Disclaimer: Pokemon is copyrighted to Satoshi Tajiri and Game Freak (characters, concept, and creatures). The content I claim ownership of includes everything involving the Tenla Region, its mythology and history, native Pokemon, NPCs such as Gym Leaders and Elite Four, and among
Stop and Go
"Spoken like a true uppity brat." Landon growled as he, Orville, and Roseanne faced Ash, Brock, and Misty while Isaiah and Antrenique were back-to-back with them and staring down the newest participants to the battle.
"Looks like we joined the party just in time," Lyra said, punching a fist into an open palm.
"That wouldn't have been possible if it weren't for those guys behind them," Dawn said, leaning to the side so that she could see the people previously fighting Team Hectic by themselves. She waved her hand to get their attention as she called out, "Thanks, guys! We're here to—" Her tone changed when the addressed looked at her, matching her expression of shock, "Ash?! Brock?!"
"Dawn?!" The two males exclaimed in disbelief. There was yet another old friend here in Tenla.
May heard Dawn but was unable to see beyond their opponents. "What? Ash and Brock are here?"
"Focus! We've got work to do!" Misty shouted. If they wanted to have a reunion, they could wait until they took care of the business at hand. Case in point, Isaiah and Antrenique were sending out their Pokemon.
"Crawsen, go!"
"Idoller, wipe 'em out!"
The two Poke Balls they sent out released two Tenla-native Pokemon creatures. Isaiah's was a sandy brown, crablike Pokemon with black eyes, thin stalk-like limbs, and a uropod. Antrenique's was a small, metallic, draconic creature with a small head and a single claw peeking from a tapering chrysalis. Seeing them, Lyra curiously took out her Pokedex and scanned them.
"Crawsen: The Sand-Dwelling Pokemon. Crawsen make their dwellings in sandy benches, rarely coming out of their holes unless to search for food." "Idoller: The Absentminded Pokemon. Idoller are able to wander wherever they want without fear of attacking because their metallic bodies do not take much damage."
"Sandstorm!" Isaiah and Landon commanded. The eyes of Crawsen and Cacturne flashing briefly, a twister of sand erupted from the ground. Everyone besides Swampert, Crawsen, Cacturne, and Idoller braced themselves against the pelting sand and rock, but even then, Houndour, Murkrow, and Fearow stayed tough. The young heroes either used their arms or headwear to prevent the sand from completely blocking their lines of sight.
"Cacturne, use Giga Drain on Swampert." Landon ordered, opting to take out the only opponent that could potentially ruin their strategy with Sandstorm. Cacturne rushed for the Mud Fish Pokemon, barely visible thanks to its Sand Veil ability, as the dark patches on its arm glowed a bright green. Then, multiple tendrils came out and wrapped around Swampert's arms. Screaming as the attack drained its opponent's energy, Cacturne cackled. "(Oh, yes, music to my ears.)"
"Oh, no! Swampert!" Brock cried out, knowing Giga Drain was depleting Swampert's strength at an incredible rate due to the move being very effective.
"Pikachu! Use Thunderbolt on Cacturne!" Ash commanded.
"Stay out of that, child. Shadow Ball!" Roseanne shouted.
Pikachu endured the Sandstorm as electricity crackled in its red cheeks. Houndour sprinted forth and parked itself in front of the Mouse Pokemon as an orb of black and purple energy formed in front of its mouth, firing the Shadow Ball. Pikachu cried out as the Ghost-type attack hit, causing Ash to grit his teeth in frustration.
"Azumarill, Aqua Tail! Back up Pikachu!" Misty ordered.
"That works both ways. Murkrow, Sucker Punch."
Before Azumarill had a chance to conjure its move, Murkrow flew straight to it and drove its sharp break into the Aqua Mouse Pokemon's stomach. Sucker Punch sent Azumarill tumbling towards Misty. Once it stopped, it clutched its stomach, face contorted with pain.
