With Brent and Raikou brought back safely maybe J will look at Red with a little respect. What is J's plans with these legendary Pokémon? Who wants these Pokémon from J and why? Now companioned with Brock; Rosa and Ash continue their journey to Cerulean City where they plan to meet Misty. How will Rosa feel when she encounters the elites and "Shadow." a.k.a Red again? What problems will everyone face?
Chapter 11: The Mt. Moon Maze
Setting: Pewter City Pokémon Center
Ash and Brock were sitting in the lobby when Rosa walked scratching the back of her head "Rosa are you ok?" Ash asks her. "Yeah I'm fine I just tripped." Riolu appeared behind her stretching its body "Why don't you give Riolu to Nurse Joy?" Brock advised. Rosa shook her head no "Riolu doesn't like Pokémon Centers unless she's here to sleep or eat." "Why?" Ash questioned. "She's picky." Riolu gave her a cold stare while Rosa let out a small laugh "No it's just she only let's a few people hold her and help her." She replied. "Are you sure?" Brock asked "Yes." Brock stayed quiet "So where to now?" Rosa asked looking at Ash. "Well when all the Pokémon are healed we have to go east to Mt. Moon and from there we'll be headed to Cerulean City." He replied.
The doors slid open and Officer Jenny walked in "Officer Jenny are you ok?" "Did you catch the hunters?" Rosa asked while they ran towards her. Officer Jenny gave a sigh "I'm fine, but when I got back to the police station it was totally destroyed plus the prisoner broke out." Jenny replied. Brock went to Jenny taking her hand "Don't be sad Jenny because we'll get through this together. Why don't we talk about this over dinner?" Brock smiled. Brock smile turned into a yelp when Croagunk appeared and used Poison Jab "Table for two." Brock said weakly as he was being taken by Croagunk. Jenny and Ash gave a small laugh "Is he going to be ok?" Rosa asked "That's just classic Brock." Ash replied with a smile.
"So Jenny how was he able to escape?" Ash asked "Maybe those four trainers were just a distraction?" Brock said after his quick recovery from Croagunk making Rosa jump back after being startled. Pikachu had appeared and leaped onto Ash's shoulder "Hey buddy glad to see you're ok." They both smiled. Nurse Joy walked by holding Totodile's pokeball "Here you go Ash your Totodile is in good health." "Thanks for all your help Nurse Joy." Ash and Brock replied. Nurse Joy gave a slight bow then headed back to her desk "Anyways you might be right Brock." Officer Jenny replied. "That would mean that Brent guy is also a Pokémon hunter." Rosa added "I'll be alerting all the Jennies in Kanto about the hunters. Now I must be going so I can help out with the repairs for the police station." The group nodded as Jenny exited out of the building. "So are you guys ready?" Brock and Rosa gave a nod "Then let's go to Mt. Moon." Ash announced.
Setting: Elite's Lounge
Red was looking at the dinner he made after his nap that he took when he got back from Pewter City. Red was depressed and confused about everything that had happen with Rosa then he heard the door slide open. Red was hoping it would be someone that would help to lift his spirits; he wouldn't mind hearing one of Neo's speeches of how everyone should take notes so that no one would forget something during the missions. When he glanced up he saw Brent, who then pulled out a chair and sat next to Red. There was an awkward silence "Thanks." Brent whispered "Thanks for busting me out that is. Zane told me you came up with the plan after he tried to take credit, but I knew he wasn't that creative." Red stayed silent wondering if it was some kind of trick Brent was trying to pull.
"But don't think this makes us friends. You did just show me up on capturing Raikou in front of everyone." Brent slammed his hand on Red's back as a sign of truce. Red had dropped his fork and when he leaned down to grab it Brent grabbed Red's plate then began to walk out. When Red grabbed his fork he noticed Brent and his dinner was gone "Should've seen that coming." Red tossed the fork into the sink then turned the lights off as he exited.
