Blessed Defiance

by Rocketlord6485

Giovanni focuses on making a deeper commitment to Delia, who joins him on a perilous quest to conquer the Johto League and uncover Torino and Briskomy's true motives. Meanwhile, as political tensions within the government and Pokémon League reach their peak, Metsuma Rocket brings the full force of his conspiracy to bear. Vol. II of the Giovanni Chronicles.

21. Chapter 21: The Golden Road to Goldenrod

(A/N and a somewhat Disclaimer: Gio's third and final rival, Blanco Slim, is the final RECURRING character to be introduced in this story. So . . . basically inventing this rival was a challenge so I had to pick off another already existing fictional character. Have any of you watched the show Jimmy Neutron? Well for the most delectable experience, imagine this character with the voice of Eustace Strych, Jimmy Neutron's kid nemesis. I think it fits perfectly with the personality of Blanco.)

Blessed Defiance - Chapter 21: The Golden Road to Goldenrod

The time had come to retire for the night, Charles Goodshaw's industrious position as the National Pokemon League President day after day was always zestfully in waiting to be relieved. The responsibility of tackling such a prominent duty was both noble and burdening. No job was perfect but at least there was something new to solve at every corner. Damn, he was an excellent leader, very social yet political, balancing his responsibilities ever so elegantly which made him a national phenomenon! He had been elected three times to office already, proving that only he could keep the governmental corruption from broadening too far into society and not to mention his own Pokemon League committee. Many Pokemon Trainers and anti-Briskomy activists wanted the profound man to run for the Supreme Councilman of the Senate once Shivu's term expired. In doing so, his more effective ideas could be sworn into action, Briskomy being number one on the list of problems to rid of. Then again, there would be no need to take immediate previsions. The Corporate Bureaucracy's board of directors would be sending a team to investigate Briskomy Headquarters in about a month. Hopefully this course of procedure would unshroud the callous fools for what they truly were. "And in doing so, I could finally get some good ol' shut eye.", He humored to himself with an optimistic mind as he strode out of his office, his faithful bodyguards at both his flanks escorting him to his suite at the Pokemon League Building which resided just a few miles west of the senate. "Well boys, you know what they say! An employer's good night sleep is the employees good fortune!"

The guards were dead silent. All they could concentrate on was guiding Goodshaw to his abode.

"Not even a smile?" The short man eyed them suspiciously as they continued to transit to the destination ahead. "I wonder what's gotten into them? They're usually much livelier . . ." The three entered the building at their amendable pace . . . but by the time they had reached the grand staircase, Goodshaw felt as though he were being rushed.

The guards were increasing their stride, coercing the insecure Pokemon League President to stay ahead.

He wasn't fond of the uncomfortability. "Is . . . everything alright?"

Still they gave no response but the cold silence.

Now Goodshaw knew that something was very amiss! He was left with no choice but to quickly break away from their company. "I can find my way from here boys. You are relinquished of duty!" Yet the footsteps behind him only burgeoned like the sound of a Rapidash's speeding fury! "Back down!" With much urgency, he hastened towards his suite while crying out: "I think we have traitors afoot! Someone hel-"

The first guard jumped forward from the very top of the stairs and straddled Goodshaw to the floor, covering his mouth while pinning him down helpless. "Inject him!", He quietly rasped out to his partner. "Inject him now!"

The second guard kneeled down, pulled a syringe from his sleeve and carefully inserted the soporific needle into the squirming president's neck. "Now it's time for you to sleep oh wise one!" It took only a few second for the injection to delineate the captive unconscious. The two then glanced around to confirm that there were no witnesses present and also to ensure that the security cameras they had disabled earlier were still inactive. He pulled out his transmitter and whispered: "The coast is clear!"

Goodshaw was lifted off the ground by the combined strength of the imposters and was carried into his luxury suite where they locked the door behind and awaited the next phase of their master plan. But really it was not their master plan. It was the master plan of the Torino Leader who had assigned the one and only General Crissela to fulfill his bidding. The two special agents were just apart of her small elite team to carry out the task with succession.

The window beside Goodshaw's bed blasted apart, allowing a ramp of the rescue vehicle outside to glide through the opening. From the ramp appeared General Crissela herself, her hair fluttering in the smog, both hands held firmly against her hips, and legs crossed fashionably. "Mission accomplished. It's time to withdraw before someone discovers we're here! Let's move!"

The guards nodded to their superior. They shed their costumes to reveal the terrifying attire of Torino uniforms marked with special colors to indicate their advanced rankings. Next, they transported Goodshaw across the ramp and into the floating combat copter, Crissela following close behind . . . and as soon as they were all aboard, the vehicle jetted away into the night's grave somber. Project Rocket would soon be back on track.

…...

The following morning attained in a more pleasant custom . . . though this was accenting over Goldenrod City, the predominant metropolis of the Johto Region that sprawled with bustle as the rowdy environment engulfed Gio and his friends. It had been a very long journey so far and a long time coming. They knew this to be true upon witnessing excitement flourish around them: Thousands of civilians scouring here and there, busy shops and restaurants at every corner, and towering buildings fabricating into the rays of the morning shine while forging protective shadows of shade unto the grounds in which they stood. On the west side of town, the colossal city was bordered by the big blue ocean where dozens of ships mounted to the harbor before setting sail again soon. To the east resided the Goldenrod City Gym . . . or rather Gio's long awaited terminus! "This is going to be your first Gym Battle in Johto.", Gio warned the feline Pokemon perched on his shoulder. "Are you ready Meowth?"

"Mrrreow!" Determined was the better word for ready and that was just what Gio applauded in his Pokemon.

Delia was sluggishly walking behind Gio, her focus being more attendant towards the baby cub Pokemon she snuggled in her arms. "Oh, You are just adorable!", Her voice squealed. She was placing several kisses on the giggling Teddiursa's head. "I should really give you a nickname."

