adens-x-adventure - Tumblr blog

[adens-x-adventure]

Yeah Hoylake knows his shit

[adens-x-adventure]

[adens-x-adventure]

Cursed? Cursed.

[adens-x-adventure]

I barely know what to say... today was.. difficult and... eye opening. Where do I start on this? Well how about we start with where I am now. I am back in Geosenge town again. I did attempt to make my way to Shalour but the events of today have canceled any travel there for the future. I can't risk trying to go there until we get better.... Until I get better.. I am hoping writing this down will give some ideas on how to move forward, though honestly I am unsure of if that is even possible. Let me start from what happened this morning.

The day started actually very nicely as I woke up to find the eevee snuggled up on the bed near my head. I felt blessed by them and it was a fantastic way to start the morning. They were quietly snoozing away on the pillow curled up in their tail. Absolutely adorable. Iggy and Erin shifted on the end of the bed, before continuing to sleep as per the usual. Skyler was kneeling asleep next to the bed on the other side of me, making little grunts in there sleep. Taro was passed out in the cushioned chair sitting in the corner of the room, his bag of sticks and trinkets hung off the edge of the chair. Just a normal peaceful sunny morning as usual for the team.

I did my best to move slowly as to not wake up the others. I took a quick shower to prepare for the long journey to Shalour city. There was a good chance at this point I would need to camp out on the route there or in the mountains before the city. I needed to do some stocking up on supplies and make sure the tent I had in my bag was in good shape. I had lucked out so far being able to afford a room everywhere I went but I had no choice now. Probably would not be bad to get in the habit of camping to save some money too. Being a traveling trainer really can get expensive sometimes. The mountains can be confusing enough to slow down progress and that is after whatever challenges the route brought forward.

I started doing a mental checklist of all the parts I would need to check before departing. Tent, sleeping bag, and food were priority right now. I took a look at my clothes and decided washing them would be a good idea as well. I had no idea when I would get to wash them again and I really did not to want to be stuck wearing gross clothes on the mountain. Hygiene products in general would be a must I thought as I squeezed out my last bit of toothpaste from the tube.

I departed my room for my shopping endeavors, whole team at my side. Sklyer carried the eevee (I really do need to give them a name) on their back. I strongly hoped I didn't have another lazy pokemon on my hands. I had created a physical list of what was needed and Taro was looking it over. I asked him if he could even read. Taro without looking whacked my arm with one of his sticks. Nice that we had moved up from leg hits to arm. Was not looking forward to face. He handed the list back, yipped, and looked at me expectantly. Confused I asked what he wanted. He poked me, pointed at the list, then gestured around. It took me a moment before to figure it out. I asked if he was asking where we were going. He nodded then pointed at the list. It makes sense he can't read him being, you know, a pokemon. With how intelligent they can be I always seem to forget that their actual knowledge is comparable to a small child's. I wonder if they would want to learn but that is a thought for another time. I told him if he wanted to we could split up the work. Taro nodded excitedly.

I thought over the tasks. What sort of tasks can a sassy Braixen do without supervision. I looked over the list a few times and found what I thought was a good few items. I handed them another list I had which consisted of foods and meals for the trip. I told him that he could get the items on the list. He looked at the list, then to me, and then back to the list. He tapped my arm a bit sharply but much lighter than before. He looked at me perplexed and pointed at the list. I looked at the list again and nothing standing out as wrong to me at first. I was about to hand it back before I face palmed at my own stupidity.

I looked at Taro staring at me, tapping his foot and stick, giving me an annoyed look. I apologized and started to draw pictures of the items next to them. He grinned and nodded. I am not very skilled at drawing so this took a good while but I thought I did a good job. I explained to him what the items were as well just to make sure. Skyler headbutted into my leg (ouch) and started bleeting at me wanting attention. I rubbed his horns with one hand and pet the eevee with the other. I asked if he wanted to accompany me or Taro shopping hoping quietly he would choose me. Not going to lie, I really wanted to spend more time with the eevee and Skyler was the deciding factor on it since eevee was attached to them right now. So, of course, he ran up to Taro immediately, no hesitation. Traitor.

Anyway, I told the Taro to keep an eye on them and make sure they stayed out of trouble, gesturing and pointing at Skyler not so subtly. I gave him some money from my wallet to shop with and prayed this would not be a terrible idea. Taro took it grinning and ran off with Skyler towards the local grocery store. They were out of sight before I realized what very well could have been my second mistake. Did Taro know how to count properly? He had ordered room service in the past and bought things so hopefully it worked out.

I turned my attention toward Iggy and Erin now who were trudging along with glazed over looks in their eyes. Certainly not morning mons that was for sure. I enthusiastically told them it was up to the three of us to test the camp gear set up. The response i got back was some less enthusiastic complaining followed by them both curling up under a tree. I sighed and got to work. It's not like they were going to be able to help much anyway.

About a hour or so later I had properly built the tent, set out the cooking gear, and checked over all my camping tools. The cooking gear needed a clean but was fine and the tools I had were still mostly unused and in good condition. The tent was just big enough to hold me, my gear, and maybe three of the smaller mons like Iggy, Erin, and the eevee. This was going to be the problem. I swore to myself to not put anyone in the balls if I could avoid it. Perhaps I could buy another pup tent when I got a chance but I had checked in at the shops and the only tents available were on order. I wanted to ship out today and was getting antsy. Serena and the others were no doubt ahead of me. I really wanted to be the first in the group to get mega evolution too. I started thinking how I honestly envy the others a bit but my thoughts were interrupted by a loud yip and baa.

Taro and Skyler returned now with the groceries. I was surprised to see that Sklyer had a little saddlebag now which was how he was carrying all the groceries back. I asked them where that bag came from. Taro did his best to explain through gestures. He mimed carrying something heavy at first then sprung up like he had an idea and pointed to the bags Skyler had. It took me a few moments to piece it together. I hesitantly guessed that Taro bought the bags because they were having trouble carrying the groceries. Taro nodded excitedly and gave that smirk of his, probably thinking he was clever. I had not thought about how they were getting the groceries back so it was a clever solution, I will give him that. I asked if he had got a receipt. Taro was sweating a bit and looked confused. I explained it was a slip of paper with how much everything cost. Taro nodded understanding. He rummaged through the bags and found them, then cautiously handed it to me. He was acting real suspicious i thought. He was hiding something. I read the receipt and realized why.

That damn bag cost me a fortune. I wondered if they had got conned by someone because those bags could not be worth the price I saw on the receipt. I asked Taro for my wallet back. Again, hesitation. He reached in the bags again and pulled it out. He passed it to me and I took a fearful look.

Almost three quarters of my money was gone. I walked over to a tree nearby and collapsed. That money was supposed to last me for at least a week and a half. Now I had just enough to pick up the essentials in Shalour and maybe 4 more hotel visits. My planned budget was out the window. I would need to find some more income than from battles quick or I would be broke and stranded in whatever town I ended up in.

Skyler noticing my anguish kneeled next to me and leaned his head in my lap. I pet his head gently. It felt like a nice moist but soft moss. I was able to calm down a bit and decided to take a few deep breaths before going anywhere. Taro approached cautiously, head down to avoid eye contact. This time he didn't need to do anything for me to understand what he wanted to say. I took another deep breath. I told him that it would be ok. He looked at me confused. I told him again that we would be fine. I invited him to sit down next to me. I commended him for thinking of the saddlebag, I had not thought of that and it would be very helpful. We would be need to be super careful on spending moving forward from now on though. Taro finally looked me in the eyes with a bit of remorse but seemed to understand. He sat down next to me and pulled out a stick to chew on. Honestly he looked a mixture of cute and cool nibbling away on it with his hands behind his head, a the rest of the stick hanging out of his mouth like a large toothpick. I observed the tent across from us now.

The eevee trotted towards the tent, sniffing around. He found Iggy and Erin and slowly approached them, cautious to not wake them up. Despite this Iggy opened an eye to them. The eevee stopped in their tracks petrified. Iggy nodded slowly before going to sleep again. The eevee resumed their advance and cuddled up with them.

I asked Taro if he had any thoughts of why they were always sleeping. He uttered a few yips that meant nothing to me. We locked eyes and both laughed. I said that one of these days I should find a way for us to communicate clearer. I felt bad that Taro clearly understood me but I never understood him. A thought for the future.

