DISCLAIMER - I DO NOT, AND MOST LIKELY NEVER WILL OWN POKEMON.
Chapter Five - Heroes Aren't Born, They're Made. Otherwise Known as Don't Judge a Book by It's Cover.
As Riley awoke the following morning, she was looking forward to her day of training with the Champion. Sure, they'd traveled together, but she'd never actually trained with him. Aside from their one on one battle, he hadn't even coached her use of her team. As she got dressed after showering, there was a buzz coming from the night stand. It was her Pokedex, and it was an Emergency.
"Alert - This is the Hoenn Emergency Service - All trainers receiving this message are to avoid Route 104 until further notice - Any trainers finding themselves on the trail will do so at their own risk - No assets will be sent for search or rescue missions."
Riley set her Pokedex down as the message flashed on her screen again. This had to be related to the rogue Pokemon attacks, that she was sure of. She grabbed her trainer's belt and laced up her boots. If this meant Nick would be heading that way, she was going to be by his side.
Riley entered the Pokecenter Lobby and quickly saw Nick at the computer bank. As she made his way to his side, she recognized the program. He was swapping his trainer team for his Champion team. This was serious.
"Hey Riley, I didn't see you standing there. I'm sorry, but I've been summoned, and it's my responsibility as Champion to resolve this problem. Hopefully I'll be back soon, until that time, take Crixus and continue your training." Nick grabbed the five pokeballs from the tray, and made his way towards the exit.
"You aren't leaving without me. I know this wasn't planned, but you promised I'd learn from you today. I'm coming with you, and there is nothing you can say that'll stop me. I'll have Crixus by my side, and if it seems like things are getting too dangerous, Crixus can teleport me back to the center." Riley had that confident tone, obviously gained from years of listening to her Mom bludgeon her Dad with logic and common sense.
"You have to swear to me your parents won't hear a word of this. Additionally, you'll need to have your Pokemon out and ready to defend you at all times, and you'll be guarded by not just Crixus, but Chili as well. This is non-negotiable, agree now or stay here."
Riley quickly agreed. She had her Pokeballs on her belt, a backpack of potions and other healing supplies, she was ready. The two walked out of the Pokecenter as a crowd of trainers looked on. With a flash of light, Chroma and Crixus appeared. Nick quickly gave the news to both, and Crixus stood next to his charge.
With a tingle, the voice appeared. "My lady, I'll be your shield. I will keep you safe, and give my life if necessary. You have nothing to fear, we've done this countless times. Take my hand when you are ready, we must go."
Riley reached out for the hand of her guardian, and in an instant she was gone. As she looked around, she panicked. Where was Nick? Fear took over the young girl, who quickly released her Sandile and Spheal. As she was explaining the situation, and pleading for Crixus to explain where Nick was, a flash appeared. "Thank God! I was freaking out, I'm in the middle of the woods, and had no idea what was going on. Why'd you take so long, you jerk!"
"I'm sorry Riley, I needed to update my team prior to teleporting. Time stands still in a Pokeball, it gives them almost an infinite amount of time to prepare while it takes me ten seconds to teleport to the scene. Remember that, Pokemon are fierce warriors, but with training can be brilliant tacticians."
Nick surveyed the area, and sent Chroma forward. As the giant metal behemoth hovered and scanned the area telepathically, Nick released his Champion level squad. First, was Buddy. The world famous Empoleon, and Nick's oldest friend. Next was Cleo, the demonic hell demon Banette. She was terrifying to Riley, even after years of knowing each other, and Riley's family "raising" her brood, the creepy ghost doll still made Riley's skin crawl. Third was Crasher, the monster prehistoric Aerodactyl. Fourth was an unassuming presence, but Riley new better. Leonardo, the Smeargle, fidgeted and nervously scanned the area. Last, but certainly not least, was Chili. Chili was Riley's favorite for as long as she could remember. As a small child, she played with the Magby shortly after it hatched. She cried when Uncle Nick decided to train her friend. But as the Magmortar stood next to her now, all she could do was marvel at the walking fire cannon. The team, minus Chili, joined Nick and Chroma as they scanned the area.
Within seconds, the Metagross began to glow. Nick knew what this meant, and issued his orders. The team paired up, the ghost and artist pokemon were to serve in a support roll. Chroma and Crasher were the defense, and Nick and Buddy would be the assault team. Riley was directed to remain 100 meters behind Chroma and Crasher, unless otherwise directed by Crixus. Nick confirmed everyone knew there jobs, and took off with his team.
With a flash, Chroma teleported Nick, and quickly returned to his post. Riley was nervous, she had no idea what was happening, so she did what any normal person would do. She stared angrily at the defense team, and pouted as she sat there surprisingly bored. Unfortunately for Riley, that wouldn't last forever.
