o-o-o- Chapter 13: Captured –o-o-o

"Well, well, well, what do we have here?"

Froslass and I turned to the speaker, who was surprisingly a Glalie (I thought it was a Sableye or even Dusknoir). I wasn't exactly sure since it was rather difficult to tell but I got the feeling that he was smirking at us – or, more specifically, at Froslass.

My companion stiffened. I glanced back and forth between them, trying to figure out what was going on, when the Glalie spoke again. "To what," he spat, and I noticed a bunch of Snorunts behind him, watching, "do we owe this visit, traitor?" I looked to Froslass, who was impassive as ever. Traitor? I faced the Glalie again, about to ask who he was, when my friend replied, "I see you've been well… brother." Wait, what? Brother?! I thought, my eyes wide. Froslass' words were conversational, but her tone was dangerous. She eyed the Snorunts, commenting lightly, "Good to know you finally decided to settle down. Hopefully, my new nephews hadn't inherited much from you." At this point, I gave up on being shocked by these revelations and simply thought to myself, How in Arceus does she know they're his? I mean, for all I knew, they could've been lackeys or something.

The Glalie growled menacingly. "I am no brother to the likes of you. And my sons will do me proud, very soon." His gaze fell on me and I felt a shiver go up my spine. If anything, his smirk returned. "But still, thank you for the, ah… present." Huh? Is he talking about me? Froslass went forward, her glare similar to earlier, but her brother didn't stop talking. "I've heard that Primal Dialga had a big bounty for the capture of certain time-traveling Pokemon. It would've been more convenient if the Grovyle was here though, but we can make do with you."

"Hey!" I glared. "Neither the Sableye nor Dusknoir has been able to capture me, nor am I not going to let some stupid floating icicle head break my record!" The words were out of my mouth before I even knew it, and at seeing the Glalie so mad he looked like he was steaming, I did not regret a word.

"You…" he growled lowly, "… I expected more from a legendary who could travel through time. Not some tiny pompous weakling who was so… pink." He said the last word distastefully, as if it was an insult. I balled my hands into fists. "Pink," I said carefully, "is not an insult. Pink is my color. And one does NOT underestimate PINK!" With that, I unleashed an Ancient Power that threw Glalie backwards to the nearest tree behind him, causing the Snorunts to scamper off in fear. I heard a noise of satisfaction from behind me, and I looked back to see Froslass seemingly unaffected. But there was a tiny sliver of a smile – or was it a smirk? – on the corner of her lips. I was a bit surprised at her reaction, because if I were in her place, I'd be kind of concerned about those Snorunts since I would have been their aunt. But then again, I didn't know what my friend had gone through with her despicable brother, so maybe I couldn't really say anything.

Froslass approached me. "That was quite the Ancient Power."

"I was offended."

"About a hue?"

Instead of shrugging, I winked and smiled at her, eliciting a smile from Froslass herself. Then we heard a groan from Glalie. We looked back at him and both of us took fighting stances – well, we weren't exactly physical fighters, so it was more like I prepared another attack while I could tell that Froslass readied a Shadow Ball. Glalie obviously suffered a lot from my previous attack, and he couldn't even float back up. So instead, he took to glaring daggers at us from the snow-covered ground.

"You... will pay for this," he croaked, before wincing in pain. Froslass glanced at me. "Celebi, I do believe that this vacation must be put on hold. Shall we return?"

While I hated to admit it, she was right. I hadn't exactly chosen the prime spot for a vacation for Froslass – especially not with her brother putting a damper on the whole thing and pretty much rubbing it in my face. I nodded. I concentrated my power and teleported us back to HQ. The last I saw of Frozen Island, just as we disappeared, were the Snorunts returning for their father. I didn't know why but I got a bad feeling all of a sudden.

When we got back, it was quite obvious that my plan hadn't really worked out so well. Amphy, Arceus bless her, upon seeing us and our damp moods, said nothing and merely sent me a pitying smile as she ushered the two of us to a table in the cafeteria.

"All right, ladies, this one's on me. How does a Clear Gummi shake and Pecha juice sound?" the Ampharos chirped. I smiled gratefully as Froslass voiced our reply, "Wonderful."

