After Morgan and Nick had been awarded the title of 'Baron' and 'Baroness' in the battle against Celestia and Luna, the twins and their escorts had left. Morgan and Nick then had challenged several different Barons and Baronesses.

It took Genevieve a lot to convince the two that it was time to hit the road. In fact, I believe that Morgan and Nick actually left because there were no more challengers for them.

The traveling was boring, with Chespin fighting either Fennekin or I. We traveled the rest of the way down Route 7, and through the Zubat Roost (Boy, did that thrill Fennekin. Not). We ended up camping on Route 8, because none of us wanted to keep traveling in the dark. We, thankfully, had no more run- ins with the wild Pokemon. When we woke, we ate, packed up, and promptly started walking again. Which was what we were still doing.

"Why do we do so much walking?" Chespin complained.

"It wouldn't be as bad if you didn't complain as much," I replied.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Chespin snapped.

"It means we're all tired, and you never here us complaining, which means you shouldn't," Fennekin answered.

"Well, what am I supposed to do?" Chespin growled.

"Keep your mouth shut," Fennekin responded.

"Speak for yourself," Chespin grumbled.

"I am speaking for myself, in case you haven't noticed," Fennekin retorted.

"That's not what I meant!" Chespin exclaimed.

"Then what did you mean?" I inquired.

Chespin blinked, clearly not knowing how to reply. He was saved, however, when Morgan called, "Chespin! I want to catch that Pokemon!" She then raced of the path. Chespin followed.

"Finally, some quite," Conner sighed. Nick and Genevieve had both stopped and watched at Morgan rushed off to catch a new Pokemon.

"Should we wait for her?" Nick asked.

"That would probably be the best idea," Genevieve agreed.

Conner, Fennekin, and I sighed in relief, sitting down on the ground. I laid back and admired the fluffy, white clouds for a while.

"Rest is nice," Fennekin sighed, "And no Chespin anywhere near-"

"Miss me?" Chespin questioned as he leapt out the tall grass surrounding the path.

"I spoke to soon," Fennekin pouted.

Morgan emerged from the grass just behind Chespin. Genevieve and Nick both walked over to her.

"Did you catch that Pokemon?" Genevieve inquired.

"Yep" Morgan replied, proudly holding up a Pokeball.

"Cool," Nick stated, "Which Pokemon is it?"

"You'll have to find out," Morgan answered, smiling as she attached the Pokeball to her Pokeball belt.

"Alright, I guess that means our break's over," Conner noted, "Back to walking."

"What? I don't wanna walk!" Chespin whined, flopping to the ground.

"Well, too bad, because you had better believe I'm not carrying you," I replied.

"Neither am I," Fennekin added.

Chespin looked hopefully at Conner.

"Hey, don't look at me!" Conner exclaimed, backing up, "You have feet; you can walk like the rest of us."

Chespin pouted, but got up and followed us.

After walking a few more hours long, and listening to Chespin complain, I heard Morgan shout, "There it is! Ambrette Town!"

"Finally!" Chespin sighed, "I don't have to walk anymore!"

"Don't forget; we're just stopping by Ambrette Town for a few minuets before continuing on to Cyllage City, where the Cyllage Gym is," I reminded him.

"Why me?" Chespin wailed.

"Hey, I heard that Ambrette Town has a Fossil Lab. Maybe we should go check it out," Genevieve suggested.

"Yeah! That would be awesome!" Morgan agreed. She raced ahead of us into the town, before turning around and asking sheepishly, "Ah, where is the Fossil Lab?"

"This way!" Genevieve responded, walking around a corner and leading us deeper into the town. Towering in front of us was a plain- looking, white building.

"That's the Fossil Lab?" Nick inquired.

"Only one way to find out," Morgan stated, stepping through the doors. The rest of us followed her.

Upon entering, we were surrounded by self upon self full of numerous rocks.

"Wow," Fennekin breathed.

"I've never seen so many rocks in my life!" Chespin exclaimed.

"Chespin, they're not rocks. They're fossils of Pokemon who lived long before people were even thought of. Show some respect!" I growled.

"Sorry!" Chespin whimpered.

"Ah, you three must be here for some fossils," a voice observed. Everyone turned and saw a man in a lab coat and glasses. He must have been a scientist working in the lab.

