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Page 2
On the Wings of Council
Fifteen minutes later, Sumalee, Falkner, Fury and I were in the elevator of a plush hotel in the South west of the city.
"We're going to battle in a lift?" I said sceptically.
"No, my gym is on the roof of the hotel. It helps when training my birds."
The elevator then pinged the arrival of the top floor and the doors slide open.
"Hey Falkner. For a Flying trainer, you sure have a funny idea of sky." Fury cracked.
Falkner strode to the end of the pale blue hallway and opened a similar colored door. "This is the floor below the roof. One of you will have to stay in my room until our battle
is finished. It wouldn't be fair."
The door swung open revealing a rich blue carpeted lounge room with wicker chairs matching blue cushions facing a medium sized TV. On the walls were pictures of various flying type Pokemon.
"Who challenges me first?"
"You can Suma," I said eyeing the modern kitchen and what snacks it could hold within. "I wanna checkout the easy life this Gymleader has."
Falkner fixed me with a steady gaze. "Don't touch anything."
"Yeah, yeah. Good luck Suma." Falkner glanced at Fury and me one more time and started to shut the door.
"We won't touch." I reassured him. The door closed. "Much." I studied the room more closely. Everything seemed pretty expensive.
"I guess you earn quite a bit as a Gymleader," Fury whistled.
I made myself comfortable in one of the cane chairs and flicked on the TV.
"Go Pikachu!" said the trainer on the screen. "Thundershock!"
A blast of electricity flowed from its cheek striking its opponent, a Belsprout. The attack did little damage.
"Ha, that puny electric attack won't do a thing to Belsprout. As its roots are in contact with the earth the electricity is grounded," the girl explained. "You'll have to find another way to beat me Ash."
Ash! Oh, I remember. They had Ash's adventures animated. This was one of my favourite episodes. It told of how he beat a tough trainer with his Muk, during the first time he entered the Indigo League. I continued to watch the cartoon, which held
me enthralled.
"Hey Topaz! Come quick." I followed Furies voice to find her in what appeared to be Falkner's study. A huge bookcase lined one wall. Volumes of encyclopaedias filled up one shelf and Classic Pokemon Journeys, like Lance the Dragon Trainer and Tracy Sketchit. Magazine issues of The Pokemon Profile, Highflyers Guide and Pocket Pals were scattered across a huge wooden desk that was set up in the corner.
But that wasn't what held Fury in awe. I gasped at the sight of it. Inside an elaborate wooden frame was a beautiful portraits of various birds arranged into a pyramid shape, each had an ambiance that demanded respect. I recognized three of them as the Legendary Bird Trio of Kanto, Articuno, Zapdos and Moltres. But who were the others?
At the bottom of the painting in elegant calligraphy were the words.
The Wings of Council
"The Wings of Council," I muttered to myself and my Pokedex reacted within my pocket.
"The Wings of Council. The Wings of Council consists of the 10 Legendary birds said to meet once a decade to discuss the fate of the world."
"Sounds heavy," Fury muttered as I pointed my Pokedex at the bird in the bottom left corner of the pyramid. The bird winked on to the screen of my Pokedex displaying its entire body.
Its hawk like appearance commanded power. Its body was turned side on but one could clearly see the small silver stars on the tip of each feather giving the illusion of the night sky. The effect spread to its illustrious wings that swept behind it, each feather ended in a jagged point. But the most striking feature was its head, tilted to one side so its eye seemed to see you as a potential meal. Its hooked beak was that of any predator, made to shred and was slightly open revealing the black chasm of its throat. Completing its savage appearance was its crest. You know when you stroke a Persian the wrong way? It started like collar at the base of the neck and as crawled forward, it narrowed until it was like a single row of feathers that ended just above the eyes. I knew it was a bird of awesome abilities.
"Celestrial, the shadow bird Pokemon. Said that as it flies over the world it brings darkness. When it moults one of its star tipped feathers, who ever catches it will have their fondest wish granted. They are thought to be found in the vicinity of Mt. Sable."
"What do you mean, they?" I asked confused.
"Legendary birds are classed as legendary not because they are rare, but because of their awesome strength. The most powerful, have even been known to escape Master Balls."
Then I guess mines out of the question, I sighed inwardly. I shifted the angle of the Pokedex so its censer was aimed at the Pokemon beside it and an owl of lavender, lilac and violet replaced Celestrial. Its body leaned forward and wing partly open, as if ready to flee at any moment, thought it obviously had no need too. Its heart shaped face was of the palest purple imaginable, while its eyes and beak added startling contrast. Its eyes, even though a painting, seemed to pierce my soul. It saw my greatest triumphs, my most miserable failures and most embarrassing moments. On its amethyst coloured breast was pentagram in a shining purple.
"Archimedes, the Wisdom bird Pokemon. Said to be the reincarnation of the oracle of Delphi as it seems to know the fate of all men and the destiny of the world. Is thought to reside in the ruins of Alph though none have confirmed the sighting."
"Another dead end," I muttered to Fury who was engrossed in the Moltres the legendary fire type. I shifted my gaze to the next bird. It seemed more mischievous, than dangerous or all knowing. It was perched upon ancient spear with exotic carvings scrawled over it. Its body was of emerald green, ruby red and black feathers but was dominated by green, which looked more like leaves than feathers. Its wings were thrust outwards and bands of green and red followed the contours of the inside of the wing, while the rest of the feathers were alternating black and green. Its body was a plump green pear with a crimson stripe down the centre. Two black feathers jutted out of its head so they looked like antennae. Its tail was a glorious thing, plumes of green and red arched above the legendary birds head then fell away on either side to trail beside its feet.
"Echotrance, the rain bird Poke...."
CRACK! Pain retched through my skull and I fell away into darkness.
Rampant
I groaned. Why did I always have to wake up with a splitting headache?
I realized consciousness, and found I was swaying rhythmically by two pairs of hands. My sides strained as my arms were held in crucifix posture. It reminded me of when my mates and me back home would play washing machine at the public pool. Mel would grab my ankles and Jess would take my wrists and they swung me back and forth, each time dunking me under and holding me down longer.
