Chapter Four

By five o'clock that evening, Callie found herself pulling up to the Pokémon Center in Virbank City. Zoro and Riolu were sleeping peacefully in the basket — they had taken their time to get to Virbank City, stopping to rest and explore as they went, since they weren't in any particular hurry. Callie parked her bike in front of the Pokémon Center, returned Riolu to his pokéball, and she took the sleeping Zoro in her arms.

"You're so tired lately," she muttered to the sleeping fox pokémon as she made her way to the door of the Pokémon Center. "I suppose this is a more relaxing time period for you to live in, huh?"

However, before she could step into the Pokémon Center, she heard shouting coming from inside, and she paused and watched as two people came charging out of the Pokémon Center, caught up in a very dramatic shouting match. One was a man, who appeared to be a sailor based on his uniform, with brown hair and a mustache to match. The person he was arguing with was a young girl, perhaps a few years older than Callie. She had pale skin and stark white hair with bright blue eyes, and she wore an oversized blue and purple stripped sweatshirt. She was looking at the man in annoyed disbelief, her arms crossed firmly over her chest.

"Roxie, don't try to stop me! I'm off to the Pokéstar Studios to live up my true potential! My dream is to be a ship captain and a movie star," the man said dreamily, clasping his hands together.

The girl — Roxie — narrowed her eyes at him, her jaw clenched.

"Get real! You're a captain already, aren't you? If that ship doesn't move, you're going to cause lots of trouble!" Roxie snapped.

"Oh, dear daughter. You split your time between your responsibilities as a Gym Leader and with your band, right? I can do that, too!" said the man.

Roxie looked as if she were about to explode. "AAAAAAH! You dim-witted . . . dense . . . dumb . . . daft . . . dippy . . . dorky . . . doltish doofus! Doing double duty isn't the problem! You're causing problems for people! Keeping people from getting where they're going because of sheer selfishness is unforgivable! I've had it!"

The man stood there for a moment, staring at Roxie with wide eyes — it appeared as if her words had taken some sort of effect on him. His bubbly attitude suddenly vanished, and he looked at her with much less energy than before.

"Well then, if that's how you feel. . . . Then I'm sorry I ever told you," he said quietly. "I thought maybe you'd. . . . Never mind."

Then the man turned, walking past Callie, not giving her a moment's notice. Roxie frowned softly as she watched him walk away, as if she wanted to stop him, but she quickly shook her head, frustration returning to her face.

"Fine! Go be a movie star! You won't be a captain for much longer!" Roxie called after him. Then she noticed Callie standing there watching her.

"What are you looking at?" snapped Roxie.

Callie stood there awkwardly. "Er — that guy . . . he's your dad?"

"Yeah, so?" snapped Roxie. "What's it to you?"

"O-oh, well, I mean, m-maybe you should be, erm, I dunno, a bit easier on him?" Callie said gently. "He seemed to really care about what you thought."

Roxie paused, crossing her arms over her chest, sighing in an annoyed manner. "Ugh, yeah, maybe I was a bit harsh on him, but. . . . Oh, I don't know! He's a captain, y'know? He has responsibilities that come before trying to be a movie star!"

"Didn't he say you're a gym leader and in a band?" Callie said

Roxie nodded. "Yeah, that's right — I run the Virbank City Gym."

"Well, I mean, if you can do both, then maybe —"

"No, it's different," she snapped. "My gym is also my stage!"

"W-what do you mean?"

Roxie smirked softly. "How about you swing by tomorrow night? My band and I are playing, and I'll show you what I mean."

Then, she pulled out a folded piece of paper and handed it to Callie. She took it in her hand, shifting Zorua to one arm, and opened the paper. It was a brightly colored flyer with a purple pokémon on it, and the words 'Rock Out With Roxie!' were printed in large, neon yellow letters. Callie looked at Roxie, who was grinning down at her.

"So, will I see you there?" Roxie said.

Callie nodded eagerly. "Y-yeah! I'll be there!"

Roxie smirked, obviously amused. "I like your energy, kid. What's your name?"

"Oh, I-I'm Callie," the young trainer said, smiling lightly.

"Well, Callie, my name is Roxie — can't wait to see you tomorrow night! I'm excited to see what you're made of!"

"Made of? What do you —"

But it was too late. Roxie turned on her heel and took off in the opposite direction, quickly turning a corner and disappearing from sight. Callie watched her go and sighed softly, shaking her head.

"Well, she's definitely something else," she muttered to herself. She was just about to step into the Pokémon Center when the Xtransceiver on her wrist began ringing. Callie paused and looked down at it and saw Bianca was calling her.

Balancing her belongings in her arms, Callie managed to answer the Xtransceiver. Bianca's smiling face appeared on the screen.

"Er — hello?"

"Hi, Callie! It's Bianca! Where are you right now?" Bianca said cheerily.

"We just made it to Virbank City, actually," Callie said with a smile.

"Wow, Virbank City! There's a complex there, right? Have you been there yet?"

"A complex?" Callie echoed. "No, I haven't. Like I said, we just got here."

"Well, you should definitely go if you get the chance! That way it looks at night is really quite nice! And your can also train your pokémon there! Speaking of which, have you caught any pokémon?" Bianca said curiously.

Callie nodded. "I sure have! I caught a Riolu at Floccesy Ranch!"

"A Riolu?" Bianca gasped. "Those are super rare! When did you catch it?"

"This morning, actually," Callie said with a smile. "I saved him from Team Plasma!"

Bianca's face faltered ever so slightly at the mention of Team Plasma's name. "Team Plasma?" She said softly.

Callie raised an eyebrow. "Bianca, do you know Team Plasma?"

Suddenly, Bianca began laughing nervously, forcing a smile. "Hm? O-oh, no, it's nothing! So, did you battle Cheren yet?"

"Cheren?" Callie said, not bothering to point out her obvious attempt to change the subject. "Oh, you mean the gym leader in Aspertia City? No, I'm afraid I didn't get the chance. Wes and Hugh both headed back that way to battle him though!"

"What? You didn't battle Cheren? Are you not planning on collecting badges?" said Bianca.

