Whispers of the Wild

The Rayquaza's imposing presence loomed over the city, casting palpable pressure that even Isabel found discomforting. It glided through the sky with an air of purpose, its movements suggesting it was searching for something—or someone. Isabel couldn't shake the feeling that it had singled her out for observation. After a few tense minutes, the mythical Pokémon disappeared, leaving the city's residents collectively exhaling in relief. While many in Hoenn revered Rayquaza as a guardian deity, its unpredictable nature meant that its whims could easily turn into catastrophic events.

"Quite the presence, isn't it? More intimidating than any natural legendary I've encountered," Isabel remarked, her gaze scanning the faces of her Blackthorn companions. She noted with concern the reactions of some, particularly the seasoned members who seemed ill-prepared and vulnerable in the face of Rayquaza's power. Isabel made a mental note to address this upon her return to Johto, recognizing the need for adjustments in their training regimen.

Elder Theron, observing Isabel's reaction, swiftly reprimanded those members who had displayed excessive fear in the presence of the mythical Pokémon. Fear was natural, but allowing it to paralyze them was unacceptable, especially for trainers of their caliber.

Amidst the chaos stirred by Rayquaza's appearance, a shadowy figure moved stealthily toward the wing of the hotel designated for the Blackthorn family. As the figure approached the door of our designated wing, I couldn't help but sense its movement, and my curiosity piqued. However, before the figure could reach its destination, it was abruptly lifted by an invisible force and immobilized. A Pokémon materialized beside the figure, vanishing as swiftly as it had appeared, just moments before we rounded the corner toward the main entrance of our wing.

Instinctively, the veterans among us moved to release their Pokémon, sensing the presence of another. Yet, a familiar voice from the direction of our assigned wing cut through the tension. "It's alright, everyone. You can stand down. Just a little intruder trying to sneak around. Taken care of," Agatha's voice reassured us as she emerged, flanked by two individuals whom I presumed to be apprentices in training for the Guardians.

Though referred to as apprentices, these trainers were not ordinary novices. They exuded an aura of mastery and intellect, their identities obscured by masks. One emanated a somber aura, suggesting expertise in ghost types, much like Agatha. The other seemed to specialize in psychic types, evident from the earlier Pokémon I had detected, which still remained concealed beside them, employing mirage.

***************************

[CLAYDOL]

Species: Clay Doll Pokémon

Gender: Genderless

Status: Healthy

Level: 1136

Stage: Palladium

Height: 1.6 m

Weight: 120.8 kg

Type: Ground/Psychic

Potential: Dark Blue

Ability: Levitate

Hidden Ability: NA

Stats:

HP: 1134

Attack: 917

Defense: 1187

Special Attack: 917

Special Defense: 1302

Speed: 956

Moves:

Psychic, Earth Power, Rapid Spin, Ancient Power, Shadow Ball, Ice Beam, Thunderbolt, Calm Mind, Earthquake, Energy Ball, Signal Beam, Dazzling Gleam, Extrasensory, Ice Punch, Thunder Punch, Reflect, Light Screen, Teleport, Stealth Rock, Cosmic Power, Psyshock, Rock Slide, Bulldoze, Skill Swap, Gravity, Imprison, Sandstorm, Rock Polish, Trick Room, Power Trick

*********************

The claydol emitted a formidable aura, a testament to the trainer's expertise, likely at champion level. However, in the broader world, such prowess was rare. While the Blackthorn family boasted numerous high-level trainers, elsewhere, a champion-class trainer was already considered among the elite, with Palladium-class Pokémon standing as formidable adversaries in their own right.

Noticing my attention shift towards the unseen Claydol, the trainer seemed surprised that a mere child could detect its presence. He realized that while the adults of the Blackthorn family might discern his Pokémon's concealment, the perceptiveness of a child caught him off guard. It dawned on him why his superiors had cautioned him against underestimating the Blackthorns; though a champion-class trainer in the wider world, here he paled in comparison.

"Alright, let's all settle down. The event starts in three days, so you kids can do what you like in the meantime," Elder Theron remarked after finishing his discussion with Agatha.

A few minutes later, I had changed my attire and prepared to venture out to search for my Pokémon. A knock on the door grabbed my attention, and with a psychic nudge, I opened it to find Agatha standing there.

"Planning to go into the wilderness?" Her voice echoed as she entered the room, observing my outdoor attire with curiosity.

"Yeah, I thought I'd test my luck with the Pokémon in Hoenn. You never know; I might find one that meets my standards," I replied, chuckling as I carefully packed my trekking bag. Despite having a PSP, there was a different kind of satisfaction in carrying my own backpack.

