Chapter Three
"Route 20 isn't very long — we've been down it and back twice already," Callie sighed to Zorua and Oshawott. "There's still no sign of Hugh — do you think we missed him?"
"Osha," Oshawott muttered from the basket.
Callie frowned to herself. She had promised Hugh's little sister that she'd deliver the town map to him, but if she couldn't find him, then there really wasn't much she could do. She was also beginning to grow weary of riding her bike, and she knew Zoro and Oshawott were both ready to get out of the basket and do some walking. Callie was about to just pull her bike over to the side of the road and take a break, but then she saw a large sign that read 'Floccesy Ranch' a little ways up the road.
"Floccesy Ranch? That'll be a perfect place to stop! I bet there are plenty of pokémon for you two to meet, huh?"
"Zor!"
"Osh! Oshawott!"
Callie smiled brightly, picking up the pace on her bike — she may not have been able to find Hugh, but she was going to make her pokémon very happy. Within moments, they were pulling into Floccesy Ranch, and immediately, Callie could see other trainers battling one another — there had to be at least a dozen other people there!
"Wow. . . . Guess we're not the only one's who thought coming here would be a good idea, huh?" Callie said as she got off her bike, leaning it against the wooden fence.
She looked around, taking in the look of the ranch in the warm light of the setting sun. Mareep were roaming freely, grazing idly on the ranch, most of them gathered around a patch of particularly green grass by the river bed. Not too far off in the distance was a large house with a barn beside it, and Callie assumed the owners of the ranch must live there.
Zoro and Oshawott both jumped out of the basket and stood on either side of Callie, looking around at trainers battling and Mareep grazing.
"Well, how about we walk around a bit, hm? We can stretch our legs, and then we'll head back to Floccesy Town and stay at the Pokémon Center," Callie suggested as they began to set off on their little exploration.
However, they only managed to take a few steps before they were stopped.
"Oh! Nice! You've come here to toughen up!"
Callie recognized the voice and looked ahead, seeing none other than Hugh standing there smiling broadly at her. Standing next to him was another familiar face — Wes.
Callie smiled and waved happily. "Hugh! Wes! Hey there!" She ran over to the two of them, Oshawott and Zorua trailing behind her.
"Hey, Callie!" Wes said. "I can't believe the three of us are all here! What a coincidence!"
"It's great timing, that's all!" said Hugh. "So, Callie, have you caught any pokémon yet?"
Callie frowned, thinking back to just a few hours ago, when she and Oshawott had been attacked by the Watchog and Patrat.
"Er, no, we haven't caught any yet," she said with a frown. "We ran into a Patrat, but it, uh, didn't go over so well."
Wes smiled sympathetically. "Don't worry about it, Callie! It's only been a day, and you can't catch every pokémon you see."
"What about you guys, have you caught anything?" Callie said, trying to distract herself.
"I haven't," said Hugh, "but Wes on the other hand. . . ."
"You caught a pokémon?" Callie said with wide eyes. "Really? Let me see!"
Wes blushed, smiling sheepishly. "Come on, guys, it's not that big of a deal. . . ."
"Wes!" Hugh and Callie said impatiently.
"Fine, fine," Wes laughed, pulling a pokéball off his belt. "Come on out!"
From Wes's pokéball appeared a small, fox-like Pokémon. It had a red-brow pelt, brown eyes, and large pointed ears, with six orange tails, each tail curled at the end. Callie's eyes widened and she clasped her hands together.
"Oh, wow, what kind of pokémon is that?" she said in awe. "It's so cute!"
"It's a Vulpix!" Wes said cheerily. "I actually just caught it right before you and Hugh showed up — she's mine and Tepig's first new buddy!"
"Vul!" Vulpix said with a yawn, looking up at Callie and Hugh curiously.
Oshawott and Zorua walked over to the Vulpix and smiled brightly. Vulpix looked a little wary at first, but soon beamed happily, wagging her tails back and fourth.
"I think they like each other," Hugh said with a laugh.
"Looks like it!" said Wes with a laugh. "So, Callie, what brings you to Floccesy Ranch? Doing some training like some of these other trainers?"
"Actually, we were just taking a break and thought it'd be a nice place to stop," said Callie. "It just so happens that I ran into you and Hugh here, and — oh! Hugh!"
Callie stopped mid-sentence and reached for her bag, sorting through her things. She then pulled out the town map and held it out to Hugh.
"You're little sister stopped me while leaving Aspertia City, and she asked me to bring you this!" Callie said.
Hugh raised an eyebrow, taking the town map. "A town map, huh? Tch. . . . She didn't have to do that. . . . Thanks to you, too. We just left, and you're already helped me out."
"It was nothing," Callie said with a smile. "I'm always happy to help."
Hugh smiled. "Oh, is that so? Then do me another favor and let me see how much stronger you've become! Come at me!"
Callie's eyes widened. "Er — what?"
"Battle me, Callie!" Hugh said, pulling a pokéball off his belt. "Wes wouldn't battle me, and Snivy and I are rearing and ready to go! Let's have another battle! Things will be different this time!"
Callie looked to Wes, who sighed, shaking his head wearily. "You know he won't stop bugging you until you actually battle him."
"Yeah, but I don't —"
"Excuse me!"
The three trainers paused and turned, only to see an older couple coming towards them, some kind of canine pokémon running towards them. The pokémon had a shaggy dark blue fur coat and short tail, and it had a short snout. The couple both ran over to them, stopping on a few feet away, panting heavily and looking worried.
"Hey! I'm really sorry to bother you folks, but we need your help," said the woman.
"Who are you?" Hugh said curiously.
"Who are we?" said the man. "Well, I'm Travon, the owner of this ranch, and this is my wife, Molly! And this here is our Herdier!"
"A Herdier, huh?" Callie muttered as she pulled out her PokéDex and aimed it at the pokémon.
"Herdier, the Loyal Dog Pokémon, and the evolved form of Lillipup. Always obedient and faithful to their Trainers, Herdier have helped them raise other Pokémon since long ago," Dexter said aloud.
"Wow, this Herdier is real cute," Callie said, smiling down at it.
"Yeah, it sure is," said Molly. "That's actually part of the reason why we stopped you — you didn't happen to see another Herdier around here, did you? We can't figure out where it went."
"You see, our two Herdier are always together, and this is the first time one has wandered off, so we're a little worried," said Travon.
