Hero's Path: A Journey of Song and Story
Chapter Listing:
1. Unexpected Visit
2. A Brief Stop
3. Exit Interview
4. Old Wounds
5. Strange Lands
6. Dread Wizard
7. Chance Meeting
8. Flesh and Blood
9. Storm Front
10. Master of the House
11. Fool's Errand
12. Look Down
13. Fallen Fire
14. Echoed Past
15. Call to Arms
16. First Attack
17. Hero Rising
18. Revolution
19. Last Stand
20. Final Call
21. Falling Stars
22. Final Farewells
23. Hero's Home
24. Guilty Conscience
25. Healing Words
26. Honest Work
27. Leaving Home
28. Bird Brain
29. Chance Encounter
30. Top Percentage
31. Summer Knight
32. Unholy Night
33. Converging Destinies
34. Forgotten Empire
35. Old Lessons
36. Paradigm Shift
37. Clouded Future
38. Twisted Paths
39. Coming Storm
40. Lightning Strike
41. Divine Might
42. Knights Errant
43. Empty Chairs
44. Brigand's Choice
45. Midnight Visit
46. Dead Walking
47. Icy Visage
48. Lonely Hearts
49. Grand Maestro
50. Mending Scars
51. Darkest Night
52. Sun Rise
53. Wonderful Emperor
54. Glancing Blows
55. Drinking Songs
56. Show Time
57. Into Flames
58. Final Battle
59. Journey's End
60. Answers
61. Changes
SYNOPSIS OF LEAGUE OF HEROES:
[spoil]Cole has already traveled to many regions before the story opens, and has many victories to his name. Just before the story, Cole was the central figure in a clash with N, Ghetsis and Team Plasma, calling down Zekrom to help him sweep Plasma away. He emerged alive and victorious, but not without several scars. As he recovers, he receives a letter from a man named Raj, inviting him to a summit at a Tower far south of Unova. Cole takes along his Victini, Athena, and his oldest partner Charizard.
When they arrive, they are welcomed into a new league, of which Cole is selected to become the fire leader. He meets with several other members of this league, and finds a friend in Raj, the Founder, Ammy, a water type specialist, and Mozzeh, a dragon leader. Cole finds a little friction in the ground elite four member, Becca, and an enemy in Nate, the dark elite. Several other leaders, like David, the flying specialist, Fire, a steel type user with a personality to match her name, and Karin, a stoic electric type master, arrive, and the summit, mainly to discuss logistics, begins. At the end, four cloaked men arrive, informing the newly founded Journeymen league that their comrades, several missing leaders, have been kidnapped. The leader reveals himself to be Ghetsis before he disappears, and declares that Team Omega is rising.
Raj instructs the other leaders to return to their gyms or places of residence so he can have some time to think. Becca and Cole make an effort to reconcile their previous disagreement before Cole soars away to find a gym. He eventually finds it in the Autumn Forest, a region forever with leaves in the tapestry of fall, far north of Lacunosa Town. Skyla, an old friend, flies in the rest of his pokemon from Professor Oak's lab in Kanto, and Cole begins his new life.
Some time later, Cole returns to the Tower of the Ancients, with a brief stop by Becca's cabin on Twist Mountain along the way. He meets several of her pokemon, including her blind Charizard, Dracoburn. The two together return to the Tower, and find Raj has brought a new comrade along, a young man named Xander, an expert on shiny pokemon. The present members of the league assemble a strike team to infiltrate a suspected Omega base, and find Ghetsis and his legion of followers there, about to crown a new King, now that N has fled to cleanse his soul after the Plasma Incident.\
The Journeymen interrupt the ceremony, and drive Omega away. However, in the battle, Ammy losses her pokemon to Omega. They recover Adam and Nate, their two captured comrades, and retreat to the Tower. During this, David and a trainer named Jo go to the P2 Lab and N's Castle to try and discover clues on what Omega's plan might be. After only discovering cryptic references to a Prime Pokemon and the relative location of a back-up warehouse, they return as well.
When everyone is gathered again at the Tower, Cole explains to raj his life as the Defender of Legends, and how he came to possess a shiny Entei and Athena. Mozzeh goes to Castelia City to see Nate and Adam in the hospital, and interrogate the captured sages of Team Plasma, meeting with Clair and Lance in the process. After his search turns up nothing, he has a chance meeting with Fire, who has been missing since the Summit. She tells him that Omega invaded her gym and drove her out. She and Mozzeh return to the safety of the Tower.
Cole, Becca and Ammy then proceed to the Omega Warehouse, in an effort to reclaim Ammy's pokemon and strike a lasting blow. Karin, who has found her own way to the complex some time ago after her gym fell, joins them. They invade it covertly, and find a massive underground cavern filled with captured pokemon. Cole and his partners set them free, but incur Ghetsis's wrath. He activates a "collar" of sorts on his captive pokemon, driving them insane with blood lust. As the Journeymen escape, he sets his brainwashed army on a course for the Tower.
Cole and his allies speed back as fast as their pokemon will carry them, and warn their comrades. The full might of the Journeymen retreat to Cole's Flare Gym, where they are able to stay in relative safety and buy themselves some time. But the events of the world carry on around them, and Omega beings to ravage the various regions. Mewtwo is set upon Kanto as Regigagas tears a path of destruction in Sinnoh. Riots and terrorist strikes are rampant.
On an early morning run, Cole is confronted by Moltres, who beseeches him to go to Kanto and help Zapdos, who was severely injured in a clash against Mewtwo. Cole agrees, on the condition that Moltres warn the other legendary pokemon of the coming storm and urge them to take shelter. Moltres consents, and leads Cole, David, Karin, Jo and Mozzeh to Kanto, with some aid from Skyla. As they pass over the ruins of what was once Saffron City, Mewtwo attacks.
The Journeymen hold as long as they can, but are soon forced back. Ghost types rise up from the ashes to distract the clone, and the two Deoxys Cole saved in the Sevii Islands descend from the heavens to lend aid. They draw Mewtwo's fire long enough for Cole and Co. to get out of range and to where Zapdos has crashed. Cole does his best to fix up the legendary bird, and returns to Unova.
As this happens, Zekrom descends on the Flare Gym to warn the Journeymen there that Omega will be coming soon, having driven through Unova, and leaving much of it in ruins. They gather their forces, and prepare a defensive. Omega arrives before Cole returns, and the Journeymen hold the Gym until he does, with considerable help from Zekrom. Cole and his friends descend from Skyla's plane, taking the enemy by surprise. In the end, Omega is driven back by the wild pokemon of the Autumn Forest, but not without considerable cost.
Cole loses several pokemon in the battle, and as he grieves, the other members of the Journeymen scatter to all corners of the globe to find allies, in gym leaders, elite four members and powerful trainers the world over. As they do this, Ghetsis's Beheeyem teleports into the Flare Gym and gives Cole a letter. The letter issues an ultimatum challenge to Cole, saying that Omega will match him on the battlefield of the Entralink in the challenge of his choice, single combat or all out war.
