*Updated December 2021*

Chapter 2

Cold Case

The frost covered path glistened in the morning sun, as a young boy and his trusty lizard companion trudged along a path. The path was very familiar to the young boy. It was the very same one he ran down only yesterday. He had taken this path until he had heard the cries of help emitting from his current partner.

The young lizard was skipping around happily. Her sapphire eyes were gleaming, with the prospect of adventure. She was in such a large state of bliss, that she failed to notice a small rock in the vicinity of her path. Before she realized what was going on, her face met the ground, faster than a hungry Snorlax after a food delivery van.

(Oww!) she whimpered in a shrill feminine voice. The little incident alerted her travelling companion, who prior to his partners fall, seemed completely lost in thought.

"Charmander!" he yelled, leaning over to see if she was alright. He immediately looked over her ankle, to make sure she had not injured it again. Upon realizing she was okay, he couldn't help but poke fun. "Enjoy your trip?"

(Very funny, Christopher,) she said, sounding rather cross. She pulled herself off the dirty frost covered path and turned towards him. (You seem kind of out of it, Chris. Are you thinking about what the Professor said before we left?) Charmander asked, sounding relatively concerned.

Flashback...

Chris was relieved that his mother had made her goodbye short. He could not stand any waterworks, especially not today. Nothing would dissuade him from achieving his goal, not even his mother.

Upon Charmander's insistence, he had stopped off at the Professor's lab before leaving town, and heading for the Silver Forest. The idea was fine with him, as they had to go that way to leave town anyway, so a quick stop at the lab worked for him.

"Chris? I thought you would have left by now," a surprised voice stated, as he entered the building. "Did your mother ever teach you to knock?" she teased lightly.

"Charmander wanted to drop in before we left, ain't that right, Charm?" he chided her affectionately. She scowled. She had made the mistake of telling him the pet name given to her by her mother. She absolutely detested it.

(I knew I shouldn't have told you that,) she muttered. He turned to her, and stuck out his stubby little tongue.

"Yeah well you did," he reminded her. He turned back to the Professor, and the look on her face told Chris that she had remembered something important.

"Now I remember what I wanted to tell you! You know I used to work with Professor Oak, right?" Hemlock asked. Chris dug through his memory banks, hoping to find the specific incident where it was mentioned. He knew it had been mentioned, so he just nodded his head simply. "I phoned him last night, and I mentioned your peculiar case to him."

Chris' nonchalant facial expressions suddenly turned serious. Of course the leading expert on Pokémon would know the answer to his problems! "What did he say?" he asked hopefully.

"Well, he actually did not seem overly surprised by the fact you could understand Pokémon. He just seemed surprised that an individual was found that could. Apparently, he had a discussion with a colleague of his recently about being able to understand Pokémon. Professor Oak had insisted that understanding Pokémon was impossible, where as his colleague insisted that it was indeed possible, but only to certain individuals." Hemlock stated.

"But what's so special about me? And who is this colleague?" Chris asked.

"I do not know the answer to either of your questions, but I do know that Professor Oak would like to meet you personally. According to him he is in Penelope Port this week. He is giving a lecture on Pokémon to a trainer school there. He will leave for Evertown when he is finished. He wishes to personally study you," she told Chris, carefully saying it so he would understand the first time.

"So I'm basically like a scientific guinea pig?" he asked pointedly. Hemlock was going to scold him, until she noticed his brown eyes sparkling. She started into a violent fit of laughter.

"Nah, a guinea pig is smarter," she teased. Despite being 43 years of age, as his mother confirmed for him last night, she sure could hold her own throwing insults at a teenager.

"Very funny, hilarious," he poked back sarcastically. "Well I really must be going. Thanks for your help Professor. Let's go, Char-" he began, but then realized his faithful lizard had disappeared. He began looking around frantically, until he saw a familiar orange creature conversing with a blue turtle and a green plant thingy.

(You be careful, Charmander,) the turtle uttered. It's red eyes glimmered with nervousness, which Chris presumed to be out of worry for his friend.

