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Pokémon Fan Fiction
The Adventures on the Crimson Isles
Rated 'M' for Language, Violence, and Suggestive Themes
Chapter 2: Horus City
Ash and Serena have successfully arrived on the Desert Isle, and after a small quarrel with the enigmatic Team Pluto, our heroes find themselves face to face with a battalion of Officer Jennys! Can Ash and Serena prove their innocence? What are Team Pluto's motives? And who will be joining the duo on their adventures? Keep reading to find out! Enjoy!
Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with Pokémon, GameFreak, or Nintendo.
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With a flash of violet light, the two hooded figures appeared in a plain metal-plated hallway. The hallway was quiet and deserted and a single flickering light dangled from the ceiling. To one end of the hallway was quite simply the end of the hallway. To the other end was a thick steel door, almost like the door of a giant safe. There was no way into this hallway, except by the move Teleport.
"Kadabra, return," the woman said, and the Psi Pokémon was beamed back into its Pokéball.
"Here we go," the man muttered.
The duo quietly walked to the large steel door and knocked. They then knelt down to the cold metal floor and lowered their heads in respect.
The door eased itself open automatically, and sitting at a dark oaken desk at the opposite end of the room was a woman. This was no ordinary woman, no simple administrator or commander. This was the leader of Team Pluto. She wore a poufy purple dress, however on her, it did not look silly; it looked menacing. The woman had dark skin, long, thick black hair tied up in a fancy knot, but also some draping over her broad shoulders. Finally, she wore a simple silver tiara and her eyes were as black as Darkrai.
"At ease," the leader's deep voice echoed. "Enter, and deliver your report."
The two Grunts rose and carefully stepped into the leader's office and the steel door slammed shut behind them. They gulped in fear.
The female Grunt cleared her throat and spoke. "There were no traces of the crystal in the Desert Cathedral, M-Madam."
The leader's eyes roared with dark fire. She was not pleased, at all. "Have you scanned the entire Cathedral yet?"
"Yes ma'am," the male Grunt responded. "And the Crumble Bomb has been set."
"Is that all?" The leader rumbled.
The two Grunts glanced at each other, exchanging a brief, silent confirmation.
"That's all," the female Grunt said quickly.
The leader nodded and took out a violet Pokéball from her dress. "The Crumble Bomb has not been set. I received no signal from any Crumble Bomb in the Desert Cathedral," she continued, without removing her eyes from the Pokéball.
"We, uh, we forgot to turn on the signal," the female Grunt sputtered.
"You...forgot," the leader repeated, unconvinced. "I don't believe you are telling me the truth. Would you care to tell me what ACTUALLY HAPPENED!"
The Grunts cowered back to the door in fear.
"T-There was a boy and a girl," the male Grunt stuttered. "T-They caught us. We engaged them, b-but they defeated us."
The leader sneered. Pathetic! They were defeated by a couple of kids?! A boy and a girl!
"Come out," the leader spat.
The leader's Pokéball snapped open and a Bisharp materialized into the office.
"This is what happens to those who fail me, and lie to me!" the leader roared. "This is what happens to those who are defeated by a BOY and a GIRL! Bisharp, use Night Slash!"
Without a moment's hesitation, in a single swipe, Bisharp's arm swung in a wide arc and the two Grunts crumpled to the floor, dead. Blood soaked their robes and pooled onto the floor from huge gashes in their necks.
The leader sighed. That was the fourth *mess* she'd made this week. The failure rate of her Grunts was disgustingly high and it was taking more manpower that she was willing to provide to continually scrub her office down.
"Bisharp, return."
Desert Isle - outside the Desert Cathedral
"Put your hands in the air, nice and slow!" The lead Jenny commanded.
Ash was confused. What was going on? Did this Officer Jenny really think they were a part of Team Pluto?
"What's going on?" Ash demanded. "We aren't Team Pluto!"
"Put your hands in the air and do as I say!" The lead Jenny yelled. The Arcanine and Pyroar growled, moving closer to the duo.
