Disclaimer: I do not own Pokemon, be it the idea, the creatures, or the world. Some of the characters in this story are my own while others can also be creditted back to the original owners. I take no credit for anything not mine, and thank the creators of Pokemon for giving me inspiration.

Author's Note: Whew, glad that's over. I tell you, keeping track of all those Pokemon was not fun - Makes me fear the battle I've got planned way down the road... But I'll manage. Now, the battle takes the entire chapter to complete, meaning progress-wise... Well, there isn't any. Yeah, still in the forest. But the next chapter will conclude the Eterna Forest arc of the story, and from there its on to the city itself! Also, yes, in case anyone is wondering; I DO have Pokemon team plans for Ketrick and Sammis, and yes, the Pokemon used by them here are included in them (Each will have three - So theres still one more for each to come Wonder who they'll be)

Chapter XXXVIII: Tag Team

(Ventus' POV)

"Kirlia! Teleport!" I shouted, the tiny Pokemon vanishing only seconds before Machop slammed his mighty fists into the grass.

Heedless of Growlithe beside him, the fighter looked about, scouting for where my psychic had reappeared; Ketrick pointed off to one side, "Over there! Use karate chop again!" he shouted, before turning his attention on Umbreon, "And you – Get that Growlithe! Use shadow ball again; blast him like you did the ground before, and don't miss this time!"

Kirlia, I knew, had the instincts to move and dodge if left alone for a moment, but Growlithe… This was my first battle with him; I had to play it safe… 'I can't even think straight! How the HELL am I going to manage that!?' my mind cried; in a panic, I shouted to the fire-type, "Use ember Growlithe!" That was right! No matter what, I couldn't let him tire out again; at least I'd remembered that much.

But my Pokemon only looked back at me, tilting his fuzzy little head as his eyes seemed to question the command. It was different from when Kirlia stared at me so, for her eyes were never curious, they never sought an explanation from me; Growlithe was just… Confused! Umbreons eyes flared bright, and from its mouth a blast of dark energy surged forth, colliding with the pup and slinging him backwards; Growlithe rose, but was more then a little shaken by the attack.

"Zubat! Supersonic!" Sammis called, gesturing towards the great bee Pokemon with one hand, while the other motioned to Snorunt, "Powder snow!"

Cheryl was no slouch herself though, "Chansey!" She called to the egg-shaped Pokemon before her – A normal type if I ever saw one – She pointed towards the other, "Get in front of Vespiquen and use defense curl! Absorb the attacks!" Her Pokemon complied instantly, sliding up in front of the insect and curling into a ball; its already skinny skin began to shimmer as it rose with energy, with defensive strength. The snow slicked by, leaving not the least bit of damage, while supersonic bounced harmlessly off. My attention shifted back to my own battle.

"Use magical leaf!" I called to Kirlia, indicating Machop – He reeled back his fist and launched himself towards her, trying to grab the psychic Pokemon, 'Seismic toss?' I wondered; the fighter slammed head first into the leaves and was thrown harshly back.

Growlithe, however, was faring far worse, "Ember! Come on Growlithe!" I cried, desperation taking over, but met with only the same result as before; a vacant, questioning stare. What was going on!? Frantically, I checked the Pokedex again, my jaw dropping at the information displayed; for all his powerful, though fearsomely fatiguing moves, Growlithe had not one small, light attack! Not ember! Not even a tackle! NOTHING! This was a new kind of handicap altogether; I was left with only the big guns, but would get only one, maybe two attacks before Growlithes pitifully small energy reserve ran dry and he blacked out again – This was too much!

How I wished Riolu could help, but the poor fighter clung to my chest, whimpering as he could do no more then watch the battle. My mind reeled, "Kirlia!" I called, the psychic turned her focus to me; I pointed at Umbreon, "Use confusion!"

And so she did, but Ketrick only laughed all the more, "What are you… Are you really trying to use confusion on a dark-type? Big mistake kid! Umbreon! Pursuit! Take out that little witch!" he cried, pointing squarely at Kirlia.

Try as she might, Kirlia could not even so much as slow down the charge, and even as she was tossed back by the powerful charge, I realized my err. 'Dark types are IMMUNE to psychic attacks! What an IDIOT I am!' Deep down, I wanted to apologize to her, but I knew it'd have to wait; I had to think of something – And now!

