Chapter 9: New Ally, New Adventure

30 minutes after leaving Mt. Pyre Neo and the others were waiting inside of the Lilycove Pokémon Center awaiting Nurse Joy's return. With everything that had happened lately they were anxious to get going.

Ziggy: So, we got a plan?

Neo: Yeah. First we need to know if there are any ships leaving for Orre in the near future. If there are we'll need to find a way on.

Bandit: And if there isn't?

Neo: Then we can either wait for one or find another way to get to Orre.

Missy: Not a lot of options.

Retro: We need to hope a ship is leaving.

The group continued to wait. However, Sasha's mind was filled with thoughts of her daughter and her well-being. Neo sensed this and went to comfort her.

Neo: How are you holding up?

Sasha: As well as can be expected. I'm just so worried about Gem.

Neo: I am too. Just remember that we are not leaving Orre without her. This I promise you, and you know I don't go back on my promises.

Sasha: I know.

At that moment Nurse Joy returned from the docks. Neo and the others waited to hear if she was successful.

Nurse Joy: Well, I had to pull a few strings but I found you a way to Orre.

The news that they had a way to Orre was a welcome change to the recent events.

Neo: When does it leave?

Nurse Joy: In a few minutes. After that it'll be about a two week trip from here to Gateon Port in Orre.

Retro: Then we need not waste time.

Neo: I agree. Let's go.

Nurse Joy: I'll take you to the ship.

With Nurse Joy leading the way Neo and the others followed out of the Pokémon Center on their way to the docks. The sooner they got on the ship the sooner they could arrive in Orre.


Minutes later Nurse Joy had lead them to a small ship docked on the south end of the docks. At first they thought she had made a mistake, but Nurse Joy assured them this was the right ship.

Bandit: A bit small, isn't it?

Neo: Doesn't matter. I'll take anything as long as it gets us to Orre.

At that moment the ship's captain approached the group. He looked down at them and then back to Nurse Joy.

Captain: These them?

Neo looked at him, a bit confused.

Nurse Joy: Yes. These are the Pokémon that need to be taken to Orre.

Captain: A bit strange if you ask me, sending Pokémon over there just to release them into the wild.

Nurse Joy: It does, but I hear they're trying to incorporate more Pokémon into the ecosystem there and they needed some not native to the Orre region. That's why these are going over there.

The captain looked more confused now then he did at first, but at least he stopped questioning the reason for having wild Pokémon loose on his ship.

Captain: Alright. Let me go make sure everything's ready for them.

Once he was out of hearing range Neo asked Nurse Joy what he meant when she said they were wild Pokémon being sent to Orre.

Nurse Joy: I had to tell him something that made a least a bit of sense or he'd grow suspicious.

Retro: She brings up a good point.

Bandit: That she does.

Right then the captain came back.

Captain: Well, if they don't mind staying in the cargo hold for the duration of the trip everything's ready for them.

Nurse Joy looked down at Neo, waiting for his response. He nodded, indicating that they didn't mind.

Nurse Joy: That'll be fine.

Captain: Alright. Follow me.

The captain started back towards his ship, Neo and the others following behind him. Nurse Joy waved goodbye to them before heading back to the Pokémon Center. As she walked back she silently wished them good luck on their quest.


Minutes later the captain had led them to the cargo hold of his ship. While it wasn't the most spacious area they had seen it was large enough to accommodate all of them.

Captain: I'll have someone posted outside the door at all times.

Neo nodded. The captain then left to head for the bridge. Once he was gone the Pokémon began discussing what their next move should be.

Ziggy: Okay, now that we have a way to get to Orre what do we do next?

Neo: I think the next thing is to learn everything we can about our enemy.

Missy: You mean the Shadow Pokémon.

Neo: Right, and right now there's only one of us that has any knowledge of them.

Everyone looked over at Retro.

Sasha: You're the only one who seems to know anything about them. If we're to defeat Kirkland and get our daughter back we need to know as much about them as possible.

Retro: Very well. I shall tell you what I know.

The group gathered around him, eager to hear what he had to say about the Shadow Pokémon.

Retro: Like I've already stated Shadow Pokémon have had their emotions removed, making them ruthless fighting machines.

Bandit: That's something we're all too familiar with.

Ziggy: Tell me about it. Those two beat us down in only a few attacks.

