Wow, 29 days. And so much has happened in the last three alone. I think the easiest way to go about this is dividing it into three parts: the meeting, Victory Road, and the Elite Four and celebrations.
So, without further ado.
Oh Arceus was I nervous for the coffee meeting. Alexa I can handle-she's great to talk to, and so kind and supportive. I think I've mostly gotten over my little-girl crush, but I can't help but admire her so much. And the fact she went through all this effort to get me a casual meeting with the editor-in-chief was so thoughtful. But it was him I was so worried about. This is the man who runs the my dream publishing company. How he views me could affect the entire course of my career as a story collector.
So there's no pressure on me here at all.
But it went smoothly enough. It helped a lot that the man is a Furfrou lover too-watching him praise and pamper Loic really helped ease some of my initial anxiety.
We talked for a few hours, intermixing casual conversation with talk about the publishing house. It turns out that Alexa had him read a few of these journal entries and what I do with story time. He said the work is rough, but that it might be worth considering me for an interviewing or reporting position, and he'll keep an open mind on the publication. But before we can get to any of that, we all agreed that my priority right now should be completing my journey and beating the Elite Four.
It's a strange thought. I mean, I guess you could call 'interviewing' and 'storytelling' similar. Doing one doesn't mean I couldn't do the other. I think it would be worth having another coffee date, but with just Alexa so she could give me some advice.
The rest of the day, and the next for that matter, was spent recovering the energy I spent worrying. I hid out in the Pokémon Village and played with everyone.
Oh, I also said some very telling things to the wrong person because the intended recipient was off saving the world. I suppose I can forgive him, but I don't think I'll ever get over how I felt at that moment.
--
The team and I were up bright and early this morning to go explore Victory Road. It was a very beautiful place, actually.
I learned Loic knows how to swim too. That's what happens when one of your pokéballs goes rolling off into a pond in the middle of a battle.
Chayan was still trying to catch up with everyone in terms of skill, so he was out a lot. The only problem was that I still feel uncomfortable fighting other trainers beside him, so he didn't get nearly as much experience as he could have.
Towards the end, we ran into Calem again, as usual wanting to battle. But I guess you can't call it 'as usual', because this time was...different. He said he wanted to focus more energy into his relationship with his Pokémon, instead of just battling.
Finally he gets it.
It was still a fairly easy battle for us, but I think I have a bit more respect for Calem now. And not in the 'did you just sass and Team Furnace grunt wow props' sense; I mean in the genuine rival sense.
He gave me some max revives and wished me luck, and then it was off to the Elite Four.
--
Comparatively? Walking into the Hall of the Elite Four didn't seem like a terrifying idea until I actually had to do it. But once that door locked and I was on my own...well, that's a different story.
I was greeted by Malva, who outlined the procedure for challenging her and the other three E4 members. All things I already knew, but it was good to hear it from someone who knew what they were doing. Naturally, I followed her and took her on as my first opponent.
She was the hardest of them, in my opinion. Maybe it was because Lumiere's Scald attack didn't seem to do much. Maybe it was because I was still so nervous and her chamber was so horribly hot. Maybe it was because she started out the battle with a Pyroar (the burn is healing just fine, by the way, but I think the memory is burned much deeper into my mind). Whatever it was, she took the most effort. But, between Lumiere and Marcel, we managed to take her down.
Siebold was a pleasant man to deal with, and the battle was equally pleasant. Challenging, but not stressful. His room helped calm me down quite a bit as well. Lumiere took the stage again, in addition to Nox. His Gyarados and Barbaracle didn't stand a chance.
Drasna seemed like a very kind person, but her team certainly didn't stand a chance against Chayan. Of course, maybe she was a little overwhelmed by the fact that there was a living legend standing before her (and I don't mean me). This is why I didn't want it to stick around with me, but I'm stuck with it now and it absolutely dominated her team of dragons so I guess I can't complain.
And Wikstrom...Wikstrom is an interesting person. Certainly the type I'd like to talk to and hear stories from on a more casual occasion. Marcel and Allette managed to take out his team pretty easily. The only issue was his Probopass, which got a hard hit on Marcel. I was almost afraid to have him continue.
So, four down. No revives used yet, but a bunch of healing items. Still, we were doing a lot better than I imagined we would.
Then we got up to Diantha's chamber.
