Chapter Twenty-Eight

"W-what? That's impossible! I'm an orphan," Amanda stuttered, everything seeming to move to fast for her.

How could this be possible? If this man said he was her father, then why was she put into an orphanage? She didn't understand.

"No you're not. Just...I'll explain it to you very soon, but you have to trust me and get out of here now. We'll meet again, stay safe. Now go!" He commanded, fear more emphasized than anger in his harsh tone.

Amanda fumbled with the door and did what he said, immerging into the other room with the Pokémon and Zero at the lead, still changed to look like Amanda. She looked back one last time before she shut the door, getting mixed feelings about what she was just told. There wasn't time to dwell on it now, because Strider was right, they didn't have much time.

"Amanda! We have to go," she heard Colby's voice say.

Josh and Colby ran into the room, grabbing their packs again and catching the Poffins Amanda had thrown, they needed to get these Pokémon out.

"Good, now get to the stairs, fast! I'll have Riley meet you halfway somehow, but we have to hurry. I'm fighting to get camera footage, they're onto us," Ellis ordered in their ears.

He sounded desperate and greatly stressed, only emphasizing that they didn't have much time over and over again.

"Let's move!" Josh yelled, "You heard the lettuce head! Let's make like pants and split."

Amanda calmed her frazzled nerves and told Zero to hold the door open, which he easily did. The forty or so Pokémon eagerly rushed out the door, following Josh and Colby who were in the lead, running down the hall with this pack following. Amanda and Zero took up the rear, running hard to keep up with the stampede ahead of them. They were going to be lucky if this worked.

Ellis watched as they cleared the first landing of the stairs, quickly checking to be sure the next floor they would run into was clear. Thankfully it was, because Ellis didn't really have anymore tricks up his sleeve. He glanced over at Riley's monitor and found that he was still running up and down the main hall, God knows how being able to avoid the tiring pack of grunts that was trying to catch the slippery son of a bitch.

Riley though seemed fine with energy, trying to dance to the song again that Ellis had set on continuous loop. Just to prove he had more energy, Riley stopped to put his hands behind his head and wiggle his crotch. It took all Ellis had to not smash the screen with his face desk. At least he was doing his job.

Colby, Amanda, Zero, Josh, and the pack of Pokémon were rounding the third set of stairs with three to go. They hadn't lost any stragglers yet and surprisingly this plan was working very well. Amanda glanced down the hall before heading up the stairs again and saw a few grunts down there huddled around something. Whatever it was she didn't care, as long as it gave them time to be undetected. As they were on the fourth landing, Ellis decided it was time to warn Riley. He was one floor above them, so it was time to split.

"Riley that's enough; they're coming up the stairs. Join them at the end of the hall and get out of there!" Ellis yelled into the mic.

"Roger Pothead, just making sure to coat this room with sexy before I leave," Riley replied, pelvic thrusting some more.

Ellis rolled his eyes and was surprised as Riley's screen went dark. Patting it a couple times he realized that someone probably disconnected him, they were figuring it out.

"Hurry Riley!" Ellis said.

"Guys my screen for Riley went dark, he should be joining you briefly. I'll get the door open for you and then get the hell out of there. We've made some grunts very angry," Ellis said, speaking to Josh's group.

"Yeah, the red headed prick is already here. And what IN THE HELL is he wearing?" Josh snarled.

Colby just caught sight of Riley and did a double take as she saw him running down the hall, screaming, towards them. Of course he was wearing a small black Speedo at least two sizes too small. The grunts chasing him picked up speed again as Riley made it to the stairs, falling in step beside Amanda who looked green at the sight of him.

"What's up baby cakes? Did ya know I'm sexy and I know it?" Riley cooed, running up the stairs beside Amanda and Zero.

"Great Stellar Spirits, focus on the job we have," Amanda huffed, putting her eyes everywhere but near him.

"I'm sorry, he insisted," Ellis squeaked.

"Damn straight," Riley replied with a grin, bounding up the stairs.

"Just open the door," Josh screeched as they neared the last stretch of hall.

Ellis hit a few buttons on his keyboard, telling the door to open, which it did. Two grunts were in there way, hollering and screeching. They weren't doing this for long, because Josh and Colby put fists in their faces as they barreled out the door.