"Ash, just do as she says! We can explain later," Serena pleaded, putting her arms up.
"Alright," Ash grumbled, raising his hands into the air.
"Pika?" Pikachu chirped.
"Put that Pikachu back in its Pokéball!" The lead Jenny commanded.
Ash sighed. "Sorry buddy. Return."
Pikachu squealed and disappeared into its Pokéball.
The lead Jenny motioned to the duo and a fellow Jenny stripped them of their Pokéballs.
"Now," she said. "This way."
Ash and Serena followed the lead Jenny to one of the vans, and she motioned for them to get in the back. Once they were seated inside, another Jenny began handcuffing them to the benches they were sitting on.
"Hey!" Ash said, ripping his hand away from the officer.
A Pyroar from outside leaped into the back of the van and pounced on Ash.
"Ash, please!" Serena begged. She had already been cuffed to the bench.
Ash settled down, and he too was cuffed. The Pyroar jumped out, the lead Jenny hopped in, the doors were shut, and the van started moving. Sirens screamed overhead and the remaining police cars and motorcycles made a perimeter around the van, sirens blaring on them too.
Once the van had reached a steady speed, Ash spoke. "What's going on here? Where are you taking us?"
Jenny smirked. "Don't play dumb with me. You're a part of Team Pluto, and you're going to jail."
"Jail?!" Serena shouted. "Like Ash said, we aren't in Team Pluto! Look at us; we're kids!"
Jenny frowned. She hadn't thought of that. They aren't wearing black cloaks either. Could they be innocent?
"Was anyone else in the Desert Cathedral with you?" She questioned.
"Desert Cathedral?" Ash asked.
Jenny rolled her eyes. "Yes, the building you just came out of. Was there anyone else down there?"
"There was," Ash began. "There were two people wearing dark robes. They said something about Team Pluto."
"Yes, they said that wouldn't be the last we'd see of them," Serena added.
Jenny chewed the inside of her mouth, then rapped on the barrier between the driver's cabin and the back. "Stop the other vehicles."
The driver nodded and spoke into his walkie-talkie.
"Where did these Team Pluto members go?" Jenny asked the duo
"We defeated their Drifblim and Krookodile but they used a Kadabra to teleport away," Serena explained.
Jenny nodded and took notes on her tablet as the van came to a stop. She un-handcuffed them and opened the doors of the van. The three of them climbed out into the blistering heat.
The other vehicles in the convoy were stopped around the van, their drivers wondering why the prisoners were outside their van.
"So who is Team Pluto anyways?" Ash asked, rubbing his wrists.
"Team Pluto is a terrorist group based here in the Crimson Isles. Our task force was assembled to try and locate and stop Team Pluto, whatever their goals may be."
Serena nodded. "I see..."
"Is there anything else they said, anything you think may be important?" Jenny pressed.
Ash racked his memory. "No, that's about it."
Serena jumped. "They said something about a...a Crumble Bomb!"
Jenny's eyes widened. "A bomb!"
Ash nodded vigorously. "Yeah that's right! They said something about a sort of bomb that could speed up erosion."
Jenny cursed and turned to her battalion. She relayed them orders, and the majority of them turned back towards the Desert Cathedral.
"I'm terribly sorry about this mix-up. Thank you for your help and cooperation, but I have to get back to the Cathedral," Jenny said quickly. She then ran back to her van and started it up. Yelling out the window, she said to a fellow officer, "Take them to Horus City!" Then the van was off.
The officer that the lead Jenny had called drove a police car. "Hop in," she told the duo.
Ash and Serena clambered into the car, and ten minutes later, it came to a stop in the middle of the Glittering City.
Desert Isle - Horus City
Horus City was a city of the sun. All the buildings were built with large sandstone bricks and golden metallic trim. The police car had stopped in front of the Pokémon Center, and even that was built with a gold metallic trim.