I resigned myself to another half hour to just enjoy the moment. It was honestly a beautiful day, sunny with the wind gently blowing through the field outside the town. The stone structures loomed and bent around the scenery. The lazy trio napped in the tent together, while Skyler enjoyed pets to the head from me. Even Taro joined in. Such a spoiled skiddo he was.

Half hour later we departed on our way through the route. I was greatly appreciating those saddle bags now. It took so much weight off my shoulders and Skyler seems fine with it. Only risk being when he would run off somewhere but that bag was showing just how sturdy it was. Still keeping the fragile items to myself for now.

As we wandered the route I noticed pointy crystals coming out of the ground. They looked super cool. They oddly felt cool to the touch. Very smooth. I caught out the corner of my eye Erin staring at them for some reason. I attempted to approach but she just glared at me and flapped her ears as a threat. We were still on rough terms it seemed.

We had a fair share of battles on the route with other trainers. It was good practice and things were looking good. Also due to the custom of money being rewarded to the winner we were a bit less in the red. The eevee was still not quite fit enough to fight despite my efforts but he tried his best. Poor thing was very timid. Even the wild pokemon seemed to be beat him. It was wonder he had survived in the wild less than a week ago.

Eventually we had the cave entrance in view. I pulled out my map and tried to determine whether we should find camp nearby at this point or brave finding a gap in the cave system to camp out. Despite knowing the cave was well lit and traveled I still would rather not be camping inside. My planning was interrupted by a familiar voice. I looked up from the map to see the spiky skater girl with the lucario again. She asked if I was planning on going through the cave today. I told her that I was just trying to figure out whether to roll though it or camp out and push through tomorrow. She looked over from me to my team. She asked if this was all of my team. A odd question but I told her yes it was. She looked to her lucario and back at my team thinking. She then offered some very brash advice.

She told me that I should probably wait until I was stronger. I winced at that comment a bit. It hurt a bit to hear that and I asked why she thought that trying my best to hide my indignation. She told me that my team had no good types against rock or fairy types which the cave was full of. In fact some of my team were even weak to those types she said looking to Taro who had joined the conversation. I explained that I had no problem with those types when I fought them before. Why would now be a problem? I could tell by her expression that my irritation was clear as she now sternly told me that I would be risking me and my teams safety going in now. The caves were deep and winding. The wild pokemon could be violent and rescue was difficult if something happened.

Now my whole team was watching. I felt like I had been openly insulted by her advice and remarks. My face felt red now and I yelled at her we would be just fine. My team was strong, I had gear ready, and I couldn't waste anymore time getting to Shalour city. I felt like she was looking down on me at that point. Disappointed. What bubbly personalty she had before was gone and now she stood almost menacingly facing me down. She sternly told me that I was the leader to my team. They had put their trust in me to make the right decisions. Any risks you take they shoulder for you she told me. She now whispered so the group could not hear. Do you want to make them take that risk to save some time? Are you selfish enough to do that? I turned away from her and saw my team looking at me concerned. I took a deep breath to try and regain some composure. I could feel how red my face was and my breathing was heavy.

I thanked her. She nodded pleased thinking I had agreed with her assessment. Then I added that we would be trying this cave though. She looked at me in a bit of shock then anger. I told her that I did trust my team. They could do this. It might be hard but I had seen them overcome the odds before. She looked at me disappointed in my choice yet again. She shrugged and said that this was my journey to make mistakes on but I shouldn't let my hubris harm the others. With that she skated away.

I turned to my team who looked a mixture of confused and scared. I told them that I really did trust them. We are strong and capable. I pointed towards Iggy. "You were able to almost solo the rock gym yourself despite your weakness to it." I saw a small hint of smile from him. Then I pointed to Sklyer. "You have been able to tank through the hardest hits from our opponents. A true tank of a pokemon". He bleated excitedly. Now to Erin. "You carry so much power in a small package" i stated. "With a bit more practice and refinement you will be one of the strongest among us" For once the look in her eyes was less creepy and more determined. I picked up the eevee. "You have a ton of potential" I said while stroking his head. I was not sure what to say here to be real. The little guy was still fresh. Finally I looked to Taro. "And you made it here with me from the start. Present for all our victories and key to getting us this far" His smug grin was back and he patted himself on the back. I told them we would rest for 15 minutes then embark into the cave. I pulled the map out again to plan our route. I was going to show that skater girl I was not weak.

And how foolish I was to think that.

I gather the others up after a short lunch. I prepped myself mentally. While we were eating I found a spot using an older map I found online that could be a good stop point. It was opened up out of the caves and was only a bit off the well worn path. I wondered why I had not found this earlier searching and asking around. Only this map has it and it seemed to be erased from the others. Weird but after some quick checks other maps from 3 years ago had it too. I would normally be cautious but at the moment I was too determined to prove that girl wrong.

Everyone was ready. Skyler was packed up bags and all with the eevee on their back again, Taro was leading the pack next to me, and even Iggy and Erin looked ready for once. We embarked into the cave together in pride.

It was a bit dark but well illuminated by trail markers built inside. The true beauty of it was what gave it the name reflection cave: the reflective crystals. They spanned entire walls and twisted in different ways around. I was impressed even more that most of them were clear in their reflections with little distortion. It was like a mirror maze at a carnival. I told my team to stay close. I didn't want anyone getting lost.

Occasionally we would run into trainers who normally would spy us behind them in the crystals. They were clever to use them to their advantage too, making it harder to find their mons and being evasive. Luckily I caught on and was able to advise my team on what to do to counter them. Taro and Iggy picked it up quick and were able to the use the mirrors for their own evasion and countering. Tricking them with reflections and making the direction of attacks hard to find. Both of them also got some good vanity from looking at themselves in the crystal mirrors. Didn't think Iggy would be as vain as Taro but there he was posing in dramatic ways. That was until he saw I was watching him, then he grunted and walked off. Taro had to be pulled away, kicking and yipping. I told him that yes he looked very good and tried to pull him further. Little monster got free and made me look in a very distorted crystal that made my head look huge and gave me tiny irregular sized limbs. He gasped and pointed back and forth between me and the mirror. I knew what he was getting at, mocking me. I told him I did not look like that. He wagged his finger at me and pointed to the mirror. I let a little chuckle go. Dumb fox was great at roasting me per usual.

Erin figured out how to launch small blasts off the crystals and shoot them around like a pinball. Unfortunately her aim could use some work. She almost blasted me and the others a few times. Taro and the team got a really good laugh from me jumping around to dodge the blasts. It was not too funny for Taro though when one zinged over his head. Then I got a good laugh. Iggy stepped in and seemed to tutor her, giving her guidance. The relationship with those two was adorable. Iggy would be a mean grumpy jerk to anyone else about that but he was gentle with Erin and now the eevee as well to some degree. I honestly almost felt left out.

Skyler struggled hard. Poor dude was running full speed and bumping off walls trying to orient himself. I tried to guide him but the crystals really confused him. I rubbed his horns gently and told him stick with me so he wouldn't get hurt more. One of the few times I think I have seen him sad. Little quiet beets came from him instead of the loud joyful ones like normal.

With the eevee i didn't even try much to get him to fight. Most of the time he was at a disadvantage with level and type. Taro was strong enough so far to overcome it but he was certainly not. I don't think he minded though. He seems to thrive in the dark actually. It was getting later and he was becoming more energetic. Probably from napping all day though. Iggy and Erin could attest a bit for that.

We approached the area where the stop should be. Most of the team seemed ready to quit for the day and I felt that too. It took a careful eye but I saw a path not illuminated with a small exit on the end. Despite knowing that you should never go off the lit trail, I did anyway.

That was warning 1 I ignored.

It definitely had not been used in a long time. The path was filled with debris. I didn't think anyone had been down here in a long time.

Warning 2 ignored.

We exited out to open air for the first time. It was refreshing being outside again. A nice breeze blew through. The sky was clear and pretty with stars everywhere. The eevee seemed particularly entranced by them. The area was like a bowl surrounded in high rock formations. The grass was tall and overgrown. It didn't look like much of a site people would use to camp.

Warning number 3. Ignored.

I wandered around trying to find a spot to set up the tent and gear. I kicked a hard metal object and cursed loudly, it echoing a bit. Taro was first there, checking my leg then me in general to see if I was ok. I appreciated my foxy nurses help and picked up the object. A very old and worn sign that had fell and read:

WARNING

This site has been closed due to Carbink infestation. Carbink are a protected species under the pokemon preservation act and as such can not be forced to relocate. Until further notice this site is a refuge. Intruders are warned that Carbink are dangerous in large numbers, especially in their territory. It is highly advised to leave the area immediately.