"I really don't understand how you always end up with such outstanding Pokémon on your team. You must have some sort of secret, don't you? Why don't you help this old lady pick out another ghost Pokémon?" Agatha inquired, acknowledging my exceptional affinity for Pokémon and my knack for choosing ones with top-notch potential.

"Grandma Agatha, you've already had me pick three ghost-type Pokémon for you, and each one had high potential. You even took the one I set aside for Lady Cecilia. Yet here you are, asking me to help you pick another," I replied, meeting Agatha's gaze. "Fine, I'll see if I can find anything. Maybe we can try our luck at the auction later during the event." With that, I picked up my bag, bidding farewell as I departed for the approximate area where I had found my Pokémon in my previous life. Despite Agatha's insistence on taking guards, Isabel waved off the concern, knowing I was guarded by a stronger presence from the shadows.

As I left the city of Evergrande behind and ventured into the deep wilderness, I became keenly aware that a party of close to half a dozen people were stalking me from the shadows. These individuals must have seen a youngster from the Blackthorn family exit the safety of the city with no escorts and targeted me. Although many parties maintained a facade of harmony on the surface, given the chance, they would strike at their enemies without hesitation. I simply smiled at how foolish these people were, willingly throwing themselves into the jaws of a demon.

Disregarding their presence, I continued to venture deep into the wilderness. The air was thick with the scent of adventure, and the sounds of Pokémon filled the air. Hoenn was known for its diverse range of Pokémon, and as I trekked further, I encountered a plethora of species native to the region.

In the dense foliage, I spotted a group of wingulls flying gracefully overhead, their cries echoing through the forest. Nearby, a flock of Taillow darted between the trees, their colorful feathers glinting in the dappled sunlight. The ground beneath my feet trembled as a herd of Zigzagoon scurried past, their curious eyes taking in everything around them.

As I moved deeper into the heart of the wilderness, I came across a tranquil pond where Lotad floated lazily on the surface, basking in the warmth of the sun. Nearby, a Mudkip poked its head out from the water, its playful demeanor evident as it splashed around in the shallows.

The diversity of Pokémon in Hoenn never ceased to amaze me, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe as I witnessed the beauty of nature unfold before me. Despite the dangers lurking in the shadows, I couldn't deny the thrill of exploring this untamed wilderness, where adventure awaited at every turn.

Despite encountering such a wide variety of Pokémon, none of them were my target. I was specifically searching for areas where fire-type Pokémon tended to inhabit themselves. The whole day had passed without any success, and as the sun began to set, I finally settled down near a magnificent waterfall to make my camp for the night.

The fire crackled from the campfire I had set up, casting dancing shadows on the trees surrounding me. I sat beside the warmth of the flames, feeling the weariness of the day's journey settle into my bones. Despite my exhaustion, there was a sense of peace that washed over me as I listened to the soothing sound of the waterfall nearby.

I had already released my Milotic and Dragonair to enjoy the cool waters of the waterfall's pool. Both Pokémon swam gracefully, their scales shimmering in the fading light. It was a tranquil scene, and I couldn't help but feel grateful for their companionship.

After my Dragonair, my Milotic had also recently broken through its first barrier and grown into the platinum stage. I watched with pride as it glided effortlessly through the water, its majestic form a testament to its strength and determination. Together, they were a formidable duo, and I felt a sense of comfort knowing that they were by my side even in this life.

************************

[MILOTIC]

Species: Tender Pokémon

Gender: Female

Status: Healthy

Level: 168

Stage: Platinum

Height: 8.6 m

Weight: 220.8 kg

Type: Water

Potential: Light Purple

Ability: Competitive

Hidden Ability: Cute Charm

Stats:

HP: 1103

Attack: 672

Defense: 790

Special Attack: 918

Special Defense: 1073

Speed: 804

Moves:

Hydro Pump, Surf, Ice Beam, Blizzard, Dragon Pulse, Waterfall, Scald, Aqua Ring, Recover, Mirror Coat, Hydro Cannon, Twister, Water Gun, Aqua Tail, Dragon Tail, Water Pulse, Dive, Whirlpool, Brine, Water Sport, Captivate, Coil, Confuse Ray, Haze, Hidden Power, Hyper Beam, Iron Tail, Mist, Rain Dance, Rest

***************************

As I savored the tranquility of the evening, a few hundred meters away from my camp, concealed amidst the foliage, a group of individuals engaged in hushed conversation.

"Damn, have you seen the potential of those two Pokémon? They're at the pinnacle of their species. The Blackthorns must be fearless, entrusting such high-quality Pokémon to a mere child. Aren't they worried the kid might stumble into some disaster?" A man chuckled, his voice tinged with both amazement and greed. The group had been cautiously scouting the area, ensuring no hidden guards lurked nearby, especially considering the child hailed from the prestigious Blackthorn family.