"Azumarill! NO!" Misty cried out, concern washing over her like a Surf.
Murkrow and Orville chuckled in satisfaction. "One down."
Ash gritted his teeth and balled his fists, encouraged to make a move while Murkrow and its trainer were busy relishing in their inflated egos. "Iron Tail!" Tail glowing and then turning into iron, Pikachu sprinted to the Darkness Pokemon. Before Murkrow could react, Pikachu swung its tail, sending the Dark/Flying type straight into the ground with a hard thud.
Orville sneered as Ash commented, "One down."
Meanwhile, Swampert fell to one knee as Cacturne continued to use Giga Drain, the Grass/Dark type cackling as it did so. Sweat fell down Brock's face in beads, trying to figure out a way to save his Swampert fast. Then, it hit him: even with Sand Veil, Cacturne was giving away its location; he just needed to follow the tendrils back to the source. "Swampert! Use Mud Shot! Follow the direction of the Cacturne's attack!" The Mud Fish Pokemon forced its eyes and lifted its head, firing a stream of dark brown mud from its mouth.
Cacturne immediately ceased its snickering when it noticed the Mud Shot coming straight for it. The attack landed squarely in its face, blinding it and forcing it to stop using Giga Drain. At the same time, Crawsen was driven straight into the Scarecrow Pokemon's back from a combination attack of Piplup's Hydro Pump and Transpy's Water Gun. The Sandstorm subsided now that its summoners were taken care of.
"Fearow, use Sky Attack!"
"Idoller, Metal Claw!"
Gaining some altitude, Fearow then fell straight down as a shining white aura enveloped its entire body. Idoller meanwhile slithered forth as its sole claw gained a similar sheen. Fearow headed to Blaziken while Idoller targeted Chikorita.
"Blaze Kick!"
"Jump and use Bullet Seed!"
Blaziken crouched down slightly before taking a massive leap toward the falling, Sky Attack-induced Fearow. In midair, the Blaze Pokemon swung its body so its right foot was aimed at Fearow, the limb bursting into flames. The two attacks collided, resulting in an explosion as the two Pokemon backed away from the smoke unscathed. Meanwhile, Idoller lunged at Chikorita and swiped its glowing claw, only for the Grass type to repeatedly avoid it. Then, Chikorita flipped over another Metal Claw and swung its head leaf, letting loose Razor Leaf. However, this prove to be only a minor nuisance as Idoller endured the attack, crisply turned around, and continued trying to slash at the Grass-type starter.
Meanwhile, Rosanne's Houndour now faced Pikachu and Swampert by itself, standing in-between the two Pokemon. Houndour exchanged glares between them, growling as it did so. Pikachu's red cheeks sparked with electricity as Swampert cracked its knuckles readily.
"Let's make this quick and save Professor Ironwood," Brock said, "Swampert, Focus Punch!"
"Pikachu! Iron Tail!"
Swampert clenched its right fist as Pikachu's tail glowing tail transformed into pure iron. Roseanne frowned, trying to figure out which of the two was the bigger threat and what move in her Houndour's arsenal was capable of taking them both down. She hated to admit, but she and her comrades were in a jam as Pikachu and Swampert lunged forward.
"Garchomp! Dual Chop!"
Gliding through the air at fast speeds, a Garchomp flew over Ash, Misty, and Brock's heads and to the Pikachu and Swampert. The Mach Pokemon dove into them, hitting them with one each of its glowing claws. The two Pokemon hollered in pain as they hit the ground with great force and skidded backwards.
"What the!?" Ash, Misty, and Brock exclaimed, their hearts almost sinking from the suddenness of Garchomp's appearance and brutal attack.
As the Dragon/Ground type landed beside Roseanne, Luis got off of it with a bright smile. "Am I late?"
"Where have you been?"Orville demanded, ignoring the groan of pain that came from Xavier due to unnecessary movement on his already constricted arms.
