Chapter Twenty-Two

Out of one of Smithers' Poke Balls exploded a Cubone, bone poised and eyes glaring out from the slits in the white shell. Colby always thought it looked like a helmet of some sort…but then again most did. Amanda turned her cap a little to the side, pushing her glasses up and smirking at the opponent with adrenaline pulsing through her veins from the heat of the upcoming battle.

"Go Rain!" Amanda shouted, throwing the red and white sphere high into the air and letting her fairly new Vaporeon burst from the Poke Ball.

"Vaporeon!" Rain called, licking her side nonchalantly and raising her eyes to meet the opponent, which was Smithers' Cubone.

Colby and Ellis clapped giving each other a fist bump as Rain shot off toward Cubone, instantly leaping into a charged quick attack. Josh stood to the left of them, watching the battle with a calculating expression and preparing for his own battle…inside his mind that is. He wanted to make his time on the playing field as quick as possible and obviously take the victory. He wasn't in this for the winning necessarily, but for the training with his team and the work it took to be that great.

The amount of grit, devotion, and perseverance through any situation (good or bad) that he would encounter was what counted. Josh had never gotten the experience of being on an adventure throughout the region of Aurora, which he had always lived. That was all changing now after he met up with Ellis, Colby, and Amanda that day at his dump of a gym. Now he was doing what he always found intriguing…but had been too scared to try it on his own. No one knows this of course, nor would they, but some of these things he was finally admitting to himself.

Josh smiled as he watched the battle progress and stood still as his friends hooped and hollered for Amanda, cheering her to victory.

Rain threw a water gun, nicking Cubone's side, which he ignored with an obvious wince. Cubone growled, hearing his master call a command, which he executed, a headbutt.

"Dodge, then tackle!" Amanda commanded.

Rain did exactly as she said, dodging the headbutt and getting the Cubone in the back with a furious tackle. They writhed on the floor, Rain pinning Cubone and at the same time preparing for a water gun.

"Escape it Cubone!" Smithers called, looking perfectly controlled over his emotions in the battle.

Rain finally warmed up, getting the Cubone easily with a water gun. At the same time the Pokémon threw Rain off and hit her with bone club in the head. Rain shook her head back and forth, trying to clear her blurry vision while evading the relentless attacks.

"One last water gun Rain!" Amanda instructed, seeming to have this under control for the most part.

Rain shook it off and already had the water gun ready, slamming Cubone in the face with a jet like stream of water. He was knocked back and off his feet, slamming into the ground.

"Cu…" He said, feinting. Smithers called back the knocked out Pokémon and grabbed another off of his green belt twirling it in his hand, as Amanda didn't recall Rain.

"Let's go Baltoy!" Smithers said, tossing the ball into the air and catching it as a Baltoy appeared.

He spun around a little bit and looked pumped for the battle as Amanda breathed out, preparing for round two. Rain didn't look at all tired, just a bit winded, and faced the Baltoy.

"She's not recalling?" Ellis asked.

"I guess not…" Colby answered, hoping Rain could do this.

"I'm sure Rain will be fine," Josh added, folding his arms across his chest. "Harden!" Smithers commanded.

Baltoy started off with a defensive move, looking shiny as it performed the defense stat-raising move. Amanda was being rather aggressive today and already had Rain preparing for a water gun. Baltoy completed the move and was instantly blasted by Rain's well-timed water gun, though it wasn't as effective with the defensive move that was previously used.

"Rock tomb," Smithers said. Baltoy dodged some of the water; a glint coming into his eyes as he levitated some rocks from out of nowhere and aimed them at Rain.

"Wait for it…" Amanda told Rain.

Rain muttered something, looking at the oncoming rocks with no fear and only determination. They came sailing at her as Baltoy released them, coming right for the Vaporeon.

"Now!" Amanda yelled as the rocks just about reached Rain.

She leaped high into the air somehow evading the rocks and went into something that looked like a nosedive tackle. She struck Baltoy directly on the head, him not expecting it. Smithers' eyes were widened throughout the whole thing, marveling at this Pokémon and its trainer's bond. They were obviously very close if a Pokémon could do this much at the level it was. Time for training, devotion, and good care were obviously practiced for this Vaporeon. Baltoy looked a bit dizzy, swaying from side to side on account of the impact.

