Disclaimer: I don't own anything save for characters/species not already owned by someone else. I like Gargoyles, Animorphs, and Pokemon. This crossover story line contains all three. Enjoy! ~Grimwood ~grimwood83@yahoo.com
Oh, a couple of notes: * = telepathy/thought-speak " = regular speech/quote ~Commercial Break~ = generally, a shift in characters and/or location that lets you take a break for getting a snack or whatever and can be ignored ~~ = automatic translation of the Pokemon spoken language # = translated Yeerk speech. If you need to see what an Andalite looks like, go to www.scholastic.com/animorphs and click on the link that goes directly to the books. It shows Ax on some of the book covers, his brother on the cover to Andalite Chronicles, an Andalite female on Hork-Bajir Chronicles, and Visser Three/One, who has an Andalite host body, on Visser. IF a person wishes to "borrow" a character that I have invented, they must ASK FIRST! I will then consider letting them use it.
Brooklyn's Tour
The Skiff
~One year after Demona's defeat, Brooklyn is off on his own adventure~
~~This is going to be the final badge we'll need to get into the Johto League. Do you think we'll qualify?~~ Soda the Eevee asked. It was resting on Brooklyn's shoulder as they glided over the Charicific Valley. Brooklyn had three more hours until sunrise and wondered where the nearest and safest place to spend the day would be.
"Sure, we'll qualify. I just hope we don't get pitted against Marco, Jake, or Lexington. I'm not entirely sure I want to battle my friends," the red Gargoyle replied. He didn't want to battle Lexington because his rookery brother had teamed up with an Andalite female. Brooklyn didn't want to fight Marco because of the sharpness of his mind. As for Jake, Brooklyn figured that the "leader" of the Animorphs was too good at adapting to peculiar situations. Not to mention that he expertly had acted like a war general before the downfall of the Yeerk empire.
~~Remind me. How did Lexington get a female Andalite on his team?~~ Soda inquired.
"Reading my mind, Soda? I didn't know you were psychic." Soda chuckled at the joke. Brooklyn continued, "Well, they met at a night class that she taught. And her name is Andreecia-Ellanora- Isthyria. I think she's Ax' cousin. Anyway, she and Lexington call each other 'Lex' and 'Dreesh' for short."
~~What sort of class?~~
"One to help people understand Andalite technologies and 'Seerow's Law'. I heard Lexington talking about the class for three nights straight! I think you and the rest of our Pokepals were visiting Rachel and Macbeth." Brooklyn heaved a sigh of regret. Broadway has Angela, and now Lexington has an Andalite female dubbed Dreesh. As for himself, the red Gargoyle didn't have a female that would even consider snuggling up to him.
Down below, a female Charizard was feeling down on her own luck. She wanted a mate. However, this Charizard had been turned down by several suitors. Their reason was she was an unusual red orange color instead of the pale orange or yellow orange!
Glancing skyward, she saw what looked like a red Charizard whose tail flame had sadly gone out. Pumping her wings, the female took to the sky to investigate.
Brooklyn noticed a creature take off from the ground. He steadied himself in the air. Soda complained as the Gargoyle got out his Pokedex. Brooklyn aimed it at the flyer and the Pokedex said, "Charizard, the fully evolved form of Charmander."
Brooklyn exclaimed, "This one's a red orange! Cool!"
At the same moment of "cool," Soda sarcastically replied, ~~No kidding.~~
~~Excuse me,~~ the female Charizard said. She had reached them quite rapidly. ~~Um, why are you using a human device if you're a Charizard?~~
"I'm not a Charizard! I'm a Gargoyle," Brooklyn corrected with a touch of pride.
~~Are you sure?~~ she inquired. The Charizard had realized this creature was male. She wasn't very sure what to do and felt a little disappointed.
"Of course I'm sure. My friends call me Brooklyn and so can you."
~~Thanks, Brooklyn,~~ the female Charizard said with a sigh.
"What's wrong?"
~~Oh, nothing much.~~ A tear trickled down her face.
~~Brooklyn,~~ Soda began gently, ~~this Charizard is a down-hearted . . . female!~~
Brooklyn almost lost his aerial balance. The next thought to cross his mind was "damsel in distress." "Say, could you direct me to a place for a landing? I can't hover indefinitely and would enjoy talking to you."
The Charizard was startled. She showed Brooklyn to her cavern and they got comfy. Soda went back in its Pokeball without being asked. That made the Gargoyle feel awkward.
He and the Charizard talked about their rough luck with the opposite gender of their own species. By the time they were done, Brooklyn had nicknamed her Thermal. The sun would soon rise. Thermal agreed to protect him for the day.
That night, Thermal was surprised by the cracking of stone that was Brooklyn waking up. They decided to get better acquainted. Also, Thermal wanted to meet all of his other Pokepals. A few hours later, they were all fully familiar with each other and the reason that Brooklyn could understand Pokemon.