"That's a yes…" Luis muttered, his proud and happy mood gone.
Ash and Brock gritted their as the latter recalled Swampert and sent out Sudowoodo. Ash quickly removed his Pikachu from the battle and released his Rockler. Misty decided to get back into the game now that a bigger threat was here, sending out her Transpy. Garchomp faced its three opponents and roared. Roseanne smirked and turned around as Houndour went out to the other part of the battle, knowing that Luis's Garchomp could handle those three.
The battle raged on as the young heroes continued holding their own against Team Hectic. Back inside, the aides and assistants watched worriedly, keeping themselves near the edge of the door so that they'd stay out of sight. Many of them decided that getting involved would prompt Orville to seriously injure Professor Ironwood.
Renee watched Houndour, Idoller, Crawsen, and Fearow fight Piplup, Croconaw, Blaziken, and Chikorita on even terms. She glanced over to where Garchomp overpowered Sudowoodo, Misty's Transpy, and Rockler and clenched her fists. There was no where they would be able to defeat that menace of a Pokemon. Not at their current level. The redhead gazed over to where Orville had Xavier, still keeping the stun baton to his neck. Xavier had a Pokemon that could handle that Garchomp. But Ash and company were too preoccupied to free Professor Ironwood, and everyone else was too afraid to do something, so she had to act.
Renee reached into her lab coat pocket, pulled out a Poke Ball, and pressed the button on the front to activate it. Wilma gasped and grabbed her arm. "Renee! What are you doing?!"
Renee snatched it away from her. "Turning this battle in our favor, that's what." She reached up and pressed a button near the door, manually causing the glass entrance to open up. "Mothim, free the professor with Acrobatics!" She commanded, throwing the Poke Ball out of the door. It released Mothim, who glided straight toward Orville and Xavier top speed. Orville noticed the Moth Pokemon coming at him and quickly ducked to dodge, only for it to come straight back and slam into the arm that carried the stun baton, moving so fast it seemed to leave behind two afterimages. Orville groaned in pain as he staggered backwards and dropped his weapon, clutching his injured arm.
Xavier kicked away the stun baton while massaging his neck and wrists. "Finally…"
"Way to go, Mothim!" Renee shouted happily as she removed himself from her hiding spot and stepped outside as Mothim returned to her.
"I can't believe that was crazy enough to work," Wilma said as she and others gawked in disbelief.
"The professor's free, guys!" Renee proclaimed with a smirk, catching everyone's attention, "There's no need to hold back anymore!"
"Orville, you had one job." Isaiah and Antrenique snarled, glaring at the grunt from the corner of their eyes.
Professor Ironwood adjusted his glasses, causing them to shine in the sun as he reached behind him and took out a Poke Ball. "Alright, I think it's time for a little payback." He said eerily calmly as he threw it up. It opened up and let loose a massive amount of formless light. Subsequently, the light started to take shape and solidify, becoming a large, airborne entity.
The light dispersing, Aerodactyl screeched and flapped its wings, glowering down at the enemies.
"Aerodactyl, go get that Garchomp. Use Steel Wing." Professor Ironwood ordered, gesturing to the Mach Pokemon. Aerodactyl nodded obediently and dashed for Garchomp as its wings glowed a metal-gray color. Garchomp knocked away Sudowoodo and Rockler yet again and then felt a brisk gale of wind. Looking to the side curiously, it suddenly saw Aerodactyl approach and slam its hardened wings right in its face. The force of Aerodactyl's Steel Wing was strong enough to send Garchomp flying clear across the battleground, heading straight into Luis as the two hit and skidded across the ground.
"Ouch." Dawn cringed, seeing the brutality of the move.
