Pokémon : Black Rising

39. Threats at Santalune

I was confused at first from seeing the scenery. Was it a city or a garden?

Small packets of flowers, bushes, ornamental plants and trees were neatly scattered in between houses and buildings. The fresh air felt purer than most and Bug type Pokemon were visible everywhere even after the sun had began setting.

Our first stop was the Pokemon Centre where we could rest up after a full day's journey. The cushioned bed caught my fall and I groaned from the exhaustion. But when my turn came to break the fall of my pals (especially Grotle!), the exhaustion just added up. To worsen it, all of them (including Grotle) fell asleep on my (poor, sore) back which rendered me out of breath. Gah!

****

Tiyana was a step ahead again as she beat the Gym Leader and received the Bug Badge. So without wasting much time, I was standing in front of the enormous structure they call Gym.

Just when I was about the step in, a brown haired woman in casuals walked out. She scratched her hair which sprouted a bang, "Are you a challenger?"

" Yep. Here for the Bug Badge. "

" In that case, the Leader is not here. "

" Not here? "

" Yes. I'm Alexa by the way, Viola's elder sister. Nice to meet you. "

" Erm, nice to meet you too. "

She said, " Knowing her, she might be busy taking photos of Pokemon. It's her favourite hobby. If you look around, you may find her. Sorry for the bother. "

" It's okay. I'm kinda used to this." I searched in and around the Gym to no avail. As I walked aroumd town, nothing popped up. No random people taking pictures, no trainers asking for battles and no black coats. If I were a Gym Leader, where would I be?

Once I reached the centre of the city (rather a massive garden), I took a breather in front of the Roselia Fountain. I attempted to wake Riolu up, " Hey. Riolu. Help me out here? "

He yawned and returned to his nap. I sighed and looked at the fountain. The stone statue of the Pokemon Roselia was spurting water through its two roses for hands. That's when I noticed a flash right above the statue's head. I peered my head up and saw wisps of sand-blonde hair. I asked, " Who's there? "

I heard a faint 'eek!' before a sandy hair woman showed up behind the statue's back, grinning. " Hi! Sorry for taking that random pic. Your Riolu looked too adorably fantastic. "

Riolu puffed up his chest to look NOT cute. But who could this be? Taking pics of random Pokemon? This has gotta be... " Are you Viola? The Gym Leader? "

She jumped off the fountain, "You got that right! I'm the Gym Leader of this fantastic city! You must be a fantastic challenger. "

" Not sure about the adjective but yep."

" Fantastic! There's barely anything more fantastic than a good ol' Pokemin battle! Let's head to the Gym! "

Half way there, we were intercepted by black coats. Why??? The leader was leading a group of three others with black coats, less detailed than his.

The familiar hat/cap/whatever along with the two skulls on the shoulder made me rack my brain for his name. But I couldn't remember.