Pokémon Stories at Amethyst Falls © Pokémon Stories

Mysteries of Syrenia

Part 4

By Tigerseye

Latios landed next to the quay platform, hovering over the water. I patted and stroked it on the head as Espeon, Corsola, Umbreon and I and returned it to its Pokéball.

The sun was glowing orange in the blue sky, cloudless and shimmering with heat haze. The weather in Hoenn is almost always magnificent, hot cloudless and only a few very occasional summer storms.

My layered, feathered indigo hair was still soft, even after the trek that I had recently returned from. My silver eyes glimmered gold as they shone in the late afternoon sun.

I trailed all the way back up the ten flights of stairs back to our Hotel apartment. We were staying in Pacifidlog for our summer holiday, as it was Mum's and my favourite destination.

'Mum, I'm back,' I called down the hall. I suddenly realised how exhausted I was. Umbreon, Espeon and Corsola followed me into the lounge where I collapsed on the sofa. I returned Corsola, as she was also fatigued after the day's events and Umbreon and Espeon settled down in a patch of sunlight shining through the window to have a doze.

'What did you catch?' Mum asked. I didn't know weather to tell her about Latios or not. If I didn't, she'd find out sooner or later. If I were playing with Latios in the sea, then it would definitely give Pacifidlog Town something to talk about.

'Um… Mum?' I began. She came into the lounge and sat down in an armchair. 'This might be a bit of a surprise, but…'

I told her about the voices; about how they said it was my destiny, and all about catching Latios. To my utter amazement, Mum wasn't the slightest bit shocked. Just a little surprised. I was taken aback.

'I always knew that Latios would appear to you,' Mum said knowingly. 'I had believed in that ever since Grandma told me about your special connection with the sea when we were at your christening. I knew that something amazing would happen. I'm proud of you, Rosanna!'

She gave me a hug. I smiled, blushing.

'How did Grandma know?' I queried.

'Your Grandma was a very special person,' Mum said. 'She knows almost everything about water Pokémon and the Syrenian Ocean. You really should meet her, one day and talk to her.'

'Where does she live?' I asked.

'All the way up in Fallarbor Town,' Mum replied. We went there once for a contest, do you remember? That lovely Minun won.'

'Oh yeah,' I said in a remembering tone. 'And the Plusle came a really close second!'

'That's right,' Mum answered. 'Anyway, I must be off now and put Lillia to bed.' I watched Mum leave the lounge, and decided to go and get a bath. I walked upstairs into my room, and turned the taps on with some bubble bath in. The water running from the taps churned it up nice and bubbly.

I got my pyjamas and towel, and climbed into the hot bath. I turned the taps off when it was sufficiently deep, and washed myself. I had a thoughtful soak, running over the day's events in my mind.

I got out when I was clean, and then I dried and dressed. I played on my laptop for a bit. Then I tidied my room and went to bed.

The next morning was cloudless and warm like all the others had been. I decided to fly on Latios to my island out in the Syrenian Ocean to have a bit of peace and quiet. Not that it was noisy in Pacifidlog; I just needed some time alone. I felt a pang of guilt. I really should be spending time with Lillia, Mum and Sam. Later, I told myself. After the Quest.

Espeon and Umbreon followed me to the quay platform after breakfast. The sun was shimmering on the waves of the sea, and the wild Wingull were screeching about something or other. I felt the warm summer breeze in my indigo hair. My silvery eyes smiled to the surf.

I released Latios and climbed onto its back. It flew over the calm waves, soaring gracefully through the air. We dived down when the island came into sight, and Latios hovered over the sea while I climbed off onto the island. Espeon and Umbreon both loved swimming so they took off into the Ocean at once, while Latios dived down under the Ocean to find weed to feed on.

It was peaceful and quiet on my island; I daydreamed and thought about all sorts of things, enjoying the comforting sound of the waves rushing up to the shore and my Pokémon playing happily in the water. I knew I had to train Mudkip, Torchic, and Treecko. I thought that I would venture off to Shoal Cave again to see if there were any Pokémon there yet.

