Chapter Twenty-Nine
In was a rather confusing turn of events for the gang as they saw what exploded out of that Poke Ball..and it most certainly was not a Skitty like the name suggested. It was originally believable when he said Skitty, because it the group could imagine the red head with a Skitty. Naturally it was just something he would catch and call his own for whatever reason.
Instead of being a Skitty, the Pokémon was a Gible, chirping its greeting as it took its place in front of Riley on the field. Riley looked pleased as he caught the Poke Ball smoothly when it returned to his hand, watching his challenger. Saria pulled a Poke Ball from her belt, throwing it high into the air.
"Go Tangela!"
Riley saw the challenge put before him and thought before Saria gave him a nod. It was time to begin.
"Skitty, sandstorm! Let's make this difficult," Riley commanded, throwing a finger point at Saria.
"This isn't the sand gym," Josh muttered under his breath, watching the scene with mild interest.
Colby, Ellis, and Amanda were sitting cross-legged by the field, watching intently at Riley's battle. They'd never before seen him battle a gym leader, since somehow he always had the gym leader beat before they even got there. It truly was a mystery where Riley went all the time, though Ellis had his theories.
"We don't even know what Pokémon he has now," Amanda laughed.
"This is true, we haven't battled him in ages," Ellis added.
As they spoke a sandstorm was being cooked up, great focus clouding Skitty the Gible's eyes. Saria put a hand up to cover her eyes as she shouted something Colby didn't catch to her Tangela. The Tangela seemed to be having a hard time seeing through the fog that covered the arena, making it impossible for Colby to see the other side of other side of the field where Saria stood in a ghostly fog of dust and sand.
Amanda adjusted her Unknown cap on her head, eyes fixated on the Tangela who had finally figured out where Skitty was, executing a vine whip to his face. That seemed to stop the steady flow of sand with Skitty stumbling back the slightest at the unsuspecting blow.
"Tackle," Riley ordered.
Skitty obeyed and tackled the Tangela, as they both went down into a dust shrouded heap.
"Quickly, poison powder Tangela," Saria called.
As they were rolling on the ground Tangela kicked up a poison powder, inevitably getting into Skitty's system. This time though the Pokémon managed to evade the poison and stood up, watching itself and waiting for the next command or attack from the foe.
"Dragon rage, let's get this show on the road," Riley said, only broadening his grin.
The small Pokémon shuddered before producing a huge ray of purple light from its mouth, aimed directly at the small Tangela a few feet away.
"Dodge!" Saria shouted.
Sadly the order wasn't quick enough and Tangela took the full brunt of the blow, falling to the ground in a heap.
"Get up Tangela, you can do it!" Saria encouraged.
After a few seconds it was obvious that Tangela wasn't getting up. Saria recalled her injured Pokémon, putting it safely back on the loop of her belt and choosing another.
"You too Skitty, you've done great," Riley whooped, recalling him.
Skitty chirped in victory before he was engulfed into the Poke Ball once again, taking his spot in Riley's pockets of his cargo pants. The red head chose another and tossed the ball leisurely in the air, releasing this time a small Riolu. Ellis couldn't hide his shock as he realized what Pokémon that was; it would turn into a Lucario! Amanda eagerly logged the Pokémon with her device that was given to each of them.
"How in the world did Riley get a Riolu?" Ellis asked with his eye brows raised.
"Beats me, we don't know how Riley does anything remember?" Colby reminded him as Saria tossed her Poke Ball into the air.
Riley's challenging Pokémon was going to be a Cacnea, which Amanda quickly logged.
"Let's start off with pin missile!" Saria said.
"Counter with quick attack!"
Riolu caught a pin to the side but avoided most of the attack, coming right back in to hit the foe quickly, causing Cacnea to get a bit dizzy.
"Snap out of it Cacnea! Use leech seed."
The Pokémon slowly came out of it as it was still being pummeled by Riley's Riolu. As this was going on Cacnea was able to execute the move, sapping some of Riolu's energy and causing it to sway on its feet.