(Yes, please come back safely,) the creature with a green bulb on its back begged. She too appeared to be really worried.

(You guys worry too much! Next time you see me, I'll be the most powerful Charizard you will ever see! Besides, the next time you see me, my trainer will be using me to kick your butts I hope!) With a laugh she ran off towards her trainer, turning back once more to give a cute little wave back at her friends.

"Ready to go?" he asked her. When she nodded in return, he turned back to the professor. "It's time that I head out. Please take care of the Pokémon I send you."

"Only if you take care of the ones you keep with you, and don't shirk on getting data for that Pokédex either" she replied sternly, but her stern voice was betrayed by the smug grin she wore on her face. It was if she knew that wouldn't be a problem with him. He turned and began a brisk run out the door.

Chris took off down the path that led up to the professor's place. The land was perfect for raising Pokémon. It had water, tons of field and rocks.

"WAIT!"Chris turned sharply, to see the Professor running after him. When she finally caught up, she let a out few hoarse breaths, before looking up and facing Chris. "Whatever you do, you cannot let other people know about your gift. If the wrong person finds out, they might try to use you for their means. Please be careful, Chris." With the last statement, she turned and slowly walked back to her lab, leaving behind a stunned Christopher Davis.

End Flashback...

"I'd never thought of any of the negative impacts that my abilities could possibly have until she said that. I never realized just how careful I have to be about who I trust in this World," he muttered.

Trusting people had never been a problem for the young trainer. Since he moved to Anotica from Johto, he had never made any friends, so he had never had trust betrayed before. Silver Town had a very small population, and even though there were kids Chris' age, he never got on with them. Chris really just buried his heads into his books and computer, learning about Pokémon.

(Don't worry about that. I won't let that happen. I pro-) the young lizard began, but stopped abruptly as a familiar voice chimed in.

(Well if it isn't dumb and dumber. You were pretty stupid to come back to our turf,) a familiar voice chided. The voice sounded rather mocking and had a slightly annoyed sound to it.

Oh great, them... Chris mentally moaned. "What the hell do you three want?" He glared at the three Pokémon who stood before him. They all looked identical to each other, their long limbs and small body hopping around impatiently. Their pig like noses were snorting with amusement and their green eyes glared at the duo.

(I told you we would be back, and now I challenge you to a fight. Mon on Mon. Your little Charmander, against us,) the middle of the three said. Chris recognized this one as the leader.

"What! That's hardly fai-" he began, but stopped abruptly. No way can she take them all, we just started training, he thought desperately.

(I, Dumb, accept your challenge,) Charmander stated confidently. Chris was taken by surprise at what she was saying. What is she getting at? It's not a fair fight. She won't be able to beat all three of them! And why did she call herself Dumb? Wait a minute...

"Hey!" Chris yelled. Charmander chuckled, and turned back to face the leader of the trio. "I guess there's no stopping you." When she didn't reply, he took it as a no. "Well then, start it off with your scratch attack!"
Charmander leapt at the three Pokémon, swiping her small claw at the trio.

The middle one dodged the blow nimbly, but the one to his immediate right, took the attack square to the face. With a low moan, he collapsed to the ground. One down, two to go... Charmander mentally checked.

"Charmander use em-" Chris started, and then stopped. Charmander probably wouldn't know ember at this point, he thought in defeat. "Use your growl attack!" Charmander turned to the other henchmen, letting out a low growl, causing the other Pokémon let out a low whimper. It crouched down towards the ground in terror. Jeez, outside of the leader, these guys suck, Charmander thought.

"Now use your scratch attack." Charmander swiped her small orange claw at the whimper foe, connecting at the side of its face, right below the Pokémon's ear, causing it to topple over in pain.

Where is the leader? Charmander pondered. She couldn't find him anywhere. With the other two down, she began to search for him.

"Charmander, look out! Duck!" upon hearing her trainer's voice, the young lizard crouched to the ground quickly. She glanced upwards just in time to see two nearly identical Pokémon collide in mid air. She let out a furious fit of laughter. This seemed almost too easy.