"Erm, I don't know," Callie said sheepishly. "I mean, the more I think about it, it does sound kind of fun, battling gym leaders and getting stronger, but I don't want to back track all the way to Aspertia City. . . ."

Bianca smiled softly. "Well, do you plan on being in Virbank City for a couple days?"

"Huh? Oh, yeah, I guess so — Wes asked me to wait for him before leaving Virbank City," Callie said.

Bianca nodded. "Perfect! Then I think I may be able to pull a few strings!"

"Pull a few strings?" Callie echoed. "What are you talking about?"

"Oh, you'll see!" sang Bianca. "Well, Callie, I've got to get going! Promise me you'll check out Virbank Complex! Try to go at night!"

"Okay, I'll try," Callie said with a laugh.

"Great! Talk to you soon!"

And with that, Bianca hung up. Callie sighed, shaking her head ever so slightly — Bianca was as energetic as ever, that's for sure. But she couldn't help but wonder why Bianca had gotten so serious when she mentioned Team Plasma. . . .

"That's a question for another day, I guess," Callie muttered to herself.

Putting that thought behind her, Callie stepped through the doors of the Pokémon Center and was immediately greeted by Nurse Joy.

"Welcome to the Pokémon Center!" Nurse Joy said with a smile.

"Nurse Joy!" Callie said excitedly, running to the front desk. "It's so nice to see you! But. . . . Who's watching the Pokémon Center in Aspertia City?"

"Hm?" Nurse Joy said curiously, tilting her head to the side. Then, a look of realization dawned her face and she laughed lightly. "Oh! I see! You must be mistaking me for the Nurse Joy in Aspertia City! She's my second cousin!"

"Second cousin?" Callie said with wide eyes. "But you two are identical!"

Nurse Joy giggled. "Oh, well, you see, all the Nurse Joy's across Unova look alike! See?"

She motioned to a photo sitting on the counter, neatly framed. Callie examined it and nearly dropped Zorua in surprise — sure enough, at least a dozen Nurse Joy's were posed in the photo, each one undistinguishable from the others.

"I-I can't believe it," Callie muttered. "Incredible. . . ."

Nurse Joy nodded. "A lot of people are thrown off by it, don't worry. Now, how can I help you this evening?"

"I was actually just hoping to get a room for the night," said Callie. "We just came from Floccesy Ranch today!"

"Sounds like a fun day," said Nurse Joy with a smile. "It just so happens I have plenty of open rooms — how about I have Audino show you to your room?"

"I would love that!"

Soon enough, Callie had been shown to her room, and she laid Zoro down on the bed, and he stirred ever so slightly before opening his eyes and letting out a large yawn, blinking up at Callie.

"Well hello there, sunshine," Callie said with a giggle. "Someone's been awfully sleepy today."

"Zor. . . ," Zoro groaned as he sniffled another yawn.

"I guess the time travel took a lot out of you, huh?" Callie said, sitting down on the bed beside him. Zoro nodded and sat up some, looking very tired. "Well, I guess I'm not really surprised — I'm pretty exhausted myself. . . . I kind of want to just go to sleep, but I promised Bianca we'd go check out the Virbank Complex. . . . And I don't even know where that is."

"Zor zor. . . ." Zoro muttered, looking rather disinterested in the thought of going on another adventure that day.

"Well, if you want, I guess you could stay here," Callie offered.

Zoro looked at Callie with wide eyes, surprised she'd even suggest such a thing. Callie smiled softly and patted his head.

"Don't worry about me — I have Oshawott and Riolu now! I'll be okay, I promise," Callie said reassuringly. "I don't always need you to protect me, Zoro. I have other pokémon now!"

Zoro's eyes widened briefly and a scowl settled on his face. "Zor, Zorua," Zoro said quietly, obviously upset with what Callie had said.

Callie laughed ever so slightly, shaking her head, oblivious to Zoro's sour attitude. "I promise, I'll be okay, Zorua. You stay here — I want to go check out the city, maybe even stop by the Virbank Complex and look around. Bianca said it's pretty cool at night. I'll swing by before I go and see if you feel up to coming, okay?"

Zoro paused to think about it for amount before giving a soft nod. Callie smiled softly and slid off the bed, grabbing her bag and slinging it over her shoulder.

"Alright, Zoro! I'll be back in a bit," Callie said before walking out of the room and closing the door behind her.

Callie made her way out of the Pokémon Center, waving to Nurse Joy and Audino as she left. She pulled out the town map from her bag and opened it and watched as the screen flickered to life.

"Alright, well, maybe I should do some shopping. . . . I should grab some more potions, maybe some berries if they have any for sale. . . . Oh, great! The PokéMart is only a block away!" Callie said with a smile as she spotted the PokéMart on the town map.

So, following her digital map, Callie made her way through Virbank City on foot, leaving her bike at the Pokémon Center. She made sure to stay out of people's way, but she took in the view of the city as she went — it was a bit dirtier than Aspertia City, graffiti spread sporadically on the walls of the city. Water ways ran all throughout the city, and the smell of sea water lingered in the air, which was something familiar to Callie. She and her mother never left Castelia City due to the fact that Team Plasma made traveling just short of impossible, so whenever they wanted to do something fun, her mother would take her down to the docks of Castelia City and they'd look out over the water, but they weren't allowed in; Team Plasma was afraid people would find pokémon if they got in the water, so swimming was outlawed.

Soon enough, Callie had made her way to the PokéMart and she stepped inside, surprised to find she was the only one in there.

"Hello there," called the elderly man from behind the counter. "Doing some shopping?"

"Mhmm!" Callie replied, walking towards the aisle labeled 'medicine'. "I figured I'd stock up on potions — I just started my journey, so I'm trying to be as prepared as possible!"

"Oh, you're just starting your journey, eh?" said the man, walking out from behind the counter. "Well, let me see. . . . Hm, yes, these are good potions right here, not too terribly expensive. . . . You should probably get some berries too; they come in handy, and they're light weight, so they won't weigh you down."