"Go go go!" Ellis yelled into their ears.

Amanda, Riley, and Zero bolted out the door, trying to keep up with the pack of Pokémon that were sprinting after Josh and Colby. Amanda's feet slammed into the ground as she ran harder than she'd ran in a while, careful not to look back and see if there were people following. Adrenaline was keeping her going, pulsing through her body doing 90 and feeding oxygen to her breathless lungs.

They'd almost made it out, because the tree's were dead ahead. Meanwhile Ellis was speed packing up all his gear, shoving it into the bag and spying the group as they headed through the hole Josh had made in the fence. From the looks of it no one was following them yet, but the base was defiantly in chaos.

Throwing the last of the stuff in his bag, Ellis zipped it up and met Colby and Josh halfway, now in the trees.

"That was a kickass plan," Josh breathed, still running through the trees with Ellis on his left, Colby on his right, the Pokémon in the middle, and Amanda, plus Riley and Zero, bringing up the rear.

"Now we just have to get back to Mayeberry," Ellis grinned as they ran into the night with success in the air.


"They took what?" The boss's voice seemed to raise two octaves on that word, making Ronan flinch in his chair.

After someone had hacked into his cameras, Ronan has immediately bolted back to the room to try and stop it. While he was in there he'd caught a glimpse of who it was, and boy should he have guessed. The idiot with the flaming red hair was dancing nastily up and down his hallways, and of course the black haired prick and the blonde girl were beating his team mate's ass downstairs. Somehow these assholes had stolen the Pokémon they'd just got yesterday from the Safari Zone in Mayberry. Go figure.

"They took all of our Pokémon sir," Ronan said quietly, stiffening in his chair and hoping for the best.

He was just there earlier today getting praise and now that was probably going to go to hell because of these little…

"You're telling me, that all the Pokémon we just risked our asses for yesterday at the Safari Zone were just stolen by some kids?" The boss snapped, still not facing Ronan in his office chair.

Oh this wasn't going in Ronan's favor at all. He'd be lucky if he wasn't demoted again. At this rate he was never going to be a boss.

"Yes sir, somehow they did," Ronan answered.

Finally the boss's chair swiveled around and for the first time that day he faced Ronan, coldness in his green eyes almost enough to make Ronan shudder. Very rarely did he speak to people face to face when he talked, for whatever reason. He was wearing his usual apparel which consisted of a suit, always with a pocket watch, his light brown hair slicked back, and his facial hair finely cut. It was pretty intimidating at times, especially now.

"Where were you," the boss asked succinctly.

"Sir?" Ronan asked.

"I asked where the hell you were when they were just waltzing through the front door and taking these Pokémon from us. What kind of fools does that make us look like? Me for being the head of this branch of Team Lunar, you for being my second in command! Do you have any idea what we will tell the head branch when they ask for Pokémon and we don't have them? That they were taken by some little kids who just walked in?" The boss yelled.

Ronan was glued to his chair, never hearing the boss lose his cool like that before. He normally didn't get yelled at, and he fully intended on it not happening again. Ronan liked doing the yelling, not being yelled at. "I-I was trying to stop the hacker sir-" Ronan stuttered, wringing the hands in his lap.

"Really? Stopping the hacker from seeing our cameras? I'm disappointed in you Ronan, I would have thought you of all people would have the sense to get down there and do something about it while they were just freeing our Pokémon. Cameras don't make a difference, the prize Pokémon are what matters," the boss snapped.

"I understand sir," Ronan replied quietly.

"Do you? Well if you did those Pokémon would still be in their damn cages, ready for shipment to headquarters tomorrow!"

Ronan shot his gaze to the floor, "I'm sorry sir. It won't happen again."

The boss picked up his pocket watch, checking the time and snapping it closed with authority.

"It better not Ronan. If you want to keep your position that is. Now get out of my office and tend to your duties," the boss snapped, turning back around in his chair and leaving Ronan to his boiling anger.

Those kids were going to pay.


"Uh huh...so that's how it happened? You're sure hon? Sounds pretty crazy," the lady behind the desk asked, one hand writing down furiously and her shoulder holding the phone to her ear.

"Positive ma'am, we found the Pokémon out in the middle of the forest. My friends and I were going out for some training and stumbled upon them, wandering around out here! We'd seen the newscast earlier yesterday about the stolen Pokémon from Mayeberry, well we figured it had to be them," Ellis replied, being a surprisingly good liar.