As much as Antrenique hated to admit it, the moment Xavier released his Aerodactyl and took down Luis and his Garchomp they failed the mission. Too many unforeseen wrenches were thrown into the plan: Team Rocket getting aboard their ship somehow and stealing the Poke Balls, the birds being captured and subdued, and these kids getting in the way. She nodded cues to her fellow grunts, and they regretfully nodded back. They all removed small, silvery beads from inside their trench coats. "You people were lucky this time, but you won't be next time." Antrenqiue declared as they all threw down the beads.
A copious amount of black smoke suddenly enveloped the area, prompting everyone to cover their eyes and cough to expel the smoke from their lungs.
"A-Aero..dactyl!" Professor Ironwood spoke between violent coughs. "U-Use Whirlwind!"
Aerodactyl quickly flapped its wings, producing a powerful gust of wind that thinned out the smoke, giving everyone the ability to breathe and see again. However, Team Hectic was long gone, using the window of time as their chance to escape without a trace left.
"I can't believe that cheap trick still works!" Lyra shouted, frantically looking around for the grunts but to no avail.
"And they got away! Those no-good creeps!" Dawn said irritably.
Professor Ironwood sighed as he recalled his Aerodactyl. It was disheartening to know Team Hectic was afoot and that he barely escaped their clutches. Thank his lucky stars that Ash and company, as well as the police officers in town, were around to take care of them. Major crises were averted today. Then, he heard the roar of an approaching engine. Xavier and everyone else turned around to see a motorcycle coming up.
"Yo, Xavier!" It was Metacia with his Ebequina riding passenger. He activated the brakes as his fast-moving bike came to a screeching halt. Behind him were Ian, Aaron, and Jacob. The latter two were riding on Aaron's Skarmory while Ian used his on Drifblim respectively. Everyone dismounted their respective ride when they arrived on the scene.
"Nice of you to arrive late," Xavier commented dryly, the likes of Ash and Khoury muttering in agreement.
"We're late? Aw come on!" Ian pulled at hair, disappointed that his efforts to arrive as quickly as possible were in vain. Drifblim sighed and slumped over, sad it couldn't participate in battle.
The engine of Metacia's motorcycle rumbled in a different pitch as he shifted gears. Metacia then stroked the handlebars, shushing it like a baby. "It's okay, Carolyn Jr. You did your best. Don't cry, girl."
Shaking his head, Aaron thanked and recalled his Skarmory. Of course, the first thing he noticed were the many familiar faces approaching him and his group. "Well, this is certainly unexpected."
"So Brock was right! You are here!" Ash ran over to Aaron. "Long time no see!"
"Indeed," Aaron replied with a small smile.
"Well, I suppose introductions are in order since I don't know even half of you guys," Khoury pointed out matter-of-factly.
The group of heroes took the time to exchange their names and hometowns to breed some familiarity between each other. Ash, Misty, and Brock were a longtime group of friends, May knew them from a past adventure, Dawn was introduced to Misty, May explained she knew Aaron from the Wallace Cup, Lyra and Khoury piped in as well, and Aaron told them Ian and Jacob were past companions of his with the latter being a student just getting free time. They also let each other know of their role in thwarting Team Hectic's plan in Zumi Town.
"Well, at any rate, I'm glad you guys were here to stop the birds and Team Hectic. On their behalf, the people of Zumi Town are grateful," Xavier announced kindly, even bowing to show his respects.
"Oh, it was nothing," Misty said bashfully, waving her hand dismissively.
"Well, since you're okay and all, Xavier, I'd better go and see if I can chase down those guys," Metacia said as he revved his motorbike back to life, his Ebequina getting back on.
"Hold on, Mr. Metacia!" Ash ran up to the detective. He then spoke with courage burning in his eyes and a smirk on his face. "If May and Dawn are right, I want to challenge you to a Gym Battle!"
