Hooray! I'm glad that everyone loved the chapter despite the cliffhanger (dodges more sharp objects). Summer vacation is awesome! So, this is the ending of the Mimzy battle. I hope you all enjoy it. Thanks for the reviews everyone, I couldn't have done this without you guys! Onto the chapter!
Chapter 21: Thunderstorms and Sacrifice
Mark slowly opened his eyes, praying that Eevee wasn't dead. When he looked up, a mixture of happiness, shock, and terror was on his face. Alex, KC, and Lt. Surge looked up and had the same looks. Mimzy's smile slowly faded as she registered what she was seeing. "No way," she whispered.
Jolteon's eyes widened as its prey started growling. This wasn't the one it had been aiming at! Using her front legs to keep her standing, Mightyena turned and glared at the Electric-type. Jolteon's fangs were dug into the Dark-type's shoulders while Eevee was on its back beneath its 'mommy', crying. Blood drops decorated its tiny gray face, Eevee's wide red eyes locked on Mightyena.
"Mightyena!" Alex cried.
"She threw herself in front of that Jolteon to protect it." Lt. Surge muttered. "Looks like she wasn't out of the fight just yet. It just took a baby in harm's way to pull her to her feet."
"Great job, Mightyena!" Mark shouted. "Eevee, return!"
Once Eevee was gone, Mightyena narrowed her eyes. She twisted her head and chomped down on Jolteon's neck, ripping it free and tossing it halfway across the gym. Jolteon landed with a crash and staggered to its paws, blood running down its face. Mightyena stood up and threw back her head, howling. Then she charged, biting Jolteon's shoulders and smashing him into the gym wall. Jolteon howled in agony before it was dropped. The Dark-type jumped backwards, growling.
"Jolteon!" Mimzy cried. "You stupid Snaggers and your stupid Pokemon never give up, do you?"
"We can't give up until it's assured that we will win." Mark replied, smirking. "And it looks like we'll win."
"I highly doubt it, stupid." Mimzy said.
Outside the front doors of the gym, Dr. Pine silently watched the battle. "I might as well help them out." He muttered. "Shadow Houndoom, come out."
The Fire/Dark-type Pokemon appeared, growling. Its body was mostly the same except for the glowing red eyes and a more vicious attitude. Just as the Houndoom threw back his head to let out a howl, Pine pounced on it and shut its muzzle. Houndoom started whimpering and struggling to get free.
"No, bad boy! Do not howl here!" hissed Pine. "You'll give me away. Just use Shadow Smog through those doors, okay?"
Shadow Houndoom nodded and Dr. Pine released him. Sticking its red muzzle through the crack in the gym doors, Houndoom blew a ton of black smog into the arena. It started rising to the ceiling, looking like black clouds. Houndoom pulled away and Pine shut the doors.
"Good boy!" he whispered. "Let's get out of here." Just as they were about to teleport away, he looked back at the gym. I hope you understand what I'm doing for you kids. This is treason to Cipher, but Shadow Master insisted on it. If you can't figure this out then you should stop fighting Cipher, Snaggers. I just pray that you know what to do. The violet-haired man teleported away.
Inside, the kids noticed the smog. "Where did all of this come from?" Alex asked, coughing. She pulled up the front of her shirt and covered her mouth with it, easing her coughs.
"It didn't look all that smoky outside!" KC exclaimed, ducking behind the crates and sitting down beside Alex. He rested his hands on her shoulders. "Hey, are you okay?"
"Yeah, I'm cough fine, KC." Alex replied.
"Is everyone alright?" Lt. Surge called. "Geez, I didn't see this coming. This battle is definitely something else. It's nothing like my other battles."
"Your other battles didn't involve Cipher, Surge." Mark said, pulling his jacket collar over his mouth. "How are we supposed to fight when we can't even see our enemy?"
"Rai rai!" Surge's Raichu cried. "CHUUU!!" Electricity shot into the black smog, leaving a pale flash of light. Small sparks began shooting across the surface of the thick smog, like lightning shooting across thunderclouds.
That's when it hit Surge. "Mark, we can use this smog to our advantage!"
"How? I don't see how we can hit her when we can't see her." The green-haired Snagger groaned. Suddenly, sparks zapped his hand as he reached toward his Poke Balls. "Ow! That hurt!"
"Why do you think it hurt, Mark?" Surge asked.
"Because electricity is attracted to metal, that's why! What does that have to do with anything?" Mark demanded.
KC smiled and stood up. "We can use the smog and electricity to our advantage! If we can pump the smog clouds full of electricity, it'll have to hit her if she's wearing anything metal. Then we can beat her!"
"Yeah, but the same thing could happen to us!" Alex cried. "The electricity could hit us if we're wearing anything metal. Poke Balls, Pokedex's, belts..."
"We're gonna have to risk it, Alex." Mark said. "Mightyena, return!"
Mimzy looked around, trying to locate the Snaggers. "Stupid Snaggers with their stupid Pokemon. Where did this stupid smog come from, anyway?" She returned Jolteon and continued to look for them. "Where are they?!"
"You guys ready?" Mark asked, looking at KC and Lt. Surge. When they nodded, he turned to Mimzy. "Looks like we win this fight."