The man showed her an array of berries, and Callie's eyes widened — she had known of maybe a handful of different berries, but displayed in front of her were nearly two dozen different berries, all varying in shape, size, and color.

"Oh wow," Callie gasped. "There's so many. . . . Do they do different things, or are they all the same?"

The man laughed. "Well, some do have similar benefits, but they're all different. Cherri berries help cure paralysis, Chesto berries cure pokémon put to sleep by a move like Yawn. . . . Oh, here's a Pecha berry, especially helpful when you're dealing with a poisoned pokémon, and then there's a Rawst berry, which can be made into a paste and help with burns. . . ."

"Wow, that's a lot to remember," Callie said as she held a Pecha berry in one hand and a Cheri berry in the other.

"Oh, no worries, I think I have a book behind the counter that lists all the different kind of berries and their benefits. . . . Here, take a couple of these, maybe a few Oran berries. . . . Yes, yes, alright, that should be just fine," said the man, placing an assortment of two dozen berries into a basket. "Now, this should just about cover everything you need. . . . Was there anything else in particular you were looking for?"

Callie smiled. "No, that covers it — thank you so much for all your help!"

"Ah! Of course, I'm happy to help," said the man as he carried the basket to the counter, Callie following him. He began ringing her up, and he reached under the counter and pulled out a small container and a booklet.

"Now, this container here is for your berries," he said, packing the berries into the box. "And this book lists all the different berries you can find in the Unova region."

"Find?" echoed Callie. "They grow wild around here?"

"They sure do," said the man with a nod. "Yes, you can find trees and bushes all around the Unova region with different berries growing on them. This book here should help you figure out what they are and if they're safe for your pokémon."

"Thanks a lot!" Callie said excitedly, taking the book and flipping through the pages before tucking it away. She looked back to the shop owner, who had just finished packing away her berries. "So, how much is everything going to come to?"

"Well, how about you just pay for the potions, hm?" he said, pushing the berries and potions across the counter towards her. "Consider everything else a good luck present from myself."

"W-whoa, you can't be serious!" Callie said with wide eyes, staring at the bounty of berries. "Are you sure?"

"I insist!" said the man with a laugh. "I love seeing trainers come through when they first start their journey! It doesn't happen too often, so when they find their way in here, I make sure to give them a parting gift!"

"I can't thank you enough!" Callie said, tucking everything into her bag and paying for the potions. Once she was situated, she smiled at him. "Well, I suppose I should get going! I wanted to stop by the Virbank Complex and check out what kind of pokémon they have there!"

"Oh, before you go, I have one more thing for you!" said the man, reaching down below.

He pulled out a small tray that held a wide variety of pokéballs — there were pink ones, black ones, blue ones — almost any color imaginable.

"Wow, those are pokéballs?" Callie said with wide eyes. "I've never seen anything like them!"

The man chuckled and nodded. "Yes, they're quite something, aren't they? Why don't you go ahead and pick two — one last gift."

"Oh, I-I can't do that," Callie said. "You've already done so much!"

"Come now, I don't mind!" he said. "I love getting the chance to help trainers out on their journey!"

Callie smiled lightly and nodded. "Okay, well. . . . I'll take this one" — she picked up a pink pokéball that had a white circle on the front with a thin blue line running across the middle — "and. . . . This one looks pretty cool, so I'll take this one —" Callie took a green and black pokéball in the other hand.

"Good choices!" said the shop owner. "That pink one there is a Heal Ball! It restores the caught Pokémon to complete health, so it's helpful if you want to use a newly caught pokémon immediately. The other one is a Dusk Ball. It's an effective pokéball, but it works even better at night, or in dark places like a cave!"

"Wow," Callie said with wide eyes, looking down at the pokéballs in her hands. "This is so cool! Thank you!"

"Just remember to use them wisely!" he said with a smile.

"I will! Of course! Thank you!" Callie said excitedly, clipping the empty pokéballs to her belt and heading for the door. "Thanks again!"

With a fleeting wave, Callie left the PokéMart, heading straight for the Pokémon Center. She wanted to eat dinner and then head to the complex. So, when she returned to the Pokémon Center, she took Zoro, Oshawott, and Riolu to the cafeteria for dinner. The four of them sat at a table together, all of them eating their dinner happily while Callie talked about their plans for after dinner.

"Alright, so I'm thinking we'll go to the Virbank Complex after dinner! How does that sound to you guys?" Callie said with a smile. "We can go train and get stronger! It'll be a lot of fun!"

"Osha!"

"Ri-ri!"

"I can't wait, you guys!" Callie said to Oshawott and Riolu. "We're gonna get so strong! I can't believe how lucky I am to have pokémon like you. . . . I never thought this would happen to me, not in a million years. Isn't this cool, Zoro?"

"Zor. . . ."

"Oshawott!"

"Rio!"

Oshawott and Riolu seemed to agree, but Zoro appeared as if he didn't care whether or not Oshawott and Riolu were there. Callie stopped eating and looked at him with a raised eyebrow.

"Zoro? What's wrong?" Callie said softly.

Zoro narrowed his eyes at Callie but said nothing, just taking a begrudgingly bite out of his food. Callie frowned.

"Zoro, come on, something's bothering you, what is it?" Callie pressed.

Zoro growled lowly at Callie. "Zor! Zoro! Zor! Zorua!"

Zoro looked very upset and he suddenly stood from the table and took off, heading for the doors of the Pokémon Center. As he neared them, a trainer was walking into the center and the doors opened, allowing Zoro to run straight through them, into the streets of Virbank City.

"What — Zoro! Where are you going?" Callie exclaimed, jumping from her seat to follow after him, Oshawott and Riolu right behind her. However, when she made it to the door, she saw no trace of Zoro. Her eyes widened and her breath caught in her throat and she whipped around.

"Oshawott! Riolu! We have to find Zoro!" Callie said quickly to her two pokémon. "Why would he have done something like this?"

"Well, I can probably tell you," said a voice. Callie paused and looked up and saw Nurse Joy watching her with a concerned expression.

"Nurse Joy, what do you mean?" Callie said, walking over to the counter. "Why was Zoro so upset?"

