POKÉMON: INFINITE LEGACIES
THE CIPRYS REGION
CHAPTER 15
FLAME DECIDES! ORIOTA's FATE!
It was late. Nurse Joy and Chansey had retired from the counter, and the lobby where Flame sat in a booth was quiet. He held his phone in one hand, with the other dialling with the old man's words in mind.
"This is Professor Aconite—"
"Professor," he blurted out, "I need your advice—"
"Unfortunately, I'm unavailable at present. Please leave a message, and I'll get back to you as soon as I can. In the meantime, why not check out my book? It's—"
Flame ended the call. He'd already bought the book. He dialled another number, fingers crossed for no answering machine. His right foot tapped against the marble-tiled floor while he waited as patiently as he could for a response.
He was thinking about giving up when: "Good evening—you've reached Festivalight's premier Pokémon day-care service. Atticus here. How may I—"
"Grandpa, it's me!
"Flame?"
"I'm phoning from a Pokémon Centre along Route 2.
"Ah, that makes sense. How are you doing?"
"Good. I've nearly reached Whistltree. How are you?"
"The usual. The day care's busy, but I can't complain. Your sister's about ready to start at the Academy next week. But you called me for another reason, didn't you?"
Flame readjusted his headband with his spare hand. Even from miles away, his grandpa could read him like a book. "I need your advice on something," he admitted.
"Go on, sonny. I'm always happy to help."
Flame explained the situation to his grandfather (leaving out the part about Oriota's Peck and waking up dazed at the Pokémon Centre). "And I don't know what to do about it?" he finished.
"I see. But, Flame, I think you're making it much more complicated than what it needs to be."
"How?"
"Just do what you've always done, my boy."
Confusion contorted his forehead into a frown. "And that is?" Flame asked.
"Do what you is best for the Pokémon," his grandpa told him. "That is your answer."
"That might be easier said than done."
His grandpa must have heard the doubt in his voice. "It's up to you to figure out what the best thing for this Oriota is," he said in an encouraging tone. "Remember, you're a qualified trainer now. I have confidence you will make the right decision, Flame. You should too."
Flame nodded. "Thanks, Grandpa."
"It's been a pleasure, although I best go. Business is busy as usual. Call me back anytime if you need to. See you soon."
"See you soon, Grandpa."
And that was the end of the call. Flame locked his phone. He returned to his rental room, which he'd booked before dinner; took his time in the shower; and changed into a black top and white shorts. He lay back on his bed and wondered what to do, what the 'best thing' for Oriota was. He wished the answer was as easy to find as his grandpa had thought. He thought of what Dedalos had said. What should I do? he thought. The answer didn't come to him. He couldn't decide. He picked up Litten's Poké Ball and released his Pokémon.
Litten appeared in a flash of light. He stretched, then started kneading the bed with his paws.
"What do you think I should do?"
"Lit-ten . . ." Litten yawned.
"I knew you'd say that. I should have asked Eevee."
"Litten," Litten mumbled.
"No, 'course, you wouldn't like that. We really should work on that teamwork."
Flame slid off the bed and walked to the room's window that overlooked the front of the Pokémon Centre. Not much was visible apart from the silvery glow of the moon and a few stars.
I wonder what Oriota's flock are doing. How they feel without Oriota . . .
That night, Flame couldn't sleep. Litten and Eevee slept soundly on either side of him (once they'd been too tired to argue) but he was unable to switch off his worries. He thought of Oriota, of his own family, of what to do until time melted away. Before he knew it, the sun was peeking around the edges of the curtains.
Dedalos followed Flame beyond the benches and, more slowly than his younger counterpart, down the slope. "Are you sure you want to do this, kid?" Dedalos asked, safely at the bottom.
Flame smiled, Oriota tightly in his arms. "How can I not? Oriota wants to find his flock again, and it's not fair if I stand in his way."
Dedalos shrugged. "Well, it's your decision."
