The Path I Carve

>You took the pokeball that sat in your hand and snapped it back on to your belt.
>It was a long flight, and your cuts and bruises didn't make it any more pleasant.
>But time wasn't your greatest ally right now.
>You stood before a rather small pokemon center, the lights shining brightly through the windows on to the dirt.
>You took a quick look around you, taking in your surrounding.
>To your left, the sun, getting ready to lay it's tired head below the rocky hills.
>And to the left, a bit of dirt fields, leading off into some grassy hills.
>You would almost think it were some old western ghost town by the looks of it.
>With a deep breath you began to lazily hobble forward and through the automatic pokemon center doors.
>You are greeted by a nice nurse.
>"Hello! How can I help you?" She asks.
>You hastily snap the only two pokeballs left on your belt off, and place them on the counter.
My friends here need a little R&R.
>The nurse gently takes the pokeballs and lays them on a tray.
>"We'll take good care of them, are they severely hurt at all?"
>You think for a moment, before lightly shaking your head.
Not particularly. I thin I got a bit more banged up than they did.
>You both let out a light laugh.
>"Well, is there anything I can do for you at all?" She asked.
No thanks, just a glass or bottle of water if you can spare one.
>She nods her head.
>"Not a problem, I'll go grab one for you. Make yourself at home and find a seat in the meantime!" She said.
Thank you.
>You give her a nod and turn to the left to see what tables were available to sit at.
>Only 3 tables, and all of them had people sitting at them.
>But there was one table with a single young man sitting at it.
>You weren't fond of sitting with people you didn't know, but it doesn't look like you had much of a choice.
>You slowly make your way to the table with the young man sitting at it.
>You catch his eye and he gives you an upward nod.
>"How's it goin'?" He asks.
Could be better, could be worse. Yourself?
>"Eh, not too bad, just stopping through on my way to Rustboro."
>You shiver a little bit.
>You didn't want to think of Rustboro.
>Not now at least.
Nice, mind if I have a seat?
>"Not at all man, go right ahead.
Thanks.
>You slowly set yourself down and sit on the soft chair.
>"You look like you got a little scuffed up. You alright man?"
Yeah I just... just took a little beating I'll be fine though, nurse is getting me water.
>He cocks his eyebrow at you.
>"If you say so man." He says.
Yeah, I'll be good.
>You sit back in your chair and close your eyes for a second.
>You needed a moment to think about all that has happened.
>What your next moves were.
>Especially not knowing who you could trust or not.
>The short silence is broken between you by the stranger.
>"So where you from?" He asks.
>You knew he would ask that.
Funny you should ask... I myself am from Rustboro.
>"Oh cool, how long you been there?" He asks.
Not so much as of recently, I've been out exploring more lately.
>"Same here. I heard it's a nice city."
It is, very beautiful place actually, but i got tired of it, only because I lived there for so long, you know?
>"Yeah, I hear that. I'm visiting there for the first time, going to meet a friend of mine I haven't seen in forever."
Well that should be nice, I hope your stay is nice.
>"Thank you, I hope your adventures bring you some good find and great friends."
>You were about to speak when you were interrupted by the nurse walking over to your table.
>"Terribly sorry to interrupt, but here's your water sir. Please let me know if you need anything else." She says.
Will do, thank you very much.
>"You're quite welcome." She said before turning back and walking toward the counter.
>"So, what happened to you get get you all scuffed up like that?"
>You hesitated a second.
>You weren't exactly sure if you could trust this person.
>But then, if he's never visited Rustboro before, perhaps he doesn't even know who you are.
It's... a really long story. One that will probably take me back a to when a was a teen. You got time for that?
>He let out a small laugh.
>"I've got all the time in the world man, take your time."
>You take in a deep breath.
Well, it all started back when I was about a teenager, I was taking classes at a rather small school nearby. I was quite the nerd, and as such, I didn't have many friends. Unfortunately, I also had a few bullies who didn't like me for who knows what reasons.
>"Sounds like a rough childhood."
Kind of, One afternoon the bullying got... particularly bad...
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>You walk through the double doors of the school, and take a deep breath of the sweet fall air.
>The fall breeze ran through your hair as you turned right and began to walk toward the street.
>The sun shone brightly right beside the large Devon sky scraper which loomed over the city like a silent guardian.
>You got on the sidewalk and began to walk up the street toward where the pokemon gym was.
>The weekend was here and you looked forward to spending it studying.
>You had just got done with a class on Ghost-type pokemon and they were particularly interesting to you.
>Getting home and learning more about them would be the perfect weekend.
>And who knows, maybe you could even get a head-start on the next chapter if you wanted.
>But, as you walked casually down the streets of the town, you are yanked from your daydreams by someone shouting for your attention.
>"Well, look who it is!" You hear being yelled from your right side.
>You could already tell who it was by the voice.
>John.
>He and his two friends jogged over and stood in front of you on the street.
>"What's going on little guy?" John asked, looking at you with a rather discomforting smile.
Nothing, I'm just going home.
>"That's cool. Man, listen, I wanted to say I'm sorry for bullying you, and, I wanted to make it up to you!" He said happily.
>Well... this was certainly not how you were expecting things...
Umm... okay?
>"Listen, I know it's hard to believe, but I really want to make things up. So what do you say, friend?" He asked, extending his arm out toward you for a handshake.
>Hesitantly, you extended you arm out and shook his hand.
>"See? Now was that so hard?" He said with a chuckle.
Not really...