As soon as Amphy left, Froslass whispered to me, "It's not really on her so much as it's on Boss. Everyone knows to put Amphy's purchases on his tab." I giggled at this information. "Does Boss know?" I asked. "Sure. As well as he knows which one is Lulu and which one is Lili." I knew for a fact that Boss always got those two mixed up. Always. And this made my giggles escalate into laughter.

Just then, Amphy returned with our drinks. She eyed us suspiciously. "You two don't sound like your holiday was just ruined."

I beamed at her. "It's not over yet! There're still things that we can do!"

"Someone's optimistic," Froslass commented, and I could sense the roll of her eyes. I stuck a tongue out at her. "At least, I'm trying."

Another eye-roll, but her smile now was brighter. Amphy laughed, which caused her to nearly choke on her Nanab slush. Which, in effect, caused Froslass and me to laugh. Taking a sip of my Pecha juice, I remembered the Pecha berry soup I had with Grovyle and Leonna, when she was still a human. Suddenly, all cheer was drained away and my heart constricted. With everything that had been going on, I hadn't been able to think much about Grovyle, Leonna and Liam recently. I bit my lower lip in an effort to fight off the sudden wave of nostalgia and worry.

"Celebi? Are you okay?"

I glanced at Amphy and tried for a smile. Even I could tell it was weak and fake. "I'm good. I-It's nothing…"

Froslass looked at me. "Is this about Grovyle?"

When my gaze met hers – curse those ominous yellow eyes – I knew I couldn't lie. Without Leonna, I had been holding so many things in, that it was just too hard for me to keep them in. So I let it out. I told them about Grovyle and Leonna. About how we all met, long ago. I told them about how I felt about Grovyle and what happened when I heard 'the voice'. I regaled them with stories of my past. I shared about our plans to save the planet. I talked about what happened to Leonna, my dear, and how I totally thought that Liam was sweet on her. Finally, I told them about the last time I saw them, at the Passage of Time.

Amphy and Froslass were actually very good listeners. They watched me attentively and even added a comment or two, showing me just how much they cared. Here I was, practically a no body to them, and they were listening to me blabber about my hopeless love life (plus dilemma with Leonna turning into a Vulpix and whatnot). The thought made my poor stressed heart feel all warm and fuzzy. It was a nice feeling.

"…and with a nod, he disappeared into the Passage, with Leonna and Liam close behind. After that, I escaped from Dusknoir and the Sableye – again – and ended up getting caught by Lulu and Lili and brought here." I finished. Suddenly, arms were wrapped around me in a firm but comforting hug. I looked up at Amphy, a questioning look on my face.

"Oh, Celebi," she gushed, "I'm so glad you've come here." I awkwardly patted her arm reassuringly. I did not know how to respond to that.

"I agree," Froslass spoke up, and both Amphy and I focused our attention on her. Froslass grasped my free hand, giving it a squeeze. "I have gone through many things, Celebi, from time's freezing to many adventures and difficulties. I went through them alone – "

"Hey! What about me and Boss?"

"Okay, fine, most of them alone. I was fine with that. I had to grow up and learn how to do things independently, or else I wouldn't have survived. I thought I was used to being alone. When you came around, I didn't think we'd get as close as we are now. Aside from Amphy," she paused to give an emphasized look at the Ampharos, who beamed in response, " and Boss, I did not have many friends. And I mean real friends, like ones I could share stories with. I hadn't thought it to be possible, frankly. But you proved me wrong, you little pink fairy."

A smile grew on my face, and it grew wider into a grin and I just felt so happy, so appreciated, and so grateful – I started laughing. I laughed joyously, and tears started to pool around my eyes. A lot of things passed my mind in that moment. One, I was probably making quite a ruckus in the cafeteria, but I didn't care. Two, Froslass might actually be offended right now, what with her just having gave a heartfelt speech, and I was laughing in response. I toned down my laughter and saw that both Amphy and Froslass were watching me with expressions that mixed worry and curiosity. I grinned at them, and I could feel hot tears rolling down my cheeks. With another eruption of giggles, I tackled them both in a fierce hug.

