Chapter Eight
The next day, around eleven thirty, Callie, Wes, and Hugh were getting ready to leave for Roxie's gym. The three had woken up early that day and spent a majority of their morning talking about different strategies they could utilize during their battles. Wes was going to battle Roxie with Tepig, Vulpix, and Rufflet, who he had apparently caught while training with Hugh the day before. Hugh, on the other hand, was going to use his Snivy, Pidove, and Magnemite, which he had caught at the Virbank Complex the other night after Roxie's concert.
"Are you guys ready?" Hugh said excitedly. "Wes, you and I are about to face off against Roxie and get our second gym badge!"
"I know, I'm looking forward to it," Wes said with a laugh, packing up his bag.
"I can't wait to watch you guys win," Callie said with a smile, grabbing her bag. She then turned to look at Zoro, who was standing by the front desk of the Pokémon Center, which was being watched over by Audino; Nurse Joy was in the back tending to Celebi and Shinx.
"Come on, Zoro, let's get going," Callie said with a smile. However, Zoro looked back at her frowning, shaking his head. Callie paused. "Zoro? Why don't you want to go?"
"Zor, zor, Zorua," Zoro said, looking toward the back door that lead to Nurse Joy and the others.
Callie frowned and looked at Wes and Hugh, who were both watching her expectantly.
"I don't think Zoro wants to go," Callie said with a frown. "He's worried about Celebi and Shinx."
"Well, just leave him here then, he doesn't need to come," said Hugh.
Callie shook her head. "No, I don't think I want to leave him here alone — how about you two go without me? I'll stay here with Zoro."
Zoro looked back at Callie, smiling softly — he would have never asked Callie to stay with him, but he was glad she offered.
"What? You're not gonna come?" Hugh exclaimed. "But we watched your battle with Roxie. That's not fair!"
Callie opened her mouth to protest, but Wes spoke up. "No, I think it'll be okay if Callie doesn't come, Hugh. I think Zoro needs her here with him more than we need her to come with us."
Hugh crossed his arms over his chest, letting out a head sigh. "Fine. . . . But when we win, you best believe I'm gonna rub it in your face that you missed an awesome battle!"
Callie giggled and walked over to Zoro, taking him in her arms. "Well, Hugh, I can't wait to hear all about it. Now, you two go win your second gym badge! Zoro and I are gonna wait here for Nurse Joy and see how Shinx and Celebi are doing. Maybe we'll make it in time to see part of your battle, guys!"
"We'll see," Wes said with a smile.
"Let's go, Wes!" Hugh groaned, running for the door.
"Wish me luck," Wes sighed, shaking his head as he followed after Hugh.
So then it was just Callie and Zoro. The two took a seat in a plush chair next to the front desk, sinking into the cushions.
"I know you're worried about Celebi, Zoro, but don't worry. Nurse Joy is going to take care of it, and then we'll get to watch after Celebi for a few days. It'll be a lot of fun," Callie said with a smile, trying to make Zoro feel better.
Zoro nodded absentmindedly and stared at the backdoor of the Pokémon Center, waiting anxiously. And so they spent their time like that for the next hour. Callie was beginning to grow a bit bored, wondering when the boys would come back, and whether or not they'd both be victorious in their battles. She was itching to do something, perhaps go for a walk, or head back to the Virbank Complex to see if they could find anymore pokémon, but before she could even suggest it to Zoro, the front door of the Pokémon Center opened, and Callie looked towards it, fully expecting to see Wes and Hugh, but instead she saw a man wearing a white button down and black slacks with chin-length black hair and pale blue eyes. Since Callie didn't recognize him, she simply turned away from him. However, the man appeared to be looking for Callie, because he walked right up to her and Zoro and stood before them.
"I'm sorry to bother you," he said. "But you're Callie, correct?"
Callie stared at him with wide eyes. "Er — y-yes, that's correct."
The man smiled and extended a hand towards Callie. "My name is Cheren — I believe Bianca may have mentioned me to you?"
Thinking back to the conversation she had had with Bianca upon first arriving in Virbank City, Callie did recall Bianca mentioning something about Cheren.
"Oh — you're the gym leader from Aspertia City, right?" Callie said with a smile.
Cheren nodded. "That's correct! Bianca and I have been friends for quite a while — she called me the other day and said you had made it all the way to Virbank City before deciding that you wanted to partake in the Pokémon League, and you missed your chance to battle me."
"Yeah, that did happen," Callie said with a nervous laugh. "I didn't realize how much fun battling was until a few days ago! And then I got to battle Roxie, and I won, and —"
"You beat Roxie?" Cheren said with an amused grin. Callie nodded and he chuckled. "Well, I must say, I'm impressed. . . . You see, Bianca told me that coming to Virbank City to battle you would be worth my while; she said you were quite the trainer. I'll admit, I didn't believe her, but I still figured I'd give it a shot. But knowing that you managed to beat Roxie. . . . Well, this may be quite the battle."
"Wait, you came here to battle me?" said Callie curiously.
Cheren nodded. "Indeed I did — Callie, I'm here to offer you the chance to earn the Basic Badge in an official gym battle!"
Callie's eyes widened — she was really getting this opportunity?
Smiling, Callie nodded. "Cheren, I would absolutely love —"
"Looks who's feeling better today!" Nurse Joy exclaimed suddenly as she appeared from the back of the Pokémon Center, holding none other than Shinx in her arms.