Retro: That's what's so dangerous about Shadow Attacks. They're highly effective against all Pokémon types.

Neo: Wait a minute! You mean to tell me that Shadow Attacks are highly effective against all Pokémon, no matter what type they are?

Sasha: How is that possible?

Retro: I'm not sure about that myself. However I do know that Shadow Attacks don't hurt Shadow Pokémon that much.

Missy: So the only resistance to Shadow Attacks is being a Shadow Pokémon?

Retro: Correct.

Neo: That doesn't really help us much. What about regular attacks?

Retro: Like the ones we use? As far as I know the usual rules apply.

Sasha: That's not right. All of their attacks are really damaging against us but we still have play it by type.

Bandit: Doesn't look like we have much going for us.

Retro: Well, there is one thing.

Neo: What is it?

Retro: I've heard that there is a certain condition that all Shadow Pokémon are subject to.

Missy: Certain condition?

Retro: Yeah.

Ziggy: Well, what is it?

Retro: Reverse Mode.


The snagger's ship, having gotten a one day head-start on the one Neo and his friends were on, was well on its way back to Orre. During this time Kirkland was going over documents detailing the battle his Pokémon were in at Mt. Pyre.

Kirkland: The Shadow Pokémon were just as powerful as I thought. That Pikachu and his friends didn't stand a chance. Soon, I'll rule the world with my Shadow Pokémon by my side. No one will be able to…

Kirkland's thoughts were interrupted when a snagger burst into his room, a look of fear on his face.

Snagger: Kirkland, sir! We have a situation!

Kirkland: What is it?

Snagger: Your Rhydon, sir! We've…

The snagger didn't finish as Kirkland jumped from his seat.

Kirkland: Don't tell me it happened again?!

Snagger: Yes sir!

Kirkland: Where is it?!

Snagger: The training room, sir!

Kirkland ran out of the room, knocking the snagger down in the process.

Kirkland: Damnit! Of all the times for this to happen!

He rushed through the ship, thoughts of what was happening with his Rhydon going through his head. After running through the ship for a while he arrived at the training room. The situation was just as he thought it would be. Almost all of the snaggers were standing back in fear. Only Gonzap, who had his Blastoise out, was standing up to the rampaging Rhydon. However, the Blastoise had taken quite a beating while the Rhydon appeared uninjured. What was clear about the Rhydon, though, was the dark purple aura surrounding him. Kirkland knew what that meant.

Kirkland: Damn! He's entered Reverse Mode!

Kirkland approached the nearest snagger.

Kirkland: How did this happen?!

Snagger: W-We were j-just training like always, w-when your Rhydon lost it.

Kirkland: Don't lie to me! The only way this could have happened is if he was in a battle!

Snagger W-Well…

Kirkland: Who was battling with him?!

Snagger: Gonzap! It was Gonzap! He said he wanted a challenge and brought out your Rhydon!

Kirkland: I should have known that fool was behind this! How long has he been like this?!

Snagger: A-About five minutes.

Kirkland spent a minute thinking about the situation at hand.

Kirkland: While I would love to just leave him to battle my Rhydon and get crushed the risk for disaster is too great.

Kirkland stood back, waiting for his opportunity to step in and bring his Pokémon under control. Meanwhile, Gonzap was trying to find a way for his Blastoise to bring down the Rhydon. So far his Water type had been completely overwhelmed by his opponent.

Gonzap: Come on, Blastoise! We're not done yet!

With his trainer's encouraging Blastoise found the strength to get back on his feet.

Gonzap: That's what I'm talking about! Give him a Hydro Pump!

Blastoise bravely stood his ground and brought out his two hydro cannons. After taking careful aim at his opponent he fired two huge streams of water. It finally looked as though Gonzap and Blastoise would get the upper hand, but that was short lived as Rhydon quickly fired off a Hyper Beam. The massive orange beam overpowered the incoming Hydro Pump, striking Blastoise in his chest. The large tortoise was sent flying back into the wall.

Gonzap: Blastoise!

As Gonzap went to his Pokémon's side the Rhydon closed in for the finishing blow.

Kirkland: Rhydon!

Rhydon turned around to see who had called him. Kirkland finally stepped forward to try and calm his enraged Pokémon. However, it didn't seem as Rhydon was going to listen. He looked at his trainer, his eyes filled with uncontrollable rage.

