The Kalos Conspiracy

Chapter 2 - The Forest Maze

Chapter 2

Aquacorde Town now behind them, the five friends found themselves back on the winding country roads that stretched through the rolling meadows. The fields they passed were teeming with breeding Pokémon, their playful antics adding a touch of liveliness to the serene landscape. The air was filled with the soft bleating of Mareep and the thunderous calls of Dodrio, their three heads bobbing in unison. 

Tierno observed the herd of tricephalous ostrich Pokémon with a curious expression. "You know, having three heads can't be easy every day, especially if they're in the habit of arguing non-stop."

Trevor chuckled, nodding in agreement. "Tell me about it. If I had to carry around two extra heads with Shauna's personality, it would drive me so crazy I'd end up in an asylum."

The dynamic trainer involved in this joke playfully swatted Trevor's arm. "I could say the same about you, nincompoop. You'd weigh me down, no matter how you interpret it. Hey now, watch this !"

Shauna's eyes sparkled with delight as a curious Mareep approached them, its woolly coat beckoning for a gentle stroke. She reached out her hand, but before she could make contact, Serena swiftly intervened, her voice filled with caution.

"Shauna, stop ! Don't touch it," Serena warned. "Mareep can release electricity from its wool, and you might get a shocking surprise."

Shauna quickly withdrew her hand, a look of gratitude mixed with disappointment on her face. "Phew, thanks dude. Too bad, it looks so fluffy. Well, I guess I'll admire them from a safe distance."

As the quintet trudged on, the landscape began to change. The plains became more wooded, filled with taller and denser trees. Finally, the group was struck by the unfolding greenish expanse to their left. Its dense canopy whispered with mystery, beckoning them to explore its depths. Their route skirted an impressive forest for about forty meters, before zigzagging back through crops and cattle ranches.

Jude beckoned his comrades to break stride. "Guys, here we have a choice. We can stay on the main track or cut through the forest. Crossing the woodland would save us about half an hour's hiking time."

Trevor's face brightened at the prospect. "That sounds like a great idea. Less walking, more time to relax. I'm game."

Jude's voice grew serious as he cautioned them. "However, this forest is dangerous. It's home to many wild Pokémon, some of which can be aggressive. They won't hesitate to attack if they feel threatened, or if they're simply hungry."

Trevor's cheerful face instantly shifted to an anxious expression. "Obviously, I should have suspected there'd be some trap like this..."

Serena's determination shone through as she spoke up. "I think we should take the risk. If we're raided, it could be a good opportunity to strengthen our Pokémon by making them fight. They'll gain experience while protecting us."

"I agree," Tierno interjected, "If we're not even capable of facing wild Pokémon, then we'll be no match for the perfectly battle-prepared gym leaders' Pokémon."

"So, the die is cast. Let's release all our Pokémon, they'll serve as a protective barrier against assaults." Setting an example, Jude flung his Poké Ball skyward. When it opened, his loyal Froakie emerged in a bluish halo, performed a somersault and landed nimbly next to his trainer.

Shauna mimicked her friend by gesturing similarly with her own Poké Ball. "Chespin, I choose you ! Join me and work wonders." The grass-type creature immediately took up position next to the azure frog, exuding a spirited aura.

"Raichu, Bunnelby, I require your presence," Trevor declared, freeing his two companions from their temporary homes. A rabbit-like animal and a large electrically-charged orange mouse joined the small army.