Pokémon Stories at Amethyst Falls © Pokémon Stories

Kyogre and Groudon Arise

Part 6

By Tigerseye

With all the confusion of the earthquake and the two legendaries breaking the roof, I hadn't noticed someone run over to me, hands over head, and dodging the falling rocks. Espeon and Umbreon looked around as the quaking of the cavern began to subside slightly. I quickly stuffed the Orbs into my bag, their glow shrouded by the material.

I'll probably need them later, I thought grimly.

'Rosanna!' I heard someone shout. I looked up and saw Jack, face white with worry. 'Maxie's really gone and done it now! He could have killed us all! I knew that this would go wrong. He's such an idiot…'

He leant down and helped me up. I stared around, careful of the falling ceiling. No one seemed to be badly injured, just a little shaken. The grey dust covered everything and everyone in sight, and rocks of all shapes and sizes littered the ground. The pool of water was rippling and lapping at the sides. The rumbling didn't cease.

I saw Archie in the distance. He ran over to me, cloak streaming behind him, as the other members of both Teams stood up and began brushing themselves off. The shaking of the cavern continued.

'We need to get out of here!' I yelled to Archie. He nodded.

'What do we do?' he asked. I bit my lip.

'We need to pursue them,' I called, brushing the dust from my indigo hair. 'My guess is that they're at the Cave of Origin, in Sootopolis City. We need to get there.'

'What do we do when we get there? They're not exactly going to go back to sleep at someone's command,' Archie said. I had no idea what to plan. The shaking was growing less, but I had a feeling the whole roof was going to collapse if we didn't get out soon.

'We need to get out of here, and then I'll decide,' I replied. Archie shouted over to the other members, and they all gladly retreated from the cavern, leaving the shuddering rock walls and tumbling rocks behind. We ran down the foggy passage ways, a mixture of blue and red uniforms, and reached the entrance cavern. Rocks had fallen here too, from the ceiling, embedded into the sandy ground. Without stopping, I released Corsola into the shimmering water, and leapt on. Espeon and Umbreon jumped onto my shoulders.

I dived into the water before I saw what the others had done - but they were all following closely. The bubble enclosed me, keeping me and my Pokémon warm and dry as we travelled along the now-familiar passage towards the surface. The grey-green weed waved in the current and the dying light of the evening rippled onto the walls.

Corsola turned upwards, and a few minutes later, we broke the surface. The sky was dizzy with sparkling stars, shimmering reflections on the water. The sea was calm, almost like glass, reflecting the night sky. The sweet smell of warm, misty nights stirred my hair.

I thanked Corsola and returned her in a blaze of light, also returning Espeon and Umbreon; the journey would be easier without them on my shoulders for the moment.

I stood on the watery island, the sea lapping at my feet in the late evening, the sky almost completely dark. I fumbled in my pocket for Latias' Pokéball. Jack arrived next to me as the rest of the members emerged from the tunnel.

'Ready for another ride on Latias?' I asked, grinning, despite the seriousness of the situation. He nodded bravely, and watched as I released Latias into the air. It hovered there, singing softly as I stroked its neck. I hopped on, Jack behind me. The other members of both Teams were rising from the island into the gathering night mist.

I suddenly realised that someone was missing.

'Where's Maxie?' I asked, glancing around as we rose into the sky. But I needn't have worried. On a roaring Salamence, Maxie soared beside us, gathering speed and heading to the front of the fleet, cloak streaming and hair waving. I heard Jack insult Maxie under his breath. I clung onto Latias' neck, Jack's arms tightly around my waist, and flew off into the night, the sweet-smelling wind in my indigo hair, making my silver eyes water.

I saw the Sootopolis crater rising out of the sea well before we reached it. The sea was a lot deeper here, great trenches reaching right down to the ocean floor. The crater of Sootopolis City was light grey, strangely illuminated in the moonlight, glowing eerily. The mist added to the spooky effect, shrouding the rock. The crater was reflected in the sea, rippling slightly.

I was near the front of the group now, Archie beside me. Maxie was nowhere to be seen. I went into a shallow dive, aiming for the crater of the dormant volcano that was now Sootopolis City. The members, dots of blue and red in the velvet sky, followed me down.

