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Pokémon Legacies: Whispering Echoes
CHAPTER 7. “The First Battle”

CHAPTER 7. “The First Battle”

Elysia, fueled by anticipation and excitement, quickly prepared for the day ahead. As the morning sun cast its warm glow on the industrial architecture of Motostoke City, Elysia took a moment to call her parents. This time, to her delight, her father was available. The screen flickered to life, and there he was, his familiar face radiating warmth and pride.

"Hey, Pikacharm! How's it going?" Ash greeted, a smile playing on his lips while Pikachu also greeted her. Serena appeared beside him, a loving expression mirroring his.

“Hi, dad! I’m glad you are here this time!”, she responded with warm affection as she finally had the chance to let her father know about her early experiences in the region..

Elysia enthusiastically shared the tales of her adventures from the previous day. Starting with the encounter with the mischievous Galarian Meowth troupe. Serena couldn't help but laugh at the antics of the Meowth troupe, while Ash's eyes twinkled with pride at his daughter's independent journey. Soren, appearing in the background, echoed their joy as he tried to get into the conversation.

Just when Elysia began to talk about Adrian, a subtle shift occurred in the atmosphere of the video call. Ash and Serena exchanged a glance, their expressions taking on a tinge of melancholy and a subtle concern. Elysia sensed the change and was quick to pick up on it.

"Adrian mentioned that it's been years since you and Mom were invited to his birthday party," she said, her curiosity evident in her voice. "He told me that it was due to his training with his psychic abilities, but I’m not so sure. For some reason, I cannot help but think that there is another reason why his mothers didn't repeat the gesture, considering how well we got along."

Ash sighed, a mixture of nostalgia and understanding in his eyes.

"Well, Pikacharm, there's a bit of history there. Your mom and I were invited to that particular occasion due Cynthia’s close relationship with them, and it was quite a joyful moment for us and you. We wanted to repeat the gesture when you turned three, but something happened, and we lost touch. Caitlin and Sabrina had their reasons for distancing themselves."

Serena chimed in, "Life can be complicated, and relationships change. Sometimes, it's not easy to keep connections alive. But I'm glad you had the chance to meet Adrian again. How is he doing?"

Ash and Serena listened intently as Elysia shared Adrian's aspiration to follow the path of knighthood. When she mentioned that Adrian was considering meeting Wikstrom, the former Elite Four member of Kalos who had played a significant role in Ash's preparation during his first World Coronation Series, his eyes lit up with recognition and admiration.

"You know, meeting Wikstrom is an excellent idea," Ash chimed in. "He's not just a powerful Trainer, but he's a true knight at heart. He helped me a lot while I was training Sirfetch’d, as well as instructing in me the principles of chivalry and honor. If Adrian wants to embrace that path, he couldn't have chosen a better mentor."

Serena nodded in agreement, "Absolutely. Bringing the old chivalrous ways into the modern world is quite an admirable pursuit. I'm sure Wikstrom will appreciate someone like Adrian with such strong values and help him become a great knight."

As Elysia finished her stories, Ash spoke, "Sounds like you're having quite the adventure, Pikacharm. Remember, every challenge you face makes you stronger. And meeting new friends along the way is just as important as winning battles."

Elysia nodded with determination and fulfillment at her parents' wise advice. But before she was going to end the call, she wanted to show her Meowth to her little brother.

“Look, Soren! This is Meowth! Isn’t it cute?”, she expressed as she showed her new partner.

Soren's cheers and waves of excitement created a heartwarming moment, and the Meowth, still getting used to its new surroundings, responded with playful gestures.

With a final glance and a wave, Elysia bid farewell to her family. The excitement of starting her Gym challenge and the adventures awaiting her in Galar filled her with anticipation, but before that, her appetite must be attended first.

Elysia made her way to the communal dining room outside the Pokémon Center, a vibrant hub of activity filled with trainers enjoying their meals and sharing stories. The atmosphere was lively, and the scent of various curries wafted through the air. The room was adorned with posters showcasing the region's Pokémon and promoting the spirit of camaraderie among trainers, an initiative to the current champion's efforts to foster a sense of community.

Elysia settled at a table with her Gible and Meowth, the latter curiously eyeing the surroundings. As she indulged in the regional delicacies, the warmth of the room and the laughter of fellow trainers created a welcoming environment for anyone.

Still satisfying her appetite, Elysia retrieved her Rotom phone, put on her earphones and opened the audio streaming app, ready to listen to her favorite podcast show.