It was absolutely astounding. Everything was so beautiful, and Diantha looked like a princess standing there, ruling over her kingdom that is the Kalos Pokémon League. I was in such awe that I barely noticed when the battle started! Which was poor on my part, because her Aurorus overwhelmed poor Nox with one hit.
The rest of the battle was pretty evenly divided between Marcel, Chayan, and Loic. After Nox, no one got anywhere near fainting. I'm so proud of them!
And so, before I knew it, I was the new Champion. Wow. They took our pictures and mounted them in the Hall of Fame. I saw a few of you guys on the wall too! That was exciting to know I've now joined your ranks. I don't feel too differently though.
--
I guess Professor Sycamore had a lot of confidence in me, because he'd already organized a small parade in Lumiose City by the time I'd gotten out of the Hall! I guess he'd been planning it since he learned that I'd won my last badge. Everyone was there-except Maman (and Papa, but he'll be home soon enough!). She had a good reason though; it sounds like Bruce may not be here much longer...
But I saw Em Remi! You know how you sometimes look out into the crowd for a familiar face and one jumps out at you? Well, I spotted him when I was searching for Maman. Now that he's not in that ridiculous Team Fire Pit getup he looks pretty different, but I know it was him because I chased him down once the ceremony was over. I kind of freaked him out. The first thing I told him?
He looks pretty good in blue.
It was a strange meeting, but a good one. After all the mess in Geosenge he broke away from what was left of Team Flare (can I call them Team Ashes now please?) and is trying to get back on his feet. He says he picked up some work at Hotel Richissime. Before we said good bye we exchanged Holo Caster numbers (well, he gave me his, because he knew mine from hacking into it before) and said maybe we'll meet up for lunch someday in the future. Who knows.
--
So I'm back at base in Camphrier Town again. The team is completely beat, and I'm about to call it a night myself. Tomorrow we'll go see Maman and see how things go from there. Maybe I'll try to give Jack a call again-except this time ask who's on the other end of the line before I do.
I swear I walked past the same little fairy tale girl five times in the Wandering Woods. Maybe she was the ghost of some poor girl who got lost and...I should stop that thought.
Anyways, after hours of wandering, I finally found the other end of the woods. In opened up into a lush and colorful field of flowers that absolutely took my breath away! And just at the exit of the forest was a big man in a blue jacket, playing with Furfrou and Fletchling. Turns out he was Wulfric, the Snowbelle City Gym Leader. He was so friendly and talkitive-we talked for an hour at least!
According to him, the field is called the Pokémon Village, and it's a hidden haven for Pokémon who don't belong or who were abused by their trainers. It was hard to believe any of the Pokémon had ever suffered, just seeing how happy they looked.
I waited until Wulfric left before letting out my own Pokémon to play a little. Loic absolutely loved tussling with the other Furfrou; I haven't seen him that energetic since the day I met him. The only downside was that the rough-housing ruined his trim, but even that was no big deal. It was about time for a cut anyways, so no harm done. As long as he's happy, so am I.
A few Pokémon were brave enough to come up and battle me. At first the team and I tried to go easy on them, but when it was clear they didn't want that we got into some pretty intense battles. As a result, I cought Zoe the Gothorita, Meme the Ditto, and Chase the Zoroark, all of whom willingly joined me. Poor Chase looks pretty worse for wear though; he must have had a cruel trainer. I won't go into the gory details, but I was surprised he wanted me to catch him after seeing that.
--
Yesterday we went and took on the Snowbelle City Gym, which was an experience in itself! I was praying to Arceus not to have to deal with an ice-sliding puzzle, but I think I would have taken a few bruises over that puzzle. My head is still spinning.
Wulfric, just like the day before, gave me a warm welcome-warm in the form of some nice hot cocoa before our battle. I didn't realize exactly how much I needed that!
Allette did great! She (flamed) charged through Wulfric's team-up until we got to Avalugg, at least. That thing is a cold terror in the form of a coffee table. I may have had the rest of my team if I needed, but the battle really felt like it was only between Allette and Avalugg. Ultimtately, he knocked Allette to the ground, but she left him with a burn that took him down with her. Kind of like a flaming Destiny Bond, I guess-except on accident.
And that was how I won my eight and final badge.
We spent the rest of the day celebrating-and can you blame us? I'm confident we're ready to take on the Elite Four.
