Plot-Scorbunny 7: The Girl With The Pendant Part 3
Author's note: This story takes place the same time as "Ghetsis's Revenge" and "Ashley and Sapphire vs. Ghetsis"
The Rising Volt Tacklers were on their way to rescue Emerald. Little did any of them know, Emerald wouldn't need rescuing by the time they got to her.
The Pokémon coordinator had spent the past half an hour surveying the room and trying to figure out an escape plan. She toyed with the handcuffs that kept her chained to the rack, the chain clinking every so often. Ceruledge would glance in her direction every so often as if to make sure she wasn't trying to escape. Aside from that, Emerald didn't do anything else. She had to admit, being held captive like this certainly was very different to how it looked in films and TV. Her arms were already tired from being held aloft like so, her wrists felt a little sore from the handcuffs and worst of all, she was bored out of her mind. She couldn't go anywhere or do anything like this! How did the heroes in the films she watched ever end up like this without losing their minds? She sighed loudly.
Make a note Emerald: NEVER get caught and tied up like this ever again! It's no fun! she muttered, And I still can't think of a way out of this mess! If I don't hurry soon, those Explorer jerks will make Liko give herself up for me and they'll get her pendant! But what can I do? WHAT?!
She looked around one more time to see if there was anything she'd missed. Anything she might be able to use to free herself was all in boxes that she'd never be able to reach in her current position and if she tried to get them off the shelves, Ceruledge would only see her doing so and threaten to slice her up if she tried. But maybe she wouldn't have to do so…
Emerald looked up at a toolbox that was on the very top shelf on the rack. She'd seen it earlier but had dismissed it at the time. There was no way she could possibly reach that box! But now she had a better idea.
I can't reach it…but maybe Ceruledge can get it down for me… she thought.
Her face curled into a devious smile as a plan formed in her head. Yes…she finally had her escape plan. But would it work? Hopefully it would. If she played her cards right, then she'd be out of this room in no time. Emerald looked over to Ceruledge again.
"Hey! You!" she called to it, deliberately speaking in the most obnoxious, sneering voice imaginable.
Ceruledge glared at her as if puzzled why Emerald was suddenly calling to it.
"Yeah, I'm talking to you, you big, flaming coward!" Emerald sneered, "I bet no one's ever told you what a wimp you are when it comes to Pokémon battles! I mean come on, sneaking up behind me and forcing me to surrender? How cowardly can you get?!"
Ceruledge growled angrily and raised its swords threateningly. The message was clear: stop mocking me or I'll hurt you! Emerald ignored it.
"Ooooh, I'm real scared!" she taunted, "You know you'll be in big trouble if you try to kill me now so what reason have I to be worried? You can't do anything to me and you know it…WIMP!" she jeered.
That did it. Ceruledge sprinted towards Emerald with its eyes blazing with anger. Amethio said it couldn't kill the prisoner, but he did say it could wound her if she was being uncooperative and it was going to give her a wound she'd never forget! It ran to Emerald and raised its swords, ready to slash her across the stomach. But as it came into range, Emerald suddenly roundhouse kicked Ceruledge in the side and sent it careening into the shelves she was handcuffed to. Ceruledge hit the shelves and the resulting crash caused the toolbox on the top shelf to fall off and crash down straight on top of its head. Ceruledge fell unconscious instantly and lay on the floor buried in a mound of tools. Emerald giggled to herself.
"I can't believe it actually fell for that!" she snorted, "I bet Reaper would never have fallen for such an obvious trick if it had been him guarding me! Now let's see what tools I can use…"
She could see the box had all sorts of tools to choose from. It had spanners, wrenches, hammers but most important to Emerald, it had screwdrivers. They could break the handcuffs easily! Emerald reached out as far as she could with her foot and managed to snag a screwdriver with the toes of her boot. She pulled it to her and shifted her foot to get it under the screwdriver. She had one shot at this. If she couldn't flip it into her hands, then she'd have to try another one. She moved at least one hand in front of the rail she was handcuffed to so she'd be likelier to catch it. Breathing in deeply, Emerald flipped the screwdriver into the air. It spun upwards and much to her relief, she managed to catch it with her hand before it could come back down again.
"Whoa! What were the odds I did it first time?!" Emerald exclaimed, "I'd swear I was in a movie right now if this wasn't happening for real!"
Now she had the screwdriver, she dug it straight between the chain on her handcuffs and wrestled with it, pushing as much as she could with her hands. Sweat trickled down her face as she tried to snap the chain.
Come on, come on, break! Emerald shouted over and over in her head.
