~ Chapter 43 ~
The Pokémon Poachers
"Some people in this world will stop at nothing to achieve wealth and fame. They will abuse others, they will abuse Pokémon. They will lie, they will cheat, they will steal, they will kill. The Black Claw Gang is an example of such people. They're not around anymore, but in my youth, they were one of the most notorious group of criminals known for stealing people's Pokémon and poaching rare and wild Pokémon for profit. The Black Claw Gang were one the world's largest traders of illegal Pokémon, second only to Team Rocket. It would be many years before we finally brought them to their knees, and we clashed several times on our adventures. Every time we met, their tactics grew eviler and more wretched. The unfortunate part of it all is that so long as greed exists, there will always be people like the Black Claw Gang in this world."
It was noon when Sam saw the smoke crest over the tree line a half a kilometre away. Sam tugged on the reins of his Rapidash, Grey Flame, named so for the plumes of majestic grey flame that billowed from his mane and tail.
As he pulled on the Pokémon's reins, he slowed himself down to a light canter, then, to a full stop.
The Pokémon let out a snort, blowing smoke and small jets of grey flame from his nostrils, then tossed his head, and began to breath heavily.
Sam's friends, Niya, Jeremy and Alyssandra, followed suit, slowing their Rapidash down before stopping.
Sam yanked the reins a bit and turned Grey Flame around so that they both faced the others.
"What's wrong?" asked Niya, taking a drink of water from her canteen before offering some to her Rapidash.
"The smoke," Sam said, as if that explained everything. When he realized it didn't, he continued, "There's too much of it to be a regular traveller's camp. Most travelling groups use a single fire, one smoke stack, right? Look there; three of them. Three fires."
"So?" asked Alyssandra as she gave her Rapidash, Chestnut, a gentle pat down the side of his neck, "They could be a really large group, or maybe some loggers or miners, or hikers even."
"That's not all that throws me off about that smoke though," added Sam, "The last few kilometres; have you noticed there's no Pokémon or animals, at all? Not even birds or Bird Pokémon flying in the sky overhead or singing in the trees. No bugs or Bug Pokémon either; and they're usually everywhere, whether humans pass by them or not."
"I…well, I suppose the loggers or whoever they are could've scared off the others. But, you've got a point about the Bug Pokémon," admitted Jeremy, who stroked a bloated and sickly-looking Pikachu, the Pokémon laying across the saddle like a U-shaped mattress, looking like he was ready to vomit.
"How is he by the way?" asked Sam, nodding towards Pikachu.
Jeremy shrugged, still petting his Pokémon. "He's still sick. He was up all-night munching on the berries Valentina and Cynthia gave us. The glutton," Jeremy let out a sigh and gave a small smile to his Pikachu, "He's like a child sometimes—then again Professor Rowan did say that training a wild Pokémon would be different."
Alyssandra chuckled, walking up beside Jeremy's Rapidash and scratching Pikachu between the ears. "Yeah, different is exactly what Pikachu is. Still I hope he gets better."
"Give him something for his stomach while we're gone. I feel bad for him, riding on a saddle like that while he's sick. It must make the pain worse," said Sam as he rummaged through his bag for some herbs for Pikachu.
"I will, thanks. But you know I'd put him the in a Poké Ball if hadn't lost it. He's so stubborn about it you know."
Sam laughed and handed Jeremy some herbs. "Crush them down as fine as you can, put the powder in boiled water until it turns dark green and make him drink it all," explained Sam, "And if he's still sick after give him some of the ginger root in Lyss' bag. She should also have the pestle and mortar my uncle gave me."
"Thanks Sam," smiled Jeremy, taking the herbs, and examining them, "So, what do you plan on doing about the smoke?"
"Investigate, of course" replied Sam matter-of-factly, "One of you can come with me. We'll go on foot; they'll hear the hoof beats otherwise."
Niya nodded. "I'll go," she said as she dismounted her Rapidash, Starfire, named after one of Niya's favourite childhood heroes, "Here, Lyss, take care of Starfire for me."