"How? Are you going to run away since this stupid smog is in the air?" Mimzy asked. "I don't have to see you to beat you."
"Well, neither do we." KC replied. "Rotom, use Thundershock!"
"Sparks, Thunderbolt!"
"Raichu, Thunderbolt!"
The three Electric-types shot their electricity into the smog, hitting the ceiling before it scattered. Electricity shot everywhere, hitting anything metallic or anything that got in its path. Mimzy yelped as the sparks hit her earrings, shocking her. Only then did their plan become clear.
"A thunderstorm," she whispered. "They made a giant thunderstorm with the smog."
Outside of Vermillion Gym...
Rosalean growled. Her Swampert lay battered and bleeding on the ground in front of her. These two, who she now was certain were fellow Snaggers, had defeated her precious Shadow Swampert. Stupid brats, she thought. So, the older boy is the one who hurt Blazer. I'll put him in a world of pain for hurting him. And the same thing will happen to their leader, Mark, for hurting Mist.
Ryan looked up, smelling a foul scent. The back doors of the gym were open a crack but a strange blackish-purple smoke was pouring out of it. What's that stuff? Smoke? "Luffy, look." He said, tugging on the raven-haired boy's sleeve.
"Why?" Luffy turned and spotted the smog. "Oh man. What's happening in there?"
I hope KC and everyone are okay, Ryan prayed. The brunette turned and looked at Rosalean. We have to finish this quickly. The others could be in danger. Who knows what Mimzy is doing to them in there?!
Just as Rosalean pulled a third Poke Ball from her belt, her radio came to life. "Agent 42... mission aborted... too strong... return to base... over..." It fell silent once more.
The redhead woman glared at her radio and started to back away, growling, "We'll finish this some other day, Snaggers. Some other day." She turned tail and ran, teleporting back to the island.
Luffy grinned. "Well, it looks like we win again." He said, tipping his hat brim up out of his eyes. "We better check on the others."
Suddenly, a giant flash of light and a loud 'crack' sounded inside of the gym. The window shattered, sparks shooting across its glass surface. The duo just watched in stunned silence as a scream ripped through the air. The smog rushed out the windows and doors, and the smell of something burnt hit their noses. Ryan turned to Luffy. "Now?" he asked.
"Now!" Luffy cried. The two boys ran at the doors. "KC! We're coming, guys!"
Inside of Vermillion Gym...
A huge blast of electricity arced over the group before shooting down, striking Mimzy and her Jolteon head-on. Windows shattered and smog raced out, leaving a burnt smell behind. Mimzy threw back her head and screamed. The electricity built up and it exploded, throwing Lt. Surge and the Snaggers into the gym wall. When the light died down, Mark looked up and smiled. "We won, guys. We won!"
"Yahoo! We won again!" Alex cried, jumping into the air.
Luffy and Ryan burst into the gym. "KC, guys, are you all okay?" the raven-haired boy asked.
"We won, big brother!" KC replied. "We used the smog as a giant thundercloud and the built-up electricity hit Mimzy, exploding. We won!"
"Is Mimzy okay?" Ryan asked.
The group stopped their cheering to look for the blonde Cipher Gym Leader. Alex pointed her out on the far side of the gym. Her clothes were blackened with soot and her hair sticking out in different directions from the static. She was slowly staggering to her feet, lifting out a Poke Ball to return her Jolteon. "Stupid lightning..." she grumbled.
"That had to hurt." Lt. Surge chuckled. "Getting hit by lightning is a pretty bad thing, especially for an Electric-type user."
"Shut up, you stupid gym leader!" Mimzy barked, stumbling over her feet. "I may have lost but you stupid Snaggers can't beat all of Cipher! Never!"
"Well..." Alex snickered before continuing. "We beat you, stupid."
Mimzy growled, clenching her fists. "You stupid brat!" she screamed. "You have no idea of the power you guys are messing with, do you? You'll know when you die!"
"Yeah, that'll happen long after Cipher is gone." Mark said, crossing his arms. "Hand over the Cipher badge and we'll be on our way."
"And get out of my gym while you're at it, kid!" Lt. Surge called.
Mimzy growled and tossed her Cipher badge on the ground. It was a blood red lightning bolt. "Fine! Take the stupid thing and get moving." She spat, stalking toward the gym doors. "I'm outta here, stupid Snaggers!"
"See you later!" Luffy cried.
"Not!" KC added.
"Guys, stop that!" Alex said. "You guys are so childish."
"Are not!" the both shouted.
"Whatever." The blue-haired girl muttered. "Mark, now what do we do?"
"Well, I've got to fix up my gym." Lt. Surge grumbled.
"Thanks anyway for the help, Surge." Mark thanked, holding out his hand. "I hope Vermillion remains safe with you."
"Oh, don't worry." Surge replied, shaking the younger boy's hand. "Vermillion will be safe as long as I'm here. Cipher won't lay a finger on this place ever again."
"Good, 'cause we can't keep coming back to save you." KC laughed.
"I never needed saving, baby." Surge said. "I just needed some assistance, that's all."