Eventually, the chain couldn't handle the pressure anymore and it snapped clean in half with one last push on the screwdriver. Emerald's hands came free and she was able to lower them at last. Now that was done, Emerald went over to the unconscious Ceruledge and used its swords to cut the remains of the handcuffs off her wrists. She rubbed her wrists better and sighed loudly, putting a hand to her heart as relief swelled over her.
"Thank Arceus that worked…that couldn't gone so badly!" Emerald gasped, "If only my sisters could've seen this. They'd have been so impressed!"
She also had to admit that if Ruby and Sapphire had been here, this whole thing likely wouldn't have happened in the first place. Ruby alone would've beaten all three of the Explorers with just one Pokémon! She certainly wouldn't have gotten caught like this!
"No use mulling over that now. I'm free and now I can catch those guys by surprise." Emerald declared, "I bet Tony and Liko will be surprised as well."
As she finished talking she suddenly heard voices outside. Holding her breath, Emerald crept to the door and peeked around the frame. The voices were from outside the hangar, not this room. The coast was still clear. She ran up to the door that led back outside and listened.
"You sure it's them?"
"Affirmative! I just spotted some boy with the target making their way here as I was on patrol with Skarmory!"
"Just as planned. Get into your positions."
Emerald smiled to herself. So it seemed that Tony and Liko had somehow found out where she was being kept prisoner and had come to rescue her. Just wait till they saw that she'd done their job for them! Emerald crouched down into a corner and waited for the Explorers to come and fetch her. That would be her time to strike back and make them pay for kidnapping her!
Outside, Amethio, Zir and Conia were all waiting together as Tony and Liko approached them. The trio were glad to see that they'd come alone and they didn't seem in any mood to fight. They could practically feel that pendant in their hands already! Tony and Liko walked side-by-side, both feeling anxious. They may have a plan, but it wasn't guaranteed to work. And they were still unsure of how Emerald was for the time being. Liko could see that Tony was barely holding back his anger as they approached the trio. That was understandable. It was HIS girlfriend they were holding hostage after all. But Tony was keeping himself under control in spite of this. He knew he couldn't make a mess of things, not when they had a plan to follow. The two stopped in front of the Explorers.
"We assume you're here for someone?" Amethio asked smoothly.
"Quite so." Tony muttered, "We know you have my girlfriend captive, so we're here for her."
"I've come especially, and I have the pendant." Liko announced, holding it up so they could see she was telling the truth, "Please will you let Emerald go? I won't go with you unless you set her free. Do you understand?"
"Of course." Amethio said, his voice serious but reasonable, "Zir, fetch the prisoner."
Zir bowed and headed into the warehouse to get Emerald. Liko looked to Tony with her eyes wide with fright. This was the moment of truth. The moment they sprang their trap. They had to hope that everything would go right and that Emerald would be safe. Tony looked back at her, smiling softly.
"Don't worry love. It'll be alright…" Tony said, winking at her.
Liko tried to share his optimism. She could only smile queasily in return. But then suddenly, Zir ran back out of the warehouse with a conspicuous lack of Emerald Silverlock with him. His eyes were wide with bewilderment.
"Amethio sir! She's gone! The prisoner's escaped!" he shrieked.
Tony and Liko were speechless. Gone?! Emerald managed to escape?! They certainly didn't expect that to happen! They'd come to rescue her and instead, she saved herself! Amethio and Conia were equally as incredulous.
"WHAT?!" Amethio exclaimed, "What do you mean "escaped"?!"
"He means I got away assholes!"
Zir cried out in surprise as something tackled him in the back of his legs and knocked him down onto his stomach. Zir grunted as his chin hit solid concrete and his teeth all bashed against each other, sending spasms of pain flaring through this jaw. Emerald trampled over him and ran towards Tony and Liko, throwing herself into their arms and hugging them both.
"Emerald! You're alright!" Liko squealed, "Thank Arceus, I was so worried those guys would hurt you or something!"
"You're amazing little gem! However did you escape?" Tony asked, his voice exploding with joy and interest.
"I tricked Amethio's Ceruledge into trying to attack me and kicked it into the shelves where it caused a toolbox to fall down and I managed to use a screwdriver to break my handcuffs." Emerald explained, "Also Amethio was generous enough to leave the door unlocked for me so that helped too."
"Have I told you I love you, Emerald?" Tony asked, his voice full of awe for his girlfriend.
"More times than I can count, Tony!" Emerald giggled as she hugged him affectionately.
As this was happening, Amethio had run into the warehouse to get his Ceruledge. Zir had picked himself up and Conia and brought out her Golduck to launch a surprise attack on the trio. She ordered Golduck to use Hydro Pump on the kids and knock them off their feet. They were too slow to react and as a result, Golduck blasted them with Hydro Pump and knocked them down onto the ground. They were soaked right through and left coughing and spluttering from the ambush. Now they were stunned for the time being, Conia sprinted towards Liko.