Spencer veered into view. "How about Lenny?"

"Lenny?" She seemed rather disgusted. "Errr . . . no thank you. I'm trying to think of a more suitable name."

"How about tsunami?", Gio rudely chuckled to his girlfriend behind, still thinking only of the commotion that the furry juvenile had brought them almost a week ago. "It fits perfectly."

Delia was quick to recognize the sarcasm in Gio's suggestion. "Oh very funny mister! In fact . . . just for that remark . . . I'm going to call him Cuddles!"

Repulse by the decision, both Gio and Spencer groaned out. It was just like Delia to choose such a sissy name for a male Pokemon.

Delia didn't care though. Teddiursa was HER responsibility so she had every right to name it whatever she desired. Besides, Spencer and Gio were guys. She expected nothing less of their intolerant disapproval.

"Urrrr!", Teddiursa rejoiced, apparently admiring the name much to Gio and Spencer's surprise.

Then Faith poked her own tiny head from Delia's bag to gain her own form of affection. "Chu! Pi! Pi!"

"Oh, I could never forget about you honey!" She pulled Faith into her free arm . . . leaving the two baby Pokemon to stare eachother down menacingly. The misfortune about having two attention-wanting Pokemon was the certainty of competition. Delia learned of this soon after obtaining her latest 'offspring.'

"Just so a fight doesn't break out . . . maybe you'd better put Teddiur . . . err . . . I mean Cuddles back in his Pokeball.", Recommended Spencer whom had instantly taken notice of their continuing rivalry. After Delia had followed his advice, he looked up to find the city's Pokemon Center straight ahead. "And as for Gio, I'm thinking he wants to heal his Pokemon?"

"Bingo.", Gio asserted. "I want all my Pokemon as healthy as possible before my Gym Battle. No one argue with me because it's going to happen."

Delia gladly sympathized with his pugnacity. "Of course Gio. It's not like we're in a rush. And we know how important this battle is to you."

"Meow! Meowwwy!"

They entered the Pokemon Center after escaping the busy streets and Gio approached the front counter while his friends managed to find a comfortable table for them to rest at. Gio placed Meowth and his Pokeballs on the provided tray and presented it to Nurse Joy. "It's really important that you make sure all my Pokemon are completely healthy!"

She blissfully smiled like all Nurse Joys would do. "Don't worry about a thing. We'll take good care of your Pokemon!" She disappeared into the backroom, leaving a Chansey temporarily in charge of the lobby. He rolled his eyes at the pink creature. "What are you looking at?"

"Chans! Chansey! Chansey!" The Pokemon bent down for a minute but soon returned with a tray of Pokeballs. "Chansseeyy!"

Gio however did not recognize these Pokeballs. Of the only three capsules being displayed, they were coated in green which obviously indicated that they were Dusk Balls. "No!", He told Chansey. "My Pokemon are being cared for by Nurse Joy. These are not my Pokemon!"

"Well of course they're not your Pokemon you barbaric pilferer!" Gio was shoved out of the way by a peculiar boy, possibly a year older than him. He had jagged brown hair spiking out from all over his head and his forehead was sheeted by a red headband. Below that, his eyes were covered by blue swimming goggles which plastered noticeable indents above his cheeks. He was shirtless, revealing a rather skinny, bony build with very little muscle. Dark Blue neoprene shorts stretched out just above his knees, tightening around his legs like a wetsuit. His most evident feature was his current posture: Sitting cross legged in thin air! "Get your filthy hands off of my prized possessions!"

Gio jumped back to his feet to engage the newcomer that dared entreat him with such malice. "I wasn't touching your precious Pokeballs! You better watch who you're talking to!"

"Oh so you're a bit of a rebel, are you now?" It was unbelievable! He was speaking through telepathy while still maintaining his floating disposition! His voice was filled with a snobby intonation and slight British accent. "Well as fun as it would be to continue bantering, I have more important matters to attend to!"

Gio laughed rottenly to the psychic freak. "You think you're better than me because you can use with big words? Get lost!"

"Hah!", The floating boy chortled. "You amuse me with your childlike immaturity. Alas, perhaps one day you'll grow into at least half a decent intellectual."

"Don't test me.", Gio grumbled harshly. He was stepping closer. "I pumble freaks like you for a living!"

He sighed, highlighting his carelessness. "And what makes you think you're more valiant than I?"

But then Delia appeared, having overheard the whole exchange. "You're talking to a guy who made it to the final rounds in the Indigo Plateau Conference! I'd watch your mouth!" She was complacently defending her boyfriend with all she could hold against the psychic prude . . . but at the same time, censoring Gio from doing something violently reckless. "Watch what you say about my boyfriend or you'll have to go through me!"

"Oh enough of this hogwash!" The boy motioned his hands forward as if shooing them away. "Away with you both! My telepathic trance has been shattered by your blunder!"

Gio could no longer hold his tongue. "Oh I'll show you shattered!" Without considering the option of simply turning away, he lunged himself at the other boy, readying to thrash him meaningless!

But the enemy swiftly clasped his hands and shut his eyes as if concentrating real hard! It only took mere seconds for him to conjure a telekinetic pulse of Psychic energy that blasted Gio across the room!

Everyone in the lobby shot up in alarm! They were all staring speechlessly as Gio stumbled from the other side of the room. It was an upsetting scene to say the least.

And yet the boy responsible was unbothered by the scowling eyes. He gruffed a bit in trade of a mannerable farewell. "Now if you'll excuse me, a REAL POKEMON TRAINER has an important battle to secure victory in!" He gathered his Pokeballs and immediately vanished from the air, having teleported away to another location.

Spencer reached away from his silence once the brawl was officially over. He abandoned the table which he sat at and joined Delia in helping Gio stand to his feet.