"You guys," I hiccupped, "I love you girls so much."

I felt them smile and wrap their arms around me – and we stayed in that group hug for a long time.

"Oh, hey, kiddo," Boss greeted me as I passed by him. "Hi Boss!" I replied, adjusting my hold on the basket. The Typhlosion eyed the said basket curiously. "Whatcha doing with that?" he asked.

"Oh! I was just going out to pick some apples from the orchard for Mr. Mime," I had to adjust my hold again, since the basket was bigger than me. "Lulu and Lili are already outside waiting for me, so I gotta go."

"Oh, okay," Boss smiled and waved, "Have fun picking apples!"

"I will!" I called over my shoulder.

When I reached the entrance to the orchard, the Sneasel sisters were nowhere to be found. I placed the basket down on the ground and waited. Looking around me, I remembered the first time I was here. With a slightly nostalgic smile, I floated down and sat on the basket's handle. I was petite and light enough to not break it. It's been a while since I first came here. With my sense of time, I knew I had stayed with the Planetary Investigation Team for nearly a month. In my first week, I had gone with Froslass and Mewtwo on that mission to save Mew. When my second week was ending, I had brought Froslass to Frozen Island, where I met her brother and nephews. And now, sitting here in the serenely peaceful orchard, waiting for my companions, I realized I had stayed here for exactly twenty-eight days (if time had flown properly, of course).

I heard a rustle from the bushes behind me, and I smiled. "Come on, Lulu. Get your sister. I want to pick apples already." I turned around, fully expecting a sheepish Sneasel, but instead I found two Sableye jumping at me with their claws ready. I reflexively teleported out of their way and reappeared behind them. I was shocked, which was why I reacted rather slowly. "Wh-what!? What are you doing here!?"

"Hehehe!" they snickered in reply, their jewel eyes glinting. I glared, "Are you mocking me?" I fired a Shadow Ball, which they both dodged easily. One landed somewhere to my right while the other one landed on a tree branch above me. My glare hardened. If they were going to try and confuse me by using the surrounding foliage, they were in for it. I closed my eyes and focused my psyche. I couldn't touch the Sableye, they were part-Ghost. But that didn't mean I couldn't take advantage of the playing field. Using Ancient Power, I lifted the ground where the first Sableye was standing before using Magical Leaf to break off the branch where the second Sableye had landed. I caught both by surprise, what with the first Sableye clinging to the piece of rock while the other was making a funny noise of terror and all. I smiled and clasped my hands, bringing them together and causing them to collide and fall to the ground. As they Sableye struggled to get up, I prepared another bigger Shadow Ball while my mind was racing. How are they here?!

We had guards positioned everywhere, to make sure that Primal Dialga's troops couldn't get to us. They couldn't have gotten anywhere near the headquarters. It was impossible for them to get here on their own – unless they weren't alone. My eyes widened in realization just as I felt a blow from behind me. I crashed to the ground even harder than the Sableye did. Arceus, that hurt, I thought as my vision blurred. The last thing I saw were the two Sableye looking down at me with another Pokemon.

When I came to, I realized two things. The first: my hands and feet were bound by rope. I could feel the sting of the rope since it was tied rather tightly. Second being: I was not in the Apple Orchard near HQ. I looked around me. I saw trees all around me, but they seemed different… They were tall and dark and loomed over me like a cage... This place was familiar but I felt a sense of foreboding. That's when I realized that I was back in Dusk Forest.

I looked around me frantically. Why am I here? Where are those Sableye? Why did they bring me back to Dusk Forest? These thoughts raced through my mind as I stood alert for any signs of my captors. When I couldn't see anything else besides the trees, I decided to try another tactic. I took a deep breath to calm myself before I broadened my psychic powers. My antennae went rigid as I tried to sense other psyches. It didn't take long. I was able to zero in on them because – let me tell you, a Dialga's presence is difficult to hide, and a Primal Dialga wouldn't even bother hiding its presence – I was able to sense a hugely powerful psyche. As soon as I sensed Primal Dialga, I realized it wasn't alone. Smaller, weaker psyches surrounded it, and I knew I found my captors.

