Pokémon : Black Rising

45. The Elite

Scratch that, she was not a total stranger. I recall seeing her somewhere but can't exactly point out where. Silver-blue waist long hair, a yellow top and white trousers. Yep, I can't remember her at all.

She returned an Umbreon to its Ultra Ball as the wall crumbled. She asked the two girls, "You two all right? Team Black had begun making moves it seems. "

Both of them nodded but their faces were pale. Margret was craddling the hurt Joltik while Tiyana returned Zorua to her Pokeball. Didn't take long for the mystery woman to notice me. "Oh. You're the cause for all the racket on the other side. "

I scratched my head, " I don't think I'll put it that way but... Yeah? "

A smirk curled up her lips. She said, "Care to give an explanation for all this? "

Two minutes later, she was up to date with the happenings. After a long thought, she looked me in the eye. "Thought I'd seen you somewhere. You're Tyler aren't you?"

I pursed my lips before I could yell about how everyone knows my name. Team Black? Okay, I get it. But everyone else? Not at all fair.

" I take it that you're indeed him. Nice to finally meet you." She lend out a hand for a handshake.

I took it. " Same here, uh... "

She giggled, " Yeah right. Sorry. I usually introduce myself first but these circumstances you know? My name is Karen. "

" Yeah. Nice to meet you too Karen." Nope. The name didn't ring any bells. "Thanks a lot for the save. "

Karen giggled, " Oh no, it's nothing. Protecting aspiring trainers like you three from goons like Team Black is just another one of my duties. "

She lookef at the girls. " A few words of advise if you don't mind. Girl with the silver hair, you should consider catching more Pokemon. You and your friend put up a good match before your Pokemon fainted. Being outnumbered in a battle is not a good feeling, trust me. Girl with the blonde hair, you should work on your co-ordination with your friend. Synchronizing is the key element in double battles. Am I clear? It's advise so no need to-"

She was cut off by Tiyana and Margret who simultaneously blurted, "Yes ma'am! "

Why the formality I wonder...

Karen turned towards me. " As for you, I didn't get to see you battle so I can't offer tips yet. But never let your guard down. Especially after this. "

" Right. " Advise is always something much appreciated. She particularly gives me a vibe of a very experienced trainer.

" Not to interfere or anything but how did you find us Karen? "

She ran her fingers through her silver-blue hair, "Well, can't hurt to tell. I was on my way to Santalune City for some business when I saw Team Black grunts assaulting your group. When the odds seemed off, I interrupted. "

Okay, that's alright I guess. "Thanks a lot anyway." I said.

Tiyana added, " Yeah, you saved us a lot of trouble. "

" Thank you," stated Margret.

Karen smiled, " Don't mention it fellas. It seems that everything is fine for now. You three take care of yourselves okay? Those fools can get nasty if they wish. Don't worry though. We will take care of this ASAP. "

She tossed out an Ultra Ball which released a Honchkrow, a blue-black bird wearing a hat. Without a word, she mounted the Pokemon and left for the skies.

I asked the girls, "What's with you guys? You look as if you've seen a Ghastly or something. "

Tiyana blurted, " Seriously? Do you even know who that is? "

" Karen? A normal passerby who helped you two? "

" Nuh-uh! She's Karen of the Elite Four you dummy! "

Ah. Now that did it. The Elite Four are the four strongest trainers of the region. Their skills are second only to the Champion. So they are no big joke when it comes to battling.

" Yeah... I knew I've seen her somewhere. "

Margret looked shocked. " That's it? That's your reaction to meeting one of the strongest trainers in the region? "

I shrugged. " My dad's the Champion. So no big deal I guess."

She looked taken back by that. I continued, "Anyway, what were you gals up against? "

Tiyana scratched her blonde hair. "Right after the wall separated us, five of those grunts attacked us. After a threat or two, they tried to steal our Pokemon. We put up a good fight till Joltik fainted. I was overwhelmed and Zorua was my last bet. That moment, an Umbreon popped out of nowhere and tackled all of the Pokemon. After some Dark type moves, all the Pokemon fainted and the grunts retreated. Then 'she' showed up. "

" Quite a match up, huh? Are you both okay? "

Margret replied, " A bit shaken but fine. "

After a few minutes of scavenging for healing items, we healed our Pokemon back to full health. Charmeleon seemed a bit let down eversince the battle. I patted his head, "What's the matter pal? "

" Char..." came the reply. From his tone, I could feel the sadness on letting me down.

" You still thinking about the battle?" I asked. Charmeleon nodded slowly.

I tried to cheer him up. "The past is in the past Charmeleon. Don't worry about the losses. You were overwhelmed by the foe. That's all. No need to grieve over something you couldn't control. Besides, even I am at fault. I failed to predict Alan's plans which made you lose. So don't worry about it, okay? "

He nodded. Letting out a Flamethrower, he looked as battle spirited as he used to. I turned to Croconaw. "Before I forget, congrats on evolving Croconaw! You make me proud."
Croconaw happily accepted the stroke on his head with a call.

By that time, everyone was ready to go. Riolu hopped onto my head and commenced his traditional snore. Few minutes into the walk and as the tension wore down, disturbing thoughts pierced my mind. Literally.

Was Zen trying to warn me about this? Random ambushes from this point onward? Grunts who will stop at nothing to capture me? People who'll try to pull my friends, both Pokemon and humans, away from me? Constant vigilance for safety? Evil yes on me at all times? (The last one is extra creepy.)

A billion times worse, this came up: Am I the one who started all this? Well, technically yeah but I'm not referring to attacks on me. But the attacks on Tiyana and Margret... Surely, I am to one who allowed them to join so I am at fault here.

This is so not good. If Team Black is serious about getting rid of me, having the ladies around would be the biggest mistake I ever make. Those goons may ambush us again and again until they get what they want. In that process, there's a ninety percent chance that something terrible might happen to the girls. If something happens to them, all will be my fault.

If Team Black wants me, I can protect myself with no issue. But I can't say the same for the girls.

I stopped walking. That made the girls to abrupty stop and look at me. With a deep breath, I made my final decision.