Delia was fretting the most. "Gio are you okay? Are you hurt?"

"I'm fine.", He assured her with a smile that nobody was expecting. "But I'm not going to lie when I say that I want to find that freak and show him whose boss-"

"Easy there.", Laughed Spencer nervously. "I think you're better off making rivals with people you can actually . . . get along with."

Gio glared at his friend. "Where's the fun in that?" He had to hand it to the psychic kid for his spunk. It was almost like a challenge! Gio was never one to turn down a challenge! Had he finally found a rival capable of getting on his last nerves even worse than Surge? "If we see him again, remind me to treat him to a Pokemon Battle that will send him home crying!"

Delia shook her head. "Gio . . . maybe we should just worry about beating the Gym Leader for now."

He nodded back in reply. She was right. He couldn't let one single tiff mislead him from his main purpose for being in the city. "Right. I'd better check to see if the Pokemon are ready."

…...

Agatha hurried into Goodshaw's master bedroom at the Pokemon League Building where dozens of special detectives scrutinized every inch of the room nearest the breach in the wall where daylight galled through. She made her way to Lucas Danforth, the head Pokemaster of the Indigo League Council whom was standing close the fragmented portion of the room. "So you weren't lying. Goodshaw's . . . been abducted", She whispered while stepping over the rubble. "Does the public know?"

Danforth gestured his hands to the team scattering about the room. "No one's giving any sort of press release until these gentlemen can give me a final confirmation. I've contacted the Indigo League President and his vice. They'll be here shortly."

She frowned. "What of the other regional officials?"

"The Sinnoh, Hoenn, and Johto Leagues council's headmasters have yet to arrange for a visit. I'm sure they are just as appalled as us though. After all, they to are apart of Goodshaw's established order. As for those not strictly affiliated with the National Pokemon League committee, they are panicking yet regarding with condolences. Hopefully they can keep their mouths shut before trainers can cry 'Torino' like crazed madman."

She crossed her arms condemningly at the whole idea. "Those trainers would have every right to panic. First the attack at Catallia City, then the destruction of Samuel's conspiracy evidence, and now this: Kidnapping the most important figure in the Pokemon League committee? Something is very wrong. Briskomy and Torino are now going to great lengths to unveil their capabilities as an alliance without actually revealing any proof of doing so. I dont think we can wait a another whole month before getting some answers. It might be too late by then."

"I should contact Supreme Councilman Shivu.", Said Danforth as he exited the room. "I'd like he and the senate to keep a close eye on any possible developments from this. If Torino did this than-"

"It's most likely a hostage situation.", Agatha finished for him. Torino had supposedly been seeking social obedience all these years, wanting nothing but their voices to triumph over everyone else's and to simply dominate the corruption with a criminal anarchy. Briskomy claimed to want a thriving association involved enough to solve the crisis of political imbalance and promote society with economic expansion. Pondering on this was just foolish because she knew everyone had been duped! There was no justice for either organizations. They were working together and that was the end of that! They were ones responsible for the corruption in the first place! Abducting Charles Goodshaw was not just a scheme to further the hysteria . . . but surely for something more! "I'd better consult with the other council members!"

…...

"Oh me gosh!", Delia squealed delectably with her eyes glued to the window of a woman's department store where the most ravishing jewelry and dressed taunted her from behind the glass. "They're having a sale! Gio, I promise I'll be in and out in just a five minutes if I can-"

"Oh I've heard that famous line before!" Shopping was the one thing he had to abstain her from as long as they were local. He recalled waiting a whole four and a half hours outside a dressing room in Celadon City's store when Delia couldn't decide on an uncountable number of blouses. "Sorry Delia but no hold ups. My Pokemon are ready to fight and I need to get to that Gym!" Yet when she couldn't find herself to part ways from the front entrance, he began pulling her away by the arm. "Delia we need to go! Let go of the door!"

"But Gio, they are having a sale!", She pleaded, still latching onto the door. "Just let me go in for ten minutes!"

His eyes widened. "You said five minutes! Ugggg!" He eventually let go of her with a sigh and turned to Spencer. "C'mon Spence. She can shop while you and me head over to the Gym."

"Of course Gio.", He complied with no objection . . . before darting toward the nearest foodstand line. "Just as soon as I sink my teeth into a nice juicy pretzel!"

"You both are unbelievable!" But just like that, his only traveling companions had found themselves absorbed by the city's inveiglement. He looked down to his feet where Meowth sat bored. "Looks like it's just you and me."

"Meow? Meow!" The cat Pokemon was implying some sort of ploy to wake Delia and Spencer from their allured daze.

Gio grinned and nodded to his cat. "Go for it!"

Meowth spewed out an electric shock at Delia whom was about to enter the store and then to Spencer whom was waiting anxiously in line for a bite to eat. "Meeeeeoww!"

"Ouch!", They both shrilled at the jolt. "What was that for?"

Gio was now speaking in a serious manner. "To get your attention! You both know I've been training for this battle for days! I know I can beat the Gym Leader but you two are holding me up! We can do whatever the hell you want as soon as I get this over and done with!"

"But Gio . . . if it's really going to be that easy of a battle, why would you need us around?", Asked a curious Spencer, recuperating from Meowth's foray.

"So I have witnesses when I win the match!", He proudly explained. His face was exerting an iniquitous expression. "When I see that Psychic kid again, I want to be able to rub my victory in his face! Now let's go! The Gym is right around the corner!"

Delia nodded and regrouped with Gio and Meowth. She would not let materialistic glamor dissuade her of supporting her boyfriend. "I'm sorry Gio. You're right . . . but I wouldn't be too cocky."