>"Okay, now here's something super special I got for you friend. Out in the wood over there, past the Devon building, I got a little stash of all sorts of cool things, and I want you have some of them." He said.
Um... what kind of stuff?
>"Oh, some cool nick-nacks and what-not, some cool looking stones, some rare books, assorted thing I've collected for a couple of years." He said casually.
Well, my parents don't want me going out in the woods by my own.
>John let out a small sigh.
>"Well, tell you what, you go home and drop your stuff off and tell them you're going to hang out with a friend for a little bit. I'll give you some cool things, and you can head back home and your parents won't know any different. And besides, it's not that far in the forest anyways." He said, as if he knew the woods like the back of his hand.
>This didn't sound too good, but stones and books sounded really interesting.
>That, and he seems like he kind of wants to change his ways too.
Okay, I'll be right over after I head home.
>"Awesome man! Give me five!" He said, holding his palm out.
>You raise your hand give him a firm high five.
>"Yeah, there ya go! But just remember, you want to walk past the Devon building and go straight for, oh say, a few blocks, and wait by the large mossy rock next to an old oak tree, okay?"
Okay!
>"Aight man, I'll see you there! Let's go guys!" He said, motioning his friends to follow him.
>Well that was odd.
>You stood for a few seconds, watching them cross the street and walk past the Devon building a bit.
>Well, if they were walking there before you did, they probably do actually have something out there.
>You took in a breath of relief and began to walk back to your house, which was not but a block or so away.
>And even if they didn't show up or left you there, it wouldn't exactly be hard to get back with the Devon tower that can be seen for miles.
>That, and a nice walk through the colorful forest and looking at all the different colors of leaves would be a nice change of atmosphere from the muggy classroom.
>And as your mind wandered and feet kept moving you found yourself as the base of the steps to your house in no time.
>You walk up and scrape what little dirt was left on your feet on the mat outside before opening up the door.
Mom, I'm home!
>"Hey honey!" You hear your mom yell from the kitchen.
>You quickly take your backpack off and hang it up on a coat hanger on the wall to your right.
>"How was school?" You heard your mom ask.
It was good! Can I go hang out with a friend for a little bit?
>There was small pause, a moment of tenseness.
>"Okay, just be back by sundown!" She shouts back.
Okay!
>You turn back around and open the door once more before setting foot back into the cool air.
>You walk down the few steps and begin to backtrack your way back to the Devon building.
>Something about walking about without a backpack on felt really weird.
>But it was also quite liberating too.
>Being able to move your arms without feeling like your fighting the currents of a raging river with how many books you had in it.
>Which made you think, just how do pokemon manage to swim against strong currents anyways?
>You shake yourself from your daydream as you realize you almost completely passed the Devon building by.
>You quickly jog across the the street and walk beside the monstrous building.
You took a peek through the double glass doors and see the main desk and a bit of the interior.
>It looked so clean and hi-tech.
>It almost made you want to become a Devon researcher by looking at it.
>Who knows what kind of awesome stuff they do in there?
>As your walk brings you out of sight of the lobby to the Devon building, you begin to walk into the forest.
>The ground was covered in a beautiful layer of yellow leaves, like a thin layer of icing on a cake.
>And the trees and colored every color of the rainbow, from red, to orange, it was truly something to take in.
>Your footsteps made crunches in the leaves as you pressed further in to the heart of the forest.
>Your parent always told you to never go in here because of the wild pokemon, but you have yet to see a single one.
>Let alone one that looks particularly dangerous.
>You also wish your parents would let you get your own pokemon too.
>They think it's dangerous and it would make a mess if I left it out of it's pokeball.
>You let out a sigh, and lift your head up and look further into the forest.
>To your content, you see a rather large, moss covered rock in the distance through the foliage.
>You pick your pace up to a jog and begin to make headway to the rock.
>You almost slip a couple times on the leaves, but it doesn't phase you, as you were eager to see what kind of stuff they were going to share with you.
>You finally pull yourself up and over a felled tree and walked over to the side of the moss covered rock.
Alright guys, I'm here!
>You waited a few seconds to see if anyone would respond.
>Nothing.
>You take in a deep breath and get ready to shout again.
>But right as you were about to bellow out for them again, something grabs the neck of your shirt.
What the he-
>Before you can even finish what you were saying, it covers your mouth and you have a bag thrown over your head.
What the heck is going on?!
>You heard snickering and laughing as they tied a rope around your neck to keep the bag on your head.
>"What's the matter bud, can't see?" You heard that familiar voice speak from behind you.
>John.
What the heck? Get this off my head!
>"Why's that? We're just getting started buddy!" He said.
>Suddenly you feel someone grab your legs and lift you.
Let go of me!!
>You begin to kick and thrash violently, until you feel on of your feet him fiercely.
>He lets out a harsh cough before dropping your feet back to the ground.
>"Well, looks like he's getting a little feisty, we need to stop that..." You hear John say.
>Suddenly you feel him punch you right in the stomach incredibly hard.
>You let out a sharp cough.
>While you're stunned you feel someone grab your feet and begin to tie a rope around them.
>"There we go, that should make it better, so this worm doesn't get any more bright ideas." He says slyly.
>You wanted to fight back, but between the excruciating pain in your stomach and being tied up, there was nothing to do.
>You were at their mercy now.
>"You see, I actually had a change of plans about our little meet-up here. I was thinking maybe there was some other way I could make things up to you..."
When I.. tell the officers about.. this, they'll... have your head!