"Well, it seems to me that your Zorua is jealous of your pokémon," said Nurse Joy.

Callie's eyes widened. "Jealous? But why would Zoro be jealous?"

"Well, you're a new trainer, right? Was Zorua your first pokémon?" Nurse Joy said.

Callie shook her head. "Er — no, Zoro is just my friend. Oshawott here is my first pokémon — I just got him a few days ago, and I just caught Riolu this morning."

"Zorua isn't your pokémon? Well, how long have you two been friends?" said Nurse Joy.

"Well, almost as long as I can remember," muttered Callie, thinking back to the first time she met Zoro.

She was in elementary school, only seven years old. It was her first time walking home from school by herself, after months of trying to convince her mother that she was a big girl, she could make it home without her mom there to hold her hand. So, after school, she set off on her way home, but soon found herself terribly lost on the bad side of the city. It was getting late and Callie was growing very scared, and she soon found herself sitting on the sidewalk, crying into her hands.

Then, suddenly, someone tapped her shoulder, and she looked up and saw a boy standing there, looking down at her. He was older then her, though he wasn't too much taller than her, and he had short black hair. He had a slender frame, which looked even thinner due to the baggy clothes he wore. The boy looked down at Callie, smiling softly, and knelt down, wiping the tears off her face.

Callie sniffled and whimpered, pulling away from him. The boy frowned slightly, tilting his head to the side.

"Zor?"

"M-mommy says I'm not supposed to be 'round strangers," she said, trying to get up.

The boy smiled and shook his head. Callie paused.

"You're a stranger though," she said. "I can't be 'round you. I gotta go home."

Callie stood up, looking around. "Gotta go home," she muttered to herself, forgetting the boy was still standing there. "But. . . . Where's home?"

Tears brimmed her eyes again as she stood there, unsure of where to go.

"Zoro."

Callie stopped and looked back at the boy, who was smiling sweetly at her.

"W-what'd you say?" Callie whispered.

"Zoro."

"Zoro?" Callie echoed. "What's that? Your name?"

The boy nodded eagerly and repeated, "Zoro!"

Callie smiled ever so slightly and giggled. "Zoro? Well, I-I'm Callie, Zoro!"

"Zoro!"

Callie laughed again, her tears vanishing. "That's a funny name, Zoro!" Then she stopped and her eyes widened. "Wait a minute! I know your name! You're Zoro! That means you're not a stranger anymore, right?"

"Zor! Zor!" Zoro said, nodding eagerly.

"Well, Zoro, then maybe you can help. I-I'm lost, and I can't find my way home," Callie said softly. "I want to get home though, because my mommy is probably really worried about me by now. So. . . . Can you help me get home?"

Zoro smiled softly and nodded, holding his hand out to Callie. "Zor!"

Callie laughed happily and took his hand, holding on to it tightly, and she and Zoro began their way to her house. It didn't take Zoro long to figure out where Callie lived — she explained different landmarks and things by her house, and in no time, she was standing on her street, her house in sight. From the end of the street, they could see her mother pacing on the front porch, obviously worried that she wasn't home yet.

"That's my house!" Callie cried. "That's my mommy! Oh, thank you, Zoro!"

Callie threw her arms around the boy's waist, and Zoro smiled, patting her head.

"Thank you so much, Zoro! Do you wanna come meet my mom?" Callie said curiously.

Zoro shook his head and motioned for Callie to hurry home. She detached herself from his waist and watched as the boy turned and began to walk away. As he turned, she noticed a fluffy tail sticking out from under his shirt. Her eyes widened and she watched, mesmerized, as he walked away. However, before he could turn the corner, Callie had a request.

"Wait! Zoro!" Callie called out, running after him.

Before he could turn towards her, Callie reached out and seized his tail. The moment her tiny fingers locked around the fur of his tail, the boy suddenly curled in a ball and was surrounded by a bright pink light. Callie instantly released her grasp on him and stumbled backwards, tripping over her feet and falling backwards. She sat there on the ground, dazed and confused, and watched as the light faded. Zoro was no longer there, and standing there in his place was a small, slate grey, fox-like pokémon.

"Z-Zoro?" Callie gasped.

Zoro stared at Callie with wide eyes and slowly nodded.

"A-are you a . . . pokémon?" Callie whispered.

Zoro nodded.

Callie sat there, shocked — she knew that being around pokémon was bad, her mother told her that, and that's what they taught her in school. If she ever spotted a pokémon, she was supposed to report it, and Team Plasma would come get it. But for some reason, she didn't want to report Zoro to Team Plasma. He had helped her after all. . . .

Callie suddenly smiled and reached out, petting Zoro's head. "I-I just wanted to say thank you, Zoro, and I wanted to know. . . . Can you walk me home tomorrow, too?"

Zoro's face brightened and he smiled, nodding eagerly, and Callie giggled, getting to her feet.

"Yay! I can't wait!" Callie exclaimed.

Zoro turned into a spinning pink ball again, and suddenly, the same boy from earlier was standing there, smiling at her. He helped her to her feet and Callie laughed, waving goodbye before she headed towards her home.

"I'll see you tomorrow, Zoro!" Callie called over her shoulder before running home.

The moment she stepped into her yard, her mother looked up, her eyes wide and face creased with worry.

"Oh! Callie! There you are!" her mother cried, running towards her. She scooped her daughter up in her arms. "Oh, where have you been?"

"I was with my friend Zoro, mommy! I'm sorry I worried you," Callie said softly. "It won't happen again."

"Oh, I should hope not," her mother scolded. Then, her face softened and she smiled, holding her daughter close. "Oh. . . . I'm just glad you're home. . . ."

Callie shook her head, her thoughts lingering. That had been the start of her friendship with Zoro. Since that day, he had always been there for Callie when she really needed him. . . . She blinked quickly and looked up, focusing back on Nurse Joy.

"Zoro's always been there for me, he's always taken care of me," she muttered quietly. She thought back to the conversation she had with him earlier, right before she left for the PokéMart.

'I don't always need you to protect me, Zoro. I have other pokémon now!'