He gently kissed her forehead and chuckled. "I always win Delia. That's not about to change." Even with Gio's arrogant attitude still forged to the soul, he never looked back once. The three followed Spencer's map directly to the city's Gym which was only a few minutes away in walking distance. In no time at all, they were motioning across the Gym's front property where a white paved path aligned with a double column of cedar tress routed to the front entrance of the dome structured facility. In comparison to Azalea's Gym, it was much more fleshed out in exterior appearance but this was of no importance. Gio eagerly attempted to gain access inside . . . but the roller steel door would not budge. "What gives! Is the Gym closed today?"

"Nope. It's just that there's another challenger already inside!", A delightfully familiar voice chanted from behind the group. "Looks like you guys are stuck with me in the meantime!"

Gio's face blushed bright red. He knew that voice anywhere. He spun around to greet the one and only: "Lola?"

Yes, the water-type specialist and former Kanto rival of Gio's was jumping up in down in place before their eyes, clearly abound with excitement! "Oh my gosh! I can't believe you guys are here!" Even almost two years later since their last encounter, Lola still managed to look absolutely enchanting. She had heightened a little though still not quite measured up to Gio nor Spencer. It also appeared that she had set aside her taste in blue clothing, now wearing a violet emanated top and white leather pants trimmed above the ankles. Her wavy brown hair remained in it's former style and her peachy face glowed with felicity as always! "I always had a good feeling that you three would be traveling again at some point! Oh this is just so great!" She embraced each of them with a friendly hug, still on her toes with edginess. When she got to Delia, her eyes mutely shifted to Gio. She was basically wondering if they had reconciled old feelings. "So . . . are you two-"

Delia nodded smiling. "Yes. We're together!"

"Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh!" She was circling Delia like gravitation pull, her voice still screeching against the sound barrier. "So my advice helped?"

Gio felt left out. "Advice?"

"Oh it's nothing Gio.", Delia resented his concern with a giggle.

Lola nodded. "Yeah just girl talk is all!"

"Great . . ." He didn't know what to make of the friendship that had inexplicably sparked between Delia and Lola shortly before departing from the Indigo Plateau Conference. He wasn't too accepting of it now that the two girls had been apparently gossiping behind his back. To prevent this from happening again, he changed the subject as speedily as possible. "So how's Flint been?"

"Just his usual, charming, endearing self that I can never get enough of.", She sighed as if seduced. "I wish he could have come with me . . . but unfortunately the Pewter Gym is always brewing with challengers. But it's okay because I know my Flintly is always thinking of me!"

"Wait . . . what are you doing here?", Spencer asked just as his friends would have liked to know as well. It felt impossible bearing into the chances of running into such a familiar face in a big place like Johto. There had to be reasoning behind it.

Lola clasped her hands and spoke. "I'm in Johto visiting my cousin. He's competing the league as well! He's an excellent Pokemon Trainer Gio. He'll give you a battle anytime!"

"Really?" Gio gazed around. "Where is he?"

She pointed to the door. "Inside challenging the Gym Leader! He doesn't like to be watched so I've been waiting around for almost an hour now . . . but I just know he'll win! He's one experienced trainer!" The door then began to volute open. "Oh! Here he comes now!"

Gio slowly rotated around to meet the face of someone . . . he had already met. It was the psychic boy from the Pokemon Center, levitating in mid-air and speaking telepathically.

But he didn't notice Gio at first. "Well I acquired my winning as planned!", He declared to Lola while lifting up the PlainBadge to show off. "Now shall we depart-" But once he finally sought out Gio and his friends upon sensing their presence, he threw a fit. "You!", His words spat out from his mind and into Gio's ears. "Have you yet to take a hint that you are utterly worthless to my time?"

Gio was still left horrified at the fact that Lola was related to the quirk he despised since their feud. He turned to Lola for annotation, wanting hard to believe that this could not be. "This guy is your cousin?"

Lola nodded though still oblivious to the tensions. "Yes he is! This is Blanco!"

Blanco inhaled a breath of astonishment. He was about to receive a revelation of his own. "Lola . . . you're familiar with this band of . . . degenerates!"

Lola fanned herself with her hands, trying to hide any weakness. "Err . . . if you mean Gio, Delia, Spencer, and Meowth . . . then yes. They're my friends!"

"Lola I'm appalled!" Blanco hadn't a clue as to how Lola had affiliated herself with them . . . but no justification could rationalize his outrage. Perhaps now he could pull Lola to his side, assuming she'd be willing to take sides. "Lola my dearest cousin, you mustn't associate with their kind anymore! They accounted me with much hostility!"

Spencer shrugged innocently. "What did I ever do to you! I was just sitting in the corner minding my own business!"

"Spencer!", Gio hollered at his friend. "What are you nuts? Don't take his side!"

"Meow! Mewwwy"

"Well I am sorry but it just always seems like I get dragged into these situations!", Spencer complained. "I could be on the moon if a nuclear explosion were to happen on earth yet somehow i'd get involved-"

Finally Blanco, Gio, and Delia all stifled his prattle with: "Oh just Shut up already!"

Still standing absent-minded was Lola. Having learned that Gio and Blanco had started off on bad terms, the question now was why? "Can someone please explain to me what's going on?"

"I'll tell you whats going on.", Volunteered an even fussier Gio. "Your cousin is a snobby jerk!"

"Oh come now, dont be ridiculous." Blanco was defending himself with all he had left yet creating humiliation specifically for Gio ascented as prerogative number one. "He's just upset that my telekinetic powers prostrated his whiny self back at the Pokemon center. He insisted that he was a better Pokemon Trainer than I! Eventually he completely lost his mind so merely defended myself!"

But Delia stepped in to Gio's aid. "He insisted the truth! He even wanted to battle you earlier but you refused!"

"I had a Gym battle that needed to be taken care of.", Blanco excused himself. Using his abilities, the PlainBadge in his possession levitated into the air, practically taunting Gio. "And by the way, i'd like you to have a look at my prize. I earned this with Pokemon only! There's your proof of my superiority!"