The harsh light hurt my eyes and I struggled to get into a comfortable position but felt I was bound at the wrist and ankles.
" Tobias, she's awake." I jerked up at the cold voice that held my ankles.
"Ahh, Topaz," he smiled a sickly sweet smile that reminded me of Nurse Joy. "I see you returned to the land of the living."
"From the smell, you didn't." Tobias flared and spat in my face. I tensed my shoulder and manage to wipe most of the spit from my eye.
"What happened to not being stupid enough to try this again?" I said seriously, trying to understand his plan. If he just wanted Fury he would have left me and nicked off, there had to be something more.
"I said I, not we. I joined Team Rocket and Angel was assigned as my partner and he is as able as I."
"So now with your combined brain power you think you can get what you paid for at a Mind Readers."
This time he dropped me. My head slapped against the concrete and once again my consciousness ebbed away.
This time when I awoke, I was dangling precociously 20 stories above the ground from the roof of Violet Cities Gym. My arms dangled above, or were they below? my head. The ground spiralled beneath me and I felt ready to taste my breakfast for the second time that day. One of those people down there better have an umbrella I thought and gulped again. My temples throbbed as the pressure built up around my ears.
All of a sudden I heard Fury's muffled cry and the vines that that held me yanked me up. I fell to my knees dizzy. I gasped as the blood drained from my face and looked up to see Angel, a boy no more than 15. His pale white hair fell about face, hanging in his crystal blue eyes. No light seemed to shine in them. Beware the man without a sense of humour. He was of slighter build than Tobias, but no less ruthless. It was obvious he had to use brains over brawn. He was patient; he would wait for years if he thought it would increase the yield of his crop. He had a complex intellect so he could create cunning plans. Dressed in Team Rockets black pants and jacket with the red R emblazoned upon it, he was anything but an Angel. Beside him was an Ivysaur.
"Now Topaz," Angel said. "We can do this the easy way, you hand over all your Pokemon with minimal fuss, or." He took my Ponyta tail, holding it up so I had to stand on my toes.
"The hard way." He kicked my feet from under me and for an instant my scalp screamed. Despite his slim body, he was a strong bastard; his arm didn't give any beneath the weight. I fell to my knees gasping and noticed the others for the first time.
Tobias sat taunting Fury, just out of her flames reach, about the end of her trainer, describing in gory detail. Fury strained at the end of a steal lead spitting and snarling, flames spewed everywhere but she didn't have the power to make her flames go further and burn him to a crisp. Sumalee looked mortified, she now had to choose between her two new friends. Maverick wore his usual happy go lucky grin, his eyes gleamed as he watched Tobias's hair, hypnotized. The only thing keeping from latching on was Sumalee's firm grip around his middle. Falkner frowned concocting some sought of plan. A Murkrow fluttered at his side. I had to be strong. What was one life against so many? I bowed my head hoping a plan would be close at hand. Angel lifted my chin with surprising hand so I could look into those chilling blue eyes. He might have been cute if we weren't bargaining with my life.
'Will you do it the easy way, Topaz," he said softly.
"Piss off."
"Is that a yes or a no?
"Its a form of recommendation," I threatened.
Angel sighed and his lips twisted into an evil grin. "So be it. I have no qualms about having your brains paint the pavement below." He leaned over the side of the building and whistled. "You'll have a long time to think about your death before you hit the ground and, in my opinion, that's a lot worse."
Unfortunately, I agreed.
From the side, there was an audible snap. I jerked my head just in time to see Fury's lead melt through and her lunge at Tobias. Her nails raked across his face and came away red. Three small red lines across Tobias's right cheek began to ooze blood.
His hands slowly rose to touch the cuts and then looked at his fingertips. The same rage gleamed in his eyes as they did the first time. But instead of lashing out at Fury, he surged at me, grabbed me by the rope that held my wrists and hurled me over the side.
"Ivysaur vine whip." Just as I began my plunge to the underworld, the Pokemons vines wrapped around my waist and brought me level with the rooftop. I still hung in midair.
When Angel saw I was safe he snatched Tobias's identical Rocket Uniform and slammed him against the wall.
"You screwed up two of my other missions, don't let there be a third! The only reason I'm with an amateur like you is to show you the ropes, but at the rate we're going I'll never be rid of you. So, just shut up and watch."
Tobias shoved Angel's chest and he staggered back. He may have been the brains of the group, but he was still no match for Tobias's raw power.
Angel turned back to Sumalee and Falkner, the ones who would pay my ransom.
"You see how easily, and eagerly, we can toss this precious little friend of yours over the edge. Are ready to hand your Pokemon over now?"
"No!"
The words escaped my lips before I knew. I had to do what was right. I sunk my nails savagely into Ivysaurs vines and she instinctively pulled away, leaving me to fall to my doom. I plunged towards the ground. Wind whipped across my ears and my Orange League hat was ripped from my head to float away. The floors began to pass more and more frequently until they were only a blur. I tumbled head over heels uncontrollably. My arms felt like they were being torn from their sockets. All the while the ground rushed towards me.
I looked up and for a brief moment I saw a brown bullet accelerating across the sky. I somersaulted again and lost sight of it, but not for long. The blur brandished beneath my out of control body and caught me. I looked down and recognized the brown bird with the brilliant red and yellow crest. Pidgeot evolved form Pidgeotto. I clung as best as I could to his neck with my knotted hands.
"I can't hold on properly with hand tied," I yelled but the winds carried away the words so I wasn't sure if Pidgeot heard. Pidgeot heard alright. She executed a perfect barrel roll. I slipped from his back, my arms and legs waving in the air like a dead cockroach. The ground was growing closer by the second.
WHOOSH. Pidgeot sped past and SNAP SNAP, the bonds were broken. She looped the looped and caught me again. This time I grabbed onto its wings for dear life. I looked down and saw bystanders looking up at the girl tempting fate.