>He starts to laugh loudly.
>"What do you mean? You thin You'll be able to get to the officers in time? Or at all?? Haha! It's my intention of them never finding out."
>He tightened the rope around your neck a little bit.
>"And if I were you, I'd keep your smart little mouth shut, or something really bed might happen." He said.
>Well, something bad was going to happen either way.
>"So, how's about we have ourselves a little swim, that sounds like fun?"
Go... to hell....
>It was hard to breathe.
>You could barely force words our your stomach was hurting so much.
>"Now, i'm just trying to make myself a better person, don't be so harsh! Tell ya what, how does a nice little swim sound buddy? That sounds like fun?" He asks.
>This wasn't good.
>What do they mean by swimming?
>Suddenly someone grabs your legs and lifts you up, while john carry's you by your shoulders.
>"Come on guys, lat's take him to your favorite swimming area!" He says, as the other guys agree in unison.
>It was only after carried you a little way you began to hear the sound of the ocean waves, crashing against the rock cliffs that stood outside of town.
>They weren't
>They couldn't
>This wasn't good.
Don't throw me in the ocean!
>You twisted and thrashed until you got your arm up and around.
>With one quick movement, you tried your hardest to slug him in the face.
>With a rather satisfying thud, you managed to hit him across the face.
>"Gah! You little bastard!" He yells, as he manages to grab one of your hands.
>You try hard to break his grip, by twisting and pulling, but to no avail.
>Then he hits your wrist so hard, you felt as if someone was smashing it with a hammer.
>Then again
>And again.
>He hit your wrist over and over, his grunts becoming more hostile.
>"I've had enough of you, you little rat!" He shouted, before hitting incredibly hard one last time.
>The force from the hit was so hard, you felt a crack in your wrist.
AAHRRRRGHHH!!
>The pain that shot up your arm was so intense, you almost felt like throwing up.
>"Yeah, how do you like it now?!" He yelled, "Now come on, lets dump him off, I'm sick of him"
>You grit your teeth intensely as tears began to drop down your face.
>The pain was excruciating.
>But despite the pain, the only thing on your mind was the sound of the waves, creeping upon your ears, louder and louder.
>You took breath after breath, careful not to hurt your stomach, to try and keep the pain in your wrist from overwhelming you.
>The waves crashing were now not only very audible, but loud.
>The shore was close, and unfortunately, so was your 'swim'.
>"Now is time for your swim little friend, got something you have to say?" He asked.
>You wanted to say something, but the pain kept your lips sealed.
>"Well, if you have nothing to say, what are you waiting for, the waters fine! Toss him in now!"
>And in one fluid motion, you were pulled back, and then thrown sideways, out and down in to the water.
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>"That's terrible" The stranger said.
Yeah, it felt a lot worse.
>"What happened next?" He ask in anticipation.
I'm not entirely sure. I struggle for a minute before I blacked out.
>"Wow... and yet you're still alive. How did you live through that? And more importantly, did those little ass hats get what was coming to them?" He asked, a bit of frustration audible in his voice.
Well, yeah. But that will be further on in the st-
>You were interrupted by the nurse walking to the table.
>"I don't mean to interrupt again, but here are your pokemon. Just a few nicks and bruises, nothing major! Just let them rest a bit."
Oh trust me, I intend on it. Thank you very much nurse.
>"Anytime, if you need anything don't hesitate to come over to the desk." She said, before once more turning back around and walking toward the main counter.
>You grab the two pokeballs and snap them back on to your belt.
>"You know, I never did get your name."
Names Adam. How about you?
>"I'm Jason. Glad to be of acquaintance."
Likewise.
>"You don't seem to have too many pokemon on you to be adventuring there." He commented.
>You take in a deep breath.
I'll explain that, but not right now... I think I'll continue on where I was.
>"Okay, so what happened after you drowned?"
Like i said, I don't remember much of what happened immediately afterwards, but when I woke up, something quite extraordinary happened...
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>There was darkness.
>Darkness for you don't even know how long.
>Were you dead?
>You began to feel slight pressure on your chest.
>But it wasn't a steady pain.
>It was a repeated jab.
>Like when someone kept poking you in the same spot over and over.
>Then out of nowhere, you began to cough violently.
>As you coughed and hacked, water began to spew from your lungs.
>And as you coughed the water, you began to get your feeling back.
>Your head.
>Your arms.
>Then your wrist.
>You let out a sharp gasp as the pain shoots back up your arm.
>A couple more coughs later, you throw your head back and slowly open your eyes.
>Everything is fuzzy, but you can make out the leaves on the trees.
>And a figure standing over you.
>Your sight was so faded, you weren't even sure if it was a human or not.
>Before you could even begin to focus your sight, you felt incredibly dizzy.
>Within a few moments you closed your eyes, and faded back into the darkness...
>...
>You slowly began to open your eyes again.
>A similar fuzzy scene graced your vision.
>The canopy of the forest, but there was no figure that you could see of.
>And it was darker, as if it were dusk.
>You decided it would be best not to move, and just let your sight comeback to you.
>Slowly but surely your surroundings began to become more defined.
>The leaves on the trees began to give way to branches.
>The sounds of the gentle fall breeze kicking up the leaves on the ground began to become more audible.
>And shortly enough, your sight was as if nothing had happened.
>You looked to your left to find a rather large tree.
>And on the base of the tree, you see a rather curious little Pokemon, almost asleep.
>Slowly, you pull yourself up to a sitting position, careful not to agitate your probably shattered wrist.