"Yeah right." Ryan muttered. "Bye KC," The brunette turned and walked out the gym doors. He didn't expect for someone to grab his hand and pull him back.
"What do you mean 'bye'?" KC asked. "I thought you were coming with us."
"Huh?" Ryan looked at Mark hopefully.
"Well, he fought real hard against that redhead woman outside the gym." Luffy commented. "He was fighting all alone and did a good job of it up until I jumped in. I say we let him join. Cipher might think he's one of us, Mark."
The green-haired Snagger looked at Ryan. "Well, if Cipher mistakes him as one of us, Cipher might come back." He grumbled. "I guess he can come if it means Vermillion will be safe. Geez, our group is slowly getting bigger."
"So what?" Alex exclaimed. "The more, the merrier! Welcome to the gang, uh... what's your name?"
"Ryan," the brunette said. "Ryan Malar. Thank you."
"No problem, Ryan." Luffy replied. "Now Cipher will really have to watch out for the five Snaggers, right?"
"I guess so." Mark muttered. "We'll stay in the Pokemon Center tonight and head out tomorrow. Ryan, you better tell your parents that you're leaving."
"That's the thing," Ryan said, looking down. "I don't want to tell my parents."
"Why not?" Alex asked. "Your parents have the right to know where you're going."
"His parents hate Pokemon, okay?" KC butted in. "They might not let him come with us, guys."
"Now what do we do?" Luffy asked.
The five Snaggers walked down the steps, exiting the Vermillion Gym. Just as they headed for the Pokemon Center, Surge spoke up. "I'll tell them."
"What? You'd really do that for us?" KC cried. "Thanks!"
"Hang on a second, KC." Mark said, holding out an arm to prevent KC from running up and hugging the taller man. "Why would you do this for us? We saved your gym but you already repaid us by helping get the Cipher Gym Badge." He held out the red lightning bolt.
"I'm doing it because Ryan finally has his chance to leave Vermillion." Surge said gruffly. "His parents don't like Pokemon and refused to let their kid have one. I see him sneak out every once in a while and come back with a little Pokemon to care for. He's been dreaming of leaving this place and really becoming a Pokemon trainer. I want you guys to give him that chance now."
"You're really willing to do that?" Alex asked.
Ryan smiled faintly. I guess he really came through for me this time. Thanks, Surge. You're keeping your promise...
Flashback, 10 years ago
Surge walked back to his gym, his Raichu darting alongside him. It was raining lightly. Suddenly, the Electric-type raced away from him and poked its head into a bush. A startled squeak issued from the bush. Curious, the Gym Leader walked over and knelt down, bushing the branches apart to reveal a little boy with short brown hair and glasses. The taller blonde recognized the child immediately. "Ryan Malar? What are you doing out here?" he asked.
"Helping the little bird." He answered.
Then Surge noticed the little bundle in the boy's arms. Wrapped in a blue blanket was a Pidgey with its wing at an odd angle. No doubt it was broken. "Where did you find him?" he asked.
The boy pointed behind him. "In the clearing back there. Mommy and daddy won't let me keep Pokemon so I've been trying to help him here."
"Hey, give him here. I know what to do to take care of him." Surge said gently. Ryan placed the tiny bird in his hand. Surge stood up and headed for the Pokemon Center. "If you want to come, you can." Ryan followed him.
Once they entered the Pokemon Center, Lt. Surge handed Nurse Joy the little Pokemon and explained the situation to her. The redhead woman took the tiny bird to the medical ward to take care of its wing. Ryan and Surge waited quietly for Nurse Joy to come back. "So, you want to be a Pokemon trainer?" he asked.
Ryan nodded. "I want to be one but mommy and daddy are scared of Pokemon. They won't let me have one. I don't even think they'd let me leave home because of them."
Surge grinned. "I'll tell you what, Ryan. When you get old enough and some kids you like come to Vermillion, I'll plan out how to get you with them before your parents realize what's going on. That sound okay?"
"Yeah! Then I can go travel the world and be a real Pokemon trainer!" Ryan cheered. "But what if mommy and daddy find out about it?"
"I'm sure you'll be long gone by then, kid." Surge promised.
"Okay." Ryan said, smiling. "I really can be a Pokemon trainer."
End flashback
Surge turned to Ryan. "Ryan, how about you head home and spend tonight with your parents. But don't mention anything about our plans, okay?"
Ryan nodded. "Right. Thanks."
"See you in the morning, Ryan!" KC cried.
Ryan nodded and raced home. Tomorrow, I'll finally be leaving this place. It took ten years but it was all worth it in the end. I'll finally be a real Pokemon trainer!
The other four Snaggers headed to the Pokemon Center. They're going to need their rest for tomorrow on Route 11. Once they got to the Pokemon Center, Alex noticed something about the docks. "Hey, the S.S. Anne is leaving!"
"At least it's fixed." KC said. "I wonder where the old man is going in her."
"It looks like he's headed for Pallet Town." Luffy muttered. "But that ship does go around the world, so of course the S.S. Anne will have to go past there."
