Pokémon: Adventures in Sinnoh Chapter 20: A Sky High Firefight, a pokémon fanfic

'Smells good.' smiled Nick.

'Just a little longer.' replied Jay, poking at the sizzling rice and vegetables in the stove.

It was the perfect day for breakfast by Lake Valor. The cloudless canvas of sky was painted bright blue, a hot but not uncomfortable sun glistening in the water's reflections. Battling against Spiritomb had given Nick an appetite, and Jay's plentiful supplies were a pleasant surprise.

'I stocked up while we were in Pastoria.' the chef grinned as the other boy surveyed his stocks.

'Good idea… I need to start doing that…' sighed Nick, his stomach rumbling in agreement. He had mainly been eating at Pokémon Centres, but they could be few and far between.

'We'll go have a proper meal in Canalave.' said Jay, spooning the prepared dish into paper bowls.

'Sounds great.' replied Nick, taking the meal from his friend. He looked across at the Pokémon who were sitting by the water eating berries they had found in the surrounding greenery. They sat close together, smiling, apart from Skorupi, who was perched in a nearby tree, its back turned to the scene.

'I wish Skorupi would get to know us…' said Nick sadly.

Jay turned to look at the moody scorpion.

'I'm sure it will come around.'

'I sure hope so…'

He went to take a mouthful when something long and red sprang from out of nowhere, wrapped itself around the food and pulled it away. He fell backwards in surprise and, righting himself, saw a rotund, pink figure standing in the direction that his breakfast had flew away in.

'What the…?'

The creature's tiny eyes were closed with glee as it chewed on the rice. Stubby arms and legs protruded from its ball-like torso and, swallowing its stolen snack, a tongue rolled out of its mouth to the ground.

'What Pokémon is that?'

'Lickilicky.' replied the Pokédex, 'It attacks by wrapping its long tongue around its opponents. Its tongue is coated in a saliva that causes numbness.

Nick looked up from the electronic screen, scowling.

'You ate my food!' he bellowed.

The creature looked indifferent, turning its eyes from Nick to Jay's bowl. With another stretch of its tongue, it swallowed it hole.

'And mine!' gasped the other trainer.

'Lick-eeeee!' it cried nasally.

Nick ran at the Pokémon, only for its tongue to sweep the floor and trip him up, before flicking him. He rolled back and landed at Jay's feet like a defeated Pokémon.

'I'll sort this out,' declared Jay, 'Arbok, Bite!'

The cobra slithered from its eating place and sprang at its chubby foe. It sank its fangs into its belly but did not penetrate the skin; its resilient epidermis sprang back into shape, sending Arbok the same way as Nick, landing on top of Jay. The trainer and snake stumbled back, knocking over the stove and spilling what was left of the food.

'Lick-eee, lick-eee!' laughed the creature, turning and waddling into the forest.

'So… Canalave?' groaned Jay from under his crumpled Pokémon.

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The sound of their rumbling stomachs was muted by the calls of wild Pokémon as they followed the water towards Solaceon Town. Flying-types soared overhead and Magikarp occasionally leapt from the water, flailing and contorting before hitting the surface in an undignified manner.

'I'm so hungry…' moaned Nick.

'If I ever find that Lickilicky again…' replied Jay.

Nick forced a laugh. He was beginning to sweat a little in the morning heat. As they made their way, another person came into view, walking towards them with a small creature skipping by her side. Upon closer look, it was a girl, around the same age as the two boys. Thick brown hair hung to her shoulders and curled around her pretty face, large blue eyes smiling as she walked nearer. The green, plant-like Pokémon by her side was chirping merrily.

'Hello.' she beamed as they stopped opposite each other.

'Hi!' barked Jay, almost pushing in front of Nick to reply. 'I'm Jay, what's your name?'

'My name is Mel. I'm a Pokémon Trainer.' she smiled, looking slightly taken aback at Jay's behaviour.

'Me too!' gasped Jay in a ridiculous tone, 'It's great to meet another trainer!'

'I'm also a trainer.' sighed Nick, walking out from behind his love-struck friend. 'My name is Nick.'

'Hey, Nick.' she smiled sweetly. 'Oh, and this is Budew.'

'Buh-doo!' squeaked the smiling bud monster.

'What a cool Pokémon!' laughed Jay. Nick cringed.

'Er… Thank you.' replied Mel, scratching the back of her head. 'I was wondering if one of you boys wanted to have a battle with me?'

'I would love t-'

'No, Jay,' interrupted Nick, 'Arbok is still weak from earlier, remember? You would be at a disadvantage, which wouldn't be fair.'

'But I…' stuttered the other boy, speechless.