"You got at least five Gym Badges from Tenla?" Metacia asked, arching his brow. Ash's enthusiasm disappeared as he shook his head. "Then, no can do, Ash. I'm out of your league right now, pal." The black-haired man looked over to Professor Ironwood. "Xavier, give my challengers my Pokégear number." He then glanced at Ash, Lyra, and Aaron since they had voiced their occupations as trainers. "When you guys get near Hierrdo City, gimme a call and then we can have our match. Deal?"
"Deal!"
"Train hard until then! Later!" Metacia said as he blazed away, going down the road that led to the backcountry portions of Zumi Town where the Renee told him Team Hectic was trying to go.
"Well, time to jet. We're done here," Ian said conclusively, yawning as he turned around. It was time to move on to better and brighter things now that the Team Hectic fiasco in Zumi Town was finished.
"Well, I see you're as inconsiderate as ever, Ian," Dawn said with a blank expression, her Piplup matching it. The least he could do was show a bit more courtesy in his goodbye since he was not going to stay for a bit longer like most new acquaintances or old friends would.
Ian turned around and stared vacantly at the blue-haired coordinator. "Yeah, sure. Just like that white hand grasping your shoulder." A grin appeared on his face when he could practically see the goosebumps appear on Dawn's skin as she impulsively swatted at her right shoulder. His grin arched into a devilish smirk when Dawn realized he was just messing with her and glared at him.
"Well, anyway…" Aaron cleared his throat, hoping to change the awkward mood. He looked at Xavier and reminded him, "I believe the birds are still at the Pokémon Center, Professor Ironwood."
"Ah, right, I still needed to find out what was wrong with them." The bespectacled professor stated. He looked at Wilma and Renee and told them, "You two go on to the Pokémon Center. I'll catch up in a minute."
Wilma nodded. "Yes, sir."
"Try not to find Tenla too boring, mister fifth region." Renee jested, jabbing a finger into Ash's chest. She was referring to their earlier discussion when he and Misty first came into the lab pertaining to his reasons for being in Tenla. This made Ash chuckled awkwardly as Renee and Wilma went on their way as instructed.
"Listen, everyone," Xavier declared, hoping to provide proper closure to this ordeal. "I suggest heading to the Pokémon Center to get Gouzatile healed up. While you're at it, that's where you will register if you want to participate in the Tenla League and any Contests." He explained as he turned his back to them, heading back into his lab but not before giving the trainers one last piece of advice:
"Be careful on your journey and use your best judgment out there. If you need to make a difficult decision, and you let someone else decide for you, you will regret it, no matter how it turns out."
"This emergency Tenla Government meeting has now come to order."
The lights above head flickered on one-by-one with heavy claps; although, they did very little to light up the dim conference room. The walls were painted black, complementing the blackwood floor and shimmering in the dull light from the lamps hanging from the ceiling. One wall was comprised of large, heavily tinted windows, preventing the sunset's canvas of orange, yellow, and red from eliminating some of the shadowiness inside the meeting room.
In the middle was a large, black table styled like a horseshoe: a near-perfect oval save for the indentation at the topmost end. It accommodated fourteen stuffed conference chairs, all of which seated adult men and woman garbed in similar business suits. Occupying the indentation was a large, blackwood podium reminiscent of a judge's.
Seated there was a large, imposing, and fair-skinned man of around fifty-one years of age, sporting a square shaped face, very pronounced facial features, and short black hair? He was garnished with a white, double-breasted suit sporting black trim and edges with matching pants, a black belt, and black boots. Interestingly, the left sleeve of his suit featured the imprints of intertwining, orange-brown vines, matching the color of the eyes that grimly examined his subordinates. By his side were his ever-faithful Pyroar and Manectric.
"My fellow ministers," he spoke with a deep drawl, "I call this meeting bearing unfortunate news, coming straight from the Officer Jenny stationed in Zumi Town." He leaned back in his seat as he crossed his arms, letting loose a heavy sigh of irritation, "It appears Team Hectic is active once again."
