Shadow Trainer - kage tyurainersu By Shadow Trainer Ash Chapter Two - kaze to issho ni One year later... Aruki-tsuzukete doko made yuku no? Kaze ni tazunerarete tachidomaru Hitotsu-me no taiko tokun to natte Tatta hitotsu no inochi hajimatta Yagate nani ka wo motomete Chiisa na te no hira wo hiroge Kimi wa sugu ni mitsukete ne Kimi ja nai dare ka wo Tanjoubi iwau roosoku fueta kedo Tatta hitotsu no furusata tabidatta Ima mo nani ka wo motomete Ooki na hitomi kagayaite Kimi no poketta no naka ni wa Kimi ja nai dare ka to no... The wisp morning nearly sang out its arrival as Satoshi, with Pikachuu at his side, balanced himself on the rusted, dew covered railroad tracks that had once supported the long lost train of Masara Taun--hearing the clatter his sneakers made at each step he took. The mossy tracks rattled beneath him as he jumped over a gap in the road, laughing as Pikachuu did the same--only having more of an advantage by the act of 'four feet.' It was once said that the railroad had once taken people to a now mystery world up North--to a world that separated Jouto from the East, Sekei from the West, and the Orenji Islands from the South. It was also told by tall tale that music there was shown as a sign of magic...magic that could make the shadows dance to the tune of the flickering flames of fire. But as so called 'mortals' took advantage of this magic, a barrier called the 'kyokai' or better known as the 'boundary' was put up to the entrance of the world; therefore leading to the destruction of the train. The tracks were plenty old, but since no one seemed to mind, Satoshi jumped from rail to rail each day he headed off to Pokemon Tech--gracing the gorgeous cerulean sky, and watching the 'Sea of Grass' glide down the hills nearby the railroad. The sun there always seemed to be scorching hot, but kept its distance away from the subjects it confronted--almost as if guarded by a shadow. Accepting the sun's gentle heat, Satoshi jumped off the metal tracks into the grass, listening to his jeans brush against the long hair strands of the pine pull at its fabric. Sometimes, when Satoshi felt too quiet to his liking, he would imagine how the train must have looked back when it was up a running to the 'mystery world,' searing to life in slow beating measures that almost would resemble a child's drum. Satoshi grinned at Pikachuu who had without question followed him, soft paws trailing across the dirt and occasional mud; in which it would leave tracks in. Ever since the incident with the dark Myuu that year ago, Satoshi had suddenly gone under an unusual transformation in which he kept to himself--fearing insanity, or even worse, people dejecting him for being different like most would do. He had not only suddenly learned the words of Pokemon speech by translation, but as well noticed his eyes would often gleam gold when he went under any huge emotion--especially when he became angry. But, as he recalled, every time he became angry, he would forget everything that had happened once they turned back to their normal mahogany. He had learned to accept the facts of this unusual state of being different once he had turned fifteen, and, without question told no one--not even his own okasan who seemed to know it all already...even if nothing unusual had happened around her. *Hey Pikapi, are you ready for the big tournament today? * Satoshi's hair caught the breeze, and grazed among the wind as a grin struck his face. "You bet! We're gonna knock 'em dead, Pikachuu! You and I, and Fushigidane, and Berifu, and Hinoarashi, and Waninoko, and Yuronozuko! The tournament will be ours for sure!" He settled down into the scratchy grass of the green sea, taking a big whiff of the fresh air before plodding into it among his back. He grinned even brighter as Pikachuu settled next to him. *I'm sure we'll do great too. But, not to be a burden or anything, but what is the big prize of this thing anyway? It must be big or you wouldn't have gone through all that time trying to raise money for it. * "It's a great prize, Pikachuu...! A prize that will score my dream of becoming a Pokemon Mastuaa!" Pikachuu, now curious, asked on. *And so...? * "Well, whoever wins the tournament gets to go on battle the Elite Four themselves! Without having to go through the Seikei league, or anything." His grin grew even wider as his eyes shut closed, letting the wind blow his bangs up into the breeze. "There's also that big trophy I've got my eye on. God, Mom'll be so proud of me if I bring that thing home, as well as the trophy for beating the