Hidden in Shadows Part 8~ Cail's Challenge

In Agate, everyone was very relieved to see each other and Amy wasted no time making a suggestion.

"Jesse, I think you should get out of the region. I have to stay and save my dad," Gary made a garbled noise as Amy went on, "But you should go. I really don't want you to be put in danger again; we should've done this from the start…"

Jesse frowned. "I know you just want to protect me Amy but… I don't want to just leave with this unfinished. I mean, sure I'm a burden but… I might have some service I can assist with."

"And what's THAT supposed to mean?" Gary demanded, looking pissed, "Amy just told you to leave for your own protection so just go, what's so hard about that?"

"Well, I think I can answer that one," Cail sighed, coming into the room, rubbing his forehead with a frown of his own, "I don't want to alarm you guys or anything but… Cipher has shut down pretty much every way out of the region."

"What? How's that even possible?" Gary yelped. Eagun, Beluh and Celia came in as well.

"Evidently, Cipher seems to have gotten much more powerful then we'd anticipated," Eagun said sadly, "I had no idea it was so serious, but they've apparently managed to shut down both the sea and air ports in Gateon and have blocks along the perimeter of the desert, not that it's recommended to cross any stretch of desert besides the routes between towns."

"Yeah, and Selene couldn't make that journey under the sun like this," Amy sighed, thinking, "Oh, how do you know this anyway?"

"It was in the last email Celia got before Cipher erased her from the mailing list," Cail sighed, "And, according to Nett's satellite images, it seems to be accurate."

"Then we only have one option, stopping Cipher once and for all," Celia said point blank, "We just need to figure out how to do it.

"Actually, I've been working on that," Nett entered now, flanked by Megg and Bitt, "But it's going to take some time. Still, our best bet is discovering how to purify Shadow Pokémon. That is Cipher's major plan, to use Shadow Pokémon in world domination. Well, if we know how to cure Shadow Pokémon then we can save the world. If we can't, even with Cipher defeated their plan will still go on as long as there are Shadow Pokémon."

"That's true," Beluh nodded, "So here's my plan. The children can stay here with myself and Eagun and work on curing Shadow Pokémon. We'll work on getting back in contact with Prof. Oak on a secure line as the rest of you work on rescuing Amy's father. You have the co-ordinates to the Snag'em Base now correct?"

"We do. Okay, that plan sounds good," Amy nodded, "So Jesse will stay here as well then?"

"No I- I want to go with you," Jesse said firmly, "I know I can't see, but I want to try, if you're going to Snag'em…" he sighed. "I may as well say this, when Snag'em kidnapped me this last time, I heard… well I think I heard, um, one of my Pokémon. No... I'm sure it was. Actually, Cail probably saw him. Uh, he was… the…"

Cail raised an eyebrow, "Um… oh hang on, was it that big red and brown dog thing?"

"Yeah, that's Entie."

"ENTIE?" everyone stared at Jesse.

"Uh, yeah… well actually he isn't exactly MINE per say, but he was travelling with me… um… yeah so..."

"But, you know, isn't that a legendary Pokémon?" Gary pointed out, eyes wide and gaping.

"Um, well, yes," Jesse said with a sigh, "And now it's evil. So if you're going in there maybe… maybe I can reason with him"

"But I thought you said once a Pokémon has been turned into a Shadow Pokémon they lose all their previous memories?" Cail pointed out.

"Yes, but if a Shadow aura can be eased, then maybe some memories can return. If anybody can allow that to happen I think it would be me, and although Selene might be able to face Entie there isn't a guarantee, especially if Snag'em has my other Pokémon too… though I doubt Cipher would allow one member, or even one division to have all of them."

"Actually, I heard that there was an Entie being used at the Battle Tower," Celia piped up.

"What?" Nett blinked.

"Yeah, apparently the first level got a new leader and he's been using an Entie," Celia revealed, "I guess he's probably from Snag'em then, we're closer to the Battle Tower so do you want to try stopping by there first?"

"Stop by... Battle Tower-…" Gary seemed to struggle with himself. On the one hand, he did not want to dawdle getting to the Snag'em base. On the other hand, this was a BATTLE Tower, and furthermore, this was an opportunity to see a legendary Pokémon.

"Well… what do you want to do Jesse?" Amy asked, wanting to go straight to her father, but on the other hand if they managed to rescue Jesse's Entie it was possible the boy would decide to go back to Agate so that he wouldn't be in more danger.

"Well… Entie would probably be a lot of help rescuing Wes Tanner, even if he is a Shadow Pokémon," Jesse said slowly.