When his friends return, Cole tells them of his desire to meet Ghetsis alone in one-on-one combat. The Journeymen soundly reject this, saying they will stand together. The force then proceeds south to Unova, and meets with their allies. Together, the massive army of people and pokemon crosses to the Entralink and prepares for battle. In a titantic clash, the two armies collide, and Gensect arrives for the Omega side.
Omega also brings several other enslaved legendaries, which the Journeymen and their allies have no hope of matching. Then, in their darkest hour, Zekrom arrives with the cavalry, if the cavalry were made up of other legendary pokemon. Kyurem and the King of Team Omega fly out, though Cole and Becca ride out to meet them. Through an exhausting battle, Kyurem is subdued, and Cole meets the King mano-a-mano in a pokemon battle.
The King is revealed to be Red, the heartless pokemon master responsible for Dracoburn's blindness. Cole's Charizard and Swampert take down all of Red's team but Lapras, the vile thing itself. As Charizard flies in for one last attack, it strikes with Blizzard at point-blank range. A mere instant before Charizard is killed, N and Reshiram arrive in a pillar of red and gold fire, defeating Red and Lapras. Ghetsis races to the scene, and berates N for his weak heart.
He orders Mewtwo to destroy Cole, but N lunges in front of the fatal strike. As the young man dies in Cole's arms, he begs him to move on, and accept the past. With his last breath, he beseeches Cole for forgiveness, and Cole grants it through his tears. Then, as N passes on, Cole channels the power of the Light and Dark Stones, destroying Ghetsis in a pillar of light.
Ghetsis perishes, and Omega scatters. Cole collapses.
Several days later, he awakes in a hospital and learns he and his allies were victorious. Several of his pokemon were killed, and he expresses concern over all the lost life. He learns that he has been bestowed the title Firebrand by several of the younger leaders. Adam invites all the gathered trainers to a ball in his penthouse several weeks later.
At the ball, Cole dances with his friends, but quietly he hungers for the freedom of the open skies. After a conversation with Becca, he dives off a balcony and is caught by Charizard. As they fly away, he talks to Zekrom one last time before the dragon returns to Dragonspiral Tower to watch over Unova. Then, Cole flies away into the night, onto his next adventure.[/spoil]
Character Bios (ONLY OPEN AS A REFRESHER! MASSIVE SPOILERS!):
[spoil]Cole: Once the leader of the Flare Gym, and a member of the heroic Journeymen League. But after his triumphs in the Omega War and his rise to international fame, he began to crave the freedom he once knew. He leaves his old life behind to pursue a new objective, finding the legendary Keldeo at the Edge of the World. He faces many triumphs and trials along the way, and is constantly trying to escape the ghosts of his past, most notably the blood of Ghetsis, which will forever stain his hands.
The Firebrand: Cole's alter ego, a famed war hero. This is Cole idealized, the most perfect incarnation of him. The Firebrand is brave and strong, and does not have doubts. But what he has in bravery, he lacks in basic humanity. The Firebrand rises in moments of intense mental and physical stress, sometimes acting almost as an antagonistic force that tempts Cole.
Charizard: Cole's first pokemon, and now his most staunch companion. The fire type is more than a little a little cynical, and often is the one being that can bring Cole back to reality, whether he be coping with inner demons or external evil. Subtly represents what Cole used to be, a free spirit who scoffs at danger and sees the world with a bit of a rosy glow.
Masamune: The Samurott who traveled with Cole through the Unova region. Masamune is physically the strongest of Cole's Fellowship. Oftentimes, Masamune's personal sense of justice gets the better of him. Has a taste for classical music, especially the work of Bach, and an appreciation of fine art. He could also be used to symbolize Cole's Firebrand side. Masamune will let nothing, not even severe personal injury to himself and those he cares about, get in the way of doing what is "right".
Scathatch: A Zoroark Cole met in his travels, and subsequently caught. Now Masamune's mate and the mother of three, Scathatch lives up to her namesake as the Warrior Maid of the Shadows. She is a powerful fighter, but also very wise. Oftentimes, it is Scathatch who sees through deception and thwarts traps. Almost Cole's moral compass in matters that concern the outside world.
Thor: Cole's Zebstrika. Stoic, and communicates very little. He will say what needs to be said, and nothing more. Thor has a strong sense of honor, much like his namesake. He enjoys the company of others, though is slow to admit it. Above all else, Thor values the freedom of choice.
Maeve: A Weavile who has been Cole's partner for quite some time. She has recently shown signs of incredible intelligence, such as being able to read and write in Human, and do complex mathematical equations mentally. Still has the relative mindset of someone rather young, so doesn't seem to realize her potential. She is a fierce fighter, and shows her best potential when backed into a corner.
Athena: A quirky Victini that Cole saved several years ago from Team Plasma. The easiest way to keep her safe was to capture her, and now she and Cole share a very close bond. Like Maeve, she doesn't realize her potential, only using her very powerful ability a few times, and then unconsciously. It appears she does not even know she possess the ability Victory Star at all. She has become almost Cole's "mascot", since her pokeball was destroyed in a long-ago fight with Ghetsis. She rides on Cole's shoulder, and is very friendly and almost childish.
Magnus: A strange old man that Cole meets in the Sinjoh Ruins. Not much is known about him, except that he knows more than he'll ever let on. Has a penchant for Shakespeare and an affinity for nicknaming things. Dresses in a white cloak with a tall cap, and his electric blue eyes seem to hold more secrets than he has years.
Feste: Magnus's very vocal Chatot. Speaks only in Shakespearean, and always has a quip (or three) ready.
The Seven: Nick, Anna, Kim, Lucian, Lexa, Seithios and Zephyr. A band of seven trainers that Cole meets in his travels. A powerful band of warriors with very strong pokemon, they always seem to appear where they are needed most. Though their destiny is separate from Cole's (despite intersecting several times), it is just as great. And perhaps just as grave.
Sin and Lisana: A pair of trainers that Cole meets outside of Fortree City in the Occupation. They have been separated from their mentor, and become Cole's disciples.
Joan: The Chosen Warrior of Arceus. Her destiny and Cole's are intertwined in ways that only Arceus can predict. She has a heavy burden on her shoulders, and a quest that may cost her life.[/spoil]
This story is a sequel of sorts to my other fic, League of Heroes. However, there are some notable differences. The first, and most important of which, the League has a very negligible role here. In fact, after the third chapter, they won't feature at all. The first fic focused more on battles, and ultimately war. This one focuses more on an adventurous spirit.
But, this takes place roughly six months after the epilogue in League of Heroes. So Cole is now a little older, a little more jaded, and a little bit darker.
So now, without further ado, here's the first part of Hero's Journey:
Unexpected Visit
Cole was frantic. He had just gotten the call an hour ago. A surprise visit from Raj! The Champion was flying up from the Tower, and he was going to test Cole’s team! “Charizard, get yourself warmed up! This is going to be a heated battle! C’mon, get the A-List ready! Athena, head up to the top of the tower! Let’s go!”
The young man tripped over a rock, stumbled and fell flat on his face. He took a deep breath, stood up, dusted off the legs of his jeans, and surveyed the area.