"Alright," I said sounding like a drill sergeant as Pidgeot and I hovered meters above the ground. "We go in hard and fast, take 'em by surprise."
Pidgeot bobbed his head and powered straight up. I'd heard Pidgeot could fly up to Mach 2, twice the speed of sound, and never believed it. Now I did.
There was a deafening crash and everything was silent for a moment. We were flying high above the roof and hovered. If Angel and Tobias's eyes were saucers, there mouths were satellite dishes. I saw the edges of Falkner's mouth curl into a half smile, but a second later it turned to surprise.
"Double Edge!" I yell. Pidgeot dived head first at Tobias and Angel, wings wide.
Angel screamed wordlessly and dropped to the ground, narrowly missing Pidgeot's outstretched wings. Tobias wasn't as lucky and bore the brunt of the attack.
"Ugh," he groaned as he hit the ground and remained there.
"Ivy," I searched the roof top and saw Angel's Ivysaur standing in front of her trainer, trying to protect him while he recovered. I had to admire her loyalty to her trainer. She snapped her vines like whips and her bulb glowed. He bulb glowed?
"Solar Beam," I screamed to Pidgeot and she immediately pulled up, but not fast enough. The super focused sunlight scorched the tip of her left wing and she pitched in midair. I hung on tightly and waited for her to recover.
When Pidgeot righted herself I paused to think. Pidgeot must be at a high level. I frowned. What was Pidgeot's ultimate attack? I filtered through my memories of my Pokemon Tech class at high school, of Mr Treloar in grade three telling us the basic Pokemon, of all the passages Ms Vervey had made me write out a dozen times every time I didn't do my homework.
It was.... It was.... It was....
"Mirror Move," I cried remembering. Pidgeot flared her wings and opened her mouth to absorb sunlight. A sphere of energy swelled until it filled the open abyss of her throat.
"Pidgeooo!" she screeched, clapped her wings together and released the Solar Beam. The shaft of light powered through the sky and struck Ivysaur between the eyes, which still faithfully guarded Angel. Angel must be a better Pokemon trainer than he is a human being.
"Thank you Ivysaur," Angel said gently, getting up. Tobias stumbled beside Angel holding his side. When Angel saw this, he smiled up at me.
"You are a worthy adversary, Topaz. Next time I won't underestimate you. Till we meet again."
He took something from his belt that wasn't a Pokeball, smiled one last time a tossed it to the ground. The ball exploded in a puff of smoke, covering the Rockets completely. I told Pidgeot to use its gust attack and with a few beats of its wings, the smoke was gone leaving not a trace of Angel and Tobias.
I murmured a command and Pidgeot brought me in for a smooth landing. I hopped off and stroked her neck.
"Ahhhh!" A force struck me full on in the chest and pressed me to the ground. An enemy?
I opened my eyes. No attack, just Fury.
"Oh gods, your all right. When you went over the edge I was so scared. But that was so amazing how you and Pidgeot just..."
"Yeah yeah," I laughed. "Dying would have completely ruined my plans to be a Master."
I heaved Fury of my chest and turned to see Falkner's flabbergasted face.
"What?" I asked, not liking the way he was looking at me. Like I'd managed to catch a Mewtwo with a Pokeball.
"You do know that's a wild Pidgeot?"
"I figured it was yours. Besides there's no such thing as a wild Pidgeot," I expressed confused.
Falkner looked a little Mareepish. "When I first inherited this Gym from my Grandfather all I owned was a Spearow, a Pidgey and a Pidgeotto. I trained them hard, too hard I guess, because when Pidgeotto evolved she wouldn't listen to me. and I was forced to release it. Every now and again I'd see her in the fields just below Violet."
"But you still can't be sure this is her," I said still not believing Falkner could mistreat a Pokemon.
"I'm sure. See the black band behind Pidgeot's eyes, you'll notice their a lot wider then a usual Pidgeot."
"If it didn't listen to you, why me?"
"I've no idea, but from the looks of it she wants to accompany you." Falkner was right again. Pidgeot pecked insistently at one of my vacant Pokeballs and managed to pull one free.
"You can't come with me!" Pidgeot looked hurt. "Its not that I don't want you with me, its just I have a Pidgeotto of my own." Pidgeotto eyed my Pokeballs jealously.
"I think I've a solution to your problem," Sumalee spoke up. She put Maverick down and turned to Falkner. "By right this Pidgeot is still yours but she refuses to listen to obey you. By some bizarre coincidence she listens to Topaz. But she can't take her because Talon will get a case of the green eyed monster."
We both nodded yes.
"Well why don't you trade?"
"But..." I stopped myself in mid sentence. It'll be the perfect opportunity for Talon being trained by the best flying type trainer in Johto.
"I'll ask him." Talon appeared from his Pokeball as a beam of light. He cocked his head to look up at Pidgeot.
"Whoa, Fury beat that?"
"Not exactly," I said, nervous of how Talon would react.
"Talon this is Falkner. He's the best Flying type trainer in the Johto League and he's offered to trade for his Pidgeot. I don't really care about the Pidgeot, though it is a bonus, but I think it would be a great opportunity for you. You'd become a Pidgeot in no time. What ever your decision, don't let me influence it."
Talon paused to contemplate his choices. "Thanks Topaz, I won 't forget you."
"Nor will I. Keep the translator, I think Falkner's going to need it," I laughed sadly as Falkner and I switched Pokeballs.
"Hey!" Sumalee exclaimed, breaking the thick silence between us. "You owe me a badge."
"I owe you both a badge. Sumalee, you defeated Fearow and Murkrow with only your Totodile. As proof of your victory, here's the Zephyr Badge. Topaz, your ability to Master a wild Pokemon as easily as you did will put far above your rivals. And you saved my gym and even though you were the one who put it in danger I reward the Badge is yours also." From somewhere in his pleated skirt he took out two silver Badges that were shaped like a pair of wings.
From her jeans pocket, Sumalee pulled out a small purple velvet bag with gold embroidery put the Wings inside and pulled the drawstring closed. I accepted my Badge; though I was disappointed I didn't get to battle him, and wondered where to keep it. I searched my pockets put found nothing but lint. In the end I put it in a spare Pokeball and hoped I didn't forget about it.
