Chapter 15: Hidden
Rui was, at last, convinced that something was terribly wrong with Wes.
That had to be it. Why else would he be compelled to challenge each and every single trainer in Duel Square... and Snag each one of their Shadow Pokémon with relish?
It was rather systematic how Wes was going about it all, too. He would calmly walk up to a trainer and challenge them in a low voice (at first, trainers had been all over him wanting a battle, but after Wes's first few victories they shrank away once more). Then, he would send out two Pokémon to battle—usually an Eevee-lution paired with one of his newly acquired Shadow Pokémon, Croconaw and Flaaffy (he'd attempted Makuhita in one battle, but the thing had promptly turned around and tried to beat him into the pavement again). Most of the time, the battles went smoothly for Wes—Rui was near entranced by his quick thinking and his Pokémon's willingness to fight for him. Then, usually, the last Pokémon to hit the field was the opponent's Shadow Pokémon... and that's when Wes got scary.
Rui had been tempted several times just to not tell Wes when it was a Shadow Pokémon. If she wasn't so worried for the Pokémon itself, she just may have.
As soon as she gave her now-signature exclamation of "Oh Wes! There's a Shadow Pokémon!", Wes's gold eyes would light up, and a horribly devious sneer would cross his face. Then he would start launching frightful volleys of commands to his Pokémon, one right after the other. Croconaw and Flaaffy would give Wes an almost perplexed look, as if wondering just what the hell he was on to suddenly kick him into overdrive like this, but Espeon and Umbreon weren't bothered in the least by their trainer's abrupt transformation. On the contrary, it just seemed to fire them up, too. Wes would skillfully clear the field of all Pokémon other than his own two and the Shadow Pokémon, and then start poking at it with weaker attacks. At a certain point—and Rui knew now what the tell-tale gleam in his eyes looked like—Wes would suddenly take one step back, holding out his left arm to charge up a Snag Ball... and then rear back, spin, and launch the sphere with the definitive cry of "Snag Ball, go!" Then the Shadow Pokémon, about 90 of the time if Rui were to estimate, would be Snagged, the trainer would sputter in rage and confusion, and Wes would simply collect his prize and go along his merry way.
It wasn't too hard for Rui to believe that Wes was an expert Snagger. It was if he knew exactly when the Shadow Pokémon was ready to be Snagged. Only about once did he need two attempts before the Snag succeeded. But thinking about it, Rui realized it made complete sense. Back when Wes was on Team Snagem, he would have had to be able to Snag Pokémon on his first go; before the opposing trainer could realize what was happening and either recall the target Pokémon or call for help. The thought made Rui shudder a little, and be relieved that Wes was now working to help Pokémon, instead of stealing them for Team Snagem...
Rui sighed at the thought. Team Snagem... she really hated them. A strange thought, that one as sweet and kind as she could hate. But yes. She did hate Team Snagem. And as she watched Wes battle his fourth combatant, gleefully whittling away at the Shadow Skiploom's HP... she realized she had never gotten around to telling Wes why Team Snagem frightened her so.
Thing was, she wasn't all that sure of it herself.
Rui didn't remember, but her father had told her... when she was little, a bunch of Team Snagem crooks had attacked her home. Why, even the police were still not sure of. But in the ensuing chaos, Rui's mother had been killed, and her father injured so that he became paralyzed and confined to a wheelchair. Her father had always grown sad whenever he spoke of it, so Rui hadn't pressed for details. All she knew was that Team Snagem had changed her life forever.
Why can't I remember it, though? Rui wondered, as she watched Wes launch a Poké-turned-Snag Ball at the weakened Skiploom on the field, ensnaring it inside and capturing it (amidst wails and shrieks of rage from its owner, a Rider named Leba). It wasn't all that long ago... so why can't I remember? Was I asleep through the whole thing or something? But I don't remember anything before or after it, either! What's wrong with me...?
"Well, I think that's enough tormenting of these fine trainers for one day," Wes said, strolling back towards her with the Snagged Skiploom in hand, ignoring the threats Leba was screaming at him. He had a very pleased smirk on his face, and a smug edge to his voice. "What do you think, Rui...?" Wes trailed off when he saw the sad expression on Rui's face. "...Rui? What's the matter?"
"Hm?" Rui snapped out of her train of thought, and looked up. "Oh, Wes. Sorry... were you saying something?"
Wes raised an eyebrow at her. "Yeah... I just said I was done with all these trainers here..." he replied uncertainly. "Is something wrong?"
"Um... no. I'm fine..." Rui replied, smiling at him. "Sorry... I think maybe I saw too many Shadow Pokémon... a little headache, you know?"
"Oh. I'm sorry..." Wes's eyes softened, and he gently placed two fingers to her left temple, rubbing it slightly. "I forgot... these Shadow Pokémon take a lot out of you, don't they?"
"Yeah..."
Wes smiled ruefully. "Sorry," he repeated. "If you like, we can take a break or something."
Rui beamed at his words, and clasped her hands together excitedly. "Can we have lunch?" she asked. "I'm hungry!"
Wes laughed. "Sure, we can do that," he replied. He took a moment to look down at the four new Pokéballs he had just acquired on his belt. "Check 'em out, Rui... four Shadow Pokémon in just the past hour and a half... Our collection's growing a lot faster than I thought it would."
"I didn't realize there were so many Shadow Pokémon out there..." Rui murmured. "Let's see... we already have a Shadow Makuhita, Croconaw, Flaaffy, and Slugma... and then we've Snagged a Quagsire, Misdreavus, Noctowl, and Skiploom. How many more do you think there is, Wes?"
"You got me," Wes replied. "Anyways... let's go get something to eat, and store these extra Pokémon while we're at it. There's still a lot to do, I'm thinking... It just seems that this is only the surface we're scratching."
Rui nodded, absently smoothing a strand of her reddish-orange hair behind her ear. "You're probably right... I can feel there's more to this than just Shadow Pokémon and mysterious criminal teams trying to take over the world..."