"Let's just check in and get some sleep, guys." Mark groaned, walking in. The other three followed him inside. When KC turned to look at the S.S. Anne one last time, he spotted a young woman with short black hair in a ponytail leaning against the ship's railing. She stared back at him before turning away. "KC, come on!" Mark shouted. The raven-haired boy dashed inside, unable to get that strange woman out of his head.
On the S.S. Anne...
The raven-haired woman entered her room on the cruise ship and flopped onto her bed. Her ice blue eyes looked up at the ceiling. Those four kids again, she thought. Could they be the Snaggers that are defying Cipher? If so, I may have just found some future allies.
"Gardevoir voir,"
"What is it, Eden?" the teen asked. "I haven't touched that egg if that is what you're asking." She turned to glare at her Gardevoir.
The Psychic type sat quietly on the bed beside her trainer, brushing her green three-fingered hands over a pitch black egg. The elegant white ballroom gown that her species wore was spread out around her body, covering her long legs. The red horn-like growths on its chest and back moves with her breathing, and her bright red eyes were closed. Eden continued to brush her hands over the treasured egg that she discovered on the group not long ago.
"Eden, you're ignoring me again." The girl growled. "You know that I hate being ignored."
The girl's Arcanine lay curled up beside her bed, snoozing. Arcane, the name given to him by his trainer, was too tired to engage in another one-sided bicker between the two. Though you couldn't actually call it a bicker since the girl was the only one talking. The Fire-type yawned and fell back to sleep.
The girl noticed. "Arcane, you are such a lazy Pokemon. Though, I guess I'm the same way minus the Pokemon part." She rolled over onto her back. "I hope this cruise passes quickly so I can see Prof. Oak about my assignment."
"Fearow fearow!"
"AAAH!!" The girl jumped backward, glaring at the brown bird Pokemon that poked its head up from under the bed. "Sinner, don't do that. You scared the living daylights out of me, you silly bird!" She grabbed a pillow and tossed it at the Pokemon. "Take that!"
"Fearow!!" the bird cawed as the pillow smacked into its face.
"Having fun, miss?" a butler asked.
"Yes, we are." The girl replied. "When are we going to get there?"
"We'll be in Pallet Town in three days, miss." The butler informed the girl. "I hope you enjoy your stay with us, miss."
"Sure, whatever!" the girl barked. "And please, stop calling me 'miss'! It's Leena!"
"...um, yes." The butler muttered. "If you need anything, just call me, mi—I mean, Leena."
"Thank you. I'll keep that in mind." Leena said, smirking.
The butler closed the door, feeling very uncomfortable about that smirk. Leena lay down on her side, looking out the circular window. "I hope this trip passes quickly. If that was them, then I have a lot of ground to cover to catch up with them."
Arcane looked up and yawned again.
Leena glared at him. "Oh, hush up, Arcane." She grumbled.
Vermillion City, Ryan's house...
Ryan walked in the door of his house. He looked around, taking in everything front the doormat under his feet to the dust he could just barely see under the couch. Everything he had become so used to. Now he was leaving all of this behind. I'll miss this place, he thought. But now my dream will finally come true.
"Ryan, honey!" his mom called. "Is that you? Where have you been all day?"
The brunette entered the kitchen and saw his mother's smiling face as she cooked dinner. "Out," he answered. No, not this time. I have to give her a full answer. "I've been outside with my friends, mom. What's for dinner?"
"Well, tonight we're having--?!" She froze. "Honey, did you just speak two full sentences to me?"
"Yes. Why?" Ryan asked cautiously.
Time seemed to stop for a second and then sped up again. Mrs. Malar twirled around and hugged her son, crying. "Honey, come here! Ryan's finally talking to us again!" she cried.
"He is?" Mr. Malar entered the room. "Ryan, you're actually talking again?!"
"Why wouldn't I be talking, dad? I just didn't want to talk that much, that's all." Ryan said.
Mr. Malar hugged Ryan too. "I don't believe it! You're really talking again!"
The duo stood there, hugging their son. Ryan smiled, feeling guilty inside. This'll be the last time I ever see them this happy. How will they feel when they realize that I'm gone tomorrow? He hugged them back, smiling.
"I love you, mom. I love you, dad." Ryan said.
"We love you too, Ryan!" They both cried.
Night came all too soon. As Ryan climbed into bed, he set his alarm for 6:00 am. His mother stood in the doorway, smiling. "Goodnight, Ryan."
"Goodnight, mom. Goodnight, dad." Ryan replied, kissing his mother.
As the door closed, Ryan looked out the window at the night sky. He always loved the way the ocean reflected the stars in the sky. I'm gonna miss Vermillion, but I have to take this chance. My dream is finally coming true but at what cost? He curled up under the covers and fell asleep with a smile on his face.
The next morning, Pokemon Center...
"Alex? Alex! Time to get up!" Luffy said, shaking the blue-haired girl. "Come on! Get up already!"
"Alex will sleep in if she sees the chance." Mark pointed out. "We usually never get up this early, so you can't really blame her."
"But we have to get up early so that we can get Ryan out of here." KC complained. "We have to get going before his parents wake up!"
"Alex, get up right now!" Luffy finally shouted and shoved her off of the bed.
"Oof!" Alex yelped. "What was that for?!"
