AN: Please enjoy the chapter.
Ch 11 A Witch and Champion's Secret
"C-Champion!?" The man stammers, seeing Wallace standing before them with the proof pinned to his shirt.
The other man steps back, frightened to face the strongest trainer that Hoenn has to offer. "I-I'm outta here, good luck with the Champion-" Once he turns around and saw a group of Police officers standing behind them with their pack of Growlithe standing by.
The two men froze, seeing the authorities of the Region. "H-How did-"
"I took the liberty to call Officer Jenny and her unit so they can arrest you two." Wallace smiles, flipping the two side angle on his hair. "Sorry not sorry," He smirks at the two.
A woman with amber eyes and a darker shade of teal hair in a Police uniform with a chief badge on her vest. Next to her was a large tiger-like Pokemon with blonde hair on the head, legs, and tail.
"You are under arrest for Pokemon Poaching and Abuse." A Policeman steps forward with his Growlithe by his side,
The Policewoman stands before the men, holding out her hand. "Men, take their Pokemon then place handcuffs." She ordered her unit to take these two men in.
The Police Officers saluted at their Police Chief, "Yes Chief!" The two men got their Pokemon confiscated and their hands cuffed.
The two men were taken back to Petalburg Police Station where they'll be processed and arraigned.
Wallace smiles, seeing their work is finished. He turns to Milotic, petting her head. "Thank you, Milotic for everything." He appreciates his Partner helping out with this.
Milotic sang, happy to help her trainer. She turns around sensing Helena coming up to them.
Helena picked up Kirlia from the ground, then made her way to the Champion and his Pokemon. "Wallace, thank you for your help there. Kirlia and I would be in big trouble if you didn't show up." She said to her teal-haired friend.
"No, I should be the one who should thank you, Helena," Wallace stated, placing his hand on Dratini's head. . "Without your help, Dratini might be off somewhere by those two. If anything you stepping in was perfect to buy me some time to get here."
Milotic sang, agreeing with her Partner. Wallace chuckles, seeing that the Tender Pokemon take a liking to his black-haired friend. "It seems that my beautiful Milotic likes you. How wonderful, Milotic has a thing when sensing good people."
The former Witch laughs, feeling Milotic's head nudge her. "R-Really? The credit should be given to Kirlia." Helena motions to her Partner in her arms. "She sensed that Pokemon is in danger, and I follow her."
"Kirlia!" The Duel-type responded, happy to see Wallace assisting them when they need it.
"I see, you two are really in sync." Wallace smiles, before looking at the Dragon-type in his arms. "We should really get Dratini to a Pokemon center, I don't like these injuries she retained."
Helena looks at Dratini, looking weaker by the second. "You're right, Petalburg City should have one. I'm sure that Steven and the others will-" The former Witch saw the discomfort on his face.
"Uh…." Wallace froze, hearing of telling the others of his position.
"Kirlia?" Kirlia patted Helena's shoulder and pointed back at Wallace.
"Wallace? What's the matter?" Helena asked, seeing him petting his Milotic.
Wallace smiles at his Partner before taking out his Pokeball. "Milotic, thank you. Return." A red beam went to the Tender Pokemon, returning her to her Pokeball. "Helena don't get me wrong. As much I love your motivation, I can't let the others know that I'm the Champion." He said to the former Witch.
Helena stands before the Hoenn Region's Champion, curious why the others shouldn't know that Wallace is the Champion. "Why? I mean you're influential and-" Her emerald eyes widen, now understanding Wallace's plight. "I see, so that's how it is." She nodded.
"Yes, you see Steven has always dreamed of becoming the Hoenn League Champion," Wallace explains to the former Witch. "Even if we don't look much, I cherish the friendship and rivalry that me and Steven have." He stated.
"And you're afraid of the truth coming out then Steven might not like that," Helena commented, assuming that was what he would say.
Wallace's eyes wandered to the side. "Ehh…Steven would not mind, but my reason is completely different than what you think, Helena." The teal-haired trainer said.
"Kirlia?" Kirlia tilts her head, curious what he means by that.
"Eh?"
The Hoenn League Champion blinks, seeing that he was explaining things wrong. "Oh no, did I lead you to a wrong assumption?" Wallace smiled, clearly expressing himself the wrong way. "Sorry, what I meant to say is that I rather keep this a secret so when the time comes for Steven to challenge the League, I want to be there to give him a shock of his life."
Helena frowns, thinking about what reason Wallace gave her. She sighs being worried for nothing about keeping his secret. "So you want to surprise Steven," She stares at the Champion along with Kirlia with the same thoughts.
"You are a strange person," Helena stated.