Kirkland: You will obey me!

Kirkland then took out Rhydon's Poké ball and held it out in front of him. Right then, Rhydon froze. The sight of the black Poké ball seemed to have some sort of an effect on him.

Kirkland: Return!

A red beam of light shot out of the ball, hitting Rhydon. The Pokémon then transformed into the same red light and was pulled inside. With his Pokémon back inside Kirkland turned to head back to his quarters. However…

Gonzap: You sure took you damn time getting that thing back under control.

Kirkland didn't even need to turn around to know that Gonzap was in quite a bad mood after having his Pokémon so thoroughly beaten.

Kirkland: Maybe if you had trained your Blastoise a bit better that wouldn't have happened.

Gonzap: Don't give me that crap! You know damn well that Shadow Pokémon are nearly unbeatable!

Kirkland: Then why do something stupid like attempt to defeat one in battle?

Gonzap: You were supposed to have that damn thing under control! He wasn't supposed to go ballistic and nearly kill my Blastoise!

Kirkland: That sounds like your problem, not mine.

Gonzap: Why you…

Kirkland: Maybe if you had went ahead and turned that Blastoise into a Shadow Pokémon it wouldn't be so weak and pathetic.

Gonzap: No chance in hell! I have too much respect for my Pokémon to do that!

Kirkland: And it's that same respect that almost got him killed.

Confident that he had gotten his point across Kirkland left the training room. Gonzap stared at his as he left, anger and hatred in his eyes. One of the snaggers cautiously approached him.

Snagger: Gonzap, sir… Are you alright?

Gonzap: Yeah. I'm just peachy.

He slowly stood up and returned his fallen Pokémon. Then, he started walking out of the room.

Snagger: Where are you going, sir?

Gonzap: Where do you think? Blastoise isn't going to heal himself.

With that being said Gonzap left to go get Blastoise healed up. As he left thoughts of Kirkland filled his head.

Kirkland: That arrogant bastard is really getting on my nerves. If things don't change around here soon I'm out.


Bandit: Okay, let me see if I understand this correctly. When a Shadow Pokémon enters Reverse Mode it goes out of control and won't listen to it's trainer? That doesn't sound good.

Retro: No, but it may be the only help we could get in a battle against them.

Missy: He's right. Even though they go crazy the fact that they don't listen to their trainers is a slight advantage for us.

Neo: Even a slight advantage could determine the victor and loser in a battle.

Sasha: I don't care what advantages or disadvantages we have. I just want Gem back.

Neo: And we'll get her back.

Right then the room they were in shifted, indicating that the ship had finally left the port.

Neo: Well, there's no turning back now.

Ziggy: Like we were going to anyway.

Bandit: So, what do we do now?

Neo: We've got a long wait before this ship arrives in Orre. We'd better make the most of the time we have.

Missy: Training?

Neo: Mostly. We have to make sure we're strong enough to fight those Shadow Pokémon.

With plenty of time before they arrived in Orre the group looked around the room before getting to the task of improving their skills.


The two week trip finally came to an end when the ship docked at Gateon Port in Orre. The captain walked onto the docks, Neo and the others following him. After walking a few feet the captain turned to the group.

Captain: Okay. I have no idea where you're supposed to go from here. I'm sure you'll be able to take care of yourselves, though.

Neo nodded in response.

Captain: Alright. I've got to get back to my ship. You guys take care.

With that the captain went back to his ship, leaving the Pokémon alone. The group then started looking around. Everyone except Neo and Missy were in awe of the port town.

Ziggy: Wow. I had no idea this place would be this busy.

Bandit: It's almost like a small-scale version of the port in Lilycove City.

While everyone else was checking out the port Neo and Missy were remembering their first visit here.

Missy: Not much has changed, has it?

Neo: No. It's just like I remembered.

While Neo and Missy reminisced Sasha walked up to them, eager to resume their search for Gem. Retro, Bandit and Ziggy were right behind her.

Sasha: So, where do we go from here?

Neo: To Agate Village in the north.

Ziggy: Why there?

Neo: Got some friends there. With any luck they'll know where we can find Kirkland and his snaggers.

With their destination determined the Pokémon headed towards the city exit.

Missy: I really hope Shadow and the others can help.

