Neo, Sasha and Gem arrived back at Mt. Pyre. While everything seemed to be alright Neo was still bothered by that cargo ship they had seen back in Lilycove City. The fact that it was there unscheduled really bothered him.
Sasha: You okay, Neo?
Neo: Huh?
Sasha: You look like your mind's a million miles away. Is something bothering you?
Neo: It's nothing you need to worry about.
Sasha: If it's enough to get you worried then it's enough to get me worried.
Neo looked at Gem to make sure she wasn't paying attention to them before he decided to tell Sasha what was bothering him.
Neo: I've still got a bad feeling about that cargo ship.
Sasha: I didn't sense anything suspicious about it.
Neo: I know, but a while back Missy told me she sensed danger coming this way from the Orre region.
Sasha: Danger? Was she sure?
Neo: Yeah, and I think that ship we saw today has something to do with it.
Now Sasha was worried. Even though it had been many years the memory of her ordeal with Team Rocket was still fresh in her mind as if it had just happened yesterday. Neo noticed this and hugged her.
Neo: Don't worry. I promise nothing will happen to you or Gem.
Sasha: I know, but what about the others? I know you haven't told them anything about what's coming.
She was right. Remembering what he and Missy had said Neo hadn't told anyone about the incoming danger. Now that it was here he couldn't afford to keep it hidden anymore.
Sasha: They need to know so they can be ready.
Neo: I know. I need you to tell them for me.
Sasha: Why? Where are you going to be?
Neo: I have to talk Missy about that ship. It may not be the danger she sensed.
The trio reached the base of Mt. Pyre. While Sasha and Gem continued on towards their den Neo made his way towards the mountain.
Gem: Where are you going, Daddy?
Neo: I've got to go see Missy real quick. I'll be back soon.
Gem: Okay. Tell her hi for me.
Neo: I will.
Sasha: We'll be waiting for you.
Neo flashed a smile at his family before heading up towards the mountain. In the meantime, Sasha had to warn everyone about Neo's premonition.
Sasha: Okay Gem. Let's head back.
Mother and daughter headed back to their home, with only the mother knowing what was coming.
The climb up Mt. Pyre gave Neo plenty of time to think about what was possibly heading their way. Even though he had a bad feeling about that ship there was no guarantee that it was what Missy sensed coming their way. Still, that didn't rule it out completely.
Neo: Just a bit higher.
As he continued up the mountain the fog began to get thicker. Neo knew that the higher up he went the thicker it got, indicating a high level of spiritual energy. He knew Missy liked being in places with a high level of spiritual energy, meaning she would probably be up as high as possible. Pretty soon he got so high up that it was becoming hard for him to see where he was going.
Neo: Missy! You here?! It's Neo! I need to talk to you!
Missy: I'm right here, Neo.
Neo turned around just in time to see Missy appear.
Missy: What did you need to talk to me about?
Neo: There's a cargo ship docked at Lilycove.
Missy: Right now? There's not supposed to be any ships docked there today.
Neo: That's what I thought. You don't think it has anything to do with the danger you said was approaching, do you?
Missy: Let me check.
Missy closed her eyes and concentrated, focusing her energy on reading the emotions in the air. Seconds later her eyes shot open, a look of worry clearly written on her face.
Neo: It is, isn't it.
Missy: Yes, and it's close.
Neo: How close?
Missy: Near the base of the mountain. Everyone's in danger!
Neo: No! Sasha! Gem! We have to get down there!
Missy: Right!
The two of them began to head down the mountain. They hoped they could reach their friends before the danger did.
All the Pokémon had gathered at the base of Mt. Pyre at Sasha's request. No one knew why she wanted them there, but one look at her face was enough to let them know it was something important.
Blaze: Okay. We're all here.
Hope: Wait! Where are Neo and Missy? Shouldn't they be here?
Sasha: They already know what I'm about to tell you.
Skye: What do you mean?
Sasha: Neo was the one who wanted me to tell all of you this.
Bandit: Tell us what? What's going on?
Sasha: Neo believes we are all in danger.
Angel: In danger? From what?
Sasha: A while back Neo says Missy sensed danger heading our way from the Orre region.
Mech: Danger? And they didn't tell us.
Sasha: They didn't want you to worry about it.
Mech: So why should we worry about it now?
Sasha: There's a ship docked in Lilycove. Neo thinks that whatever danger Missy sensed is on that ship.
Blaze: I see.
Reikou: Is it heading this way?
Sasha: Neo's going to talk to Missy about that. That's why he wanted me to warn everyone.
Blaze: Okay. Thank you for the warning. I think that…
Before Blaze could finish what he was saying Buzz flew in.
Buzz: We've got problems!
Sasha: What is it?
