Chapter Seven
The next morning Callie woke up, and she could feel she was laying next to something very warm. Her eyes slowly opened and she saw that she was laying right next to Wes, who was still sleeping. Apparently, at some point during the night, she had moved her way from the end of the bed to right beside Wes. Callie's eyes immediately widened and she let out a small yelp as she scrambled away from him, quickly crawling to the end of the bed where Zoro was fast asleep. Woken by her sudden movements, Zoro lazily lifted his head and blinked slowly, looking at Callie with a curious expression. However, when he saw her flustered appearance and her wide eyes set on Wes, he quickly connected the dots and sniggered to himself.
"Oh, shut up, Zoro," Callie whispered, her cheeks still a deep shade of scarlet. "It's not funny."
"Mmm. . . . Callie?"
Callie and Zoro looked away from each other and towards Wes, who apparently had just woken up, looking very confused as he peered down at the end of the bed towards the two of them.
"What are you two doing in my room?" Wes muttered, rubbing his eyes.
"Erm — this is my room, Wes," Callie said quietly.
"Your room?" Wes muttered. He slowly sat up and brushed some of his hair from his face, still looking dazed. "Y'know, it's weird, I had a dream I came to your room last night — after we had gotten back from your gym battle. I found this paper you had written, and then you told me you and Zoro were from the future, and that in your time, I'm dead. . . . How crazy is that?"
Wes chuckled lightly to himself and looked towards Callie to see her expression, but he suddenly stopped laughing when he saw her bite her lip nervously and shake her head.
"That . . . wasn't a dream," Callie said.
Wes stared at her for a second. "That wasn't a dream? So, everything that I thought I dreamed actually . . . happened?"
Callie nodded. "You found a report I'd written for my history class," she said as she got off the bed. Callie walked over to the bedside table and grabbed the paper off it, holding it out to Wes, who took the paper from her and began to read it over. "You, uh, didn't take the news so great, and kind of freaked out. And then you, uh — well, you fainted."
Wes said nothing as he read over the paper, memories of the night before coming back to him. Once he finished the paper he looked up at Callie, his face solemn.
"I. . . . I remember," Wes said softly. He frowned, shaking his head. "I. . . . I don't understand though. People don't just time travel, Callie."
"I know people don't, but Celebi can," Callie said. "And Celebi brought Zoro and I here to stop Team Plasma."
Wes shook his head. "No, no, it just. . . . It's not possible. I wish I could believe you, Callie, but it's just too crazy. I mean, Celebi? The legendary pokémon? It doesn't make sense."
"I'm not lying, Wes, you've got to believe me," Callie pleaded.
"Then prove it. Prove to me you're not just crazy," Wes snapped.
Callie wanted to pull her hair out — how could she prove something like that? However, then she remembered her history book, which she had tucked safely away into her bag. She quickly retrieved it and began flipping through the pages, trying to find the chapter about Wes.
"Isn't that the text book you said was a misprint?" Wes said curiously as he watched her.
"Er — yeah. I lied about that," Callie said simply, not bothering to look up at him. Once she found the chapter, she held the book out to him, scowling ever so slightly, and said, "Read."
Wes gave her an odd look but took the book and began scanning over the text. Callie watched as several expressions came across Wes's face — surely he hadn't been expecting to read about himself in a history book. However, he only made it through a few paragraphs before he snapped the book shut and looked up at Callie, his brows furrowed.
"This . . . is all about me," Wes muttered. "It's things that have already happened, and things that haven't yet. . . . I beat the Nimbasa City Gym?"
Callie nodded. "You do a lot more than just that, Wes. In my time, you're famous."
"Famous?" Wes echoed. He let out a dry laugh, shaking his head. "That may be so, but I'm also dead in your time."
Callie frowned and Wes stood, shaking his head. "I can't believe it. . . . Within the next year, I. . . . I'm going to die."
"Don't say that," Callie said softly. "You don't know that."
"Don't know that?" Wes snapped, his voice rising. "You just said so yourself that I'm dead in your time! I'm going to die, Callie! My days are numbered!"
Callie opened her mouth to say something, but no words came out. Instead, Wes continued.
"I'm only nineteen! I don't want to die! There's so much I want to do," he said, obviously beginning to panic.
"You have to calm down," Callie said quickly. "Take a deep breath, please, Wes. I need you to keep a leveled head."
Wes took a deep, steady breath, managing to calm himself. When he spoke though, he voice was still wavering. "So. . . . You're tell me that if I keep trying to be a pokémon trainer . . . I'll die?"
Callie frowned — this definitely wasn't a conversation she had planned on having.
"Erm, well I guess that's one way of putting it," Callie said gently.
Wes sighed heavily and pushed himself off the bed, standing on his feet. "Well, then I guess that settles it. I'm going to call it quits."
"What?" Callie said incredulously.
Wes shrugged. "I don't want to die, Callie. So, if that means I have to find some other path aside from being a trainer, then I will. I'm sure being a breeder would be pretty safe. . . . Some regions have coordinators. . . . Hm. . . . Maybe photography, like Mom, she'd love that. . . ."
As Wes stood there, rambling on about the other potential career paths, Callie stood across from him, fists clenched and body trembling — the mighty Weston Gates stood before her, ready to give up on his dreams of being a pokémon master. . . . He was the only one that stood up to Team Plasma before. He had been their only hope. And now he was running away?
"I could try to be a pokémon ranger, but I guess that's just as dangerous," Wes continued to mutter.
"Er — shut up!" Callie finally shouted. Wes jumped, startled by Callie's outburst. "Just — shut up, okay? I don't want to hear you say that!"
"W-what?" Wes stammered.
"You can't just run and hide," Callie snapped. "In my time, you're the only one who stood up to Team Plasma! Without you, that just leaves —"
"You, Callie! That just leaves you!" Wes snapped, narrowing his eyes at her. "You don't have to worry about getting hurt. If what you're saying is true, which it apparently is, you have Celebi, the legendary pokémon, watching over you! Nothing bad can happen to you, because you have someone to protect you! But who do I have, Callie? Huh? Who's going to protect me?"
Wes's face faltered, and his angry scowl turned into a frown. Callie caught a glimpse of his teary eyes, but Wes hastily looked away from her. Callie paused, her heart wrenching — of course, how did she not realize it sooner? She couldn't fault him for not wanting to continue. She wouldn't want to do it herself if she knew she was going to die. But Wes knew, and now, very understandably so, he was scared. But she had no way to comfort him, no words to offer. . . .
"You will find your partner. . . ."
Celebi's words echoed through her head, and Callie froze for a moment. Why would she remember that one sentence at a time like this? Unless. . . .
Callie reached out and placed a gentle hand on Wes's shoulder, and he became quite still. "You do have someone there to protect you. . . . You have all your pokémon, and. . . . Well, you have me."
Callie watched as Wes's head instantly snapped up, and he stared at her, his mouth slightly ajar.
"But . . . why?" he managed to say.