Hugh's eyes widened. "You're a little worried? Are you kidding me? Your Pokémon might be lost forever!"
"Hugh, calm down," Wes said quietly.
"Calm down? There's a pokémon missing! And you expect me to calm down?" Hugh said, getting more and more heated. "Whatever! I'll look! Callie! Wes! Help out!"
And with that, Hugh took off in search of Herdier.
"Your friend is a bit energetic," said Travon, watching Hugh disappear.
"You can say that again," Wes sighed.
"Yes, but, he's actually doing what we were going to ask of you," said Molly. "We'd really appreciate it if you would help us look for our Herdier. Our ranch is quite large, and it would take an awfully long time to find Herdier if it was just the two of us."
"Can't your other Herdier sniff it out?" said Callie curiously.
"Maybe a few years ago, but you see, Herdier here is getting on in age, and his nose doesn't work the way it used to. That's why we're so worried about our other Herdier — they're the same age, and, well, we're worried something may have happened to him," said Travon.
Callie frowned, looking down at Oshawott, who was still playing with Wes's Vulpix — she had only had him for a day, but she knew that if she were ever separated from Oshawott, or even Zoro, she'd worry herself sick.
"We'll help," Callie said suddenly.
Wes looked at her. "We will?"
"Mhmm," Callie said with a nod. "C'mon, Wes, we'll look together."
Wes smiled softly and nodded. "Right, sounds good. Vulpix, return."
Vulpix was returned to its pokéball, and Callie looked back to Travon and Molly.
"Just leave it to us! We'll have your Herdier back in no time," Callie said with a smile.
Travon and Molly nodded. "We really appreciate the help."
"Well, let's get to it then, Callie," said Wes. "If Hugh went west, how about we go east?"
"Sounds good — Oshawott, why don't you rest in your pokéball?" Callie suggested.
Oshawott, still not fully recovered from his battle with the Watchog from earlier that day, nodded, and Callie returned him to his pokéball. Zoro jumped onto her shoulder, and the two of them headed off with Wes in search of Herdier. They walked in silence for a while, the only sound being that of the trainers who were still battling one another in the distance, but even their orders faded into silence the further they walked. At one point Zoro jumped off Callie's shoulder and began sniffing the ground in search of Herdier's scent.
"Y'know, it was really nice of you to offer to find their Herdier," said Wes. "But, you really didn't need to volunteer me like that. . . ."
Callie glanced at him and saw he was smiling, and she rolled her eyes, chuckling. "Oh, get over it — Travon and Molly seem really nice, and they're really worried about their Herdier. Considering their ranch is open to all trainers to come and train, it seems only fitting that we give them a hand. Besides, you said you found your Vulpix here, right? You should return the favor and find their pokémon."
"Yeah, I guess you're right," Wes muttered. "But finding Herdier won't be easy — this place is huge."
"Yeah, but pokémon don't normally wander off, do they?" Callie said. "What if something happened to Herdier?"
"You heard Travon — these Herdier are pretty old. Herdier probably thought it saw something and went after it, and then it got itself lost —"
"Yawrp!"
Callie, Zoro, and Wes all froze — that definitely sounded like a pokémon in trouble.
"Did you hear that just now?" Callie said to Wes.
Wes nodded. "Sure did."
"Zor!" Zoro said, looking back at them and motioning for the two of them to follow him.
Zoro took off and Callie and Wes ran after him, cutting through bushes and underbrush. Soon, Zorua led the two of them to a small clearing. It was lined with trees on every side, except on the far side of the clearing, there was a towering wall of rocks. Also on the far side of the clearing stood two men, both dressed in dark grey uniforms with black vests and black boots. They wore black berets, and dark grey masks covered the lower halves of their faces. They were towering over two pokémon, a Herdier, and a pokémon Callie didn't recognize.
"Yarrrrp," Herdier growled, obviously scared of these men.
The other pokémon was a small, blue, canine Pokémon that stood on its hind legs. It had black legs and torso, a blue tail, and a yellow collar. It stared at the men before it, glaring sharply at them, standing in front of Herdier in a protective manner.
"What pokémon is that?" Callie whispered.
"That's a Riolu," said Wes. "And it looks like it's in rough shape!"
Callie paused and really looked at the Riolu, and she saw that Wes was right — it had several deep gashes on its body, and it looked as if it were about to fall over from exhaustion.
"Alright, you two pokémon are coming with us," growled one of the men.
"What luck, Lucas," said the other. "We wanted the Herdier, and this Riolu showed up to protect it — now we have a Riolu too!"
"Just shut it and grab them, Elias!" snapped Lucas.
"They're trying to steal those pokémon!" Callie whispered. "We have to do something!"
Wes frowned. "Yeah, but we need to come up with a plan first — Callie, wait!"
While Wes was talking, Callie had taken the pokéball off her belt and run forward. "Hey! You there! Leave those pokémon alone!"
The two men stopped and turned around, narrowing their eyes at Callie. Riolu's eyes widened as it looked at Callie, and Herdier cowered in fear behind it.
"What's with the girl?" said Elias.
Lucas growled lowly. "Tch. . . . I hate pests! I suppose we'll just have to crush you!"
Lucas and Elias both pulled a pokéball off their belts, and Callie frowned — could she really battle two people at once? However, soon enough, she wasn't alone, and Wes was standing beside her.
"If you want to have a double battle, you should make it a fair fight! Tepig, let's go!" Wes released his Tepig, who looked ready to battle.
Callie frowned — she only had Oshawott, but she knew he was still weary from the battle earlier today. . . . She didn't have a choice.
"Alright, Oshawott — come on out!" Callie said, releasing Oshawott.
Despite being weak from the battle with Watchog, Oshawott appeared on the field, looking across the way to the two men.
"Oshawott, Tepig — these two scum bags are trying to steal those pokémon, so let's show 'em what we do to thieves!" Callie directed.
"Alright, brats, we'll just have to teach you two a lesson!" growled Lucas. He released a Patrat and his partner Elias let a Purrloin onto the field.
"Elias, you handle the one with the Tepig," said Lucas. "I'll handle this loud mouth and her Oshawott."
Callie bit her lip as she watched Oshawott stare down the Patrat in front of him, wondering if he'd be okay to battle — even she was still a bit shaken.
"Are you okay to battle, Oshawott?" Callie called.
