On the last chapter, Leaf learned more about the kind of place Lavender Town is, in both positive and negative ways. She also found out that this was the born town of Mr. Fuji, that kind old man she met on Viridian City when she just began her journey. Unfortunately, he has been taken by Team Rocket, who is causing troubles on Lavender Town and has set its operations base on the Pokemon Tower, a place which is said to be cursed. Despite any chilling feelings, Leaf along with her newest friend Reira have decided to drop Team Rocket a visit and save Mr. Fuji. Will the two girls do alright in a place possibly haunted by ghost, and Team Rocket as well?
Chapter 20: Rest in Peace
After having a disagreement with the assistants on Mr. Fuji's house, Leaf decided to take out Team Rocket by herself, with help of her new friend Reira of course. Nightfall finally arrived and both girls were at the Old Fuji's house, making preparations to assault the Pokemon Tower. A few minutes later, they were finally at the tower's entrance, which was bathed in a holy moonlight, ironically making the creepy place look beautiful.
Despite being acknowledged as a wicked place, it really looks gorgeous bathed with this full moonlight – Leaf said feeling a little more comfortable.
I hate how this place has gotten a bad reputation, is it not cursed – Reira said with a bitter tone filled with a little sadness.
I know, it a place where fallen Pokemon can find peace at last – Leaf said.
And that peace is being disturbed by Team Rocket, they must be stopped now – Reira said in a mad tone.
That's why we are here right? Thought I feel a bit uneasy about what me might encounter once we set foot, it could either be this 'ghosts' or a surprise attack from Team Rocket, maybe both – Leaf said concerned.
Let's stick together and rely on our Pokemon and our skills as trainers – Reira said confident.
You got it – Leaf answered back in the same way.
Despite been taken by Team Rocket, the Pokemon Tower wasn't guarded that well at night, allowing both girls to enter easily. Sooner than later, they found themselves in a wide room with lots of tombs.
Look at all these tombs, so many Pokemon… - the sadness could be felt in Leaf's tone.
Is one of the reasons the Old Fuji modified his home for Pokemon, so tragedies won't occur that often, mostly because of a Pokemon who can't take care of themselves nor don't have a trainer – Reira said.
We have to rescue him – Leaf's tone changed to one of determination.
I wonder how he is doing, hope he's not being tortured or something like that – Reira said really concerned about the Old Fuji.
Meanwhile, on an upper floor
Man, how long are we supposed to be looking out for this old man? I mean, is not like he's a treat for us or anything, but watching him is hell boring – one Team Rocket grunt said.
That's what he gets for messing around where he isn't called, besides, making him our prisoner will teach everyone else not to oppose Team Rocket if they are smart enough – another grunt said.
He even felt asleep like the old hag he is, so we don't have to worry about he gets away, thought we might worry about these 'ghosts' – the third grunt said.
Don't tell me you actually believe in these things, only ghost-type Pokemon exist, so that's nothing to be really scared about – the second grunt said.
Even so, we got the Sylph Scope to helps us see through any anomalies, so we'll be ready for anything – the first grunt said.
That includes intruders, which reminds me, it's my turn to patrol – the third grunt said as he lift himself up, grabbed a lamp and headed downstairs.
Don't get lost – the second grunt said.
We just go up and downstairs, how can I get lost? – the third grunt said.
You might if you encounter a 'ghost' and buries you in a random tomb – the first grunt said sarcastically.
Very funny, I'm taking these just in case – the third grunt said as he grabbed the sylph scope and went downstar.
Back with Leaf and Reira
So far so good – Leaf said as she and Reira kept moving forward and upstairs, not running into any 'ghost' or Team Rocket grunt, thought she knew one of them could happen any second now.
Wait, Leaf! You feel funny? – Reira asked.
What? No, I don't thi- Leaf cut herself off when she felt a chilling sensation through her body.
Sooner than later, the girls noticed the room was been covered in what it seemed a purple mist.
Go away…
Leaf and Reira didn't like the sound of those terrifying words. The mist began to take form of a horrible entity, presumably the 'ghost' they have heard about.
I-I-I-Is this…? – Reira said stammering because of the great fear passing through her.
GO AWAY!
EEEEEEIIIIIIIYYYYAAAAAAAA! – The girls shouted as they made their way downstairs as fast as they could after having the scare of her lives.
WHAT THE HECK WAS THAT?! – Leaf shouted after regaining her breath from all that running.
It might be the 'ghost' the lady at the Old Fuji's house was talking about – Reira said, also trying to recover from the agitated moment.
Oh for Arceus, what are we supposed to do now? – Leaf said.
