Rookie
Chapter 4.

At night, Hearthome city was surprisingly spooky. The area was deserted, and the routes leading to the city were ghostly, lean shadows falling across the ground. Barry was fairly down to earth, but had teased himself with a fair amount of horror films. Route 209 mainly consisted of small lakes, but several alleyways led into the city and the blonde had been informed to check in said alleyways for any clues.

His companion, Cynthia, was ahead of him. Barry wasn't sure where, and a continuos worry gnawed his mind. He wasn't keen to not have an eye on her, which was ironic, considering it was he who was the reckless one. He jumped when his Pokétch vibrated.

'Hello?'

'I found something. Hey, Barry, they're underground again.'

He rolled his eyes. 'Jeez, these geniuses have so many original places to hide.'

'I can't access inside it though. I can only see a small gap in the alley wall. Have you had any luck?'

'No. So, you're saying you've found them?'

'It could be them. But I'm not too sure. Either way, there's no chance of us going downstairs again. Not with this much lack of light.'

Barry's heart fell in disappointment. He had been up for another crazy adventure underground. He sighed and swivelled his torch in his hand. Oh well – she did seem to be feeding in on him that they could investigate tomorrow morning. He turned back to his Pokétch. 'Okay. I'll meet you in Hearthome?'

'You go ahead. I'll stay out for a while.'

He pursed his lips. He should have expected her to say that. Barry exhaled. 'If you're staying out, I will.'

She chuckled a little. 'I think you can walk yourself home tonight.'

'I–' he cut off when realising what she was saying. 'I'm not a child. . .'

'I know you're not. Yes, meet me at the hotel.'

He hung up and began to proceed his way back into the city. The alleyway was a small walk, but in the daunting silence it seemed longer. A chill shot up his spine when he heard something behind him. Barry peered over his shoulder, and, as expected, saw nothing. He continued, torch beaming onwards.

Then he heard a whisper. Barry stopped. He widened his eyes in fear, his hand slowly clutching his Poké Ball. Was he being paranoid? He swallowed. He suddenly felt an urge to call for Cynthia. He didn't want her hanging around this late. Barry chewed his lower lip, frozen to the spot, confused and unsure with what to do.

An earsplitting roar erupted close by. Barry gritted his teeth, his eyes stinging from. . . tears? He couldn't breathe. He swivelled on his heel and dashed the opposite way to Hearthome, hoping to Arceus Cynthia was nearby. Had that roar come from her Pokémon? Or was it someone else's? Barry's heart skipped a beat – was the Pokémon even owned?

Barry slowed his pace, ears alert for any noise. He couldn't hear anything. The blonde swallowed, hand still firmly around his Poké Ball. He stopped. Silence. . . Should he call for her? He desperately wanted her back. Oh, why was he so bothered? She was a grown woman. She could take care of herself. She had probably been in far worse scenarios than this!. . . But Barry hadn't. He almost disliked her for putting him into this position.

'Cy–' his voice faded away out of fright. He couldn't speak.

Then an uproar of barks approached from where he was standing. Barry exclaimed and frantically looked around but saw no Pokémon. He began to run with all his might to where he guessed the other blonde was. He had to find her. The barks continued, growls mingling.

Barry turned a swift corner, his torch gleaming in every direction. He then heard other Pokémon whimpering in pain. There was a fight going on somewhere. He cursed under his breath.

He yelped in surprise when he almost collided into her. She was unharmed, and looked almost as frantic as he.

'Wasn't that you?' She asked, her usual calm demeanour breaking slightly.

'I thought that was you.' He was breathless, relieved she was okay.

Cynthia grabbed his arm and led him away from the disturbing noises. He followed her willingly, hoping she would be escaping with him. He remained put when she told him to flee.

'You think I'm incapable of taking care of myself?' He demanded.

She watched him for a while, her expression strangely unsure. 'I need to–' She stopped. The noises had dispersed. All was silent. Barry could only hear their breathing in the gloomy night. He didn't realise how much his hands were shaking, until noticing the torch's beam trembling wildly.

Barry realised she had seen something. He wanted to ask what, but couldn't find his voice. It was too dark. He felt her hand search for him, and unconsciously held her limb. He watched her other hand grab hold of her Poké Ball.

'I think they know we're here,' she whispered.

'. . . They know who we are?' he whispered back, widening his eyes.

'Personally, I think we've become quite famous for them.'

Steadily, they took a few steps towards Hearthome's gate. A soft padding was soon heard behind, and the two turned. Barry was not at all surprised to see a Houndoom glaring at them from afar, a low growl escaping its jarred teeth. The pocket monster looked horrific against the moonlight.

'Where's the trainer?' he whispered.

She didn't answer. Cynthia retrieved her Poké Ball and threw it into the air. Out exploded her Garchomp whom instantly obeyed to use Dragon Rush. Just as the move occurred, two other wolf-like Pokémon appeared. With the Garchomp giving them time, the two turned to escape, but were stopped short to watch a weak trainer holding his half-dead Mightyena. He gave them a nervous glance and hurried away. Barry noticed he had led a trail of blood behind him.