The Flare Gym, a small collection of cabins deep within the Autumn Forest, was clean enough. The tower in the middle of the clearing soared high above his head, and many of his pokemon relaxed in the early morning sunlight. Wild fire and flying types could be seen drifting through the red, gold and orange leaves of the forest. Entei and Firekeeper the shiny Absol were out there somewhere, but he didn’t need them for this battle.
Kami, Cole’s Lucario and second in command, appeared at his side. The blue fox inclined his head slightly. “No, Kami,” Cole said softly. “I don’t need you right now. Just make sure Raj gets here safely.” The Lucario nodded, and bounded off.
Cole looked at the base of the tower. Charizard was there with Ninetails, Infernape, Solar the Sceptile, and Swampert. Athena, his Victini, was already climbing up the curving tower steps.
“Well? Get on up there.”
Cole turned away from his top-tier gym team, and whistled. Masamune, his Samurott, Scathatch, his Zoroark and Thor his Zebstrika, came around the buildings. Faust, Houdini and Ruki, Masamune and Scathatch’s children, followed them with little tottering steps.
Unlike pokemon raised to battle, Cole allowed these to grow up at their own pace. Ruki had evolved into a Dewott a few months back, but Houdini and Faust were still mischievous Zorua pups. Cole smiled at the sight of them, and crossed his arms in mock severity. “We have an important visitor coming. Best behavior.”
Scree, his Pidgeot, called out from above. Cole looked up and nodded. That was the signal Raj was close. However, Cole remembered its origin with a pang. That particular cry had been developed in the war against Team Omega to alert the Journeymen and their allies of an approaching enemy.
Far in the distance, a dark speck appeared. It grew and grew, eventually taking the shape of a Hydreigon. Cole’s own Hydreigon, Tri, roared a challenge, but Cole gave it a sharp glare. The dragon, chastened, lowered its heads in deference.
Raj descended on his dragon, Mr. Socky. The dragon gave a scary grin in greeting, and Cole shuddered involuntarily. The tanned, bespectacled man on Socky’s back leapt off and grinned at Cole. “Hey! It’s been a while! How’ve you been?”
“Pretty good,” Cole replied. “How are things at the Tower?”
“Good, good. Now, let’s cut to the chase. It’s battle time.”
***
They climbed the long steps to the tower. When they reached the top, Cole recalled all the pokemon waiting for him there, except Athena, and shuffled the balls in his hand. “It’ll be a surprise who you go up against.”
Raj scowled. “I saw Swampert and Solar. One wild card. The rules clearly state…”
“I know, I know,” Cole replied. “But there’s gotta be some surprise. I’ll only use one, promise.”
Raj sighed. “All right.” He walked over to the northern dais, and experimentally worked the foot pedals that turned it. “Now, the rules are simple,” Cole explained. “Rotation battle. Four pokemon each. I don’t have a referee, so Kami will fill in.” The Lucario nodded brusquely at the Champion of the Journeymen league. “Shall we begin?”
“With pleasure. Snowcone, Socky, Medusa, take the field!” Raj cast out the three pokeballs, and from them materialized his Hydreigon, Samurott and Steelix.
Cole raised an eyebrow. “You should know by now that type advantage alone won’t win you this battle. Ninetails, Charizard, Solar, let’s do it!”
Ninetails gracefully assumed the position of lead battler, with Solar and Charizard flanking her. The fox howled, and the skies cleared as her Drought ability came into effect. Raj’s eyebrow rose. “Good strategy. Socky, Dragon Pulse!”
“And that’s just the beginning.” Cole tapped one of the rotation pedals, turning the dais counterclockwise. “Solar, protect!”
The Sceptile threw up a wall of light, stopping the purple rush of energy. “All right, follow it up with a Focus Blast!” Solar nodded brusquely even as Socky shot a column of flame from his left maw. The orange ball of light struck the fire, and burst through it, striking the Hydreigon down.
Socky howled in indignation. It was injured, but somehow not down. The creature was tenacious, Cole would give it that. “All right, Flamethrower!” Raj ordered.
Cole tapped the counterclockwise pedal again. “Charizard, Dragon Pulse.”
The orange dragon took the fire attack and brushed off the damage. He grinned, baring a mouth full of sharp fangs. A blast of indigo energy issued forth from his mouth. It struck Socky, and this time, the Hydreigon did fall. Raj sighed, and returned the dragon. “All right, Donnie, it’s your turn.”
He threw out another pokéball, revealing his signature Accelgor. Cole laughed. “You brought a bug type to a fire battle? I thought you were smart.”
“I always have a plan, Cole. Don’t get overconfident.”
The fire leader scoffed. “All right, whatever you say. Charizard, Heat Wave, finish it.”
The sunlight bolstered the power of the already-mighty attack, and the rush of fiery hot air rushed at Donnie. Raj tapped his foot on one of the pedals, and the dais quickly turned. Snowcone, Raj’s Samurott, took the blow.
Despite the fact that the strike was sun-charged, the Samurott brushed it off like it was nothing. “Snowcone, Waterfall.”
Snowcone dashed at Charizard, cloaked by a veil of water. Charizard withstood the attack, but only because of the sunny weather. The dragon quickly ate the Sitrus berry it grasped in its claw.
Cole cringed. “Damn.” He tapped the pedal for a clockwise turn, and brought Solar to the fore. “Energy Ball!”
Raj too rotated. Donnie leapt forward and used a Bug Buzz attack, which caught Solar off-guard. The super-effective attack brought the Sceptile to her knees.
“You’re not done yet!” Cole cried. “Come on! Dragon Pulse!”
But before Solar could move, Donnie launched another Bug Buzz. This time, Solar fell forward, and did not rise. Kami held up a flag, signifying that she was knocked out.
Cole returned the lizard to its pokéball. “All right, Athena. Time to shine.”
The Victini leapt from Cole’s shoulder, and took an empty space on the dais. Ninetails rotated to the front. Raj quickly switched to Steelix. “I expected that,” Cole said softly. “Ninetails, Solar Beam!”
The attack, already charged by the bright sunlight, shot down from the heavens. Medusa took the attack, and retaliated with a Stone Edge. Ninetails dodged, but barely, and attacked with another Solar Beam. This time, Medusa shuddered, it’s steel plating making an unearthly hiss and clatter, and fell to the ground.
Raj recalled the metallic serpent, and Cole realized he had just gained the upper hand. With Raj’s rock type out of the picture, it would be no problem to deal with the other two in the sun-saturated weather.
“All right! Ninetails, use Solar Beam on Snowcone!”
“Snowcone! Waterfall!”
The Samurott surged forward. Ninetails was knocked out by Snowcone’s brute force before she got a chance to launch her attack. Cole returned the canine, and rotated Charizard to the fore. “Dragon Pulse!”
“Waterfall!”
Charizard took to the air, dodging Snowcone’s attack, and then unleashed a Dragon Pulse at the aquatic creature. The Samurott drew back to Raj’s side of the tower, and Charizard landed. It winced at the wounds it had taken in its earlier clash with Snowcone. Cole would have to end this quickly.
