Journey Through Kanto | ✅

Chapter 69: A New Adventure Awaits!

"So, how's it's been being Champion?" Lance asked Zia as they and KC sat in a booth in the corner of a cafe. They all had inconspicuous clothing on, which meant no flashy cape for Lance. Zia, however, also had a hat and sunglasses on as she sat in the corner of the booth, her head tilted down slightly.

"It's only been a week and it's felt like a year. I can't go anywhere without a bunch of people chasing me down, yelling my name! I'm happy they like me so much, but it's a little too much." The girl sighed.

Lance, who was across from her, smiled sympathetically. "Trust me, you get used to it. By this time next year, you'll be a master at staying undetected and escaping. You could sign up to be a spy." He joked, earning a chuckle from the two younger ones.

"Maybe, but I can't even have Sky and Emmy around me in public without people making the connection. It's not like I can just put them in their pokeballs, they despise it in there. Even Kaida is a risk, and there's no way I can leave her in a pokeball either, she's still too young." Zia muttered, thinking about her Pokemon which she left in their hotel room.

"Even Kirlia and I get recognized sometimes." KC chimed in from next to Zia. Said girl sighed before shaking her head a bit. "Anyways, that's not what we asked you out for." She said to the previous Champion. Lance took a sip of his drink before giving his full attention to her. "Yes, so what did you need?" He asked.

"You know KC's Kirlia, correct?" Zia questioned and received a nod from the other. "Well, that Kirlia is actually the daughter of the Psychic Royal, Gardevoir. She was kidnapped a while back and we've been trying to find a way to bring her back, but we don't know where to start." She explained as Lance's eyes widened before settling back down.

"And I suppose you're asking me if I do?" He asked them. Seeing their nods, he put his hand on his chin and tried to think. "The Pokemon Royals, huh? Well, the only person I can think of who'd know anything about that would be Drake, the Orange League Champion. You could ask him." Lance said.

Zia tilted her head to the side. "I've never heard of him. Alright then, where do we find him?" She asked, happy they've now got some kind of lead. Lance rubbed the back of his neck. "On Pummelo Island in the Orange Islands. You could head straight there and ask for him, but I've got a better idea." He replied.

"What's that?" KC questioned, curious. "See, the Orange Islands has its own sort of gym leaders. I believe four of them, if I remember correctly. However, these gym leaders don't necessarily battle you like you did with the leaders here. They do different types of challenges to test your Pokemon's abilities and your bonds. Then when you've gotten all four badges, you go to Pummelo Island and battle Drake in a full battle. Not only will it give you some time off, Zia, it'll also help Drake. He's been searching for someone strong enough to break his winning streak. This would be perfect for you." He answered, a smile on his face.

Zia thought about it, her lips pursing in concentration. "That seems interesting. But what about all the media?" She questioned worriedly. They'd all want to know where she's at. "Don't think about that, I've got it covered." Lance assured. "Alright then. What do you think, KC?" She asked her boyfriend. "There's actually something I need to do before I can leave." He answered.

"That's alright then, we can go when you're done with it." Zia quickly said, not wanting to leave her boyfriend behind. He smiled warmly at her. "It's fine, you, Emmy, Sky, and Kaida can go on ahead. It'll only take a couple days at most and I know you're itching to go somewhere different. I'll be fine. Kirlia and I can meet up with you all wherever the first gym is." KC insisted.