"Alright, Battle Tower it is then!" Celia grinned and Cail sighed.

"Okay, so let's go then. Eagun, can I borrow you're motorcycle?"

"Certainly young man! You kids just be careful!" Eagun merrily replied.

"We'll try that," Amy said with a smirk, knowing this was the furthest thing from being careful. Still though. This was fully necessary. So then, the group of Gary, Amy, Jesse, Celia and Cail headed out to the motorcycles while Nett, the Kids Grid gang, Eagun and Beluh stayed to work on how Shadow Pokémon might be purified.

An hour later the five kids pulled up in front of the Battle Tower. Jesse got out of the side car with a little assistance and shivered.

"I feel him… I feel Raiku…" Jesse breathed.

"Feel him? Really?" Celia said, blowing a bubble in the mint gum she was chewing. Cail breathed in from his cigarette.

"I thought we were getting that Entie thing... oh well," Cail shrugged, "So are we going in or what?"

"Oh, we're going," Gary said marching up to the door. As he went though, there were two flashes of light and Plusle and Minin dashed out ahead of him, cackling wildly.

"Okay what the hell? Get back here!" Gary growled, running after them.

"Gary!" Amy called and groaned, taking off after him.

"A-Amy?" Jesse blinked his sightless eyes.

"Come on kid," Celia sighed, putting a hand on his shoulder and directing him toward the doors, Cail following, looking bored.

Inside all seemed pretty normal, but Jesse insisted that Raiku (because apparently he also had 'befriended' this mythical beast as well) was being used here. They approached the front desk where a woman was reading a magazine, an Abra dozing by her side.

"Um, excuse me? Ms… um- hello?" Amy asked, tapping the desk. The lady looked up.

"Oh, hello there! Would you like to make a challenge?" she asked, putting down her magazine.

"Oh, uh, yes! My friends and I would-"

"Oh, I'm sorry Miss, but only one challenger is allowed up at a time," the receptionist said with an apologetic smile.

"Huh? Why?" Gary asked confused.

"Because the Battle Tower fields are mostly supported by giant rotating fans over large chasms, each platform can only support the weight of two trainers and four Pokémon. Also, Wailords and Snorlaxes are not permitted for obvious reasons," the receptionist explained.

"Right… well then, who should go up?" Gary asked the group.

"Well… I DID come in second in the Indigo League," Amy said glancing around as if expecting someone to challenge the fact.

"Yeah, well you're also on Cipher's Most Wanted list," Celia pointed out and Amy frowned.

"Well, I think I should go! I was still IN the Indigo League anyway!" Gary pointed out.

"Yes, Celia, Cail and myself will wait here with Amy while you go up and," Jesse was speaking but Gary cut him off.

"STAY WITH AMY HUH? Well take this ginger boy, I'm not going anywhere!" Gary snapped.

"B-but Gary, if not you or me, then who else will do it?" Amy asked, wondering what bug pokemon had crawled into his underwear and bit him, "I mean… it'd have to be Celia or Cail obviously but…"

"Um… I'm actually not that great with Pokémon," Celia admitted, "Actually, I only have two."

Everyone turned to Cail who sighed, stabbing out his cigarette.

"Alright. I'll go. But I know I'm going to regret it," he groaned.

"Okay… oh hey!" Amy stripped off her Snag'em machine, "Take this so you can get Raiku back, given the chance."

"Okay… uh, what does a Rake-oo look like?" Cail asked and everyone tipped over a little. How could anyone not know what a legend like Raiku looked like?

"H-he looks like this" Amy laughed a little, showing him a picture in her Pokedex.

"Alright," He rolled his eyes and registered with the receptionist. After a round of wishes for good luck, he went through the doors and out of sight.

"So, you think he'll get up there alright?" Amy asked and Celia smiled.

"He's a good trainer. He just… well when he has warning for a battle he doesn't battle in the traditional way."

"Then… how does he fight?" Gary asked, cocking his head to one side.

A FEW MINUTES LATER

"What are you doing?" the first trainer on the battle tower asked, confused as Cail pulled out an I-Pokémon with speakers and set it on some hip-hop music. He then turned to his opponent and smiled.

"Getting ready to beat you," he said, and threw his two Pokeballs. Staryu and Porygon appeared in a flash of light. He was saving Floatzel for later, and he'd also managed to borrow Socrates and Isis from Gary and Amy, along with Celia's Gligar. By borrow here we mean he sort of took them with intent to return them afterwards, hopefully with them not realizing. It was just habit, he couldn't be bothered asking.