"Come Elm's assistant will be at the PokeCentre by now. I started towards the stairs, but I didn't get far. Pidgeot bobbed his head and scooped me onto her back.
I laughed. "Come on Fury! Pidgeot, reckon you can carry Sumalee too?"
"Pidgeooooot!"
Sumalee barely had time to scramble aboard and clutch my shirt before Pidgeot stepped up to the ledge and step over like the suicidal maniac I could be sometimes. As soon as we were in the air Pidgeot dropped into a stoop. She folded her wings back so that we were nestled safely between and just let us fall.
"Yeah!" I screamed as adrenaline pump though my veins. Sumalee just screamed, period.
Again the floors rushed by at a phenomenal speed. And when it looked as if we were going to smash against the pavement, Pidgeot gave one massive stroke of her wings and we were soaring over the buildings once more.
"Seeya Falkner! Bye Talon!" I waved good-bye and soon they were nothing but specks.
"That's better," Suma sighed, relaxing her grip on my waist and tightening it on Maverick.
I agree completely. There's nothing I've ever experienced that could have come close to the feeling of floating on the wind. Forget perception-altering drugs. Forget Hang gliding.
Forget standing on the Mary of the Titanic with Leo Dicaprio holding your arms wide, (forget that anyway!).
Nothing.
The pains of this afternoon and three afternoons before drifted away like the clouds that were now so close. On the wings of Pidgeot, I made the decision to become the greatest Flying Trainer of all. The Wings of Council would be mine.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fire & Ice
The next morning, in a clearing south of Violet, Sumalee dragged me out of a pleasant dream, in which I had defeated the Elite Four, at dawn. Now I'm not the kind of person who doesn't appreciate the beauty of the sunrise, but I'd much rather get up of my own free will.
"I'm sick of saving your sorry ass. I'm teaching you Renzuki!"
"Renzuwho?" I asked dumbly rubbing the sleep from my eyes. Fury yawned beside me; the flames own her back and head beginning to ignite.
"Ren-zoo-kye," Sumalee pronounced slowly. "Its a form of martial art, which I happen to be a brown belt in. So… Get up and greet the day!"
"Did I ever tell you I loathe optimists?" I rolled over finding comfort in my body heated sleeping bag.
"You have till the count of three. One..." I drifted back into semi consciousness.
"Two...." And the new Indigo League Champion is…
"THREE! That's it, Maverick, Watergun!"
"NOOOO," I howled in protest and tried to scramble up from my lying down position.
Not fast enough. A blast of icy cold water soaked me to the bone. I shivered for a moment and then asked Fury for a smokescreen. Under the dark cloud I change from my dripping boxers to my training uniform.
"All right, what do you want me to do?" I glared from beneath my sodden fringe.
"First put you feet shoulder length apart. Then..."
For an hour and a half she had me doing sit-ups, chin-ups, pushups, dips, squats, star jumps, stretches, sprints, jabs, kicks, sweeps and throws. I think I was damper then when I'd actually started. Luckily by the time I'd finished, my sleeping bag and PJ's were dry and was ready to move on. I checked the Mysterious Egg we had picked up from Professor Elms Assistant yesterday afternoon and my new Badge holder, a Pokeball with a translucent lid. When you opened it the platform that you inserted you badge in rotated and played the Johto League anthem, Pokemon Johto. It had cost a pretty penny but was worth it.
We moved down the road to Azalea town, the home of Bugsy and the Hive Badge. As they say, the rolling stone gather's no moss.
The sun rose further into the sky and even though it was only nine o'clock, it was already shaping up to be a scorcher of a day. And the dry, brown grass indicated that there had been a few. One the horizon, dark clouds were clustering.
Suma and I saw nothing but Rattata's as we walked. Neither of us wanted to catch one but Maverick and Fury chased them in and out of the long grass. I detested Rattata's. One had taken a bite out of me when I was a kid so I was secretly pleased when I'd hear a squeal as Maverick nipped one on the tail.
"Hey, check it out," Sumalee called, beckoning to me. I walked over to see her looking intently at a wooden sign at a fork in the road.
RUINS OF ALPH
Open for a short time only!
"Oh. Can we go, please?" Suma pleaded. "I always wanted to be a Palaeontologist and its only open for a short time."
"You can, rocks aren't my thing. I'll meet you back here in half an hour," I sad sounding bored.
Sumalee smiled. "OK, but can you look after Maverick. Who knows what ancient life he'd choke on." She handed me his Pokeball and set of at a brisk pace towards the ruins.
When she was out of sight I couldn't help but shake my head. Who could hold such a fascination for rocks?
Fury returned to my side with Totodile in tow. I noticed some purple fur stuck between his pearly white teeth. I sighed and rolled my eyes. "Come on."
We hadn't gone far when a girl burst from the long grass sweating and panting. I could understand her being hot. A thick frilly pink dress and long white stockings would make anyone perspire. To complete the look was a hooked cane.
"Have.....have you seen....my Mareep," she gasped recovering her breath.
"Yeah, its behind you." I frowned. "And another, and another and, there's five of them." Five Mareep in the long grass stared curiously.
"No, my black sheep's gone missing again. He looks pretty much like any other Mareep except his curl has a kind of kink in it." She brushed a strand of hair from her face as if thinking of her Mareep.
"If I find your Mareep I'll return it to you straight away, er..."
"Mary thanks again." Without another word she and her flock disappeared into the thicket.
"Mary and her lost sheep," I said dryly. I then turned serious. "I wonder if I should catch my own Mareep. I'll need a good electric type if I want to catch a Legendary Bird."
No sooner said, Fury's ears picked up. "I hear something." She crouched low and shuffled forward. A moment later there was an audible Aha, sounds of a scuffle and Fury returning with a round green bird in her mouth.