"We have to leave! Now!" the raven-haired boy barked. "Ryan isn't going to wait forever for us!"
"Fine, I'm up! I'm up, Mr. Bossy!" Alex growled.
Luffy took a deep breathe to calm down. "Sorry, Alex. I'm just hyped up about having a new friend and going to a new city."
"Well, learn to chill or I'll have Sneasel turn you into a block of ice." She threatened.
Luffy backed away. "Scary. Mark, is she always like this?"
"Yep," Mark said, sliding the straps of his bag over his shoulders. "That's typical Alex for you."
"And you have a crush on her?!" he hissed at his little brother. KC nodded, resulting in Luffy crashing to the ground in shock. "I live with an insane group of friends!"
"Well, you chose to." Mark replied. "Hurry up, everyone. We have to get going before the sun gets too high into the sky."
"Got it, Mark!" Alex chirped, packing the rest of her stuff away and picking up Sneasel. "I'm ready!"
"Is she always that nice to you?" Luffy asked, snatching up his toothbrush from the bathroom.
"Nope," Mark muttered. "If I do anything wrong in her opinion, she pulls a tantrum on me in a second. I can tell you from experience, it's not pretty."
After KC and Luffy were all packed up, the group of four Pokemon trainers left the Pokemon Center and headed toward the east exit that led to Route 11 and Diglett's Cave. After a quick discussion, they agreed to head down Diglett's Cave to see what was down there. As they got closer to the exit, KC raced forward as he saw his brunette friend. "Hey, Ryan!" he cried.
Ryan nodded and pointed down Route 11. "We go there?" he asked.
KC nodded. "That's right, but we'll go down Diglett's Cave to see what's there."
"Okay," Ryan replied.
Lt. Surge stopped on his way toward the Malar house to speak with them. "You kids better hit the road. Mr. and Mrs. Malar are going to have the whole town searched once they realize you're gone, Ryan. I won't tell them where you're going since I don't even know."
"Thanks, Surge. We owe you one for this." Mark said.
"Don't bother with it." Surge grunted. "On second thought, I have an idea. You can owe me by keeping Ryan safe. I don't want any news reports stating that a young boy was murdered in an alley somewhere."
"I promise that that's never gonna happen, sir." Luffy promised.
"I'll hold you to that promise, all four of you. Or should I say five?" Surge joked.
"Five," Ryan replied calmly. "I can care for myself."
"Okay then. All five of you guys stay safe." Surge ordered. "Alex, you want to do a quick battle to get your badge?"
"Nah, I think I'll have enough battling to do today." Alex said, waving it off. "I wonder if Cipher Gym Badges will get me into the Kanto League."
"I highly doubt it, Alex." Mark deadpanned.
"Come on, at least have some spirit!" Alex cried. "You guys have no imagination whatsoever!"
"We're just telling it like it is." Luffy stated, holding his arms in front of his face. "Though, maybe Prof. Oak could pull a few strings to make it happen."
"Quit bickering and get going, you kids!" Surge barked. "I'm going to give you guys a five minute head-start, so you better make good use of it."
"Got it. See you later!" KC cried.
The group waved goodbye and started off on Route 11. Just as they neared the entrance of Diglett's Cave, they heard voices. Ryan froze up upon hearing them. Two people ran toward them, shouting. "Ryan, come back! What are you doing?!" It was the Malar's, Ryan's parents. "Ryan, sweetheart! Where are you going?"
"Oh no!" Alex groaned. "They must have found out earlier than expected."
As the duo reached the group, they embraced their son. "Sweetheart, I thought you wanted to stay home. Sweetie, why are you doing this? Did we do something wrong? Please, answer me!" Mrs. Malar sobbed.
"..." Ryan remained silent.
"Ryan, you are coming home this instant!" Mr. Malar snapped. "There's tons of Pokemon out there that could hurt you or kill you. You're safer at home!"
"That's not true!" KC cried.
Mrs. Malar turned to the raven-haired boy. "You all should just go home to your parents. Pokemon are dangerous creatures, not some household pet! Now, go on! Go home!"
"Quit telling us what to do!" Mark shouted, silencing the adults. "You don't understand a thing about Pokemon! Sure, some could hurt or kill but not unless you threaten them. Just because you're too afraid of Pokemon doesn't mean your son is!"
"Now, see here!" Mr. Malar started.
"No, you see here!" Mark interrupted. "By staying here, your son is putting all of Vermillion in danger! All five of us are considered criminals by a top secret organization that wants to rule the world by enslaving Pokemon. Most people have ties to the kind of life. KC and Luffy's father escaped them and their mother died because of them! Do you guys want to die the same way?!"
"What are you talking about?" Mrs. Malar cried. "Lt. Surge, I demand that this boy be placed under house arrest and his parents informed of this!"
"Well, too bad for you! You can put me under house arrest but my parents, my entire family, are dead or have disowned me!" the green-haired Snagger snarled.
"Surge, tell this boy to listen to reason!" Mr. Malar complained.
"I'm afraid they're right about you and your son." The tall Gym Leader explained. "Ryan and these kids are in deep trouble and are the only ones who can save the world. We haven't told the public about this yet so you two better hush up about it. If Ryan wants to go train Pokemon, let him!"