Then, Raj surprised him. He rotated Donnie to the front. “Final Gambit!”
The Accelgor rushed at Charizard. It glowed with white light, and crashed into the dragon at top speed. Charizard roared in pain, and fell to the ground. Donnie staggered next to it, and fell as well.
Both trainers returned their pokemon, and rotated the dais to their final battlers. Snowcone glowered down at Athena, but the small fire type bravely glared back.
“Athena! You know what has to be done!”
The little creature jumped up high into the air. Electricity crackled around it. Raj scowled. “What’s going on? Is that a Wild Charge?”
The lightning took on a blue tinge, and flowed up around the creature, becoming an energized comet tail. Athena cried out. “Vic-tini!” Then, it dove at the ground.
She slammed into Snowcone at top speed, and the explosion of electricity was immense. Cole threw his arm in front of his face as his leather duster flapped in the wind.
The smoke from the attack cleared, revealing Athena panting slightly over the unconscious form of Snowcone. “What was that?” Raj cried.
“Fusion Bolt,” Cole replied, a little breathless. “When Athena and I paid a visit to Dragonspiral Tower about a month ago, Zekrom taught her how to use it. We’ve never tried it before, so I’m a little surprised it worked this well.”
Raj sighed. “Well. You won. Come on, let’s heal these guys up.”
***
The two young men sat outside, on a fallen log Cole used as a bench. Inside one of the cabins, their pokemon were recovering from the strain of battle. “So,” Raj said finally, nursing a mug of coffee. “Have you seen any of the other league members lately?”
Cole shrugged. “Not since our beach party a few months back. I went flying with David when he was on vacation. I see Becca sometimes when I go to Mistralton or Driftveil for supplies. Oh, and a few weeks ago I met up with Ammy in Undella Town.”
“Oh, did you now?” Raj said, a teasing note in his voice.
Cole didn't catch it. “Yeah. She was staying with Cynthia. We hung out on the beach for the day, and then flew over to Nimbasa City. We caught a musical, and then got dinner.”
“Nice date.”
Cole blushed. “It wasn’t a date!”
“It sounds like a date.”
“It does not!”
They sat in silence for a time. Finally, Cole took a deep breath. “Raj, before you started the Journeymen, you were going through a crisis, right?”
“Yeah, man. I lost that spark I had when I first started out. I needed something fresh and new to get me started as a trainer again. So I traveled around, and after meeting all of you guys, I realized that there was more to pokemon than endless battles. There’s a journey involved too, and bonding with your pokemon, developing strategies that work. So I started the league, and well, we all know what happened after that!”
“Right. But you had to go on a journey?”
“Yeah.”
“And find out what your true purpose is?”
“Sure… I guess you could put it that way…”
“Well, Raj, I need to go on a journey.”
The other man smiled. “Really?”
Cole nodded gravely. “Uh-huh. I haven’t had a true adventure since the war with Omega. And that was eighteen months ago! I need to go off into the world, and rediscover that spark I used to have.”
“What do you plan to accomplish by this?” Raj asked. If Cole had no goal in mind, he was going to stop him, and prevent him from leaving until he did. Every quest had to have a goal.
“Keldeo. I made a promise to Athena. I’m going to go and find Keldeo.”
“That’s not much of a plan.” Raj pushed his glasses up his nose. “Don’t rush blindly into this. Yes, okay, plenty of trainers have gone off on a journey because of rash decisions. But you’re not a little kid anymore, Cole. You need a clear objective. A place to start. And then there’s your gym to think about…”
“I’ve got a proxy lined up,” Cole replied. “My friend Taylor. I’m leaving a lot of my pokemon behind. He can use them.”
“And what pokemon are you taking? You still have that special license, don’t you, that allows you to carry more than six?”
The fire leader nodded. “I do. But… I’m leaving it here. I only want to bring six with me. It just feels right. I’m bringing Charizard and Athena, of course. Along with Masamune, Scathatch, and Thor.”
“That’s only five.”
“Thanks, Captain Obvious,” Cole shot back. “I know. I was thinking about bringing Kami, but he has to stay here and keep the gym in order. Taylor has his own life, and can only be at the gym on an as-needed basis. He’ll come out to meet the challengers and so on. When he’s not here, Kami will take care of the pokemon.
“I also considered Shiva, one of my Sceptiles, the one who was with me in Johto. But from what I’ve heard about Keldeo, that’s not the wisest choice.”
Raj sat back, and took a long swig of coffee. “Oh really? And what, pray tell, have you heard of Keldeo?”
“Not much,” admitted Cole. “But he makes his dwelling at a place called the Edge of the World.”
“I’ve never heard of it.”
“Well, yeah, that’s kind of the point. It’s supposed to be secluded. If people knew where it was then it would defeat the purpose. Athena doesn’t know much about it, because she’s never been there. Only that it’s near one of the poles. It will be really cold, and Shiva doesn’t like the cold.”
Raj looked pensive. “You realize that ‘near the poles’ is like, hundreds of thousands of miles.”
Well, yes. But Athena says that it’s an island. So I’d only have to search the areas outside the Artic and Antarctic Circles, because anything over that point would be covered in a sheet of ice. And I only have to look near the oceans. Now, Athena does know a place where we can get more information. It’s in a jungle far south of the Tower of the Ancients, where a monument of the old Pokemon and Human war is.”
“Keldeo was orphaned in that war,” Raj said softly, recalling the one bit of the Keldeo legend passed down through the years. “And it was raised by the Unova Warrior Trio.”
“Right. And they built that monument.”
“Oh! So you’re hoping that information on Keldeo’s whereabouts can be found there!”
“Yes. And Shiva does like forests. So he’d be useful there. But that would only be a short leg of my journey, and I don’t want to make him uncomfortable.”
Raj thought for a moment. “Cole, don’t you have a Weavile? I bet it would do well in cold temperatures.”
Hearing her name, Weavile bounded over from where she was entertaining Ruki and Faust. The black creature blinked up at Cole. “Hey there Maeve,” Cole said, scratching her behind her head. He had named the Weavile after the legendary Seelie Warrior of the North Wind, and sometimes consort of the hero Cuculain. In the Old Stories, Maeve was the most powerful warrior in the Winter Court of the Celtic Fae. “Want to go on an adventure?”
Maeve nodded. Raj laughed. “Looks like your sixth companion is found. Well, Cole, I won’t stop you from undertaking this journey. It seems like it’s something you have to do. Just… stop by the Tower when you leave. It’s on your way, isn’t it?”
Cole nodded, and Raj stood up. He walked into the cabin with the recovery equipment. His pokemon called out to him, and he returned Medusa, Snowcone and Donnie, and then mounted Socky. “I’ll see you soon Cole.” Then, the Champion shot off into the encroaching night.
Cole stood up. It was time to make arrangements for his journey. He would leave on the vernal equinox, the traditional start date of quests in his ancestor’s homeland. That meant he had just over one week to prepare.
He stared up at the sky. Soon, soon, he would be flying free among those clouds. Flying to his destiny, whatever it was.
