Chapter Nine

The next few days passed without much incident — Wes and Callie both stayed up at night, keeping an eye on the Pokémon Center from the inside, meanwhile Officer Jenny beefed up security on the outside of the Pokémon Center. Of course, the security didn't go unnoticed; with officers positioned around the building all day, people were beginning to wonder what kind of pokémon was being kept at the Pokémon Center that would require this kind of protection.

"Maybe it's one of the legendary dogs," Callie overheard a young girl say to a boy around her age.

"It's probably Entei," he said with a shrug.

"Or maybe it's not a legendary dog — maybe it's Latios!" said another.

"Whatever it is, it must be really special to need all this protection," said the young girl who suggested the possibility of a legendary dog.

It was the day before Hugh's rematch with Roxie. Hugh was off training with his pokémon, and Callie and Wes were sitting at the Pokémon Center, Tepig and Oshawott chasing each other around playfully. Zoro and Shinx had both been very scarce — they mostly spent their time watching over Celebi and rarely left the backroom. Callie only saw them a few times a day whenever she brought them food and checked up on them and Celebi.

"I'm worried about Zoro and Shinx," Callie said quietly to Wes, making sure the gossiping children next to them couldn't overhear her. "They never leave Celebi's side."

Wes shook his head, smiling softly. "There's nothing to worry yourself about — Celebi is their friend, it's only natural for them to want to be there to help it however it may need."

"But they haven't gone outside for days," Callie muttered. "That run in with Team Plasma really has them scared."

"It has everyone scared, Callie. Look at this place," Wes said, motioning all around him. "There are four police officers patrolling the grounds outside as we speak; you and I haven't gotten a proper night's sleep in days because we've been staying up to keep an eye out for Team Plasma. No one's going to be able to relax as long as Team Plasma knows Celebi is here."

Callie sighed and nodded; Wes was right, there was no denying that. Wanting a change of subject, Callie looked to Wes. "How are you handling everything?" she said curiously. "You've had a few days to absorb everything I told you — you know, me, Celebi, Team Plasma —"

"You mean how you're some hero in time sent back to help me stop Team Plasma?" Wes said curiously, cracking a grin. Callie rolled her eyes playfully and nodded, and Wes chuckled. "Well, it's was all very surreal for a while there, but now, after meeting Celebi, I guess it's finally sinking in — this is really happening. You're fighting Team Plasma."

"We're fighting Team Plasma," Callie corrected.

"I haven't done anything," Wes said, shaking his head. "You've been doing all the heavy lifting — out of the three encounters we've had with Team Plasma, I've been present for one of them. Hell, Cheren has been just about as useful as I have this entire time. You're the only one really doing anything."

Callie rolled her eyes but before she could say anything, she thought back to Cheren and the conversation they had about his friends, Black and White, and how the two of them disappeared after the final battle with Team Plasma. She had been thinking about it for several days now, fighting with the idea to tell Wes or not. She kept trying to convince herself that it was all a coincidence, but something inside her kept telling her it wasn't — they disappeared after their final battle, and Wes was supposed to disappear after his final battle. Callie hadn't wanted to bother Wes with it, but she wanted to know what his thoughts were.

"Wes," Callie said, frowning softly. "There's something I've been meaning to tell you — something Cheren said."

"Yeah?" Wes said. "What was it?"

"Just the people I've been looking for!"

Callie and Wes both turned and saw Nurse Joy standing beside them, smiling brightly.

"How are you two doing today?" Nurse Joy said happily.

"Just fine," said Callie. "How are you feeling, Nurse Joy?"

"Yeah, how's your head?" said Wes.

"Oh, I'm feeling much better now," Nurse Joy said. "I wanted to thank you two for all the effort you've been putting into keep the Pokémon Center safe — Audino and I greatly appreciate it."

"Of course," Wes and Callie said in unison, both smiling.

Nurse Joy then looked around, as if making sure no one was watching, and motioned for Callie and Wes to follow her.

"You two come with me — I'd like to speak to you both in private," she said quietly before turning away from them and walking towards the door that led to the backroom.

Callie and Wes glanced at each other, as if expecting the other one to know what this was for, but of course, neither of them knew. So they both stood and followed after Nurse Joy, Tepig and Oshawott following after their trainers. As the door to the backroom opened, every trainer in the Pokémon Center lobby froze and tried to peer around Nurse Joy, Callie, and Wes in a feeble attempt to catch a glimpse at the 'mysterious' pokémon being kept at the Pokémon Center. However, the three of them, along with Oshawott and Tepig, quickly slipped into the backroom and the door shut behind them.

"What's going on, Nurse Joy?" said Wes curiously as they all walked into the room with the incubation chambers.

"I think it's time to move Celebi," said Nurse Joy, walking to the incubation chamber that Celebi was in.

However, the chamber was no longer closed; it was left open, and Celebi was sitting upright, Shinx and Zoro sitting beside it. The three of them looked up when they spotted Callie, Wes, and Nurse Joy.

"Move Celebi?" said Callie. "Do you think Celebi is ready for that?"

"Well, it's already doing much better than when you first brought it here," said Nurse Joy. "I just think the longer you stay here, the more danger Celebi is in. I mean, Team Plasma already knows that it's staying here. It's a miracle they haven't come back already."

"I don't know," Wes said, frowning. "Celebi, how are you feeling?"

"Much better," said Celebi with a smile. "I'm still a bit weak though — I can't fly yet."

Callie smiled weakly and looked to Nurse Joy. "I know Team Plasma is a concern, but don't you think Celebi needs a few more days?"

Nurse Joy frowned. "I'm sure it could still use some rest, but I really don't feel like it safe here; all the trainers around here know something is up, and Team Plasma isn't going to wait too much longer."

