Disclaimer: I do not own Pokemon. I do own my OCs. Please review if you enjoyed the chapter! Quick shoutout to Shocker789 and his fic "A Trainer named Lucas"! A fellow Sinnoh fic retelling the events of Pokemon Platinum with an 18-year-old Lucas! It's really promising and refreshing to see a nice Sinnoh journey for once with an underused protagonist! Hope you enjoy both stories! Now onto Arc 2!
~x~
It has been quite awhile my dear reader. Oh no, not necessarily for you, but for me it has been indeed. More than two years in fact since I've had the pleasure of addressing you and oh so much has changed, but it is not my place to tell you, that honor goes to our valiant hero.
A quick recap for those with shoddy memory, Topaz has obtained his starter pokemon and became a junior trainer. With his slothful Pikachu, Donut and intense Charjabug, Lou, he has attained quite the reliable pair.
Topaz's current goal is to become strong enough to fight at his uncle's side as a gym trainer, but Volkner does not allow simply any buck off the street with a Pikachu on his heels, oh no. As the most powerful gym leader of Sinnoh he requires the most-even from his junior trainers-to live up to the name. Our young hero refuses to disappoint and is simply one step away from completing his goal. There's just a small problem that must be resolved first.
Sinnoh may seem idyllic, but where there is free will, there is the choice. The choice to align with good or favor evil. Topaz will encounter both and those who walk the fine line in between to shed the innocence from his eyes. Peaceful days have died, it's time to fight for survival. Welcome to Arc 2: Kalos Smuggler. Freedom is a birth given right. Beware those who hoard it for themselves.
~x~
Location: Sunyshore City, October.
It was a chilly autumn day. The famous Sinnoh cold was beginning to rear its ugly head and the townspeople were dressed accordingly, scarves and jackets had begun replacing the t-shirts and shorts of summer even in our relatively warmer corner of the region.
Despite living my whole life in the region the gradual change from summer to fall was still uncomfortable to me. A reminder that my time enjoying the gratuitous sunshine and sticking my feet into the warm, grainy sand was coming to an end.
To complement the new chill, the few trees in Sunyshore had turned into aesthetically pleasing shades of red, gold and orange. It was nearing Hoopaeve and to show for it, pumpkins and jack o'lanterns had taken over the town. During the night, the solar panels took on a festive purple, yellow and orange Hoopaeve color theme.
The Munchlax of the town were feeling a bit lazier than usual, lounging together underneath a tree, absentmindedly eating apples. An odd sight was the horde of Slowpoke sunbathing by the rocks on the beach. Some children had gone over to observe the pink Pokemon, but I don't think they'll notice them till sunset.
Some eager Wooper were playing an animated game of tag with some Pineco. It was a very odd game as neither had hands, but they didn't seem to mind tackling each other as replacement. My mind wandered off to the antics I got on with my own friends.
I myself always enjoyed going trick or treating with Jade with Volkner or one of his Pokemon as our chaperone, but with Donut trick or treating is nigh serious business. As a Pikachu he's a very popular Pokemon in the world and thus universally loved, so to take advantage of that each year he wears the trendiest costume at the time to maximize the amount of candy he gets.
And every year he needs an intervention from Lou and I. Jade asked why I didn't just buy him candy, but you see. It tastes better when you trick or treat it.
"Pikaaaa," Donut yawned loudly, as he was snug cozily inside my hoodie. I was wearing a combo set of a black hoodie and joggers with orange accents. Complete with my topaz necklace. I was already decently warm, but Donut's winter fur erased any chance of getting cold.
We were making our way to the Sunyshore Gym as usual to hang out. According to Volkner I've been making huge progress in my technical skills, so I've been trying to hone that skill for awhile now. While in-depth technological knowledge isn't required for my Trainer related courses, it can be so insanely helpful on the road. Especially if a Pokeball breaks or my Pokedex begins to malfunction.
Donut and Lou were also at pretty comfortable spots in their training. It's been over two years since they had evolved for the first time and neither has shown interest in evolving again any time soon.
Donut I could understand as he was easily pleased, but Lou I did not expect to stay a Charjabug for so long. Apparently it's not unheard of, they require massive amounts of electricity to evolve and while it's totally possible he could have evolved normally ages ago, Lou still shows no signs.
Whatever limits my little soldier bug has, they are far from abnormal for his species. Neither of us minded though. We've got time.
As usual it took me longer than intended to get to the gym due to my internal monologuing. I greeted the receptionist of the day, Lonnie, before heading into the back into my own workspace.
The great thing about studying at the gym is that every gym trainer here is some sort of technical expert, so help is always around the corner… not that I need any!
I'm my mother's son. My intellect is anything but average.
Before I could sit down a familiar Pokemon bumped into me sending me flat on my butt. Donut lightly jolted me in surprise before he jumped out of my hoodie.
"Good morning, Mareep, glad to see you too," I said getting up before beginning to scratch her ears.
This Mareep was one of the starters, but she has yet to find a trainer who can handle her surprisingly energetic personality. Whatever stereotype you have of Mareep, just think the opposite for her.
She had grown a bit fond of me since I had taken some time to help her train with Lou. Though I haven't offered to officially join the team. She's a prideful Pokemon which I respect. She would not want me to recruit her out of pity and I would not want to start a partnership with a Pokemon unless we are both 100%. Just as I had been with Donut and Lou, an innate connection right from the start.
I took out a Luxury ball and released Lou. "I've got some work to take care of, but after that we can all head out to Route 214 and do some training," I promised. Mareep was understandably very bored at the gym so on occasion I took her out to stretch her legs with my own team.
Lou saluted me the only way an armless and legless Pokemon can before he led Mareep off to where they would begin their drills. Donut went to join the other gym pokemon for a bit of light socialization due to his nap being interrupted.
"Oi Topaz, come here," Volkner called for me.
Volkner had left before me this morning so I decided to check on him inside his workshop. He'd been looking a bit more stressed than usual, but I wasn't sure what to make of it. Vastly different from any standard gym office.
He sat in front of a multi monitor computer and was earnestly looking over several reports with a firm frown. By his feet in the corner was Froberge relaxing peacefully. He opened an eye at my presence and simply meowed at Volkner to alert him of my presence.
"Morning Volkner. Froberge."
"Lux."
Volkner turned half his body to speak to me, leaning comfortably into his chair. "So, before you head out I need to tell you something. You'll thank me for it."
This is unexpected, but doesn't sound bad.
I looked around to see there were various mugshots plastered on the wall: A crude looking young man, a crass looking woman and a lazy eyed guy. Stacks of file folders consuming his desk and each monitor showcasing drastically different information, including one with the Kalosian news on. Upon looking closer I could see that most of the reports were from the League Investigation Bureau and foreign intelligence.
"Someone's been busy," I noted as I walked in to get a better look. "Are you on a manhunt or something?"
"Pokemon and manhunt actually. The rangers are on high alert and the news has been keeping people updated, but since you're so much like me you likely haven't even noticed," He stated while simultaneously typing out the fastest 5 paragraph email I had ever seen.
"I may not be a true trainer yet, but I've still got loads to do ya know," I found a seat and sat down with barely restrained interest. "These documents are from the LIB and foreign intelligence right? These are their insignias," I pointed to the folders to back up my answer.
"Good, you're learning. Yes, they are and while they aren't especially uncommon for me to see as I am the leader of the port city, unless it's something major these tend to go to the other city officials, ya know, the mayor or whatever."
The mayor- oooh yeah. They do all the boring stuff.
Of course while gym leaders can't do everything in the city, they actually have quite a lot of influence over their workload. Even still, gym leaders tend to be famous no matter how much they work outside the gym. Politicians? Ehhh.