“Trainers and performers! Pokémon and other mysterious creatures! Welcome to an especial edition of the most popular podcast show in the entire world! I’m your dazzling and cheerful favorite host, Jasmine Star!”

The tone of Jasmine Star's feminine lively voice echoed through the beginning of the podcast episode, setting the stage with their infectious tune.

“And I’m your even more shocking, comical co-host, and still favorite male voice according to recent pulls, Jasper Mirage!”

Jasper Mirage chimed in, his tone more theatrical and sophisticated he always easily managed to transmit despite.

“And above them all, it’s me, Maverick Croon!”, said the mischievous third host with its streetwise and somewhat gruff tone.

“And we are… the ‘PokeBanter Crew’!”, the three of them energetically expressed in unison.

“This special episode is dedicated to all our young fans who are about to begin their exciting journey in the Galar region. So please pay as little attention as possible so you can play this episode over and over again!”, Maverick Coon expressed, causing Elysia to chuckle at the host’s usual jest.

“Galar is not only known by its rich and old history, its vast green landscapes and vibrant, sophisticated style, but also as one of the most difficult regions for Pokémon trainers. Either for those experienced or innocent rookies”, Jasper Mirage added, expressing excitement he spread to their audience

“But since you are already here, let’s recap some few things you must take into account for your journey”, Jasmine Star began. “Gigantamax stadium battles are the unique style of the Galar region, and they are still an important aspect to the gym challenge. However, remember that you can only participate in those after you beat your first gym.”

“That’s right folks! No squishing poor, tiny Pokémon in your first encounters. You must prove you are worth the time it takes to make one of those cool dynamax bands, which you will get after you beat the first gym!”, Maverick Croon clarified.

“Oh, but if you are worried that your gym battles won’t be as exciting without making your Pokémon a towering creature of pure power, don’t you worry!” Jasper Mirage comforted. “Traditional gym battles are also here, courtesy of the current Champion and the Spikemouth gym leader Marnie, in their efforts to make Galar a more diverse place in its challenges.”

“Remember that being in Galar not only means winning, but also getting recognition and tons of fans!”, Jasmine excitedly chimed in. “Traditional gym battles will be broadcast on social networks like PokéVibe, giving trainers a unique platform to showcase their skills, build a fan base, and cultivate a growing reputation! So it is more than battle abilities, but also charisma and spectacle if you want to stand out!”

“But not everything has to be battles,” Jasper explained. “The Hammerlocke gala offers and emphasizes a lively atmosphere and cultural richness. Embark into a night of elegance and sophistication that rivals even those of Kalos!”

“Not to mention that it is the perfect opportunity to confess to your beloved one!”, Jasmine added.

“Also, you should experience a touch of historical insight as you delve into the immersive Middle Ages recreation event in Wyndon. A chance for trainers to immerse themselves in the region's traditions and culture!”

“Finally, folks. Don’t forget that in order to participate in the league, you must face the survival and endurance test in the Wild Area”, Maverick declared with a playful but warning tone. “Three days of challenges in the vast, untamed wilderness of the… Wild Area, a true trial for those aiming for the champion title, and the last filter that will separate those with potential, and the ones who only got lucky.”

“So there you have it, loyal Crew!”, said Jasper with his final words. “We hope we have managed to share with you the basics of what you can expect during your journey in the Galar region.”

“Grow stronger, forge paths, overcome challenges, and make a lasting impact on the Galar region!”, added Jasmine. “Tune in for the rest of our Galar’s special episodes where we focus on each city, gym and spotlight of the region!”

“We were the PokéBanter Crew, and as we always say…”

“CATCH THE BANTER WAVE!”

“WOOOOBBUUUU!!!”

As the PokéBanter Crew finished with their iconic phrase in unison, Elysia, brimming with newfound excitement, gathered her belongings and recalled Meowth to its Poké Ball. Channeling the spirit of her father, who often carried Pikachu on his shoulder, she attempted to hoist Gible up onto her own. However, the weight of the almost 20kg Gible made her reconsider. Opting for a more feasible approach, she walked alongside her dragon-type companion

Gible, with its vibrant shiny color, indeed attracted considerable attention from other trainers as she strolled along with its partner. Its rarity made it an eye-catching spectacle, and Elysia found herself repeatedly fielding requests from intrigued trainers to take pictures of the unique dragon-type Pokémon. Amid the crowd, a persistent man even offered to trade his Dragapult, a proposition that Elysia firmly declined. The journey with Gible by her side proved to be more eventful and attention-grabbing than she had anticipated, and it was only the beginning of her adventure.