Signed and posted by

Kalos Preservation Society

My blood turned cold. I heard what sounded like gentle pitter patter of little rocks and humming all around. I glanced around trying to identify where exactly but found the sound coming from all around the site.

A single small Carbink came over the ridge first. It looked like a small rabbit shoved into a floating gemstone. It hummed and the light tinkle of rock came from it. A few more came over the ridge. I felt relieved. They didn't look that fierce. Still I motioned for the others to try and leave.

Suddenly, small technicolor lasers shot out across the field. A few hit Taro and Skyler who both were knocked over over with a pained yeep and bleat respectively. I ran to help them and told the others to go. I helped Taro up first and Sklyer was already on his hooves again. We ran to the exit. Erin fired back a few shots in retaliation. They were effective, taking out a few but more of them arrived in their place. Lots more of them.

We were close to the exit when an avalanche of rocks came down. Luckily no got caught in it but the Carbink had moved in blocking the way out. It was clear to me now that we were fighting our way out.

Taro launched fire and psychic blasts at them all around but they were ineffective. They staggered them but it was clear Taro was losing ground. Skyler was dashing through and butting them out of the way with a sharp leaf attacks thrown in. He was our savior at first with his type advantage but he was tiring and there were so many left. Iggy was trying his best with Erin assisting him. He was also at a disadvantage, yet again faced with rock types. Everyone was fighting hard.

Except me. I could do nothing but watch and hold the eevee. Even he eventually jumped from my arms and tried to help with a weak effort, tackling a lone carbink to little effect. I was useless. I tried giving orders but what was the use. They were doing what they could while I stood there watching us get surrounded. I was relegated to throwing whatever potions I could at them to heal but it was clearly not enough.

It went through my head again and again. This was my fault. I brought us here for my pride. My hot headed ego wouldn't let just stop and wait. I tried to reason it as desperation due to our money but that was a lie. We had time even then. I was responsible for us being stuck here.

All of us became closely packed together by the carbink, surronded. Skyler collapsed at my feet. I stroked his head gently. He was hurt bad. He had pushed past his limits. I started to tear up. I couldn't help it. I was so frustrated how much harm I caused. The eevee fell next, thrown into our pathetic circle, bruised and beaten. Then Iggy fell after a few blasts protecting Erin. I pulled towards us and out the fray. Erin let out a loud screech and went berserk launching blasts everywhere taking out a large portion of them. The carbink fired back and she collapsed from the sheer force thrown at her. The carbink marched forwards filling in the gaps of the ones before. Taro, our last hope, was barely standing. Shaking and breathing heavy. He looked scared. Tears in his eyes. I wanted say things were going to be ok. I wanted to tell him... no everyone... that they were great companions on this journey. Taro fell to his knees, unable to stand any longer. The carbink moved in, us at their mercy. I was sure this was it. The carbink glowed ready to attack further. I pulled my team in tight as I could to me, trying to comfort both them and myself as the carbink readied the final blows.

A loud roar erupted over the valley, catching mine and the carbinks attention. I had moments to recognize the source.

It was a lucario but it looked... different. It was much larger, more jagged, and a powerful aura emanated from it. In seconds it had zoomed from the top of the valley to the bottom with incredible speed. It launched through the carbink, defeating them with ease. Punches and blasts were exchanged but it was clear that the lucario was winning. A long bone staff in hand he swept them away then followed up with a large blue sphere piercing through their formation.

I caught it out of the corner of my eye. Skater girl was there with her other lucario in tow. She peered down at us from the ridge, a fierce look of determination to win and disappointment in the mess she saw in front of her. That menacing look was still there but now I welcomed it.

The carbink retreated back to where they came, doing what they could to pull their defeated away. It eventually was just my defeated team, me, and skater girl with her squad. The jagged looking lucario took a deep breath then changed back to a normal form, the aura from before fading.

Skater girl grabbed my shoulder and turned me around to face her. She looked into my teary eyes and I could feel the contempt, the frustration she had. She glanced away from me to my defeated team. The lucarios were emptying her bag of medical supplies healing the others. She looked back to me and said two words that destroyed me.

Be better

I broke down as the weight of the those two words crashed down on me. I wept and could not stop. She stood there awhile letting me weep. Then she told me she was taking me and my team back to Geosenge. She explained the situation now. I was to either figure out my issues and get better... or quit. She would be waiting in Shalour for me. She told me to put my team in their balls to bring them back. I told her I couldn't. I promised that I would avoid it if I could. She looked at me at first with anger then pity. She nodded and helped get the others up.

"The only reason I am not telling you to just quit and leave your team to someone better is your compassion for your team. Only a caring trainer would make a promise like that to their team" She stated to me. "Despite your promises though, you need to do what is best for your team"

I relented and slowly but surely returned my team into the devices I captured them in. I didn't like it. It was so... Lonely. Skater girl or Korrina as she reminded me her name was escorted me back to Geosenge. She left me quickly after that.

I honestly right now still don't know what to do. The team is in the infirmary being thoroughly checked over and staying the night. Luckily other than some nasty gashes and bruises they will be ok. I am alone in this room for the first time since my journey began. And I hate it. I am going to spend some time deciding on my next move. I need to reflect on the events of today. I will consult the team tomorrow for thier input. I owe my team a lot.

Sorry for the long post. I will update this when the decision has been made.

[adens-x-adventure]

Starting my trek off to Geonsenge today. I woke everyone up and we left fairly early. Taro seemed irritated at being woken up. I explained to him that eevees were supposed to be rare and I did not want it to take all day. An eevee would be a perfect addition to the team with its versatility and they were adorable little puffballs. As we were walking up the path I told everyone to alert me when an eevee appeared. I said it would take awhile to find one but they were worth it. I didn't quite know what type of eeveelution would be best yet but they would be good for filling up the team type balance later on.

Everyone was fairly diligent and was fairing well against the local wild pokemon that did pop out. Iggy was training Erin. She was pretty good and knocked out a golett quickly. Iggy stepped in before a houdour jumped at her at took it out with a quick swipe. He was completely milking the cool guy routine on her and it was funny how she fell for it. Skyler was frolicking and had knocked out a few pokemon while doing so. I found Taro sitting by a tree watching us. Of course, just when I thought we were over the issues, I get the typical Taro tude. I walked over and told him we weren't going anywhere till I found an eevee. Taro shrugged and munched absently on a stick. I reminded him that most people don't even see eevee here normally and we could be here all day searching and not find one if he didn;t help. As if on cue an eevee approached out of the bushes shyly. Taro snickered with his smug grin and jumped up pointing his favored tail stick at it making a big show of pointing it out. He waved his little furry hands in there to feigning surprise. Smug little brat. I threw a pokeball at the eevee hastily and caught it first try. Taro walked off ready to go. I told him to gather the others. I looked at the eevees stats in the mean time and tried to decide on what to name him. I decided the name would come later when he evolved. Cute little dude just curled right up in my arms when I let him out. I wandered over to the others and we started our trek.

The rocks around us pointed straight up. They almost seemed to be growing out of the ground. I recalled that these were supposed to thousands of years old ruins. I could see why. The relic pokemon around here, the rocks odd formations, and the whole place felt charged with energy. We continued up the route fighting off trainers and wild pokemon. Everyone was doing a good job and Erin wasvery helpful. Her psychic moves were close to Taros now. As long as I didn't irritate her that was going to work well to my advantage. I should probably get faster at dodging anyway, just to be sure.

We wandered further up the path and could see Geosenge now. Someone started yelling at me from behind three stones. It was a guy dressed exactly like the other guys in the tunnel, all red and funky. He sent out his pokemon to battle me. Perfect. I was certainly up for beating this smug hipster and I could test out the new teammate. I set the eevee out to challenge them. They turned around clearly frightened, shaking where they stood. I told them not to worry, The others had his back. Taro and Iggy stood ready behind them. The eevee took one brave look at the enemy pokemon... and then retreated behind my legs. I sighed. I scooped them up and consoled them to the best of my abilities.