"Proof?", Gio exclaimed in laughter. "Yeah right! You make it sound like a great accomplishment! I could beat this Gym leader easy!"

"Oh really?", His psychic voiced echoed into the air with interest. "Care to wager?"

"I though you'd never ask!" Gio formed two sturdy fists. It was his way of comprising the ultimatum of his fearlessness, putting vigilance aside for the time being.

Blanco then proffered the stakes. "If you loose the Gym Match, you must admit that I am by far a much more competent trainer than you!"

Gio bit his lip. "And if I win?"

"I'll take back everything I said about you being worthless . . . and what not. Don't count on that happening though." By his logic, that possibility would never become reality. Part of him could sense Gio's rising audacity.

But the young Viridian trainer was overly-buoyant. He felt as if nothing could stop him. "It's like I said, I'll win this match easy!"

Blanco dispensed a derisive grin in exchange. "I look forward to seeing you try." He turned away from Gio and over to Lola.

She was gleaming at him, shamefaced by his behavior. "Blanco, you dont need to be so mean to Gio. He's a good friend of mine!"

"Oh fear not Lola.", Her conceited cousin heartened. "I'm simply going to end this rivalry before it begins."

Rivalry was something to be cherished though in her perspective. She had shared competition with Gio in the past yet never did they allow any form of antagonism come into play. She preferred the idea of two opponents respecting eachothers endeavor till the very end. It seemed liked the mature way of doing things.

Before Gio could enter the Gym, Spencer pulled him back to express his solitude. "I'd be careful Gio. Blanco seemed pretty quick to make that bet which can only mean that the Gym Leader must have been difficult to defeat!"

"Difficult for him? Yes.", He said back sternly. "But not for me and Meowth."

"Meowy!", Acknowledged the scratch cat. He scampered ahead of the group and dived though the entrance.

But as she followed her boyfriend, Delia could only regard his demeanor with: "There's that confident attitude again."

The Battlefield deployed into view immediately upon entering. The capacity of the area was wide with a dim lighting and the arena itself was basic but tasteful enough to engender a clean fight without having to minister extra obstacles. Standing across the domain was a young man, possibly in his early 20's. He was dressed in a farmer's attire: brown cowboy hat, red handkerchief around his neck, white shirt with a brown vest, black buckled pants, and a pair of riding boots. He had black scruffy hair as well as a mustache in matching color. "Mornin to ya!", He spoke in a distinctive dialect. "Name's Milton. You folks lookin for a Gym Battle?"

Gio stepped forward while his friends . . . and Blanco hurried to the stands. "My name is Giovanni and I'm from Pallet Town. I'm here to earn a PlainBadge like Blanco did!"

Milton scratched the back of his head. "Well shucks, you better put up a good fight then if that'd be your aim."

"It is.", Gio confirmed blankly, his attention on Meowth only.

"Well then!", Milton chuckled while reaching for a Pokeball along his belt. "We'd best get a move on!"

The referee then appeared in the sidelines. "This is a battle between the Goldenrod Gym Leader Milton and the challenger Giovanni from Pallet. Each trainer may use one Pokemon only! Substitutions are not permitted! No time limit!"

The young trainer nudged Meowth forward. "Go on. Win this so we can prove to Blanco whose really boss!"

"Let the battle begin!", The referee declared at last, waving both flags in the air.

Meowth scurried to the center of the Battlefield, awaiting for the appearance his first Johto Gym opponent. "Meow! Meowy!"

Milton then pitched the Pokeball into the air!

And from the capsule, a typhoon of shine begetted a Pokemon that Gio had never identified in person. "Milll!"

Startled and a tad inundated, Gio stepped back for a clear Pokedex frequency.

"MILTANK, THE MILK COW POKEMON! MILTANK IS CAPABLE OF PRODUCING MILK THAT IS NUTRITIOUS ENOUGH TO HEAL ANY INJURED OR SICK POKEMON! MILTANK ARE VERY TEMPERED AND PREFER NOT TO BATTLE!"

"Prefer not to battle.", Gio quoted with a smirk. "My luck just keeps getting better. Meowth, use Water Pulse!"

"Meeeow!" A diluted bolster of aquatic fusion gushed out from Meowth's mouth only seconds after being told what to do! It's unique perspiration only expedited the potency of the blast that propagated across Milton's side of the field at max speed!

"Miltank, go on an' use Rollout!"

"Miiiill!" The cow Pokemon plunged forward, it's body taking the form of a spinning wheel, rapidly mobilizing across the ground and deflecting the oncoming attack with little difficulty!

Gio's strategy shattered already! Meowth would be pulverized if he didn't think fast! "Meowth, dodge and quick!"

But the Rollout arrived too damn fast! It fleeted into Meowth in less than an instant, casting him into the useless air with a plague of inadmissible pain! "Mrrreeeow!" Before he could hit the ground, the Rollout struck again! "Mrrrreeeow!", Cried the feline in the midst of his transit upwards again!

Milton continued to supervise Miltank's repeated onslaught. For almost five minutes more, Meowth was being bombarded in all directions without even being given the chance to recover better yet ground. He felt a little grieved for conducting so much brutality upon the scratch cat . . . yet his duty as the Gym Leader managed to triumph as always.

In the stands, Gio's 'faithful' friends had already begun to loose faith. Even Delia was suspecting a bad conclusion. "That Miltank really did a lot of damage to Meowth", She whispered to her left where Lola sat in the same worry. "I wonder if Gio still stands a chance?"

Lola's face fell sullen. Watching Miltank's torment was heartbreaking. "I don't think anyone stands a chance against this Gym Leader."

"I did.", Snickered Blanco from Lola's left. "It took some time but I'm a natural when it pertains to this sort of vehemence. Giovanni has yet to impress me."

