=Chapter 40, The Old Guard and Victor=
*Jacob to Arky*
*It's been a week since we encountered that strange girl, the Lead Scientist Anita Rig, and her two Eeveelutions Light and Dark. My only thoughts about her are that she is very different from Viridian. Where Viridian believes in his superiority and thinks failure is impossible, Anita expects failure over success. She's also not afraid to take drastic measures to ensure she escapes as well, as she fooled me and my team by faking jars of poison along with tossing Sara into the river of Route 119.*
*Never have I been more afraid of losing a member of my team or someone close to me Arky, I was panicking the moment Sara was taken from me, and it only doubled as she came close to drowning while in the river.*
*Sara as well, she was terrified when I finally rescued her, absolutely terrified. She practically wouldn't let me go until she fell asleep late at night. She was so afraid that if she let go I'd vanish. Eventually she calmed down, but her fear pierced me Arky, I don't know why but for some reason her thinking she'd never see me again frightened me even more than Viridian does.*
*In any case, we're currently in Fortree City, at the Pokemon Center to heal our teams and make sure they're all okay. Until we hear word about Anita and her group again, all we can do is wait and challenge the Fortree Gym Leader for our sixth badge.*
(Jacob's PoV)
"Here you are sir, your Pokemon are all feeling good as new." Nurse Joy said, handing Jacob a tray with four Pokeballs, a Luxury Ball and a Premier Ball. "They are all in peak health, please keep doing what you're doing and they'll be that way for a long time."
"Thank you." Jacob said as he took the tray. "How is Sara doing?"
"Well after she finally let me take her away from you, I checked her out to find nothing wrong with her physically." She said kindly as Sara walked from behind the counter to jump into Jacob's arms. "She's perfectly fine, though she was quite unhappy about being taken away from you. It's most likely because she's so attached to your positive emotions that she doesn't want to be separated."
"Yea, I'm sorry about that, but Sara and I have been together for a long time." He said while Sara held him tightly. "I helped save her when she was just a Ralts a few days after I became an official Trainer. Since then we've been together."
"Well that makes sense, most Ralts and Kirlia's are very choosy about who they bond with. In any case take care and be careful. I've been taking care of Pokemon in worse conditions than you and your friend's team have been these past few weeks, and I haven't the faintest clue as to what's causing it."
"Whatcha mean?" Karen said as she walked up behind Jacob with Segan, Glace and Lance behind her.
Nurse Joy looked depressed as she pointed at the back of the room, where multiple 'Emergency Surgery' lights were lit, next to the room numbers that were active. Nearly all of them were lit, with only one being off because the light bulb needed replacement. "For the past few weeks Pokemon all over the forest have been coming in, badly wounded. Some with broken wings, tails, feet, claws, talons, you name it they've got it. Some have even come in with near fatal conditions, I've been running those Emergency Surgery rooms twenty four seven, I've even had to call in help from my sisters in Mauville and Lillycove City just to deal with them all."
"Wow, do you have any clue as to who or what's causing these injuries?" Karen asked, though Jacob could tell that she already knew the answer.
After all it was obvious as to why these Pokemon were being badly injured. Anita had told them a week ago that she and her 'field unit' were testing their Shadow Pokemon in the area. Now they could see the effect of what her team were doing.
"I'm afraid not, most of these Pokemon are wild and simply wander toward Fortree because of the trust they have with Winona, the former Gym Leader of Fortree's Gym. The few things we've gotten out of them are that they were 'Trainers', nothing more. Though I can't believe that any Trainer would do this to wild Pokemon, no matter the reason."
After that they all left Nurse Joy to take care of her many patients, and decided to make their way to the Fortree Gym.
As they went, Jacob had a sudden wish to live here now as he and Sara looked around. Unlike other cities which either grew around or close to forests, meadows, or anywhere that resembled nature, Fortree City itself was grown out of nature. The buildings were essentially large carved out trees, and the only few buildings that weren't trees were the Pokemon Center, Police Station, and a few other essential buildings for a city to function. Yet everything else was pure natural growth.