Callie looked away from Cheren, and she and Zoro stood up quickly.
"Shi-shinx!" Shinx said excitedly when he saw Callie standing there.
Callie smiled and ran over to Nurse Joy. "Shinx! You're okay! How are you feeling, buddy?"
"Shi!" Shinx said happily, jumping into Callie's arms.
Callie giggled, catching Shinx easily. "I'm glad you're feeling better! Look, Zoro, Shinx is okay!"
"Zor. . . ," Zoro seemed to only be partially paying attention to Callie. He looked at Nurse Joy and then behind her, as if he was hoping to see Celebi there.
Callie frowned softly and looked to Nurse Joy. "How is Celebi doing today, Nurse Joy?"
Nurse Joy's smile faded some. "Well, it's doing. . . . It's doing better, I suppose, but still not great. It was in very rough shape when you brought it in. The fluids have helped some, and it appears as though resting has done it a great deal of good, but it's still very weak. It will take a few more days before we know for sure the extent of Celebi's injuries."
Callie nodded. "See, Zoro? Celebi is doing better. I told you there was no need to worry."
"Zor," Zoro muttered, frowning.
"Shin!" Shinx exclaimed, jumping from Callie's arms and standing beside Zoro. "Shi-shinx!"
"Zor?"
"Shinx!"
Callie smiled as she watched Shinx try to comfort Zoro. Shinx seemed to be fairly confident that Celebi would make a full recovery.
"I'm sorry, did I hear something about Celebi?" said Cheren — Callie had completely forgotten he was standing there.
"Oh, Cheren!" Nurse Joy said, obviously surprised to see the Gym Leader standing there. "What are you doing here?"
"I came here from Aspertia City to offer Callie the chance to win the Basic Badge from me in a battle," said Cheren. "But now my curiosity is peaked — do you really have a Celebi back there?"
Nurse Joy nodded. "Mhmm — Callie found it yesterday."
Cheren looked shocked as he turned to Callie. "You found a Celebi? But how? Where?"
Callie then told Cheren about the events that unfolded yesterday; her following Shinx and finding Celebi, and then trying her best to protect Celebi from Team Plasma until eventually being rescued by Ariel.
At the mention of Team Plasma, Cheren frowned.
"So, they're back, huh?" he muttered.
"You know them?" Callie said with wide eyes.
Cheren nodded. "Yes, I do. . . . You see, two years ago I took my pokémon journey, along with Bianca, and our friends, White and Black. Team Plasma was just beginning to rise to power, but the four of us together. . . . We put a stop to Team Plasma."
Callie's eyes widened. "No way — you and your friends stopped Team Plasma?"
"Well, it was mostly White and Black's work, but yes, Bianca and I aided in the defeat," he said. "But I wonder what they're plotting this time? And why would they attack Celebi?"
"One of them said that they think Celebi is trying to interfere with their plans, but they didn't say what those plans were," said Callie.
"Zor. . . ," Zoro muttered softly, looking at the back door.
Callie frowned and looked between Cheren and Zoro; she wanted to battle Cheren, but it was obvious that Zoro wanted to go check on Celebi, and she didn't want to leave him alone. . . .
"Cheren," Callie said softly. "I really appreciate you coming all the way out here just for me, but Zoro is really good friends with Celebi, and I think that maybe I should stay here with Zoro and keep an eye on Celebi."
Cheren nodded, smiling softly. "That's quite alright — we don't have to battle right now. I have a few matters in Virbank City to tend to, so I can simply run a few errands while I'm here. We can battle later, how about that?"
Callie's eyes widened. "Really? You mean it? That'd be fantastic!"
Cheren smiled. "Of course — take care of Celebi. Our battle can wait."
Callie clapped her hands together. "Oh, thank you, Cheren!" She then turned to Nurse Joy, looking at her with eagerly hopeful eyes. "Nurse Joy, could Zoro, Shinx, and I go sit in the back with Celebi? We won't bother it, I promise. I just think Zoro and Shinx would feel better if they could see Celebi."
Nurse Joy nodded. "I don't see why not — I'm sure Celebi would love to see the familiar faces. I'll be back there in a moment; I'm going to go get Celebi some berries to see if that helps any."
"I think I'll hang around here for a moment," Cheren said. "I haven't eaten all day."
"Oh, well Audino will be happy to get you something from the cafeteria, won't you, Audino?" said Nurse Joy.
"Audino!" Audino said happily.
Callie smiled and looked to Zoro and Shinx. "Alright, well, let's go see Celebi, you two."
So the three of them walked through the back door, and immediately found themselves in a long, pearly white hallway. They walked down a few yards and came into a large room with several incubation chambers, each with a severely injured pokémon inside. Callie saw a Pidove, a Pichu, Rattata, Patrat, and a Purrloin all laying inside these chambers, each appearing to be very weak. Then, in the far corner of the room, Callie spotted the last chamber, and inside was Celebi. Quickly, she, Zoro, and Shinx walked over to the chamber and sat down in the wooden chair that Nurse Joy must have put beside it so she could sit and watch over Celebi.
Celebi looked rough, but admittedly, it looked quite a bit better than the day before. It didn't appear as withered, and its color had come back a bit. When Callie sat down, Celebi stirred some and opened its eyes.
"Callie. . . . Zoro. . . . Shinx. . . ," Celebi said quietly. "You're all . . . okay. . . . I'm so glad. . . ."