I glanced at my surroundings again. They were at least fifteen feet away from where I was. I did not know what was going on in their heads when they decided to leave me alone – in my own home – but I wasn't going to let this chance slip away. I looked back down on my tied hands. Sometimes, I truly wished I was a Fire-type just so that burning things like this would be a piece of Oran Pie. Wait a minute, I thought, Why try to burn it when I can do this! I gleefully focused my powers and used Magical Leaf. The oddly colored leaves appeared by my side, and at my will, cleanly cut through my bondage. Yes!

Immediately, I fluttered up, and just as I was going to teleport away, a Shadow Ball came from nowhere and hit me right in the chest. Thankfully, I was only blown back by the attack and while I was definitely not expecting it, I was able to keep myself from crashing into a tree. I shook my head to get rid of the dizziness and looked around. "Where'd that come from?" I blurted out, my brows furrowed. My senses were on alert, scanning the area for any psyches when I heard a chuckle come from my far left.

When I saw who it was, I groaned. "Ugh. No wonder I couldn't sense anyone…" I muttered. Because floating there with an evil grin on his face… was Spiritomb. I've only met the Dark/Ghost type once. Spiritomb was actually (sort of) part of P.I.T., only, he worked with Gengar, which pretty much said everything about his character – or rather, lack of it. He had played a bunch of mean, and not to mention stupid, pranks on Boss when I had been talking with the Typhlosion... I hadn't been able to sense him then because he was part Dark type. I hate Dark types. Their psyches were like black holes – so void and empty that even Legendaries (who were Psychic anyway) couldn't sense them.

Spiritomb chuckled again, probably since he heard what I said. "Tryin' to go somewhere, Pinkie?" he taunted. I glared, "Oh sure. I, for one, don't like to hang around traitors." I emphasized the last word, putting as much venom in it as I could. My opponent merely snorted (Ugh, I swear, it sounded quite disgusting).

"Well, I'm afraid I can't let ya leave." Before I could even think of a reply, a wave of dark energy hit me, and I was engulfed by horrid and depressing thoughts. Dark Pulse, I grimaced as Spiritomb floated up to my eye-level, and used Ominous Wind. The attack forced me back into a tree, and splinters were the least of my worries as pain shot throughout my body. "Ack!" I fell down to the ground limply. Have I ever mentioned how much I abhor double type disadvantages?

I did my best to get up, but my wings weren't cooperating and I couldn't focus because I began to sense a bigger threat. Arceus, Primal Dialga's coming! I thought frantically as I mustered up all my remaining energy to teleport. I started to see the familiar white particles that appeared before I teleport and I thought I would be able to get away. But then, I heard glass shattering, and the particles disappeared. Oh no!

A mighty, horrifying roar echoed throughout the forest and the ground rumbled as the Legendary Pokemon landed a few meters away. I weakly lifted my head up to look at the beast. It roared again, in my face, and all I could think of was 'How rude. It's not nice to see you too,' before passing out.

I drifted in and out of sleep as they carried me off somewhere. The fatigue was too much that I didn't bother trying to keep awake and escape. I didn't care that the Sableye were probably carrying me in some sort of basket because it was dark and a bit cramped. At some point, I was able to organize my thoughts for a moment as I overheard the Sableye muttering something about Frozen Island, which is probably where they were taking me. I wonder if they were working with Glalie… And what about Froslass? If they made a deal with Glalie, Froslass was most likely in danger. Oh dear…

A/N: Sorry it took longer than a month. I sort of forgot about this because of school and whatnot. Thank you to everyone who reviewed, followed and/or favorited (?) this story! Your support is much appreciated, and I'm just glad you guys enjoy this! Constructive criticism is welcome!

As for the coming chapters (which I cannot guarantee will be posted soon, unfortunately) they will be with more familiar characters now. By that, I mean, it'll mostly be with Celebi (duh), the Sableye, Spiritomb (he's actually from the game), and later on, Grovyle and Dusknoir. Hooray for Grovyle's coming return! Although he won't be in Chapter 14 yet… ehehe.

Again, thanks for reading!

-Empress