>As you finish sitting straight up, you began to feel a little dizzy.
>Maybe it was best to just sit still for a moment, so you don't hurt yourself.
>You shift your sight back over to the small Pokemon at the base of the tree.
>It was white and blue, and had rather large arms that sprawled on either side of it.
>But, they didn't quite look like arms though.
>It had you curiosity piqued, so you decided to get up on your feet and get a closer look at it.
>You shifted your weight forward, and got on your knees.
>You first rise your right foot up, and then pull yourself up with your left foot.
>As you stood straight up you began to feel dizzy again.
>You moved sloppily in several different directions before eventually you caught your balance again.
>You quickly snapped over to the tree and saw the curious little Pokemon poke it's head up glance at you.
>It curiously tilted it's head to the side, as if it was interested in you.
>And then it began to float up in the air.
>What you thought were arms were actually almost like wings, now that you think about it.
>It levitated in the same spot for a moment, before rapidly shaking ruffling itself, as it to stretch itself.
>After it was done, it focused it's sight back on you.
>It's red eye's never taking themselves off of you.
>And as you looked more and more at it, you began to realize which Pokemon it was.
>It was a Latios!
>You remember reading a bit about them in the psychic section of your Pokemon text book.
>But, he was a lot smaller than the pictures had represented.
Hi there!
>You greeted it in a kind voice, waving your hand.
>It jolted back a little bit, almost startled by your greeting, but never averting it's gaze.
>This was pretty amazing really.
>The book said that Latios, along with Latias, were incredibly rare to come across.
>And to have one almost land itself right next to you...
>Well, there's some good to this situation after all!
I'm not going to hurt you.
>It tilted it's head again.
>It didn't seem particularly scared of you any who, but you figured you'd try and assure it that.
>You began to take a couple steps toward it slowly.
>It's stare never broke yours, as it stood levitating in the same spot.
>You slowly began to extend you hand out as if to offer a handshake.
>It shifted it's sight from your head to your hand.
You can shake my hand, I won't bite!
>You gave it a smile as it looked back up to you.
>It shifted it's vision back to your hand, before slowly floating toward you.
There you go buddy!
>He began to extend his hand out toward yours.
>And when he was just a few feet away, you began to feel an odd tingling in your extended arm.
>It felt as if something was encasing your entire arm.
>The Latios stopped in it's track, and looked down at your arm, before beginning to back up a little.
>And then, you were shoved back, as if an incredibly harsh gust of wind hit you square in the chest.
>You stagger backwards harshly, before eventually falling down on your butt.
>You look up and, seeming out of thin air, you see another Latios materialize in front of you.
>It was a lot larger than the other one.
>And he didn't look exactly friendly either.
>It stared at you, it's red eyes piercing straight through you.
>You held your hands up.
I wasn't going to hurt him, I promise!
>It gritted it's teeth at you, as it's eyes began to glow a light purple.
>This wasn't good.
>And just as suddenly as he appeared, his eyes glow has simmered, and he shifted his vision to his right.
>His expression became that of confusion for a second.
>And then, out of thin air once more, appeared a Latias right next to Latios.
>The Latias let out a small squeal to the Latios, before shifting it's vision over to you.
>~Are you alright?~ You heard a female voice speak within your head.
>It felt as if something kind of snuck in to your head and began talking.
Are you... speaking to me?
>~Yes, I am, have you never experienced telepathy before?~ She asked again, with a curious look on her face.
I... can't say I have. It's kind of weird to be honest.
>~Well, are you okay? I trust he didn't hurt you too much, beyond your wounds you already have.~
No, he just knocked me back away from the small Latios behind him.
>She chuckles a little and gives you a smile.
>~That's our child, he's very protective of him.~ She says happily, ~He doesn't trust humans too much.~
Then.... why trust me around you guys?
>The Larger Latios gives Latias an expectant look, as if looking for an explanation.
>~You are but a child. I now you mean no harm, unlike the other... heathens who have done this to you.~
>You gently rub your wrist, to see how it feels.
>It's very tender, and visibly bruised all over.
>You hope it isn't broken.
Yeah, they do that to me.
>~Why would anyone do that to you?~ She asked.
I don't know, I just don't think they like me.
>Latias gives a peculiar look to Latios, before he takes in a breathe and let out a few rapid squeals.
>She levitates for a second, listening to him, as their child floated behind them, ever watching their conversation.
>After a moment of Latios speaking, he stops and Latias shifts her sight to you.
>~He says this is why he does not trust humans, he says they are brutal and unkind, and you are a perfect example of such brutality.~
>You weren't sure what to say to that.
>You let out a huff and shrugged your shoulders.
But... isn't that same true for Pokemon? There are good and bad people, much like good and bad Pokemon. And you can have my word, I am no threat to you all...
>They both look at each other.
>Latios lets out a stern huff, before levitating back up in to the tree, eventually laying himself upon a branch high up.
>~He is... not fond of outsiders, do forgive him.~
I understand why he thinks like that. Humans can be... unforgiving.
>~Yes. His concerns are not misplaced. Especially with our little one.~ She said, looking behind her at the small Latios, who gave her a look of curiosity.
>They looked at each other for a moment before Latias motioned Latios over to you, like telling him it's okay.
>Latias shifts her vision back on to you.
>~I'm letting him know you don't want to hurt him, and that you're friendly.~
>The tiny Latios began to float slowly toward you again as it had before.
>You brought your arm up and extended it once more as he got closer.