A few minutes later, I asked Latios to give my Pokémon and me a lift to Shoal Cave. Latios sang its agreement and let us climb onto its back. We skated through the sky, high up so the wind was in my hair, and I could see for miles.

We landed outside Mossdeep City in about fifteen minutes, the people there bustling around the market and the Space Centre. I went into Shoal Cave, the cool darkness enveloping me.

The tide was in, as before, and I flew over to the same ledge on Latios. Here I released Treecko and Mudkip. Torchic would be able to fight the grass Pokémon I would battle later; she would have a type disadvantage against the water Pokémon now.

We ran in to several Golbats and Sealos, which Treecko and Mudkip took turns to fight. In the end, Mudkip ended up at level twelve and Treecko at level eleven.

'Time to go, I think,' I said. Treecko and Mudkip returned to their Pokéballs and I clambered back onto Latios' back for another lift to Lilycove and the Safari Zone.

We arrived and I paid the fee to enter. The deep green grass waved in the wind and the sound of Taillow and Natu singing floated on the wind. The lofty trees stood tall and cast shadows over the glossy surface of the lake in the distance. The Safari Zone had to be one of my favourite places to train and catch Pokémon. Espeon and Umbreon followed me as they powered up for psychic and dark moves. When we met Pokémon, I used Torchic, Treecko or Mudkip (mostly Torchic, as the majority of Pokémon we found were grass) depending on the type. In the end, Torchic grew quickly to level ten and then all my Pokémon levelled up together. It was wonderful having a selection of Pokémon buddies to help me fight. I was going to train all my Pokémon to be as strong as Espeon together.

By lunchtime, I was peckish and weary after a morning's hard exploration of the beautiful Safari Zone. I decided to call it a day and spend the afternoon at home, playing and swimming with Umbreon and Espeon.

'I'm home Mum!' I called, after flying back to Pacifidlog and returning Latios.

'Okay. Lunch is on the table!' she replied.

I ate lunch hungrily, especially enjoying the tuna and cucumber sandwiches that Mum made so well (and that were also my favourite!). Espeon and Umbreon each had their share of food; Espeon had a fish to chew on and Umbreon enjoyed his usual Pokémon biscuits.

'What are you going to do this afternoon?' Mum asked me.

'Um... I think I've changed my mind. I was going to swim with Umbreon and Espeon, but I don't know yet. I think I might go to Slateport and train up with Torchic, Mudkip, and Treecko a bit more,' I answered, eating a tangerine.

I finished my lunch, helped Mum clear up and suddenly felt like going up to my room and looking out of the balcony doors at the sea. I wanted to spend more time with Latios, so I released it and climbed onto its back.

'Latios, can we fly to Slateport please,' I asked. Latios sang its answer. I understood it. Most trainers could communicate with their Pokémon because of a special bond. The Power of the Ocean bonded Latios and I together, as with my other Pokémon.

I climbed onto Latios' back and we soared off into the sunlit sky. Espeon and Umbreon were lying in the lounge, having an afternoon snooze.

We landed in Slateport a few minutes later, and several people stared at me. I guess it's not every day they see a young girl landing in a large city on the back of an extremely rare legendary bird.

I clambered off Latios. 'If you want to fly back over the current and go swimming, then you can,' I said to it. Latios sang its answer back.

Okay, but I will come back later, it said. I smiled at it affectionately.

Latios turned and flew off over the Syrenian Ocean, the sun glinting on its blue eye shields and silver tail. I smiled. I heard it singing to me, Bye! I will be back soon…

I started to walk to Route 110. The sun was hanging hazily in the afternoon sky, and the sound of a busy market place reached my ears. The scent of sizzling meat and bubbling fruit jams made my mouth water. I smiled.

I reached Route 110 and released Torchic, Mudkip and Treecko. We searched all through the afternoon for wild Electrikes and Gulpins.