"Unfortunately, a fancy signature can't write these problems away. It's a shit show," He said rubbing his temples. "Benedetto has been reported in the area."
"Benedetto? Who?"
Volkner opened a file on one of the many monitors to reveal the mugshot of a man with long black hair, a crimson red plaid shirt, a large fur coat and dark, sullen eyes that sealed an even darker ambition.
For a moment, a few milliseconds at best, I was struck with a rush of vertigo. Volkner didn't seem to notice, but Froberge did stir somewhat.
What was that feeling? That feeling of… greed?
I ignored it and focused back on Volkner. "Benedetto, is a Pokemon smuggler that we believe to be from Kalos. We don't know how long he's been operating, but our intel suggests it can't be more than 2, 3 years tops. We believe despite that time he has made worthwhile connections that afford him the luxury of evading Interpol and the Kalos League. His MO is smuggling rare Kalos Pokemon out of the region and selling them to the highest bidder. Now in other regions that shit may fly, but in Sinnoh? We're gonna get his ass, I just need to find out if he's here or not yet."
I ruminated over his words as he began looking through more files.
"Why do you think he could be around here, right now?" I asked.
"Simple," He pressed another key and the local news began playing.
"Good greetings and salutations my friends, my name is Tsu Nami and I'm here at the Grand Lake Hotel for a very special occasion: The Wallace Cup! Organized by the 8th gym leader and top coordinator of Hoenn himself, the Wallace Cup is a contest coordinators from all over the world can enter in order to win the coveted Aqua Ribbon! This illustrious ribbon is a collector's dream, but for a coordinator it is a ribbon that is valid to be used in all regions to enter the Grand Festival! We have coordinators from all walks of life across the world gathered here to participate, to make a name for themselves whether they win or lose! This year's theme is Hoopaeve, so I hope all of you watching aren't of the faint of heart because the ghosts and ghouls are coming out to play!"
After she was done speaking the camera began panning around showing off all the coordinators and pokemon socializing or practicing. Decorations were everywhere and the staff looked busier than ever. I could even spot Talent Scouts of various different companies scoping out the crowd, searching for any future stars.
I had totally forgotten that was a thing. Now I'm a bit curious to see it for myself. All these Pokemon from all over the world too…
"Are you saying you think he might have come in with the crowds and is trying to blend in? Or maybe his clientele would be coordinators like them?"
"The second one. It's risky, but coordinators from all over the world want to showcase their talents to scouts so they can be recruited for commercials, movies, TV shows, you name it. I know we definitely have our fair share of League scouts there keeping an eye out. These trainers need to look their best with the Pokemon they've got and obviously they are very careful about who they let join their team the same as us trainers. While we have our particular battle styles or typings we may enjoy, coordinators have their image and want Pokemon that can enrich a performance or become a popular mascot for their brand. So let's say they found someone perhaps selling rare and valuable Pokemon for a price they are willing to spend. What do you think they do?"
Oh shit.
"W-wait wouldn't they rather want a Pokemon from an esteemed breeder or a trusted adoption center? Or go through the actual work of catching the Pokemon they want themselves?"
"You're right. They could and should be doing any one of those three, but they either can't afford it, won't be approved or are too inept to find said Pokemon. Really in all honesty this practice isn't even that old, it's just criminally illegal. Like the game corner giving out Pokemon as prizes. You never know how the Pokemon on the receiving end is going to turn out. People used to just assume that whatever they bought was some perfect Pokemon jumping at the chance to be ordered around by their new master. Then a few days later, a body shows up," Volkner's voice trailed off near the end of his sentence. "These coordinators think they are going to get the ideal performer, but they're wrong. They are going to be receiving an abused victim of Pokemon trafficking, except Benedetto doesn't need to stay around for that realization. He's already got his money."
My face was stone cold. Did this news surprise me? Frankly no. In a world filled with creatures that could kill us all on a whimsy it's important for all children in every region to grow out of their ignorance before they get hurt. Though sometimes we forget how awful other humans can be, this was just another grim reminder.
"Now I won't say you can't run around and have fun, but be wary of any shady deals and be absolutely careful with Donut and Lou. Pikachu are popular everywhere and Charjabug is too exotic for people like him to pass up," Volkner warned. "You've been studying up on what it means to be a junior gym trainer right?"
"Yes. I know the signs of an abused Pokemon now. If I see anything I'll let you know." I spoke with an earnestness I hadn't expected. This wasn't exactly Volkner telling me to help him on a mission, but this was the closest I've ever been to League affairs. I couldn't disappoint.
"You'll let the local authorities know first, then alert me. They'll decide a course of action and then determine who is needed when and where," He corrected me. I pouted a bit at the correction, but he simply laughed and ruffled my hair. "I doubt you'll have anything to worry about though. You're smart, your Pokemon are powerful and you know the area. Plus, I've trained you myself and some people like to say that I'm something of a badass."
I rolled my eyes and took his hand off my head before responding snidely. "Yeah, yeah I get it. Stay away from creepy old guys who say they've got poffins in their van and find an adult if they ask me if I want to see their Ekans."
He rolled his eyes right back at me whilst trying to hold back a grin.
I wonder if my mother did the same thing.
"Sure. All of that too."
"Haha, yup. Anyway, Imma finish this project and head out."
"Hey, if anything exciting happens lemme know. I love my job and all, but this is boring. I know this is important, but all this paperwork?"
"Bet you're missing Flint right about now," I remarked honestly.
"It's never this boring when he's around at least," Volkner noted absentmindedly. "You bored too Froberge?"
"Luuuuux," Froberge simply yawned and curled up to nap.
"At least one of us is comfortable."
Before I left them to their paperwork I pet Froberge and went off to finish my project. Then it was off to Route 214.
~One walk later~
Location: Route 214, October.
I swung my baton with trained practice going through the motions that Volkner had taught me in training. When we had sparred last he said I had improved quite a bit, but still not enough to reach League standards.
That's fair enough, I'm 12, not exactly the prime age of human condition.
Regardless I continued going over the movements and strikes against my non existent opponent, rolling and pretending to block when needed to test my reaction time. I had been training after school for ages now, attending the self defense class my school offers for aspiring trainers who want to know how to defend themselves. Unfortunately, Volkner doesn't have the time to teach me himself usually, but he sure as hell showed me where I needed to improve.
I took stock of my surroundings ensuring nothing was in my way and cartwheeled 3 times before I could feel slight error. Upon landing I lost balance a bit before catching myself. My goal was to do multiple perfect flips in a row, but without a gymnastics jumping pad I found the landings to be more arduous. I had gained way more respect for gymnasts thanks to my training.
This isn't good enough though.
I got right back up and went back to it till I nailed it. Volkner's words echoed through my head. Him, Cynthia and the whole League made Sinnoh such a safe place after Galactic and Helheim, so that people like Benedetto wouldn't defile it any longer yet here he is regardless.
I swung my baton with the exact same technique Volkner taught me.
When I'm strong enough I'll stand side by side with them and protect the region from scum like him.
My test to become a junior trainer is coming up soon and while I don't necessarily have to be physically adept as I won't be going on real missions (typically) from what I've read the tests typically require a steady mind and solid body. In other words, if your Pokemon can't afford to be slouches, why should I?
Everyone knows that in order to be considered one of the best trainers you have to be quick not only with your head, but with your feet as well. Pokemon lose respect for lazy trainers and in the field you have to actually be able to move sufficiently in order to get anything done.
All of the League's Ace Trainers undergo the most vigorous training regimens to reach a standard that won't embarrass the League in the field. As I am right now, I've got a long road ahead of me.
