I don't...yeah, you know.

Kind of wish I had come up with a better title.


The Chronicles of Spectre Dan
Episode XXIX
On the Trail

Maria and Synch staggered toward Ash's house. She was bleeding, and Synch had multiple bruises. Synch was supporting Maria as best he could as they finally got to Ash's porch.

It was one day after Ash's birthday, and Spectre Dan and Maria had gone for a walk in Pallet Woods that morning. So, Ash was shocked at seeing Maria bleeding on his doorstep. He called for Misty and his mom to help, and they got Maria to the couch.

"Uncle Dan," she mumbled, "Trouble. Note, here."

She handed them a crumpled note, and Ash read it aloud.

"If you wish to save your teacher, you and Misty will come to the Viridian Forest tonight. If you bring anyone else, even a Pokémon, he dies. Call the police, and he dies."

"This sound serious," said Misty.

"We have to save him," said Ash, "It'll take a day to get to Viridian Forest, so we should start traveling now."

"Without Pokémon? That's insane," said Delia.

"Between my wolf form and Misty's mallet, I don't think any wild Pokémon will mess with us twice."

"At least take Pikachu and Togetic."

"Fine. Misty, pack some things. We need to leave in an hour if we want to make it."

"Right."

oOo

After Ash and Misty left, Delia checked Maria's wounds.

"Wait a minute," she said, "This isn't right. What-"

Suddenly, hands clamped around her mouth.

oOo

That afternoon, they made it to Viridian City.

"We made good time," said Misty.

"Between a bike and the increased speed of my wolf form, it was a cinch," said Ash, adjusting a spare jacket.

'I just wish you had clothes that didn't rip when you transformed,' said Pikachu.

'At least he took his shoes off first,' said Togetic.

Suddenly, Ash heard something.

"What was that?"

"What was what? Oh, wait, this is your heightened hearing kicking in, isn't it?" asked Misty, "What do you hear?"

"It sounds like crying. It's coming from this way."

'Now I hear it too,' said Pikachu.

They followed the sound and eventually Misty heard it too. They came upon a crying child in an alley.

"What's wrong, little guy?" asked Misty.

"I've lost my mommy. Where's my mommy?" said the child, crying.

"What's your name?"

"Billy."

"Well Billy, we'll help you find your mommy."

Misty peered at Ash, who finally sighed.

"Don't move, Billy," he said, getting up close to the child and sniffing.

"What are you doing?" Billy asked.

"My boyfriend has a super sense of smell. He'll use your scent to find your mommy. But, you can't tell anyone, okay?" said Misty.

"So, you're like superheroes?"

"Kind of," said Ash, who began sniffing the air, "Okay, I got something. Follow me."

They followed Ash until he finally said, "Aha! She's close."

"Billy!" came a voice.

"Mommy!" Billy shouted.

A woman ran over and hugged Billy.

"We did good, Ash," said Misty.

"I guess, but we lost time," he answered.

"Lost time?" asked Billy's mom.

"Yeah, we were supposed to meet someone in Viridian Forest tonight. It's really important that we get there."

"Well, since you helped my son, I can give you a ride there. It's the least I can do."

"That would be great."

oOo

'Thanks to that lady, we made it,' said Pikachu.

'I hope Spectre Dan is okay,' said Togetic.

"I hope whoever did this isn't sore that we brought Pikachu and Togetic," said Ash.

"On the contrary, wolf-boy," came a whispery voice, "It makes things more interesting."

"Who's there?" asked Misty, bringing out her mallet, "Are you the person who took Spectre Dan?"

"Indeed I am," the voice said, "You have passed the first tests. Now, you must pass a test of wit. Solve this riddle to find where I am."

An arrow buried itself in the ground by the group. Attached was a scroll.

"Why are you doing this?" asked Ash.

"Because it amuses me," the voice said.

"What do you mean?" asked Misty, but there was no answer.

"I guess we solve the riddle," said Ash, picking up the scroll and unrolling it, "Great, I hate riddles."

"Well, let's see it," said Misty, leaning over to look at the scroll.

When the fairies dance beneath the moon,

The secret will be revealed.