Callie nodded, biting her lip — she hated to see Celebi like this. "I'm glad to see you, Celebi. How are you feeling?"
"Better . . . today," Celebi said. "It's nice . . . getting to . . . rest here."
Zoro smiled. "Zor! Zor-zoro!"
Celebi smiled very weakly, barely managing to nod its head. "Yes, yes. . . . I do owe Callie a great deal. . . . After all, she saved me from Team Plasma."
"I can't take all the credit," Callie said. "Shinx here helped a lot."
"Shinx!" Shinx said proudly, his chest swelling with pride.
"And then Ariel came to the rescue," said Callie. She then paused and looked to Celebi. "Speaking of which. . . . Celebi. . . . Ariel. . . . I. . . . I got the feel that she . . . she's my mother, right? Just twenty-one years in the past?"
Callie watched as Celebi closed its eyes, as if trying to think about the best way to answer this. Then, Celebi opened its eyes and nodded.
"Yes. . . . The woman named Ariel you met yesterday. . . . That is your mother," said Celebi.
"And she was a pokémon trainer," said Callie. "A really good pokémon trainer! But what happened? Why does she hate them so much now?"
"That's something . . . I cannot answer," Celebi said. "Unfortunately, that is something I am not completely aware of."
"But. . . . I want to know," Callie muttered to herself, unable to hide her disappointment.
"So, how's our special patient doing?" said Nurse Joy, coming into the backroom with a small bowl and spoon in her hands.
She came over to Callie, Shinx, Zoro, and Celebi and opened the latch to the chamber Celebi was in and held the bowl and spoon out to Callie.
"How about you try feeding this to Celebi?" Nurse Joy said with a smile. "It's a mixture of Oran Berries and Sitrus berries, with a few Pecha berries added in to make it a bit sweeter — I blended it all together so it'd be a bit easier for Celebi to eat."
Callie looked down at the bowl and saw it was filled with a light purple, smoothie looking mixture. Callie smiled and took a spoonful, holding it out to Celebi.
"Here, try this," she said. "It'll help."
Celebi eyed the spoon curiously but took a spoonful in its mouth, immediately smiling. "Mmm. . . . So sweet!"
Nurse Joy and Callie both laughed, while Zoro and Shinx cheered happily. Callie continued to feed Celebi for a few more moments, Nurse Joy supervising happily, but within a few minutes, Cheren appeared in the back.
"Cheren?" said Nurse Joy, looking curiously at him. "What are you doing back here?"
"There's group of people up front looking for you," said Cheren. "Two men, two women — they said they needed to speak to you about their pokémon."
"I left Audino up there," said Nurse Joy, her brows furrowing together. "Well, their pokémon must be in rough shape if Audino can't handle it herself. . . . Callie, will you be okay back here?"
Callie nodded. "We'll be just fine."
"I'll stay with her," Cheren said with a smile.
Nurse Joy smiled softly and nodded, hurrying to the front. Cheren walked over to Callie and the pokémon, looking at Celebi with great interest.
"I can't believe it," he muttered to himself. "That's really a Celebi. . . ."
"It sure is," Callie said with a smile, giving Celebi another spoonful of the smoothie concoction.
"And you just found it?" Cheren said.
"Thanks to Shinx here," Callie said, nodding towards the small electric-type pokémon standing by her feet. "He was foraging for berries to help Celebi, and I found him, and he brought me to it."
"Well, that's one smart Shinx," said Cheren. "Though I will say, he was lucky to run into a trainer as kind as you."
Callie smiled sheepishly, a blush crossing her cheeks. "O-oh, it was nothing really. I couldn't just leave Celebi there defenseless."
"So it seems," said Cheren. "So tell me, this Team Plasma. . . . Was this your first run in with them?"
Callie shook her head. "No, it wasn't — a few days ago, my friends and I were at Floccesy Ranch, and we found them trying to steal one of the Herdier and a Riolu. My friend Wes and I battled them there and won. . . . I didn't expect to run into them again so soon."
"I see. . . ," Cheren said, frowning softly.
He fell silent, and Callie thought back to Bianca's reaction whenever she had mentioned running into Team Plasma. . . . She had gotten so quiet and avoided the subject. . . .
"Cheren. . . ?" Callie said, not looking at him, instead staring at Celebi as she fed it more of the berry smoothie.
"Yes?"
"The other day. . . . I mentioned to Bianca I had run into Team Plasma, and I could tell by the look on her face that she knew Team Plasma, but when I asked her about it, she didn't want to say anything. . . . Why is that?"
Cheren sighed, an odd look crossing his face as he spoke. "Well, fighting Team Plasma was a bitter sweet moment for all of us. . . . We haven't seen White or Black since the final battle with Team Plasma. . . . I think Bianca is still shaken from the experience. She and White were very close, and Black was like a brother to her. Losing the two of them in one day, not knowing if they're alive or not. . . . It was a very traumatizing experience for her."
Callie frowned. "They disappeared?"
Cheren nodded. "Yes — we have no idea where they are."
Callie paused — Cheren and Bianca's friends disappeared without a trace during the final showdown with Team Plasma, just like Wes in Callie's time, only he wasn't successful in stopping them.
Just then, they heard the door to the backroom open, and they both turned, expecting to see Nurse Joy. But instead they were greeted by a very frantic looking Audino, who ran in the back almost on the brink of tears, a small gash on the side of her cheek.