Taro and Iggy meanwhile dispatched of the flare hipsters pokemon with ease. He cowered back and started to babble something about these ruins being thousands of years old and part of an old legend. He said I was too foolish to know what it was but the way he stuttered made me think he was not sure of it himself. I was a bit busy taking care of my new shy team memeber to pay too much attention. Then he started to make a run for it. We chased him down through the ruins but were caught off guard by two other grunts. They sent out their pokemon to block us. The croagunk caught Skyler off guard with a poison jab and electrike zapped Iggy hard. Taro knocked the Gulpin out before it could intervene. The grunts looked ready to continue the fight but one of them got a call on their holocaster. They answered it and told the other to retreat. They and their pokemon fled further into the ruins. I stopped Iggy who was about to chase them and said they didn't matter. I would just report what happened at the next town. I cradled the eevee, stroking its fur. Super therapeutic for both of us. We continued forward on our journey into Geosenge.

When we arrived there was almost nothing. A few log cabins, a small hotel/pokemon center, and a lot of rocks just laying all over the place.The stones seemed to be arranged in some kind of pattern in the middle of town but I couldn't make anything out of it. We made our way to the pokemon center to heal. I mentioned the team flare person to one of the nurses and she told me they see them from time to time around here. The authorities were on the lookout for them and didn't understand where they were hiding though. They were becoming a nuisance though, attacking random passerby and shaking them down for money while giving ludicrous speeches about beauty and the significance of the ruins in some legend. I decided that it would be best to leave immediately tomorrow. I was very done with this crazy. All that was in this town was rocks and criminals.

I was glad to find that this hotel was much more understanding than the last hotel. Skyler was allowed to roam the hotel as he pleased for better or worse. Skyler was pleased too and had started roaming the halls back and forth. I warned him to be careful of other people and pokemon but I am pretty sure I heard some surprised remarks from others in the hall. Iggy and Erin were sleeping on the bed per usual. Erin needs to rest that little destructive head for tomorrow. She is much cuter when she is not glaring my way with those big ol pink peepers of hers. My new member, the unnamed cowardly eevee was also curled up in an adorable ball in one of the chairs. I glanced their way and decided I would need to find some time to test their potential and aclimate them to battles. I should have known it was too easy finding them that quick. They yawned in their sleep while I was contemplating though and the cuteness soothed me of my regrets.

I reviewed the map. We would be embarking through mirror cave tomorrow and arriving in Shalour city for the next gym. The Tower of Mastery was here. I remember being told by Sycamore that they trained in mega evolution here. I didn't know much about mega evolution yet but it supposedly powered up certain pokemon to incredible levels. It is not widely known how this works but that is Sycamore’s job. Maybe Taro could get a mega evolution. I asked Taro if he would like to have a mega evolution. Taro nodded seeming pumped from just the idea flexing their thin arms. I hoped to visit the tower as soon as I got into town. The people they let in were very selective though. I knew not to get my hopes up too much. The people chosen were normally very strong or privileged to get to be trained in mega evolution. I felt giddy just thinking about it though. Despite my excitement I knew I needed sleep. I curled up in bed, with Iggy and Erin at my feet. I glanced at Taro who was also dozing off slowly in the corner with Skyler peacefully napping next to them. The unnamed eevee skittishly approached slowly and stopped. Taro smiled a bit and waved them over. The eevee quickly dashed over and curled up with Skyler. I think things will be just fine tomorrow.

[adens-x-adventure]

Decided to keep going. Took a long break but maybe I will update this sometimes now.

Holy shit you would not believe what happened today. Iggy is just plain awesome.

I challenged the gym today. Getting up the hill to the gym was a struggle enough. I had to stop and rest 3 or 4 times to make sure I didn’t overexert myself. Taro was nice enough to walk up with me at least. I could have rode Skyler but I wanted him in top shape for his match. We passed people a lot of muscular people on bikes and roller-blades going up and down the hill. The people here are so super fit it almost makes me jealous. Once we were up the hill and at the gym I let everyone out. I explained my plan to only use them sparsely so we could get to the top quickly. Skyler was enthusiastic as always and lead the charge into the gym. That was when I really regretted my current leg condition. The whole place was a rock climbing gym. The rock gym has rock climbing. I don’t know what I expected. The whole of the gym looked cool to be honest. They had a huge waterfall crashing down behind the mountain of rock climbing. I sat at one of the benches and evaluated my options. I was able to stop and ask one of the gym trainers if there was a way around this, explaining my current circumstances. He said I had to get to the top myself but I could have a pokemon assist me when needed. He explained that it was relatively easy and was meant to test the physical ability of the trainers as well as pokemon. I thanked him and stared up the mountain in front of me. It had trainers sitting at open spots to battle at some points. It would be a long time going up the walls. I was prepared for the trainers ahead with potions.

I started my climb at the north wall. I found that, as much as my leg throbbed, I was able to scale the walls at a decent pace. The first few trainers were easy to fight. Skyler made quick work of them. I got half way up when I was given a real challenge. The trainer blocking the way asked if I was prepared to battle. I nodded and sent out Skyler trying to catch my breath. The trainer sent out a Solrock. I knew this was going to be a long fight immediately. Skyler seemed still ready to go and used horn leech. The Solrock barely flinched and let off a fire spin around Skyler. Skyler was trapped in the flames. I knew I couldn't switch so I tried my best to minimize the damage by commanding Skyler to horn leech again. Skyler hit but was quickly hit back with another fire spin. Skyler persisted and continued to leech while getting hit with more fire. Skyler looked in critical condition when the flames let up. I switched in Taro. Taro seemed to understand the situation and tried using psybeam. It was enough to knock it out just barely. I was relieved. The trainer called back solrock. I was readying to move on when he sent out Lunatone. I knew this was going to be bad but I had to get Taro out. Skyler jumped in and took the rock tomb. The rocks piled on and pinned Skyler knocking him out. Taro stepped in and launched a psybeam which was met with resistance. Lunatone launched another rock tomb barely missing Taro. Taro tried a ember but it had no effect visibly on Lunatone. Lunatone used the chance and used hypnosis. Taro collapsed into sleep. I yelled at Taro to get up begging him. Taro couldn't hear me. Lunatone launched a rock tomb and knocking out Taro in one well placed shot. I was sure I was going to lose after all the pains of getting here. I looked to Iggy and told him he was up. He looked irritated and slowly moved into battle. He had no will to fight but he was my last resort. I told iggy to use headbutt since nothing else was going to work. That moment was when Iggy showed what he was made of. He ran foreward head first into the Lunatone slamming into the ground before jumping off. The impact was much more effective than Taros attacks. Lunatone got up and tried a rock tomb. Iggy dodged it and went for a bite. It was only mildly effective though. Lunatone used hypnosis I yelled to Iggy not to fall for it and resist. Iggy shuddered and collaped like Taro. It was over i was sure. I thought it was ironic how Iggy was done in by his favorite habit. Lunatone launched a rock tomb. I couldn't watch. I heard the rocks smash to the ground first and lost sight of Iggy. I readied Erin knowing it was a fight to the last even Though she was not prepared at all. I saw a brown scraggly pile next to the rocks. Iggy was still in! I noticed that he was asleep though and accounted for a bad miss for Lunatone. Lunatone attacked with psybeam this time. Iggy rolled in his sleep out of its way. I couldn't believe it. I yelled at him to wake up. Iggy dodged another psybeam, rolling over again. The trainer seemd more surprised than I was. I yelled one more time and Iggy stood up and launched himself at Lunatone. The lunatone staggered at first but then fell to the ground. I ran up to Iggy overjoyed. He growled as a warning before I could embrace him. I slipped a revive into Taro and Skyler's mouths, waking them up with the bitter taste. Taro pawed at Erin's pokeball.  I got the message and let her out. She glared at me but Iggy was able to calm her down before she could do anything to violent. I told them we were going to rest awhile. I sat out at the side of the cliff. Iggy seemed to be quietly telling Erin what happened while letting her relax on him. I then noticed that Iggy was glowing. I knew what it meant but was still caught by surprise. Iggy changed shape and emerged a linoone. He seemed a little surprised but then played it off as the cool guy Erin was excited but followed suit and laid back on him. I looked at Taro and asked him if he was ready to move again. He nodded. I stood up and told them it was time to go up. I tried to return Erin but Iggy stopped with a bark. I decided it couldn't be that bad letting him take care of Erin. I told him he was responsible for getting to the top with her. He nodded and Erin climbed onto him and they started climbing. I hiked up to the east side.