Oshawott glanced over his shoulder back to his trainer and gave a stiff nod.
"Osh!"
"It looks like he wants to settle that score with the Patrat from earlier," said Wes. "You got one fiesty Oshawott there, Callie."
Callie smiled softly as she saw the determination glisten in Oshawott's eyes — he was a fighter, that was for sure. She looked past Oshawott, and even past Lucas, looking to Riolu and Herdier. Riolu's eyes were still locked on her, watching her in awe. . . . She had to save them.
"Well, we aren't going to wait around all day," growled Lucas. "Patrat! Tackle attack, now!"
"Patrat!"
Patrat took off, charging at Oshawott, but he and Callie were ready.
"Alright, Oshawott — we gotta win this fight and save Herdier and Riolu! So, give it all you got and dodge it!" Callie called. Oshawott nodded and leapt into the air, avoiding Patrat's feeble attempt of a Tackle attack.
"Good job, Oshawott! Now counter it with an aerial Water Gun!"
"Osha!"
Oshawott took a deep breath before unleashing a powerful Water Gun directly at Patrat from above. The chipmunk pokémon looked up in surprise and took the Water Gun straight to the face, pushing it down to the ground.
"Great job! Now, while it's down, hit it with a Tackle!"
"Wott!"
Oshawott turned in midair and doe towards the ground, head first, his eyes locked on Patrat.
"Er — dodge it, Patrat!"
"Trat!"
Patrat rolled to the side, out of the way of Oshawott.
"No! Oshawott! Cancel the Tackle! Land on your feet!" Callie called out.
But it was too late. Oshawott hit the ground head first, and it fell on its face, laying there for a moment.
"Oshawott, are you okay?" Callie said.
Oshawott lifted its head shakily. "Osha. . . . Wott. . . ."
"Ha! That Oshawott of yours isn't very strong!" laughed Lucas. "Now, Patrat, give it a Bite attack!"
"Patrat!"
Lucas's Patrat ran forward and bit down on Oshawott's tail hard. The pain was just enough to cause Oshawott to jump to his feet with a great shout, and he began wagging his tail violently from side to side, trying to shake him off.
"Hold on, Patrat! Wear it down!" Lucas called.
"Oshawott! Shake Patrat off!" Callie shouted.
Oshawott gave a strained nod and with another powerful thrust, freed his tail from Patrat's teeth and sent it flying into a tree. Patrat hit the trunk of the tree with a loud 'thud', and fell to the ground, slouching over.
"Er — get up, Patrat!" growled Lucas.
"Alright, Oshawott, I know you're tired, so let's finish this battle with one more move! Water Gun!" Callie called.
"Osha-wott!"
Oshawott let forth another Water Gun attack and hit Patrat head on, pinning it against the tree. Patrat let out a final cry before fainting, and Oshawott ceased his Water Gun. Patrat slumped to the ground, unconscious, and Lucas let out an irritated growl.
"Patrat, return!" he snapped.
"Good job, Oshawott!" Callie cheered.
"Osh-osha," Oshawott said, jogging back to Callie, smiling wearily.
Callie picked up her pokémon, smiling softly — he was truly exhausted.
"You did exactly what you needed to do — now, why don't you take a rest in your pokéball?" Callie suggested.
Oshawott nodded and she returned him to his pokéball. It was around this time that Wes finished his battle with Elias, and he and Tepig had also come out victorious.
"Good job, Tepig — return!" Wes said, returning his pokémon to its pokéball.
Callie and Wes then turned their attention back to Lucas and Elias.
"Er — so what if we lost? I'm still taking this Riolu and Herdier!" growled Lucas, turning around to seize the two pokémon.
Riolu, despite being badly injured and exhausted, braced itself, ready to defend Herdier.
"Oh no you don't!" growled Callie, running forward and tackling Lucas.
She pushed him into the wall, and looked to Riolu and Herdier.
"Don't worry you guys, we'll keep you safe — come on," Callie said.
Herdier nodded and ran over to Wes, standing behind him. Callie looked to Riolu, waiting for him to run, but instead, the small pokémon careened backwards, too exhausted from the injuries it had sustained from protecting Herdier.
"No! Riolu!" Callie said, quickly picking up the Riolu.
She made a move to run back to Wes, but Lucas caught her by the back of her shirt.
"Oh no you don't, you brat! Give me that Riolu!" Lucas sneered. "And while we're at it, I'll just snatch that Zorua on your shoulder!"
"Let me go!" growled Callie. "You aren't getting Zoro or Riolu!"
"Snivy! Quick! Use Vine Whip!" a voice called from above.
Callie and Lucas both looked up and saw Hugh was standing on the top of the rocks, his Snivy beside him. Snivy used Vine Whip, and two bright green vines shot forward, slapping Lucas's face. Lucas let go of Callie to hold his face, and before she could move, Wes grabbed her, pulling her, Zoro, and Riolu away from him.
"Are you okay?" Wes said, giving her a quick once over. "He didn't hurt you, right?"
"I'm fine, thanks," Callie said.
"You okay down there, Callie?" Hugh said from his position on the boulder.
Callie looked up at Hugh, giving him a firm nod. "I'm great, thanks, Hugh! But how'd you find us?"
"I heard Herdier cry, so I went and told Travon and Molly, and then I got back here as fast as I could — Travon should be here soon!" Hugh called out.
"I can't believe a bunch of little twerps like you stopped us," growled Lucas.
"We should get out of here, Lucas," Elias warned.
"Yeah, you're right," he muttered.
Wes pulled a pokéball from his belt and stepped in front of Callie, glaring at the two men. "Who are you?"
Lucas and Elias paused, and Lucas laughed lowly, shaking his head.
"Oh, us? We're both members of a group that strikes fear into the hearts of those who stand before it: Team Plasma! Ever heard of it?"
Callie froze — these two were members of Team Plasma, the organization she was supposed to defeat? It was only her very first day of her journey, and she was already running into them?
"Well, have you?" snapped Lucas.
"I know who you are," growled Wes.
"That's right! We're the righteous group that tried to conquer Unova two years back in order to liberate Pokémon! Whatever, fools will never understand us. . . . First we got lost chasing some old Herdier, and now some nosy kids caught us," Lucas muttered.
"Lucas," Elias said warily. "We need to go."
"Right. . . . Okay! We'll use this opportunity to retreat for now!"
"Oh no you won't," growled Wes.
