I hadn't touched my shortcake anxiety building more; my leg was shaking as I tried processing. Everything is thrown at me. During this, Zorua had curled up on my lap, allowing me to stroke her just to calm me down. "I don't get it... You're telling me you all found nothing in the caves? Are you absolutely sure? You double-checked?"
Iris nodded, crossing her arms together. "Clay and his miners scavenged the Chargestone caves for hours; there was no sign of a hidden cave system like the one you described."
"But that's impossible. Perhaps they all missed something. I should check myself. I would feel better if I checked." As I get up, I drop my bag, and it begins to vibrate. Putting it on the table, I notice the Stone Colton gave me in the past is reacting. This instantly gets Gretel's attention. She picks it up and looks at it as if she has seen a long-forgotten family photo. "What is this? How do you have this!"
I sat back down with a sigh. I didn't even look at the stone; I just pointed at it, still feeling frustrated regarding the MissingNo case. "It's as I said: When I went back to the past, I met this girl. She was carrying it for research purposes. She called it the God Stone. I don't quite know myself, though."
Gretel stared at it blankly. "She's telling the truth. Ghetsis was obsessed with the idea of these stones. The three Dragons of Unova, it was said hundreds of years ago, two heroes were chosen by the legendary Dragon, but both sought different ways of ruling their kingdom. One through truth, the other through ideal. Because of this, the Original Dragon split in two, the Pokemon we know today being Zekrom and Reshiram, but there were also talks of a third—a husk with no ambition, Kyruem. Team Plasma had used one of these Dragons in the hope of tricking the masses into releasing their Pokemon four years ago. And then, just two years after they captured Kyruem, they tried ruling Unova again."
Iris nodded grimly. "I remember that. It's crazy to think it was already two years ago. They froze my hometown with the power of Kyruem."
Holding the God Stone up high, Gretel inspected it. "Lesser known legends speak of the heroes coming into contact with such Stone before. Their ambition was enough to wake the Dragon and free it. I believe this is the real thing. Such power, what Ghetsis would have planned with this."
Gretel paused, looking at me troubled, and blushed faintly. "I apologise. Growing up, Ghetsis made sure to drill in those stories for when I was groomed into becoming their Queen."
"So your Father really was Ghetsis... That must have been hard." Nemona whispered in a soft tone.
"Ghetsis is not my father!" Gretel snapped, gripping the Stone close to her. "Excuse me... That man was anything but a father to me; he had pampered me up so much with expectations and promises, only to throw me aside when my brother came into the picture. He became their King, and well... You know the rest."
"That must have been hard on you, Gretel. I'm sorry."
Gretel handed me back the Stone. She shook her head. "There's no need. I broke away from that vile monster and lived by my standards. I refuse even to humour the idea of Team Plasma bringing him back from hiding if they were to discover this Stone was in your possession. I don't even want to think about that outcome; it would be in everyone's interest if you kept hold of it."
I gave a faint nod, keeping it safe. "I don't think Team Plasma will be too much of an issue considering. I've already dealt with the Shadow Triad, and you said the Sages were arrested, correct?"
Iris nodded as I shrugged it off. "Then our priority should be MissingNo; we can leave Team Plasma to you and the gym leaders then?"
"They won't even be an issue. We'll take care of the rest. What are you going to do regarding the MissingNo case then?"
I look to Nemona with an ill-winded sigh. "Rainbow Rocket are out there searching for MissingNo as we speak. We can't let Giovanni get his hand on it; if it's not in Chargestone Cave, it has to be in another. How many major cave systems have Clay connected?"
"I'm no expert on that, but I believe his cave system connects all the way up to Lacunosa Town via the Giant Chasm."
"Giant Chasm? Isn't that where Team Plasma found Kyurem?"
"It is." Gretel interrupted. "That's where Ghetsis was defeated a second time."
"The God stone, Team Plasma, and now the Giant Chasm... This cannot be a coincidence. I want to check it out, "I exclaimed, getting the go-ahead from Nemona. I think it would be best if you came with us, Gretel. The last thing we need is Plasma capturing you again."