Low murmuring resonated throughout the conference room. All regions seemingly had their own criminal syndicate trying to undermine them, but the ministers of the Tenla Government loathed the fact that theirs, Team Hectic, was part of Tenla's history that they wished was kept buried. A few were concerned, some were pensive, and there were one or two ministers expressing irritation like the boss himself.
"Head Minister Claris," one of the male ministers said, calming down some of the commotion, "What do you propose the government do about this?"
Before Claris could speak, another minister interjected, "However, it is inadvisable to repeat our orders from five years ago. Such a drastic measure amounted to little to nothing." Evidently, it was time for discussion and compromise as a few other ministers added in their own input.
"We cannot pull punches against that legion of lowlifes and criminals. It is our duty as ministers of the Tenla Government to eradicate those fiends."
"It is also our duty to protect the citizens and maintain popular opinion. Tenlans did not particularly react well after everything was said and done."
"They're also scared of their own shadows knowing that Team Hectic is back to do whatever they want."
"The fact of the matter is that we must take some sort of action."
"Perhaps we should enlist the help of the police forces of other regions?"
"And get them involved? Oh, I can only imagine the backlash of such procedures… We're better off appealing to the International Police."
Two soft but authoritative growls were heard, silencing further dialogue between the ministers. Pyroar and Manectric were responsible for that, but they ceased when Claris caressed their heads tenderly. Evidently, the Head Minister was ready to give out his verdict.
"Truly it would bring me no more pleasure than to stamp out Team Hectic once and for all," He said, standing up straight as he crossed his arms, "However, we cannot be careless. We are unaware of how they will conduct themselves henceforth. So, it would behoove us to watch them carefully. At the same time, we should have our forces prepped and ready when Team Hectic operatives do surface. Catch them in the act, and we could learn what their ulterior motives are."
"And what of our citizens?" A minister asked critically.
"For the time being, it is best that they aren't made privy of Team Hectic. The last thing we need to deal with is a regional public frenzy." Claris explained. The ministers were seemingly pleased with the justification, for no other questions were asked. One-by-one, the lights were shut off, darkness consuming the conference room yet again.
"Then, this meeting is adjourned."
After bidding farewell to Lyra, Khoury, Aaron, Ian, Jacob, and Professor Ironwood, Ash and company made their final trip to the Zumi Town Pokémon Center. Gouzatile was nursed back to health in no time. During the wait, Ash, Dawn, and May were registered by Nurse Joy, permitting them entry into the Tenla League and Tenla Contest Halls respectively. When that was done, the group found themselves in the park. Cleanup had long been underway, fixing up and removing most of the damaged objects in the park to the point people were allowed there again. Though, most of the day's activity was stunted due to the twilight slowly giving way for dusk.
Guilt and concerns, small electric pangs to the heart, washed Ash when they passed the Zumi Town clinic. According to May and Dawn, it did not have as much traffic before the attack.
To unwind, Ash and company had released all of the Pokemon they currently had with them. Transpy, Swampert, and Azumarill were relaxing in the fountain; Pikachu, Rockler, Piplup were playing tag; and Blaziken and Gouzatile were off to the side, minding their own business and thinking to themselves. The humans were with each other, sitting together using a bench that was also near the fountain. They were killing time since the day was ending, seeing no use leaving Zumi Town like Aaron and his posse questionably did. Their defense was that they would catch up on their sleep when they reached Morwenna City, claiming that they pulled off late-night travelling before.
"Aw, man, May! You came so close this time!" Ash exclaimed. They were discussing about May's performance in the Johto Region. Apparently, she had procured the runner-up spot.
"Yeah… Though, I figured Lisia would beat me since she was the one who eliminated Solidad." May sheepishly admitted, rubbing the back of her head, "Doesn't help that she's already a Contest Idol. This was just the cherry on top for her."
"Don't feel bad, May. Zoey beat me in the Grand Festival, so I guess the both of us were a bit outta luck." Dawn said amicably. However, the two coordinators had a mutual understanding that improvement was a necessity. That was why they were in Tenla now.