However, Elias seized something from his pocket and threw it at the ground, and a large cloud of black smoke appeared, blinding them. Callie took a deep breath, which was a mistake, and she inhaled a great amount of smoke, burning her throat and lungs. Her eyes stung from the smoke and she clenched them shut, trying to protect them.
"Callie!" Wes yelled into the smoke, reaching for her.
"I'm fine!" she coughed, holding onto Riolu tightly, Zoro pressing himself into her neck. "Just make sure they don't get Herdier!"
"Right!"
There was the sound of retreating footsteps, but then a voice called from behind them.
"Pidove! Use Gust and clear this smoke!"
With a great gust of wind, the smoke cleared, and Callie opened her watering eyes, her throat and lungs still burning. She looked around, thankful to find Zoro and Riolu still with her, and Herdier safely with Wes. Hugh returned his Snivy and jumped of the boulder, joining the two of them on the ground. Wes and Callie turned around though, and the three of them focused in on the one who cleared the smoke — Travon and his Pidove.
"Travon! You made it!" Hugh said with a smile.
"And it looks like I was just in time, too," said Travon. "You found my Herdier!"
Herdier perked up immediately when he saw Travon and ran over to him, barking happily.
"Well, I'm grateful to all three of you, thank you," said Travon happily.
"Your pokémon was almost kidnapped by Team Plasma!" shouted Hugh. "You shouldn't be so calm — Herdier may have been gone for good!"
"Team Plasma?" echoed Travon, scratching his head. "I can't say I know who they are. . . . But, I thank you kids all the same."
Hugh frowned, obviously upset. "You better take better care of your pokémon!"
"Hugh, calm down," Callie said softly. "He had no way of knowing Team Plasma was going to take his Herdier —"
"That's no excuse!" snapped Hugh. "Why don't you guys care more?"
"What are you talking about? We just rescued Herdier and Riolu!" snapped Wes.
Callie nodded. "That's right! And we need to get Riolu taken care of, and quickly! It was protecting Herdier, and it needs some serious medical attention!"
"Oh no," Travon muttered, seeing the Riolu in her arms. He frowned. "That's the Riolu that lives here on the ranch. . . . It's good friends with most of the pokémon that live here, and it tends to play with our Herdier. . . . I'm not surprised to hear it was protecting Herdier. . . ."
"Well, it saved Herdier, so we need to repay the favor and save it," said Wes. "Callie, if we hurry, we can get back to Floccesy Town in about forty-five minutes!"
"Right," Callie said with a nod.
"There's no need for all that," said Travon. "Bring Riolu back to my house — Molly used to be a Pokémon nurse back in the day. . . . She'll know just what to do."
And so they were off. Callie, Zoro, Wes, and Hugh all followed Travon back to his house, Riolu laying unmoving in Callie's arms the entire time. Soon enough, the three trainers were all sitting in Travon and Molly's living room, Zoro laying on Callie's lap. Molly had taken Riolu to a room in the back of the house, and Travon was making them tea in the kitchen.
Since they were all waiting in silence, they began telling stories about the first day of their pokémon journey. Hugh told them about the five trainers he had battle consecutively, and how he managed to beat four out of the five. Wes didn't say much, but he spoke briefly about the battle he said when he was catching Vulpix. When it got to Callie, both boys wanted to hear about her battle with the Patrat, and Callie told them everything, about it calling for help and summoning the dozens of Patrat and Watchog. She went on about how Oshawott took the full brunt of the Hyper Fang, and then Zoro rescuing her with Protect and Night Daze.
Wes and Hugh were both impressed with the story, but when she mentioned Alder stepping in, both boys nearly lost it.
"No way!" gasped Hugh.
"You met Alder?" said Wes. "The former champion Alder?"
Callie nodded. "Mhmm. He brought me back to his house and fixed up Oshawott and Zoro for me!"
"I can't believe it!" groaned Wes. "He was my idol as a kid! It broke my heart when Iris defeated him and took the champion title!"
"Was he amazing?" said Hugh. "Was he as magnificent as he looks on tv? Was he powerful? Can you introduce us?"
Callie laughed lightly. "I don't know about all that, and I don't know if I can introduce you," she said with a sheepish smile.
Hugh hung his head, disappointed. "Awe, man, I should have known it was too good to be true — you have all the luck, Callie."
"Alright, kids, I've got some tea for ya'," Travon said, coming into the living room with a tray with four steaming cups of tea balanced on it.
Travon sat down with the three of them, and each of them began sipping the tea.
"I owe you three a great deal," said Travon. "You rescued my Herdier today, and you saved that poor Riolu from that Team Plasma."
Callie noticed Hugh clench his fist at the mention of Team Plasma, but he said nothing. She looked back to Travon.
"It's getting late, and some very strong pokémon come out late at night. Molly and I wanted to know if you'd all like to stay here tonight instead of trying to make it back to the Pokémon Center in Floccesy Town," said Travon.
Callie paused, looking down at the sleeping Zoro in her lap — there was no doubt he was tired, and Oshawott was in no condition to battle. And then there was Riolu. . . . She wanted to stay and make sure he was okay. . . .
"I think I'll stay here tonight," Callie said.
"I'll stay here too," said Wes. "My pokémon need a little more rest before we try battling any pokémon."
"You two are such babies," said Hugh. "C'mon! There are strong pokémon out there, he just told you! You're gonna pass up an opportunity like this to get stronger?"
"Your pokémon didn't just battle Team Plasma, Hugh," sighed Wes.
"Yeah, our pokémon are tired — Oshawott's had a big day," Callie said. "Zoro here is knocked out cold, and then there's still Riolu. . . ."
"Those sound like a bunch of excuses to me!" Hugh said, getting to his feet. "I'm not going to pass up an opportunity like this!"
And with that, Hugh ran out of the house, shouting a good-bye to Callie, Wes, and Travon, disappearing into the night.
"That boy," Travon muttered. "He doesn't slow down, does he?"
"Never," Callie sighed, shaking her head. She looked to Travon. "Do you know if Molly will be finished with Riolu soon?"
"I'm sure it won't take her too much longer," said Travon. "Riolu's wounds didn't seem too terrible. . . ."
"Will he be okay?" Wes said curiously.
"Oh, he'll be just fine," said a voice from the hallway.