Callie shook her head. "No, we can't —"

"Callie," Wes said quickly. "Nurse Joy is right. Everyone around here is too curious — someone is going to find out about Celebi, and there's no telling what their reaction may be. They may try to catch Celebi. And as for Team Plasma, well. . . . You've had three run-ins with them. I don't think we should risk the chance of them showing up again, don't you agree?"

Callie frowned. "I mean, yeah, you're right, but Celebi —"

"Will be fine," said Wes, shaking his head. "We're more than capable of taking care of Celebi for a few days on the way to Castelia City."

"You're heading to Castelia City?" said Nurse Joy.

Callie nodded — it was their next stop. Her home town. She couldn't help but wonder what it looked like now.

"Yeah, we are — that's where the next gym is," Wes said.

Nurse Joy smiled. "Well, perfect. My sister runs the Pokémon Center there. If you'd like, I can call her and explain the situation, that way once you get to Castelia City, you can go to the Pokémon Center, and she can look over Celebi for you."

Wes smiled. "That sounds wonderful. What do you think, Callie? Can you get on board with that plan?"

Callie paused — it wasn't a bad plan at all. And Celebi did seem to be feeling better. . . . So, with a nod, Callie smiled softly. "Okay, I guess that will work. When should we leave?"

"Well, I was thinking tonight," said Nurse Joy. "If you leave at night, there's less of a chance of someone seeing you two."

"Tonight?" said Callie. "But Hugh's battle with Roxie isn't until tomorrow — there's no way he'll go with us."

Wes frowned. "Well. . . . We can always tell him what's going on and ask him to meet us in Castelia City. Hugh is reasonable, he may go for it."

"I guess," said Callie. "But even so, how are we going to get to Castelia City at night? There aren't any ferries leaving the port late at night."

"Not normally, you're right," said Nurse Joy. "However, Captain Roxie has agreed to take you there tonight — I've already spoken to him and explained the severity of the situation."

"Captain Roxie?" echoed Wes.

"Do you mean Roxie's father?" Callie said.

Nurse Joy smiled. "Exactly! He seemed very eager to help once I mentioned your name, Callie."

"You know Roxie's dad?" Wes said with a raised eyebrow.

Callie chuckled and nodded. "Yeah, we've met."

"So, it's agreed then — you'll leave tonight?" said Nurse Joy. "I think it's the safest option for everyone."

Callie nodded. "Yeah, we leave tonight!" She smiled and looked to Celebi and Zoro. "Is that okay with you two?"

"Zor!" Zoro said with a nod.

"I can't wait," said Celebi. "Thank you two again for agreeing to help."

"Well, it's our pleasure," said Wes.

Callie then looked to Shinx, who was staring at her with a sort of frown. "Well, Shinx, I guess this means that after tonight, you're free to go back to the forest. Thanks again for watching after Celebi," Callie said with a smile, reaching out and patting his head.

"Shi?" Shinx said, his eyes wide — it seemed as though that wasn't what he was hoping to hear.

However, Callie was oblivious to Shinx's apparent disappointment, and she straightened up and looked to Wes.

"I guess we'd better go find Hugh," said Callie. "You know he's not going to be happy."

Wes rolled his eyes. "Come on, give the guy some credit — he's more understanding than you think."

"You're leaving me?!" Hugh practically shouted to the entire cafeteria as he, Callie, and Wes were eating an early dinner.

It was the moment Callie and Wes broke the news to him that they were leaving that night. Oshawott, who was sitting on Callie's lap while they ate, jumped and clung on to his trainer's arm for dear life, obviously not prepared for Hugh's sudden outburst.

"Some friends you are!" Hugh snapped, pushing away from the table. "You two got your badges, and now you're leaving me behind!"

"Hugh, that's not how it is!" Wes said.

"That's sure how it looks!" Hugh said.

"Yeah, he's real understanding," Callie muttered, stroking the top of Oshawott's head in order to calm him.

Wes shot her a look before looking back to Hugh. "I swear, Hugh, it's not that we're trying to leave you behind. Nurse Joy asked us to leave."

"What? Why would she do that?" Hugh said, his anger lapsing for just a moment.

Wes glanced around, trying to see if anyone was paying attention, and then motioned for Hugh to lean in close.

"She wants Callie and me to get Celebi out of Virbank City," Wes said lowly. "She's worried Team Plasma is going to try to steal Celebi again."

Hugh's eyes widened slightly and his cheeks turned the slightest shade of pink.

"O-oh," he said, sitting back down slowly. "So, that's really why you're leaving? You're not just ditching me?"

"Of course not," said Wes with a chuckle.

"We'll wait for you in Castelia City, if you want," Callie offered with a smile. "But this is something Nurse Joy asked us to do; she already made arrangements for transportation for us and everything, and she called ahead to the Pokémon Center in Castelia City so they know we're coming."

Hugh nodded thoughtfully. "Well, I guess you guys don't have much of a choice. . . ." He sighed heavily and nodded. "Alright, alright — fine. I'll let it slide this time. But you won't leave Castelia City without me, promise?"

"We promise," Callie and Wes said in unison, both of them chuckling.

"Good!" said Hugh. "Well, I guess this is the last I'll be seeing you two for a few days — I want to go get a bit more training in before my big rematch with Roxie tomorrow!"

He stood up and grabbed his bag, slinging it over his shoulder. "Alright, you two, wish me luck! The next time you see me, I'll be one step closer to being the best pokémon trainer the Unova region has ever seen!"

"Good luck," Callie said with a smile.

"Don't forget to let your pokémon rest!" Wes called out as Hugh took off, leaving the cafeteria, and no doubt leaving the pokémon center. Wes sighed, shaking his head. "That guy. . . . He's just always going, he never slows down."

"I know what you mean," said Callie with an amused grin as she began picking at the fries on her plate again, offering one to Oshawott.

"Osha! Wott!" Oshawott said excitedly, taking the french fry from her happily.

Wes smiled as he watched the two of them, and then his looked as if he remembered something important. "Hey — what were you trying to tell me earlier?"