"Wow! That was amazing! Where did Rain learn that one?" Ellis said, beaming from head to foot.

"Amanda is amazing," Colby said with a laugh.

Their little friend was an expert at all things Pokémon, no matter what you threw at her.

"Finish it!" Amanda said, winded from the battle and couldn't stop smiling at Rain's wonderful execution of their continuously practiced move.

Rain added one more speedy tackle, bringing the Baltoy down like taking candy from a baby. Baltoy spun, falling down face first into the dirt and not moving. Smithers' mouth was almost dropped as he recalled his second Pokémon…he was getting beat. But now…now was time to get serious. His main Pokémon was in the Poke Ball that he gripped now, tossing it firmly into the air and releasing and Numel. Amanda glanced at Rain who seemed a bit tired now and was breathing heavy, but still wasn't being switched out. "She's really hardcore training now!" Ellis said.

"You can do this Rain! Let's finish this up! Water gun!" Amanda encouraged. Numel breathed out a cloud of black smoke, looking the highest level of his Pokémon and the strongest.

He was bigger than Rain and Amanda knew was going to be a more difficult opponent than the other two. Rain had all the energy stored somewhere and erupted in a huge water gun, which was fired at Numel, who easily dodged it. Numel got command from his owner and prepared a huge flame that Amanda recognized as ember.

Flames came from him and blasted Rain head on, making her hunker down as the full brute of it was swallowing the poor Vaporeon. Rain was cringing a bit at the pain as she tried to shake off the fierce attack.

"Maybe she should switch Rain out…" Ellis whispered.

Rain got back on her feet, still facing her enemy with unmatchable courage.

"Water gun again!" Amanda said, with firm belief that they would be able to pull through.

Rain wound up for another round of water gun that got Numel directly. It flinched, stopping the attack that it was going for.

"Takedown," Smithers instructed Numel.

"Water gun then tackle!" Amanda countered.

Colby watched as the two prepared their attacks with Numel charging toward Rain. Rain fired the water gun straight into Numel's face and barely dodged the take down, doubling back with a tackle to the downed Pokémon. Numel tried to shake it off as Rain bombarded him with continuous tackles, not being able to get up without being knocked down again.

"Numel get up!" Smithers yelled.

"You've almost got it Rain!" Amanda encouraged, nervousness curling in the pit of her stomach.

Numel was able to break free, snorting smoke everywhere and escaping Rain's endless tackles barely. Rain wasn't about to give up and hit him with another water gun, finishing up with the final blow of a surprisingly powerful tackle. Numel wasn't expecting it and was flipped over, feinting. Rain stood there, panting and exhausted from the long battle. She glanced back at Amanda who was on her knees smiling, arms wide open.

"Rain! You were amazing!"

"Va…Vaporeon," Rain said, padding over and rubbing her head against Amanda's knee.

"You deserve this rest," Amanda told her, recalling her into the Poke Ball with a click.

Amanda got up, facing defeated Smithers from across the field. Ellis and Colby applauded, rushing toward Amanda with congratulations. "Wonderful job Amanda! You're awesome!" Ellis said, giving her a high five. "Yeah! Great job, you kicked tail," Colby added.

"Your friends are right, you did a wonderful job. You obviously put in time, love, and devotion into your Vaporeon. I'm sure the others are the same! I present you with the Sand Badge," Smithers said, handing Amanda a coppery looking badge that was in the shape of a coin.

Amanda took it in her hands, beaming and closing it into her fisted hands.

"Thank you!" She said, not being able to say anything else.

"Alright, who's next?" Smithers asked.

"That'd be me," Colby said, beaming.

"Let's get this show on the road!" The gym leader announced, getting into battling position.

Colby took Amanda's place on the field and got out Mara's Poke Ball, she was ready for this.

"Go Mara!"

"Let's go Baltoy!"

With that the battle was off, and Colby was ready.