Gible had enough already, considering its still young age. It began to growl and intimidate other trainers or Pokémon who approached too close. Realizing that Gible wasn't comfortable with the constant attention, Elysia reluctantly recalled her shiny companion. Despite her desire to strengthen the bond with Gible, she recognized the need to balance it with the Pokémon's comfort.

The situation brought to mind her parents, who, despite their fame, sometimes had to adopt a more low-key approach to enjoy family outings. After such experience, she began to sympathize a bit more about the challenges of navigating life as a trainer where someone is under the public eye.

As Elysia left Motostoke City and set out for Turffield, the vibrant sounds of the city were gradually replaced by the calm rustling of leaves and the distant calls of Pokémon. The path ahead seemed to stretch endlessly, lined with tall grass and occasional wild Pokémon moving about.

Amidst this tranquil setting, a familiar voice called out her name.

“Hey, Elysia! Wait for me!”

Elysia turned to see Owen, who was jogging to catch up with her. His breaths came in short bursts as he greeted her, expressing his delight at meeting her again before the official start of her Pokémon journey.

“Hey, Owen. How are you?”, Elysia returned the greeting with a warm smile, happy to see her new friend.

“I… am… fine…” , said Owen, still catching his breath. “I just needed to ask you something”

“Uh? What is it?“ Intrigued, Elysia inquired about it

“I know you wanted to travel alone first, but can we have a Pokémon battle before? I’d really like to be your first…! I mean, your first opponent!”

Elysia, sharing Owen's excitement, nodded in agreement. She admired Owen's eagerness and saw the proposal as a chance to not only bond further with Gible, but also test her skills as a rookie trainer.

The field was set on a patch of grassy terrain, and Owen and Elysia took their respective positions on opposite sides. As they faced each other, it was evident that both rookie trainers carried a mix of nerves and determination.

Owen's gaze betrayed a touch of nervousness despite his resolve. He couldn't shake off the awareness that Elysia, being the child of the current World Monarch, likely possessed unique and formidable skills. He knew he couldn't afford to underestimate her, considering the legacy she came from.

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On the other side, Elysia stood with confidence. Her upbringing and the stories she'd heard from her parents had instilled in her a deep appreciation for Pokémon battles. She was ready to showcase the skills she had developed, even at this early stage of her journey.

The Pokémon battlefield lay open before them, waiting for the clash of strategies and strengths between the two trainers. The air was charged with anticipation as they prepared to engage in their first official battle.

"Alright, Sobble, let's show them what we've got!" Owen called out, throwing his Poké Ball into the air. Sobble emerged, its large eyes darting around as it assessed the situation.

Elysia took a deep breath and declared, "Gible, let's give it our all!"

Elysia's pragmatic approach shone through as she quickly accessed her Rotom phone to check Gible's move set. The device displayed the list of Gible's known moves: Sand Tomb, Dragon Breath, and Scale Shot. Elysia studied the information, considering the strengths and potential risks associated with each move.

"Sobble, get ready for the battle!" Owen exclaimed, his enthusiasm evident. Sobble, fueled by its trainer's energy, eagerly awaited the next command.

Elysia, now armed with a strategic plan, issued her first command, "Gible, start with Sand Tomb!"

Gible responded swiftly, creating a vortex of swirling sand that enveloped Sobble. The Water-type Pokémon struggled within the confines of the sandstorm, its movements hampered.

"Sobble, use Water Gun to clear the sand!"

Sobble, though hindered by the sandstorm, managed to shoot a focused stream of water at the ground, dispersing the swirling sand.

Elysia, undeterred, formulated her next move. "Dragon Breath, Gible!"

Gible unleashed a powerful Dragon Breath, aiming directly at Sobble. The attack hit its mark, leaving Sobble momentarily disoriented. Elysia, however, refrained from using Scale Shot, opting for a more controlled approach in Gible's development.

As the battle unfolded, more trainers gathered to watch, recognizing the daughter of the legendary Pokémon Trainer, Ash Ketchum. Whispers and murmurs spread through the crowd as they observed the unique shiny Gible in action.

Caught in the whirlwind of attention and the growing crowd, Elysia struggled to maintain focus on the battle. The numerous Rotom phones pointed in her direction, recording every move, adding to the pressure of battle. Gible, already nervous in large crowds, began to show signs of unease.

Owen, seizing the opportunity, commanded Sobble to launch a precise Water Gun that landed squarely on Gible. The direct hit took advantage of the distracted state Elysia and Gible found themselves in, leaving them vulnerable to the attack.

