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

Chapter Thirty-Three - The Tree, The Apple and The Seed

Raido's ascent through Sprout Tower was far from easy. Each floor presented new challenges, each monk ready to test his resolve and the strength of his bond with his Pokémon. As he moved from level to level, the structure creaked and swayed, the ancient wood whispering stories of countless battles fought within its walls.

On the second floor, Raido was met by Sister Mei, a serene monk with a Tangela by her side. "I must test your spirit, young trainer" she said softly, her eyes reflecting the wisdom of the ages.

Raido nodded and called out Nidoran. The battle was intense, with Nidoran's Poison Sting narrowly overcoming Tangela's Vine Whip. Raido felt a surge of confidence as Nidoran stood victorious, his bond with his Pokémon growing stronger with each challenge.

On the third floor, Brother Kai awaited, his Meditite sitting in meditation. "Your journey is one of both mind and spirit, I'm here to ensure darkness dwells in neither" he stated, bowing slightly before the battle began.

Raido chose Tyrunt again, eager to build on their growing connection. Meditite's Confusion attacks were tricky, but Raido and Tyrunt adapted quickly. Tyrunt's Bite proved effective, and with a final tackle, Meditite was defeated. Kai nodded in approval, allowing Raido to proceed.

Each victory bolstered Raido's spirit, but also exhausted his team. As he climbed the final set of stairs, he felt the weight of the journey. The highest floor of Sprout Tower was a vast, open space, its walls adorned with ancient tapestries and the floor covered in intricate rugs. The large wooden pillar at the centre swayed gently, a testament to the tower's unique construction.

Raido took a moment to catch his breath, reflecting on how far he had come. Each battle had tested him, pushing both his strategic thinking and the bond with his Pokémon to their limits. He glanced at his team, now battle-worn but unwavering in their loyalty and strength.

At the far end of the room stood the Elder, his back to Raido. Beside him was the familiar Bellsprout from before.

The Elder turned slowly, his eyes meeting Raido's with a mixture of sternness and curiosity. He expected the Elder to acknowledge his efforts, to see the truth of his intentions, but the stern look on the Elder's face told a different story.

"You have fought well against my brothers and sisters," the Elder began, his voice cold and unyielding. "But I am not yet convinced of your innocence, boy."

Raido's heart sank. "I don't understand why I'm being treated this way," he protested, his voice a mix of frustration and confusion. "I've only come here to help a young boy in need. Why do you see me as such a threat?"

The Elder's eyes narrowed, his piercing gaze like ice. "I know who you are, boy. You are the seed of a dark heart"

"The seed of a dark heart?" Raido repeated, confusion and anger mixing in his voice. "What does that mean?"

The Elder took a deep breath, his gaze unwavering. "Years ago, a trainer arrived at Sprout Tower and faced off against the previous Elder in an intense battle. This trainer used Pokémon solely for power, pushing them to their limits until they were ready to break. He saw Pokémon as tools, not as partners. Those Pokemon unable to cope with the strenuous expectations of this trainer were tossed aside like useless trash. This approach troubled the Elder deeply and left him with many questions about humanity's relationship with Pokémon. Seeking answers, he disappeared into the mountains and has not been seen since, leaving our brothers and sisters without his exceptional guidance and wisdom."

Raido was taken aback, the Elder's words striking him like a blow. "And you think I'm like this trainer?" he asked, his voice trembling with a mixture of disbelief and frustration.

The Elder's expression hardened. "The apple does not fall far from the tree."

Raido's eyes widened as realization dawned. "The seed... You're talking about my dad?" His voice was barely a whisper, the shock clear on his face.

The Elder's silence was confirmation enough.

Raido's mind swirled with confusion and anger. How could his own father be the trainer they were talking about? The one who troubled the previous Elder so much that he disappeared? The thought was almost too much to bear.

"No," Raido said, his voice growing stronger, defiance clear in his tone. "That's not my father you're talking about. It can't be. My dad taught me to respect Pokémon, to value our bond. He's not some heartless trainer who pushes Pokémon to their limits for power."

The Elder's gaze remained cold and sceptical. "Your words mean nothing without action. Prove to me, here and now, that you are not like him."

Raido gritted his teeth, the anger and frustration boiling over. "I will prove it," he snapped back. "I'll show you that I'm not like him. I'll show you that my bond with my Pokémon is built on trust and friendship, not power."

The Elder's eyes flickered with a hint of something Raido couldn't quite place—perhaps it was doubt, perhaps curiosity. "Very well," he said after a moment of silence. "But know this, young man: actions speak louder than words. The bond between a trainer and their Pokémon is sacred. If you truly believe in your connection, you will have no trouble proving yourself."

Raido took a deep breath, trying to calm the storm of emotions swirling inside him. "I've faced many challenges to get here," he said, his voice steadying. "I battled your monks, and I've learned from every encounter. My Pokémon and I have grown stronger together. We trust each other."

The Elder's gaze softened just a fraction, but his tone remained stern. "Then show me. Show me that your bond is true."

Raido clenched his fists, feeling a surge of determination. "I will," he vowed. "I'll show you that I'm not like my father—if he even is the person you think he is. I'll prove that my intentions are pure."

The Elder nodded slowly. "Prepare yourself, trainer. The test ahead will not be easy, but if your heart is true, you will succeed."

Raido glanced at Nidoran, who stood beside him, her fierce eyes reflecting his resolve. "We can do this," he said softly, more to himself than to anyone else. "For the boy, for us, and for proving that our bond is unbreakable."

The Elder watched him closely, then turned to lead the way up the final staircase. "Follow me," he instructed. "The final test awaits at the top of Sprout Tower."

Raido took one last deep breath, his heart pounding in his chest. The words of the Elder echoed in his mind, but he pushed them aside, focusing on the journey ahead. With Nidoran by his side, he followed the Elder, ready to face whatever challenges lay in wait. This was his chance to prove himself, to show that he and his Pokémon were united in purpose and spirit.

As they ascended the staircase, Raido couldn't help but think of his father. Could it be true? Was his father really the trainer who had caused so much turmoil? He shook his head, pushing the doubts aside. He had to focus on the present, on proving his own worth. Whatever the truth about his father, Raido knew in his heart that he was different. He would prove it, to the Elder, to himself, and to everyone watching.

Finally, they reached the top of the tower, the highest floor where the ultimate test awaited. Raido stood tall, his resolve unwavering. "I'm ready," he said, his voice firm.

The Elder turned to face him, a solemn look in his eyes. "We shall see. Let's begin".