After 20 minutes, the Metagross and Aerodactyl took off. Metagross vanished, and the ancient Pterodactyl took to the sky. With a tingle Riley heard some terrifying news. "As we'd feared, these don't appear to be wild Pokemon, at least not all of them. There's a small group of storage building nestled deep in the woods, and there appear to be poachers standing guard. The plan has changed, recall your Pokemon and take my hand."
Riley knew this meant she'd be returned to the Pokecenter, but she gave her word. She recalled her team, and took the Gallade's hand. She closed her eyes, fighting the tears of disappointment. When her eyes were opened, she wasn't expecting what she saw. There was Nick, and the remainder of his team, huddled behind a large out building, with two men unconscious. "I'm sorry to ask this of you Riley, but I need someone here to guard our 'friends' and Crixus may be the only one that can do so. Unfortunately, there'll probably be more than he can handle, so I need you and your team to help. Unless you hear from Crixus, Chroma or myself, you are not to move from this area. This is going to be dangerous, and this is the least harm I can put you in. I'm sorry." And with that, he and Buddy turned the corner of the building and launched their offensive.
Riley couldn't see what was happening, and her imagination ran wild. She heard screams, sounds of large bodies being slammed into trees and buildings, and then she heard the most terrifying sound she could have. An ear shattering Roar dominated the scene, and Riley was briefly forced to her knees as she fought the pain it caused. As she began to regain her composure, two men and their Pokemon turned the corner, looking for a fight. Standing with the two men were a Houndoom and a huge Machamp. Instantly Crixus took his position, with Cleo beside him. This wasn't a great matchup for Riley's defenders, but she knew they were capable.
Without warning, the Houndoom unleashed a torrent of fire towards Riley and the others. As it began to get close, a bright barrier appeared, and the flames dissipated as the heat washed over them. The heat was almost unbearable, but thanks to Crixus quick thinking, they were alive. The Bannette vanished, and Crixus closed his eyes. The Machamp lunged towards the Bladed warrior, and began to wind up for a crushing blow. Suddenly, the Machamp was stopped, dead in its tracks. A pink aura formed around it, and in a matter of seconds, he was being repeatedly slammed into a tree. Before the Houndoom could come to his teammates aid, the Bannette appeared from the demon hounds shadows, hurling a depressing black ball at the canine. The Houndoom flinched, and the Bannette took advantage. With a Vicious scream, the haunted doll grabbed the Houndoom and pulled it back into the shadows. Riley watched the Machamp as it was hurled into a building, it didn't get back up. Crixus narrowed his focus on the two men standing across from him. With a quick flick of his arms, his blades readied at his sides, he vaulted towards the villains. The men tried to flee, but were not nearly quick enough. The Gallade swung at them, cognizant a blade strike would end their existence on this planet, and landed his blow. Instead of leading with the bladed edge, he flattened his arm. Instead of being sushi, they were tenderized like cheap meat. The men were out cold, but they'd live. As Crixus returned to her side, so too did Cleo. There was no sign of the Houndoom, but the evil grin on Cleo's face was the only answer they'd needed.
Nick surveyed the area, nine men were subdued, thirteen Pokemon, but he hadn't seen the Braviary, Poliwrath or Staraptor, or whatever had unleashed that crippling roar minutes ago. Nick carefully approached the last building, and chaos erupted.
Another ear piercing roar filled the air, and from seemingly out of nowhere, a Gyarados appeared. Nick eyed the man responsible for unleashing the beast, and began to survey his surroundings, preparing for anything. With two flashes of light, the Poliwrath and Staraptor appeared. Nick knew it couldn't be wild Pokemon attacking innocent trainers, and now he had his proof. He quickly called for his team, and all save Crixus joined Nick at the front lines.
"I'm sure you know who I am, and I'm sure you know what I'm capable of. I'll give you a chance to save your Pokemon and yourself from assured destruction, return your Pokemon and surrender peacefully. Nobody needs to die today." Nick had made this statement dozens of times in his years of service. The Gyarados struck towards the Champion with alarming quickness. "Someday I'm going to make that offer, and the suspect will accept. I'm getting far too old for this.." Nick mused to himself, as he watched his Metagross collide with the giant sea snake. Buddy joined the fray, launching himself towards the Gyarados. Chili quickly pursued the Poliwrath, and with a giant crack, struck home with his Thunderpunch. The Poliwrath faltered, and Cleo delivered the defeating blow. Crack, another demonic orb collided with its victim. The Poliwrath quickly buckled, and was removed from battle. As the remainder of Nick's team tangled with the elusive Staraptor, he turned his attention back towards the giant Gyarados. With a look of fear, he reached for a Pokeball. Chroma was being Crunched, HARD by the giant serpent, and Chroma looked to be nearing his end. Nick quickly recalled his metallic friend, and continued on with his trusted starter.
