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Road to Geosenge

(Axel's POV)

It was worth a great chuckle watching Junior's Lucario look around trying to find the illusion fox. Despite his lack of fighting ability I've seen, he was rather quick on his feet. But Lucario was quicker.

The jackal peeked around a boulder. His tail instantly wagged.

"Cario!" He happily exclaimed. Zoroark's growl echoed throughout the mountain at being found. He acted like a kid who lost the game of hide and seek.

The blue dog signaled for us to approach. We made our way toward the canines, Typhlosion still by Junior's side. I found the pair weird. That Pokemon was always by his side and the guy accepted it as that. It could've been from a heavy friendship between the two especially due to them being starter and trainer, but I wasn't sure. Of course it was the only thing I thought of at the moment. Anything else would've been absurd.

During Junior's talk with Zoroark (probably about not actually using Potions unless necessary), I examined the road ahead. It curved downward until ending at the town below. There were a few buildings accompanied by the neighboring sea. Fishermen stood on the sandy beaches, holding their fishing rods in hopes of catching a decent water type but more than likely they'll be catching Magikarp and Luvdisc.

A pat on my back got my attention. It was Junior's Lucario. He smiled once obtaining my gaze and pointed his spiked paw down the road. Everybody else was leaving the two of us behindf.

"Lucar...." The Pokemon said curiously. Unlike his trainer, it was a huge struggle having to guess what Pokemon were saying. Tone and expression was all we got. Body language was also a big factor into it. Oh how I wished I had the ability to communicate with Pokemon on the same level the Johto-Born trainer was. I would finally be able to understand Rhyperior and my other teammates so much easier. Either way, I nodded blindly toward the aura mon and we made our way to catch up with the other three.

...

The whole place was a lot more beautiful close up than from the mountain's peak. The buildings complimented the ocean being shades of blue and aqua. They even had an Aquarium which held every small water type Pokemon around the town. Magikarp, Luvdisc, Horsea, Skrelp, Clauncher and even Basculin happily swam about. The aquarium also had a route toward the next city which was also where the fishermen fished. The sight of them filled a fishing spirit inside me, but I didn't have a fishing rod so that died fast.

"We've got two choices," Junior informed. "Either going toward the next town, or into a nearby cave to train. Do we even need the training?" He was right in the sense of not necessarily needing training, especially when almost all our Pokemon were final evolution, but we never knew. A second glance at Junior's team reassured me that they were indeed strong enough to beat gym leaders so the training wasn't needed. I was also sure that my team was strong as is.

Junior must've seen the answer in my eye since he nodded, agreeing with me. His Pokemon sensed it too.

"Ra...?" Lucario questioned. A twitch of his ears symbolized curiosity.

"Yeah.. sorry. If you guys weren't at your final evolution, we would've went into the cave. Maybe we can visit it when we finish the Elite Four. How about it guys?" An explosion of happy barks filled our ears. I would have never guessed that they'd get that excited about fighting the region's strongest trainers. In fact they seemed more dedicated to their trainer compared to my team. They were a lot more childish too (well, maybe everyone except Blaziken), but I guess that was a good thing. A mental note was stored away in my head to learn from the champion on how to get my Pokemon to act that way.

"So.. you're team is excited to battle the Elite Four? Don't you think it's a shot in the dark of actually beating them all without break?" My question got the other Pokemon's attention.

"Bwah... Ty Ty!" The volcano Pokemon growled threateningly at me. Junior immediately tapped his starter's muzzle. Typhlosion flinched.

"Stop. Axel just doesn't know how much you guys try in battles.. he wasn't at all trying to doubt your prowess."

"Ty... grrr.." He growled. Junior sighed. He closed his Pokegear then stared toward the trail before following it. Seemed like whatever the badger said didn't bother the guy. It took a second for his Pokemon to register that he wanted them to follow him. Obviously, I wasn't far behind them, glancing at Tyranitar's Pokeball. I couldn't forget how he suddenly attacked me back at that forest. It was supposed to be a peaceful training session turned horrific. Actually, if Junior hadn't been walking by, who knows what might have happened.

