Buisness went about as usual within Verdanturf Town while excitement began to arise due to the coming contest. Coordinators had gathered to prepare themselves for the event, all aiming to win the Verdanturf Ribbon.
Naturally this group included May and Timmy (who had been able to get to work after sneaking away again) though he was working at another location not too far away near Verdanturf's outskirts.
May groaned when Skitty's Blizzard only released a little burst of snow once again and slumped, wondering what to do.
''Keep in mind that it hadn't been that long since you started working on this. Try not to worry so much though, you'll work it out.'' Brock offered.
''Yeah, you just have to keep trying.'' Ash added.
''Thanks...I just hope we can soon...''
They stepped back to let her get some space, hearing Max talk to Wally then. ''So I've been wondering-it sure was a surprise to hear that Ralts knew Shock Wave, how'd you guys pull that off?''
''Actually, it was thanks to Dr. Abby and Joanie.'' The older boy admitted. ''Joanie helped Ralts learn how to gather electricity and Dr. Abby helped us polish things to perfect it.''
''Cool! So that's the kind of the help you mentioned before...''
A while later...
While sharing stories, the group was surprised to find Tesla entering the area. She seemed to be looking for something though and a quick talk with her confirmed that she was here because of Timmy, leaving them a little unnerved.
''Well, you're right, he did come here before but he went back on his walk. You just missed him.'' Max lied.
''I see. That's fine then.'' Tesla stated. ''I'm relieved to be sure that he wasn't the Phantom. Timmy needs to focus on what matters and pokemon are nothing but a stupid waste of time.''
Ash frowned at this, noting how the others appeared similarly irked. They didn't like what she was getting at one bit and he felt for Timmy to have to deal with this all the time. Just as Ash wondered if there was anything he could say to help the situation, he heard Wally speak.
''...I don't get it. People are free to have their own opinions, even if it's not things we could agree with but that's fine. W-why are you trying to force your opinion on Timmy so much?''
Tesla frowned ''Not that I'd expect you to understand but this is what's best for him! He'll see that!''
''Is it really though? Should...Wouldn't things have been different if you were right?''
''Hey, Wally, I get what you're trying to do but...'' Max started, fearing her reaction.
''What do you know?!'' She exploded just like the boy expected. ''Don't interfere, I haven't done anything wrong!''
Wally flinched but then he felt a hand patting his arm and looked down to see Ralts giving him a supporting smile. They had talked about this last night and the feeling pokemon made it clear that he shared the boy's sentiment on the matter. Hence, he had his support.
The boy returned his smile and soldiered on ''...M-my parents didn't...they were worried when I started liking pokemon. It got worse when I decided to become a trainer and...it hurt when they didn't believe but I know they were worried because of my illness. But we worked through it, even if things aren't as good as I wish they would be, they understood how I felt. There were people who made fun of me for that dream, all saying I was too weak and it was never going to happen. It was partly thanks to their support that I learned not to listen...''
Tesla looked angry as everyone realized that he was comparing her to those people but his friends could understand. The reasons and circumstances may vary but the method and result were similar.
''...I'm...really glad things worked out this way. That's how I got to meet Ralts.'' Wally continued. ''He helped me out in more ways than I could say, while I didn't have the slightest idea what pokemon I would have come across that day, I'm only glad it was him.'' Ralts smiled and hugged him at this, eliciting a gentle smile from the boy. ''But this is also why I don't want to just watch what you're doing either. And...I'm sorry. If I came across as rude...I didn't mean to, but would you please try to consider how other people feel about this?''
Tesla remained silent because when thought it over, she could see what the boy was getting at. Being compared to the people who made fun of Wally was what really bothered her. She really didn't want to admit it but in a way, it wasn't far from the truth, was it? Both parties just seemed to want to force themselves on others.
''Come on, guys, let's go.'' May said after a few moments.
Had they stuck around a little longer, they would have seen that Wally's words had shaken Tesla.
''Whoa, Wally...'' Max started once they joined Timmy, who they quickly realized had listened to the whole exchange.
''I...guess that wasn't quite the best way to go about it.'' The boy looked troubled. ''Maybe I'll apologize when I see her...''
''No, I didn't mean that! You did the right thing.''
He blinked at Max's words, hearing Ash carry on ''Yeah, I think someone should have really tried to talk to her about this a long time ago.''
Timmy, Ash and Brock nodded to this before the first spoke ''Thank you. I wish I could have done it.''