"I thought it over last night. In the end, this is what I think's best for Oriota." Well, I hope it is.
In the clearing where he'd found Oriota to begin with, Flame crouched and settled Oriota down on the ground.
Freed from his grip, Oriota hopped away as quickly as he could. The small yellow-feathered Pokémon looked at the tree and then glanced back. As if expecting one of the humans to lunge forward and grab him again. He hopped closer to the tree and then flapped his wings. He managed to flutter up branch by branch until he reached the highest. He settled there and raised his head, his gaze on the sky.
Flame forced a smile onto his face. "See you around, Oriota," he called. I really hope your friends come back for you.
Oriota looked back for a moment, unsure what to make of the human, before returning his gaze skyward.
Flame turned away, his head lowered and his face clouded. Had he made the right choice?
"Are you okay?" Dedalos asked as they exited the long grass and started up the slope.
Flame half-smiled. "As long as Oriota is, everything's as it should be."
Dedalos wasn't sure how to respond. This kid really cares about Pokemon, he thought. Was I the same?
When they reached the top of the slope, Dedalos admitted, "You weren't the only one thinking things through last night. I thought about what you said . . . and you look like you need cheering up."
Flame was busy gazing down the slope. "Huh?" he murmured, his mind still on Oriota.
"I accept your challenge."
Flame rubbed sleep out of his eyes. "What challenge? Oh . . ."
Dedalos chuckled at that. "Well, kid, if you've changed your mind . . ."
"No—never mind! Let's battle! You won't regret it!"
"Prove that to me," said Dedalos, walking to his side of the impromptu battlefield.
Flame dashed away until he was opposite the Ciprys League 1 alumni. Anticipation flashed in his blaze-orange eyes. He was too excited for his thoughts to linger on Oriota's future. He pulled out a Poké Ball and flung it forwards, shouting "Let's go, Litten!" as he did.
The Poké Ball popped open in mid-air, the energy shooting towards the ground and materialising into a black- and red-furred Pokémon. Litten stared at Dedalos and growled confidently.
Dedalos ran his eyes over Litten. "You think you can beat Blaze with just a Litten?" he said critically. His arm came forward, and from a scratched, faded Ultra Ball, he released a big furry orange-and-black Pokémon.
"Arcanine!" yowled Blaze.
"Thanks for helping us out yesterday, Blaze," Flame said.
Dedalos' Arcanine nodded vigorously.
"Really Blaze is grateful to you and Litten," Dedalos explained. "He hadn't seen me for a long time before he appeared to help."
Flame looked puzzled. He hesitated for a moment, then said, "Your Pokémon must like you a lot, and I think you like them a lot too. Why not bring them out more often?"
Dedalos slowly shook his head. "You wouldn't understand." His eyes darkened. "Blaze, use Flamethrower."
Starting off strong, old-timer. "Litten, no backin' down—Ember!"
Litten arched his back. The fur there bristled bright red and the marking on his forehead glowed. Flame could feel the heat from where he stood. Litten opened his mouth wide, and a dozen fireballs darted out.
Blaze tensed, taking a deep breath and then exhaling. Flames trickled from his mouth. Blaze looked surprised. He tried again, but a moment later Flamethrower disappeared into nothingness and Ember rocked against his front: a direct hit. Blaze grunted, more in annoyance than pain.
"My apologises, Blaze. It looks like we are a little out of practice. No matter—let's try Fire Fang."
Flame hadn't seen a Pokémon struggle with an attack before—he knew it didn't happen often—but his interest was swept away by the ongoing battle. "Litten," he called, "show 'em your Fire Fang!"
Litten growled as he bounded forwards.
"Arcanine!" Blaze answered, hurrying forwards to meet Litten halfway.
Flames streaking from around both their mouths, it looked like Blaze had reignited his energy.
The Fire Fangs crashed against one another; a small explosion boomed out from the middle of the battlefield, a light smoke circling. Litten and Blaze withdrew slowly from the smoke, eyeing the other as they did.