Zubat arced in flight, diving right for Growlithe as he still awaited an order, my focus shifted to him, "Fire blast!" I cried out, unable to think of anything else.

The attack caught both Galactics off guard, and Zubat, try as he might, couldn't slow himself quick enough to escape the raging flame of the attack. The man gone aflame slammed into the bat Pokemon, dropping it to the ground in a steaming, charred heap. Cursing, Sammis quickly recalled it – Growlithe panted, but managed to stay on his feet. "Ketrick! Get rid of the mutt!" His partner called, at last showing some emotion – If only the wrong kind.

Machop, already back on his feet, shifted his gaze between each of my Pokemon, his trainer indicated the weary dog, "Get rid of him!" he cried, giving the Pokemon a target at last.

Had to think! "Growlithe!" I cried – GOTTA THINK! – "Use take down!"

Despite his ever growing fatigue, Growlithe took off like a shot, leaping high into the air and diving, paws and claws first, towards Machop; Ketrick grinned, "Use counter!"

My eyes widened as I realized the mistake – Ketrick was using my own ploy, one I'd used dozens of times, against me! He waited for me to attack! Machop ripped the fire-type out of the air, twirled about and sent him flying; not downwards though. Not like I'd have done – Rather the fighter slung Growlithe off… And right into Chansey!

Distracted with the task of keeping Sammis busy, Cheryl failed to notice the attack until it was too late; even as she turned, Growlithe plowed into the egg Pokemon, sending the two sprawling and knocking each out in an instant. She gave me a look of some despair before recalling her Pokemon; I could only curse my rashness as I did the same. Umbreon converged on Kirlia, the tiny psychic backing up as the focus returned to the two of them, "Kirlia, double team!" I shouted, hoping that, if nothing else, it would buy me some time to get my head clearer.

And as the copies appeared, I risked a glance at the others; Snorunt may not have had the bulk or size Vespiquen had, but it was a lot faster then her. "Use attack orders!" Cheryl called to her remaining Pokemon, waving a hand about if only to further the order that much more.

The insect spun, around and around, and slowly but surely a great swarm steadily formed around her. With a wave of her long, stick-like arm, the queen sent her soldiers to attack. The swarm launched themselves at the tiny cone-shaped Pokemon, "Protect!" Sammis shouted; each and every last insect attacker pinged off of the ice-type and faded from existence.

"Machop! Use karate chop! Knock out that Kirlia once and for all!"

Quickly, I turned back to my own battle – One of the copies fell under the fighters attacked, but there were still dozens to search through – Unfortunately, I knew they'd all vanish long before then… I needed a plan! An idea! ANYTHING! 'I can't THINK when I'm pissed off!' I cried out mentally, 'But I can't calm down either! Damn these Galactics!' I was making myself crazy thinking about it all… But there was nothing I could do to stop it either.

Umbreon only watched as her companion tried another copy, only to be met with the same result – Watched, and shook her head. Ketrick glared at his Pokemon, "What're you doing? Get in there and find that runt!"

Cheryl made another attempt at finishing the ice type, but the attack failed, just like before. "Snorunt!" Sammis called, "Use bite!"

It was almost laughable, the way the almost miniscule Pokemon suddenly lurched back and launched itself at the great bee Pokemon. Almost. Snorunt clung to her, biting and gnawing as much he as could while Vespiquen swatted helplessly at him, each attempt to no avail. "Defense orders!" Cheryl cried – The swarm reappeared, but this time, rather then attacking, they forcibly pried the tiny cone Pokemon from their queen and tossed him away, before vanishing outright.

Umbreon blasted one of the Kirlias away with another shadow ball – The great dark sphere doing a superb job of destroying the ground, but little else. Ketrick grew infuriated with every mistake, and screamed orders at his Pokemon again and again, as though in a frenzy, 'If I don't stop myself…' I slowly realized, 'I'm going to turn into… That.'

The thought sickened me, and more then that, it terrified me. I shook my head, trying to shake it away, but the premise remained; I had to calm the hell down. NOW. "Kirlia." I spoke, trying to force calmness unto myself, even as the army of eyes fell to me, "Magical leaf – Attack Umbreon, quickly!"