It had been another hour but I was close to the top. I stood in front of the final wall. I started to climb. I had gotten used to the bit of pain I got while climbing and knew how to climb with minimal pain. I made it to the top Skyler bounding up the rocks beside me. Taro scaled up as well. I looked for Iggy and saw he was sleeping in the corner of the field. I assumed he had been here for awhile. I looked up to see a tall man with a mountain of a hair style. He had bits of what looked like rock climbing pieces in his hair. I can only imagine how much effort he put into styling it. He looked at me and asked if I was prepared or needed a breather. I said I would be fine. He congratulated me for scaling the mountain and said he was very impressed since I did it with an injury. He said I was physically prepared but asked if I was good for battling him. He readied a pokeball from his belt, one of two options. He introduced himself as Grant, the rock type gym leader. He threw his first pokemon out, an Amura I sent in Skyler first. I had planned this out. Skyler was going to tank this gym. The endurance training was going to show now. I called out use horn leech first. Skyler hit the amura head on and backed immediately shivering. I was confused at first. It was not very effective unlike I suspected. Amura shot out an icy wind and hit Skyler in a quick flash of white. An ice type move?! My plan was already going out the window. I lost track of Skyler but yelled out to horn leech again. I noticed some resistance and Skyler collided for a critical hit. Amura seemed shaken now. I was cheering Skyler for his hit. Amura tackled Skyler to the ground. I commanded Skyler to use horn leech again. Skyler didn't respond. Amura backed off. Skyler was out cold(no pun intended). I was confused but it quickly came to me. Amura have refrigerate as an abililty. It turned powered up the move and made it ice type. I had no choice but to break plan. I sent in Taro knowing ice wouldn't be effective. Taro jumped in and shot off a quick ember. It connected and the amura fainted immediately. The recoil damage really saved there. Taro stood still ready for the next pokemon. Next up was Tyrunt. Taro took the advantage and shot off a psybeam. It did little to the Tyrunt. Tyrunt responded with a resounding roar and then a bite. Taro flinched and looked in deep pain as it bit into his arm. Taro tried backing up but collapsed immediately after. I was pinned for the second time today. I evaluated my situation quickly. I had only a few potions left and Iggy had no effective moves at all. I told Iggy he was up and that I was counting on him. Iggy seemed amused by my comment. He got in stance. I hoped evolving would boost his strength. Iggy shot forward with a bite and conneted with tyrunt. Tyrunt bit back. Botth fought free Iggy taking more damge than Tyrunt from the skirmish. Iggy launched forward with a headbutt colliding and the ndashing back. Tyrunt moved in but Iggy dodged bite. Iggy retaliated with a bite, leading tyrunt flinching Iggy backed up and headbutted tyrunt again. I was impressed watching Iggy go to work. He dodged gracefully only rarely getting hit. He would weave in and strike. Iggy dodged another rock tomb and took a smaller tackle on Tyrunt. TYrunt stomped Iggy and held him tight to the ground. It did not look good Iggy bite at Tyrunt and got it to let go. I noticd Iggy was in critical condition and took my chance to use a potion. I had two left after this. Grant did the same and healed up Tyrunt. Back to square one now. Iggy weaved in and started agian. It was looking ood till tyrunt leaped and stomped on iggy with both feet, slamming him into the ground. Tyrunt backd up off Iggy. Iggy was in bad shape. I healed Iggy agian. I could feel my sweat. The gym leader said he was impressed by how skilled Iggy was and said he enjoyd watching the battle earlier. I was not too surprised by this seeing how he was able to give Tyrunt so many precise orders before Iggy could move. I told Iggy to go for it. Iggy growled. Iggy gritted his teeth and leaped into tyrunt. He seemd to be losing his edge now. but he almost had tyrunt. He was getting to reckless. i told him to watch for Tyrunts jaws. Iggy ignored me and continued his assult. Right as the final move seemed inevitable, Grant healed Tyrunt. Tyrunt was renewed and ready to go. Iggy took a few more shot s but was bit and kicked back. I used my last potion thinking how to convince him to stop being reckless. I saw Erin from the side line. I told Iggy to do this for Erin. Iggy looked up at me. I told him I would have no choice to throw her in if he failed Iggy glared at me but seemed to understand. He took a deep breath and went back to work. The two fought back and forth tooth and claw. Both were showing their fatigue. Iggy dashed at Tyrunt but Tyrunt made a last effort leap. I knew what was coming. Another stomp and Iggy was done for. I watched in agony as Tyrunt came down stomping Iggy into the ground once more. Tyrunt backed off and stepped away. Iggy didn't move at first. I could see the pain he was in from the bruises and cuts he had. My heart sank. I look to Erin and said she was up an apologized. At that moment Iggy shook. He crawled to his feet and looked Tyrunt in the eyes. I had never seen so much determination from Iggy. He locked eyes with Tyrunt and made a mad fast dah. Tyrunt shot off a last ditch rock tomb but missed Iggy continued forward and collided with incredible into Tyrunt. Tyrunt stumbled backward and fell, knocked out. It took a moment to sink in but I could feel the excitement. We won. We beat the odds and won. Grant took a deep breath and sighed. He said that was really something. He handed me the badge saying I really had earned it. Erin ran over to Iggy. Iggy seemed to still be in pain but put on a grin for a moment then collapsed. Erin looked concerned but noticed that he was just taking a long deserved nap. Right in the n=middle of the field. I laughed. Grant offered two revives for Taro and Skyler. I fed them to them and showed Taro the badge. Taro burst out in joy Skyler jumping onto me excited as well. I pointed to Iggy sleeping and asked if they wanted to help the victor and his lady out. Taro picked up Erin, Erin irritated at being picked up, and placed her on Skyler. Taro did the same helping Iggy up. Iggy curled around Erin going back to sleep.

We arrived back late and ready for dinner. The meal was satisfying after the gym battle. Iggy and Erin stayed upstairs to none of our surprise. I bought Iggy some extra food and sweets to celebrate. He was curled up in a ball. I left the dish near him and left him alone knowing he wouldn't eat in front of me. Taro sat down in the chair and layed his bag over the arm. I asked Taro if Iggy explained any of what he did today Taro nodded grinning. I asked if he exaggerated it. Taro shrugged and gave the smug grin again. I laughed knowing that was a probably. I said it was too bad Skyler wasn't able to come out. Taro stood up and pointed his stick and nodded. I asked if he thought I should? Taro gave a exaggerated nod. I shrugged and said they probably won't care as long as nothing is broken. I let Skyler out and was almost trampled. I grabbed Skyler and whispered to keep calm. Skyler obeyed. He knelt down on the floor and just stared at me. I offered him some food. I noticed a portion of the food I left out was gone now. Iggy really must have been hungry. I fed Skyler some of the fancy bread I had leftover. I sat and just relaxed. I knew the next journey to town would be short. I had plans to try and catch another pokemon. I heard eevees were sometimes near the ruins. I decided that it would be better to train Erin first though. She wouldn't need much training. I was sure Iggy could help. I climbed into bed soon later and decided to get some sleep. It was going to be a long and exciting day tomorrow.

[adens-x-adventure]

I might start updating again soon. Just need the motivation and time. Sorry for dragging this out.

[adens-x-adventure]

Really late but I am getting time and motivation back.

Woke up earlier than usual this morning. I really needed some rest after yesterday’s argument. To no surprise, Iggy and Erin both had climbed up on the bed and were sleeping. I looked to see Taro was passed out in the chair from last night. That apology sucked last night. I barely even got a simple “I’m sorry” out. I climbed out of bed quietly, careful not to disturb Iggy and Erin. I grabbed my bag from in front of Taro sleeping. The deserts were completely gone now, just empty boxes. I made a note to myself to grab more before leaving town. I decided a shower would help me to wake up. I wandered into the bathroom and pulled a set of clothes out. They were filthy so I pulled out a different set. Then another because they were filthy as well. I got through all of my clothes before realizing I had nothing clean left. I was killing myself for forgetting to clean them. I dug out the least dirty ones, not saying much, to wear and made the decision to find a place I could wash them. It couldn’t be too hard to find a place to clean clothes I thought while turning on the water.