Wallace smirks, leaning to the side flamboyantly. "Mmmm, I prefer unique or elgant." He smiles, "So, please keep it a secret? For little old me, Helena?" He asked the former Witch.
Helena sighs, not liking keeping secrets from people. But seeing that both Steven and Wallace have a friendly rivalry it should be fine. "Alright, I will. This will be our secret, Wallace."
"You're a doll, truly elegant if I do say so myself, Helena!" The teal-haired Champion smiles, appreciating her help not only for Dratini but as a friend.
Officer Jenney approached both Helena and Champion with Arcanine. "Champion Wallace, thank you again for your help. We will handle those two criminals back at the station," The teal-haired woman informed the two. She turns to Helena, nodding at her. "And you young trainer, thank you for your and your Pokemon's help too."
"It's no big deal, Officer. We saw Dratini in need of help and we step in." Helena kindly respond to the Chief of Police.
Officer Jenny smiles, happy to see another trainer thinking of the well-being of Pokemon. "How honorable of you, young lady. You have a bright future as a respectable Pokemon trainer." She tips her hat to the former Witch before walking off with Arcanine to join their unit.
Helena felt proud of their work today, she turns to Wallace only to frown at the sight of Dratini. "We need to get Dratini to the Pokemon Center quick," She said, petting the Dragon Pokemon.
"The nearest is the one in Petalburg City," Wallace informed his friend, walking in the direction of the City. "Let's get going,"
The two trainers headed to Petalburg City where their friends and the Pokemon Center were.
Steven sat at the lounge of the Pokemon Center, his leg was twitching while looking at the window for any signs of Helena. "The sun already set and she's not back yet." He sighs, not noticing that someone was walking up to him.
"Alright, we manage to get two rooms," Flannery said, standing in front of Steven. "We're in luck, the rooms fit three people in each. So we're planning three and three in each," She informed the Steel-blue haired trainer who wasn't listening to what she said.
"Brawly is setting up the room where the boys are staying and Roxanne got ours." Flannery continues explaining the arrangement for the night. She looks at Steven staring at the window. "Hey, Stevie are you listening to me?" She raised her voice a bit to gain his attention.
Steven flinched, hearing the red-haired girl's voice. "H-Huh? Sorry Flannery I was busy with something." He explains to his friend.
Flannery raised an eyebrow at him, "Worried about Helena?" She asked, placing her hand on her side.
"Yeah, it's already dark outside and she isn't back yet." Steven looks back out the window, some houses were dark. He stood up from the seat, taking out his Partner's Pokeball, "I'm going to look for her." He proclaims, walking to the sliding doors.
Flannery grabs Steven's shoulder, preventing him from going out. "Steven, stop. Helena can take care of herself." She urges him to leave this be. "I mean, she was in Petalburg forest alone until we found her. From the looks of it, she was doing just fine."
Steven looks back at his red-haired friend. "But Flannery, it's dark out and she might get lost out there." He retorted, wanting to make sure she was safe.
"Steven, don't forget Kirlia is with her, she won't let anything happen to her. Plus Wallace's out there too." The heir of Lavaridge Town Gym reminded her friend of the missing trainer. "With luck, they might run into each other when coming back to the city," Flannery said, giving him insurance that everything is going to be fine.
Steven looks at Flannery and then back at the window. He knew that Helena is a capable trainer, and with Kirlia by her side, they can handle things for a while. "You're right, I should put more faith in her."
Flannery smirks, not wanting to skip this moment. "Is it faith or is it something else?"
"What do you mean?" The Steel-haired boy asked Flannery, giving him a look.
"Oh you know, some feelings-wait, isn't that them?" Flannery saw a teal-haired boy and a black-haired girl rushing outside to the Pokemon Center next door.
Steven quickly shifts his head to the outside seeing the two people Flannery saw, "I think so, I'm going to check it out." He said to the red-haired girl.
Flannery felt her hand slip from Steven's shoulder as he heads to the sliding doors. "H-Hey, wait for me!" She followed Steven out of the Pokemon Center's inn and see who those two are.
Steven ran across the Center's field, entering the Pokemon Center's back door. Upon entering he saw Helena and Wallace standing at the front desk. Steven's eyes witnessed Nurse Joy taking both Kirlia and another Pokemon to the examination room.
"Wallace, Helena," Steven called out to his friends who turned upon hearing his voice. He walks over to them, curious about what happened. "What happened? Are you alright, Helena?" He asked the former Witch.
Helena looks at the Steel-blue-haired trainer, surprised to see him up this late. "Steven," She greeted him. "I'm fine, Kirlia and Dratini are getting a check-up with Nurse Joy." She explains to him.