Maman was so surprised to see us; maybe I should have told her we were coming to visit. Plus she had great news: Papa will be returning from his trip abroad in a few weeks. I haven't seen Papa in months now, except though the Holo Caster. Imagine how he'll feel when he finds his daughter is now Champion on the Kalos Pokémon League. Okay, maybe I'm getting a little ahead of myself now, but I'm just so excited!
Oh! I caught a few new Pokémon too: Captain the Floatzel, Rommy the Spinda, Caché the Ursaring.
--
The one morning I sleep in is the one morning I shouldn't have; I almost miss my coffee date with Quartney! I feel so bad! But it was fun, and I'm glad we finally got together to do it.
Since I was in Lumiose City anyways, Loic and I went to get him another trim. He doesn't seem to know what to think of the matron trim yet.
Right now we're off to check on the berry fields, and maybe see how Jack's is doing as well. And since Trevor suggested it, we'll be stopping by the Name Rater today to give Xerneas a nickname.
From spooky cave to stinky swamp to snow in less than a day.
The other day I went to explore Terminus Cave in the evening. Which, by the way, is a bad idea, because you will get horribly lost and be so far below ground that your Holo Caster won't get any reception. Which is why I didn't tell you I was in Terminus Cave yesterday.
At least I got what I was looking for: Gypsum the Sandslash and Callie the Noibat. I actually found Callie in my lap this morning; I guess I'm a very comfortable place to nap? But she's got a little heart on her nose and it's so cute! If I weren't so attached to Allette I might be tempted to train her.
Also I hate Durant. But I told you this already, right?
Anyways, after an anxiety-inducing night and a very long trek, the team and I made it back to our hotel room in Couriway Town, where we immediately crashed (apparently I wasn't the only one who didn't sleep well last night). When I woke up a few hours later only Loic was up, so the two of us went for a walk in town and hung out in the lobby for awhile.
I logged on to the Global Trade Station for the first time and was completely amazed by how busy it was! My goal was to expand my collection of Vivillon patterns, but I didn't get much of that done because they kept being taken.Still, I managed to collect four new patterns, bringing my total to a five. Long way to go still.
Since the rest of my team was still out, I did some other trading too, with great results! I got a Spritzee, a Vulpix, and a Skrelp (I traded off one of my shiny Claunchers, because it only seemed fair to the person realistic enough to NOT request a legendary Pokémon for a toxic waste seahorse. Hopefully I won't confuse them like Star did D.)! So yeah, I good first day of trading, I think.
Once everyone was up we went wandering for awhile, trying to think of what to do before pressing on-wards. The answer was not much; in total, we backtracked and caught a Phantump (Fantina) and a Delibird (Nikki).
So, exciting?
Finally I knew we had to move on, even if I didn't want to go. After all, we were headed for Snowbelle, and you may remember exactly how excited I get about snow. Meaning I don't. But longing looks from Nox and Allette forced me to move on. We have a final badge to win, after all.
It turns out you don't have to mess around on Route 19 too much-there's this nifty bridge that made my life so much easier.
And on the bridge, who should I run into but Shauna! For the first time since the beginning of our journey 21 days ago (wow), we battled. Xerneas was very insistent on fighting; I didn't get the chance to call out anyone else. Shauna took battling against (and losing to) one of Kalos' lengendary beasts in stride, surprisingly.
Before the battle even finished we were joined by Tierno and Trevor, who also asked to battle me (and also lost, also in a very dignified manner). And after all was said and done the four of us sat on the bridges, legs dangling off the side (except for Trevor, who looked small enough to fall off if he got too close to the edge), and had lunch while swapping stories. It sounds like Tierno's making a lot of progress with his dance team, and Trevor's filled up most of his pokédex! And Shauna has some super-cute Pokémon, just like she wanted!
According to Trevor, Calem's off doing his usual, but the last time they talked he did bring up the importance of friendship and how happy he is that we're all friends.
I guess he's finally starting to think about other things besides battling.
We all sat there, blocking foot traffic, for a good few hours I guess. Of course, the conversation eventually drifted to what I planned to do now that it was clear I'm stuck with Xerneas whether I like it or not (I like it, by the way, but it's weird as all get-out). Tierno brought up the fact that I have yet to name it, which is very true. I was trying not to get too attached to it, or have it get too much more attached to me. But it's really trying hard to catch up to the rest of my team, which is no easy feat. It took on all three of my friend's teams by itself.