(Gotcha!) a voice cried. Suddenly, the ground beneath her began to rumble. She had no time to move, as the Pokémon leapt out from beneath her. She was thrown back a few feet, skidding across the frosty earth.

"Charmander!" Chris yelled, running over to the fallen Pokémon. Her eyes were spinning around so fast, Chris almost believed he would be hypnotized from them. He turned and glared at the leader of the trio. "That was a dirty trick," he yelled.

(What? I used my dig attack. How that is dirty is beyond me. Now it is your turn.) He began to march towards Chris and his fallen Charmander, when a figure jumped out from the under growth.

(Hold it right there, Pardner,) the figure said. It kind of reminded Chris of a snow cone. It wore an orange cone shaped thing, with three little red diamonds on the back of it, over top of its black body. Upon initial inspection, it looked to be just over two feet tall and Chris could see its little blue eyes glaring at its opponents. (You Mankey are nutin' but trouble round these parts.)

(Sheriff Snorunt!) they screamed. The leader Mankey, glared at the new arrival. He turned towards his comrades, as if to bark orders at them, only to notice that they were long gone. With a grunt, he took off down the road, and Chris swore he heard multiple expletives being uttered.

(Get back here!) the Sheriff shouted. He opened his mouth wide and unleashed a furious wind. Chris could feel what little warmth that was left in the woods, disappear in a frozen breeze.

(You're not catching me today, Sheriff!) Mankey shouted, and dove deep within the ground. Chris could only see the brown tip of its tail as it disappeared underground.

(Gosh darn it, they got away!) he cursed. He began to saunter off in the direction the Mankey escaped in.

"Wait!" Chris yelled. "Thank you for saving me and Charmander."

(No problem, Pardner. It's my job. Not that y'all can understand me though,) Snorunt replied. (That'd be a hoot.)

"Well actually sheriff..." Chris began, but was stopped by the Snorunt. It's little blue orbs were wide in shock.

(How'd ya hear I was the sheriff, Pardner? Can you underst-) the sheriff stopped when he saw Chris' head nodding up and down. (Well slap my knee, and call me Jim! That's a first round these here parts.)

"So um, Sheriff..." he began, but was cut off.

(C'mon Pardner, call me Snorunt. Sheriff seems too formal for my here tastes.)

"So Snorunt, why exactly are you a sheriff? I never thought Pokémon would need one," he stated. He hoped he did not offend the little Pokémon, he actually kind of liked him.

(I'd been a waitin' a long time to give this here lecture, Pardner,) Snorunt began. (Typical of a human, thinkin' we Pokémon don't have crime. I was elected to be the sheriff of these woods. We Pokémon don't have big cities to live in, so me and my deputy, Free, take care of the crime in this here region.)

"I take it those Mankeys are trouble?" Chris already knew the answer to this question, but he asked it anyway.

(Them firebrands cause no end of trouble for my squad and I. I reckon they've caused trouble for you and your Pardner.) Chris nodded slowly. He could feel Charmander stirring in his arms. Her eyes started to flutter, and then flung themselves open, faster than a kid would fling a lid off of a Birthday present.

(Where are the Mankey? And who is this?) she asked, clearly still in a daze.

"Charmander, this is Snorunt. He saved our butts. Maybe even our lives," Chris told her simply. Although it may be a slight exaggeration, there was no other way to put it. No telling what those Mankey could have done... Chris mentally chided himself.

(Thank you for saving me,) Charmander said sweetly to Snorunt, causing the sheriff to blush.

(Golly ma'am, t'was no big deal. Just doin' my job,) he said simply. His blush had begun to disappear as he regained his composure.

"Say, Snorunt, no offense or anything, but why were the Mankey scared of you? You are an ice type, where as they are of the fighting element."

(I was wonderin' if y'all would ask that. My force ain't all ice types y'all should know. My deputy, Free, is a Butterfree. He's put them hooligans in their place many a time. What he lacks in confidence, he makes up for in power I reckon,) Snorunt replied. Chris was thankful he had not offended the little snow cone of justice. He'd never been in a Pokémon prison, and he wasn't about to go for an all expenses paid vacation either.