Just as Thermal escorted her new friends out, Charla and her trainer showed up! ~~Uh-oh. Brooklyn, I don't think they're gonna like my leaving the valley with you. They're extremely protective of those of us here in the Charicific Valley,~~ Thermal stated worriedly.
Charla looked at her trainer in surprise. Her trainer scolded, "You'd better not be planning to capture that Charizard! You risk charges of poaching if you do!"
Thermal shuddered and Brooklyn felt obliged to explain. "I'm not capturing her," he said at the end of a long, resigned sigh. He handed the human his Pokedex. She read the Gargoyle's ID very carefully and found how trustworthy he and all Gargoyles are.
~~So can I go?~~ Thermal asked hopefully.
~~I dunno if that's a good idea. Someone may try to capture you,~~ Charla expressed her concern.
"I've a hunch that's not very wise. At least, not until the breeding season is over," Charla's trainer spoke of her own concerns at the same time.
"You've never been through Oberon's Gate, have you?" Brooklyn wondered aloud. He found the human's ability to communicate with the Charizard indirectly very baffling.
"No, but I've been around Charizard enough to understand them," Charla's trainer said calmly. "It may go against our better judgement, but since this Charizard WANTS to go, we can't keep her against her own free will."
~~Thank you!~~ Thermal exclaimed happily.
"Yeah, thanks a ton! I promise you won't regret it," Brooklyn informed Charla and her trainer. "Besides, protectiveness is something we have in common. It's a Gargoyle's first and foremost instinct." That left Charla and her trainer something to think about. Brooklyn began to climb the cliff wall as Thermal pumped her wings and took flight.
The she-Charizard noticed that Brooklyn was still climbing. She swooped down to him and inquired, ~~Can't you fly?~~
"Nope. I can only glide. I need enough altitude to catch the wind currents beneath my wings," he explaned.
~~Oh.~~ Thermal then plucked Brooklyn off the cliff and threw him on her back. She flew them effortlessly higher. When she figured they must be high enough - they had cleared the cliffs of the Charicific Valley - she asked, ~~This high enough?~~
"Yep." Thermal flipped over and the startled Gargoyle fell off! Quickly, he righted himself and glided next to his new friend.
~~Which way from here?~~
"North, I think."
~Commercial Break~
~Goldenrod City Gym, two nights later, mid-battle~
Brooklyn had been allowed to use three Pokemon against the gym leader's one Miltank. His first choice was Soda, who was bull-dosed by Miltank's Roll Out! The Gargoyle's second choice had been Tyde, a Poliwhirl. Tyde was also flattened by Roll Out!
"Which now? Deputy or Wind Song?" he rehtorically asked.
~~Neither. I'm large enough that I should be able to pick Miltank up. Please, let me try,~~ Thermal answered with a paw on her friend's shoulder.
"That's just crazy enough to work!" Brooklyn replied with a snap of his fingers. "I choose Thermal!"
An official person stated dryly, "The challenger has chosen a Charizard of a different color."
"Thermal, you know what to do!" the Gargoyle called out encouragingly.
Thermal jumped into the air and began to fly around. Miltank's owner called for Roll Out. Just as the Pokemon curled up and began to roll, the red-orange Charizard swooped down! Before the Roll Out had sufficient momentum to block any attacks, Miltank was plucked clean off the ground. Thermal used Fire Spin while keeping a firm grip. Fire Spin was followed by a Seismic Toss.
Miltank didn't get up and it's eyes showed that swirl that indicates either dizziness or unconsciousness. The official announced, "The challenger Brooklyn of Manhatten has won the match!"
Brooklyn and his Pokepals cheered as the badge was handed to the red Gargoyle. "That was fantastic, Thermal!" Brooklyn gave a companionly slap to Thermal's shoulder.
~~Thank you,~~ she replied, blushing a little.
"No, I should be thanking you!" Brooklyn stated, emphasising "I" and "you". Thermal's blush brightened.
They spent the next day at the Goldenrod City Pokemon Center.
~Commercial Break~
~Brooklyn's team of Pokemon had made it to fourth place in the Johto League within the next few weeks. Brooklyln and Thermal were quite fond of each other now. Five months after being at Goldenrod City, the group is about to transverse through Oberon's Gate~
~~D'you think your friends will like me?~~ Thermal asked.
~~Of course they will!~~ the recently evolved Wind Song replied. It had evolved fully into Wigglytuff.
Soda, Tyde, and Deputy - a Sandslash - agreed. Brooklyn aslo knew Wind Song was right. "Don't worry! It takes more than a Charizard to phase our friends," he said with a dismissive wave of his hand.
"Yo! Professor Oak! Ya seen Mewtwo? We need Thermal to get transdimensional clearance."
