A/N: This is the end of the Seafoam Island Arc. I've planned out the next 3 chapters. How soon I get them written is up in the air. Enjoy and Happy Halloween!
Disclaimer: I do not own Pokemon.
First to Victory: Chapter 21
Marisa struggled to break out the grip of the grunts. This was what she feared most. She knew what being captured meant. It meant losing her Pokemon to Team Rocket's twisted ways. It meant losing her freedom. It meant facing her past more vividly than ever before. There was no way she would get caught.
"Struggling is useless. You are better off coming peacefully," Simon told her with a smug smirk.
"Only in your dreams," the female trainer snapped back. Just then, a flash of light came out. Team Rocket was completely unprepared for what came next. A mysterious force knocked them to the ground released Marisa and Blake. The two trainers immediately ran passed them and back into the cavern tunnels.
"After them!" They could hear the disgruntled voice of Simon as they ran. The pair did not know where they were going, but knew it had to be away from that room. They quickly noticed that there were very few grunts patrolling the actual cavern tunnels. This was most likely due to there being far too many.
The pair turned down a few more tunnels before slowing up. They could no long hear that sound of the grunts. Marisa knelt down and hugged the Dark Pokemon standing by her leg. "I have never been so glad to have you jump out of your Pokeball," she told it.
"Umbreon really saved us," Blake commented while secretly wishing he was Umbreon at that moment.
"Yeah, but what are we going to do now? We are completely lost," the female trainer said looking around. Umbreon pulled out of her arms and acted like it was sniffing the air before moving in the direction they have previously been traveling.
Blake looked at the Pokemon for a moment. "Does Umbreon know how to get out?"
Umbreon seemed to nod at Blake's question. "It looks that way," Marisa replied standing up. "No surprise really. Umbreon really hates Team Rocket, so he probably can tell which way they aren't located in."
"We really just need to get outside," the male trainer answered before pulling off the Team Rocket uniform. "And since we've been spotted, I see no reason to keep this on."
Marisa nodded and did the same. They had both managed to keep hold of the bags containing their backpacks. If Umbreon had waiting any longer to come out, those probably would have been taken away from them, so they had been lucky on that account. The bad thing about being seen was simply that now Team Rocket would make plans to clear out as quickly as possible. They would not risk the police showing up and arresting them.
Both trainers secured their hats and backpacks once more, but Blake did one more thing. He released Typhlosion. "We better be prepared for a fight now," he said without Marisa even needing to ask. She knew why he had done it. Umbreon was already out for her and at this point, the Moonlight Pokemon would be very stubborn about going back into his ball. She was basically stuck with him, which was not bad unless the Pokemon completely lost his temper.
Typhlosion moved to Umbreon's side and the two urged their trainers to get moving. With no reason left to stay there, the trainers exchanged nods and began following the Pokemon. They moved at a slower pace than the all-out sprint they had previous used. All they needed to do was get out of the cavern. There was more room to battle outside and it would allow them to watch for Pidgeotto and hopefully the help it would bring.
The Pokemon frequently scanned the area with eyes and presumable ears. Both were very much on guard. No one needed to tell these two to be careful. They turned down a few paths and noticed that they were climbing. A good sign since the cavern was below ground. However, the more they climbed, the slower they moved. Umbreon and Typhlosion became more cautious. Marisa and Blake could only trust them for they could not sense anything.
"You knew that guy?" Blake asked just needing to say something. "The blue haired one?"
"You mean Simon? I didn't exactly know him. He hung out with Benett sometimes. He always seemed like he had some scheme going on in his head," Marisa replied. "However, it looks like he doesn't stick with Benett anymore."
"What do you mean?" Blake inquired hoping to find out more about Marisa.
"He said 'Lady Lilinia.' Benett works under Maxwell. For all I know, it could have always been that way. I found out a lot of these while they have been after me," she answered. "One thing is certain we can't take any of them lightly."
Blake nodded. That was one thing he did not need to be told. He had figured that one out all on his own. The guy, Simon, had let them see what was going on. He wanted to put them in a place that would make escape hard. Even though he had managed to come up with the plan to get inside, Blake had not the slightest idea how to get away from Simon once he caught them. He envied Umbreon for its abilities.