"R-Really? You're still alright with me coming with you."
"The more the merrier." Nemona expresses. "We couldn't just abandon you like that."
"Then it's settled. We'll keep you posted about what we find, Iris."
"Gotcha, I believe Alder, the Champion before me, is in the local area. I'll contact him regarding extra eyes."
"Thanks, Iris, you've been a big help." I smile, shaking her hand. "Best of luck with Team Plasma."
****
We had already begun our trip up to Lacunosa Town. It would still take close to a day to reach, but I was already feeling better. Nemona skipped ahead, chasing Zorua around, as the two were the usual goofballs. I decided to stay back with Gretel, who was struggling; I could tell she had much on her mind. "What's wrong?"
"I-It's nothing... I just... Don't you think we should have focused on stopping Team Plasma?"
I gave it some thought, trying to understand Gretel's point. "I see your point, and trust me, any other time, I would be all over it. But... I've got bigger problems to deal with right now."
"I see..."
"I didn't mean it like that, Gretel; what Team Plasma did to you was horrible. Once this is all over, we can take them down together. Or you can leave it behind?"
"Leave it behind?"
"Why not? Come travel with us. We're going somewhere Arceus knows. I think Nemona and I were discussing Johto next. There's a whole world out there; don't let yours be forever trapped in the shadow of your Father."
"I think... I think..." Gretel fell silent. "I think about it."
"That's more like it. Having more friends on your travel is a good thing. I love spending time with everyone. It's the best medicine."
Gretel nodded, looking to the ground. "You're really from the past? I mean... Of course, you are. It's like, wow, you know."
"It took a while to get used to. I'm still not sure how I feel about social media yet. That Pidove site is quite... toxic?"
"It's called Z now."
"Course it is. What a dumb name."
As we kept walking, I couldn't help but smile when I saw Nemona and Zorua playing. It was nice to have this downtime. "It's been a while since I've just got to travel like this. I missed it."
"Me too." She said, looking away, blushing. "Although I sorta wish it was just us two... You and me."
"Nemona can be a handful and a bit hands-on, but you'll get used to her. She's a real caring person deep down." I chuckle as my Rotom phone floats in front of me, showing a weather update. "It's going to rain again? Not even Galar was this bad. Yo! Nemona, it's going to rain; we should set up camp."
"Ok!"
"I was hoping to reach Lacunosa Town by sunset. I guess we'll have to wait until tomorrow."
"That's ok, as long as I'm with you. Nothing matters." Gretel smiled. "Should we gather some wood for a fire?"
"It's not a bad idea." I express joining with Nemona and Zorua. Gretel and I are going to gather some wood for a fire. Can I trust you to set up the tents?"
"Leave it to me and Mimi!"
"Properly?" I question, getting a blank stare from Nemona, making me sigh. "I'll leave Cookie with you."
Sending out Espeon, I met with Gretel to get back up and adjust my shoes. She looked down, concerned. "Is your ankle still hurting?"
"Just a little, nothing to worry about. I'll walk it off."
"I wouldn't want you hurting yourself anymore. Here, hold my hand." Gretel insisted on reaching for me, not giving me much of a choice. "Use me however you need."
"T-Thanks..."I whisper, feeling a little off. But I decided to brush it aside. Ducking into a wooded area, I opened my bag, stuffing sticks in there, nodding. "I think a little more, and we should be good."
Gretel nodded with a smile, catching the eye of the God Stone. I noticed her staring as I closed my bag. "Are you sure you're alright? You know you can talk to me."
"I know. It's nothing to worry about; I'm just so happy. I got to become good friends with you, and I've gotten stronger because of it."
"Iris did mention you holding your own against Team Plasma. Nice work on that."
"Thank you!" she responded. "They were so weak it was a cakewalk." We continued to gather sticks and leaves, and Gretel continued the conversation. "Aren't you a little curious about the God Stone? The Original Dragon, think about it?"