"Jeremy take Grey Flame," said Sam, dismounting Grey Flame, and passing the leather reins to his friend, "We'll be back soon. If not well…you know where to look."
With that, Sam and Niya were off, walking quietly through the wooded underbrush towards the pillars of smoke. It was fifteen minutes before they were in view of the clearing and what Sam and Niya saw worried them.
Crouching behind a bush, they saw an almost empty encampment, guarded by several men with flamethrowers, guns, and tranquilizers. Only six; but there looked to be enough tents and supplies to support at least two-dozen people.
The men left behind were draped entirely in black. Black leather jackets, black boots, black bandanas over their mouths, black glasses covering their eyes, and a black shirt beneath their jackets. Pants of black fabric as well.
They stood, muscled and on duty, like they were guarding a treasure, and it wasn't until Sam noticed something off to the left end of the camp that he realized, to them, they were.
Several cramped cages, filled with Ralts—one of them even shiny—Vulpix, and Chansey.
Those that were awake looked unhappy, the rest seemed to be tranquilized, sleeping a troubled sleep as the memories of their capture danced behind their eyelids.
Sam was revolted as he realized who these men were. "Black Claw Gang," was all Sam said, rage seeping through his words.
"They're that notorious group of Pokémon Poachers, aren't they?" asked Niya in a whisper, "What are they doing over here?"
"They are, and they're probably hunting the wild Pokémon that don't occur that commonly in the area. See?" Sam pointed over towards the cages of Pokémon as he continued to speak, "Vulpix, Ralts, a few Kirlia cramped in the back there actually, now that I look harder. That Shiny Ralts too, and look, see the Chansey? All these Pokémon will fetch a fair price on the market. It's not like snagging a Tyranitar, but in bulk these Pokémon are worth even more, especially with that Shiny Ralts thrown in."
"You know a bit too much about this. Hey, are you okay? Your jaw is clenched," responded Niya.
"Well, I have to. Poachers are my family's eternal enemy. Don't forget, when we started to get popular the MacAbres sent Poachers after our Pokémon to shut us down. In a way, it only made us even better at what we did because we pre-trained the Pokémon in order to help them better defend themselves and the ranch. This made them more desirable to the customers sure, but also to prize hunters," explained Sam, "The gang that the MacAbres sent were the Black Claw Gang. They weren't called that then, I think they were known as the Black Street Gang—different times, smaller crew, and not as much money behind them. Anyway, those incidents made the Accardi Pokémon Ranch a success, but it also launched the Black Claw Gang into prominence."
"Though their earlier raids on other ranches were a success, their later raids on our ranch, failed as they were, were made possible by the copious amounts of money that the MacAbres funnelled into gang's operations. All that money made them rich; very rich. Rich enough to help them grow their operation to what it is now."
"They ran their illegal activities like a legal business. They utilized smart investments and partnerships and mergers with other poaching groups to grow their income, they even laundered their money into property and charity."
"They absorbed the three biggest poaching organizations in the Four Region Area to get to the size they are today, and now they rival only Team Rocket, whom they often do contract work for. Their leader is a smart businessman, as good a businessman as he is a wicked person."
"So, your family has held that grudge for two generations?" wondered Niya, the two of them shying away from the bush and retreating several meters back so that they were positioned far from the patrolling guards.
"They've made other attempts at our ranches," explained Sam, "They haven't gotten anything, but I know their boss is just waiting for the right moment to strike again. He wants our Pokémon, and he's trying to find a way to break through our security measures to get them."
"Why?" asked Niya, "That's probably a stupid question. But why would someone steal the Pokémon from them when they could purchase them from your ranch?"
"Well, if there's one thing people like, it's money," started Sam, the two of them beginning the walk back to Lyss and Jeremy, "Especially some—not all, but some—greedy rich people, or people who we wouldn't consider…worthy to own our Pokémon—"
Niya interrupted briefly, to add. "You mean criminals and people who would misuse your Pokémon?" asked Niya.
