under the light of the setting sun. His long coat flared as he walked forward, unaffected by the remnants of the wind.

The woman stiffened, straightening her posture as he approached. His mere presence commanded respect, and his gaze was as piercing as ever.

"Status?" Lysandre's deep voice cut through the clearing, calm yet expectant.

"The statues remain intact, Sir," she reported, stepping forward. "No sign of interference, but we've seen movement. Someone's been here."

Lysandre narrowed his eyes, glancing over the clearing, taking in every detail. "Someone?" His tone was unreadable, though the weight of his words was clear.

"Yes, footprints and signs of a disturbance in the forest. But nothing... decisive yet," she added quickly, not wanting to appear unprepared.

Lysandre remained silent for a moment, his gaze shifting toward the direction of the stone statues. "Double the patrol. Whoever they are, I want them found. This place holds too much importance to leave to chance."

The woman nodded, immediately relaying the orders through her walkie-talkie. As she did, Lysandre's eyes seemed to linger on the statues, as if lost in thought, contemplating the larger plan that was unfolding.

He reached into the inner pocket of his coat and pulled out an envelope, its edges worn from handling. He unfolded it carefully, revealing the letter inside. The paper bore a cryptic message, which troubled him

Greetings,

Once again, we extend our hand to offer assistance. We trust our previous aid was to your satisfaction, and now, we are here to guide you once more.

If you seek further progress in your ambitions, turn your attention to the forests of Route 10. Hidden within, you will find intriguing elements that may prove invaluable to your goals.

We hope this will quench your thirst for power and advancement.

—The Syndicate

Lysandre's eyes lingered on the letter, his mind churning over the implications. This Syndicate, whoever they were, had been pulling strings from the shadows, nudging him closer to his goals. But their help always came with a cost. He folded the letter neatly, tucking it back into his pocket.

There was no doubt now—he had more work to do, and the stakes were higher than ever.

He took a final glance at the surrounding forest, his expression unreadable. "This is only the beginning," he muttered to himself, turning back to the helicopter, the winds kicking up once more as he prepared to leave.