"Capture him," she told me as she dropped him at my feet. I nodded and tapped the Pokemon with the Pokeball and he evaporated into the ball. It shuddered for a bit but PINGed, indicating capture. After healing the Pokemon and attaching him with a translator, I checked him out with Dex. It identified him as Natu, the little bird Pokemon. Its wings were too stubby to let it fly but they would grow as it evolved. It was also a Psychic type.
Satisfied, I recalled him to his Pokeball. We wandered further and the long grass gave way to a pleasant field of posies and daisies and a creek strolled by. The hot weather made the lavender stench almost unbearable. But even over the scent of lavender was the smell of thunder and lightning. The storm clouds crawled a tiny bit closer. The Pokemon could sense it too. The herds of Ponyta and Artico, cantered by. Artico was a male Ponyta.
Scientist had only just found out how to discover the gender of Pokemon three years ago and survey found out that all Ponyta, Rapidash and Zefire, the winged evolution of Rapidash, were female. A short time later they followed their yearly migration to an unknown valley, now called the Vale of Dreams. Inside were the male Artico, Articolt and Articorn, much like the females except they were broader of shoulder and the blue flame that made up the mane and tail froze instead of burnt, making it an ice type. The Rapidash and Zefire mated and gave birth to the young. If it was an Artico, it would stay behind to be raised the Articolt and Articorn, if a Ponyta it would make the long journey back to Kanto.
I had tried my hand at them earlier, but had failed miserably. An Articorn would have been a perfect edition to my team of flying Pokemon. I spotted a boy on the bank of the creek, a Fishing rod in the water and some Pokeballs on the ground beside him 14 maybe 15, with a mane of cerulean blue hair just past his shoulders. It seemed like it hadn't been brushed for weeks. But then again I couldn't talk mine looked just the same.
"Hi, I'm Topaz," I greeted him as we came up behind. "I'm looking for a battle. Interested?"
"Cal, and it depends. You play for money?" He had a cheeky grin.
"If you want. Half OK?" Cal hesitated. He looked at Fury, then Maverick, then at the Pokeballs at my waist. He weighed his options carefully. Strange, I thought. Most kids just rush into a battle. He's smarter then he looks.
"Quarter and its a deal. Two Pokemon each." He reached down and selected two Pokeballs.
"Done. Target, I choose you!"
Target appeared from his ball at the same time as Cal's. I recognized it from textbooks as Wooper, but I still couldn't help laughing. It was a walking TV antenna.
"Bet ya get great reception for your radio!" I laughed.
"Slam!" Cal ordered as I was distracted. Wooper crashed into Target sending him sprawling. Before he could recover, he was blasted with a Watergun attack. Target coughed and spluttered looking like I did this morning.
"Fury swipes," I commanded, annoyed with my lack of concentration. But nether-the-less, Target rose on his tail and lashed out with one paw, then the other. First paw again, his second paw again and once more with his right, all in quick succession.
Wooper tried his own Tail whip but the Sentret ducked and caught his tail as it swished overhead. Target leapt into the air, still holding Wooper, swung it in a full circle then tossed it over his shoulder in a brilliant display of strength.
When Wooper collapsed, Target yipped in delight at his victory.
"Nice work Target! Here!" I tossed him a Rare Candy from the jar I picked up from the PokeMart. He licked it eagerly.
Cal waited patiently for Target to finish, then threw his second ball, a Poliwhirl. This could be hard.
"Come back Target. Go Mystic." The Natu sprung forth, flapping his stubby green patterned wings.
"Hang on!" I did a double take. "What are your attacks?"
"Peck, Niteshade, Teleport, or Foresight." Mystic said, rolling his r's and pronouncing his vowels. A strange accent if ever I heard one.
While we were chatting, Poliwhirl was building an attack. From its stomach spiral a cloud of bubbles snaked towards Mystic. They circled around him and burst. Mystic tried to flap his way out but only succeeded in exploding more.
"Teleport," I cried, wondering why Mystic didn't think of it himself. He obeyed anyway. One minute she was almost invisible behind the veil of bubbles, next moment she was! An instant later she faded behind Poliwhirl. Poliwhirl only realized it to late.
"Niteshade!" A black, foreboding, fog shimmered into view and a gust of wind directed into Poliwhirl's face.
Its eyes widened and its limbs flailed uncontrollably. Foam frothed at the edges of its stomach spiral and splattered the ground. Its spiral spun in one direction, then the other in a nauseating motion. Its moist skin seemed to sweat excessively.
Finally Poliwhirls eyes regained focus and with its last ounce of strength it threw itself at Mystic, who was also weakened from the attack, and slammed him to the ground. Mystic let out one last grating cry before they both fainted.
They returned to their balls. Neither had lost, but neither had won either.
"It was a good battle," Cal said.
"What are you doing here?" I said putting my Pokeballs away.
"Catching water Pokemon, I wanna be the greatest water trainer ever and beat Misty Ketchum!"
He talked of Misty, the greatest loud mouthed, short-tempered, water Pokemon trainer to grace the League. Ash had dug himself deep marrying her two years before and deeper still when Misty gave birth to twins, Janelle & Matthew, some time after.
Great expectations were held of those two, the son and daughter of the best trainers in the world.
"Anything good?"
"Not of late. It's this dry weather. The water levels falling so most of the Pokemon are swimming down stream. If it keeps falling the creek could dry up entirely," He said looking genuinely worried. "But enough of that, what about you? Any plans?"
"I started my journey on Monday. I train Fury," I pointed to the Quilava and went to sit in the shade of a gum overhanging the creek. "Target and Mystic you already know of, and Talorn my Pidgeot. Plus I've earned the Zephyr Badge yesterday.
I proceeded to tell him of Tobias's temper, Angels scheme, my dance with death on, or rather not, the roof of the Violet City Gym, and the vow I had pledged on Talorn's wings, to capture the Wings of Council.
"Ahhh," he sighed. "Lugia the Water God, the perfect prize. But I have a chance at a much rarer Pokemon." Cal revealed that his uncle was a friend of Tracy Sketchit, a great Pokemon Watcher, and the two had discovered a litter of very rare Suicune, the legendary water dog. His uncle said if he could prove himself worthy by the time they reached maturity, in two year, he would have the chance to capture it.