'Will you battle with me, Nick?' asked the girl, blinking with long, dark eyelashes.

'Sure.' he nodded. He couldn't help but admire her beauty, but he was more interested in pitting his Pokémon against hers.

He'd probably have let her win, he thought as he caught a glimpse of Jay, sulking under a tree as the two combatants paced backwards to make room for the match.

'We'll use two Pokémon each!' called Mel. 'I choose Budew!'

The grass-type teetered forwards. It growled, but remained sweet and not intimidating.

'Nosepass, I choose you!'

The rock-type burst from the thrown Poké Ball and landed with a thud.

'Rock against grass… great strategy.' muttered Jay.

Nick knew of this disadvantage, but suspected that Mel was a new, inexperienced trainer. He wanted to go easier on her.

'You can go first.'

'Thanks!' she smiled back, before her face turned into a determined frown.

'Budew, Bullet Seed!'

Budew's top opened and an array of glowing seeds shot at Nosepass. The rock-type took the hits, but soon regained its focus.

'Well done, Budew!'

'Doo!'

Nick pointed forwards.

'Nosepass, Stone Edge!'

Leaping into the air, Nosepass sent jagged rocks flying towards Budew. The grass-type's eyes widened in fear as the crashed down around it and hid it in a whirlwind of dust.

'Budew…' whimpered Mel.

Nick felt a small jolt of guilt. The dust settled and Budew teetered back and forth, dazed and injured.

'Can you attack again?' begged the girl.

The little Pokémon closed its eyes, as though focusing for its life, and released more seeds. They were feebler now, many of them burning out before getting anywhere near the rock creature.

'Finish this with Thunder Wave!' commanded Nick.

Electricity crackled around Nosepass' nose before extending to whip Budew. With a high-pitched squeal, the bud was defeated.

'Budew, return.' sighed Mel sadly, holding out a Poké Ball.

'I'm sorr-'

He cut himself off.

Why am I apologising for winning? he laughed in his head.

'Alright, time for my next Pokémon!' cried the girl, throwing another ball into the air. 'Carnivine, I choose you!'

In a green flash, another plant-like monster appeared. Its round head was lined with fangs that overlapped its face, jagged leaves and vines making up its body.

'It's a Carnivine!' exclaimed Jay, emerging from his moody reclusiveness. 'I've read about them. They hang from trees with their mouths open and release a sweet aroma to attract prey, and then…'

'And then…?' pleaded Nick.

'…they chomp.'

He looked at the opponent; it opened its mouth and pulled its head back until it was parallel with its bottom lip before snapping shut and staring with unsettling eyes.

'Be careful, Nosepass…' warned Nick, thinking that Carnivine would be much more of a threat than Budew.

'Alright, use Vine Whip!' called Mel.

The monster's vines extended and came darting at Nosepass.

'Stone Edge!'

More rocks appeared and fell at Carnivine, who effortlessly weaved past them and struck the rock-type. The big-nosed monster growled in pain.

'Nosepass!' cried Nick. 'Try Thunder Wave!'

The electricity shot at the grass-type. With a simple whip of its vines, the attack fizzled out.

'Now,' grinned Mel, 'Bite!'

Moving faster, Carnivine leapt into the air, opened its jaws and clamped itself on Nosepass' head.

'Power Whip!'

Its vines began to glow and pulsate and, as its foe ran around frantically trying to dislodge it, they smashed into its sides. After a burst of light, Carnivine laughed menacingly at the unconscious Nosepass lying before it.

'Whoa! What was that?' exclaimed Nick, recalling his defeated friend.

'Power Whip, it's one of the strongest known grass-type moves.' answered Jay.

Nick gulped. Mel was obviously a more powerful trainer than he had given her credit for.

What would be good against a grass-type? he wondered. And then it came to him.

'Skorupi, go!'

'Oh, brother…' sighed Jay.

Skorupi appeared, yawned loudly, then looked at Carnivine in apathy. Mel took a step back; she seemed perturbed by the Pokémon.

'What's wrong?' he asked.

'I… don't like bugs…' she stammered.

'Nick does,' began Jay, his signature grin crawling across his face, 'But they don't like him.'

Nick shot Jay a stern look, but the latter was looking away.

'Alright, Skorupi,' he began, 'Use Poison Sting!'

His fears were confirmed when the creature, as was common, did not respond.

Not again…

'Skorupi!' he bellowed, 'I'm tired of this – attack, now!'

Skorupi sensed his raised voice and turned its head to look at him, glaring. He took a step back like Mel had.

'…Please?'

Skorupi turned back, but simply stretched its mouth into another yawn and started sniffing at the ground.