Callie's eyes widened. "Oh no. . . . Nurse Joy, I think you're right. . . . Not only is he jealous, but I think I really hurt his feelings! I have to find him!"

She looked back to Riolu and Oshawott, who were staring up at her with wide eyes.

"Oshawott, Riolu, we've got to find Zoro! Can either of you pick up in his scent?"

Oshawott sniffed the air but shook his head, his nose not strong enough to pick up on Zoro's scent. However, instead of sniffing the air, Riolu closed his eyes, and suddenly, the appendages on his head rose in the air as his face scrunched up, as if he were focusing very hard.

"Riolu? What are you doing?" Callie muttered.

"It looks like Riolu is trying to pick up on Zoro's aura!" Nurse Joy said.

Callie's eyes widened. "Zoro's . . . aura?"

Nurse Joy nodded. "Riolu can communicate through auras, and, if it's strong enough, it can even sense another pokémon's or person's aura and track them down. You must have a very tough Riolu if it's able to do that."

Callie looked from Nurse Joy to Riolu and watched as the appendages on its head suddenly fell and his eyes shot open.

"Ri! Riolu!"

"I think your Riolu locked on to Zorua's aura," said Nurse Joy.

Callie nodded and looked at Riolu.

"Alright, Riolu, lead the way! We need to find Zoro," Callie said.

Riolu nodded and headed towards the door, and Oshawott jumped onto Callie's shoulder as she followed after the fighting-type pokémon. The three of them left the Pokémon Center and headed south, narrowly avoiding other passerby's as they went. Riolu would close his eyes occasionally, as if trying to zero in on Zoro's aura, but he continued to run, moving like he could see where he was going even with his eyes shut.

"Zoro," Callie muttered to herself as she ran. "I'm so sorry. . . ."

Riolu led them south, but they soon came to a sudden halt outside a set of wrought iron gates. Callie looked up at the sign that hung above the gates and saw it read 'Virbank Complex'. The gates were open, and beyond them looked to be a construction site.

"This is the Virbank Complex, huh?" Callie muttered. She looked at Riolu, who stared back at her. "Riolu, are you sure Zoro is in there?"

"Ri!" Riolu said with a stiff nod.

Callie nodded and straightened her shoulders.

"Alright, well, let's go; we've got to find him," she muttered, and they pressed forward.

Inside the gates, Callie caught a glimpse of a few construction workers, none of which paid her any attention. They were all talking wildly to one another and making quite a commotion.

"I wonder what has them all worked up," she muttered to herself.

"Just some wild pokémon," growled someone behind her. "What are you doing here, kid?"

Callie jumped, slightly startled, and she quickly turned around and saw a middle aged man standing there, looking rather fed up.

"I-I'm sorry," Callie said quickly. "I-I was told this place was open to the public."

The man let out a low chuckle. "You're right about that, it is. That's why I asked what you were doing here? Training?"

"Looking for a friend, actually," Callie muttered. "Why?"

"Well, I saw your pokémon there and was hoping you were a pokémon trainer," he sighed.

"O-oh, I am," Callie said.

"Really? Then, how about doing me a favor," said the man.

"A favor?" Callie echoed. "Like what?"

"Well, you see, I'm the project manager over here, and those guys over there, the rowdy ones? Those are my workers. Well, they've all been battling this wild Growlithe, taking turns beating it up, and they won't work. I was hoping maybe you could battle them and win, and then maybe they'd get back to work."

"They're all teaming up on one pokémon?" Callie said, looking over her shoulder — there were three men over there. . . . "Is that really fair?"

"It's none of my business if it's fair or not," said the man. "Besides, if Growlithe didn't want to battle, it would run away, but the damn thing is stubborn, it won't stop battling."

Callie frowned. "That can't be good for the Growlithe. . . . You said you want me to battle the three of them over there?"

"Mhmm," said the man with a nod. "Just battle them and win, and I'll have something nice for ya' — for your troubles."

Callie nodded half heartedly, not particularly worried about getting anything in return; she was more worried about this Growlithe. Oshawott jumped off Callie's shoulder and joined Riolu on the ground, and she looked down at the two of them.

"Well, you two, let's go make sure that Growlithe is okay, and then we'll find Zoro, okay?" Callie said.

The two pokémon nodded and they quickly ran over to the group of men.

"Alright, guys, your boss over there says it's time for you to get back to work," Callie said.

The three men stopped talking and they turned to face her, and she saw three pokémon accompanying the men, none of which she recognized. However, she looked past them, and it was then that she got a glimpse of the pokémon they were battling — their boss had called it a Growlithe. It was a canine-like pokémon, and it was bright orange with black stripes, and a cream colored tail and chest. The Growlithe stood before them, obviously in no condition to battle; it was beaten and battered, gashes all over its body. It looked completely worn out, pushed way beyond its limit, and yet it was standing there, shaking from pain and exhaustion, willing to continue to battle.

"What do you want, you little squirt?" snapped one man.

However, Callie said nothing and she pushed through them, running to the Growlithe.

"How could you do such a thing to this pokémon?" Callie exclaimed, kneeling in front of the Growlithe.

However, the Growlithe glared at Callie, growling lowly and snapping at her. Callie quickly pulled away from it, her eyes wide.

"B-but, Growlithe, you're in no condition to fight. . . ," She muttered.

One of them men laughed behind her. "Don't you see? This dumb Growlithe doesn't know when to quit! So, if it wants to battle and lose, then so be it! We have no problem beating a wimpy pokémon like that!"

Callie glared at the three men and their pokémon and stood up, putting herself between them and Growlithe.

"Well, I was going to just tell you your boss wanted you to get back to work, but I guess I'll have to teach you three a lesson for treating a pokémon like this," Callie growled, a sudden anger sparking inside her — how could anyone do this to a pokémon?

"Ha! You think your puny Oshawott and Riolu stand a chance against our three pokémon?" laughed one of the men.

Callie held her breath — she was definitely out numbered, for sure, but maybe they had a chance. She reached for her bag, hoping to grab for her pokédex so she could learn about the pokémon in front of her, but she quickly realized she didn't bring her bag; in her hurry to go after Zoro, she left her bag at the table.