But she pretended to ignore him for Delia's sake. "I'm not talking to you."

As she folded her arms in disgrace, all Blanco could do was chuckle. "Oh come now Lola, you know just as well as I do that Giovanni does not have what it takes to dominate this match!"

"That's not the point!", She scolded. "I'm ashamed because I always looked up to you as a great Pokemon Trainer. I guess I was only fooling myself because great Pokemon Trainers are supposed to be mature human beings, not trying to prove themselves better than everyone else. You're just a . . . meanie!"

He quieted himself . . . her words piercing him with a sudden rush of remorse.

Delia sighed. "Now Gio's letting these thoughts of rivalry sway him from his normal battle routine. I don't see how he could possibly make things right at this point."

"Well . . . perhaps I was being rather blunt earlier.", Blanco relinquished himself of all immorality. He could now understand how one trainer's words could deject another's skills. Maybe he had filled Gio's mind with rubbish instead of encouragement.

"Meowth . . . Thunderbolt!" It was a panic command. Gio only had a few shots in the dark left inside himself. "This can't be happening! No! I can't let it happen!"

"Meeeow!" While still in the air thanks to another Rollout impact, the feline weakly began to charge what strength he had left . . . but Miltank's cycling form immediately launched upwards, driving Meowth into the roof of the building! It . . . was all over now.

"No!", Wailed Gio, broken like a lost cause and suddenly . . . an embarrassment to Pokemon Training itself. "How could this-"

His words vanished once Meowth plummeted to the ground in an extremely savage strain. The Pokemon was comatose entirely and had sustained serious injuries.

The referee stepped in to finalize the results. "Meowth is unable to battle! The victory goes to Milton and his Miltank!"

Gio ignored the announcement. It was already obvious but that didn't matter. He rushed over to solace his Pokemon into his arms. "Meowth . . . I'm sorry. I don't know what happened.", He confided to his cat. "We're supposed to be the most powerful team in existence . . . but we failed."

"Gee . . . I'm real sorry Giovanni.", Milton sent his condolences. He recalled Miltank and approached the young man slowly. "I'm guess'n you're probably mighty upset. I hope ya'll come back and challenge me to a rematch soon." He then silently jaunted away.

Gio was disabled from response. His mind was still processing that fact that he had lost! What went wrong? Why was he not able to combat?

In a jiffy, Delia leaped down from the balcony. She united with her fallen heroes and kneeled down beside the love of her life. "Gio . . . please don't feel bad. Don't feel guilty either."

He pounded his fist against the dirt. "I just want to know what went wrong!"

"Well . . . it's possible that you were more concerned with showing off your potential than actually focusing on developing a strategy." Her suggestion was not meant to be heard as criticism. Hopefully Gio would learn from this mistake assuming he understood it fully. "I think you substituted your confidence with arrogance and that's why you lost."

He nodded, thinking of Blanco. "You're right I suppose. I should have just turned away from Blanco the first chance I had instead of becoming obsessed with surpassing him as a Pokemon Trainer."

She then admitted something he was not anticipating. "I'm partially to blame as well. Part of me could see that your confident attitude wasn't really there ever since your argument with Blanco earlier. But I guess I just didn't want to admit it because I was angry with him to. I myself became obsessed . . . became obsessed with defending my boyfriend." She warmed his cold cheek with a light kiss.

"Alright enough of this!" Prideless Blanco then teleported behind them. "This is all my fault! I was the one who antagonized the both of you . . . and . . . well . . ." He faced Lola for a brief moment.

She rejoined them with Spencer right beside but she still continued to disdain Blanco until he could complete his confession.

He looked back over at Gio, Delia, and the fainted Meowth. His stuttering continued: "I . . . I suppose I . . . . I apologize."

This was the closure Gio had been seeking . . . but would Blanco still pay for his actions? He gingerly placed Meowth's dormant body over his shoulder and erected to his feet. He traipsed over to the floating boy with a thorough look in the eyes, making everyone wonder if Gio was about to slug him in the face. No, this was not the case. Gio was extending his hand out for a mutual handshake . . . as official rivals. "A civil competition is all I ask for."

Blanco hesitantly submitted to the salute. "I . . . suppose that would suffice."

"You see!", Lola cheered. "That's what rivalry is supposed to be about!" She hugged her cousin compassionately, almost dragging down him from the air. "I'm so proud of you Blanco!"

"Alright, alright . . . settle down!" He freed himself from Lola's embrace and brushed himself thoroughly.

Spencer beamed over Lola's shoulder to take notice of the near-casualty. "Gio, we should get Meowth to the Pokemon Center!"

"Right!", He affirmed to his friend. "We'd better hurry. It's almost a mile away."

"Not to worry!" Blanco closed his eyes and delved into the essence of his mental telekinesis. The technique required much concentration considering there were six of them but within only two minutes . . . the group had been teleported to refuge.

…...

A few hours passed and morning was vulgarizing drastically to make way for noon. Inside Goldenrod's Pokemon Center, Gio sprung to the counter as soon as his Meowth had been revived. "Good you see you're healthy again!" He lifted his jolly pet into the air to make certain his injuries had been tended to. "You look one hundred and ten percent better."

"Meeeeeoww!"

"We took good care of him!", Nurse Joy guaranteed him. "But take caution next time you decide to challenge Milton. His Pokemon are quite harmful!"

"Yeah I noticed.", He grumbled to her disrespectfully. Milton would soon get a taste of his own medicine . . . but that would only be until after Gio was fully prepared. "Training a little harder couldn't hurt. What do you think?"

"Meow! Meowwwy! Mreeow!"

He laughed but cut short from an impetuous interruption. "Huh?"

Nurse Joy cruised passed him in a hurry and towards a mob of trainers gathering around the lobby television. "Please just make way so I can turn up the volume!" She did so and everyone silence themselves to follow a breaking news story.