'Why isn't your Skorupi doing what you tell it to?' said Mel. Her innocence and curiosity made its reluctance all the more embarrassing. They waited in an awkward silence as Skorupi began to scuttle around, observing the area, paying no attention to its pleading trainer.

'Well, if you're not going to attack, we will!' snapped Mel. 'Carnivine, Power Whip!

Carnivine's vines began to glow again and slammed into the ground around Skorupi. The scorpion was knocked into the air and fell to the ground with a crash. It pulled itself to its feet, angered. It narrowed its eyes at the foe.

'Alright!' smiled Nick, 'Skorupi, let's do this! Use Bite!'

Skorupi attacked but, as opposed to biting, let loose a jet of glowing-hot barbs.

'That's not Bite, that's Poison Sting!' blurted Nick, unsure of whether to be happy or annoyed with his ally.

'Carnivine, dodge with Faint Attack!'

Before it was stung, the flytrap creature vanished from site. Skorupi scanned the area in search of its opponent, but was damaged once more as Carnivine appeared from nowhere and tackled it.

'Skorupi! Fight! Use Pin Missile again!'

Skorupi struggled to its feet and, with what appeared to be its last ounce of strength, fired more missiles at Carnivine.

'Carnivine! Finish it with Magical Leaf!'

Carnivine smiled and, with a wave of its vines, released a flurry of glowing leaves that melted the Pin Missile attack and honed in on Skorupi, slicking at its weak body and bringing it to the ground.

'Skorupi…'

Nick held out the Poké Ball and recalled his fallen ally. The defeat was more disappointing than usual; had it finally started to listen to him, only to be beaten? Mel approached and held out her delicate hand.

'Great battle.'

He looked into her big round eyes for a moment before smiling and shaking her hand.

'Thanks. It was.'

'Your Carnivine is very strong.' said Jay inquisitively.

'It was my father's.' replied the girl, her smile fading. She turned to the grass-type, thanked it, and returned it to its Poké Ball. 'He died a few months ago.'

'Oh, I'm sorry.' said Jay, looking towards the lake.

'He took me out to the forest on my birthday, even though he was very ill, and caught Budew for me as a present.' continued the girl, looking at the ground. 'He let all of his Pokémon go, except for the first one he ever captured – Carnivine. He gave me its Poké Ball on his deathbed and told me to go on a journey, like he had in the past, and to train my Pokémon well and learn from the experience.'

She looked up and smiled at the boys.

'I'm going to make him proud.'

Nick smiled.

'The way you battle, you already are.'

The girl nodded to the boys and bid them farewell, hoping to meet them again in future. They watched her as she walked away, disappearing around the bend of the trees and out of sight.

The sky was a blanket of clouds by the time they reached Solaceon Town, a small settlement they had decided to visit en route to Canalave. They stood at the gates and observed the area. It was not unlike Pastoria City, only the ground was dry and dusty, the grass patchy and thin. Wooden houses with boarded porches and sidewalks lined a wide central road, white picket fences forming little gardens between the homes and the surrounding forest area. Farmers and workers walked the streets, most of them wearing denim and wide-brimmed hats.

'What is there to do here?' asked Nick, looking to his travelling partner.

'I'm not sure.' he replied. 'Let's look at the road signs.'

He approached a small sign by the town gates and leaned over to inspect it.

'We could go visit the Pokémon Breeding Ranch.' he offered after a moment.

'What's that?'

Jay turned back to him.

'It's where they breed and raise infant Pokémon for adoption. It might help your Pokédex.'

'Sounds good to me!' laughed Nick, and they set off.

It did not take long to find the ranch. A large bungalow acted as the entrance, and behind it was a huge field surrounded by a fence and dotted with barns and sheds. They leaned on the fence and looked over; several tiny Pokémon were frolicking in the open space, chasing each other and being fed by an elderly woman.

'They're all so cute.' smiled Nick, instantly regretting what he had said. He was relieved when Jay agreed. They almost didn't notice a little creature waddling towards them and looking up.

'Pi-pi!' it squeaked.

'Hey, it's a Piplup!' exclaimed Jay.

'A what?'

'Piplup,' explained the Pokédex as he opened it, 'It is a rare Pokémon that came to the Sinnoh Region from northern countries. It is proud and difficult to bond with.'

He looked down at the blue penguin-like creature. Its black eyes glistened as it stared at him in curiosity.

'Hey, little guy.' he sniggered, offering a friendly hand and thinking that it did not seem too hard to bond with it.

'Pi-Piplup!'

The penguin jumped and nibbled his finger gently.