So it sounds like I'll have to get thinking of a good nickname for it. My saying that made it very happy.
After we said our goodbyes, I finished the trip west to Snowbelle City. It's breath-taking! Well, it was after I got some warm clothes from the boutique, at least; then I was able to look around without being preoccupied by the cold. I wonder if I should go revisit Dendemille in this outfit and see if I like it any better than I did.
The Gym Leader, it turns out, is somewhere in the Wandering Woods to the south. I took a little peek in, but after my rough night in Terminus Cave I have no intention of getting lost again. Still, I managed to catch a Jigglypuff (Lailani) and Trevenant (Everghost) during my short exploration, so I can say I at least did something.
For now I'm staying in the Pokémon Center, enjoying a nice cafe breva and considering calling Alexa back to find out what message she had for me. Tomorrow I'll venture deep into the Wandering Woods to see if I can find the Gym Leader to get my last badge. If you do not hear from me, for once do not assume I have died. However, if I don't post anything by Monday please assume I have been eaten by Trevenant and act accordingly.
After a wonderful night with Jack, I returned to Route 10 and Geosenge. I've been trying to do what I can to help in town, but it's clear its going to be awhile before things are okay again. After I told her what happened Maman headed over too, so she's here with me. Apparently she follows my blog, just like Emi Remi. This is unexpected.
She says bonjour, by the way.
I got to see Caleb and Viking again. Bruce seems to be doing better, and enjoying the company of another Rhyhorn, but his age is really showing. The poor dear.
I usually can't stay in town very long though, because I get lots of strange looks. Apparently I'm 'nothing like I used to be, and I don't really know what to say to that. I doesn't help that Xerneas won't stop following me. I've tried everything, to no avail. If anything it's more intent on staying with me. So we spend a lot of time out on Route 10, walking among the menhir. Xerneas seems to like it there, but every so often I can tell it gets sad. It must be hard having friends that have been gone for several millenia.
We finally moved on this morning. Route 18 is short, but a bit rough. It's hard when you're trying to train a fairytype, but keep running into steel types. We're going to have to backtrack to Route 16, I think.
Couriway Town is pretty peaceful; the team and I have having some tea and snacks before we turn in. I know, we're real Halloween party Pokémon. But with everything going on I guess I didn't put as much thought into a costume as I meant to. And I don't exactly have a fairy godmother to help me prepare for the ball. Fairy deer, yes, but that's asking for trouble, I think.
Tonight's really just catch up night. I realized I haven't said anything about all the Pokémon I've caught for quite awhile, so here's a list. I've been doing a lot of chain-training, so * means its shiny, okay?
Bathazar, Natus*, and Rhain* (traded to Ruavain for a Honedge) the Relicanth
Hammer the Clawitzer
Mer and Pacif* the Corsola
Carlos the Octillery
Viper the Huntail
Bohr the Ariados
Amour the Alomomola
Plage the Staryu
Baha* and Carib* the Clauncher
Caesar the Lairon
Plus I received a Krabby and Noctowl over Wonder Trade, and Laura, my Inkay, evolved into a Malamar (she's really intimidating now. Help).
I'm pretty worn out, so I think I'll call it a night. Hopefully tomorrow I'll actually have something to write about.
Happy Halloween all.
Jules out.
OH! I got a message from Alexa on my Holo Caster. She only said to call her back...
...All's well that ends well, I guess. The little fairy tale girl that played among the menhirs wrote the ending.
I followed Lysandre further into the basement via the elevator. There was a man down there; the crazy tall man I met outside of Lumiose City talking about flower Pokémon. He saw me first, and told me a story. Probably one of the biggest stories I've ever heard.
He talked about a war 3 000 years ago, and how a man's Pokémon was killed fighting in it. About how he spent years trying to bring the Pokémon back to life, and eventually succeeded. About how he tried to get revenge on the world by turning his machine into the ultimate weapon.
About how his Pokémon abandoned him after that.
The way he told the story-the sound and pain in his voice-if I tried for 100 years I couldn't capture the power in it. Some things were never meant for paper.
Lysandre introduced him as AZ-the same name as one of Kalos' famous kings. Then he asked me to follow him.
In a way I wish I hadn't. I got taken the the central control room where, as 'the chosen one' I was forced to pick a button. One to activate the ultimate machine and reign destruction upon the world, and one to shut it down.