"Ah, yes, we are," Morgan replied.

"Well, I'm very sorry, but the scientist who typically hands out fossils went to the Glittering Cave to collect more. It's been a while, and he hasn't returned. I'm starting to get worried," the scientist explained.

"Oh, okay," Morgan said. The scientist left, and Morgan turned to Genevieve and Nick. "We should go look for the scientist. If he's been gone long enough to make others worry, something might be up."

"Yeah," Genevieve agreed, "It could be Team Flare. And if it's them again..."

"We have to go help him," Nick stated.

"Let's go!" Morgan exclaimed, racing out of the building, before stopping and asking, "Uh... Where's the Glittering Cave?"

Genevieve sighed, "It's just down Route 9. However, the ground there is so rocky, you need to ride a Ryhorn to get there."

"A Ryhorn?" Morgan asked.

"Eh... who here knows how to ride a Ryhorn?" Nick questioned, "I never learned."

"Are you sure that there's no other way?" Morgan inquired.

"Positive," Genevieve answered, "unless you suddenly grow wings and fly there."

"I've never ridden a Ryhorn before," Nick sighed, "I can already tell that this is going to be lots of fun."

"Ah... maybe once or twice," Morgan replied, "I wouldn't say I'm and expert, but I suppose I could teach you the basics."

"Great! It's settled then!" Nick stated, "When we reach the Ryhorns, you can teach us how to ride them!"

Nothing happened for the rest of the walk, and we soon came upon a sign that read, "Route 9." Just beyond the sign was a corral full of Ryhorns or all shapes and sizes.

"This must be the Ryhorn Corral for Route Nine," Nick noted.

"Yes, that would appear to be the case," Genevieve replied.

"Ryhorn are BIG!" Chespin exclaimed. I rolled my eyes.

"Of course they're big, silly," Fennekin stated, "Our trainers are riding on them! They have to be big."

Genevieve, Morgan and Nick went down to the corral and entered the pin where the Ryhorn were being held. Connor, Chespin, Fennekin, and I stayed outside, for fear of being trampled by the Ryhorns. That, and it was funny too watch Nick and Genevieve attempt to ride annoyed Ryhorn. However, Morgan did her best to teach the two, and when they each found a Ryhorn who was willing to work with them, we each rode behind our trainers. The trail was rugged and would have been hard transverse on foot. The rough trail didn't appear to bother the Ryhorns, and we got to the Glittering Cave with no problem at all. Everyone dismounted and tethered their Ryhorn to a post placed outside of the entrance to Glittering Cave.

Walking inside, we looked around to find that we were surrounded by sparkling stones of all colors. It appeared that the crystals only became more beautiful the deeper in the cave we walked.

"Wow," Genevieve stated.

"Oh my gosh!" Fennekin exclaimed, "This place is-"

"Gorgous," Chespin cut, "Yeah. We know. No need to get all mushy at every place we visit."

"Oh, please," Fennekin replied, "You must be much more inexperienced than I thought, for you to have so rudely interrupted me and to not have the slightest appreciation for things that are placed solely to be appreciated!"

"Huh?" Chespin questioned, "I did not get a word you just said. Could you repeat everything again, please?"

Fennekin huffed and chose to ignore him. For the rest of the time we were walking in the cave, the group was silent, admiring the crystals that lined the cave walls. It felt kind of magical in the cave, surrounded by glimmering gems.

Eventually, we came to a cave with mine carts were it appeared that, a long time ago, someone had come to excavate the gems, but had been shut down quickly. The cave was totally baren of crystals, and anything sparkly.

Rounding a corner in the cave, we spotted-

"Aaron?!" Morgan questioned.

Aaron was glancing at the contents of a mine cart, but quickly turned at the Morgan's exclamation.

"What are you three doing here?" he inquired.

"We could ask you the same question," Nick replied.

Aaron snorted and dusted of his coat before replying. "If you must know, my dad sent me out here to check on the possibility of mining the crystals in this cavern for a profit."

"Doesn't your dad have enough money already?" Genevieve remarked.

"My dad always says, 'There's no such thing as being too rich. Money is everything.'" Aaron answered.