Chapter Listing:
1. Unexpected Visit
2. A Brief Stop
3. Exit Interview
4. Old Wounds
5. Strange Lands
6. Dread Wizard
7. Chance Meeting
8. Flesh and Blood
9. Storm Front
10. Master of the House
11. Fool's Errand
12. Look Down
13. Fallen Fire
14. Echoed Past
15. Call to Arms
16. First Attack
17. Hero Rising
18. Revolution
19. Last Stand
20. Final Call
21. Falling Stars
22. Final Farewells
23. Hero's Home
24. Guilty Conscience
25. Healing Words
26. Honest Work
27. Leaving Home
28. Bird Brain
29. Chance Encounter
30. Top Percentage
31. Summer Knight
32. Unholy Night
33. Converging Destinies
34. Forgotten Empire
35. Old Lessons
36. Paradigm Shift
37. Clouded Future
38. Twisted Paths
39. Coming Storm
40. Lightning Strike
41. Divine Might
42. Knights Errant
43. Empty Chairs
44. Brigand's Choice
45. Midnight Visit
46. Dead Walking
47. Icy Visage
48. Lonely Hearts
49. Grand Maestro
50. Mending Scars
51. Darkest Night
52. Sun Rise
53. Wonderful Emperor
54. Glancing Blows
55. Drinking Songs
56. Show Time
57. Into Flames
58. Final Battle
59. Journey's End
60. Answers
61. Changes
SYNOPSIS OF LEAGUE OF HEROES:
[spoil]Cole has already traveled to many regions before the story opens, and has many victories to his name. Just before the story, Cole was the central figure in a clash with N, Ghetsis and Team Plasma, calling down Zekrom to help him sweep Plasma away. He emerged alive and victorious, but not without several scars. As he recovers, he receives a letter from a man named Raj, inviting him to a summit at a Tower far south of Unova. Cole takes along his Victini, Athena, and his oldest partner Charizard.
When they arrive, they are welcomed into a new league, of which Cole is selected to become the fire leader. He meets with several other members of this league, and finds a friend in Raj, the Founder, Ammy, a water type specialist, and Mozzeh, a dragon leader. Cole finds a little friction in the ground elite four member, Becca, and an enemy in Nate, the dark elite. Several other leaders, like David, the flying specialist, Fire, a steel type user with a personality to match her name, and Karin, a stoic electric type master, arrive, and the summit, mainly to discuss logistics, begins. At the end, four cloaked men arrive, informing the newly founded Journeymen league that their comrades, several missing leaders, have been kidnapped. The leader reveals himself to be Ghetsis before he disappears, and declares that Team Omega is rising.
Raj instructs the other leaders to return to their gyms or places of residence so he can have some time to think. Becca and Cole make an effort to reconcile their previous disagreement before Cole soars away to find a gym. He eventually finds it in the Autumn Forest, a region forever with leaves in the tapestry of fall, far north of Lacunosa Town. Skyla, an old friend, flies in the rest of his pokemon from Professor Oak's lab in Kanto, and Cole begins his new life.
Some time later, Cole returns to the Tower of the Ancients, with a brief stop by Becca's cabin on Twist Mountain along the way. He meets several of her pokemon, including her blind Charizard, Dracoburn. The two together return to the Tower, and find Raj has brought a new comrade along, a young man named Xander, an expert on shiny pokemon. The present members of the league assemble a strike team to infiltrate a suspected Omega base, and find Ghetsis and his legion of followers there, about to crown a new King, now that N has fled to cleanse his soul after the Plasma Incident.\
The Journeymen interrupt the ceremony, and drive Omega away. However, in the battle, Ammy losses her pokemon to Omega. They recover Adam and Nate, their two captured comrades, and retreat to the Tower. During this, David and a trainer named Jo go to the P2 Lab and N's Castle to try and discover clues on what Omega's plan might be. After only discovering cryptic references to a Prime Pokemon and the relative location of a back-up warehouse, they return as well.
When everyone is gathered again at the Tower, Cole explains to raj his life as the Defender of Legends, and how he came to possess a shiny Entei and Athena. Mozzeh goes to Castelia City to see Nate and Adam in the hospital, and interrogate the captured sages of Team Plasma, meeting with Clair and Lance in the process. After his search turns up nothing, he has a chance meeting with Fire, who has been missing since the Summit. She tells him that Omega invaded her gym and drove her out. She and Mozzeh return to the safety of the Tower.
Cole, Becca and Ammy then proceed to the Omega Warehouse, in an effort to reclaim Ammy's pokemon and strike a lasting blow. Karin, who has found her own way to the complex some time ago after her gym fell, joins them. They invade it covertly, and find a massive underground cavern filled with captured pokemon. Cole and his partners set them free, but incur Ghetsis's wrath. He activates a "collar" of sorts on his captive pokemon, driving them insane with blood lust. As the Journeymen escape, he sets his brainwashed army on a course for the Tower.
Cole and his allies speed back as fast as their pokemon will carry them, and warn their comrades. The full might of the Journeymen retreat to Cole's Flare Gym, where they are able to stay in relative safety and buy themselves some time. But the events of the world carry on around them, and Omega beings to ravage the various regions. Mewtwo is set upon Kanto as Regigagas tears a path of destruction in Sinnoh. Riots and terrorist strikes are rampant.
On an early morning run, Cole is confronted by Moltres, who beseeches him to go to Kanto and help Zapdos, who was severely injured in a clash against Mewtwo. Cole agrees, on the condition that Moltres warn the other legendary pokemon of the coming storm and urge them to take shelter. Moltres consents, and leads Cole, David, Karin, Jo and Mozzeh to Kanto, with some aid from Skyla. As they pass over the ruins of what was once Saffron City, Mewtwo attacks.
The Journeymen hold as long as they can, but are soon forced back. Ghost types rise up from the ashes to distract the clone, and the two Deoxys Cole saved in the Sevii Islands descend from the heavens to lend aid. They draw Mewtwo's fire long enough for Cole and Co. to get out of range and to where Zapdos has crashed. Cole does his best to fix up the legendary bird, and returns to Unova.
As this happens, Zekrom descends on the Flare Gym to warn the Journeymen there that Omega will be coming soon, having driven through Unova, and leaving much of it in ruins. They gather their forces, and prepare a defensive. Omega arrives before Cole returns, and the Journeymen hold the Gym until he does, with considerable help from Zekrom. Cole and his friends descend from Skyla's plane, taking the enemy by surprise. In the end, Omega is driven back by the wild pokemon of the Autumn Forest, but not without considerable cost.
Cole loses several pokemon in the battle, and as he grieves, the other members of the Journeymen scatter to all corners of the globe to find allies, in gym leaders, elite four members and powerful trainers the world over. As they do this, Ghetsis's Beheeyem teleports into the Flare Gym and gives Cole a letter. The letter issues an ultimatum challenge to Cole, saying that Omega will match him on the battlefield of the Entralink in the challenge of his choice, single combat or all out war.