Suddenly, a cold grasp grabbed my shoulder and I immediately turned around only to see nothing human or solid. But instead a wisp of white disappear. Was that my imagination or.. no. I know it was real.... but.. I couldn't think of a reason. Was it a ghost? Or was I really just losing it? A shout from Junior got my attention, but I wasn't going to let that leave my mind. No way, no how.

(Typhlosion's POV)

I should've known that threatening my mate wouldn't work. He needed me too much so I couldn't deprive him of my battling, plus it'd be torture for me too. Not battling would be torture for all us in fact. The thrill we get from a battle is why we argue at times to fight in gym battles.. but nowadays my mate decides it beforehand. And it always worked out.

We walked along the beach trail toward the next town. Trainers with fishing rods cursed as they kept throwing their Magikarp back into the sea.

We walked a good half hour or so before I noticed Junior's human friend lacked behind us, a good ten or twelve feet behind. His eyes fixed on the sandy floor. I wasn't sure what was wrong with him, but even if I could talk to him and find out, he wouldn't understand me. But that didn't mean Junior couldn't.

"What?" The hybrid inquired once I lightly shoved him. I motioned my head toward the boy. My mate's gaze followed it and smiled once he realized what I was trying to indicate. I liked his smile. It had this.. mysterious sense to it. Of course that was just recent, but I still liked it.

Junior quietly asked the others to wait as he walked back toward the depressed-looking Axel.

"You OK pal?" Fluffy asked in his happy manner. The newcomer looked up at him, smiling.

"Nothing.. just in thought." He reassured. "Isn't that the city?" Axel inquired. Junior nodded. I glanced ahead and could hardly see Cyllage City in the distance. Lucario, on the other hand, could. He ran back and pulled my mate's arm eagerly wanting to battle.

"Come on already! We're wasting precious battle time!" The friendly jackal informed.

"OK, OK.." Junior managed to escape Lucario's strong grasp. Said aura pokemon's tail wagged.

"Wanna battle too?" Fluffy asked Zoroark, who was surprised to hear an offer.

"Oh.. um.. nah. I'd rather not-"

"Come on Zorky, I know you can fight. Plus if it isn't you, then Blaziken's up." I encouraged. Zoroark looked skeptical and a bit annoyed because I used that nickname in a long time. I knew that first gym battle must've ruined his battling self-esteem. Since he was on our team, I couldn't have him doubt his battle touch. He also helped Junior live and I intended of returning the gracious favor.

"Can you guys.. discuss whatever you're talking about at the city? My shoes are getting full of sand... it's an unpleasant feeling." Axel avowed. At that, we continued our march toward the city, unknowingly walking into the beginning of something that I wouldn't have ever wanted to put Junior through.

(Zoroark's POV)

I was actually surprised that Junior gave me the option to battle considering my failure against the bug types. Was he doing this to encourage me? I didn't know and I didn't have Lucario's mind reading powers to find out. No matter, I thought. I_f he does want me to battle then I can't say no._

But you'd rather not battle? My friend intruded. He glanced behind himself to smirk at me. I beamed back. Y_eah Lucario... but hey, I didn't evolve from not fighting. If anything I hope-_

Hope that you and I get a gym leader team battle together? Sounds fun! He interrupted playfully. I always liked Lucario. He and I joined Junior's group almost at the same time and became friends ever since. Our reasons were the same too, escape from the cruel poachers that captured us (but that's a story for another day).

I decided to leave the conversation at that and focused on how far away the city was. It was fairly close, about a minute or two. The sun was setting fairly quickly so the gym battle might be delayed for tomorrow. If that was the case then I knew we'd train.

Junior and Typhlosion walked closely together from the corner of my eye. A glad smile spread across my muzzle. Seeing those two together was a happy thing.. too bad they're keeping it a secret because I was sure Lucario would've thought the same. The only one I wasn't sure about was Blaziken. He actually might've thought different of him.

Sighing heavily, I decided to set the thoughts aside. The only thing I had to think about was if Junior really planned on me battling. My ears perked when a soft paw tapped me.

"What?" I asked my trainer. His battle smile emerged.