Elysia, realizing the lapse in concentration, quickly snapped back to the battle. "Gible, dodge and counter with Dragon Breath!"

Gible, still affected by the previous hit, struggled to evade Sobble's subsequent attacks. Owen, capitalizing on the advantage, ordered Sobble to use Quick Attack, maintaining the pressure on Gible.

Despite Owen’s effective strategy, Sobble’s fatigue was evident, and Elysia saw an opportunity to turn the tide of the battle. She ordered Gible to execute Sand Tomb once again, hoping to trap the tired Sobble and limit its movement. However, to her surprise, Sobble managed to muster enough strength to deflect the incoming sand with another Water Gun.

The crowd, now even more engrossed in the intense battle, erupted with a mix of cheers and gasps. Owen, displaying resilience and strategy, seized the moment. "Sobble, finish it with Pound!"

Sobble, although exhausted, summoned the last of its strength to deliver a powerful Pound attack. The move landed squarely on Gible, who was still recovering from its previous efforts.

Elysia, despite her best efforts, found herself at a disadvantage. Feeling the mounting pressure, any calm demeanor wavered as the weight of potential defeat settled in. Gible, too tired to execute another Sand Tomb and with limited options, looked to its trainer for guidance.

In a moment of desperation, Elysia decided to take a risk. She urged Gible to get ready, hoping to trick Owen into anticipating another Dragon Breath and allowing an opening. Owen, prepared for the expected attack, signaled Sobble to deflect the attack once more.

"Now, Scale Shot!" Elysia commanded, catching Owen off guard and causing a moment of panic as his prediction went awry.

However, Gible struggled to control the Scale Shot attack, leading to a sudden explosion of residual energy that threw Sobble off balance. Recognizing the opening, Elysia acted swiftly.

“Finish it with a last Dragon Breath!” she commanded. The fiery burst hit Sobble squarely, his eyes swirling with the typical signal that rendered him unable to continue the fight.

After a brief pause, Owen rushed to his partner's side, expressing gratitude for its valiant effort before recalling Sobble into its Pokeball. Elysia mirrored the gesture, acknowledging Gible's exhaustion and appreciating its contribution to the hard-fought victory.

"Thank you, Sobble. Have a well-deserved rest," Owen said as he recalled his partner. Turning to Elysia with a sportsmanlike smile, he added, "Congratulations, Elysia! That was a well-played match."

Still shocked at the outcome, Elysia’s initial worry quickly vanished, replaced by a surge of excitement after winning her very first battle. The surrounding crowd, initially caught up in the intensity of the battle, now erupted in cheers and applause, recognizing the young trainer's skill and determination.

Owen, catching his breath, turned to Elysia with a grin. "I didn't expect you to be such a strategic mastermind. But then again, it's to be expected from the daughter of the World Monarch."

Elysia, feeling a mix of pride and humility, nodded appreciatively. "You really had me cornered there. Good battle, Owen."

As they exchanged compliments, the group of spectators approached, eager to challenge the victorious trainer. Some of them even began playfully jostling each other to be the next in line. Gible, exhausted from the previous battle, couldn't express its discomfort amid the bustling crowd, but Elysia noticed.

Politely excusing herself, she attempted to leave the scene, but one persistent onlooker decided to taunt her.

"Come on! Aren't you the World Monarch's kid or what?"

Elysia, feeling the tension rise, stood her ground for a moment. However, before the situation could escalate, Owen quickly stepped in. He grabbed Elysia's hand and smoothly guided her away from the crowd, diffusing the potential confrontation.

"Let's give Gible a break. They can find another challenger," he suggested, leading Elysia away from the commotion until they reached some solitude in the shade of a quiet tree.

Finally away from the bustling crowd, Elysia and Owen took a moment to tend to their tired Pokémon. Grateful for Owen's quick intervention in the crowd, Elysia expressed her thanks. Owen, scratching his head in humility, replied, "Well, I thought it was the least I could do to repay you."

Perplexed, Elysia questioned what he meant, and Owen, a bit shyly, showed her his Rotom phone. On the screen were pictures of their recent battle, capturing various moments, including one of Elysia in full battle mode. The photo was so well-taken that Elysia couldn't help but commend his skills at capturing the intensity of the battle. However, something made her feel uneasy and despite her friend’s best intentions, she decided to break the silence.

"I appreciate what you did back there, Owen," she said gently. "However, I would have preferred if you just asked me before taking photos of me."