They were in fact just outside of Mayeberry, with all the Pokémon clustered around them in a semi-circle, fighting over the limited amount of food Amanda had packed. It was originally meant for just her Pokémon, and Citrus wasn't taking kindly to sharing with these unwelcome visitors.

The feisty little guy was already stealing as best he could get away with, especially the one orange that Amanda laid out. This seemed to be the only way to keep the group together, so hopefully they could get back to Mayeberry soon, apart from this small, well needed break. Besides, Ellis needed some time to think up a quality story.

They were all clustered around the MID and Ellis, who had called the Mayeberry Police Station minutes ago, explaining the situation to one of the clerks.

"Well, that's remarkable! Are you able to lead them here or do I need to send a couple officers for assistance?" The desk lady asked, thumping her pen on the desk in the background.

"I think we'll be alright, after all, we've made it this far. Within the hour we should have them back to the Safari Zone, if your officers would like to assist then. Oh, and we would request Officer Parish if it isn't too much trouble," Ellis spoke, a smile on his face.

Colby and Amanda exchanged glances, unable to control their giggles. Boy would that sour old officer be delighted to see them.

The lady paused, "Not a problem, I take it your friends?"

Ellis rolled his eyes at the group, "Something like that."

"Well I'll get that to her right away hon, we'll see you soon. Buh-bye," she dismissed, hanging up the phone.

Ellis hung up the MID and shoved it in his pack, sighing as he looked around at all the Pokémon they'd just saved. It was unbelievable that his plan actually succeeded, considering they'd just jumped in blindly. But the goal had been accomplished, and the score was them one, and Team Lunar zero. That in itself was satisfying enough, and it was a near job well done.

"Did she sound hot?" Riley asked, practically ogling already.

Amanda slapped him upside the head, causing him to grin even wider.

"She's jealous! She's jealous," the redhead bellowed.

"I most certainly am not. In fact I take pity on the poor girl that ends up with you," Amanda shot back, trying not to blush.

The fact that he changed out of that awful Speedo though was a bit more comforting. Instead his usual black cargo pants and I'm Not Gonna Riachu a Love Song tee was back.

"Enough of that you two, we should be celebrating this victory!" Ellis exclaimed.

"It isn't over just yet Pothead, we still have to deliver these little fuzzy bumpkins back to the Safari Zone," Riley pointed out, casually trying to stretch and wrap an arm around Amanda, who batted at it.

Colby petted Citrus, who had a habit of rubbing against peoples legs when he wanted attention before he zipped off again towards the guy in the black and green trench coat. Josh tried to hide his disapproval as Citrus found his normal spot on his shoulder, rubbing his little paws in Josh's dark hair that was just below his ear in length.

The gym leader tilted his head sideways, looking up at the Pokémon with disapproval. Citrus just didn't seem afraid, because he batted with one paw at Josh's nose before the gym leader sighed and faced forward again.

Emmera was stretched out in Ellis's lap, along with Nicksy who was practically sleeping on top of her in a fight for Ellis. Mara though was being faithful and was sleeping soundly at Colby's feet.

"Well we better get moving, for all we know Team Lunar could be stalking us in the bushes," Colby suggested, calling Mara and Nicksy back into their Poke Balls, despite their obvious protest.

As soon as these Pokémon were taken care of, then they would get quality time with their trainer. But for now she was on a mission.

"That's a decent idea," Amanda replied, picking Citrus off of Josh and sticking him on her shoulder.

Zero remained in his usual place, walking faithfully beside her back in his normal form. Everyone gathered their things and a few minutes later they were back on the road, Mayeberry less than a mile away. The pack of Pokémon seemed intent on getting the Poffins that Josh and Colby were leading with. Ellis, Amanda, and Riley brought up the rear, catching any stragglers or just making sure everyone was as nicely in line as a mass of all different kinds of Pokémon could be.

What really was the issue though was this Tropius. He always seemed to be tripping over things and stepping on other Pokémon. Though it seemed every Pokémon had a strange fascination with badasses, because it was always trying to nip at Josh's coat and hair while walking. After a few minutes Josh finally blew a gasket, spinning around to face the gang in the back.