(Sheriff!) a high pitched, rather nervous sounding voice cried. Chris looked over in the direction he had heard the voice. Fluttering a few feet away from them, was a purple bodied Pokémon, with large red eyes and little blue hands, blue feet and a little blue mouth. The fluttering Pokémon had two black antennas on his head, and its wings seemed to Chris to be twice as large as the Pokémon itself. It wings were surrounded by a black outline.

(Chris, Charmander, meet Deputy Free. The most reliable Pardner in Silver County,) Snorunt declared, his voice sounding nothing but truthful. This is the sheriff's deputy? Chris pondered, seeming completely stunned at the revelation. Its large red eyes glimmered with uncertainty, and Chris honestly believed it would faint at any minute. He certainly doesn't exude confidence does he? Chris mentally pondered.

(Sheriff, it's the Mankey, they've taken a hostage,) Free cried timidly. The sheriffs blue eyes widened in shock, and then narrowed in the form of a glare.

(What? Who?) the sheriff demanded. The cool demeanour of the sheriff suddenly turned ice cold. On second thought, maybe an ice type does make a good law enforcer, Chris joked, but then realized this was probably no time for jokes, even mentally.

(I-it wa-s-s Ca-a-a...) he mumbled, obviously choking over the words.

(Spit it out, Free!) Snorunt commanded.

(It was Cater!) Free shouted, his voice cracking as it went up an octave. Snorunt's annoyed demeanour disappeared, and it turned to one of sheer shock and understanding. Chris understood immediately what was going on. (They just past by in huff, and when I told them to halt they stuck their tongues out at me, before grabbing Cater and running the other way, screaming their demands as they left…)

(What did they demand, Free?) Snorunt asked calmly. Chris realized now just how perfect a choice Snorunt was for sheriff. He was completely calm under pressure.

(They wanted to speak with you, and your friends,) he choked, gesturing towards Chris and Charmander. Chris' eyes narrowed. Just what are they getting at?

"Well sheriff, it looks like we have a young life to save!" Chris announced dramatically. Snorunt quickly looked chris up and down, before shaking his head sadly.

(I don't know how it works where you city folk come from, but in these here woods I don't let civilians get involved, and I do declare that I'll be damned if I'm going to changed that now,) Snorunt muttered back, turning away. Chris wasn't surprised by the response, but he also wasn't going to take no for an answer either.

"Please let us help, if we hadn't have shown up than Free's child wouldn't have been kidnapped. Please Sheriff, let us help," Chris asked hopefully. Snorunt paused briefly, before giving a curt nod and turning towards deputy Free.

(Lead the way!) he commanded. With a nod, Free turned and fluttered back through the woods. Chris, with Charmander in his arms, and Snorunt followed behind closely. Now was no time for caution, they had a life to save!

(You think they will come?) a voice asked, in a hushed tone.

(Of course they will, nimrod! They are going to want to save that stupid Deputy's kid. That's when our plan will come into action!) it chuckled loudly. A grin formed on its face, and it turned to a small green creature to its left. (Don't worry, Daddy is coming,) he teased. Not that it matters if they come or not. This kid is going to feed a family of Taillow or Pidgey when I'm through with his dad and their friends!

Free led the group into a small clearing. The clearing seemed to be completely empty, save for the trio of angry Mankey, who glared at the arriving cavalry.

(They demanded it just be us,) Free explained to the sheriff. The sheriff nodded, and beckoned for Chris to follow him. He obediently did so. He could feel Charmander wrestling in his grip, but he did not want her to get hurt again. He followed the sheriff until they were only a few feet away from the Mankeys.

(So you came. I propose a trade. Our captive, for those two,) he declared, pointing at Chris and Charmander.

"Jeez, you sure know how to hold a grudge," Chris muttered.

(I will not trade! What do y'all take of me? Now give us back Cater or I reckon you should prepare to fight!) Snorunt declared.

(So be it,) Mankey muttered. He beckoned to his comrades, and they took up arms beside him. He then let out a shallow laugh. (You really think we would be stupid enough to come alone? I brought an old friend to play.)

