(Heh. Just remember that the Time Gears are protected by Legendaries.) "This is a Mega Stone!" Sola exclaimed. "It's Aggronite!" At hearing this, Rhea perked up. "A... a stone?" "Yeah, Rhea!" Ensio smiled. "When you're a big, strong Aggron, you can become bigger and stronger!" "You'll need a Keystone first, though," Sola said. "Thankfully, I have one." (Continues)

Sola pulled the Keystone out of her pocket. It was old and worn, yet appeared to have been treated with love for many years. "This was given to me by my mother before I set out on my quest. I don't have any Pokemon, so you can have it. Treat it well." "Really? Thank you!" Shorai graciously took the Keystone and attached it to the keychain on her bag. "Behold! My Mega Keychain!" (Continues)

Sola managed a weak chuckle. "Alright, hero, let's keep moving." West of Fallorbor Town, Team Shorai followed the route that lead to Meteor Falls. On the way, they were challanged in a double battle! Using Rhea and Cobblestone, Shorai won the fight! Amazingly enough, this caused both Rhea and Cobblestone to evolve at the same time! Rhea became a Lairon, while Cobblestone was now a Breloom. (Con.)

"How cool is that?" Shorai squeed. "Two evolutions at the same time!" With more confidence than ever, Team Shorai entered Meteor Falls. They fought off many a Zubat in the cave, eventually coming out the other end. As they kept moving, they battled and battled until they wandered down to Rustboro City. (Continues)

At the Pokemon Center, Shorai healed her Pokemon as Sola had her bandages changed. After wards, Sola yawned. "It's been a long day. Let's rest. We'll need it for tomorrow." "Okay!" Shorai agreed. That night, she and her Pokemon slept in a dogpile-esque lump, while Sola slept on the couch. Early in the morning, Ensio awoke to see that Sola wasn't in the Center. The egg was gone as well (Continues)

Ensio wandered outside. "Oh. There you are." Sola was holding the egg and was just outside the Center, watching the sunrise. "Where I come from," She began. "We could never see the sunrise. That's why I always wake up early to watch it." "I see." Ensio stated. "And they don't have eggs either?" "No, actually. They were very rare." As she said this, Cobblestone waddled outside. (Continues)

"So are we having a party out here?" Cobblestone asked. Ensio chuckled. "Yeah, Cobs. We're having a party." "I told you not to call me Cobs." The Breloom grumbled. "Mind if I see that egg, Sola?" "Sure. Just be careful," Sola answered as she handed the egg to Cobblestone. Just as it reached his claw-fist... things, it started cracking. "It's hatching! I'll get Shorai!" Ensio rushed inside. (Con.)

Shorai and the rest of her team sleepily stepped outside. Shorai rubbed her eyes as she watched the cracks get bigger. Suddenly, the egg burst open! In Cobblestone's claw-fist-things was a newly-hatched Eevee. "Aw! How cute! Looks like Cobblestone's a daddy!" This made the Breloom blush, but he was indeed proud to be a father, even if he was an adoptive one. "Can I name her?" He asked. (Continues)

"Of course!" Shrai answered. Cobblestone smiled. "Mostyn. I'll name him Mostyn." "Out of curiosity, why Mostyn?" Akiko asked. "My father's name was Mostyn. He used to be a trainer's Pokemon before he was released." "And here I thought you had no backstory!" Ensio grinned. "Congrats, Cobs!" "Don't call me that." "Sure thing, Cobs." "..." (Continues)

"What are you going to evolve him into?" Sola's question broke Ensio and Dobblestone's banter. "I'll ask Mostyn when he's old enough to talk," Shorai decided. "Until then, let's keep moving!" Sola nodded. "Right. The Regirock lies in the desert. In its cave is one of the Time Gears. We should get moving as soon as possible." (Your turn; I'm also going to bed now.)