Immediately I knew that something wasn't right. As soon as we touched down outside the Cave of Origin, I felt the quakes throughout the City. Roaring could be heard, and the sky was unnaturally dark for a starlit night. I looked around, the fog closing in. Rock debris was already littering the lower streets. I bit my lip.

'What's… going on?' Jack asked, looking around cautiously. I felt myself beginning to shake with nervous anticipation. I touched down to the grassy ground, and we both hopped off Latias. The ground was shuddering. The other members landed on the lowest level of the city, below the Pokémart. The city seemed deserted. I looked up towards the Cave of Origin, rising about our heads like some rocky monster, its mouth open and forbidding.

'We need to go in,' I said. The roaring grew louder. I really, really didn't want to be doing this right now.

'Rosanna!' I heard a shout from behind me. I whirled around, and in the dark mist, Zahra came running, her crimson hair streaming out behind her. She stopped next to me and Jack, an enquiring look on her face.

'What's going on?' she asked. I gritted my teeth with determination.

'We've got to stop the legendaries before they wreak havoc on the City. I've got to go in,' I replied. Zahra bit her lip with nerves. I turned to Jack, and saw genuine concern in his eyes.

'But…' Jack protested. 'I don't want you to get hurt.'

I took a deep breath, and smiled bravely. 'I'll be fine.' I brushed my ruffled hair out of my face, aware that my face was scratched and bruised from the happenings in the Seafloor Cavern, and cast a determined grimace towards the Cave of Origin. The night sky framed it, blackness around the brown stone. The entrance was so black that it seemed to suck light in.

I gathered my courage and made up the stone stairs and towards the forbidding entrance to the cavern, trying to suppress my nervous trembling. The sky was growing darker still, and the quaking worse. I had to stop this.

Suddenly, something happened that made us all jump. There was an enormous explosion, and an opaque cloud of dust descended over the crowd of people. There was a furious roar, and a cry that sounded like whales singing - a cry I that knew belonged to Kyogre. I took a terrified step backwards as enormous rocks began tumbling down from the top of the cave, skittering onto the ground below.

I whirled around, and, over the sea of mixed uniforms below me, I saw the two legendary Pokémon, hurling their utmost force at each other. Dust thickened, getting in my eyes, my mouth and obscuring the scene before me. I began to leap down the steps as the members from the two teams began moving backwards in fright. Some had their Pokémon out, and were firing attacks towards the legendaries. Rock Throws, Psychic attacks and other long-range attacks filled the air.

Kyogre hovering over the disturbed sea, shooting powerful blasts of icy water and psychic power over Groudon, who was standing on the side of the Sootopolis crater, hurling rocks towards Kyogre. Kyogre's immense body shone a deep, sapphire blue, glinting in the light. Its amber eyes were filled with fury, and its silver wingtips glittered. Groudon was just as angry, its huge ruby-red body strong and its silver claws sparkling threateningly. Its yellow eyes glinted with fury. To a Pokémon trainer, who understood the power of Pokémon, it was a petrifying sight.

'What's happening?' I heard someone yell, and saw Jack, waiting for me at the bottom of the steps. I didn't reply. Even if I had, the rumbling would have drowned out my voice. I didn't even know what I was going to do. I leapt a small rocky flight of stairs leading to another grassy level near the sea, and hoped for the best.

Suddenly, there was a roar from above me, and, in the clouds of grey dust, I saw Maxie overhead, riding his lilac Salamence towards the feuding legendaries. I stared on in horror as they fired every last ounce of power they had at each other, causing earthquakes across the land. Maxie was going to get fatally wounded. I had to stop him.

Without pausing to think, I grabbed Latios' Pokéball from my belt and threw it into the air. As soon as Latios appeared, I jumped onto its back, and flew off into the fray. The members stood on the sidelines, still aiming attacks into the feud.

'Maxie!' I shouted, searching frantically in the dust for his scarlet cloak, his lilac Salamence. 'You need to get back down! They'll kill you!'

I was beginning to lose hope. Kyogre and Groudon were still in the midst of battle, hurling rocks and great torrents of water back and forth, trying to outdo each other in power. Suddenly, I saw a flash of crimson. I turned sharply, and, sure enough, Maxie was heading towards the legendaries.

