The Campagna Adventures

Chapter 11-A Muddy Mission

December 24,

Phil sat still, remembering the past three months of training.  He had not only learned how to use Aura Sphere, but also a defensive wall that reminded him of Protect.  Denny had taught him the basics of mixed martial arts, with a promise of more training as they traveled.  He had finally managed to land on the ledge, but climbing the rest of the way was even harder.  Even with his aura heightened strength and agility it was still a very difficult climb.  Denny marked his highest point at around halfway up.  Phil's Pokemon had also gained in power.  Evie's Iron Tail had grown more reliable, and Jes had learned it.  Blazer was somewhere between Ember and Flamethrower, and Craig had learned Zen Headbutt. 

Denny and Phil had agreed to spend the day preparing for a Christmas dinner.  Denny worked on getting some berries gathered, making salad, a soup, and boiling Chansey eggs.  He was also making some eggnog, minus the rum.  So it was Phil's job to make a run to town, he was to grab a few steaks.  He did not think it would take long, but Denny warned him that aura abilities were to be kept a secret.  Blazer and Craig stayed with Denny.  Craig was helping carry things from one place to the next, and Blazer was to keep any fires burning while Denny was gathering food.

'Come on Jes, Evie, we need to hurry getting to town.'

'Ok, does that mean no battles?' Jes inquired.

'Unless absolutely necessary.'

'Ughhh....'

They walked down the road, and they ran into a trainer.

"Stop, you can not pass."

"Why not?"

"I don't  know.  I was just told by my boss not to let anyone pass."

'Do you believe him?'

'No, Phil, you might want to play a card,'  Evie replied.

'You and your card game references.  How do you play poker without any thumbs?'

'That is my little secret.'

'Ok, never mind.  I think there might be trouble.  There are many rare Pokemon in this area, Evie be ready to Swift on my command.'

"Well it is your lucky day.  I am permitted to pass by all organizations allowed to legally block public roads.  I am quite good at handling these things."

"Let me see it, ah you can pass."

"Wrong, this is a fake, a very obvious one at that.  You just admitted that you are illegally blocking this road."  The man reached for a radio.  'Now!'  Evie used her Swift attack to knock the radio out of his hand.  Phil then stepped forward and knocked him out.

'Ok, moving on.'

They continued, this time on a mission.  They walked down the edge of the road, Phil had recalled Evie and turned invisible.  Jes stalked ahead, ready to take on any threat.  They walked this way for nearly an hour, when they came upon some tire tracks. 

'I think we found the location of their operation.'  Phil started.

'I think I know why as well.  The river near here leads to a beautiful beach inhabited by Swampert.  Sometimes, if the seas are going to be extremely rough, or if they are in breeding season, they come up the river.  Swampert and their children, Mudkip, are very rare Pokemon.  They are also very powerful, and one could not hope to defeat them on the beach.  However; they would be much more vulnerable here.'