Hasent and the Fire of Tecnicone | A Pokemon Fanfiction (Old Version)

Chapter 12: Completely, Utterly, and Totally Lost

Bonnie would never consider herself a genius but even she knew when her big brother was lost.

Granted, it tended to happen quite frequently, so she really shouldn't have been that surprised to find them wandering through an endless maze of caves. But still, she was unable to hold back a twinge of annoyance as she glanced up at Clemont who was frantically pressing buttons on his map, trying to figure out where in the world they were. Beside them, Grant and Elizabeth said nothing but it was evident by the looks on their faces that they were just as fed up with being lost as she was. It wasn't Clemont's fault they were lost, really. The blame fell on the Zubats who'd chased them away from the clue faster than Pikachu using Thunderbolt. They were the reason that Grant had taken a wrong turn and Elizabeth had followed in his footsteps and had done the same. It was the combined fault of all parties involved. And now the only question that was left to solve was: how were they supposed to get out?

Bonnie scuffed her feet across the stony ground wearily. She knew the others would come up with a solution. They always did. This just meant she would have to wait a little bit longer and promise herself that she wouldn't irritate them with questions, no matter how many there were swirling through her brain.

"I don't understand!" Clemont complained, running a hand through his already disorderly hair. "My Town Map says we're still right where we started! But that's impossible! We've been walking for miles!"

"Maybe your whatchamacallit is broken," Elizabeth said with a yawn.

Clemont looked agitated at the mere suggestion, but knew to keep it to himself. He merely exhaled and keyed the buttons more furiously. No matter what he, or anyone else, said, he was not good at hiding his displeasure whenever science...or more specifically, his inventions...was mocked.

Bonnie sighed and focused her gaze firmly on the ground. This was not something that could be overcome by squabbling--which was exactly what she knew would have happened if Grant hadn't forced his way between the two blonds.

"Can you fix it?" he asked, glancing over Clemont's shoulder as though trying to read the device.

"Of course, I can fix it," Clemont retorted. "The real question is whether or not I have the correct tools. I left a lot of things back in Lumiose City." The others stared at him incredulously. "What?!" he asked defensively. "I did not wake up that morning and think to myself 'oh ho-hum, I think I want to battle a space alien that was sent here to destroy us today'. So, naturally, I didn't bring the tools for any grand inventions!"

"Clemont?" Bonnie whispered.

"What?" he exclaimed agitatedly.

"You're shouting."

He stared at her for a moment, as though wondering how a seven-year-old could possibly understand, but then obviously pushed that thought away, took a deep breath, and spoke directly at Elizabeth.

"I can fix it," he said through gritted teeth. "But it's going to take some time. Meaning we won't be able to go on for a while. Is that what you want?"

Bonnie was surprised to hear him give up the chance to be in authority but then she realized what was going on. This was Elizabeth's friend they were searching for, Elizabeth's quest, so, naturally, Elizabeth was in charge. She turned expectantly toward the older girl, noticing a deep scowl on her face. It was evident that she didn't like what she was hearing. But what was she gonna do? Make them keep walking aimlessly around these caves for all eternity?

"All right, let's take a break," the girl sighed, coming to a halt and resting her hands on her hips. "Clemont, see how quickly you can get that thing up and running. I'll scout on up ahead. Grant, keep an eye on Bonnie. I don't want her wandering off."

"I wouldn't do that!" Bonnie protested. "I'm not a little kid!"

She looked toward her brother to back her up but Clemont was already buried in his own thoughts as he set to work on the device. Some help you are, big brother, she thought with a sigh.

"Don't worry, Bonnie," Grant said with a kind laugh as he walked over and put a hand on her shoulder. "We all know that. Elizabeth's just looking out for you."

"Yeah," Bonnie sighed dejectedly. "I know that. I just wish there was something I could do to help!"

"Staying safe is never a bad option," Grant replied, smirking slightly.

She blinked. "But where's the fun in that?"

Grant laughed. "I like your spirit! Don't lose it when you grow up and become a trainer, all right?"

"I won't!"

She watched as Grant gave another chuckle and moved off to keep watch at the entrance of the cavern. He toyed with Tyrunt's poke ball, which immediately made Bonnie think of Ash and Serena. She wondered how they were doing.

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"Pikachu! Electroball!"

"Pancham, Stone Edge! Sylveon, use Swift!"

As the attacks connected, the two friends moved back to back as the horde of Pokemon encompassed them.

"Where did all of these Pokemon come from?" Serena questioned nervously, eyeing a Roggenrola that Pancham was currently trying to take out.

"No idea!" Ash retorted. "But we've got to hold them off and buy the others a little more time! Torrecat! Lycenrock! Come out!" He tossed his other poke balls forwards. "Use Accelerock and Fire Fang! Rowlet!" he added to his owl-like friend who was currently circling overhead. "Use Razor Leaf!"

Howling, Lycenrock threw itself into the fray alongside Pikachu, blasting a gang of Gulpin back while Torrecat leaped at a Gallade and took it down with one swift motion and Rowlet attacked a group of Staraptor. A well-aimed Mud Shot sent Torrecat flying but Pikachu covered it with an Electroweb that caught the Staraptor and exploded over them.

"Nice job everybody!" Ash called. "Let's keep up the pressure! Rowlet, Peck! Lycenrock, Bite! Torrecat, Flame Charge!"

"All right, Pancham and Sylveon, you too! Dark Pulse and Fairy Wind, go!" Serena thrust a hand out for emphasis as her Pokemon sprang into battle. Both were blown back almost immediately by a countering Fairy Wind, however. Serena gritted her teeth, staring down the numerous Pokemon as they staggered to their feet once more, looking beaten, but ready to continue battling nonetheless.

"Pikachu! Thunderbolt!" Ash yelled. "Push them back!"

"Braixen!" Serena shouted, calling her final Pokemon into battle. "Use Fire Blast and help Pikachu!"

The Fire-Fox Pokemon whipped the stick out from its tail and brandished it like a sword. Fire exploded from the branch and flew at the Florges who tried to retaliate with another Fairy Wind. The Fire Blast was too strong, however, and the Fairy-type was sent reeling backward.

"Yes!" Serena cheered. "Now, let's wrap this up! Braixen, use Hidden Power!"

"Braixen!" the fox cried.

At the same time, Pikachu let out a ginormous Thunderbolt that sent the entire horde of Pokemon flying. Pikachu dropped back to the ground, panting, looking around at its friends in relief.

"Did we do it?" Serena asked, only half daring to believe it.

"Yeah!" Ash cheered. "We did it!" Pikachu jumped up to give him a high-five and Torrecat and Lycenrock slumped to the ground, each breathing a sigh of relief. "Serena! That was great!" He held up his hand for a high-five.

"Thanks!" she laughed, slapping his hand, the scarlet blush already dancing her cheeks. "You did great too!" She turned towards her Pokemon. "And all of you were amazing! Thank you!" She held up their poke balls and they gladly were sucked back inside. "And now that that's done, what do you say we go and find the others?"

Ash laughed. "That sounds like a great idea!"