>He looked back to his mother, who nodded her head, telling him it was okay.
>As his head came close to your hand, you brought your hand out a little further and began to pet him on the head.
>He closed his eyes as you ran your hand through his soft and short fur.
>After a few strokes you lifted your hand off his head.
>You looked up at you and gave you a huge heart-warming smile.
>You shift your sight over to Latias who was chuckling a little bit.
>Then you felt a slight prodding at your stomach.
>Looking down you see Latios poking your stomach with his nose, as if to get your attention again.
>You bring your hand up and begin to softly pet his head again.
>He levitated there almost in a trance.
>~He's taken a liking to you~ Latias said.
I guess he has, haven't you?
>Your words did little to break the little one from his trance.
>He bumped his head up in to you hand and tried to get you to move your hand around more.
>You shift your hand to below his chin and begin scratch it lightly.
>He seemed to like it just as much as he stayed almost completely still in mid air.
>You continued scratching this chin for a bit, before finally deciding to ask a question that's been bugging you this whole time.
Say... How did I live through that ordeal anyways? I thought I saw someone looming over me when I was coughing up sea water.
>~Well, it was actually quite simple really. I was flying around ocean when I saw something hit and splash near the cliff. Thinking it was something in need, I flew over, and sure enough I found you.~
Wow... I can't begin to thank you enough!
>~It was an easy task, and after I grabbed you and laid you across my back I brought you up back up on to land where i used my psychic powers to try and force all the water inside you. Afterwards, seeing your physical condition, I tried my best to help heal your wrist. I like to think I did a good job.~
>She healed your wrist?
>Come to think of it, you haven't felt your wrist bothering you since you woke up the second time.
>You take your hand off of Latios and begin to rub your wrist a little.
>It was only a little bit tender, and nothing more.
>Latios began to prod at your shoulder again, wanting your attention as you stood in awe of how rapidly she healed your wounds.
How did you do that?
>~I just simply used my psychic powers to heal you. I can't explain it in a way human words can describe.~
>How peculiar...
>It was interesting to think that Pokemon had ways of explaining things that was beyond the language of humans.
Well... Thank you, very much.
>~It was nothing.~
>You bring your hand back over and begin to rub him on the top of his head, which he more than welcomes.
It wasn't. Truly, I can't say thanks enough!
>~Well, I'm happy to see you are not a bad person, and you are okay.~
>A short silence falls as you continue to entertain the young Latios.
>You vision graces the canopy above, and the sky that is growing ever darker.
>Your mother is probably getting worried about you.
I hate to leave you guys, but my mom is probably getting worried about it.
>~It is no problem.~ Latias began, before pointing over to your right.
>~The town is back that way. You'll see the large building after a bit.~
Okay! And uh... thank you again for saving my life.
>~Think nothing of it.~ She said.
>A pause fell over you as you moved your sight to the small Latios.
I gotta get going buddy, sorry I have to go...
>A sad look falls on his face as he solemnly floats toward you.
>He extends one of his hands and begins to tug on your shirt.
>You look up at Latias to see her chuckling to herself.
>~He wants to go with you.~
>You let out a small sigh.
I'm sorry buddy, but I can't have pokemon with me. My parents won't let me.
>His look becomes more sad.
B-but don't worry! I'll come and visit for sure!
>His sadness quickly changes to a light smile as you rub his head a little bit before turning and heading out to the city.
>You turn and give one last wave to the two pokemon.
It was nice meeting you all! I'll see you guys again sometime!
>~We would like your company again, kind one.~ Latias says before shifting her sight to her child, and you to the forest that lay ahead.
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>"Wow, that's... incredible."
>You nod.
Of all the things I thought may happen to me in the forest, that was probably one of the last thing I would have ever thought.
>"That's certainly something I'd probably never see."
Don't say that, you never know what you could see in this ever curious world.
>A few moments pass before something catches your eye by the counter where the Nurse was at.
>A good bit a of people crowded around the TV that was hanging to the ceiling beside the counter.
>You know exactly what's on.
Look at that, looks like people are all crowded around the TV.
>You point over to the TV.
>Jason looks over his shoulder at the small group.
>"Well look at that, want to see what's going on?"
>You shrug.
I don't see why not.
>You both pull yourselves out of the chairs and walk over to the small area where people were collected.
>The two of you find a spot at the end of the line on the right, close enough to hear and see.
>"...Coming to you live in Rustboro where tragedy has struck the Devon building just a few moments ago. As you can see behind me here, smoke is pouring out of the ground floor of the building as firefighters and their pokemon are readying themselves to enter the building. It is unknown at this time what is the cause of this smoke and/or fire."
>"Damn, you see that?!" Jason asks.
I see it. I hope everyone in there is okay.
>Well, mostly everyone..
>There are definitely a few people in there the world would do better without.
>"Yeah no kidding man, that building probably has lots of people in it."
>You stood for a moment as the people around you stayed glued on the screen.
>If they end up publicly showing your face on that TV, it would be bad news for your stay here.
So, I need a breather, and I have more of my story I gotta share, care to go for a stroll?
>He gives a light shrug.
>"I don't see why not, I gotta grab my stuff real quick." He says before walking behind you and toward your table.
>You follow slowly right behind him, careful not to make yourself come off as too injured, or attract any unwanted attention.
>He grabs his jacket and slips in around himself and puts a small backpack on.
I'm gunna let you know I haven't been to this place before so I have no idea where to go to walk.