'I see you've met Piplup.' came a voice. For a moment, Nick thought that the Pokémon had talked, but, turning around, he saw an old man smiling at him. He was slightly hunched and balanced himself on a long staff, a thick white moustache and beard erupting from his wrinkled face.

'Huh?'

'Piplup doesn't usually take kindly t' strangers.' continued the old man with a wheezing laugh. 'Y'all must be fine Pokémon trainers.'

Nick and Jay looked at each other with a shy laugh.

'How did you know we were trainers?'

'Oh, I've been in this business too long not to know trainers when I see 'em.' coughed the old man.

The boys laughed.

'I'm Nick, and this is Jay.'

'It's nice to meet y'all.' said the old man from behind his facial hair. 'I'm Chuck, and that's m' wife Merrie out there in the field.'

They turned to look at the woman in the distance, who was feeding a smiling pink creature from a bottle.

'Would y'all like to come in?' asked Chuck. 'I've just made tea and I'm sure growing boys like you wouldn't say no to a sandwich or two.'

Nick's stomach rumbled yes please before he could even verbally accept the offer.

The tea was much nicer than that of the old woman from Lake Verity. They happily drank it between sandwiches; Merrie had prepared a mountain of them in very little time. She was as pleasant as her husband. Her face was wizened but had evidently been beautiful in the past, several grey hairs creeping into her tight brown bun. From the moment he had sank into the armchair, a small red animal had been rubbing its head against Nick's legs in an affectionate manner.

'So where are y'all from?' she asked, sipping from a cup that she had put a lot of sugar into.

'Sandgem and Twinleaf.' replied Jay. 'We're both challenging gyms, and Nick is working on a Pokédex.'

The couple's eyebrows raised slightly, and they looked at each other with a smile.

'You must know Professor Rowan then!'

'Uh, yeah, I do.' smiled Nick. 'He set me up with my first Pokémon, Elekid, and gave me my Pokédex.'

'Ah, that takes me back.' sighed Chuck, sitting back in his chair. 'I remember when he and Professor Drasil were making the Pokédex.'

'Tragic, what happened to that man.' added Merrie.

Nick nearly spat out his tea at the mention of the name. Professor Drasil; Rowan's assistant that had gone missing.

'Tragic? Do you know what happened to him?'

'No, of course not,' replied Merrie, 'But he came by here the night before he went missing.'

Nick's eyes widened.

'Really?'

'Why of course, don't you believe me?' continued the old woman. 'We're old acquaintances of the professor and we met Drasil while he was travellin' as Rowan's apprentice. Years later, he visited us; he said was goin' to explore the forest area beyond this town. He was restless, and he didn't seem to be payin' much attention to us. He sat in silence most of the time, hardly answerin' our questions and mutterin' about old myths and the darkness between the trees.'

She sipped her tea.

'He did say one particular thing that remains in my mind t' this here day.

'What did he say?' said Nick, leaning forward in eagerness. The fox-like animal at his feet had began pawing at his leg, but he paid no attention to it.

'He said,' continued Merrie, 'That if somethin' happened to him, it was nobody's fault.'

At these words, silence fell throughout the room.

'Just what he meant,' said the woman, breaking the still, 'I don't know.'

Nick looked to Jay. The boy widened his eyes in respect of the story, but then Nick remembered his rival did not know of Professor Drasil. He had not been present when the name had arisen in the past. The red Pokémon leapt onto his lap and changed the subject of the conversation.

'Merrie, what is this?' he asked, afraid to touch it. He had learned that Pokémon were such powerful, surprising creatures that one would be foolish to approach them without knowledge of their behaviour or abilities.

'Oh, don't mind her,' laughed Merrie, 'That's Vulpix. Seems that she likes you. You can stroke her, but don't touch her tail, she won't take kindly to that.'

Nick slowly raised his hand and ran his fingers along the Pokémon's back. Its fur was the softest thing he had ever felt, pleasantly warm to touch. Curls of beautiful orange fur sat upon its head.

'Vul!' it barked happily.

He held the Pokédex before it.

'Vulpix, the Fox Pokémon. It is born with just one tail, which splits into six as it grows older. It is a fire-type Pokémon that can control orbs of flame.'

'A fire-type…?' he gasped, suddenly cautious of having it so close to him. No sooner had this fear entered his mind than the creature sneezed, coughing out a small ember that singed his eyebrows. Jay laughed hysterically as Nick patted his face.

'Careful – it's hot to handle.' chortled Chuck.

'Hang on,' started Nick, rubbing his eyebrows as Vulpix went to sleep on his lap, 'Didn't the Pokédex say that Vulpix was supposed to have six tails?'

