Pokémon : Black Rising

6. The First Loss...

The sun was at its peak... and I had lost my way around the forest. The hateful humidity, the different noises of Pokémon, uncountable confusing landmarks, scorching light and so on. One is ought to lose his way around.

I checked the map now and then. It showed absolutely no way out of this mess. Riolu was too lazy to find us a way out, however, with my constant nagging, he managed to track some sort of a cottage in the middle of the forest. That was something 'unusual' to find in a place like this.

Riolu refused to accompany me inside. Nevertheless, I knocked the door once and the door creaked slowly open. It was a spin-chilling sound, just like in the horror movies. The inside was completely dark. When I stepped into the unknown, my eyes met another pair. Huge red pupils that stared into the soul. I freaked out and retreated. Riolu tensed seeing me walking back. (It's not something you see everyday!)

The guy came out. He had blood red hair and the very same eyes. He wore black leathers all around. Some sort of sinister war lord or something.

" What's the matter trainer? Afraid of the dark?" the guy asked.

I stammered, " Your eyes. That's all. It's not common to see such eyes. Trust me. Hehe..."

" I had received a lot of compliments for my looks but not the style of my living. Want to come inside? "

" How do I know this is not some sort of trap? To, you know, steal my Pokémon like the previous two."

His eyes narrowed when I mentioned the other two idiots.
"Yes, I wouldn't blame you. 'Team Black' may appear out of nowhere. But trust me. I am no such guy. Ask your Riolu about it."

" How does this connect to Riolu?"

" Don't you know? They can sense truth and lies. "

I gaped at Riolu. All he did was shrug.

I accepted the offer. He seemed trusthworthy enough, although those eyes of his radiated danger.

As I seated myself 'round the table in the dark room, I struck up the conversation, "Team Black you said?"

" Yes, " He replied bringing over a cup of tea.

I showed my gratitude and sipped some. It was good, like really really REALLY good. The tea-powder complimented the aroma of sugar and...... what am I saying?

" Had experience with them myself."

" Oh that's right. Where are your Pokémon assuming you have any?"

" Hunting probably. "

" That's nice... I guess. Care to bring me to light about Team Black?"

He nodded, " A group of fanatics who want to use Pokémon for selfish reasons. Apparently too lazy to catch some good ones by themselves. The leader wants to take over the world. Typical. "

" Oh I see. Why's everyone around power nowadays... "

" Greed. Greed is what drives insanity. Insanity drives disaster. Those who get, always want more. Pokémon are powerful, yet even that power can cause terrible evil if one desires. Once you have power over everything, nothing can stop you. You will want more and more, like a child who craves ice-cream. "

My mouth was hanging. That's some strong philosophy there.

" I once craved power. Power over myself; Power over wealth; Power over people; Power over Pokémon; Power over the world, no, the Universe. All those days have gone by... Those were bad times which brought about nothing but troubles. I failed uncountable times to get that power. I gave up and resided here eversince. In isolation. "