"Ember!"
"Dodge!"
Blaze tried to stagger out of the way, but was too slow and was peppered by Ember for a second time. He winced and shook his shaggy cream-coloured fur.
"Just some battle rust," acknowledged Dedalos with a faint smile.
Blaze turned his head and bared his teeth to show his trainer he wasn't giving up anytime soon.
"Ah, don't worry, old friend. We are both a bit out of shape."
"You look like you're enjoying this," remarked Flame.
"Perhaps," Dedalos admitted. "It has been a long time since I felt the rush of battle race through my veins."
Flame smiled. "I'm glad." He turned to Litten. "Time to step it up a gear, buddy."
"Lit-ten!" Litten mrrowed back.
"Flame Charge!"
Flames danced around Litten's body until they joined together and covered his body. The fire cat Pokémon was an orange blur as he darted towards Arcanine.
"This one should not be such a problem. Try blocking with Crunch, Blaze."
As Dedalos finished speaking, Litten was within striking distance. Just as the small Fire-type was about to connect with his fiery attack, Blaze reared onto his hindlegs and then fell forward, his fangs sparking with black and dark red energy.
Half a second later, Flame Charge and Crunch collided against one another. Blaze was pushed back. He looked shaky, but managed to stay upright. The impact was too much for Litten, however. He was blown back, landing with a heavy thump.
"Litten!" yelled Flame.
"Blaze may be struggling with summoning flames, but his Crunch is as strong as ever."
"It's not over yet!" Flame gritted his teeth. "We don't give up that easily!"
"Well, you best show me what you have in reserve, Future Champion."
"Here goes," Flame murmured, pointing at Blaze. "Litten, Flame Charge!"
Flames appeared and enveloped Litten. He sprang forwards, faster than before.
"Blaze, time to display your favourite move."
Blaze roared his approval.
"Extreme Speed!"
A white, clear aura glowed around Blaze's form. His body became near-transparent, and a moment later, Flame lost sight of the legendary Pokémon as he raced forward with unreal speed. Blaze and Litten charged into each other, their attacks blasting against each other in a flash of white and orange energy. A great explosion rang out, the air shook, and smoke spread across the battlefield. The trainers watched tensely, waiting to see which Pokémon's attack had come out on top . . .
A light breeze blew away the smoke.
Blaze wobbled on his paws, but he was standing tall.
Litten raised his head and scowled at Blaze.
And then he collapsed.
Flame rushed over. "Thanks, Litten," he said softly. "You did your very best." He returned Litten to his Poké Ball, his Pokemon too weak to protest. Another loss, thought Flame, but . . .
Dedalos stared at his Arcanine, and then said, "You deserve a nice long rest, Blaze."
Blaze limped back towards his trainer looking at him with wide eyes, full of adrenaline and excitement.
"Pokemon are born to battle," admitted Dedalos, running his hand through Arcanine's thick fur. "I know."
Blaze leaned forward and pressed his head against his trainer. "Arcanine," he murmured. "Arcanine."
Dedalos couldn't stop a smile from forming on his face this time. "I'll see you again soon," he whispered. He returned Blaze to his Ultra Ball. He looked at the spherical contraption in his palm and deposited it back into his pocket. Soon, he promised.
Dedalos shuffled towards Flame. "Why are you so happy?" he asked. "You lost in about four turns."
Flame punched the air. "How can I not be? That Extreme Speed was even more awesome in person!" he exclaimed, his face radiating happiness. He laughed in disbelief. "I can't believe I lost to Arcanine's signature move."
Dedalos shrugged. "If you want to be Champion, someday it'll be your turn to beat people with those types of powerful moves."
Flame gave a thumbs-up. "You bet!" he exclaimed, just as . . .
. . . a familiar cry reached their ears. The happiness drained from his face. "Oriota!" he realised, worry forming instead.
Dedalos nodded. "We best get down there."