'We found Vulpix by the roadside just outside of town a few months ago.' sighed Merrie, standing up and approaching the window. 'It was dark and cold, and the rain was fallin'. It seemed hurt, but not as though it had been in a Pokémon battle; no, the poor thing was really injured, as if a trainer hadn't been takin' care of it. We reckon they abandoned it.'

Nick looked down at the snoozing creature. The warmth it radiated was making him sleepy too.

'Who could do such a thing to such a nice Pokémon?'

'I don't know but, as Pokémon breeders, we took her in.' continued the storyteller. 'She was timid and angry at first, and it took us a heck of a long time to get her to trust us. I think the sadness and pain she's experienced has stunted her growth – what I mean is, it's stopped her from growin' more fancy tails.'

'It's a cruel world out there, that's fer sure.' sighed Chuck.

'But,' added Merrie, 'We think she must have came from far away – she knows an attack called Flame Burst, somethin' that Pokémon around these parts ain't never been seen doin'.'

Vulpix yawned as Nick stroked its curls. Jay noisily washed down his sandwich with the last of his tea.

'Why don't you spend the night here?' asked the man. 'You can help us with the Pokémon and fill yer stomachs.'

'Oh… Thanks, but I think we're going to get going to Canalave.' replied Nick politely. 'A friend is waiting there.'

He thought of Pearl; her shining black hair, her confident, blue eyes, and the egg she had allegedly found…

'Don't be silly, we can stay here.' tutted Jay. 'How often do you get to visit a ranch?'

'Exactly.' nodded Merrie, still looking out the window. Her eyes rested on Piplup, who was blowing bubbles into the breeze.

Nick walked into the living room and slumped into the same chair as before with a sigh that almost expelled all of the air out of him. He wiped a cold sweat from his forehead with a raw hand. Jay collapsed onto the opposite chair.

'I am exhausted.'

'Me too,' replied Nick, 'Who'd have thought helping on a ranch would be so hard?'

They had helped Chuck mend the fence and Pokémon hutch, dug the earth and planted vegetables and trees for Merrie, and rescued a timid Buneary from the branch of a tall oak. It was now between dusk and darkness, and the ranch owners were giving the young ones their night-time feed.

'I'll sleep tonight.' muttered Jay, almost dozing off.

'Vul! Vul!'

Nick looked at the open door to see the fox creature trotting in. It sat by his feet, gazing at him.

'Hi, Vulpix.' he smiled. 'Are you tired too?'

'Vul…' it yawned.

'Vulpix really seems to like you.' said Jay, a slight tone of jealousy in his observation.

Nick blushed and stroked the Pokémon. Suddenly, however, it stood up, back arched, and started intently at the door.

'Vulpix? Are you alright?' asked its new friend.

It did not respond as its tail stuck upright. A few moments later, it suddenly took off back to the field.

'Wonder what's up with her…'

No sooner had the words left his lips than a noise began to gradually fill the area; a juddering, breezy noise. The boys both looked at the ceiling in confusion before looking to each other. With nothing but a nod, they got to their sore feet and ran back outside on aching knees.

A titanic armoured helicopter was descending, dropping down against the dark blue backdrop of the clouds like a frightening black spider hanging from its web. The trees rustled and the foundations of the wooden barn shook violently as the trainers ran over to the ranchers. The four gazed up in confusion and panic at the unexpected visitor.

'What is it?' cried Nick over the noise.

'I don't know!' called back Merrie.

The vehicle came to a halt some twenty feet above the ground. Moments later, a door slide open and, looking down, stood two members of Team Obsidia. They wore the usual black outfits, with bandanas covering their heads and eyebrows.

'The Solaceon Pokémon Ranch,' grinned one with a fair beard.

Chuck and Merrie scowled.

'Who are ya? What's the meanin' of this interruption?'

'How rude of us not to introduce ourselves!' laughed a sallow- but thick-skinned crook from the entrance of the helicopter. 'We're the people who are going to take the weak Pokémon from this ranch and sell 'em to dumb kids and women!'

The baby creatures turned and huddled together by Merrie's dress, several of them whining in fear.

'Take the Pokémon? Who do you think y'all are?' spluttered Chuck, his question ending in a cough.

'They're Team Obsidia!' roared Nick. 'They're a group of criminals who only care about making money through Pokémon!'

The bearded man closed his eyes and smirked.

'You think that's what we're all about? Our leader has far greater plans than that.'

'Like what?'

The man opened his eyes and his smile faded for a moment.

'Well, I… it's none of your business!' he cried back. Nick got the impression that he did not know, as though he were a lowly grunt who was not worthy of knowing Team Obsidia's intentions.