(Good morning!) In the center of the room was Regirock. "Regigigigirock!" It called. "You shall not pass!" "The Time Gear is in the next room! We have to defeat Regirock!" Sola yelled. "Okay! Go, Cobblestone!" The Breloom stepped forward. Mostyn tried following him, but was held back by Rhea. "No, Mostyn." "Eevee..." (Continues)

"Cobblestone, Forcepalm!" The Breloom struck Regirock. The Legendary Pokemon then used Rock Throw! Cobblestone was blown back by the rock! "Cobblestone!" Shorai called. "I'm... I'm up." Cobblestone struggled to get up. the Rock Throw was a critical hit, making the Brelooms health go straight into the yellow. "Mega Drain!" Shorai ordered. Cobblestone sucked Regirock's energy! (Continues)

The Mega Drain was super effective! Regirock fainted! "Yes!" Team Shorai cheered. Behind Regirock was a secret doorway. "This way. The Time Gear is this way." Sola led the team through the doorway. (Continues)

The secret room was round with smoothened walls. All over the place were mysterious aqua-blue runes that glowed with tranquility. In the very center floated an aqua-blue gear the was small enough to fit the palm of of a human hand. "Is that it?" Shorai asked. "It is," Sola answered. She was smiling with vivacious energy. "There it is! The third Time Gear!" (Continues)

Sola stepped forward to the Time Gear. "When I grab this, we'll have to run out of here as soon as possible. Get ready." Shorai then took the mystic gear and placed it in her pouch with the others. Suddenly, the runes disappeared, and the room started becoming gray! "Now! We have to run!" Team Shorai hightailed out of there, and they kept running until they were in Route 112. (Continues)

"What the heck was that?!" Ensio huffed. "The entire cavern turned gray!" "That was the effect of taking a Time Gear," Sola explained. "The area that surrounds the Time Gear will have stopped time until all the Gears are in the Temporal Tower." "Stopped time?" Akiko asked. "Yes. The wind will stop blowing, the plants will stop moving, and all natural life will cease." (Continues)

"Thankfully it's only temporary," Sola finished. "Now, let's go to Lavaridge Town." "Right!" Shorai agreed. "To the cable cars!" Team Shorai fought on the way there, then enjoyed the view as the cable car went up. At the top, they bought some Lava Cookies and enjoyed the warmth of Mount Chimney. Afterwards, they climbed down Jagged Pass, battling along the way. (Continues)

Although the Jagged Pass was treacherous, they eventually made it down to Lavaridge Town. "Why don't we relax in the hot springs first? I'm bushed!" Shorai said. "I guess a little relaxation wouldn't hurt." Sola agreed. (Have you played Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time/Darkness/Sky? Your turn, by the way.)

(Okay, but Mostyn's a boy. Also, it's okay to call Cobblestone the Cobbler.) "Well," Sola said as she got up. "We better keep moving." "Yes." Nodded Rhea, who was uncomfortable being in so much water. After drying off, the team went into Flannery's gym to train and fight. Thanks to Ensio's excellent typing, the gym was easily defeated! The fourth badge was received! (Continues)

After Shorai wrote her name at the entrance, she and her team journeyed to Petalburg. It was long and arduous, but they finally made it. They trained in the gym proper, then they finally made it to Kimmy's father: Norman. "We're back, Norman!" Kimmy called. "We're ready this time!" (Your turn. You should be Norman since he's Kimmy's dad.)

(It is indeed.) "Yes, actually," Sola answered. "Have you seen a Grovyle around here?" "A Grovyle?" Shorai asked. "Yes. He's... a friend of mine." Sola closed her eyes. "Seeing as you get around, Kimmy, I thought that you've maybe seen him."