Another Gulpin jumped us. We had been training for about two hours now. I had got into a routine. 'Go! Torchic!' I shouted. Torchic knew exactly what to do. She jumped out in front of the Gulpin, awaiting my instruction.

'Ember!' I shouted. Torchic let off a powerful blast of fire that made the Gulpin faint immediately, helped by the super-effectiveness. 'Well done, Torchic! I called. 'Huh?'

Torchic had grown to level sixteen - and she was evolving! A great reward to me for all the training we had done. Torchic's body became white and bright with dazzling light as it changed its form from Torchic to Combusken. I smiled with wonder as I watched the magical transformation take place. Suddenly -

'Combusken!' came the call from the newly evolved Torchic. I grinned gave Combusken a warm hug. She hugged me back. The same old Torchic inside… I thought to myself happily.

Mudkip and Treecko smiled and greeted their old playmate in her new form as Combusken hopped back over to where Mudkip and Treecko were sitting.

Next up was Mudkip's turn to thrash a wild Oddish. Mudkip gained twice the experience points because he had a type disadvantage. He grew to level eighteen, and he evolved too.

'Marshtomp!' said the cute new water Pokémon. I stroked him and he head-butted me playfully. 'Now it's your turn to evolve,' I said to Treecko. She fought hard, and after half an hour's tough training, grew to level fourteen. Then, as I had hoped, she evolved to Grovyle.

'Congratulations!' I said joyfully to all my toughened Pokémon. I knew that because I had trained them up as a team, they had all evolved together. I had a feeling that the loyalty and friendship between these three Pokémon was going to last forever. That thought warmed me inside. I smiled even more. 'You've fought hard today.' I continued. 'I've got a treat for all of you!'

I gave each of them a Pokéblock, red for Combusken, to raise her Coolness, pink for Mudkip, to raise his Cuteness, and green for Treecko, to raise her Smartness.

I went back into Slateport, Combusken, Marshtomp and Grovyle following me. Then, I stood at the end of the City, in front of the ferry-docking place, and called out over the sea for Latios.

'Latios?' I called again. Latios heard and came sweeping back over the Ocean.

I climbed onto Latios' back, with my three loyal, newly-evolved Pokémon following me eagerly.

'Come on,' I said softly to Latios. 'Let's go home.'

We soared over the Syrenian Ocean again, sweeping across the sky towards the golden sunset.

I reached to Hotel and gave Latios a 'thank you' hug. Then I returned it in its Pokéball, and went up the ten flights of stairs to our summer holiday accommodation - the five-star Pacifidlog Hotel.

That evening when I was in bed after tea, I heard the voices again.

You MUST find the Ruby Feather before it's too late… It will be in the Shoal Cave…

I willed them to shut up, but I knew that they wouldn't be quiet forever unless I found the Ruby Feather and did whatever I had to with it.

I sighed and turned over, hoping that the whole thing would be a dream and I'd wake up in my room back in my home town of Verdanturf and none of this would've happened. But no such luck.

*     *     *
I woke at half past midnight after a horrible nightmare. I shivered and saw Espeon and Umbreon sleeping in their baskets, (I had got Umbreon's basket as another present for my birthday) curled up and relaxed amongst the soft cushions. I sighed. I didn't want to wake them up. But I had to.

'Espeon, Umbreon, wake up, please,' I murmured softly. They stirred and Umbreon stood up at once, loyal and faithful, but Espeon yawned and stared at me with half-closed eyes.

'Come on, Espeon, please,' I moaned. 'I can't stand these stupid voices any more. I've got to sort this whole thing out.'

She opened her eyes fully and stood up. She mewed.

'Yes, I know it's late - early, I mean, but we have to sort this out. Please,' I willed her. She smiled at me and nodded her head.

'Thank you,' I whispered, and gave her a heartfelt hug. She put her paw on my shoulder, as if to reassure me that she'd sort everything out. I stroked her and thanked her again. Umbreon head-butted my hand playfully and I tickled his ears with affection. He mewed at me loyally. I dressed in warm clothes and took my coat, hat and scarf with me. The dark sky looked forbidding out of the window, even though the stars were out and shimmering in the jet black sky.