"Looks like that pendant is finally ours!" she crowed, reaching out to grab the Paldean teen.
But she never even got close as out of nowhere, something flew straight over her and nearly whisked her off her feet with a gust of wind. Emerald looked up to see a Charizard flying through the air. That was a stroke of luck! Where did it come from? She briefly wondered if it was Ruby's Charizard but she quickly saw that it wasn't. This Charizard was ridden by a man she didn't recognize. He also appeared to have a Pikachu wearing a captain's hat on his head. Liko beamed upon seeing this trio.
"Great timing Friede!" she called out to him.
"I thought now would be a good time to join in the fray!" Friede called back to him, "I know the plan was to rescue Emerald and she saved herself in the end but I can still launch a surprise attack!"
"Wow, this was your idea?" Emerald asked, glancing to Liko.
"Sure! The plan was once the Explorers set you free, Friede would ambush them before they could take me and the pendant away." Liko explained, "Well…as you know, the plan changed because you got yourself out!"
"Still stopped them from getting you at least." Emerald acknowledged, "Now let's take them all on together and put a stop to their plans!"
Tony handed Emerald her backpack so she could use her Pokémon again. Amethio emerged from the warehouse with a very angry looking Ceruledge by his side. Emerald smirked a little upon seeing a noticeable bump on its head from where the toolbox had landed on it. No doubt that had really ticked it off! Conia and Zir stood beside him with their Rhydon, Golduck and Skarmory on standby and ready to fight.
"You were clever to get away like that." Amethio muttered, glaring at Emerald, "And it was a lapse in judgement on my part to give into your request to leave the door unlocked. Next time, I'll lock it anyway, your claustrophobia be damned!"
"There won't BE a next time!" Emerald growled, "You three are going to jail where you belong!"
"This'll be the last time you guys ever chase me and my pendant again!" Liko declared.
"We'll see." Amethio said coldly, "Zir, Conia, deal with Friede and that boy. I'll handle Emerald and the target."
"But sir, you're no match for Emerald!" Zir protested.
"I will be this time." Amethio dismissed, "Now I know what I'm up against, I can plan accordingly."
"Oh don't try that, jerk face!" Emerald sneered, "Even my own sisters can't predict my battle strategy! Oh and don't you even dare try that Phantom Force trick on me…"
She threw two Pokéballs over her shoulder, summoning Mei-Mei and Blue directly behind her and Liko.
"…this time I've got eyes in the back of my head so that won't work a second time." the coordinator crowed, "And just in case you try it on Liko instead, I've got eyes watching HER too!"
So that's how she got caught. Liko thought, Of course those Explorers would play dirty! At least now she's got Pokémon watching our backs so Amethio can't pull it off on us!
"That suits me just fine." Amethio muttered, "I would much rather defeat you fairly anyway."
He sent out his Corviknight to join in the battle. Liko sent out Sprigatito and Emerald chose to use Razer once again. The girls looked to each other and nodded. They knew they could do this. With them working together, they couldn't possibly lose!
Meanwhile, Tony and Friede were standing side-by-side as Conia and Zir prepared to take them on. They had four Pokémon to deal with but that was fine for them as Friede had two Pokémon already that had type-advantages over Golduck and both Skarmory. That just left Rhydon and luckily for Friede, Tony had just the Pokémon to deal with it. He chose to send out his shiny Roserade, Blossom, for this fight. Despite the huge type-disadvantage, Zir's Rhydon didn't seem to regard Blossom as much of a threat. Zir was equally as confident.
"So what if you've got a Grass-type? I'm prepared for that!" he boasted, "Rhydon, use Megahorn on that Roserade! Skarmory, use Wing Attack on Roserade as well!"
"Hey, let's not be unfair here!" Friede protested, "Captain, back up that Roserade with Thunder Punch!"
"Pika-chu!" cried Captain Pikachu.