"Ma reep reep!"
Once again I heard the determined cries of an energetic Mareep as she sparred with Lou. Donut sat on the sidelines curled up comfortably watching with slight interest with his Eviolite neatly embedded into the band I handmade for him, holding his bandana together.
With each Tackle Mareep attempted Lou either chose to dodge by using String Shot to latch onto a tree or bounce away. While he wasn't an especially mobile Pokemon in conventional terms, Lou refused to let that stop him.
Sometimes I forget that he's still in a cocoon state.
Mareep refused to give up her tireless rush to catch Lou no matter what he did and made sure to clash with any attack he fired at her with equal fervor. Lou would often shrill during their sparring sessions in a way akin to how he drills the trainee Pokemon at the gym.
Mareep would listen attentively before correcting her mistakes and going at it again. Donut was just glad for a bit of distraction so he could enjoy the cool breezes of autumn in peace.
Mareep has had multiple trainers, but they've all chosen to return her. Most beginning trainers choose Mareep as more as fluffy, low maintenance Pokemon companions to chill with and Mareep has no chill. Whenever I see her in the gym she's often trying to get literally anyone to spar against her. And I mean anyone. I saw her running against Roland's hand while he was chilling once.
"Charj bug bug," Lou stopped sparring, waddled up to her and began coaching her on how to better utilize her electricity. Mareep took a stance and began copying his movements and technique with a focused expression.
Just recently Mareep had been returned once again by a dissatisfied trainer which is fine. You can't expect every Pokemon or human to be down with the first options they get, but that had been her 5th trainer. For understandable reasons she was a bit miffed.
We had passed right by the Grand Lake Resort and found a clearing relatively close to the lakefront. Even though I barely brushed by the area I could still see all the decorations and coordinators in the area. Lots of families as well were enjoying some of the food stalls they had going around. Nothing sketchy yet though.
As I was thinking Lou and Mareep combined their electricity and fired a powerful bolt into a nearby boulder. Lou nodded at her as a sign of approval causing her to huff proudly, head and tail held up high.
"Nice job, the both of you. You've come a long way without a trainer Mareep. You should be proud," I praised her.
I don't think she was especially upset about her past trainers, more frustrated they couldn't keep up or that the promising ones chose Elekid or Magnemite as starters. "Ya know, I could always ask Volkner if he wants to put you up for adoption. I'm sure there's loads of travel ready trainers who'd want an Ampharos eventually."
Mareep gave me a look that betrayed interest in the idea. It fit her since she was already way stronger than any typical starter and not all Pokemon want to start at the beginning with their trainers. Pokemon can hatch at the start of the year and compete in the Pokemon League at the end with enough dedication.
I turned towards the sky to see an unusually large flock of Starly take off into the sky.
Hm.
While she mulled over how enthused she'd be with that prospect, Donut's ears perked up and his cheeks discharged slightly. His tail pointed straight into the sky as though he were in high alert. He looked around in confusion before turning to me with a surprising look of urgency.
Something is wrong.
Lou and Mareep suddenly sparked as well similarly before Donut began explaining… whatever the situation was to them. Lou grunted gravely while Mareep nodded with determination.
I gripped my baton tighter than ever as I reached for my Pokedex in case I needed to send out an SOS. Donut began sniffing the air, sparking on occasion before walking towards the shrubbery.
Has he ever done something like this before?
I cautiously began taking several steps towards Donut until something just popped out from one of the nearby bushes that Donut had been looking around. Lou immediately took a stance in front of me until I noted what exactly was running towards me.
Looks like… a mini Raichu?
Before they could get too close Lou gave a warning shrill causing the tiny Pokemon to stop allowing me a better look. They were incredibly small, smaller than when Donut was a Pichu. An orange body with a yellow underbelly, they had twin whiskers over red electric pouches and a slim tail.
This is… could it be…?
I took out my Pokedex to scan the Pokemon quickly just to confirm my suspicions as I began looking through my bag.
'Dedenne the Antenna Pokemon.
Pokedex Number: 702
Typing: Electric & Fairy
Gender: Female
Average Height: 8"
Average Weight: 4.9 lbs
Egg Group: Field & Fairy
Ability: Cheek Pouch Recovers health upon consumption of a berry.
Entry: They can sometimes be found stealing electricity from power outlets in homes. Their whiskers serve as antennas. By sending and receiving electrical waves, they can communicate with fellow Dedenne over long distances. In dire situations they have been known to alert other electric types of their situation in order to deliver aid or receive it.
Dedenne with the ability Pickup tend to be much better at finding food while those Cheek Pouch are much better at converting said food into energy.
Data Updated.'
Dedenne in Sinnoh? They're a Kalos Pokemon. Though I guess it's not super strange to see at the moment, the Wallace Cup is an international contest. It's not unlikely for Kalosian Pokemon to show up at all. Except...
I knelt down to look at the Dedenne properly. While I had never met the species in person, I had spent my entire life around electric types and my partner Pokemon's species was a relative of theirs. It was obvious to see there were several things wrong with this Dedenne.
First of all, they were severely malnourished judging by their visible ribs and dull eyes. Their fur was incredibly dirty indicating they had been stuck in unsanitary conditions for an extended period of time.
The pictures on the Pokedex showcased a lively cute Pokemon, but this one was on the brink of collapse. The expression on their face was one of pure exhaustion and pain, seeming to barely register Lou as an immediate threat or simply a lesser evil as he wasn't attacking her at that exact moment.
A Kalos Pokemon who has obviously been poorly taken care of. A trainer couldn't have done this, they'd just leave her in her ball not whatever hovel she crawled out of… Benedetto?
From my bag I removed a potion and several Leppa berries I had found on the way. I knelt down closer to Dedenne who looked up at me with eyes full of fear, but with legs too tired to move.
"It's alright, Dedenne. You're safe now, we've got you," I calmly spoke to her and tried to convey a mindset of peace and good nature. She wasn't just an electric type, she was also a fairy and they respond the most negatively towards evil thoughts.
Upon that self realization I looked towards Lou and silently ordered him to hold his aggression. He quickly obeyed and crawled away ashamed of his undeserved hostility.
I slowly placed the Leppa berries on the ground for her to tentatively sniff. After the third sniff she was already chowing down looking slightly better already.
Good thing she has Cheek Pouch for her ability, now she can get energy and healing. But her electric sacs are looking a bit too sullen for my liking. She must not have been able to get enough power and Dedenne don't have large reservations so they constantly have to consume energy to remain charged. She must've used the last of her charge to send out that distress signal to Donut and the others. Which means she viewed us as friendlies.
"Pika…" Donut tried to get a bit closer to Dedenne as she ate, but even a single step too close caused her to flinch and recoil in fear, curling her tail around her body. Donut twitched his ears sending a small jolt of electricity to Dedenne in an attempt to start a conversation.
She stared at him in deep thought, as though trying to remember why she was even here. Dedenne was calm for a solid 5 seconds until a faintly distant rustle of leaves sent her into a state of panic. She grappled onto Donut's arm and began pulling him in the opposite direction of where the sound had come from.
"Donut, what is she trying to say?" I pleaded to my partner for an explanation. Dedenne had begun chattering away like mad leaving even my poor little mouse a little lost for words as she tugged on his arms, but the terror on her face was enough explanation for me to begin packing my bag. The rustling in the woods had gotten closer.
Oh no...
"Everyone, we're leaving. Now," I added firmly at the end. There were no complaints from anyone at my command as Donut nodded in an uncharacteristically serious expression. All I could guess was that he managed to piece whatever Dedenne was trying to say, but you didn't need to be a Pokemon to understand someone's desperation to escape danger.