Snorunt's eyes widened in shock. (You d-d-don't mean...) he stuttered.

(Oh but I do. Come on out, Riolu!) he bellowed. As on command, a small lithe blue creature landed next to the Mankey. It had one of its black legs held up, in a position ready to kick. It red eyes were rimmed with a black mask type thing, and its black ears flopped as it moved.

(Snorunt,) Riolu muttered coolly.

(Riolu!) Snorunt spat in disgust. His eyes turned hostile, and his mouth was open, as if he was ready to attack any minute. Chris was completely lost by this exchange, so he turned to Free.

"Free, what's going on?" he asked. Free seemed shocked initially. That's right, he doesn't know that I can understand him, Chris mused. Free seemed to shake off his initial shock, and then looked back at Chris' confused expression.

(Riolu used to be the head of our force, and Snorunt was his deputy. One day, while Snorunt and I were on patrol, we saw Riolu making a deal with one of the local mafia leaders. When he returned to the base, we questioned him. He admitted to being a fraud, a double agent. He was leaking classified information to the highest bidders. We exiled him from the force, giving him one last chance at freedom, out of respect for what we thought were years of brave service. Before he left, he challenged Snorunt to a dual, which Snorunt eventually won. Riolu vowed to return when he was stronger,) Free summarised.

(After you exiled me, I took the time to train and become even better. Now, I will show you which one of us is truly stronger,) he yelled. He stopped moving and was enveloped in a mysterious white glow. Replacing the lithe Riolu was a similar looking Pokémon. It had grown a good two feet from its last form. It had large spikes on its hands, and a long blue tail. It had what seemed like four ears on its head, the two floppy black ones it had as Riolu, as well as to pointy blue ones. Its red eyes continued to glare at Snorunt.

(So that was your trick, Riolu!) Snorunt spat.

(Call me Lucario, you sad excuse for a Pokémon,) Lucario sharply replied. Without warning, he lunged at Snorunt with is large spiked paw extended. Snorunt nimbly moved to his right, causing Lucario to crash into the ground. Snorunt opened his mouth, inhaling a deep breath, before unleashing it in a fast wind towards Lucario. Lucario had no time to react, as his yellow belly was pummelled by the cold wind. He fell to a knee, and glared at Snorunt. (Underhanded tactic, trying to lower my speed. Not becoming of a Pokémon sworn to uphold the law!)

(So this is how a former hero meets his here end,) Snorunt snickered. Lucario spat at Snorunt, who stepped back to avoid it.

Chris, who had been observing carefully, knew Snorunt made a mistake. Oh no! He left himself open! He cringed at what could happen next. He knew Lucario's steel and fighting types were effective against Snorunt. He saw the glint of strategy in the fighting Pokémon's eyes; he had to do something.

"Be careful Snorunt! He's up to something!" he cried hopelessly. Just as he was trying to warn Snorunt of what he felt was a pending attack, Lucario's paw began to grow a shining silver colour and he swatted at Snorunt, causing the little snow cone to be sent flying a few feet away, landing with a thud. Snorunt slowly, pushed himself back up to his feet, and glared back at Lucario, who was slowly charging at the sheriff.

"Sheriff, are you alright?" Chris yelled, before moving closer to the ice type to see if he could see any damage. Dropping his guard for just this one second, Charmander wrestled herself from his grip. She hopped onto the ground directly in front of them, and turned towards the onrushing Lucario. Her tail flared up, and she opened her mouth wide. From her mouth, three small fireballs spewed towards Lucario. Ember! Chris thought in amazement. With a groan, the steel Pokémon fell backwards towards the ground.

(Thanks for the save, Pardner,) Snorunt told Charmander. She let out a chuckle.

(I owed you one. Now let's get Cater back!) she declared.

Now that at least for the time being Lucario appeared to be down, the duo approached the Mankeys, who seemed stunned at the loss of their fellow fighting type. I'm surprised they didn't run, Snorunt mused. Not the most intelligent bunch I do declare.