He didn't even notice Cynthia return her Pokémon, until she dragged him out of the route. He didn't hear a single howl from behind. Her Garchomp had obviously fainted the three opponents.

Without a word, the two hurried towards the hotel and escaped to their bedrooms. When they reached his door he blushed to realise they were still firmly holding hands. Nervously, they released each other.

'I think. . .' He wasn't sure what to say. Everything that had happened seemed like a blur. He tried to put his head on straight. 'We need to go back to that place. If we go in the morning we can try and find a way underground. Again.'

It was peculiar to see Cynthia look nervous and shaken. Her eyes seemed wider than usual, and she looked much younger. She shook her head a little. 'Go to sleep, Barry.'

'Are we going to look into this tomorrow?'

'No. I - I don't know. You need to go to sleep.'

'It'll be easier in the daylight–'

'Barry!'

He was completely taken off guard when she raised her voice. She recoiled.

'Sorry. I just. . . You are much more vulnerable than I assumed. I overestimated you a bit too much. I forgot you were a child–'

'I'm twenty–'

'This is beyond what a twenty-year-old can do. Professionals need to take care of this, Barry. You've done great work so far, and now you need to leave it to people who are capable.'

He frowned. 'Oh. So you think low of me now?'

Cynthia slumped her shoulders. 'That's not what I meant.'

'Everybody thinks so little of me! Do you have any idea how insulting it is?' He was furious now. How dare she ditch him like this! After what they had been through. He thought that what happened last night showed at least some strong trust between them. He snarled. She was just like every other trainer, thinking low of him. Believing he had too much of an ego and needed to "calm down". 'How can I be a Champion if no one will let me go further?'

'You're completely getting the wrong end of the stick.' Barry was annoyed how calm she was acting. 'I don't want you in danger anymore. You've done more than expected, Barry. I'll make sure you get credit for this.'

'I don't want credit. I want people to notice me and challenge me. I want people to believe I'm a good trainer – a determined one. Why do you not want my help anymore?'

He had hit a soft spot. Her expression was almost sympathetic. 'It's not that I don't want your help, Barry. I don't need your help anymore. You've done your bit, and. . . you should gracefully step aside.'

He stared at her for ages, figuring out what she had just said. Step aside? He was always stepping aside. An awful pang of jealousy was shot towards Lucas. Barry gritted his teeth. 'Fine. I'll step out of your way.' He was happy he had said this pleasantly. 'What do you intend to do?'

She saw right through his fake tone. He could see it in her eyes. 'I know many strong trainers, and I'm sure the police can handle it as well. The man we met yesterday told us where the bases are, and we should be able to sort things out quickly.' There was guilt and exhaustion mixed in her voice.

'That sounds good,' he lied.

'Barry. . .'

'Good night.' He closed the door behind him. Angry tears spilled in his eyes.

Barry left extra early in hope of not meeting Cynthia on his way out. He was lucky. He didn't see her when he exited the hotel and took out his Staraptor. He flew himself to the Pokémom Centre Lucas was currently staying in, a thousand words whirling through his head. Barry wasn't sure why he was meeting him, but. . . something continued to growl inside him, egging him on. He wanted to shout at the man; yell at him for stealing Barry's glory.

All anger was zapped away when he saw him. Lucas looked awful. His face was extremely pale, dark black rings lying below his eyes, and his scratches looked swollen. He was sitting upright, but didn't seem comfortable. Barry hurried towards him, placing a hand on Dawn's shoulder who was sitting beside the man.

'What happened?' Barry asked.

'It's getting worse,' Dawn croaked. 'But. . .'

'It's supposed to get worse,' Lucas said gently, smiling. 'The doctors gave me the correct treatment. Everything that is in these scratches needs to come out. My body is fighting the disease, that's all.'

A new surge of anger swept through the blonde. He hated those men for bringing up their Pokémon to be violent at mankind and towards their own species. It was unnatural. They neglected their Pokémon to turn into monsters. It was pure evil. Barry clenched his fists. He couldn't – wouldn't – sit back and watch the law take this matter into their own hands.

No, he was strong enough to fight.

He needed to show his love and devotion towards Pokémon. He needed to prove to everyone that he was a powerful trainer. (He wanted to prove it to her. He wanted to watch her apologise and accept him back. . . back where?)

'Luke, I promise I'll handle this.'

Dawn and Lucas looked at him. It was Dawn who spoke, 'What do you mean?'

Barry turned to her. 'I know where these people are. I'm going to Hearthome city to sort one part of the group out. I can handle it on my own–'

'No!' Dawn grabbed his hand. 'You could get yourself killed.'

'Exactly,' Lucas said defensively.

Barry gritted his teeth. He shoved his hand away. 'I should have expected this response. You all doubt me!' He looked away from Dawn's eyes that were swimming with tears. 'You all underestimate me. You don't believe that I'm a powerful trainer. That's why I have never become Champion.' Barry glared at Lucas. 'I can prove you wrong, mate.'

Lucas gritted his teeth. 'Don't you dare. . .'

'Try and stop me.'