>"Eh, who cares. Let's make it an adventure." He says, as he begins to walk toward the entrance of the pokemon center.
>you quickly looked around and only saw a handful of people around the pokemon center apart from the crowd at the TV.
>It almost felt like it was empty.
>You both approach the automatic glass doors, passing through into the dimly lit outdoors.
>"So, I say we head toward meteor falls, it's on the way to Rustboro, and it will give us some nice, fresh air."
>You wanted to stay far away from Rustboro.
>But you reluctantly agree.
Yeah sure, we gunna camp somewhere for the night?
>"Yeah sure, that sounds like a plan." He said, as he began to make headway toward the meteor falls area.
>"So what's the next part of your story, I'm itching to hear more." He said enthusiastically.
>You thought about how to begin the next part.
Alriiight... so this next part happens on the following Monday, on my way home from school. Keep in mind, I never told my parents about what had happened and they simply thought I lost track of time...
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>You inhale a deep breath of the sweet autumn air as you walk outside into the school courtyard.
>The sky was blanketed with clouds and the wind was whipping the felled leaves across the cement.
>You stepped down the stairs and began your short journey home as any time before.
>lets hope this time it goes without incident from John.
>Your shoes rhythmically hit cement as your eyes began to wander around you.
>Even thought you've seen these places hundreds of times, it was always fun to try and find odd differences when they change.
>A week or so ago the third house down on the right got some window-sill flowers hanging on the outside.
>It was quite the ugly purple house, but the flowers were a nice touch.
>And there was a time about 3 months ago when the 7th house before your home had a small house fire.
>The side has been scorched since.
>Your thoughts are suddenly interrupted by the sounds of a few bells ringing behind you.
>You turn behind you, and your heart sank when you saw what it was.
>John, and his two friends riding bikes toward you.
>And fast.
>You picked up your pace and began to run down the sidewalk, trying to get home as fast as you can.
>You frantically kept looking over your left shoulder, hoping they wouldn't be catching up.
>Such hopes were not long lived.
>But you kept up your running pace despite the fact they were catching up to you.
>The cement beneath your feet felt like it was pushing against your legs the more you ran to the point where it was starting to hurt.
>Your breathing became frantic as you tried to keep yourself going for your own sake.
>Your running became more and more sloppy as you saw the block your house was on in the near distance.
>But as you took your sights up to see to the distance, your foot catching something.
>You tumble a few steps forward.
>You try to regain your balance, but going so fast didn't help.
>You take one last step before you slip and fall forward on to the cement.
>Your chest and arms hit the ground with an almost sickening thud as you let out a sharp cough.
>But you didn't have time to worry about being hurt.
>Pulling yourself up on to your feet, you take a quick look over your shoulder to see how far away they were.
>To your discontent, they were not even half a block away.
>But as you are just about to start running again, John's bike makes a quick stop and vaults forward.
>He's catapulted off of his seat and thrown like a rag doll on to the pavement.
>He hit the ground at least twice as hard as you.
>You even squirm at the sight of it.
>But your not one to argue with a good thing.
>You pulled yourself up to your feet and looked back over at the trio.
>However, just like you did, he quickly pulls himself up to his feet, and gives you a deathly glare.
>He begins to trudge over to you with a demeanor to match that of an angry Zangoose.
>"Where are you going buddy?!" He yell over at you, him and his friends walking over.
Leave me alone!
>"I'm not letting you get anywhere you little weasel!" He yells, only a couple of yard away from you.
>As he gets within a few feet, he stops and looms over you.
>"I thought we got rid of you, but it looks like I wasn't quite thorough enough, now was I" He said menacingly, as he began to crack some of his knuckles..
>However, as he begins to stretch his shoulders, his pants are yanked down quickly.
>Before he can even react, he slips and falls forward, hitting his chin off the sidewalk violently.
>The whole series of events happened so fast, you couldn't help but start laughing at his misfortune.
>"Arghh.. damnit... Guys, take care of this punk!' He said, flailing his arm toward you.
>His two friends stepped in front of John and on either side of you, staring down on you.
>"Don't worry, we'll make it quick this time." The one on the right says.
>As they begin to move in on your a peculiar noise catches your ears.
>The sound of footsteps coming rapidly from some bushes to your left.
>Then as quickly as you can look over you see a kid, a little shorter than you, run between you and the John's henchmen.
>He keeps his arms extended, not moving a single inch.
>The two oafs give a confused look at him.
>"Pfft... what are you doing here?" The one on the left scoffs.
>As fast as you can blink and with great power, the heads of the two bullies smacked together with a crack that sounded incredibly painful.
>They both collapse and fall to the ground on top of one another.
What the heck was that?
>The kid begins to chuckle a little.
>You couldn't help but join in the laughter, even though it was rather concerning to see such a thing happen so quick.
>"What the heck do you think you're doing you little maggot?" John says, finally regaining his balance and standing on his feet.
>He was furious, and you could tell by that look in his eye.
>"Come here you little!" he bark assertively before lunging at the kid in front of you.
>As his fist is about to connect with the face of the kid, he stops completely, almost freezing in mid air.
>The kid begins to laugh a bit, before John is rocketed backwards several feet, landing harshly on the ground.
>He lowers his arms and turns around to you.
>He stares blankly at you, before giving you a big smile.
Thank's a lot... but if you don't mind me asking, what the heck was that??
>The kid simply shrugs, continuing his blank stare.
>It wouldn't have bothered you as much if it weren't for the fact his eye's were as red as a pokeball.