Neo: So do I.

The group continued on, eventually reaching the exit to the city.

Neo: Alright. Like I said from here we go north to Agate Village. There're some friends there Missy and I met last time we came here.

Retro: I see. You believe they'll help us?

Missy: If they can they will.

Sasha: Then what are we waiting for? Less talking and more walking.

Neo: Well, you heard the lady.

Taking Sasha's advice the group prepared to head out on their way north to Agate Village. However, just a few steps out of town, something caught Bandit's eye.

Bandit: Hey! What's that?

Everyone looked to where Bandit was. There was definitely something over there, more specifically a body. The group ran over to get a better look at what, or who it was. Upon closer inspection they found it was a Furret. However, a few things about her were a bit strange. Unlike most Furret this one's paws and body stripes were black. She also had a blue band around her neck. Unfortunately there was no movement coming from the Furret.

Ziggy: Do you think she's dead?

Bandit: I don't know. I sure hope not.

Neo: Well Missy? Can you sense anything?

Missy closed her eyes and concentrated, trying to detect anything from the Furret. After a few seconds her eyes shot open.

Missy: She's alive!

Bandit: You sure?!

Missy: Yes. She's alive, but just barely.

Bandit: We can't just leave her here! We have to help!

Neo: And we are. Let's bring her back to the Pokémon Center.

Ziggy: Was there one back in town?

Missy: Yeah. It should be on the west end of town.

Ziggy: But how are we going to get here there?

Bandit: I could carry her on my back.

Neo: You sure about that?

Bandit: Of course. I'm stronger than I look, you know.

Ziggy: He's right about that.

Neo: If you say so. Now, let's get her on his back.

The group carefully placed the unconscious Furret on Bandit's back. Then, with Neo and Sasha on each side of him to prevent her from falling off, they retraced their steps and re-entered the city on their way to the Pokémon Center.


Arriving at the Pokémon Center the group was relieved to find two very important discoveries. One, the Center empty aside from Nurse Joy and her Chansey. And two, just like all of the other Pokémon Centers they had been to the Nurse Joy here also knew about their unique ability to speak.

Sasha: Word really must be getting around about us.

Nurse Joy: Actually there's a village north of here with a few talking Pokémon. I remember hearing that a talking Pikachu and Misdreavus passed through there a few years ago and I figured that these two were those Pokémon.

Missy: Yeah, we were.

Bandit: Anyway, how bad is she?

Nurse Joy: She's been severely starved. If you hadn't come along when you did she probably would have died.

Bandit: C-Can you save her?

Nurse Joy: Of course. She'll have to stay here for a few days but I can guarantee she'll make a full recovery.

Missy: That's good.

While everyone else was speaking with Nurse Joy concerning the Furret's condition Bandit was staring towards the room she was currently in. He couldn't explain it but something was telling him he needed to stay with her. He was brought out of his thoughts when Neo announced their next move.

Neo: Okay. We should get back on the road for Agate Village. We can leave the Furret in Nurse Joy's care.

Bandit: So soon?

Neo: Well, yeah. I'm confident that Nurse Joy will have her back on her feet in a few days. Right now we have to track down Kirkland.

Bandit: I know, but… well… it's just that… I'd fell a lot better if I was here when she woke up.

Ziggy: Bandit?

Bandit: I don't understand it myself, but…

While Bandit was finding it hard to explain what he was feeling Neo was getting a pretty good idea what was happening to his long-time friend. He cast a knowing glance over at Sasha, who quickly picked up on what he meant.

Bandit: I understand that we have to get moving but…

Sasha: It's alright, Bandit.

Bandit: It… it is?

Neo: Sure. We'll stay until she recovers.

Bandit: Thanks you guys.

Nurse Joy: I'll get a room prepared for you.

Bandit: If it's alright with you I'd like to stay with the Furret.

Nurse Joy: That won't be a problem. She's down the hall, first door on the left.

With a quick word of thanks Bandit ran out of the room on his way to the room where the Furret was recovering.

Ziggy: Man. I wonder what's got him in such a hurry.

Neo and Sasha looked at each other and smiled, both knowing the answer but neither saying anything. Instead the two of them, along with the rest of the group minus Bandit, followed Nurse Joy to the room they would be staying in for the time being.