Buzz: Some suspicious-looking people are heading this way! They've already crossed over the lake!
Sasha: No! Neo was right!
Blaze: Hold on. Let's not panic. How many were there?
Buzz: I counted at least six people.
Blaze: Alright. I'll go handle this. Everyone else…
Hope: I'm coming with you, Father.
Star: So am I.
Blaze: No. You two need to stay with everyone else.
Hope: But Father! You can't expect us to just stay hidden while our home is in danger!
Star: We're strong enough to fight on our own! Please, Dad!
Reikou: They're right, Blaze. Besides, I'd feel much better if you had some help out there.
Blaze: …Very well. Come on, you two.
Blaze and his daughters left the cave to go confront the intruders. Sasha held Gem close to her as she and the others watched them leave.
Sasha: Please hurry, Neo…
Gonzap lead his team of snaggers to the base of Mt. Pyre, but so far they hadn't seen a single Pokémon let alone the three targets they were sent to collect. This had him beyond frustrated.
Gonzap: What's the deal here? Did that idiot give us the wrong location or something?
Snagger 1: Maybe the Pokémon somehow found out we were coming.
Snagger 2: Nah. They're not that smart.
Gonzap: Don't be too sure about that. Pokémon are smarter than you think.
Just then they heard some rustling coming from some nearby bushes.
Gonzap: Stay on guard. It might be the Pokémon we were sent her for.
The rest of the snaggers got ready. The rustling got louder. Whatever was coming was big. Then, after a few tense moments, the source of the rustling came into the opening.
Gonzap: Well, well. What do we have here? An Arcanine and two Vulpix, and one is a strange color. Looks like we've found two of our targets.
Blaze, Hope and Star looked at the group of people they came across. They immediately recognized them as trainers, judging by the Poké balls on their belts.
Star (whispering): Are we going to battle them, Dad?
Blaze: If we have to.
Showing no fear Blaze stepped forward.
Blaze: Who are you and what business do you have here?!
Gonzap and the snaggers were shocked to say the least.
Gonzap: It… spoke! He didn't say anything about these Pokémon being able to speak!
Blaze: I'll ask you one more time! Who are you and what are you doing here?!
Gonzap had gotten over his initial shock and was ready to get down to business.
Gonzap: My name is none of your concern. As for what I'm doing here it should be obvious.
He removed a Poké ball and threw it out, revealing a large snake-like Pokémon made out of rock.
Gonzap: I'm here to catch some Pokémon!
Blaze stood protectively in front of Hope and Star, staring up at the large Onix. He knew he had to defend their home, but his daughters were always his first concern. Blaze had a difficult decision to make.
Blaze: I can't fight this Onix and put Hope and Star in danger, but if I don't then there won't be anything stopping them from getting to the others.
Hope: Don't worry about us, Father!
Star: Yeah! We can handle this!
Blaze was shocked when Hope and Star spoke out like that. It was as if they realized that he was worried that they could have gotten hurt.
Blaze: Listen, this isn't any ordinary battle. This will be more difficult than anything you've done yet.
Hope: If we can take on Team Rocket than one little Onix should be a piece of cake.
Blaze: Look, while I admire your bravery this is a very dangerous situation.
Star: We know, Daddy. Just let us back you up.
Blaze decided not to try and argue his point anymore. If there was one thing he knew it was that both Hope an Star inherited his stubbornness.
Blaze: Alright. Get ready to battle!
With Hope and Star by his side Blaze got ready to combat Gonzap's Onix. The leader of the snaggers looked at his prey with greedy eyes.
Gonzap: I may be outnumbered, but with a type advantage that doesn't matter. Now attack!
The Onix charged in with a tackle attack. Blaze, Hope and Star easily jumped out of the way, but the attack was only a way to get them separated. The Onix focused his attention on Hope.
Star: Sister!
Blaze: I'm coming, Hope!
Blaze and Star tried to run to Hope's side, but they were cut-off by the appearance of two new Pokémon. The first was a Blastoise, a large turtle Pokémon with two water cannons coming out of its shell. The second was a Feraligatr, a large crocodile Pokémon. Gonzap smirks at them as he puts the two Poké balls away.
Gonzap: I don't think so. You two have enough to worry about without getting involved in her fight.
With two Water Pokémon standing in their way Blaze and Star knew they were in for a difficult fight.
Gonzap: Now, use Hydro Pump!
The two cannons on Blastoise's back fired two powerful blasts of water. Blaze and Star jumped out of the way, but that just gave Feraligatr the opening he needed for an attack.
Gonzap: Use Slash!
Feraligatr lunged at Blaze and slashed him with his claws. Blaze fell to the ground, three slash marks across his midsection.
Star: Dad!
Star ran towards her fallen father, but Blastoise cut her off.