I dressed and then walked as quietly as I could out of our apartment and to the docking platform where I always went. Here I released Latios from its Pokéball and asked it if we could have a lift to Shoal Cave. I was determined to sort this Oceanic Mystery out once and for all.

Well done, you have pulled through.

'Yes.' I said through clenched teeth. 'And all for the sake of you. You were annoying me so much that I decided to get this out of the way.'

Espeon and Umbreon climbed onto Latios' back after me and we flew off at once. I enjoyed the feeling of the wind in my hair, the smell of the sea at night, the soft, unbroken silence…

We were there before I could hardly take in any of our journey. It's amazing how fast fifteen minutes can go when you're not paying attention. Latios flew inside Shoal Cave and hovered over the water as I dismounted. I looked around. Suddenly, the voices came again, but this time, they were so loud that they sounded real.

You are nearly there. Beware the Guardian…

'Stop it…' I moaned. 'You're freaking me out!' The voices echoed off the walls and found their way into my ears no matter how hard I tried to ignore them.

Beware… the guardian… guardian…

They faded. I suddenly heard a great rumbling from down inside the darkness that was before me. Shoal Cave at night was not a place you wanted to be if you were afraid of the dark.

The rumbling grew louder, to a roar… and then I saw it.

Steelix.

Enormous, strong and menacing. It lunged at me, causing a fall of rocks that separated me from Espeon and Latios. Umbreon was on my side of the rocks, but Steel-types could be deadly to Dark-types. But I had to try.

'Umbreon!' I yelled. 'Black Curse!'

Umbreon immediately shot the equivalent of a Hyper Beam in dark energy across the cavern, but Steelix was hardly damaged by it. I needed Combusken. But she was back at the Hotel, safe in her Pokéball. I tried again. Steelix lunged at Umbreon and caught his head with a powerful Iron Tail attack. Umbreon cried out it despair and anger more than anything, and then collapsed on the floor. A torrent of rocks began to tumble across the slightly sloping floor, rumbling and rolling towards me and Umbreon. Clouds of powdered earth blew across the cavern at me. The dust got into my eyes, ears and up my nose. My eyes streamed, I coughed and choked as the dust came thicker than ever. The rocks rumbled to a halt.

'Latios!' I shouted. I couldn't do this alone with a disadvantage-type Pokémon. 'Help! Please!'

Latios battered the wall of rock with all its might and when I had picked Umbreon up gently, scooped me up onto its back. Espeon leapt through the hole in the rock wall and also landed neatly on Latios' back. We flew out of Shoal Cave and dived down to land on my island. The tall trees stood silhouetted against the moon, and the water was calm but freezing cold.

I lay, feeling faint and sick. Umbreon was weak. I slowly sat up delved into my bag for a Hyper Potion and fed it to him. He was revived, but I was still exhausted.

'That Steelix was tough,' I said to Espeon. She agreed. Umbreon purred and laid his head on my hand. I stroked him back and reached over to tickle Espeon's ears.

'Latios, I need to fly home and get my other Pokéballs,' I said. Latios nuzzled my body and sang in agreement.

I'll do anything to help you, it said. I smiled. 'Thanks, Latios,' I replied.

I struggled as I climbed onto Latios' back. I had never blacked out to a wild Pokémon before, and I didn't like it. As Latios flew through the blackened sky, I smelt the night air and was calmed down. My strength returned, slowly but surely.

We reached the Hotel. Silently, I tiptoed up to my room, collected the Pokéballs, and crept down again. I climbed back onto Latios where Espeon and Umbreon were waiting, and we flew off yet again into the star-speckled sky.

We reached Shoal Cave again. I was terrified of the Steelix but I knew that every second I wasted would be a second more to worry about it. I took a deep breath and carried on. Espeon and Umbreon followed while Latios landed on the water began swimming, diving up and down gracefully - but still keeping a watchful eye out for me. I was shaking. The cold was intense. The adrenaline pulsed through my body.