"Oh no, I don't have my PokéDex," she muttered. "I-I don't know those pokémon!"

The three men all laughed wildly. One of them, the largest of the group, was able to choke out a few words.

"Oh man, you want to battle us and you don't even know what pokémon we've got?" he laughed. "Well, girly, my name is Mitchell, and this here is my Elekid!"

He motioned to a yellow, round-bodied Pokémon with black stripes. Its arms were bulky in proportion to its body, and it had three claws but no fingers. There were two horns onto of its head, which resembled the prongs of a plug, complete with holes in their sides.

"My name is Nathan!" said one of the other men. "And this is my Magby!"

The pokémon he pointed to was a bipedal Pokémon that had a red body with a yellow, flame-shaped marking on its stomach. Its head was covered with large lumps, and it had a rounded, yellow beak.

"And I'm Isaac, and this is my buddy, Koffing!" said the last man.

The last pokémon was the same pokémon that had been on the flyer Roxie had handed her earlier that day outside of the Pokémon Center. It was a spherical Pokémon with vacant eyes and a wide mouth, and below its face was a cream-colored skull-and-crossbones marking, which contrasted against its purple body.

"I see," Callie muttered, looking at the three pokémon before her. If she had to guess, Elekid was probably an electric type, Magby looked to be a fire-type, and Koffing was perhaps a. . . . Poison-type? Unfortunately for her though, she didn't know any of Elekid's or Koffing's weakness, and she didn't have Dexter to help her out with this battle.

"Well, Riolu, Oshawott, it looks like it's just us for this battle," she muttered, stealing a glance back at Growlithe, who glared sharply up at her. "We've got to protect this Growlithe, okay?"

"Osh!"

"Ri-ri!"

"Sorry little girl, but you're way out of your league," laughed Nathan. "Magby, use Flamethrower!"

"Oshawott, counter it with Water Gun!" Callie called.

Magby's chest swelled as it took a deep breath before releasing a great Flamethrower. However, Oshawott was fast and he let forth a powerful Water Gun attack, and the two moves met, creating a large burst of steam as both moves began to fizzle out. Magby's Flamethrower attack died down, obviously tired from all the battling it had previously done with Growlithe. However, Oshawott was rested and ready to go, and his Water Gun attack shot through the cloud of steam and hit Magby head on, sending it flying backward. Magby crashed into the ground before its trainer, unconscious.

"Hey, no fair!" yelled Nathan, kneeling beside his Magby. "It's still tired from battling Growlithe!"

"Good job, Oshawott!" Callie cheered.

"Ha, you won't be cheering for long," sneered Mitchell. "Elekid, use Thunder on Oshawott!"

"Koffing, Sludge Bomb!" called Issac.

"Oshawott, watch out!" Callie called out.

However, the pokémon were too fast, and before Oshawott could even move, Elekid's Thunder attack hit him head on, and Oshawott cried out, flying backwards as the electric attack faded. Koffing's Sludge Bomb attack was nearing the defenseless water-type, and Callie was panicking.

"Er — Riolu, you've got to stop the Sludge Bomb! Protect Oshawott!" Callie cried.

"Ri!"

Riolu jumped backwards, snatching up Oshawott, watching the large glob of brown sludge coming near them. Suddenly, his eyes began glowing green, and he jumped to the side, easily dodging the attack.

"Ri-Riolu?" Callie gasped, watching his eyes.

"Er — Koffing! Keep up the Sludge Bomb!" Issac directed.

Koffing began letting out consecutive Sludge Bombs, aiming straight at Riolu and Oshawott, but Riolu continued to watch each attack with his glowing green eyes, easily dodging the attacks. However, after dodging nearly a dozen of the Sludge Bombs, the green glow in Riolu's eyes faded and he stood there, stunned, staring blankly into space while another Sludge Bomb came barreling towards them.

"Riolu? What's happening? Move!" Callie called out.

However, it was as if Riolu was in a trance, and the Sludge Bomb hit him and Oshawott point blank, and it exploded on impact.

"No! Riolu! Oshawott!" Callie shouted.

"Ha! Looks like your Riolu's Detect just couldn't hold up against my Koffing!" Issac laughed.

"Riolu! Oshawott, are you okay?" Callie said, watching the smoke clear. Riolu was on the ground, pushing himself up, but Oshawott laid there, knocked out, unable to battle.

"Oh, Oshawott," Callie whispered, pulling out his pokéball. "Return, Oshawott!"

Oshawott was returned to his pokéball, and Callie looked at the capsule, forcing a smile. "You did great out there, Oshawott. You deserve a nice long rest."

Then, straightening her shoulders, Callie looked to Riolu, who was standing and ready for battle, awaiting direction.

"Alright, Riolu, it's just you and me now," Callie said.

She glanced behind her to see how Growlithe was holding up, and she saw it was watching the battle with great interest, and it even looked a bit impressed. However, when it saw her gaze, Growlithe glared up at her, snarling lowly.

Callie sighed and faced the front, staring down Issac and Mitchell. "Alright, you two, you've done it now. Riolu and I are gonna win this, for Oshawott and for Growlithe! Isn't that right, Riolu?"

"Ri-ri!" Riolu said with a nod.

"You're just as stubborn as that Growlithe!" laughed Mitchell. "And you're gonna go down just as easy! Elekid, give 'em another Thunder!"

"Riolu! Use Detect!" Callie called out.

Elekid ramped up another Thunder attack, this one seemingly more powerful than the last, and shot it directly at Riolu. However, Riolu was ready, his eyes glowing green again, and he did a back flip, easily dodging the attack.

"Again, Elekid!" growled Mitchell.

"Keep it up, Riolu!" Callie directed.

"Koffing, give Elekid a hand — try Sludge Bomb again!" Issac said.

It was like watching some kind of carefully choreographed dance; Riolu flipped, spun, and jumped flawlessly around the field, green eyes glowing, dodging each attack perfectly. It was apparent it was taking a toll o Koffing and Elekid, who continued to attack, quickly growing weary as they tried, but failed, to land a hit on Riolu.