(Give us Cater!) Charmander shouted. The Mankey, deciding not to test the combined forces of Charmander and the sheriff, dropped the young caterpillar, and ran off. Cowards, Charmander moaned mentally. She ran over to the young bug, and then turned towards the direction of where Free was. (He's ok!) she yelled.

Upon being given the okay, Free flew across the clearing. The young bug, upon noticing his father leapt up.

(Daddy!) Cater yelled. He was overjoyed.

(Cater!) he screeched, as he flew towards Cater. Chris had never seen the perpetually nervous Pokémon look so happy.

"Well seems like all's well that ends w-" Chris started, before being cut off by the sound of Lucario pushing himself up.

(D-d-do you really think I'd go down this early,) muttered a voice. Within seconds, Cater was gone. Chris turned to where Lucario had been, only to notice nobody there. He turned his head slightly, and saw Lucario holding Cater, with a malicious grin on his face. He must have used a quick attack!

(Cater!) Free yowled.

"Coward, give back Cater and accept your punishment with dignity," Chris cried.

(This little fellow will make a nice pet, or even a good deputy. Failing that, I bet he'd make a nice meal for a starving bird Pokémon or four here in these woods,) Lucario muttered. He seemed completely unaware of the anger welling up in Free.

(GIVE ME BACK MY SON!) he yelled. His red eyes began to glow a brilliant violet, and Lucario had suddenly been lifted off the ground, causing him to drop Cater. Snorunt and Chris were dumbfounded. Snorunt was trying to figure out what Free was doing. Is that...

Confusion? Chris finished, as if they owned the same mind. Chris could only watch as the formidable fighting Pokémon was thrown towards a tree at speed Chris had never witnessed before. The proud Pokémon had no time to react as his back hammered against a large tree. He fell straight to the ground, no doubt completely unconscious this time.

(Good job, Free! Now call in the force. I reckon you need to deal with this hooligan,) Snorunt stated proudly. My work here is done.

(What do you mean you? That's the sheriff's job,) Free muttered, seemingly back to normal, albeit slightly less nervous than the Pokémon Chris had seen through the day.

(Exactly, Pardner. Y'all are the Sheriff now,) Snorunt chuckled. (I reckon that I have a new calling.)

What is he talking about, Chris pondered. The little snow cone suddenly turned to him.

(Get me one of your fancy poké thingers,) Snorunt told him.

"What? You mean a Poké ball?" Chris asked, pulling the red and white orb from his pocket. When Snorunt nodded, Chris continued. "But what about your force? Don't get me wrong, I'd be delighted to have you join us on our journey, but I'd worry for the Pokémon of these woods without you to protect them."

(They're in good hands with depu- I mean sheriff Free. I trust you will take care of the force, Pardner?) he turned to Free, who reluctantly nodded. Chris glanced around the clearing, at the four conscious Pokémon. They all gained something. Cater, had the experience of a lifetime and will be forever braver for it. Charmander, who gained a new attack and probably felt stronger for it. Free, who gained some sense of courage and self-confidence, although Chris still could feel nervous vibes from him. And of course, his new partner Snorunt, who gained a new purpose.

(Well, Pardner, hit me with that Poké ball thingy,) Snorunt stated.

"Don't you want to fight?" Chris asked. He didn't really want to, and he was fairly sure that even with the type advantage that Charmander probably couldn't beat him in a straight battle, but most wild Pokémon usually wanted to test the trainer.

(No thanks, Pardner. Y'all have proven yourselves to me,) he stated, and walked over to Chris' outstretched hand, which contained an enlarged Poké ball. He nudged it carefully, and he disappeared inside. Snorunt, made no attempt to break free. My first caught Pokémon! Chris thought excitedly. He had always dreamed of this moment. He instantly released Snorunt outside again to say their goodbyes. He had a new teammate, and he was one step closer to his goal.

"Where is the Child now?" a booming voice asked, almost as if it was talking too no one in particular.

"In the Silver Forest, Sir, near Auburn village," another voice replied, although this one was less deep.

"Good, I want you to meet him there. Good Luck, Steven!"