"Pin missile!"
Riley looked a bit stressed as the Cacnea landed another harsh blow, causing Riolu to fall to the ground.
"Get up! Use force palm and finish it off!" Riley commanded.
The Riolu seemed to summon the rest of its energy and used the attack, smacking the Cacnea right in the face. The Cacnea froze up, falling to the ground in a heap and feinting, just like Saria's previous Pokémon. Riley beamed, fist pumping and whooping before pulling the little Riolu into a hug. The poor Pokémon looked exhausted and let out a squeak as Riley practically crushed it in a hug.
"Wonderful job Riolu, get some rest," Riley said, smirking as he pocketed Riolu's Ball and pulled out another of his.
"Well you've made it this far, but let me assure you that this isn't going to be an easy victory!" Saria called, smiling at the challenger.
Smithers couldn't help but grin, impressed with how Riley had grown in battle skills since they'd battled back in Sanville. He glanced at Saria again, watching as she threw out her last Pokémon with confidence. That same type of confidence he'd seen in her many times before when they'd fought for all these years...It was strange to think that those days were over, but it was comforting because it was like they could start over in their relationship.
Smithers sighed as he ripped his gaze away from her, but not soon enough. She glanced over at him, a smile coming to her lips. Smithers chuckled and ignored a strange feeling in the pit of his stomach, placing his full attention back on the battle.
Riley sent out a Growlithe that was combating Saria's main Pokémon, a Grovile. Colby scrutinized the scene, it was going to be easy as pie for Riley to win...after all, grass types were weak to fire. Saria seemed to realize this too, but she started off the bat with an attack, determined not to let Riley just take the win so easily.
"Grovile, fury cutter!"
"Let's start off strong, flame wheel!" Riley instructed.
Both Pokémon shot themselves immediately into battle, a huge blast of fire headed towards the Grovile. Saria's Pokémon was able to avoid the brunt of it, hitting Growlithe with an intense fury cutter. Growlithe blew fire while trying to avoid the attack, barely landing a blow each time.
"Bite Growlithe!"
Amanda watched the battle, throwing the occasional glance at Riley. She was impressed with his battling skill, something was different. It seemed as if he cared a little bit more about winning and the strategy behind battling. She wasn't sure what triggered his change of heart since the last time they battled, but it was for the better. The Growlithe got several bites on the Grovile before stepping back, shaking its head from side to side.
"Pursuit Grovile!"
"Counter with Ember! Make it into Poke Toast!"
The two were once thrown back into the heat of battle, neck in neck with their efforts...so who was going to prevail was the real question. A few attacks later Grovile was on the brink, looking tired and a bit crispy. Not snapping out of it quick enough, Grovile took a full on flame wheel, looking burnt to death after the fire dissipated. It squeaked and fell to the ground, feinted. Riley had won.
Cheering madly the red head gave Growlithe an Indian head burn of some type before recalling him.
"Congratulations Riley, here is your Savanna Badge," Saria grinned, crossing the field handing Riley a small badge.
He was beaming like an idiot and thanked the gym leader before dancing back over to everyone.
"I did it, aw yeah!" Riley whooped.
"Congratulations," Josh replied dryly.
"I've got a few questions for you after we're done battling," Ellis laughed, getting up to go be next against the gym leader.
Riley gave Amanda a bear hug, which she pushed off, and grinned at Ellis. "Anything for you Pothead."
"Okay first off, how in the world did you get that? Eggs are extremely rare," Ellis asked between glances down at the Riolu that Riley was kneeled down to pet.
Everyone had successfully gotten their gym badges, including Josh who was looking extra grumpy for whatever reason. There was a distinct bruise forming on his neck, just visible between the part in his pulled up trench coat. Poor Josh, Monty had bruised him pretty well. Amanda was standing next to Ellis, her arms folded on her chest and peeking out at Riley from underneath her Unknown hat.
"That is a good question," she added, giving Riley a look.
