Today our heroes are still on the road to Rustboro City for Turquoise’s upcoming gym battle, but their travels bring them to a fork in the road.
“Which way do we go?” April asked.
“I say we go left,” Turquoise said.
“I say we go right,” Aqua said.
“No left,” Turquoise said.
“Right,” Aqua shouted.
“Left,” Turquoise shouted. This went on for a good minute until Fluttershy broke it up.
“Girls enough,” Fluttershy said in a somewhat aggravated tone which took Turquoise by surprise since she has known Fluttershy for a year and a half now and that was the second time she saw her act this way. “The more you two argue the longer it's going to take to reach Rustboro City. Before the three of them could decide which path to take, a group of wild Treecko attacked them and stole their belongings. They then ran down the left path which decided which way the girls would go.
“After them,” Turquoise shouted while chasing them with Aqua and Fluttershy desperately trying to keep up.
“Where does Turquoise get this much energy from?” Aqua asked Fluttershy.
“Beats me,” Fluttershy said. Turquoise soon lost sight of the thieving Treecko and stopped in time for Aqua and Fluttershy to catch up.
“Dang it, I lost them,” Turquoise said.
“Relax Turquoise, we will find them,” Fluttershy said assuringly.
Inside a hollowed-out room beneath a tree stump by an extremely big tree the group of Treecko were looking through the bags that belong to the girls. They also poked around with their stuff. Some of it amazed them.
Back with the girls they kept following the path until they ran into officer Jenny who soon noticed them.
“Where are you girls off to?” Officer Jenny asked.
“We were on our way to Rustboro City but a group of Treecko stole our stuff,” Aqua said.
“You must mean the Treecko Thieves,” Officer Jenny said.
“Treecko Thieves?” Turquoise asked.
“They are a group of troublemakers who tend to ambush travelers and take their stuff. I was in the middle of posting some warning signs along the path,” Officer Jenny said.
“Well, is it possible to get our stuff back?” Turquoise asked.
“If you can find their den then it might be,” Officer Jenny said.
Meanwhile further ahead of the path was team supernova enjoying a lunch break.
“How can you two sit around drinking tea at a time like this?” Meowth asked in an annoyed tone.
“Oh, chill out Meowth, The Dorkettes are bound to come this way, we just need to be patient,” Isabelle said.
“She is right. So, for now just have a rice cracker and relax,” Chris said. Unfortunately, the relaxation was rudely interrupted when the Treecko thieves struck again and stole all of their food. One of the Treecko went so far as to use its twig to carve a T into one of the nearby trees in a swift motion like an expert swordsman.
“We will get those thieves,” Isabelle said in an angry tone.
Back with Turquoise and her group they were following the path looking for anything that could tell where the Treecko were hiding. As they walked, they soon saw a giant tree in the distance.
“Hey what is that tree over there?” Turquoise asked.
“That’s the great tree,” Officer Jenny said before going into details. “Many years ago, a group of Treecko lived in that area where there was a dead tree. What you're looking at now was the sprout that was planted to replace it sixteen years ago.
“Do you think we will find the thieves near there?” Aqua asked.
“It's worth a try,” Officer Jenny said. Turquoise ran ahead and soon saw the great tree up close along with a bunch of Treecko living in it. Unfortunately, those Treecko were not the ones she was looking for. Just when she was about to turn back, she noticed something sticking out of a hole near a stump. After pulling it out it was her backpack which was nearly empty. Before Turquoise could rejoice a small twig was flying towards her and her instincts kicked in which allowed her to dodge it. It was one of the Treecko thieves who fired it.
“If it's a battle you want then bring it,” Turquoise said before grabbing one of the poke balls on her belt. “Go Espeon. Espeon came out and was ready. Treecko was also ready and even started the battle with a pound attack which despite being lower leveled than Espeon packed quite a wallop. Espeon use swift. Espeon unleashed her swift, but Treecko remained calm and unleashed a bunch of leaves which collided with the swift and caused both moves to cancel each other out. Treecko then followed it up with Quick Attack which also packed quite a wallop as indicated by Espeon being sent flying towards the big tree and hitting it. Turquoise could tell that Treecko was powerful and wanted it. The girls and officer Jenny caught up to Turquoise and saw she got her backpack back and was in the middle of a battle.
