Author's Note:
Here it is, an almost filler chapter which is really just here to give the group a reason to travel to Cianwood City. Of course, that means that Ash's Olivine Gym battle will need to wait for a little while, just like how it is the sixth gym battle in the Johto games. Don't worry, it won't be a massive wait for Ash's actual fifth gym battle against Chuck. We get to see what the future might hold for one of Brock's Pokémon, whose evolution in the anime was one thing I never really liked since we didn't get to see it and it was one of Brock's main partners. We also get to see one of Misty's Pokémon evolve, so there's that to look forward too. Don't forget to vote in the poll and with that, let's go...
Chapter 35: Trouble at the Lighthouse
It was the evening of Serena's victory at the Olivine City and the group are currently lying around in the lobby of the Pokémon. Since the contest ended earlier than expected thanks to not a lot of people competing, the group decided to go to a nice cafe in the city to celebrate the honey-blonde girl's victory.
Now they are just enjoying the view of the sunset over the nearby ocean, as they just make general chat. Being sat at one of the tables, with the window, Serena is cuddled up with Ash on one side with Misty and Brock on the other. Both Azuril and Bonsly are also out with Togepi, with the Spikeball 'watching them' while they all enjoy some colouring in. Soon, the conversation changed to Ash's plan for the upcoming gym battle.
"Okay Ash, have you decided on your team for your gym battle tomorrow?" Brock asked.
"Yeah." Ash replied. "Since Heracross has already had two gym battles, I was going to go with Houndour and Totodile. Then bring Sandslash over from the lab.".
"Sounds like a good team." Brock nodded in agreement. "Of course, none of your Pokémon are really defensive in their battle style but I don't think that is a massive issue since the gym specialises in steel types which are known for being defensive and a stall battle is never a great idea.".
"The sunset sure is beautiful from here." Serena spoke up, from her cuddled up position, causing her three friends to turn to see it from the window. It truly was. It seems that winning her latest ribbon and Ash's little flower has set the honey-blonde girl into one of her overly-affectionate moods.
"So are you gonna call Sandslash over tonight?" Brock asked.
"Nah, I don't want to disturb the Professor this late and he is always ready for battle anyway." Ash replied.
"Besides, I think Serena's too comfy for you to move anytime soon." Misty teased, causing Ash to blush but Serena just ignored her teasing.
Soon the nearby TV drew their attention with breaking news. Turning towards the screen along with everyone else in the lobby, revealed a male news reported in front of what looks like the lighthouse, with the doors open, revealing several people inside cleaning up what looked to be a very bad mess. They even saw Silver, stood stoic next to the wall, also glaring at the camera. Finally, next to the reporter was a young women in her early twenties with long light brown hair and a simple pale blue dress.
"We are here at Olivine's famed Lighthouse which last night was the sight of a terrible attack. The lobby was wrecked, having most things in their thrown around and graffiti sprayed all over." The news reporter announced. "And to top it off, it has had a negative effect on the resident worker, Amphy, the Ampharos who is now sick with some sort of mysterious illness.".
The group couldn't believe it, they know how much the lighthouse means to this city. Every time they have read about it on the way here, they mentioned it at least once and even Silver made sure to express its importance to them. So seeing this, it's almost like they were attacking the heart of the city itself.
"And I believe we have a chance to have a word with the current runner of this lighthouse, the city's gym leader Jasmine Mikan." The reporter gestured to the young women next to him, indicating she is the gym leader. Ash's expression changed once he knew who he would have to beat for his next gym badge.
Brock, on the other hand, had a heavy blush as he looked at her with a dazed expression. Despite his best effort to remain loyal for Suzy, it seems seeing a brand-new pretty lady is too much for him to handle. He has been doing well around Nurse Joy and Officer Jenny but that doesn't change the fact that old habits, die hard.
"So Jasmine, rumour has it this was an attack by the criminal gang, Team Rocket." The reporter started the interview. "Have any comments on that?".
"Yes, the police are currently investigating and will make their own statement based on their finding shortly." Jasmine replied in a sweet but clearly serious tone. "I have been told to not make any comments about possible suspects, as to not alert the culprits to what we have.".
"But there was a massive red R spray painted on the lobby floor." The reporter replied. "How could you not have any comment?".
"And what if this was the work of kids?" Jasmine asked. "Who have heard about Team Rocket through the news and used that symbol to draw attention from themselves?".
The news reporter grumbled something because of how this girl just insulted his industry but moved on to be forever the professional. "So onto the resident worker, Amphy, the Ampharos, who lights the lighthouse. What is her current condition?".