"So I thought what more proof then defeating the Johto League." Cal's face drooped. "But right now I'm having trouble beating Bugsy of the Azalea Gym."
I nodded. "Water types do have a hard time against bugs. We're heading that way maybe you'll have more luck this time."
We chatted some more but were roused from out conversation when droplets fell from the sky. I looked up. The storm had come faster than I thought. I could already hear the rumble of distant thunder. I checked my watch, 1:45, over half an hour late to meet Suma. She was going to be pretty pissed. I looked out from under the tree again. It wasn't raining hard no more than spitting. But the wind was picking up and the lightning was getting closer.
Damn, I thought to myself, a dry storm. The threat of a bush fire was now very real.
"I choose you, Talorn." She brandished down from the sky and landed in front of us.
"Yes Topaz." Her translators voice sound cultured and refined, like an English countess.
"Sumalee's down that road waiting for me. I'd like you to find and bring her back here. Think you're up to it?"
She snorted indignant. "Think, my dear. This a summers breeze compared to what I can create." Without further ado she lifted into the sky with little effort, showing off I'm sure, and sailed in the direction of Alphs Ruins.
Fifteen minutes later she returned with a sopping wet Sumalee. She glared daggers at my heart, even though she was hanging onto Pidgeot as if her life depended on it.
"How dare you! Do you know how long I waited, in the rain!"
"48 minutes."
She glowered once more and returned to here usual cheerful disposition.
"Whose your friend?"
"Cal, a water trainer." I didn't like the way she was smiling at me. "I beat him!"
"You did not, it was a tie!" Cal protested vigorously.
"Wrong. I whipped your walking TV antenna."
"I was only training him. Wooper is not my strongest Pokemon. If you want to see who would win in a one on one battle, I'm ready."
"Yeah that's fair. Five weeks of training to five days," I retorted sarcastically.
"Topaz has an annoying urge to piss of the wrong people. I suspect she told you of Angel and Tobias."
Cal shrugged with a wry smile. "I guess I could put up with her until we reach the PokeCentre. But we better hurry, this storms going to get worse."
Cal was right. We had an hour of soft rain, Fury complaining the whole time but then again I wasn't too thrilled with it, soon after it halted and made way for the imminent storm. By then we had made it to the tree line. I thought it put us in more danger than when we were in the open but didn't voice my opinion.
The lightning strikes were getting closer, meaning thunder. Even Mavericks constant smile was gone. Worse than that was the rain had done little or nothing to wet the greenery. It was still hot and muggy.
"Mareeep!"
The cry pierced my thoughts and made me look around. There! Beneath a huge Eucalyptus tree, was a wet and bedraggled Pokemon. The invading clouds made it almost impossible to see in the gloom, but I could guess. The black sheep, Mareep.
'Mareeep!" it called again but his time a little more distressed.
Before I could say anything to my friends, a bolt of lightning streaked down from the sky above and almost simultaneously the roar of thunder echoed around us so load my eardrum seemed to rapture. I screamed. I don't pretend I wasn't afraid because, I was almost ready to wet myself. I opened my eyes and stopped clutching my ears that heard that annoying ringing sound a hundred times louder.
"Maaaareeeep!" it wailed urgently.
I turned towards a faint cracking sound. I suddenly realized the bolt had struck the Eucalypt and the cracking sound was the top of the tree snapping in half. That's when my "Put your life on the line, what do you have to lose?" instinct kicked in. I darted forward snatched a handful of Mareep's fleece and pulled it along with me as I slid across the mud. I kind of ruined the heroic effect by falling face first in the puddle. I pulled my face out just in time to see the tree crash inches from my outstretched hand. The ground shook.
Suma gave a startled cry. Cal yelled and tossed some Pokeballs. Poliwhirl, Wooper and Wartortle as well as Maverick answered their trainer's Watergun command. I glanced to where they were aiming and gaped.
Fire licked eagerly at the dry bark of the tree. They crackled as the ate the leaves and snapped for more. Smoke spiralled skyward. A flaming leaf fell from above and to my horror the roof of the forest was set alight. The water Pokemon could only reach the lower branches.
"What do we do?" Suma shouted as I joined them, still clutching the struggling
Mareep.
"We've got to raise the alarm," Cal answered, keeping an eye on his three brave Pokemon.
"Suma! If we can get our Sentret's get above the rest we'll be able to alert then rest of the forest." I coughed, the smoke was getting worse. I released Talorn and Target and Sumalee called on her Sentret and another Pokemon didn't know of.
"Fruean!" it rasped, as it appeared, a fluorescent purple dragonfly. Its long translucent bright wings, sparking electricity and beat at what I thought was possibly 200 km/h.
"Sentrets get on the back of the flying Pokemon. I want you to fly above the trees and loud as you can tell everyone there's a fire and to get to the creek." I spluttered again. "Then Talorn as fast you can find Officer Jenny in Violet City and explain the situation." The two pairs nodded and took to the air.
I turned to Suma and Cal. We've to help too. Cal, get to the creek and organize the water types into some sort of fire fighters. Take Mareep and the egg with you. Sumalee and I are going to spread the word. Here!" I took out some handkerchiefs and had Maverick splash them with water. After they were moist we tied them over our mouths and the Pokemons. I voices came out muffled.
"Come on, we haven't time to lose!" Above the din we heard our Sentrets loud and clear ring across the area. We nodded and split. Cal and his Pokemon went one way, Suma, Maverick, Fury and me the other.
We ran through the inferno of a forest screaming till we were hoarse and then screamed some more.
"Spread the word! Fire! Get to the creek! You'll be safe!"
When our hankies dried, which was often in the blistering heat, a squirt of Mavericks Watergun kept them damp. Our hair and eyebrows were beginning to singe, Sumalee more so because she was taller.