"Just trying to take over the world?" Wes repeated, with a grin.
Rui blushed. "You know what I mean!" she said, slapping him in the arm. "...By the way, how are Croconaw and Flaaffy doing? You've used them a lot in battle."
Wes shrugged. "They're all right. I just really seem to take to them for some reason... I mean... Well..." He stopped, trying to come up with the right words. "...I don't know how to explain it. There are some Pokémon, I think, that you just seem to be drawn to. Do you know what I mean?"
Rui shook her head. "I've never trained a Pokémon before," she admitted. "I mean, I've cared for some at home, but I'm not sure if that's quite the same..."
Wes nodded; watching Rui's eyes intently as she glanced around Duel Square at the trainers still attempting to nurse their broken prides. His eyes narrowed suspiciously; there was something on Rui's mind. Wes liked to think of himself as an excellent judge of character (and being an ex-criminal, it was a reasonable and useful skill to have), and right now, he could see that things weren't all flowers and butterflies behind Rui's azure eyes. Something darker hovered there...
He shrugged. No matter.
There were worse things hidden behind his own eyes...
An awkward silence hung in the air between the two, the Team Snagem direct subordinate and the ex-Team Snagem Snagger, for several long moments. At last, however, Kimberly began to speak. Her voice quavered at first, but eventually evened out into her usual impassive tone.
"To put it bluntly... Master Gonzap wishes for you to spy on Cipher, on behalf of Team Snagem," she said.
Travis frowned. "I figured as much," he grumbled. "He's gonna have to get it through his head that I don't belong to him anymore. He has no right to be ordering me around."
Kimberly nodded slightly. "He said you owe him a great deal," she continued softly.
"I owe him nothing," Travis replied tartly, crossing his arms over his chest resolutely. "...I... Kimberly, I'm a lot happier with Team Cipher than I ever was here. My only regrets are that I left you and Wes... but that's it. Otherwise, I'm glad I'm with Cipher. At least they respect you. Gonzap treats you like shit here. Doesn't he?"
"...I..." Kimberly looked away, her years of conditioning refusing to let her say anything against Gonzap, no matter how much she hated him inside. "...Travis, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have asked you..."
"It's not your fault. You were only doing what you were told."
"I suppose..." Kimberly said, biting her lip. "...Um... So... Is Cipher really much better than Team Snagem? Do they... really respect you...?"
Travis nodded. "Yeah. I mean, you still have to know your place, of course, or you'll be killed in a heartbeat... But otherwise, yeah. They treat you civilly enough. And they take better care of you than Gonzap does."
"Ah... That's... good..."
Travis noted the almost wistful tone to her voice, sounding unusual considering it was Kimberly who was talking. "So... things have been well, I assume?"
Kimberly smiled a tiny bit. "More or less. Ever since Wes left..." She paused to indicate the rubble all over the floor, swept in from the rest of the base from when Wes had blown it up. "...I haven't had much to do."
"That's a good thing, though. Gonzap isn't bossing you around."
She nodded slightly, before glancing up at the door Travis was leaning against. "So... what are you doing here, exactly?" she asked. "And who is she? Does she work for Cipher too?"
Travis nodded. "Yeah. She's Sierra, Master Ein's direct subordinate. Master Nascour asked her to come here and find him a new direct subordinate," he explained. "...See, his previous one kinda... um... met with an unfortunate fate. So Sierra decided to search for one here. But she's rather upset... Gonzap forced her into a lot of stiff deals in return... and she hasn't yet figured out who she's to draft..."
"I see." Kimberly grew silent, nervously fiddling with a stray strand of her reddish-brown hair. "...Um... I hope you find someone... suitable..."
"Yeah, me too..." Travis sighed, leaning back against the door and closing his eyes, his long white bangs falling into his face.
Several moments passed.
And then... like a slap in the face, it hit him.
Travis's eyes snapped open, surprised at himself for not realizing it sooner. What an idiot I am! he thought in horror. The answer to so many of our problems is standing right in front of me!
"K-Kimberly!" he stammered, leaping to his feet. "I... I'm sorry! I mean... I should have thought of it earlier... You! We could draft you..."
Kimberly looked up, startled. "Me?" she whispered. "Oh... Travis... really?"
"Of course! You're the only one left still stuck here... I was transferred to Team Cipher... Wes just up and left... and now... You're alone again." Without thinking, Travis took her hand in his, smiling at her blank expression. "...I'm not leaving you alone here a day longer. And I'm sure Miss Sierra would like to help you, too. Besides..." He paused, deliberating how to word his next comment. "...No offense, but... you're really obedient as well. Master Nascour likes that in a direct subordinate."
"...Travis... I..." Kimberly lowered her gaze, unsure of how to react to Travis's observation. "...But how will you convince Master Gonzap to let me go?"
Travis frowned. "Hm... that's a tough one..." he admitted, sweatdropping a little. "...But I'm sure Miss Sierra can manage something."
"Really?" she whispered, not sounding that convinced.
Travis sighed. "Kimberly, come on..." he complained, giving her a gentle nudge. "Smile a little for me. You look pretty when you smile, but you never do..."
Kimberly gave him a little smile. "I... I'm sorry, Travis. I really am..." she whispered. "...You're such a good friend to me, but... I don't know how to be one myself."
With a small laugh, Travis stepped back from her, still holding her hand. "You're just fine," he assured. "Wait here, I'll go and ask Miss Sierra what she thinks." He turned back to the door and put an ear to it. Upon not hearing the rush of the shower, he—quite foolishly—assumed Sierra was finished, and he opened the door and poked his head inside.
"Miss Sierra?" he asked, his eyes taking a moment to adjust.
Then he blanched with fright.
Sierra was done with her shower, certainly. But not with dressing...