"How's Max doing?" Brock inquired, looking at May again.
"Still helping out at the Petalburg Gym." May answered, smiling proudly, "Though, you won't believe this. He owns some Pokemon now. Like the Ralts we found on our way to Sootopolis City. Then, Alex from Rinshin Town gave him the Shroomish he befriended in that abandoned mansion."
"Man, before I know it, Max will be battling me." Ash said awkwardly, rubbing the back of his head. It was not 'awkward' in the sense it was uncomfortable, but 'awkward' in that it was funny. The enthusiastic boy that loved Pokemon during his Hoenn adventures would be a trainer like him.
"Hey, Misty?" Dawn piped up inquisitively, "You're the Cerulean City Gym Leader, right? What's it like?"
"Work. And a lot of it." Misty groused, resting her chin in her hand as she propped her arm, "First, there are the challengers. Then, there's maintenance, which is extra hard since my gym uses Water Pokemon."
"I can imagine the backaches from cleaning up a pool full of Water Pokemon." May said sympathetically.
"You don't know the half of it…" Misty sighed as her spine thumped in remainder of such endeavors.
As the humans continued to converse, Pikachu, Piplup, and Rockler took a brief break from their game of tag to engage in a talk of their own. Rockler perched itself on the stony rim of the fountain as it gazed down to the two Pokemon, "(If I may inquire, what are the various idiosyncrasies and characteristics of this ensemble?)"
"(Do you have to talk like that?)" Piplup asked distastefully, throwing a deadpan look at the Strength Pokemon.
"(I apologize. It is a habit of mine that I have no control over.)" Rockler replied shamelessly, rubbing the back of its head with its wing.
"(Don't mind Piplup, Rockler.)" Pikachu reassured, ignoring the look at the Water type was throwing his way, "(Well… it's never a dull moment here. That's for sure. There's always something new between meeting new people, battles, Team Rocket somehow locating us no matter where we are.)"
"(Beg your pardon?)" Rockler questioned, wanting more clarification on who Team Rocket was.
"(Don't worry. If my hunch is correct, you'll find out later.)" Pikachu answered.
"(Anyway.)" Piplup piped in, "(Since you come from Tenla, what's it like?)"
"(Ah, yes. A brief overview of our fair region…)" Rockler placed a wing under its beak, imitating someone cupping his or her chin as it recalled from experience, "(Well, for one, the weather pattern is erratic. Most places are fairly normal. Then, there are various locations that have a sort of perpetual phenomena; a few areas are always cold, same with some being rainy. So it would behoove the lot of us to prepare adequately.)"
"(Are you serious?)" It wasn't just Pikachu and Piplup that said that. The Water Pokemon relaxing in the fountain heard that as well.
"(Don't like it, turn back around.)" Gouzatile asserted, not moving from his spot on top of a mailbox.
Rockler shot a dull look to the Fire type, "(There is no need to be brusque, Gouzatile.)"
Around this time, the functional streetlights turned on, and the sun crept ever so slightly beneath the horizon. Brock took note of this and spoke up, "Hey, guys, we had better go back to the Pokémon Center. It's getting dark out, and we need our rest for tomorrow."
Everyone nodded in agreement and stood up, recalling all of their Pokemon into their Poke Balls. Pikachu positioned himself on Ash's shoulder while Misty and Dawn kept Transpy and Piplup in their arms. "Well, the journey officially begins tomorrow," Ash said excitedly. Even though it was understood, he still needed confirmation. He looked at all of his past traveling companions, united into one big group, "Right, guys?"
"You bet!" Dawn said with a wink.
"Wouldn't miss it!" May held up a 'V-for-victory' sign.
"Time to see what a new region brings!" Misty stated happily as she held out her hand. Everyone gathered around and placed their hands on Misty's, forming a circle of friendship.