Callie paused and looked at him. "What are you talking about?"

"Earlier, when we were sitting in the lobby, right before Nurse Joy walked up," said Wes, trying to jog Callie's memory. "You said Cheren told you something that you wanted to tell me."

"O-oh, right — that," Callie said, her heart lurching — why did he have to remember that? And why did she think that it was even a good idea to mention it?

"Well, what is it?" said Wes.

Callie sighed, handing the french fry she had intended to eat to Oshawott, who eagerly took it.

"The other day, Cheren told me about his pokémon journey that he took two years ago," Callie started. "He told me about how he, Bianca, and their two friends, Black and White, set off on their journey all together. Apparently, two years ago is when Team Plasma first tried rising to power."

"Yeah, yeah," Wes said thoughtfully, nodding. "I remember that."

"I guess Cheren, Bianca, Black, and White are the ones who stopped them the first time," said Callie.

"No way!" Wes said incredulously. "Cheren helped stopped Team Plasma?"

Callie nodded. "He said that Black and White did most of the work, but he and Bianca helped along the way. But that's besides the point — according to Cheren, during the final battle with Team Plasma, both Black and White disappeared. He and Bianca don't know where they are; they just vanished."

"That's terrible," Wes muttered. "I can't imagine. . . ."

"Don't you get it, Wes?" Callie said, completely oblivious to the fact that Oshawott was stealing more fries from her plate. "Black and White disappeared during their final battle with Team Plasma, and no one knows where they are. Just like you! You disappear during your final battle without a trace. . . . What if it's not a coincidence?"

"So what? You think that whatever happened to Black and White is going to happen to me?" said Wes. "These seem like two completely isolated incidents."

"Isolated incidents?" Callie said incredulously. "Seriously? Black and White have a big show down with Team Plasma, and you disappear during your big battle — come on, Wes!"

"I don't see where you're going with this," he said, shaking his head. "I mean, did Cheren at least tell you what happened to Black and White?"

"Well, erm — well, no," Callie said sheepishly. "Audino came and alerted us about Team Plasma before I could ask, but that doesn't mean that the two events aren't related! I think that if we can find out what happened to Black and White, we can make sure it doesn't happen to you."

"And how are you going to find out?" said Wes. "In the last two years, no one's ever mentioned what happened to Black and White — do you think Bianca will tell you?"

Callie frowned some. "I. . . . I'm not sure. The other day when I mentioned our run in with Team Plasma at Floccesy Ranch, she sort of shut down. Cheren said losing both Black and White was really hard for her, which is probably why she didn't want to talk about it."

"And you don't have any way to contact Cheren, do you?" said Wes.

"Er — yeah, right," said Callie. However, not one to give up easily, her face set into a very determined gaze as she looked across the table at Wes. "I still think this is worth looking into, Wes! I mean, we may be able to find a way to save you after all!"

Wes stared at her, a mixture of emotions on his face. Finally he cracked a small smile, shaking his head softly as he let out a very airy chuckle.

"Look, Callie, I. . . . I appreciate it, but let's not get our hopes up, okay? Whatever happens to me is going to happen. Right now let's just worry about the task at hand, and that's taking care of Celebi, okay? We can worry about whatever is going to happen to me later, alright?" said Wes gently, looking at Callie with an almost sympathetic gaze.

Callie could help but be reminded of the look her mother gave her whenever she thought she was being hopelessly optimistic, and it appeared that Wes was also skilled in giving the exact same expression. Callie sat there, admittedly surprised by his lack of reaction; she had thought Wes would have more to say. After all, she had just told him that she may have found a way to save him. Now a bit perturbed, she watched as Wes turned his attention back to his dinner and began eating again, seemingly unfazed by their conversation.

Deciding she wanted to hurry up and get back to her room, Callie looked down at her plate, ready to finish off her fries so she could leave go pack her things. However, when she looked down, she found that her plate had been picked clean, not so much as a crumb left.

"What?" Callie said, her eyes widening. "What happened to my fries?"

She then looked down at Oshawott, who was leaning back in her lap, his stomach obviously very full, and he was wearing a content, glutinous smile on his face.

"Oshawott," Callie groaned. "You ate all my fries, didn't you?"

"Oooosha!" Oshawott said with a sleepy nod, ready to doze off now that he had eaten his fill (and then some).

Callie grinned and sighed softly, unable to hide her amusement. She pushed away from the table, carrying Oshawott in one arm and stood, looking to Wes.

"Well, I guess I'm gonna go pack," Callie said, her tone a bit short and cold, which she had intended. She turned to leave, but she felt something grab her free hand. She stopped and turned, surprised to see that Wes had leaned across the table and grabbed her.

"Callie," Wes said, looking at her. "I really do appreciate you trying to help. We'll look into it, okay? I promise. But right now, it's just. . . . It's a bit scary to think about it, so I'm doing my best to distract myself."

Callie's face softened and she nodded. "Right — got it. Well, then let's worry about getting through tonight. What time are we leaving?"

"Nurse Joy said that Captain Roxie will be ready to leave at midnight, so I think we should try to leave here no later than eleven thirty — sound good?"

Callie nodded. "Perfect, I'll see you then."

Eleven thirty came quickly, and soon, Callie and Wes stood in the lobby of the Pokémon Center, bags packed, pokémon stowed away, and both of them ready to leave. The lobby was completely empty — any and all trainers staying at the center had long since gone to sleep. Audino stood behind the desk, looking out for any trainers who may be arriving to Virbank City at this hour. Outside two officers stood, one on either side of the door, keeping their eyes peeled for any trouble. Callie and Wes's bikes were already outside, ready for the two of them.

The door to the backroom opened, and Nurse Joy came walking out, a bundle of blankets in her arms, Zoro and Shinx trailing behind her.

"I see you two are ready," Nurse Joy said with a smile..

"Of course we are," Wes said with a smile. "Where's Celebi?"