Oriota's terrified cries pierced the air.
A pack of grey- and black-furred Pokémon had encircled the tree. The bolder ones were up on their hindlegs trying to shake the trunk—and Oriota off his branch—with their forepaws. The largest of the pack howled at Oriota while the smaller ones yelped excitedly. Their gazes swivelled to the opposite side of the clearing for a second as two humans emerged from the long grass—but ultimately entertained more by their prey, their hungry eyes turned back as further terrified cries split the air.
Flame was ready to dash across the clearing, but Dedalos' words held him back: "Wait," murmured the old man. "If you rush in, you'll only end up on the operating table again."
Flame breathed out his frustration, then got out his Pokédex. He lowered the volume. "Poochyena," it chimed quietly, "the bite Pokemon. Poochyena hunt in packs with a Mightyena as leader. Their acute sense of smell allows them to keep track of their prey until their prey has become exhausted. Poochyena are persistent hunters and will follow the example of their leader."
Dedalos stared calmly across the clearing. "We have to stop the Mightyena; the rest will flee with it. Ready?"
"I guess," Flame murmured back. He looked up to see Oriota still crying out. This is my fault. I'll save you, Oriota.
The pack quietened, turning towards the two humans as they neared. Mightyena padded away from the tree and stopped in front of her pack. Oriota stopped crying out and gazed down at the dark-haired trainer.
"Eevee, I choose you!"
"Help us out, Blaze."
Eevee and Blaze appeared in front of their trainers. Blaze looked surprised but very, very happy to be out of his Ultra Ball so quickly. As soon as he spotted Oriota above and Mightyena and her pack below, her expression hardened. She growled.
Mightyena growled back. She flattened his body and started to creep closer. The Poochyena whined and yelped excitedly.
"Eevee, Swift!"
Eevee jumped and swished her tail. A golden stream of stars appeared from the white energy glowing from her tail. The stars spun forwards, striking the ground around Mightyena.
Mightyena grimaced, yet shook her head and scrambled on. Dark energy collected around her jaw.
"Blaze, stop Mightyena with Crunch!"
Blaze stepped in front of Eevee. As Mightyena pounced, Blaze leaped forward. Their attacks collided. Mightyena was pushed back while Blaze landed more cleanly. Blaze hurried forward and pinned Mightyena down under his big orange forepaws.
"Mightyena . . ." moaned Mightyena.
Mightyena's pack hushed.
Blaze glared at them, red and orange sparks appearing in front of his jaws.
The Poochyena exchanged glances and then hurried away, retreating back into the long grass.
"Mightyena!" Mightyena called out.
Blaze released his hold. Mightyena bolted up and gave Blaze one last growl before racing after her pack. Blaze answered back with a much louder roar. Dedalos and Flame lost sight of Mightyena as the bite Pokémon disappeared into the long grass.
Dedalos sighed. "I think you know what you have to do."
Flame nodded. He looked up at Oriota; the small yellow-feathered Pokémon stared back at him. He stepped forward. "Oriota, you can't stay here alone—it's too dangerous. Your wing needs more time to heal and there's too many wild Pokemon here. Come with me for now and when we find your family—your flock—you're free to go."
Dedalos watched quietly, knowing this was something Flame had to do for himself. That kid, he thought. Finding Oriota's flock now will be like a Voltorb in a stack of Poké Balls.
Oriota flapped his wings and fluttered clumsily to the ground. He hopped forwards, eyeing Flame warily.
Flame delved into his bag and produced a Poké Ball. He placed it onto the ground. "I promise," he told Oriota.
Oriota glanced skyward. But there was no thunder, no dark clouds; the sky was perfectly blue, perfectly clear. Flame thought of his own family, his parents in particular. He knew how torn Oriota's heart was.
