Kanto Saga
Chapter 14: The City of Flowers and the Route Over Water
The group admires the beauty of Fuchsia city as they enter, noting the balance between man and nature. "This place is quite nice," says Cynder. "I agree, it gives off quite a calming vibe," remarks Draco. As the group continues into the city, unbeknownst to them, they are being watched from every corner. The group looks at a nearby map of town and notes where the landmarks are. "We should take a look at this Safari Park they have here. It could be quite interesting. It also looks like it has a camping zone as well, might be a good area to stay before our trip over water," says Cynder. "Sounds like a good plan Cynder," says Bowser. "I still wonder what Pokemon are in there," Charonus says exitedly. The group heads towards the Safari Park, being trailed by a strange tree that they don't notice.
As the group enters the park, they see a vast open plain with several strange Pokemon wandering around. They walk up to a big signboard, "Welcome to Pokemon Safari Park, where Pokemon and Human alike try to keep the balance with nature," Cynder reads the signboard aloud. The signboard also mentions that there are different zones, each tailored for Pokemon to dwell within, it also makes notes that there are plenty of camping sites for travellers to make use of. "Maybe we should have a look around this place and see what kind of Pokemon there are." says Charonus exitedly. "I guess after our latest encounter, it would be nice to relax," Bowser says. The group nods and decides to take a look around. Draco feels a strange wind brush by him just then and takes a look around. "Hmmm...that was strange," Bowser looks back to his Charizard friend. "Is something wrong Draco?" Draco snaps back to reality for a moment. "Huh? Oh, it's nothing Bowser, just a strange feeling I had, nothing more." Bowser looks at Draco, "I sure hope that was all."
The group makes their way into the first zone, "Welcome to the Plains zone. This zone holds endangered Pokemon that roam vast plains within the Pokeworld." A couple strange two and three headed bird pokemon pass by in front of the group as they read the sign. The group looks up to see the Pokemon go by, also noticing a Pokemon that holds a smaller child within a pouch. "Say Draco, doesn't that kind of look like a beefed up Kangaroo?" Bowser inquires. "Hmmm, now that you mention it Bowser, it kinda does," Draco responds back. As they continue to walk the trails of the Plains zone, they continue to see more amazing Pokemon. A Rhinoceros Pokemon looks over as the group walks by, letting out a happy roar and goes back to grazing. The group eventually reaches the end of the Plains zone and enters Zone 2, the Forest Zone.
The group heads down the trails of the Forest zone, taking notes of the different Bug types and Poison types that enhabit the area. Several green colored bugs with what appear to be scythes for forearms fly overhead as brown bugs with giant pincers on their heads hang in the trees. Near the base of the many forest trees many bug Pokemon with mushrooms attached to their backs are found as well as small, rodent like Pokemon of differing shades of purple, the darker ones having horns jutting out of their foreheads. The group continues to marvel at the sights, eventually getting near Zone 3, the Marsh Zone.
The group notices many more different Pokemon here, from giant moth like Pokemon to even water dwelling Pokemon within the deeper pools there. "This place is just so full of many different species of Pokemon," says Cynder. "You are not kidding. I'm just glad to see that the humans have done so well to help these Pokemon out by giving them a home here." Draco says back. As the group continues their tour, the sun begins to set. "We should think of setting up camp guys," says Bowser. "You're right Bowser. We are almost to the next zone, we should set up there," says Cynder. The group heads for Zone 4, Mountain Zone.
As the group enters the Mountain Zone, they take a look for a nearby campsite to set up at. "Over here guys, this spot looks perfect," Bowser points over to an overlook looking out over the whole park. Charonus runs over to the spot eagerly, "This place will be perfect for our camp, good call Bowser." Bowser blushes slightly at Charonus' kind words. The group reaches into their bag and retrieves their camping supplies, in no time setting up their camp. Cynder sets up a ring of rocks and Bowser pulls some wood from his pack. "I'm still amazed with how good Amber has prepared us, the capacity of these bags really seems unreal." Cynder responds, "I know what you mean Bowser, it does seem quite strange to me as well." Draco wanders off from the group to see if he can see some of the Pokemon that are in this area. As Draco wanders around, he spots a strange snake like Pokemon in a nearby lake that has a large jewel affixed to its chest and another pair of jewels on its tail.
As the group finishes setting up the camp, Cynder looks around, "Hey Bowser, have you seen Draco around?" Bowser looks up at Cynder, "No, I've been busy getting my tent set up." Cynder and Bowser look around, eventually spotting a tailflame headed back towards them. "Ah, there you are. I wish that you wouldn't wander off on your own you sillyzard," Cynder says. No response is heard. "Hey, are you ok buddy?" inquires Bowser. The figure draws nearer and enters the campfires light and roars a little. "Huh, is something wrong Draco. What is with that derpy look on your face?" asks Charonus. Cynder takes a closer look and notices that Draco's face does seem to be off. His bright eyes and smiling face seem to be replaced by black dots and a strange line like mouth. As the group wonders what is going on, the Draco like figure begins to twist and contort to take on the form of Bowser, only it has the same derpy face. "What is this thing?" Bowser takes a step back as he looks at this lookalike in front of him.