From where she was sitting in a chair, wearing just a pair of jeans and her bra, and with her towel wrapped around her shoulders to keep her wet hair off her back, Sierra turned sharply at the sound of her name. At first, she met Travis's goggled stare with a completely blank look, as if the situation hadn't quite sunken in yet. Then... her eyes narrowed with pure malice.
"Travis..." she snarled, getting to her feet. "What... are you doing in here?"
Travis could barely form words in his throat to answer. "Um... ah... ah..."
His broken incoherence was interrupted by Sierra briskly reaching over to the table next to her and yanking Zenith Aria from the holster lying there. Without even a second thought, Travis quickly jerked his head out of the room and slammed the door, just in time to hear the muffled gunshot from the other side. Kimberly jumped, startled, as a CRACK resounded, and the wood on the right edge of the doorframe was suddenly splintered outward. The slim bullet, fired from the custom-made pistol Nascour had given to Sierra on her 16th birthday, hadn't quite gone through the wall completely... but it had certainly left its mark nonetheless. Kimberly and Travis stared blankly at the hole, and then one another, for several moments, too surprised—or, in Travis's case, embarrassed—to say anything.
"...Well, I guess I caught her at a bad time..." Travis finally muttered.
When at last, Travis plucked up the courage to stick his head back into the bedroom, he found Sierra sitting on her bed in the darkness—fully dressed, thankfully—looking at her laptop again. She turned her head slightly to regard him, and made an irritated frown.
"Travis," she acknowledged flatly.
"Sierra," he murmured, blush rising in his cheeks. "I... I'm really sorry... I really shouldn't have walked in like that... I meant nothing by it..."
Sierra lowered her smoke-tinted sunglasses curiously, surprised by the apologetic tone to Travis's voice. "...Are you really?" she asked. "...Sorry, I mean."
"Of course... why wouldn't I be?"
She laughed at his plaintive response. "I don't know! It's just... surprising, I guess. That you're not like most guys... a hormonal, perverted, asshole... You sure you're normal?"
Travis blushed, running a hand through his spiky white hair. "So... you're not angry?" he asked.
"Nah..." Sierra assured, her good humors returning. She flashed the young Cipher Peon a smile to assure him all was well. "No harm done, I suppose... And, um, sorry I tried shooting you."
"You had a right," Travis grinned, relief coursing through him. Thank Lugia... I'd hate to have Sierra hating my guts...
She snorted at his words. "Heh. No I didn't. It's not good for me. Being all bloodthirsty and whatnot... I shouldn't emulate Nascour..." At the thought, Sierra gave a sigh. "...But, I suppose it's too late for me now..."
As Travis tried to come up with an intelligent, yet tactful response, Kimberly slowly poked her head inside the room. "Um... may I... come in...?" she asked uncertainly.
"Sure," Travis said, quickly remembering what he had wanted to ask Sierra in the first place. "Miss Sierra, I would like you to meet a friend of mine..."
Sierra brightened, and stood up. "I'd be honored," she replied. "If she's your friend, Travis, I have no doubt that she's a good person. At least in one form or another... no offense." Sierra blushed slightly at her own words.
Kimberly blinked, unsure of how to react. "Oh... um... thank you..." she murmured, as if vaguely remembering what thank you was.
"Sierra, this is Kimberly Van Kai, Team Snagem's Valkyrie of the Silent Dawn, and Gonzap's direct subordinate," introduced Travis. "Kimberly, this is Sierra Noviena... Direct Subordinate to Master Ein, and Team Cipher's Special Objectives Tactician."
Sierra nodded. "A pleasure," she said, taking Kimberly's hand and shaking it. As she did, she inwardly pitied Kimberly. To be Gonzap's direct subordinate seemed loathsome beyond words... And yet, just by looking at her, Sierra could tell that Kimberly had no malicious intent in her. It wasn't innocence... no, not quite. Perhaps naïve, in a way. Something was there, though... something that made Kimberly different from the despicable criminals that surrounded her. "...Um... excuse my ignorance, but what does 'Valkyrie of the Silent Dawn' mean?"
Travis smiled a little; halfway in pride, halfway in bitterness. "Oh... well, it's Miss Kimberly's title within Team Snagem... stands for her secondary job as Team Snagem's special agent... deals in robberies... assassinations... stuff like that..."
"Ah..." Sierra murmured. "...I see. Kinda sorta like my job, in a way."
Kimberly blushed a little. "I suppose so..."
"Anyway... Miss Sierra," continued Travis, "I had an idea... Perhaps... you could... consider Miss Kimberly for our replacement...?"
Sierra looked up. "You want Kimberly to be Master Nascour's direct subordinate?" she asked, surprised.
Travis nodded. "Yes... If you checked, you'd find she's more than qualified. And she's really smart, and—"
"Hey, I believe you," interjected Sierra. "I can tell by just a glance that Kimberly would be excellent for the job. I just have this feeling..." She smiled up at Kimberly reassuringly, before continuing. "But... would you really want her working under Master Nascour? You know how... um... unpredictable he can be. Wouldn't you be worried?"
Kimberly shuffled nervously. "Ah... if I may say..." she spoke hesitantly. "...I feel it could be no worse than working for Master Gonzap here... I mean... he... he's very cruel... and treats his members with little to no respect... I... I think I would... prefer to work for Cipher..."
Travis nodded in agreement. "She's right, Master Nascour would be great to work for compared to Gonzap," he said. "And I'd be working alongside her, right? Come on... please consider, Miss Sierra."
Sierra sighed, apparently trying to think. "...Look, I feel you," she said, after a moment. "You seem like a really nice person, Kimberly, and more than anything, I'd love to help you get away from this place... from Gonzap. But... it'd be awfully hard to convince him to let you go, I know it."
"I know," Travis murmured. "But you've got to try. Please... After all, you can always point out how much you've conceded to him in the deal..."
Sierra winced. "True. All right... fair enough. Kimberly, or nothing. That's what I'll tell him!"
"Thank you, Sierra!" Travis exclaimed, a smile brightening his kind young face. "I... Thank you. So much."