Setting: Mt. Moon 8:30 p.m.
As the group continued their adventure they finally came across Mt Moon, but they were stopped by another group of people at the entrance of the cave. "Hey there kids are you planning to go through this cave here?" They all gave a nod "Well then how about you kids use this map so you don't get lost." The man smiled. "It's ok. I'm sure we'll get through it just fine." Brock replied "Don't be shy because for you we'll just give it to you no charge." A smaller man added. "Come on Brock what's the worst that could happen." Ash happily takes the map and begins to walk into the entrance of the cave followed by Brock who was still unsure. "Thank you. Come again." As Rosa began to follow Ash, Riolu was growling 'What's wrong Riolu?' 'Those three strangers at the cave entrance I don't trust them.' She replied.
When Rosa and Riolu caught up with Ash and Brock they were using a flashlight trying to read the map they just received. "Ash I don't think we should use that map." Rosa said softly "No worries Rosa I know what I'm doing." Ash replied. "No Ash I have a bad feeling." Rosa sprinted towards them when all of a sudden the ground caved in making all of them fall. When Rosa came through she looked around and saw that she was all alone in the dark "Riolu! Ash! Anybody!" Her voice echoed through the cave. Somewhere in another part of the cave Pikachu was awoken and when he opened his eyes he saw Riolu shaking him with a worried look on her face. Pikachu stood himself looking around not spotting Ash anywhere in sight giving him a depressed look.
Ash glanced up at the long he just came from "I hope everyone is ok?" Ash grabbed his backpack and started to walk into darkness of the cave. Later Brock had awoken, but found himself unable to move "Where am I." He glanced around then saw that he had sprained his ankle. "Well looks like I'm going to be stuck here until help arrives. Ash! Rosa! Where are you guys!" There was silence as Brock sat there alone. Outside the cave a certain trio was enjoying their scheme "I can't believe they bought it." "And with the real map in hand we will be able to snatch Pikachu while those twerps wonder lost forever." Meowth stated. The thought of Pikachu in their grasps while the twerps were lost gave Jessie and Meowth jitters of joy. While Jessie and Meowth where getting ready to enter the cave James was starving "Can't we go after dinner?" Jessie and Meowth laughed as they entered the cave "I guess that means no." He lowered his head in shame.
As the trio entered the cave Meowth came accidently fell into the giant hole in the ground, but Jessie was able to catch Meowth and pull him up. "Thanks Jess if you didn't catch me I would've lost one of my nine lives." "I'm not losing that map no matter what." She replied. "Hey guys wait up for me!" James shouted rushing towards them "No Jimmy boy slow down!" Meowth yelled. James tried to stop running, but it was too late as the trio began to fall into the dark hole. Rosa was walking around trying to find Riolu "Haven't I been here already. Ugh I think I'm going in circles. I wish." Rosa was cut off when she was slammed into the ground by Jessie. "Ow hey get off me!" Jessie quickly got off the girl "Hey you're that new twerp. Hand over all your Pokémon." Jessie glanced around not seeing James or Meowth. "What were you saying about Team?" Rosa asked sarcastically "No matter. Even without my team I'll take you as a hostage." Jessie pulled out a pokeball when the ground began to shake again.
"Oh no not another hole." "Quit your worrying it's just those Gravelers." Jessie replied pointing behind Rosa. The two girls took a moment to let the idea of Gravelers rolling straight towards them to sink in. "Ahh!" The two of them screamed as they began to take off running "Ash! Brock! Where are you guys!" Rosa shouted. Riolu was walking with Pikachu until the heard a faint scream, and then Riolu quickly reacted and took off in the direction of scream followed by Pikachu. While Riolu was running she came across Meowth who had his head stuck in the ground. Riolu walked over to Meowth slowly then grabbed his tail and pulled him out of the ground landing him in front of Pikachu. Pikachu gave an angry look at Meowth "What where am I?" Meowth panicked looking around only to see Riolu and Pikahu giving Meowth a mad look. "Ahh you're not Jessie and James." Pikachu began to yell at Meowth.