"Come on," Mitchell sneered. "Er. . . . Elekid! Thunder Punch!"

"Ele!"

Elekid's Thunder attack suddenly stopped and he leapt into the air, high above Riolu, whose back was turned to it as he dodged yet another Sludge Bomb.

"Riolu! Watch out! Behind you!" Callie cried.

Riolu froze, the green glow fading once again, leaving Riolu in the same trance-like state as before. He didn't look over his shoulder as Elekid came down on him, its fist crackling with electricity.

"Riolu! Snap out of it!" Callie shouted. "Come on! Get out of there!"

"Ri?" Riolu said, shaking his head and snapping itself out of whatever trance he was in.

He suddenly looked up and saw that Elekid was close. Elekid reared its fist back, ready to strike Riolu, but Riolu jumped backwards quickly and suddenly dove straight towards the ground, headfirst, and disappeared in a cloud of dust. Elekid's fist struck the ground, causing a small explosion and sending Elekid skidding backwards, and it struggled to see through the dirt and dust.

"Riolu?" Callie said, peering around. "Where are you?"

The dust settled and the field cleared, there was a large hole in the ground, right where Riolu had disappeared.

"Riolu used. . . . Dig?" Callie whispered. "Wow. . . . Awesome!"

"So you thought!" Mitchell said with a smile. "Elekid, use Thunder on that hole and draw Riolu out!"

"Elekid!"

"Help it out, Koffing! Use Smog!" Issac called.

"Riolu! Quick! Use Dig and take out Koffing!" Callie exclaimed — if she could make this a one-on-one battle, they had a better chance.

Elekid released a Thunder attack into the hole just as Riolu erupted from the ground right beneath Koffing, hitting it head on. Koffing was sent flying backwards and crashing into the ground, knocked out.

"Erg! That was super effective," growled Issac, returning his Koffing. "Ground-type moves are always strong against Poison-types. . . ."

"Great job, Riolu!" Callie called out.

"Ah, but it's not over yet," said Mitchell with a smirk.

Callie's eyes widened. "Wha —"

Before she could do anything, she watched Elekid's Thunder attack come shooting out of the hole Riolu had just emerged from, consuming Riolu with a powerful electric attack.

"Ri!" Riolu cried out.

"No! Riolu!" Callie yelled, horrified.

She watched as Riolu collapsed to the ground, knocked out. Callie grabbed his pokéball.

"Riolu, return!" Callie called, returning the small fighting-type. She looked down at the pokéball on her belt. "You did an amazing job, Riolu, thank you."

She looked back to Mitchell, who stood there, smiling triumphantly at her, his Elekid crossing its arms over its chest.

"Well, come on, send out your next pokémon," said Mitchell. "I love beating up bratty kids like you!"

"I don't have anymore pokémon," said Callie. "But look, you had your battle, so why don't you all just go back to work?"

Mitchell shook his head. "I'm afraid not! That battle just got me and Elekid warmed up! But if you don't have anymore pokémon, I suppose I'll just have to battle that Growlithe again!"

"What?" Callie said, her eyes wide.

She looked back at Growlithe and saw it was now focused on Elekid, narrowing its eyes and smirking ever so slightly. Growlithe took a trembling step forward, trying to walk towards Elekid, but its knee gave way and it fell forward, unable to stand.

"Growlithe!" Callie gasped, kneeling down beside it. She attempted to place a hand on it, but Growlithe growled and snapped at her hand. Callie quickly withdrew her hand, her eyes wide.

"But. . . . Growlithe. . . . Why?" Callie whispered.

"Ha! What a dumb pokémon!" laughed Mitchell. "Come on, Elekid! Thunder!"

"Ele!"

Elekid jumped into the air and summoned a large amount of electricity before directing it towards Growlithe.

"No!" Callie cried out, running forward and throwing herself in front of Growlithe. "I won't let you hurt Growlithe!"

"Argh — kid, move!" shouted Mitchell, his eyes wide.

Callie watched, frozen in fear — why did she think this was a good idea? She couldn't stand up to a Thunder attack! But. . . . There was no way she could have sat there and watched them hurt Growlithe anymore. . . .

"Zoro!"

Callie felt a sudden weight on her shoulder, and she turned her head just in time to catch a glimpse of a familiar slate-grey fox launching itself off her shoulder into the air space before her. A brilliant green shield appeared, and Callie watched as Elekid's Thunder attack hit the shield and immediately was reflected, unable to break through the defense.

"Zoro!" Callie exclaimed, a smile spreading across her face. "You came back!"

The Thunder attack subsided and Zoro's Protect faded, and the small pokémon landed on the ground. He glanced over his shoulder, smiling ever so slightly, and gave Callie a stiff nod.

"Zor!"

Callie's heart felt suddenly warm, and she felt her eyes brim with tears. "Oh, Zoro. . . . Thank you!"

"Ha! So you do have another pokémon!" exclaimed Mitchell. "A puny little Zorua for a puny little girl, how fitting! Elekid, take it out with Thunder Punch!"

"Zoro! Teach 'em a lesson!" Callie said with a determined smile. Zoro smirked and nodded, turning his attention to Elekid.

"Night Daze!"

Zorua's eyes began glowing light blue, and he reared back on his hind legs. His body became surrounded in a crimson aura, and Zoro then brought his paws down to the ground, and a pink and crimson forcefield of energy appeared around his body and shot forward, hitting Elekid with full force. Elekid let out a cry and flew backwards, crashing into the wall of a nearby shed. Elekid fell to the ground, slumped over, easily defeated by Zoro's Night Daze.

"W-what?" Mitchell stammered, returning his Elekid. "H-how? S-so powerful!"

"Now, how about you three get to work and stop bullying the poor pokémon around here? Or else Zoro and I will be back to teach you a lesson!" growled Callie.

"Guys, I think we oughta get out of here and get back to work," said Nathan with wide eyes.

"Uh, yeah, I second that," said Issac.

"Stop yapping and start running!" exclaimed Mitchell, and the three men scrambled out of there, tails between their legs.

Callie smiled as she watched them go, waiting for them to disappear before cheering.