"You can't mine the crystals!" Morgan exclaimed, "What about this cavern? Or the Pokemon that live here?"

"That is not my concern," Aaron replied, "But I didn't just come here to dig through dirty mine carts. I heard that there are numerous fossils here as well, and was hoping to get my hands on a few. However, some horribly dressed people in loud orange outfits are blocking the way deeper into the cavern."

"Team Flare!" Everyone exclaimed at once.

"Team who?" Aaron inquired.

"Team Flare," Genevieve explained, "They're an evil organization based here in the Kalos region. They trashed the Santalune Gym when Morgan and Nick were challenging Viola. They want to create a 'better world' by destroying this one and all the people and Pokemon on it, excluding those who side with them."

"Ah, Genevieve, how do you know about them wanting to destroy the world?" Morgan inquired.

"She's the Champion," Aaron stated.

Ignoring him, Genevieve replied, "Uh, I just remembered. Whatever they're doing in there, we have to stop them."

"That's true," Nick stated, "They did almost blow up a Gym just to get four Pokemon. Who knows what they're doing here."

"Then let's stop standing around here and get them!" Morgan exclaimed. Turning to Aaron, she asked, "Where are they?"

"Just down the path a little ways," Aaron answered.

"Thanks!" Morgan exclaimed, rushing down the path Aaron had mentioned. Everyone but Aaron followed.

Rushing down the path, we soon found two people standing side by side in Team Flare uniform, blocking the path.

Noticing our approach, one of the people stated, "What are you runts doing here?"

"We're here to send you two running home to Mommy!" Morgan shouted.

"Don't you think you're dreaming a bit big, there?" the other grunt replied, casually tossing out a Pokeball revealing a Electrike. The other grunt sent out their Pokemon as well, another Electrike.

Fennekin and Chespin leapt up to face the two Pokemon without needing their trainers' command.

The two grunts started the battle immediately. "Discharge!" both grunts ordered at the same time.

Both Electrikes released multiple lightning bolts in all directions. Some of the bolts even hit the other Electrike. However, they simply absorbed the bolts. The bolts that struck Fennekin and Chespin knocked them back a few paces.

Morgan and Nick decided to take their turn.

"Chespin, Rollout!" Morgan called.

"Fennekin, Flame Charge the Electrike closest to you!" Nick ordered.

Chespin curled into a ball and Fennekin became cloaked in flames. Then both Pokemon charged the Electrike nearest them, knocking both Electrikes back several paces.

"Electrike, Quick Attack!" both Grunts commanded.

Before anyone could react, the Electrikes rushed at Fennekin and Chespin, regaining the ground they had lost.

"Chespin, hold the Electrikes with Vine Whip!" Morgan shouted.

"Fennekin, use Ember on both Electrikes while Chespin holds them down!" Nick exclaimed.

Chespin's vines lashed out at the Electrikes, binding them and preventing them from moving. Fennekin then shot fire balls at both Electrikes. To finish them off, Chespin threw them back a pace or two.

The Team Flare grunts grudgingly returned their Pokemon. "You'll regret this," one stated before running off. The other followed.

"Great job!" Nick praised Fennekin.

"Yay! We won, Chespin!" Morgan cheered.

"Let's get going," Genevieve stated, "there could be more grunts deeper in." Morgan and Nick nodded in agreement and our group rushed off.

After running around a few more turns, I heard voices up a head. "Where are the fossils?" one voice demanded.

"I- I don't  know!" a fearful voice replied.

"Don't play dumb with me!" another voice yelled, "We were ordered to get fossils for money by our boss, and will not hesitate to get what we want!"

We rounded a corner and spotted two people in Team Flare outfits with their backs turned to us. In front of them was a scientist, backed up against the wall of the cave.

"Hey!" Genevieve shouted.

The Team Flare Grunts turned and noticed our group. "Well, well, what do we have here?" one inquired.

"Looks like some troublesome flies," the other noted, "Shouldn't be too much trouble to swat them way."

Fennekin and Chespin took up defensive positions, but Conner ad I leapt in front of them. "Leave this battle to us," I stated.

The grunts sent out their Pokemon, and Scraggy and a Gulpin. I mentally groaned. Battling Gulpin again. Grunts need to get more creative about which Pokemon they have.

