Pokémon: A Tale Of Time (Volume One: Zephyr)

Chapter Thirteen - A Lesson Learned

Raido's eyes widened as the odd man he had seen earlier at the Route 46 junction emerged from the shadows. Dressed in a long black coat and trousers, the man cut an imposing figure. His eyes were sharp, and his expression unreadable as he approached. Raido and Nidoran immediately tensed, their previous ordeal making them wary of any new encounters.

The man strode confidently toward the large Arcanine that had saved them. With a calm, almost affectionate gesture, he patted the Arcanine's head. "Well done, Arcanine," he said in a deep, steady voice. Arcanine's eyes softened at the praise, its fierce demeanor momentarily melting into one of loyal satisfaction.

Raido's mouth dropped open in realization. The Arcanine belonged to this man. The Pokémon that had appeared like a guardian angel was under the command of this mysterious stranger. Relief mingled with suspicion as Raido tried to process this turn of events.

The man's gaze shifted to Raido, his eyes narrowing slightly. In a tone laced with sarcasm and patronising disbelief, he snapped, "Has no one ever taught you the basics? You're supposed to weaken a Pokémon before trying to catch it." His dismissive tone stung, the man's disappointment clear. Raido felt his face flush with embarrassment and anger.

Gathering his courage, Raido managed to stammer, "Who are you? And why did you help us?" His voice was steadier than he felt, trying to mask the vulnerability that came from almost losing everything in the forest.

The man waved off the questions with a flick of his hand, his demeanor one of barely contained disdain. "That's irrelevant," he said coolly. "You should focus more on taking care of yourself and your Pokémon. Judging by your performance today, I'd question whether you're even ready to be a trainer."

Raido's initial relief at being saved quickly transformed into irritation. He clenched his fists, feeling a surge of defiance against the man's condescending tone. Who was he to judge Raido's readiness?

The man's eyes flickered with a hint of amusement at Raido's reaction. With a swift motion, he reached into his coat and pulled out a small vial. "Here," he said, tossing it towards Raido. "A potion. Use it to heal your Nidoran. You'll need her in good shape if you hope to make it through Route 46 and the rest of your journey to Cherrygrove."

Raido caught the potion reflexively, his eyes still fixed on the man. "Why did you help us if you're just going to insult me?" he demanded, his voice tinged with frustration.

The man's expression remained indifferent as he turned his attention back to Arcanine. "Consider it a lesson," he said simply. "One you desperately needed."

Before Raido could respond, the man leaped gracefully onto Arcanine's back. Arcanine, now a figure of regal power, nodded at Raido, a silent gesture of acknowledgment. With a powerful leap, the Arcanine scaled the sheer rock face that had trapped Raido and Nidoran earlier. Within moments, they were out of sight, disappearing as mysteriously as they had appeared.

Raido stood there, staring at the spot where the man and his Arcanine had vanished. Questions swirled in his mind, but answers seemed more elusive than ever. Who was that man? Why had he intervened? And why did he seem so familiar with the path of a Pokémon trainer, yet so harsh in his judgment?

Shaking his head, Raido turned his attention back to Nidoran, who was watching him with concerned eyes. He knelt beside her and gently sprayed the potion over her bruises and cuts. Nidoran's eyes closed as the healing mist took effect, her muscles relaxing and her breathing becoming steadier.

"I'm sorry, girl," Raido whispered, stroking her gently. "I let you down back there. But I promise I'll do better. We'll get stronger together."

Nidoran nuzzled his hand, her trust in him unwavering. She stood up, looking rejuvenated, her eyes reflecting the same determination that Raido felt.

With a newfound resolve, Raido and Nidoran began their cautious trek back through Route 46. The forest, once a place of ominous shadows and lurking dangers, now felt like a gauntlet they had survived, a trial by fire that had only strengthened their bond.

As they reached the familiar path that would lead them back towards Route 29, Raido paused, taking one last look at the dense forest behind them. The memory of the mysterious man and his powerful Arcanine lingered in his mind, a reminder of the challenges and unexpected encounters that lay ahead on his journey.

"Let's go, Nidoran," Raido said, his voice filled with determination. "We have a lot to learn and a long way to go. But I know we can do it together."

Nidoran nodded, her spirit undaunted by the day's trials. They set off down the path, their steps more confident, their hearts filled with hope and resolve.

As they approached the edge of Route 46, the sunlight filtering through the trees seemed to welcome them back. Raido took a deep breath, feeling a sense of renewal. The road to Cherrygrove awaited, and with it, countless adventures and lessons.

Raido glanced down at Nidoran, who was walking beside him with a spring in her step. He smiled, feeling a surge of affection for his loyal partner. "Ready for the next chapter, girl?" he asked.

Nidoran looked up at him, her eyes sparkling with excitement. Together, they stepped out of the forest and onto the open path, the promise of new beginnings guiding their way. The challenges ahead no longer seemed insurmountable. With Nidoran by his side, Raido felt ready to face whatever the journey had in store.