Kimberly, too, smiled—but just a little. "...Ah... thank you... Miss Sierra... Words can't describe... my gratitude..." she whispered.
Sierra blushed, trying to look indifferent. "Aw... no problem," she insisted. "After all... if you're Travis's friend, how can I be going wrong?"
The three all laughed happily at her words. Even Kimberly.
...But just a little.
After stopping by the Police Station to store their extra Shadow Pokémon in the computer, Wes and Rui headed back over to the restaurant they had eaten breakfast at for a late lunch of ramen bowls. Once they had finished their delicious meal, they headed back outside, where Wes let Espeon and Umbreon take a few moments to relax outside their Pokéballs. Rui smiled brightly at the twin Pokémon as they stretched and then proceeded to play fight with one another in the street.
"Your Espeon and Umbreon are so cute..." Rui commented, seating herself beside Wes against the police station. "It's obvious you've taken a lot of time to take good care of them."
Wes shrugged. "Yeah... well, I've had them for a long time. Since before I can remember, when they were still Eevees..." His eyes narrowed at the thought, and he stopped.
"Where did you get them?" Rui asked, unaware of the distant look that had suddenly appeared in his eyes.
"I... I don't know..." Wes murmured, watching the two Eevee-lutions wrestling before him. "...Before I was five, sometime... but I don't know where or how."
Rui regarded him with a puzzled expression. "Really?" she replied.
Wes nodded. "Yep."
Her eyes lowered. For a moment, Wes's uncertainty about his past in getting his Eevees had brought back some of her own uncertainty about her past... a past that, try as she might, she could not remember...
Wes presently made a slight whistle, and Espeon and Umbreon ran to him readily. He motioned to Rui, and the two Pokémon obediently leaped into her lap, licking her face joyfully. Rui giggled, trying to shield her face from their wet tongues. "Ah! Stop it! Stop it you two!" she laughed.
"Espi-esp! (No way!)" Espeon exclaimed in response.
"Umbri-bri bri! (You can't make us!)" Umbreon teased.
Wes hid a pleased little smile. A strange pleasure it was, to make Rui smile and laugh... He couldn't help it, though. He had never met such a cheerful, happy person as Rui before. And with all they had experienced together in just the past few days in which they had known each other... Wes knew that she was someone he had to keep close. Someone who might provide his one chance of salvation...
Especially if it really is her...
"Having yourselves a good time in Pyrite, huh?"
Wes, Rui, Espeon, and Umbreon all looked up to see Cail and Willie, standing around where Rui had first met the two in Pyrite. Apparently, it was the favorite hangout point of Cail. "Oh, hi!" Rui exclaimed, smiling at them.
"Hey Wes, Rui," greeted Willie cheerfully.
Cail crossed his arms, smirking slightly. "Well, well..." he murmured. "From what I've heard, Wes... you seem to have Snagged every prize Pokémon here in Pyrite. The trainers are rather peeved at you."
"Sucks for them, now doesn't it?" Wes snorted, regarding Cail with an amused expression. "Though... I don't think we got every one of them..."
The smirk faded from the young Rogue's face. "...What are you saying?" he asked suspiciously.
Rui glanced at Wes a little worriedly. Even if Cail did have a Shadow Pokémon, she felt a little bad about having to Snag it. After all, Cail had been rather helpful to them since they had arrived. Even if he was a little unpolished and dirty-mouthed, Rui could tell that he had a good heart. And she liked him. Perhaps there was something about rogue-types that she found interesting—explained her liking of Wes and Alexander, after all. But she felt a little sorry for Cail as Wes slowly got to his feet.
"A little Taillow told me you won a prize Pokémon at the Colosseum a while back also," Wes explained delicately. "A rather strong one too."
Cail glowered, aware of where this was going. "What, you got some weird Pokémon collecting fetish, or something? You got to Snag 'em all?" he snapped.
"Maybe. So what do you think? A battle, you and I?"
Willie bit his lip. He understood Wes's motivations for Snagging these strange Pokémon... but... Cail wasn't about to part with his own. It wasn't just because it had been a prize, either... Cail had his own reasons for keeping this Pokémon... "Wes... look, I don't—"
Cail silenced Willie with a sharp glare. "Keep out of this, Willie," he snapped, sounding on edge. "If Wes wants to battle, I'll gladly take him on."
"But Cail—"
"Shut it, all right?" Cail's eyes were strangely dark as he turned back towards Wes. "...I don't know what you're trying to get at. But I'll accept your challenge. And bear in mind... I won't lose to you."
Wes smirked, not caring about the odd look on Cail's face. "Really?" he retorted. "That's funny. I was thinking the same thing about you."
A smirk crossed Cail's face as well. "We'll see which one of us is right, then, won't we?"
"That we will."
The two backed away from each other to make room for an arena, and Rui and Willie shrank back to the side. "Willie... what's wrong?" Rui asked, puzzled. "Cail, he... I can tell there's something nagging at him from the inside. I can feel it..."
Willie bit his lip. "...It... it has something to do with the prize Pokémon..." he admitted, almost reluctantly. "It's not just a prize to him... it reminds him of—" He quickly stopped. "Forget it."
"Reminds him of what?"
"Nothing, all right? It's probably better for you if you don't know, anyway." Willie shoved his hands in his pockets and turned away, unwilling to talk about it anymore.
Rui was surprised at the strange way Willie was behaving. Did this have anything to do with Cail or Willie's pasts, or what? I know how much Willie's past with Team Snagem eats at him... she thought. Maybe there's something else... some other dark memories as well... Her eyes grew sad. ...I just wish I had memories period...
Before Rui could begin to question further, though, Wes stepped forward and placed his right hand on his waist; a sign that he was ready to start off the battle by choosing the first two Pokémon. "Four Pokémon a side, two at a time... as usual," he stated. "Ready?"
Cail nodded, absently tucking a stray section of his green hair behind his goggles. "When you are," he replied, his brown eyes narrowing in his characteristic way before he started a battle.