"Back when Celebi first brought me here, it said it brought me to the perfect time and place to get my pokémon, but then it also said I would find my partner," Callie said. "I assumed by partner it was referring to Oshawott, but now I think. . . . I think Celebi knew I would run into you, Wes. I think Celebi wanted me to find you and for the two of us to team up!"
Wes looked at Callie with a blank expression. "Are you serious?"
"Think about it!" Callie said, her eyes widening as the realization set in. "I was sent back in time to stop Team Plasma from taking over — you're the only one who stood up to Team Plasma before! So, if you and I work together, then maybe we can stop Team Plasma!"
"But I'll die if I try!" Wes snapped.
Callie shook her head. "Well, we don't know if you died — we just know that you when missing. B-but everything is different now — I'm here."
"What can you do?" Wes said.
"I can protect you!" Callie said firmly.
Wes stared at her. "You. . . . You'd do that?"
Callie nodded. "Wes, if you promise to keep trying to be a pokémon trainer, and you help me defeat Team Plasma, I'll do whatever it takes to keep you safe."
Wes bit his lip, and Callie saw tears brimming his eyes. She expected him to look away again, but instead Wes wrapped his arms around her, pulling Callie tightly against him.
She felt her face flush and she looked over his shoulder to Zoro, who sat on the bed, sniggering at the two of them.
"W-wes? Wh-what are you doing?" Callie stammered.
"Thank you," Wes said softly. "Thank you, Callie."
"I-I. . . . I don't. . . . I-I just. . . . Er. . . . You're welcome," Callie said softly, returning the hug.
Then, without any warning, the door to Callie's room flung open followed by a very loud, "RISE AND SHINE, CALLIE! IT'S TIME TO — oh my Arceus."
Callie and Wes jumped and quickly pulled apart, both of them looking towards the door, only to find none other than Hugh standing in the doorway, staring at them.
"Do you two need a moment?" Hugh said with a grin.
Wes rolled his eyes. "What do you want, Hugh?"
Hugh smiled. "I was just coming to see if Callie wanted to go get breakfast, and then maybe do some training. But apparently you two have some other plans."
"Hugh, shut up," Wes said with a sigh, shaking his head.
"Training?" Callie echoed.
Hugh, obviously pleased to have annoyed Wes, beamed broadly as he nodded. "Mhmm! I have my battle with Roxie coming up, so I want to make sure I'm ready. And after watching you go against her last night and seeing how much stronger you got. . . . I just have to battle you again! You're such an amazing trainer!"
"That was just luck, Hugh," Callie said sheepishly, waving her hand dismissively.
"Are you kidding me? Just luck?" Hugh laughed. "The way you had Growlithe hold on to Whirlipede and use Flame Wheel, or how Riolu defeated Koffing by lodging it in a hole. . . . That wasn't just luck, Callie! You have some amazing strategies, and I just have to battle you again!"
Callie blinked slowly. "Y-you really think so?"
"Oh, I know so," said Hugh.
Callie opened her mouth to protest, but Wes spoke up.
"He's right, y'know, Callie," he said. "In just a matter of days, you and your pokémon have grown considerably."
Callie blushed slightly — that meant a lot coming from someone like him
"W-well, thanks, you guys, but I don't think I'm going to be doing any battling today. My pokémon need plenty of rest after last night," Callie said with a laugh.
"Awe, man," Hugh groaned.
"You know, I think that's probably for the best, Callie," Wes said with a smile. "I was thinking about heading to Route 20 and doing some training there before my battle with Roxie tomorrow. Maybe you could come along and offer some suggestions."
"You want training tips from me?" Callie said with a soft smile.
Wes nodded and Hugh frowned "Hey! What about me? Don't you want my input?" Hugh shouted impatiently.
Wes chuckled lightly. "You can come along too, if you'd like, Hugh."
"I would like that, as a matter of fact!" Hugh said stubbornly. Then, right on cue, his stomach let out a loud growl, and Hugh's face flushed as he placed a hand over his stomach. "But, uh, first, how about some breakfast?"
So, after breakfast, the three friends grabbed their bags and started to head out. Before they left though, Callie stopped by the front desk, where Nurse Joy sat, typing something into the computer.
"Nurse Joy," Callie said softly. "How are my pokémon doing today?"
Nurse Joy looked up from the screen and smiled. "You're pokémon are doing much better! However, I think they need a bit more rest before they go into battle again."
Callie nodded. "I figured as much — do you mind keeping them for a bit longer?"
"Not at all," said Nurse Joy with a smile.
"Perfect — well, we're heading out. We'll be back alter tonight!" Callie said with a smile before she and Zoro turned and left, meeting Hugh and Wes outside.
"Took you long enough," groaned Hugh. "What were you doing in there?"
"Checking on my pokémon," said Callie. "Nurse Joy says they need a bit more rest, so they're going to stay here today."
"Well, that's not a problem," said Wes. "You and I can battle each other, Hugh! How does that sound?"
"Alright! I get to battle you? That's even better than battling Callie!" Hugh exclaimed, pumping his fists in the air.
"Well thanks, Hugh," Callie said with a roll of her eyes.
The three laughed and they set off towards Route 20, ready for what seemed to be a fun, relaxing afternoon. Little did they know, however, what an interesting turn their day would take.
Several hours later, Callie found herself sitting in a clearing, watching Hugh and Wes battle against each other. The two boys had been at it for quite a while, and they had been using the same two pokémon — Snivy and Tepig. Both pokémon were growing tired, but the training proved to be useful, as both of them were showing great improvement from when they had started.
"Alright, Tepig, use Ember!" Wes directed.
"Snivy, use Leaf Tornado to keep Ember away!" Hugh ordered.
"No, not that move!" Callie shouted, her eyes wide.
However, it was too late — Snivy surrounded itself with the Leaf Tornado, and Tepig fired several small fireballs at it. Snivy's Leaf Tornado immediately went up in flames, and Snivy let out a cry before the Leaf Tornado suddenly died down, revealing a fainted Snivy.
"No, Snivy!" Hugh called out, running to the side of his Snivy.
Callie dug in her bag for her berry container and pulled out a Sitrus berry. She ran over to Hugh and Snivy, kneeling down beside them.
"Here, Snivy, eat this," Callie said gently, holding it out to it.
Snivy sniffed it and took the berry from her, taking a bite out of it.
"What's that?" Hugh said.
"A Sitrus berry," Callie said, stroking the top of Snivy's head. "They have a similar effect to Oran berries, but they're more effective."
"Huh," Hugh grunted, watching as Snivy instantly brightened up. "You know a lot about berries."
"The clerk at the store gave me a bunch of free berries and a guide — I was able to read a good bit of it and learned a few things about berries; it was pretty useful!"
"If you say so," Hugh muttered. "So, how did you know using Leaf Tornado to block Ember was a bad idea?"
"The type-match up," said Callie simply. "Don't you remember you coached me on match ups during our first battle?"