The duo climbed out of the car. "Thanks for the ride," Ash said.
"No problem," the Jenny replied. "And again, I'm very sorry on behalf of our entire force that you were restrained under false pretenses."
"Oh, it's fine," Serena chirped. "At least we got out okay."
"All's well that ends well, I guess," Ash added.
"See you later!" Officer Jenny called. She started up her car and drove off into the city.
Pikachu's Pokéball burst open and the Mouse Pokémon sprung out, disapproval written all over his face.
"Pika!" He growled in anger.
"Sorry buddy, I know you don't like it in there, but we have it all sorted out now."
Ash threw the sweat off his neck. "Wow," he started. "A terrorist group here on the Crimson Isles."
"It's scary to think about," Serena mentioned. "To think that they could be anywhere, or be anyone. It's unsettling."
"Well, at least that's over," Ash grinned. "Let's go book ourselves a room in the Pokémon Center," he said, pointing to the orange building behind him.
Serena agreed, and the duo walked into the Center.
Immediately, they were blasted with a torrent of cold air from the air conditioners...as well as some obnoxious yelling coming from the counter.
"What do you mean they're not here! Their ship landed here three hours ago! Even of he is just a little kid, there's no way it'd take Ash three hours to get here!"
Iris.
Ash's eyes lit up. "Hey Iris!" Serena trailed behind him, keeping her distance from the loud girl.
Iris whipped around. Her expression warped from angry to happy, then back to angry. She stormed over to him.
Her formerly *large* hair had been cut and was now styled into a think braid that draped around her neck and over her right shoulder. Other than that, her outfit had generally remained the same, although she had gotten several inches taller.
"Ash Ketchum! I've been waiting here two hours for you! Explain yourself!" Then she noticed Serena. Her expression melted from anger into mischief. "And you must be Serena. Ash has told me loads about you!"
Ash jumped.
"He...did?" Serena blushed, glancing over at the raven-haired Trainer.
Iris giggled. "Nah, I'm just messing with you!"
Ash softened.
"I'm Iris, by the way. Dragon Master in-training, Unovian, and the newest addition to your troupe!"
Serena smiled nervously. "Hi...I'm Serena, like you said. I'm training as a Pokémon Performer." She faltered. "How did you know my name was Serena?"
Iris was taken aback. "Huh? Oh, Ash's mom called me about a week ago and asked if I'd like to join him in his adventures on the Crimson Isles."
"Really?" Serena asked.
Iris nodded vigorously.
"It's nice to see you again Iris," Ash finally chimed in.
"You too...," Iris said, still in eye contact with Serena.
Ash noticed the tension between the girls and quickly stepped between them. "Why don't we all get some lunch," he chuckled nervously. "I'm starving."
"Me too," Serena agreed.
"I guess a bit of food couldn't hurt," Iris added.
Before leaving, Ash and Serena received from a Pokédex from Nurse Joy, and in Ash's case, a Badge Case and registration into the Crimson League as well.
"Alright! Eight badges to go!" He exclaimed.
The trio departed the Pokémon Center and took a bus to a restaurant called Cleo's Place. After they were seated, Ash began to talk.
"So Iris, how has your training with Clair been going?"
Iris wiped hamburger grease from her chin and responded, "Very well! In fact, you won't believe what happened!"
Serena chewed on a french fry. "What happened?"
"My Axew evolved! Into Fraxure!"
"Wow! Can I see it? Please!" Ash exclaimed.
Iris glanced at Serena and shook her head. "Still such a little kid."
Serena, although she didn't like Iris for making fun of Ash, giggled, having not been able to agree with Iris anymore. "Ash is still the same Ash you met in Unova, I guess!"
Iris smiled. "So honestly, what you two so long to get here? Run into a few wrong turns...by accident?" She grinned.
Serena blushed, but it was Ash who responded. "You won't believe this! We found ourselves at the Desert Cathedral, then we ran into a couple of figures from Team Pluto!"
