The Shield of Galar

Secrets That Cut Deep

This chapter , and several going forward are going to have some dark connotations, keep that in mind as you continue to read this story.  Either way, I hope you are enjoying it.

When they had stepped out of Hammerlocke the last time, they took in the beautiful view of the wild area. The route 5 bridge in the skyline, mixed with the towers of light beaming out of dynamax dens to show that a Pokémon is exuding power out of there.

This time, they were treated to fog. Thick, and wet fog hid just about everything from sight. Due to her experience out in the wild areas, Gloria at least has an idea of where she wants to go, but is deflated but the lack of sights to see.

"Stirring start," Marnie chuckles, only to feel Gloria's hand crush hers. "Ow, was joking, sorry," Marnie whines as Gloria loosens her grip a bit.

"Well I know we want to head south west to the Giant's Cap, but there are lots of hills heading that way,"

"Heading back to the Lake of Outrage?" Bea asks as Gloria starts leading them again.

"Of course," Gloria smiles, though the fog hides it. "On the bank of the lake is one of my favorite places in the whole wild area,"

"Just cuz of last time?" Marnie asks.

"No, but it certainly didn't hurt my love of it," Gloria chuckles, making sure she has tight hold of both Bea's and Marnie's hand.

"Allister, Bea, you two have each other right?" Gloria checks

"Yeah, I have Allister's hand," Bea confirms as they continue their trek forward.

"Good, we don't need anybody falling into the Dusty Bowl because we make a misstep," Gloria mumbles, squinting to try and see if she can pierce the fog with her eyesight. Luckily, the walls of Hammerlocke remain visible on her right, even if only just. So long as they keep it there, Gloria knows they will reach the cliff that overlooks the Lake of Outrage. She just hopes that they don't discover it by walking over the edge.

Slowly they trek their way forward until Gloria gets an idea. "Allie, you can sense the thoughts of ghost types right?" Gloria asks, looking in the direction that she hopes he is in.

"Y..yeah, why?" he mumbles.

"Poe can float, so if he steps over the cliff, he will know, but not plummet,"

"And I'll know when he reaches that point!" Allister says excitedly, happy to be able to help. Carefully, Gloria moves Marnie's hand to her shoulder so she can call out Poe who lets out a cry.

"Poe, I need you to lead the way. Stay several steps ahead, and once you reach the end tell Allie right away, ok?" Gloria orders and Poe lets out another cry. Having been with him for so long, she doesn't need Allister to tell her that the orders were understood.

They start up again, each step a cautious one, all the while waiting for the inevitable cry out from Allister to halt. Likely due to them moving slowly and cautiously, it takes much longer than expected. Eventually he does call out.

"Poe has reached the edge. He says he is about twelve steps ahead of us," Allister calls out, his voice coming to them from the void of fog that shrouds them.

"Ok, I'm going to start heading to the left then. That should bring us down into the Giant's Cap, and maybe beneath the fog a bit," As they keep walking the can hear the shrills of pokemon around them.

"Hey guys, do you mind if we stop for a moment," They hear Allister ask from behind him. "There are a few ghost types here I don't have, and I would like to add them to my team,"