The opponent sent out a Teddiursa and a Ledyba. Cail grinned.

"Ledyba, Comet Punch on Porygon! Teddiursa, Bite on Staryu!"

"DODGE!" Cail called and like dancing to the beat of the music, his Pokémon moved quickly from each attack. As he did, he couldn't help but bounce on the balls of his feet himself, making a few dance moves of his own. Don't get him wrong. Its true most trainers would look rather dorky battling like this. However, in Cail's street clothes, cigarette in one hand, sunglasses glinting in the sunlight and mischievous smile on his lips, he looked pretty damn cool.

"That is really GAY you know that?" the opposing trainer said after moment.

Cail twitched. "Oh yeah? You're a thirty year old man with a pink shirt, a teddy bear and a ladybug. Who's gay here?"

"Hey, shut up! There's nothing wrong with being gay anyway!" the man shouted, and proceeded to order another round of attacks that were easily dodged.

"Okay, Tri Attack on the lady bug, and Rapid Spin on the teddy bear," Cail ordered. Both the little Pokémon went down in one hit. Cail stared. "Dude, are you serious? What are those things, level five?"

"… yes." He then recalled his Pokémon and ran off crying. Cail raised an eyebrow. This might be easier then he thought.

MEANWHILE AT THE BASE OF THE TOWER

"Dance steps huh? Weird," Gary said with raised eyebrows.

"Yep, back in our youth he used to break dance in the Under for change. Sponsored many candy runs Cail did…" Celia reminisced.

"That sounds cool," Amy smiled. She was sitting next to Gary and, because she knew Gary was getting seriously stressed, she allowed him to hold his arm around her shoulders protectively as Jesse occupied the seat next to Celia.

Suddenly, it seemed Gary had reached into his pocket, and felt only five Pokeballs. His eyes widened and he quickly retracted his arm from Amy's shoulder and began digging through his pockets with both hands. "I'm missing one of my Pokeballs!"

Amy cocked her head to one side and curiously checked her own pockets, eyes widening as well. "Hey… me too!"

"Hang on…" Celia frowned and reached into her pocket as well and withdrawing one Pokeball. "Urg, he took Gligar. It has to have been Cail. Sorry guys, he's a great pick pocket and likes to show off. He should've asked but he'll definitely return them. He never permanently steals Pokémon."

"Hey… my wallet's missing too!" Gary blinked.

"Oh… well that he erm… probably wasn't thinking when he took that. Force of habit. Just ask for it when he gets back."

"Bastard…" Gary grunted and Amy giggled a little.

"Yeah… but seriously, he only has three Pokémon of his own. He could probably use the help of our Pokémon," Amy pointed out. She looked over at Jesse, who'd been quiet for a while now.

"A-are you okay Jesse?" she asked concerned.

"It's just… Raiku's energy is so tainted, it's disconcerting." He shook his head. "When a human has a bond with a legendary Pokémon, they become very attuned to its aura. With it so dark, I feel dark too." The red head sighed.

"Well, I'm sure Cail can get it back from whatever Cipher member is at the end of level one, and who knows? Maybe Nett will have a break through made by then!"

"I hope so," Jesse sighed once again, head turning towards the doorway Cail had disappeared through.

As it turned out, level one was full of live-with-their-mother bottom-of-the-barrel trainers whose Pokémon didn't appear to exceed level ten. Cail easily blew through them, often with one hit apiece. In fact, he found it was starting to get boring and for the last few battles he wasn't even bothering with his music anymore. This was barely battling.

At last he reached the new head of Level One and immediately decided to get out his I-Pokémon again. This guy was BIG. Muscular, with dark blood red hair jutting out of his head like flames and war paint on his face. Cail usually avoided these sort of trainers if he could help it, but if he came back now Celia would probably murder him… better this guy's wrath then hers.

"Prepare to lose, puny man!" the muscle man roared, and Cail twitched. The guy released two Pokémon, a Machoke and a Dunsparce.

Cail nodded when the Machoke appeared but Dunsparce made him raise an eyebrow. Still, this was level one. Even if this guy was cheating or something with higher level Pokémon, he couldn't be too awesome without raising suspicion…

"Alright, go Porygon, Staryu!" Cail released his Pokémon, and flipped on his music. Once again his opponent stared at him, but Cail wasn't one to worry about that.

Battle commenced. Turns out that the muscle head was better than one would think. Dunsparce was fairly easily dispatched of, but Machoke landed some decent hits before going down, and by that point meat-head had sent out a Vibrath as well and Cail was not expecting it to shoot Dragon breath at him. So, to his surprise, he hit Porygon twice. One hit turned Porygon into a Dragon type, weakening it to Dragon moves and the second taking him out of the battle. Vibrath was fast; even dance steps couldn't seem to deter it.