Dedenne began leading Donut and I towards the Grand Lake Resort as Lou hopped onto Mareep for easier mobility. Meanwhile her wool was crackling, charging Lou and constantly glancing back. Not with fear, with anger.
We began making a mad dash towards the end of the clearing, gripping my baton fiercely and my Pokedex like a lifeline. I had realized how quiet the forest was, why all the Starly had fled collectively earlier and why Dedenne wanted to leave so badly.
I turned to look behind me to see one of the trees rustle violently.
As soon as I turned my forward again, I noticed a Mankey emerge from one of the trees ahead of us without warning blocking our path. Dedenne immediately shrank in fear as Donut took a protective stance in front of her with Lou and Mareep watching our backs.
"Looky what we have here," I turned back to spot some older thug, although he couldn't have been more than 18 really. "You found my adorable little Dedenne, thanks kid."
That face looks familiar.
My grip around my baton tightened as I discreetly pressed the SOS button on my Pokedex.
"This Dedenne is wild, she doesn't belong to you," I retorted.
"Oh you misunderstand, our situation is a bit unique. I'm a naturalist ya know. I don't like catching Pokemon in Pokeballs so they just follow me all over the world like a celebrity. Dedenne is one of my followers see?"
I swear I could hear Dedenne yak upon hearing that sentence. I'd do the same too if anyone implied I'd willingly follow a man like him.
How stupid does he think I am? Or more like how stupid is this guy?
"Sorry that Dedenne doesn't belong to my colleague here, it belongs to me," This time a female thug emerged from the brush around his age with a fake smile. "It just hatched recently and ran off before I could get a chance to put it in a ball."
Wait a second… her face.
Dedenne hid behind Donut upon her appearance.
"And during that gap between hatching and you trying to catch her, she just so happened to become malnourished, dirty and terrified of you?" I questioned.
I could visibly see a nerve appear on her head as another thug clambered out the bushes, exhausted. I don't know why, but for some reason the word 'dumb' came to mind when I stared at him.
"D-did you guys finally catch the Dedenne that got away? The boss is gonna be pissed if he finds out we lost some of the merchandise. They're so small, good thing we noticed it escaping from the cages or we'd be in some deep shit," As he confessed to exactly what his comrades had been attempting to hide, he gave his back a good stretch and noticed all eyes were on him. "What? Not everyone can keep up with Mankey, I hate all this running around stuff- oh my god where did the kid come from?"
And we're 3 for 3. All of them are wanted subordinates of Pokemon smuggler Benedetto.
While he was busy confessing to all of that I was busy scanning their belts to see that each had what I can only assume were 6 full Pokeballs. I doubt smugglers would have 6 well trained Pokemon on their person, but with enough numbers and savagery they could do the job well enough.
I had to make a decision I personally find disgraceful, but considering my position, Dedenne's condition and my desire to not be ripped apart by whatever other freaks they have at their disposal… it was time to go.
Volkner trusted that we could handle ourselves. So I just need to keep trusting my team.
"Run," Was all I said before I turned around, scooped up Dedenne into my arms and used my baton to bash the Mankey blocking our path out of the way. I dunno how much that even hurt them, but it got them out of my way and that's what I needed.
A bright light shone behind me indicating Mareep had used Flash to slow down the thugs. It would take them a second for the searing pain in their eyes to stop allowing them to summon any Pokemon and deliver orders.
Donut appeared on my right, easily keeping pace with me as I ran through the woods. Lou quickly swung in on my left expertly using String Shot and Acrobatics in succession showcasing his mastery of his web slinging skills.
I took a moment to appreciate the fruits of our labor proving to be exceedingly useful as I sprinted through the forest.
Whoever said bug types were bad obviously has never seen the multiple applications of String Shot.
Mareep had caught up and was running with me as I moved Dedenne into my backpack in order to free my hands. I checked my Pokedex once again to make sure my SOS was going out as I began attempting to make my way to the Grand Lake Resort.
x
My feet crashed against the ground with each step. With each heavy breath I took all I inhaled was the forest's crisp air. I did not bother trying to avoid the leaves or twigs on the ground as it wouldn't save me from my assailants' sensitive noses and superior agility.
The Mankey are either slower than I anticipated or my adrenaline is boosting me into overdrive. Either way, time to think of a plan while I can.
I could hear the shrieks get even closer with each footstep I took, as though I was going in reverse. The time it had taken them to come out of their Pokeballs was the only reasonable explanation as to why I hadn't been caught yet.
"Vigoroth use Slash on the kid!"
"Iron Tail!"
In my peripheral vision I caught a glimpse of the ravenous Vigoroth emerging from the treetops descending with a shining white claw ready to cut me to pieces. Donut, bless his little soul, was ready before the words had left my lips as he jumped into the air and smacked the Vigoroth into an overzealous Mankey. Both barreled into a bramblebush which was more than enough for me.
Wish I could relish in that little victory.
As soon as Donut had landed he resumed his sprint easily catching up back to me.
"Ma! Mareep!"
I glanced down at the eager Mareep staying close to my perimeter perfectly matching all the vaulting and turning I had been doing to avoid our pursuers.
"No fighting, just stay close and guard!"
I could hear her huff under her breath as she ran beside me, but I was too preoccupied with the cries of a Simisage far too close for my comfort.
"Catch the kid with Vine Whip!" The goon bellowed through the woods. I was surprised they could keep up, but I had a feeling they were used to high stakes chases through the forest.
Or should I say, chasing innocents through their homes in an attempt to kidnap them.
The Dedenne in my arms squeaked at the sound of the vines lashing against the environment in the hopes of catching me. I clutched her tighter to my chest and began careening through the trees in a zigzag fashion in an attempt to throw their aim off a bit more.
"Lou, cut them down!" I cried for his aid and so it would come. Lou mid web swing turned around in mid air and shot a perfectly aimed String Shot into Simisage's eyes. Before they could manage to rip it off they slammed into a tree and fell to the forest floor.
Monkey blind, monkey fall.
I scanned my Poketch swiftly to check if my SOS signal was still ringing. The local police or ranger force should have their psychic warp or fly to the request's destination.
If that's the case why aren't they here yet!?
I was doing reasonably well so far, but I couldn't take any chances with so many Pokemon on my tail and so far from the main route. I was positive that Donut and Lou could handle Pokemon of this caliber, but these weren't normal Pokemon.
Running from a challenge, even a situation like this, bothered me more than I expected. My instincts as a human had won over my pride as a trainer.
Can't wait for the day when I can just face down any opponent.
The blood curdling shrieks of the Mankeys caused every Pokemon in my wake to flee. Staravia took to the skies, Girafarig fled in herds and the Geodude too slow to flee simply camouflaged as regular rocks.
Can't say I blame any of them for hiding from this chaos.
"Fuck it, get the Pikachu and the weird ass bug, we'll take them back! Passimian, Fling the coconut!"
Passimian? Is the whole jungle after me? When's the Infernape's turn?
Rather than ponder how many other simian Pokemon they could possibly throw at me I focused my attention on Donut and the coconut heading straight for him.
"Spin Dash!" Was the only thing I needed to say before Donut tumbled into his usual Rollout, except now in conjunction with Iron Tail. My own little ball of spiky death.
The coconut split in half immediately upon contacting his razor sharp tail as he jumped through the air and dragged his steel tail through the Passimian's fur. There was a horrific screech as I heard a loud thump on the ground and a familiar 'Pika pika'.
Just to make sure he was still there I turned to see Donut running by me once again giving me an assuring nod which I returned. He was alright, that's what's important.
No more monkeys jumping on the leaf bed. Right?