The days went by. Bandit never left the Furret's side, not even to eat or sleep. Nurse Joy would bring his food to him and set up a place for him near the Furret to sleep. Neo and the others would check in on him from time to time and offer to take over the watch, but he always refused. Ziggy thought this was strange behavior coming from his brother, but Neo and Sasha assured him that this was normal.

Ziggy: Are you sure about that? I mean, he's never acted this way before.

Neo: That's probably because he's never met someone like her before.

Ziggy: What do you mean?

Sasha: What we mean is he's become attracted to her.

Ziggy: Attracted?! But he doesn't even know her! We just found unconscious outside the town a few days ago! How can he be attracted to her already?!

Sasha: Love has a strange way of doing that to a Pokémon.

Neo: Sasha's right. I wouldn't get all stressed out over it if I were you.

Ziggy: I know, but what if she's not who we think she is? What if she's evil?

Neo: We won't know until she wakes up.

Sasha: Neo's right. Let's just wait until she wakes up before we pass any sort of judgment on her.

Ziggy realized that Neo and Sasha were right. There was no use in worrying over something until they had all the facts. With that in mind he along with the two Pikachu went back to their business.


Bandit was sitting on the side of the Furret's bed. He knew he should let his friends watch over her just so he could have a break, but something was keeping him from leaving her side.

Bandit: What's come over me? I mean, I've never acted this way around anyone else before.

He then looked down at the Furret.

Bandit: Then again, I've never met anyone as cute as her before… wait a minute! Where did that come from?!

Bandit tried to get that thought out of his head, but the harder he tried the stronger the thought became. Eventually he decided to just focus on watching over the Furret. As he watched over her he noticed something strange on her back.

Bandit: What's this? Are those… wings?

Bandit took a closer look. There were indeed a pair of small, almost invisible wings on the Furret's back. This obviously was a bit strange in his eyes.

Bandit: Furret aren't supposed to have wings. I wonder…

Taking a chance he reached out and touched them with his paw.

Bandit: They don't feel fake. Holy… this Furret has wings.

He knew he should have pulled his paw away, but he couldn't. The wings felt incredibly soft, so soft the found it hard to pull away. Moments later the Furret began to stir.

Bandit: She's finally waking up!

Seconds after her first signs of movement the Furret opened her eyes. At first she appeared to be a bit groggy, but soon she jumped up and looked around the room.

Furret: What's going on?! Where am I?!

Bandit: Calm down. You're safe.

Upon hearing his voice the Furret looked over at Bandit. Then, without warning, she lashed out at him with an Iron Tail. He barely dodged it.

Bandit: Whoa! What are you doing?!

Furret: I should be asking you that! Who are you?! Where have you taken me?!

Bandit: Take it easy! My friends and I just brought you to the Pokémon Center in Gateon Port! You were nearly dead when we found you!

Furret: And I suppose you want me to thank you for that!

Bandit: I don't care what you do as long as you calm down!

Furret: Calm down?! As far as I know you're here to take me back!

Bandit: Take you back where?! You're not making any sense!

Their sudden outburst caught the attention of Neo and the others. They burst into the room, not knowing what to expect.

Neo: Bandit! What's going on?!

Furret: Bandit, huh! That's your name?! You already sound like someone who shouldn't be trusted!

Sasha: Look, Neo! She's awake!

Furret: And I guess you guys are working with him!

Neo: Working with… what are you talking about?

Bandit: That's what I've been trying to figure out.

Sick of being around these strange Pokémon the Furret tried to get up and leave. However, she was still too weak physically, falling back down as soon as she got to her feet.

Bandit: Hey! Don't try to get up! You're still recovering!

Furret: I don't need your help! I can take care of myself!

She tried to get up again, only to be met with the same result. Bandit tried to go to her aid, but she fought back.

Furret: I said I don't need your help!

Bandit: If you don't stop you'll only further injure yourself!

Furret: Why do you care?!

Neo: He does care! In fact he never left your side ever since we brought you here a few days ago!

Furret: What are you talking about?!

Retro: We speak the truth. In fact he's the one who wanted to stay behind until you recovered.

Ziggy: Yeah, and then he stayed with you the entire time as well.

Furret: H… he did?

The Furret looked around the room she was in. Her eyes fell on a small bed just big enough for a Pokémon next to the one she was resting in. It appeared as though it had been used quite a bit.