I can see why no one dares to place a foot on the tower right now; still, we can't leave Mr. Fuji's just hanging! – Reira said.
You're right, but we can't just fight this thing… or can we? – Leaf considered the option.
Now that you mention it, that entity resembled a lot to a Haunter, a ghost-type Pokemon, this might be their work, perhaps from Team Rocket to scare intruders – Reira said.
Alright Reira, do you really want to give it another shot? – Leaf asked like if she knew the answer, and Reira nodded in response.
The girls made their way upstairs once more and reached the room they just ran off from. There was not sight of the entity, yet… Instead, they were intercepted by a Team Rocket grunt.
Hey! This is no place for little girls like you! – The grunt shouted.
Neither for you Team Rocket! – Leaf said pointing her finger to the grunt.
This place is under the control of Team Rocket! Any intruders will be wiped out! – The grunt threatened as he took a Pokeball.
Where's the Old Fuji?! – Reira demanded.
Why should I tell you? – The grunt said smirking maliciously.
That's it! We'll have to battle our way through! – Leaf said as she took a Pokeball from her belt.
If that's how you want! Go Koffing! – The grunt said releasing a purple Pokemon with ball shape, expelling gases from all sides.
Go Ivysaur! – Leaf said releasing her starter.
Go Ponyta! – Reira said releasing a Pokemon that looked like a fire horse.
Koffing, Poison Gas! – Koffing shot some purple gas from his hole directly at the Pokemon and the girls.
Don't breathe it Leaf! It's toxic! – Reira said as she put her hand on her mouth and nose, and Leaf did the same.
It won't affect Ivysaur for being Poison-type, but Ponyta…! – Leaf said concerned about her Pokemon's friend.
Don't worry, we got this! Ponyta use Flame Charge! – Reira ordered to her Pokemon; Ponyta surrounded himself on fire and approached quickly to Koffing, disabling the effects of poison gas and tackling him really hard.
Koffing! – The Pokemon cried in pain. Koffing! – The grunt said concerned.
Now it's our turn! Ivysaur, Vine Whip! – Leaf ordered.
Ivysaur! – The Grass-Poison-Type cried as she extended two whips and hit Koffing constantly, making the foe cry in pain.
Now you've done it! Koffing, EXPLOSION! – The grunt ordered with a scream as Koffing began to blow, ready to detonate.
EXPLOSION?! Saur?! – Leaf and Ivysaur shouted concerned.
Flame Charge again! – Reira ordered to his Ponyta, who rushed and tackled Koffing really fast, knocking him against the grunt to the ground.
Owwww... How did he move so fast? – The beaten grunt said confused.
Flame Charge increases the speed of the user the more he or she uses it – Reira said confident of herself.
That was great Reira! – Leaf complimented to her friend.
Tsk! Don't think you've won yet! – The grunt returned Koffing to his Pokeball and run upstairs to reunite with his comrades. Leaf and Reira noticed he let fall something.
Huh? What's this? – Leaf asked curios about the strange object in the floor and proceed to pick it.
It looks like a pair of… binoculars? – Reira said not sure about what that thing is.
Saur? Ponyta? – The pokemon cried confused as well.
Go away…
Leaf and Reira heard that voice again and turned around to see the mist purple mist form again.
That ghost again! – Leaf said alarmed.
Ivysaur and Ponyta were shaking in fear by the time.
Wait a minute… Leaf trying wearing these! – Reira said pointing to the Silph Scope.
Leaf immediately understood what Reira meant. Alright Reira, let's hope this works – Leaf said as she adjusted the Silph Scope on her eyes and pointed her look towards the entity.
To her surprise, the entity that looked like a big Haunter took shape of a green Marowak.
A Marowak? – A surprised Leaf said.
That's when it hit Reira. Marowak? Could this be the same Marowak who got killed by Team Rocket? – Reira said.
Go away! Go away! Team Rocket is still luring this place! – The spirit of the passed away Marowak said.
It all makes sense now, you were scaring people away to protect them from Team Rocket – Leaf was now tying the cables; the Marowak nodded in response.
I know you don't want others to suffer the same fate you and your son had to endure… - Leaf said referring to the baby Cubone at the Old Fuji's house, causing Marokaw to look away to another side. But we can't let Team Rocket do whatever they want and get away with it – Leaf said decided to take on Team Rocket more than ever now.
And don't worry about Cubone, he is doing fine on the Old Fuji's house, thanks to him and Reira here – Leaf said pointing to her friend, making both of them smile.
I… I understand… Please take good care of Cubone… the spirit of Marowak end up saying in tears as her spirit began to disappear in the air until there was nothing left of.