"I guess you're right," Hugh said, scratching his head. "I was just so caught up int he moment, I didn't think about how the Ember attack would just burn up the Leaf Tornado like that. I just thought it would work. . . ."
"You've got to learn to get out of your head," said Wes, returning his Tepig and walking towards the two of them. "You have to completely focus on the battle, and you always want to be one step ahead of your opponent. Like Callie — think about her battle with Roxie last night. She knew that putting holes all over the stage was a great way of getting Koffing planted on the ground, and she knew that by having Riolu jump into the air, Roxie wouldn't be able to resist the opportunity to send Koffing after him with zero concern about the holes. Then Callie took advantage and had Riolu use Force Palm and get Koffing stuck; Roxie was too in her head, too worried about performing. Callie, however, was completely focused on the battle, and she was always one step ahead of Roxie in the end — that's how she won."
Hugh nodded. "Yeah. . . . I guess you're right. . . . Ugh! It's just so frustrating!"
Callie laughed softly. "Trust me, Hugh, it's not as simple as Wes makes it sound. I still think that gym battle last night was just luck," she said, rolling her eyes playfully. "You'll get ahold of it in no time — how about we head back towards Virbank? We've been out here for a few hours."
"No way!" Hugh said. "I still haven't gotten the chance to use my Pidove! Come on, Wes! My Pidove against your Vulpix! Please?"
Wes sighed and looked at Callie with a pleading look, as if hoping she could find a way to get him out of the battle, but Callie simply smiled and shook her head. Wes rolled his eyes and looked back to Hugh, smiling softly. "Yeah, alright — a couple battles, and then that's it. Okay?"
"Yes!" Hugh said excitedly, returning his Snivy to its pokéball.
Callie laughed and stood up, brushing off her pants.
"Well, while you two do that, I think I'm gonna go for a walk — I didn't get to explore it much on our way into the city the other day," she said. "You coming, Zoro?"
However, as she stole a glance over at the fox-like pokémon, she found that he was fast asleep in a sizable patch of sunlight, right at the base of a tree.
Wes followed her gaze and chuckled lightly.
"We'll keep an eye on him," he assured her.
"Thanks — I'll be back," Callie said before walking off to explore more of Route 20.
Truth be told, it was much more beautiful than Callie thought when she rode through on her bike. On foot, she was able to stray away from the path and explore the depths of the forest, wandering through the trees. She watched as several Patrat darted out of her way, and Pidove nestled in trees overhead. She continued to walk for quite awhile until finally coming to a wide river. Everything in the area looked so peaceful — the sun was shining brightly overhead, the wind was blowing ever so slightly. . . . It was perfect.
Callie continued to walk along the river bed, just simply taking in the scenery, when something caught her eye — it was a small pokémon that sort of resembled a lion cub. The front half of the pokémon was light blue, while the rear was black. There was a short tuft of fur on its head and smaller tufts on each cheek, and it had large, oval ears with yellow, star-shaped markings on the insides, with yellow eyes, and a tiny, red nose. The pokémon was very small, obviously still very young, and seemed completely oblivious to the fact that Callie was standing only a few feet away.
Callie pulled out her PokéDex and aimed it at the pokémon, and Dexter spoke very quietly.
"Shinx, the Flash Pokémon. When Shinx flexes its muscles, it generates electricity. When sensing danger, its fur glistens."
Thankfully, Shinx didn't hear Dexter, and Callie watched as the small pokémon, she realized it was obviously looking for something — its nose was to the ground, and it was sniffing each berry bush it came across. However, with each berry it sniffed, Shinx shook its head, obviously not finding what it was looking for.
"A Shinx, huh?" Callie muttered. "I wonder what it's looking for."
Apparently she had spoken too loud, because immediately, Shinx whipped around, staring wide eyed at Callie.
"Shi?" Shinx said, taken aback. Then it narrowed its eyes at her and tensed, its fur beginning to glow.
"Wait, wait!" Callie exclaimed, holding her hands out in front of her. "Hold on! I'm not going to hurt you, I promise!"
"Shinx?" Shinx froze, staring at Callie as if he were unsure he could trust her.
"You're looking for a certain kind of berry, right?" Callie said quickly, slowly reaching for her bag. "I noticed you're sniffing every berry around here. . . . I have a lot of different berries in my bag — maybe I have the one you're looking for?"
Careful not to spook Shinx with any sudden movements, Callie slowly pulled the berry container from her bag and held it out towards Shinx, opening it and revealing the dozens of berries inside it.
"See?" Callie said gently, smiling softly as Shinx's eyes widened in amazement. "I have a lot of them. Do any of these look like the one you're looking for?"
Shinx stared at the box and then to Callie, as if debating whether or not he could trust her. However, after a few moments, it seemed that he decided the reward was worth the risk. So, he took a few very seemingly calculated steps towards Callie, careful not to get too close, and he leaned forward, sniffing all the berries in the box. Then, he carefully picked out a Sitrus berry, taking it in his mouth and placing it on the ground before grabbing yet another Sitrus berry. Callie frowned softly, really looking over the Shinx — it didn't appear as though it were hurt, so why would he need Sitrus berries? Unless. . . .
"Shinx?" Callie said gently as the pokémon went to take a third Sitrus berry. "Are these berries for you? Or are they for a friend?"
Shinx froze and stared up at Callie with wide eyes, as if he were amazed she could have guessed such a thing. Slowly, though, the small pokémon nodded, frowning softly. Callie gave a sympathetic smile.
"Let me guess — your friend is really hurt, isn't it? That's why you need all these Sitrus berries?"
Shinx nodded, looking at the ground, and Callie bit her lip — a hurt pokémon? It sounded like it needed to see Nurse Joy. . . .
"Shinx, would you like some help carrying these berries?" Callie offered. Shinx looked surprised she would say such a thing, so Callie quickly continued. "I-I just mean — that way, you can bring your friend more berries. I have a few more berries that may be able to help; I promise, I just want to make sure your friend feels better. You can trust me, I swear."
Shinx stared at Callie, as if a bit unsure, but then he nodded — he had trusted her so far, she seemed sincere in his eyes. Callie smiled and nodded, picking up two of the Sitrus berries.
"Well, how about I carry these two? You can carry the other one."
Shinx nodded and took the other Sitrus berry in his mouth, and Callie closed up her berry case and stood up.
"Alright, Shinx, lead the way!"
Shinx turned around and took off into the woods, moving at a rather quick pace through the trees. However, Callie made sure to keep up with him, and soon enough, Shinx had led her to a small clearing in the forest. Well, what would have been a clearing if it weren't for the vast cluster of dark, thick, thorn covered vines in the middle of it. The vines were all tangled and intertwined with one another, creating a large pile. Callie was thoroughly confused, but Shinx didn't seem fazed. In fact, he walked right up to the pile of vines and placed the Sitrus berry on the ground and looked over his shoulder at Callie.
"Is your friend . . . in there?" Callie said curiously. Shinx nodded and Callie's eyes widened — what was a pokémon doing in there?