"Au-audino! No! Aud!" Audino exclaimed, tears brimming her eyes.
"Audino!" Callie exclaimed, getting up from the chair and rushing to the pink pokémon's side. "Audino, what's wrong?"
"Aud, audino! Au! Aud!" Audino said frantically.
"What is she saying?" said Cheren.
"Nurse Joy is . . . in trouble," Celebi said, translating for them. "Team Plasma. . . . They've come for me."
"Team Plasma?" Callie and Cheren said in unison.
Cheren grabbed a pokéball from his belt and headed for the door. "Callie, you stay here — I'll handle Team Plasma!"
"I'm coming with you," Callie said, standing to her feet.
"No, you'll stay here and protect Celebi!" Cheren said fiercely.
"No need," Callie muttered. She grabbed a pokéball from her belt. "Oshawott, come on out!"
Oshawott appeared in a red flash, cheering happily.
"Osha!" Oshawott said proudly.
"Oshawott, you stay here with Zoro and Shinx — you three protect Celebi, Audino, and the other pokémon, got it?" Callie said.
"Zor!"
"Shi!"
"Osha!"
The three pokémon all nodded, each of them looking determined and ready to fight. Callie smiled softly and then turned back to Cheren, who was watching her.
"I told you, I'm coming with you," Callie said.
Cheren smiled softly, obviously vaguely impressed, and he nodded. "Right — let's go!"
Callie and Cheren both ran down the hallway and through the door, out into the lobby of the Pokémon Center. There they saw four people standing there — two men and two women, and each one had a pokémon aiding them. One man had a Liepard, the other had a Watchog, while one of the women had a Krokorok, and another had a Trubbish. While they were all wearing normal clothes, Callie immediately recognized the two men — it was Lucas and Elias. Lucas was standing over Nurse Joy, who was laying limply on the ground, trying to hold herself up.
"Those are the trainers who were looking for Nurse Joy," Cheren said, narrowing his eyes at them.
"Team Plasma!" Callie growled through clenched teeth. "What are you doing here?"
"Ah, brat!" sneered Lucas with a smirk. "You're looking much better than yesterday! Now, where's Celebi?"
"I'm not going to let you get anywhere near it!" Callie said.
"Lucas, who's this?" said a woman with blonde hair — she was the one with the Krokorok.
"Don't worry about it, Lexi," snapped Lucas.
"Is this the brat that keeps kicking your butt?" laughed the other woman with red hair.
"Anya, stop," said Elias, frowning.
"There's no shame in being beat by a girl," laughed Lexi, rolling her eyes. Then Lexi stared at Callie, looking at her with an amused sort of grin. "Alright, now, little girl, just go ahead and bring us Celebi."
"I told you, I'm not letting you get anywhere near Celebi!" Callie growled.
"Ugh, you're so annoying," Anya groaned, rolling her eyes. "Just step aside!"
Callie said nothing and instead just stared down Anya and Lexi, refusing to move a muscle.
Lexi chuckled. "Oh, I see! This one's feisty — I like her!"
"I'll move her," Lucas growled. "Elias, come on — it's time for a little payback —"
"Not so fast!" said Anya. "How about you let Lexi and I teach this brat a little lesson about meddling in someone else's business?"
"Oh, I like that idea," purred Lexi.
Lexi's Krokorok and Anya's Trubbish both stepped towards Callie, ready for battle. Callie pulled two pokéballs off her belt — she had only been in a double battle once before, but this time would be much more difficult considering Growlithe and Riolu hated each other.
"Callie," said Cheren. "Do you want any help with this?"
She shook her head. "No, I've got this — you just worry about Lucas and Elias."
Cheren nodded and tossed two pokéballs into the air. "Haxorus — Simisage! Let's go!"
He released his Haxorus and Simisage, and soon he, Lucas, and Elias engaged in a double battle. Lexi and Anya both looked at Callie expectantly.
"Well, little girl," sneered Lexi. "Let's see what you got!"
"Don't tell me you're all bark and no bite?" laughed Anya.
"Oh trust me, I'm not," Callie said lowly. "My pokémon and I are gonna teach you a lesson! Growlithe, Riolu — I choose you!"
Callie released her Growlithe and Riolu, and the two appeared in front of her with two red flashes of light. Growlithe and Riolu looked happy to be out of their pokéballs, but the moment they caught sight of each other, they glared sharply at one another, both of them growling.
"Growl. . . ."
"Ri. . . ."
"Not now!" snapped Callie. Both pokémon stopped and stared at their trainer, and Callie pointed across the lobby to Trubbish and Krokorok, along with their trainers. "Those two women are with Team Plasma, and they're trying to hurt our friends — Riolu, I'm sure you remember Team Plasma, but you've never met them, Growlithe. Well, I've got news for you. They're bad people! So it's up to us to stop them and save our friends, got it?"
Growlithe and Riolu looked at Callie and then to one another, and immediately they started growling at each other again.
"Growl. . . ."
"Ri. . . ."
From across the lobby, Anya and Lexi both let out a shout of laughter.
"How pathetic!" giggled Lexi.
"You can't even get your pokémon to stop hating each other long enough to battle!" Anya laughed.
Callie clenched her fists and looked to Growlithe and Riolu. "Would you two cut it out?"
Her pokémon both jumped, obviously startled, and stared at Callie with wide eyes.
"Don't you two get it? You two need to put your hatred for each other aside for ten minutes and work together! Do you understand?" Callie snapped.