Neo: He was so concerned about you he almost begged us to stay so he could watch over you.

Furret: Really?

Sasha: He did.

The Furret looked over at Bandit. The Linoone had his head down, trying to hide the blush that had crept up on his face. She walked over to him.

Furret: You were… really that worried about me?

Bandit: Well… yeah, I was.

The Furret's look gradually softened as a smile appeared on her face.

Furret: Thank you… and, I'm sorry for blowing up at you the way I did.

Bandit: That's okay. I probably would have reacted the same way.

Furret: You're name's Bandit, right?

Bandit: Yeah. Let me introduce everyone else. This is Missy, Retro, my brother Ziggy, and those two are Neo and Sasha.

Furret: My name's Skitters. It's a pleasure to meet you.

Missy: Likewise.

Skitters: So, what bring you to Orre? There aren't many wild Pokémon around so seeing new faces is rare indeed.

The mood immediately went from joyous to serious, giving Skitters the impression that she asked something she shouldn't have.

Sasha: Our daughter was stolen from us by some trainers from this region.

Skitters: Oh no. I'm sorry.

Sasha: It's okay. You didn't know.

Neo: We're here to rescue her.

Skitters: Do you have any leads?

Missy: Not yet, but we're hoping some friends in a village north of here can help.

Skitters: You mean in Agate Village?

Neo: You know the place?

Skitters: Yeah. I actually live there.

Neo: So you know Shadow, Dante and Orion.

Skitters: Sure do.

Missy: So, how have they been doing?

Skitters: Great. The village hasn't seen any trouble come its way for a few years now, not since those thugs a while back. In fact Shadow said you two helped him, Dante and Orion drive them off back then.

Missy: Yeah. Neo and I were in the right place at the right time.

Skitters: That's just what Shadow said.

While the Pokémon were enjoying the conversation they all knew they had to get going soon.

Retro: We should be moving, lest we give Kirkland a larger head start than he already has.

Skitters: Kirkland?! They're after him too? Then maybe…

Neo: He's right. It was good meeting you, Skitters.

The group started to head towards the exit. However, Bandit was a bit hesitant. He kept looking at Skitters as if he was waiting for her to do something. And do something she did.

Skitters: Wait!

Everyone stopped and looked back at her.

Skitters: I… I want to come with you?

Neo: Huh?

Skitters: Please. I can be a great help to you.

Sasha: But why?

Skitters: You guys saved me. I figure the least I could do is help you get your daughter back.

Bandit: I agree.

Ziggy: Bro?

Bandit: Let her come.

Retro: It sounds like an interesting offer, but she's still recovering from her injuries.

Bandit: I know that, but… if she comes… if she comes with us… I'll protect her!

Neo: What?

Bandit: I'll protect her… no matter what!

Skitters: Bandit…

Bandit: Please, Neo… I really think she could help us.

Neo: … Like I was going to say no. Of course she can come.

Missy: Neo.

Neo: But, I'm holding you to your word. You will be her bodyguard.

Bandit: Thanks, Neo.

With their traveling group now one member bigger the group once again headed for the exit to the Pokémon Center. Bandit stayed behind to help Skitters off the bed and down to the floor.

Skitters: Thank you, Bandit… for everything.

Bandit: You're welcome.

Skitters leaned forward and gave Bandit a quick kiss on the cheek. Bandit stood there mesmerized for a few seconds. Skitters walked ahead a few steps before stopping and calling back to him.

Skitters: Come on! You don't want to be left behind!

That snapped Bandit out of his trance. He quickly caught up to her and the two Normal types followed their friends who were already outside waiting for them. As they hurried to join their friends each had a single thought going through their minds.

Bandit: Wow. That was amazing… I think I'm in love.

Skitters: I've never met someone like him. He didn't have to, and yet he stayed with me while I recovered. On top of that he's quite handsome. I… I think I may be falling for him.


Being joined by Skitters the Furret Neo's group continues on their journey to Agate Village. With a new ally their chances look better than before. However, there appears to be something else building between Skitters and Bandit. How far will this romance go? What effect, if any, will this have on their quest? Find out in the next chapter of Fighting The Shadows!

Author's Note: Skitters the Furret belongs to scarlet pikachu.

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