The sounds of ferocious Mankey battling for supremacy over who got to maul me first had gotten uncomfortably close. Too close.
Or not. Crap.
Before I could register what was happening the mouthless demons began descending from the trees in an attempt to catch at least one of us. Donut took the trees and began fending off the heathens at his own discretion with furious Thunderbolts lighting up the sky.
Some had managed to fall onto the path ahead of us blocking our intended path so I had to make a judgement call.
"Lou, cover my back, Mareep follow his lead! We're splitting up!" I scrambled to the right while Mareep managed to make her way to the left, climbing up a small hill in the process. Lou swung higher up into the trees causing me to lose sight of him. Mankey looked both ways contemplating who to pursue.
"Hey Mankey!" I had stopped running, Dedenne squeaked in understandable alarm at my suicidal proclamation. "All of you can eat a dick!"
The sounds those Mankey made were one of the worst things I had ever heard. The sheer unadulterated anger and bloodthirst in these Pokemon was palpable in the air and it was all focused on me.
Good.
From what I could tell, most of the Mankey were still able bodied, had their sights on me and made a mad dash to see who could rip out my tongue first. In the distance I could see Mareep on top of the hill I had sent her to with Lou right next to her.
There was no need for direction, Lou knew what I had intended to do as soon as I had ordered the separation. With all the elegance of a living battery bug he spat out a huge Spider Web behind the ignorant Mankey, catching them all within its sticky confines. While they scrambled in that gooey mess I ran over to Donut who had just finished knocking away some more Mankey as Mareep sent a nasty Shock Wave into the net of Mankey causing them to tumble down the incline with an unadulterated fury.
I peeked down the hill to watch the Mankey struggle in the makeshift Electroweb. The more they moved the more the web spread and due to their furry bodies it began to stick relentlessly. The electricity from the Shock Wave along with the friction caused them to begin sparking, fueling their rage even further as they began digging their nails into their fellow Mankey, inciting even more wrath.
I found the situation growing to become incredibly uncomfortable to watch or listen to. Donut, Lou and Mareep all reconvened with me a bit tired, but still raring to go. I was sweating, my heated body contrasting with the chilled autumn air.
"De dedenne," I peered over my shoulder to look at Dedenne in my backpack pointing to the forest once again to see distant rustling. While the trainers hadn't come yet, Vigoroth, Simisage and Passimian were likely still well enough to pursue us. In other words, make a plan.
"There's still some Mankey we didn't manage to catch, but it's a manageable amount. There's no point trying to outrun monkeys in a forest when we've still got aways to go to get back to the city with our scents leading a golden path to us. We'll wait to ambush the rest, incapacitating them enough they won't be able to catch us by the time we reach civilization. Agreed?"
They all nodded in unison before we took off to find a decent vantage point. Mareep once again came with me, while Lou and Donut found their own positions close by.
We wouldn't need to go through all of this if someone would just pick up the damn SOS.
"Another widespread attack should be enough to damage them all and at the very least they'll be slowed down. I doubt even those thugs have many more Pokemon spare on this operation so after we take care of them, we should be in the clear. Just… just be cautious. These Pokemon aren't normal," I warned.
Lou had a dark look I hadn't seen from him since he was a wild Pokemon fighting for his life when I had met him. Although he had gotten acquainted with domestic life I never doubted for a second he had lost his survival instincts.
Donut had a slightly annoyed expression (likely due to his lounge time being interrupted by extreme physical exertion), but he could sense the severity in my voice.
Mareep looked incredibly eager to strike back at the Mankey, her tail lightly waving in anticipation.
Meanwhile I was a nervous wreck, but I think the adrenaline was pushing all those feelings down.
Just the energy we needed.
I lowered my head and snuck into a ditch surrounded by thick pecha berry bushes with Dedenne and Mareep. I checked my Pokedex one more time to see that the SOS still hadn't processed.
Is this thing broken? It gets connection in the Underground, but not the friggin' woods?
Before I could fumble with it even further the ravings of a few Mankey began to approach. With them were the much more discernible cries of Vigoroth, Simisage and Passimian. Now that I was stationary for more than a few seconds I could finally take stock of how my heart was practically jumping out of my chest. From anxiety, fear, excitement or exhaustion I couldn't tell as my mind was occupied with formulating multiple scenarios of how this could go and how we adapt.
When Mareep began to tense up I was stirred from my thoughts as I slunk deeper into my hiding spot into a more prepared position.
"On my signal," I whispered to everyone as we waited. We listened to the feral cries of the monkey Pokemon as they shrieked through the trees searching for their prey.
The pressure of the air around us tightened in an almost unnatural fashion, the shrieks of the monkeys began to feel farther and farther away every second. In the distance I could see them begin ascending up the rocky hills of Route 214 on the way to Veilstone. The exact opposite of where our scent trail should be leading them.
Is this some sort of ploy to catch us off guard?
I squinted to see that the three main threats were spearheading this decision with the remaining able Mankey following behind.
What are they doing? Mankey's face, head, body thing is largely nose. It'd be embarrassing if they failed to sniff us out.
"Holy fuck, can we stop now?" The lazy thug was speaking in the distance. "The monkeys will find them on their own, we don't need to chase after them right?"
"We wouldn't have to be going through all of this shit if you had just kept your mouth shut," Shouted the crude thug who I had met first.
"Speaking of things that should've been kept shut. How did Dedenne get out of the cage? It's defective right? I can't imagine it could've done it on its own," The crass girl thug spoke up.
"It's a rat, prolly chewed its way out. Anyway, we can't let it get away. These rich fucks pay big bucks for the cute mons and Dedenne is about as cute as it gets. If it had just stayed in the cage it prolly could've been sold off to some broad who'd stuff it till it died from obesity," The crude one continued complaining. "Fuckin' kid, gettin' in the way."
"I doubt anyone would pay much for a mangy thing like that… Did you remember to turn on the jammer so the twerp couldn't call for help?" The crass one asked. "Speaking of help, what should we even do with him when we catch him? I dunno about you, but I don't want any dead kids on my conscience."
"Why not? It's not like what we're doing won't get us all life anyway. What's one kid in the grand scheme of things?" The lazy one said, as he began to rationalize why murdering me would just be a drop in the bucket for their crimes.
"Shut the fuck up, we only deal with wilds. Killing kids or kidnapping trainer mons just creates a trail Benedetto doesn't need. Did you get all the Mankeys from the net?" The crude one demanded.
"Yeesh, most of them. They went batshit in there and mauled each other. One of my faves lost an eye too," The crass one said in a way emulating sadness, but I doubted any of these freaks were capable of genuine emotion. "You owe me a new one when we get back, by the way."
"Fuck… this fucking mouse better be worth it," Was all the crude one said before he began running off to pursue their monkey troop.
"Ughhhh, why couldn't we just take the hover segways?"
"It's bad enough we lost the merchandise, you think the boss is gonna let us lose those too? You're crazy. Let's just look a little more and we'll head back," The crass one chastised him before following her companion. The lazy one, with much reluctance, huffed along after them.
After what felt like hours I finally let go of the breath I was holding in once I was sure they were too far to notice. My brain was racing a mile a minute as I slunk to the ground, the events that had just transpired all crashing down upon me. I wasn't sure what emotion to land on so I landed on infuriated. With each breath I took my head pounded in resentment causing me to press my temples to force back the pain.
Do they even see Pokemon as living beings or commodities? Their Pokemon died and all they can think about is immediately replacing them? They were willing to obey any order given to them and this is all the respect they receive in death?
My mind broached the mindset of how it was because of my actions that they began killing each other in the first place.