Wally smiled, feeling relieved by the reassurance. ''Oh...ah, I'm glad you think so...''
After that, they agreed to find another place to let May and Timmy practice. But it was around then that something strange happened. Pikachu happened to pick up on a lot of noise and pointed them in the town's direction. This led them to discover some wild pokemon rampaging in the streets.
It was utter pandemonium as many tried to get away while some present trainers tried to stop the pokemon. Ash, Brock, Wally and Timmy soon stepped in to help with their pokemon. May made a point of ensuring Max stayed away before joining them. The five worked together with the rest of the trainers to ward the pokemon, making sure that they stayed away from the townspeople with their pokemon's help. They couldn't of course battle in the situation but with a few of the elder trainers' guidance, they knew that the best way would be to try and force the pokemon out. Eventually, they managed to ensure that the pokemon left Verdanturf.
With the trouble over, some set out to figure just what caused it all in the first place. Sure, there could be the occasional trouble with the wild pokemon but such an oddity had never happened before.
''This is all so weird...'' May looked around the town, noting the number of damaged buildings. It was at least a relief that few were injured in all the chaos. She could understand the importance of finding out the cause. The sooner they figured, the sooner they could make sure it wouldn't happen again.
They split up into groups to search for anything that could help. Unfortunately, it didn't seem like people knew much about it all. No one seemed able to pinpoint even a clue about the cause. But things started to change when Nurse Joy made a note of something that had been bothering her.
''Now that I think back...it isn't like all the pokemon were that angry. I can't shake the impression that some of them were actually running away.''
This left a single question: why was that?
''Nurse Joy thinks they were getting away?'' Ash blinked at Timmy's words.
''That's what my dad heard.'' The boy admitted, having made a point of ensuring that his parents would know he was all right earlier. His father had promised to assure Tesla in return. ''He's with one of the groups who are trying to get to the bottom of this. Even some of the trainers think that she was right.''
''From what I've seen, it sounds like people are starting to think that they came from the south side.'' May informed, thinking of what she overheard on her way. ''What's over that way?''
''Well...'' Brock checked a map. ''...it's only two more routes...''
''I've heard of one, it's really quiet. Hardly anything happens there.'' Timmy remarked.
''But there's the Rusturf Project too-that might be related.'' He looked at Wally. ''That's more of a recent idea so your map probably won't show it...''
''What's that?'' Max asked.
''It's a tunnel that's supposed to link Verdanturf with Rustboro City. The progress isn't what it was supposed to be but that's because people are trying to avoid aggravating the wild pokemon.''
Brock looked pensive ''I see what you're getting at, Wally. Something could have went down there...''
''Then let's go, we've still got keep going till we work things out.'' Ash told everyone.
At May's suggestion, they stopped along the way to make sure others knew about this and it turned out that they weren't the only ones who came to that conclusion. A couple of the other groups had also headed over to examine the area. It wasn't long before they found Ernie and a few of the workers on the project working about.
''Oh, so you're in on this too.'' Ernie nodded when they filled him in. ''Yeah, I'm honestly not sure what happened but I was just going to talk to Leon and the next thing I know that Loudred jumps out of nowhere. We've seen those other trainers but I think they headed off to different tunnels.''
''Different tunnels? How big is this place?'' May tilted her head.
''Well part of the reason things expanded like this was the trouble we had at first but we're trying to make sure it would work out. Anyway, we're all trying to see just how things are looking here when all was said and done...''
Ernie's voice abruptly stopped at the sound of shouting coming from the distance, making everyone look at the area nearby. Two workers came running out and the reason became clear at the sight of a pair of Golbat flying at them.
Ash and Brock reacted first ''Pikachu, Thunderbolt!''
''Forretress, Double Edge!''
The first Golbat was struck hard by the electric attack while Brock's pokemon charged just as it came out of the pokeball and sent the second Golbat flying. This allowed both the flying and poison types' targets to get away.
''I think they came from the tunnel you guys.'' Timmy remarked.
''Yeah...someone's been messing things up.'' Ernie scowled. ''We're this close to finishing the project...can you kids help me find everybody? I know they spread inside the cave. They'll probably be looking for a safe place now.''
''Sure, we came here to help after all.'' Ash returned.
''Good, let's go!''
They found two roads nearby that were clearly used recently. One lead to an open, empty grassy area which had one worker, who was leaning against the wall and panting. He seemed surprised to see the group but immediately spoke once he recognized Ernie.