'Anyway!' shouted the other man, 'Time for us to take the goods!'

A wide steel tube appeared from the bottom of the aircraft and, suddenly, the cacophony doubled in intensity; the tube was acting as a powerful vaccum. The ranchers and trainers watched in horror as the infant Pokémon were pulled from the ground; the squealing Piplup was the first to go, followed by Turtwig and Pichu. Chimchar gripped onto Merrie's motherly hands but was eventually stolen from her grip, while Happiny and Buneary clung to each other as they were taken into the machine.

'Stop it! Stop it now!' shrieked Merrie, shaking her clenched fists at the villains.

'Nick, we need to stop this!' cried Jay.

'Right!' agreed the other boy, withdrawing a Poké Ball. 'I choose y-'

'Wait!' interjected Chuck. 'If y'all use Pokémon that aren't heavy enough to withstand this gust, they'll be sucked up there too!'

Nick's stomach jolted at the thought of the mistake he was about to have made. He put the Poké Ball back in his pocket, and thought. Then it came to him.

'Nosepass! I choose you!'

The Poké Ball was dragged into the air, but was forced back into Nick's hand after the rock-type landed on the earth, too weighty to be shifted.

'Stone Edge!'

'Not so fast!' spat the thin Obsidia member. He held up a black ball and, in a blue flash, a round, rough-skinned creature with protruding black horns appeared.

'Who's that Pokémon?' Nick asked the Pokédex. He found himself asking half out of interest in such a strange creature, half out of desire to know more about the foe before battling.

'Glalie, the Face Pokémon, and one of the evolved forms of Snorunt.' he heard the device say through the noise. 'It can freeze the air around it. It uses this ability to turn its prey to ice, and then eats it in a leisurely fashion.'

The pointed stones were shattered by a beam of glowing ice particles emanating from Glalie's mouth. It cut through the breeze and froze Nosepass solid.

'Nosepass! No!' cried the trainer. He ran over to the Pokémon and threw his arms around it, only to be burned by the unbearably cold ice. He fell to the ground.

'Vul!'

Vulpix appeared from nowhere and stood before him, its eyes wide and worried.

'I'm fine. Thanks.' he groaned, rubbing his injured hands together.

Vulpix blew fire onto Nosepass, thawing it from its frosty prison. The ice melted in seconds, but the rock-type collapsed, defeated. Vulpix then ran below Obsidia's helicopter, barking furiously. It reared its head back and spat out a ball of intense flames that lit the whole area.

'Put it out!' snarled the man with the beard.

The tube moved and the force of the air extinguished the fox's fire. The canine started to float upwards.

'Vulpix, no!' cried Merrie, tears now running down her old face.

With a sudden rush of adrenaline through his veins, Nick got to his feet, ran towards Vulpix and, with a jump, grabbed onto it. He clung to its warm midriff and sheltered it from the vortex.

'Turn up the power! I want every last one!' came a demented voice from above.

His eyes were closed, but Nick suddenly felt his feet leave the ground. He knew what was happening, but would not let go of the innocent Pokémon. His friends below cried his name as he was lifted into the tube, and the helicopter took off at speed.

He fell onto solid ground and, after rolling, hit his head against a cold wall. He slowly opened his eyes to find himself in a corner of the vehicle. Behind him, the stolen Pokemon were confined in cages, many of them crying. Vulpix was nowhere to be seen; they had become separated while in the vacuum. He turned the corner of the huge machine he had arrived via, and found himself looking at the two men across a spacious control room.

'Seems we have an unwelcome guest!' laughed the bearded one, wickedly.

'Guess there's nothing to do but finish him off.' added the skinny man with malice.

Nick's body ached. His clothes were torn and tattered, and he could tell he was bleeding in several places, but he did not back down.

'Bring it on…' he said weakly, trying hard to maintain consciousness. 'Elekid, go!'

He threw the ball forward and Elekid entered the battle.

'El! Ele-kid!' it growled.

'Glalie, freeze it like you did to the other one!' growled the grunt.

'Glay-leee!' howled the monster as it shot another Ice Beam.

'Elekid, dodge it, and use Thunderbolt!'

Elekid narrowly avoided the ice and, clenching its fist, struck Glalie with a roaring whip of lightning. The Face Pokémon closed its eyes and winced in pain, but was undeterred by the time the electrical attack subsided.

'Try Thunderpunch!'

Elekid ran forwards and smashed its crackling fist into its icy foe. It fell back and skidded along the floor for a moment before jumping back into battle, floating sinisterly.

'Enough of this!' roared the ice-type's trainer. 'Glalie, Sheer Cold!'