"What is this?" Callie muttered to herself, walking closer to the heap of vines.
However, as she neared the cluster, two Purrloin jumped out in front of her, growling lowly at her.
"Whoa!" Callie said, taking a nervous step back. "I-I'm sorry, I'm not trying to intrude. I was just curious."
However, the two Purrloin didn't seem to care at all about what Callie's intentions were. They continued to growl at her, hackles raised, and Callie reached for Oshawott's pokéball before remembering that she had left him back at the Pokémon Center.
"Great," she muttered to herself. "What am I going to do?"
Shinx, however, wasn't going to stand for this, and he quickly jumped between Callie and the Purrloin.
"Shinx! Shi! Shinx!" Shinx barked out, glowering at the two.
However, the Purrloin didn't care, and they let out another vicious growl, and Callie shook her head, continuing backwards.
"I-I'm sorry, I'll be on my —"
"That's . . . enough!" A voice rang out. "She's . . . a friend."
The two Purrloin immediately stopped in their tracks, all of their aggression gone in an instant. Shinx stood there, his eyes wide, obviously confused. Callie froze, immediately recognizing the voice.
"Celebi?" she called out. "Is that you?"
As soon as she spoke, the cluster of vines in front of her began to shrivel away. Soon enough, the vines were gone, and there, laying on the ground where the vines had just been growing moments before, was Celebi, looking just as weak and fragile as the last time Callie had seen it.
"Celebi!" Callie exclaimed, running forward and kneeling beside the pokémon. "What are you doing here?"
"I thought. . . . It was secluded enough that I would be safe," Celebi said quietly. "I haven't been here very long, but the pokémon who live here have been doing whatever they can to protect me."
"Protect you? Are you in danger?" Callie said.
Celebi frowned, nodding its head very weakly. "I'm afraid so. . . . Team Plasma. . . . Their scientists picked up a reading. . . . They know I've traveled to this time, and they know I haven't left. . . . They're looking for me."
Callie's eyes widened. "They're looking for you? Why are they looking for you?"
Celebi shook its head. "I don't know. . . . But I can't let them find me, Callie. . . ."
"You don't have to worry about that," Callie said determinedly. "I'll protect you, I promise."
"Shinx!"
Suddenly Shinx was beside them, a Sitrus berry in his mouth, looking very proud of himself. Celebi smiled weakly.
"Ah, Shinx, you brought me a Sitrus berry, thank you," Celebi said. "However, I'm afraid a Sitrus berry won't be able to heal me. . . ."
"Shi?" Shinx said, his ears laying flat on his head, his pride instantly vanishing.
"That's okay, Shinx," Callie said encouragingly. "You did your best!"
Shinx looked up at her hopefully, happy to hear her praise him like that. Then Callie looked down at Celebi, who was lying very limply on the ground.
"Celebi, what do you need? What can I do to help you?" Callie said softly, pulling Celebi into her lap.
"I just need rest," Celebi said. "But I've had a run in with Team Plasma in the last few days. . . . So rest has not been easy to come by. . . ."
Callie frowned — how was Celebi ever going to recover if Team Plasma was trying to hunt it down?
"Stay with me for a few days!" Callie offered suddenly. "I'm traveling with Wes now — the two of us together can keep you safe."
"Wes?" Celebi weakly echoed, the faintest of smiles coming to its face. "I see. . . . So, you found him then."
"What?"
"Your partner. . . . Wes. . . . You found him."
Callie smiled very softly and nodded. "Yes. . . . I found him."
"Good, good," Celebi muttered. "Things are moving along nicely. . . ." Celebi let out a small sigh, closing its eyes and nestling into Callie. "I suppose traveling with you for a few days couldn't hurt. . . . I just need some rest. . . . Shinx and the pokémon shouldn't have to be burdened with my care any more."
"Shinx! Shinx! Shi!" Shinx protested, frowning.
"Oh, Shinx, I know you don't mind — but you've done so much for me the last few days," Celebi said softly.
"Shinx!"
Celebi sighed. "Please, Shinx, you can't keep protecting me. Now, please, don't —"
However, Celebi stopped in its tracks, and its eyes shot open, looking very panicked.
"Celebi?" Callie said nervously. "What's wrong?"
"I hear someone," Celebi said, seeming suddenly alert. "We're. . . . We're not alone — someone's coming."
Callie picked up the small pokémon in her arms and stood, cradling Celebi in her arms. The two Purrloin took off, but Shinx stuck close to Callie and Celebi, and the three ran into the woods surrounding the clearing, and quickly hid behind a large tree. Callie pressed her back against the trunk, trying to conceal herself and Celebi, and Shinx hid beside her. Then, just as Celebi had said, they heard footsteps and the sound of two people talking.
"Lucas, there's nothing here," a voice groaned. "Look, let's just go back and tell Colress his reading was wrong — we've been searching for hours, and there's still no sign of Celebi."
"Colress won't believe us for a second if we try telling him that, Elias," said another voice. "You know his equipment is practically flawless — telling him it's a faulty reading would end with Ghetsis yelling at us and telling us we probably read it wrong, so we're going to keep looking until we find Celebi, got it?"
Callie froze — Lucas and Elias? The Team Plasma members from Floccesy Ranch? She carefully stole a glance around the trunk of the tree, through the branches and bushes and saw two men standing there in the clearing — sure enough it was the same two Team Plasma members from a few days before.
"I don't get it. . . . Colress's reports said that Celebi was right here," Lucas muttered, looking around. "Anya and Lexi were here the other day and said they saw Celebi, but it got away. . . ."
"Why do Ghetsis and Colress even want Celebi anyway?" said Elias.
"I'm not sure," said Lucas. "But a Celebi won't normally just show up without a reason. Something brought Celebi here, and I think they're worried it's trying to interfere with our plans."
"What plans?" Callie whispered, looking down at Celebi — were they referring to their plans to take over Unova?
However, the legendary pokémon was too weak to even be listening. Callie knew that she had to get Celebi to Nurse Joy, there was no way around it — Celebi needed help. So, carefully, she took a step, trying her best not to make any noise, and Shinx followed suit. However, while Callie may have been being extra careful, Shinx wasn't paying very close attention to where he was going, and the pokémon stepped directly on a branch, creating a loud snap as the branch broke under his weight.
"What was that?" said Elias.
"I don't know, but it came from over there," muttered Lucas. "Maybe it's Celebi."
Callie froze and stared down at Shinx, who looked back up at her with wide eyes filled with regret.
"Shinx," Callie whispered. "We're going to run on the count of three, got it? And remember — stick together."
Shinx nodded, and Callie could hear the two Team Plasma grunts getting closer.
"Three!" Callie shouted, not bothering to with 'one' or 'two'.
Callie and Shinx took off, Celebi being held tightly in Callie's arms.
"My friends aren't too far away, Shinx!" Callie exclaimed while running. "If we're fast, we can make it to them before Team Plasma catches up!"
"Shi!" Shinx grunted, trying to keep up with Callie.