Less than 20 minutes later the battle was over and Colby had received her Sand Badge from Smithers. The battle went smoothly with Mara dominating on the field in her battle with Baltoy…but feinting when Cubone unleashed a furious bone club. Luckily Nicksy was there to save the day and finished Cubone with a controlled shadow ball. Then it all came down to Numel at the end, which Nic handled surprisingly well, taking a few hits but ultimately coming out on top.

"Okay, one last challenger, let's get this over with," Smithers sighed, obviously tired.

Well he had had a long day...almost getting killed in the mines then battling four challengers, full day. Josh stepped up to where everyone was battling and ignored his cheering companions, time to put his training to the test.

Josh stuffed the Poke Ball's of Abra and Slowbro in his pack since they defiantly weren't going to be used. He skipped over Sneasel because he obviously wasn't in any shape to battle. Josh grabbed Mr. Mime's Poke Ball and threw it out, hopefully making this battle short and sweet.

He did just that, taking the battle Pokémon by Pokémon and easily wiping out Numel, which really wasn't that bad. Next Baltoy was called out, which was easy as pie for Mr. Mime who was probably still pumped from the early morning training that Josh and him practiced religiously.

Baltoy landed a few hits on Mime but didn't do much good against his confusion. Baltoy as well feinted and the last of Smither's Pokémon was called out, Cubone. Josh was playing the same way Amanda was, keeping Mr. Mime in for the whole ride. He faced the Cubone and nodded toward Mime who already knew what to do.

"Bone club," Smithers instructed.

Mime was already using his attack of confusion as Cubone unleashed a bone club. It knocked Mr. Mime over, as the confusion was effective on the Cubone.

"Get up Mime," Josh shouted.

They needed this battle to be over easily!

"Mime…" Mr. Mime said, leaping to his feet and finishing the Cubone with a force palm, easy as pie.

Each of the trainers recalled their Pokémon and Smithers was smiling. "You are a very strong trainer too Josh Hershey. I'm surprised that you quit the position of gym leader, though I will honor your choice," Smithers said approaching Josh.

"Humph," Josh muttered, not wanting to talk about that issue anymore.

"Here is your Sand Badge too. You have a bond with your Pokémon just like Amanda," Smithers said, dropping the little badge into his open hand.

Josh closed his fist around it and nodded, "Thanks."

"Well, since that's everyone are you ready to head back up? This time we can go up normally instead of using those pesky portals," Smithers chuckled.

"Yep! I'm ready," Ellis answered with a smile.

"Let's get some fresh air," Amanda agreed.

"Right this way kiddies," Smithers said, leading the way across the sand arena and over to a pair of silver doors.

He clicked a red button and something dinged. The doors opened automatically and Smithers filed everyone inside.

"Why couldn't we just use this to get down here in the first place," Josh griped, being the last one it.

The elevator lurched upward, "Because we wanted it to be a challenge!" Smithers said.

Josh rolled his eyes and pressed his back against the elevator; shoving his hands into his black trench cloak's deep pockets.

"Obviously looking for a sandwich to calm his nerves," Ellis whispered in Colby's ear.

She laughed, trying to suppress it like Amanda was also doing. They lurched to a stop, the doors opening to reveal the main area that they arrived in. Jeremy was pacing in the front area and jumped when he saw them. The elevator closed as they all got out and…had the wall close back over it like sliding doors as it disappeared.

"Smithers! We have a problem!" Jeremy gushed, seeming stressed.

Smithers face hardened, "For Stellar Spirits sake! What the hell is the problem now?"

Jeremy ignored his outburst and motioned for them to follow him outside. Colby looked at her group of friends and shrugged, each as confused as the last.

"It's Saria and the wardens," Jeremy said, facing Smithers.

Smithers spun around, making eye contact with him. Smithers looked a bit angry and his mouth twitched in annoyance. He ran back inside the gym, disappearing in a flash, leaving Colby's group confused.

"What's going on?" Josh asked, looking perplexed.