I walked further into the darkness, the cold tugging at my arms and legs like icy fingers. I ignored it and carried on, my footsteps echoing eerily off the dripping walls. The voices whispered and hissed around, but when I tried to listen to them, all I could hear was the dripping of water.

Suddenly, there was a rumble.

I had a wave of confidence.

'I'm ready for you this time, Steelix!' I shouted. My voice bounced back off the walls, amplifying and making the air ring with sound.

The rumble became louder. I could hear the Steelix slithering its metal body over the rocks, like an enormous basilisk, hunting. It was coming closer. Espeon and Umbreon huddled together with fear, shivering. I heard Latios singing its warnings…

'Come on! Are you scared?' I shouted these threats to try and bring back my confidence. It was working. Espeon and Umbreon were also becoming less scared. I could feel them walking up either side of me so we could face the Steelix together.

The rumbling suddenly exploded and the Steelix showed itself. Its glinting body shone in the faint light from the stars and its eyes were cold and menacing. The rocks from before were behind the Steelix, sturdily stacked in a wall of stone.

'We're ready for this battle! Go! Combusken!' I yelled. Combusken burst from her Pokéball and jumped in front of the Steelix.

'Combusken! Fire Blast!' I shouted. I had taught her this move from a TM. Combusken sent a powerful jet of fire that wounded the Steelix. Its HP had been depleted by a quarter, but I knew that it could come back.

'We need to knock it out in one big blow!' I shouted. I released Marshtomp and Grovyle as well. I also let Corsola and Wingull go. Espeon and Umbreon leapt forward, willing to fight for me as well.

'Everyone! Hit it with all the power you've got!' Marshtomp let a powerful Mud Shot go, Combusken another Fire Blast, Grovyle a Leaf Blade, Espeon a Psywave, Umbreon a Black Curse, Wingull a Sky Attack, Latios a Hyper Beam and Corsola a Rock Fall. The powers from all of my faithful Pokémon bonded together in an amazing force.

Steelix was knocked flat.

'YES!' I cried with joy. Nothing could describe the pure happiness in my heart. I was grinning from ear to ear! Espeon, Umbreon, Marshtomp, Combusken, and Grovyle all jumped in the air with celebration. They surrounded me. I looked every one of them in the eyes, and saw true faith and trust there.

'You guys were brilliant!' I whispered appreciatively. They all smiled at me. Latios soared into the cavern; bring behind it a magical, sparkling aqua light.

Suddenly, Steelix twitched.

I'll have none of that! I heard Latios sing. It opened its mouth, still flying, and shot down a powerful Hyper Beam. It hit Steelix. Even though it was not very effective, it did the trick. Steelix blacked out.

Latios landed.

'Thank you, all of you,' I said softly. I glanced round my ring of faithful Pokémon. I loved them all.

I stood up and walked over to the back of the cave where a blue light glowed. It was the Ruby Feather. The voices began singing again, louder than ever. I shuddered. My Pokémon all looked at me, giving me confidence.

'Come on.' I sighed. 'Let's get this stupid thing over and done with. Forever.'

I picked up the Ruby Feather with shaking hands. I slipped it into the Key Items Pocket of my pack and zipped it up. My Pokémon huddled together in a ring.

I crouched down and they all huddled round me. 'Thank you so very much,' I whispered, but every one of them heard. I smiled. They smiled back.

I returned Marshtomp, Combusken, Wingull, and Grovyle. Espeon, Umbreon, Corsola, and I climbed onto Latios' back. It flew out of the cave. The night sky's scent swirled in the warm night breeze, whistling gently through my ears. The stars twinkled. I smiled to myself, and let the wind whip back my hair.

Where to now? Latios asked.

'The Aurora Cavern,' I replied grimly. 'Nearly done now…'

We got there soon. I commanded Corsola to use Dive. She did so, and as I was enclosed in the bubble, Latios dived down as well to follow us.