Owen, catching the nuance in her tone, realized he may have overstepped again. "I-I'm sorry, Elysia!" he sincerely exclaimed. "But I may not have been able to capture the best moments had you known I was photographing your very first battle."

Elysia, showing understanding, declared, "Believe me, I was so immersed in the battle that I wouldn't have noticed. Just let me know next time, okay?"

Owen nodded, a bit relieved. “Can I add your picture in my Almanac?”

“Uh? Me?” she said with a mix of confusion and flattery. “But I’m still a rookie. Why don’t you wait until I beat at least some gyms?”

“Nah, it’s ok!,” Owen declared. “You can be right next to Hilda. Because I’m sure you will also be great!”

Elysia, showing an uncharacteristic and subtle blush for the first time, finally nodded in agreement.

“By the way, how on earth did you manage to get such unique and cool angles? Weren't you battling me at the same time?"

"Glad you liked the shots. It's all thanks to my little secret weapon." He pulled out a tiny black device from his pocket and showed it to her. The miniature contraption hovered gracefully, propelled by small, fine wings.

"Meet my ‘FlutterDrone camera’! I have eight like these. They're a game-changer!" Owen proudly exclaimed, watching Elysia's eyes widen with intrigue.

The ‘FlutterDrone’ camera resembled a Cutiefly, mirroring the endearing charm of its Pokémon counterpart while sporting a sleek, obsidian-black exterior. Standing at a diminutive size, it encapsulated the essence of Cutiefly's adorability, with a small, round body covered in a soft and velvety black casing. Its eyes maintained the innocent and simple allure of the original Pokémon, now transformed into multifaceted lenses that captured the surroundings with technological precision, emanating a gentle glow of blue and black.

Two delicate, translucent wings adorned with intricate details replaced the typical bug-fairy wings, allowing the ‘FlutterDrone’ to hover gracefully in the air. The subtle hum of the finely engineered propellers on either side of its frame mimicked the fluttering motion, merging the realms of fairy elegance and technological innovation.

“It’s so awesome and in some way very cute! Did you make it?” asked Elysia

Owen chuckled, enjoying the opportunity to unveil his hidden tactic. "Well, you see," he began, "these babies are the brainchild of my mom. She's an engineer and a small-time inventor back at home in Goldenrod City. The cameras are equipped with specific angles, all controlled through an app on my Rotom Phone. It's a nifty little tool my dad programmed."

He then took his phone and with a single touch of the screen, the FlutterDrone began to flutter all over the place with such speed it caused problems for Elysia to follow its path.

"I strategically program the position they must take before a battle, and they do the rest. That's how I capture those dynamic shots. It's like having my personal camera crew in the midst of the action!"

Elysia's eyes sparkled with excitement as she continued admiring them. "Owen, these FlutterDrones are absolutely amazing! Your parents must be incredible inventors. I can't believe the perfect blend of technology and charm in these little gadgets. Please convey my admiration to them!"

Owen beamed with pride at Elysia's enthusiasm. "Thanks, Elysia! I'll definitely let them know. My mom and dad love tinkering with inventions in their free time!"

Elysia nodded and continued, "You know, my dad is a close friend of a recognized inventor from Kalos, and we've seen some impressive devices, but these FlutterDrones are on a whole new level. They have this captivating charm to them. It's like art and technology coming together." She gestured toward the hovering FlutterDrone with a smile. "Your mom and dad's creation is something else!"

“By an inventor from Kalos, do you refer to Clemon? ‘The Clemont’?”

“Yes, that's him! I affectionately call him Uncle Clemont!".

Owen's face lit up with excitement. "After Ash, he's the person my parents admire the most! His is the only picture they didn't let me snap and put it in my Almanac! Clemont is a legend among inventors!"

Elysia chuckled, sharing in Owen's enthusiasm. "Uncle Clemont's inventions are groundbreaking, and he's such a kind person. Along with his sister, Aunt Bonnie, I'm lucky to have both of them close to my family. I guess I’ll have to add his autograph to the pile of the ones I already promised to you".

Owen chuckled in appreciation of the conversation, grateful for the shared admiration of their respective families. Elysia, sensing a shift in the mood, smoothly transitioned to a new topic.

"By the way, Owen," she began, "I have to say, your strength as a Pokémon trainer is truly impressive, and your battle style was much more intense than I expected," Elysia admitted.

Owen blushed, seemingly pleased with the compliment. "For a moment, I thought I had the battle in the palm of my hands, but I didn't expect Gible to have such an unusual and powerful attack."