''You all need to be careful, I just had to fight off a really persistent and mad Loudred and Onix. My Golduck and I are wiped, I don't know who but someone really aggravated the pokemon.''
''We had to deal with some pokemon too.'' May blinked. ''Wait, weren't there more people here? We heard there were other trainers who came by.''
''That's just it. I heard them come this way but the next thing I know, they're gone.'' The worker admitted, leaving them surprised.
Max was perplexed ''But why?''
''With any luck, they might have had to get out of here before the wild pokemon went at it again.'' Ernie frowned. ''What about the others, Rick?''
''They took the newer path we found lately. I just came to check up on those guys. At the rate things are going...you're looking for them too, right? I'll come with you.''
Having Ernie and Rick around was a great help as they were able to help get everyone through the area quickly, knowing it as well as they did. Fortunately, it didn't seem like there were any pokemon coming up to fight this time. The only exception thus far had been a Loudred which they had been forced to stop and fight. After which...
''Hey whoa, you all right there?''
Eyes traveled to Rick at this, seeing that the man was watching Wally, who seemed to be breathing heavily nearby. The boy took something they quickly realized was an inhaler out of his pocket before he proceeded to use it.
''S-sorry...I'll be fine...'' He returned.
Ernie couldn't help but remember that while the boy visited the area with Wanda every now and then, this was exactly why they didn't want him to come around more. ''You sure?''
Wally nodded ''I don't want to just stay back...'' He wanted to help out however possible. The boy didn't know the workers here as well as he did Wanda and Leon but they had been nice and kind. He felt that they deserved this much.
''All right but...''
A second later, a scream reached their ears, making everyone stiffen. Max's eyes widened ''What was that?''
''Hey, that voice...'' Ernie glanced at Wally, who clearly recognized it as well, judging by the similarly alarmed look he wore at the moment. ''...gah, the one day I hoped she'd actually stay home...''
''What do you mean?'' Timmy looked confused.
''No time, come on!''
Ernie led the group ahead, they soon found three workers facing a Golem. The person who had screamed was just behind them. It was actually...
Ash stared ''Wanda?!''
The girl turned, her eyes widening at the sight of them ''You're all here too?!''
Besides her stood Leon, who had been trying to shield her with the best of his ability as his dark eyes watched the Golem thrash about. Two of the workers retrieved their fainted Machop and Machoke, also seeming just as wary. A Hariyama stood in front of them, facing the Golem.
One of them look at Ernie and Rick ''We've been trying to stop it, if this keeps up, Golem could make the place fall in on us.''
Before anyone could react though, Golem began using Rock Tomb, causing a number boulders to began falling...
Wally reacted fast ''Ralts, use Confusion!''
The feeling pokemon was able to trap all the boulders with the psychic energy and made them hit the ground away from everyone. Wally had his friend follow up with a Magical Leaf which sent the pokemon a little back before it proceeded to try and punch Ralts.
''Teleport!''
In a flash, Ralts appeared behind Golem, who growled and made to use another Rock Tomb. Brock frowned as Golem clearly seemed ready to attack again ''Careful, guys, I don't think you'd get the chance to surprise it again.''
Wally had an idea ''Use Confusion!''
Golem ground its teeth as the blue energy held it in place and began struggling.
''Switch targets to those rocks and throw them back!''
This, to general surprise, resulted in Golem being slowly but surely boxed in. Wally made sure to stop its attempt at retaliation by having Ralts use another Magical Leaf that made it cry out in pain.
''It's working great!'' Max exclaimed.
Ash grinned ''Way to go, you guys!''
Wally knew they had to act fast since Ralts couldn't keep holding the makeshift prison AND Golem at the same time. ''Try it one more time, Ralts.''
Nodding, Ralts made to send out the glowing volley of leaves. But then, Golem stomped a foot loudly, causing a strong tremor. This almost threw everyone down but it also damaged a particular bit of the wall nearby, leaving it to fall apart. This revealed three new unexpected figures hiding there.
Max's eyes widened at the sight of Team Rocket ''What're you idiots even doing here?!''
''Rude as ever, twerp! I'll have you know, we were hired to get rid of the rubble by someone in Rustboro.'' Jessie huffed.
''Yeah, you should be thanking us.'' James added.
Leon scowled ''As if! This whole mess is obviously your fault. We've been digging so carefully to make sure not to hurt anyone and look what you did!''
''Well, it wouldn't be a problem anymore.'' Jessie sneered.