"Huh? What? Oh, right. Mewtwo and Mew traded off again. Mew is in the lounge, Brooklyn," Professor Oak replied absentmindedly.
Brooklyn lead his team to the lounge. As they entered, Mew nearly crashed into the Gargoyle's chest! "Sorry! I wasn't watching where I was going," it stated apologetically.
"That's okay. Hey, can Thermal have clearance?" Brooklyn slapped his forehead with a barely audible "oops, forgot to intruduce 'em" and introduced the female Charizard to the kitten-like Pokemon.
~~Pleasure to make your acquaintance,~~ Thermal stated politely.
"Yes, a pleasure," Mew replied. It hovered innocently infront of her. "Clearance granted. Brooklyn, I've now telepathicaly showed Thermal the Eyrie Building. You know the routine by now." The small Pokemon vanished into the kitchen.
"Thermal, keep the Eyrie Building in mind. The rest know the drill and will be thinking of it, too. It's weird, but it's the only way to open Oberon's Gate from this side," Brooklyn explained.
"HEY! Wait up!" they heard someone shout. Skidding into the room was Marco, Jake, Cassie, Lexington, and Andreecia. It had been Marco who'd shouted. All their Pokemon were inside Poke- balls. Dreesh didn't have any Pokemon, though she had her Pokedex/ID.
"Okay. Soda, Tyde, Deputy, and Wind Song! Return!" Brooklyn called out as he held four Poke- balls. The specified Pokemon went willingly inside them. "Guys, this is my new friend Thermal. Thermal, these are some of my friends." Brooklyn named and pointed out who was who. Then all of them focused on the Eyrie Building and went through Oberon's Gate.
~Commercial Break~
~Eyrie Building, same night, tower where Oberon's Gate is located~
*They're coming,* Mewtwo announced calmly. It always kept in touch with Mew. They would tell each other when the gate was going to be used.
Broadway, Angela, and Ax stepped aside. They had asked Mewtwo when their friends would be back. The super-clone had told them that it didn't know. However, the psychic Pokemon promised to give them that information when it became available.
Luckily, they had visited the tower each night for a month. "Look!" exclaimed Broadway. "It's opening!"
There was a blue circle pulsing in the air infront of them. Soon, it expanded to approximately eight feet in diameter. Dreesh came through first. She was followed by Thermal, Cassie, Brooklyn, Lexington, Jake, and Marco.
"Finally!" said Angela, exasperated.
*Prince Jake? A new problem has developed.*
*Why do you keep calling him "Prince Jake"?* Dreesh inquired, irratated.
At the same time, Jake replied, "What problem is that, Ax?"
Ax ignored his cousin, not for the first time. He said, *Doctor Sevarius has decided to take some Hork-Bajir, Andalites, and humans captive.*
Jake rubbed his temples. Dr. Sevarius had begun to cause trouble just as Demona was defeated. Xanatos had briefed the Animorphs on the mad geneticist, so they at least knew whom they were going up against. "Greaaat. What does he want in return for their freedom?"
*That's where the problem begins,* Mewtwo stated. It hovered a little more to the left. *He has not requested a ransom.*
"WHAT?!" everyone who had just come through Oberon's Gate exclaimed quite loudly. Just then, all the Gargoyles turned to stone!
At that moment, Callahan showed up. She'd been tracking Dr. Sevarius and had a bit of trouble. ~~Uno problemo, compadres,~~ she began. ~~Our crazy doctor has just left Mexico and headed for Canada. On top of that is a second problem: he tranked me and put this dumb tracking collar on. It's fire-, ice-, water-, and CHILD proof! So, can anybody hack the codes and get it off?~~
"Hold on a nano! That thing's everything proof, right?" Marco double-checked.
~~Yeah, that's about it. Can you get off or not?~~
"Can I keep it once it's off?"
~~I don't see why you'd want to, but I don't have any objections.~~ Callahan was very baffled.
"Great!" Marco began hacking. That didn't work. Dreesh tried next. Though she didn't get the thing to come off, the Andalite female did manage to deactivate it. Ax took his turn. When he failed to get the code right, the young male Andalite warrior decided to use his tail blade instead!
*Callahan, I would recommend that you hold very still. What I'm about to do won't hurt and won't take long. I assure you,* Ax said calmly. FWAPP! Clunk. Ax's tail blade had sliced through the collar, which then fell to the floor.
~~Thanks, I think,~~ Callahan stated. She'd barely registered the words "hold very still" when the collar fell off.
~Commercial Break~
~That night~
With roaring and the cracking of stone, the Gargoyles awoke. Bronx suddenly came up and began barking. "What is it, Bronx?" Brooklyn asked. Bronx merely continued to bark.