I picked the wrong one.
I picked the wrong one, and as a result I had to watch parts of my home town of Geosenge be destroyed and overturned by the machine surfacing. And I was forced to watch it all. I was so emotional that I called Lysandre several things I probably shouldn't translate into English.
It felt almost pointless, but I hurried to Geosenge anyways, hoping maybe I could do something. The grunts wouldn't let me through the Route 10; they said I was too young to see what was going on.
Emile was there again, one last sentry between me and their base. He and Calem were yelling insults at each other, but they stopped when I approached. I thought Emile was going to challenge me, but...he didn't. Instead he healed by Pokémon. I guess in the state I was in I completely forgot about that. and when Calem and I ran by him towards the megalith I used to play around, I heard say something. Maybe I'm crazy, but I'm positive I heard him say it.
"My name's Remi. Get it right on that blog of yours."
Remi.
Inside, I met Lysandre again. I held my tongue while he talked about scares resources and how there were too many people on the planet and how that prevented people from being happy. What he said actually made sense, as much as I hate to admit it, but it was also sickening. He was intent on keeping us from freeing Xerneas, from whom he was drawing most of the power for his machine, so I had to battle him again.
This time there were no accidents. Lumiere made sure of that.
I guess that got him rethinking things. At least, long enough that Calem and I could run past him.
The number of people we battled seemed endless. It seems rude to point out, but Calem actually pulled his weight this time. Maybe I need to give him more credit.
Shauna joined us, too. She didn't battle, but was supportive and I needed that. Even though they hadn't heard Lysandre's ' you are the chosen one' spiel, I think it was pretty clear to all of us who was going to be the one freeing Xerneas. And as much as I wished it would be, it wasn't Calem or Shauna.
There was a pattern I noticed as we battled; so many Team Flare members talked about how Lysandre saved them or gave them hope, and how much they owe to him. So I guess he has some heart. His view of the world is just a little messed up, but he does do good. Where would I be without my Holo Caster?
By the time we got down to the machine my team and I were exhausted. We've been batting near-nonstop all day now. Lysandre, grunts, admins, scientists...But we made it through the last couple battles, and then there it was.
The tree.
It looked so frail and withered, with all of it's energy being sucked out of it. It seemed so wrong, that a Pokémon responsible for life would be used to destroy the lives of so many. And I guess that thought radiated from me, because just as I was thinking it, there was a loud crack. The type of noise that vibrates through you, when you know something life-changing is happening just from the feeling it leaves.
In a burst of light, Xerneas burst from the tree, shattering the energy-collecting chamber around it. As it cried out and regained its color, I watched surges of life flow backwards from the machine and into it. I don't think I've ever seen, or will see, a more beautiful sight.
It felt like time itself stopped when Xerneas approached me, and watching the energy be absorbed into is antlers, I at first feared it might be looking for my energy too. But instead it lowered its head so that we could look at each other eye-to-X-shaped-eye. They were so bright and captivating I don't think I could have torn myself away if I tried. And then it leaned its head in closer, until its soft muzzle touch my forehead, and in my mind I heard a single word ring clear like a wind chime:
'friend'
Again, maybe Lysandre was right; there was no fight between us. Xerneas vanished-at first I thought for good, then I realized Honym's pokéball had been replaced. I don't think it counts as 'catching' Xerneas, but it's something.
Calem and Shauna were awestruck. So much so that we didn't even realized Lysandre had come in until he put his hand on my shoulder and wrenched it around. He didn't look happy in the slightest; or at least, from what I could see of his face. Then and there he challenged me to a third battle that day, this time a 1-on-1 match of Xerneas versus his Gyarados. Which seemed like an uneven fight, until Calem pointed out the Mega Stone on his ring. It turns out Gyarados has a Mega Evolution.
It was probably the hardest battle I had all day, and it wasn't because of the battle fatigue. But it looked like we were going to win. Then Lysandre, in his rage, ordered Gyarados to attack me. It came flying at me so fast that I couldn't reach to grab any of my pokéballs. If it weren't for Xerneas I wouldn't be writing this. A life for a life, I suppose.
When all hope seemed lost for him, Lysandre tried one last desperate time to achieve his dream: he activated the machine. We all got out of there as quickly as we could. Which was good, because the beam from the machine turned right around and destroyed itself.