The three of them turned and look and saw Molly coming into the living room, her white hair pulled up in a bun on the top of her head. She looked exhausted, and she sat down in the chair Hugh had just been moments before, sighing heavily.
"Well, it wasn't easy, but I got most of those wounds stitched up," said Molly, accepting a cup of tea Travon offered her. She took a sip and continued. "He'll have some scars for sure, but I think the psychological damage will be far worse than the physical damage."
Callie frowned. "What do you mean?"
"Well, you see, that Riolu has been at this ranch for quite some time now," said Travon. "It's been about a year since it's first arrived — it was abandoned by its trainer."
Callie's eyes widened and Wes clenched his fists. "Who would do such a thing?"
Molly shook her head sadly. "Who knows. . . . No one saw the trainer. We went to bed one night, woke up, and the next day, Riolu was there, sitting by the gates, waiting for his trainer to return."
"That's terrible," Callie whispered.
Travon nodded. "Mhmm. . . . Riolu waited for his trainer for nearly a month. He barely ate, barely slept, and he never moved, just waited for his trainer to return. . . . It wasn't until a terrible storm rolled through, and Riolu fell terribly ill. . . . Molly and I took care of it then, nursing it back to health. . . . After that day, Riolu seemed to understand what had happened, that his trainer was never going to return, and he opened up to Molly and myself, and became quick friends with our Herdier. . . . But Riolu's never trusted trainers since that day."
"Well, it's no wonder why," Callie said. "I haven't had Oshawott very long, but I could never imagine doing something like that."
"That's because you're not a monster," muttered Wes.
"Well, I think that's enough talk," said Molly. "Are you two resting here tonight?"
Wes nodded. "We are — thank you again for allowing us to stay here."
"Well, thank you two for protecting Herdier and Riolu," said Travon with a smile.
"Well, Travon, how about you go get the guest room ready, and I'll throw together a quick dinner," Molly said, finishing her tea.
Travon nodded and Molly disappeared into the kitchen, while her husband set off down the hallway to get their room in order. Wes looked at Callie, who was looking down at the sleeping Zoro in her lap, her mind on Riolu. . . .
"You look upset," Wes said, eyeing her cautiously.
"I just don't understand why someone would abandon a pokémon," Callie muttered, her eyes watering. "And Riolu seems like such a amazing pokémon. . . . I-I just. . . . I don't get it."
She clenched her eyes shut, not allowing herself to cry — not in front of Wes. He frowned softly and put a gentle hand on her knee.
"I don't think that's something you and I will ever understand," said Wes. "But what's important now is that Riolu is safe, and tomorrow, he'll be able to go back to spending time with Herdier on the ranch, and that's all thanks to you."
"To me?" Callie said, looking up at him.
Wes smiled. "Of course! You were the one who told Molly and Travon we'd help, and when we found Team Plasma trying to steal Herdier and Riolu, you immediately jumped into action to save them!" Callie smiled softly and Wes continued. "You're really something else, Callie. I'll admit, yesterday when we met, I wasn't sure if you really had what it takes to be a pokémon trainer — I mean, you were so confused and unsure of everything, you almost didn't take a PokéDex! But today, watching you and Oshawott battle that Team Plasma guy without any hesitation. . . . You were amazing."
Callie's eyes widened softly and her cheeks turned the slightest shade of pink. "Wes. . . . Thank you. That means a lot."
A look of realization crossed Wes's face, as if what he had said suddenly registered, and immediately his cheeks turned scarlet, and he rubbed the back of his head sheepishly.
"W-well, I-I mean, you and Oshawott are an impressive team, all things considered," Wes muttered quickly, looking away from her.
Callie smiled, laughing softly at how flustered Wes had made himself, but before she could say anything, Molly called from the kitchen and let them know it was dinner. So, after they ate, Travon showed the two trainers to their rooms — except, it was only one room, with two sleeping bags laying on the floor.
"O-one room?" Callie said curiously.
"We only have one guest room," said Travon. "Is that okay? I assumed since you two travel together, you wouldn't mind sharing a room."
Callie shook her head. "We don't travel together —"
"But this is perfect, thank you," Wes said, cutting her off.
Travon smiled and nodded, leaving the room, which meant Callie and Wes were alone. Callie placed her bag down and Zoro, who was still a bit worn out from the day's adventures, laid down on the sleeping bag she chose, curling up and quickly falling back asleep. Wes placed his things on one side of the room and looked at Zoro, laughing to himself.
"He must have had a big day," Wes said simply. "He's been sleeping since we got here."
"Yeah, well, today was much more fast paced than we're used to," Callie said, smiling down at Zoro, who began to softly snore.
She pulled her pajamas out of her bag, deciding to change. Wes saw the clothes in her hand, and he made a move for the door.
"I'll give you some privacy," he said quietly.
Callie shook her head, heading for the door as well. "No, I figured I'd go change in the bathroom — I wanted to check on Riolu anyway."
Wes nodded. "Well, I wouldn't bother him too much if I were you. He probably needs the rest."
"I just wanted to see him, don't worry," Callie said, walking out into the hallway.
She changed in the bathroom, putting on the pajamas that the Pokémon Center had given her, and walked down the hallway to the spare room Molly had left Riolu in. The door had been left slightly ajar, and Callie carefully pushed the door open, expecting to see Riolu lying on the bed, sleeping. However, when she opened the door, she instead saw Riolu sitting on the edge of the bed, staring out the window into the night sky. When the door opened though, Riolu turned, his eyes widening when he saw Callie — she was sure he hadn't expected to see her standing there.
"Hey there, Riolu," Callie said softly, stepping into the room. "How are you feeling?"
"Ri."
Riolu turned his head away from Callie, looking back to the window. Callie walked to the bed, standing at the end of it, watching him carefully — he had several cuts on his body that Molly had tended to, and she noticed one cut in particular on the right side of his face that went from the corner of his eye, and nearly reached his nose. It was stitched up rather neatly, but Callie knew it must have hurt a lot.
"Riolu," Callie said quietly. "I just wanted to ask. . . . Did Team Plasma do all that to you? Did they attack you when you stepped in to see Herdier?"
Riolu said nothing. His expression didn't change in the slightest, and his eyes remained locked on the night sky. However, she saw his eyes begin to water ever so slightly as he gave a very stiff nod. Her jaw tightened and her fists clenched.
"How could they do something like that?" she muttered.