Growlithe and Riolu faced each other and, very begrudgingly, nodded. Callie sighed, still frustrated. "Good — now, let's teach these guys a lesson, got it?"
"Growl!"
"Rio!"
"Oh goodie," Lexi said. "Let's see what you can do! Krokorok, start this off strong and use Mud-Slap on Growlithe!"
"Kroko!" Krokorok growled.
"Riolu, Growlithe, remember, this is a double battle so we're working together!" Callie called out.
Krokorok took a breath of air through its nostrils and then shot multiple projectiles of mud from its nostrils at towards Growlithe.
"Riolu, use Detect and help Growlithe!" Callie ordered.
Riolu nodded and grabbed Growlithe, startling the fire-type. Then Riolu's eyes began glowing green, and as each muddy projectile came towards them, Riolu was able to dodge each and every one of them, still managing to hold on to Growlithe the entire time. Soon, Krokorok's attack subsided, and Riolu put Growlithe down, both pokémon unharmed.
"I see, so you know a fancy little trick, huh?" said Anya, obviously annoyed. "Let's see you dodge this one — Sludge attack, Trubbish!"
Callie suddenly felt like she was battling Roxie all over again — the constant onslaught of projectiles, having to dodge them, constantly trying to tire out her pokémon. . . . She knew she could do this though.
"Growlithe, Riolu, get ready to dodge!" Callie called out.
Growlithe nodded, but Riolu, however, did not. He appeared to be in a trance like state, and Callie cursed under her breath — of course. This would often happen after he used Detect, how could she forget?
Trubbish then fired large balls of dark brown sludge from its mouth at Growlithe and Riolu, one after another. Growlithe was ready to dodge, but Riolu was still out of it.
"Growlithe!" Callie called out. "Protect Riolu, got it? Don't let those Sludge bombs hit him!"
"Growl!" Growlithe said with a nod.
"Good — Growlithe, use Agility!" Callie ordered.
Growlithe pushed Riolu onto his back and took off, disappearing in the blink of an eye with Riolu, Trubbish's globs of sludge missing them entirely. Growlithe appeared on the other side of the room behind the two pokémon, and Callie noticed Riolu's eyes were bright again — he was back!
"Perfect!" Callie called out.
Anya and Lexi stood there, obviously stunned, and their two pokémon looked around for Growlithe and Riolu, obviously confused.
"They're fast!" Anya said with wide eyes.
"I don't believe it," muttered Lexi. "They're good!"
"You haven't seen anything yet!" Callie called out. "Riolu, Force Palm on Krokorok! Growlithe, hit Trubbish with Flame Wheel!"
"Ri-ri!"
"Growl!"
Riolu leapt off Growlithe and collided with Krokorok, thrusting his paw into the dual ground and dark-type's chest, and a yellow blast of light erupted, sending Krokorok flying backwards and skidding across the ground. Growlithe began spinning at incredible speeds and immediately burst into flames. He circled the room once, and Trubbish watched him with wide eyes, completely stunned.
"Trubbish!" Anya called out. "Get out of the way!"
"Now, Growlithe!" Callie called out.
Growlithe came barreling across the room and smashed right into Trubbish, sending it crashing into the wall behind it.
Riolu leapt back across the room and landed in front of Callie, while Growlithe circled back around and skidded to a halt beside Riolu, coming out of Flame Wheel to stand beside the fighting-type proudly.
Krokorok and Trubbish both got back to their feet, standing shakily, but still ready to battle.
"Alright, so you have a few tricks up your sleeve — so what?" snapped Lexi. "We aren't finished yet! Krokorok, Sand Tomb!"
"What?" Callie said, not sure what was going to come next.
Then, Krokorok let out a growl as huge wisps of sand came from seemingly nowhere and surrounded Growlithe. Before Callie could give any direction, the wisps of sand turned into a swirling sand vortex, trapping Growlithe inside.
"Growlithe!" Callie called out, catching glimpses of the pokémon through the sand. "Get out of there!"
"Gr-growlithe!" Growlithe called back nervously. He crouched down and jumped, trying to force himself through the vortex, but it was too strong, and Growlithe let out a yelp as he was pushed back into the middle of the vortex.
"Growlithe, no!" Callie called out. She then looked to Riolu. "Riolu, quickly, you have to help Growlithe — use Force Palm!"
"Not so fast!" Anya shouted. "Trubbish, keep Riolu busy with Acid Spray!"
"Trub-trub!" Trubbish said.
Trubbish opened its mouth and fired multiple globs of orange acid at Riolu.
"Riolu, use Quick Attack to dodge — don't stop!" Callie called out.
Riolu nodded and quickly dodged each glob of acid.
"Krokorok, now that we have Growlithe trapped, let's hit him with a Mud-Slap attack!" Lexi laughed.
"No!" Callie called out. "Growlithe, you've got to get out of there!"
"Growl!" Growlithe said with a nod. Once again, Growlithe lunged forward, trying to break out of the vortex, but, just like before, he was simply pushed backwards, trapped inside.
Krokorok took a breath of air through its nostrils and then shot multiple projectiles of mud from its nostrils at towards Growlithe. The mud projectiles penetrated the sand vortex, and Callie watched in horror as each one hit its target, causing Growlithe to call out in pain.
"Growlithe, no!" Callie called out.