Gio found his friends in the hubbub though couldn't find himself to be as eager as everyone else. He didn't care for the news as almost all had already descried. "What's going on?", He whispered to Delia.

"Something big." It was scary because her voice was nourished with apprehension which clearly meant that something indeed was wrong.

He fixed his gaze onto the screen.

An anchorwoman was giving the breakdown: "-breaking developments continue to flood through! Only a short time ago, Senate Councilman Shivu announced that Charles Goodshaw, the national Pokemon League president, had been abducted by Torino operatives! It is believed that the kidnapping had occurred at some point late last-"

The lobby amplified with chaos at that the horrifying bulletin! Fear spread like cancer in only seconds! Trainers were shouting and even Nurse Joy was drenched in tears.

"Quiet!" Spencer suppressed the uproar by leaning forward to raise the volume even louder.

The update continued: "-we ask all our viewers to bear with us for a moment as we prepare to broadcast a very disturbing message that our station intercepted a short time ago through our computer messaging system. We also advise that you do not panic once we show this-" But the screen began to fuzz out and the anchorwoman's face faded from view.

A new transmission was now utilizing the screen. The camera view was both very blurry and shaky. . . but it looked as though Charles Goodshaw himself was being shown handcuffed to a throne of a white room. Profusely he sweat while squirming in his seat.

A voice from the camera was hissing at him: "Read what it says!" It simulated the voice of General Crissela.

"I will not!", Goodshaw growled at the camera though this was probably directed at Crissela. "You cannot hold me hostage like this-"

"Read what it says or I swear I will not hesitate to kill you were you sit!", Her threats continued. "Read it!"

His face brooded red . . . signalizing his surrender. He spitefully looked up and read the sign . . . which was a message to the viewers. "'The time is now for all the world to drown in fear. You . . . . you have enraged us, you have forsaken us, and you-'" He shut his eyes. "I will read no more."

"Read the rest now!"

"'You . . . have blinded us with false accusations.'", He quoted on her instructions. "We are angry. God help you all because it's too late to run. You thought Torino's been bad these past couple months? Well it's only going to get worse. If you want to see your precious Pokemon President alive again . . . then you will surrender your society to our authority, giving us full control of the nation. If you wish to be obliterated instead, then come confront us on Azark Island. We'll be waiting.'" The transmission then ceased.

The lobby became noisy again until the anchorwoman was back on screen: "Azark Island is an area belonging to the outer arctic waters, believed to have been uninhabited until now. Every military attempt to access the island has been thwarted by mysterious oceanic vortex that is continuously circling the isle, demolishing any incoming submarines and fighter jets. Intelligence are devising-"

"This doesn't look good.", Spencer whispered at Delia and Gio. "I wish there was something we could do!"

Blanco chuckled. "Are you mad? These Torino buffoons obviously know what they're doing this time!" He turned back to the screen.

"-and now, another breaking report! We now bring you Kathy Mcallister live at Briskomy Headquarters in Fuchsia City where Commissioner Kade Sorehagen is expressing his concern!"

"I have seen the transmission!", two-faced Sorhagen spoke to a microphone at a podium outside the skyscraper. The protesters were being separated from the typical specters by a series of police officers. "The time has come to renounce Torino from this world once and for all! While many of you may not like it, Briskomy will now step in to deplete the threat! I have organized to send a Briskomy representative to Azark Island to negotiate the safe return of Charles Goodshaw! We want nothing more than to please our society! Thank you all." He stepped down from the podium.

Kathy Mcallister was left to commentary but no one in the Pokemon Center's lobby payed mind. The muttering amongst eachother resurfaced but it derived from the bewilderment of those who disliked Briskomy. Gio could overhear several trainers argue.

"Briskomy wants to rescue Goodshaw?", One female Trainer question, totally puzzled. "Maybe . . . they really aren't working with Torino!"

Another boy agreed to her comment. "Yeah, maybe all those conspiracy rumors that have been spreading around a lot lately are frauds after all."

"I'll be the judge of that!", An older man exclaimed. "Honestly, I still don't think Torino's gonna agree to negotiations. They only want to rule society with criminal activity!" His protest was a hoax of it's own and he had not even realized that. Essentially, he was contrasting Briskomy and Torino as two unrelated organizations.

Gio could only mock their stupidity. "Are these people really falling for this?"

"You can't blame them Gio.", Spencer whispered. "They aren't as privileged as us to actually know that there is a conspiracy."

"Wait . . . there really is a conspiracy?" Thanks to Spencer and his big mouth, Lola had finally come to see the precision of her suspicions. "Oh my gosh! We should tell everybody!"

"Shhh!", Gio and Delia hushed her, both of their fingers over her motionless lips. "We can't do that!"

Blanco stared at them curiously. "Well . . . why not?"

"It's . . . a long story." A story Gio did not want to regress to in memory. Even almost two years later, he could still hear Kade's words hissing in his mind: 'You are the son of one of the Wealthiest Woman in the world . . . hence, you are the son of Briskomy. If Briskomy falls apart, you shall as well. Your world will crumble before your very eyes!'

Blanco levitated higher while specking his finger to the ceiling. "Well it'd be preposterous for us not to take action! With all of our combined talents, we could surely rescue Goodshaw on our own!"

Lola cupped her hands over her mouth. "But Blanco! You heard the news lady! There's a big aquatic tornado defending the base! It's too dangerous to go!"

"It's also very far." Delia was also forced to spurn his proposition. "We won't be able to get ahold of the types of fast vehicles like the military has!"

There was literally no one vouching for Blanco . . . until Gio took the spotlight with his own motives. "We've been through worse.", He reminded. "If Briskomy persuades the public to side with them then there will be no hope to foil the conspiracy. We need to get to that island before the Briskomy representative does!"