Glalie closed its eyes again and its body began to tremble violently. Seconds later, its eyes opened, glowing a brilliant white, and a wave of almost visible cold air blew through the room. Elekid took the hit and collapsed, shivering. The attack faded before Nick felt the full effect, but it weakened him to the edge of consciousness.

'Elekid… no…'

He recalled the electric-type to its Poké Ball.

'Time to say goodnight…' grimaced the man.

Glalie opened its mouth and a crystalline ball of ice energy began to form in front of it. Nick closed his eyes and braced himself for the final hit. Seconds later, however, he felt a wave of heat across his face and, opening an eye, saw a red flash clash with the ice. When the light faded, Vulpix stood in front of him. It was injured, but looked back with a smile.

'Vulpix, you're alright!' he exclaimed with a wide smile.

'Vul, Vul!' it barked happily. 'Vulpix, Vul!'

Nick somehow understood.

'You… want to battle for me?'

'Vul!'

He smiled again.

'Alright, let's go!'

The two members of Team Obsidia laughed evilly.

'What a touching moment. Pity it's going to be short-lived! Glalie, Ice Beam!'

Vulpix quickly leaped out of the way of the attack and landed with a growl, arching its back once more.

'Hmmm, what can Vulpix do…?' muttered Nick, opening the Pokédex.

'Vulpix's attacks are as follows:' it began. 'Quick Attack.'

'Vulpix, use Quick Attack!'

The little fox dashed around the room at a great speed, avoiding the bursts of ice that Glalie fired at it. The ice creature and its trainer grew frustrated, the grunt's hairy face turning red.

'Gah! Use Crunch!' he spat.

'Glaaay!'

It dashed at Vulpix and crashed into the ground, but the fox was too agile.

'Will-O-Wisp.' continued the Pokédex.

'Use Will-O-Wisp, Vulpix!' ordered Nick.

Stopping in its tracks, Vulpix spat several orbs of blue flame that circled around the dazed Glalie. They hissed and licked at the foe.

'Yes! It's working!' cheered Nick.

The grunt looked as though he was about to erupt with fury.

'Enough! Glalie, use Sheer Cold and finish it!'

'No!' gasped Nick. He racked his brain to remember the special attack that Vulpix knew as Glalie shook and began to build up another wall of freezing wind.

Flame Blast? Flame Curse? Flame Rage?

And then it came to him.

'Vulpix, use Flame Burst!'

The ball of fire smashed through the icy barrier and collided with Glalie. It was knocked to the floor as Vulpix's attack exploded, spreading to the walls and floor of the helicopter. The trainer and Obsidia members stared, wide-eyed, as the room became an inferno.

'V-V-Vulpix! What have you…?' stuttered Nick.

'You scumbags! You've destroyed our chopper!' roared the bearded man.

He turned to the other criminal.

'We've gotta get out of here!'

'What about the ranch Pokémon?' asked the thick-skinned villain.

'Forget them! And forget this kid too!'

More grunts suddenly flooded into the room from the cockpit, all of them with parachutes strapped to their backs. They quickly threw another two over their allies.

'Golding isn't gonna be happy…'

A panel on the roof slid open and the cold night air filled the room, further aggravating the fires. With impressively high leaps, Team Obsidia soared through the roof and disappeared into the dark sky, the panel sealing behind them. Nick could feel the helicopter start to descend as the flames continued to spread. The heat and smoke stung his eyes.

'Vulpix, I think… this is it…'

He thought of Shellder, but his water-type would not be able to put out such an intense fire. He looked over at the innocent, crying infants and could feel something else in his eyes apart from the black smoke.

'I'm sorry…'

The helicopter rattled and he dropped to the floor. His hope was falling as fast as the aircraft, while thoughts of his parents, his home, his Pokémon and, strangely, Pearl rushed through his head. The fire surrounded him, burning closer and closer…

And then something happened.

With a horrific screech, something silver pierced through the steel floor, flashed through the room, and shot out of the roof, leaving a gaping hole that the smoke began to billow from. Nick looked in confusion, wondering what it had been. Moments later, Skarmory re-entered the room, followed by another white, winged Pokémon.

'Skarmory! You came to save us!'

The metal bird screeched again and, with a lightning-quick manoeuvre, sliced its wing through the cages that held the baby Pokémon. They spilled out and were collected by the white Pokémon. It perched them all on its back with a loving smile. Skarmory cawed to Nick, motioning for him to do the same. Picking up Vulpix in his arms, he sat on the bird's back and clung onto its hard neck. It took off at speed, leaving through the hole in the roof, closely followed by the creature carrying the babies. The fresh night air washed over Nick like a sea of relief, the shining stars a welcome sight. They soared high into the air and looked down at the surreal vista of the burning aircraft falling to earth like a meteorite from space. It was above the sea; he could see the surface glistening from the flames, twinkling like the lights of Hearthome City below them.