unbeatable Elite Four..." He paused, and opened his eyes, letting them glow a their golden stage of happiness, "and maybe, even just maybe, if I beat this tournament, Dad might come on home for once...proud for me to be his son." Satoshi stroked Pikachuu's back as it nibbled on a few grass strands, brushing its fur back from the wind that had caused it havoc. "Besides, I haven't seen him for over fourteen years...thought he'd at least send me a card or somethin'." When his hand fell to the dirt after Pikachuu had moved over a bit, his fingers hit something cold, rusty, and hard. He glanced over quickly as the edges slid from his fingers, noticing a dirt covered, rusty pieced, square-shaped rock. As he looked closer, he noticed a small tint of gold wink at him like a glimmering star near the end of the square; revealing a small curve that looked almost like the end of a 'd'. Interested, Satoshi grasped the rock in his hands, and with his ebony clouded shirt, started wiping the grind off the rock. It was difficult; for the grind was hard and rough, strained together by the many rainstorms it had been through--but it as well remained slick and moist with mud and clay. Red clay began to soak his shirt as he continued to rub, pieces by pieces peeling off the square piece of clay onto his shirt as the curve became more visible. One by one more letters began to appear, glimmering within a golden brass as Satoshi's shirt continued to stroke at them. As the last piece of grind molded off the rock, Satoshi slid the dirt off his shirt, and peered at the object he was now carrying. Wooden, and carved into a quadrilateral, golden letters ran across it to make it appear as a sign that had once held onto something--for when Satoshi rubbed harder on the back, he found two latches that had probably once held it onto a wall or another object. The letters winked at him in curiosity of the newcomer, and slowly started reading the words that had been carved into capitals: MASARA LOCAL RAILROAD. Ikutsu mo no deai Ikutsu mo no wakare Maboroshi no you na omoide mo sukoshi Aruki-tsuzukete doko made yuku no? Kaze ni tazunerarete sora wo miru Aruki-tsuzukete doko made mo yukou ka Kaze to issho ni mata aruki- dasou Satoshi's eyes widened in pure surprise, jumping to his feet as he read the sign yet again, quickly calling Pikachuu over by his simply shrills and happy jumps. "Pikachuu, look! This was a sign to the Masara Railroad; the one everyone thought was just a legend!" Satoshi held the sign down to Pikachuu's height so it could see, watching it sniff curiously as it's nose drove to the ground. "What's wrong, Pikachuu?" *I've gotten the sign's scent...it leads other places. * Satoshi's heart gave a leap of finding more history on this railroad that had really once led to a 'mystery world...' soon leading to the thought of maybe even going there to find this 'magic' that could maybe even make him a Pokemon master. "Follow it, Pikachuu! Maybe we can find more artifacts on the train." Pikachuu's ears perked up into the breeze as it gave an untranslatable 'chaa,' taking off to a run among the grass sea as Satoshi trailed not far behind. As he ran, the grass blades cut at his jeans like knives; only interfering with his bare shoulders that struck the air and only reached the tip of the blades. Pikachuu was fully engulfed by the grass, but was making a small tunnel through the blades that Satoshi could see through a mix of yellow. Pikachuu made it through the rummaging sea of grass, and continued up toward a mountain of rocks and boulders; each once molded in within tree moss and rainwater. Satoshi had never been this far out into the plains of Masara before, and, under no circumstance, offered to go no further--besides, he had a good five hours till he needed to get to school for his match. Once he escaped the sea like Pikachuu had, he too raced up the monstrous boulders; his already soggy sneakers sliding a bit among the mossy rocks that blocked the path. From a distance, he could faintly hear Pikachuu calling out to him. *Pikapi! Be careful on your way down...I know how clumsy humans are. * He paused for a second, but then continued, *I'm over by a ridge...there's a beautiful river below. It seemed to uniquely flow like...the flow of lava. * Satoshi slowly walked among the slippery ridge of boulders, and slowly continued down the mountain of rocks. His sneakers occasionally kicked off loose rocks, but other than that, he felt rather content on the pace he was going to get down. A few Pijon and Poppo flew by to great the two with a few 