"Hey, isn't that the way to the gym?" Axel inquired, pointing at a nearby road leading toward a mountain's side. It had a large hole in it. Gym pedestals and sign sat outside it, but it had a disheartening message.

"Went on an important mission. Be back tomorrow... damn." Typhlosion groaned. His lover pat his head to comfort him. Junior's action earned him an affectionate nuzzle. They were lucky Typhlosion timed that right or else everybody else would've seen it. Sure I wanted them to stop hiding it, but I wasn't going to expose them. What kind of friend would I be if I told everyone my trainer and a comrade-in-arms were mates? I'd be a terrible one.

Nonetheless, everybody sighed and walked away from the gym before Junior took out his new Pokegear. He hid his smile before glancing at Axel.

...

"So do any of you know why Junior left to go on a walk with just Typhlosion?" Axel questioned. Lucario shrugged but I knew it was so the two lovebirds can have a (I'm guessing) romantic walk or whatever. Obviously to hide my suspicious look, I shrugged alongside Lucario. Axel sighed.

"Guess not.. oh, since we're alone now," Axel dug into his bag and pulled out something we haven't had in a few days. In Axel's hand were two chocolate bars. Lucario and I stood there, but my friend's tail didn't know how to stop. He tried so hard to not snatch the delectable from the young boy. The green eyed boy waved the treats in front of us, making us both whimper.

"You guys want them? I noticed that you two wanted these snacks back when we were getting supplies and I couldn't help but hide them for you two. Here." The blonde haired boy handed us his hidden treats gleefully. It didn't take long for Lucario to rip the wrapping off and messily eat it.

"Yup, that really hit the spot! ...got any more?" Lucario inquired hopefully. Axel smiled.

"I'm guessing you liked them? That's good, I feared I chose the wrong kind. Anyways, I don't have anymore before you ask... or was that what you asked?" The blue furred jackal nodded causing the young boy to chuckle. I watched them talk as I slowly took a bite out of mine, savoring the chocolaty taste.

"OK... then it's a no but I can get more every time we get supplies. How's that sound?" Axel offered. We both barked happily.

I finished my chocolate bar right as Junior and Typhlosion returned from their walk. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary nor did Junior carry much of his lover's scent. Just a simple walk was what they did.

"Hey guys.. Axel you gave them chocolate didn't you?" The hybrid questioned. We all looked away, but Axel didn't have hesitation.

"Yeah... how'd you know?"

"Lucario has trouble eating his chocolate since his paws," Junior grabbed Lucario's left and right paws and smiled. "Get stained with it.. also the chocolate smudge on his face obviously tells me what happened." The half wolf pointed out. Lucario sheepishly rubbed the evidence away, ears falling flat.

"Sorry Axel... guess no chocolate anymore?" Lucario and I inquired. Before Axel could reply, Typhlosion jumped in.

"Not really, can't Junior still reward you guys from time to time? Even me?" He asked that last part quietly and slightly seductive toward our trainer.

"Er.. uh.. y-yeah! How about... every so often? When we-"

"Get supplies?" Lucario chimed in. His tail couldn't have been more obvious. It wagged up a storm.

"Y-Yeah, next time we get supplies you guys can come along.... try to be more careful in the Pokemarts, OK?" Junior hoped grimly. Both of us nodded. We weren't in our first evolutions anymore, we were more sophisticated than that.

"Alright, so," Typhlosion began. "Junior and I asked around and found out that the gym leader here, Grant, is in the next town which was called... uh.." He looked at his lover for help.

"It's called Geosenge. Apparently, Grant was called over to assist a problem arising there. Others were called over too like Clemont." Junior stated. I tilted my head. A flame of interest and curiosity sparked at the fact of an unknown problem. Suddenly I remembered a reason what might've been the cause. The assassins. I suddenly felt a cold shiver travel down my spine. If that one guy had in fact planned on getting revenge, then nobody on the team would've wanted Junior to risk his life once again.

Junior smiled as he decided to go toward the next town to find the gym leaders. We all hesitated, but followed the silver half wolf.

