Pokémon : Black Rising

8. Meet the Princess

That night was restless.

Whenever I tried to close my poor tired eyes, images; thoughts - billions of them flashed. It was like insomania but worse. I couldn't get the sound sleep I longed for.

More of the thoughts: What is that flame? Why is this happening? Why me? Is Riolu the reason for all this? Nah, he wouldn't even dream of it. Was it Shinx? No way. He's innocent. Wait, why am I blaming my Pokémon? Couldn't I be the one causing this to myself? Probably although I don't know how. (In my sleep perhaps?) Eversince the duo of Team Black tried to steal Riolu, I have been going through the flame 'test'.

Pictures: Vast open blue sea. The blue flame blazing brilliantly beside black, orange, green, cyan, and silver ones. The flames all connecting to twenty or more multi-coloured flames. It was quite a spectacular sight. A bright red one was rushing for the multi-coloured ones.

Riolu and Luxio woke up seeing me tensed. Riolu made a sound of doubt while Luxio's call had hints of surprise.

" It's nothing you guys. Just can't sleep," I said. They didn't look assured. "How about," I began, "I close my eyes and try to sleep now."

I felt their worried eyes watching me until I finally dozed off. It was not that peaceful too.

The next morning was tiring. I eyes were sagged as I got ready for the day. "Good morning Tyler!" Nurse Joy greeted when I reached the reception. "Didn't sleep well?"

Every Pokémon Center has an inn for wandering trainers to stay. I spent the night here. I replied, "Troubled dreams. Nothing to worry about. "

" If you say so. Why don't you go check some sites around here. They can help in lifting your spirits."

I thanked her for the suggestion because that's what I wanted now. Something to lift me up; my spirits up.

The surprising thing is that, I didn't see any of the other trainers. Not Tiyana nor even the forever-annoying Eliot. Did they go on ahead or what?

I saw a research site not far from the city. Riolu took an interest in one of the fossils. They evidently were archaeologists digging up fossils of ancient Pokémon and conducting experiments to revive them. Not sonething I'd do because that could lead to problems if you know what I mean.

" Pokémon appeared out of nowhere," a board read, "They are really mysterious creatures with abilities above ordinary beings. They have lived in harmony with humans eversince the recorded history began to record itself. Myths of some otherworldly Pokémon have also been found. They have been referred to as 'the Guardians of the World' or 'the Creation Trio'. Some people claim to have met these legends although there is no strong proof or evidences. Can such Pokémon, worthy of being called 'Guardians', truly exist?"

The board perhaps refer to Legendary Pokémon. The Pokémon whose strength has no known limits. Heard of Arceus, Rayquaza, Latios and Latias, Reshiram and Zekrom, Lugia and Ho-oh? They are just some of these.

A cry of a Pokémon caught my ears. It came from somewhere away from the sites. I went to investigate. It was a trainer kicking her Charmander. If I am right, her name is Margret Lowence, the richest kid in Azel Town. She is rumoured to be stubborn and cruel to those below her and I got to see her cruelty first-hand. Riolu began trembling on my head.

" You excuse of a Pokémon! " she roared at the poor Charmander. "How could you be so weak?! Can't you even beat a Squirtle! How can one of MY Pokemon be so WEAK!" Saying this, she thrashed that poor Pokémon.

My blood boiled. It's trainers like her that I despise the most. "STOP!" I yelled in rage.

She jerked her head in surprise before kicking the Charmander. "Oh, look who it is. The trainer who didn't get a Pokémon. What is the matter, weakling? "