'Konnichi wa's and chirps, but soon flew away after Satoshi became to 'boring' at his desire to reach the bottom of the rock mountain. As Satoshi watched the mahogany birds fly off in wonder, his foot lost balance among a round, mossed covered boulder, and he went falling down the mountain screaming and kicking-- causing Pikachuu to quickly run over to where he was about to fall in panic. Rocks dug into his skin as he continued to roll across the rocks like a child's toy did the stairs, pain grasping his lungs and knocking the wind out of him as he began to fall more relentlessly; his right hand snagging at a rock as he felt it slightly rip open. His right leg snagged at a nearby tree root that had grasped it's hands among the 'mountain,' and sent him flying to the ground in front of Pikachuu within an engulfment of flying dirt. Coughing, and in pain, Satoshi slowly arose to his knees to check his arms and legs for cuts. His right hand had been gashed right open to reveal crimson droplets that seemed to sizzle like burning tar when it touched the dirt, pain searing through his arm as it continued. His sneaker had been cut where it had snagged the tree root, and as Pikachuu pointed out, he had a jagged scar right across his right eye; sealing it slowly shut. *Are you all right, Pikapi? * The yellow monster's rabbit-like ears perked up in worry, soft mahogany eyes meeting his gaze. *Your eyes are gold again. * "I'm fine, Pikachuu..." Satoshi smiled sheepishly as he placed is gashed hand over his eye, "Just a little sore, that's all..." *That's good...thought I had lost ya there. * Satoshi felt pleased that there was a tone of relief in its voice, soon gazing back up at the rock mountain. A huge boulder struck out at the bottom, and struck two rather round ones at each side, forming almost like eyes. The roof of the plank with rounded perfectly like a sphere, which was why it had been so steep; tree vines concealing in all directions to make the earth cracked in organized squares. "Gosh Pikachuu...it looks exactly like a Goronya!" *That's what I noticed...* Pikachuu took another look at the ridge it had been at earlier. *Come over here and see this...maybe this mountain connects to it like a puzzle. * Satoshi simply nodded, and followed Pikachuu to the ridge; passing several abandoned boulders that lied across a matted field owned by only a few strands of grass. The ridge was guarded by two long, rock carved poles that extended up like a fence, Aabo-like cravings crawling up each one. Satoshi placed a gentle hand on one of the poles; feeling the smooth touch of the splinter less wood among his fingertips. *Pikapi...look at this. * Satoshi looked away from the poles, and crouched to Pikachuu's height, looking over the ridge closely. About thirty or forty feet deep, a river shrouded through the land; guarded by another ridge guarded on the other side within the same strange poles. To the gleaming sun, the water looked like silver. Gasping in awe, Satoshi couldn't believe that such wonders were held secret within the people of Masara. But still, he was puzzled... What was it that Pikachuu wanted to show him? "Pikachuu..." Pikachuu looked up at him. "What did you want to show me? I only see a river." Pikachuu mumbled a short 'chaa' before pointing at the mouth of the river, making its paw trace around its corners. When Satoshi looked closer, he noticed that the head seemed to resemble an Aabo--perfect in all corners, and even at the eye-socket. When his eyebrow perked upwards, he noticed purple and golden speaks swimming in the mouth--which, as a Pijon that happened to be flying by told them, was wild Aabo. "Aabo!" Satoshi looked up at Pikachuu in confusion, soon looking at the river again. "But...there isn't an Aabo in Masara Taun." *My point. There must be something here that resolves with that mountain. * Pikachuu looked at the ground in thought, before its ears perked up high. Regardless to Satoshi's brought forth confusion; it looked back at the river--noticing a slight different creature standing in the middle of the Aabo. *Pikapi! The Masara train! It's down there with the swimming Aabo. * Satoshi's eyes widened as he looked down to get a closer look--which, to his surprise, saw a rusty, metallic looking object that had apparently been knocked over sideways. "It is, Pikachuu! Oh gosh, the legend is real! If that world really exists, and magic really happens there, you and I could become Pokemon masters!" Pikachuu gave a sharp grin, and looked at the drowned train relentlessly. As its trainer and it watched the