'We can't let it hit the water!' exclaimed Nick. 'It might cause a tidal wave!'

Skarmory let out a screech and the other flying creature flew towards the helicopter. With a wave of its snow-white wings, a massive ball of light appeared around the vehicle. It mystically slowed down, and Nick realised that the Pokémon was controlling the speed of its fall. He looked on, smiling, as it was safely lowered below the black surface and out of sight.

'Great job!' he called to the Pokémon. It smiled back at him before turning and taking off towards the ranch. With another metallic cry, Skarmory followed it.

They landed back at the ranch and Nick slid and dropped from Skarmory. Standing on the ground again was fantastic, as were the smiles of friends he thought he might have never seen again.

'You're okay!' beamed Jay, running over to him.

'Yeah!' he laughed. 'Thanks for sending Skarmory. I thought I was a goner until it showed up.'

His friend continued to smile as the ranch owners approached them.

'Nick, we can't thank ya enough for helping to save our Pokémon.' wheezed Chuck, picking up Vulpix and stroking its fur.

'Well, I didn't really do anything.' he replied, blushing . 'The other Pokémon was the one that saved them.'

The winged creature was standing by the old man, kindly wrapping its soft wings around the small Pokémon that it had rescued.

'Is it your Pokémon?' asked Nick.

'Yep, this is Togekiss.' replied Chuck with a cough. 'It's a carin' Pokémon that helps us raise and look after all the young 'uns here.'

Nick admired the creature. It was cute, but also looked strong and capable.

'Are you sure you're alright, son?' asked Merrie, holding Nick's shoulders and turning his head to check for cuts and bruises.

'I'm fine, really,' he laughed, struggling slightly to escape her grasp. 'Team Obsidia got away unfortunately. The helicopter crashed into the sea.'

'Don't worry 'bout them rogues,' she said softly, 'As long as you and the Pokémon ain't hurt.'

'One day we'll stop them once and for all.' gritted Jay.

Nick looked at his partner and nodded. Suddenly, Vulpix leapt into his arms.

'You were great, Vulpix.' he smiled.

The fox returned the compliment by licking his cheek.

The next morning, they stood outside the ranch. The air was warm and the ground dry. Skarmory yawned and stretched its razor-like wings; it was to fly them to Canalave City from here. Chuck and Merrie stood in the doorway.

'If you fly to Jubilife, you should be able to see Canalave on the coast.' said the old woman in a sleepy, croaky voice.

'Thanks,' replied Jay, climbing onto Skarmory's back and petting his Pokémon's head, 'I'm sure we'll find it with no problems.'

'You kids take care of yourselves now.' smiled Chuck. 'Good luck against the gyms, and y'all come back and visit sometime.'

'We will.' nodded Nick, timidly following Jay onto the bird. 'Thanks for your hospitality.'

Skarmory suddenly pierced the morning silence with a cry.

'Time to get going, Nick!' grinned Jay, positioning himself in a more comfortable manner.

Nick looked at the ranch. It had a raffish charm in the morning light and had, in retrospect, been a very comfortable place to stay. Something then caught his eye; Vulpix had been woken up by Skarmory's noise and came running out to join the scene.

'I think Vulpix has come to say goodbye.' observed Chuck, clearing his throat.

'Vulpix, Vul!' the fox whined, looking up at Nick with sad eyes.

'Bye, Vulpix.' he said softly. 'Thanks for your help last night.'

The Pokémon's eyes were glistening as it gazed into his eyes, its lone tail hanging forlornly at the departure of its new friend. Merrie looked between Pokémon and trainer, before taking a step forward and making a suggestion.

'Nick, please take Vulpix with you.'

'Huh?' he spluttered, looking at her. She was smiling.

'I can see that the two of you have developed a bond, and I think travelling and battling with you will help it get over its past.' she explained, crouching to stroke the Pokémon's head.

Nick felt a rush of excitement and emotion inside him. He held back tears as he spoke.

'Do you want to come with me, Vulpix?'

'Vul!'

It leapt into his arms and nuzzled the side of his face. A tear fell from his eye and into its fur, and he hoped that no one had noticed.

'I'll do my best to take care of you.'

Taking one of his two remaining empty Poké Balls from his backpack, he held it up to Vulpix's face. The fox bumped it with its nose and, in a red burst of light, was pulled into the ball. It shook for a moment and then came to a standstill, resting in the palm of his hand.