"Right here," she said, motioning to the blankets in her arms. "I thought it'd be best to at least try to conceal it some."

"Smart idea," said Wes. He then looked to Callie. "Why don't you carry Celebi? After all, you're the one who found it."

Callie nodded and took Celebi from Nurse Joy, pushing the blankets back enough so she could see Celebi. Sure enough, the moment its face was exposed, Celebi smiled up at Callie.

"Thank you both so much," said Celebi. "I'm sorry to be such a burden on you, but I should be back to my full strength in a few days."

"You're not a burden — we're happy to do it, aren't we, Wes?" Callie said with a smile.

Wes nodded and Callie looked down at Zoro.

"Well, come on, Zoro, let's get going!"

Zoro smiled and jumped up onto Callie's shoulder, ready to go. Then Callie looked to Shinx, who sat on the ground, staring up at her expectantly.

"I guess this is where we say goodbye, isn't it?" Callie said softly. "You've been a lot of help, Shinx — thank you!"

"S-shinx?" Shinx said softly.

"Come on, Callie, we'd best get going," said Wes. "Remember, Captain Roxie is ready to leave at midnight; we don't want to be late."

"Right," Callie said with a nod. "Well, thank you again, Nurse Joy — you too, Audino! Shinx, take care of yourself, okay?"

And with that, Callie and Wes headed out the doors of the Pokémon Center, Shinx watching helplessly as they went.

Once outside, Wes and Callie mounted their bikes. Callie put Celebi in the basket of her bike, and Celebi sat up, its head still covered by the blanket, but its face exposed so it could see the city. Zoro jumped down in the basket beside it, and the two pokémon cozied up next to one another.

"Do you know how to get to the docks?" said Callie.

"Mhmm, just follow me!" Wes said.

And they were off.

Inside the Pokémon Center, Nurse Joy had gone back to her seat behind the front desk while Audino went to go do some rounds and check on the pokémon that had been left in their care. While she sat at the computer looking over some emails, she glanced over the screen a few times and saw that Shinx was still sitting in the same spot he had been in right before Callie and Wes left. Nurse Joy frowned softly, feeling bad for the poor pokémon — she could tell that Shinx had been hoping that Callie would invite him to come along with her and Wes, but unfortunately for him, Callie hadn't realized it.

"Shinx?" Nurse Joy called out. The electric-type pokémon looked over his shoulder towards her, his eyes glistening with the threat of tears. "Oh, Shinx. . . . Maybe you should get some rest? You're more than welcomed to stay here."

Shinx looked back to the door, as if hoping that Callie would come running through any moment and ask him to join them. However, the doors remained closed, no sign of anyone coming through them any time soon. Shinx let out a loud sigh and stood, his head hanging low as he moved to walk towards Nurse Joy. However, just as Shinx was about to take a step, he froze, his head suddenly straightening up, his ears twitching.

"Shinx?" said Nurse Joy curiously. "Is everything okay?"

Shinx didn't respond though, and instead he stood there for a few more moments, unmoving. Then, quite suddenly, he turned towards the front door and sprinted towards it at full speed.

"Shi! Shi! Shinx!" Shinx exclaimed, pawing at the doors — he wasn't big enough to set off the sensors.

"What's wrong, Shinx?" Nurse Joy said, standing up. She wasn't sure what was wrong, but she could tell something had Shinx very upset.

"Shinx!" was all he replied, staring at her expectantly.

Curious, Nurse Joy walked to the front doors. The moment she got close enough to the door, the sensors picked up on Nurse Joy, and the door slid open, allowing Shinx to dart outside.

"Shinx! Wait!" Nurse Joy called out.

However, Shinx didn't listen — he took off in the same direction that Callie and Wes had left, using their scent to follow after them. Nurse Joy watched from the front door of the Pokémon Center, looking on as Shinx disappeared around a corner and out of sight.

"Oh, Shinx," Nurse Joy said quietly to herself. "Please be careful."

Meanwhile, Callie and Wes were riding through the darkened streets of Virbank City, not a single person in sight — Roxie wasn't having a show tonight, so there was no crowd outside her gym, and no faint sound of music humming through the streets. It seemed as though the entire endeavor was going to be rather uneventful.

"The docks are just up ahead, past Roxie's gym," said Wes. "We may even be there a few minutes early, perfect —"

"Wes! Callie! Wait!"

The two trainers slammed on their brakes, nearly causing their bikes to flip over. Callie looked over her shoulder and saw two people running towards them —

"Hugh? Roxie?" Callie exclaimed upon recognizing the figures.

It was true — both Hugh and Roxie were coming out of Roxie's gym and running straight towards them.

"What are you guys doing?" Wes exclaimed.

"We were practicing!" Hugh said excitedly as they caught up to Callie and Wes. "I begged Roxie to have a practice battle with me, one-on-one, to see if I have a chance tomorrow!"

"Yeah, we just finished up and were leaving when we saw you two riding by," said Roxie with a grin. "Where are you two headed?"

"They're heading to the docks!" Hugh said before Callie or Wes could answer. "They're taking Celebi to Castelia City!"

"Hugh!" Callie and Wes snapped.

"What? Celebi?" echoed Roxie, a look of disbelief on her face. "Really?"

Callie sighed heavily and nodded, shooting Hugh a nasty glare. "Yeah — see?"

She motioned for Roxie to come around the front of her bike, and she did, where she spotted Celebi and Zoro sitting in the basket.

"No way, that's so totally cool!" Roxie said, her face brightening up. "So that means the rumors about the rare pokémon at the Pokémon Center must be true, right? You guys were hiding Celebi there?"

"Yes, that's right," said Wes, growing a bit impatient. "But we don't have much time to talk, we really have to get going — Captain Roxie is going to be ready to leave soon."

"Captain Roxie? You mean my dad?" Roxie said with a laugh. "No way, that's so awesome! Do you mind if I tag along?"