"Keep this shit under control back there. I don't want this asshole chopping off my hair and spitting on my coat," he snapped, glaring harshly at the Tropius who continued to smile dumbly down at the gym leader. Amanda rolled her eyes at him, "C'mon Josh, it's just because he likes you."

Josh scowled, glaring up at the innocent Tropius, "We've been over this 'liking me' shit. I try my best to be the exact opposite, but you know how that seems to work. After all you people had some reason to drag me along-"

"If I remember correctly you were the one who drug us along," Colby interrupted with a grin.

Josh shot her a glare, "Whatever. I had good reason to get away from those damn kids. I didn't want to come along..."

"Then why have you stayed so long?" Ellis asked.

"Yeah, what's stopping you from leaving?" Colby added.

Josh cleared his throat, stuffing his hands in the pockets of his trench coat and refusing to make contact with anyone.

"That isn't the point. It's not like I enjoy company, especially his."

Josh brought his gaze back to Riley, who was still trying to hit on Amanda. That boy could never give it a rest, even when Amanda made it clear several times that she wasn't interested. Riley straightened up, just grinning at Josh.

With a huff of anger Josh turned back around, clamping his mouth firmly shut and walking a little faster when he felt the Tropius nudge him from behind. Ellis made a face behind Josh's back, causing Colby to giggle. He could be such a sour sport sometimes.

The dirt path was changing to brick now, leading into the main street of Mayeberry. The pack of Pokémon still seemed content and luckily the Safari Zone wasn't too far from here...but that did mean they had to cross one of the main streets to get there. Colby sighed, this wasn't going to be easily and they were going to attract a lot of unwanted attention. Josh, Colby, Amanda, and Ellis were still dressed in their spy outfits, except for Riley who had changed out of his Speedo. Thank the Stellar Spirits he did. Even without that display to worry about, they still didn't want the unnecessary attention.

"Are we just going to go strolling through town? Won't this look a bit strange? Five of us walking through with a huge pack of Pokémon?" Colby questioned.

Ellis shrugged, "There isn't really any choice. If we wanted to go the long way around we would have had to turn a long time ago."

"Of course we want to, it will display our badassitude," Riley replied smugly.

Colby bit back a retort and kept her eyes going forward as the five of them immerged onto the main street of Mayeberry, already bringing some eyes. All together they filled up the whole width of the street, which wasn't obvious at all to bystanders. Already there were people, either previously standing outside or walking, that had stopped and were staring at them. Riley had a smirk plastered on his face that never seemed to leave. Some people were talking to each other in hushed tones, obviously talking about the huge mass of Pokémon in the street.

By now they were about halfway up the street, and the swag Riley felt seemed to be practically radiating from them. He tried to strut his best before Amanda ended up smacking him again, causing him to smirk even bigger. It was a wonder that his mouth didn't just crack from all that smirking all the time.

After what seemed like a year of people just staring at them, the group finally rounded the corner and saw the Safari Zone just up ahead. As they got within a few yards Colby and Ellis exchanged a huge grin when they realized who was in the parking lot. Officer Parish could be seen along with Lindy, Saria, and Smithers who had just spotted them.

Lindy spun around, wearing a big sun hat and sunglasses, lowering them and glancing up at them. Smithers just began to laugh as they met them, all the Pokémon behind them in a huge mass. Officer Parish on the other hand, looked royally pissed.

"Are you kids alright? I can't believe you made it this far with the Pokémon! It was such luck that you found them, in the woods of all places," Lindy gushed, pulling each of them into a rough hug.

Officer Parish got up from leaning on her squad car, stalking over to their direction with a frown on her face. Pulling off her shades she looked down at them wordlessly, examining the Pokémon they had in their hold.

"This is wonderful! We absolutely can't thank you kids enough! The Safari Zone would be well...nothing without the Pokémon!" Lindy exclaimed, bending down to pet a content Wooper, who whooped in happiness in getting some attention.

"Not a problem, we really are glad to help," Ellis responded, a foolproof grin plastered on his face.

"What is good to know was that Team Lunar wasn't a part of this or at least to our knowledge so far," Saria added, speaking for the first time. "We're so glad to hear that, because who knows what would have become of these poor little guys," Amanda said.