"Wait, Dratini?" Steven blinks, hearing a rare Pokemon is with them.
"Hey, I'm here too you know." Wallace crosses his arms at his rival, the door opened as Flannery enters the scene.
Flannery huffs, catching up with the future Champion. "Geez, I told you to wait up Steven." She huffs, looking up at Helena and Wallace. "Hey you two, what's with those faces?" The red-haired girl asked.
Wallace sighs, "It's a long story,"
"Something we can tell you while we wait for news from Nurse Joy," Helena said before moving her head, noticing the same name as the other Nurse Joy in Rustboro City. "(Nurse Joy? Wait is this the last name or something?)" She whispers.
The two trainers that entered looked at each other before looking at the two. "We have time for a story," Steven said to his friends.
Everyone was seated in the waiting lounge, both Helena and Wallace were about to explain what happened. "So, what happened out there? How did you guys get a Dratini?" Flannery asked the two, curious what transpired.
Helena looks at Wallace who nodded to tell their story. She looks back at their two friends waiting for an explanation, "Well, when Kirlia suddenly left I followed her to the river near Petalburg Forest. Kirlia soon found some guys hurting Dratini, we try to stop them, but they were tough." She informed them.
"That when I showed up with Seel," Wallace said, stepping into the conversation. "We managed to hold them off until Officer Jenny arrived with reinforcements." The Champion continues after Helena.
Steven looks at the former Witch, relieved that she was alright from those people. Actually, he was more impressed that she was able to hold off those people on her own. "Helena, you were able to fend off two trainers on your own with Kirlia?" He asked,
Helena blushes, nodding to Steven's question. "That's awesome. You're becoming quite a unique trainer, Helena." Steven smiles brightly at the black-haired girl.
"T-Thank you, Steven." Helena's cheeks blush at his compliment.
Flannery smiles, leaning back on the couch. "I have to say, being a rookie Pokemon trainer; you did something impressive." The red-haired girl added, "Most trainers were a bit more experienced to face those types of people. But you handled them like a pro," She smirks,
"Helena?" Everyone turns around to the Counter where Nurse Joy was standing in. In front of her was Kirlia looking well and fit.
Helena stands up from her seat, hearing her name from the Nurse. "Yes? Is everything alright?" She asked.
Nurse Joy smiles seeing the trainer walking up to her. "I like to inform you that your Kirlia is all healed up," The pink-haired woman informed the young trainer.
Kirlia stood from the tray, jumping into her trainer's arms. "Kirlia!" She cried upon seeing her.
"Kirlia, hey you're looking a lot better." Helena smiles, happy to see her Partner healthy. She looks up at Nurse Joy, appreciating her taking care of Kirlia. "Oh, and Nurse Joy? How's Dratini, I'm really worried about her."
Wallace stood up, hearing Helena speaking about the Dragon Pokemon. "Mmm? Wally, what's up?" Flannery saw the teal-haired boy walking to the counter.
"Flannery," The red-haired girl looks at Steven, motioning his head to follow Wallace.
The three trainers headed to the counter, wanting to hear Dratini's condition. They stood behind Helena, awaiting the news from Nurse Joy.
"Dratini's doing just fine. She'll make a full recovery, Chansey is with her checking her vitals." Nurse Joy smiles, giving the good news to the Pokemon trainers worried for Dratini.
Everyone smiles hearing the good news of Dratini's recovery. "That's a relief, I was worried there for a second." Helena smiles, looking down at her Partner. "Right, Kirlia?" Helena asked her.
The Emotions Pokemon nodded, "Kirlia!"
Wallace looks at Nurse Joy for further information. "Nurse Joy, when will Dratini be well enough?" The Champion asked the Nurse.
"By tomorrow morning, Wallace. However for her to recover by then, she needs to rest." Nurse Joy said, happy to deliver the news.
"Oh," Helena frowns before looking at Steven, standing next to her.
Steven placed his hand on Helena's shoulder, giving her a hopeful expression. "Don't worry, Helena. We can visit Dratini tomorrow in the recovery room." The Steel-blue haired boy looks at Nurse Joy, "Right, Nurse Joy?" He asked.
The pink-haired Nurse nodded, confirming what Steven said. "Yes, you can visit Dratini tomorrow when she's fully healed." Nurse Joy informed the group.
"See? We can visit her tomorrow," Steven smiles, hoping that this would cheer her up. He took a good look at Helena's appearance, seeing her fatigue surfacing. "Besides, you look tired."
"I guess," Helena nodded, still rather happy that Dratini is not in serious trouble.
Flannery agrees, "Yeah, you look like you need some rest." The red-haired girl smirks, already having a place where she can sleep. "Roxanne prepared our rooms, also don't worry about pajamas. Nurse Joy always has some prepared for Pokemon trainers who forget to pack."