However, she was then distracted as Riolu let out a shout. Callie turned and saw his leg had been hit by a glob of orange acid. Riolu fell to the ground, grasping his leg, obviously hurt.
"Riolu, you've got to get up!" Callie called out.
"Trubbish — finish it with Gunk Shot!" Anya said.
Trubbish closed its eyes as if it were focusing very intensely, and suddenly, a silver light started sparkling on the stop of its head. The light then turned into a black bag of garbage outlined in purple, and Trubbish hurled it towards Riolu.
"Riolu, dodge it!" Callie called out. Riolu nodded and attempted to stand, but immediately fell — it was no use. He couldn't stand.
"He can't stand, and if he uses Detect, I risk him being a sitting duck once he stops using it," Callie muttered. "Growlithe is trapped, and Riolu can't dodge that attack, unless. . . . I got it!"
Callie suddenly smiled — they could win this!
"Riolu, use Dig!" Callie called out.
Riolu looked to Callie, wondering what his trainer was thinking.
"Just trust me, Riolu!" Callie said.
Riolu glanced to Callie, and then back at the black, glowing garbage bag that was coming barreling towards him, and then he jumped in the air on one leg and dove straight into the ground, disappearing in a cloud of dirt and dust, leaving nothing behind but a hole. The black bag that Trubbish had thrown at him hit the spot Riolu had been standing just moments before and exploded, sending dozens of pieces of glowing purple garbage flying, but they all hit nothing except the walls around them.
"So, you dodged my Trubbish's Gunk Shot, huh?" Anya said, obviously irritated. "Not bad!"
"But your Growlithe is still trapped!" laughed Lexi.
"We'll just see about that!" Callie said with a smile. "Riolu, dig a hole underneath Growlithe!" Callie watched as the floor below Growlithe suddenly opened up, and Growlithe stared down at it in surprise.
"Argh — Krokorok, quickly, use Mud-Slap again!" Lexi ordered, realizing Callie's plan.
"Growlithe, into the hole!" Callie said.
Growlithe jumped in without any hesitation, and Krokorok's Mud-Slap attack blew right through the sand vortex, the speed and power of the attack destroying the sand tornado, causing sand to fill the room and cloud the battle field. Once the sand had settled, the only pokémon on the field were Krokorok and Trubbish.
"Er — where are they?" said Anya, looking around nervously.
"How should I know?" barked Lexi.
Callie smiled. "Riolu, Growlithe — now! Use Dig!"
The ground beneath Trubbish began trembling, but before the poison-type pokémon could react, Growlithe and Riolu came barreling out of the ground. Immediately, Growlithe used Bite on Trubbish without any command, latching on to it.
"Growlithe, use Flame Wheel — don't let go!" Callie called out.
Growlithe did as he was instructed, using his Flame Wheel and taking Trubbish with him, just like in the battle with Whirlipede. It didn't take but a moment before Growlithe came to a halt and released Trubbish, who collapsed to the ground, unconscious.
"Riolu, one more time — Force Palm!" Callie ordered.
Riolu turned to Krokorok and lunged forward, wincing at the pain in his leg, but still managing to power through it. Riolu forced his hand against Krokorok's chin, and a yellow light erupted from his palm, once again sending Krokorok flying. However, when Krokorok hit the ground this time, he didn't have the energy to get back up.
"Krokorok, get up!" ordered Lexi, but Krokorok laid on the ground, fainted. "I said get up!"
"Come on, Trubbish!" Anya whined. "You can't let that puny little Growlithe knock you out!"
But it was pointless — the two pokémon had been knocked out cold. Callie and her pokémon all smiled triumphantly, and beside them, she watched as Cheren's Emboar and Simisage finished off Lucas's newly evolved Watchog, and Elias's recently evolved Liepard.
"Well, we made quick work of them," said Cheren with a small smile.
"I can't believe it," said Lexi, shaking her head. "Beat by a twerp. . . ."
"I'm not going to forget this!" Anya growled. "This won't be the last you see of us, brat!"
"Well, we'll be ready next time, won't we, guys?" Callie said, smirking as Growlithe and Riolu both nodded in agreement.
Lucas clenched his fists, his jaw clenched. "I don't know why you're so protective over that Celebi, but I promise, we'll get it one way or another!"
"As long as I'm around, you guys will never get your hands on Celebi!" Callie called out.
"Now, I suggest you four leave before Officer Jenny shows up," Cheren said coldly, crossing his arms over his chest. "She's already on her way, and I'm sure she'd love to throw you all in jail."
Begrudgingly, the four Team Plasma members returned their fainted pokémon and they all quickly retreated, leaving the Pokémon Center in a blink of an eye. Callie and Cheren quickly ran to Nurse Joy, who was still laying on the ground.
"Nurse Joy," Callie said as Cheren lifted her bridal style. "Are you okay?"
"Yes, I'm fine," she muttered. "They . . . hit my head with something very hard, and I'm afraid it knocked me out. I'm sorry I wasn't much help."
"It okay," said Cheren. "Callie and I handled those fools — the important thing is that you and the pokémon are okay."
"They wanted Celebi," said Nurse Joy. "They didn't get it, did they?"
Callie smiled softly and shook her head, letting out an airy laugh. "No, Celebi is just fine — they didn't even make it into the back room."
"Oh, that's good," Nurse Joy said with a faint smile. She then looked up at Cheren, her eyes still a bit foggy. "Cheren, I. . . . I think I should probably lie down for a bit. I'm not feeling too well."