"Looks like we've made it to an exit," Marisa said pointing forward. There was a clear opening in the cavern and the sky was very much visible. However, the sky was darkening indicating that the day was beginning to end. They had been underground for a while.
The group slowly moved toward the opening. Rushing out was the last thing on their mind. It was a different opening than the one they initially came through. This one was smaller. Closer to the size of a doorway. Since they did not know if it was safe, they group peeked around the corner. There were no grunts in sight.
With the Pokemon leading, they slowly moved out. This location was higher up than the one they had been at before. There was no water reachable from the point. They would have to find a way to scale downward if they wanted to get to the sea. That meant they really did not have a solid escape route. However, they were high enough that Pidgeotto would have no problem seeing them. They just needed to wait.
"Why are there no grunts here? This seems like a good lookout point," Marisa commented looking around. There were not as many boulders around as in the lower areas.
"Could they have moved from here to look for us?" Blake replied also taking time to look around. Umbreon and Typhlosion stayed on guard. They moved cautiously around the two trainers. They were ready to defend at a moment's notice.
"Somehow, I doubt that, but I do wonder how long we can stay here," Marisa answered.
"I hate this. I would rather fight than keep running away," the male trainer said with clear agitation. "Isn't there anything we can do?"
Marisa had to agree with him. She also wanted to do something, but what could the two of them possibly accomplish on their own especially with all of Team Rocket looking for them? Suddenly, Umbreon began growling. "They're here," she said looking around for the enemy. A purple blur swooped down at them. Marisa and Blake dove to the side to avoid it. Umbreon and Typlosion move to the front to protect them.
"I thought that would work," a voice said calmly. The purple blur slowed to reveal the form for a Crobat. Multiple Golbat flew up to join the fully evolved Pokemon.
Simon stepped out with a hoard of grunts in his sted. Escape was going to be difficult. It was not that they were blocking the opening the pair had previously passed through, it was simply the sheer number of them. They were outnumbered three to one if the Pokemon did not count.
"We have to fight," Blake said rising to his feet. "The odds are bad, but… we have to try."
Marisa stood up as well. She was on the same wavelength as Blake. They needed to waste time. "It won't be easy."
Blake smiled. "Nothing worth doing ever is." The male trainer turned to Typhlosion. "Think you can win?" Typhlosion roared and sent a stream of fire into the air while Umbreon continued to growl beside him.
"Simon," Marisa said standing behind Umbreon. "No more running."
Simon flicked his hair back. "A useless effort, but I'll play with you. Crobat, Wing Attack!"
"Umbreon, Shadow Ball!"
"Typhlosion, Flamethrower!"
The two Pokemon launched their attacks at the incoming bat Pokemon. With ease, Crobat dodged the two attacks and continued its charge downward. Umbreon and Typhlosion jumped out of the way to avoid the attack causing Crobat to miss and have to turn around. The two Pokemon were about to launch attacks at the backside of the Pokemon when something collided with them knocking them to the ground. Around them swirled all the Golbats that had previously been by the other Team Rocket members.
"Should have known they wouldn't fight fair," Marisa growled as she reached for another Pokeball.
"Don't," Blake warned. "We may need the other Pokemon to get away. We need to hold out as long as we can."
Marisa moved her hand away. She knew Blake was right. It would not do them any good to have the other Pokemon getting injured as well. It was hard. She did not like seeing Umbreon getting hurt cause of uneven numbers. The two Pokemon stood up just as the bat Pokemon swooped in for another attack.
"Quick Attack!" Both trainers yelled out at the same time. If they were going to be out numbered then they would need to use speed to try to get some advantage. Both Pokemon sped out of the way of the initial attacks and each managed to slam into a Golbat, but following the attack, they were knocked to the ground once more by Wing Attacks.
"Typhlosion, smokescreen!" Blake yelled hoping to at least get them a little time. Typhlosion quickly filled the battle field with the dark mist.
"Umbreon, Iron Tail!" They could not afford to not try to attack while they had the brief advantage.