"Gio . . .", Whispered Delia. She folded her hands into his, gazing deeply into his blazing eyes of determination. "Are you sure this is a good idea? What if . . . something happens-"

He held her chin and smiled. "I'll protect you." The intensity in his words was enough to set storms conformed, and never did he dislodge that boyish smile of his.

She nodded. "And I'll protect you."

Meowth climbed onto Gio's shoulder. "Meow! Meow"

Lola inhaled her revulsion . . . and availed to her friends. "Okay I'll come. But only as long as none of us die!"

Spencer rolled his eyes. "I think you're all insane . . . but uhhh . . . i'd better come just in case there's a legendary Pokemon local to the area."

"Then it's settled." Gio spun around to Blanco. "I need you to Teleport us to the Goldenrod harbor!"

The Psychic genius shook his head. "With the six of us, the farthest I can teleport is up to two miles. So what will it be?"

Gio reluctantly nodded. "Two miles if fine. We can run the rest of the way."

"Very well then!" Blanco clasped his hands, shut his eyes, and submerged into his meditation as the ritual initiated.

…...

The five chivalrous teenagers raced down the main dock in search of a ship. The sun could beat down on them for hours on unless they could find a captain willing to sail towards undeniable danger.

"Ahoy there lads!", An unforgettable voice called out from the berth of the marina. "Ye be needin to voyage somewhere?"

Delia tapped Gio on the shoulder while looking where he was looking. "Is that . . . who I think it is?"

"No way . . . it can't be!" Gio rushed to his old acquaintance. "It's Captain Abet!"

"Captain who?", Spencer, Lola, and Blanco all queried.

But Gio ignored them. "Just come on!" He led his group to greet the former sea captain whom had come to his service back at Vermillion City when his Badge Pouch had been taken by his mischievous Krabby.

The bearded old man waved his hook hand. "Long time no see laddies!"

The first factor that amazed Gio was Abet's ship that had supposedly been destroyed before the stranded island incident. It was sitting peacefully in the water, anchored against the dock. "You repaired the 'Makonom'?

"Aye! To perfection!", The Captain toured with a crooked grin. "Spruced it up all meself! I become a fishermen here only a mere month ago!"

A sigh of relief spilled from Spencer. He didn't know Abet personally but did know that he had a flawless ship capable of crossing the sea. "Boy are we lucky we ran into you then!"

Abet stumbled back to sit upon the edge of his boat. "Well what might I be able to do for ye?"

Lola giggled nervously. "We need a ride . . . to Azark Island."

"Arrrg!", Abet scowled at the mention. "Surely, ye be jokin! That island has a curse heap of trouble brewin at evry corner! You step one peg leg on that piece o' land and you be freezin to certain death!"

Delia was now the one being insistent. "Please Captain Abet! It's really important that we get there! The world counting on us . . . kind of." And if that wasn't enough convincing, she knew she could always play the guilt card of how he nearly killed them in their last ocean adventure.

The old man rubbed his chin with the top of his hook hand. "The world, ay? Hmmm . . . I suppos'n I could use a wee break from all this here fishin. It'd be bestfully jolly to set sail again like me old golden days at sea."

Gio looked him straight in the eyepatchless eye so that Abet could understand just how important this was to him. "So is that a yes?"

"Aye!", Pronounced their old friend. "All aboard lads! I be comendeerin the ship as soon as ye ready!"

Dauntless miracles had found their way back to Gio again. He had befriended a new rival, learned about his limits, reunited with two old Kanto friends, and was about to embark on a quest to test the devotion he had committed to Professor Wade when he promised he would eliminate the evil his father had failed to. All of the lessons he had learned were about to apply and soon enough, the experience would fledge him into an even stronger trainer with more than enough strength to overpower Milton and his Pokemon. Now more and more he could see that nothing happens by chance, no such thing as luck. A meaning behind every little thing, and such a meaning behind this. Part for him, part for Delia, part for Spencer and his Pokemon and all those who surrounded him. Luck was no excuse for fate.

…...

Charles Goodshaw opened his eyes from an enforced sleep that had been incited upon him following the recording of the message sent to the UnitedRegions9 news station hours ago. He was still being captivated within a enormously white capacity where his hands were deliberately cuffed to the arm rests of the throne he sat on. The air was boiling hot to a point where he could no longer stand. "Are you Torino hooligans going to torture me into a heatstroke?", He called out as sweat trickled down his short and fuzzy brown beard.

"Of course not." Crissela entered the room from the left chamber. "It's completely necessary. Unless you'd rather die in the blizzard outside."

"Blizzard?"

"Rejoice Goodshaw.", She changed the subject. She paced over to the sealed window where the heavy snow hammered against the unbreakable glass. "You're finally playing your part in this war."

He grumbled. "I dont believe in war."

She turned to him and smiled. "But do you believe in fear?" She approached him and released the electronic cuffs with a simple code combination. She then opened her arms to the window. "Take a look for yourself."

The uneasy president slowly stood from his seat and promenaded to the window where he could see a hundred of Torino's combat copters parked below at the bottom of the Warpath Tower, the facility he was being imprisoned. The other aerial vehicles were scouting the range from above. He could also see several Torino Drill Transports sweeping across the white blankets of snow as if playing the role of watch dogs. "This . . . really is a hostage situation.", He gasped.

Crissela approached from behind, bent over, and whispered into his ear: "Can you feel it? Can you feel the adrenaline rush eating away at your soul?"

A tear rolled down his rosy cheek. "I can only feel . . . contrite."

She cackled maniacally. "Now we're talking!"

TO BE CONTINUED . . . . .

(A/N: Well that's that! I have a new poll on my profile page. It's the one I was too lazy to put up last week but now it's officially up! As for the next chapter's sneak preview: Gio and the gang will quest towards Torino's tower base at Azark Isle . . . but come face to face with the unexpected in the process!)