As Rhydon stampeded towards Blossom, Captain Pikachu tossed off its cap and sprinted into battle by jumping on Rhydon's head and hurling himself towards Skarmory. Skarmory was poised and ready to attack Blossom but Pikachu was too quick for it. He socked it directly in the face with Thunder Punch and knocked it aside. That left Rhydon to attack Blossom alone. Its horn was aimed at the flowery Pokémon but Tony didn't let it intimidate him. Instead, he ordered Blossom to use Petal Blizzard. The performing Roserade aimed with her flower hands and conjured up a twister of white petals that swirled over Rhydon and stopped it dead in its tracks. Rhydon wailed in anguish as the petals cut into it. Its double Grass weakness didn't do it any favours at all. Conia quickly rushed in to help by ordering her own Skarmory to use Wing Attack. The steel bird Pokémon flew down towards Blossom and sliced into her with its wings. Blossom squealed in pain and grunted as she came down heavily onto her side. Blossom was down but only for a moment. She picked herself up just as Conia's Skarmory came back towards her. Friede took over by ordering his Charizard to use Flamethrower. Charizard flew in front of Blossom and blasted Conia's Skarmory with Flamethrower. The metal bird squawked in pain as it was blazed by the flames. Friede punched the air excitedly but his triumph as short left as all of a sudden, Zir's Rhydon retaliated by using Rock Blast at the dragon like Pokémon. Rhydon launched a bunch of rocks and hit Charizard with them. Each blow felt as if Charizard was about to have its skeleton smashed out of its body by the rocks. Charizard collapsed onto the ground, wiped out by the blow. Friede shook his head grimly. Next time he'd remember not to bring a Charizard into a fight with a Rock-type! He returned Charizard to its Pokéball.
"Looks like it's just me and you now Captain." he acknowledged, "I'm sure Tony can handle that Rhydon for us."
"I'll try to." Tony offered, "Use Petal Blizzard again Blossom!" he commanded.
Blossom took aim at Rhydon and once again hit it with Petal Blizzard. The rhinosaurus Pokémon couldn't withstand another hit and as a result, it was finally brought down by the tornado of flower petals. Rhydon collapsed and fell into unconsciousness, leaving Zir with only his Skarmory left to fight. Conia took revenge by ordered her Golduck to use Psychic on Blossom. Golduck held out its webbed hands and grabbed Blossom with psychic energy. Blossom's half Poison-typing left her vulnerable to Psychic attacks and Tony could practically feel his Pokémon's agony as she screamed in pain. Captain Pikachu tried to help by running in with Thunder Punch but Golduck simply threw the flowery Pokémon into him. Both Pokémon fell down together and lay sprawled on the ground as they wondered which way was up. Conia smirked confidently. At least Tony and Friede were proving to be easier to handle than Emerald was! She ordered Golduck to use Hydro Pump and Skarmory to use Air Slash to add further insult to injury. But the two attacks missed their mark as Tony ordered Blossom to use Dazzling Gleam. The Grass/Poison Pokémon conjured up a dazzling stream of lights that blinded Golduck and Skarmory. Because they couldn't see anymore, they had no idea where their targets were and missed entirely. Captain Pikachu jumped to his feet and rocketed straight into Golduck with a mighty Volt Tackle. The electric mouse Pokémon charged like a rhinoceros into the giant duck Pokémon and ploughed into it. His body was coated in electricity as he did so. Golduck crashed down beside Zir's Rhydon, wiped out by the hit and unable to carry on the fight. Zir and Conia cried out in dismay over their ace Pokémon being beaten so easily. Pikachu folded his arms and crowed about his victory.
"Great shot Cap!" Friede complimented.
"I must say that was a powerful hit." Tony agreed, "You sure have trained that Pikachu well."
"Your Roserade's no slouch either." Friede complimented back, "And because of that, we've got this in the bag!"
"And I'm sure the girls have got Amethio sorted too." Tony said confidently.
Tony was right to feel this way for Emerald and Liko were currently on top of their battle too. Amethio ordered Corviknight to use Air Slash on Sprigatito but Razer jumped in front of it and took the hit. Air Slash hit Razer but barely did any damage to her. The Haxorus then retaliated by ploughing straight into Corviknight with Outrage. The steel crow was knocked out of the sky and brought crashing down onto the ground. Ceruledge tried to help its teammate by using Bitter Blade but Sprigatito suddenly jumped onto Razer's back and used Leafage on it. The grass kitten conjured up a storm of leaves that swept over Ceruledge. Leafage barely even slowed it down but as Ceruledge started slashing at the leaves to get them out of its vision, Sprigatito exploited this distraction by jumping over its head, landing on its back and then using Bite on it. Ceruledge grimaced as the grass kitten sank its teeth into its back. The Fire/Ghost Pokémon tried to shake off Sprigatito but it couldn't reach and as it had no hands, it couldn't grab it either.
"Well done Sprigatito! You've got it distracted!" Liko cried happily.
"Now it's wide open for Razer!" Emerald crowed, "Use another Outrage on Ceruledge!"
Sprigatito quickly leapt off of Ceruledge's back as Razer stampeded towards her opponent with draconian energy surrounding her body. To Ceruledge it was like being faced with a speeding car and nothing could stop it from crashing into it. Razer collided with Ceruledge and sent it flying backwards. Amethio had to jump out of the way as Ceruledge nearly flew straight into him. His Pokémon crashed into a shipping crate nearby and left a huge dent in the metal. He was amazed his Pokémon didn't go straight through it! Ceruledge was left reeling from the hit but amazingly, it was still in the fight. It got back to its feet and staggered back to the battlefield so it could carry on battling. Emerald frowned.