“Looks like Turquoise found their den,” Aqua said.
“And it looks like she is battling one of the Treecko, “Fluttershy said. Just as the battle was getting good a suped-up bulldozer with the team Supernova insignia on it rammed the tree and captured all of the Treecko except for the rogue ones. The Treecko that Turquoise was battling was next.
“We will take that, Dorkette,” Chris said while cueing the net.
“Espeon use Psybeam. Espeon fired her psybeam which broke the net. “You freaks interrupted our battle and now you're going to pay for that.
“As if you can stop us with just your useless Espeon, “Isabelle said, rubbing the fact they had the type advantage in Turquoise’s face.
“Then how about adding my team into the mix,” Fluttershy shouted as she sent Cinderace and Ursaring out.
“And mine,” Aqua said before calling out Mudkip and Zigzagoon. The Treecko thieve decided to help out too since their leader wanted to punish Team Supernova for interrupting his fight.
“Like all of you can make a difference, Go Mightyena, Sandaconda, and Dustox,” Isabelle said while sending all three of her Pokémon out.
“Houndoom, Metagross, and Dustox you come out as well,” Chris said as he called out his Pokémon making it an even six. The girls looked overwhelmed with how powerful all of their Pokémon were.
“Come on out Sprigatito,” Turquoise said as she called out Sprigatito who looked raring to go.
“Metagross use meteor mash. Metagross came charging at Espeon with its meteor mash until Fluttershy butted in.
“Cinderace use Pyro ball. Cinderace put everything he had into his Pyra ball which resulted in a critical hit and sending Metagross flying and faint.
“You may have defeated one of our Pokémon but let's see how you handle another. Sandaconda use,” Isabelle was about to say until a bunch of leaves which Turquoise recognized as the move leafage hit Sandaconda from out of nowhere in multiple directions which caused it to faint. Soon the Treecko thieves made themselves known.
“You guys came to help?” Turquoise asked surprisingly. The Treecko nodded in agreement before focusing on trying to save the others.
“Big deal we won’t lose that easily,” Chris said before having Houndoom at the ready. “Houndoom use fire fang on the Dorkette’s Sprigatito. Houndoom came charging at Sprigatito with fangs covered in fire until Aqua butted in.
“Mudkip use water gun on Houndoom. Mudkip unleashed water gun and managed to nail Houndoom with a critical hit and while it was not enough to finish it Turquoise could handle the rest.
“Espeon use Swift Tornado. Espeon spun while using swift which caused a tornado of stars that not only hit Houndoom but the other three remaining Pokémon on Team Supernova’s side. The collision caused all four of them to faint. Team Supernova recalled their Pokémon and decided to make off with their catch.
“Oh no you don’t. Ursaring use Focus Blast. Ursaring unleashed Focus blast which managed to nail the bulldozer and cause it to explode thus freeing the Treecko and sending Team Supernova flying. The Treecko were all happy and the thieves decided to give the girls their stuff back as an apology for attacking them.
“Thank you,” Turquoise said. Before the good feeling could continue the Treecko Turquoise was battling earlier got her attention by shooting its twig at her. “What was that for? Treecko looked determined and Fluttershy could tell why.
“I think Treecko wants to finish that battle you two started,” Fluttershy said.
“Very well but we won’t be caught off guard this time,” Turquoise said as she and Espeon stood at the ready with all the other Treecko observing from a safe distance. Treecko started the battle off with a powerful pound like last time, but this time Turquoise was ready. “Espeon use psychic. Espeon successfully caught Treecko with her psychic before levitating it off the ground. Treecko decided to use Leafage to throw off Espeon’s concentration which worked.
“Why did Espeon stop her attack?” Aqua asked.
“Because that leafage was meant to throw off Espeon’s concentration which is extremely important for the move psychic,” Fluttershy explained.
