Ch. 17: The Serrated Path

 

In a large desolate field, Jaden runs across it alongside his Pokémon towards a large mountain range.

            “Okay guys just six more badges and we can battle the Pokémon League.” Jaden says excitedly to his Pokémon who cry out happily.

The group runs towards the mountain range before noticing a path leading towards the top of the mountains.

            “Okay then, everyone let’s go.” Jaden says excitedly running along.

            “Hold on.” A voice cries out as Jaden runs forward.

Jaden not hearing the voice rushes ahead before tripping and nearly falling onto a large spike, before he falls a Druddigon jumps in front of him and breaks the spike a part, before grabbing Jaden.

            “Thank you.” Jaden says as Druddigon puts him down.

            “You should be more careful, the Serrated Path, isn’t the best place to run around haphazardly.” A large man in a fur covered outfit says walking up to Jaden.

            “Is this your Druddigon?” Jaden asks curiously.

            “Yes, this is one of my partners.” The man says petting Druddigon. “Anyway why are you here young man?” The man asks Jaden.

            “I’m on my way to Brygan City to challenge the Gym and win a Badge.” Jaden says enthusiastically.

            “Oh, that’s surprising, most people don’t think about Gym battles or things like that.” The man says looking at Jaden curiously.

            “Well I want to fight strong opponents and apparently the Gym Leaders and the Elite Four are the strongest there is, oh and the Champion.” Jaden says excitedly.

            “Oh, well if you want to make your way through this path, I think I might as well guide you.” The man says to Jaden. “My name is Gerome, by the way.” The man says introducing himself.

            “My name is Jaden.” Jaden says introducing himself.

 

A while later the duo walks up the path watching out for jagged rocks along the way before eventually reaching a path at the top of the mountain. Looking around Jaden notices a large amount of Dragon type Pokémon surrounding the area.

            “What the, there are a lot of Dragon types around here.” Jaden says looking around.

            “The Serrated Path, cuts through the Draco Mountains, these mountains are the home of most of the Dragon types in this region.” Gerome explains to Jaden.

            “Hey, I’ve been meaning to ask why are you here?” Jaden asks curiously.

            “I live on these mountains, because of the Dragon types here; I take care of any injured ones and help wayward travelers such as yourself.” Gerome explains to Jaden.

            “So you live here?’ Jaden asks curiously.

            “Yes, in fact my home is just a little bit ahead.” Gerome says answering him.

 

Soon the duo reaches a cottage in a large clearing.

            “Is this the place?” Jaden asks curiously.

            “Yes, this is the place.” Gerome says walking up to the cottage.

As Gerome get’s closer the door suddenly springs open, when a small girl with long black hair holding a Banette doll.

            “Gerome, you’re a little late.” The girl says looking at Gerome.

            “Sorry Ai, I was helping a traveler, through the path.” Gerome says to the girl.

            “You’re too nice Gerome.” Ai says looking to Gerome.

            “You might be right.” Gerome says to Ai.

            “Hey Gerome, are we going to go on ahead now?” Jaden asks curiously.

            “No, it’s dangerous to move along the path at night and the suns going down.” Gerome says explaining things.

            “So what will we do?” Jaden asks curiously.

            “You can stay here for the night, and we can set out tomorrow.” Gerome explains to Jaden.

            “Okay, I guess it’s for the best.” Jaden says thinking about things.

A while later the group sits inside the cottage looking around.

            “So you both live here?” Jaden asks curiously.

            “Yes, I live here, and I am Ai’s primary caretaker, but she doesn’t stay here all the time.” Gerome says explaining things.

            “Please, don’t ask questions about me, you seem like quite an idiot.” Ai says to Jaden.

            “You’re kind of rude for a little girl.” Jaden says looking down on Ai.

            “I might be younger, but I’m still stronger than you’ll ever be.” Ai says confidently to Jaden.

As they pair argues Gerome starts laughing loudly at the pair.

            “Ai, you’re normally not this lively, I think you like having some company.” Gerome says looking to Ai.

As the group sits around something bursts through the window as a large wind blows through.

            “What was that?” Jaden asks curiously.

            “It’s a Noibat.” Gerome says looking at the Pokémon who bursts through the window.

As the group looks around a large shadow is seen outside the window followed by a loud cry, as something flies over the cottage.