"Of course — Callie and I can handle everything from here," said Cheren. Cheren then looked to Callie. "If you don't mind, Callie, I'm going to go put Nurse Joy to bed —"
"We'll start cleaning up in here," said Callie with a smile.
Cheren nodded and walked off with Nurse Joy, and Callie turned to Riolu and Growlithe, ready to compliment the two of them, but when she looked at them, she saw Riolu holding Growlithe in a head lock, meanwhile Growlithe had Riolu's hurt leg trapped in his jaws.
"What is wrong with you two?" Callie groaned, shaking her head. The two pokémon froze and stared at her with wide eyes, and she simply sighed heavily. "Just. . . . Return, you two."
She held up their pokéballs, and the two pokémon were returned to their capsules. Callie looked down at their pokéballs and shook her head silently.
"What am I going to do with you guys?" she muttered to herself before tucking the two pokéballs away. She then turned to look to Haxorus and Simisage, smiling softly.
"Well, guys, I guess it's just the three of us," said Callie with a sheepish grin. "Let's start cleaning!"
An hour later, Callie, Haxorus, and Simisage finished putting the Pokémon Center back together with some help from Cheren, save for the holes in the floor thanks to Riolu's Dig attack. However, Audino was more than happy to bring out some spare ply wood they had in the supply closet, and they laid the wood over the holes to prevent people from stepping in them. Callie then tended to Audino's cut, using some of the medicine Alder had given her — she gave Audino a spoonful, and the wound healed right up. Audino, in return, then used the move Heal Pulse on Growlithe and Riolu, bringing the two of them back to full health.
Once everything was said and done, and Cheren and Callie had given Officer Jenny a full report, the two of them sat down in the lobby of the Pokémon Center, all of their pokémon back in their pokéballs, save for Callie's Oshawott, who insisted on staying out of his pokéball to be on the look out for Team Plasma, should they return. Zoro and Shinx stayed in the back to watch over Celebi, who was fast asleep, getting some much needed rest.
"That was quite some battle you had," Cheren said with a small smile to Callie, who sat slouched in a chair with Oshawott on her lap.
Callie laughed a very dry laugh. "I have to agree with you. For a minute there, I didn't think we were gonna win. Riolu and Growlithe just hate each other so much."
Cheren smiled. "Yes, but you were able to get the two of them to listen to you, and they worked together. It was very impressive to watch you battle — how long have you been a trainer now?"
"Erm. . . ," Callie paused, counting the days — they all sort of blurred together now. "Maybe. . . . Six days?"
"Six days?" Cheren choked. Then he laughed very loudly, shaking his head. "I can't believe it! My, I haven't seen a new trainer battle like that in so long — not since. . . . Well, not since I met White!"
"White?" Callie said with wide eyes. "You mean your friend who went missing?"
Cheren smiled an odd sort of smile and nodded. "Yes, she was very talented. So was Black — he was more level headed than White, but she had this fire, this spunk. . . . She bonded with her pokémon in amazing ways, and so quickly too. . . . It allowed her to battle with them as if they had been partners for years, when in fact it had only been a matter of days. . . ." Cheren smiled and nodded. "I really can't wait for our battle. . . ."
Callie frowned slightly. "Well, Cheren, I-I don't know if I'll be able to battle you today. Riolu and Growlithe both need to rest after that battle, so that only leaves me with Oshawott. I guess that'd be fine if you wanted to do a one-on-one battle, but Hugh and Wes told me your battle was two-on-two."
Cheren frowned slightly and nodded. "Yes, you're right about that — my gym battles are normally two-on-two. . . . I can't come back tomorrow, either, I've got several challengers lined up for the next few days. . . ."
Callie forced a small smile, but on the inside, she was disappointed. She had really been looking forward to getting her Basic Badge. However, she knew that protecting Celebi from Team Plasma was more important than another gym badge, and she could always try to challenge Cheren on a later date.
"Well, I appreciate you coming out all this way," said Callie. "I don't know what I would have done if you weren't here when Team Plasma attacked."
"Well, I think you would have done just fine," said Cheren. "You handled those two very well on your own — in fact. . . ."
Cheren reached into his pocket and stood up, motioning for Callie to follow suit. Callie took Oshawott in her arms and stood, looking at Cheren oddly. However, Cheren smiled and simply held out his hand, and sitting in his palm, much to Callie's surprise, was the Basic Badge.
"What's this?" Callie said with wide eyes.
"It's yours," Cheren said with a smile.
"But we didn't — I didn't — we didn't battle," Callie said, shaking her head. "I-I don't understand."
"Callie, I've been a gym leader for a while now. Most beginner trainers come to me for their first badge, and often times they win, that's just how it goes. But watching you battle today against Team Plasma with your Riolu and Growlithe. . . . I saw a fierceness in you that I haven't seen in ages. If we had battled today, I have no doubt in my mind that you would have won. So please, do me the honor of taking the Basic Badge," said Cheren, holding it out to her.
Callie stared at him with wide eyes, and then down at Oshawott in her arms, who nodded enthusiastically, urging her to take the badge.
"A-and you're sure?" Callie stammered.
Cheren nodded, and a smile spread across Callie's face as she took the Basic Badge in her hand.
"I can't believe it, Oshawott!" Callie squealed. "We got the Basic Badge!"
"Osha!"
"What?!"