But beware of the blue ones

For they will try to sap your life's blood

But, with the power of thunder,

You can win.

Misty was silent for a moment, before speaking.

"Mount Moon."

"Huh?"

"Don't you remember the Clefairy dance? It was on Mount Moon. Also, blue ones who suck blood and are weak to 'the power of thunder', i.e. electricity? Zubat, which Mount Moon is crawling with."

"It seems so obvious now that you say it. I hate riddles."

'You already said that,' said Pikachu.

oOo

"Well, Mount Moon," said Misty, "Haven't been back here in a while."

"Yeah, it takes me back," said Ash, "but there isn't time for reminiscing."

"You're right. Let's go."

They walked into the cavern and were immediately attacked by Zubat and Golbat. Pikachu and Togetic fired attacks, but there were too many.

"That's it," said Ash, transforming into wolf form. He let out a howl that scared off the swarm.

"Nice work," said Misty, but she was suddenly attacked by someone from behind. They were surrounded by a horde of men and Pokémon.

'This could get ugly,' said Togetic.

Ash made a chuffing sound, a wolf's laugh.

'I think I'm going to enjoy this,' he thought.

The four heroes leapt into battle, Ash punching and slashing (only to wound of course), Misty whacking with her mallet, Pikachu shocking, and Togetic dishing out various attacks with Metronome.

They fought and fought, but the enemies just kept coming. Then, Ash had an idea. He let out a roar that shook the cavern, and Zubat swarmed. The swarm caused the enemies to break into groups. The heroes pounded the enemies, finally beating the last of them.

Ash grabbed one of the escaping goons, and Misty demanded to know where the boss was. But, the goon just smiled, and faded away.

"HUH?" Ash growled.

"You're getting better at speech, Ash," came a voice.

"Who's there?" asked Misty, "Are you the mastermind?"

"Sort of. Congratulations. You have passed all the tests. Prepare for your reward."

"What reward?"

A figure materialized from the darkness.

"Spectre Dan?" said Ash, changing back to human form with a mixture of shock and confusion on his face, "But you're fine. What's going on here?"

"This was all a test," came another voice, and the Chief came out of the shadows.

"A test?" shouted Misty.

"I was never really hurt," said Maria, coming out of the shadows with Delia, "It was all fake blood and acting. Convincing performance, huh?"

"You were in on it too, Mom?" asked Ash.

"Not at first," she answered, "But they ended up convincing me, especially after that big fight. I don't think I need to worry anymore."

"About what?"

"We would like you to join us," said Dan, "As a special agent of the International Police."

oOo

The first test was how quickly you could get to a place. You needed to be quick and get somewhere before a trail goes cold. You performed well.

The next test was one of compassion. The Chief called his niece to help with that. Her young son is quite the actor. No agent shall ignore a young child in danger, even if it distracts from the mission a little bit.

The next test was one of knowledge and logic. Ash, you're a little slack in that area, but I'm sure we can change that. The important part is that you solved the riddle, and quickly. Most people we test take longer to solve those things.

The final test is a battle. We rigged this entire cavern with a hologram system, one capable of creating hard light enemies to fight. You both have already proven yourselves in Pokémon battles, many times over. However, your own fighting skills were in question. But, you performed brilliantly. I am confident that you will work well with Maria and me.

oOo

"You want us to join you?" asked Ash.

"Yes, you would be an asset to any mission," replied Spectre Dan, "Your powers and battling skills. Misty's intellect, kindness, and ferocity in battle. You are both clever, and have mighty will. You both have a strong sense of justice. You both will make valued additions to the special division. You'll be facing danger, but you will love every minute of it. You will be facing foes no one else can. We are the elite. Where everyone else may fail, we will not. It is a great honor to be asked to join. It means you are the best. Not just in Pokémon battles, but in deductive skills, science, strategy, and the like. We are the last line of defense against chaos."

"Well, what do you say?" asked Maria, "Will you join us?"

Ash took Misty, Pikachu, and Togetic aside. They talked it over for a bit. Finally, they walked back over.

They all answered at the same time.

"Yes."

"Well then," said the Chief, producing two badges, "Welcome to the International Police."