My guess is that the life energy Xerneas unwillingly supplied to the machine was 'tainted' with its own wish, which was to protect life. Because of that the first beam was destined to aim for it instead of anywhere else. From the beginning Xerneas intended to destroy itself if need be, if it meant protecting us.
Things are back to a relative normal now, besides my being the possessor of a legendary beast. I don't know what to do about that; it feels wrong using it for everyday battles, even though it seems willing. Right now we're sitting among the menhirs on Route 10, and its going and touching each of the megaliths, as if to make sure the Pokémon it marks is okay. For the most part things seem good, but every so often I hear Xerneas make what sounds like a pained cry. Some lives, it turns out, couldn't be saved.
But it seems intent on staying with me, so I guess I'm either stuck in Geosenge Town or I have to continue my journey with it. I'd prefer the former, but I've got a League to beat. But right now, both of those things will have to wait.
I have a date to prepare for.
((Player's aside: I originally chose Geosenge Town to be Jules' hometown because, since I had only begun the game, it seemed very unimportant. It was that little town with nothing in it before a cave. Then I started seeing spoilers and thought 'well...I guess there's gonna be some real drama in this thing'. I had no idea how much.
I was almost in tears watching the cut scene with the machine coming out of the ground.
I know I said no personal information over Holo Caster, but...Oh Arceus do I need something to take my mind off what's going on. I'm hiding the in library in the lab right now and...
...and I think I'm going to be sick.
I fought Lysandre much earlier than I thought I would. He was waiting for me at the lab entrance, so I guess he got my message. Should've figured a guy like that wouldn't back down from a challenge.
Towards the end it was his Pyroar against my Lanturn, and the battle was getting heated pretty quickly. Lumiere dodged one of Pyroar's fire-type attacks, but wasn't paying enough attention to notice the attack was now headed for me. I managed to cover my face with my arm, thankfully, but because of that my blouse is now ruined. Oh, and my arm. Right.
...okay, that didn't make me feel any better. It was worth a shot, at least.
So I got a bad burn on my arm. That enraged Lumiere, who managed to knock out Pyroar right after that, ending the battle.
Lysandre didn't offer any apologies. He was too fixated on ' the power and intensity' of my fighting. After saying some weird things about his ultimate weapon (I was a little distracted), he challenged me to try and stop him, saying I might be the only person that he imagined could stop Team Flare.
Yes, I said it. Don't be so surprised. This is a pretty serious matter.
Anyways, he told me one of his scientists had the elevator key, where he would be waiting for me. Then he vanished. I would have followed him, but I was trying to fish a burn heal out of the bottom of my bag.
As it turns out, Pyroar burns hurt. Seriously hurt. And burn heals, like I said, don't work. Eating rawst berry helped numb the pain, but not my much. So I had to walk through the labs, battling grunts while trying not to cry about this burn. I tried to hide it as well as I could, and I guess I managed pretty well. I even ran into those two caped crusaders who definitely were not Dex and that one girl and talked to them without them noticing.
I never thought I'd say this, but it was Emile who saved me.
Of course we battled again; I don't think it's possible not to run into him when Team Crockpot is doing something. I won, but instead of letting me by like the other grunts had, he walked up and pushed down on my shoulder to make me sit down. Then he sat down beside me, pulled out one of those pocket first aid kits and started treating my burn. When I asked him why, he said something about how someone Lysandre considers an worthy opponent should be able to focus on battles instead of burns. I guess Lysandre did mention it to someone.
He also told be to stop calling him Emile others were reading it in the Holo Caster messages and it was starting to stick. So much for me not doing that. Hi Emile!
While I was searching for the elevator key I tried to think about what I would write for this diary entry. I was going to open it with 'I've given up trying to determine whether Team Disco Inferno (thanks Blanche!) is a full of unfashionable idiots or genuinely good people who are just misguided.' Not only did the grunts (and one of the scientists) accept defeat gracefully, but one gave me a TM and let me rest in the break room (nothing's missing from my bag or wallet-I checked). Than again, another grunt thought I was 'out of uniform' so that it wouldn't get wrinkled while I napped.
I was going to say that, but then...Oh Arceus I thought I was recovering with all that wit but it just came back again. Thankfully I got the elevator key before this happened.