I felt like a slob putting on dirty clothes after showering. I came out to find Iggy and Erin had shifted towards the middle of the bed. Taro was now facing the other way in the chair and gave me the blank stare again. I hid my irritation and told him I was going to try and find a place to clean my clothes and head to the pokemon center to see if my brace was in. Taro nodded and reclined back in the chair again. I let skyler out when I got outside. He shook himself off and gave me the thrilled look he always has. I pet his horn and told him we were going to some errands but that he needed to train for the gym later. I had almost forgot about the gym. Skyler was the only one who could pull me through the gym. Iggy and Taro both have weaknesses to rock and Erin was not strong enough yet. The ocean would be a good place to train up for the gym. The route ahead was tempting too. Errands were first though.

I traveled off with Skyler to the center first. I gave them my name and they told me the brace was in. They handed me the brace and told me to try it on. I put it on and stood up. The difference was major. I could actually move my leg normally. I ecstatically repiled that it was fantastic. Skyler knocked me over trying to rub off on me gleeful as well. I stood up with no problem. For the first time I could get up without pain. The nurse there told me that I would need to get it checked in and should still rest it every once in awhile but that I was clear to challenge the next gym. I was so elated I almost forgot about my clothes problem till I got a whiff of my shirt. I asked if they had any services to wash clothing at the pokemon center. The nurse said that the clothing store in town could probably wash them for me. I thanked her saying I really needed to get some clean clothes. She nodded in agreement with a disgusted look on her face, clearly having gotten a whiff of my foul clothes. I ran off to the clothing store. Skyler following behind. Man did it feel good to run properly again.

The clothing store was small and had a section dedicated to selling clothing and a section set off for cleaning clothing with pay washing machines on the walls. I claimed washer 027 and dumped my clothing in.  After throwing in some change and setting it up, I left the machine to clean my dirty work. I sat down on one of the benches deciding to take a rest for a short time. I had a few minutes to spare now and had no idea what to do while waiting. I scratched Skyler’s horns while browsing through a rack of magazines and newspapers. I hadn’t been bored for a long while with all the drama and complications. I stood up and began to browse the clothing being sold. Most of it was not too bad. A green jacket and new hat caught my eye. Prices weren’t too bad either. “It would be good to have some extra clothing to prologue having to wash them again” I thought. I grabbed the jacket and hat and started walking up to the counter to pay. I noticed a display with bags while passing by and stopped. The bags they had looked pretty sturdy and they were all a similar style to my own. Korrina’s advice was to get a peace offering right? I looked through the bags trying to find one that would be good for Taro. I walked out with the new clothing, clean laundry, and Taro’s gift wrapped nicely by the cashier. Skyler trotted behind me. I told him we were going to train after I finished giving Taro a proper apology. I returned Skyler and entered the building. When I walked into my room upstairs I was not surprised to see Iggy and Erin sleeping. Taro had been up and must have wandered off. I knew he was not far. Sure enough I found him sitting downstairs eating at one of the tables. I sat down in front of him and he gave me a mildly irritated look and looked away drinking a cup of the drink the waiter dropped off. My guess was it was berry juice. I looked at Taro and said I was again sorry. I said that I was a jerk to forget his fear of water. I promised him that I would work him instead of bickering from now on. Taro seemed very entertained by my whole speech and nodded along grinning a bit. I asked if we could work things out this way. Taro took a deep breath and nodded a yes. I felt a huge weight lift off me and took a deep breath as well. I told him I also had a peace offering. I brought the gift up onto the table. Taro had a mix a happiness and perplexity on his face as I pushed it towards him. Taro tore the paper off and let out a joyous cry at the bag I picked. He held the green bag up looking at me happily surprised. I said it would be best that he had his own bag so I could still access everything from my bag. Taro handed me my bag over the table. I pulled out a pile of sticks confused and asked Taro why. He took one from my hands and started chewing on it. I remembered that his species liked to chew on sticks. I handed him the sticks and told him to keep them. I noticed a few more deserts in place if the old ones. I asked where he got them. He handed me a pamphlet from the room and pointed to a passage two thirds down. It was for the restaurant last night. I asked what this meant. He pointed more specifically towards the end of the passage. It explained how any one could buy and pickup orders. It took a moment but I dug through my bag to find I was a few pokedollars shorter than before. I let out a sigh and told Taro I was going to pickup more anyways. Taro gave his signature grin. I asked him if he wanted to train with Skyler, Iggy, and Erin. Taro nodded his head and seemed happy to be training again. I payed up and am heading to route 9 as I write this. Things are looking up again. Time to claim another badge.

[adens-x-adventure]

I am still alive just working on catching up again.

Fun day out in the town. Sucky day overall.

I checked out with Taro for dinner and left Iggy and Erin on their normal sleep schedule. I let Skyler out outside. Hotels are not too lenient on mischievous trouble making skiddos and would not let me keep him outside his pokeball after he knocked down a bookshelf in the lobby. Skyler seemed very grateful to be out and tried to rub up against my bad leg. Taro stepped in to remind him not to be rough with me before he could though. I decided to grab some food at the local cafe first. I hadn't had a decent meal in awhile and I still had enough money to do so. I was glad to see others with their pokemon inside. I was afraid that I would have to pay for a Terrace seat for Taro and Skyler if they had a no mons policy but it turns out that they welcome people dining with their mons. I tried some of their special mixture of shuckle berry juice. It was very sweet and fruity to drink and I can see why this cafe is known for it. Taro and Skyler liked it as well. Both of them had finished theirs before their more proper dinners arrived. It was wonderful to eat something that wasn't made for travel for once. I don't think I could stomach another packaged sandwich. Dinner went well other than a short incident of Skyler being too playful with a couple's ralts and almost taking a waiter out with a headbutt. Good thing they are better sports than the hotel workers. They even packaged up some desserts for us along with a small dinner for Iggy and Erin. I came out to a beautiful sun setting over the beach. I decided I may as well enjoy a little bit more relaxation before heading back to the inn. I told Taro and Skyler we were going to watch the sunset on the water. I started walking toward the beach with Skyler trailing until Taro gave me a sharp jab to my injured leg. He looked a little irritated with me. He pointed away from the beach back to the inn. I told him I had been resting for awhile now and would be fine, assuming he was telling me I needed to rest. Taro gave me a sharper whack to the leg and pointed back to the inn again. I replied back with a sharp no and told him that he didn't have to come to the beach if he didn't want to. Taro lit a flame at the end of his twig and pointed it at me and then back to the inn looking absolutely furious. I was really furious now. I threatened Taro back that I would return him to his pokeball if he didn't calm down. Taro stared me down then lowered his offense. Taro started walking towards the inn flustered. I looked down at Skyler, clearly upset after watching. I must have looked peeved still because Skyler gave me an pitiful look and let out a whimper. I took that as my cue to cool myself. I pet Skyler on one of his horns to let him know everything was okay. I continued my walk toward the beach with Skyler.

I sat and watched the sunset with Skyler kneeling next to me. I couldn't get my mind off my argument with Taro. By this point I had got it through my thick skull that he didn't want to be anywhere near the water. I missed most of the sunset since I was measuring how terrible a trainer I was. I pushed Taro to the point of threatening me. It became time to leave as the sun faded and disappeared under the horizon. I stood and whistled Skyler to follow me. I became aware of how cold it had got. I walked guilty back to the inn to confront the mess I made earlier. I contemplated on how to apologize to Taro to myself. None of the apologies could make up for my actions. I was distracted enough that I walked right into someone. I apologized started to apologize, but realized I was talking to the weird roller blade girl who had two lucarios. The one was with her again and stared me in the eyes again. I took a step back and began apologizing again to the girl. She said it was fine and asked if we had met before. I mentioned our quick encounter on route 5 to her. She said she remembered and apologized that she was in too much of a hurry with urgent business to introduce herself then. She said her name was Korrina and I told her mine. She asked if I was helping Sycamore. I nodded and told her I was working on beating the second gym. She looked down to Skyler next to me and started rubbing one of his horns. She asked if Skyler was my starter that Sycamore gave me. I gritted my teeth and sunk back into the slump I was in before. I told Korrina no, hesitant to talk and hoping I was not obvious. Korrina concernedly asked what was up, proving my anxiety was blatant as a wailord. I told her about my argument with Taro and failure to read what he was saying. When I finished, Korrina seemed to be in thought for a moment. She told me she had similar problems when her first lucario evolved. Her lucario refused to listen to her in battle. She got so frustrated she would claim she would replace him. They finally bonded after sharing control in battle. She told me that it would be best to let Taro have some control and work with him rather than fight him for control. I told her that would be difficult with Taro's attitude. She told me to just try. She suggested an apology and some kind of peace offering first. I thanked her and said goodbye. Her lucario gave a quick glance back at me and held it for awhile before following his master. Me and Skyler started heading back in the dark now. I wandered back to the hotel with Skyler. I put Skyler into his pokeball before going in, thanking him for keeping me company and apologizing for the dragging through my problems before returning him. I wandered upstairs slowly, trying to buy myself a little more time. I had no idea what to say to Taro. I walked into the room ready to apologize. Iggy and Erin were sleeping in my bed, not to my surprise. I looked to the comfortable red chair in the corner. Taro was sprawled out across it digging through my bag. I noticed he was eating the leftovers from dinner, specifically some of the macaroons I had stored away for later. He looked back at me with a distaste in his eyes then returned his attention to emptying the box of macaroons. As much as Taro attempted to hide it I saw how upset he was. I stuttered for awhile trying to think of an apology. The words were in my head but just refused to form into sentences. I grasped at the words for another good minute not saying anything coherently. Now Iggy and Erin were watching me as well. Taro looked at me with a blank indifferent to my jibber jabber. I stopped talking having gotten nowhere in the last minute. Everyone continued to stare at me, not making apologizing any easier. I just said I was sorry finally, defeated. I settled down in my bed shewing Iggy and Erin off, Erin gave me a glare reminding me she was still irritated at me as well. I am making it my priority to even things out tomorrow.