~~He says, "When's breakfast? Who's this? Hurry up. Welcome home. Ya comin'?" Well, you asked,~~ Callahan replied with a shrug.
~~Whoa, back up! You can understand Bronx?~~ Pikachu inquired.
~~I understand three languages: human, canine, and Pokemon. I speak K-9 and Pokemon. You got a problem with that?~~ Callahan's fiery hackles went up.
"No problem here," Marco stated with his hands up, palms out.
"Ooookaay. Uh, which of us is Bronx ta. . ? Wait! He never met Thermal before an' neither have you. Guys, this is Thermal. Thermal, these are more of my friends," Brooklyn said and finished the introductions.
*Welcome,* said Mewtwo calmly.
"Everyone's well rested, so I suggest we follow Bronx to the kitchen," Broadway suggested with a pat on his rotund belly. Marco held back a rude comment. Everyone headed downstairs except Mewtwo, the gate's guardian.
When they arrived in the kitchen, they recieved a second surprise: Lord Oberon and his Queen Titania! "My Lord and Lady came to check on Young Master Alexander," Owen explained with a wave at Their Majesties.
~~I never realized you had so many friends, Brooklyn,~~ Thermal commented. More introductions followed for the female Charizard's benefit. Then Mewtwo telepathically introduced her to anyone that was associated with Oberon's Gate that she may encounter.
"Good morning, Your Majesties," Angela greeted.
Marco, ever the bold one, gave Oberon a clout on the shoulder. "Mornin'! Say, didjya know Callahan can understand Bronx? I learned that this morning. Please pass the bacon, Broadway," he rambled, heading for one of the chairs around the table.
"You are undeniably more impertinent than Puck," the ruler of Avalon stated. Glaring at Marco, the fay lord continued, "Which is an unwise habit for a mortal to get into."
At this, Owen raised a knowing eyebrow. "Indeed, m'lord."
Marco, rebuked, drawled, "Oookay. I'll remember that one. Promise." Jake rolled his eyes in understandable disbelief. The two Andalites, standing on some hay that Owen had on hand, had all four eyes on Marco as he made his promise.
Owen hid a smile from his Lord and Lady. The fay didn't want more punishment on top of his limited abilities and banishment from Avalon.
Soon, everyone was finishing their first meal of the night. They heard footsteps and voices. "Another quest is the only reason Avalon would send that skiff back passenger-less," Elisa argued.
"I doubt we are intended to continue a quest that has ended," Goliath countered with a paw on his friend's shoulder.
"But what if it HADN'T ended? What if Avalon-?" the lady cop attempted to continue.
Titania looked at the pair as they entered and interrupted, "What are you talking about? Surely Avalon would not send a lonely skiff to Manhatten?"
"What skiff?" Jake and Brooklyn asked simultaneously. Elisa rubbed the back of her neck. Of all the stories to be shared, the "Avalon Adventures" had been evaded. Now, those stories, save for the one of New Olympus, were told.
"But who does the skiff want?" Jake inquired. Elisa shrugged. Titania looked startled, for all that she had been in a couple of the tales. Even Lord Oberon, who only had a part in one of the adventures, was baffled.
Owen spoke up. "Perhaps Avalon wants volunteers." He adjusted his glasses.
"I'll go!" Brooklyn exclaimed with a hand zipping into the air.
~~Not without me you don't,~~ Thermal stated.
Hudson walked in. "What're we volunteering for? I s'pose I should keep an eye on th' lad an' lass." Hudson was briefed on the situation. "I'll definitely go. May we bring my friend Jeoffery Robbins along? He's been wishin' fer an adventure," the elderly Gargoyle stated.
"If you can convince him, then I don't see why not," Queen Titania replied.
Brooklyn and Thermal cheered. Hudson did, too, though not as boisterously.
~Commercial Break~
~Jeoffery Robbins's house, a while later~
Hudson had explained matters to the blind man. "Ye've said ya need somethin' new fer yuir books. What d'ye say?" the eldest Gargoyle proposed.
"A quest?" Jeoffery wondered aloud. "Well, I'd like to bring Gillie with me. Other than that, I'd be more than happy to go with you, Hudson." The seeing eye dog, Gillie, wagged her tail.
"I'll carry Gillie," Brooklyn offered.
"An' I'll carry Jeoffery," Hudson stated. The team headed back to the Eyrie Building.
When they arrived, Elisa and Goliath led the way to the skiff. Titania gave them an enchanted pack with rations of food for everyone and some sleeping materials for those who'd need it. Oberon enchanted Jeoffery to understand Pokemon. Then he and the others had also been enchanted to understand K-9.
"Good luck to you all," Titania stated. Hudson steadied the skiff while Jeoffery and Gillie got in. Brooklyn let Hudson and Thermal in next, and he went last.