"It's hard to explain…well more complicated than hard I suppose. Saria is the grass gym leader from the next town, Mayeberry. Mayeberry is situated at the very end on the point of the claw, which leaves that whole area of the rest of the claw open. That open space is the Orland Savanna which happens to be very rich in mineral deposits which Smithers would just love to mine," Jeremy explained.

Colby could tell where this was going, scuffle over land probably. "Anyway, that is the basis of the fight that has been raging forever it seems like. Saria and her wardens are devoted to preserving the ecosystem of the Savanna, keeping it natural for Pokémon to live in. Smithers wants to mine it for the natural resources because it would benefit the economy. His digging would of course not ruin the Savanna or harm the Pokémon but Saria is diehard protective and won't budge on giving Smithers the land. She's got this whole pack of wardens behind her too. It's a big mess," Jeremy continued. "So…it's on gym leader against another? Fighting over some silly land?" Amanda said, thinking that the idea was stupid to fight over.

"Yes, essentially. I know, it sounds dumb. Smithers is passionate about his mining and all though…but today there is a big protest going on at the two bridges that connect the two claws. I've heard that Saria's wardens and a whole bunch of the local townspeople are organizing a protest of some type against Smithers. He has to go defend his title now," Jeremy said.

"Oh wow…so what do we do?" Ellis asked.

"Let's start a riot, a riot! Let's start a riot! Let's start a riot, a riot," Josh sung, doing some serious air guitar and singing aloud.

Colby noticed that he was completely ignoring everyone and was listening to his iPod, jamming it out verbally…what an ironic song to be listening to at this time.

"No, let's not start a riot," Amanda muttered.

"I think it's already one," Colby laughed.

"Good question…I suppose you can come with us," Jeremy said.

"How are we all going to get there? I mean we can't walk if we want to get there sometime today," Amanda said, cursing that she didn't have a flying type at the moment.

Colby didn't have one either…so maybe they would have to take Subway?

"Don't worry about that girlie, I've got it covered," Smithers said, returning from the gym and carrying…a megaphone.

"Can't forgot this Jeremy," Smithers grinned.

Jeremy sighed, "What ever you say Smithers."

Smithers nodded, pushing his blonde locks out of his face.

"Let's get this show on the road," he said, leading the way down the paved street with Jeremy in tow and Colby's group utterly confused.


The Pokémon Aeronautics Academy (PAA). That's where they ended up ten blocks, three left turns, and a couple misread addresses later.

"The PAA?" Ellis questioned as they headed up the high marble steps.

A white washed marble sign was at the bottom of the stairs with a Dragonite on the top of the statue. Josh had finally taken his headphones out, not knowing what the hell was going on, but got interested when they approached these huge stairs…that lead up to this huge brick building that looked sort of like a school. Well…in fact it was a school.

He kept up with everyone else, trailing Snot Brain and Colby who were marveling at the huge school at the top of these stairs. They got to the top of the stairs and Smithers lead them inside the huge double doors of the school that swung back to reveal a tall ceilinged, columned, and nicely furnished, entrance area.

In the back corner there was a huge see plated glass window that had different colors of glass, made into a picture that looked like a Dragonite. On the two back walls were elegant wood staircases that went up to where ever. On the left and right were offices of some sort, along with a waiting room, a few hallways, and bathrooms. The shiny floor looked smudge free and perfect as Smithers clomped down the hallway to the last door on the left before the staircase. He didn't even bother to knock on the door before he entered.

The office wasn't huge but it was by no means small either, adorned with brown walls and cream carpet. Seats were along the walls on both sides, along with an oak table and a green plant. In the far left corner of the room stood a deep oak desk, with a young woman with curly brown hair sitting there gazing at a document. She looked up at them over her reading glasses and smiled when she saw Smithers.

"Smithers! What are you doing here?" She exclaimed getting up and giving him a hug, having to stand on her tippy toes despite the fact she was wearing heels.

"Lena! How have you been?" Smithers asked, returning the hug.

Was she his girlfriend or something? Family member? Old friend?

"I've been great! The school is running well and everything. Who have you got here? I mean besides you Jeremy," Lena grinned.