"You're saying you fell down a hole and now you can't find your trainer. Well sorry to burst your bubble, but we had nothing to do with that hole." Pikachu was about to give Meowth a zap when they heard the screams once more. "That sounded like Jessie?" Riolu and Pikachu took off running "Maybe if we can find Jessie and James not only will we get Pikachu, but the powerful Riolu too." When Meowth looked the two Pokémon were gone "Hey guys wait for me!" He shouted following them. Ash was giving a confused look while he was trying to read the map so he could find his way out of Mt. Moon. Ash kept holding the map different ways hoping it would make it simpler to read "Once I find Brock, Rosa, and the Pokémon I'll try to find our way out. Wait Noctowl." Ash released Noctowl from its pokeball. "Noctowl can you help me find the others?" Noctowl nodded then began to lead Ash through the darkness. Brock was trying to figure out how he was going to find the others then out of nowhere James came falling in front Brock. "James?" James looked up seeing Brock and none else "Where am I?" "You fell from up there." Brock said pointing straight up. "Wait a minute did you have anything to do with that hole?" Brock asked with a hint of anger "Sadly no." There was silence until James's stomach began to growl. James gave an embarrassed look "I guess I forgot I still haven't ate yet." He said laughing while holding his stomach. Brock gave an intrigued look "I can make you something if you like." James watched as Brock pulled out some matches and began cooking a small meal for them.
Riolu was leading the group chasing after the screams of Rosa and Jessie "Can you guys slow down." Meowth said trying to keep up "I need to start working out." Meowth stopped to lie on the ground and catch his breath. Pikachu tried to shake Meowth up, but Riolu wasn't the most patient Pokémon in the world. While Pikachu was trying to get Meowth up Riolu signaled Pikachu to step back, and then Riolu lifted Meowth up with her psychic abilities "Hey what are you doing?" Riolu stepped behind Meowth placing her paw on his back. Riolu's palms began to flash then Meowth was launched forward with great speed from Riolu's Force Palm attack. Jessie and Rosa were sprinting for their lives, but no matter what turn they made the Gravelers continued to follow them. While they were running Jessie was smacked in the face "Meowth!" "Jessie!" Meowth said holding on "Where's James?" Jessie asked. "I'm not sure, but why are you running so fast." Meowth looked back and saw the army of Gravelers chasing them.
"Whatever you do don't drop me!" Meowth yelled "Why don't you go and talk some sense into that Graveler?" Jessie asked "Are you crazy! I'll get creamed before they even give me the time of day." Moewth whined. Jessie gave a frustrated look "Wait how'd you get here?" Rosa asked "It's because of that moody Riolu of yours." Rosa's eyes widen "Thank goodness Riolu is ok." She said softly. When Rosa looked straight ahead she saw Pikachu and Riolu waving at them "It's Riolu and Pikachu!" Rosa shouted. When Jessie and Rosa ran past the Pokémon Riolu used Aura Sphere on the roof of the cave causing it to collapse and forming a rock wall preventing the Graveler to continue chasing them. "What was that Noctowl?" Ash asked as the ground began to shake. Noctowl then began to go closer to the source of the small earthquake followed by Ash who was trying to rush 'Come on Pikachu and the others please be ok.' Ash thought to himself while chasing after Noctowl.
Brock and James sat there eating their food "What do you think that was?" James asked "Might be some Gravelers protecting their territory." Brock replied. After their meal Brock placed everything back in his bag "Well I guess we should find a way out." James said as he started to walk away. When James looked back he saw Brock still sitting there "Aren't you coming?" James asked. "I would if I could, but I sprained my ankle and I can't walk." James walked towards Brock and placed Brock's arm around his shoulder. "What are you doing?" Brock asked confused "I'm going to get you out of this cave." James replied. James started to help Brock up "You could've left me? Why didn't you?" "You helped me. The least I could do is repay the favor by helping you walk." James answered. "Maybe this can help." Brock pulled out a pokeball and released Crobat. "Crobat can you lead us to the others?" Crobat nodded and began to lead the way.