No, I did what I had to to get everyone out alive. Dedenne doesn't deserve this and those Mankey have been abused out of their minds already. They did this. They ruined them. Those goddamn poachers! Without their horde we could handle them. Show them what it feels like to be hunted. To fear for your life.
My mind raced back to watching the Mankey tearing each other apart in a rapid fur, running through a late night thunderstorm clenching a woman's hand, memories of crimson red and pain staining my vision.
I sat on the ground rubbing my head trying to push back the headache and memories I could barely recall until I felt a raspy tongue lick my cheek, somehow licking away my pain as well. Dedenne looked at me with eyes of concern before giving me another fairy lick, sating my anger.
Donut and Lou scampered up to me as well with Donut hopping onto my shoulder to lick my other cheek. I giggled as I could smell the strong aroma of sweets emanating from his fur, a scent that has lingered on him no matter how much you bathe him. I rubbed both their chins causing them to preen lightly.
Lou looked up at me with utmost concern for my well-being and rage towards whatever demons plagued my mind. I patted him on the head and smiled, my mind feeling much clearer.
"Sorry, I was just… I just needed a second. Thanks for the support."
Haven't had a headache that bad in a long time.
I got up slowly and stretched until I realized what had just occurred.
"Donut…" I whispered. "Do you sense anyone else in the vicinity?"
Donut noted the urgency in my voice and raised his ears, using electromagnetic waves to hone in on any entities within our perimeter. The electric mouse scrounged his face up in annoyance as the connection fizzled out as though it had been sabotaged. Suddenly Lou was full on attentive as he shivered with bug energy.
He can feel it. A psychic's touch.
"Stand down. Had we been hostile, you would have already been made aware." Said a voice uncomfortably close behind us. I turned around to see a girl with long violet hair, an electric yellow scarf, a reddish brown aviator jacket, black pants, deep purple satchel and undershirt and intense eyes staring right at us.
She held some sort of tablet under her arm, but the eyes kept drawing my attention. They looked… almost dead. Standing next to her was a bipedal white feline Pokemon with curled ears, twin tails and piercing orange eyes. She had her arms crossed and was just watching us.
Dedenne squeaked and hit deeper into my bag, while Donut narrowed his eyes and sparked. Lou, who had reacted faster than any of us thanks to his bug instincts, already launched a String Shot to immobilize our surprise guests. All it did was suddenly curve upwards and around the duo, splatting harmlessly against the rock wall.
Wish I could do that.
The Meowstic (whose name just came to mind) just rolled her eyes, a feminine and slightly exasperated voice ringing in my head. [Chill, okay? You're lucky Violet's so good with tech or those Mankey would've ripped you to shreds with no one the wiser.]
I lightly rubbed my forehead once again when Meowstic's voice echoed throughout my brain.
Is telepathy supposed to be this loud?
She just raised an eyebrow at me and the echoing stopped.
"Good with tech...? What are you talking about?" I turned to the girl. "What did you do to the Mankey for them to stop following us?"
At my feet I could see Lou did not trust these two even an iota, which made me feel a bit better about my paranoia.
She sighed, irritation humming more than the psychic voice. "I did nothing to stop the Mankey. What I did was pick up on your SOS signal, disable the jammer and your signal emitter. Usually, I would let the League or Rangers handle this. However, they are usually less covert. Which is not something we could afford."
Meanwhile, her Meowstic just smiled a bit. [Mankey aren't… smart. Those even more so. All I had to do was make them think the trail led the other direction and off they went. It'll wear off in like an hour, but that's loads of time.]
Huh, so that's what a true psychic can do. Maybe the pressure I felt in the air before was the psychic disturbance? Did it mess with my head too?
Many electric types are adept at psychic moves. Electabuzz and Magneton even have access to the elusive Teleport, but their mental manipulation skills are sorely lacking compared to a true esper Pokemon.
Donut cocked his head a bit at that. I could tell he was beginning to trust them a little bit more while Lou was still wary as ever. Mareep was staring at them intently, interested more than anything.
Before I could reply, my Pokedex began vibrating. Taking a look I checked to see that my signal indeed had been stopped, but at the very least it was reporting it now.
"It seems your Pokedex has experienced a communication error. Would you like to send a report to our team to check it out?" My Pokedex rattled off robotically.
The girl just groaned. "Not the time." She pulled out the tablet with some sort of yellow symbol emblazoned on the back, swiping. The error message on my Pokedex was swept away, leaving the usual home screen.
Excuse me?
Whatever expression my face was trying to make, I withheld. Pokedexes akin to Pokeballs have top notch connection and security (well that was what I was lead to believe until one person jammed it and the other hacked it), to be able to just take over with barely any struggle had me wondering if I should have Volkner talk to Professor Rowan about this.
This is getting a bit too weird, I think it's time to go.
"Okay then. Um… thanks for the assist. I'll be on my way then," I looked them over again before making my way to the Grand Lake Resort. From my current vantage point I could see the city clear as day. As soon as I took a single step I walked right into an invisible wall.
"The hell?" I rubbed my nose before turning back to the girl aptly named Violet and Meowstic. "What is this?"
She pinched the bridge of her nose and I swear I heard her mutter "Humans…" as Meowstic just twitched her ears. The light, which before had been filtering between leaves, suddenly shone brighter and shimmered as a dome around us disappeared. Meowstic then looked at me. [How'd you think they didn't see us and you didn't see us, dumb luck? Anyway, Violet?]
She nodded, her eyes boring holes through me. "The Dedenne with you. She needs medical attention. Now. Sunyshore or the Lake Hotels?"
This is the pushiest pair I have ever met.
I could hear Lou snarl some sort of warning at the Meowstic who didn't even bother with a response, she just continued staring at me. Whether they saved us or not didn't automatically mean they were on our side and I wasn't keen on their attitude either so I responded in kind.
"Not that it was any of your business or your problem, but I was heading to the Grand Lake Hotel's Pokemon center."
I know Zachary and some of the other gym trainers had taken up security at the Wallace Cup. I could meet with them and they can help me sort out this whole mess. Maybe even call Volkner or Crasher Wake.
"Functional. Amethyst?"
She just gave a small smile. [Didn't even need to ask.] Her ears unfurled, the marks inside shining brightly.
I don't like the look of that.
An unexplainable feeling filled my body as I felt the entire world move around me. It was though I was momentarily suspended in space as I warped from the Route 214 woods to the familiar extravagant Hotel Pokemon center. I nearly collapsed out of sheer vertigo, but I managed to grab a chair before I fell on my ass.
Donut was a bit shaken up while Dedenne gave a woozy squeak. Lou once again seemed the least affected, but it was clearly something even he was not sufficiently prepared for.
Right. Bugs don't resist psychics as well as steel or dark types, they just cut through their bullcrap.
"Oh? Um, hello there? Do you or your Pokemon need of emergency care?" Said the pleasant voice behind me. I turned around to find Nurse Joy and her Happiny dressed in an interesting Hoopaeve attire akin to a pink witch.
Funnily enough she didn't look the least bit surprised we had just warped in. Considering how Chansey and Blissey can learn Teleport, I doubt this stuff phases her anymore.
I turned around as quickly as I could and laid my bag on the counter with Dedenne inside. "Yes, actually. I found this wild Dedenne in the forest and she was ummm…" I leaned a bit closer so only she could hear. "Was being chased by Pokemon smugglers working under Benedetto. I didn't catch any of their names, but they have a horde of dangerous Mankey, a Vigoroth, Simisage and Passimian. Last I saw them they were making their way north to Veilstone City."
Nurse Joy's expression went from curious to gravely serious as she looked at Donut, Lou and Mareep who nodded adamantly, backing up my statement. She nodded at me before carefully lifting Dedenne out of my back and onto a tiny stretcher for two Happiny to carry her away with.