"Everyone this is my sister Lena, she is the principal of the PAA. These are some challengers that I am going to take with me… This isn't exactly a chit chat visit Lena, we need to ask a favor," Smithers said.

Lena's expression turned from happy to worried, "Smithers is everything alright?"

Smithers nodded, "Nothing serious Lena…we just have issues with Saria again…a possible protest. We need to get there fast and…"

Lena seemed to understand what he was trying to say and sighed.

"You need transportation," Lena said.

"Yes, if you could please just let us borrow them for a bit I would be so grateful," Smithers said.

Lena sighed, walking back over to sit in her chair and taking off her reading glasses.

"You know I can't do that Smithers. They are needed at the school, we have classes," Lena said, not seeming to like that she had to tell him this.

Smithers ran his hand through his hair sighing, "Please Lena, we need this. I know it is a lot to ask and I know I will owe you big time for this…but just once. Just once."

Lena shook her head slowly and exhaled some breath, "Smithers…I can't." "Please Lena, just once," Smithers begged, looked at her with a pleading look. Lena shook her head again, grabbing the white telephone that was on her desk and looked defeated.

"Yes, stables, we need four of the fastest Skarmorys. Make it quick and I'll be down in a moment," Lena said, putting the phone down and looking at Smithers with a long expression,

"The things I do for you little brother."


Ten minutes later they were all down at the area in the back yard of the school known as the stables. To be honest they really weren't stables, at least not like you would think of as being housing for Stantlers and such. It was a huge back building made of some type of red wood that looked exactly like a barn, hints the name stables. The group followed Lena out to the huge barn door style entrance for the building that was wide open.

"Miss Lena, we have prepared the Skarmorys just as you requested," a blonde young boy of about 17 said.

Lena smiled warmly and leads everyone into the stables, following the blonde boy.

"Thank you Oliver, you are wonderful," Lena said.

Oliver looked perky, giving Colby's group a smile and Smithers a nod before leading the way deep into the huge building. Like stalls for Stantlers, on either side of the wide hallway that was paved with cement, each side of the barn was separated into stalls. The sides of these stalls were covered by some sort of chain link fencing to prevent the Pokémon on the inside from flying out of the area.

In some of the stalls Colby could see various people that she assumed to be students grooming all types of bird Pokémon from Starly to Skarmory. Some of the Pokémon were grooming themselves or simply napping in the cool afternoon.

At the end of this row Oliver turned and went down another hallway that had fancier stalls that were larger to house obviously bigger birds. In the middle of this hallway Oliver stopped and motioned toward the four cages to the left. Peering inside them, Colby saw huge bird Pokémon that she recognized as Skarmorys making noise at their visitors.

"They are prepared with the saddle and harnesses already attached. These four are our fastest Skarmorys and are anxious for a flight. Katrina hasn't been around all week to get them their exercise so they should be in good shape for flying," Oliver explained.

Oliver opened the door and ushered the anxious birds back with some sort of treat in his hand, motioning for everyone to enter the large stall. Four birds were standing there, easily eye level with Oliver. He looked huge compared to Lena, who was petting the Skarmory nonchalantly.

"Well that's about it," Oliver said, stroking one of the birds and cramming his other hand in his pocket, "just make sure you get riding gear on and be safe. The skies should be clear as far as known."

Smithers went out of the pin area for a few seconds, leaving Colby, Amanda, Ellis, and Josh aimlessly chatting.

"We actually get to fly?" Amanda said, excited at the thought.

"I know! It will be awesome-" Ellis said.

"Really it's not that exciting," Josh said blandly.

He was partially against flying again…because the last time he flied it was to meet his father… Josh turned away and stuffed his hands in his pockets, not saying anything else.

"Way to be Mr. Downer," Colby said, nudging him.

"Yeah, think positive for once," Amanda added.

Josh just grunted and didn't say anything else, spent with conversation. Smithers came back at the right time, holding up what looked to be some very ugly brown flight goggles.

"Let's get airborne kiddies."