"Blimey, that thing just doesn't quit!" she muttered, "I know that Ruby's Ceruledge can be equally as stubborn but still!"
"It's a tough fighter but we've got this. Don't worry about it." Liko said reassuringly, "Our teamwork is going to see us through!"
"Your teamwork will mean nothing in the end." Amethio dismissed, "Especially as my own Pokémon have their own kind of teamwork. Ceruledge, Corviknight, launch your combo attack!" he ordered.
Ceruledge somersaulted into the air and landed on Corviknight's back. Corviknight then flew into the air with the ghostly fire knight hanging on tightly. Emerald watched them anxiously. What were those two up to? Once Corviknight had flown high enough, it proceeded to dive straight down towards Razer and Sprigatito with its head glistening in the sunlight as it used Iron Head. Ceruledge jumped off its back as Corviknight crashed straight down into the ground. The resulting shockwave from Iron Head smashing into the concrete path knocked Razer and Sprigatito off their feet and it also sent Liko and Emerald flying backwards. Both girls crashed down onto their backs, the wind getting punched out of them from the impact. Now both Pokémon were down, Ceruledge used Phantom Force to warp down to the ground safely and reappear just beside Razer. Razer was sliced across the face by the Ceruledge's slashing blades. Sprigatito jumped up and tried to bite Ceruledge again but the bladed Pokémon spun around and slashed it with its swords. Sprigatito crashed down onto its side and meowed in pain. Emerald and Liko struggled back to their feet with Blue and Mei-Mei helping them back up.
Ceruledge and Corviknight carried out their next move with Ceruledge aiming to use Bitter Blade to steal some of Razer's health and replenish itself while also weakening the powerful Haxorus and Corviknight coming for the kill on Sprigatito with Hurricane. Corviknight flapped its powerful wings and created a huge gust of wind that could've blown a house down. Luckily, Sprigatito was able to avoid the attack by rolling to one side and scampering away. Ceruledge ran towards Razer with its swords raised high but it didn't get to land its attack as Razer suddenly lashed out with her tail and stabbed it in the abdomen with Poison Jab. Ceruledge coughed as the wind was knocked out of it from the blow. Now it was stunned, Razer tail-whipped Ceruledge to one side and knocked it down onto its back. Corviknight saw this and flew towards Razer with Iron Head. The metal corvid Pokémon zoomed in like a speeding bullet and slammed straight into Razer, sending her stumbling to one side but she managed to stay standing. Sprigatito suddenly caught Corviknight by surprise as it jumped onto its back and then crawled onto its face. Corviknight shook its head frantically to try and get its opponent off but Sprigatito held on tight. It then began to claw at Corviknight's eyes. The steel crow squawked in agony as Sprigatito scratched it furiously. This left it wide open for another attack from Razer as Emerald ordered her to use Outrage. The grass kitten jumped away as Razer hit Corviknight and knocked it aside. Corviknight hit the ground and skidded to a painful halt on its side. Amethio could see that Corviknight was starting to look worn out, practically on its last wings at the moment. Ceruledge was looking a little better but he could see that it too wasn't looking so good right now. If this fight continued, he was going to lose and he'd have to report back a failure.
I can't go back to Master Gibeon without that pendant! he growled internally, I won't fail this mission, not again!
"I can't beat you both together…so I'll simply take you out one-by-one." Amethio declared, "Ceruledge use Psycho Cut on Emerald!"
"WHAT?!" Emerald exclaimed in horror.
She couldn't believe what she'd just heard. Was Amethio really that desperate for Liko's pendant that he was going to have his Pokémon openly ATTACK a trainer?! Liko was equally as horrified. Amethio was really willing to go the extra mile just for this?! Ceruledge leapt into the air and swiped with its swords, sending waves of psychic energy towards Emerald. Once Emerald was taken out, Razer would have no trainer to give her commands and Liko would hardly be able to handle herself, meaning she'd be wide open for Amethio to snatch. Razer tried to protect Emerald by jumping up in the way of Ceruledge's Psycho Cuts but she wasn't able to block them all. Some were still able to get past her and make their way towards Emerald. Mei-Mei tried to defend Emerald as well but Corviknight flew into the fighting panda Pokémon and grabbed her with its talons. It hauled her away from Emerald so the poor girl was left wide open for an attack. Emerald screamed and covered her eyes as the Psycho Cuts came towards her.
"NO!" Liko shrieked, jumping in front of Emerald.
