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

Chapter Thirty-Seven - New Hope in Troubling Times

Raido followed Elder Troy down the stairs from the open-air top floor to the highest internal floor of the tower. The elder moved with a serene grace, his robes rustling softly against the wooden steps. Raido's mind buzzed with questions and a lingering sense of unease. What would the elder say? What did he want to discuss?

The silence was heavy, broken only by the creaking of the ancient wood beneath their feet. When they reached the elder's domain, a tranquil room adorned with simple yet elegant décor, Elder Troy moved to his shrine. He lit a stick of incense, the fragrant smoke curling into the air, adding a sense of calm to the space. He turned to his Bellsprout, patting its head affectionately. Raido waited anxiously, feeling the weight of the moment.

Elder Troy finally turned to face Raido, his eyes intense and thoughtful. "Firstly, I would like to thank you, Raido, for your bravery in protecting Sprout Tower in the battle above. Dark intentions have no place here in the sanctity of this domain."

Raido felt a swell of pride at the elder's words. "Thank you, Elder Troy. It was an honour to fight alongside you."

The elder nodded. "Your battling ability is commendable, both in our battle and against the Team Rocket member, Marshall. Your tactical nuance and the bond you have with your Pokémon are truly impressive."

Raido's heart swelled with pride, but he noticed the elder's expression growing more serious. "However," the elder continued, "what Marshall said about Team Rocket reuniting worries me deeply. Their dark influence has caused untold suffering in the past. The fact that they are planning to regroup and that they are targeting rare and powerful Pokémon like Tyrunt is a grave concern."

Raido's mind raced as he recalled Marshall's ominous words. "Elder Troy, do you think Marshall was serious? Could Team Rocket really be coming back?"

The elder sighed, his eyes clouded with concern. "I fear that he was serious. Team Rocket has always been a persistent threat, and if they are indeed planning to regroup under a new leadership, it could spell disaster for both Pokémon and humans alike."

Raido's mind buzzed with questions and anxieties, his gaze shifting to his Nidoran and Tyrunt. The two Pokémon walked beside him, their eyes filled with trust and loyalty. Raido felt a pang of concern, not wanting to see them come to any harm. He worried not only about Marshall and Team Rocket's intentions toward his own friends but also about the danger they posed to all Pokémon.

"I'll protect you to the ends of the earth," he whispered to Nidoran and Tyrunt, his voice filled with resolve.

Raido nodded, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. "What should we do next, Elder?"

The elder took a deep breath. "We must prepare. I will send word to the other guardians and leaders of our region. We need to gather our allies and be ready for any threat Team Rocket might pose. In the meantime, you should continue your journey, strengthen your bond with your Pokémon, and stay vigilant."

Raido understood the gravity of the situation. "I will, Elder Troy. Thank you for your guidance and support."

The elder's expression turned even more serious. "Raido, there is another matter we must discuss. The dark trainer from the past... how could one trainer trouble Elder Li so much that he would leave the tower?"

Raido listened intently, his mind swirling with thoughts of his father. Could it really be him?

Elder Troy peered out of the window, deep in thought. "Pokémon are amazing creatures. We humans should count our blessings every day that we can create bonds with them and partner alongside them."

He turned to Raido, his eyes intense. "You are the son of the dark trainer. Of this, I have no doubt."

Raido opened his mouth to defend himself, but Elder Troy raised a hand, silencing him. "I have not yet finished."

Raido stuttered, then closed his mouth, nodding for the elder to continue.

Elder Troy repeated, "You are definitely the son of the dark trainer. You possess the same tactical nuance, the same determination to succeed... but one thing you possess that your father did not is compassion. Through the battles above, I recognized an extraordinary compassion and care for Pokémon. The bonds you have created with your Pokémon are a testament to your huge heart, and this is what separates you from your father."

The elder finally smiled, and Raido felt a wave of relief. "For this reason, I believe you are destined for great things, Raido. Your Pokémon friends will be with you at every step."

Raido started to well up, looking at Nidoran and Tyrunt, who beamed happily at him. Their love and respect were clear, and he knew they would never leave his side.

Elder Troy continued, stepping forward. "Whether your father has changed his ways and found his heart or not, it is evident that the dark intentions have not been passed down a generation."

Raido spoke up, his voice steady. "My father taught me to love and respect Pokémon. He's changed."

The elder placed a hand on Raido's shoulder. "I hope so, young trainer."

Elder Troy's gaze shifted to Raido's necklace, the emerald-coloured, leaf-shaped gem glinting in the light. A flicker of recognition crossed his face, and he stared at it for a moment.

"What's wrong, Elder?" Raido asked.

After a brief pause, the elder snapped out of his focus, assuring, "Nothing."

He turned away, taking a few steps from Raido. "You have passed the test of heart at Sprout Tower, and I wish to help you with the task you came here for."

Raido quickly explained why he had sought the elder's help.

Elder Troy nodded thoughtfully. "At Sprout Tower, we celebrate Pokémon, particularly Bellsprout, due to the folklore of the tower. For this reason, we offer sanctuary for Pokémon. It so happens that we took in a Bellsprout who had been rejected and abandoned by its trainer yesterday. While it may take a while for it to trust a human fully again, I trust that if your heart believes the boy will cherish the Pokémon, you may take the Bellsprout, giving it a loving permanent home."

Raido's eyes welled up with gratitude and relief. A tear of happiness ran down his cheek as he bowed to thank the elder. "Thank you, Elder Troy. I promise I'll make sure it finds a loving home."

The elder called over a monk, who bowed and offered to take Raido down to the sanctuary to retrieve the Pokémon.

As Raido turned to leave, Elder Troy called out one last reminder. "Remember the importance of your bond with your Pokémon. Love them and protect them, young Raido. You're destined for great things, but there will certainly be challenges along the way. You'll need your Pokémon beside you to overcome them."

Raido turned back briefly, bowing deeply. "I understand, Elder Troy. Thank you."

With that, Raido followed the monk down to the sanctuary, feeling a profound sense of duty and purpose. As he descended the stairs, he felt a new chapter of his journey beginning, one filled with hope, determination, and the unbreakable bond with his Pokémon.