"Hey! Who's that?" said Elias, watching as Callie and Shinx ran.
"That's that brat from Floccesy Ranch!" growled Lucas. He narrowed his eyes, staring at her as she ran. "And. . . . She has Celebi!"
And just like that, the chase was on. Lucas and Elias were running after Callie and Shinx, but thankfully, Callie and Shinx had gotten a decent head start, and they were able to put a good bit of distance between them. Callie and Shinx were perfectly in sync — jumping over fallen logs, ducking under low hanging branches, making sharp turns in whatever direction to try to throw Lucas and Elias off their trail. However, Callie had failed to realize how far from Hugh and Wes she had wandered before they started running; she had walked for nearly half an hour before running into Shinx. It would only ten her ten minutes of running to get back to them, but there was one factor she hadn't considered — Shinx's stamina, or the lack thereof. He was still young, which meant he wore out easily. That fact was made apparent to Callie when Shinx let out a sudden yell as he tripped over a stick and crashed hard into the ground, skidding a few feet.
"Shinx!" exclaimed Callie, coming to a sudden halt and turning around. "Are you okay?"
"Sh. . . . Shinx. . . ," the small pokémon panted, barely nodding his head.
Callie frowned — he was in no shape to run. He was completely worn out.
"You can't run, can you?" Callie said.
Shinx paused and tried to stand, using all the energy he had left. However, he couldn't so much as raise his body a few inches before collapsing, exhaustion getting the best of him.
"I see them up ahead!" she heard Elias exclaim from several yards away.
"Now we got 'em!" growled Lucas.
Callie clenched her jaw — they had to keep moving. . . .
"Well, if you can't run, then I'm just gonna have to carry you," Callie muttered, scooping Shinx up in her arms before taking off again.
"Shi. . . . Shinx?" Shinx groaned, looking up at Callie with a mixture of confusion and exhaustion.
"I'm not . . . just gonna . . . leave you back . . . there," Callie panted as she ran, ducking under a branch. "You and I . . . we want the same thing, don't we? To protect . . . Celebi? So, I guess that means . . . we're friends, and I . . . don't leave friends behind."
"She's getting away!" called Elias.
"Not on my watch," snapped Lucas. "Patrat, go!"
"Come on out, Purrloin!" Elias called.
"Patraaaaat!"
"Looooin!"
Callie heard the two pokémon cry out behind them, and she pushed herself to run faster — she had to get away from them. However, Lucas and Elias weren't going to let her get away without a fight.
"Patrat! Use Screech, now!"
"Purrloin, use Hyper Voice!"
Callie wasn't sure what to brace herself for — she knew Screech would be loud and ear-splitting, but what in the world was Hyper Voice?
Suddenly, the worst noise Callie had ever heard in her life pierced her ears. Pain lanced through her head and colorful spots appeared in her vision as a noise so indescribably terrible hit her — actually hit her. A force like a train collided into Callie's back, sending her, Celebi, and Shinx flying forward, skidding across the ground, and forcing the pokémon from her grasp. Callie was thrown into a tree, back first, instantly knocking the air out of her, leaving her incapacitated.
"Well, well, well," she heard someone smile. "Look what I found."
Callie looked up and saw a very fuzzy outline of who she assumed to be Lucas. However, her vision was so blurry, she couldn't be entirely sure. She let out a groan, fighting to re-inflate her lungs, but it seemed as if the air just wouldn't go in, as though her lungs were surrounded by metal bands, restricting her breath.
"You don't look as tough as you did back at Floccesy Ranch," mused Lucas with a dumb, smug smile as he looked down at her.
Slowly, Callie's vision cleared up, and she was able to get a better look at his face, and eventually, she was able to breathe a bit, allowing her to respond.
"What . . . do you . . . want with . . . Celebi?" she muttered, trying to push herself up.
"I think the question is, what are you doing with Celebi?" said Lucas. He looked behind Callie and she followed his gaze — wincing as pain shot through her neck and down her spine as she did so. Callie saw Celebi lying motionless on the ground, Shinx only a few feet away.
"I just . . . found it. . . . It's hurt," Callie grunted through clenched teeth, looking back up at Lucas.
"You see, I don't believe that," Lucas said, shaking his head. "Celebi is a legendary pokémon — it's not going to allow itself to be seen, much less carried by a human. So why in the world would it show itself to you?"
"I told you . . . I found it —"
"And I told you I don't believe that!" snapped Lucas. "Now, why are you lying?"
Callie said nothing, instead she just kept her mouth shut and glared sharply up at Lucas, who stared down at her with intense hatred.
Lucas growled in frustration. "Fine, I suppose it doesn't matter why you're lying. I'll still capture Celebi and take it back to headquarters — Elias, grab it," said Lucas with a rather bored tone, waving his hand carelessly towards Celebi.
"No! Don't touch —" Callie grunted, making a move grab Celebi.
However, the slightest bit of movement was too much, and Callie collapsed to the ground as the pain seared through her body better than a branding iron, her mind conceding to the torment, unable to bring a thought to completion.
Lucas let out a laugh. "Oh my, what a pitiful sight you are!"
"I swear," muttered Callie, trying her best to hold back tears. "You better leave Celebi alone!"
"And what are you going to do if we don't?" Lucas laughed.
Elias, however, still seemed intimidated by Callie, despite her rather pitiful state, and he hesitated to pick up Celebi. Shinx, who was still exhausted, saw this as an opportune to time attack. He suddenly became surrounded by an aura of blue electricity and he launched himself forward, tackling Elias to the ground, simultaneously shocking him as well.
"Argh!" Elias exclaimed, obviously in pain.
"Idiot!" snapped Lucas. "Letting yourself get attacked by this pest —"
With a swift movement, Lucas kicked Shinx off of Elias, sending the pokémon skidding backwards and earning a small yelp from him as well.
"Shinx!" Callie exclaimed. She couldn't take it anymore — she had to do something.
She had only a moment — Lucas was distracted with Elias, who was laying on the ground, momentarily stunned. So, ignoring every nerve in her body that was pulsing with pain, Callie pushed herself to her feet and very shakily ran forward, her legs feeling like jell-o. She picked up Celebi and Shinx and took off running very clumsily through the woods.
"They're getting away!" snapped Lucas. "Elias, get up — they're getting away!"
"Are you . . . okay, Shinx?" Callie managed to say through gritted teeth.
"S-shinx?" the small pokémon stared up at her, obviously concerned for her well being — Callie knew she felt terrible, and if she looked even half as bad as she felt. . . . Well, she wasn't a pretty sight for sure.
"I'll be fine," she said, forcing a smile.
"Not so fast!" Lucas shouted from behind them.
"Purrloin, Hyper Voice again!"
"Not again," Callie muttered. "Celebi, Shinx — hold on!"
"Gardevoir — use Protect!" someone shouted.