Sam nodded in affirmation. "Precisely. Now, being pre-trained Pokémon, and very well trained might I add, make them somewhat more expensive than just regular Pokémon sold on another ranch. Because we put extra work and time into training and raising these Pokémon for Contests or Battle, or what have you. You won't believe the money the Pokémon Leagues put into our ranch. Pokémon used to level the playing field during official matches, Chansey, Blissey and Audino for the Nurse Joys of the world—"
"I get the picture," said Niya with a sigh, "Continue with the story."
"Sorry," chuckled Sam, "Well, anyway, the point is, even if they sell the Pokémon at half price, they can still make a fair bit of profit, and to the Claw Gang, money is money and every bit helps. Besides, what would you rather pay? Full price, or half price for the same product?"
"I see your point…some people do like their money, and the criminals wouldn't mind getting Pokémon battle ready for half price. And I can see why the Black Claw Gang doesn't mind selling them at reduced prices, they stole them and got these Pokémon for nothing anyway," noted Niya, understanding what Sam was saying.
"Exactly," affirmed Sam, "Now you're thinking business."
"When was the last attack?" asked Niya after a pause of silence.
"A few years ago, but nothing since then. Though I know they haven't given up," stated Sam, "Come on, let's get back. There's more gang members out in these woods than we saw in the camp, if they get a hold of Lyss, Jeremy or the Rapidash…"
"I understand," Niya nodded, and the two started a light jog back to the others.
It wasn't too long before they returned to the place where they had left their friends and Pokémon.
"Well?" asked Alyssandra, who was leaning against a tree, her Rapidash lying down beside her.
"Poachers," said Sam, "Black Claw Gang."
"Sam was right," added Niya, "I recommend we turn back and circle around. If we get caught, it could end bad."
Jeremy and Alyssandra nodded, and the two of them, passing the reins of Grey Flame and Starfire back to Sam and Niya.
With the four of them mounted, the group flicked the reins and dashed off through the woods the way they came.
Sam ensured the group remained at a light gallop, in order to escape the reach of the Black Claw patrols in the area. The faster they were away from the poachers, the better in Sam's opinion.
They were almost a good half a kilometre from where they dismounted when Sam felt a heavy object strike him in the side of the head. Sam fell backwards off of Grey Flame, and as he hit the ground he could hear the cries of his friends falling off their Rapidash as well as well as a high-pitched ringing in his ears.
Sam's vision was blurred, and his head hurt, and the ringing was only getting worse. He could hear shouting, he could make out a burst of grey fire as his Rapidash reared and charged towards figures, masked, and covered in black.
The other Rapidash followed suit, and charged towards these black clad figures, rearing, and beating their hoofs against their upraised arms and bringing them down on their chests.
These figures cried out again, this time in pain and in anger.
The Rapidash were a bright source of light as their manes and tails had grown several their normal size—even through the blurred vision they were beacons.
Then the sound of guns firing, and Sam wanted to get up. He scrambled, struggling, his head still spinning from the fall.
As he tried to stand, he heard Alyssandra cry out, he heard Jeremy attack someone. Someone shouted for their ally to grab "the unconscious one" and Sam only assumed they meant Niya.
There was a sharp pain to his ribs; someone had kicked him, then one to the back of his head.
More pain as his head pounded behind his eyes, and the ringing had come back too. Sam's vision blurred again, the Rapidash were letting our cries of distress, struggling against their foes while more guns went off.
Another strike to the back of his head; something weighty but slim, probably the butt of a gun or something.
Sam didn't hear or see the rest of the altercation, as the world slowly drifted off into black after that last strike. All he remembered was the pounding behind his eyes and the ringing in his ears.
The sun had begun to sink below the tree line when Sam finally opened his eyes.
After waiting for his eyes to readjust, and for his head to stop beating loud enough that he could think, Sam noticed he was tied up, sitting on the ground, rope wrapped around his body holding him to a post in the ground.