An urgent whinny notified us of another trapped Pokemon. We helped as many as possible, but some were out of reach. It shook my soul every time we passed a charred body. Luckily it wasn't often. Another cry sounded through the blaze, and another and another. Through flickering flames, I caught sight of a blue tongue of fire. As I looked closer I saw a paler red. A herd of horse Pokemon.
"All right," Suma said taking command. "Water gun!"
Maverick threw his head forward to extinguish the burning Banksia tree that blocked their way, but nothing came out. He shook his head and tried again, still nothing. He turned to Sumalee and made a gagging sound in the back of his throat.
Suma turned hysterical. "What are we going to do? Maverick needs to replenish his water gland if we're to get out of here. And the Pokemon!"
It hurt me to say so but… "We've done all we can." I tore my gaze from the helpless Pokemon and began to walk away. I wondered why the fire types just didn't jump the trunk. The fire wouldn't hurt them the smoke would.
"No!" Fury! She moved closer to the inferno and tensed her shoulders. She groaned with such effort I thought she would faint. Sweat broke out on her brow. She crouched lower and howled.
This time the flames parted like the red sea. Still the Ponyta and Artico wouldn't come out.
We passed over the charred log unharmed. Fury still kept the heat at bay, but not with as much strength. The Ponyta and Artico stepped out of the way revealing an Artico on the ground. I saw what was wrong and motioned Suma beside me.
"Its back legs are crushed under the branch. We can move it easily but the Artico still won't be able to get to the river. Take the rest of the herd to the creek. Have Maverick fill up and help Cal. I'll capture Artico and follow," I said, but I lied. I was planning to help more Pokemon. On the count of three we lifted the branch. Suma stepped up to the dominant male Articolt. She placed a hand on his velvety nose and led him over the barrier. The rest of the herd followed and when they were all safely across the Articolt nickered and pawed the ground.
"Go, I'll help him get the rest of them to the creek." He nodded and followed Suma back the way we had come.
I held out a spare Pokeball out to Artico. "Get in."
He tossed his head and tried to pull himself up, but his lower half refused to cooperate. He looked at the ball suspiciously.
"I'll release you as soon as you're healed," I promised in a soothing voice. "But I don't have time for this crap!" Intimidated with my show of temper he allowed himself to be sucked into the Pokeball.
I breathed a sigh of relief and exited the ring of flames. As soon as I was out, Fury exhaled and the gap she had kept open no longer existed. I wiped the perspiration from my face and smiled at Fury. "What was that?"
"I must have learnt Tamed Flame," she said with awe. "That's a pretty hard attack!"
"I'm proud of you but we've got Pokemon to save."
"But you said...."
"Do as I say, not as I do," I quoted. Fury didn't argue.
Again we raced through the trees, all bathed in the ghostly orange glow of the pursuing flames, helping a fallen Spearow reach the sky or a Rattata with a burnt paw on its way towards the river.
I was searching the trees when in the middle of the clearing I spotted an unfamiliar Pokemon. It was feline in appearance but with much more grace than any Meowth. Orange and red streaked its silky fur.
I crouched beside it and used the last of my potions to revive her. She awoke with a start and skittered from my lap. I stepped toward the Pokemon hoping to calm her down, she only hissed in response. I noticed the flames move distinctly closer. They seemed to reach out for us with clawed hands. I jumped backwards startled and fell over Fury landing on my ass. The flames lunged again. I edged backward and hit a solid form. I turned around and saw for the first time the rock face. It must have been part of Union cave. I swore and took my Pokedex from my pocket.
"What is that and how do I calm it down?!" I went into a coughing fit and tore the handkerchief from my face. It was dry and no use. Fury did the same.
"Fireline, the Flame Cat Pokemon. It is a beginning Pokemon in the Metone region. Extremely aggressive and if provoked it will use its special attack Tamed Flame. The best way to avoid the attack is to play dead."
"But we will be dead in a moment. Fury, Tamed Flame."
It was a contest of will power. Fury howled and the fire paused, as if contemplating which side to take. Slowly but surely the flames relented to Fury and turned on Fireline.
"Firrelinnne," she snarled and overwhelmed Fury. The flames leapt forward with such ferocity I almost expected them to salivate.
"Fury, come here precious." I bundled her in my arms and did as the Pokedex suggested.
The smoke was worse near the ground. I could feel the fire lick at my legs causing them to blister in the intense heat. I was in excruciating pain. My thoughts were losing focus and still the Fireline wouldn't let us be.
Suddenly a shadow passed over the moon. I could make out the silhouette of wings.
The Angel of Mercy, I thought. I must be dead. But no angel to take my life, just one pissed off Pidgeot.
"Vacate the area immediately, you mangy ally cat!" Talorn snapped her wings together and a crack like a bullwhip sounded the air. The Fireline escaped into the darkness, taking the inferno with her.
Talorn came closer. "Oh you poor dear. Quick, we must get you out of this hellhole!"
In my weakened state I managed to crawl onto her back. She pumped her wings and flew into the air.
During the flight I faded in and out of consciousness but soon reached a PokeCentre just outside Union cave. It was an unexpected convenience.
I slipped off, but as soon as I placed weight on my burnt legs they collapsed from under me. I emitted a low moan and a Nurse Joy rushed out of the building. She inspected my useless legs.
"Oh dear! Look at those burns. Chansey! Blissey! We need a 1½-meter stretcher for a human girl. Hurry, she looks ready to faint from exhaustion!" She turned her attention back to me. "Don't worry, we have a Healtia with us."
"Pokeballs," I murmured, barely audible.
"We'll have them fixed in a jiffy, but you need to go to rest." Before I could protest, I was lifted into the stretcher and heard Blissey's sweet lullaby.
I awoke the next morning in a hospital bed to see Blissey with an extremely large perm. Her hands were nimbler and its usual marshmallow body was slimmer. Its egg was brightly coloured and had a soft glow about it.
"Healtia?" She placed a fine-fingered hand on my forehead and called into the hallway. "Heal, tia tia. Healtia!"
A Chansey popped her head from behind the doorway. "Chansey?"
"Healtia."
"Chan, Chansey." She looked at me then disappeared again.