When his friends return, Cole tells them of his desire to meet Ghetsis alone in one-on-one combat. The Journeymen soundly reject this, saying they will stand together. The force then proceeds south to Unova, and meets with their allies. Together, the massive army of people and pokemon crosses to the Entralink and prepares for battle. In a titantic clash, the two armies collide, and Gensect arrives for the Omega side.
Omega also brings several other enslaved legendaries, which the Journeymen and their allies have no hope of matching. Then, in their darkest hour, Zekrom arrives with the cavalry, if the cavalry were made up of other legendary pokemon. Kyurem and the King of Team Omega fly out, though Cole and Becca ride out to meet them. Through an exhausting battle, Kyurem is subdued, and Cole meets the King mano-a-mano in a pokemon battle.
The King is revealed to be Red, the heartless pokemon master responsible for Dracoburn's blindness. Cole's Charizard and Swampert take down all of Red's team but Lapras, the vile thing itself. As Charizard flies in for one last attack, it strikes with Blizzard at point-blank range. A mere instant before Charizard is killed, N and Reshiram arrive in a pillar of red and gold fire, defeating Red and Lapras. Ghetsis races to the scene, and berates N for his weak heart.
He orders Mewtwo to destroy Cole, but N lunges in front of the fatal strike. As the young man dies in Cole's arms, he begs him to move on, and accept the past. With his last breath, he beseeches Cole for forgiveness, and Cole grants it through his tears. Then, as N passes on, Cole channels the power of the Light and Dark Stones, destroying Ghetsis in a pillar of light.
Ghetsis perishes, and Omega scatters. Cole collapses.
Several days later, he awakes in a hospital and learns he and his allies were victorious. Several of his pokemon were killed, and he expresses concern over all the lost life. He learns that he has been bestowed the title Firebrand by several of the younger leaders. Adam invites all the gathered trainers to a ball in his penthouse several weeks later.
At the ball, Cole dances with his friends, but quietly he hungers for the freedom of the open skies. After a conversation with Becca, he dives off a balcony and is caught by Charizard. As they fly away, he talks to Zekrom one last time before the dragon returns to Dragonspiral Tower to watch over Unova. Then, Cole flies away into the night, onto his next adventure.[/spoil]
Character Bios (ONLY OPEN AS A REFRESHER! MASSIVE SPOILERS!):
[spoil]Cole: Once the leader of the Flare Gym, and a member of the heroic Journeymen League. But after his triumphs in the Omega War and his rise to international fame, he began to crave the freedom he once knew. He leaves his old life behind to pursue a new objective, finding the legendary Keldeo at the Edge of the World. He faces many triumphs and trials along the way, and is constantly trying to escape the ghosts of his past, most notably the blood of Ghetsis, which will forever stain his hands.
The Firebrand: Cole's alter ego, a famed war hero. This is Cole idealized, the most perfect incarnation of him. The Firebrand is brave and strong, and does not have doubts. But what he has in bravery, he lacks in basic humanity. The Firebrand rises in moments of intense mental and physical stress, sometimes acting almost as an antagonistic force that tempts Cole.
Charizard: Cole's first pokemon, and now his most staunch companion. The fire type is more than a little a little cynical, and often is the one being that can bring Cole back to reality, whether he be coping with inner demons or external evil. Subtly represents what Cole used to be, a free spirit who scoffs at danger and sees the world with a bit of a rosy glow.
Masamune: The Samurott who traveled with Cole through the Unova region. Masamune is physically the strongest of Cole's Fellowship. Oftentimes, Masamune's personal sense of justice gets the better of him. Has a taste for classical music, especially the work of Bach, and an appreciation of fine art. He could also be used to symbolize Cole's Firebrand side. Masamune will let nothing, not even severe personal injury to himself and those he cares about, get in the way of doing what is "right".
Scathatch: A Zoroark Cole met in his travels, and subsequently caught. Now Masamune's mate and the mother of three, Scathatch lives up to her namesake as the Warrior Maid of the Shadows. She is a powerful fighter, but also very wise. Oftentimes, it is Scathatch who sees through deception and thwarts traps. Almost Cole's moral compass in matters that concern the outside world.
Thor: Cole's Zebstrika. Stoic, and communicates very little. He will say what needs to be said, and nothing more. Thor has a strong sense of honor, much like his namesake. He enjoys the company of others, though is slow to admit it. Above all else, Thor values the freedom of choice.
Maeve: A Weavile who has been Cole's partner for quite some time. She has recently shown signs of incredible intelligence, such as being able to read and write in Human, and do complex mathematical equations mentally. Still has the relative mindset of someone rather young, so doesn't seem to realize her potential. She is a fierce fighter, and shows her best potential when backed into a corner.
Athena: A quirky Victini that Cole saved several years ago from Team Plasma. The easiest way to keep her safe was to capture her, and now she and Cole share a very close bond. Like Maeve, she doesn't realize her potential, only using her very powerful ability a few times, and then unconsciously. It appears she does not even know she possess the ability Victory Star at all. She has become almost Cole's "mascot", since her pokeball was destroyed in a long-ago fight with Ghetsis. She rides on Cole's shoulder, and is very friendly and almost childish.
Magnus: A strange old man that Cole meets in the Sinjoh Ruins. Not much is known about him, except that he knows more than he'll ever let on. Has a penchant for Shakespeare and an affinity for nicknaming things. Dresses in a white cloak with a tall cap, and his electric blue eyes seem to hold more secrets than he has years.
Feste: Magnus's very vocal Chatot. Speaks only in Shakespearean, and always has a quip (or three) ready.
The Seven: Nick, Anna, Kim, Lucian, Lexa, Seithios and Zephyr. A band of seven trainers that Cole meets in his travels. A powerful band of warriors with very strong pokemon, they always seem to appear where they are needed most. Though their destiny is separate from Cole's (despite intersecting several times), it is just as great. And perhaps just as grave.
Sin and Lisana: A pair of trainers that Cole meets outside of Fortree City in the Occupation. They have been separated from their mentor, and become Cole's disciples.
Joan: The Chosen Warrior of Arceus. Her destiny and Cole's are intertwined in ways that only Arceus can predict. She has a heavy burden on her shoulders, and a quest that may cost her life.[/spoil]
This story is a sequel of sorts to my other fic, League of Heroes. However, there are some notable differences. The first, and most important of which, the League has a very negligible role here. In fact, after the third chapter, they won't feature at all. The first fic focused more on battles, and ultimately war. This one focuses more on an adventurous spirit.
But, this takes place roughly six months after the epilogue in League of Heroes. So Cole is now a little older, a little more jaded, and a little bit darker.
So now, without further ado, here's the first part of Hero's Journey:
Unexpected Visit
Cole was frantic. He had just gotten the call an hour ago. A surprise visit from Raj! The Champion was flying up from the Tower, and he was going to test Cole’s team! “Charizard, get yourself warmed up! This is going to be a heated battle! C’mon, get the A-List ready! Athena, head up to the top of the tower! Let’s go!”
The young man tripped over a rock, stumbled and fell flat on his face. He took a deep breath, stood up, dusted off the legs of his jeans, and surveyed the area.