And that was when it happened. Liko's pendant suddenly glowed very brightly and a huge energy shield conjured up all around the girls. The Psycho Cuts hit the shield and broke away into nothing. Everyone stopped what they were doing to look at this incredible thing that was happening right now. Friede had seen it before so he knew what was happening while Tony was left in confusion. The energy shield looked to be made up of lots of hexagons and glowed a bright green colour. Amethio gritted his teeth in annoyance. That damn pendant just had to act up again didn't it?! Emerald opened her eyes again, amazed to see that she was still alive. Then she looked all around to see this strange energy shield that had formed around her?
"W-w-what? Liko, did you do this?!" she gasped in awe.
"No, my pendant did!" Liko exclaimed, "It protected me when I nearly got hit by Psycho Cut when the Explorers came for me the first time. I guess I just hoped it would do the same again here."
"Bloody hell, you're full of surprises Liko!" Emerald cried.
She then saw something else was in the energy shield too. Ahead of herself and Liko was a strange crystalline creature resembling a juvenile tortoise. It had small legs, large eyes with star shaped pupils, a star shaped tail tip and large crystals on its head. It regarded Emerald and Liko with a curious look as if wondering who they were and what they were doing inside its shield. Emerald's face was a mask of fascination and confusion. Her eyes were so wide that they nearly popped out of their sockets.
"WHAT THE FLOCK OF MAREEP IS THAT?!" she shrieked.
"To tell you the truth…I don't know either!" Liko admitted, "It's as much a mystery to me as it is to you!"
"So this whole time, you've had this thing living in your pendant and you don't know what it is?!" Emerald screeched, "Flippin' heck, I feel like I'm in some crazy mystery story right now!"
Liko couldn't help but giggle. She felt the same way regarding this mystery Pokémon in her pendant too! The creature soon disappeared and the force field also vanished too. Everything was back to normal and it was almost as if nothing had happened at all. Emerald stared at Liko's pendant again. That simple piece of jewellery had just saved both their lives and as she'd suspected, it was more than just a piece of jewellery. No wonder the Explorers wanted it! Anything with such mysterious power would be tempting for anyone to steal! Amethio was left in a difficult position now. His Pokémon couldn't beat the combined forces of Emerald and Liko and now Liko's pendant would stop any attempts for him to attack the two. He was never going to get his hands on the girl and her pendant now! His Pokémon weren't in any position to keep on fighting either so that didn't help his case. He looked over to Zir and Conia and quickly saw that they weren't in any position to help him either. As much as it pained him to do so, he had to make the call…
"We'll be back Ms. Liko. Mark my words." the black and silver-haired teen declared, returning Ceruledge to its Pokéball, "Explorers, retreat!"
He hopped onto his Corviknight and flew away from the scene as fast as he could while Zir and Conia flew behind him with their Skarmory. The trio disappeared from the docks and headed back to their submarine so they could rest up and come back to try again some other time. Liko could only watch them leave with a sinking feeling in her chest that they would indeed be back and would come for her again. The day she would be rid of those Explorers, the better! Emerald tutted and folded her arms.
"What a bunch of cowards." she sneered, "We get a little too much for them and your pendant protects us from harm and that's enough for them to run away with their tails between their legs? Puh. Some of the threats me and my sisters have dealt with weren't this easy to scare off!"
"They'll be back though, and they'll come for me and my pendant again…" Liko lamented, "Hopefully next time we face them, we can get them arrested so they'll be off my back at last."
"Oh I'm sure that'll happen Liko." Emerald said reassuringly, "Those guys won't be able to chase you forever, especially if you've got your friends to keep you safe from them along the way!"
"You're right Emerald." Liko said brightly, "As long as I have others by my side, they'll never win!"
"That's the spirit Liko!" Emerald cheered, "Oh, and one more thing…"
She caught Liko off-guard as she suddenly threw her arms around the Paldean teen and hugged her tightly. Liko blinked heavily, surprised at the gesture and curious what that was all about.
"…thank you for saving my life." Emerald said graciously, "Thank you so much!"
Liko smiled in return and hugged her friend back.
"Y…you're welcome." she said kindly.
Goodness! I have a look around Galar and I end up saving someone's life! I guess that makes me a hero! What a sudden twist this is! the Paldean girl thought, her heart swelling with joy and excitement, Amazing! I'm a hero!