"Alright, a decent fight for a change. Interesting," Cail grinned and this time released his sister's Gligar. He wanted to save Floatzel for later. Luckily, he'd 'borrowed' Gligar so often he knew its fight style as well as he did the styles of his own Pokémon. "Gligar, Dig under Machoke! Staryu, Swift!"

Swift hit both Pokémon, and never misses so minor damage was done to both opponents as Gligar furiously burrowed down.

"Dragon Breath! Karate Chop!" the meat head ordered and his Pokémon leapt into action at Staryu. After an intense thrashing, the star-shape Pokémon fell to the ground, the jewel set in its middle blinking furiously. Cail recalled the fainted Pokémon and now sent out his Floatzel. He wanted to sort of avoid using Gary and Amy's Pokémon if he could avoid it, maybe just as finishers. He didn't know them that well.

Gligar took out Machoke with Dig and the meat head now sent out Nidorino. Though Floatzel sent that Pokémon into heavy damage, Nidorino's Take Down (which took itself out) coupled with Vibrath's Dragon breath once again (doesn't it know any other attacks?) managed to take out Gligar. Cail blinked in surprise. Gligar rarely went down. Now he had to pick from Gary and Amy's Pokémon. He picked Amy's, remembering vaguely that Ice types were good against dragon types. He hoped Dragon breath meant that Vibrath was actually a dragon type…

"Go, uh… Isis right?" Cail questioned as the ice Eevee evolution appeared, looked at Cail, and seemed to roll its eyes. Cail wasn't sure what that was about, but she appeared to be ready to fight the meat head anyway. "Uh… crap. Um, use… Ice... something on bug boy?" he said, pointing at Vibrath hopefully. Isis groaned, but complied with an Ice Beam. Vibrath tried to dodge but Isis chased it down until one of its wings caught the ice and it fell to the ground. From there, Floatzel's Slam took it out easily. Finally, Raiku had to be chased out.

"Alright, bet you think you're tough little man? Well now face my Ultimate Shadow Pokémon!" the meat head through his final Pokeball and out appeared the Pokémon Cail had seen in the Pokedex, Raiku.

"He's getting ready to battle now…" Jesse whispered, unnoticed.

"Ready to lose punk?" the meat head laughed and Cail rolled his eyes.

"Yeah. Sure I am buddy," Cail snorted, "Floatzel, Hydro Pump."

"Raiku! Thunderbolt!" the meat head roared and the electric type sizzled Floatzel, leaving it steaming on the surface of the arena. Cail froze in shock. He thought Shadow Pokémon only knew Shadow Rush! Maybe these were special, because they were legendary? Arceus damn... Without any other choice, Cail sent out Gary's Umbreon. He couldn't remember its nickname, but he knew what Pokémon it was anyway.

"Isis, Umbreon, uh, you usually double battle together right? So… um… what attacks do you know? Wait, Amy said you know Roll Out, both of you use Roll Out on Raiku!" Cail ordered, remembering Amy's long story about her Pokémon journey from before. He remembered that part about their first gym battle because it sounded cool at the time.

Isis and Umbreon looked at each other. They hadn't used Roll Out in quite a long time, did they still remember how? Isis knew it had to do with defence curl and agility… So she used those attacks and soon was rolling as before, if with a bit more difficultly. It was difficult to manoeuvre in this form. Umbreon had an easier time of it.

Their only problem was… aim.

"HEY! Watch it!" Cail yelled, dodging away from the rolling Pokémon as they careened around the platform, "And watch the side too!"

"Enough of this! Use Shadow Rush!" the Cipher meat head ordered and Raiku charged… just as Socrates and Isis managed to change direction. Full contact.

"YES!" Cail grinned, pulling out a cigarette as Raiku fell back. Taking a drag, he grabbed a Pokeball with the Snag Machine and threw it. The Raiku dazedly disappeared within and the ball shook rapidly. Luckily, Cail wasn't an idiot and used an Ultra Ball he'd found last time he was down in the Under. The Raiku was caught. Thanks be to Arceus.

"Alright, so do I get some cash now or wh- hey!" Cail growled as the muscle head lurched for him. He dodged aside with one of his break dance moves and the Cipher Executive careened down over the side of the platform, down to the ground. He landed with a sickening thud.

Isis and Socrates stared, and then looked up at Cail.