"Thank ye, Yuir Majesty," Hudson replied. After some short good byes, the group began their quest. More would be told, except that is for other stories yet to come. . . .
Temporarily The End
Oh, a couple of notes: * = telepathy/thought-speak " = regular speech/quote ~Commercial Break~ = generally, a shift in characters and/or location that lets you take a break for getting a snack or whatever and can be ignored ~~ = automatic translation of the Pokemon spoken language # = translated Yeerk speech. If you need to see what an Andalite looks like, go to www.scholastic.com/animorphs and click on the link that goes directly to the books. It shows Ax on some of the book covers, his brother on the cover to Andalite Chronicles, an Andalite female on Hork-Bajir Chronicles, and Visser Three/One, who has an Andalite host body, on Visser. IF a person wishes to "borrow" a character that I have invented, they must ASK FIRST! I will then consider letting them use it.
Brooklyn's Tour
The Skiff
~One year after Demona's defeat, Brooklyn is off on his own adventure~
~~This is going to be the final badge we'll need to get into the Johto League. Do you think we'll qualify?~~ Soda the Eevee asked. It was resting on Brooklyn's shoulder as they glided over the Charicific Valley. Brooklyn had three more hours until sunrise and wondered where the nearest and safest place to spend the day would be.
"Sure, we'll qualify. I just hope we don't get pitted against Marco, Jake, or Lexington. I'm not entirely sure I want to battle my friends," the red Gargoyle replied. He didn't want to battle Lexington because his rookery brother had teamed up with an Andalite female. Brooklyn didn't want to fight Marco because of the sharpness of his mind. As for Jake, Brooklyn figured that the "leader" of the Animorphs was too good at adapting to peculiar situations. Not to mention that he expertly had acted like a war general before the downfall of the Yeerk empire.
~~Remind me. How did Lexington get a female Andalite on his team?~~ Soda inquired.
"Reading my mind, Soda? I didn't know you were psychic." Soda chuckled at the joke. Brooklyn continued, "Well, they met at a night class that she taught. And her name is Andreecia-Ellanora- Isthyria. I think she's Ax' cousin. Anyway, she and Lexington call each other 'Lex' and 'Dreesh' for short."
~~What sort of class?~~
"One to help people understand Andalite technologies and 'Seerow's Law'. I heard Lexington talking about the class for three nights straight! I think you and the rest of our Pokepals were visiting Rachel and Macbeth." Brooklyn heaved a sigh of regret. Broadway has Angela, and now Lexington has an Andalite female dubbed Dreesh. As for himself, the red Gargoyle didn't have a female that would even consider snuggling up to him.
Down below, a female Charizard was feeling down on her own luck. She wanted a mate. However, this Charizard had been turned down by several suitors. Their reason was she was an unusual red orange color instead of the pale orange or yellow orange!
Glancing skyward, she saw what looked like a red Charizard whose tail flame had sadly gone out. Pumping her wings, the female took to the sky to investigate.
Brooklyn noticed a creature take off from the ground. He steadied himself in the air. Soda complained as the Gargoyle got out his Pokedex. Brooklyn aimed it at the flyer and the Pokedex said, "Charizard, the fully evolved form of Charmander."
Brooklyn exclaimed, "This one's a red orange! Cool!"
At the same moment of "cool," Soda sarcastically replied, ~~No kidding.~~
~~Excuse me,~~ the female Charizard said. She had reached them quite rapidly. ~~Um, why are you using a human device if you're a Charizard?~~
"I'm not a Charizard! I'm a Gargoyle," Brooklyn corrected with a touch of pride.
~~Are you sure?~~ she inquired. The Charizard had realized this creature was male. She wasn't very sure what to do and felt a little disappointed.
"Of course I'm sure. My friends call me Brooklyn and so can you."
~~Thanks, Brooklyn,~~ the female Charizard said with a sigh.
"What's wrong?"
~~Oh, nothing much.~~ A tear trickled down her face.
~~Brooklyn,~~ Soda began gently, ~~this Charizard is a down-hearted . . . female!~~
Brooklyn almost lost his aerial balance. The next thought to cross his mind was "damsel in distress." "Say, could you direct me to a place for a landing? I can't hover indefinitely and would enjoy talking to you."
The Charizard was startled. She showed Brooklyn to her cavern and they got comfy. Soda went back in its Pokeball without being asked. That made the Gargoyle feel awkward.
He and the Charizard talked about their rough luck with the opposite gender of their own species. By the time they were done, Brooklyn had nicknamed her Thermal. The sun would soon rise. Thermal agreed to protect him for the day.
That night, Thermal was surprised by the cracking of stone that was Brooklyn waking up. They decided to get better acquainted. Also, Thermal wanted to meet all of his other Pokepals. A few hours later, they were all fully familiar with each other and the reason that Brooklyn could understand Pokemon.