"Team Pluto?"
"Yeah, apparently they're a terrorist organization based here in the Crimson Isles!"
Iris's mischievous demeanor turned to surprise. "You met Team Pluto? I heard they were a super secretive bunch and only a few of their members has ever been seen!"
Serena nodded. "We fought them off too! They had a Drifblim and a Krookodile, but they were no match for Pikachu and Delphox!"
"Pika!" Pikachu blushed.
"Wow, you have a Delphox?" Iris marveled. "That's the fully evolved form of one of the Kalos starter Pokémon, right?"
"Yes, it is!" Serena confirmed.
"I heard about Team Pluto on the TV," Iris explained. "Apparently they have a super secret base here on the Desert Isle!"
"Here!" Ash yelped.
"Well, if we ever see them again, we'll beat 'em again!" Serena said, pumping her fist.
Iris grinned. "That's something Ash would say."
Ash and Serena looked at each other and blushed.
The trio finished their meal and left Cleo's, and were trying to figure out where to go next.
"I know!" Ash said. "Now that we're in Horus City, I can challenge the Gym Leader here!"
Iris shook her head. "No, no, no, no, you can't challenge the Gym Leader now! Don't you see, the Gym Leader of the Desert Isle is a user of Ground-type Pokémon. You'll never win if all you have is Pikachu!"
"Chu...," Pikachu mumbled.
"That's fine," Ash exclaimed. "We'll win with spirit!"
"Pika!"
Now Serena shook her head. "Ash, there's a reason only certain Trainers were invited to the Crimson Isles. The Gym Leaders here are way tougher; spirit alone won't win you a Badge..."
Ash sighed. "You guys are right. But where am I supposed to catch a Pokémon that could help me in a Gym Battle"
"Let's see," Serena said, checking the map feature on her Pokédex. "Ground-types are weak to Water, Grass, and Bug-types. And you can find some just north of Horus City in a place called the Traveler's Respite.
"Alright, let's go!"
Desert Isle - Traveler's Respite
The Traveler's Respite was like the paradise pool of luxury hotel. Palm trees shot into the sky within the half mile that was the Respite. Sparkling, tropical ponds and streams dotted themselves throughout the refreshing, grassy ground. Ripe berries hung from various trees and bushes and the leaves of the palms shielded the Respite from the scorching sun. Deeper into the Respite, the undergrowth of a miniature rainforest grew wildly. And at the center of it all lie a huge rock, visible above all the trees and foliage.
"It sure is nice to be out of this sun!" Iris exclaimed. She unraveled her hair and ran her fingers through its thick, dark locks.
"Yeah, but it's still pretty hot," Serena complained.
She was right; the air was sticky and hot like a rain-forest, and sweat danced over the necks of the trio.
"Look at all the Pokémon!" Ash exclaimed enthusiastically.
Various Pokémon tromped throughout the Respite, swimming in the ponds, swinging across vines, and chasing each other about the damp grass, sand, and clay.
Serena removed her hat let the light breeze waft through her long, golden hair. She walked over to a nearby pool of crystal clear water and began to refill her thermos.
"Hey, good idea Serena!" Iris said, walking over to the pool and filling up her own canteen. Ash then joined and filled his bottle up as well.
"Pallllll pih toad!" A voice garbled from the other side of the pool.
Ash looked up, and a jet of water blasted his face. "Aggh!" He cried, falling over on the banks.
"Pah hah hah hal pih toad!" the Pokémon snickered.
"Ash!" Serena said, running towards the boy. She looked across the pond for the source of the attack. Standing, hopping from side to side, tongue flailing about, was a Palpitoad.
"Who's that Pokémon?" Serena mumbled, withdrawing her Pokédex.
"Palpitoad, the Vibration Pokémon, and the evolved form of Tympole," the Pokédex droned. "It lives in the water and on land. It uses its long, sticky tongue to immobilize its opponents."