Riley finally held his hands up in mock surrender, "Alright alright. Anything for you Twix. It really is a long story as a matter of fact-"
"I'm going to have to get a snow shovel to cut through all this bullshit that's coming out of his mouth," Josh seethed, looking unhappy.
"Whoa, down boy. He just means cut the crap, geesh," Colby translated, ignoring the dirty look Josh was shooting from beside her.
"Alright people, calm yo titties if you know what I'm saying," Riley screeched, looking smug.
Amanda and Colby exchanged a wide eyed look, he was crazy. "Anyway, if you'd let me get to explaining," Riley continued.
"Please do share," Ellis responded dryly, watching as Riley picked up the Riolu and gave it another hug before putting it back in the Poke Ball.
Like an old man remembering his golden years, Riley rubbed his chin and glanced up at the sky, satisfied that the whole group had his attention.
"I remember that day just like it was yesterday. I was a young boy of only fifteen when I was wondering through Iron Island-"
"Whoa whoa, wandering through Iron Island? That's in Sinnoh, many regions away," Colby interrupted.
"Have you ever heard of family vacations Tootsie? That's what we were doing, vacationing to Sinnoh for a couple weeks before they cut me loose to wander Aurora for a while. My life then became more interesting two years later when I met up with you fine people. Beside the point," Riley responded, clearing his throat.
"Anyways there I was, getting lost and observing the Pokémon. Whence I looked up and saw a man, pretty much as equally as good looking and sexy as myself. 'Here, take this' he said. Before I knew it he had shoved this egg into my arms. I peered up at him like a shocked five year old and he had a frown plastered upon his face, his red hair a few shades darker than my own halo. 'What the fudge are you staring at?' he asked, except of course he didn't say fudge. 'Go along now' he replied, shoving me along the path and looking irritated all the way. What was ironic was that somewhere in there he mentioned his name, and it was Riley too! I couldn't believe it, there were two of us! Could it have been my long lost cousin?" Riley babbled, enough to fill up two more paragraphs if Josh hadn't interrupted.
"At least he wasn't as much of a cocky bastard as you," Josh growled. "Well I would say in terms of looks we were about even, but you know me, winning as always in the looks department. With my devilish good looks I could make any female melt, just look at Twix over here," Riley explained with a sly grin.
Amanda didn't seem fazed by this and just continued to look at him with a frown on her face, green gaze on green gaze. Riley finally seemed to sweat drop and pulled at the collar of his shirt with a fake smile on his face that looked closer to a frown.
"Well... hehe," he nervously laughed, "they can't resist."
"Last time I checked we were talking about the Riolu. So it was simple as that? This other Riley gave it to you?" Colby asked, fixing her blue gaze on him.
"Yep baby cakes, just like that I had him and ever since then we've been bros," Riley answered.
"Well, I suppose that's lucky enough," Ellis shrugged, probably expecting him to steal it off someone rather than have it thrown in his face.
Saria had finally ushered the group down the nicely painted hallway in which they came, shutting the door behind her.
"You kids did well, very nice battling techniques over all! I can tell that you all have a very distinct bond with your Pokémon which is absolutely wonderful!" Saria exclaimed, walking with Smithers at the front of the group.
"Thanks Saria, you're not too shabby yourself," Colby answered with a grin, adjusting the pack on her back.
They made it into the main lobby area and exited out to where they were once again standing in front of the stone Mayeberry gym, mostly silent. Smithers cleared his throat, being the first to break the silence.
"I suppose we better get back to Sanville..."
Amanda looked up at him, puzzled, "How are we going to do that? I thought you took the birds back to Lena..."
Smithers looked sheepish, "To be honest I didn't have time Amanda. With this whole Team Lunar business I sort of got carried away. Saria though has so kindly kept them in the back. Lena isn't going to be too happy, but we have to get them back sooner or later. Besides that, I have a gym to uphold."
"Oh, well at least we get to have one last little ride," Amanda replied, perking up and throwing a devilish smile Riley's way.
His eyes got wide and he scooted over to Colby until he was almost hiding behind her.