"Me too!" said Hugh with wide eyes. "Please?"

Wes sighed, obviously frustrated. "If we say yes can we please get going?"

"Yes!" Roxie and Hugh said in unison.

"Then come on," Wes muttered.

Callie and Wes got off their bikes and proceeded to push them as they walked along side Hugh and Roxie. The four of them were talking happily to one another for a few moments; Wes and Callie filled Roxie in about how Callie had found Celebi, and even the events including Team Plasma attacking the Pokémon Center. Soon enough though, Callie was able to pick up on the smell of the ocean — they were close to the docks.

"We're almost there," Wes said with a smile when he saw the look on Callie's face. Callie looked forward and smiled — she could see the docks, and past that, the wide open ocean. They only had a few more buildings to pass, and then they were home free.

"You hear that, Celebi?" said Callie. "We're almost out of here!"

"Thank you all, so much!" Celebi said happily from the basket.

"W-whoa!" Hugh exclaimed, his eyes wide.

"It can talk?" said Roxie.

Wes and Callie both chuckled.

"Sort of — it's telepathy," Callie explained.

"Wow, so cool," Roxie said.

"Man, I wish we didn't have to let Celebi go," groaned Hugh.

"Well, don't worry about that," said a voice from the shadows. "Celebi won't be going too much further."

The four friends froze and watched as three figures stepped out from the only alleyway that stood between them and the dock. Immediately, Callie recognized them —

"You again," Callie growled, narrowing her eyes at them. The trio before them consisted of Lexi, Elias, and Anya.

"You know these guys?" Roxie said, staring down the trio before her.

"Yeah, we're familiar with one another," Wes said, dismounting his bike and putting himself in between Callie and the Team Plasma grunts.

"Just hand over Celebi, and we'll be out of your hair," Lexi called out.

"I told you last time that I wouldn't do that!" Callie said lowly.

"So, are you guys Team Plasma, then?" said Roxie, quickly connecting the dots.

"That's right! We're Team Plasma!" said Anya. "Two years ago. . . . We were betrayed by the man we respected as our king and hero! So our conquest of the Unova region ended in failure! However, we will not give up! We will persevere!"

"We already have another plan in motion," said Elias.

"Shut it!" snapped Hugh, taking a dangerous step forward. "You guys are the worst. You talk about saving pokémon, but you're just pokémon thieves! Don't think I'll ever forgive you!"

"I'm getting real tired of you brats," Lexi growled in irritation.

"Well, you know, Lexi, we could just steal their pokémon," said Anya with a devilish grin. "We already know the brat with Celebi has some impressive pokémon — just imagine the kind of pokémon her friends have!"

"What a great idea, Anya," said Lexi with a grin. "Okay, kiddos, give it your best shot; your pokémon are ours! Krokorok, let's go!"

"Trubbish, come on out!"

"Liepard, you're up!"

The Team Plasma trio released their three pokémon, and Callie clenched her fists, reaching for a pokéball on her belt.

"I'm getting real tired of this," she muttered, ready to pull out Oshawott's pokéball.

"Callie, no!" Wes said quickly, stopping her in her tracks. "You leave these guys to us — you focus solely on protecting Celebi! We can't have you getting distracted and them getting their hands on it!"

Callie frowned, her hand hesitating as it rested on Oshawott's pokéball. "But —"

"We're supposed to stop Team Plasma together, aren't we?" said Wes quietly so only Callie could hear him. "That's why you were brought here, isn't it?"

"Well, yeah, but —"

"Then let me handle this. You protect Celebi, got it?" said Wes.

Reluctantly, Callie pulled her hand away from Oshawott's pokéball and gave a firm nod.

"Right — you guys handle them. I'll hang back," Callie said.

"Perfect — Tepig, I choose you!"

And so the battle was on. Roxie was battling Elias's Liepard with her Koffing, Hugh was facing off against Anya's Trubbish with Pidove, and Wes's Tepig was going head to head with Lexi's Krokorok. Callie stood back, trying her best to keep up with all three battles — Roxie's Koffing was just too fast for Liepard, and its speed was overwhelming it with ease. Pidove was small and fast, allowing it to easily dodge Trubbish's Sludge attack, all the while landing some critical hits.

Tepig, on the other hand, wasn't fairing so well against Lexi's Krokorok. It was currently trapped in Krokorok's Sand Tomb, and Krokorok was landing a barrage of Mud-Slap attacks on it.

"Er — hang in there, Tepig!" Wes called out. "I know you can do it!"

"Te. . . . Pig!" Tepig called out, obviously in pain.

"Tepig, hold on!" Callie exclaimed.

"Oh, I would be more worried about yourself than that little piglet," sneered a voice from behind Callie.

Callie quickly turned and found herself face to face with none other than Lucas, letting out a surprised shout.

"You," Callie growled. "I should have known you'd be lurking around."

"Callie!" Wes exclaimed when he saw Lucas staring down at Callie. "Get out of here! We'll meet up later!"

"Right!"

Callie tried to set off on her bike, but Lucas wasn't having it — he quickly rushed forward and reached out, catching Callie by the collar of her shirt, and he pulled her off the bike, throwing her to the ground. Her bike toppled over without her there to hold it up, and Celebi and Zoro both fell out of the basket. Lucas stood over Callie, his Watchog beside him, both of them staring down at her with an evil grin.

"Looks like I finally got the best of you," Lucas said with a laugh.

"We'll see about that," Callie muttered to herself, reaching for the pokéballs on her belt. Lucas noticed this and quickly stomped on her hand, stopping her in her tracks. "Argh — get off!"

"I can't have you and those pesky little pokémon of yours getting in my way, can I?" Lucas said. "Watchog, grab Celebi!"

"Hog!" Watchog grunted, turning towards Celebi and Zoro.

Zoro quickly jumped to his feet, crouching down in front of Celebi protectively.