"Oh. Alright, then." Sola nodded. "We have to get going now." "Wait!" Shorai cried! "I wanna ask Mostyn if he wants to evolve first! I think he's old enough to talk now!" She kneeled down to the young Eevee. "What do you want to evolve into, little guy?" "Uhm..." Mostyn sat beside Cobblestone and looked up at his adoptive father. "Like... like him!" "A Leafeon, then? Okay!" Shorai got up. (Continu

"To Petalburg Woods!" After healing at the Pokémon Center, Team Shorai went into the forest to find the Mossy Rock. After some searching, they found it. "Now to battle!" With the rest of the team watching, Mostyn battled until his mutated cells reacted to the Mossy Rock. At that moment, he started glowing! When he finished, he was a Leafeon! "Congratulations, Mostyn." Sola said. (Continues)

"How do you feel?" Cobblestone asked. There was no hiding the pride he felt for Mostyn. "Great! I'm like you, Dad!" The Leafeon called. Shorai squeed. "Aw! He's so gosh-darn cute! Come here, you!" Sola smiled as the trainer hugged her newly evolved Pokémon. (Continues)

Afterwards, the group travelled to the route east of Mauville. Using an HM, Ensio Surfed them across. The path ahead was full of ridiculously high and thick grass. "What do we do now?" Shorai asked. "We just keep moving." Sola led the way, pushing the grass with all her strength. (Continues)

After was seemed like hours of pushing through the grass and battling constantly, they reached the Weather Institute. "Whew!" "Finally!" "At last!" The entire team collapsed on the floor and slept through the entire night. When the morning came around, they clogged through and finally reached Fortree. There, they healed at the Pokémon Center and decided on a course of action. (Your turn)

(You're just overreacting. The cavern with Registeel and the next Time Gear is ahead, though, so if you want me to handle that let me know.)

(Sorry for the delay- my family wanted to play Smash) "Well, four down, one to go!" Ensio said as he marched ahead. "The last one is the hardest, however." Sola corrected. "It's in Origin Cave, and guarded by Groudon. They said that Lexi once caught Groudon, but since she's gone..." She shook her head. "I'm sure we can make it. We can do this." "Yeah!" Everyone cheered. (Continues)

Eventually, Team Shorai made it to the Safari Zone. "Welcome to the Safari Zone!" One of the attendees stated. "This place used to be a sanctuary for Pokemon, but now it's become so dangerous we've had to close it off. We're sorry that you came all this way for nothing." "Don't worry, I'm a Pokemon Trainer!" Shorai winked with a smile. "I'm sure I can handle it!" (Continues)

"Well, alright." The attendees unlocked and opened the gate to the Safari Zone. "Just be careful." "I will!" Team Shorai marched through. "Heh, did you notice that they closed the gate behind us?" Sola whispered. "They're probably just playing it safe! We can habdle it!" As if to prove them wrong, a horde of Pokemon attacked! (Continues)

Ensio, Akiko, Cobblestone, Rhea, and Mostyn all crowded around Shorai and Sola to protect them from the dozens of Pokemon. Using their attacks, they managed to fend them off! Just then, however, a wild Pikachu leaped through and electrocuted the humans! "Shorai! Sola!" The distraction was just enough for the wild Pokemon to be pin down the team members. (Continues)

The Pikachu crawled on top of Shorai and prepared to electrocute her heart. "Shorai, no!" Ensio struggled, but he couldn't budge a muscle. The Pikachu's cheeks started sparking, ready for the kill! "Shorai! SHORAI!!" Suddenly, Ensio started glowing! In the midst of evolution, he performed Earthquake! All the wild Pokemon fainted from the attack with only seconds to spare. (Continues)

Ensio, now a Swampert, rushed to Shorai's side and held her in his arms. "Shorai? Can... can you hear me?" Shorai weakly opened her eyes. "Hm? Oh, hey, Ensio. You evolved- that's cool." "Oh, Shorai!" The Swampert hugged his trainer and blinked happy tears. "I'm so happy you're okay." "I'm alright, too." Sola said as she got up. "I've been through worse." (Continues)

"I think we should leave. It's too dangerous to train here." Ensio ordered. Cobblestone kicked open the gates and the team ran inside the building. Once the gate closed, Mostyn walked up to Shorai and Sola. "Since I'm a Leafeon, I think I might be able to help you guys heals." Ensio thought this over. "Well, it doesn't hurt to try. Just be careful." Mostyn nodded and closed his eyes. (Continues)