Jeremy was on his left, Niya to his right, and Alyssandra was tied up just beside her.
They were on the outskirts of what Sam recognized was the Black Claw Gang's camp.
The whole gang of poachers was there, gathered around what Sam saw to be a trailer. There was shouting as if cheering some great victory, he couldn't see who they were gathered around but he assumed it was their leader.
Looking across the camp, Sam then noticed that Grey Flame and the other Rapidash had been shoved into a cage, and several more cages containing his and his friends' Pokémon were now stacked near the Ralts cage.
They were unconscious, and though they didn't look hurt, they looked scared even behind their lidded eyes.
Sam bit back the rage he felt and tried to gather his composure. He had no Pokémon, his friends were still out cold, and he was surrounded by a group of armed mercenaries who hated him and his family.
Sam only had one advantage going for him, and that was that the Black Claw Gang weren't going to kill him; not yet at least. They'd extract security information about the ranches first.
Who patrolled where and when, where the weak points in the parameters were, and what Pokémon were kept where. They'd probably hold him for ransom too, and once they got their money and the Pokémon from the ranches, well, then they'd kill him.
Until then, Sam had the next few moments to plan an escape, before the Gang realized he was awake. His bonds were tight, which Sam noticed instantly as he tried to struggle against them, and he had little leeway with them.
There were no sharp rocks around him that he could try to grab with his hands or bring closer to him with his feet.
The Black Claw Gang had obviously thought ahead.
With each minute that ticked by Sam felt increasingly helpless, realizing that escape was not currently possible, if ever, and that things were becoming bleaker for him and his friends.
Then came the moment Sam feared most, his friends had woken up, and their stirring had gotten the attention of the Black Claw Gang.
None of them approached him though; instead they parted, as if to let something or someone through.
Then Sam understood what they were doing, as a tall figure in a black metal exo-suit walked through the parted crowd and approached Sam.
His footsteps were heavy and left deep footprints in the ground. His suit shone and was lacquered like the scabbard of a katana, and the black glass that formed his visor was tinted to the colour of the blackest night. All you could see in it was what was reflected.
There was a hissing sound as he breathed and moved.
This man looked like something out of a science-fiction novel from space, but Sam knew who he was.
Black Helm was his nickname, or the Black Knight; some even called him the Dark Hunter. He was the field commander of the Black Claw Gang, a man who clawed his way up to his rank through murder and cunning.
He was subject only to the true leader of the Black Claw Gang, whom no one had seen for years, and many assumed was truly dead—were it not for the constant business moves of the Gang that is.
It was said he was disfigured from years of poaching Pokémon, and that's why he now lived within this exo-suit. The burns and wounds had disfigured him so badly that the outside world hurt him. The air burned his wounds, and this suit was the only thing that could keep him alive and his organs running.
It filtered oxygen and fed them directly to his lungs. It also made him impervious to the elements, most physical attacks and made him stronger than before.
Sam knew how futile escape was now.
As he stood before Sam and his friends, Black Helm reached towards his chest, adjusting some dials and buttons. There was a whirring that made Sam think of the sound a TV or Radio made when you adjust the frequency or antenna. Then the sound of a voice, warped and bent, adjusting in depth and pitch, then finally it came through.
The voice was metallic, deep, muted by the breather that was attached to his mouth beneath the mask and distorted by the suit's vocal box.
"So, we have an Accardi in our presence. I am honoured," Helm said as he gave a low, mocking bow then straightened up to continue speaking, "I'm assuming you did not know we were here, and that's why you came so close to our patrols."
"Well, I don't think anyone knows you're here. I'm surprised you weren't discovered sooner with a group this large," said Sam, keeping a level head, and not letting his distress and hatred go through.
"Yes, you speak the truth. We've tried to be…discreet on purpose, but when we recognized you, we just had to strike," said Helm.
Sam couldn't see his face, but he was sure that Black Helm was sneering behind the visor.