"To be absolutely honest with you, not really. I've come across enough dangerous Legendary Pokemon to know if something is sealed away; it's probably for a reason. I don't know how to wake it up, so I'll keep it that way."
"Maybe you just lack the ambition. My Father's knew no bounds. It could burn the entire world in ice, fire and lightning. My brother had managed to gain Zekrom's trust, while the so-called hero who stopped him called upon Reshiram for that truth. Ghetsis used Kuyrem to continue his crusade. Think of the power of them all combined."
"I shiver at the thought," I whisper, finishing up. "I've met those driven to madness in search of ambition: Professor Turo, Volo, Zephyr, Rainbow Rocket, and many more. Each one lost sight of themselves. I wouldn't want to go down that path; I want to stay true to me however long I can."
Gretel held her hand out as it began to rain. "Oh..."
"We were a bit slow there, weren't we? I guess we'll just have to wait it out."
"Can we battle?" Gretel asked, glancing at me. "I want to show you how much stronger I've gotten."
"A friendly battle sounds nice about now. Alright, show me what you got, Rival." I smirk, twirling my Poke Ball out, tossing out Luxray. "Show me what you've got, Gretel!"
Gretel sent out Haxorus, getting serious. "I'm going to win this time. I'm strong."
With a roar, Haxorus lunged forward, its jagged tusks gleaming ominously in the dim light. Luxray met its gaze with unwavering determination as the battle began.
"Start us off with Thunder Fang, Luxray!" I commanded, hoping to catch Haxorus off guard with a bolt of lightning. Luxray obeyed, its fangs crackling with electricity as it lunged at its opponent.
But Gretel was quick to respond. "Haxorus, Dragon Dance!" she ordered, her voice cutting through the sound of the rain. With graceful movements, Haxorus began to dance, its movements gaining speed and power with each passing moment.
I could feel the tension mounting with each exchange of blows. Haxorus fought with increasing ferocity, its attacks becoming more aggressive as it sensed its impending defeat. But Luxray stood firm, matching its opponent blow for blow with unwavering resolve.
"Keep it up, Luxray! Use Wild Charge!" I shouted, pouring every ounce of energy into our next attack. Luxray roared with determination as it unleashed a powerful surge of electricity, engulfing Haxorus in a blaze of light.
But Gretel wasn't ready to give up just yet. "Haxorus, Earthquake!" she commanded, her voice tinged with desperation. With a mighty roar, Haxorus slammed its tail into the ground, sending shockwaves rippling through the earth towards Luxray.
Despite the relentless assault, Luxray refused to back down. With one final burst of energy, it unleashed its most powerful attack yet. "Finish it, Luxray! Thunderbolt!" I cried out, my voice echoing through the rain-soaked forest.
With a roar, Luxray released a blinding bolt of lightning, striking Haxorus with unstoppable force. As the smoke cleared and the rain continued to fall, Gretel looked on in disbelief; her Haxorus defeated and speechless for the first time.
"I'm not strong enough? I'm still weak." She whispered to herself.
I patted Luxray, placing my head against his shiny mane. "You did great, boy, thank you." Returning him, I nodded along. "You gave me quite the scare there, Gretel. Man, you're getting strong so quickly. I might have to train a bit more."
"How. How are you so strong? Why do you get to be strong and not me?"
"Jublife Village wasn't built in a day." I shrug, giving another smile. "Don't beat yourself up about it. You'll get there. I'll be sure to help you every step of the way. That's what friends are for."
"Friends are for... Yeah, you're right."
"We should start heading back; I'm starving."
I began to leave with my bag. As Gretel hung back, she looked down before Recalling Haxorus. "I need to be strong. Strong like Y/N. If I had the Original Dragon, would he finally acknowledge me? Could I finally be the Queen you promised, Father?"
A smile creeps along her face as she nods. "Yes, that's it. I am perfect, your perfect girl. The perfect ruler of a perfect new world."