By focusing his verdant energy, he managed to restore a little bit of their wounds. "I-I didn't do very well. Shorai still has electrical burns, and she won't be able to walk for awhile. I'm sorry." "It's... alright..." Shorai moaned. "I'll be fine..." Meanwhile, Sola silently stood in a corner, horrified. "What's wrong?" Rhea quietly asked her. "I knew this would happen..." Sola whispered. (Cont

"What are you talking about, Sola?" Rhea slowly asked. "You probably guessed this already, but I'm from the future. Grovyle and I wanted to prevent the Planet's Paralysis by collecting the Time Gears and placing them in the Temporal Tower. Before we went back, we researched events of the past. One of them was that a young trainer named Shorai was nearly killed by Pokemon in the Safari Zone." (Con)

"What happened to her afterwards?" Rhea asked, horrified. Sola sighed. "She was so traumatized by the experience that she lost her spirit and gave up training altogether. She was actually my mentor back in the future. She said she that I reminded her of herself. Now I... I failed her..." Sola sat down dejectedly. "I failed to protect her... Now what can we do?" (Want me to keep going?)

(Why thank you! I think I almost broke my own heart, though!) "Don't worry, Sola. We'll find a way." Rhea comforted the suffering girl. She turned to the others. "Maybe we can find something in Mount Pyre." "No." Ensio shook his head. "We're almost to Lilycove City. We might as well keep moving until we reach it. That way, Shorai can get proper treatment." (Continues)

Carrying Shorai on his back, Ensio lead the way through the route. Akiko and the others held off any wild Pokemon that attacked, and they finally made it to the city. Inside the Pokemon Center, they admitted Shorai into the emergency room while Sola's wounds were bandaged since they were minor ones. That night everyone waited inside. While everyone eventually fell asleep, Ensio couldn't. (Continu

That morning, one of the nurses came to the team. "Shorai's wounds have been treated and adressed. She won't be able to walk on her own for awhile, and you'll need to regularly need to apply ointment to the wounds. I suggest that you all stay in the city for about a week, then try travelling." As they said this, Shorai came into the room. Much of her body was bandaged and she was using crutches. (

Ensio hugged his trainer. "I'm so glad to see you again! How do you feel? Does it hurt anywhere? Do you want me to carry you?" Shorai looked up at him. Her eyes were dimmer than before, less vivacious. "Hm... Hi, Ensio. Sorry to worry you." Her voice had hollowed somewhat. The spark that she'd carried through this adventure had fizzled, leaving a shell behind. (Continues)

While everyone else noticed this, Ensio didn't. Even if he did, he didn't want to believe it. As the week passed, he took Shorai all over the city. He toured the museum with her, he wandered the department store with her, and he watched Pokemon contests with her. Yet even at the end of the seven days, Shorai was still no different than before. (Continues)

At this time, the other Pokemon (and Sola) got together to talk qbout this. "I fear for Shorai. I think she's too broken to continue this journey." Akiko stated. "But what does that mean for us? We still have the save the worlds and stuff!" Cobblestone objected. "Maybe actually entering a contest could help," Mostyn offered. (Continues)

"I have a feeling going to Mount Pyre will give us the solution," Rhea piped up. "Why do you say that?" Akiko asked. "Well, it's full of spirits. Maybe one of them can help mend Shorai's." Rhea explained. "I think we should try it," said Sola. "Before I was separated from Grovyle, we made Mount Pyre our rondevous point in case something happened." (Continues)

Cobblestone shook his head. "Well, I don't think Shorai's ready for travel yet, and Ensio won't leave her side even for a second. I'm gonna stay and try to help her." "I'm staying here as well," Mostyn added. "Shorai needs us to be here with her." "What about you, Akiko?" They looked at the Kirlia. Akiko was Shorai's first caught Pokemon; anything she said would hold a lot of influence. (Continue

"...I believe Cobblestone is right. Your hunch may be correct, but we can't simply leave our trainer. If the two of you want to travel alone, though, I won't stop you." "Fine, then." Rha huffed. "Sola and I are going to Mount Pyre." (Your turn. I have no idea how they're going to reach the dang place, though.)