Riolu sat there, expressionless, continuing to stare out the window. Callie couldn't believe it. He had to feel some amount of pain, but to not let it show. . . .
"Well, I think what you did was really brave."
"Ri?" Riolu's eyes widened and he looked surprised. Slowly, he looked at Callie, his eyes glistening with tears, and Callie nodded.
"You going out there and protecting Herdier with all your might? You've got to be one of the bravest pokémon I've ever seen," Callie said. "You didn't let your guard down until Herdier was safe with Wes, and even then, you only gave in when your body just couldn't handle it anymore."
Riolu gave the faintest of smiles, and Callie sat down on the bed next to it. Riolu tensed, looking a bit unsure, as if he wasn't convinced he could trust Callie, but after a moment, he relaxed ever so slightly.
"You know, Riolu, Travon and Molly told me about your last trainer," Callie said quietly. Riolu's ears perked and his jaw clenched, his eyes narrowing as he looked away from Callie and towards the ground. Callie frowned softly and continued. "I just wanted you to know. . . . What your last trainer did was wrong. I don't know why he would have just left you here, but whatever the reason, it was wrong. You're a great pokémon, Riolu, and. . . . And any trainer would be lucky to have you on their team."
Riolu's tear brimmed eyes made their way back to Callie, who was now looking out the window towards the mood that was steadily rising in the dark sky. . . . Today she had the first of what she could only assume would be many battles with Team Plasma, and she and her Oshawott came out victorious. Earlier that day, she and Oshawott were severely outnumbered by all those Patrat and Watchog, and Callie hadn't been sure if this was really the life for her, if she really had what it took to be a pokémon trainer. But this evening, she proved to herself, and even Wes, that she was definitely pokémon trainer material, and she gave herself a much needed confidence boost. Perhaps, with more training and more pokémon, she could actually pull this off — maybe she could really stop Team Plasma.
She heard a thump from the next room over, and Callie paused — it came from her and Wes's room. She sighed softly and stood, smiling down at Riolu, who was still staring at her with his wide eyes.
"Well, Riolu, I need to go back to my room, but you get some rest, okay?" Callie said with a smile.
Riolu stared up at her, his mouth slightly open, and nodded slowly, and Callie waved to him as she left his room. She went back to the room she was sharing with Wes, and when she opened the door, she found her bag had been knocked over and contents spilled across the ground, and Wes was inspecting her history book.
"Don't look at that!" Callie said quickly, rushing over to him and snatching the book away from him. "What are you doing, going through my things?"
"I wasn't going through your things," Wes said defensively. "Zoro was looking for something and knocked it over."
"Don't be silly," snapped Callie. "Zoro's asleep —"
However, when she took a glance at her bag, she saw Zoro sitting beside it, a look of guilt on his face, and an open container of pokémon food at his feet. Callie frowned, shaking her head ever so slightly.
"You slept through dinner, so I can only imagine you're hungry," she muttered. "Did you knock over my bag looking for a snack?"
"Zor. . . ," Zoro looked down at his paws, nodding his head.
Callie sighed and fixed him a bowl of pokémon food and began repacking her bag. As she did, she noticed Wes was watching her, particularly the book in her hands.
"I'm sorry I accused you of going through my things," Callie said. "I'm just a private person, that's all."
"It's fine, I shouldn't have been nosy enough to look through the stuff that came out of your bag," said Wes, settling down on his sleeping bag. "But, Callie, that book you're holding. . . ."
"What about it?"
"Well, it says it was published twenty years from now."
Callie froze, her body tensing. Zoro, who had been eating, immediately looked up from his bowl of food, his eyes wide as he looked from Callie to Wes, and then back to Callie. She held the book out in front of her and looked at the publication date on the cover, printed ever so neatly in the bottom left-hand corner, plain as day. She quickly turned to Wes, clutching the book to her chest, her face flushing.
"O-oh, well, it's just a misprint, that's all," Callie said quickly. "Y'know, the printing people just messed up the year, not a big deal."
Wes studied Callie for a moment, as if he wasn't sure he believed her. But then he simply shrugged, accepting the blatant lie she had just told him as the truth.
"Well, alright — I still think it's weird that you brought along a history book on your journey," said Wes, laying back on his sleeping bag. "You must be some kind of nerd or something."
He flashed Callie a grin, and she smiled softly, rolling her eyes. "Oh, whatever — go to bed."
"I plan on it — you get some sleep too."
Callie nodded and finished packing away her bag, making sure it was closed so it didn't spill again, and she shut off the lights before getting into her own sleeping bag. Zoro curled up next to her pillow, and Callie could just barely make him out in the darkness of the room.
"That was close, Zoro," Callie whispered. "We have to be more careful — no one can know about us. Okay?"
Zoro nodded and Callie sighed heavily, closing her eyes. Her mind went to several different places, all memories from the day — her first official day as a pokémon trainer. From their close call with the Patrat and Watchog, to meeting Alder, then to making their way Floccesy Ranch, and finally, her first battle against Team Plasma. . . . Her first day had definitely been an adventurous one.
Perhaps Bianca was right when she said today was going to be the biggest day of her life. . . .
However, Callie didn't have much time to think, because soon enough, she was drifting off to sleep, her first day's adventures more than enough to allot her a full night of rest.
But morning came all too soon, and Callie was soon woken up by none other than Wes. He was standing by his rolled up sleeping bag, throwing his bag over his shoulder. When he saw Callie had woken up, he smiled.
"Well, good morning, sunshine," Wes said with a grin. "Sleep well?"
"Well enough," Callie groaned, sitting up — her back was a bit stiff from sleeping on the floor all night, but aside from that, she felt ready to face the day.
"Good! Molly just stuck her head in to let us know breakfast was ready," said Wes. "I was going to let you sleep a bit longer, but it looks like you're awake."
Callie nodded and fumbled for her bag, grabbing her clothes. "I'm going to take a quick shower — I'll be out in a moment. . . ."
Twenty minutes later, Callie came into the kitchen with Zoro on her shoulder, both of them looking refreshed after some much needed rest. The table was set for two, and Wes was already sitting down, helping himself to some french toast. Vulpix and Tepig were sitting on the floor next to Wes, eating out of a bowl filled with pokémon good. Molly was standing by the counter, making some more, when she noticed Callie walk in.
"Ah, there you are!" Molly said as Callie sat down. "I trust you slept well."