"Air Cutter, Crobat!" The bat Pokemon launched sharp blades of wind toward the smoke just as Umbreon jumped out.
Fortunately, Umbreon was able to hit a Golbat and avoid the Air Cutter. The Air Cutter cut away the smokescreen leaving them with no cover and no Typhlosion. Umbreon landed beside a hole. Without Blake even saying a thing, Typhlosion had used the smokescreen as a chance to dig a hole. While dig was not going to very useful as an attack, it did allow the fire Pokemon some level of cover and gave it a chance for a sneak attack.
It took Marisa little time to figure out her next move. "Umbreon, Flash!" The Moonlight Pokemon filled the field with light blinding Pokemon and trainer alike.
"Flamethrower!" Typhlosion popped out of the ground and sent a powerful flame into the sky. Unfortunately, most of the bats managed to dodge without sight.
"Wing Attack!" Simon yelled. The bats dove toward the ground and the two Pokemon.
"Quick Attack!" This time the order came too late and the two Pokemon were too slow to dodge. Once more, Umbreon and Typhlosion were knocked to the ground. The pair were much slower on getting to their feet.
Simon laughed. "You don't stand a chance at beating us. Crobat, Wing Attack again!"
The bat Pokemon turned around and began the assault again. Umbreon and Typhlosion used the previously ordered Quick Attack to dodge, but once more took damage. The number of injuries were beginning to slow them down and Simon knew it. He wasted no time in ordering another attack.
This time a loud caw ripped through the air and something from up above began slamming into the bats at a fast speed putting a stop to the attack. Simon was clearly stunned.
"It's… Pidgeotto," Marisa managed to say as the bird Pokemon slowed to a hover position in front of her. At that moment, Pidgeotto began to glow.
"This is good timing," Blake remarked watching Pidgeotto evolve into Pidgeot. "Marisa, we have a chance."
Marisa found herself unable to hold back her smile. Pidgeot would have a much easier time fighting than Umbreon and Typhlosion and the return of the bird Pokemon meant one big thing. Help was coming. As happy-go-lucky as the bird Pokemon was, Marisa believed in it enough to know it completed its job.
The glow faded and the newly evolved Pokemon flew strong. "Hey, Simon, looks like you haven't won yet," Marisa called out.
"A random Pokemon showing up won't save you," Simon growled clearly having no idea that Pidgeot was really one of Marisa's Pokemon. "Crobat, use Wing Attack on that bird!"
Marisa did not need to say anything. Pidgeot knew what to do. Crobat flew with wings glowing toward the bird. Pidgeot did a flip in the air before flying at the bat Pokemon. White streams of light came out around Pidgeot as it launched its attack. The two Pokemon collided and smoke engulfed the two briefly before Pidgeot flew out and circled the battlefield. Crobat fell to the ground with swirls in its eyes.
"That attack…" Marisa began knowing it was a new one.
"Wasn't that Aerial Ace?" Blake asked clearly impressed. "Such power."
Simon's face was red with anger as he called Crobat back to its ball. "How could a wild Pokemon be that strong?"
Marisa smirked. "It's not a wild Pokemon," she said looking over at Pidgeot. "That Pokemon is mine. Pidgeot, take out those Golbat with Quick Attack!"
Pidgeot was much faster than the Golbat. The grunts called out orders, but it was clear they did not stand a chance. They had been relying on Simon and Crobat, which made them weaker with no leader it took no time for Pidgeot to finish them off.
"This doesn't mean you've won. We aren't done yet," Simon yelled.
"Looks like we have the upper hand," she told him as Pidgeot flew to the two trainers.
"Not for long," an unknown voice called.
Marisa and Blake could do nothing as a black ball slammed into Pidgeot knocking it hard to the ground. The female trainer rushed to her Pokemon's side. Pidgeot was down from one attack. "Umbreon, Moonlight," she ordered putting the bird Pokemon into its ball.
Out of nowhere a Gengar appeared making it obvious that the ghost Pokemon initiated the attack. Umbreon glowed for a moment before getting into position to fight. Typhlosion struggled a bit, but soon moved to Umbreon's side. The battle was back to how it had started only this time it appeared to be staying at a 2 on 1 level. From behind a rock, a beautiful woman stepped out. Neither trainer needed to ask who she was. It was not hard to figure out that she was 'Lady' Lilinia.