I ran into that weird science duo from the pokéball factory. After our battles, they let me in on their plan They want to charge their 'ultimate weapon' using the energy of Pokémon, and with that create a new world by destroying the old. And they want to get their energy from...
...give me a minute. I need to breathe.
...
...From the menhirs outside of Geosenge Town. According to them, the stones mark Pokémon graves from a war 3 000 years ago.
I don't mind that fact that I used to play among Pokémon graves. In fact, its nice to believe that spirits of passed Pokémon were watching over and protecting me while I played. But these scientists...they want to suck out any and all remaining energy from the graves.
Those Pokémon already gave everything. They don't deserve this disrespect.
...
I'm sorry. I should stop here. I need to collect myself before facing Lysandre again. Stay safe guys.
So after the previous day's success, I decided to try my little chain-training thing again, in a new location. And not only did Nox become the strongest member of my team, but I also found a shiny Corsola! My luck ran out shortly after that though; I kept trying but didn't manage anything. Ah well, as they say, all good things must come to an end. And I had other things I needed to do.
In fact, bow to your new duchess (or curtsy, that works too)! I ascended rank in the Battle Château again! Considering battling isn't my favorite thing, I think I'm doing pretty well. My pocketbook isn't complaining either.
Speaking of, clothes! Anistar City's boutique is beautiful; I thought I was drooling when I stepped into the boutique in Laverre, but...wow~! I finally have a few complete outfits. Hopefully I can get a picture or two up later. I bought a cute dress for the upcoming-well, I guess there's no point in denying its a date, huh? He's been the one calling it that, so there's no harm in saying it. Unless it has a different meaning in Kanto...
Come to think of it, I haven't heard from Jack in awhile. I would have expected news after he got his forth badge. Hopefully he's alright.
Sorry; that was probably very boring and unimportant to you guys, huh? On to other news!
Anyways, since my team seemed more than ready, we challenged the Anistar City Gym. It...looked normal. At first. But it' s the day after and my head is still spinning from that bizarre geometry. How do they design those things?
Olympia was-no pun intended this time, really-a little spacey. I feel like she was talking to someone else, not me. But what an exciting battle! Nox did beautifully for having never been in a Gym battle before, and Honym dealt some really rough blows. But honestly, Loic was the most impressive. Olympia's Pokémon couldn't even hit him he was so good!
And so I became the proud owner of Psychic Badge (really? A psychic badge? Why not a Space or Galaxy or Cosmos Badge or something?).
Seven down; one to go. Then the Elite Four, of course.
--
So that's been my life the past few days. I just picked up my Holo Caster from the repairman in Anistar a couple hours ago. It's working pretty well, I thin-huh?
Hold up guys, I think I'm receiving an important message...
Beat Calem, bought cute clothes, caught shiny Pokémon, earned a Gym Badge...I'd call the last couple of days successful, wouldn't you?
Did you all miss me? It's been a busy two days and I've got a lot to share, so listen well! Like I said before, I indulged Calem in a battle and won, but it was a little...harder than it was before. So either he's getting better or I'm slacking on my routine.
Afterwards I ran into that one girl whose name I still don't know. The one who hangs out with Dex, except this time he wasn't there. It was kind of awkward when I couldn't reply with her name it turn, but oh well. She told me that Professor Sycamore wanted me to visit a man in Anistar who knew some of the legends concerning Xerneas. What's with this sudden interest in it? I guess he realized how little I could care about studying Mega Evolution.
Legends and stories > battle evolution, in my mind at least, so I'm not complaining.
The man was very polite and had a lot to say. As a Kalosian, some of it sounded vaguely familiar, but there were things I'd never heard before. I don't know; the man seemed surprised I'd heard of it at all.
Maybe it was all the fairy tales I read growing up? This is really bugging me.
Anyways, since Calem's starting to catch up in skill and I can't imagine what sort of ego boost it would be if he beat me, I spent the evening training with Nox. For awhile we trained on Route 13, but then I remembered hearing about this thing called 'chaining' , and how you could catch some interesting-looking Pokémon if you did it right. Well, Nox has a type advantage against water-types, right? So why train and try chaining at the same it? It would be more interesting, at least.
And it worked! I caught not one, but two shiny Relicanths! It was so exciting! And Nox grew a bunch!
This is getting pretty long, and I still have another day to talk about, so I'm going to cut it off here, and go write another separate entry for yesterday.