"Wow, a Palpitoad!" Iris exclaimed. "Those little guys are usually only found in Unova! Cool!"
Ash used his sleeve to wipe the water from his face. "So that's a Palpitoad, huh?" The young Trainer's eyes glinted. "Alright Palpitoad, I'm going to catch you!"
Serena and Iris leaped aside. "Whaa!" They both exclaimed.
Palpitoad spat mud from his mouth, sauntered over to Ash's side of the pond, and motioned with his hands. The battle was on!
"Alright Pikachu, let's start this with Quick Attack!"
"Pika!" The Mouse Pokémon acknowledged before bursting into a sprint.
"Glbrglbrglbr!" Palpitoad yelled. An orb of wavering amber materialized out of its mouth before fading into a sphere of brown sludge. The mud then rocketed towards Pikachu.
"That's Mud Shot!" Iris shouted. "You know what that means!"
Ash bit his lip. As a Ground-type move, Mud Shot would do lots of damage to an Electric-type like Pikachu.
"Pikachu, scoot to the side and continue your attack!"
The Mouse Pokémon veered to the right, now running through the shallow banks of the pond.
Just when Pikachu was about to land his attack, a spray of bubbles shot from Palpitoad's mouth and Pikachu was sent careening into the middle of the pond. A flock of agitated Ducklett flew away in search of a new resting place.
"Pika!" Pikachu cried, squirming around in the water.
Palpitoad laughed and fired up another Mud Shot.
"Pikachu, use Thunderbolt and get yourself out of there!"
"Pika Chu!" Pikachu screamed. A powerful bolt of lightning blasted Pikachu out of the water and back on dry land. The Mud Shot was caught in the attack and crumbled into the pond.
Not wasting a beat, Ash gave his next command. "Pikachu, Iron Tail let's go!"
Pikachu's tail hardened into solid metal and the Mouse Pokémon once again burst into a sprint towards Palpitoad.
The Vibration Pokémon, who had been watching the entire display with great amusement now stared in unpreparedness at the impending attack.
Pikachu's Iron Tail smashed into Palpitoad's bulbous head, and the Mouse Pokémon leaped back, satisfied at the damage he'd caused.
"Nice job buddy!" Ash congratulated.
"Chu! Pika!"
Palpitoad rubbed its head were the attack had landed and released a torrent of brown sludge in anger. "Toad!"
"Quick Pikachu! Dodge!"
Pikachu jumped to the side just as the globs of mud sailed past him, inches from his body.
"Alright Pikachu, I'm taking a shot!" Ash informed his partner. "Go, Pokéball!"
Ash withdrew an empty Pokéball from his belt and lobbed it at the Vibration Pokémon.
"Toad?" It blurted before being sucked into the capsule. The Pokéball wiggled violently, but after a few shakes, the capsule burst open and Palpitoad spilled out.
"Pal pih toad!" It growled. Six consecutive yellow rings shot from its mouth and hurled themselves at Pikachu.
"Ash, watch out! That's Supersonic!" Iris warned.
Ash nodded. A confused Pokémon would be very easy to defeat.
"Pikachu, counter with Electro-Ball!"
After conjuring a crackling sphere of electricity, Pikachu launched it at the incoming Supersonic, and the two attacks exploded, spewing white smoke everywhere.
"Pikachu, use Quick Attack," Ash called through the smoke.
Again, Pikachu burst into a bounding sprint towards Palpitoad, who wandered aimlessly about the smoke, unable to see two feet in front of him.
From out of the haze, Pikachu tackled Palpitoad, knocking it to the ground. The smoke dissipated and Pikachu ran back to his side.
Ash flipped his hat around. "C'mon Palpitoad! I need you to help me defeat the first Gym Leader of the Crimson Isles. Please join me on my adventures! Go Pokéball!"
Another empty Pokéball sailed over to Palpitoad and gobbled the Vibration Pokémon in a beam of red light. The Pokéball shook...and shook...and shook...until it finally stopped shaking and the button clicked.