Just as Thermal escorted her new friends out, Charla and her trainer showed up! ~~Uh-oh. Brooklyn, I don't think they're gonna like my leaving the valley with you. They're extremely protective of those of us here in the Charicific Valley,~~ Thermal stated worriedly.
Charla looked at her trainer in surprise. Her trainer scolded, "You'd better not be planning to capture that Charizard! You risk charges of poaching if you do!"
Thermal shuddered and Brooklyn felt obliged to explain. "I'm not capturing her," he said at the end of a long, resigned sigh. He handed the human his Pokedex. She read the Gargoyle's ID very carefully and found how trustworthy he and all Gargoyles are.
~~So can I go?~~ Thermal asked hopefully.
~~I dunno if that's a good idea. Someone may try to capture you,~~ Charla expressed her concern.
"I've a hunch that's not very wise. At least, not until the breeding season is over," Charla's trainer spoke of her own concerns at the same time.
"You've never been through Oberon's Gate, have you?" Brooklyn wondered aloud. He found the human's ability to communicate with the Charizard indirectly very baffling.
"No, but I've been around Charizard enough to understand them," Charla's trainer said calmly. "It may go against our better judgement, but since this Charizard WANTS to go, we can't keep her against her own free will."
~~Thank you!~~ Thermal exclaimed happily.
"Yeah, thanks a ton! I promise you won't regret it," Brooklyn informed Charla and her trainer. "Besides, protectiveness is something we have in common. It's a Gargoyle's first and foremost instinct." That left Charla and her trainer something to think about. Brooklyn began to climb the cliff wall as Thermal pumped her wings and took flight.
The she-Charizard noticed that Brooklyn was still climbing. She swooped down to him and inquired, ~~Can't you fly?~~
"Nope. I can only glide. I need enough altitude to catch the wind currents beneath my wings," he explaned.
~~Oh.~~ Thermal then plucked Brooklyn off the cliff and threw him on her back. She flew them effortlessly higher. When she figured they must be high enough - they had cleared the cliffs of the Charicific Valley - she asked, ~~This high enough?~~
"Yep." Thermal flipped over and the startled Gargoyle fell off! Quickly, he righted himself and glided next to his new friend.
~~Which way from here?~~
"North, I think."
~Commercial Break~
~Goldenrod City Gym, two nights later, mid-battle~
Brooklyn had been allowed to use three Pokemon against the gym leader's one Miltank. His first choice was Soda, who was bull-dosed by Miltank's Roll Out! The Gargoyle's second choice had been Tyde, a Poliwhirl. Tyde was also flattened by Roll Out!
"Which now? Deputy or Wind Song?" he rehtorically asked.
~~Neither. I'm large enough that I should be able to pick Miltank up. Please, let me try,~~ Thermal answered with a paw on her friend's shoulder.
"That's just crazy enough to work!" Brooklyn replied with a snap of his fingers. "I choose Thermal!"
An official person stated dryly, "The challenger has chosen a Charizard of a different color."
"Thermal, you know what to do!" the Gargoyle called out encouragingly.
Thermal jumped into the air and began to fly around. Miltank's owner called for Roll Out. Just as the Pokemon curled up and began to roll, the red-orange Charizard swooped down! Before the Roll Out had sufficient momentum to block any attacks, Miltank was plucked clean off the ground. Thermal used Fire Spin while keeping a firm grip. Fire Spin was followed by a Seismic Toss.
Miltank didn't get up and it's eyes showed that swirl that indicates either dizziness or unconsciousness. The official announced, "The challenger Brooklyn of Manhatten has won the match!"
Brooklyn and his Pokepals cheered as the badge was handed to the red Gargoyle. "That was fantastic, Thermal!" Brooklyn gave a companionly slap to Thermal's shoulder.
~~Thank you,~~ she replied, blushing a little.
"No, I should be thanking you!" Brooklyn stated, emphasising "I" and "you". Thermal's blush brightened.
They spent the next day at the Goldenrod City Pokemon Center.
~Commercial Break~
~Brooklyn's team of Pokemon had made it to fourth place in the Johto League within the next few weeks. Brooklyln and Thermal were quite fond of each other now. Five months after being at Goldenrod City, the group is about to transverse through Oberon's Gate~
~~D'you think your friends will like me?~~ Thermal asked.
~~Of course they will!~~ the recently evolved Wind Song replied. It had evolved fully into Wigglytuff.
Soda, Tyde, and Deputy - a Sandslash - agreed. Brooklyn aslo knew Wind Song was right. "Don't worry! It takes more than a Charizard to phase our friends," he said with a dismissive wave of his hand.
"Yo! Professor Oak! Ya seen Mewtwo? We need Thermal to get transdimensional clearance."