"To fighting lots of battles and meeting lots of people!" Brock added in as Pikachu and Piplup extended their short, stubby arms to the focal point of the circle, all hands together now.
"Good friends, together!" Ash grinned.
"TENLA, HERE WE COME!" Everyone shouted, throwing their hands into the air. A pact was made then and there under the budding stars and dying sun.
For what seemed hours, Team Rocket had been flying through the air and only recently did they finally land on the ground. The impact was unpleasant, and a few sessions with a chiropractor might be needed, but that was beside the point. Even with the setbacks, the three found solace in the fact that they successfully pilfered the bags of Poke Balls from Team Hectic.
"All right, now before we forget, let's call the boss and let him know about our success." Jessie suggested to her two male partners, who curtly nodded. That was the whole reason why they performed the theft; so that their boss would be impressed.
They set the bags near them as Meowth removed a rectangular device from his person and pressed one of the two grey buttons on it. Almost instantly, Giovanni, the boss of Team Rocket and former Gym Leader of Viridian City, appeared on the screen. He frowned, not immediately recognizing the trio. Nonetheless, he addressed them, "What could you possibly want? I'm in the middle of something."
"G-Greetings, boss, sir!" Jessie greeted uneasily. She cleared her throat to regain her composure before continuing, "This is Jessie, James, and Meowth reporting to inform you that we have some Pokemon for you." She and her male companions moved aside briefly to showcase the bags with the Poke Balls bulging out from the surface. Giovanni nodded tersely but said nothing else. In fact, his expression did not change. While Pokemon were invaluable to their services, he had operatives doing so almost weekly.
"But that's not at all!" James added in, sensing their boss's displeasure. This was a tidbit of information they could not neglect to tell. "We stole them from people who called themselves Team Hectic, so they are indeed worthy."
"What?!" Giovanni bellowed out of nowhere. Such an uncharacteristic response almost made Jessie, James, and Meowth jump out of their skins. "Does that mean you three are in the Tenla Region?!"
"Uh, y-yes sir?" They replied cautiously.
"Tell me everything you know. What was going with Team Hectic?" Giovanni ordered, his interest piqued.
Jessie, James, and Meowth took the time to explain everything that happened on their side of Zumi Town, putting in their own assumptions where appropriate. The scowl that was on Giovanni's face gradually disappeared. He was pleased to hear that three of his subordinates assisted in putting down an operation of Team Hectic while taking away their spoils.
"Excellent," Giovanni remarked once the debriefing was finished, "We've no one to monitor the Tenla Region, so good job. Now listen up. Since you three are the first to report of Team Rocket's presence in Tenla, it is imperative that you notify me of any activity in that region that I should be aware of, especially if Team Hectic is responsible. Do I make myself clear?"
"Crystal clear, sir!" Jessie, James, and Meowth replied simultaneously while saluting.
"Excellent," He replied, satisfied to know that business was being put in motion, "Giovanni out." With that, the boss of Team Rocket hung up.
"This is like a dream come true!" Meowth said elatedly, "Now that we're the first ones on the scene in Tenla, we have ourselves on opportunity to become big shots!"
Jessie, James, and Meowth got up and pranced around in a celebratory manner, cheering at the glimpse of light at the end of their dark tunnel. This was the beginning of something they wanted for the longest. But they had to stay diligent; since it seemed trouble always found the twerps, they would continue to tail them until they got more leads on Team Hectic. For now, they had to wait for someone to pick up these Poke Balls. However, in the midst of their merriment, something escaped all three of them.
What did Giovanni want with Tenla? Better yet, why was he so interested in Team Hectic?
Author Notes
EDIT (5/31/2019): Former chapters "Use Your Head" and "The Journey Begins" have been merged and edited to this singular one, following the removal of Novak and Antia from the story. Minister Kizuzaki's name has been changed to Claris. This is the last chapter affected by the rewrites/edits done on the aforementioned date.