So uh... thanks.
>He gives you a smile and nods his head enthusiastically.
>The muffled moans on John in the distance are barely coming through the slight gust of the Autumn wind.
>It was nice to see him on the opposite end for once.
>You shift your attention back to the kid, who continued his blank stare, as if expecting something.
So uh... what's your name?
>The kid shrugs.
Well... if you don't know, where are you from.
>He looks to his left and points over toward the forest west of town.
Are you from a far away land?
>He shakes his head back and fourth.
Okay, across the street?
>He shakes his head again.
Well... do you live in the forest over there or something?
>He nods his head lightly, never breaking his gaze off of you.
>You let out a light huff of defeat.
>It doesn't look like you're getting much out of him.
Well... I have to head home, I'll see you around maybe! Thanks again though!
>You extend your hand for a handshake.
>He curiously looks down to your hand, before walking toward it and rubbing the side of his head against your hand.
Umm... what are you doing?
>You pull your hand away.
>The kid looks back up at you with a sad look.
>After a moment, he puts his hand out and tugs on your shirt, as if expecting something.
Umm... tell you what, you can come home with me, and we can go do something. How does that sound?
>He gets a big smile and nods his head rapidly.
Um... okay then! Follow me and I'll go drop my stuff off.
>Leaving what appeared to be the bodies of your fallen enemies behind, you and your new found pal began to make headway to your house, only about a block down the road.
>You didn't take your sight off of your house in the distance as your mind was racing.
>This kid was incredibly odd, to say the least.
>And not only that, but you were almost positive he was psychic or something along those lines.
>And living in the woods...
>Maybe he was raised my psychic pokemon?
>It's happened before, humans unlocking their psychic capabilities by growing up being taught by pokemon in the wild.
>Or maybe he could be something else entirely...
>Either way, it kept you on edge, but at least he was kind to you, so you have that going for you.
My house is right here.
>You point at the average sized house right in front of you as you turn into short cobbled walkway.
Wait here while I drop my stuff off, okay?
>You turn your head to see him smiling and nodding at you, standing still in place.
>You walk up the few steps and open the door to the familiar sight of the inside of your home.
>"Who's that?" You hear your mom ask from another room.
It's me!
>"Hello honey, how was school?" She asks.
Good, you mind if I go and hang out with a friend again?
>"Not at all honey, be sure to be home by sundown!"
I will, don't worry!
>You take off your backpack and lay it on the floor in the same spot you always do.
>It felt good to get that giant block of paper off your back.
>You turn back around and push the door open to see the kid still standing in the same spot as where you left him.
>He gives you a big smile as you come back outside.
>He gives you a motion as if to follow him as you begin to walk down the stairs.
>And without warning, be begins to run across the road and toward the houses on the west side of town.
H-hey, wait up, where are you going?!
>You began to run as well, not entirely sure what exactly it was he was doing.
>You were still rather tired from running from John and his pals.
Hey!.... Wait up!
>He looked over his shoulder with a smile, as he ran down a small alley between the two rather large buildings across the street.
>He didn't stop his pace or care to pay attention to you slowing down.
>Your legs began to burn intensely as you came into the entrance way of the alleyway.
>The alley was clean and empty for the most part, so hopefully you wouldn't trip.
>Emphasis on hopefully.
>The kid reached the end of the alleyway long before you did, quickly running around the right corner, leaving your sight.
Hey!... I'm trying... to keep up you know!
>Your breathing began to become labored as you near the end of the alleyway.
>You reach the end and stop to take a breath, looking down to the right.
>Nothing but a large dumpster and a few assorted trash cans.
>No sign of your newly found friend anywhere.
Hello?!
>No answer.
>You begin to walk slowly down the direction that he was going, hoping to find some trace of him.
>You look around on the ground and your surroundings.
>Nothing to be seen seen.
>But suddenly you feel a tap on your shoulder out of no where.
>You skittishly jump and turn around to see what it was.
>Your sight is greeted by the kid, smiling and chuckling to himself.
Wow... you startled me, sorry about that, I thought you went down this way...
>He gives you a few rapid head nods.
>This kid was something else.
So... what are we doing here?
>He gives you an enormous smile, before a small clouds of what looked almost like glitter began to form around him.
>And then, as quickly as you could blink your eye, it dissipates, revealing a small Latios, looking up at you with a wide smile.
>You had to shake your head and rub your eyes, because you couldn't believe it.
Well then... that certainly explains quite a bit then, doesn't it?
>He gives you a nod, before slowly drifting toward you.
>He then takes his head and rubs it in to you stomach.
You really like me don't you?
>You give into the adorable display and begin petting the length of his neck.
>Just like before he floats there almost motionless, enjoying the affection.
You're an adorable little thing, you know that?
>He ignores your comment and continues to float motionlessly.
>You stood there as well, enjoying the company of young and energetic pokemon.
Your parents are okay with this, right?
>Latios backs off, his eyes wide open, as if he just realized he made a big mistake.
>Without a moments notice, he rocketed himself into the sky and shimmered slightly, before disappearing into the cloud-covered sky.
>You laugh to you yourself at the humor of the situation.
>'A silly, curious little guy' you think to yourself.
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>"I hate to interrupt your story mate, but sun's about to set, we should probably find a place to hunker down for the night.
>He did have a point, travelling at night could be dangerous.
>That and you always heard of weird goings on at Mount moon during the night time.
>You weren't one to believe supernatural stuff, but something about the place always put you off.