'MAXIE!' I yelled, powering Latios forward towards his distant form. We were gathering speed towards the fight, and I could feel the quaking getting worse.

He turned. 'Get back! This is for me to deal with!' He shouted, dropping into a dive. I momentarily closed my eyes in despair. He really was an idiot.

Without thinking, I urged Latios into a dive, and powered towards Kyogre and Groudon. I had to get their attention.

'Latios! Use a Hyper Beam attack in the water between them!' I commanded. Latios obeyed immediately. The bright white beam of ultimate power hit the water with unbelievable force, sending an almighty splash high into the air. Kyogre turned towards the source. The plan was working so far.

Maxie was getting closer.

'And again, Latios!' Latios had barely recharged, but it sent another weaker beam into the water. It did the trick. Groudon turned to face me. I now had the two most powerful Pokémon in the region staring at me, interrupted from their duel to the death. I could hear my heart beating in my ears.

I suddenly realised that I had the Orbs in my bag. They might just…

'We need to get closer,' I murmured. Latios heard. It began to dive towards the legendaries, both still staring up at me. The wind stung my eyes, burned my face. As we came within range, Kyogre roared ominously.

Suddenly, out of the corner of my eye, I caught sight of a Rock Throw attack launched by one of the members back down in Sootopolis. I swerved; cursing as it nearly swiped me from Latios' back. I looked back down to the black sea where Kyogre was hovering.

'We need to get towards them,' I called. I intended to try and speak to the legendaries, but I didn't know what chance I had of it working. It was worth a try. Anything to save the City. And Jack.

Latios brought me in until I could almost touch Kyogre's back. I took a gamble.

'Kyogre,' I said softly. Kyogre looked up at me, red eyes glinting menacingly. I felt the fear burning inside me as I willed it not to blast psychic energy at me. I took a shaky breath, and reached out my hand, praying that it would calm down.

'Shh…' I murmured, and Kyogre growled - but it seemed less hostile. I smiled at it, and seemed to settle. I was amazed. It was working. The sea calmed as the two legendaries began to cease their duel. Groudon snarled from its position on the wall of the crater, glaring at me.

'Groudon,' I said, gliding over on Latios to where Groudon was rearing up, about to launch another powerful attack at Kyogre. It too, after a couple of moments, seemed to calm down. The dust began to settle, falling like a curtain through the air, dissolving into the sea. Latios dipped in between the legendaries.

'Cease your fighting,' I said, looking at them both. Their gazes softened, and I saw them relax slightly. I hadn't a clue how this was happening. They were listening to me. I swung my bag off my shoulders, and lifted the Orbs from within. They still glowed, pulsating with light. I had an idea what to say to calm them down. It was worth a try.

'Sleep, spirits of earth and sea,' I commanded. I held the Orbs steady, one in each hand. With a sudden roaring crescendo, the two legendary Pokémon became still, glowing in bright light, and, with an abrupt swirl of brightness, they disappeared into the Orbs. I paused, and let the rest of the dust settle, still hovering steadily on Latios, absolutely stunned. The sky cleared to what it was before, speckled with diamond stars, and the sea calmed to glass. I stared into the Orbs, their glow lighting my face.

Silence.

I gradually descended back to land, where the two teams were waiting with held breath. I dropped down from Latios' back. There was a moment of stunned silence, and then I smiled up at them all. An almighty cheer broke out from the crowd.

Without warning, someone flung himself at me, holding me in a tight hug. I dropped the Orbs onto the grass, and hugged him warmly.

'I'm so glad you're safe,' I heard Jack whisper into my ear. I merely smiled into his shoulder.

I heard a noise from above, and stepped back from Jack to see Maxie, still mounted on Salamence, descending to the ground. Another silence fell over the crowd of mixed members as he dropped perfectly onto the churned-up grass, cloak falling into place behind him. He stood straight, and looked into my eyes. Archie stood forward.

'Don't touch her,' he said ominously. Maxie nodded, and Archie stood aside.

'I… I owe you an apology,' Maxie said, looking towards Jack. 'You told me this would go wrong, and it did. I - I should have listened to you.'

I looked up at Maxie, his crimson eyes glinting, matching the stars behind.

'I'm sorry,' he whispered, and hung his head. I felt my heart twist. I stepped forward, and touched his chin to raise his eyes to meet mine.