"Huh? What? Oh, right. Mewtwo and Mew traded off again. Mew is in the lounge, Brooklyn," Professor Oak replied absentmindedly.
Brooklyn lead his team to the lounge. As they entered, Mew nearly crashed into the Gargoyle's chest! "Sorry! I wasn't watching where I was going," it stated apologetically.
"That's okay. Hey, can Thermal have clearance?" Brooklyn slapped his forehead with a barely audible "oops, forgot to intruduce 'em" and introduced the female Charizard to the kitten-like Pokemon.
~~Pleasure to make your acquaintance,~~ Thermal stated politely.
"Yes, a pleasure," Mew replied. It hovered innocently infront of her. "Clearance granted. Brooklyn, I've now telepathicaly showed Thermal the Eyrie Building. You know the routine by now." The small Pokemon vanished into the kitchen.
"Thermal, keep the Eyrie Building in mind. The rest know the drill and will be thinking of it, too. It's weird, but it's the only way to open Oberon's Gate from this side," Brooklyn explained.
"HEY! Wait up!" they heard someone shout. Skidding into the room was Marco, Jake, Cassie, Lexington, and Andreecia. It had been Marco who'd shouted. All their Pokemon were inside Poke- balls. Dreesh didn't have any Pokemon, though she had her Pokedex/ID.
"Okay. Soda, Tyde, Deputy, and Wind Song! Return!" Brooklyn called out as he held four Poke- balls. The specified Pokemon went willingly inside them. "Guys, this is my new friend Thermal. Thermal, these are some of my friends." Brooklyn named and pointed out who was who. Then all of them focused on the Eyrie Building and went through Oberon's Gate.
~Commercial Break~
~Eyrie Building, same night, tower where Oberon's Gate is located~
*They're coming,* Mewtwo announced calmly. It always kept in touch with Mew. They would tell each other when the gate was going to be used.
Broadway, Angela, and Ax stepped aside. They had asked Mewtwo when their friends would be back. The super-clone had told them that it didn't know. However, the psychic Pokemon promised to give them that information when it became available.
Luckily, they had visited the tower each night for a month. "Look!" exclaimed Broadway. "It's opening!"
There was a blue circle pulsing in the air infront of them. Soon, it expanded to approximately eight feet in diameter. Dreesh came through first. She was followed by Thermal, Cassie, Brooklyn, Lexington, Jake, and Marco.
"Finally!" said Angela, exasperated.
*Prince Jake? A new problem has developed.*
*Why do you keep calling him "Prince Jake"?* Dreesh inquired, irratated.
At the same time, Jake replied, "What problem is that, Ax?"
Ax ignored his cousin, not for the first time. He said, *Doctor Sevarius has decided to take some Hork-Bajir, Andalites, and humans captive.*
Jake rubbed his temples. Dr. Sevarius had begun to cause trouble just as Demona was defeated. Xanatos had briefed the Animorphs on the mad geneticist, so they at least knew whom they were going up against. "Greaaat. What does he want in return for their freedom?"
*That's where the problem begins,* Mewtwo stated. It hovered a little more to the left. *He has not requested a ransom.*
"WHAT?!" everyone who had just come through Oberon's Gate exclaimed quite loudly. Just then, all the Gargoyles turned to stone!
At that moment, Callahan showed up. She'd been tracking Dr. Sevarius and had a bit of trouble. ~~Uno problemo, compadres,~~ she began. ~~Our crazy doctor has just left Mexico and headed for Canada. On top of that is a second problem: he tranked me and put this dumb tracking collar on. It's fire-, ice-, water-, and CHILD proof! So, can anybody hack the codes and get it off?~~
"Hold on a nano! That thing's everything proof, right?" Marco double-checked.
~~Yeah, that's about it. Can you get off or not?~~
"Can I keep it once it's off?"
~~I don't see why you'd want to, but I don't have any objections.~~ Callahan was very baffled.
"Great!" Marco began hacking. That didn't work. Dreesh tried next. Though she didn't get the thing to come off, the Andalite female did manage to deactivate it. Ax took his turn. When he failed to get the code right, the young male Andalite warrior decided to use his tail blade instead!
*Callahan, I would recommend that you hold very still. What I'm about to do won't hurt and won't take long. I assure you,* Ax said calmly. FWAPP! Clunk. Ax's tail blade had sliced through the collar, which then fell to the floor.
~~Thanks, I think,~~ Callahan stated. She'd barely registered the words "hold very still" when the collar fell off.
~Commercial Break~
~That night~
With roaring and the cracking of stone, the Gargoyles awoke. Bronx suddenly came up and began barking. "What is it, Bronx?" Brooklyn asked. Bronx merely continued to bark.
~~He says, "When's breakfast? Who's this? Hurry up. Welcome home. Ya comin'?" Well, you asked,~~ Callahan replied with a shrug.