Leaf took off the Silph Scope, then let a tear off her eye, but quickly dried it. Reira, we need to keep moving – She said with a strong will now.
Of couse! – Reira agreed in a same manner.
Back with the grunts…
IDIOT! How could you be beaten by a couple of amateur trainers?! – The first grunt said punching the third grunt in the face sending him to the floor.
It wasn't my fault! It was two against one! – The third grunt said trying to get up.
You made Team Rocket look like a joke! What's next? You lost the Silph Scope too? – The grunt asked sarcastically; never on his entire life he was so right.
The grunt realized he wasn't carrying the Silph Scope with him; he must have dropped in the battle with Leaf and Reira. He gulped nervously, only to bust himself with his friends.
OH! YOU F***! – The first grunt yelled to him.
Stop right there! – A female voice could be heard from the opposite side of the room; it was Leaf and Reira with their same Pokemon.
The other two grunts quickly noticed the Silph Scope on Leaf left hand; they tied the nails.
Are you telling me you were beaten by a pair of little girls?! – The first grunt said angry.
You are a disgrace for Team Rocket! – The second grunt said.
You're all already a disgrace for following a worthless group as Team Rocket! – Reira said hysterically.
Shut up! You would never understand the magnificence of Team Rocket, let's get them guys! – The first grunt said, and the two other grunts cheered in response.
Go! – The grunts said releasing their Pokemon; they had a Golbat, Magnemite, and Sandlash.
Raichu! Come out! – Leaf said releasing the Electric-Type Pokemon in order to balance the battle; it was a 3vs.3 fight now.
Rai Rai! – Raichu cried with enthusiasm.
Now you'll see! Golbat, Air Slash! – The first grunt ordered to his Golbat; his wings began to glow as he flapped them to form some sharp air currents directly at Leaf and Reira team.
Ponyta, Incinerate! – Ponyta shot some fireballs from his mouth that collided with the air currents, forming a small explosion in the room, filling it with smoke.
Magnemite, Discharge! – The second grunt ordered. Magemite! – the magnet Pokemon cried as it shot a powerful discharge while using the smoke as cover.
Rai! – Raichu however, detected easily the source of the attack.
Raichu, Thunderbolt! – Lear ordered to Raichu; so he launched a powerful thunderbolt that easily repelled the Magnemite's Discharge and stroke him back to his trainer.
Magnemite! – The second grunt said concerned.
Nice job Raichu! – Leaf said to her Pokemon. RRAAAAAAIIII! – the Electric-Type cried in pain.
Raichu! – Leaf shouted concerned; turns out Sandslash came out from a hole right under Raichu with his move Dig, causing a super effective damage.
It's payback time! Sandslash, Shadow Claw! – The third grunt ordered as Sandslash claws acquired a purple dark color, ready to strike Raichu.
Ivysaur, Energy Ball! – Leaf ordered to her starter.
Ivysaur! – The Grass-Type cried as he stored energy to form the green ball on her mouth and launch it directly to Sandlash, landing a super-effective attack.
No way! – The third grunt said.
Golbat, Poison Fang! – The first grunt ordered to Golbat, who rushed directly to the team as his fangs began to glow purple.
Ponyta, Wild Charge! – Reira ordered as Ponyta surrounded himself on electricity and tackled really hard Golbat, knocking back to the grunt. All three grunts where corned down.
Let's finish this! Raichu, Thunderbolt! Ivysaur, Energy Ball! – Leaf ordered as both Pokemon charged their attacks and shot them directly to Team Rocket and their Pokemon.
Ponyta, let's help! Flamethrower at full power! – Reira's Ponyta, following his trainer command, launched a powerful column of fire, combining with Raichu and Ivysaur Thunderbolt and Energy Ball.
AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH! – That was the only thing the grunts and Pokemon could say in panic before getting hit by the tremendous combination of attacks, forming an explosion afterwards.
The smoke of the explosion finally subsided; the grunts and their Pokemon when beaten on the floor and fainted.
We did it guys! – Leaf celebrated their victory, which her Pokemon did in response too.
Now we only need to find the Old Fuji – Reira said.
He must be on an upper floor, let's go! – Leaf said as she and everyone else rushed towards upstairs. Sooner than later, they reached the top floor and found Mr. Fuji in a corner.
Old Fuji! – Reira said in a loud and happy tone as she rushed towards him; Leaf immediately recognized the old man she met back in Viridian City.
Old Fuji! Old Fuji! Wake up! – Reira said holding Mr. Fuji from his shoulders.
Can't an Old man get some sleep once in a while…? Reira? – A sleepy Mr. Fuji said.
OLD FUJI! – Reira immediately braced the old man in a big hug, letting tears of happiness coming out of her eyes.
