Pokémon Amethyst (AU)

Chapter Six

Character art on cover: Veronica, the water-type gym leader

The cavern was, indeed, super creepy. However, it was not without its thrill-seekers. There were hikers, youngsters, and campers alike, and they were all searching for either battle opponents or new Pokemon. I managed to catch a Dugtrio, Snorunt and Machop. I was never partial to ground or fighting types that much, yet I figured I would need to learn some new skills if I were to complete the gym challenge. Within the dirt, I managed to pick up a few revives, PP ups and a zinc. However, I couldn't help but prick up my ears when I felt a faint sound echoing through the cavern. It was a beautiful melody, and it sounded as if it was coming from someone playing the harp nearby. Lily and Stalagus also picked up on the sound, and swayed gracefully along to the music, before slumping to the ground in a deep sleep. I felt a yawn coming on too, the sound was so peaceful. Yet, it was abruptly interrupted by a shrill scream that alerted all of my Pokemon. It echoed throughout the cavern, and sent a shiver down my spine. The harp, however, did not stop. Squinting, I followed the direction from which the scream came, and eventually saw a small flame in the distance of the cavern, followed by the sound of two voices.

"Dude, you're such a sissy at times! This is a CAVE! There are all kinds of weird Pokemon hanging around here! If you don't stop being a wuss, Team Moon will NEVER accept us as grunts!" A female voice hissed. A shaky male voice followed, "I'm sorry, I just-- you know how much I detest spiders! Even the thought of them gives me the heeby jeebies!" Upon approaching, I realised that this was Lisa and Mackenzie.

"Mack?" I called out, causing the young man to jump once more before turning to face me.

"Oh, uh... sorry Y/N, I hope I didn't wake you," he stammered.

"No, but you might've almost deafened everyone in here!" Lisa rolled her eyes at her male counterpart before turning back to me. "He goes absolutely demented when he sees anything remotely spider-shaped. It's ridiculous." Lisa explained. "I had to get rid of my pet Galvantula because he kept having nightmares it was going to eat him alive."

"LISA!" Mackenzie yelled out in embarrassment.

"I see, I see. Well don't worry about it, I wasn't sleeping. But hey, do you guys hear that? It sounds like a harp," I asked.

They both looked away, and listened to the harp, which was still softly playing its melancholy melody.

"Who would be playing the harp around here? And at THIS time of night?" Lisa scoffed.

"Beats me. Anyway, I'm going to head off now." I bid them goodbye. "Good luck with the spiders, Mackenzie,"

****

The next morning, I was awoken by the rising sunlight seeping through the cracks in the rocks of the cavern. I had set up my tent near the exit so I wouldn't lose my bearings.

I smiled. I could see Acuada city looming in the distance. The skyscrapers and the huge water monument right in the centre were visible for miles. I set off along Route Two, battling a few Pokemon using my Snorunt and Dugtrio, whom I named Cosine and Manganese respectively. I also gave them some of the power ups I had acquired from the cave in order to get their strength up as much as possible. This path was a clear etched out concrete one that was easy to follow and led straight into the city. Naturally, it was buzzing with people, and all the shops were open for business, despite it only being 7am. What with the Acuada Economy booming, businesses were as eager as ever to open up at the crack of dawn and remain open until past dusk. A huge neon sign reading "POLLUX" flickered brightly atop the huge, multi-story department store, adjacent to the large blue-and-white structure that mirrored its Arrowell counterpart - The Acuada Gym.