"Indeed, one is the coveted Milotic, and the other is even rarer—a Pokémon with a Pseudo Legendary bloodline. It's as if Arceus himself has blessed us today. We need to capture the kid; who knows what other treasures he's hiding?" another man remarked, his eyes gleaming with the prospect of their potential spoils. They had already considered the child as good as captured and were discussing the division of their anticipated bounty.

"Milo, Milo, Milotic"

As I relished the serenity of the evening, my senses alert to any disturbance, Milotic suddenly let out a soft, melodic hum, its sleek form shimmering in the fading light. It must have detected the presence stirring nearby, a subtle intrusion into our tranquil haven.

With a knowing smile, I reassured Milotic that I was already aware of the lurking shadows. Just then, as the group closed in, attempting to box me in and prevent any chance of escape, I remained composed, my demeanor calm amidst the encroaching threat.

As the intruders rushed into the clearing, their faces twisted with determination, and they froze in utter shock. At the edge of the camp, obscured by the encroaching darkness, three figures hung upside down, their bodies bearing the scars of countless injuries and fresh blood still trickling from their wounds. The newcomers were caught off guard, their expressions a mix of horror and disbelief, unsure if the victims were even alive.

Amidst the stunned silence, the foliage rustled once more, and from its depths emerged my faithful Lucario. Dragging what appeared to be the lifeless body of a man, Lucario's aura emanated a sense of foreboding, a silent warning to those who dared encroach upon our sanctuary.

With a swift and practiced motion, Lucario hoisted the newcomer's body, his movements deliberate and precise. Ignoring the bewildered intruders, Lucario proceeded to string up the captured man alongside the others, the grim tableau a testament to the consequences of their intrusion.

As the intruders stood frozen in disbelief, their leader, a burly man with a scarred face, finally found his voice. "What the hell is this?" he demanded, his tone laced with a mixture of fear and anger.

I met his gaze evenly, my expression unreadable. "Consider it a rehearsal for your upcoming fate," I replied calmly, my voice carrying a hint of steel beneath its surface. "You've stumbled into a situation far beyond your comprehension."

One of the other intruders, a younger man with a nervous twitch, spoke up tentatively. "We... we didn't mean any harm," he stammered, his eyes darting nervously between me and the grisly scene before us. "We just wanted..."

"Silence," I interrupted, my voice firm and commanding. "Do I look like a naive little child to you? Oh, maybe I do, but nevermind that; you have already decided to target me, and now you must at least be man enough to carry through with your actions."

The leader's eyes narrowed, his fists clenching at his sides. "We won't go down without a fight," he growled, taking a step cautiously backward.

As I sat before the crackling flames, which cast a long shadow before the now-cornered intruders, my gaze cold and calculating, I couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction at the fear that radiated from them. Lucario's actions had served their purpose well, ensuring that there would be no chance of escape for these trespassers.

"Ah, such cowards!"

The leader of the group bristled at my taunt, his fists clenched tightly at his sides. "You may have us at a disadvantage now, but we won't go down without a fight," he spat, his voice thick with defiance.

I chuckled darkly, my sinister smile widening. "Oh, I have no doubt about that," I replied, my tone dripping with malice. "Seriously, Is the Elite class trainers the best whoever you work for could muster? I honestly feel offended. And you guys even had the audacity to target my partners."

Turning my attention to the young man who had sought to keep himself hidden, I narrowed my eyes, the intensity of my aura seeming to grow with each passing moment. "And you," I continued, my voice a low, menacing growl. "You were the one who wanted my Milotic's heart scale as a souvenir after you guys captured her, right?."

The young man visibly flinched under my gaze, his expression wavering between fear and defiance. "I... I didn't mean any harm," he stammered, his voice trembling. "We were just following orders."

I shook my head slowly, my expression darkening further. "Orders or not, your actions have consequences," I replied, my voice ice-cold. "And now you'll learn just what those consequences are."

With a flick of my wrist, I signaled to Lucario, who moved forward with a silent, deadly grace. With precise movements, it used its aura blades to sever the tendons of the new captive's limbs, ensuring that any hope of escape was swiftly extinguished.

As the captive stirred from his unconscious state and cried out in pain, the rest of the intruders watched in horror, realizing the full extent of the danger they had stumbled into.

As the tension thickened in the air, it became clear that the intruders were not simply attempting to escape—they were utterly powerless against the measures I had taken to neutralize their Pokémon. The pokéballs they had released lay inert on the grassy terrain, unresponsive to their desperate commands. Under Lucario's vigilant gaze, any attempt to flee would be swiftly met with a brutal end.