Wes regarded Umbreon standing on the sidelines next to Espeon and Rui. "Umbreon, you're up," he called, bringing the Dark-type forth into the battle arena. "And to join you... Croconaw, let's go!" In a quick movement, he snatched Croconaw's Pokéball from his belt and tossed it forward. The Water-type appeared with a snarl of eagerness, ready to battle once more.
"All right..." Cail murmured, looking slightly impressed, but not surprised. "Here goes, then... Machop, Ralts, go for it!" Two Pokéballs flashed, to reveal the Fighting-type Machop, and Ralts, the Psychic-type. Both Pokémon, though small, gave fierce little battle cries.
"Not bad..." Wes murmured, though to be honest, he wasn't that impressed. More little Pokémon for him to battle... just like everywhere else in this town. "All right... Umbreon, Bite attack on Ralts! Croconaw, use your Shadow Rush on Machop!"
Cail reacted quickly to Wes's commands. "Ralts, use Confusion attack on Croconaw! Machop, Karate Chop to Umbreon!" he cried.
Umbreon, quite predictably, got the first move, delivering a powerful Bite attack to Ralts. The Psychic-type yelped in pain as it was flung back a few feet, while Machop quickly came to its aid with a powerful Karate Chop upon the Dark-type. As Umbreon leaped away to recover, Ralts attacked Croconaw with a blast of psychic energy. But that couldn't stop the Shadow Pokémon from hitting Machop full force with a Shadow Rush attack, one that sent both Pokémon reeling for a few moments.
"Nice job, Umbreon!" called Wes, sensing Ralts had been weakened greatly by just the one Bite attack. "Follow through with another Bite! Croconaw, use Shadow Rush again, too!"
Cail bit down a growl of frustration in his throat; he, too, could see that Ralts was not going to last much longer against Umbreon's super-effective strikes. "Ralts, same attack and target! Machop, hit Umbreon with a Low Kick this time!" he commanded, though he had the sad feeling Ralts wasn't going to last another round. And sure enough, Umbreon leaped forward to Bite Ralts once again, knocking the Psychic-type out swiftly and with little effort. Machop, frustrated by the opposing side's early lead, took out his anger on Umbreon before the Dark-type could escape, by giving him a swift Low Kick. Umbreon gave a whimper and collapsed to the ground momentarily, stunned by the strong Fighting-type attack. In the meantime, Croconaw flung itself in a reckless Shadow Rush once more at Machop, but the nimble Fighting-type leaped out of the way to avoid it.
"Damn..." Cail muttered, recalling Ralts into its Pokéball, and selecting a new one. "Lucky break, Wes... Let's see how you handle... Seedot!" With his next Pokéball, the acorn-like Grass-type took to the field, blinking its large eyes.
Wes held back a small chuckle. For being Pyrite's best trainer... he has some rather tiny Pokémon... he observed with amusement. But that doesn't mean I can hold back. "Umbreon, let's go. Take down Machop with your Secret Power! Croconaw, Shadow Rush Seedot this time!" Hopefully... Croconaw can take out that little acorn without too much trouble... I want to see what type of Shadow Pokémon Cail received from the Colosseum...
Surprisingly enough, Cail gave a laugh. "...Hehehe... Wes, you think you can get rid of me that easily? I'm not just another Duel Square groupie... If you think you can treat me the same way as them... you are sadly mistaken!" His eyes hardened, and he pointed to his pair of Pokémon. "Don't screw around now! Machop, hit Croconaw with Karate Chop! And Seedot... I just want you to bide your time..."
Something about the way he said his command worried Rui. "Wes... be careful!" she called. "Cail has something in mind!"
With a growl, Umbreon shot several pulses of energy towards Machop, which hit, but didn't even seem to faze the Fighting-type. In response, Machop faithfully ignored the Umbreon—as strange as that seemed to Wes, seeing as Machop could have easily dealt more damage to Umbreon, and even knocked it out—and attacked Croconaw with a Karate Chop. Infuriated, Croconaw gave a snarl of rage, and—much to Wes's surprise—it seemed as if Croconaw's eyes turned even redder. In blind fury, it charged forward at Machop, who dodged just in time, and barreled into Seedot with a powerful Shadow Rush. Seedot closed its eyes and withstood the attack, spinning backwards like a top to keep its balance.
Rui gasped, and closed her eyes. "Ah... W-Wes..." she whimpered. The aura... the strange aura around Croconaw... it had changed. It was no longer a dark purple... it now had become a dark crimson color, intense and full of greater fury than before. Covering her face with her hands, she gave a choked cry of pain and sank to her knees, the pain of the intense aura stabbing into her mind like a thousand knives.
Startled, Willie knelt down next to her and put a hand on her shoulder. "You all right?" he asked worriedly. "...Rui?"
Espeon looked up at her grimly; he could sense the new aura around Croconaw, too. "Espi... esp espeon..." he tried to encourage, nuzzling her arm.
Wes turned sharply to Rui. "Rui? What... what is it?" he asked, concern filling his voice. "What's wrong...? Does it have something to do with Croconaw...?"
Cail eyed Rui blankly. "...What's wrong with her?" he asked, confused.
"...Rui can sense the Shadow Pokémon's energies," Wes muttered, not taking his eyes off Rui. "But... Rui, you know Croconaw. Why does it hurt you so much...?"
Cail regarded Croconaw with a bit of suspicion. "...Shadow Pokémon..." he murmured, examining the Water-type curiously. "...Oh! Wait, Wes. I know what's wrong."
"What?" demanded Wes.
"Croconaw's gone into what's called Hyper Mode," Cail explained. "When a Shadow Pokémon's emotions get out of control in battle, it goes into the Hyper Mode state. It becomes stronger, but more unpredictable—sometimes to the point where the trainer can't even control it, anymore."
Wes looked down at Croconaw. The Pokémon didn't look any different... but... there was something else there. That much he could tell... "Funny that you know all this," he said, glaring at Cail across the field as if it were somehow the other trainer's fault.