"Zooor," Zoro growled lowly.

"Watchog, deal with that Zorua — use Hyper Fang!"

Watchog launched itself at Zoro, a white aura surrounding its mouth in a fang-like shape. Before Callie could call out to Zoro, Watchog hit him with its Hyper Fang attack, causing Zoro to let out a cry of pain as he skidded backwards. However, Zoro stayed on his feet, and he narrowed his eyes at Watchog dangerously.

"Zoro, don't let him get ahold of Celebi!" Callie called out.

"Shut up!" Lucas spat at her before turning back to Watchog. "Let's make this easy — use Hypnosis, Watchog!"

Watchog nodded and turned towards Zoro, his eyes beginning to glow blue. Then, in Watchog's hands, two blue orbs appeared, and he threw them at Zoro. Zoro, obviously confused, wasn't able to dodge the attack, and both orbs hit him head on. Zoro stood there for a moment, looking completely unfazed.

"Ha, it didn't even work!" Callie laughed.

However, Lucas simply just smiled. "Oh, is that so? Think again."

Callie looked back towards Zoro and saw that his eyes were beginning to droop, and he was swaying where he stood. Zoro was trying to resist the urge to fall asleep, but his eye lids were getting heavy. Then, as if he couldn't fight it anymore, his eyes shut completely and Zoro fell over, fast asleep.

"Zoro, no!" Callie exclaimed.

Lucas laughed. "Now, Watchog, if you wouldn't mind — grab them!"

"Celebi, run!" Callie cried.

Celebi tried to lift itself, but it was apparent that it was simply still too weak, and Celebi couldn't get up. Lucas smiled.

"You're mine, Celebi!"

Watchog lunged towards Celebi, ready to capture it, but something blue and glowing suddenly tackled Watchog from the side, knocking him to the ground and shocking him simultaneously.

"What?" gasped Lucas.

Callie's eyes locked on to the electric figure, and she felt herself smiling.

"Shinx!" Callie called out. "You're here!"

Shinx jumped off of Watchog, landing in front of Celebi and Zoro, a determined smile on his face.

"Is that the same puny Shinx from the forest?" Lucas growled in frustration.

Callie, seeing that Lucas was distracted, grabbed his ankle with her free hand and pulled, causing him to fall to the ground. She then quickly scrambled to her feet and away from his reach and ran to stand beside Shinx.

"Argh — I'm sick and tired of you and your dumb, annoying pokémon!" Lucas snapped as he stood to his feet. "I'm taking Celebi, and even that damn Zorua — now!"

"Not if we have anything to say about it, isn't that right, Shinx?" said Callie. Shinx looked up at Callie, smiling softly. "Well, Shinx — will you battle with me?"

Shinx's face looked suddenly determined, and he offered Callie a small smirk as he nodded, turning his attention back to the Watchog before them. Callie then pulled out her PokéDex.

"Dexter, what are Shinx's moves?"

"Shinx's known moves are Spark, Charge, and Bite."

Callie nodded and put her PokéDex back in her pocket, ready to battle.

"Alright, then, Shinx — use Charge!"

"Shi-shinx!"

Shinx's body suddenly became surrounded in light blue sparks as it began to gather electricity in its body.

"Don't let it store too much power!" Lucas instructed. "Stop it with Hyper Fang!"

Watchog nodded and he began running towards Shinx, the same white aura appearing.

"Shinx, dodge it, let's go!" Callie called out.

Shinx quickly jumped in the air, dodging the attack, light blue sparks still surrounding it. Then, the sparks suddenly stopped, and Callie smiled.

"Alright, Shinx — it's time! Use a super charged Spark attack, let's go!"

"Shi-shi-shi-SHINX!"

Shinx suddenly did a nose dive, heading straight towards Watchog, who was standing directly below him. Shinx's body was suddenly enveloped in a staggering array of blue electricity, and he tackled Watchog, causing the normal-type pokémon to let out a great cry. Then, the Spark attack faded and Shinx jumped backwards, landing beside Callie, ready for the battle to continue. However, much to both Callie and Shinx's surprise, it didn't — Watchog laid on the ground, unmoving, Shinx's super charged Spark attack proving to be too much for it.

"Wow," Callie said with wide eyes as she looked at the unconscious Watchog. "Shinx. . . . That was amazing!"

"W-watchog?" Lucas exclaimed, his eyes widening. When his pokémon didn't respond, Lucas frowned and returned his Watchog, glaring at Callie and Shinx.

"I will get that Celebi," he sneered. "Team Plasma will be successful! We will rule this world! You won't be able to stand in our way too much longer, twerp!"

And with that, Lucas turned on his heel and took off, disappearing around the corner of the building. Callie wanted to go after him, but Shinx pawed at her foot, distracting her from any thoughts of a pursuit.

"Hm? What is it, Shinx?" Callie said, looking down at the small electric-type. Shinx nodded towards Celebi and Zoro, who were still lying on the ground. "Oh, you're right!"

Callie and Shinx quickly turned their attention to the two pokémon. Callie picked up both pokémon, holding one in each arm.

"Celebi, Zoro, are you two okay?" Callie said softly.

"I'm fine," Celebi said. "I'm sorry I couldn't run away or even fight back. . . . I'm afraid I'm still too weak."

"There's no need to apologize, Celebi," Callie said with a smile. "At least you're okay."

"Zor. . . . Zorua. . . ," Zoro stirred in Callie arms, and she looked to see that he had woken up.

"Oh, Zoro, you're awake! How are you feeling, buddy? Better?" Callie said. Zoro nodded, smiling weakly. "Good!"

She then got her bike upright and placed the two pokémon back in the basket. She was just about to say something to Shinx when her attention was drawn back to the three battles before her.

"Tepig, break through that Sand Tomb with Tackle!" Wes exclaimed.

Tepig, who was still trapped in the Sand Tomb, attempted yet another Tackle attack, but to no prevail — there was no breaking through it.