Meowth pressed a button on the remote he was holding. This let them see the balloon from the exit nearby. Dangling from it was a cage holding a number of pokemon. Some weren't even natives of this area and it was likely that they stole them from the other trainers who came by.
''What do you think you're doing?!''
''What a silly question! Prepare for trouble...''
Leon grit his teeth ''Come on, Hariyama, let's teach those idiots a lesson!''
His pokemon let out a cry, bracing for battle. Jessie grabbed ''I think it's about time we teach you all a lesson, to respect Team Rocket. Seviper, go!''
''Cacnea!'' James tossed a pokeball out and once again, the cactus like pokemon began hugging him, all the while ignoring his cries to stop that.
''Poison Tail on the double!'' Jessie commanded.
James pushed Cacnea back ''Pin Missile!''
''Nice try, you idiots. Protect!'' Leon ordered. Both pokemon were repelled by the green shield a second later.
''All right, Needle Arm!'' James cried.
Timmy held up a pokeball ''Dusclops, stop it with Shadow Punch!''
The requiem pokemon flew out of the device and in a moment a black blast hit Cacnea quickly, making him crash down. Seviper charged at Dusclops but the ghost type merely went intangible, making the poison type hit the wall, to Jessie's anger.
All the skirmish caused another issue; Golem had enough time to break free from the entrapment. The ground and rock type proceeded to stomp another foot and make the ground tremble with increasing magnitude. Team Rocket tried a Haze and Pin Missile combo but it was stopped by Ralts and Dusclops, who used Confusion and Will-O-Wisp on their trainers' commands. This didn't leave the thieves much time to get away and they were trapped in their own plan quickly.
''Look out, Golem's...''
Ash grimaced as the pokemon turned its attention to them ''Pikachu, stop Golem with Iron Tail!''
And the yellow mouse was off like a flash, before Golem knew what hit it. Pikachu's hardened tail its back a moment later, making it cry out.
''That does it! First, we'll grab that one. Seviper, Bite!'' Jessie started.
''Cacnea, Pin Missile. Take Golem down!'' James added.
Golem let out a cry before surprising the thieves by unleashing a Flamethrower that his both pokemon at once, making them all. Seviper was getting up but Cacnea had clearly fainted. Golem didn't let up as it made immediately began charging up what many present recognized was a Hyper Beam attack that hit the mark and sent Team Rocket flying away.
Golem turned back to the rest, eyes narrowing. Wanda looked alarmed ''It still wants to fight?''
A burst of Flamethrower proved to be enough of an answer, forcing any nearby to get away. Golem used Rock Tomb once more but Leon and Timmy intervened to have their pokemon destoy the rocks. Just as Golem made to attack Hariyama and Dusclops, it was stopped by Ralts' Confusion before Ash made use of the chance to have Pikachu nail it with another Iron Tail.
It was just then that Wally noticed something fall from above, making him look up to see that the stalactites near Leon and Wanda were shaking badly. Having a bad feeling about this, the boy proceeded to run over and push them away. The two had been none the wiser but it worked and not a moment too soon. The stalacties fell at the area where they had just been but in the middle of it all, a piece of the debris struck Wally and made hit a nearby boulder, causing him to collapse.
Wanda gasped ''Wally!''
Leon ran over to help him just as Golem turned at them, the young man grit his teeth ''Hariyama, Vital Throw!''
The pokemon ran in front of them before catching Golem and tossing it back. Already weary as it were, Golem simply couldn't keep up the fight anymore and it fell back.
Leon stood, holding Wally carefully as May asked ''Is he okay?''
''Yeah, I'd say he just needs to rest.''
Hariyama picked a concerned Ralts up and spoke to the feeling pokemon, who nodded after a few moments, seemingly reassured.
''I think we've all had enough today, let's get out of here.'' Leon added.
As it turned out, the missing trainers had been unfortunate to stumble across one of Team Rocket's traps, leaving them vulnerable to have their pokemon taken. Luckily, they had been left at the cage with the rest of their theft so returning them was a simple matter. Overall, relief had spread with the word, knowing that the trouble was over.
Through all this, the Rusturf Project was technically complete. Now everyone involved came to agree that they would focus on helping Verdanturf with the recovery from the attack. It was more than all right with Leon, who personally admitted to being glad that he could see Wanda whenever he wanted now. He and Wanda led everyone to the girl's house with Timmy having to leave along the way to see his parents.
Wally awoke as the sunset lights sailed through the window. The boy was confused to find himself back in his room. Two familiar cries came then, making him start and turn around to find Ralts and Pikachu sitting nearby. Both were clearly pleased to see that he had recovered.