'It doesn't matter. It's over now.' I said, slowly letting my had fall. Our voices echoed in the silent City. Maxie managed a smile.

'Thank you, Rosanna,' he said. I smiled and nodded, gazing into his eyes.

Archie stepped forward behind me, and stood facing Maxie.

'I hope you realise how stupid you've been,' Archie began. 'Just take a look around.' He waved his hand to the rocks and destruction that lay throughout the streets of Sootopolis. 'That is the bare minimum of damage those legendaries could have caused to Hoenn. You are so lucky that Rosanna was able to stop them.'

'I know.' Maxie sighed. There was a pause. I bit my lip, not sure what to do.

Then someone whom I had quite forgotten spoke out, coming to the front of the crowd.

'Join together,' Zahra said, speaking to Maxie and Archie. 'You could all travel Hoenn with the same cause: stopping cruelty to Pokémon and researching their mysteries.'

Archie's eyes suddenly lit up. He turned to Maxie.

'What do you say?' he enquired. Maxie looked up, and there was another pause. Then, to my utter delight, a wide smile spread across his face and he nodded.

Archie held out his hand to Maxie, who grinned and shook it firmly.

'Let's do it,' Maxie replied. At those words, another cheer broke out from the gathered members of both teams, now united. I looked across the jumping and cheering trainers, and then back to Jack. He grinned, and I fell into his arms.

* * *

'What an evening,' I sighed to Zahra as we touched down on the edge of Lilycove City. It was silent; the streets were empty and a slight sea fog had settled in, making everything damp.

We had bid farewell to the members at Sootopolis, who had mounted their flying Pokémon and disappeared into the night. It had been hard saying goodbye to Jack, but he promised to visit me often from his home in Fortree City. Also, I had spoken to Maxie and Archie after the decision to join forces, and Maxie wanted me to become an Admin for Team Magma. I agreed - the teams were joined now and I could work with Zahra and Jack in the training season, which began in early Autumn. I was promised a uniform when we went back to training.

Maxie had taken the Orbs and sworn to put them back on Mt. Pyre where they belonged, so that time could take its course and when the legendaries where destined to rise again, they would.

'I need sleep,' Zahra said. I laughed in agreement, and returned Latios, who had provided the lift back to Lilycove.

We walked along the silent streets, and back to Zahra's house. We opened the door, the slate-tiled hall greeting us, and tip-toed upstairs into Zahra's room, which was as we had left it: the window slightly open, letting a gentle breeze stir the orange curtains and the moonlight make patterns on the carpet. Without a word to each other, we kicked off our shoes, collapsed onto our beds and fell asleep there and then.

The next morning we woke later than usual, and I realised that it was time for me to go back to Dad's. I packed my stuff as the sun rose in the sky, checking around Zahra's orange room and her airy bathroom for anything I might have forgotten, and walked downstairs for breakfast.

The kitchen greeted me; marble floor and wooden cupboards. The sun shone through the patio doors and warmed the floor. When I had finished my breakfast, I rose from the oak table and gathered my belongings. I walked out into the warming streets of Lilycove, suitcase and all. Zahra, her younger brother and her parents stood in the colourful front garden, ready to see me off.

'Thank you ever so much for having me,' I said to my Auntie and Uncle, hugging them both. Then I turned to Leon, giving him a hug too.

'See you soon, little man,' I said, smiling. Then, I turned to Zahra. She grinned.

'See you soon,' she said. I nodded.

'Yup. Ready for the next adventure,' I answered and she nodded knowingly. And with that, I released Latias into the morning warmth, the sun beating down golden rays. I took one final glance around the city its dusty streets and bright contest posters, the hazy blue sky a perfect background.

'We're going back to Dad's now,' I told Latias. It whistled softly and hovered steady whilst I put my suitcase on its back. Then, I swung my leg over and mounted, feeling ready to fly again. Latias began to rise in the humid air, as I waved down to my family.

'See you soon!' I called, and with that, we wheeled off into the hazy azure sky, the houses, then the Art Museum, and finally the whole of Lilycove City fading beneath us.

As I soared over Route 120, grasses waving in the gentle breeze. I saw Mt. Pyre in the haze, rising out of the ocean like some ancient stone kingdom. I gazed at it in the sun, and smiled as I remembered that eventful night when I had stolen the Orbs from its summit.