Oliver and Smithers lead the four Skarmory out into the yard, pulling them by the harnesses that were connected to the flying gear (and a saddle like seat) that was attached to there back, equipped to carry passengers. The Skarmorys were particularly restless, swinging their heads back and forth and stomping there feet in anticipation of the flight ahead.

Smithers, Colby, Josh, Amanda, and Ellis were all wearing borrowed strap on boots, a heavy flying coat, and goggles to protect them from the elements. There was the option of helmets too…but that seemed like a bit much for the short distance that they were going. Surprisingly, Josh wasn't complaining about the jacket, which looked pretty dumb with his trench coat, and the goggles.

Oliver woahed the Skarmorys to a stop and hopped on one to demonstrate the proper riding technique for them before they took off.

"You just ride them like you would any normal Stantler, hug your legs to the side and dig your heels into their sides when you want to fly faster or slower, to the left if you want to go that way, to the right that way, an dif you want to descend then dig downward, simple enough. Make sure to keep your hands on the harnesses and always flatten yourself to the bird when you are descending rather quickly, two people per saddle maximum. Strap yourself in on the saddle always and be safe," Oliver said, completing his instruction and handing the reins to Ellis, who hopped on a bit sheepishly.

The Skarmory was calm and let him hop on, the weight of him being like nothing to the Pokémon. Smithers hopped on another easily, being just the right size for the bird, though his legs did hang off a bit. Oliver handed the reins of another to Amanda, which she reluctantly took and hopped on the front part of the saddle.

As with Ellis's Skarmory, it stayed perfectly still. Colby got on behind Ellis, strapping herself in. Amanda did the same with wide eyes and held the reins of the Pokémon as he padded around with anticipation. Josh got on the back of another Skarmory, having one to himself just like Amanda sine there were four Skarmorys and five people.

Everyone was on and buckled in, just like Oliver instructed.

"Good luck flying!" Oliver said, standing beside Lena and waving them on.

"I better get these Skarmorys back in the condition they came in Smithers!" Lena teased.

Colby and Ellis pulled their goggles down over their faces, giving Amanda and Josh a thumbs up, along with a wild smile.

"Don't worry about it sis! Be back in a flash. Let's fly," Smithers said, squeezing in on the side of the Skarmory.

Colby and Ellis, along with Josh's, Skarmory started off in a small run as Ellis squeezed his sides. He then spread his silvery wings, lifting them up off the ground into an ascent, just a bit ahead of Josh's. Amanda sighed, pulling her goggles back into place over her glasses again, before gently squeezing her Skarmory's sides and giving him a pat. He nudged her hand in response and picked up his feet, starting into a small run. Amanda's focus and concentration was broken by a yowl from behind her…

"Wait, Twix! Baby come back! You can blame it all on me!"

Amanda pulled the Skarmory to a stop, pulling on its reins and turning him a 180. From behind her she could see none other than the bushy redhead, Riley Giaden, chasing after her madly.

"Riley…what are you doing here?" She asked, puzzled as he came running toward her panting like a dog.

"I…I saw you getting ready to take off without me. Don't leave me," Riley sputtered.

Amanda glanced up at the sky where the others were already off, high into the sky…without her. Did she really have a choice?

Amanda sighed, "Alright. Get on."

"You'll need these," Jeremy said from behind them.

He tossed Riley a pair of goggles and a jacket. Riley grinned like an idiot and pulled the coat over him. He snapped the goggles on his face and made a gesture like he thought he was hot stuff.

Amanda rolled her eyes and made room for him on the back of the saddle. He climbed up, fitting into the other half of the saddle behind Amanda and buckled in. Amanda stiffened as she felt his arms snake around her stomach.

"Gotta hang on for dear life," he grinned.

Amanda really wanted to strangle him sometimes for his cheesy attempts at flirting…but didn't say a word, waving to Jeremy, Lena and Oliver as their Skarmory began to pick up speed again. He opened his platinum wings and pulled them up into an ascent. Amanda felt the butterflies in her stomach as they rose into the unfamiliar territory of the air…with Riley squeezing her to death the whole ascent.


A/N: Sorry for neglecting you guys! :c Long chapter to make up :) Review if you please dearies