Callie and Oshawott froze, and they, along with Cheren, turned towards the front door, where they saw Hugh and Wes standing there, staring at them.
"Cheren?" said Wes. "What are you doing here?"
"Ah, Wes, Hugh, nice to see you two boys again," said Cheren with a smile. "I was just visiting Callie here — she actually earned herself the Basic Badge!"
"No way!" Wes said, coming over to see. "Congrats!"
"Thanks, Wes," Callie said with a smile. "How'd you two do?"
"Well," Wes said with a nervous smile. "I managed to win myself a badge, but Hugh on the other hand —"
"I can't believe it!" shouted Hugh, stomping over towards them. "Wes won a badge from Roxie, and you won a stinking badge from Cheren, but I couldn't win?! What is wrong with me?"
"I take it as the battle didn't go so well?" Callie said with a sheepish chuckle.
"Didn't go so well? That's the understatement of the century," muttered Hugh. "I thought Magnemite would sweep the floor with her pokémon since it's a steel-type, but she knocked out Magnemite with two moves. Snivy and Pidove didn't stand a chance. Man, it was embarrassing. . . ."
"I'm sorry, Hugh," Callie said with a frown.
"Well, it's okay — Roxie agreed to a rematch five days from now, so my pokémon and I are gonna train super hard so we're ready for our next battle!" said Hugh with a smile. "Now, I just gotta find Nurse Joy!"
"Actually, Nurse Joy is resting right now," said Cheren. "There was a bit of an incident today. . . ."
"An incident?" said Wes. "What happened?"
"Team Plasma, that's what happened," said Callie, shaking her head. "They came here for Celebi!"
"What? No way!" exclaimed Wes.
"You're always right in the action, Callie!" Hugh said with wide eyes.
"Trust me, it wasn't much fun — there was four of them this time," Callie said, shaking her head.
"Seriously? And you won?" said Hugh.
"Well, Cheren took two and I took two," said Callie. "But Riolu and Growlithe sure didn't make it easy — they hate each other."
"Wait a minute, you had a double battle?" said Wes.
"I haven't even done that," Hugh muttered.
"Yes, Callie here is quite the trainer," said Cheren with a smile. "I was intending to battle her myself, but after seeing her and her pokémon work together to finish off Team Plasma, well, there was no doubt in my mind that she was more than deserving of the Basic Badge."
Wes smiled and nodded. "I definitely agree! Callie's an amazing trainer! You should have seen her battling Roxie the other night!"
"Well, if it was even half as good as the performance she put on earlier, I can only imagine," Cheren said with a laugh.
"Wait, so you're telling me she got the gym badge without even having to battle you? That's no fair! Isn't that against the rules?" snapped Hugh.
"Hugh," sighed Wes.
"As the Aspertia City Gym Leader, I'm allowed to give my badges to whomever I see fit; I've decided that Callie was more than deserving of the badge, so I've given her one," said Cheren, his tone cold and even. Hugh shrunk some.
"Now, Hugh why don't you go see Audino? Nurse Joy has left her in charge for the moment while she's resting. As for you two," Cheren said, turning towards Wes and Callie. "I suggest you two prepare yourselves for a long night. I don't know if Team Plasma intends to return for another attempt to take Celebi, but if they do, I think you two should both be ready."
Wes and Callie nodded, and Oshawott gave a mini salute. Cheren smiled and nodded thoughtfully.
"Good. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a few errands to run before returning to Aspertia City," he said as he headed for the door. Just as he was about to leave, he paused and turned towards Callie. "Oh, and Callie — I do hope we get the chance to battle some day. I'd love to see what you and your pokémon are capable of in a full on battle."
Callie smiled and nodded. "You got it. Thanks again for everything, Cheren!"
Cheren gave a fleeting wave with his hand and left, and Callie, Oshawott, Wes, and Hugh watched him disappear from sight.
Once he was gone, Hugh let out a long sigh. "Man, this stinks — you guys are both ahead of me now. . . . I can't believe Cheren gave you a gym badge for fighting Team Plasma. Anyone could have done that," he muttered, scowling at the glistening badge in Callie's hand.
Callie clenched her fist around the badge, and Oshawott narrowed his eyes at Hugh. "Hey, my pokémon and I had to battle really hard today in order to beat Team Plasma, so we definitely deserve this, got it?"
Hugh's eyes widened slightly as Callie lost her temper a bit. Then he frowned and turned away and walked towards the front desk, where Audino was eagerly waiting to help him. Callie let out a heavy sigh and frowned, opening her hand and looking at the badge resting in her palm.
"Is he right?" Callie said softly to Wes and Oshawott. "Do I really not deserve this?"
"Osha. . . ," Oshawott said, shaking his head; of course he thought Callie deserved it.
Wes smiled sympathetically and shook his head, placing a hand gently on her shoulder. "Don't worry about Hugh — he's just really mad he lost. He'll come around, no worries."
Callie smiled softly and nodded. "Well. . . . I hope you're right."
Wes grinned and and then clapped his hands together. "Well, you heard Cheren — you and I are going to need to stay up all night to watch over Celebi! So, why don't you go take a nap and rest up? I'll help Hugh get over his loss and keep an eye on everyone, okay?"
Callie nodded, and she and Oshawott went to her room, the two of them getting into bed. Oshawott curled up next to Callie, happy to be sleeping outside his pokéball, and Callie managed to force herself to get some rest, preparing herself for what would undoubtedly be a long night.