Gonzap: Focus Punch!
Blastoise focused his energy in his fist. He then pulled it back and delivered a devastating punch to Star, knocking her to the ground violently. With them down Gonzap decided to pour on the offense.
Gonzap: Use Rapid Spin, Blastoise! Feraligatr, use Focus Punch!
Blastoise withdrew into his shell and started spinning. He then went airborne and slammed into Star, grinding her into the ground. Her cries of pain filled the air. Blaze wanted to get up and help her, but he was stopped by a powerful Focus Punch from Feraligatr.
Hope: Father! Star! Hold on!
Gonzap: Use Double Edge, Onix!
Hope turned back to her opponent in time to see him lunging for her. She jumped up to avoid the attack, but that just left her wide-open for the next.
Gonzap: Iron Tail!
With no was to dodge Hope could only sit there as Onix's tail slammed down on her.
Gonzap: Bind!
The large Onix wrapped it tail around Hope and lifted her into the air. She struggled to get free, but Onix's grip was too powerful for her.
Gonzap: Now Slam!
With as much for as possible Onix threw Hope to the ground. The impact sent shockwaves of pain through her body. She was so weak she could barely stay conscious. Gonzap looked around at his handiwork.
Gonzap: I don't think these three will be putting up any more resistance. Time to catch them.
He took out three empty Poké balls and got ready to throw them when a stream of electricity appeared out of nowhere, striking Blastoise and Feraligatr. The two Water Pokémon were instantly knocked out.
Gonzap: What the?! Where did that attack come from?!
Then, as if to answer his question, Sasha ran out onto the battlefield. Gonzap looked at the newcomer.
Gonzap: What's this? Another Pokémon to add to my potential collection?
Sasha: You wish.
Gonzap: And this one can talk too. What's up with that? Can all the Pokémon here talk?
Sasha looked around. She saw Blaze, Hope and Star all down. She then looked at the Onix in front of her.
Sasha: You did this.
Gonzap: Maybe I did. What are you going to do about it?
Sasha: I'm going to make you pay!
Gonzap: I'd like to see how.
Sasha didn't reply to Gonzap's taunts. Instead she went right on the attack, firing a Thunder attack right into Onix's face. The attack dazed the massive Pokémon, but because of its Ground typing did no damage.
Gonzap: You'll have to do better than that. Now, use Tackle!
The Onix roared and lunged at Sasha. She easily dodged and fired another Thunder attack right in the Onix's face. Onix once again shook off the effects of the attack and glared at Sasha. She looked the massive Pokémon right in the eyes.
Sasha: That's right, you stupid pile of rocks. Just keep attacking like the pebble-brained fool you are.
Gonzap: What are you doing, Onix?! Take that Pikachu out now!
He watched as Onix continued to miss Tackle after Tackle, with each miss followed by an in-the-face Thunder from Sasha. After a few minutes he figured out what was going on.
Gonzap: She's not using Thunder to hurt my Onix! She's using it to blind him!
He smirked as he continued to watch Sasha battle his Onix.
Gonzap: Clever strategy you got there. Unfortunately I've got it figured out.
Sasha: Damn!
Gonzap: Shut her down with Earthquake!
Onix ceased his Tackle barrage and slammed his tail on the ground, sending powerful shockwaves in Sasha's direction. The violent shaking did its job, immobilizing Sasha completely.
Sasha: O-oh n-no!
Gonzap: Iron Tail!
With Sasha still immobilized Onix had no problem making a clean hit with his Iron Tail. Sasha bounced across the ground, finally coming to rest a few feet away. Despite her pain she was able to get up to her feet. Unfortunately she was in no physical condition to fight, a fact that didn't go by unnoticed by Gonzap.
Gonzap: She's too weak to fight back. Finish her now, Onix!
Onix let out a battle cry before charging in to deliver the final blow. Sasha knew she had to dodge, but she was in too much pain from the last attack. Unable to dodge she closed her eyes tight and waited for the blow to come. However, it never did. She took a chance and slightly opened her eyes. What she saw amazed her. The Onix seemed to be frozen in place by something.
Sasha: What the?
Gonzap: Hey! What's going on here?! What's wrong with my Onix?!
Missy: I think you've caused enough trouble today.
Sasha looked to her side. Missy appeared right next to her, using Psychic to hold the Onix in place.
Sasha: Missy!
Missy: Sorry I'm late.
Gonzap: Another one! Just how many talking Pokémon are here?!
Missy: Wouldn't you like to know. Now!
Everyone looked up. A shadowy figure jumped from the top of the trees, heading right for the Onix.
Gonzap: Get out of the way, Onix!