"Oh, we did it, Zoro! Thank you!" Callie exclaimed, bending down and scooping the small fox-like pokémon up in her arms. "You were so amazing, Zoro! I can't believe it, and —"

However, Callie froze, and she frowned, holding Zoro out in front of her so they could look each other in the face.

"Zoro, I wanted to say I'm sorry," Callie said softly. Zoro's eyes widened. "I-I haven't been a very good friend, a-and I said some really mean, thoughtless things earlier. The truth is. . . . I'm always going to need you, Zoro, no matter how many pokémon I have. You've always been there to take care of me, and I shouldn't have said I don't need you anymore."

"Zor," Zoro said softly, his eyes glistening with tears.

Callie felt her own eyes beginning to sting. "I-I'm so sorry, Zoro. Please. . . . Never run away like that ever again! I was s-so scared I'd never see you again!"

At this point, she was full on crying, and she pulled Zoro into a hug. Zoro nuzzled into her neck, trying not to cry.

"I-I hope you can forgive me," Callie whimpered.

"Zor, zorua!" Zoro muttered.

"Oh, Zoro," Callie sighed, relieved. "I promise, I'll be a much better friend, okay?"

"Grooooow. . . ."

The groaning beside them reminded Callie about the problem at hand — Growlithe. She and Zoro quickly parted, the small pokémon resting on her shoulder, and she knelt down beside Growlithe. It was struggling to stand up, but it was apparent it was in no condition to do so, and Growlithe keeled over, unconscious, its breathing shallow.

"Oh no," Callie whispered. "We've got to get it to the Pokémon Center! I guess I'll have to carry it."

Callie wrapped her arms around Growlithe and attempted to lift it, managing to get Growlithe in her arms. However, she was only able to make it a few steps before she had to stop, legs and arms trembling — Growlithe was so heavy, there was no way she'd make it very far with him, and she definitely couldn't get to the Pokémon Center in a timely manner. She carefully laid Growlithe on the ground, frowning as she went over her options.

"It's no good, I'll have to just heal him here on the spot," muttered Callie. "I can use that medicine Alder gave me, that should do the trick!"

Callie reached for her bag and immediately cursed under her breath.

"That's right, I left my bag at the Pokémon Center. . . . Zoro, what are we going to do?" Callie said, her face creased with worry.

They didn't have much time. Growlithe was in a lot of trouble, and if she didn't get him help soon, she didn't want to even think about what was going to happen. There had to be something she could do. . . .

'That pink one there is a Heal Ball! It restores the caught Pokémon to complete health.'

Her eyes widened as she recalled what the store owner had told her earlier — the Heal Ball! Callie reached for her belt and grabbed the pink pokéball off her belt. She clicked the blue button in the middle of the capsule and it grew to full size in her hand. She looked down at Growlithe, who was straining to look up at Callie.

"Growlithe. . . . I'm sorry, but. . . . I've got to catch you in this Heal Ball," Callie said. Growlithe's eyes widened and it shook its head, growling lowly. Callie frowned. "I-I don't have a choice, Growlithe. I can't carry you to the Pokémon Center, and I don't have my bag. I can't just leave you here! But, if I catch you in this Heal Ball, you'll be okay. You'll be restored to full health. And. . . . And if you want, I'll let you go after I catch you. Just, please. . . . Let me help you!"

Growlithe stared at Callie, as if contemplating his options. Then, realizing there was no other choice, Growlithe gave a reluctant nod. Callie smiled gently.

"I promise. . . . I just want to help you," Callie whispered. "Now. . . . Heal Ball . . . go."

She gently pressed the Heal Ball against Growlithe's nose. The Heal Ball opened up, and Growlithe was consumed by a hot pink light. Then, Growlithe disappeared into the capsule and it shut itself, and began wiggling back and forth in Callie's hand, the blue button on the capsule flashing white. Then, the ball settled, and the flashing stopped.

Callie smiled softly at the capsule, letting out a sigh of relief.

"Good," she said quietly. "We did it. . . ."

She looked to Zoro, who gave her a nod of encouragement, and Callie held the Heal Ball out in front of her.

"Growlithe, come on out!"

In a flash of hot pink light, Growlithe appeared before Callie, completely unscathed, standing tall before her.

"Growlithe, you're okay," Callie said with a smile, kneeling down in front of Growlithe. The canine-like pokémon stiffened some as she got close, as if it wasn't sure if it would attack her or not, but then Growlithe gave her a small nod.

"Well, I'm glad; you had me worried," Callie said. She then stood up, looking down at Growlithe. "So, I guess you probably want to stay here, huh?"

Growlithe said nothing, nor did he make any movements, so Callie assumed that meant it was staying.

She nodded, chuckling softly, "Okay, well, if you're staying here, you've got to promise to take care of yourself, alright? I can't be sure I'll be here to protect you next time; not that you really need protection. You did a good job of holding your own back there."

Growlithe stared up at her, its eyes wide, and it gave a very subtle nod. Callie smiled and looked down at the Heal Ball in her hand. She was hoping to get to save the pokéball for a pokémon that would be a permanent part of her team, but she knew that this was a good use of the Heal Ball. . . . She then looked back to Growlithe, who was still watching Callie carefully, and she giggled, shaking her head, and placed the Heal Ball on the ground in front of Growlithe.

"I want you to keep this, Growlithe," Callie said with a smile. "Just a little something to remember me by, okay?"

"Growl?" Growlithe said curiously, staring at her with wide eyes.

Callie straightened up and frowned softly, thinking back to her Oshawott and Riolu. . . . They definitely needed to go to the Pokémon Center.

"Well, come on, Zoro," Callie said. "We've got to get Oshawott and Riolu to the Pokémon Center so Nurse Joy can take a look at them!"

She began to walk away, giving Growlithe a fleeting look over her shoulder.

"Take care of yourself, Growlithe," Callie called.

Growlithe sat there, silently stunned as it watched Callie and Zoro walk towards the exit of the complex. It stole a glance at the Heal Ball in front of it and then looked back up to watch Callie go, but by the time it did, she was gone.