Psychic attacks may have been no good, but that didn't mean grass ones would fail as well. The copies vanished, and just as quickly the blast of violet leaves slammed into the dark-type, stunning it, but doing little more. Kirlia still lacked that one attack, that one powerful move that we could rely on, and until she found the power to pull it off, we had to rely more on strategy then anything else. "Shake it off! Get her! Now!" Ketrick cried angrily, waving a fist in the air; he pointed to Machop, "Use karate chop!"

I pointed off to one side, "Wait for it… Teleport! Now!" I called to her, watching as the psychic vanished only an instant before Machop would have struck her; instead, the fighter slammed his arm down hard into the ground, growling angrily at his mistake.

Ketrick waved his arm to one side, "Umbreon! Circle around!"

What was he doing? He wasn't attacking again? I studied the Galactics face, trying to decipher his thoughts; though furious like I was, Ketrick was grinning. He knew something I didn't – Of that, I was somehow sure. I looked to Kirlia; the realization struck me. She was exhausted! Between all the teleporting, the damage she'd suffered, even the effort it took to attack was draining her immensely – Not to mention, even with the potion she'd received earlier, there had been little time to recover from her last battle.

"Snorunt! Ice fang! Give it all you've got!" Sammis called to his Pokemon, watching as it, once more, lunged at the queen and sank its tiny, dagger-like teeth into her. Frost seemed to envelope the insect almost instantly, and Cheryl frowned even as she spoke; "Looks like we've no choice, huh girl? Vespiquen… Use destiny bond!"

Sammis swore as the great bee shone with darkness – I know, it sounds weird, but really, there's no other way to describe it. Vespiquen practically radiated with purple, almost black energy, and even as the ice overtook her, she fell to the ground… Snorunt fell with her.

Cheryl recalled her with more then a little grief, "Destiny bond…" She told me in hurried, whispered conversation, "Is a last resort attack; if a Pokemon is knocked out when using it, all its pain is transferred to its enemy, and it goes down as well. It's an underhanded, sneaky, and downright evil move to use but…" She stared not at me, but at Riolu, "They have to be stopped." Her eyes tilted upwards, staring into my own, "Right?"

I could only nod, as I looked back to Kirlia. Despite all our efforts, she was still outnumbered two to one – Things looked bleak indeed. My breaths grew short, faster, until I actually found myself running low on air, 'Calm down Ventus – Think! You've been in worse scrapes then this before…' I told myself, trying to coax some of the fury away, 'You can't fight when you're angry – You can't help Kirlia when you're angry! Calm down and think of something!'

Machop and Umbreon stood on either side of the exhausted Kirlia, staring straight ahead at once another. Ketrick grinned wickedly, as though he were about to deliver the finishing blow himself; "Machop – Dynamic punch!" he called to the fighter, quickly turning, "Take down!" he shouted to the other.

Both Pokemon charged, Kirlia panted, again and again as she struggled to even stand – There was no way she could teleport! Not again! 'What am I going to do? She's so exhausted she can't even teleport!' my mind reeled with panic; my focus began to slip away again… Though in a moment, it wouldn't matter anyway, 'Kirlia – What can I do?'

'Teleport.'

That voice! It was hers! I stared off at Kirlia, locking eyes with the tiny, exhausted Pokemon as she looked back… And gave the slightest of nods. There was no mistaking it; she was telling me to give the order; she could pull off one last teleport. I waited, letting the others get closer and closer until… "Teleport! Get out of the way!" I cried, praying and hoping it worked.

And work it did – Far better then I could've hoped at that. Kirlia vanished, and both Pokemon were moving too fast to stop themselves; Umbreon was in the air, diving down even as Machop slung his fist upwards; the blow connected and Umbreon went sailing off, crashing hard against the trees. Ketrick gasped, his jaw dropping, and even Sammis himself was stunned by the maneuver. Kirlia reappeared, and fell to her knees, barely able to even keep her head up anymore… Machop set his gaze upon her.

Ketrick, after recalling his Umbreon, did the same. He snarled at me, "You little brat…" He muttered with disgust, "I can't believe how lucky you've gotten here…"

I glared back, "Luck or not, this "Brat" is going to take you down. I'm going to take your whole damned organization down!" I found myself shouting, despite the constant pleas of my mind to stay calm.

The Galactic pointed at Kirlia, "Dynamic punch! Finish her off – NOW!"