*I could actually live here the rest of my life Sara.* Jacob thought to Sara as they walked down one route and actually had to climb up to a higher platform to make their way to the gym. *It's like this place exists in perfect harmony, for both Pokemon and Humans!*
(Yea, it's really nice here!) Sara said.
"Alright since we've got some distance to cover, I think I'm going to take a stroll through town and see what's up!" Karen said as she pulled all of her team's Pokeballs out. "My Pokemon need a stretch, so come on out everyone!" In a series of flashes all of Karen's team were released. Starting first with Laura and Nora her two Mightyenas, then Shrew her Breloom, and finally Ziggles her Linoone. "Hey guys, sorry about not always having you out and about, but what can I say, the last few weeks have been a real drag!"
"Grawr!" Nora barked.
"Grrr." Laura growled with a shrug of her shoulders.
"Breloom!" Shrew said with a happy little jump, obviously happy to stretch his limbs.
"Linoone!" Ziggles said as he rolled his shoulders in an unconcerned manner.
"Rio!" Lance said with a chuckle.
"In any case, we're going to give Jacob boy a break from us, so why don't we go check out a bit of Fortree City free style!" Karen said with a fist pump into the air. "Just like we used to do before we hooked up with Jacob and his team!" She then turned to Jacob with her usual glint in her eyes. "Jacob, we'll catch up with you later at the Gym, see ya then buddy!"
As one all of her team gave their nods and yells of excited approval, and in less than a few seconds they were off running like a single minded pack, leaving Jacob, Segan, Sara and Glace behind. (There goes one really nice Trainer Jacob.) Sara said to Jacob. (She seems to imprint her own personality onto them without any effort and they don't seem to mind it.)
"That's what Trainers do Sara, my teacher taught me that all Trainers have their own way of teaching their team, and that no single way is correct." Jacob said as he too watched Karen leave with her team. "She has her own way of training her team and teaching them, hers is just a little bit different than mine."
"That's what it means to be a Trainer Jacob my boy." Segan said with a chuckle. "Well, since I don't need to go to the Gym, why don't you go ahead and check things out while Glace and I go and get us some more supplies. As well as book us a few rooms for the night at a hotel here, unless of course you want to sleep on the ground or in the Pokemon Center."
Jacob looked at Sara who nodded in agreement. "No I don't think we want to do that again." He said with a smirk.
"Alright then, see ya later Jacob, come along now Glace!" Segan said as he walked off with his smelly jacket only holding onto his shoulders.
"Froslass!" Glace said with a chuckle as she followed behind him, leaving Jacob and Sara to look for the Fortree Gym by themselves.
As he resumed his walk to look for the Fortree Gym, Jacob couldn't help but wonder just how far he and his friends have come since day one of their journey together. "To think we once had trouble just finding our way to Petalburg City." He commented to Sara. "Back then, all we wanted to do was reach the Pokemon League Challenge. I only wanted to learn more about Pokemon and everything I could about them."
Sara nodded as she looked at him from his shoulder. (Now here we are, trying to stop an evil group of people from hurting Pokemon.) She said, breaking the cheery mood. (Jacob, do you think we can really stop Viridian and Anita from accomplishing whatever they are doing?)
"I don't know Sara, but we have to try." Jacob said. "We need to find a way to stop them Sara, I don't know how but we have to find a way. Too many Pokemon have suffered for whatever they are trying to achieve. Besides I promised to find your mother and father, and I intend to keep that promise Sara."
At this Sara became sadder, but not just because finding her mother and father frightened her, but also because finding out what happened to them meant finding out what happened to Kora's brothers and sisters. (I know, but what will we do about Kora? Her nest family is probably…) She said, not finishing her statement because of how true it was.
"We'll do our best for Kora when the time comes." He said, scratching Sara's head to comfort her. "We're her new family now, we may not be Beautiflys or Wurmples, but we still care about her and treat her like family."
(I hope that's enough for her Jacob…) Sara replied with a sad look.