"Marisa Talis, you are as annoying as your father," Lilinia said as she moved behind her Pokemon. "To think that I would have to do this myself."
Marisa glanced at Blake. She half expected him to start drooling over their opponent. To her surprise, he was glaring at her. Obviously, the male trainer did not want every good looking female around.
"We've beaten better trainers than you," Marisa shot back. Winning this battle would be a long shot. With Typhlosion still quite injured and Umbreon only partially healed, things were not looking good. Arcanine and Vaporeon were still at full health, if they needed them. Marisa was unsure how Blake felt about sending out any of his reserves and neither of them knew how far away help was.
"Your Pidgeot is gone and your other two are weak. You stand no chance. Give up," Lilinia said with a laugh.
"Never!" Marisa shouted back.
A smile graced Lilinia's lips. "Gengar, Shadow Ball." The ghost Pokemon crafted the dark ball and threw it at the two Pokemon.
"Iron Tail!" Umbreon's tail glowed as it hit the ball back at Gengar.
"Flamethrower!" Typhlosion released a stream of fire right behind the Shadow Ball. An explosion caused a plume of smoke, but Marisa and Blake knew better than to believe the fight was over. Blake gave Typhlosion a signal and the fire Pokemon used dig.
"Umbreon, watch out!" Gengar appeared next to Umbreon with its fist flashing with purple sparks. Umbreon jumped to try and avoid the Shadow Punch attack, but Gengar anticipated the movement sent Umbreon flying with one hit. Fortunately, being a dark type was to the moonlight Pokemon's advantage and it managed to land on his feet. "Faint Attack!" Umbreon ran toward Gengar.
"Gengar, Night Shade!" A black beam shot out toward Umbreon.
"Typhlosion!" From out of the ground, the fire Pokemon launched out slamming into Gengar. Umbreon disappeared dodging the Night Shade and appeared beside Gengar. Quickly, Umbreon slammed into the Pokemon as well. Gengar was knocked to the ground.
"Not bad, but not good enough," Lilinia said as Gengar jumped to its feet. "Hypnosis."
"Don't look!" Marisa yelled, but the Pokemon were too slow to react. Umbreon and Typhlosion teetered before falling over asleep.
"Dream Eater!"
"Psybeam!" A blast from an unknown place slammed into Gengar stopping the Dream Eater attack. Blake and Marisa took this chance to run to their Pokemon and began shaking them awake. Both Pokemon slowly regain consciousness and with that Typhlosion started to growl.
"I thought so," Blake said looking toward the sky. Marisa looked up and saw what Blake was talking about. Flying in from the sky was an orange dragon like Pokemon with someone riding it. Sitting on the Pokemon's head was a lavender colored, cat like Pokemon that Marisa clearly recognized.
"Is that Cassandra and her Espeon?" Marisa asked a little unsure if she was really seeing the other trainer.
"That's her all right. Typhlosion hates her Charizard, so there is no mistake," Blake replied. "Looks like this battle is over."
Espeon jumped off of Charizard and stood in front of Gengar. Cassandra slid off and ran to the two trainers. "Are you two all right? I got here as soon as I could."
"How dare you ignore me?" Lilinia screamed. "Two Pokemon, Three Pokemon, it doesn't matter. I'll defeat you all!"
Cassandra turned to the angry Executive. "You've lost. The island is surrounded by the Police and Pokemon League forces. Espeon, finish off that Gengar."
Espeon ran at the ghost Pokemon and shot a Psybeam at close range. The attack launched Gengar back and into its trainer knocking them both out. Simon and the grunts could not believe what they saw.
"Run!" Simon said abandoning the Executive and taking off down the nearest tunnel. Cassandra did nothing to stop them. Instead she just looked at Marisa with a smile. The Pokemon were safe and so were they.
Next Chapter: Marisa's past and Blake's future.
A/N: Got the new Pokemon Rumble Blast game. It actually helped a little when writing the battle scene, which was causing me a little trouble. Hope people liked it.