"Hi, you must be Healtia. How are my Pokemon?"
"Tia," the Healtia said with a smile.
I remembered my messed up legs. I lifted the crisp white sheet and saw my legs were fine. Not a blister or a scratch. Even the bruises left by Tobias were gone. I also saw that they had dressed me in a hospital gown. I shuddered at the thought. I pushed up from the pillow but Healtia pressed firmly on my chest indicating I should lay down. I gave up resisting and dropped back onto it.
"Could I have my Pokedex?" Healtia took it from my shorts pocket at the end of the bed and passed it too me.
I may as well study some of the new Pokemon I'd encountered in the short period of time.
"Fruean."
"Fruean, the voltfly Pokemon. An ancient Pokemon reconstructed from the Gossamer Fossil. Its wings can beat at more than 200 km a minute and have been known to create strong storms."
"Artico."
"Artico, the glacial fire Pokemon. The blue flames of this Pokemon freeze rather than burn. Its fur is covered with tiny ice crystals that give it its bluish hue."
"Healtia."
"Healtia, the compassion Pokemon. A Pokemon extremely talented in the art of healing. Its egg is highly sort after because of its curing properties. It can heal broken bones with a touch."
"You healed my legs, didn't you Healtia? Thank you very much."
Before she could reply, Chansey reappeared, without her egg but with a tray in hand. On it was a mug that she passed to me. Inside was a white milky liquid. I took one sip and then gulp the sweet drink with relish. When I'd finished I had one of those milk mustaches and felt as if I was on the ultimate sugar rush.
I literally leapt out of bed and changed from the papery hospital gown into my slightly burnt training gear. When Healtia and Blissey returned to the room they only smiled and ushered me into the waiting room.
Inside was Fury telling Officer Jenny, Suma, Cal and a few other onlookers, one I recognized as Mary holding Mareep, of the night before. All listen to the recount enthralled.
"And then the Fireline used its Tamed Flame attack. I was really tired so… Topaz!"
She jumped into my arms and licked my face. When she was done she said with a face full of pride she said, "I was telling of our brave deeds saving the Pokemon through out Route 32!"
"It was nothing that big," I said a little uncomfortable. As I said I never liked crowds, now I had at least 10 people listening to what I'd done. Exaggerated, most likely, but still.…
"Yes it was that big Topaz," Officer Jenny said standing up. "You saved many trainers and Pokemon as well as the forest. It was your quick thinking that allowed us to get here in time before it was all lost. I'll make sure each of you get some kind of reward."
"Er, thanks. Are my Pokemon all right?"
"Yes, they're outside getting some exercise." Nurse Joy said coming from behind. I took the chance to get away from the scrutiny of the crowd and stepped into the sunlight. The only evidence of the havoc last night were the scorched trees. "You've earned quite a name for yourself, Amazing Moltres."
"Don't start with that Sumalee," I said looking at our Pokemon in the yard. All seemed happy and care free. "I gotta go release Artico."
"Be back soon we've got an interview," Cal lectured. "If your not they won't want us."
"Poor baby. I'll be back in time." I recalled my Pokemon, except Fury. I left her to deal with the press if I was late and soon I was soaring high above the marred trees. I saw the Furret's in their odd shaped nests and the Rattata's scavenging for nuts and berries, or at least what was left of them. Then in the northeast I saw the red and blue figures of Articolts herd. Talon took us in for a smooth landing. Articolt recognized me and greeted me with a toss of his head. Artico zapped form his ball and raced to stand beside an elegant Rapidash, his mother I guess. Their red and blue flames mingled in a stunning display.
I started back to Talorn, but Articolt neighed. After a series of nickers and whinnies I turned to the Pidgeot for translation.
"He says, my dear, that he's eternally grateful for healing Glacial. If it weren't for you he wouldn't have survived and neither the rest of his herd. As a reward you may choose any horse here to take with you."
"Any willing to join me come forward," I called. Six or seven Pokemon lined up before me. To be honest, they all looked the same to me. Only differing in size and temperament. But one caught my eye. He was of medium size and had a fire in his eye. I always liked high-spirited Pokemon, more of a challenge.
"I choose this Artico."
It reared in the air, hooves flailing and disappeared into the Pokeball Glacial had inhabited for a short time.
After 15 minutes of flying I arrived back at the Centre with Chilun, my new Articolt. I barely had time to call Talorn back into her Pokeball, when a stamped of reporters bombarded me with useless questions and microphones.
I was pushed inside and sat in a designated seat between Cal and Suma. Then it turned professional. I let the other tell what happened, even though I was the star whether I wanted to be or not, and only answered the odd question directed at me. After a tedious three hours of filming us, the reporters left and I could get ready for our journey through Union cave.
That afternoon, Cal, Suma, Maverick, Fury and me stood out side the PokeCentre saying goodbye.
"Topaz!" It was Mary and she held a Pokeball. "Thankyou so much for saving the
Mareep. I can't thank you enough except by giving him to you." She pushed the
Pokeball into my hand
"Thanks Mary, but you shouldn't have." I pushed it back into her hand.
"No, really. He'll come in handy. He knows the Flash HM so you can get through Union cave."
"Thanks," I said again dryly, not sure of what to do with a rebel Mareep. Officer Jenny awarded us each with another Pokemon. Suma a Fireline, Cal a Marill, but I didn't get a chance to see mine because as soon as it passed from her to me, it shimmered and popped from sight back to Professor Elms lab. Officer Jenny told me it was a Aquatro, a water bird Pokemon because I had told of my quest to be the greatest bird trainer. Excited with the prospect of another bird, I exchanged Target for Aqua in my belt. I'm sure Target would have been more happy in the wide-open field behind Elms Lab.
Aqua was beautiful. No taller than my knee with long blue, trailing feathers that rippled like a river. Her tail was a whirlpool of blue tints and hues. She was affectionate and as thrilled to be with me as I was with her.
The three of us extremely happy with our new Pokemon we disappeared into the abyss of Union Cave with a renegade Mareep leading the way.
Next
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