Wes clenched his fists, obviously frustrated — it wasn't looking good. "I need to get him out of there, fast! Something has to break through that Sand Tomb, anything. . . . I got it!" Wes looked towards Tepig through the Sand Tomb. "Buddy, I know we haven't perfected it, but we gotta try that move one more time — Tepig, use Flame Charge!"

Callie watched as Tepig took a deep breath and began stomping on the ground repeatedly with all of its feet, kicking up dust from the battlefield. Tepig's body then became surrounded with red-yellow fire, and he leapt forward with incredible speed and force, easily breaking through Krokorok's Sand Tomb and freeing itself.

"What?!" Lexi exclaimed.

"That's what I'm talking about!" Wes cheered, thrusting a fist into the air.

"Way to go Tepig!" Callie called out.

Tepig slammed his body into Krokorok with enough force to easily knock him over. However, the move wasn't very effective, and Krokorok stood up, smiling ever so slightly.

"It'll take more than a measly little Flame Charge to take out my Krokorok," Lexi said with a smile. "Let's show them some real power, Krokorok — use Bulldoze!"

Krokorok smiled knowingly and stomped down on the ground with tremendous force — Callie felt the ground beneath her feet tremble. She watched as a massive shock wave was created, and Krokorok directed the shock wave straight towards Tepig. Before Tepig could even react, the shock wave crashed into him, sending him flying backwards.

"No, Tepig!" Wes cried out.

Tepig slammed into the ground, skidding several feet.

"Tepig! Are you okay?" Wes said. "Can you still battle?"

Slowly, Tepig lifted his head, his entire body trembling.

"Wes," Callie said softly. "Please. . . . Don't let it keep battling."

"You're probably right," Wes muttered, lifting his pokéball. "Tepig, return — wait!"

Callie and Wes both froze as the watched something very strange happen — Tepig was suddenly enveloped by a bright blue light while slowly changing forms.

"What's happening?" said Callie.

"I don't believe it. . . . Tepig is evolving!" Wes exclaimed.

It was then that the blue light suddenly faded, and standing there in Tepig's place was a completely different pokémon. It was still a pig-like pokémon, but it stood on two feet. Its chubby body was orange with brown bands around its shoulders, sides, belly, hands, and from the back of its head down its snout. Yellow bands encircled its wrists, and swirled yellow designs bulged from its chest. It had a red pig-like nose, pointed ears, and two pointed teeth that protruded from its lower jaw. Its hands had two claws each, and its tail was curled with a tuft of fur at the tip.

"What is that?" Callie said, pulling her PokéDex from her pocket.

"Pignite, the Fire Pig Pokémon, and the evolved form of Tepig. Pignite moves faster when its internal flame becomes more intense. This also occurs when it gets angry."

"Pignite, huh? That's pretty cool," said Callie with a smile.

"Alright, you evolved!" Wes cheered, pulling out his PokéDex and looking at Pignite's new moves. Apparently, he liked what he saw, and he smiled.

"Perfect — Pignite, finish this with Arm Thrust!"

"Nite!" Pignite grunted.

Pignite ran toward Krokorok with amazing speeds, his hands glowing white. Before Krokorok could even react, Pignite began repeatedly hitting Krokorok with alternating hands, over and over, until landing one final blow that sent Krokorok crashing into Lexi, knocking her over.

"Yes! Way to go!" Wes exclaimed, running over to Pignite. "You did it! You were awesome, Pignite!"

"Amazing!" Callie exclaimed.

As Wes's battle with Lexi came to an end, Roxie and Hugh also finished their battles, both of them coming out victorious. The trio of Team Plasma grunts quickly returned their pokémon, shaking their heads.

"I can't believe these kids stopped us," growled Anya.

"Lucas isn't going to be happy," said Elias.

"Of course he's not! We all lost, him included! Let's get back to Route 20, quick — he's waiting for us there," said Lexi.

The three of them rushed passed Callie, Wes, Roxie, and Hugh, taking off down the street.

"We can't let them get away!" said Hugh.

"But Callie and I have to go," said Wes. "Captain Roxie is waiting for us!"

"Don't worry, we can handle those guys — you two get going!" said Roxie. She then turned to Hugh and said, "Alright, Hugh, let's go get those Team Plasma punks!"

"You got it! Be safe, you two!" Hugh called out before he, Roxie, and their pokémon took off after Team Plasma, leaving Callie and Wes standing there.

"Well," Wes said with a heavy sigh, "that was something else. I never expected an ambush."

"Yeah, me either," said Callie. "How do you think they knew we were leaving?"

"Well, they knew you were protecting Celebi, right?" Wes said. "They figured we were going to have to try to leave the city at some point — they were probably watching the Pokémon Center to see what direction we were headed, and once they figured out we were going to the docks, decided they would try to head us off."

Callie nodded. "Yeah, I guess you're right. . . . Still. . . . That was too close for comfort. I mean, if it weren't for Shinx, Celebi and Zoro would have probably been taken."

"Shinx?" Wes said.

"Yeah, Shinx!" Callie said, smiling as she motioned to the pokémon that stood beside her bike. "He followed us from the Pokémon Center! I think he wants to keep looking after Celebi!"

"Shi. . . ," Shinx muttered, narrowing his eyes slightly at Callie.

"What?" Callie said, obviously confused by his sudden change in attitude.

Wes, however, just laughed softly, shaking his head. "You really don't get it, do you?" he said.

"Get what?" Callie said, growing more and more confused.

"Shinx didn't follow us to protect Celebi — he followed you, Callie. Shinx wants to go with you!"

"Me?" Callie said, her eyes widened. "Shinx wants to come with me?" She looked down at the electric pokémon standing by her feet, who was smiling broadly up at her.

"Shinx, is that true?" Callie said. "Do you really want to come with me?"