"Serious yet stable." Jasmine replied. "Her current illness is unknown, but all the symptoms have been handed over to very trusted pharmacist over in Cianwood, who is currently coming up with some treatment for her. We believe she will make a full recovery.".
"And what will happen in the mean time?" The reporter asked. "Our sails still rely on the Lighthouse to avoid crashing into the mountain side or docks at night.".
"Until then, my Magneton shall take over her duties along with myself." Jasmine answered. "Which unfortunately means, my gym will have to be closed for the foreseeable future. We apologise in advance to any this inconveniences.".
Upon hearing that, Ash's face fell. He would have to wait to challenge this gym leader? That's just great. If what the reporter said, about this being an attack from Team Rocket, then it just figures that even if they don't run into them they still make their life difficult, even if unintentionally.
"And that's all we have for you folks at home." The reporter finished up. "We will be sure to keep you up to date with the latest developments but until then, stay tuned.".
With the news report returning to the studio and also no-longer being about the lighthouse, most people in the lobby turned away and began chatting among their circle of friends about what they just heard. The group being no exception.
"Since the gym is closed for the time being, maybe we should think about where to go next." Brock suggested.
"Anywhere in mind?" Misty asked.
"According to our map, Cianwood is the closest place with a gym." Brock explained. "And then the other two are over the other way of Ecruteak so it makes sense we go there first. But it does mean there won't be a contest hall in that city.".
"That's okay, Brock." Serena reassured.
"It also seems the only way to Cianwood is by boat." Brock added. "So tomorrow we should check out when they leave. Luckily, it is only a few hours away.".
"Well before we leave, I say we meet back up with Silver." Ash suggested, while its surprising he would put his gym battle off, they know he has grown fond of the red-haired man since they are long lost family and anything possibly concerning Team Rocket is bound to get his attention. "We could also check out the lighthouse.".
"Sounds good to me." Brock added his thoughts.
"Same." Misty added. "Just don't go running off and getting us into trouble if Team Rocket are there.".
"Seriously Misty? They are probably long gone by this point." Ash replied.
With the decision of how to spend tomorrow over, the rest of the evening was spent relaxing. Ash looked into the Cianwood gym which he discovered was a fighting type gym and on a single island. Although he only really decided that Noctowl would be one of his Pokémon and that Houndour wouldn't be. Soon they all retreated for a nights rest.
The next morning the group had a quick breakfast at the Pokémon centre before they set off through the city towards the lighthouse. Before leaving the Pokémon centre, the group all decided to make some team rotations:
Serena's current team was: Eevee, Larvitar, Furret, Quagsire, Ledian and Murkrow. Ash only swapped his Houndour, so Cyndaquil wouldn't be lonely at the lab and his team was: Pikachu, Muk, Heracross, Bayleaf, Noctowl, Totodile and Togepi. Deciding to bring Muk over as he would do well in a fighting gym and he kind of felt bad he missed out in the Goldenrod gym. Misty's current team was: Starmie, Seaking, Poliwhirl, Chinchou, Azuril and Qwilfish. Brock's team was: Onix, Golbat, Ninetales, Stantler, Pineco and Bonsly. There was a comfortable silence over the group as they walked towards the location, until a voice stopped them in their tracks.
"Hold it!" A young voice called out.
Realising they were the only ones around, the group stopped assuming the person spoke to them. Turning around they found a young girl, probably eight or nine years old with medium length dark green hair, and two pink hair pins in it. She was also in a yellow sun dress, with a pale green bag over her shoulder.
"What's wrong?" Misty asked, is a sweet tone. "Did you get lost? We could help you find your parents if you'd like.".
"Huh?" The girl questioned before her expression turned serious. "What? No, I'm not lost. I live in this city. I wanted to know if any of you are Pokémon trainers?".
"Oh, well I am and currently competing in the Johto League." Ash replied. "Serena is a coordinating trainer, Brock is a breeder and Misty is in training to take of the Cerulean gym.".
"A future gym leader." The girl replied, a little shocked, before she regained her composure. "Then Misty, I challenge you to a battle. Between two future gym leaders.".
"Future gym leader?" Misty questioned. "You mean you?".
"Right!" The girl replied with a determined glare. "My name is Janina, and my aunt is the leader of the Olivine gym. She has took me under her wing and is training me to take over the gym when I'm older!".
"Well when you put it that way, Janina, I'll gladly accept your challenge!" Misty declared. "How about a one on one?".
"Sounds good to me, and since I issued the challenge, I'll show my Pokémon first." Janina replied, with a Pokeball in hand. "Go Onix!".