Cail smirked. "Isn't it?" he replied. "You don't know the half of it..."
Rui looked up, the initial pain starting to wear off some. "Wes! Don't stop now! Keep going!" she called.
Willie gave Wes a thumbs up. "She'll be fine," he assured, with a grin.
Wes sweatdropped. "...All right," he said, turning his attention back to the battle. "Ok... same attacks, same targets! Give it all you got!" Umbreon and Croconaw nodded, and bounded into the fray once more. Croconaw slammed into Seedot again with great force, but the Grass-type once again just closed its eyes and endured the attack. Looking frustrated, the enraged Water-type bit Seedot, shook it around, and then flung it forcefully towards Cail's head. Fortunately, Cail's quick reflexes saved him from a concussion by him catching his Pokémon just inches from his face.
"What the fuck?" Cail swore, staring down at his Pokémon in his hands, before setting it down and glaring at the Water-type that had just tried to kill him for the second time that day. "...Well, jeez, ya don't have to be that way..."
"Croconaw!" Wes yelled, shocked that his Pokémon would do such a thing. "That's not what I said to do!"
Croconaw stiffened at the sound of his name, and slowly turned around to face his trainer. "Croco...?" he asked, looking confused.
Rui gave a start. "Wes, Croconaw's aura is back to what it was!" she exclaimed.
"Just call its name, it'll snap out of it..." Sierra's words came back to Cail, causing the young Rogue to frown. He looked up absently, just in time to see Umbreon attack Machop with his Secret Power attack once more. "Machop, dodge!" he yelled instantly, but he needn't have bothered-once more, the well-trained Fighting-type leaped out of harm's way. As soon as it did, however... Machop began to glow.
"Wha—?" Willie gasped. "Cail, your Machop, it's—"
"It's evolving!" Rui cried.
Wes, too, stared entranced, as Machop's form grew changed and grew bigger. When the glowing stopped, a powerful Machoke now stood in Machop's place. The Fighting-type flexed its powerful muscles, and gave a pleased cry.
"Machop..." Cail whispered, amazed. "You... you've become Machoke!" He grinned in delight; there was something about evolution that brightened almost anyone's spirits. "Awesome!"
"Wow..." Rui gasped. She hadn't seen a Pokémon evolve so close before.
Wes, however, wasn't nearly as impressed. Sure, evolution was an amazing event. But he was worried, now... With evolution came more power. And that wasn't good news...
"All right... let's see what you can do!" Cail called to his newly evolved Pokémon. "Machoke, Seismic Toss on Umbreon!"
"Not so fast!" Wes yelled, refusing to allow his Umbreon to be knocked out. "Croconaw, hit Machoke with Shadow Rush! Umbreon, Bite on Seedot."
Cail laughed. "No can do, Wes..." he sighed. "Seedot, for all that damage Croconaw has been pelting you with... reward him with a Bide attack, now!"
Wes gasped, seeing his mistake too late. "...Shit..." he snarled.
"See!" With surprising speed, Seedot spun like a top towards Croconaw, dealing out twice the damage it had received in the past few turns. The massive blow was too much for Croconaw, and the Water-type fainted.
Machoke went on the offensive as well, scooping Umbreon into his arms before the Dark-type could make a move. "Machoke... Ma!" he yelled, leaping high into the air, and throwing Umbreon forcefully into the ground. Umbreon gave a pained yelp upon impact, before he, too, fainted.
"Double knockout... what do you think of that?" Cail asked, grinning at the stunned expression on Wes's face.
Rui gasped. "...Cail was planning that all along... weakening Croconaw and then waiting to knock it out with Bide..." she murmured. "It also helped that Machop evolved into Machoke in the process..."
Wes gave a low, dangerous growl in the back of his throat, furious at himself for making such a careless mistake, as to not see Seedot's Bide attack coming. Did he really think the Grass-type wasn't attacking just for kicks? "...Good fight, you two," he muttered darkly, as he held out two Pokéballs. "Umbreon, Croconaw, return."
Willie couldn't help but smile at Cail's comeback, despite the fact he felt a bit sorry for Wes as well. "...Nice one, Cail," he commented.
"Don't give up, Wes!" Rui retaliated, glowering at Willie.
"...All right. I'm not going to make the same mistake twice," Wes said resolutely, taking another Pokéball from his belt. "Espeon!" The Psychic-type bounded over from where he had been waiting to stand in front of his trainer. "And... Flaaffy! Let's go!" he yelled, throwing one of his newer Pokéballs out into the field. A flash of light, and the pink, sheep-like Pokémon appeared, blinking fearfully and sniffing the air.
"Diogo's Flaaffy, hm?" Cail murmured. "...Heh, all right. Machoke, use Karate Chop on Flaaffy! Seedot, hit Espeon with Absorb!"
Wes laughed dryly. "Think you can get the jump on Espeon, think again! Espeon, Confusion on Machoke! Flaaffy... try out your Shadow Rush on Seedot!"
Espeon, naturally, moved first, and hit Machoke with a Confusion true to form. Machoke, however, still had fight left in it, and Karate Chopped Flaaffy powerfully. The Electric-type bleated in pain, falling back on her tail. Tears filled her eyes, and she began to cry mournfully.
"Aww... poor Flaaffy!" Rui whimpered.
Wes raised an eyebrow at Flaaffy. "Don't cry!" he insisted. "Please, Flaaffy, I need your help in this battle!" But Flaaffy continued to cry, ignoring her newfound trainer. As it did so, Seedot spun in and managed to take some energy from Espeon with an Absorb attack, which of course frustrated Wes even more.
"...Damn... I can't even get one of my Pokémon to fight..." Wes grumbled. "...Should have quit while you were ahead, Wes... Did you really have to take on Cail today...?" His eyes narrowed. "...What am I saying? I can still win... I just have to get Flaaffy to trust me..."