Ash's face broke into a smile and he ran over to the Pokéball and scooped it up.
"I caught...a Palpitoad!" He cheered.
"Pika chu!" Pikachu added.
"Nice job Ash!" Serena congratulated.
"Yeah, Palpitoad's a great first catch!" Iris added.
"Thanks guys," he said before opening the Pokéball and expelling its contents back out. Palpitoad burst into existence, tongue waving back and forth.
"Pih toad!" It said happily, spraying another jet of water at Ash's face.
"Aggh, all right, all right!" Ash said, trying to shield himself from the attack.
He withdrew his Pokédex and scanned Palpitoad. "Let's see," he muttered. "Palpitoad knows Supersonic, Bubble Beam, Mud Shot, and Aqua Ring." He put the device away. "Cool!"
The sky had darkened swiftly since the trio had arrived at the Traveler's Respite. Many of the wild Pokémon had taken shelter from dusk. Bat and owl-like Pokémon had taken to the skies, chirping and hooting ominously.
"Hey guys, we should get back to the Pokémon Center," Iris noted, glancing at the darkening sky.
Serena looked up at sky and frowned as well. "She's right Ash, we should get going."
"You're both right," Ash responded, beaming Palpitoad back into its Pokéball. He pocketed his new companion and adjusted his hat. "Let's go."
Desert Isle - Horus City
After eating a hearty meal in the Pokémon Center's cafeteria, Ash and Serena retired to their room while Iris retired to her's.
"Good night you two," Iris called from the door frame of her room. She shifted on her feet as if wondering if she should say something else, but seemed to decide otherwise. She gave one last mischievous grin that made her friends blush, then closed the door.
Ash and Serena waved good night to Iris and closed the door behind them as well. Ash walked over to the far bed and threw off his backpack. Serena tread lightly and carefully placed her belongings on the second bed.
"Ash, I'm gonna hop in the shower before I go to bed," she said softly.
Ash turned around. "Okay, but don't mind me if I'm already asleep when you get out. I'm beat."
Serena giggled softly. "Okay, good night Ash." She dug her pajamas out of her knapsack and walked into the bathroom, then quietly shut the door.
Ash exhaled loudly. Today had been a long day; arriving on the Desert Isle, fighting off Team Pluto, and catching his first Pokémon on the Crimson Isles. He changed into a black tank top and red gym shorts, then settled into bed. Tomorrow he'd be challenging his first Gym. The thought excited him, but all the while made him feel more exhausted. He closed his eyes and smiled.
"Goodnight Pikachu."
The Mouse Pokémon had curled up in the corner of the room on the rug, in front of Ash's bed. "Pika...chu," it replied tiredly.
Serena walked out of the bathroom twenty minutes later in a pink short sleeve tee and and short, black leggings. She noticed Ash's sleeping figure sprawled all over the bed and couldn't help but smile. She herself climbed into her bed and wrapped the sheets around her. Tomorrow would bring another adventurous day with Ash. Then she remembered Iris and frowned. The girl was charming and would add a lot to their group, she could tell. But she was an obstacle and Serena didn't know exactly how to treat her.
Serena shut her eyes and sleep quickly descended upon her.
Next - Chapter 3: The Sand Maiden
Author's Note
This is NOT a harem. I just had to throw that out there for any of you who were thinking that it may be. So if you're like me and you don't like harems, then keep reading ;)
Thanks for reading, as always. I'm kind of disappointed that so many battles are happening in the first few chapters- Team Pluto in Chapter 1, Palpitoad in this chapter, and now the Gym Battle in the next. Hopefully I can lighten the load by Chapter 4, so as to not bland out the battles!
The Team Rocket trio will be making their debut in the Crimson Isles very soon, although this time, they're not after Pikachu.
UPDATE: Sorry, I should've done a bit of research before adding Palpitoad to the team; a few of you PMed me and notified me that Ash already has a Palpitoad. Whoops :P
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