He began to smile ''Hey, you two...so everything's okay now?''
Pikachu nodded and gestured outside the room, waving a paw in what Wally knew to be the living room's direction...
Wanda's face lit up when she saw the three, giving her cousin a quick hug ''How do you feel?''
''Okay...just a little confused. Um, what did I miss?''
''Nothing much, really.'' She began to lead the three in before explaining how after Golem was taken care of, the workers had agreed to take care of things on that end and they returned here. ''I'd say all's well that ends well. Thankfully, no one was hurt. Your friends told me what happened on your end, you did well.''
''Y-you think? Oh...'' Wally was startled by the sound of someone calling his name to find his friends approaching them.
''Hey, glad to see you're doing better.'' Ash smiled.
Wally smiled back ''Thanks...'' They went to sit, not too far from where his aunt and uncle, Rose and Mike, were talking to Leon.
''Hey, kiddo.'' He took a moment to ruffle Wally's hair. ''We were just telling them everything. You know Miss Rose, she wouldn't take it easy otherwise.''
''Can you blame me for being worried?'' Aforementioned woman gave him a disapproving look before turning her full attention to her nephew and his friends. ''I can't believe you all got caught up in this mess. It's good that things turned out this well.''
''Hey, give the kids a break.'' Mike offered. ''You know as well as I do that they've handled themselves pretty well. A whole bunch of people had to put in effort to help out.''
''Fair enough.'' Rose conceded. ''Are you sure you're okay, Wally?''
''Yeah, I feel a lot better.'' He wanted to say that she shouldn't worry but knowing his aunt, there was just no point. She always did tend to worry about them all and at times that came across as being overprotective.
''Oh, Wally was really good back there, Mom. He totally had things under control.'' Wanda offered.
''That's for sure.'' Ash agreed, with Pikachu nodding along.
Brock nodded too ''He was handling that Golem well. The only reason things went south back there was Team Rocket's interference.''
''Definitely.'' Leon concurred.
Wally looked embarrassed while they smiled at him ''Ah, th-thanks...''
''You know, he really is turning out to be a good trainer.'' Leon went on. ''I bet he'd do pretty well on a journey.''
The young man blinked as he felt the mood change with everyone suddenly getting quiet. ''Err...what? What'd I say?''
''We haven't...really talked about that yet.'' Mike admitted. ''But I think you're right, Leon. He's grown up after all and that experience always proves to help a person find out who they are.''
''That's exactly what I was thinking!''
''I don't know...'' Rose started. ''...you remember why it couldn't happen in the first place?''
''Oh come on, honey.'' Mike raised an eye. ''You know he's recovered a great deal since. Things are really different now.''
''It's a really good experience.'' May offered. ''I can already feel that I grew up since my journey started and it's only been a few months.''
''Yeah, I feel the same. We told Wally he can come with us if he wants to. It'll be great!''
''For what it's worth, I think you should really think the possiblity over.'' Brock offered, Ash nodded to this. ''It's something Wally wants to do.''
The boy in question hadn't been able to really talk about the subject with his family before. Partly because he feared the answer and since he knew that circumstances just meant they were mostly concerned because of his health. He did feel much better after staying in Verdanturf and things certainly changed. His friends' support meant a lot and he wanted to prove it.
''That's right...'' He said after a moment. ''...I've been reading up a bunch about pokemon. With all those stories I heard...I've wondered what it'd be like out there making some of my own. Before, I didn't see it happening but now...I want that chance.''
''Well, we're just going to have talk things through.'' Wanda returned, smiling as she caught the determination in her cousin's voice. ''It's only fair. You guys said you wanted to call Aunt Diana and Uncle Vince anyway. There's no problem then, right?''
Her mother nodded ''We'll see what happens after that. A decision like that can't happen without them.''
''Hey, that's a start. I bet they'll understand how you feel.'' Ash patted Wally's shoulder, eliciting a smile from the boy.
''All right, leaving that aside-I bet you're all hungry after the day we just had. Anyone up for dinner?'' Rosa asked with a smile.
And we're done!
I hope this was good. I kept thinking stuff off over for this chapter a bunch and this was the best I could settle on. Like I said, I don't intend to drag the situation with Wally any more than it needs to be so you can expect that talk coming soon.
Erm, that's all I really had to say but if there's any questions, feel free to ask and please tell me how you think I'm doing so far. Till next time!