Eusine's voice carried a mix of awe and concern as he addressed the trio. "The statues in the tower... They were touched by someone. Someone with a mysterious power. It seems their touch awakened the legendary beasts and set this series of events into motion."
Ren's eyes widened in realization. "So, someone intentionally awakened them? But who would do such a thing?"
Eusine's expression grew somber. "I don't know, but I fear that whoever it is, they may have ulterior motives. The legendary beasts are not to be taken lightly. They possess immense power and can bring about both destruction and harmony."
Mayu's brows furrowed as she considered the implications. "If someone intentionally awakened the beasts, what do they hope to achieve? And why here, in Ecruteak?"
Eusine's gaze turned determined. "That is what we need to find out. We must investigate this further, uncover the truth behind these events, and prevent any further calamities."
Mayu hesitated for a moment, clutching the stopwatch tightly in her hand. She had grown increasingly disturbed by the nightmares it seemed to trigger, and she knew she needed to distance herself from its influence. With a deep breath, she approached Morty, her eyes filled with a mix of uncertainty and relief.
"Morty, I've been having these nightmares ever since I found this stopwatch in Ilex Forest," she began, her voice quivering slightly. "It's been haunting me, reminding me of my past and the painful memories I've tried to bury."
Morty looked at her with a compassionate expression, understanding the weight she carried. "I see," he said softly. "Sometimes, objects can hold great power, even if we don't fully comprehend it. It's possible that this stopwatch is somehow connected to your past, and its presence has awakened those memories within you."
Mayu nodded, her grip loosening on the stopwatch. "I can't bear to keep it any longer. It's too much for me to handle. Morty, would you be willing to hold onto it for me? Perhaps you can investigate its origins or find a way to help me make peace with my past."
Morty reached out, his hands gently taking hold of the stopwatch. "Of course, Mayu. I will do everything in my power to assist you. Rest assured, I will keep it safe and explore its mysteries. Together, we'll find a way to bring you the closure and peace you seek."
Mayu sighed in relief, a weight lifted from her shoulders as she relinquished the troubling artifact. She knew she had entrusted it to someone capable and understanding, someone who would delve into its secrets with the utmost care.
"Well then, I'll take my leave. I must go find Suicune.", Eusine said and left. "I must leave too.",Morty said. "Well then, where should we go from here?",Ren asked. "The path from here leads us to both Olivine and Mahogany. I say we go to Olivine because it's the only place in all of Johto where we Kantonians don't have to worry about caught. It goes easy on us.",Raiden said. "What are we waiting for? Let's head out first thing in the morning.",Mayu said.
The group agreed with Mayu's suggestion and decided to set off for Olivine City first thing in the morning. They knew that reaching Olivine would provide them with some respite from the constant tension and suspicions they had faced as Kantonians in Johto.
As night fell, they settled into their camp, each lost in their own thoughts. Raiden gazed into the starry sky, pondering the journey that lay ahead. Ren sat by the campfire, quietly contemplating the challenges they had faced and the bonds they had formed. Mayu, now relieved of the haunting nightmares, found solace in the tranquility of the night, her newfound Eevee resting peacefully at her side.
The next morning, with a renewed sense of purpose, the trio packed up their belongings and prepared to embark on the road to Olivine City. They bid farewell to Ecruteak and its rich history, grateful for the experiences and friendships they had forged there. They had managed to get very close to Olivine. Freedom was just moments away. Raiden came outside to get some fresh air but he was suddenly disturbed by the sight of finding an injured little girl.
Raiden's heart skipped a beat as he stumbled upon the injured little girl in the dimly lit woods. Concern and worry filled his eyes as he quickly rushed to her side. Kneeling down beside her, he gently cradled her in his arms, taking in her fragile state.
"Hey there, are you alright?" Raiden asked softly, his voice filled with compassion. The girl winced in pain but managed a weak nod. Her clothes were torn, and she had several visible scratches and bruises. It was clear that she had been through a harrowing experience.
Raiden carefully examined her injuries, trying to assess the severity. "Don't worry, I'm here to help you," he assured her, his voice soothing. He reached into his bag and pulled out a small first aid kit, quickly tending to her wounds as best as he could.
As he worked, he tried to comfort the girl, offering reassuring words and a gentle smile. "You're safe now. We won't let anything harm you," he whispered, his voice filled with determination.
Meanwhile, Ren and Mayu noticed Raiden's absence and grew concerned. They hurriedly followed his trail and found him cradling the injured girl. Seeing the situation, Ren rushed to Raiden's side, while Mayu stood watch, ensuring their surroundings were secure. "Where's your family?",Ren asked. "I don't know...",she said and continued saying,"But wherever they are, they are not coming back..."