"Well, as much as I enjoy being the honoured guest to this little party, I'm afraid we must be going so—"
Sam's sarcasm was cut short by a sharp metallic laugh, followed by the laughter of the rest of the Black Claw Gang.
"Do you now? Well I'm afraid I can't allow you to do that," said Helm, though not impolitely, "You're worth a lot of money to us; both for ransom and for security information for the ranches."
"Yes, I suppose that was to be expected," said Sam dryly.
Black Helm merely grunted in acknowledgement.
There was another brief pause; then Sam continued on his trail of thought.
"Well, then perhaps you can let my friends go? And our Pokémon too?" asked Sam, "Perhaps mine as well? They didn't do anything to you."
"Sam what are you—" hissed Jeremy, but Sam shot him a look and he remained silent.
Alyssandra and Niya said nothing, and simply watched, with a look of great distress.
"You ask for much," whirred Black Helm, "Your friends I would be willing to part with; they don't seem particularly noteworthy and I can't get much for them. Not even the Konstantinova. If I start ransoming family members of Gym Leaders I'll upset the Pokémon League and draw attention to our being here, and that just won't do. But you must understand, Accardi raised Rapidash, Contest Champion Pokémon, and all the rest will fetch us a fair bit of profit, and I can't just let that go either."
"What if you add whatever you would have made off of them to my ransom? That way you still make back the difference," suggested Sam, who was finding it less and less odd to be doing business with his kidnapper, a criminal and a notorious villain.
"Sam, do you hear yourself right now, you're making a deal with—" Niya was the one to talk this time, but she was silenced as Black Helm raised his hand. Not to strike her, but to simply silence her.
"Please," he said, as if insulted, "We're trying to do business. You should let your friend be. He is, after all, trying to negotiate your release."
Niya glared at Black Helm but remained silent. Alyssandra gave her a look, as if to try and calm her, and Sam continued his negotiations.
"I'm not entirely adverse to that suggestion. Profit, no matter how it is accrued, is still profit correct?" stated Black Helm, looking back at Sam.
"I agree. I may not agree with what you do, but I can understand your basic business model," Sam agreed with a nod.
"But there is one problem, how can I guarantee I'll get that extra money to make up my profits?" wondered Helm, "You see, I'm afraid if I start asking too much for your ransom, your family won't pay. But at the same time, if I lower your ransom to accommodate the extra fee, then I still lose money making your negotiations pointless."
"If that's a concern, look at it this way, you get the security information from me, you'll be able to steal from the ranches, from there you can always charge a bit more for the Pokémon you steal," retorted Sam, trying to refute Black Helm's point and calm his worries.
"If we charge too much we won't be able to move the goods fast enough. People may not want to buy. Demand is a funny thing, you see," Black Helm returned, arguments strong as ever.
Sam thought for a moment, also holding back a cringe and some rage when he heard Black Helm call Pokémon "goods."
"I see your point. Very well, if you're really that worried then I'll give my word that I will negotiate as hard as I can to ensure you get my ransom plus the extra fee," said Sam finally, capitulating to Black Helm, "I'll sign a contract if you want, if we're really being that formal. Cut me free, bring me to your tent and we'll work something up, hm?"
Black Helm gave a warped chuckle from behind his mask and breather, and a few of the younger Black Claw members chuckled along nervously as well, unsure of what to do.
Sam remained impassive, not letting the laughter undermine his cool. "You wouldn't be trying to escape, would you?" asked Black Helm with a hiss, not from his voice, but from the suit as he bent over, bringing his black glass visor inches from Sam's face.
"Black Helm, I thought I could give your intelligence more credit than that. There are over forty of you, and only one of me, and you could grab your tranquilizers and shoot me and catch me faster than I could run out of this encampment."
"You've got a fair point there," noted Black Helm, and stepped around behind Sam.
Within moments, a blade burst forth from Black Helm's wrist, coming from an almost invisible compartment in his armour, and the ropes around Sam's body loosened and were gone.