As the group confronts this strange being, Draco is still at his lookout spot, deciding to take pictures of the nearby Pokemon to show his friends, "I better be heading back before the others worry about where I am." As Draco gets nearer to the campsite, he sees what looks like to him, two Cynders. "Huh, what is going on here, either my eyes are playing tricks on me, or I am seeing double." Draco rushes to the campsite and stands between the two Cynders. "Can someone explain to me what is going on here?" Bowser looks over, "Your guess is as good as mine. At first we thought this thing was you, the only reason we knew something was off was because of the imposters derpy face, then he changed into me for a bit, then Cynder." Draco takes a look to see what Bowser is talking about and sees that one of the Cynders has this strange expression on her face. "Hmmm, maybe this could be another Pokemon from the area. I wonder if it could be training its abilities." The figure changes again into a strange pink lump and looks up at the group and utters a simple "Ditto" before retreating into the night.
The group continues to talk about this strange experience that they had before eventually settling in for the night. As morning dawns, the group gets ready to leave, packing up their camp and making sure no embers remain of their campfire from the night prior. "That was quite nice, maybe except for that strange Pokemon. I still can't believe that there are even Pokemon that can take the shape of another," says Cynder. "I bet an ability like that comes in handy though, maybe to be able to hide from predators," Bowser says back. "I wonder if we will encounter that kind of Pokemon again some other time," says Charonus. The group continues to converse as they make their way out of the park and heads for the water routes of Kanto to make their way to Seafoam Islands.
The group passes back through Fuchsia City, taking one last stroll before putting the 'City of Flowers' behind them. As the group enters Route 19, they converse on how to best get over the water to Seafoam. "How are we going to make it to my home? Bowser can't fly like you two can," wonders Charonus. "Hey, don't worry about me little guy. I happen to be quite the swimmer, just like a Blastoise from your world," boasts Bowser. "Yeah, that is if you don't get distracted and sink like a stone because of your heavy shell..." quips Draco. "Hey, I don't get distracted that often," says Bowser. A nearby duck like Pokemon waddles up to the group as they are talking, "I would be careful if you plan to head over the water routes. A storm that has happened not to long ago has agitated the local Tentacool and Tentacruel...quite the headache I tell ya." as the duck Pokemon says this, he holds his head as if it hurts, giving out a little "Psy" as he does. "Thanks for the warning, I think I can handle it with my stout shell," says Bowser. "I hope so too for your sake. Tentacools are nasty, but it's the Tentacruels you should be watching for," he looks to Draco and Charonus, "And fire will be of no help, but maybe your strange dragon type friend could be of help if you get into trouble." Cynder responds to the warnings. "Thank you for your warning, we will make sure to keep a good watch on out friend from above."
After conversing a little more, and Bowser assuring them that Charonus will be alright riding with him, Draco and Cynder take to the sky to fly overhead. "Ready to go buddy? My stout shell and great stamina will have us there in no time," asks Bowser. "I'm as ready as you are. I just hope those Tentacool and Tentacruel don't give us trouble." responds Charonus. Bowser smiles, "If they do, try to give them a little shock, but don't go overboard." Charonus nods back as Bowser prepares himself to enter the water. Bowser jets off as he hits the water, going pretty fast through the rest of Route 19 and entering Route 20. "It should be like two hours to a two and a half hours to reach my home." Charonus says. "No problem, I'll get us there." Bowser says back. Draco and Cynder fly overhead, keeping careful watch on Bowser and Charonus. "I hope no problems occur for those two," Cynder says worredly. "I hope so too Cynder, we may have to help them if they get into trouble," Draco says back to her.
Over the next hour, the group makes really good headway towards Seafoam, but just over the distance, they catch a sight of something stirring up the water. "Careful Bowser, I don't like the sight of that area of water. Can you see if you can avoid it?" Charonus looks worredly at the water. "Yeah, I'll try to avoid it. I don't really like the sight of that either," Bowser says back as he begins to maneuver out of the way of the agitated waters, but this proved to be a folly as Bowser feels something grab hold of his leg from beneath the water's surface. "Gah, somethings got my leg!" Bowser tries to pull away, but he is held in place, as he tries more and more to get away, tendrils come from the water and wrap around his other limbs. Up above, Draco and Cynder see this occur, "We gotta help Bowser and Charonus, they look like they may be dragged under!" Draco exclaims as he rushes to their aid with Cynder following behind.