Yeah, any place in particular strike your eye?
>"It's a little hard to see, but I'll keep my eyes out." He said, as your steady walk was slowed to a stroll.
>You looked out for an open spot so you could get a warm fire going to shelter you guys from the elements.
>The surrounding areas were rather rocky and hilly, no real vegetation.
>Good for a camp, but you would have to hunt for some sort of timber to burn.
>"We could try over there." He blurted, pointing off and to the right.
>There was a rather large, felled tree that looked like it has been long dries out, perfect for a fire.
>And it was well away from any vegetation.
I say it looks good. A good opening with some firewood to boot.
>"That's what I was thinking, I got one of my pals to help with the fire too." He said, pulling a pokeball from his belt, tossing it around.
Fire pokemon?
>"It's my Houndour, I've only had him for a little while, but he's a great companion."
I don't doubt it, with the travelling you do.
>"Oh most definitely, it makes lighting campfires a lot less of a hassle."
>You both come upon the rather large, dried up tree that lay itself across the dry and open dirt.
>"Well then, lets break off some of these branches and get a fire started before we hunker down, shall we?" He said.
Alright, I'll go over to this side and break off those larger branches, they'll burn nicely.
>"Alright, I'll get all the small ones over here." He said, wasting no time breaking off several small branches.
>You turn to your right and walk toward a couple of branches you had your eyes on.
>You walk up to a rather large branch jutting itself and put your leg up on it.
>With a forceful push of your leg the large branch breaks off with little trouble.
>You pick up one end and begin to drag it behind you..
Any particular place you want to start the fire?
>Jason thinks to himself for a second.
>"You know, we could just make the fire right here and lean against the tree."
That sounds like a good idea, but we better put some stones around the fire so it doesn't just spread off and spark a fire on the big tree.
>"Yeah that wouldn't be very good now would it... I'll grab some sizable rocks and you can set the timber." He said.
>He laid all the smaller branches he had gathered at his feet.
>He began walking off looking for rocks, still fiddling and tossing around his pokeball.
>You dragged the large log behind you a little farther, dropping it on the ground next to the small pile of branches.
>You start to kick the dirt around in a small area to nice indent into the ground.
>A few moments of doing this you get a nice pit to put the pile of twigs in.
>You take a few steps and bend over to pick up the sticks.
>As you hold them in your arms you notice that the wood on this tree is incredibly dry and light, as the whole batch of them felt like your were lifting styrofoam.
>You get down on your knees and place the branches into pit.
>You thought for a second, but decided kindling probably wouldn't be necessary.
>Especially since he has a Houndour, the fire would be easy to light.
>You let out a sigh and brought yourself back up to your feet.
>You plant your hands at your hips and look off at the sunset.
>The sun was completely below the horizon, the orange sky the only light you had to go by.
>'I hope Latios is alright...' You think to yourself.
>'I said I'd be back friend, and that I promise'
>The reality of the whole situation was starting to set in now that you were getting relatively relaxed and not necessarily having to worry about anyone following you.
>But you've seen what those guys at Devon do, what they have and how it works.
>You've stalled them for now, but all you had to do was hope, pray, that he was alright.
>"Hey bud you alright?" You heard your new found pal say, jerking you from your dreary thoughts.
What? Oh, yeah I'm fine, just... thinking is all.
>"No problem, I got the stones here, I'll set 'em up, you mind breaking that log there apart to smaller parts before we start the fire?" He asks, kneeling over and placing a few stones to start.
Not a problem, these things are dry and light, should be easy work.
>You turned back around and picked up the large log.
>You drag it and balance it on the felled tree, and carefully place your right foot on the center of it.
>With a swift motion, you push down on the log and snap it in half with little effort.
>You do this again with one half, and once more with the other, creating a few decently large, but easily burnable logs.
>You turn around to see Jason finishing up the hastily thrown together fire pit.
Think we should have some water handy in case the fire spreads anywhere?
>He shakes his head a little.
>"Nah, what's there to burn?"
Us.
>He rolls his eyes and dismisses your comment.
>"We'll be fine, the fire won't even be that large any who."
>You shrugged at his logic.
>"So, what do you say we get this fire started?" He said, twirling the pokeball on his finger.
I'm ready when you are man.
>"Sounds good to me, come out Houndour!" He said, grabbing the ball off his finger and tossing his pokeball in the air.
>With a familiar noise, the pokeball snaps open and releases his Houndour out on to the firm dirt.
>It Rapidly shakes it's head, almost as if he was waking up, before taking in a deep breath, and letting out a fierce sneeze.
>As it sneezed, many sparks and flames flew from it's norstils, and gave a flicker of light to a small portion of the surroundings.
>Jason chuckles a little bit.
>"Houndour, you mind starting a fire for us? I'll let you sleep afterwards I promise." He asks his pokemon nicely.
>The Houndour looks at the small pile branches before taking in a large breath.
>And with a fierce exhale, he breathes an intensely hot stream of flames at the pile.
>So hot, you had to pull your forearm to your face because it hurt.
>But the flames only lasted for a brief second, and when you brought your arm down, and nice little fire had caught on the branches.
>And not a moment too soon, as the sunlight was almost non-existent in the sky.
>"Good job boy, you can get all the rest you want now!"
>The Houndour let out a happy yip, before he held out his pokeball toward him.
>And as fast as he came out, he was sucked back into the pokeball.
>Jason snapped it back on his belt before sitting himself on the ground, leaning his back on the large tree..