Helena felt her hand being grabbed by her friend. "O-Oh, okay-" Flannery pulled her arm, leading to the back door to where the Center's inn.
Steven and Wallace watch the two girls leaving the Center's lobby and into the back courtyard. "Well, that was something," Wallace commented on the girl's sudden rush. "Right, Stevie? Stevie?" He turns to Steven wondering why he was silent.
When Wallace looked at Steven, he saw a soft look on his face. "Steven…" The teal-haired boy sang his name. "Are you in there?" He leans closer to his ears, whispering inside.
"(Are you crushing on Helena?)" That snapped Steven from his daze. Turning to his rival, hearing what he just said.
"W-What do you mean? T-This I-I don't have a crush on Helena!" Steven said with a raised voice.
Wallace leans back, placing his hand on his cheek. "Oh? Care to elaborate on that, Steven? Because from my stance, it looks like you are staring awfully a lot at Helena." He points out the trainer's actions. "Also, you're blushing a lot when you're near her."
Steven's face became redder upon hearing that from his rival. "I-It's not like that, Wallace. I-I was just admiring Helena's dedication and heroism." He stated, "Y-Yeah that's it!"
"Mmm-mmm, yeah keep telling yourself that." Wallace yawns, heading to the exit. "Welp, I am beat. Time to hit the hay,' The Champion stops having one question for Steven. "Hey, do you know where our rooms are?"
In the inn, where the girls are in their room. Helena steps out of the bathroom in a yellow pajama, "Today was tiring, I never walked, face criminals, or sprinted to a Pokemon Center in one day." Helena walks to her bed where Kirlia was sleeping.
"You better get used to it," Roxanne commented, combing through her hair. "When you're a Pokemon trainer, you tend to travel all over the Region just to collect Gym Badges or earn Ribbons from Contests." The brunette trainer informed her friend.
"Yeah, I have to walk all the way from Lavaridge Town to go to the Trainer School." Flannery lay on her bed, arms behind her head.
"I-I'm sorry, but you walked?" Helena looks at her red-haired friend across from her bed. "You mean to tell me that you walked from your hometown to the school? How long did you get there?" She asked, shocked to find out that Flannery walked a long distance to go to school.
Flannery looks up from her pillow, hearing her question. "Mmm? Of course, how else can get here? I mean there is the Seaside Cycling Road that some trainers used, but I can't ride a bike."
"Oh, I don't know either. We're in the same boat then." Helena smiles.
Flannery sat up, grinning at another fact about her friend. "Yeah, no bike buddies!" She cheered, turning to Roxanne giggling at the two.
"Oh wow, am I the only girl who can ride a bike here?" Roxanne jokes with her two friends in the room.
"Pretty much." Both Flannery and Helena responded to the brunette question.
There was silence in the room for a moment before the three girls laugh at their little play. They laugh for a good few minutes before moving on to the next topic of the night.
Roxanne brought her legs onto her bed, "So, time for girl talk." She looks at Helena, wanting to get to know her better. "Helena, I'm going to be straight with you for this."
The former Witch tilts her head at her friend, "What do you mean, Roxanne?" Helena asked.
"Well, since it's girl talk, we're going to talk about the things going on. Such as boys." Roxanne explains to the rookie. She smiles, seeing the blush spreading on her cheeks.
Flannery saw Helena's flustered cheeks, "Ah, so there is someone that you like." The red-haired girl smirks, crossing her legs.
"U-Um, do we really need to talk about this? I mean we're young and-"
Flannery looks at Roxanne, seeing that Helena is pretty obvious and has a crush on someone. "She definitely has a crush on someone, Roxy." The red-haired girl stated,
Roxanne nodded, "Oh yes, Flannery. But who." She raised an eyebrow at their gullible friend.
"How about…Jackie?" Flannery suggested.
"Flannery, Roxanne…" Helena glares at the two,
The brunette shook her head, "No, maybe it's Wallace." Roxanne suggested.
Helena covers her ears at her friends teasing her. "I'm not listening to the both of you!" She sang, ignoring their game.
"No, no, it's most likely Stev-"
"H-Hey! It's getting late and we have a busy, busy day in the morning!" Helena pulls her covers, hiding her blushing face from the two.
Both Roxanne and Flannery looked at each other, smiling already knowing who their friend has feelings for. "Definitely him, Roxy," Flannery commented.
"Of course, it's him," Roxanne yawns, stretching her arms. She reaches for the light switch before saying goodnight to Flannery, for tomorrow will be another adventure.
AN: How do you like it? Please leave a comment or review.