[adens-x-adventure]

Good news for once. My leg has healed well enough to move onto a looser, less stiff brace.  I have been put on a waiting list for the brace and will be getting it very soon hopefully. Till then I am going to explore town and let the guys (and Erin) get some exercise. I will be back with my report later.

[adens-x-adventure]

Finally got to Cyllage today. The most noticeable thing is the huge hill/cliff to the east. The slopes were so steep at some parts that it was impossible to climb them. They set up arrows at parts of the roads to warn about the hills. Lots people were running, biking and roller skating up and down the hills too. It made me tired just watching them. If the town map was correct the gym was somewhere up the slope as well. Even better, the gym is based around rock climbing. So, again, my plans are ruined by my injury. I guessed that I could ride Skyler up the hill but I doubted he would be able to help me scale the rock walls. Only thing now is waiting for the okay to remove my brace. Till then I am going to tour town. I was able to get a hotel room at least. This is slowly turning into the journal of how my injury ruined my journey.

[adens-x-adventure]

(going to get this rolling)

OUT OF HERE. Got out of Ambrette today. I had a good time wandering down the beach. Skyler was splashing around in the water while we walked. Iggy made zigzags in the sand running up and down the beach with Erin. Erin luckily eased up on her grudge yesterday and isn't trying to blast me with her ear lasers. Taro walked as far from the water as he could. I offered to leave him in his pokeball for the trip but he shrugged me off and refused. I am glad he didn't break down on the way there. I battled a few trainers on the way. Most of them were fisherman with magikarps or swimmers showing off their toned bodies. I had Skyler blow through them effortlessly while Taro stood as far away as possible. I am going to need Skyler for the next gym considering it is rock based. It was definitely  a nice day for a walk on a beach today. I found a couple on the way who offered to let me stay at their home the night. Tomorrow is my journey to get my next badge.

[adens-x-adventure]

((Wow is this late. I need to speed up here))

It was a long and bizarre day today.

Taro is not much better. He ate breakfast with the rest of us, so that is a start. I went down to the research station with Serena and everyone. When I asked why we were going to the museum Serena explained that Sycamore had called her last night telling her that the researchers might have more information on mega-evolutions.

When we got to the building, I was surprised at how small and unremarkable the lab was. The lab was a simple white box made in to a building. The inside of the box had walls made of metal racks, fossils and rocks lining the shelves. Two researchers were working away examining rocks from the shelves taking notes to themselves. Serena and I walked up to the large desk on the other side of the room with a third scientist behind the counter working away on a computer. He looked up from the computer with a stone cold look on his face and asked bluntly what we wanted. We explained that we were there to ask about their mega evolution research. The researcher said their main researcher in the matter was in glittering cave. We were told to go fetch him if we wanted more information. Before we could ask more questions he was plugging away at his computer again. I would have waited for him to return but I was getting anxious to continue further.

I headed toward glittering cave with Serena in tow. We had to ride rhyhorns across the rough terrain. It was pretty cool. It was like riding mom's rhyhorn when I was little. All my mons were stored away in their balls safely for this. Iggy and Erin gave me the most trouble. Erin shot a quick blast at me from her ears. I might wait to let her out still. Anyways, we went into Glittering cave and were greeted crystals glowing from the walls. It was cool walking down the narrow corridors dotted with glowing crystals. The peacefulness was broken up by a pokemon dive bombing us from the ceiling or popping out of some dark crevice. The cave became irritating when it turned into a maze of dead-ends. Serena calmed me down from my spouts of tunnel rage once or twice.

We reached an opening to a wider area, finally.  There was some mining gear set up along with rails for the carts. It didn't surprise me that they would try to mine down here. The crystals must be worth a fortune. We came around a corner to a man wearing a red suit and sunglasses. He looked ridiculous. He turned around and asked "Don't you know not to play with fire?". I was confused by his question and asked what he meant. He then said that he wasn't going to waste his time and threw out a zubat and houndour. He commanded them to chase us away and they attacked. I threw out Taro and Serena sent out her Frogadier. We easily defeated the red hipster's pokemon. That was when things got rough. He took a swing at me and missed, I dodged backwards and felt a sharp pain in my leg. He took another swing, this time at Serena. Serena tried to dodge away but took the swing to her abdomen. I felt helpless as she crumpled over. Thank Arceus that Taro stepped in and shot a flame his way. Frogadier blasted him into the wall with a quick jet of water. He gave in after that. I helped Serena up and asked her how bad she was hurt. She replied that she was fine and just had the wind knocked out of her. The man grunted and said there was still more of them much stronger than him. "Team Flare will be all that are left in the end" he said. He was crazy at this point. Serena told Frogadier to keep an eye on him and told me that we needed to find the scientist. We followed the track until we came to two more people dressed like the man before. They asked how we got past their friend and challenged us to a battle. Serena pulled out her absol this time. We again cut through them quickly. Before they could make another move Taro and absol cornered them, ready to strike. Me and Serena moved towards the end of the cave desperately looking for the scientist. We found him digging up fossils oblivious to the hipster invasion going on around him. He apologized for all the trouble he caused and offered us the fossils he had. I just took the fossil like a polite gentlemen trying not to kill. Serena had a few words for him but I was already leaving the cave before she finished. Taro and absol were staring down the two hipsters who now were sitting quietly. When I passed by the one said that "it wouldn't matter if they were arrested because their boss would get them out". I asked a very flustered Serena what she got out of the scientist. She said she would explain after they got out of the cave. I had Taro lead the grunts out of the cave. Frogadier was standing over a newly soaked grunt. I guess he wouldn't give in so easily. The scientist had used his Holo-Caster to get in contact with the Ambrette authorities and when we exited the cave the "Flare" hipsters as they were calling themselves were taken away. We were asked some questions about our encounter and given a ride back to the center. Me and Serena said our goodbyes and split immediatly after. We both are still digesting what happened today still. I had my examined but I luckily did not do anything serious to it.  Taro gave me a good whack to leg to remind me to sit down earlier and gave me that sass filled grin again. I am going to rest up. I will be leaving for the second gym tomorrow after a quick discussion with the scientist on mega evolutions. Finally out of this town.    

[adens-x-adventure]

late again, sorry. Date is off. another long post to make up for it.