While they walked around he spotted his destination at last, in the center of Fortree City was the Fortree Gym, and around its entrance were large crowds of people. As he approached he saw that everyone was watching a pair of large screens which were featuring what appeared to be a Pokemon Contest. This was also confirmed as an announcer called out the action happening on screen.
[That was a nice display from the Gym Leader Briza as her Pokemon 'Alisa' performs her most spectacular move, Dragon Breath!]The announcer said as a close up of an Altaria appeared on screen. [With that the final move is made, now it's up to the judge's decision to award the points and determine the victor! We'll be back for the final decision and to award the Feather Badge to the winners.]
"Huh, the Feather Badge?" Jacob asked in confusion. "Why is the Fortree Gym leader awarding the Feather Badge to winners in a Pokemon Contest?"
"Well my boy, that's because she determines the rules for the Fortree Gym as the Gym Leader." An elderly voice said behind him.
Behind him was an old woman with flowing grey hair that ended in a faded purple color that was tied in a ponytail. She had lavender colored eyes and wore a proud smile as she observed the screen behind him. Behind her was also an Altaria, which stood three feet tall and had very fluffy white wings with a blue body. However unlike the Altaria on the screen, this one's wings were very grey and its blue body was very light blue due to age. When it noticed Sara and Jacob looking at them the Altaria smiled cheerfully at them.
Also next to the woman was a Swellow which was currently preening its feathers, however its feathers were differently colored than what Jacob was familiar with. Unlike Roran's feathers, this Swellows feathers were greenish and orange, whereas Roran's were dark blue and red. Also this Swellow had the tips of his feathers showing clear signs of age, as instead of the slight green the rest of his wings showed, the tips of his feathers were white fading to grey, which eventually faded into the light green of the feathers. As it noticed Jacob and Sara watching it, the Swellow looked up and glared defiantly at them, as if daring them to challenge it.
(Wow, those are some fierce Pokemon this woman has.) Sara whispered to him. (Those are battle hardened veterans Jacob, I can read their minds and I sense how they feel about other Trainers Jacob. Those are two Pokemon I wouldn't mess with, not with how many fights they've been through.)
*Your right about that, this Swellow looks like it could fly circles around Roran even at its old age.* Jacob said, smiling nervously as the Swellow continued to stare at him. "Uh, hi there ma'am."
The old lady chuckled as she noticed the reaction her two Pokemon had on him. "Oh don't mind Swellow my boy, he's just showing off." She said with a warm smile. "He's an old flyer, but he's still got some moves that would put you youngsters to shame. My name is Winona by the way, former Gym Leader Winona of the Fortree Gym."
"The former Gym Leader, no wonder Sara says your Pokemon feel very strong." Jacob said. "So why does the current Gym Leader want challengers to compete in Pokemon Contests instead of the usual method?"
[We are back with the judge's decision!] The announcer called out, causing them to look at the screen to see three Trainers sporting a Feather Badge on their chests and beaming proudly next to their Pokemon. [Out of the seven participants, three have managed to emerge victorious over the Gym Leader. To those that failed, better luck next time, but worry not, for as Briza herself says…]
The camera turned to focus on Briza, a twenty year old woman with lavender hair that flowed behind her and wearing a jump suit with fake feathers on her arms to give her the appearance of wings. [Just as the Northern Winds bring the scent and taste of victory, defeat is merely one step closer to it!] She said as she stood next to not only an Altaria, but also several others that Jacob recognized from the Pokedex as Talonflame, Swanna, Xatu and Togetic. [Remember Trainers, starting tomorrow are the Cuteness Contests, so sign up for your chance to compete for the Feather Badge!]
With that the show ended and the screen turned off, signaling everyone to leave, though they were all talking about the show and how spectacular it was. "So why does she want trainers to compete in contests?" Jacob asked Winona again.
"Well my granddaughter believes that a Trainer must be able to bend and flow freely in all challenges, just like how Flying Pokemon do in all battles!" Winona said with a smile. "Flying Types are capable of taking on almost any opponent, despite the odds against them, they are one of the most maneuverable and versatile Pokemon ever to grace the winds. Following this philosophy, Briza believes that a Trainer should not just focus on battling to make their Pokemon stronger, but should also train them to shine in arenas besides battles, such as Pokemon Contests."