In a flash of light, the long rock snake Pokémon appeared in front of the young girl. Compared to Brock's, it was smaller for sure and probably younger as a result, but he also seemed to shiny in the sunlight. Misty saw the Pokémon and smirked, her water types have a much bigger advantage over it, but she should go easy because of the girls age.
As Misty went through a list of which Pokémon she could use, limiting it to her Johto team or Poliwhirl. A Pokeball from her bag burst open and a Pokémon appeared in front of her. This use to be what her Psyduck would do but he hasn't since he learned Calm Mind. To her surprise, it was Azuril!
"Azuril!" Misty questioned. "You want to battle?".
"Az Azuril!" She answered in an excited manner.
"Um, I don't know..." Misty muttered, Azuril has been taking on more training since she met that Azumarill but is she really ready for a proper battle?
"Come on Misty, you can't turn down Azuril with that sort of enthusiasm." Ash encouraged. "It's just like Togepi! And if thinks get to much, you can always call it off.".
"Okay then." Misty replied as she looked over the battle. "Misty calls... Azurill!".
"Then I'll act as the referee." Brock replied, as he took his place. "Onix VS Azurill... Begin!".
Janina VS Misty:
"You may have the first move." Janina offered.
"That's fine with me!" Misty replied. "Azurill use Water Gun!".
Azurill stood her ground with a serious expression on her face as she took a deep breath before launching a jet of water out of her mouth and into Onix's face, who since isn't that experienced just waited for his trainers instruction. Taking the water move in the face.
The Onix grumbled in discomfort but due to Azurill not being the strongest Pokémon out there, it didn't do much despite his weakness. Misty saw this and despite Janina not being experienced herself, she was stronger than the baby.
"Use Iron Tail and bock the Water Gun!" Janina countered.
Onix's tail was coated in metal before he put it in the path of the Water Gun. Unfortunately, it was just as Azurill was finishing her attack and since it mostly hit its mark, she celebrated by bouncing on her tail. Clearly happy.
Misty seemed to narrow her eyes, she knew Azurill's attack wouldn't have done much to it, but she would've expected something a lot more than what did happen. Plus, the fact that Onix is shining is bugging her, Brock's has never shined like that and he keeps his in excellent condition.
"Now Tackle it!" Janina shouted.
Onix let out a loud roar as he charged down towards the normal fairy type. Azurill's eyes opened wide in fear as the rock snake crashed into her, knocking her back with a heavy blown. She landed near Misty feet and started whimpering.
"Are you okay to continue, Azurill?" Misty asked, this is her first proper battle and the first time she took a proper attack as well.
"Azu!" She shouted as she shook the tears away.
"Great, then use Bubble!" Misty shouted.
While it might seem weird that she has to explain every little move despite having faced an Elite Four member during the orange islands, it's because of the Pokémon she is using. If she went with Tentacruel or another experienced battler, then she wouldn't have to do much especially considering her opponent is also very young.
Azurill took another deep breath before shooting several small bubbles at Onix. Despite being super effective, they didn't move very fast and Onix is so large that it took them awhile to reach the rock ground type, giving both Janina and Onix plenty of time to counter.
"Dodge and go in for a Bind attack!" Janina countered.
Onix easily moved out of the way of the Bubble attack, making it completely useless, as Onix shot his tail at the much smaller Pokémon. Wrapping his tail around it, Onix lifted it up so they were at eye level. This seemed to intimidate Azurill as she struggled against the bind!
"Water Gun!" Misty shouted.
Quickly taking a deep breath, Azurill launched a close-range Water Gun taking the rock snake Pokémon by surprise. This caused him to let Azurill go and sent her flying, not really planning the move and soon the normal fairy type was flying through the air.
"AZURILL!" Misty shouted in a panic, ready to get her Pokeball ready to recall her from a painful landing but before she could, something surprising happened.
Azurill adjusted her body so she would've landed on her tail and then her body began to glow white. As she flew through the air, her body grew slightly, into a bigger round shape as the tail stayed pretty much the same. She stopped glowing as she landed on the tail ball, using it as a sort of cushion before bouncing onto her feet.
The newly evolved Pokémon stood tall with a slightly lighter shade of blue for her colour, her ears were also much bigger with a red inside. Her belly was a pure white colour and she no-longer had anything it indicate her cheeks.
"Marill!" The newly evolved Pokémon cried out, taking up a battle stance. Both Ash and Serena took out their Pokedex's to check the new Pokémon out:
Marill, The Aqua Mouse Pokémon. The evolved form of Azuril. Marill's oil-filled tail acts much like a life preserver. If you see just its tail bobbing on the water's surface, it's a sure indication that this Pokémon is diving beneath the water to feed on aquatic plants. It is known to be very playful with anyone who approaches it.