Sprigatito meowed with pleasure, awed at the lovely gesture between the two friends. Tony and Friede felt the same way as well. In situations like this, nothing felt more satisfying and sweet than a happy end to it all…
Liko hadn't forgotten that she'd offered to let Emerald and Tony ride on the Brave Asagi. She and Friede led the two back to where the ship was docked and invited them onboard. Upon seeing the Brave Asagi, Emerald's eyes were wide with astonishment and realization as she surprisingly recognized the vessel. She almost wanted to laugh at the sheer coincidence of it all. She'd seen it flying around before leaving her house this morning and now here it was in person for her to see up close! Friede was amused to hear this and joked that maybe it was a sign that the Rising Volt Tacklers, Emerald and Tony were destined to meet the moment she saw the ship. Emerald stared open-mouthed at the whole ship as she admired it from the huge balloon that allowed it to fly, the wings that folded together to make a battle arena and the sheer size of the ship that allowed it to house plenty of people and Pokémon. She even got to meet some of the Pokémon that lived on the ship too.
Minutes later, the Brave Asagi took off and was now back in the sky with no real destination in mind. Friede just wanted to give Emerald and Tony a small flight and then drop them off home. Emerald and Tony watched along with Liko as the ship flew into the sky and cruised smoothly past the clouds. Their Pokémon were out of their Pokéballs and either watching the view or playing with the other Pokémon. Kerchak and Sprigatito were playing together. The grassy gorilla lay on his back and scooped up Sprigatito with his large hands, gently petting it and even throwing it up and catching it again. The grassy kitten laughed merrily as Kerchak played with it. Liko enjoyed seeing how well the two were getting along with each other.
For a big Pokémon, that Rillaboom's surprisingly gentle. And also quite fun-loving too. I can believe that's Emerald's partner! she thought.
She gazed out at the horizon with Emerald and Tony as they admired the view too. They didn't often see Galar from this high up so this was quite an experience for the duo. Tony lamented that his past illness had meant he didn't get to fly much before and it was thanks to Emerald saving his life that he was here to enjoy this moment. The three friends watched as Hulbury shifted away and the ship flew over a route and towards the north of Galar. They'd soon be able to see Hammerlocke City if they kept going in this direction.
"This is so amazing!" Emerald exclaimed, "Look how high up we are! And this ship flies so beautifully!"
"It's no wonder Liko makes her home here with this crew." Tony noted, "I think I could get used to life up here on this ship too."
"Believe me, you come to enjoy it VERY quickly." Liko said brightly, "Every morning I wake up to a beautiful view as we travel the world. Galar is especially beautiful from up here…" she said with wonder in her voice.
"It really is, mate." Emerald agreed, "Hey look, there's the Wild Area! We're flying over the Wild Area!" she cried excitedly and pointed down to the ground.
The Brave Asagi passed over the famous Wild Area. Liko followed Emerald's gaze and watched as they passed over a vast open area with carpets of green and various lakes and rivers adding splashes of blue to the place. It was too far to see clearly but Liko could see moving shapes down below. They were the various Pokémon that lived in the Wild Area. She could see some on the land and some in the water. She even saw some flying Pokémon soaring underneath the ship. It was truly a breath-taking experience and the view of Galar from up high made the whole flight seem so magical. Emerald and Tony were so thrilled that they felt as if they didn't want this to end. Liko beamed with joy, glad they were having such a good time.
"This is simply amazing…I wish this day would never end." Emerald sighed as she gazed at the view.
"Would be nice, little gem. But even when it ends, we'll have the memory of this experience to hold onto forever." Tony said softly.
He wrapped his arms around Emerald and pulled her close to him. Emerald returned the gesture and kissed him on the lips. Tony ran his hands down his girlfriend's back and Emerald massaged his shoulders as they embraced. Liko only smiled with awe. She wasn't pursuing romance herself but even she had to agree this whole scenario could easily come off as romantic. Two people on a ship together enjoying the view and each other's company…it all seemed very much like a romance novel now she thought of it.
They're so sweet together! Liko thought happily, It really will be a shame to say goodbye to them. I could get used to having them around. Maybe in the future we can see each other again one day. And hopefully without the Explorers coming for me again…
It would be nice if they could have a moment like this. A minute later, Emerald and Tony finished kissing and Professor Friede appeared before them.
"Enjoying the flight you two?" he asked.
"We're loving it!" Emerald piped, "It's an amazing feeling being up here and watching all this!"
"I feel the same way every time we take flight!" Friede concurred, "While I'm here, I wanted to thank you both for taking care of Liko and showing her around while we were docking here. I appreciate it more than you can ever realize."
"It's no problem sir." Tony said politely, "It's been a pleasure befriending Liko and getting to meet her."
"As it has been for me." Liko said brightly.
"I can see. You've all made very fast friends and I love it!" Friede said happily, "Now then, where do you two live? I can drop you off home if you want."
Emerald was about to answer until suddenly, an incredible thought popped into her head and she had a better idea on where the ship could go rather than back home.
"Actually…I have a great idea." Emerald answered, "I'd almost forgotten but my sister's Champion defence battle is due to begin later this evening. How's about you take us to Wyndon Stadium so we can all watch it together?"