The Flare Gym, a small collection of cabins deep within the Autumn Forest, was clean enough. The tower in the middle of the clearing soared high above his head, and many of his pokemon relaxed in the early morning sunlight. Wild fire and flying types could be seen drifting through the red, gold and orange leaves of the forest. Entei and Firekeeper the shiny Absol were out there somewhere, but he didn’t need them for this battle.
Kami, Cole’s Lucario and second in command, appeared at his side. The blue fox inclined his head slightly. “No, Kami,” Cole said softly. “I don’t need you right now. Just make sure Raj gets here safely.” The Lucario nodded, and bounded off.
Cole looked at the base of the tower. Charizard was there with Ninetails, Infernape, Solar the Sceptile, and Swampert. Athena, his Victini, was already climbing up the curving tower steps.
“Well? Get on up there.”
Cole turned away from his top-tier gym team, and whistled. Masamune, his Samurott, Scathatch, his Zoroark and Thor his Zebstrika, came around the buildings. Faust, Houdini and Ruki, Masamune and Scathatch’s children, followed them with little tottering steps.
Unlike pokemon raised to battle, Cole allowed these to grow up at their own pace. Ruki had evolved into a Dewott a few months back, but Houdini and Faust were still mischievous Zorua pups. Cole smiled at the sight of them, and crossed his arms in mock severity. “We have an important visitor coming. Best behavior.”
Scree, his Pidgeot, called out from above. Cole looked up and nodded. That was the signal Raj was close. However, Cole remembered its origin with a pang. That particular cry had been developed in the war against Team Omega to alert the Journeymen and their allies of an approaching enemy.
Far in the distance, a dark speck appeared. It grew and grew, eventually taking the shape of a Hydreigon. Cole’s own Hydreigon, Tri, roared a challenge, but Cole gave it a sharp glare. The dragon, chastened, lowered its heads in deference.
Raj descended on his dragon, Mr. Socky. The dragon gave a scary grin in greeting, and Cole shuddered involuntarily. The tanned, bespectacled man on Socky’s back leapt off and grinned at Cole. “Hey! It’s been a while! How’ve you been?”
“Pretty good,” Cole replied. “How are things at the Tower?”
“Good, good. Now, let’s cut to the chase. It’s battle time.”
***
They climbed the long steps to the tower. When they reached the top, Cole recalled all the pokemon waiting for him there, except Athena, and shuffled the balls in his hand. “It’ll be a surprise who you go up against.”
Raj scowled. “I saw Swampert and Solar. One wild card. The rules clearly state…”
“I know, I know,” Cole replied. “But there’s gotta be some surprise. I’ll only use one, promise.”
Raj sighed. “All right.” He walked over to the northern dais, and experimentally worked the foot pedals that turned it. “Now, the rules are simple,” Cole explained. “Rotation battle. Four pokemon each. I don’t have a referee, so Kami will fill in.” The Lucario nodded brusquely at the Champion of the Journeymen league. “Shall we begin?”
“With pleasure. Snowcone, Socky, Medusa, take the field!” Raj cast out the three pokeballs, and from them materialized his Hydreigon, Samurott and Steelix.
Cole raised an eyebrow. “You should know by now that type advantage alone won’t win you this battle. Ninetails, Charizard, Solar, let’s do it!”
Ninetails gracefully assumed the position of lead battler, with Solar and Charizard flanking her. The fox howled, and the skies cleared as her Drought ability came into effect. Raj’s eyebrow rose. “Good strategy. Socky, Dragon Pulse!”
“And that’s just the beginning.” Cole tapped one of the rotation pedals, turning the dais counterclockwise. “Solar, protect!”
The Sceptile threw up a wall of light, stopping the purple rush of energy. “All right, follow it up with a Focus Blast!” Solar nodded brusquely even as Socky shot a column of flame from his left maw. The orange ball of light struck the fire, and burst through it, striking the Hydreigon down.
Socky howled in indignation. It was injured, but somehow not down. The creature was tenacious, Cole would give it that. “All right, Flamethrower!” Raj ordered.
Cole tapped the counterclockwise pedal again. “Charizard, Dragon Pulse.”
The orange dragon took the fire attack and brushed off the damage. He grinned, baring a mouth full of sharp fangs. A blast of indigo energy issued forth from his mouth. It struck Socky, and this time, the Hydreigon did fall. Raj sighed, and returned the dragon. “All right, Donnie, it’s your turn.”
He threw out another pokéball, revealing his signature Accelgor. Cole laughed. “You brought a bug type to a fire battle? I thought you were smart.”
“I always have a plan, Cole. Don’t get overconfident.”
The fire leader scoffed. “All right, whatever you say. Charizard, Heat Wave, finish it.”
The sunlight bolstered the power of the already-mighty attack, and the rush of fiery hot air rushed at Donnie. Raj tapped his foot on one of the pedals, and the dais quickly turned. Snowcone, Raj’s Samurott, took the blow.
Despite the fact that the strike was sun-charged, the Samurott brushed it off like it was nothing. “Snowcone, Waterfall.”
Snowcone dashed at Charizard, cloaked by a veil of water. Charizard withstood the attack, but only because of the sunny weather. The dragon quickly ate the Sitrus berry it grasped in its claw.
Cole cringed. “Damn.” He tapped the pedal for a clockwise turn, and brought Solar to the fore. “Energy Ball!”
Raj too rotated. Donnie leapt forward and used a Bug Buzz attack, which caught Solar off-guard. The super-effective attack brought the Sceptile to her knees.
“You’re not done yet!” Cole cried. “Come on! Dragon Pulse!”
But before Solar could move, Donnie launched another Bug Buzz. This time, Solar fell forward, and did not rise. Kami held up a flag, signifying that she was knocked out.
Cole returned the lizard to its pokéball. “All right, Athena. Time to shine.”
The Victini leapt from Cole’s shoulder, and took an empty space on the dais. Ninetails rotated to the front. Raj quickly switched to Steelix. “I expected that,” Cole said softly. “Ninetails, Solar Beam!”
The attack, already charged by the bright sunlight, shot down from the heavens. Medusa took the attack, and retaliated with a Stone Edge. Ninetails dodged, but barely, and attacked with another Solar Beam. This time, Medusa shuddered, it’s steel plating making an unearthly hiss and clatter, and fell to the ground.
Raj recalled the metallic serpent, and Cole realized he had just gained the upper hand. With Raj’s rock type out of the picture, it would be no problem to deal with the other two in the sun-saturated weather.
“All right! Ninetails, use Solar Beam on Snowcone!”
“Snowcone! Waterfall!”
The Samurott surged forward. Ninetails was knocked out by Snowcone’s brute force before she got a chance to launch her attack. Cole returned the canine, and rotated Charizard to the fore. “Dragon Pulse!”
“Waterfall!”
Charizard took to the air, dodging Snowcone’s attack, and then unleashed a Dragon Pulse at the aquatic creature. The Samurott drew back to Raj’s side of the tower, and Charizard landed. It winced at the wounds it had taken in its earlier clash with Snowcone. Cole would have to end this quickly.