"M-Marill... You evolved?" Misty questioned, confused by the turn of events. "I-is this why you wanted to battle?".
"Marill!" It smiled and nodded in response.
"It has been said Pokémon know when they are close to evolving, and since she met that Azumarill, I bet she has been trying to bring it out of her." Brock commented. "She must've been inspired by it, which is why she has been so into her training since then.".
"Well then Marill, let's see what else is new!" Misty declared.
Marill nodded seriously before taking a deep breath and shooting out a barrage of small, fast paced bubbles which quickly struck Onix and caused him to cry out in pain, taking both the rock snake and his trainer by surprise.
"That's Bubble Beam!" Ash commented, excited by the battle in front of him.
"Use Iron Tail to block it again, Onix!" Janina shouted. "We need to be careful now that Marill has evolved!".
Onix roared in agreement as he used his tail was coated in metal once more. He used it to block the Bubble Beam as he caught his breath. Realising that her attack was no-longer going to do much, Marill ended her Bubble Beam barrage.
With that over, Onix decided not to let his Iron Tail go to waste and slammed it down on the Aqua Mouse. Marill attempted to jump out of the way but she isn't exactly built for speed and thus couldn't avoid the attack. She was knocked towards Misty once more, taking a lot of damage because of her fairy typing.
"Alright Marill, we need to still be careful!" Misty warned, as her Aqua Mouse Pokémon stood back up. "Use Charm and lower Onix's attack.".
As the rock snake stood back up, Marill looked at him with a very cute look, big puppy-dog eyes and all the works. Seeing this, made the rock snake feel kind of bad for being so rough with it as his attack power was lowered.
Seeing him caught off guard, Marill quickly launched another Water Gun directly into Onix's face. This knocked Onix back as he cried out in pain. Suddenly, something surprising happened. Onix began to glow white.
This caught Marill off guard and she stopped her Water Gun attack. Onix began to grow in size and soon his body stopped glowing, he was still a similar shape but now he was covered in metal and much bigger than before. As the newly evolved Pokémon stood tall over the group, Ash and Serena checked it with their Pokedex's:
Steelix, The Iron Snake Pokémon. The final evolved form of Onix. Steelix lives even further underground than Onix. This Pokémon is known to dig toward the earth's core. There are records of this Pokémon reaching a depth of over six-tenths of a mile underground.
"Finally!" Janina cheered.
"Finally?" Serena questioned. "You mean you planned this?".
"Right, you see Onix evolves when a metal coat is put on them. That is why my Onix was so shiny." Janina explained. "I applied a metal coat this morning and we was planning on battling anyone we met so he could evolve.".
"Well now that both our Pokémon have evolved, this will be a whole new experience!" Misty declared. "Use Bubb-"
Although before she could finish her sentence, Steelix let out a loud roar as he charged down, knocking Marill away with a heavy blow. She landed on her back, barely able to push herself up. Misty saw this and knew she had done enough but before she could say anything, Steelix struck again.
Launching his tail at the downed at the downed Aqua Mouse Pokémon. Although a flash of light appeared, and another rock tail blocked it. This was revealed to be Brock's Onix who he released once he saw how Steelix was acting. The two snakes squared off against each other. Steelix roared, telling it to move believing it superior since he has evolved but Onix didn't flinch and stood his ground, not reacting.
"As the referee, I have to call the match because of the danger of continuing!" Brock made his call, as the referee.
Steelix didn't like that and went to try out a Crunch attack on that water fairy type, who flinched in response. Onix shot in front of it and took the Crunch before using Iron Defence. This caused Steelix to withdraw from the attack in pain, as Brock turned to Misty with a serious expression.
"Recall Marill now, Misty!" Brock ordered.
Misty did just that, knowing not to argue with Brock in situations like this. Once the Aqua Mouse was out of danger, Brock walked to the side of his Onix and looked the Steel in the eye. The steel ground type let out a loud battle cry at him, while Onix narrowed his eyes in a protective manner. If this thing thinks of going for his trainer then he will beat it, his evolved form or not.
"Janina, recall your Steelix... now." Brock instructed.
While she isn't entirely sure what is going on, she knew better than to argue given the situation. She pulled out Steelix's Pokeball and recalled it without a word. Once it was safe in its Pokeball, she just stared at it with a longing expression. Wondering what happened to her best friend, he has never lost control like that before.