"Shit… I think we should get out if here," Cail said and recalled the two Pokémon before heading for the stairs.

"Excuse me, sir? Wait a moment!" Cail turned and saw a man in a long off-white coat with spiked hair smiling at him, "I'm the true leader of the arena, I was being held captive in the Rest House by Cipher, but the Goons ran off when their leader took the dive off the edge. I'm impressed, and I would like to give you something before you go!"

Cail raised an eyebrow, but walked back to the man.

Back downstairs, Jesse had relaxed a short while ago and when Cail came in everyone ran over to him.

"OKAY WHAT'S THE BIG IDEA STEALING MY WALLET YOU-"

"Can we please get our Pokémon back now Cail…?" Amy cut Gary off, looking hopeful.

"Cail, you better have won or I am SO going to kill you!" Gary seethed.

"Hey! Calm down! Here's your Pokémon back, and yeah I won," Cail sighed, handing back the Pokémon he'd 'borrowed' earlier. He seemed confused about the wallet at first and then checked his pockets. Pulling it out, he seemed surprised. "Huh, how'd that get there?" he shrugged and handed it back to a disgruntled Gary.

"So… you found Raiku?" Jesse asked and Cail nodded, smirking a little as he pulled out the Ultra Ball. Jesse reached for it at first, then drew back quickly.

"I… I don't think I can…"

"Jesse, if anyone can handle Raiku it's you!" Amy smiled. "Don't worry about the Aura, Raiku's still in there somewhere, you just have to find him!" Amy said, putting her hand on Jesse's shoulder encouragingly. Jesse smiled.

"You're right. Thank you Amy" he reached for the ball, sensing its position due to the aura presumably. He held it carefully. They all looked at each other.

"So…. Mystery lab now right? Rescue mission?" Celia said after a moment.

"Oh yeah!" Cail nodded and grinned, "After this little warm up I'm ready for anything… but I have to get my Pokémon healed first."

"Yes, of course." Jesse nodded, face still towards the ball, so it didn't appear that he was actually listening.

Cail headed for the Pokémon rest station in the corner while Celia and Gary went over Nett's co-ordinates to the mystery lab. Amy stayed near Jesse.

"Jesse… how is it you're bonded with legendary Pokémon?" Amy asked.

Jesse smiled a little "I really shouldn't tell you… but I think you're trustworthy. You can't tell anyone else though."

"My lips are sealed," Amy said, intensely interested now.

"Well… do you know the legends about Sinnoh? How it was the first land to have pokemon… all those legends?" Amy responded positively, she'd heard the tales. "Well, we have a lot of legendary Pokemon there, perhaps because the legends are true. And I'm one of the ones that are supposed to guard them, the same as most of my family. However, apart from Orre here, most lands have some legendary Pokemon, so I was sent to Johto to care for the legendaries there. But then Cipher came and captured the legendary beasts as well Ho-oh. When I left Lugia was still alright, but I have no way of knowing if that's still the case. I had to come here to save them, but then I myself was captured when it was revealed I could see the Shadow auras. In other words, I've failed miserably. That's why I have to stay, I can't run now. To leave Orre when my legendary wards are here would the worst shame possible. I'd never be able to show my face to most of my family again," Jesse turned away and Amy stared.

"Really? That's why?" Amy said quietly, looking at the back of Jesse's head. "Well… I can understand that. Alright. I won't try to get you to leave anymore. We'll save the legendaries, and all shadow Pokémon! Don't worry!" Amy smiled and Jesse laughed bit.

"If you say so."

"I know so! So never fear, alright?" Amy grinned "I'll do whatever it takes to help you out!"

Then Jesse turned, and flung his arms around Amy's neck from nowhere. "Thank you Amy! Thank you so much... you've done so much for me, I don't know how I'll ever repay you!"

"Oh, uh, no problem" Amy blushed, surprised by this sudden display of gratitude.

Of course then Gary looked over at them and noticed this situation, got pissed, and yanked Amy out of Jesse's grip. Amy hit him and Jesse apologized to Gary. Celia rolled her eyes. Cail came back, questioned why Gary was mad, Celia explained, and Cail rolled his eyes. The group then trekked out to the motorcycles and revved the engines, ready for the mystery lab, and hopefully ready for any obstacles that stood in their way.

((Joyful Note: Yes, I edited another chapter. Sorry but this is such an old Fanfiction for me now... phht... I can't see me doing more than finishing editing the chapters I have and finishing up the Orre story arc. I just don't think I'll ever write more than that, so at this end of this Orre arc you'll have to be satisfied. I'm sorry.))