Mayu's voice softened as she knelt down to the girl's eye level, her gaze filled with empathy. "Sometimes, people go through difficult times or face challenges that make them unable to come back right away," she explained gently. "It doesn't mean they don't care about you or that they won't return. They might be searching for a solution, trying to make things better, or they might have been separated from you unexpectedly."
The little girl listened intently, her eyes searching for understanding. "But... what do I do now?" she asked, her voice trembling with vulnerability.
Ren spoke up, his tone reassuring. "You don't have to face this alone. We're here for you. We'll help you find a safe place to stay and guide you to people who can provide support. You deserve care and love, just like everyone else."
Raiden added, his voice filled with determination, "We won't leave you behind. We'll stick together until we find a solution. You're not alone in this."
Mayu extended her hand to the girl, offering a comforting gesture. "We're a team, and we'll face whatever comes our way together. Let's find a place where you can feel safe and supported, and from there, we'll figure out the next steps."
The girl hesitated for a moment, glancing at the three of them, who exuded warmth and compassion. With a small nod, she took Mayu's hand, allowing herself to trust in their words and find solace in their presence.
"I am Riyu.",the little girl said. "Great, from now onwards we're a huge family. I am your cool aunt Ren and that's your mom and dad there.",Ren said sneakily as she pointed towards Mayu and Raiden. "You're name even sounds like something they would name their kid.",she said chuckling. Mayu and Raiden overhead this and gave her a quick smack.
Mayu and Raiden exchanged playful glances, joining in on the lighthearted moment. Mayu pretended to scold Ren, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. "Oh, Ren, always up to your antics. But remember, no filling her head with too many stories!"
Raiden chimed in, feigning seriousness. "That's right, Ren. We need to focus on taking care of Riyu and ensuring her well-being. Let's be responsible here."
Ren shrugged, a mischievous grin still on her face. "Okay, okay, I promise to be a responsible aunt. But can't blame me for trying to make things fun, can you?"
Riyu giggled at their playful banter, feeling a sense of belonging with her newfound family. She looked up at Mayu and Raiden with a glimmer of hope in her eyes. "Thank you for taking care of me," she said, her voice filled with gratitude.
Mayu and Raiden smiled warmly at Riyu, their hearts filled with a newfound sense of purpose. "You're welcome, Riyu," Mayu said softly. "We're here for you, and we'll do our best to make sure you're safe and happy."
Raiden nodded, his eyes reflecting a genuine concern. "We may not have all the answers, but we'll face the challenges together, as a family. And together, we'll create new memories and find a place where you can truly call home."
After that all four of them reach Olivine and Raiden runs into the same person he ran into before in Cherrygrove. This time he knew who it was. "Silver!",he called out. "How do you know my name?",Silver asked. "Let's just say, I was kind of like a temporary member in Team Rocket?",Raiden said while the girls stood there not knowing anything. "You're Giovanni's kid aren't you?",he asked Silver.
Silver's eyes widened with surprise as Raiden revealed his knowledge of his identity. He looked at Raiden intently, trying to gauge his sincerity. "How... how do you know that?" Silver asked cautiously.
Raiden took a deep breath, his expression serious. "I've encountered Team Rocket in the past, and during my time with them, I learned a few things. Your father, Giovanni, was the leader of Team Rocket, and you, Silver, are his son."
Mayu and Ren exchanged puzzled glances, not fully comprehending the significance of the conversation. Mayu spoke up, curiosity evident in her voice. "Raiden, what does this mean? Why is Silver important?"
Raiden turned to face his friends, a somber expression on his face. "Team Rocket has had a significant impact on the region of Johto and its history. Silver's connection to Giovanni means that he has a unique perspective and knowledge of the organization. He may be able to provide us with valuable insights."
Silver remained silent, his gaze fixed on Raiden. The revelation of his identity seemed to stir conflicting emotions within him. "Why are you telling me this?" Silver finally asked, his voice tinged with skepticism.
Raiden met Silver's gaze with unwavering determination. "Because we need to work together to ensure that Team Rocket doesn't cause any more harm. We need all the help we can get, and your knowledge and skills could be instrumental in bringing them down once and for all."
"Why would I want to help someone?",Silver asked Raiden. 'Why in the world would I help someone who was a part of Team Rocket. I despise them.",he said. "If I beat you to a battle, will you accept my proposal?",Raiden asked to which Silver reluctantly agreed. "It will be a battle. A battle where I crush you!",Silver said. "Have it your way! We'll each use two Pokemon.",Raiden said and walked away from the group. "Raiden, are you sure?",Mayu asked. "Don't worry Mayu! Raiden's probably got this under control.",Riyu said in a chipper tone.