let's go on a JOURNEY! (POKEMON ORAS)

8. SOARING

They had traveled through deserts. They have hiked up mountains. They have wandered aimlessly through endless numbers of fields and plains. And now, for the first time, they would be setting sail across Hoenn's largest river.

Route 118 was known for bringing the east and west ends of Hoenn together. Only trainers who had earned a total of five badges were qualified to surf across it, however. But with the Balance Badge shining bright in her badge case, May and her team were well on their way to the east coast. There, the last three badges awaited her. She felt even stronger and better than ever, and she was ready to complete the gym challenge.

The eastern side of the river looked very green and lush. Foliage was in heavy abundance. The only part of the riverbank that wasn't vibrant and verdant was the warm yellow, sandy beach. It was a beautiful, calming sight that was refreshing to look at.

Densely forested area awaited them straight ahead. The group took their time, with May and Swampert leading. Lombre wasn't far behind, and just behind him was Numel. Swellow hovered above, flying ahead and scoping out the trail. Soon, they all came up upon tall, tall grass that shot up to the sky.

"All right, let's stick together," May said. She walked into the grass and began to make her way through. It was just barely navigable, and she struggled to see ahead of her. A flying pokémon swooped down and cut into the grass just in front of where she was walking. She jumped back, and shouted, "Swellow! Don't do that!"

She continued on, but was shocked to see what pokémon it really was. Resting there on top of the dense foliage was a white and blue pokémon. Its long neck was craned up, and yellow eyes were looking May up and down with curiosity. It had long, slender wings that stuck straight up off of its back.

"La?"

May was taken aback at this strange, even bizarre pokémon. She had never seen one look like it before. Was it even real? Could this all be her imagination? She inched towards it, wanting to get as close as possible.

"La," it said again. 'You are a trainer.'

She was shocked. Did it just speak to her?!

"Latios," it said one last time. 'Climb on my back, trainer.'

As odd and even frightening as this situation was, May felt calm. She knew this pokémon didn't mean her harm. She got closer, and closer, and finally climbed on the pokémon's back. Her hands had only just touched its neck before it took off, bolting straight up into the sky. She yelped out of surprise, but held on for dear life.

The air rushed around her face as the two got closer and closer to the clouds. The blue sky above stretched on forever, as did the green forests down below. But just as soon as they had ascended, they began to descend. May could see her pokémon just outside the tall grass they were in. They were looking around, wondering if their owner was anywhere to be seen.

The pokémon landed with a skidding halt just in front of her team. They looked at the two with startled expressions. They seemed just as confused as she was at first. But as they examined the mysterious pokémon closer, they relaxed as well.

May got off of the pokémon's back and turned around to face it one last time. "Latios," it said, giving her and her team a nod. And just as suddenly as she discovered the pokémon, it was gone and out of sight once again. They all watched in awe as the flying pokémon took off into the sky.