"Scraggy, Low Kick Pikachu," the first grunt ordered.

"Sludge on Charmander," the second grunt command.

"Dodge!" Genevieve exclaimed.

Scraggy raced at me and tried to kick at me, but I jumped over his foot and landed on top of him, pinning Scraggy down. Who knew jump rope was actually good for something! Gulpin opened her mouth and shot a stream of sludge at Conner, but he leapt out of range and the sludge hit the ground in front of him.

"Amanda, Thunder Shock! Conner, Ember!" Gennevieve shouted.

Electricity crackled as I released the stored electricity onto Scraggy. I leapt off of him, sending Scraggy staggering back a few paces. Conner shot a fire ball at Gulpin, hitting her full- on. Gulpin slid back a bit.

"Headbutt!" grunt number one yelled.

"Sludge!" grunt number two shouted.

"Counter with Tunder Shock and Ember!" Genevieve ordered.

I charged up a Thunder Shock, but before I could release it, Scraggy slammed his head into my side, sending me sliding back a few paces. Gulpin opened her mouth and shot balls of sludge at Conner, who countered it with Ember. The large fire ball slammed through the sludge and into Gulpin's open mouth. Gulpin fainted immediately, and Gulpin's grunt returned her. That left Scraggy to deal with.

Genevieve wasted no time. "Amanda, Quick Attack! Conner, Ember!"

Conner shot a fireball at Scraggy, and I ran as fast as I could at Scraggy. At the last moment, grunt number one commanded, "Faint Attack!"

Scraggy dodged both attacks and seeming vanished. He appeared behind Conner and I and kicked us both from behind. I got up, turned, and growled at him.

"Amanda, Conner, Ember Shock!" Genevieve called.

Conner shot a fire ball at Scraggy, and I combined my Thunder Shock with it. Scraggy wasn't fast enough to dodge, and the hit knocked him out. The Team Flare grunt returned Scraggy.

Both grunts backed up a bit. "These trainers are tougher than they look to have gotten past us and the other grunts," grunt two noted, "Not your everyday pests."

"I feel like I've seen that girl before," grunt one noted, "But what does it matter. Let's get out of here!"

Both grunts made a break for it, and rushed past us. We watched them leave, then Genevieve walked up to the scientist.

"Are you okay?" she asked, "They didn't hurt you or anything?"

"I'm fine, thanks to you three!" the scientist replied, "And thanks to you, the fossils in this cave are also save!"

"Well, we could let those freaks just waltz around and take whatever they wanted," Morgan stated.

"Still, had you three not come, I don't even want to imagine what would have happened! How could I ever repay you?" the scientist thought a moment, before exclaiming, "I know!"

He reached into his bag and pulled out three rocks. He handed one to each of our trainer. "Those are Pokemon Fossils," he explained, "The people who were just here thought they were just rocks. Something tells me they don't exactly know what Fossils are. I'm not sure which fossils they are, but if you take them to the Fossil Lab, they'll turn them into Pokemon for you!"

"Thank you! Morgan, Nick, and Genevieve chorused.

"It's the least I could do!" the scientist replied, "Now, I best go back to the Fossil Lab. I'm sure the others are wondering what's taking me so long. I bid you farewell!" The scientist walked past us and headed out of the cave.

Everyone placed their fossil in their bags. "Where to next?" Morgan inquired.

"First, we get out of this cave and get these fossils revived," Genevieve noted, "Then it's off to Cyllage City for your Gym battle."

"I can't wait!" Morgan cheered, "Let's go!" She and Chespin took off down the path that lead to the cave's exit. Everyone else chased after her.

---

~ Author's Note

Yay! I actually got a Chapter up on time! Yippee!!!!!!!

Also....

ZAPPED HAS REACHED 1K READS AND HAS OVER 50 VOTES!!!!! THIS MAKES ME SOOOOOO HAPPY! THANKS TO EVERYONE READ, AND ESPECIALLY TO THOSE WHO VOTE AND COMMENT. THANKS YOU SOOOO MUCH!!!!!!!! EVERYONE GETS COOKIES *tosses cookies into the air*

So, that's about it for this story's Author's note. Remember to vote, comment, and I'll see you next Author's note! ^-^