It didn't seem long before I had passed over Route 102 and the familiar sights and smells of Petalburg City came into view. The sandy path winding through the City, the still lakes around and the most fantastic colourful and fragrant gardens in the region. I swooped low over the City until I found Dad's house, with the pond in the garden and the rainbow rose beds. I brought Latias into land, and hopped off, a small cloud of dust rising from the sandy path.

'Thank you, Latias,' I said, and returned it. I took my suitcase and walked up the path to the door, where I knocked and waited for an answer.

'Ro!' Dad said when he opened the door, and I gave him a hug. 'How was your little break, then?'

'Fine thank you,' I answered, smiling at the memory of it all.

Dad followed as I wandered down the familiar hall to the kitchen for some lunch. I sat at the table and helped myself to an apple, gazing around the brightly lit room as I ate. The slate floor was decorated with patterns from the sun, which was shining in from the patio doors. Lillia and Sam were playing in the garden.

'Anything interesting happen?' Dad questioned eagerly.

I grinned. 'Oh, not really.'

* * *

When I had eaten lunch and unpacked my things, Dad and I were talking in the kitchen whilst Lillia and Sam played battle tournaments outside. Suddenly, there was a tap at the Kitchen window. A beautiful Swellow sat there, feathers shining in the light, holding a piece of mail in its beak. Dad walked over and took it.

'It's from Mum…' he said as he skimmed the message. The Swellow flapped its wings and waited for a command, beginning to preen its red breast feathers.

'She says that she's finished unpacking early, and that you can go home tomorrow,' Dad said. He scribbled out a quick reply on some Magnet Mail and gave it to the Swellow, who took off into the cerulean sky.

'Oh, great!' I said. Lillia and Sam entered at that point, eager to hear the news. Dad told them too, and they began dancing around in happiness, in their true hyper fashion.

'You'd better go and gather your things,' Dad suggested. They rushed off upstairs at once. I got up from the table and began to follow slowly. I walked up the polished stairs and then up the next flight to my attic bedroom, the white floating curtains and the blue carpet welcoming me. I rummaged in my pack for a piece of mail, intending to write a letter to Jack.

When I had finished that, I released Wingull and let her go and carry it to wherever Jack was. I began to pack my belongings.

It didn't take everyone long to gather their things, and we were soon sitting down to tea in the warm, comfortable evening, outside, the garden a beautiful sight. The golden sun was sinking lower in the sky as we ate our dinner outside, Beautiflies humming over Dad's roses and Taillow beginning to head to the trees to roost, singing their evening songs. The scent of honeysuckle hung in the air.

'When you were gone, I heard some trainers in the Pokémon Centre talking about Kyogre and Groudon awaking,' Dad said. I smiled to myself.

'Yeah, apparently someone stole the Orbs and awoke them, but that person came to their senses and the put the legendaries back to sleep again,' I said. It was sort of true.

'Well… it's a stupid thing to do, messing with legendaries. They'll awaken themselves when it's time.'

I nodded.

After dinner I helped load the dishwasher while Dad put Sam to bed. In the evening, I let Umbreon and Espeon out and played feather with them, before it was time for me to get to bed. I had a shower and got into my pyjamas.

Just before I went to bed, I opened my balcony doors and looked over a small band of trees to where I could see the coastline of Route 104 in the distance. I thought fondly back to when I had been training in Petalburg Woods, and I had stopped a Magma Member from ambushing the Devon Researcher - and then the whole fiasco had started.

I climbed into bed, sinking into the soft mattress under the blue covers. Before I could think about anything else, I was fast asleep.

The next morning I dressed in crop-trousers and a yellow layered top, and checked that I had everything. Espeon mewed at me as I walked past her, and Umbreon leapt down from the foot of my bed where he had spent the night. I tickled Espeon's ears and scratched Umbreon's head affectionately.

When I reached the kitchen Lillia and Sam were eating their breakfasts. Our suitcases were all out in the hall, standing in the sun streaming in from the front door, ready for the journey back home to Mossdeep. I got some cereal out of the cupboard and made myself some breakfast. I sat at the table, gazing outside to where Dad was trimming his rose plants.