"You mean we get to watch your sister in battle?" Liko said excitedly, "Please can we do that Friede? I bet it'll be so much fun!"
"A chance to watch Ruby Silverlock in action? Ha! As if I'd say no!" Friede laughed, "We'll set a course for Wyndon Stadium right away! I have to say, I'm surprised to hear she's your sister." he said, looking to Emerald, "I guess that explains why the Explorers had such a hard time against you! Being powerful trainers must run in the family!"
"Pretty much!" Emerald giggled, "So you know of Ruby as well?"
"Why wouldn't I?" Friede said with a dazzling smile, "Me and my crew saw the whole Darkest Day thing when we were flying by a few years back and we watched the whole thing slip away when Ruby put a stop to it. Hearing it was her, some new trainer who'd worked her way up through the Gym Challenge that stopped the whole thing was quite impressive. And then she became the Champion shortly afterwards? That was even MORE impressive! I only wish we had the chance to meet her back then."
"Well maybe you'll get a chance now." Emerald said eagerly, "Let's go then! To Wyndon Stadium!"
What a sudden twist this is! Liko thought excitedly, Before we leave, we get to watch a battle with Galar's Champion! I bet it'll be a really thrilling match to watch!
All eyes were ahead as the Brave Asagi set its course for Wyndon City. Emerald and Liko looked to each other with big, excited smiles on their faces. It seemed they'd get a little more time together after all, and a chance to watch a match between Galar's Champion and her next challenger no less! Emerald could only wonder what kind of battle Ruby was in for when she and her opponent entered the field…
The Explorers have been defeated, Liko's pendant remains safe and all ends well for our heroes. And it's sure nice of Friede to offer to take Emerald and Tony to Wyndon Stadium for Ruby's next match, and Liko gets to watch too. And so will you as next time, we watch "Ruby vs. Alain". Don't miss it!
Trivia: Originally, this part was going to be all about the battle with The Explorers but Part 2 ran a little long and it felt like Emerald saving herself should happen later rather than sooner, so I moved it to the beginning of this chapter.
Also the story wasn't going to end with the Rising Volt Tacklers taking everyone to Wyndon Stadium to watch Ruby vs. Alain but I realized it was a perfect segue way into that Plot-Scorbunny so that's why we have the ending we have now. I'd say it works, don't you? ^^
As of Episode 6 in Pokémon Horizons, Liko's Sprigatito has only used Leafage and doesn't know any other moves. It using Bite is made up by me. The reason for this is because Sprigatitio's fighting style is just so boring. Spamming Leafage over and over doesn't make for exciting battle scenes so to spice up the fight, I've made it so in this universe, Liko's Sprigatito knows Leafage and Bite as well so I can make the fight more interesting for her. I SERIOUSLY hope with the next episode that Sprigatito finally learns a new move given it's a training episode and all. If it doesn't, I will be annoyed. X(
Zir and Conia's Skarmories have only used Whirlwind in the anime so once again, I can only guess what else they know. Anyone other than me wish they gave either Conia or Zir something else instead of giving them BOTH a Skarmory? That just felt lazy to me. At least give one of them a Starraptor or a Pidgeot to vary things up a bit like how Amethio has a Corviknight instead of another Skarmory.
Oh and I'm sure some of you have noticed that this three-parter seems awfully similar to the Unova three-parter I recently did. Yeah, even I can see how it's so copy-paste. ^^; I mean both feature one of Ruby's sisters going out somewhere with their partners (Unova for Sapphire and Ashley, Hulbury Town for Emerald and Tony), both meet someone new for the first time (Bianca and Cheren for Sapphire, Liko and the Rising Volt Tacklers for Emerald), both fight off an enemy (Team Plasma and The Explorers), both feature a female character being kidnapped and tied up (Ashley and Emerald respectively) and a group has to band together to save them (Ashley's friends and the Rising Volt Tacklers) and then the story concludes with a big fight with the enemy. The only real differences are that Emerald saves herself while Ashley needed Sapphire to save her, The Explorers retreat instead of being outright defeated for good like Ghetsis was and the focus was more on Emerald's budding friendship with Liko than the romance with her and Tony. I swear I hadn't intended for this case of Recycled Script as TVTropes would say. ^^; The next one will be completely different, promise. XD
As of this chapter, the Pokémon in Liko's pendant is still unknown to us. No name has been revealed and we don't even know what type it is so naturally, I've had to keep it a mystery here too. Once we know more about it, I may do a sequel Plot-Scorbunny where we meet Liko again and Emerald gets to learn what the pendant Pokémon is. Also gotta love how she ended up referencing Liko's own show since Pokémon Horizons is pretty much a crazy mystery story. XD