"We're not leaving him all alone in the wilderness with a bunch of insane children." Mrs. Malar countered. "Ryan, sweetie, you want to stay home. Right?"
"No," Ryan said.
"Huh?" the two Malar's said.
"I said," he turned to face his parents. "No!"
"Ryan, you don't have anything to defend yourself with!" Mr. Malar cried. "Now come home!"
All four of Ryan's Poke Ball opened, releasing his Pokemon. Both Malar's fell back, shocked. Ryan sighed and looked down, stroking his Camerupt's head. "For the past ten years, I've been caring for Pokemon in secret. These are the four who came to me unevolved and helpless, refusing to leave. I trained them into what they are now." Ryan said.
"Ryan, you... you've been training Pokemon for the last ten years?" Mr. Malar repeated, shaking. "Why didn't I notice it with my allergies?"
"Dunno," Ryan muttered. "Maybe the scent of the sea washed it all away."
"Ryan, do you really want to go with them?" Mrs. Malar asked.
Ryan smiled. "Yes, I do."
Both Malar's looked at one another and nodded. "Then go." They both said.
The group of five stared in shock. "Why would you let us 'insane children' take your son with us?" Alex asked.
"I guess he must've been dreaming about this for years." Mrs. Malar muttered. "Dreaming about going on a journey with friends and training Pokemon. We don't want to wreck that dream for him."
"We lost our chance at that dream, so we don't want Ryan to lose his chance." Mr. Malar continued. "Just take care of Ryan for us, please."
Mark smiled. "We promise."
The sun was high in the sky by the time the five Snaggers entered Diglett's Cave. Once they reached the other side, they saw two buildings and a ton of ledges. After leaving the first building behind, they approached two ledges. "Looks like we can jump the whole way down!" KC laughed, running to the first ledge and jumping. He hit the ground hard and then jumped the next ledge.
"You could just take the path, KC." Luffy called.
"What if I don't want to?" the younger boy demanded.
"I'm not washing your clothes this time."
"Then who will?"
"Do it yourself!" Luffy snapped.
"No fair!" KC whined.
As the entire group reached the bottom, they entered the lookout station and saw someone inside. "Prof. Oak! You're here!" Alex cried, running toward the Pokemon Professor and hugging him. "Guys, this is Prof. Oak!"
"Well now, it's good to see you too!" Prof. Oak chuckled, patting the blue-haired girl's head. "Well, it seems you've got quite the group of friends now, Mark."
"You got that right!" Mark replied, grinning. "This is Ryan. He's our newest friend from Vermillion. And this is KC and Luffy. They're from Cerulean and their father was a former Cipher scientist."
"Really? I'd like to get in touch with him." Oak said, eyes lighting up. "We might be able to find one of the Cipher bases and find out how they're taking over the regions so easily."
"Here's dad's phone number and cell phone number, Prof. Oak." Luffy handed the professor a piece of paper with both numbers written on it. "Don't worry if dad sounds jittery at first. Cipher's looking for him again and he's protecting Cerulean for us."
"Well, thank you." Oak replied. "Now, Mark, are you headed for the next city?"
"Yep!" Mark replied. "Why?"
"Just be careful, okay? And take this." Oak shoved a small stick-like item into his hands. "I don't need it but I know you will."
"It's an Itemfinder!" KC exclaimed. "Those things are rare!"
"I know it is. Now use it wisely." Oak warned. "Also, Mark, have your friends been able to see the differences between Shadow Pokemon and normal Pokemon?"
"Alex has been able to but I'm not sure about Luffy, KC, and Ryan." Mark reported. "Why?"
"Just some information I needed." Oak reassured. "Now hurry along. It might be dark by the time you reach the next city if you move at this rate. Goodbye and good luck!"
"Goodbye, Prof. Oak!" the five Snaggers called as they ascended the ledges. Once they passed through Diglett's Cave, they walked through the maze of dirt paths and grass. Once they reached the lookout station, Ryan noticed something. "We go back now?"
"Why?" Alex asked. As the other four stood around him, they realized why they couldn't go on. "Why does there have to be a Snorlax right in our way?!" Alex screamed.
"Calm down, Alex." KC said. "Screaming isn't going to wake it up. At most, it'll just make it yawn and sleep deeper."
"Now what do we do?" Mark asked.
"Well..." Luffy took off his black cap and scratched his head. "We could go back to Cerulean and head down Route 9."
"And why didn't we do that before?" Mark asked, glaring at the older boy.
Luffy shrugged. "You wanted to come to Vermillion, so I didn't mention it. But we can go down there now."
"Fine! Everyone, we're headed towards Cerulean... again!" Mark groaned.
An hour passed as they went through Route 11, Vermillion City, Route 6, the Underground Path, Route 5, and finally back into Cerulean City. Once there, they crashed at Luffy and KC's house for a bit before heading off to the east exit down Route 9. Once they were on the route, they noticed large rocks dotted the path along with plenty of ledges. They also saw Cipher Peons and Mark's PDA sensed Shadow Pokemon for the taking.