When we reached the Aurora Cavern, everything was the same. The shimmering ice, the icicles and the silver rock table where I had to put the Feather.

The voices returned.

Put the Feather on the table, and maybe prepare for battle...

I took the Feather carefully out of my pocket and laid it on the table. Nothing happened. Latios was singing in the background. I could hear it echoing eerily off the walls.

'Latios, stop that please, you're freaking me out,' I murmured. Latios stopped. It flapped its wings, ready to fight.

'Corsola, you don't want to fight, do you?' I asked. Corsola shook her head. I returned her to the safety of her Pokéball. Umbreon and Espeon shook their fur of frost. They stood either side of me, ready for battle at any time.

I knew what to say.

'I command thee, Spirit of Water and friend of Latios, to arise and show thyself to me, Rosanna Crystal, destiny bound of the Power of the Oceans!' I recited loudly and clearly. As before, there was a loud crash, and the Ruby Feather disappeared in a blaze of light. The sight before my eyes was brilliant. There was another flash of blinding light, and a sparkle of crimson sparks. A magical cry filled the air, like a singing and Pokémon cry in one. Then I saw it.

'Latias…' I whispered. Espeon and Umbreon jumped forward to battle, but Latias didn't seem like it wanted to. It had appeared out of thin air, in a glow of ruby coloured light. Its crimson feathers waved and glittered in the icy breeze, and its shimmering white head glowed brilliantly. It looked at me and its eyes glinted.

'I have completed my destiny! Will you leave me alone now?' I called to the voices. They raised their volume in an awesome crescendo, singing, and then, immediately, they stopped. The silence seemed louder than the voices.

I reached out to touch Latias, it glided gently towards me and butted my hand affectionately.

I pulled a Great Ball from my bag.

'Will you become mine?' I questioned. Latias eyed the ball nervously, and then looked my in the eye. It cried its magical cry. And nodded. I smiled and stroked it.

'Thank you. You trust me, don't you?' I enquired. Latias answered. I understood it at once. I was so proud of myself, and could hardly believe that two legendary Pokémon had become my very own! I was amazed, and also glad that the voices would leave me alone now.

'It must be the special bond I have with water Pokémon and the Syrenian Ocean,' I suggested. Latias confirmed my suspicion with a single, understandable note and a nod.

I held open the Great Ball for Latias to vanish in to. It did so, in a swirl of ruby light.

I paused. All I could hear was the steady drip... drip... drip... of the icy water from the icicles. I couldn't believe it. It was finished. The whole thing. And from it I had obtained two legendary Pokémon that trusted me and had faith in me.

'Right then, my faithful and loyal friends,' I finally began, 'we should be getting home. I'm exhausted!' I released Corsola. She landed at my feet, faithful and loyal as always.

Corsola beamed. She knew what to do. I climbed onto her back. 'Wait,' I said, and she paused. I took two Pokéballs from my bag and returned Espeon and Umbreon. They were also fatigued after today, and they deserved a proper rest. 'Sleep well, my Pokémon,' I whispered. Then we were off.

*     *     *
I reached the Hotel fairly soon, and climbed the stairs. As soon as I got into bed, I fell asleep in my clothes.

When morning broke, I felt amazingly happy, if exhausted from missing several hours sleep. I got up and walked slowly out onto the balcony, where the salt breeze teased my hair and the sea reflected the sun into my eyes. I stared out over the Ocean and sighed. Then, something I didn't want to hear popped into my head.

Well done!

'What do you want now?' I asked, nearly laughing with annoyance.

We just wanted to say congratulations on fulfilling your destiny and Goodbye.

'Oh…' I said. Even though the voices were really annoying, I was going to miss them. Sort of. 'Good bye then,' I said quietly. 'Thank you for all your help.'

That's okay.

'One quick question. Who are you?' I queried.

But no reply came. Because for the very last time, the voices had disappeared into the Summer silence. The haze was thick and shimmering over the sea's horizon, and the sky was deep blue. Somewhere, a water Pokémon's cry echoed across the ocean.

Gone.

*     *     *

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