~~Whoa, back up! You can understand Bronx?~~ Pikachu inquired.
~~I understand three languages: human, canine, and Pokemon. I speak K-9 and Pokemon. You got a problem with that?~~ Callahan's fiery hackles went up.
"No problem here," Marco stated with his hands up, palms out.
"Ooookaay. Uh, which of us is Bronx ta. . ? Wait! He never met Thermal before an' neither have you. Guys, this is Thermal. Thermal, these are more of my friends," Brooklyn said and finished the introductions.
*Welcome,* said Mewtwo calmly.
"Everyone's well rested, so I suggest we follow Bronx to the kitchen," Broadway suggested with a pat on his rotund belly. Marco held back a rude comment. Everyone headed downstairs except Mewtwo, the gate's guardian.
When they arrived in the kitchen, they recieved a second surprise: Lord Oberon and his Queen Titania! "My Lord and Lady came to check on Young Master Alexander," Owen explained with a wave at Their Majesties.
~~I never realized you had so many friends, Brooklyn,~~ Thermal commented. More introductions followed for the female Charizard's benefit. Then Mewtwo telepathically introduced her to anyone that was associated with Oberon's Gate that she may encounter.
"Good morning, Your Majesties," Angela greeted.
Marco, ever the bold one, gave Oberon a clout on the shoulder. "Mornin'! Say, didjya know Callahan can understand Bronx? I learned that this morning. Please pass the bacon, Broadway," he rambled, heading for one of the chairs around the table.
"You are undeniably more impertinent than Puck," the ruler of Avalon stated. Glaring at Marco, the fay lord continued, "Which is an unwise habit for a mortal to get into."
At this, Owen raised a knowing eyebrow. "Indeed, m'lord."
Marco, rebuked, drawled, "Oookay. I'll remember that one. Promise." Jake rolled his eyes in understandable disbelief. The two Andalites, standing on some hay that Owen had on hand, had all four eyes on Marco as he made his promise.
Owen hid a smile from his Lord and Lady. The fay didn't want more punishment on top of his limited abilities and banishment from Avalon.
Soon, everyone was finishing their first meal of the night. They heard footsteps and voices. "Another quest is the only reason Avalon would send that skiff back passenger-less," Elisa argued.
"I doubt we are intended to continue a quest that has ended," Goliath countered with a paw on his friend's shoulder.
"But what if it HADN'T ended? What if Avalon-?" the lady cop attempted to continue.
Titania looked at the pair as they entered and interrupted, "What are you talking about? Surely Avalon would not send a lonely skiff to Manhatten?"
"What skiff?" Jake and Brooklyn asked simultaneously. Elisa rubbed the back of her neck. Of all the stories to be shared, the "Avalon Adventures" had been evaded. Now, those stories, save for the one of New Olympus, were told.
"But who does the skiff want?" Jake inquired. Elisa shrugged. Titania looked startled, for all that she had been in a couple of the tales. Even Lord Oberon, who only had a part in one of the adventures, was baffled.
Owen spoke up. "Perhaps Avalon wants volunteers." He adjusted his glasses.
"I'll go!" Brooklyn exclaimed with a hand zipping into the air.
~~Not without me you don't,~~ Thermal stated.
Hudson walked in. "What're we volunteering for? I s'pose I should keep an eye on th' lad an' lass." Hudson was briefed on the situation. "I'll definitely go. May we bring my friend Jeoffery Robbins along? He's been wishin' fer an adventure," the elderly Gargoyle stated.
"If you can convince him, then I don't see why not," Queen Titania replied.
Brooklyn and Thermal cheered. Hudson did, too, though not as boisterously.
~Commercial Break~
~Jeoffery Robbins's house, a while later~
Hudson had explained matters to the blind man. "Ye've said ya need somethin' new fer yuir books. What d'ye say?" the eldest Gargoyle proposed.
"A quest?" Jeoffery wondered aloud. "Well, I'd like to bring Gillie with me. Other than that, I'd be more than happy to go with you, Hudson." The seeing eye dog, Gillie, wagged her tail.
"I'll carry Gillie," Brooklyn offered.
"An' I'll carry Jeoffery," Hudson stated. The team headed back to the Eyrie Building.
When they arrived, Elisa and Goliath led the way to the skiff. Titania gave them an enchanted pack with rations of food for everyone and some sleeping materials for those who'd need it. Oberon enchanted Jeoffery to understand Pokemon. Then he and the others had also been enchanted to understand K-9.
"Good luck to you all," Titania stated. Hudson steadied the skiff while Jeoffery and Gillie got in. Brooklyn let Hudson and Thermal in next, and he went last.
"Thank ye, Yuir Majesty," Hudson replied. After some short good byes, the group began their quest. More would be told, except that is for other stories yet to come. . . .
Temporarily The End