"I guess that's true." Jacob said as he looked at Sara, remembering the one time he and his team entered a contest for Segan's Salon.
Winona was about to talk again, but was interrupted as a flash of light appeared in front of them, revealing an Abra sitting in front of them, apparently asleep and oblivious to them. There was something about the way the Abra looked to Jacob that just screamed it was familiar to him and Sara.
"Wait a minute, isn't that Ten?" Jacob asked, remembering the name of an Abra that belonged to a Coordinator he knew from Dewford Town.
Sure enough Sara confirmed that it was indeed Ten, the wild Abra belonging to Victor sitting in front of them. (But what's he doing here?) Sara asked curiously as the Abra continued to sleep peacefully in front of them.
"TEEEEN!" A young voice called out. "Ten, where did you teleport to this time!"
As they watched, a tuxedo wearing Victor ran out of the Fortree Gym with two Pokemon behind him. One of them, was an Absok and the other a Pikachu. The two Pokemon were both wearing special masks to mimic Victor's suit and had capes trailing behind them as they ran.
"There you are Ten!" Victor said, gasping as he tried to keep his tuxedo as straight as possible. "You need to stop teleporting randomly in your sleep buddy!"
"Victor, how's it going?" Jacob said.
"Hi again Jacob, I've been alright." He said as the two Pokemon looked at Jacob and Sara. "These are my two new team members for the Coolness Contest. This is Horace, my Absol, and Pickle my Pikachu."
"Sol." Horace said respectfully.
"Pika!" Pickle said with a wave.
"You named your Pikachu 'Pickle'?" Jacob asked while Sara tried to restrain her giggles.
"Well when we first met him, he got his head stuck in a Pickle Jar." Victor said with a blush.
"Pika…" Pickle replied with an embarrassed laugh.
"Good to meet you lad, did you do well in your Contest?" Winona asked politely.
"Oh uh, yes ma'am, we came in fifth I'm afraid." Victor said with a depressed sigh. "But we're going to try again next time."
"That's a good lad there, never give up, always try no matter how difficult the odds may seem." Winona said with a confident smile. "Even if you may be grounded one day, another you may find yourself soaring higher than the sky itself!"
"I thought you were a Coordinator Victor, why are you trying to earn a Gym Badge?" Jacob asked.
Victor nodded in understanding as he reached inside his tuxedo and pulled a small case which featured three differently colored ribbons. "Some Gyms these days offer Ribbons for smaller Contest Leagues, like the Minor Contest Competition that I'm in. If you can defeat their Gym Leader or representative Coordinator in a contest setting for the appropriate contest, you get its ribbon. I've already earned a Smartness, a Cuteness, and a Beauty Contest Ribbon from previous cities. Fortree's Gym for the Coolness Ribbon is my next one, followed by the Toughness Ribbon in Lillycove."
"And that's why my granddaughter is competing in contests my lad." Winona said. "You see, all Flying Pokemon take to the sky in their own separate ways, but what truly binds them all is the sense of freedom they represent. This is why my granddaughter chooses to forgo traditional battles, and instead has Trainers compete in contests for their badges." Winona scratched her Altaria's feathers, electing a soft cooing sound from it. "A trainer who seeks only to train Pokemon purely for battle, fails to see the true potential of their companions and partners. They are more than just fighters, they have a heart and soul just like you and me."
(Wow, she understands Pokemon very deeply Jacob.) Sara said politely.
"Yes, but we need to compete in a Cuteness Contest now for our Feather Badge!" He said, looking at the Fortree Gym with a worried expression. "I don't know if any of our team are capable of competing in a contest like that. Segan said Kora was a perfect candidate for Cuteness, but that was when she was a Wurmple. She's not exactly cute anymore now that she's a Beautifly, especially after fighting in gym battles. So how are we going to win this time?"