Callie froze. She turned and saw a tall humanoid Pokémon whose body resembled a flowing gown standing behind her. Most of its body was white, but its hair, arms, and the underside of its gown were green. Its hair curled over its face and down the sides of its head. The pokémon held both its hands out in front of it, waiting. The Hyper Voice attack came barreling at them at amazing speeds, but just as it was about to hit, a turquoise shield appeared, and the attack disappeared, leaving everyone unharmed.
"W-what?" Callie said with wide eyes. Managing to hold Celebi and Shinx in one arm, Callie pulled out her PokéDex and aimed it at the pokémon.
"Gardevoir, the Embrace Pokémon. Gardevoir will use all of its psychic energy to protect a Trainer it has made a deep connection with.."
"A Gardevoir?" Callie said with wide eyes as the pokémon looked over its shoulder at her. "Th-thank you, but. . . . Where's your trainer?"
"I'm right here!"
Callie turned around and saw a woman standing in front of her — she couldn't have been much older than Callie herself, maybe twenty-four or twenty-five. She had curly brown hair that was piled on the top of her head in a bun, and she had bright blue eyes that shone happily as she looked at Callie.
"Thank you for your help," said Callie. "But. . . . How did you know I needed help?"
"No one who looks like that is fine," said the woman, motioning to Callie. "Now, you relax and let me handle these guys."
Callie simply nodded — she was in no position to refuse the help. The woman took a few steps forward and stood beside her Gardevoir, watching as Lucas, Elias, and their two pokémon, Patrat and Purrloin, came running up. The Team Plasma members came to a sudden halt when they saw Callie's new found help standing before them.
"Who are you?" snapped Lucas. "Get out of the way!"
"I'm afraid I can't do that," said the woman. "What's your business with this girl?"
"Why do you care?" Lucas growled.
"Because I can't simply stand by and do nothing," said the woman. "Now, I'll ask again, what's your business with this girl?"
"She has Celebi, and I'm going to take it!" Lucas barked.
"I'm sorry, but I can't let you do that," said the woman, unfazed by the mention of Celebi.
"Oh, and why's that?"
"This girl and her pokémon need help, and I won't allow you to harm them any further. Now, just turn and leave, and I won't hurt you," said the woman.
"Hurt me? With your Gardevoir? Please!" Lucas laughed. "Stand down — I don't have any reason to fight you."
"Then I suppose I'll just have to give you one," said the woman.
And with that, she pulled a pokéball off her belt and tossed it into the air, releasing another pokémon, this one shorter than Gardevoir, with scarlet flower upon its head. A sudden wonderful aroma filled the air, and Callie felt instantly relaxed.
"What kind of pokémon is that?" Callie muttered.
"Lilligant, the Flowering Pokémon. It's said that the fragrance coming from the flower on its head has relaxing properties, and, if neglected, the flower withers — the flower is very tricky to get to bloom, even for veteran trainers," Dexter said simply.
"That means she must be really good," Callie whispered.
"A Lilligant?" the man laughed. "Ha! Patrat, use Screech!"
"Purrloin, Hyper Voice!"
The woman smirked, the prospect of a battle garnering some excitement from her.
"Lilligant, if you wouldn't mind — Grass Whistle!"
"Lil-lil!" Lilligant sang happily, placing one of its leaf-like hands to its mouth.
Lilligant blew gently on its hand, and the most pleasant music filled the air — it was almost dream like, and Callie felt herself growing rather sleepy as she listened to the beautiful notes the pokémon played.
"Hey, don't fall asleep just yet," said the woman as she nudged Callie gently, causing her to jolt awake. "We need to get you somewhere safe."
"Huh? O-oh, right," Callie said, shaking her head, dispelling the drowsiness that had fallen over her.
She then looked over to Lucas, Elias, and their pokémon and saw that they were fast asleep. Lilligant's song subsided, and Callie stared at the sleeping members of Team Plasma.
"Amazing," she breathed. "What was that?"
"That's a move called Grass Whistle," said the woman with a smile. "It can put any person or pokémon to sleep almost instantly."
"That's . . . fantastic," Callie said with wide eyes. Then, she looked to the woman and said, "I-I can't thank you enough — my friends and I. . . . We would have been done for if it weren't for you and your pokémon."
"No problem," said the woman with a smile. Then, the woman looked down at Celebi and Shinx, who both laid in Callie's arms, both very still. "That Celebi. . . . It looks very hurt."
Callie nodded. "It's worn out — I think it needs to be taken to Nurse Joy."
The woman nodded. "Yes, you're right," she said with a troubled expression. She then returned her Lilligant and looked at Callie, holding out a hand. "Take my hand — I'll have Gardevoir teleport us to the Pokémon Center in Virbank City."
"I-I can't — not yet," Callie said quickly. "My friends — they're still out here, somewhere on Route 20. I'm sure they're worried about me."
The woman frowned. "I see. . . . I got it!" She grabbed another pokéball from her belt and released yet another pokémon.
This pokémon was another humanoid pokémon with a primarily black body. Its head was teardrop-shaped, with a white, bow-like fixture attached to the base of its tip. Callie stared at it, her PokéDex partially aimed at it, and immediately, Dexter began talking.
"Gothitelle, the Astral Body Pokémon. Gothitelle's Psychic power is so great that it is said to warp space around it, and distort reality in the process."
"A Gothitelle?" Callie said.
The woman nodded and looked to her Gothitelle. "Gothitelle — will you please locate this girl's friends and bring them to the Pokémon Center in Virbank City?"
"Goth. . . ," hummed the psychic-type pokémon. Gothitelle reached forward and placed a hand on Callie's forehead, and its eyes glowed bright blue, but only for a brief moment. Then, the glowing subsided and Gothitelle nodded before suddenly vanishing in a blink of an eye.
"What just happened?" Callie said with wide eyes.
"Gothitelle teleported," said the woman simply. "She looked at your memories of where your friends were, and teleported to their whereabouts — now, let's get going. Gothitelle will bring your friends to the Pokémon Center."
"O-okay. . . ," Callie said with wide-eyes.
She took the woman's hand and the woman took one of Gardevoir's hand.
"Get ready," said the woman. "Gardevoir — Teleport."
It happened immediately. Callie felt as though a hook just behind her navel had been suddenly jerked irresistibly forward. Her feet left the ground; she could feel Celebi and Shinx hold tightly onto Callie; they were all speeding forward in a howl of wind and swirling color; her hand was stuck to the woman's hand as though it was pulling her magnetically onward and then —
Her feet slammed into the ground. Everything stopped spinning. Callie opened her eyes and looked around — they were standing in the middle of the Pokémon Center in Virbank City. Thankfully for Callie and Celebi, the lobby was completely empty, save for Nurse Joy, who quickly looked up from her desk, obviously startled.
"Callie?" Nurse Joy exclaimed. "What are you doing? Are you okay? You look terrible!"
"Nurse Joy!" Callie said, letting go of the woman and running forward, Celebi and Shinx in her arms. "Please, Nurse Joy, you've got to help!"
"What's wrong? What — oh my!" Nurse Joy's eyes widened as she stared down at the pokémon Callie was holding. "Is that. . . . Is that Celebi?" she whispered.