I met up with Serena to go to the aquarium today. Everyone followed me today, even Iggy and Erin. The aquarium was pretty cool. I watched luvdiscs swim around with inkay, skrelp and corsola sitting at the bottom slowly drifting. Serena took a liking to the Mantykes. She had a huge grin on her face. I wandered between tanks. I kept my eyes on Skyler, he was just watching a remoraid dash around happily. Erin was having a stare down with shellder. Iggy was dozing away in front of a tank of chinchous. I was having trouble finding Taro. I thought he would be watching and waiting to tell me to sit down. I found him sitting near the exit. He was tense and was tapping his stick on the floor. I walked over and asked him what was up. He stared up at me with the a pitiful look in his eyes. I sat down next to him. I hadn't seen him like this before. All the snark and sass were gone and replaced with fear and sadness. He looked away to the tanks and then down. I asked again what was wrong? Taro continued to tap the stick on the floor to a eratic and nervous beat. I pointed to the basculins chasing each other in the tank a few feet away. Taro looked up but immediately looked down again looking even more troubled. The tapping picked up speed. Taro looked very upset now, almost in tears. I then understood. I asked if he was afraid of the water. He nodded shakily. "A fire type with a fear of water? What a surprise" I thought to myself. I guess Taro hadn't fought a water type yet except for Serena's frogadier. Serena came over at this point. She noticed Taro's state and asked why Taro was upset. I told her that he was severely afraid of water. "but you and frogadier are good friends right?" she asked quietly and gently. Taro nodded and looked Serena in the eyes. Iggy, Erin, and Skyler were watching now. Skyler snuggled up to Taro. Taro stroked Skylers horns easing him somewhat. I told Serena that it would be best to leave now. Serena agreed and said she would meet me outside. Iggy and Erin followed her. I told Taro we were leaving. Taro stood up, still shaking. I led him out of the aquarium with Skyler by my side, Skyler occasionally nudging Taro in an attempt to ask what was wrong. Serena was waiting with Iggy and Erin, the both of them sleeping at her feet. Taro looked ashamed of himself. I told Serena I would meet up with her tomorrow and shrugged off her attempts to help. I wandered back with everyone. Skyler carried Iggy and Erin for me. Taro sulked his way back. I never would admit it but I missed getting jabbed with a stick to sit down and rest. I organized to stay for another day at the center. I still had enough from the chateau. I wandered into the room I had to see Taro sitting in the back sulking still. He showed no energy whatsoever and just sat staring back. His bag was sitting across the room. I was glad I remembered it at the aquarium or he would have been much worse. Iggy had taken his spot on the bed with Erin watching over like a sentinel, ears twitching. I walked around to see Skyler had stolen a container of macaroons. I tried snapping Taro out of his state by going through the bag. I was sure I was going to be burned or whacked on the head at any moment but he just sat there. I gave up and offered him a macaroon. He wouldn't accept it at first but after leaving it in the empty container Skyler left he took a bite. I put out a few more for him and called it a night. It was a long day. I shewed Iggy off my bed to a glare from both Iggy and Erin. Erin glared and her ears fidgeted until Iggy let out a short bark for her to stop. I hope Taro is better in the morning.

[adens-x-adventure]

Hey, look what I learned to use

Disappeared again. Sorry but my leg didn't heal right at all and I have been in a resting phase for awhile. The nurse at the center told  They put me on crutches for the past week.Taro has appointed himself as my nurse to make sure I don't push myself and that I sit down and rest every few hours. He is helpful for the most part. He even entertains Skyler enough to keep him from getting in trouble. The last thing I need is that Skiddo causing mayhem around town.   

I met up with Serena earlier in the week on one of my walks. She has been training her Absol around the area she caught it. I got the "I told you so" and "you need to slow down responses" I expected from her when I told her about my injuries. I explained that Taro was making sure I slowed down and rested every once and awhile. Taro nodded satisfied and smugly as always. Serena remarked that "at least I had a foxy nurse to take care of me" and grinned to herself over her pun. I groaned but had a faint smile on my face. Taro pulled the stick out of his tail and started poking me. I told Serena that was his way of telling me I needed to sit down, as Taro prodded over to a bench. Serena said she knew a spot to sit down, if Taro would permit, looking to Taro for permission. Taro shrugged a "why not". Serena helped me up and told me the spot was near the southern end of town. I was glad to have someone else to talk to again. My mons were fine but they weren't that conversational.

The spot she mentioned was a bench overlooking a cliff. The spot was a little worrying but Serena assured me the spot was safe. The view really was amazing. I could see out far into the ocean and the waves rolled onto the beach below. Me and Serena talked about our mons. Serena caught a Espurr as well. Her Absol was proving to be defiant but her Frogadier was very loyal to her and gave her no problems. I mentioned my problems with Skyler's playfulness. She asked why Taro was always carrying my bag now and I told her that he really seemed to treasure it more than I did. Taro, who had been sitting quietly listening to us and the waves, let out a bark to acknowledge his approval. I explained that the bag was pretty much his now, knowing Taro was listening intently. I said that I might take it away if he proves to be too much of a problem though which earned me a whack to my right leg. I underestimated Taro's reach there. Serena was laughing and saying that we really did match up perfectly though. I decided that it was time to go after that and said that I should get back and feed Skyler before he finds himself some food. I arranged to meet Serena tomorrow and visit the aquarium. I will be stuck here for at least one more day till they check to see if I can continue forward. 

[adens-x-adventure]

Twelve packs of repels and I am not even half way through threw Connecting Cave. That place is well nicknamed Zubat Roost. They were everywhere. I resorted to running, once my repels wore off. Once I made it out of the cave I turned to make sure everyone was okay. Everyone was there but my leg was not doing too well. Can't wait to get my leg checked and be told that I am not resting it enough. Not much I can do about it. I sat down and enjoyed the scenery for awhile. The cave comes out onto a large cliff face. You can see the beach and ocean below. Waves rolling on the shore gently and quietly. People running and swimming in the water with their mons. I wish I could be down there too. Iggy curled himself up in my lap and Taro leaned on the rock near me facing away from the ocean. Skyler is jumping up and down the smaller cliffs. I ask Taro to pull out the macaroons and poffins I bought at the Chateau out. Iggy woke up as soon as I opened the bag up. I handed them to each of my mons. We had our small lunch and headed for the Ambrette town. There were a few trainers on the route but they were not too difficult. I found an absol and caught it. Absol almost took down Iggy too. I luckily caught him before he could do too much damage. I don't think I will be using Absol either but maybe when I need a dark type I will think about it. I had to ride Skyler to get across some gaps in the cliff. I put everyone in their poke-balls for safety.  Skyler's cheerful jumping from rock to rock made me nervous. I was hanging on tight for most of the ride. After a long bumpy trip, I dismounted Skyler and released everyone. Now I was in Ambrette. My first stop was the pokemon center. I would explore later after getting leg checked. Just want to make sure that my leg is not too strained from all the activity lately.  

[adens-x-adventure]

I was woken up by a wake up call that I did not order nor want. Taro was the only mon awake. I asked him if he stayed up all night and he nodded yes. I scolded him, saying that he needed to be rested for travel but he just shrugged it off, took my bag (pretty much his now), and walked into the hallway. I let him go. The quiet sass master would be back. My channeling of mom woke up Skyler who stared at me from across the room next to my bed. I asked if he wanted to take a walk too? Skyler took this as permission and wandered out into the halls.

I cleaned myself up and prepared for the day. Iggy had moved himself to the bed and curled up again. Erin, sitting in front of Iggy like some creepy stuffed animal, stared at me as I walked over to wake up Iggy. Her deep stare was enough to deter me from waking up Iggy. I looked at her and said they had until after breakfast to sleep, again channeling mom. I could see a slight grin from Iggy as i walked out. Those two were the least of my problems.

I found the dining hall after some walking around. Taro was sitting at a table sipping berry juice and waved to me. I sat down at the table with Taro. I asked how he got himself juice and he pulled my wallet out of my/his bag, smugly grinning. I glared at him A waiter came over and handed me a menu before I could scold Taro. I tried getting something simple and cheap but nothing on the menu matched that description. I ended up ordering a elaborate egg dish with bacon on the side and some berry juice for myself. I ordered some poffins and macaroons for my mons. Taro taps his empty glass and then points to the colorful shake special on the menu. I said no and he flashed my wallet at me again. I ordered the shake for him begrudgingly. The waiter laughed a little after I did so but kept it to himself.

I ate breakfast, enjoying my huge portion of eggs. Skyler found us eventually and I fed him some of my leftovers after falling to his lillipup eyes. When the bill came and I instinctively tried pulling out my wallet, Taro pulled the cash out and payed the bill. He looked at me with a smug grin again as I glared back. He handed it across the table to me. I took it back from him, irritated that I was relying on a bipedal fox to pay for my breakfast. I counted my money and I still was not doing too bad on cash. I looked back up at Taro. I thought that the trainer was always in control. I was very wrong.

I went back to my room and found Iggy and Erin sleeping still. I woke them up and they both yawned simultaneously. I threatened to put them in their balls if they didn't get up. That got them going. Everyone was following me out as we left, out into a beautiful day. Next stop, connecting cave.