With a dismissive glance at the bewildered intruders, I turned my attention back to the pile of Pokéballs before me, my expression unreadable as I considered my next move. The silence that hung in the air was broken only by the crackle of the campfire and the distant cries of Pokémon in the night.

Suddenly, the man who had earlier coveted my Milotic made a desperate dash for cover, hoping to use his comrades as a shield. But before he could take more than a few steps, a sharp, precise water blade cut through the air, severing his legs cleanly. He crashed to the forest floor with a gut-wrenching scream, blood staining the verdant grass beneath him.

"Milo, Milotic," my Pokémon chirped in delight, its eyes gleaming with satisfaction at its accurate strike. I couldn't help but chuckle at her fierce loyalty, and her retaliation was swift and unforgiving. It seemed she shared my penchant for holding grudges, especially against those who dared to threaten us.

"Good girl," I praised, my voice tinged with amusement as I watched the intruder writhe in agony. "It seems like you've been practicing your moves diligently."

Despite the man's piercing screams echoing through the night, the rest of the intruders remained frozen in fear, their bodies trembling with a mix of terror and confusion. They dared not move to aid their fallen comrade, knowing that any attempt would likely meet a similar fate. Instead, they continued to frantically attempt to release their Pokémon, their efforts futile against the barriers I had erected.

As the campfire cast flickering shadows across the scene, the true extent of their predicament became clear—trapped, powerless, and at the mercy of the Blackthorn family's little monster.

As minutes stretched into an eternity, the intruders had resigned themselves to their fate, their hopes dashed with each futile attempt to escape. Two more unfortunate souls had dared to make a break for freedom, only to suffer the same merciless fate as their companion before them. My Milotic and Dragonair, almost playfully, took turns delivering punishing blows to the fallen intruders, their attacks precise and relentless.

Meanwhile, I continued to tinker with the Pokéball before me, my focus unwavering despite the chaos unfolding around me. Lucario, ever vigilant, brought forth four additional Pokéballs from the captive, dropping them unceremoniously into the growing pile.

"Sigh, I am bored, Lucario. Take care of them; it's time we got some rest. We have much ground to cover tomorrow," I remarked casually, my attention divided between the Pokéballs and the scene before me.

"Tch, another Elite trainer with subpar Pokémon," I muttered bitterly, my voice filled with resentment as I scanned through the four pokeballs that Lucario had tossed over. These Pokemon might have had a better chance even if they were left in the wild to fend for themselves. But because of incompetent idiots like this trainer, they were now doomed to battle for their survival.

"Luca, Luca, Lucario," my loyal Pokémon questioned me, his gaze seeking guidance on the fate of the remaining intruders. After a moment's contemplation, I issued my orders with a chilling finality.

"Just leave the leader alive. As for the rest, dismember them and feed them to the wild Pokémon," I instructed, my tone devoid of mercy as I returned my focus to the task at hand.

As Lucario's aura shifted, a tangible sense of dread filled the clearing, causing the air to grow heavy with foreboding. His usually calm demeanor gave way to a more sinister presence, his eyes gleaming with an intensity that sent shivers down the spines of the remaining intruders.

They pleaded desperately for their lives, their voices trembling with fear as they realized the gravity of their predicament.

"Please, have mercy! We didn't mean any harm; we were just following orders," one of the intruders begged, his voice quivering with desperation as he fell to his knees before me.

Another intruder, his face pale with fear, added hastily, "We'll leave and never come back; just spare us, please!"

Their pleas fell on deaf ears as Lucario remained unmoved, his gaze unwavering as he assessed the situation with a cold detachment. But before I could issue any command, one of the intruders, overcome with desperation, made a reckless attempt to rush towards me in a last-ditch effort to capture me.

With lightning-fast reflexes, Lucario intercepted the intruder, his movements fluid and precise as he delivered a lethal blow that ended the man's life in an instant. The sound of the impact echoed through the clearing, a grim reminder of the consequences of crossing paths with me.

The remaining two intruders, their faces contorted in fear, turned towards me with pleading eyes, their breaths coming in ragged gasps as they awaited their fate. I regarded them with a mixture of pity and contempt, knowing that in the heart of the wilderness, mercy was a luxury they could ill afford.

"There is no mercy for you here," I stated coldly, my voice cutting through the tension like a blade. "People like you don't deserve mercy in my books, and now you must face the consequences."

Their pleas for mercy fell on our deaf ears as Lucario strode forward steadily as the aura in his forelimbs extended to form a pale blue sword, his presence a silent reminder of the power that stood against them. In the end, they would meet the same fate as their fallen comrade, their lives forfeited in the harsh embrace of the wilderness.