"Repeat your attacks, guys!" Cail yelled, not wanting to lose his momentum. "Don't quit now!"
"Sorry I have to ruin your fun, but... Espeon, another Confusion on Machoke!" Wes commanded.
"Espi-espi! Espe...on!" cried Espeon, eyes glowing as he unleashed another blast of psychic power. The super-effective strike hit Machoke hard with a critical hit, and the Fighting-type fell backwards to the ground, too weak to take any more damage. It was knocked out.
Cail gritted his teeth together. "Dammit... Machoke, you ok?" he asked his Pokémon. "...Nice job. I'm proud of you. Return." He recalled Machoke back into his Pokéball.
Wes grinned. "All right! Nice one, Espeon!" he congratulated. He then turned to Flaaffy. "...See that, Flaaffy? I need you to battle for me... please? It can be fun, too, you just have to trust me."
Flaaffy sniffed and looked up at him. "Flaa...?" she asked uncertainly. "Flaa-fy.."
"It's ok. I promise." Wes approached the Electric-type and gently petted her on the head. She winced slightly, but allowed him to pet her. Flaaffys were rather affectionate Pokémon; not even sealing one's heart could take that away. "...Battling for me can be fun, but I won't force you to fight if you don't want to. Ok? I'm sorry..." With a sigh, Wes got to his feet again and took out Flaaffy's Pokéball to recall her into. But Flaaffy shook her head at him.
"Flaaffy flaf flaa," she said, a tiny smile on her face. She then turned around and stood next to Espeon.
"...You're going to battle?" Wes asked, surprised. "...Thank you, Flaaffy... I won't break your trust, I promise." He then looked to Cail, who was fingering a new Pokéball with a blank expression. "All right, Cail, where's your last Pokémon? We're ready to go!"
Cail merely gave Wes an icy look and stared at the Pokéball in his hand, not sure whether to use it or not. He could just as easily use his other Pokémon that he had left, but... no. His pride wouldn't let him do that. Besides... he had the strangest feeling that he kind of had to use it.
...Whatever comes of this, I'm confident you'll still love me...
"Furret, let's go!" Cail yelled, forcefully throwing his last Pokémon into the arena. A burst of light... and the cream and brown Normal-type Furret appeared, growling and ready to fight.
Wes tensed. Was it...?
"Wes!" Rui called, a familiar aura clearly visible in her mind. "That one! That's a Shadow Pokémon!"
Willie bit his lip. "...Cail..." he whispered helplessly.
"Figures..." Wes smirked. "All right... our target is Furret. Espeon... you know what to do. Confusion, but a light one. And Flaaffy... I need you to use Shadow Rush on Seedot. Give it all you got."
"Seedot, use Absorb on Flaaffy!" Cail yelled, any and all amusement already gone from his face. "Furret, Shadow Rush on Espeon, go!"
Espeon struck first with a Confusion that more infuriated Furret than anything. The Normal-type shook the effects of the attack off, before it charged into Espeon with its Shadow Rush attack. Espeon was flung back several feet, but landed gracefully on his paws, standing ready for more.
At the same time, Seedot took the time to Absorb some of Flaaffy's HP, which made the Electric-type wince and shake her head. She didn't like that. She didn't like being hurt and made to fight... but... this trainer, he seemed nice. He petted her head. And he didn't yell and complain at her, like Diogo always had. She liked him. So she would try to do what he asked her to.
"Flaa... flaaffy!" she exclaimed, summoning up all her courage and charging, eyes closed, at Seedot as fast as she could. The acorn Pokémon, startled by the sudden charge, was knocked about three yards into the air before hitting the ground, x's in its eyes. Flaaffy herself kept charging regardless, heading straight towards Cail.
"Flaaffy!" Wes shouted. "Stop! That's enough!"
Flaaffy stopped a foot away from Cail, opening her eyes. "Fla?" She blinked and looked around; first down, then to the left and the right, before finally looking up at Cail, who looked both nervous about Flaaffy nearly charging into him, and irritated about Seedot getting knocked out. Flaaffy reddened and sweatdropped, quickly scooting back to her side of the field.
Cail sighed with exasperation, holding Seedot's Pokéball before him. "Nice job, Seedot... return." He paused for a moment, before looking down at Furret. "...Just down to you, Furret..." he murmured, eyes growing distant as he spoke the words.
"All right... Espeon, use Return this time!" Wes commanded. "Flaaffy, try Shadow Rush on Furret, too!"
"Furret, use Quick Attack on Espeon!" Cail countered.
The three Pokémon dashed forward at one another quickly, with Furret getting the first hit with its Quick Attack. Espeon shook his head as the attack connected, but he retaliated with a Return that knocked Furret backwards a little. Flaaffy tried her Shadow Rush again, but Furret managed to dodge the charge, and Flaaffy fell on her face with the momentum of her charge.
"Furret, use Shadow Rush on Flaaffy this time!" Cail commanded quickly, not wanting to pass up this attack opportunity.
"Espeon, use Confusion!" Wes called quickly to his Psychic-type, not wanting Flaaffy to be hurt while she was down.
Furret growled fiercely, the dark aura around it intensifying, and slammed into Flaaffy. Flaaffy covered her head as she rolled across the street, afraid to look and see if Furret would attack again. Before the Normal-type could, however, Espeon hit it with a Confusion that sent it reeling, dizzy and slightly confused.
"Try again, Flaaffy!" Wes urged.
Flaaffy opened her eyes and shook herself off, before looking up to where Furret was momentarily stunned. She narrowed her eyes, wanting this attack to be good, and charged as hard as she could. Furret was knocked so hard sideways that it hit the wall of the building right next to Willie (who only barely managed to dodge). Both he and Rui scampered away as Wes and Cail turned towards Furret.
"All right..." Wes murmured, getting that telltale smirk on his face. This was it. Time to Snag.