"Shinx! Shinx! Shi-shinx!" Shinx exclaimed happily, jumping up towards her.

Callie laughed softly, catching Shinx in her arms. She pulled out an empty pokéball and clicked the middle button, allowing the capsule to grow, and held it up towards Shinx. Shinx looked from her to the pokéball and smiled brightly before pushing the button with his paw. The pokéball opened and enveloped Shinx in a red light, and Shinx disappeared inside the pokéball as it snapped shut. The pokéball shook several times in her hand before making a soft 'bing!' noise, and it became quite still. Callie smiled down at the pokéball before thrusting it into the air.

"Alright — I caught a Shinx!" Callie exclaimed brightly.

"Looks like you and I both added a new pokémon to our team," said Wes. "Your Shinx, and my Tepig evolved into a Pignite — I guess this night wasn't so bad after all."

Callie opened her mouth to say something, but then a loud horn sounded from the docks, and Wes and Callie's eyes widened.

"The boat!" Callie exclaimed, taking off on her bike.

"I forgot!" Wes shouted, following closely behind her.

The two of them peddled as fast as they could, arriving at the docks in a matter of minutes. There wasn't a soul there, just dozens of empty boats tied to the docks. However, at the very end of the dock, Callie could see a single figure standing on a large boat.

"There!" Callie exclaimed, pointing towards the end of the dock. "I see Pop Roxie!"

"Pop Roxie?" Wes echoed.

Callie ignored him though and took off, peddling faster and harder as another loud, long horn sounded. Within moments the two trainers came to a screeching halt at the end of the dock, and Pop Roxie looked over at them from boat's cockpit.

"Well, well, well — there you two are!" he said, leaving the cockpit and coming over to the side of the ship to help them load their bikes. "I was beginning to wonder if you two were going to show or not!"

"Sorry," Callie said as she took Celebi and Zoro out of the basket of her bike so Wes and Pop Roxie could put it on the boat. "We ran into a bit of trouble."

"Trouble?" Pop Roxie repeated. "What kind of trouble?"

"Team Plasma trouble," Wes grunted as he finished loading Callie's bike on the boat and began to attempt to lift his bike into the boat.

"Team Plasma, huh?" said Pop Roxie as he helped lower Wes's bike onto the deck of the ship. "Aren't those the fellas you were trying to avoid while leaving?"

"Yes, sir," said Callie, carefully stepping into the boat with Celebi and Zoro in her arms. "But they managed to find us."

"They headed us off right as we were about to get to the docks," said Wes, climbing in after Callie. "Roxie and our friend Hugh were with us though, and they managed to help us battle them all and send them running. It was close though."

"Sounds like it," muttered Pop Roxie. "Well, you two can relax now — it's just the three of us on this boat. The ride to Castelia City won't be a short one though, so get comfortable. There are a few rooms below the deck, so each of you has a place of their own. Why don't we get sailing and then we'll go get you both settled in. . . ."

Within the next hour, the ship had set sail from the docks of Virbank City, and they were on their way to Castelia City. Pop Roxie had shown Callie and Wes to their rooms, and Callie had to admit, it was better than anything she could have imagined — a large plush bed, a dresser, even her own bathroom. It was definitely fancier than staying at the Pokémon Center, which was saying something. Callie got herself settled in and she climbed into bed, Celebi and Zoro already fast asleep on one side of the bed.

Callie laid down, gazing happily at her belt that had four pokéballs holstered on it — Oshawott, Riolu, Growlithe, and now, Shinx. Almost two weeks into her journey, and she had herself a solid team thus far. A team that was growing stronger and stronger by the day — between training with Hugh and Wes, and training on their own, to the several encounters they had with Team Plasma, Callie's pokémon were growing stronger by the day.

"Team Plasma," Callie muttered to herself, thinking back to the battle they had had just an hour before. "Lucas. . . . He said they wanted to take over the world. . . . And, in my time, they do. . . . How do I stop them from succeeding?"

"You'll need to find N."

Callie jumped, obviously startled by the voice, and looked over to see Celebi was staring at her.

"Celebi, y-you're awake," Callie said with wide eyes.

Celebi nodded softly and slowly sat up.

"You want to know how to stop them, correct?" Callie nodded and Celebi smiled. "Then it's simple — find N."

"Who's N?" said Callie.

"Remember when Anya said they were betrayed by the man they respected as their king and hero two years ago?"

"Er — sort of," Callie said, thinking back.

"Well, the person she was referring to is named N," said Celebi.

"Okay, well, how do I find him?" said Callie.

Celebi shook its head. "I don't know — N's whereabout are unknown to everyone. But there may be someone who may be able to help you."

"Where?" said Callie, her eyes widening.

"In Driftveil City," said Celebi. "There is a place where former members of Team Plasma reside. Go there, and they be able to help you."

"Driftveil City?" said Callie, pulling out her Town Map. She opened the device and the screen flickered on, revealing a map of the Unova Region. Callie scanned the image for Driftveil City, and when she found it, she let out a heavy sigh. "It's so far away — we won't get there for months. . . . Can't you just teleport me there?"

Celebi shook its head. "I'm afraid I can't. I'm still to weak from bringing you back in time. Besides, even if I could, I don't think that it'd be a good idea. Team Plasma was able to pick up on my location due to my powers. I'm afraid I can't take that risk again."

"Yeah, you're right," Callie muttered. She then sighed and closed her Town Map, tucking it inside her bag and laying back down on her bed. "Well then, I guess I don't have a choice — I'll just have to wait until we finally get there on our own."

"I'm sorry I couldn't be more help," Celebi said, frowning.

Callie smiled softly and shook her head. "No, no, it's fine. . . . Look, let's just get some rest. We had a busy night."

Celebi smiled and nodded, laying down beside Zoro and quickly falling asleep.

However, for Callie, sleep didn't come so easily, and she found herself laying awake, thinking of one thing —

Who in the world was N?