Flame jumped, a flash of light appearing in the lower portion of his vision. Litten's Poké Ball had burst open in his pocket, it seemed, for Litten and Eevee now brushed against his legs and bounded forward. Litten barged in front of Eevee and started mrrowing something to Oriota. Eevee arrived just after and started talking to Oriota too. Oriota was silent at first, but eventually started chirping back. His expression became more relaxed. The three were soon locked in deep conversation.
"Eh . . . what's going on?"
Litten turned his head and gave his trainer a stern look.
Dedalos stepped closer. Chuckling away, he patted Flame's shoulder. "Your Pokemon are doing your job for you, kid."
Flame smiled. "Teamwork," he murmured.
As Dedalos finished, Oriota exchanged final glances with Litten and Eevee. The thundercloud Pokémon then hopped forward. He appraised Flame and the Poké Ball a final time before he leaned forward and pecked the button. The ball opened; energy swallowed Oriota's form. The ball rocked back and forth, settled, and then let out a soft ding.
Dedalos smiled. Pokémon may not understand our language, but they understand our emotions. Oriota knows he made the correct choice in the end, even if it took some persuading. "You're a good kid," Dedalos told Flame. "I doubt you will, but I hope you do find Oriota's flock someday."
"I hope so too." Flame picked up Oriota's Poké Ball and released the yellow-feathered Pokémon. "Welcome to the team, Oriota!"
Oriota flapped his wings. Hovering in the air, he chirped happily.
Flame smiled.
"Litten," Litten purred.
"Eevee!" Eevee welcomed.
Litten and Eevee glanced at each other and then turned away, huffing but grins appearing on their muzzles. Flame scratched his head, confused. He returned them all to their Poké Balls. Finally got that Flying-type, he thought. I'll have to tell Helia.
Flame looked at Dedalos. "What are you going to do next?" he said, surprised to find sadness creeping into his voice. He had enjoyed the old man's company; he reminded him of his grandpa back in Festivalight.
Dedalos smiled at him. "Good question. I've got some things I need to do, but I think I'll go travelling again with Blaze and my other Pokémon. Age is just a number after all—or so they say. But, first, I think Blaze wants to have a proper battle with that Mightyena."
"Arca-nine!" roared Blaze, clearly in agreement.
"And," Dedalos took out a faded Great Ball, "she looks like a Pokémon I wouldn't mind catching." He stepped towards the undergrowth, Blaze following in his footsteps. "Farewell, Flame, and good fortune. I'm pleased we met."
"I am too," Flame called back. "I hope we'll meet again. Good fortune!"
"I do too," Dedalos remarked, stopping suddenly and turning back to face Flame. "I stopped using my Pokémon because I failed them. We didn't achieve our dream. We weren't the strongest of our time. Maybe I shouldn't have, but that is what happened. See that that doesn't happen to you. Treasure the time you have available with your Pokémon."
Before Flame could respond, Dedalos and Blaze had disappeared into the long grass. Flame pondered Dedalos' words. I'll never give up, he thought. He walked away from the clearing, back up the slope, past the three benches, and down the dirt path, his gaze on the Whistltree Town Gym—now with three Pokémon to choose from.
Author's Notes:
Why was Dedalos' Arcanine nicknamed Blaze? I'll be impressed if you've worked it out . . .
So, thanks to Bulbapedia for this info and inspiration, Arcanine's original name was Blaze in the beta of the original Red and Blue games. As Dedalos is old, I thought it would work well as a nickname for Arcanine.
I also got to introduce Oriota over these two chapters. Known as the thundercloud Pokémon, their name is a mix of oriole (a small bird) and iota (a very small amount).
Since it's hard to create new (and original) Pokémon these days, I don't know how many Ciprys-native Pokémon I'll come up with, but we'll see. With more recent games, I'll tend to play and aim for at least 50% of Pokémon to be from the new region (for example, Chespin, Fletchinder, Gogoat). I'll probably aim for similar with Flame, but again, we'll see. At the moment, of course, he's got Litten, Eevee, and Oriota in his team. But who shall be the fourth?
Keep reading to find out!