“Then let's try something else, Espeon use swift while spinning. Espeon unleashed the swift Tornado which managed to entrap Treecko who tried to use Leafage to escape but failed as he took damage. Once the tornado subsided, Treecko was down which was turquoise’s chance to act. “Go pokeball. The pokeball made contact and contained Treecko. It shook a bunch and then clicked shut which meant the capture was successful. Turquoise grabbed the pokeball before raising it over her head in triumph. The Treecko went back to their normal lives as Officer Jenny was showing them the way back.
“If you take the right path, it will lead you straight to Rustboro City,” Officer Jenny said.
“Looks right you were correct Aqua,” Turquoise said as the three of them went down the path. As they kept walking, Aqua decided to ask Turquoise something.
“Hey Turquoise, how much further do you think Rustboro city is?” Aqua asked.
“Hopefully not too far now,” Turquoise said, feeling tired of being lost.
“By the way, what are you girls planning to do in Rustboro City?” Fluttershy asked.
“I’m challenging the gym per Max’s suggestion,” Turquoise said.
“And I’m just tagging along since I have no clue what it is i want to do just yet,” Aqua said.
“Well, I'm sure you will find it, “Fluttershy said. Suddenly the girls saw the end of the path which led out of the forest. The girls were now in front of a beautiful lake.
“Wow look at the lake, it's so sparkly, “Aqua said.
“I agree,” Turquoise said.
“Well girls, what say we set up camp here for the day?” Fluttershy said.
“Sure why not,” Turquoise said.
“Ok,” Aqua said.
“Great while I set the cooking stuff up you girls set up the tents,” Fluttershy said. Turquoise got to work setting hers up and in no time flat she had her eevee-shaped tent all set while aqua was stuck on step one since this was her first-time setting camp.
“Need some help?” Turquoise asked.
“Big time,” Aqua said. Turquoise demonstrated how to set the rods up inside before getting to the stakes which kept the tent from falling or being blown away by a strong gust of wind. “I think I get it now.
“Happy to help,” Turquoise said before she and aqua brought out their Pokémon. A few minutes later Fluttershy’s table and cooking supplies were all set.
“Can you girls go find some firewood so I can get started on dinner?” Fluttershy asked.
“Sure, no problem,” Turquoise said before she and Aqua went back inside the woods to go get some. It took them about fifteen minutes to find some and bring it back to camp. While Fluttershy was preparing dinner Turquoise and Aqua decided to have a battle between Mudkip and Sprigatito.
“Mudkip use Tackle. Mudkip charged at Sprigatito which Turquoise was expecting.
“Dodge and use leafage. Sprigatito side stepped out of the way before unleashing leafage which was heading for Mudkip.
“Use Rock Smash to deflect it. Mudkip’s fin glowed orange as she used it to deflect the leaves. Both sides were giving it their all until Fluttershy chimed in.
“Ok girls' dinner is ready, “Fluttershy said which put the battle on hold.
“Good job on your dodging Sprigatito,” Turquoise said which made Sprigatito happy.
“You were good as well, Mudkip,” Aqua said which made Mudkip happy. The girls all sat together and ate. Soon nighttime came and tonight the girls saw a whole bunch of lights dancing over the light and reflecting in it.
“What are those lanterns?” Aqua asked.
“I think they are Pokémon?” Fluttershy said.
“Only one way to find out?” Turquoise said with aqua catching on to what Turquoise was suggesting. The two of them pulled out their Pokedexs and pointed them at the flickering and dancing lights.
“Volbeat, The Firefly Pokémon, It lives around clean ponds. At night, its rear lights up. It converses with others by flashing its light,” Turquoise’s pokedex said.
“Illumise, The Firefly Pokémon, Illumise uses its sweet scent to guide Volbeat, having them form over 200 patterns in the night sky,” Aqua’s Pokedex said.
“How can this be? How did we both get different results? “Aqua asked.
“That’s because it's both Pokémon that were described to you,” Fluttershy said before iterating. “You see Volbeat are all male and Illumise are all female and the two tend to dance in the night sky just like what we are watching now. The two looked at fluttershy for a moment. “I may have spent some time with Twilight before coming here.
“Another friend of yours?” Aqua asked them.
“Yep, and a smart one too,” Turquoise said. After the dancing was over the girls called it a night. What awaits our heroes next? Stay tuned as the journey continues.
TO BE CONTINUED