"I slept great, thank you," Callie said with a smile.
Zoro jumped on the ground, where Molly had been kind enough to put out several bowls of pokémon food. Callie pulled a pokéball off her belt and released Oshawott, who appeared on the floor beside her, his eyes bright and face smiling.
"You look like you're feeling better after getting some rest," Callie said with a small laugh.
"Osh! Osha!" Oshawott cheered. Zoro stopped eating breakfast long enough to greet Oshawott, but then returned to his bowl, and Oshawott joined him, sitting at the bowl beside him, and the two chatted happily with each other, their mouths very full.
"Those two really seem to like each other," Wes said with a laugh.
"Mhmm — they bonded really quick," Callie said. Molly placed a plate of food in front of Callie and she smiled. "Thank you, Molly — are you and Travon going to join us?"
"Oh, dear, Travon already ate breakfast — he woke up early this morning to go tend to the Mareep! And I already ate myself — this is all for you two," said Molly with a smile.
Callie's eyes brightened and she helped herself to breakfast — it was just like her mom would make. After the two of them had finished eating, Callie and Wes helped clear the table, and Oshawott and Zoro laid on the floor by the now empty bowls, having eaten themselves into contentment.
As Callie brought a few dirty dishes to the sink, she paused and looked at Molly.
"So, Molly, how is Riolu this morning?" she asked.
Molly smiled. "Why, he's better than I've ever seen him! He rushed off with Herdier and Travon this morning to help lend a hand with Mareep!"
Callie smiled softly and nodded. "Good, I'm glad to hear that — I was worried about him."
Molly nodded. "Well, he's feeling much better. I've never seen him so happy. He scarfed down his breakfast and immediately went out to the field."
Wes laughed lightly. "Well, that's good to hear."
So, after helping clean the kitchen, Callie and Wes gathered their pokémon and their things and decided to head towards the gates of the ranch. After thanking Molly and Travon once again for their hospitality, the two trainers bid their farewells to the elderly couple. Soon they were outside by the gates, and Callie got her bike ready, Oshawott and Zoro sitting in the basket.
"So, where are you off to next?" said Callie to Wes.
"Back to Aspertia City, to challenge Cheren!" Wes said.
Callie paused. "Cheren?"
"Yeah, the gym leader! Aren't you going to challenge him?" Wes said curiously.
Callie furrowed her brow. "Er — no, I wasn't planning on it. . . . Should I?"
"Well, aren't you going to collect eight gym badges and participate in the Unova League?" Wes asked, obviously shocked by Callie's hesitation.
Callie shook her head. "No, I wasn't planning on it."
Wes paused. "Wait, so then what are you trying to get out of your pokémon journey?"
Callie stood there for a moment, thinking about her answer — aside from defeating Team Plasma, she didn't really have much of a goal. But battling with Oshawott, getting stronger, something about the heat of the battle . . . it sparked something in her. She felt so comfortable when she was battling.
"I. . . . I want to get stronger," Callie said. "I've always been this really quiet girl, who no one really paid attention to. . . . I just blended into the background, you know? But when Oshawott and I battle together, something clicks and it just comes so naturally. . . . I think Oshawott and I are going on this journey to get stronger, and if we decide later on down the road that we want to collect badges, then we will!"
Wes gave a half smile, shaking his head. "Well, that's a bit disappointing. . . ."
"Disappointing?" Callie echoed. "How so?"
"Well, here I was hoping you'd want to collect badges and get stronger," said Wes with a shrug. "I thought that maybe you and Oshawott would be some competition."
"Hey, what's that supposed to mean?" Callie snapped. "Oshawott and I are plenty of competition for you!"
Wes chuckled, raising his hands in surrender. "Oh, okay, if you say so."
Callie narrowed her eyes at him playfully. "Well, as of right now, I'm not changing my mind, but who knows — maybe Oshawott and I will go for badges one day, right, Oshawott?"
"Osha!" Oshawott cheered.
Wes chuckled lightly. "So, I'm assuming you're heading on to Virbank City then?"
"Virbank City? Where's that?"
"You don't know anything, do you?" Wes laughed. "It's at the end of Route 20 — with your bike, you should be able to make it there in no time."
Callie nodded thoughtfully. "Well, I guess if that's the next city, then yeah, that's where I'm headed!"
"Great! Try not to leave too quickly — once I beat Cheren back in Aspertia City, I'm headed to Virbank City to challenge the gym leader there, Roxie, and I want you to get stronger!"
"You want me to get stronger? But why?"
Wes grinned. "So we can finally have that battle!"
"What battle? The only one who ever wanted to battle me was Hugh," Callie muttered.
"Do you remember?I told you before I left the other that I wanted to challenge you once you and your Oshawott had gotten stronger!"
Callie paused, thinking back to it — it felt like so long ago, but it hadn't even been two full days. Recalling that moment, she smiled and nodded. "Oh, right! Well, if you want to battle, then we'll battle — I'll see you in Virbank City."
"Great!" Wes said, heading for the gates of Floccesy Ranch. "I'll see you in a couple days, Callie! Stay safe!"
Callie nodded, waving to him. "Bye, Wes! See you soon! Good luck with your battle with Cheren!"
Wes waved good-bye and turned out of the gates, heading back towards Floccesy Town, and then on to Aspertia City. Callie sighed and looked down at her basket to Oshawott and Zoro, who were both looking back at her.
"Well, what do you guys say? You ready to head on towards Virbank City?" Callie said.
"Zor-Zor!"
"Osha!"
Callie smiled, mounting her bike. "Perfect, then let's get going —"
"Wait!"
Callie froze and turned to look over her shoulder and spotted Molly running towards her.
"Molly?" Callie said. "Is everything okay?"
"You can't leave yet!" Molly called out. "You can't leave!"
Molly caught up with Callie, slightly winded, and the young trainer frowned. "Is everything okay? Did I forget something?"
"No, you have everything — well, I mean, I suppose you don't," Molly said.
"I don't? What did I forget?"
Molly said nothing, and instead she stepped to the side and motioned for Callie to look down. Callie did and she froze when she saw, standing before her, none other that Riolu, who was looking up at her with eager eyes.
"Riolu?" Callie echoed. She looked to Molly. "I-I'm afraid I don't understand — what's going on?"
"Riolu wants to go with you, dear," Molly said with a smile. Callie's eyes widened and Molly continued. "It appears that you made quite the impression on him yesterday when you came to his rescue, and then again last night when you visited him in his room."