None of them did. They watched him, wide eyed with fear. Lucas couldn't bring himself to believe a word Barry was saying. He was deeply hurt that his best friend denied his support. Lucas didn't doubt Barry. Lucas knew Barry too well. He knew his friend would rush into situations without thinking a consequence.

It was the only trait about Barry that pulled him down. The blonde had never discovered his flaw and it was now going to kill him.

The navy-haired man watch his best friend leave the Pokémon Centre.

Sobbing, Dawn shot to her feet, determined to chase after him. Lucas grabbed her hand. He swallowed hard.

'No. I. . . can get someone to help. She'll know what to do.'

Cynthia already knew before Lucas contacted her. She had just been too dismissive to believe it. She couldn't accept the fact Barry was this foolish. She had never known a trainer to be so silly and stupid. However there was something admiring about his recklessness. He knew full well he was treading into dangerous territory, and even when an adult had advised him not to he still decided to play the hero.

Maybe she shouldn't admire him. Maybe she should be angry at him and not help stop him from welcoming death. It was his stupid fault. She had clearly told him to step aside and let her handle it, but he had lied to her face and gone his own way. He had been naïve. His imagination of becoming Champion of Sinnoh got the better of him.

She wished she had kept hold of him. Kept him close to her. He wouldn't have run off then. Not only that, she liked him near her. He was a companion she had never had the experience of. When in combat he was powerful and reckless, but when close he was gentle and. . . surreal.

When she had placed his hand to her chest she was shocked to find no hint of lust in his eyes. Barry lacked experience from the opposite gender, yet he had kept his hands to himself and been respectful of her body. He hadn't pounced on her like many men would do. He had been kind and perfect; a gentleman.

He as a trainer had fascinated her. He clearly showed devotion for his Pokémon and everyone else's, but he pushed himself too much.

He rushed himself into situations, and obliviously forced his companions to do him well. It's a shame, because she thought he would have made a perfect Champion.

And as she hurried towards where he had foolishly taken his body to, she realised he may never become Champion. The thought of seeing his lifeless body scarred her.

He wasn't dead when she found him, but he was barely alive either.

His Pokémon had fainted, some still being tortured. Their master just lay there, unmoving, spread-eagled, blood pooling from his neglected body. Some of the injuries across his flesh looked horrific, and infection swirled through the man quickly. He was going to die. Because of her. She had made him do something so reckless.

An awful rage swelled inside her. She barely remembered releasing her Pokémon and ordering move upon move. The opponents' Pokémon didn't stand a chance. Whether they played the rules right, they were no match for her. They had gone too far with their game. They had harmed someone close to her.

They fled, leaving their fainted Pokémon to sleep in their wake.

She ignored her own Pokémon. Her mind was set on him only. She knelt beside him, picked his limp body up a little and said his name. He wasn't responding. His eyes were tightly scrunched shut. Blood dripped from her palms. He was a state.

Cynthia found a pulse.

She almost dropped her Pokétch from trembling when she rang for help.

Barry had drifted in and out of consciousness, and rarely opened his eyes. Whenever he woke, it would only be for a few seconds. His wounds needed to be healed quickly before the infections became worse. He had several bites, and was scratched all over. The liquids that escaped his injuries were horrendous, and there was little chance he would survive.

Lucas and Dawn had stayed for the first few days, hoping he would awake. Barry's parents couldn't leave him, scared something might happen. The Pokémon Centre offered them rooms to stay in, and it was only two weeks later when Palmer began to wonder if he should return to work. Barry wasn't waking up.

He was discussing the option with his wife, Barry's fully healed Infernape sitting on his lap, legs crossed. Cynthia hadn't left Barry's side since. She had returned from grabbing a drink when she eavesdropped on their conversation.

'It's okay,' she said. They looked at her. 'I don't mind staying with him. It's what I've been doing anyway.'

'We never thanked you,' Barry's mother stated. 'Imagine if you hadn't appeared in time. Barry would be. . .'

'Let's not think like that,' Palmer said, rubbing his wife's back. He looked at Cynthia. 'If he wakes up, you'll contact us immediately, won't you?'

'I promise.'

They departed ten minutes later. Cynthia returned to her usual seat beside Barry's bed and grabbed her book. A few minutes ticked past, and she jumped when she heard a grunting noise. She peered over her book and widened her eyes to find Barry staring straight up at the ceiling.

'Barry?'

He slowly looked her way. His eyes filled with tears. '. . . I'm. . .' He scrunched his eyes closed, gritting his teeth. 'It hurts.'

She neared him. 'What hurts?'

'Everything.' His voice was so faint and croaky.

Cynthia took hold of a remote, and was about to press the button to give him more morphine, but he grabbed her hand with effort.

'I'm. . . sorry. I wanted to be a Champion,' tears fell from his eyes and he was unable to remove them. It was like he was completely paralysed. 'My Pokémon–'

'They're fine. They healed last week.' A ball formed in her throat. It was horrible to see him looking so vulnerable and helpless.

He closed his eyes, still holding her hand. Barry drifted back to sleep silently.