Aabo swim around the train continuously, Pikachuu's ears snapped up yet again, this time in realization. *Pikapi! I know where we are! * Satoshi looked up in curiosity. "Huh? Where? I'm dying to know!" *We're in a Pokemon God Realm...the realms of the Poison God, Arokoi, and the Ground God Gyaryu! * Its trainer just looked up in confusion, staring down at the Aabo relentlessly. "Pokemon God? Wha--?" Pikachuu sharply interrupted. *The ten Pokemon Gods are said to guard their types in their realm, and send each of their born monsters into the wild...which created the Pokemon you own and know today. They are said to hold a prophecy in which brings together the destruction of the world if caught. * Pikachuu looked up at him. *The ground and poison Pokemon here...they aren't normal Pokemon, Pikapi. * Satoshi arose to his height's extent. "So what is this supposed to mean, Pikachuu?" *It means...* Pikachuu took a deep breath, *It means that that train was destroyed by two of the Pokemon Gods themselves, and that we mustn't go near it...for they wanted the train destroyed for a reason...You see, that mountain is actually the spirit Gyaryu...which was probably why you fell. The Gods don't like humans much...although--* Satoshi perked up an eyebrow. "Although what?" *Although I'm positive that root your foot snagged onto, which saved you from crumbling beneath even more rocks was an ivy branch...* "And so...?" *That means that Arokoi must have saved you. Only it has the power over everything poison. * "But Pikachuu...why would it want to save me if it hates humans?" *That's what I'd like to know myself, actually. * Satoshi simply looked at the ground, studying the dirt patters caused by the wind's havoc. "Well, I still want to see that train..." *But Satoshi...! * Even at that speech of his real name [which Pikachuu only did when he was sincere] Satoshi still grinned sheepishly. "C'mon Pikachuu! It'll be fun...! We just have to go for a swim...I'm sure Gyaryu and Arokoi wont mind." Before Pikachuu had a chance to speak again, Satoshi threw off his shirt, and casually took off his pants, underwear, and shoes, leaving them in a pile next to one of the poles. *Satoshi...you're not really going to...* When Satoshi started climbing down the ridge to reach a reliable place to jump from, Pikachuu's ears perked. *Oh God you are going to! * Traveling quickly on its tiny paws, Pikachuu as well started climbing down the ridge after Satoshi, getting to his position only when he reached the ten foot limit; jumping into the river within a hearty laugh and splash. "C'mon in Pikachuu! The water's great for a day like this!" Pikachuu sighed, knowing it was its only chance in helping its trainer, and jumped into the water it hated to love. The water rushed up to Pikachuu at full speed, splashing a chilly reference through its bones as it dog paddled wildly toward its trainer. *Pikaaapi! * Satoshi grinned, and grabbed Pikachuu in his arms. "Now lets go see that train! I'll carry you over there so you don't have to swim." Pikachuu gave up on struggling with its Master's strength, not getting into the choice of Denki Shokku knowing that the voltage of the water could kill the young boy. Sighing, it went along. Swimming at full force, Satoshi reached the circling Aabo--grinning at their golden eyes and gleaming purple scales as he reached their area. The Aabo looked at him weirdly as he approached, watching him laugh in happiness at the arrival. *What is he? * The Aabo whispered relentless to Satoshi's listening ears, only stopping when Satoshi tried hissing out their own language; trying to be like one of them. *My name is Satoshi...or as my Pikachuu calls me, Pikapi. * The Aabo glanced at each other within awkward glances, one of them speaking up among the silence. *You speak the language of Chuu? * Satoshi blinked. *Chuu? Naw, I'm just trying to speak like you I guess. * *Well, you're definitely speaking Chuu. * Satoshi glanced at Pikachuu who nodded simply. *Chuu is the language of the Raichuu and Pikachuu. They share the same language, except for our 'Pi' 'Ka' and 'Rai's...but that's beside the point--what the main point is how you learned to speak Chuu. * Satoshi simply shrugged, causing a small splash in the water. "Maybe I've been around you too much..." The Aabo yet again looked at him awkwardly. *Now you speak Human. What may you be Sawtoki? * Satoshi pushed his eyes back. *Sawtoki? * The Aabo that had spoken the name looked rather embarrassed. *Your name is hard in our tongue. I hope you don't mind. * Satoshi shook his head, and gave an awkward grin. *No, I don't mind at all. * *Well...