Rosa, Jessie, Riolu, Pikachu, and Meowth were walking lost in the cave when Riolu took a stop at another path. "What is it Riolu? Is that the way out?" Rosa asked 'No, but I sense movement headed towards us.' Riolu replied to Rosa telepathically. "Do you think more Gravelers?" Rosa whispered "What's the hold up?" Jessie asked. Everyone gathered near Rosa glancing down the darkened path. Riolu began to take a fighting stance and wait for whatever was about to appear in front of them. When the figure got closer Pikachu panicked and took the offensive by launching a Thunderbolt attack. "Ahh!" The dark figure screamed giving everyone a fright, but when the figure fell forward Ash appeared in front of them. "Ash!" Rosa, Pikachu, and Riolu ran over to Ash to see if he was ok, and then Noctowl came soaring wondering what had happen.
"Great to know you tried to protect everybody Pikachu." Rosa tried to help Ash up while he dusted off his hat. Ash looked forward to see Jessie and Meowth "Team Rocket what are you doing here!" Ash yelled. "If you must know we are looking for James! He slipped down here and now we have to find him." Jessie replied. "Pikachu use." Rosa grabbed ahold of Ash's arm preventing him from finishing his command "Rosa, but they..." Rosa slowly nodded her head no "We don't need to start a fight here Ash. Our goal is to find Brock and get out of this cave." Ash looked at her before nodding. Jessie and Meowth gave a slight smile "Thanks to that pink hair girl Pikachu won't zap us giving us more time to come up with a plan." Meowth whispered "Now all we need to do is find James then we can snag Pikachu and ditch the twerps." Jessie replied.
It seemed like hours have gone by for our weary travelers as they traveled through the dark cave. Then wonderful news our travelers found the exit of the cave, but were all extremely exhausted not even noticing they were outside. While Ash was using any strength he had left to continue walking he slammed his forehead right on a tree. When Ash fell back he saw the night sky as his eyes widen "We're out!" He quickly shot his body forward slamming into the tree once more. "Watch out Ash you'll lose brain cells." Rosa laughed "We're finally out of that a cursed cave." Jessie replied. "Wait we were never able to find Brock!" Ash stated "And poor Jimmy is still in the cave." Meowth added. As the group looked back Brock and James exited the cave barely standing using a walking stick to hold themselves up.
Brock and James both collapsed as they made it out of the cave "Brock!" "James!" Ash and Meowth shouted. The two groups parted and headed towards their down member "Brock are you ok?" Rosa asked. "Yeah I just got a sprained ankle, but James helped me out of the cave." He replied. "Come on James wake up. We can't be a trio if you die on us." James opened his eyes "Jessie. Meowth." James gave them a big hug "I'm so glad to see my friends again!" He shouted. Jessie and Meowth quickly turned around facing towards Ash and the others. Jessie quickly pulled out her pokeballs "Jessie what are you doing?" James asked "Catching Pikachu while it's tired." When Jessie was about to release her Pokémon there was a faint sound off in the distance like roaring water. Team Rocket looked towards the forest, but in a blink of an eye they were sent soaring in the air and out sight. Ash and the group got ready when the attacker appeared from the forest. Ash's eyes widen "Misty!" Misty gave a small smile "It's been a while Ash." Misty replied.
Before Team Rocket could have stolen the Pokémon who comes to the rescue? Misty of course. Now finally reaching their destination and finding Misty what will happen now? Will Red ever get a hold of Rosa to tell her what's going on? Will Red and Brent be friends or will Brent be bothering Red even more now that Red embarrassed him in front of everyone?