'Sleep well?' Lillia asked, her golden hair neatly brushed. I nodded.

'Yes thanks. I wonder what our house is going to be like, hey Sam?' I said, ruffling Sam's midnight hair as he finished his cereal and put his spoon back in his bowl with a clatter.

'It's going to be big,' he said very matter-of-factly, in his cute, child-like way. I grinned.

I put the breakfast stuff away and made sure that I had got everything. With the sun rising in the sky, and the slight breeze bringing the scent of salt from afar, it looked like another beautiful Hoenn day.

'Well, I guess we'd better be going,' I said, and heaved the suitcases from the hall floor. Lillia and Sam collected their own. Dad followed us to the front door.

'Espeon! Umbreon!' I cried. They came galloping down the stairs and stood next to me, ready to go.

'Well, see you soon, kids,' Dad said. He gave each one of us a hug in turn, and then grinned. 'Come and visit again.'

'We will, don't worry. And this time, Mum will be here too,' I answered. Lillia and Sam waved, and then we began our walk down the path to Route 104. With a final wave and a playful smile, Dad closed the door.

We reached Route 104, the sun beating down on the sandy path and the immaculate coastline.

'Well, are you ready, Lilli?' I asked. She nodded. I felt in my pack for Latios' Pokéball, and released it. It hovered in the hazy air, feathers waving and eyes glittering. I attached my suitcase, and clambered on myself, Espeon and Umbreon hopping onto my shoulders. Then, I leant down and picked up Sam, and placed him behind me.

Lillia released her own flying Pokémon, a gorgeous Swellow, and clambered on herself. When everyone was set, we lifted off into the sky, the sun on our wings.

It took about forty minutes before we touched down in Mossdeep. The City was as lively and beautiful as ever, the sun shining on the pathways winding through the flower-bordered streets. Trees cast stout shadows and the sea glittered off the shore. I could just about see the Sootopolis crater in the distance, glowing white in the sun and hidden amongst the haze. The midday sun beat down onto the City, illuminating the massive Space Centre, which pointed towards the sky.

'Where are we going?' Lillia asked, gazing around at the wonderful sight. I thanked Latios for the ride after helping Sam down, and returned it. I picked up our suitcases.

'Hey, look.' I noticed that there was a Pokémon removal van by one of the houses, to the far end of the city.

'That must be our new house,' I said. We began walking over to it, past the Pokémart and on towards the West of the city. We reached the house, in its own little corner, flowers in the front garden, either side of a sandy path. Trees grew to the back of the house, around the back garden, casting dappled shadows onto the neat grass. A cliff reached right up to the back of the garden, leading down to a small sandy bay where the sea lapped. A thick row of hedges neatly bordered the front garden, guarding the drop to the bay below, and trees dotted the cliffside, their roots hooking throught the rocks to the soil beneath.

The house had obviously only been built recently; the stone that it was constructed from looked clean. The house was two stories high, with dormers in the converted loft, surrounded by stormy-coloured slate tiles. Flowers of all varieties filled the flowerbeds in the garden.

Suddenly, the door opened and Mum walked out. She saw us.

'Hello, kids!' she said joyously, and we all ran over so she could hug us.

'How was your stay with Dad?' she asked.

'Great thanks.' Lillia answered for all of us.

Mum ushered us in to have a snack and to look around. I brought the suitcases, and walked inside. It was a gorgeous house, light, airy and fresh - it was bigger inside than it looked on the outside. Through the magnolia hall there was a neat, airy kitchen, painted in blue and white, overlooking the dining area with patio doors to the back garden, an open-plan lounge with stairs behind and a small bathroom to the right in the hallway.

'So,' Mum began, sitting us down at the table in the dining area and bringing us all cold drinks of orange juice. The sun made patterns on the sandy carpet. 'How was your stay? I heard you went to stay in Lilycove with Zahra, Ro. How was it?'

I grinned, taking a sip of my drink. Heading off in the middle of the night to steal Orbs from Mt. Pyre? Getting held captive by the leader of Team Magma? Leading Team Aqua down to the Seafloor cavern, seeing the two most powerful Pokémon in the region awaken and following them to Sootopolis City, where I dived into the fray and somehow managed to calm them?

'Oh,' I began, with a smile, 'there's not much to tell, really.'

* * *

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