"Hopefully we can get on with business, because the other worker that was missing showed up. He was asleep in the basement, so much for responsibility. That's probably how they escaped…left the gate open too," Lindy told them with a frown.

"We know whose getting fired," Josh snorted.

"We really better be on our way, because if I'm correct we have a date- I mean battle with Saria," Riley elaborated, earning him another punch in the arm from Amanda.

"Twixxxx," he groaned in protest, rubbing his arm.

"You deserved it," Amanda muttered under her breath.

"It truly is a miracle that you kids managed to bring these all back by yourselves. We can't thank you enough," Lindy reiterated.

"Yes and I believe I do have a battle with you five. You deserve the opportunity after all you've done for Mayeberry," Saria agreed.

Through this all Officer Parish was silent, scrutinizing with her nose wrinkled up in a very unattractive manor. Ellis couldn't help but counting this as a victory for them. After all, this was the biggest success of one of his plans, ever.

"Yes. Pretty unbelievable, almost too unbelievable. Now why don't you kids run along, you've done quite enough," Officer Parish practically snapped, obviously not appreciating the special call in her favor.

"We'd be quite happy to Officer. You have a nice day now," Amanda answered, failing at being sincere in her smile.

Officer Parish snorted and slammed her shades back on her face, opening her car door.

"You don't need me anymore. I have another call to get to. Good day."

With that she slammed the door, starting the ignition and quickly exited the parking lot with not another look at Colby's group.

Ellis couldn't help but laugh, "Well she's certainly in a bad mood." "Wonder why," Colby asked innocently, causing everyone but Josh to grin, instead he just snorted with irritation.

"Ah don't worry about her; it's just been a stressful few days. Now I'll just get these Pokémon rounded up and back home safely. You kids can get on with your gym battle, once again thank you," Lindy exclaimed, taking the outstretched Poffin Amanda handed to her.

Instantly the Pokémon turned their attention to her, following the woman as she began to move forward...except one. That same Tropius was hanging onto Josh's collar, trying to pull the gym leader with him back to the Safari Zone, wailing.

"For God's sake," Josh sputtered, stumbling and almost falling down as the Pokémon yanked him along.

Lindy laughed, stopping so Josh could get free of the Tropius's mouth, aka death trap.

"I believe he likes you," Lindy grinned.

Josh looked flustered and fixed his collar, keeping his eyes on the floor and anywhere but the eyes of the whimpering Pokémon.

"Yeah we've been through this before; Josh has a thing with Pokémon. They can't seem to stay away from him," Riley humored, earning him a sharp glare.

"Well I suppose if you two have a bond then he's just going to have to stay. After all, it's the least I can do. If he likes you then go ahead and take him Josh, he's practically crying," Lindy encouraged, eyes bright.

Josh grumbled under his breath, realizing that he wasn't going to get out of this one no matter how much he refused. Lindy wouldn't let him, and neither would this pushy Tropius. It's not like he wanted another member, but it seemed like all the sorry assholes congregated to him...so what the hell.

"Fine. But if he keeps this up I'm going to bring his sorry ass back here. Got it Willis?" Josh snapped, jerking his gaze up to the smiling Tropius.

He wailed in response and Josh took that as a yes, grunting in approval. Josh reached into his knapsack and grabbed an empty Poke Ball, turning it over once in his hand before fixing his green gaze on the Pokémon in front of him. It would be kind of nice to have another team member to train, but there was no way he was going to admit it. In all honesty he liked forming bonds with Pokémon and training them to be strong, that was always something he enjoyed. But he didn't want it to be a weakness, or appear to be in any way, so he made it difficult.

With one last look at the empty Poke Ball in his hand he threw it, letting it fall to his boot clad feet in with his new team member, Willis the Tropius, inside.

Lindy clapped her hands together as he picked it up, sticking it deep into the pocket of his trench coat next to Subway, Mime, and Slowbro. Speaking of Slowbro, he had some business to attend to before they moved to the next town.

"That's just wonderful! I hope you enjoy him Josh, train him to be strong. But most important of all create a great relationship with him," Lindy spoke, encouragement in her eyes.

Josh muttered a thank you and fixed his gaze on the ground again, getting the attention off of him. Maybe this wouldn't be so bad. Amanda, Ellis, and Colby exchanged a grin of success; this day was just turning out well.