His command was useless. No matter how hard the Onix tried Missy's psychic hold was to strong. The shadowy figure crashed on top of Onix, slamming the massive Pokémon to the ground in a cloud of dirt and dust. As the dust cleared everyone saw that Gonzap's Onix was knocked out, with his attacker sitting on top of his head.
Sasha: Neo!
Upon hearing his name being called Neo jumped off of the knocked out Onix and ran to her side.
Neo: Sasha! Are you alright?!
Sasha: I'm still a little sore from that last attack, but other than that I'm fine.
Neo was glad to hear that Sasha wasn't seriously injured. He then turned towards Missy, who was checking on Blaze, Hope and Star.
Neo: How are they, Missy?
Missy: They got roughed-up pretty bad. Fortunately they don't have any serious injuries.
Neo then turned his attention back to Gonzap, who was returning his knocked-out Onix to his Poké ball.
Neo: I don't know who you are or what you're doing here, but I want you out of here now!
Gonzap quickly observed the situation at hand. Three of his Pokémon had been knocked out by a pair of Pikachu and a Misdreavus, with who knows how many more Pokémon waiting in the wings. On top of that these pokémon were highly intelligent. It didn't take him long to realize that this was turning out to be more than he could handle.
Gonzap: Very well. Everyone, fall back!
Snagger 1: What?
Gonzap: You heard me! Fall back!
The snaggers, not wanting to feel the wrath of Gonzap, quickly started to retreat. As Gonzap followed he took one last look at Neo and the others.
Gonzap: This isn't over. I will return.
With that last thought he left. With the danger gone Neo focused his efforts on helping Sasha and the others with their injuries.
Neo: Sorry I was late getting here. If only I had arrived a bit sooner…
Sasha: Don't beat yourself up over that. I'm glad you showed up when you did.
Sasha's words always seemed to make Neo feel better, no matter what the situation was. He smiled at his mate as the two of them went to check on Blaze, Hope and Star.
Neo: Oh man, they did get rough up pretty bad.
Missy: Should I go get the others?
Neo: Yeah. I think it's time we tell them exactly what's going on.
Missy nodded and left to go get the others. Neo and Sasha stayed behind to watch over Blaze, Hope and Star until she returned.
Sasha: You think they'll come back?
Neo: I know they will.
Sasha was afraid he would say that. She moved closer to Neo for comfort. Neo put his arm around her. That seemed to calm her down a bit.
Neo: Don't worry. We'll be ready for them when they do.
Sasha: Yeah…
Back in Lilycove City Gonzap had contacted Greevil to give him a progress report.
Greevil: So, did you find the target Pokémon?
Gonzap: Only the two Vulpix. There was no sign of the Ninetails.
Greevil: I see.
Gonzap: Sir, there's something else I have to report.
Greevil: What is it?
Gonzap: It's about the Pokémon we were sent to catch.
Greevil: What about them?
Gonzap: Well, they are highly intelligent, more than normal.
Greevil: How so?
Gonzap: These Pokémon are capable of speaking human language.
Greevil: What?!
Gonzap: And there appear to be more than originally reported. Along with the two Vulpix we were confronted by an Arcanine, a Misdreavus and two Pikachu.
Greevil: That many? And they could all speak?
Gonzap: Yes. Not only that but they were able to utilize effective combat strategies to defeat all my Pokémon in battle.
Greevil: Even your Onix?
Gonzap: Yes. In fact it was the Misdreavus and the two Pikachu that did him in.
In the back of the room the mysterious scientist that had been acting as Greevil's advisor was listening in. There was something about those Pokémon that had him interested.
????: Talking Pokémon that use battle strategies? And two of them were Pikachu? Could he have been one of them?
Greevil: So, what will you do now?
Gonzap: With your permission I'd like to request reinforcements to launch a second attack on them.
Greevil: I don't know about that…
????: Granted.
Greevil turned around to face his advisor.
Greevil: Are you sure?
????: Send him his reinforcements.
Greevil: Very well. They will arrive in three weeks.
Gonzap: Thank you, sir.
Gonzap ended communications. Greevil once again faced his advisor.
Greevil: Why were you so eager to send in extra men?
????: Because I will be going as well.
Greevil: You? Why?
????: Let's just say if these are the Pokémon I think they are then I have some unfinished business with them.
Before Greevil could ask him about his 'unfinished business', the scientist left the room. His mind was filled with thoughts of revenge.
????: It has to be him. That Pikachu… Neo. I'll finally have my revenge on him.
He continued on towards the Pokémon storage room. Finally, the time of his revenge was at hand.
Cipher's first attack ended in victory for Neo and the others, but now a second, more aggresive strike is being planned. Will Neo and the others be able to repel Cipher's next attack? And what grudge does Greevil's advisor have against Neo? Find out in the next chapter of Fighting the Shadows!
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