(Lucario's POV)

Guess I was getting better at reading minds since Zoroark didn't notice my second stealthy intrusion. But he was right about the assassins. Everybody's auras (except Junior's) was anxious and troubled. Thoughts of the assassin flooded their consciousness. Both my friends also had the desire to protect our hybrid of a friend. Obviously, due to their tight bond, Typhlosion's incentive was greater than Zoroark's. Heck, with both of ours combined wouldn't have been a fraction of Typhlosion's. Sure it was perplexing but that's what a heavy friendship can do.

I asked Junior how long the road to Geosenge was and he quickly responded. "Not THAT far, but... about a day or two of a walk? If we run than obviously a day's worth." The half wolf recited. It didn't seem that much of a walk. We've had worse at Johto like the walk through Victory Road. All I was hoping for was that Kalos didn't have something similar.

We trekked Kalos's Route 10 wearily glancing around for any sign of trouble. The comforting Iapapa berry trees lined the road. I actually felt the need to pick some, but 1 they weren't ripe and 2 were too high up for me to reach. Blaziken could've reached, but having both him and Typhlosion out walking wouldn't be a good thing. Even Junior eventually learned that back in Johto. Either way, I had a good feeling that they'd be ripe for the pickings later on.

The day became dark and dreadful, so Junior decided to set up camp. It was good he thought of us mons because he gave us extra sleeping bags. Typhlosion and Zoroark helped make a quick fire. I assisted too by gathering a bundle of sticks, throwing them into the hungry fire.

After a nice snack by the fireplace, we decided to hit the hay. Zoroark, Typhlosion and Axel didn't last long before they were completely knocked out. Loud snores shook the trees. Shadows danced from nearby the fireplace. In the dark of night, I noticed Junior walking away. Due to curiosity, I got out of my sleeping bag and tailed him into the dark of night.

...

We didn't go far before Junior suddenly stopped. I did too as a sense of foreboding filled the air.

"Shouldn't you be asleep Lucario?" He asked. I flinched. Somehow, he sounded odd. Might've been the need of sleep, but his voice sounded deeper than usual and more commanding. He didn't even have an aura for me to feel.

"Who are you?" I questioned, well knowing that that wasn't my Junior. He chuckled after turning around. That's when I saw his crimson eyes.

"Oh don't worry about it. I was only going to borrow... yeah let's say that, borrow your trainer's body for awhile." He glanced down to pull the amulet out from under the host's jacket, marveling at the treasure. "He's the one protecting my form you know that? His blood is sacred and connected to a being of high standing, but I guess you Pokemon will learn that soon.. that's what fate does in time!" Possessed Junior laughed maniacally. I shivered, but put on a brave face. I couldn't show him I was afraid or he could've taken advantage of it. I balled by paws and growled.

"Whatever you plan on going with my friend's body.. th-think again! I'll.. stop you!" I growled courageously.

"By doing what? You don't want to hurt him neither does the rest of your team nor his lover."

"L-Lover...?" That took me by complete surprise. "Wait, Junior loves somebody?" My ears perked curiously. I never knew that he was in love with somebody, but the person possessing Junior might've been trying to lying to me. To make matters worse, I couldn't even check his aura because as far as I knew, he didn't have a soul. My ears flattened.

"Disheartened I see?" The unnamed being taunted. "Well, you probably have questions like Why Junior, What are you going to do, blah blah blah. Anyways, I will deny every question because they'll be answered in due time and- crap! Talking to you wasted my opportunity! Ugh..." He groaned and held the amulet again.

"Say hi to your trainer for me puppy." The spirit said before falling backwards, hitting the floor with a suppressed thud. I jumped and immediately ran to my friend's side. Slowly but surely, his eyes returned to their brown color.

"Hey, you still with me?" I inquired urgently. Junior groaned but nodded his head.

"Wh-Why am I on the floor... and in a grove?" I beamed at hearing his normal voice. I hugged my trainer, accidentally poking him with my chest spike, but he didn't yelp. Instead he gently pushed me away, smiling a bright smile.

"Quick question, do you know the way back?" Junior inquired. I nodded and assisted my friend back to his feet. He walked ahead of me, but I kept my eye on him the whole way back to make sure nothing happened. If he fell back agin, I'd catch him. He.. was my friend after all.