"Anyway, I'll let you run along. Have a great journey kids! If you get time come back and visit the Safari Zone in little old Mayeberry. We'll be waiting!" Lindy waved, bidding farewell.


"What in the hell were you kids thinking?" Smithers glowered.

The gang was now inside the grass gym, standing in the foyer facing one angry pair of Smithers and Saria. Saria's pink hair was fluffed out in its usual two pig tails and her eyes were blazing. Smithers's condition was just about the same with his disapproving gaze fixated on the group, who was actually looking shocked. Ellis's stomach dropped to the floor, was their cover blown?

"What do you mean-" Riley started.

Saria pounced on it like his words were a mouse, "Don't try to fool us. You know exactly what we're talking about."

Smithers nodded from beside her, "What were you thinking barging into Team Lunar's base? Do you kids realize the danger you just put yourselves in?"

Oh snap, cover blown. Ellis glanced at Colby; it wasn't that obvious was it?

"Danger? Those assholes barely put up a fight," Josh snorted.

Saria's eyes got big, "You got into a fight?"

Smithers sighed in disgust, beginning to pace in front of the group. More now than ever did they feel like naughty children in front of angry parents. It wasn't a pleasant feeling, almost killing the euphoria that they'd felt from winning in the first place.

"It wasn't that bad Smithers. I know you think they're really dangerous, but most of those grunts are idiots," Colby assured, trying to reassure the pissed off gym leader.

"Idiots?" He fired back, "Idiots don't make well known people simply disappear. I know of people that got involved with Team Lunar and decided to back out. Once you get yourselves either working for them or on their black list...well it's a serious deal."

Saria sighed, putting a hand to rub her temple, "If they even have a clue that it was you kids..."

"I covered my tracks well," Ellis responded, standing tall despite the accusations.

"How did you even know anyway?" Josh asked sourly.

Smithers scoffed, "You don't think it's obvious? First clue would be what you're wearing. We aren't stupid, and neither are you. That piece of fabric came from a Team Lunar uniform. The guy 'sleeping' in the basement? Star employee three years in a row, there was no way he was just slacking off. Put the clues together, just like you five did."

"Hey, I wasn't a part of this-" Riley began.

"The hell you weren't!" Josh yelled. "Just ask Speedo here what he did." Riley frowned, "I looked damn sexy. Twix agrees."

Amanda turned pink, pushing her glasses up, "I do not. You noticed me looking away when you were flaunting yourself."

Riley winked at Amanda beside him and crossed his arms over his chest, shutting up for once.

"Who did what is not the point at all, we're just concerned about your safety at this point," Saria corrected, glancing at Smithers who had stopped pacing now, with his fingers pressed to his temples.

Smithers looked up at them, sadness clouding his eyes, "Do you remember all those pictures on my wall back at the gym? I was posing with my buddy, the one that one of you asked about?"

Colby nodded, and Smithers sighed deeply, glancing at them all. "Well he was unfortunately one of those victims. In the end Team Lunar killed him for something that he knew, I don't know the details. Those are a mystery, lost with his death. You kids are no different, and if they took out a man as strong and with as well trained Pokémon as he had then they won't hesitate to take out five kids."

So that's who that guy was, Colby thought. Remembering that day she did recall something about Smithers not elaborating about the guy in the picture. Team Lunar didn't seem like that much of a threat from their perspective...but was it possible that it could be serious?

"We got the Pokémon, that's all that matters. If they want to get us, well they are going to have a fight on their hands," Amanda contested, looking triumphant.

She wasn't so sure about that statement...she was reluctant to trust after her run in with Strider. Her father had left her to join Team Lunar...or that's what it seemed like. But why would he have let them escape with the Pokémon if he was a member? How did he know she would try to save them? Hopefully he would meet up with her soon like he said, because the curiosity was practically killing her.

"You don't seem to understand the gravity of the situation kids," Saria responded, in a softer voice.

Smithers looked pained, "Look, what you did was incredible, superb even. But when we said that the higher personnel could handle it, we meant it. It wasn't that we thought you couldn't do it, because you kids are great. It was a matter for your safety."

Josh rolled his eyes, "Bull shit, if adults were concerned about their children's safety then why the hell do you see little ten year olds going on Pokémon journeys around the region. All by themselves. That's real safe. Yeah, safe my ass."