Sam stood up, slowly though as not to set the Claw Gang on edge, and stretched a bit, enjoying the ability to regain full movement in his arms.
Black Helm pointed towards his tent—the largest, located near the Pokémon cages—and Sam started towards it, but stopped as he saw a black blur dash overhead, then spun around to watch Black Helm completely freeze up as bolt of lightning struck him.
Black Helm's suit leaked static and locked up, unable to move, and let out horrible hissing, grinding and whirring sounds.
Black Helm tried to talk, but the electric shock damaged his breather and voice box.
Looking around, Sam saw a Luxray, poised and ready to pounce, flicking its tail back and forth, looking hungrily at the rest of the Black Claw Gang. Many looked ready to fight and tranquilize the Luxray for its incursion, though currently they were too afraid to really do anything.
They were stunned that anyone, or anything, could take out their leader so easily; from what Sam could tell, the grounding spikes at his Achilles tendon didn't eject into the ground in time—mostly due to the fact that the attack was unexpected.
Sam reached out towards the Luxray, trying to get its attention, but he stopped as he felt the group rumble.
It shook violently, and the area underneath their feet crumbled and fell away. From the hole burst forth a Garchomp, roaring and enraged stomping through the camp, knocking over tents and equipment and Black Claw members.
Sam stood there, in disbelief at his luck, but he didn't have time to gawk for long as he saw a Lucario breaking open the containment cages, then, glowing with blue Aura, removed the lethargy of the captured Pokémon that had been induced by the darts.
Pokémon were fleeing into the forests, while the captive Pokémon—Sam's and his friends'—came running towards them, joining the fray.
The Rapidash were trampling Black Claw members, led by Grey Flame. Sam's Empoleon was leading his Pokémon and Alyssandra's Piplup—who would've probably tagged along anyway—after a group of novices running off into the woods, while the others' Pokémon were doing quite the same.
Niya's Glameow walked over to his Trainer and sat there, licking his paws, flicking his tail, waiting for Niya to magically burst free from her bonds.
Black Helm was still unable to move, but something in Sam told him that they wouldn't have much longer.
He ran over to the sunken bit of land, to an unconscious Gang member, and grabbed his boot knife.
Quick as a Ninjask, Sam dashed over to his friends and cut them free. Once they were cut loose, they ran towards the centre of the camp, just as Black Helm was beginning to regain control of his suit. He didn't get a chance to move far, however, for as soon as he took a step, the Luxray pounced on him from behind, slamming him face first into the dirt.
Black Helm's punishment did not get better, as Luxray was followed by the Garchomp swooping down from its flight above and slamming its tail down on the flattened Black Helm a few times.
"Quick! Hurry!" cried a voice, coming out of nowhere from behind Sam and his friends.
Turning around, they saw Valentina, holding the groups' Poké Ball Belts and bags with all their equipment. "Hurry!" she cried, "No time for staring, grab your stuff, put your Pokémon away, hop on your Rapidash and we'll get going."
Sam, Alyssandra, Jeremy and Niya did as they were told, and together they recalled their Pokémon to their Poké Balls—except Alyssandra's Roselia, whom she scooped up and placed in her bag to keep her safe as the small Pokémon ran towards her Trainer to avoid being trampled in the confusion.
With their bags and equipment fastened onto their backs, or secured in the saddlebags, the group mounted their Rapidash and galloped off into the forest.
Valentina rode beside them, on the back of her Luxray—which Sam just noticed was a bit bigger than most Luxray, and Cynthia, to Sam's surprise rode on the back of the Garchomp he now realized to be hers, as the Pokémon flew between the trees, low to the ground, just behind the Rapidash.
It was half an hour before the sextet came to a halt, prompted by Valentina who halted her Luxray, turning it around so she faced the others, though she still sat on its back as the conversation unfolded.
The group tugged on the reins of their Rapidash, halting them, and walking them into position so everyone stood in a circle.
Cynthia filled in the last part of the circle, landing her Garchomp and hopping off its back. She fed her Pokémon some dried meat and gave the Garchomp a big hug and thanks for its help.