Then, Raj surprised him. He rotated Donnie to the front. “Final Gambit!”
The Accelgor rushed at Charizard. It glowed with white light, and crashed into the dragon at top speed. Charizard roared in pain, and fell to the ground. Donnie staggered next to it, and fell as well.
Both trainers returned their pokemon, and rotated the dais to their final battlers. Snowcone glowered down at Athena, but the small fire type bravely glared back.
“Athena! You know what has to be done!”
The little creature jumped up high into the air. Electricity crackled around it. Raj scowled. “What’s going on? Is that a Wild Charge?”
The lightning took on a blue tinge, and flowed up around the creature, becoming an energized comet tail. Athena cried out. “Vic-tini!” Then, it dove at the ground.
She slammed into Snowcone at top speed, and the explosion of electricity was immense. Cole threw his arm in front of his face as his leather duster flapped in the wind.
The smoke from the attack cleared, revealing Athena panting slightly over the unconscious form of Snowcone. “What was that?” Raj cried.
“Fusion Bolt,” Cole replied, a little breathless. “When Athena and I paid a visit to Dragonspiral Tower about a month ago, Zekrom taught her how to use it. We’ve never tried it before, so I’m a little surprised it worked this well.”
Raj sighed. “Well. You won. Come on, let’s heal these guys up.”
***
The two young men sat outside, on a fallen log Cole used as a bench. Inside one of the cabins, their pokemon were recovering from the strain of battle. “So,” Raj said finally, nursing a mug of coffee. “Have you seen any of the other league members lately?”
Cole shrugged. “Not since our beach party a few months back. I went flying with David when he was on vacation. I see Becca sometimes when I go to Mistralton or Driftveil for supplies. Oh, and a few weeks ago I met up with Ammy in Undella Town.”
“Oh, did you now?” Raj said, a teasing note in his voice.
Cole didn't catch it. “Yeah. She was staying with Cynthia. We hung out on the beach for the day, and then flew over to Nimbasa City. We caught a musical, and then got dinner.”
“Nice date.”
Cole blushed. “It wasn’t a date!”
“It sounds like a date.”
“It does not!”
They sat in silence for a time. Finally, Cole took a deep breath. “Raj, before you started the Journeymen, you were going through a crisis, right?”
“Yeah, man. I lost that spark I had when I first started out. I needed something fresh and new to get me started as a trainer again. So I traveled around, and after meeting all of you guys, I realized that there was more to pokemon than endless battles. There’s a journey involved too, and bonding with your pokemon, developing strategies that work. So I started the league, and well, we all know what happened after that!”
“Right. But you had to go on a journey?”
“Yeah.”
“And find out what your true purpose is?”
“Sure… I guess you could put it that way…”
“Well, Raj, I need to go on a journey.”
The other man smiled. “Really?”
Cole nodded gravely. “Uh-huh. I haven’t had a true adventure since the war with Omega. And that was eighteen months ago! I need to go off into the world, and rediscover that spark I used to have.”
“What do you plan to accomplish by this?” Raj asked. If Cole had no goal in mind, he was going to stop him, and prevent him from leaving until he did. Every quest had to have a goal.
“Keldeo. I made a promise to Athena. I’m going to go and find Keldeo.”
“That’s not much of a plan.” Raj pushed his glasses up his nose. “Don’t rush blindly into this. Yes, okay, plenty of trainers have gone off on a journey because of rash decisions. But you’re not a little kid anymore, Cole. You need a clear objective. A place to start. And then there’s your gym to think about…”
“I’ve got a proxy lined up,” Cole replied. “My friend Taylor. I’m leaving a lot of my pokemon behind. He can use them.”
“And what pokemon are you taking? You still have that special license, don’t you, that allows you to carry more than six?”
The fire leader nodded. “I do. But… I’m leaving it here. I only want to bring six with me. It just feels right. I’m bringing Charizard and Athena, of course. Along with Masamune, Scathatch, and Thor.”
“That’s only five.”
“Thanks, Captain Obvious,” Cole shot back. “I know. I was thinking about bringing Kami, but he has to stay here and keep the gym in order. Taylor has his own life, and can only be at the gym on an as-needed basis. He’ll come out to meet the challengers and so on. When he’s not here, Kami will take care of the pokemon.
“I also considered Shiva, one of my Sceptiles, the one who was with me in Johto. But from what I’ve heard about Keldeo, that’s not the wisest choice.”
Raj sat back, and took a long swig of coffee. “Oh really? And what, pray tell, have you heard of Keldeo?”
“Not much,” admitted Cole. “But he makes his dwelling at a place called the Edge of the World.”
“I’ve never heard of it.”
“Well, yeah, that’s kind of the point. It’s supposed to be secluded. If people knew where it was then it would defeat the purpose. Athena doesn’t know much about it, because she’s never been there. Only that it’s near one of the poles. It will be really cold, and Shiva doesn’t like the cold.”
Raj looked pensive. “You realize that ‘near the poles’ is like, hundreds of thousands of miles.”
Well, yes. But Athena says that it’s an island. So I’d only have to search the areas outside the Artic and Antarctic Circles, because anything over that point would be covered in a sheet of ice. And I only have to look near the oceans. Now, Athena does know a place where we can get more information. It’s in a jungle far south of the Tower of the Ancients, where a monument of the old Pokemon and Human war is.”
“Keldeo was orphaned in that war,” Raj said softly, recalling the one bit of the Keldeo legend passed down through the years. “And it was raised by the Unova Warrior Trio.”
“Right. And they built that monument.”
“Oh! So you’re hoping that information on Keldeo’s whereabouts can be found there!”
“Yes. And Shiva does like forests. So he’d be useful there. But that would only be a short leg of my journey, and I don’t want to make him uncomfortable.”
Raj thought for a moment. “Cole, don’t you have a Weavile? I bet it would do well in cold temperatures.”
Hearing her name, Weavile bounded over from where she was entertaining Ruki and Faust. The black creature blinked up at Cole. “Hey there Maeve,” Cole said, scratching her behind her head. He had named the Weavile after the legendary Seelie Warrior of the North Wind, and sometimes consort of the hero Cuculain. In the Old Stories, Maeve was the most powerful warrior in the Winter Court of the Celtic Fae. “Want to go on an adventure?”
Maeve nodded. Raj laughed. “Looks like your sixth companion is found. Well, Cole, I won’t stop you from undertaking this journey. It seems like it’s something you have to do. Just… stop by the Tower when you leave. It’s on your way, isn’t it?”
Cole nodded, and Raj stood up. He walked into the cabin with the recovery equipment. His pokemon called out to him, and he returned Medusa, Snowcone and Donnie, and then mounted Socky. “I’ll see you soon Cole.” Then, the Champion shot off into the encroaching night.
Cole stood up. It was time to make arrangements for his journey. He would leave on the vernal equinox, the traditional start date of quests in his ancestor’s homeland. That meant he had just over one week to prepare.
He stared up at the sky. Soon, soon, he would be flying free among those clouds. Flying to his destiny, whatever it was.
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