"Thank you for informing me, I'll be sure to alert the authorities. Are you or any of your other Pokemon hurt?"
I turned to my three and besides being a tad dirty and a little tired, they hadn't taken any damage. "No thanks, we're fine."
"Wonderful. I will let you know when Dedenne is feeling better and you can all visit," Nurse Joy said as her expression returned to a more reassuring one. Much more typical for a Nurse Joy and its effect immediately made its mark.
I wonder if Nurse Joys are fairies too?
As she began attending to other trainers, I turned back to Violet and Meowstic. They were simply standing and staring, once again. I was still a bit woozy from the teleportation, but I was pretty sure Meowstic didn't have the capabilities for that. As far as I know anyway, I don't think they are anywhere near as explored as say Alakazam or Gardevoir, so what they can and can't do aren't especially common knowledge.
"We have much to discuss." Violet plainly stated.
No really? We were just gonna leave everything that's happened in the past 5 minutes to hang in the air for a Swablu to fly into.
Meowstic just shook her head good naturedly. [Translation: we have things to talk about, and we should start with names. She's Violet, I'm Amethyst. You right now are random kid and friends who saved a Pokemon being chased by Benedetto's goons, and any info you've got on him would be great.]
So they know about him too? Why should they care?
"I'm Topaz, this is Donut, Lou and Mareep," I gestured to each of them as I rattled off their names. "They didn't really give any names, but their intent was to sell Dedenne to the highest bidder and that somehow she got out of whatever cage she was trapped in."
Both their eyes narrowed. [You should really talk in your head. Kind of a lot of humans around who you don't know. He's not enough of a small fry to not have random humans listening in.]
Teleporting inside out of nowhere and whispering to Nurse Joy did attract multiple prying eyes, so I quickly asked a Nurse Chansey if she had a spare room we could talk in.
While all the normal rooms had been booked because of the Wallace Cup, there was a small meeting room not currently in use. Once we walked in, I turned back to the prickly pair. I was still reeling from physical and mental exhaustion, so I was recuperating with an energy drink.
"Does this meet your standards?"
Violet just raised an eyebrow. "You say that as if talking openly about a poacher human amongst other humans is a wise decision."
I'm gonna need a max elixir and a Tylenol to deal with her.
I ignored her and decided to speak to Amethyst. "So you know about Benedetto too? The Kalos smuggler?"
She nodded, Violet raising an eyebrow while Amethyst's voice rung in my mind. [Do you watch Kalos news? He's not super known about in Sinnoh.]
I'll answer carefully. See what they know first.
"The local authorities have been alerting people of possible Pokemon traffickers in the area. They have cause to believe that it may be Benedetto. Plus they primarily hunt Kalos Pokemon and Dedenne is Kalosian," My explanation rolled off the tongue with ease.
Violet just stared. "So you either pay close attention to local authorities or have connections to them yourself. You are aware of other regions' Pokemon, as Dedenne are not native to Sinnoh and you knew what they were quickly. You also have access to more in depth information than most, due to how the average human only knows about Benedetto and would not immediately recognize that those were his henchmen. This combined with both the Pokemon with you, one of whom is not registered to your trainer ID, and the way you carry yourself indicate you are closely affiliated with the Sunyshore gym. As a gym trainer in training likely, though I doubt that is all there is to it."
Amethyst smiled up at Violet. [Well that makes this easier!] Then to me. [So, you got any big gym contacts that you can make sure don't come barging in?]
Abort abort, too much information.
Donut whistled in awe and looked at me for a response.
Thanks for the assist Donut.
Lou looked like he was about to speak, but I politely asked him to chill.
I could feel a rant about to erupt. Let's save that for later.
"Barging in on what?"
"His operations in this area." She brought up her tablet again. "He is currently attempting to make deals with those who want Kalosian Pokemon in this city. However, due to your intervention with his henchmen earlier he is distracted. While this prevents Pokemon from being sold off like property for the time being, it also makes him much more wary. In this state he is much more likely to notice, be aware of and respond faster to League movement in full. He is also aware of how he puts his life on the line simply by attempting business in this area, which means he has multiple routes of escape. While you alerting the Nurse Joy to activity in the area before would put him on guard, actually postponing festivities or otherwise inciting large changes would cause him to flee. As such, we need to avoid that. Keep him in the dark while we cast a net."
Everything she's saying sounds… actually reasonable. If Cynthia were in charge of this situation she might even make a similar call. Minus all the extreme vitriol for humanity.
"Hmmm. The League will likely want to keep this covert, so I don't think they'll cancel anything unless the chances of an all out brawl are imminent. It'd be hard to get all these people out anyway and I don't think a smart criminal would want to battle against Crasher Wake and Volkner with all their ace trainers in the middle of a highly populated area. Especially when they are all on high alert," I thought a moment before continuing. "Worse case scenario with them one of the Elites arrive to assist."
"Then tell me. Do you or the League have any idea of where he is within this city?"
I pouted and folded my arms. "I wouldn't know… all I know is that his people might be trying to sell Kalosian pokemon to eager coordinators, but they should've been alerted about the consequences of participating in that sort of activity."
She raised an eyebrow. "Your first mistake was assuming humans would do the right thing."
"Why do you hate humans so much, aren't you human too?" I looked at her closely for a second. "Or are you a Zoroark disguising herself as a human?"
After Heimdall legit spoke to me, talking Pokemon are no longer outside the realm of possibility for me.
There was some sort of momentary relaxation in her stance, though not her glare. "If only that were the case. Unfortunately, I am as human as you are. I simply make it a point to not be blind to the atrocities of humans and galivant ignorantly as so many do."
It's interesting. She talks about other humans in a way similar to Jade yet I can already tell they would hate each other. Anyway I feel like there's either something to unpack there or she's decided to go down the road of misanthropy. Which isn't so inexcusable considering humanity's history. Even I'm not a people person per say. She didn't seem against being related to a Zoroark though and she was immediately attentive to Dedenne's well-being. Mmm.
"I suppose it would be unrealistic to judge everyone here by Sinnoh standards considering there's coordinators from all over. This could be the norm for some of them…" I trailed off at the end of my uncomfortable thought.
"Approximately one fourth are from Hoenn. The next largest group is those from Kalos. Then Unova, then Johto, then Kanto. Of exclusively those who had to fly here. Most in Alola are busy with their own celebrations. And in Sinnoh, while this is certainly a large event there is one in Hearthome which has a much higher turnout for Sinnoh natives for obvious reasons. Due to the fact that Sinnoh is the strictest with Pokemon equity laws, most if not all from other regions would not bat an eye." She glared at me. "But before moving further. There are two outcomes of this conversation. Either you assist me and Amethyst, or you do not."
Amethyst looked up. [You don't seem like a bad guy, buuuut it's not great to just tell someone everything if you're just gonna go off and mess things up. If you wanna go and enjoy some stalls or whatever, me and Violet are gonna find Benedetto.]
Enjoy some stalls!? Do I look like some doe-eyed tourist who could just forget I just ran from criminals and their psycho monkeys?
Lou decided to voice our collective indignation with a flurry of whirs and bzzzts. Donut patted him on the head to calm him down and I was about to go back to talking before Mareep butted her head against my leg. Not enough to throw me off balance though. When I looked down she gestured her head towards the duo and looked ready to walk over to them.
Of course she has made up her mind already. The thrill seeking Mareep.
"It's obvious you two are very smart and… resourceful, but not even the Kalos League has caught this guy yet and the Sinnoh League is still looking into him. Do you have any other allies to rely on? You seem confident."