Riley quickly grabbed her team, and made her way around the building. With Joy and Kek in toe, she made her break. Crixus was caught off guard, and lagged further behind as Riley launched herself into the chaos. "Joy, icy breath now!" the small seal pokemon unleashed a gail of frosty wind, attempting to slow down the speedy birdy. To Riley's dismay, the bird was far to fast, and quickly descended towards Riley and her team. With a flash, the bird launched her wing attack, and the seal was unable to continue. As Riley recalled her starter, Kek stood guard. The Staraptor quickly looped back, and again descended on Joy. The Sandile Valiantly jumped, attempting to latch onto the bird, but was struck with a steel wing, and was similarly unable to continue. Before Riley could recall her crocodile, the bird returned to the fallen Pokemon. Riley quickly dove, wrapping her arms around Kek. She braced herself, knowing a direct hit could be fatal. She clenched her eyes shut, and she waited.
POP. That's the sound Riley heard first, what she heard next was harder to explain. A crash of thunder, followed by the sound of something heavy crashing to the ground. That had to be the Staraptor, but how? Riley slowly opened her eyes, and spotted the fallen bird. As she turned to her right, she spotted her saviour. There he stood, all two feet tall of him, still glowing from the lightning discharge. Asher, the timid, scared beaten down Helioptile. There he stood, the hero who saved the trainer he didn't trust.
Riley quickly picked up Kek and rushed towards Asher. She returned her fallen friend, and looked to Crixus. She was ready to go now, this had gotten far worse than she'd expected. Unfortunately, Crixus was nowhere to be seen. Where in the hell did he go?
Nick stood defiantly with his battered Empoleon, trying to find a way to take down this massive Gyarados. His Metagross, Magmortar, Banette, and Aerodactyl had all been bludgeoned, and he was forced to return them. Now he stood with his Empoleon and Smeargle, not exactly how you'd choose to face a Gyarados, but life isn't perfect. The Empoleon launched a Hydro Pump at the snake, knowing it'd be ineffective, but at least it may slow it down to buy them some time. The Gyarados launched a pair of Twisters towards Nick, and he knew things were looking bad. Leonardo began to slink off, he wasn't trying to run, he had a plan. All he needed was a few more seconds.
Nick spotted his clever Smeargle, and did the only thing a man could do against a giant like this. He ran. As fast as he could away from the Gyarados. He knew outrunning it would be impossible, but it would cause him to disperse the twisters if it wanted to pursue. And it worked.
The Gyarados barreled towards the defenseless Champion, and unleashed a tidal wave of water. "The Gyarados new surf? Great." Nick dove for the closest tree, and hung on for dear life. As the water crashed over the trees, sweeping the debris clear from the area, Nick held his breath, hoping he had the lung power to wait this out. After twenty seconds, the water began to recede. Nick let go of the tree and prepared to run. As the water lowered, Nick was able to breath. He quickly looked for the giant, but it was gone. This wasn't the position he wanted himself to be in, he frantically searched in front of him, behind him, and to each side. Nothing. Nick looked back for the serpents trainer, and realized what had happened.
While Nick running, Leonardo snuck up on the Gyarados' trainer. And with a quick "sketch" paralyzed the man, retrieved the giants pokeball and returned him. Nick approached his unassuming giant slayer, who was sitting comfortably on the criminals chest. He gathered his friend, and met up with his Empoleon. It was time to get Riley and call in the police. There was an investigation that needed to begin immediately.
As he went back towards the building that began this ordeal, he saw his niece. She was running, but he couldn't see what to. He broke into a sprint to try and save the girl.
RIley ran, and she ran as fast as she could. She didn't think she had much time, but she could make it. She just needed to run. As she came to the crest of the hill, she spotted it. Her protector, Crixus, lay battered on the ground. The Braviary they'd heard about was real, and it was preparing to finish of the psychic fighting type. The bird dove, and Riley threw as hard as she could. She didn't have a spear, or even a heavy rock to slow it down. But she had Asher, and he was far more effective. The Helioptile soar through the air, and began to glow. As he neared the bird, he unleashed a blinding bolt of lightning, and fell to the ground. The Helioptile collapsed, expending all of its energy unleashing this charged strike. Riley quickly returned her deadly lizard, and ran to Crixus' side.