"Josh, shut up," Colby growled.

"We truly understand where you're coming from, we really do. But sometimes you just have to take drastic measures, especially when Team Lunar steals Pokémon. They do horrible things to those poor Pokémon," Amanda countered, getting disgusted at the thought.

She saw what horrendous scars Nicksy bore, who knows what experiments they were thinking up next? Team Lunar had to be stopped one way or another, bottom line. If it was a group of teenage trainers, then so be it.

Saria shook her head, "Just don't do something like this without help next time. If you know so much then speak up. We're willing to listen believe it or not."

"Officer Parish sure wasn't," Colby sighed.

Smithers seemed to have cooled off by now and rubbed his stubble.

"Saria's right, at least get some help next time. Let's just hope to the Stellar Spirits they don't know who you are."

Colby and Josh exchanged a look, clearly thinking of the same person. Oh they knew who they were, at least Ronan did. He was pretty stupid, but not stupid enough to not blame this on them. After all, who else wanted to ruin his life?

"Can we get onto the gym battles now? I'm ready to get my blood pumping," Riley prompted, jogging in place and puffing out breaths of air in an exaggerated way.

Saria half-smiled, "Of course, it's about time isn't it? If you're ready for your grass gym battles say 'I'."

Everyone said I in unison, except for Josh who didn't say anything in usual. He prided himself on being difficult, and that was how it was going to be. Conformity? Oh hell no.

Smithers smiled at Saria, all his anger seeming to evaporate for the moment.

"Well I suppose we have our answer."

Saria returned the smile, "Yeah, I suppose we do. Everyone to the main gym, so follow me. Normally when a trainer comes in we have this maze type thing that they go through, but you kids have been through enough today so I will spare you the trouble."

Amanda sighed, "That's very kind of you, and such a relief I might add."

Glancing around the room Colby actually paid attention to the hallway they were going down, painted bright green and decorated with some actually pretty neatly drawn flowers. They had taken a left from the waiting room that had been a simple square room with tile floor and some type of blue wall paper. Along with of course, decorations that made it seem like a confliction between water and grass for some reason.

"The decoration is all by me by the way," Saria added, "the flowers I painted. Art is one of my favorite past times."

Colby's ears perked up, so that's why it looked so unique!

"It's beautiful!" Amanda gushed.

"You did an excellent job; my sister would be all over this wall paper. She loves this kind of stuff," Ellis complimented with a laugh.

Rosie did seem like that kind of personality, loving unique stuff. That was just what Colby guessed after having Ellis's sister drag her up to her room and showing her almost everything.

"Why thank you! I try," Saria beamed, unlocking a door at the end of the hall and holding it open for everyone.

"Down the stairs and to the left," she added.

Smithers was the last one through and she closed the door behind him, walking with him behind the group as they immerged into the main area where the maze was visible. A huge wall of leaves was just a couple hundred yards ahead, most likely the edge of the maze. Where they were standing appeared to be an artificial grass field of some sorts with the usual lines marked for a gym leader's Pokémon battlefield.

As Colby peeked around Ellis she saw where the maze immerged into this area, just a bit to the left. That maze looked like it would be tough to navigate, so thank the Stellar Spirits they were just going to be battling. Saria was at one end of the field, hand on her hip and tossing a Poke Ball in the air. Smither's was off to her left side, leaning against the wall and looking eager to watch this huge mass of battles. Getting all five of them through took some time.

Colby couldn't help but notice the peeks at Saria he was taking, trying to not make it seem obvious. She just smiled to herself and didn't blow his cover.

"Who's first?" Saria called, bringing their attention back to the field instead of marveling at the maze.

Riley stepped up with a grin on his face, throwing his pack to the ground and retrieving a Poke Ball from his black cargo pants. Turning it over in his hand, Riley locked eyes with the gym leader.

"That'd be yours truly. Let's start with the best, go Skitty!"


A/N: Holy crap! I got really carried away, because the next thing I knew it this chapter was over 6000 words long XD I told you you'd be getting an update soon! Glancing at the stats, I am getting a bunch of hits but last chapter I only got two reviews :( I think you guys can do better than that!

Thanks to all that do review, and if you don't, then I'll have Josh sic Subway on you ;) Until next chapter!