Callie nodded. "Yes — Celebi is really hurt, and so is this Shinx! It was trying to protect Celebi from Team Plasma!"
"Team Plasma?" Nurse Joy said. "That's terrible!"
"Nurse Joy, can you help them?" Callie pleaded.
"Shinx, yes, absolutely, but Celebi. . . . Well, I'm afraid I've never had to tend to a Celebi before," Nurse Joy said, frowning.
Callie's face fell and she bit her lip — she had to save Celebi, she just had to!
Nurse Joy noticed Callie's expression, and she smiled gently. "I suppose I'll just have to try — just wait here! Let me go fetch Audino and two stretchers!"
Nurse Joy took off to the back and Callie let out a sigh of relief — they made it to the Pokémon Center, and Nurse Joy agreed to at least try to help Celebi. It was something. . . . Callie turned and leaned her back against the desk, a decision that she instantly regretted as a throbbing pain coursed through her back; it was still very tender, and would probably remain that way for several days.
"Callie!"
"There you are!"
"Zor-zor!"
Callie looked up and saw Zoro, Wes, Hugh, and Gothitelle all standing in the lobby beside the woman and her Gardevoir — they had apparently just arrived with Gothitelle. Zoro ran forward, jumping onto Callie's shoulder.
"Zor! Zor-zor! Zorua!" Zoro cooed, rubbing against Callie. However, he then caught sight of the limp Celebi in her arms, and Zoro instantly froze, staring down at his friends with wide eyes.
"Callie, what happened to you?" Wes said, running forward. He placed a gentle hand on her elbow, and with the other hand he lifted her face to meet his, inspecting her closely. "You're all cut up. . . . What happened?"
"I. . . . I ran into Team Plasma," Callie said, biting her lip.
"Team Plasma did this?" Wes growled, his jaw tightening and eyes narrowing. "Those no good — why in the world would they do this to you?"
"Because I. . . . I was protecting Celebi," said Callie.
"Cele . . . bi?" Wes whispered, his jaw loosening. Callie nodded and looked down at the weak pokémon in her arms, and Wes followed her gaze. He looked at the withering pokémon and he shook his head. "No way. . . . That's Celebi."
"Did I hear Team Plasma?" Hugh said, coming over to the two friends. "Where are they? I want to battle them this time! I swear, I'll — oh my Arceus. Is that Celebi?"
Hugh stared wide eyed at Celebi, and then looked to Callie.
"How? I-I mean. . . . What? I just. . . . How?" was all he managed to say.
Then, Nurse Joy appeared from the back accompanied by two Audino, each pokémon wheeling a stretcher.
"I'm back! Please, put Shinx and Celebi here!"
Within moments, Shinx and Celebi were laying down on the stretchers and being taken away to the back by the Audino. Nurse Joy hung back to speak to Callie and her friends.
"I'm going to do a thorough check of both of their vitals — I should be able to give you an update in about an hour," said Nurse Joy. "In the meantime, just try to relax. Everything is going to be just fine!"
And with that, Nurse Joy disappeared into the back after the Audino, leaving Callie, Zoro, Wes, Hugh, and their new friend alone in the lobby.
"Well," said Callie. "I guess we need to find something to do for the next hour."
"I know one thing," said Hugh. "How about you tell us what the hell happened while you were gone?"
"I second that!" Wes said.
"Perhaps it's best if we simply let her rest," said the woman, finally speaking up. "She had to put up quite a fight against Team Plasma."
"I want to know how Callie ended up with Celebi!" snapped Hugh. "Besides, who are you anyway?"
The woman looked at Hugh with a bemused smile. "My, my, my — aren't you very bold."
"More like rude," said Callie, giving Hugh a stern look. "She saved me from Team Plasma — her name is. . . . Actually, I don't know your name, I'm sorry."
"Oh, that's perfectly fine — we were a bit preoccupied earlier," said the woman with a laugh. "My name is Ariel."
"Ariel?" Callie echoed, smiling. "That's my mom's name!"
Callie felt a sudden pang in her stomach — her mom. . . . She couldn't help but wonder what her mother was doing right now. Was time continuing on without her there? Was her mother worried about her? Did Team Plasma tell her Callie had been found harboring a Zorua and Celebi?
Ariel smiled. "Well, what a coincidence."
"Thanks again for all the help, Ariel," Callie said. "I can't thank you enough."
"There's no need to thank me," she said. "It was just luck I was passing by. I live in Castelia City, actually, I was just visiting Virbank City for the weekend."
Callie paused, furrowing her brow. "That's kind of funny. . . . My mom lives in Castelia City, a-and she used to visit Virbank City on the weekends to go to PokéStar Studios."
Ariel laughed. "Well then, your mother's a very smart woman. That's what Gardevoir and I are doing!"
This was starting to seem less and less like a coincidence to Callie. Was there a chance, perhaps that maybe, this woman. . . . No, it couldn't be, right? What were the odds she go back in time and just so happen to run into her mother?
"Oh, would you look at the time? Gardevoir and I wanted to go catch the showing of Midlife Man of Justice. vs Brycen-Man, so we'd best get going!" said Ariel, returning her Gothitelle. She and Gardevoir turned and headed for the door. "Well, it was great meeting you, Callie — and you too, Wes and Hugh! I hope Celebi is okay! Maybe I'll see you around!"
"Wait!" Callie called out, running forward. "Ariel! Can I have your number to put in my Xtransceiver? I'd love to battle with you sometime!"
Ariel paused and smiled, nodding happily. "Sure thing!"
The two girls exchanged their information, and just as Ariel was about to leave, Callie stopped her.
"Oh, and what's your last name — for your contact information?" Callie said, motioning to her Xtransceiver.
"My last name? Oh, it's Freer," said Ariel with a smile.
Callie froze — Freer? No way. . . . They shared their last name. . . . Could it really be her?
"Callie, are you okay?" said Ariel suddenly, pulling Callie out of her thoughts.
Callie's eyes widened and she quickly nodded. "O-oh, yeah, I-I'm just fine, sorry."
"It's okay, I know you've had a long day," said Ariel with a gentle smile. "Before I go, what's your last name so I can put it in my Xtransceiver?"
"Mine? Oh, it's, uh — erm — it's R-Ryan," Callie stammered, coming up with a fake last name on the spot.
"Ryan?" said Ariel, entering it in her Xtransceiver. Once she was done, she smiled and looked to Callie. "Well then, hopefully Gardevoir and I will be hearing from you soon — bye guys!"
And with that, Ariel and Gardevoir left, quickly disappearing in the crowded streets of Virbank City. Callie, however, couldn't bring herself to move. She stood there, completely frozen — Ariel Freer. Freer. . . . Her mother never changed her last name; she and Callie's father never got married. In fact, Callie never got the chance to meet her father. . . . But that woman. . . . That couldn't have been her mother. Callie's mother hated pokémon, she was so adamantly against them. But still. . . . Ariel Freer. . . . And she even looked like a younger version of Callie's mother. . . .
