•RE-ADVENTURES• | Pokemon X OC Story |

Forest Guardian

Bugsy's expression turned somber as he considered Ren's request. He understood the gravity of the situation and the potential consequences it could have for the Kantonians residing in Johto. Taking a deep breath, he replied, "Ren, I understand your concern, but openly involving the government officials might put the Kantonians at risk. The current sentiments towards Kanto in Johto are not favorable, and it could lead to unnecessary suspicion and unfair treatment."

He continued, "However, I will do what I can to discreetly gather information and share it with the appropriate channels. There are individuals I trust within the league who can investigate this matter without compromising the safety of Kantonians."

With that, Bugsy and the group reaffirmed their commitment to uncovering Team Rocket's plans while ensuring the safety and well-being of Kantonians in Johto. They understood the importance of maintaining secrecy and being strategic in their actions to avoid unnecessary harm or suspicion.

Their journey continued towards Ilex Forest, a sacred place. The old lady guarding the gate tells them to be on their best behaviour in the forest to avoid any trouble as the forest guardian is always watching."Celebi, the forest guardian is always watching you in the forest. Be good or else even you will go missing.",she warned them. "Go missing?",Mayu questioned."People who have come to this have been disappearing lately... Celebi has the power to send people back in time or into the future. It's believed that Celebi is punishing people for their bad deeds by sending them to different time periods as a punishment. Not even it knows where it's sending them. Even the woodcutters of Azalea are scared to come here now. Because of that, Azalea could soon end up in poverty.",she said. "So they are stuck there forever? Why would it do something so horrible?",Ren asked to which the lady sighed,"Had I wished that I had known the answer..."

With a mix of curiosity and caution, the group entered Ilex Forest, their senses heightened by the foreboding tales they had heard. The dense foliage cast dappled shadows on the ground, creating an eerie atmosphere. The air was thick with a sense of mystique, and every rustle of leaves seemed to carry a message from the unseen guardian.

As they ventured deeper into the forest, they could feel an invisible presence watching their every move. The sound of chirping Pokemon and the whispering of leaves filled the air, adding to the mystical aura surrounding them. They remained on their best behavior, mindful of the warning given by the old lady at the gate.

Amidst the tranquility of the forest, they stumbled upon an ancient shrine, its moss-covered stones exuding an aura of timelessness. The shrine appeared to be dedicated to the legendary Pokemon, Celebi. It was adorned with intricate carvings depicting the guardian's benevolent powers.

Ren, Mayu, and Raiden stood in awe, their gazes fixed upon the shrine. They couldn't help but wonder about the truth behind the disappearances and the role Celebi played in them. Ren's mind drifted back to the conversation with the old lady, pondering the possible motivations behind such actions.

"There must be more to this than meets the eye," Ren mused, breaking the silence. "Celebi is known as a protector of the forest, but could it truly be responsible for these disappearances? Perhaps there's another force at play, using Celebi's reputation to instill fear and control over the people."

Mayu nodded, her eyes scanning the surroundings. "We can't jump to conclusions. We need to gather more information and uncover the truth. If Celebi truly has the power to send people through time, then maybe there's a way to communicate with it and understand its motives."Just then they hear a boy crying about losing his father in the forest. Ren and Raiden comfort the little boy meanwhile Mayu checks out the shrine and finds an old pocket watch.

Mayu's curiosity piqued, she approached the shrine with cautious steps, her eyes fixed on the ancient pocket watch nestled amidst the carvings. The watch seemed out of place, as if it had been deliberately hidden or left behind by someone.

Gently picking up the pocket watch, Mayu observed its intricate design and the faint engravings on its surface. It had an air of antiquity, as if it held a story of its own. She turned it over, noticing the initials "A. S." engraved on the back.

Meanwhile, Ren and Raiden consoled the distressed boy, offering reassurance and promising to help him find his father. The boy's sobs gradually subsided, and he managed to explain how he had become separated from his father while exploring the forest.

"I was playing near the shrine, and when I turned around, my dad was gone," the boy sniffled. "I-I don't know what happened. I'm scared."

Ren and Raiden exchanged concerned glances, realizing that the disappearances were more than just rumors. They reassured the boy that they would do everything in their power to find his father and bring him back safely.

Just then, Mayu returned, clutching the pocket watch in her hand. "Guys, I found this near the shrine. It seems significant," she said, showing them the watch and the engraved initials. "We need to investigate further and find out if there's a connection between this watch, the disappearances, and the guardian Celebi."

As Mayu, Ren, Raiden, and the young boy continued their exploration of Ilex Forest, they stumbled upon an old journal hidden beneath a cluster of moss-covered rocks. Intrigued, Mayu carefully opened the journal and started flipping through its yellowed pages.

The journal belonged to a researcher named Alexander Swift, whose initials matched the engraving on the pocket watch. It chronicled his observations and encounters with Celebi, the forest guardian. Alexander's entries spoke of his fascination with time and his tireless quest to understand Celebi's abilities.

As Mayu read through the entries, a pattern emerged. Alexander believed that Celebi's power to send people through time was not a form of punishment but rather a transformative experience. He theorized that those who disappeared were being given a chance to rectify their mistakes and change the course of their lives.

The entries revealed that Alexander himself had been visited by Celebi and sent forward in time. He chronicled his experiences in a future where peace reigned and the Kanto-Johto conflict was resolved. Alexander saw a world where unity and understanding prevailed, inspiring him to work towards a better future upon his return to his original time.

Realizing the significance of Alexander's research and the message that Celebi's actions held, Mayu felt a surge of determination. Perhaps the disappearances in Ilex Forest were not a cause for fear but an opportunity for redemption and growth.

She shared the contents of the journal with her companions, who listened intently, their curiosity and hope rekindled. With a renewed sense of purpose, they decided to delve deeper into Ilex Forest, seeking answers and searching for a way to harness the power of Celebi for the greater good.

Their quest to understand the mysteries of the forest and unlock its secrets would not only bring them closer to finding the boy's missing father but could also lead them on a path to peace and reconciliation between Kanto and Johto.

With the journal in hand and their hearts filled with determination, Mayu, Ren, Raiden, and the young boy pressed on, ready to face the challenges and revelations that awaited them in the depths of Ilex Forest. Little did they know that their journey would not only shape their own destinies but also have far-reaching implications for the future of their respective regions. They leave the forest and they bid a farewell to the boy and ask him to stay strong. They arrive at the outskirts of Goldenrod City. They set up their camp and go to bed.