Charonus tries to keep his cool and concentrate on performing Charge, but it proves to be a tough task while Bowser tries to fend off the attack from the underwater Tentacools. "I must concentrate and prepare myself...I will save my friend." Charonus continues to concentrate his hardest, eventually managing to perform Charge, he then turns his attention to the Tentacool tentacles that have attached to Bowser. "Don't worry Bowser, I'll help you," As Charonus says this, he prepares a Zap Cannon and takes aim with it at the tentacles on Bowser's left arm and lets the attack loose. The attack manages to strike it's target true and paralyze the Tentacool and freeing Bowser's left arm. "Great work Charonus. Try to get the other ones off of me if you can." Charonus nods at Bowser's request and gets ready to let loose another Zap Cannon. At that moment Draco and Cynder show up and prepare their own attacks to help out. "Don't worry Bowser, we'll help you get free in no time," Draco says as he takes aim and dives down to use Slash on the exposed tentacles of the Tentacool that holds Bowser's right leg. At the same time Cynder does the same on the one holding Bowser's left leg. With one more Zap Cannon from Charonus, Bowser gets freed and speeds away from the Tentacool.
"That was a close one Bowser...keep your eyes peeled for any other disturbances," says Charonus, hoping they don't run into any more of those, as well as not running into any Tentacruels. "For being so small, those things sure have some holding power. I couldn't even get away from them." says Bowser. Unbeknownst to them, a large set of eyes watches them from below the water, keeping a close track on the pair floating on the water, but letting them pass. The group continues on their way, eventually seeing the Seafoam Islands in the distance. "Hey, we're almost back at my home!" Exitedly exclaims Charonus as je jumps up and down. "Hey, settle down Charonus, you don't want to fall off do ya?" Bowser says worredly. "Yeah, you're right, but I'm just so exited to be back home after so long, and all I have been through," Charonus says back. Above the two, Draco and Cynder spot the islands, "I'm glad that nothing else has happened on our way here," Draco sighs in relief. "That may be Draco, but something still could happen. Be sure to keep your eyes open for signs of trouble." Just as Cynder says this, the water in front of them starts to swell and rise up. "Bowser, watch out, something big is coming up!" Cynder yells down to Bowser as her and Draco rush to his side. Charonus prepares himself to fight whatever this new threat is.
The group continues to watch as the waters begin to part, showing a large, blue jellyfish like creature with large, ruby like spots atop it's head and many tentacles coming from the waters surface. The Pokemon looks at the group, watching them carefully, it then begins to speak in a gruff voice. "I commend you four for getting this far and passing the test set forth by this island's master. Zapdos, the electric one of Bravery has taught you well, you also showed great knowledge in fending off the Tentacool that tried to drag your turtle friend under. Your group may pass now to Seafoam and meet with the Ice of Knowledge." As the Tentacruel says this, he bows and moves out of the way of the group, letting them pass and enter the area of Seafoam.
The group reaches the shore of Seafoam Island, resting a moment before trying to find their way inside. Charonus takes a look around and eventually spots an entrance that looks familiar to himself. "Hey, I think this is where my nest is." Draco, Cynder, and Bowser follow him, entering the caves. "Are you sure Charonus?" asks Draco. "Yeah, I'm pretty sure about this, I recognise some of the area around here." Charonus continues to lead the group into the caves, eventually seeing the destruction that Team Rocket have wrought while capturing Pokemon. "How horrible...I can't believe humans would do things like this." Cynder sighs as she sees the damage of the caves. Charonus runs off to a side cave and eventually finds what he has been seeking. In the back of the side cave, he sees a small nest that has the fragments of eggshell from his egg still inside. "I found it guys, my nest." Charonus exitedly leaps into his old nest and looks out at the group from it. "Heh, that looks quite cute little guy." Bowser laughs a bit. "Maybe we should stay here for a while before meeting with Articuno." says Cynder. Charonus curls up in his nest and yawns, "Yes, that sounds good." Charonus eventually falls to sleep and the group takes turns looking around the cave and watching over Charonus.
As Charonus dreams, he remembers that horrible day that took his home, as well as his parents away from him. He cries a little as he sleeps and thinks about how he will never let this happen again. Cynder, watching over Charonus at the time, wipes the tears from his eyes, eventually spotting something sitting near Charonus. She picks it up and examines it. It turns out to be a strange necklace, the pendant on it having two recesses in it where it looks like round gems could fit. The pendant has the designs of a pair of wings, only that the left one has the look of a black wing with a blue wing membrane, and the right looks like a normal Charizard's wing, only a little more styled. Cynder continues to examine the necklace, eventually setting it back down over Charonus' head. "I guess this is one last gift from your parents to you Charonus...sleep well young Charmander."