Luffy stopped near the edge of one ledge. "Once we jump this ledge, this becomes a one-way route, guys. You prepared for that?"
"There's no turning back from here." Ryan said. "I'm in."
"Definitely!" KC cried.
"Bring it on!" Alex chirped.
"Count me in as well." Mark replied.
"And I'm ready, too." Luffy muttered. "Let's go."
After battling the trainers and losing their way a few times along the route, the five Snaggers finally reached the end with more items and Shadow Pokemon. They stopped for a break at a large patch of grass. Mark pulled out his PDA to check his new Shadow Pokemon.
Three Shadow Burmy's: all female, 7 lbs, 0'08", Shed Skin ability, and they were Level 11.
Shadow Starly: male, 4 lbs, 1'00", Keen Eye ability, and was Level 7.
And Shadow Azurill: female, 4 lbs, 0'08", Tick Fat ability, and was Level 9.
While the other Snaggers were eating some of the lunch KC and Luffy's father packed for them, Mark looked towards the top of the Power Plant on the other side of the river. The legendary bird was either there or on Lightning Island. I hope Cipher didn't catch Zapdos yet, he prayed. The green-haired Snagger ate some lunch and decided that is was time to get moving.
As they walked south, they found a Pokemon Center to heal their Pokemon at. After that, the group walked around a blockade and KC fought a trainer before they reached the entrance of the Rock Tunnel. "Do we have to go in there?" Alex asked. "We can just swim across the river."
"Alex, we can't get to the river because there's a fence keeping us in here." Mark explained. "The Rock Tunnel is the fastest way to get there. Now let's get moving."
Once they entered, they were blanketed in darkness. KC called upon his Charmander to light the way. As they walked, they encountered more trainers and a few Cipher Peons. When they located the ladder that hit the second floor, they climbed down it and continued walking. Alex and Ryan both noticed that the ground was wet, alerting the others.
"Well, it's a natural made tunnel." Luffy commented. "Maybe there's an underground lake nearby."
"I just hope we don't fall into it." Alex muttered.
"I agree." Ryan nodded.
As they kept walking, the sound of lapping waves grew louder. Suddenly, Charmander was yelping and raced back to KC. "What's the matter?" KC asked.
Mark suddenly felt water flooding his shoes. "Guys, I think we found the lake." He said.
The others stepped forward and felt it. "Is there any way around it?" Alex asked. "I don't want to leave this place soaked."
"It's pitch black, Alex." Luffy pointed out. "I don't think we can find, let alone keep, to the edges of the lake without encountering water."
"Yeah, well, what else do we DOOOOO?!" Alex suddenly screamed, slipping off the edge of something. "Guys, help! I fell off something!"
"Where are you, Alex?" KC asked. Returning his Charmander, he hesitantly stepped forward. His feet fell off the edge of something and he grabbed the closest thing to him to steady himself... Ryan's jacket. The duo tumbled over the cliff, screaming, before they hit water. When they surfaced, they looked around wildly. "Alex! Where are you?"
Something grabbed KC's hair and tugged. "Right here, numbskull. You nearly killed me!"
"I'm here too." Ryan said. "We fell."
"KC! Where are you?" Luffy shouted.
"We fell over a cliff or something!" KC cried. "We're in the lake! Alex and Ryan are with me!"
"Well, now what do we do?" Luffy demanded.
"Jump after them?" Mark asked.
"Whatever! Geronimo!" Luffy jumped over the cliff and crashed into the lake below. Mark followed soon after, not wishing to be left alone in the dark. "Wahoo, that was fun! I wonder how big this lake is."
"Pretty big, I'm guessing." Mark muttered.
"WHA!" Alex screamed, grabbing KC's arm. "Something just touched my leg and it felt slimy!"
"Maybe it was a Pokemon." KC reassured.
"A good Pokemon or a bad Pokemon?" Luffy asked. "Magikarp or Carvanha?"
The five Snaggers fell silent, staring at one another. Then chaos broke through the group. "NOOOO! I don't want to die yet!" Alex screamed.
"Stop kicking your legs, guys! That'll attract them!" Luffy barked.
"Stay still." Ryan suggested.
"Everyone, let's just keep swim as calmly as possible!" Mark shouted.
"NOO! What if it kills us one by one?!" Alex cried. "Mark, this is all your fault! We wouldn't be in this mess if you hadn't made us come here!"
"Everyone SHUT UP!" KC yelled.
Everyone fell silent. Suddenly, something popped up between them, surprising everyone. "Shush!" it said softly. "You'll really wake up the Carvanha and Sharpedo with this noise."
It turned out to be a teenage girl, probably around 16. She had long brown hair and green eyes that gave her a sad look. She was wearing a green T-shirt and blue jeans, which she didn't seem to care if they got wet. She turned and quietly motioned for them to follow her.
"Who are you? And what are you doing down here?" Mark asked quietly.
"My name is Ookami Ryuuyuki from Celadon City." She said. "I'm leading a few friends of mine on a swimming trip down here. What are you doing down here?"
"We're trying to get to Lavender Town but we got lost down here." Luffy explained. "We ended up falling down here by mistake. Besides, what is in this lake?"
