On The Road

Chapter Twenty-Six

"Rise and shine Larance! It's a beautiful day!"

Larance grumbled in annoyance before peeking one golden eye open to stare at the figure in his room. Through his eye he saw the blurred figure open one more set of curtains before turning around to leave.

"Yeah, whatever you say mom," Larance mumbled, closing his eye again.

"You must really be tired if you're confusing me for your mother."

At this, Larance's eyes popped open and he sat straight up. Maxie stood there with folded arms and a grin plastered on his face. Instead of wearing his leader uniform, he wore a white lab coat, a dark red sweater, brown jeans, and brown boots. He still wore his mega glasses, which seemed to have been recently polished.

"D-Dad!" Larance exclaimed, smiling wide and jumping out of bed. "You're back already?"

"Well, Wallace told me that I should be home for a few days, maybe even a few weeks before searching for Teams Magma and Aqua," Maxie chuckled. "He said that he's going to go after them with the help of a few trainers he's come across. Now, get changed and come down. Your mother and I have made you a victory breakfast for becoming the new Hoenn Champion."

Larance couldn't stop smiling and only nodded eagerly.

"Hey, dad," Larance began. "I'm really glad you're back."

"Me too," Maxie smiled before leaving the room.

Larance sighed with happiness before turning towards his still sleeping Pokemon. He grinned before shaking Blaziken awake. Said Pokemon looked at her owner, and began to wake up the other Pokemon as well. Blaziken then led them downstairs; Dustox right behind her, followed by Flareon, Shiftry, and Latios. As soon as they left, Larance quickly changed into his clothes, took Groudon's pokeball, and ventured downstairs.

"Ah, perfect timing!" Tessa exclaimed as Larance sat at the table. "The pancakes just finished cooking."

"Chocolate chip or regular?" Maxie asked, walking towards the table with two plates piled high with pancakes.

"Chocolate chip of course," Larance replied.

Maxie soon sat down, and they began to catch up on what happened the past ten years when Maxie left. They were suddenly interrupted by frantic knocking on the door. Confused, Larance answered the door to find a worried looking Arriete, her hair strangely down.

"Oh thank Arceus she didn't get you as well," Arriete breathed, crushing Larance in a hug. "Sh-she stole it."

"What are you talking about?" Larance asked as Arriete let him go.

"This strange lady broke through my window and attacked me," Arriete hastily explained. "I was so unprepared and I only had Krypta by my side. The lady's Salamence took Krypta out and then the lady stole my Key Stone and jumped out the window. I heard her say that 'Petalburg is next' and I hastily told Wally and Bina this. Bina already flew to Petalburg to help Wally, but we have to follow her."

"Of course," Larance agreed, narrowing his eyes. "Mom-"

"We heard," Tessa cut him off. "Go, but be safe."

"Everyone except Latios, return!" Larance commanded.

"Everheart!" Arriete released said Pokemon..

Climbing onto their Pokemon, the two of them flew off to Petalburg, worry written all over their faces.

***

"I already told you, I don't have it!" Wally yelled, folding his arms.

"Don't lie to me, boy," Matt growled, narrowing his eyes. "You used a Mega Gallade against Team Magma."