Valentina was doing much the same with her Luxray, prompting Sam and the others to thank their Rapidash as well. Once the thanking was over—for truly there was a lot to be thankful for today—Valentina was the first to speak.
"Whose idea was it to go running into that camp to investigate?" asked Valentina, not upset, but clearly worried for everyone's safety.
"I investigated, but no one saw us—at least I didn't think they did," admitted Sam, "We were quiet, and only Niya and I approached the camp—we were trying not to get too close."
"Well it was still dangerous. You know—"
Valentina was cut off, as Cynthia knew she would start fuming if she kept going.
"We'd been watching the Black Claw's movements for a few days now, we were actually planning on leading the Hearthome Police Force on a strike tomorrow as a conjoined effort between us and Fantina," explained Cynthia, "We didn't, however, expect we'd have to move so soon, but when we found out you might be in trouble we didn't have a choice."
"So that's why you followed us out of Hearthome?" asked Jeremy, holding Pikachu in his arms, the Pokémon now fast asleep, still unwell and worn out from exerting himself during the escape from the camp.
Alyssandra herself was in the middle of cradling her new Roselia, who, apparently—or so Alyssandra explained—had evolved from her Budew during the commotion of the escape while fighting off some enemy Pokémon. It was unforeseen but welcomed.
"Not exactly. Cynthia had something she wanted to give you and didn't realize you were leaving Hearthome City so soon," explained Valentina, "We tried to go after you, but as we followed your trail we realized the path you were taking, and knew we had to go after you to make sure you were okay. Why were you taking the side roads anyway?"
"I suggested it," said Niya, "There's a few spots in the forest where during this time of year, they are really magnificent remarkable sights. I didn't know the Black Claw Gang was here though."
"Well, if we had known that you were going to take the path you did we would've warned you," said Cynthia almost apologetically, "But, I suppose it did all work out in the end—part ways. While we were hoping to make some arrests, we did manage to halt their operation for the time being while saving you guys. They know now that we're aware of their presence in Sinnoh unfortunately, so they'll be more discreet, and more careful from now on. But hopefully this will mean that the Black Claw Gang will be scarcer for the next little while."
"But they will come back," frowned Alyssandra, her Roselia still sitting in her shoulder bag, poking its head out eager to hear the conversation.
"It's unfortunate, but yes, eventually they will come back," conceded Cynthia, "But we will stop them each time they do. We're not alone, despite what happened today, and I can still hold my own in a Pokémon Battle. Besides, if the current Sinnoh Champion and the former Sinnoh Champion can't stop a few thugs then we don't deserve our titles."
Valentina sighed and smiled, but clearly agreed with Cynthia. "Just don't go doing anything dangerous anymore, all right?" she added, looking right at Sam as if to drive her point home.
"I promise. This was enough excitement for the next little while," agreed Sam solemnly, "So, Cynthia, what was it that you wanted to give us?"
"Oh yes! Thank you for reminding me," exclaimed Cynthia, who reached towards a small cloth pouch that hung at her waist. As she took it from her belt, Cynthia pulled the contents from the pouch and placed it in Sam's hand.
"It's an Odd Keystone," explained Cynthia, "I won't reveal too much about—I think you should figure out the rest for yourself—but if you're interested in rare Pokémon, and are up for a good challenge, stop by the Hallowed Tower on your way to Solaceon Town."
Sam took the stone, carefully as if he was cradling an egg in his hand. "Thank you, I'll do just that. I've always liked a good mystery," smiled Sam, thankful that Cynthia was being so helpful to him.
"There's also one more thing," said Valentina, who reached into a bag that was slung across her back, "You're lucky we didn't accidentally damage this in all the excitement."
Valentina removed a cylindrical glass case from her bag, containing the stripped, brown, and white egg that Sam was very familiar with.
"My Eevee egg," exclaimed Sam, taking the glass case with care and placing it gently in one of the saddlebags, "How'd you get this?"