"I'm riding with you this time," he squeaked.
Colby laughed as Amanda and Ellis fist bumped, grinning like idiots. Riley just so happened to be terrified of heights.
Smithers chuckled, "I remember when I used to be afraid of heights too Riley. It'll all come with time though, you'll get used to it."
Riley didn't seem convinced and said nothing, hiding behind Colby and Josh. What were they waiting for? It was time to get back to where they'd come from!
"Let's get this show on the road," Ellis responded, looking ready for another flying lesson.
A couple minutes later Smithers and Saria returned with the Skarmory's that looked extremely restless. They were almost as anxious for flight as the group was. Smithers passed out the gear, throwing jackets and goggles to everyone who put them on. Josh reluctantly slid the goggles over his face, blinking rapidly and cursing as they snapped back a little too hard. Amanda, Colby, and Ellis were fully ready in a couple of minutes, waiting for Riley and Josh to finish up which they did in a matter of minutes.
Smithers pulled on his jacket and looked at Saria who had some unreadable expression on her face.
"You know I was thinking, what about this. Could we just fly back to the bridge closest to the next place...er, Tenderstone? That way we could get there in a couple days max," Ellis suggested.
Smithers didn't seem to really care, "I suppose that would work. I could probably handle the birds from there and it'd get you kids on your way." "Then a plan it is," Amanda affirmed, climbing onto the bird she had from last time.
Like a scared little puppy Riley puffed out his chest and tried to hide his fear as he climbed on behind Amanda, not saying a word. That was new...maybe Riley was better when he was scared! Colby and Ellis followed suit with Colby claiming the front spot as driver and Ellis on the back, strapping them both in. Josh hopped onto his Skarmory and steadied it, digging his boots into its side and pulling on the reigns.
"Well, I suppose this is goodbye," Saria commented, looking up at Smithers who was on his Skarmory and looking down at her small form. "For now," he replied with a wry grin.
Saria looked down at the ground before looking back at her, a laugh escaping her lips.
"You know now that I think about it...our whole fighting thing for all these years really has been stupid."
Smithers watched her intently as she nervously chewed her lip. Why was she looking so nervous?
"I was actually thinking the same thing," Smithers mused.
Saria paused before eyeing him curiously, "Can...Can we start over? I mean I understand if you don't want to after all I've done and said. Not to mention that ridiculous scene on the bridge-"
"What are you talking about?" Smithers interrupted with a grin that lit up his whole face.
Saria looked confused at first but then got it, returning his grin and extending her hand.
He attentively took it, "Forgiven?"
Saria grinned, "Forgiven."
He then reluctantly dropped it, strangely finding himself... It was such a foreign thing that he couldn't even mentally finish the sentence, let alone make sense of it.
"I'll see you soon Smithers...after all we have to put the finishing touches on that whole land situation," Saria replied sarcastically with a grin. "Until then," Smithers replied with a secret grin of his own.
"Goodbye Saria! Good luck with the Safari Zone!" Amanda called, it coming out as more of a squeak as Riley was once again crushing her middle with his grip once they began to move again.
Saria waved as their final goodbyes were said, leaving her standing there and looking after the group...and Smithers with an achy feeling in her heart. With a sigh she watched them disappear into the clouds and couldn't keep the smile off of her face as she headed back inside her beloved grass gym.
A/N: Hey guys :D Hope you enjoyed that chapter, battle scene okay? What's the deal with Smithers and Saria? ;)
You know what I just realized? We've reached an important milestone with this chapter! Guess what that is? Yup, you said it, Pokemon Eternal Darkness is now just over 100,000 words! I honestly can't believe it happened, and have been working towards this day for a little over a year now. I've never gotten this far in any story so I'm pretty proud :) It's all because of you faithful readers and reviewers, because without you I would have almost no inspiration or perseverence to finish this!
A special thanks to all who have stayed with me this long, because I know sometimes I'm not the best with updating regularly XD Thank you once again to all you readers, you guys are great!
One more thing, review? :)