* One of the Aabo slithered up to him, and seemed to almost sniff him. *You're definitely not a Pokemon...I can smell that. Although you do smell a lot like Kachuu. * Satoshi giggled as Pikachuu looked slightly annoyed. *I see that Pikachuu is why. * When Satoshi nodded, the Aabo turned to the others. *It seems to bring no harm. Especially since the Kachuu seems to rather like him. * Pikachuu climbed to the rim of Satoshi's head while he looked on at the gathering Aabo, grinning as they came close to him again. *I suppose it and its Pikachuu could join our dance for Gyaryu and Arokoi with the Rizaadon, Rafureshia, Rokon, and Piikusii in an hour...it'd make an actually great improvement. * It stared at Satoshi. *Do you know how to dance? * *Sure! My friend Kasumi and I went to a school dance once when we were younger. * The Aabo looked confused at the term of 'school', so Satoshi beckoned a laugh. *A school is like a pack...except you're there to learn. * *You mean like a Ryuto. * Pretending to understand, Satoshi nodded. *Well then...it's settled. Ukyoa? Take Sawtoki and Pikachuu to the guest rooms. * A long Aabo with silver coated scales approached them, and motioned for them to follow, heading toward the train. Grinning enthusiastically, Satoshi swam toward the train. By old age, the paint had been washed away to reveal rusting metal, slides that held doors cowering among handles surrounding every corner. Once Satoshi examined the train, he watched as the Aabo known as Ukyoa slithered up upon the train end, and twisted her body around the handle of the main door; starting to pull. Getting no luck, she spoke up, *I hate these...human things. They're always so difficult to open...* Satoshi waded toward the door, and grasped his gashed fingers around the rusted doorknob, yanking it open with all his force as the pain took away his strength. But yet, he ignored it, and continued to pull at door; slowly cracking it open. A grin seemed to press across the Ukyoa's face as she watched him finish. *You're a very interesting creature, Sawtoki. * Satoshi grinned sheepishly, and entered the old train within a slide of his two legs; seeming a little bit embarrassed about him remaining naked. Ukyoa slithered down the wooden planked hallway of the train, avoiding cracks and disputes that held a grudge against the train. *This way, please. * Satoshi and Pikachuu followed intentionally, an occasional crack coming from below Satoshi's feet considering his weight. Ukyoa looked up at him. *Oh my...and at first thought I thought you were too skinny for your own good. Poor dear. * Yet again grinning sheepishly, Satoshi followed Ukyoa into a corridor; gladly accepting the herbs she gave him and Pikachu for food. The herbs remained spicy, but tender just the same. The greenish outline of their figure seemed hard at first, but after chewing for a while grew as tender as a rare steak. Ukyoa grinned at the bright-headed Satoshi. *You like? * *Yes, very much! * When he continued to chew, he stopped, and rudely talked with his mouth open; as for the Aabo didn't seem to care much for manners. *But...what is it? * *They're called Eroyu herbs. The Rafureshia grow it for us...created by their spores. They also make great paints for the dances. * She pointed her tail toward a basket near where Satoshi had been sitting; just noticing it had been lying in there. Inside lied a creamy crimson paste that looked like a children's play paints--and when Satoshi put his hand inside, felt even it's touch was soft. *Smear it on your face and body. Doesn't matter where or how. Just get ready for the dance...! It's starting soon. * With that, she took off through the grungy hallways of the train, withdrawing from the entrance within a quick goodbye. Satoshi grinned, and stuck his hand in the paste eagerly, pressing the crimson substance on his chest and face--quickly giving a dab on Pikachuu's forehead with a chuckle. "I have a feeling this is going to be fun, Pikachuu. See? They like me. I'm sure Gyaryu and Arokoi don't mind I'm here anymore if their subjects like me here." As he continued to rub the paint on his body, putting on an old, cobalt colored curtain he had found in one of the corridors around his waist, Pikachuu touched the paste on its forehead and frowned. *I sure hope you're right, Satoshi...I sure hope you're right...* Daichi fumishime doko made mo yukou Mezashita ano yume wo tsukamu made Daichi fumishime doko made mo yukou Mezashita ano yume wo tsukamu made Ra-ra-ra-ra...