"Your uncle called the Pokémon Centre looking for you and I just happened to be passing by on my way back from lunch," explained Valentina, "I spoke with him and he told me your egg was close to hatching, and he wanted you close to the egg when it did. Something about impressing the Pokémon."
"Imprinting, but yes, basically," smirked Sam, noting Valentina's sarcasm, "Thanks. I appreciate it; you didn't have to."
"Yes, I did," she sighed, "I'm a good person." Valentina gave a smile and mounted her Luxray again; as Cynthia did her Garchomp. "Keep an eye out for danger from now on, hm? There's a lot of people worrying about you," said Valentina with a wink.
Cynthia nodded in agreement. "You're a young hopeful, and I want to see you go far in the Pokémon League, just like I want to see Alyssandra win the Grand Festival and Jeremy become a Ranger, First Class. Besides, I want you to kick Valentina's butt for me—payback for taking my title."
"As I recall, Cynthia, you were more than happy to retire," stated Valentina coyly, "You said you would've given me the title and fled if had I refused after my victory."
"Yes, and you did, didn't you?" chuckled Cynthia, her Garchomp lifting off the ground.
"I was fifteen you know," shrugged Valentina, "I needed to take some time to get stronger before I became the Champion. I needed to make sure I didn't beat you on luck alone."
Cynthia smiled. "Don't worry, you didn't. But I understood your feelings, so I let you have your three years. Besides, you said it yourself: you always were an overachiever. Well, goodbye kids!"
Cynthia and her Garchomp were gone in moments, swooping through the trees back towards Hearthome City.
"See ya later!" called Valentina, her Luxray dashing off after the ex-Champion with Valentina on his back.
Once Cynthia and Valentina had disappeared out of sight, the group turned to face each other, and spurred their horses forward, moving a gently walking speed through the woods towards their goal.
"Jeremy, can you navigate us towards the Hallowed Tower?" asked Sam.
Jeremy nodded and grabbed his Pokétch, utilizing the Map Application to locate where they were and where they had to go.
"That way," said Jeremy pointing to his right, "That's east. We need to head east for a while and we should hit the Hallowed Tower by tomorrow."
Sam nodded, and the group turned towards where Jeremy was pointing, and headed in that direction.
"What you did could've landed you in a lot of trouble today Sam," said Alyssandra, a bit upset, "You shouldn't have given yourself up so easily."
Sam wrinkled his brow and frowned at Alyssandra's lack of faith in his plans. "I knew what I was doing," said Sam simply, "And at least you and the Pokémon would've gotten away. After that I would've figured some way to get away."
Alyssandra frowned again, but said nothing, she simply sighed and kept going.
"What made you think of bargaining with them like it was some business deal?" asked Niya, curious.
Sam shrugged, waiting a bit before responding, unsure of what he would say. Niya waited intently for an answer, and when Sam finally found the right words, he spoke.
"I remember hearing that they were incredibly skilled at business," explained Sam, "They're a lot like Team Rocket. They're not all cloak and dagger; illegal actions lurking in the dark. Do you know what I mean? They have a public face and a private face. They understand that fighting and killing and all that doesn't always work—it's bad P.R. But business deals…anyone can be reasoned with—they were. I guess I just thought…I don't know. It's not like I could do much else, right?"
Niya nodded understanding, and simply shrugged, blanketing the rest of the day in a veil of silence. No one said anything. They were too tired, too exhausted mentally and physically from the day. Even the Rapidash were silent, except for their breathing, and the occasional gentle nicker.
They couldn't wait to make camp for the night, and after a quick and silent dinner, everyone retired to their tents for a well-earned rest—especially the Pokémon.
As Sam lay there getting ready to sleep, he knew he would have to face the Black Claw Gang again, and he knew that out there, somewhere, there was another faction of the Gang capturing innocent Pokémon in Johto, or Hoenn, or somewhere in the world.
All that mattered is that they were out there, but Sam vowed to stop them one day. No matter what it took.