"Magikarp, Feebas, Barboach, Whiscash, Carvanha, and Sharpedo." Ookami replied. "Though Carvanha and Sharpedo only come out at night or if they're disturbed."
"How do they know when it is night?" KC asked.
"We don't really know how they know." Ookami admitted. "They just... do, I guess."
"Thanks for helping us out." Mark thanked.
"No problem." Ookami replied. "We've helped many travelers that fall down here. It's dangerous at night with the Sharpedo swimming around. I know that from experience."
"What?" Alex asked.
"Uh, nothing!" Ookami squeaked. "The shore is just a little ways away now. Just keep going straight and you'll reach Lavender Town. I'll be headed back to Celadon in a few hours so if you want to go with me, you're welcome to."
"No thanks, Ookami." Mark declined. "I think we'll stay in Lavender for tonight and then head for Celadon in the morning."
"Alright then, here we are!" she said. As the group hauled themselves onshore, Ookami told them to meet her in Celadon. "I'd love to talk to you guys again. See you!" She dove back into the water and swam towards another person not far away who was calling for her.
"Well, let's get going, guys." Mark said.
Once the five Snaggers exited the Rock Tunnel, they headed to the right and jumped over a ledge. Then they went left and straight, entering Lavender Town. The sun was slowly setting as the group entered the Pokemon Center for the night. After renting a room with two bunk beds and a blow-up mattress, the five headed upstairs to sleep. After getting unpacked and putting on their pajamas, they climbed into bed.
"Mark, do you think that woman was a Cipher Peon?" Alex asked.
"I don't think so." Mark muttered.
"If she was, she would have let us drown rather than save us." Luffy agreed.
"So, maybe she's a friend?" KC mumbled. "I'm going to bed. Night."
"Night." Ryan said.
"Night." The other three said. Once they fell asleep, Shadow Gengar raced away to report about a fifth Snagger.
On the island that houses Cipher, Mimzy's room...
"So, you lost too?" Dart asked, leaning in the doorway. "Not only the battle but your precious Shadow Pikachu too? That's pathetic!"
"Shut up, stupid swordsman!" Mimzy barked, throwing a pillow at the blonde.
Dart caught the pillow in one hand and tossed it back on her bed. "I guess I should've known that you'd lose. Whitey and I lost so of course you would. Florence will definitely lose, no doubt."
"And why do you think that, stupid?" Mimzy asked, sitting cross-legged on her bed facing the wall. "You're not the best, stupid, or you would've been recommended for the stupid Elite Four or the stupid Pokemon Champion."
"Hmph! Like I care what you say!" Dart snapped. "I'm out of here!"
Just as he was about to leave, Mimzy piped up. "If you don't care about what I say, then why did you even come here, stupid?"
Dart stopped. "Cause I just felt like talking to someone and that someone just happened to be you. That's all."
"Oh." Mimzy muttered. As Dart left, Mimzy looked towards the doorway sadly. "I guess even stupid Dart gets lonely, too. Weird."
On the S.S. Anne...
Leena looked out the window and smiled as she saw the faint shape of Pallet Town against the fading sunlight. "One more day until I get there, Prof. Oak." She muttered. "One more day left before I can put my plans into action."
"Gardevoir voir," Eden said softly.
"I know, Eden." Leena groaned. "I won't overdo it when I find them. I promise. Or are you just worried about your egg?"
"Voir?"
"Yeah, I thought so." Leena muttered. "Don't worry. I just wonder how strong he's gotten since the last time we fought. Hopefully strong enough."
"AAARCANINE!!" Arcane howled.
"I get the point! Sorry about waking you up, Arcane." Leena apologized, scratching her starter Pokemon behind the ears. "There's a good boy. We're nearly there so you can stretch your legs again, Arcane."
"Voir voir..." Eden mumbled softly, rocking the strange black egg she carried.
"I know what you mean." Leena agreed, looking out the window. The sunlight was fading fast, staining the ocean a red color... red like blood. Leena looked away. "We're almost there. I can't wait until the day I can get Cipher back for what they've done. That's gonna be fun. I just know it..."
Next Chapter: Swimming with Sharpedo's
"How did we end up back here again?!" KC cried.
"Guys, be quiet!" Luffy hissed. "Listen!"
The group fell silent. The voices of the Cipher Peons got louder. "Where did they go?"
"Careful, there's a cliff here!"
"They wouldn't go down there, especially not at night."
"I wouldn't put it past them!"
"Do we follow?"
"No! Do you want to be eaten by those Sharpedo?"
"Let's leave them. Five less threats to worry about now."
The footsteps died away. "Okay, let's swim to shore." Mark muttered.
Alex grabbed his sleeve and pointed. "I think we should just stay here, Mark."
"Why?" Then he looked up. Tons of Sharpedo fins were cutting through the water along with a few Carvanha fins. "Oh, shoot!" They were trapped in a lake of aggressive Pokemon with no way out.
--
Hey everyone, I hope you like the chapter and preview! I'm glad that everyone loves the story so far. Summer allows me more time to write the chapters out and post them quickly. Hooray for summer! Please review! If anyone has any ideas for future chapters, you can add them to your reviews! See you later!