What's wrong Reira? Why the long face? – The Old Fuji asked.
Are you kidding?! We were so worried about you and came to rescue you from Team Rocket! – Reira said.
Team Rocket… Oh! That's right, I was knocked out cold the moment I set foot in the tower – The Old Fuji said recalling the events before he was captured.
We're just glad you're okay – Reira finished saying with a smile on her face.
"We?" – The Old Fuji asked confused; he then noticed Leaf.
Wait, I remember you – The Old Fuji said.
Hi Mr. Fuji, it's me, Leaf – Leaf said confirming Mr. Fuji's suspicions.
Fancy meeting you in a place like this – Mr. Fuji said chuckling, and Leaf did the same.
We should get out immediately before Team Rocket calls for reinforcements – Leaf suggested.
All three of them made their way out of the Pokemon Tower, not before giving word to Officer Jenny to secure the area and caught the three Team Rocket grunts, though most of the criminal group escaped before the police arrived. Still, access to the Pokemon Tower was now possible, and the whole town welcomed back the Old Fuji, just like the Pokemon on his house, and of course… Cubone too.
The next morning
Hahahahaha! Hugging Cubone is so fun! – Reira said spinning in circles through the whole room while holding Cubone on her arms, is clear that he was not afraid of humans anymore; maybe Marowak has something to do with it? Who knows?
Seems his heart has finally healed after all – Leaf said smiling.
All thanks to you Leaf – Reira complimented Leaf.
We did it together Reira, don't forget it – Leaf said.
Yeah, but it you hadn't take the initiative, I might not set foot in that tower; plus, is was your actions that healed Marowak and Cubone souls – Reira said the most sincere way she could, causing Leaf to show a big smile on her face.
Leaf – a familiar voice could be heard.
Mr. Fuji, how you doing? – Leaf answered back.
Very good, everything is just like is meant to be again – Mr. Fuji said.
I'm so glad – Leaf said.
Do you mind coming with me to my studio? I want to show you something – Mr. Fuji said.
Um, sure – Leaf said not knowing what to expect.
Say Leaf, how's been you're Journey so far? – He asked.
There been good and bad days, but nothing OUR team can't handle – Leaf said referring to her Pokemon in a proud tone.
I see, both Pokemon and Trainer share all the merits – Mr. Fuji said with a smile full of satisfaction.
In the studio…
What's exactly you want to show me Mr. Fuji? – Leaf asked.
Actually, I meant to give you something - Mr. Fuji said grabbing a small box and something that looked like a flute with a Pokeball on the bottom.
Really? Are you sure you won't need them later? – Leaf asked.
Don't worry, is been a long time I don't use these, so figured out I should passed them to someone who really deserves them; that someone is you Leaf – Mr. Fuji said.
Leaf opened the box and noticed two circular stones inside. One of them was a big blue-green ball with a strange symbol shaped on the inside; the other one was like five times smaller than the bigger one and shared the same symbol, but this one was white.
Jewels?! Are you sure I can have them? – Leaf said unsure about Mr. Fuji's decision.
They're more than just jewels, they are the key to greater power – Mr. Fuji said.
What kind of power? – Leaf asked.
Maybe Professor Oak is the one who will clarify all your doubts dear – The Old Fuji said with a smile on his face.
You know Professor Oak? – Leaf asked surprised.
Yes, he's an old colleague, and a good friend – Mr. Fuji said remembering days from the past with some of his closest friends.
Sooner than later, Leaf finally said good bye to Reira and the Old Fuji. He was now back on the road towards Celadon City. During the way Leaf couldn't help but stare at the stones she received from the Old Fuji, and wonder about this 'power' he spoke of.
I guess I'll have to ask Professor Oak once I reached my destination – Leaf said as she put back the stones in her bag.
Well well, who do we have hear? – a familiar voice could be heard, but Leaf didn't see anyone.
I thought I heard someone – she said to herself in a loud voice that could be heard.
Up here! – the voice belonged to someone who was sitting on the branch of a tree.
GARY?! – An incredulous Leaf shouted.
How's it going Leafy? – Gary said on his usual tone.
After a hard experience, Leaf managed to save Mr. Fuji from the clutches of Team Rocket. But what are the stones the Old Fuji gave to her? What kind of power they possess? Will Gary ever stop calling her 'Leafy'?
-To be Continued-
Hey guys! It took so long, over 3000 words, but is finally here! The 20th chapter! God, it's been more than a year, but you know I do my best.
About my laptop issue, nothing has been mixed yet T_T I hope I can really recover it; wish me luck.
Anyway, I appreciate your patience so far and following the story. See you next time!