Callie looked from Molly down to Riolu, who was still looking up at her with wide, bright eyes.
"Is that true, Riolu? Do you want to come with me?" Callie said.
Riolu smiled, giving a stiff nod, and Callie couldn't hold back her smile.
"Well then, welcome to the team, Riolu!"
Callie reached into her bag for a pokéball, but Riolu shook his head. Callie paused and frowned. "But, I thought you said you wanted to come along?"
Riolu nodded and pointed towards Oshawott. "Ri!"
Oshawott perked up and gave a determined smile before nodding in agreement to whatever Riolu said and jumping out of the bicycle basket.
"What's going on?" Callie said.
"Well, it looks like Riolu wants to battle you first," Molly said with a laugh.
Callie smiled and nodded. "Alright, then, if it's a battle you want, Riolu, it's a battle you'll get! Right, Oshawott!"
"Osha!"
"Alright then, Oshawott, use Water Gun!" Callie said.
Oshawott nodded and aimed a powerful Water Gun attack at Riolu, but within the blink of an eye, Riolu disappeared.
"Wow, he's fast!" Callie exclaimed.
"Riolu is strong, that's for sure," said Molly, who was watching from the sidelines. "He's using his Quick Attack, Callie, so be careful!"
"Right!" Callie said with a nod. "Oshawott, watch out for —"
"Osha!"
Oshawott was suddenly sent flying as Riolu hit him head on with his Quick Attack. However, Oshawott didn't stay down long, and he quickly got back to his feet, narrowing his eyes at Riolu.
"Are you okay, Oshawott?" Callie called out.
"Osh!" Oshawott said with a firm nod.
"Great! Now, go after Riolu with another Water Gun!"
"Osh!"
Oshawott aimed another Water Gun, and this time, his aim was true, and he hit Riolu dead on, sending the fighting type skidding backwards. Riolu tried to keep his footing against the powerful water gun, but he tripped over his feet and fell on his back.
"Great job! Now, Oshawott, while he's down, hit him with a Tackle attack!" Callie called out.
"Osh!"
Oshawott charged forward, and just as Riolu was propping himself up on his hands, Oshawott lunged forward, tackling Riolu in the stomach. Riolu was pushed back again, and Oshawott jumped over him, landing on his feet. Riolu didn't get up right away, and Callie knew this was it. It was time to throw the pokéball. She pulled the capsule out of her bag and pressed the button, causing the pokéball to grow, and then aimed at Riolu.
"This is it!" Callie said. "Finally! Pokéball! Go!"
Callie threw the pokéball and her aim was perfect. Riolu looked up just in time for the pokéball to hit the top of his head, and Callie and Oshawott watched him disappear in a read light into the pokéball. All of them held their breath as they watched the pokéball wiggle back and forth, the button blinking red.
"Come on," Callie whispered. "Come on, Riolu. . . . You want to come with us, right?"
Then, quite suddenly, the pokéball stopped blinking and became totally still. Callie stood there for a moment, staring at the capsule in disbelief. They had done it. They had caught Riolu.
"We caught Riolu," Callie whispered. Then, much louder, she repeated, "We did it, Oshawott! We caught Riolu!"
"Osha!"
Trainer and pokémon ran towards each other, and Oshawott jumped into Callie's open arms, both of them cheering. Zoro leapt out of the basket and joined them in their celebration, and Callie picked up the pokéball of her newly caught Riolu.
"Riolu, come on out!" Callie exclaimed.
Riolu appeared before them in a red flash, and he looked up at Callie with wide eyes. Callie knelt down in front of him, unable to hide her joy.
"Welcome to the team, Riolu," Callie said.
Riolu smiled, and Callie held her hand out to him. Riolu looked a bit confused and looked down at her hand before looking back up at her.
Callie was still smiling, but her eyes were ablaze, determination clearly written on her face. "I want to make a promise, right here and right now — I promise to always take care of you and protect you, no matter what. I'll never leave you behind, okay? We're in this together, until the very end."
Riolu stared up at her, his eyes wide, once again brimming with tears. However, he hastily wiped his eyes and gave a firm nod, smirking ever so slightly, and he took Callie's hand, the two of them giving a firm handshake. Callie laughed lightly and stood up, looking to Molly.
"Thank you for letting me catch Riolu, Molly," Callie said. "You and Travon will be okay without him?"
"Of course we will," said Molly. "I always had a feeling that this day would come — Riolu couldn't stay here forever. He's always wanted to get stronger, and if he stayed here, he'd never reach his full potential. I knew that eventually, the right trainer for Riolu would come along and give him everything he deserved. I'm just glad that that trainer is you, Callie."
Callie nodded. "Of course! I promised Riolu I'll take care of him, and I'm gonna keep that promise!"
Molly laughed lightly and nodded. "I'm glad to hear that. Now, you'd best get going. I suspect you're off to the next town, Virbank City?"
"Mhmm! We should get there in no time!"
"Great! Well, be safe!" Molly said.
Callie mounted her bike once again, ready to set off. Zoro sat in the basket and Oshawott, tired from his battle with Riolu, was returned to his pokéball. Riolu looked up at Callie, expecting to go in his pokéball, and Callie shook her head.
"How about you ride up here with Zoro?" Callie suggested.
Riolu's eyes widened and he smiled, nodding eagerly, and jumped into the basket, settling in beside Zoro. Callie smiled and she set off on her bike, heading towards Virbank City, now with a Riolu on her team.
"Take care, Callie! Be safe!" Molly called behind her. "Riolu! Take care of Callie! Be strong!"
"Ri-ri!" Riolu called, looking back at Molly as they rode off.
Riolu watched Floccesy Ranch until it finally disappeared from view, his eyes beginning to water ever so slightly. Callie smiled softly at the small pokémon and patted his head gently.
"It's okay, Riolu — we'll come back one day," Callie said.
Riolu looked up at Callie, and then to Zoro, who nodded encouragingly, and then Riolu smiled, giggling gleefully — finally, he had found a place where he belonged.
And so, with a newly caught Riolu, Callie and her pokémon headed off to Virbank City, with no idea what was in store for her. But, for the first time since she had arrived, Callie wasn't scared of the unknown — with Oshawott, Zoro, and now Riolu, she knew that she could handle anything that would come her way.