(We could do that. I'll do that.) As Rhea and Sola left, Akiko used her telepathy to contact Kimmy's Gardevoir Becca. <Becca? If you can hear me, we need Kimmy's help. Rhea and Sola want to reach Mount Pyre.> (Your turn)

(Indeed.) On Mount Pyre, Rhea, Sola, Mufala, and Catdelia climbed upwards. On the second floor, a Growlithe passed them with flowers in her mouth. "Who's Growlithe is that?" Sola asked. "Oh, that's Huoyan." An old lady replied. "She, her trainer, and the rest of the team was caught in an earthquake a few years back. She was the only survivor. She's visited their graves each day." (Continues)

"That's so sad." Rhea lamented. "Oh, hey. Huoyan, do you want to come with us? I know someone who you might like. You could hep each other move on." "!!! Well, it's sudden. I need thought on that," The Growlithe answered. "Well, meet us at the top when you make up your mind," Rhea smiled supportively. "Alright. I thank you." (Continues)

Rhea and the others climbed up the mountain, battling as they went. At the very top, Sola walked forward. "Grovyle! I made it! I have four Time Gears! The other Pokemon are friends!" A Grovyle hesitantly leaped from amongst his hiding place. He sighed with relief. "Sola! It is so good to see you again!" The two hugged. "So that's Grovyle?" Rhea asked. (Continues)

"Yes," Sola answered. "He's my best friend. We've known each other since we were newborns. Grovyle, this is Rhea, Mufala, and Catdelia." "It's nice to meet you." Grovyle greeted them. "But we must hurry. The Planet's Paralysis is nearing with each passing day. The morning may not come soon." "Right! Let's move!" Sola ordered. On their way down, they ran into Huoyan. (Continues)

"I thought of your offer," Huoyan said. "I think yes, but only to help heal your friend's heart." "Alright." Rhea nodded. "Welcome to the team!" With Mufala, they made it back to Lilycove and reunited with the others in the inn. (Continues)

"There you guys are! Where have you been?!" Ensio asked worridly. "We've been recruiting," Rhea answered. "This is Huoyan. She lost her team and trainer, so she knows what it's like to lose everything. She can help Shorai." Rhea gestured to Shorai for the Growlithe. Huoyan shuffled up to the girl and started licking her face. "Hey, don't cry! You alive, right?" (Continues)

Shorai started giggling from the surprise licks. "Hey, stop it! It tickles!" The Growlithe followed the order and obediently sat beside her new trainer. "I sit with you! We'll both heal!" "Yeah..." Shorai, for the first time in a long time, smiled a real smile. "I guess we will." (Huoyan was inspired by therapy dogs that work at hospitals; I couldn't resist! Your turn.)

(Heh. Well, first of all, Houyan is a girl. Second of all, she's usually sweet and trusting. Third of all, she's meant to stay with the team as the final member. I hope you fully read from now on.) By leaning on Ensio, Shorai stood up. "Alright, guys! We have two badges to earn and a Time Gear to steal! Let's go!" She walked with renewed energy. "She's right," Grovyle added. (Continues)

"The sooner we leave, the better." The group headed to the east beach of Lilycove. "Are you coming with us, Kimmy?" Sola asked. (Your turn. If Kimmy leaves now, know that she WILL be needed when she get the fifth Time Gear, all the way up to the Temporal Tower.)

(Yes, we get the last two badges, then the Time Gears. After that, we'll venture to Sky Tower, where Rayquaza is. It'll take us to Temporal Tower, where the endgame begins.) Team Shorai healed at the Pokemon Center and marched straight to the sixth Gym. Just before entering, however, Huoyan stopped. "May I evolve? It will help." "Well, do you have a Fire Stone?" Shorai asked. (Continues)