Sweat found its way down Cail's face as he watched Wes charge up a Pokéball in the Snag Machine, his legs unable to move him from where he stood. ...This can't be real... I can't... lose Furret...
"Snag Ball, go!" Wes yelled, rearing back and throwing the Pokéball as hard as he could. Wordlessly, everyone watched as the Pokéball snapped against Furret, catching the Normal-type inside it and clacking to the street. Slowly, it wiggled back and forth... back and forth... back and forth...
...Before bursting into light once more, releasing Furret and rolling uselessly aside.
Wes blinked in surprise. Furret had managed to escape the Pokéball. Apparently, it had been stronger than he'd estimated.
Furret glowered, not liking this at all. How dare this human try to catch it! Its eyes narrowed with hatred, before it suddenly up and charged... straight at Wes.
"Wes, look out!" Rui cried.
Espeon quickly put himself between Furret and Wes, but the enraged Shadow Pokémon simply barreled on through, knocking the Psychic-type aside as if he were nothing. With a flying tackle, Furret slammed into Wes, knocking the wind out of him and causing him to fall to his back on the street. Everyone gasped in horror as Furret then attempted to scratch Wes's eyes out.
"Flaaffy-fla!" The Electric-type, alarmed at Furret's violent move, had begun moving as soon as she realized Furret's target was Wes. Now, before Wes could be torn to shreds by the angry Normal-type, she hit Furret off with a powerful Shadow Rush. Furret tumbled away a few feet, while Flaaffy fell on top of Wes's stomach.
Wes coughed, unable to move for several moments. Fortunately, Furret hadn't done much damage, other than knock his breath out and leave a few claw marks in his coat sleeve. He sat up, Flaaffy still in his lap, and looked at Furret. The Normal-type was definitely weaker now.
"Wes, are you ok?" Rui screamed tearfully, afraid of another episode like the one after Makuhita's attack on Wes.
"I'm fine," he assured, getting to his feet and charging up another Snag Ball at the same time. "Thanks a lot, Flaaffy."
Flaaffy beamed. "Fla!"
In the meantime... Cail had still been unable to move from his spot, even when Furret had managed to break free from the Pokéball. He'd been momentarily hopeful, at first, but his hope quickly had turned to surprise and shock when Furret attacked Wes. Just like when it had tried to attack Alexander... Maybe... maybe Furret isn't a good Pokémon to keep... he thought blankly. It's too unpredictable and violent... but... No. I have to... I... promised...
But he couldn't find the words or the actions to stop Wes from casting a second Snag Ball at his Furret.
Once again, Furret was caught inside the Pokéball, and slowly, it wiggled back and forth as the Shadow Pokémon struggled against its prison. But this time... this time, it was no use. After what seem liked forever, the light on the Pokéball finally went out, and the ball ceased to move any longer. Furret had been Snagged.
Rui burst into cheers. "Hooray!" she squealed, running to Wes and hugging him tightly. "You did it! You caught Shadow Furret!"
Wes smiled, wincing from the tight hold she had on him. "Yeah... I did... so let go, already!" he said. He slowly walked over to where Furret's Pokéball lay, and he picked it up. "Got another one..."
Espeon and Flaaffy beamed. "Espi-esp!" "Flaf-flaaffy!" they exclaimed proudly.
"Good job, you two..." Wes congratulated, kneeling and hugging the two Pokémon as they ran to him. "You both battled great."
Cail collapsed to his knees, unable to process exactly what had happened. Furret had been Snagged. He'd failed to keep his promise to himself. And the significance that Furret had to him... was now gone.
"Cail!" Willie cried, running to his friend's side. "Hey man... you ok...?"
"I'm fine..." Cail muttered, turning away to avoid letting Willie see his face.
"...I'm sorry... Cail, I know how much Furret meant to you, and—"
"Shut up, all right? I'm fine!" Cail snapped, getting to his feet and storming away from Willie. He glared at Wes as he passed him, a mixture of hate and regret burning behind his brown eyes as he did so.
"Wes... I hope you're happy now," he snarled, through clenched teeth. "...I kept up what I promised you. I just kinda wonder if you can make it up to me. Or if you'd even want to..." With that, Cail strode off, disappearing down the street into the rest of Pyrite Town.
Rui watched Cail go, a sympathetic look in her eyes. "Wes..." she whispered.
Wes lowered his eyes, wordlessly putting Furret's Pokéball on his belt and recalling both Espeon and Flaaffy into their own. As he turned to leave as well, he stopped short at Willie's voice.
"Wes!" Willie yelled.
"What?" Wes snapped, turning around with an annoyed expression.
Willie's face was no longer cheerful or humorous, as it usually was. Instead, it was filled with a sense of disgust and anger. "...You don't realize what you've just done to Cail, do you?" he accused. "What you did when you Snagged his Furret."
"I killed his pride. I'm sorry, but one of us had to—"
"That's not the only thing you killed, Wes!" Willie screamed. "That Furret meant more to Cail than just a prize... It represented something near and dear to his heart! Something he loves more than he could ever say!"
Wes was confused. "What? What are you talking about?"
"You... I thought..." Willie closed his eyes, his fist clenched tightly at his side. "...Forget it. Maybe you wouldn't understand after all."
"Understand what?"
Willie turned towards the entrance of a nearby alley, his last words cutting into Wes's heart. "Understand... that that Furret reminded Cail of the girl he loves. Something you might never understand... unless you find your empathy again."
Then he strode off, and was gone.
Wes stood staring after Willie incredulously, taking Furret's Pokéball in hand once more and staring at it. ...Had he really been so intent on Snagging every Shadow Pokémon that he had overlooked the fact that maybe Cail had cared about this Furret? Despite the fact that it was a Shadow Pokémon... had Furret really meant something to Cail, that it would kill him this way to lose it?
...Suddenly, the victory seemed to have no meaning at all.
And Wes had no one to blame but himself.
Notes: Many of the major Pokemon battles in the story were written with assistance from my sister, who helped outline the battles for me before I wrote them out.