For all my boasting, for all my threats, I found myself helpless as the fighter raced towards her. Cheryl, unable to do or say anything else, could only look away; I reached for her Pokeball. I had to end this.

It was then I realized; my arms were empty; Riolu was gone!

Machop's fist slammed forward… And was quickly caught in Riolu's own paws! "What the!?" I cried, completely taken aback – When had he found the strength to move? To fight? When had he overcome his…

But he hadn't. As Cheryl turned the light on the tiny, furred fighter, I could see the tears in his eyes, the shaking of his body. Even as he pushed Machop back, Riolu was quivering in fear. He was terrified.

But he was fighting… No. He was protecting Kirlia. The psychic glanced up, staring at Riolu's backside as the fighter readied himself for Machop's next attack. 'Riolu… Damnit, I can't believe you…' Tears welled up in my own eyes as I struggled to keep myself from crying, 'You're scared out of your mind, and you're still going to fight…' This was incredible!

"Riolu!" I shouted, wiping at my eyes with one arm; "Bullet punch!"

Machop struggled to react, but the attack came far too quickly; the furred fist buried itself in Machop's chest, the metallic ping resounding throughout the forest. The enemy fighter reeled, but wasn't done for yet! "Use Vital throw!"

Throwing his arms around Riolu, Machop heaved as he lifted the furry form above his head, before slamming him down into the ground; he raised his fist; "Do it!" Ketrick called, pumping a fist into the air and laughing coldly.

'No!' My mind screamed at me, 'Not again! This is just like before!' Cheryl cried out as Machop slammed his powerful fist into Riolu's chest, and aimed to do so again; 'Not again! I promised him!'

"FORCE PALM!"

I was stunned by the order; and stunned all the more when I realized I had given it. I couldn't even think straight even more; it had been pure instinct. Riolu's tiny arm shot up, and grasped Machop's face hard, the energy behind the attack slamming the fighter all the more before Riolu threw him back, and leapt to his feet; he was still shaking, but now her was angry.

Staggering, even stumbling, Machop clutched at his hurt, growling back at my Pokemon before rushing forward to strike him down once and for all; we were ready. "Reversal!"

It had been a long time since I'd used such an attack – But the results still astounded me, for as hurt and weakened as Riolu was, he could still dish out the hurt in spades; the moment Machop got close enough, Riolu's furry arms wrapped around his, pulling him close… Before exploding with energy.

Riolu hit the ground, panting and heaving just as much as Kirlia was – But he was conscious. Machop was not. Ketrick was staggered, physically, by the result. Sammis, silently, turned his head and looked away.

Recalling his fallen fighter, the Galactic glared daggers at me, "You… I don't believe this! How could I lose to this… This brat!?" he cried out in anger, fists tightly clenched before him, "It just doesn't make sense!"

I took a step forward, not bothering to look back at Cheryl, and making a fist of my own, "It doesn't have to; you see the result. You lost." Taking another step, I gave my Pokemon a quick look of concern, before staring coldly back at the Galactics. "You're not going to hurt anyone else – No more people, no more Pokemon – I'm going to end this right now!" I lunged towards him, in a frantic, almost desperate attempt to take him down… Cheryl, much like Dawn had, pulled me back, locking her arms around my chest and pulling me down to the grass to keep me from my goal.

"Ventus! Stop it! It's over – You won! Let them go!" She cried in a panic, but all I could do was struggled against her. I would not be denied my chance! I couldn't this time!

Ketrick, looking not at all taken aback by my charge, started for me, his grin sending a new feeling of fear and panic through me – I may have been furious, crazy with anger, even, but still I knew well enough that, if it came down to it, this man was a lot bigger then me.

Still, I struggled – Stupid or not, I wanted to wring his damned neck!

Sammis put a hand on his partner's shoulder, his free hand pressing something to his ear, "We've got to go." The man spoke coldly, almost calmly, despite everything, "New orders."

Ketrick stared at him as though Sammis had suddenly grown a second head – Complete and utter shock, "Now!?" he managed to spit out, "But Sammis, I-"

"Orders are orders – Let's go."

The Galactic took another step towards us, before at last agreeing, with much reluctance, to back down – It took only seconds before the two vanished into the forest, off towards Eterna city.

And it was a long, long while before Cheryl at last let me go. "Damnit all…" I whispered, my voice rather hoarse after all the shouting, "They got away again…"