“We were actually lucky,” she humbly declared. “Both me and Gible have a long way to go in mastering the Scale Shoot move. However, I’m worried about something else now”.

“Uh? And what could it be?,” Owen’s curiosity piqued.

“I didn’t consider before that crowds make Gible nervous and anxious in these situations,” she admitted. “How am I supposed to battle and gather experience against trainers if I’m going to become the spotlight every once in a while due my upbringing and Gible’s uniqueness?”

Owen thought about her predicament and after a short time thinking of some options, he enthusiastically suggested.

“Why don’t you battle some wild Pokémon before engaging with more trainers? You may even find a strong one to add to your team!”

Elysia loved the idea and took out her Rotom phone to check the map. She pointed at a place she had always intended to visit since planning her journey: Slumbering Weald, the site where the legendary Pokémon guardians of Galar were said to sleep.

“That’s a great place!” Owen declared.

“Yeah. My dad told me about how he went there in his youth, accompanied by ‘Uncle Goh’"

"Goh, the legendary Pokémon catcher!?" Owen exclaimed in his usual excitement.

Elysia nodded and added that it had been quite a long time since she met him, along with "Aunt Dawn, Aunt Misty, Aunt Lillie, Uncle Gladion..." and many more who accompanied her father during his journeys. Owen expressed his jealousy, as she had the chance not only to know so many renowned trainers and personalities but the way she called them "uncle" or "aunt" meant she was quite close to them.

Owen could have spent hours trying to get into Elysia's family life, but she stopped him, telling him that she was now heading to Slumbering Weald. Owen begged her to let him accompany her to that spot, and then he would go his separate ways, as both promised. Elysia sighed and agreed after considering it for a short time. Owen thanked her and then led her to the Corviknight Taxi service since it was quite a distance from where they were.

Both boarded the transporting service stationed at the entrance of Motostoke City, and once they boarded the vehicle, Elysia could take a better appreciation of the landscape. The Galar region unfolded before her, with its vast fields, rolling hills, and unique landmarks. The taxi soared through the sky, giving them a bird's-eye view of the picturesque scenery.

As they enjoyed the view, Owen broke the silence, “You know, Elysia. I’ve always had trouble while talking to other people”.

Elysia stopped her appreciation of the sky landscape as Owen began to speak. “Uh? Why is that so?”

“Well… you must have noticed that I have problems with other people’s boundaries, and that has caused others to avoid me entirely, or talk as little as possible to me since they are concerned I may have ulterior motives”.

Elysia offered a sympathetic smile at Owen’s honest openness. “It’s because they don’t give you a chance to know you better,” she cheered him up. “Otherwise, they would find out just how great a person you are”.

Owen blushed with a tender smile as he opened his Legends Almanac.

“That’s why I admire all these people,” he said as he passed the pages. “These are not only pictures of strong and charismatic trainers, but a fragment of these individuals' legacies whose image talk to us and inspire us to be better despite our different approaches or backgrounds. Like… like a… ”

“A voice or a whisper…”, Elysia completed.

Owen couldn’t find a better word of what he felt and nodded. “I’m happy that I found such a good friend like you, Elysia.”

Elysia responded to the honest gesture with her tender and warm smile. No more words were needed to express her same feeling.

As the Corviknight Taxi descended gracefully, its wings cutting through the crisp air, the two friends marveled at the sight below. The forest, ancient and enigmatic, spread beneath them like a vast tapestry woven with emerald hues and dappled sunlight. The taxi touched down on a mossy clearing, and the friends stepped out, their anticipation tangible.

The towering trees loomed overhead, their branches whispering secrets only the Slumbering Weald could comprehend. Subtle shafts of golden sunlight filtered through the dense canopy, casting a warm glow upon the moss-covered ground. The air, thick with the scent of ancient wisdom, seemed to hum with the promise of mystical encounters.

As they stood on the threshold of the old forest, the friends shared a knowing look, their excitement mirrored in the glint of their eyes. The Corviknight, with a dignified caw, took to the sky once more, leaving the two adventurers in a sea of misty green.

"This is it," Elysia exclaimed, the words carrying a mix of reverence and exhilaration. “Let’s go, Owen!”.

The air was charged with anticipation, and the atmosphere seemed to shimmer with the promise of mystical adventures awaiting just beyond the threshold. Their surroundings spoke of a place where history and the supernatural intertwined, and the very stones beneath their feet seemed to hum with a forgotten energy.