Amethyst just shrugged. [Between me and Violet? We're fine.]
I could tell I wasn't going to get much else out of them without a definite answer. Most of me really wanted to go and resolve this whole Benedetto situation myself, but all my studying and lessons to become a gym trainer have always reminded us to don't try to be a hero. Work with the team and follow protocol.
They also say to trust your judgement and assess the situation.
"Pika pika pi," Donut interrupted my thoughts to speak with Amethyst. "Pika pi pikachu."
She thought a moment, then replied. This time though, in Pokemon speak. "Tic, meowsi. Meowstic tic meow."
Lou began to interject as well with his own Pokemon speak. He seemed to be protesting whatever Donut had said, but Donut simply waved him off before pointing at himself and then at me.
It has been awhile since I've seen Donut speak so much. Usually I can grasp what he's saying, but I think my brain was still a bit on the fritz at the moment.
Usually he's so quiet. Has he made his own decision?
It took a bit, but eventually Lou agreed to whatever Donut had proposed. Donut turned to me and stared straight into my eyes and finally I could understand what he was talking about.
'We want to help.'
To hear such a thing from Donut, even nonverbally, was rather foreign to me. Donut was a very kind Pokemon yes, but he didn't really advocate for anything besides another dessert.
Lou I could understand. He was a defender of the weak, but he was also adamant about my safety which explains his hesitation. They all risked their lives with me to save Dedenne and now they are telling me to aid in these two.
Pokemon do have better senses for these types of things. We're already in this deep and if stopping Benedetto will ensure no one else will suffer like Dedenne has… then I have no other option.
"Dedenne has suffered so much by the hands of humans, but she trusted in us to help her. I've never seen Donut so adamant in helping anyone and I feel like I've forgotten what it means to truly be a trainer to take risks."
I thought back to all the times I had faith or made a gamble. Against Jade in the Little Cup, saving Lou, partnering up with Donut. Just now I risked my life for a Pokemon I had never even met.
This was stupid. Everyone at school, the gym, Jade, Volkner and maybe even Cynthia would say this isn't smart. I have two trained Pokemon and a rambunctious sheep. My allies are a girl who looks at me like I'm the filth she stepped in and a sassy cat. Our target is an international Pokemon smuggler who the League has yet to catch. We could all very well die.
Even still...
I have faith in Donut and Lou. Pokemon and humans have worked together to face injustice since the beginning of time. My wish is to join their ranks, as a gym trainer and beyond. I want to make a difference. If defeating this Benedetto and working with this ragtag team is how I'm gonna do it, then so be it.
"If you two say working with you both is the best course of action, then so be it. I'll trust you both," I declared. Donut looked up at me with a beaming proud look, tail swaying happily. Lou looked especially satisfied as well with my answer as it befit the trainer he had chosen. Mareep was cheering and sparking happily, hopping about.
Violet just kept staring. Amethyst though was smiling. [Glad to have you on board. And now that you are, we can tell you that we have a general tracker on Benedetto so all we need to do is get within two hundred meters of him and I can find him. And Violet's tablet points us in the right direction, which is why we don't want loads of League people everywhere.]
"Makes sense. In his business paranoia is a necessity, so if he got too spooked he'll run."
Amethyst was about to reply when Donut's stomach decided to interrupt us. The moment it did, Violet began rummaging in her bag. After a couple moments she procured an armful of fresh berries and looked to him. "Take as many as you like."
Donut immediately dashed over to pick from her feast. I rubbed the back of my head bashfully while Lou rolled his eyes, but said nothing. We were used to this.
"Remember your manners, Donut," Was all I could say.
"Pika!" He said to Violet before taking all the sweet berries in her hand, feasting on the Pecha berries first.
She looked at him with shining eyes. "Do you enjoy sweets?"
"Pika pika!"
And she's set him off.
Donut began speaking rapidly about everything he loved about sweets. How do I know? It's because no other topic makes him this animated. Or causes him to talk so much. It makes him happy so I let him be, he's done quite a bit already today.
Amethyst glanced to Violet and I assume translated, because after a moment she was walking out the door. A purple aura enveloped her as Amethyst just rolled her eyes. "No, you're not blowing all our money on sweets for Donut. We have shit named Benedetto to do."
"After then."
She put a paw to her forehead. [No, don't blow all our money on sweets in general.]
"Alright."
After Amethyst put her down she looked to Donut. "I will get you a box of donuts after this convening and assuring that Dedenne is alright and will recover."
Donut jumped for joy at that. I rubbed my temples trying to rationalize it.
He burned a lot of calories during the chase. He deserves a treat. It's just… an entire box of donuts? Bless Donut's metabolism. I'll need to get him some more healthy food after that.
I inhaled deeply before exhaling, taking a sip of my energy drink.
No more second guessing, I've got to do this. We'll honor the Sunyshore Gym and make Volkner proud. No ridiculous felon from Kalos is going to bring his suffering into Sinnoh. Not if we have anything to say about it. We've trained for this exact moment.
I took out my Pokedex to evaluate the status of my team and to list the items I had in storage.
I've just gotta keep faith.
~Chapter 12 Fin~
Trainer: Topaz Heart
Age: 12
Class: Youngster
Funds: ¥7,500.
Gear: Pokedex, Poketch, 10 Luxury Balls, 5 Potions, Escape Rope, Cellphone, Several Berries, Baton, Explorer Kit.
Deck: Fool, Devil.
Team: Donut (Pikachu), Lou (Charjabug).
Other: Mareep, Dedenne.
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Donut (Pikachu/M)
Equip: Eviolite.
Moves: Thunderbolt, Discharge, Iron Tail, Brick Break, Quick Attack, Rollout, Tickle, Charge, Nuzzle/Thunder Wave.
Ability: Static Chance to paralyze opponent upon physical contact.
Likes: Pastries, sweets, naps, relaxing, quiet, Topaz's bag.
Dislikes: Bitter food, stress, stupid decisions.
Tactics: Maneuver (Creates a thunder wave barrier to sense attacks), Enhanced Tickle (Enhances his tickles with electricity to hit the nerves of sturdier opponents), Spin Dash (Rollout+Iron Tail).
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Lou (Charjabug/M)
Moves: X-scissor, Spark/Wild Charge, Acrobatics, Mud Shot, Iron Defense, Screech, Dig, String Shot, Spiderweb.
Ability: Battery Boosts allies' special attack moves.
Likes: Bugs, war, battling, General Topaz, usurping oppressors.
Dislikes: Birds, criminals, condescension, threats to his unit.
Tactics: Mud Pit (Digs a hole underneath the opponent and traps them in a pit of mud), Mud Spin (Digs into the ground and begins throwing mud all over around himself), Grapple Bug (Uses string shot to reel in himself or the opponent), Web Sling (String Shot+Acrobatics).
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Allies
Trainer: Violet
Age: ?
Class: ?
Funds: ?
Gear: Tablet, Pokeball, Berries, ?
Team: Amethyst (Meowstic).
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Amethyst (Meowstic/F)
Moves: Psychic, ?
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Author's Note
It's finally here Arc 2! Quite different than every other chapter. First of all, a lot more tense, this is Topaz's first major conflict, how exciting! Hope you enjoy the new characters, if you don't… trust me, they do not care. I believe this chapter covered the premise well enough for how the rest of this arc is going to go. Fitting it takes place in October when I'm writing this in October.
Anyway, review and recommend!
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Question: Do you like Kalos Pokemon?
They absolutely got overshadowed by Megas. They have solid designs, but I definitely feel like a lot of them need an evolution to make them viable or feel completed. They need to do another "everyone gets an evolution or baby form" region… like Sinnoh did!