"Callie?" said Wes coming up behind her. "Are you okay? You don't look so good. You look like you just saw a ghost."
"I. . . . I think I just saw my mother," said Callie, turning to look at Wes.
"Where?" said Wes, looking out the door. "Point her out!"
"I don't have to," Callie said. "I think. . . . I think Ariel is my mother."
"What?" Wes hissed. Then he stopped, thinking about the woman who had just left the Pokémon Center, and he nodded thoughtfully. "I mean. . . . I guess you guys do look alike — the hair, the eyes. . . . Wow. . . . You travel back in time twenty-one years and manage to run into your mother? That's crazy!"
"It doesn't make sense though," Callie muttered to herself, shaking her head. "She hates pokémon — my mom never would have been a trainer. . . . Unless —"
"Okay, now it's story time!" exclaimed Hugh, standing very impatiently by the front desk — he had been too far away to hear any of Callie and Wes's conversation. "I'm hungry, and I'm dying to know how you found Celebi. We're getting lunch, and you're going to tell us everything!"
An hour later, Callie, Zoro, Wes, and Hugh were sitting in the Pokémon Center cafeteria, and Callie had just finished telling them all about how she had found Shinx looking for berries, and him leading her to Celebi right before Team Plasma showed up. Then she told them about Ariel intervening at the last moment and saving them all before finally bringing her to the Pokémon Center.
"I can't believe it," said Hugh, shaking his head. "You really do have all the luck in the world, Callie — you meet Alder and Roxie, and now you found a Celebi? What kind of newbie trainer are you?"
Callie looked at Hugh with a raised eyebrow. "If you consider getting the crap beaten out of me by Team Plasma 'lucky', I'd hate to see what you consider bad luck."
"Zor, zorua. . . ," Zoro said softly, looking at Callie with an immense amount of guilt.
"What's wrong, Zoro?" said Callie.
"I think Zoro feels bad he wasn't there to protect you," said Wes.
Zoro nodded and Callie smiled softly, shaking her head. "It's okay, Zoro. Don't worry about me, I'll be just fine. The important thing is that Celebi and Shinx got to the Pokémon Center in time."
Zoro looked doubtful, but before he could say anything, Nurse Joy came up to their table.
"Ah, there you are!" she said with a smile. "I've just finished looking over Shinx and Celebi!"
"How are they doing?" Callie said eagerly.
"Well, Shinx is going to be just fine — he has some minor bruises, but for the most part, he was just exhausted and needs some rest. As for Celebi, I think its biggest problem is it overexerted itself recently, and it doesn't appear as if its been getting enough nutrition lately," said Nurse Joy. "I'm giving it some fluids now, but most important thing for Celebi right now is rest. I'd like to keep it for a few days, but even after that, I would like for you to care for Celebi before letting it go."
"Callie's not going to let it go," said Hugh suddenly. "That's a Celebi! They're super rare! Why would she let an opportunity like this slip away?"
"Because Celebi isn't mine to catch, Hugh," snapped Callie. "Celebi asked me to help. How could I betray its trust and try to capture it?"
Nurse Joy smiled softly and nodded. "Well, I'm glad that's all settled then. So, you'll be okay with watching Celebi?"
"Of course!" said Callie, nodding. "We'll take good care of Celebi, I promise. I won't let Team Plasma get the best of me again — next time, I'll have my pokémon."
"That reminds me!" said Nurse Joy, holding out three pokéballs to Callie. "Your pokémon are all fighting fit! I figured you'd like to have them on you."
Callie nodded, happily taking the three pokéballs. "I would, thank you." She put the pokéballs on her belt and Nurse Joy smiled.
"Well, I'm going to go back to Celebi and Shinx. I just wanted to give you my update on them," said Nurse Joy before walking off.
"Thank you!" Wes and Callie called after her.
Once Nurse Joy was out of earshot, Hugh narrowed his eyes at Callie. "Are you seriously not going to try to catch Celebi?"
Callie rolled her eyes. "You just heard me tell Nurse Joy I wouldn't — why would I lie?"
Hugh sighed heavily, crossing his arms over his chest and muttering, "You may be a lucky trainer, but you're also a dumb trainer. . . ."
"What was that?!" snapped Callie.
"You heard me!" Hugh barked back. "You're dumb!"
"I swear, Hugh, I'm gonna —"
"Alright, you two, that's enough!" Wes shouted, glaring sharply at the two. Callie and Hugh fell silent but they continued to glare sharply at each other. Wes sighed heavily. "I think we're all a bit tired — it's been a long day. How about we all go to our rooms and get some rest?"
"Yeah, you're probably right," said Hugh, getting up from the table.
"We smart trainers have a big battle tomorrow, so we'd best get ready, huh, Wes?" Hugh said as he walked away.
"Hugh. . . ," Wes said with a heavy sigh, shaking his head.
"I already beat Roxie! So who's the dumb one now?" Callie called after Hugh, who ignored her and kept walking.
Wes smirked softly at Callie. "Someone has a bit of a temper."
"Someone's had a long day," Callie muttered. Then she let out a heavy sigh and slumped down in her seat. "First Celebi, then Team Plasma, and now meeting my mom. . . ."
"What's the big deal about meeting your mom?" said Wes. "I mean, yeah, sure, I know you probably didn't expect to run into her, but I mean, it can't be that big of a deal."
"But it is a big deal, Wes," said Callie, shaking her head. "The mom I know in my time doesn't like pokémon — she hates them. She says they're terrible, untrustworthy, unreliable. . . . But the mom in this time. . . . She's a trainer, and a really good one. She has a Lilligant!"
"A Lilligant?" said Wes with an amused smile. "What's so great about that?"
"The flower on its head — it had bloomed!"
Wes's eyes widened slightly. "Wh-what? But the flower on Lilligant's head is so fragile, it's almost impossible to get that to bloom unless —"
"Unless you're a very experienced trainer," said Callie, finishing his thought. "So what could have possibly made my mother hate them?"
Wes frowned, shaking his head. "I really don't know, Callie. . . ."
Both trainers sighed, and Callie shrugged. "Well, I'm not going to figure it out anytime soon. I'm gonna head to bed. You should do the same."
"Yeah," Wes grunted.
"Are you ready for your battle with Roxie tomorrow?" Callie said with a grin.
"As ready as I'll ever be," Wes said with a shrug.
Callie smiled and stood from the table, motioning for Zoro to follow her. She headed off to her room, calling a brief 'good night' over her shoulder to Wes before leaving the cafeteria. Once Callie and Zoro were back in their room, Callie showered and got in her pajamas, thankful for the soft bed waiting for her. She thought about letting out all of her pokémon before bed, but Callie knew that Growlithe and Riolu would only end up fighting, and she didn't have the energy to deal with that. So instead, Callie just rolled over on her side, Zoro curling up beside her, and the two fell fast asleep the moment their heads hit the pillow.