Nick saw a bright flash, and watched the bird fall from the air. "What was that? Chili had been returned, and there were no other Pokemon that had the power to unleash an attack like that." He couldn't make sense of it, but it didn't matter. Riley needed him, and he was almost there. As Nick ascended to the top of the hill, he saw her. Standing next to the fried bird, tending to his trusted ally. She was applying a potion to Crixus' wounds, but she knew it wouldn't be enough. He needed medical attention immediately, and she wasn't able to give it to him. Nick quickly pulled out his only hyper potion, and applied it to his Gallade. It wouldn't heal him, but it'd be enough to teleport them to a Pokecenter. Quickly they both grabbed the Gallade, and just like that, they were gone.
As they returned to the Oldale Pokecenter, Nick immediately called the League Office. He had the coordinates, and he still had the confiscated Pokemon. After a brief call, he returned to his friend, who was being prepared for surgery. In all of the chaos, Nick hadn't realized how badly his friend was injured. According to Nurse Joy, he had deep lacerations to his chest and neck, and she was concerned with internal bleeding as well. He grabbed Riley, and had her turn over her Pokemon for treatment. As they waited anxiously for news of their friend, Nick's phone buzzed.
"Are you sure?" That's all Riley heard Nick say, he was on the phone for five minutes, and he said three words. Nick hung up the phone and returned to her side. She could tell that call was serious, Nick was visibly shaken. She decided it wasn't the time to ask, so she did what she thought best, she wrapped him in a hug and assured him it'd all be ok.
For the remainder of the evening, and through the night, the duo sat in the lobby waiting for news. At 4:30 in the morning, after 14 hours of waiting, Nurse Joy approached.
"He's going to make it, which is the best news I could possibly hope to give you. Unfortunately, there were a few complications. As the surgeon repaired a tear in his lung, your Gallade were able to resuscitate him, but we have no idea if he'll ever be able to move around on his own again. I don't see him ever returning to battle. I'm truly sorry, I'll leave you to your thoughts, you'll be able to see him shortly." Nurse Joy turned from the pair, and slowly made her way back to the hospital room.
"How in the hell did a Braviary do that to Crixus? I know he hasn't been battling as much lately, but he's far more powerful than that pathetic bird.. It doesn't make sense." Nick was searching for an explanation, but he was unable to find one. Riley realized that Nick was hurting, so she offered her thoughts.
"You know Crixus would never disobey your command Nick. He was in charge of my safety, which he clearly succeeded in. As I was trying to rescue Kek, somehow Asher's ball was released. He was on my belt, you know the ball can't just fall off. Crixus knew Asher could do it, and he must have released him to save me." It all made perfect sense to Riley, Crixus was the only one Asher would talk to. He must have known something she didn't.
Nick didn't say a word, he simply through his arm around Riley, and gave her a quick hug. Nick knew that all of this was no accident, and after his phone call confirmed it, he was now out for blood. His Gallade in the hospital, a dozen trainers injured, four still missing. This was the act of a psychopath, and Nick would see him to justice. He got up from his bench, handed Riley a pokeball, and began to walk away. "That's Crixus' pokeball, stay with him, and when he's able to be released, keep him with you until I return. I saw the way you threw yourself in harms way to save him, and I saw the power that little Helioptile unleashed. I fear for Gym Leader Norman, but you are ready. Get some sleep, and destroy him." With that, the Champion was gone.
Riley sat there, unsure what to do. If Nick thought she was ready, then she was ready. That wasn't her concern. She'd never seen her Uncle like this, and truthfully, it scared her. She didn't personally feel endangered, but she knew he had the power to incredibly beautiful, yet destructive things. She sent him a text, it was the least she could do.
"I don't know where you are going, or what you are planning to do. I know you are a good person, and usually are fairly level headed. Promise me you'll think whatever this is through before you leave. I'm here if you need me - RJ."
As she closed her phone, she entered Crixus' room. He was heavily bandaged, and appeared to be sleeping. As she approached, that familiar tingle began.
"These doctors are imbeciles. I told them I was fine, they will not listen." The cranky Gallade was definitely not thrilled to be here. "I'm sorry I failed you, I didn't see the Braviary coming in time, and for that mistake I find myself here." The Gallade trailed off, and was no longer responding to Riley's thoughts. He was sleeping. Riley sat by his bedside for the next four hours, she had nothing to do but wait. As her alarm went off at 9 a.m. it dawned on her. Her gym battle was in fifteen minutes. "May as well get this out of the way, at least I'll get to vent some rage today." The typically upbeat teenager had a look of anger in her eye. Today would be the day she fought for her first badge, and judging by her attitude, she'd certainly make an impression.