"Good job Onix." Brock praised his starter, as he recalled the rock snake before he looked at the young girl. Seeing her upset state, he walked up and kneeled in front of her, so they were now at eye level.
"What happened?" Janina asked, in a mumble.
"Honestly... I don't think your Onix was ready to evolve." Brock explained.
"But he said he was, and we've been training really hard together." Janina tried to argue.
"But we don't always know what's best for us." Brock replied, with a sigh. "Come on, I think we should find that aunt of yours. She could likely explain it better than I could.".
Despite not wanting to see her, because she knows she'll get told off by her aunt when she finds out they have gone against her wishes. She also knows that they have messed up big time and she is bound to find out eventually. Plus, she doesn't want her best friend to go crazy like this every time she lets him out of his Pokeball.
With the decision made, the group continued to walk towards the lighthouse with Janina in tow. The walk was made in silence, mainly to allow Janina to think over what happened and get things straight in her mind before they meet her aunt.
As they appeared near the lighthouse, another Steelix was stood outside of it and saw the group coming. Remembering what Janina's did, everyone got a Pokeball ready as it roared. Ash was going with Heracross, Serena was going with Quagsire, Misty was going with Starmie and Brock was going with Onix... but before they needed to release any of their Pokémon to battle, three people came running out of the lighthouse. It was as if the Steelix was just warning these people.
One of the three people was Jasmine, and despite Brock wanting to propose due to her beauty, he remained professional not only because of what happened to Janina but also so he could remain loyal for Suzy. The second person was Silver and the final one was an old man with slick grey hair, glasses and some sort of Hawaiian shirt
"Excuse me?" Jasmine questioned, usually she would turn visitors away given the situation but the fact her niece is with them makes this a completely different situation.
"H-hi Aunt Jasmine." Janina nervously greeted.
"What happened?" Jasmine asked with suspicion, given her niece's tone and the tension surrounding the group. "And who are you all, if I may ask.".
"I'm Ash, from Pallet Town. This is my girlfriend Serena and our friends, Misty and Brock." Ash greeted in a hopefully cheerful tone, although it fell flat given the atmosphere.
"Shut it, Ash!" Misty whispered harshly in his ear. "Let Brock handle this.".
"Well it's nice to meet you, but what happened?" Jasmine repeated herself.
"Jasmine... We was on our way here to see Silver before we left." Brock explained. "When we met Janina here, and something happened which we thought you should know about.".
"Oh no..." Jasmine sighed. "She didn't cause you any trouble, did she?".
"No... Well not at first." Brock replied, not quite sure how best to explain it. "Maybe its best if we just show you.".
Brock gestured for Janina to let her Steelix out. The young girl held the Pokeball and prepared to let it out. While Ash, Serena, Misty and Brock all prepared in case it went on a rampage again. After much hesitation, the young girl finally released her newly evolved Iron Snake Pokémon.
The smaller Steelix appeared behind them and let out a massive roar as its entrance. Upon being released, it instantly looked for something to hit, seeing the breeder whose Onix stopped it before, it went to charge at Brock but Jasmine's Steelix saw this and roared to bring it to a halt. Despite both being Steelix, the roars were completely different. Janina's was filled with anger while Jasmine's only held authority. They also noticed how much bigger Jasmine's Steelix is in comparison.
"As I said, we was on our way here when your niece stopped us and challenged us to a battle." Brock explained. "We didn't think anything off it and Misty accepted, so the battle began. We did notice her Onix had a shiny coat, but we didn't know why.".
"It had a metal coat on." Jasmine guessed.
"Yeah." Brock replied. "Once it had evolved, it went completely out of control and I had my own Onix have to keep it at bay while we returned it.".
"I am so sorry for what my niece has put you all through." Jasmine apologised before turning to Misty. "Is your Pokémon alright, the one who battled Janina?".
"She's fine... She actually evolved in the battle as well." Misty reassured. "And I returned her before he could do any serious damage.".
"Well that's a relief, at least." Jasmine sighed before turning back to her niece with a hardened expression. "Young lady, return your Pokémon and wait for me in the lighthouse.".
Janina knew better then to put up a fight when her aunt uses this tone. Despite being very nice and pleasant, she can also be very tough. With Jasmine's Steelix still keeping the smaller one in line, Janina didn't have to do much to get her's back in the Pokeball. She started to head to the lighthouse, with her head down.
"Young lady!" Jasmine called out once more, causing Janina to turn around once more. Her aunt was stood in the same spot, with one hand out. "The Pokeball.".
Despite not wanting to hand over her Steelix, she knew she had no-choice in the matter so without a word, she walked back, placed the Pokeball in her aunts hand before turning back and continuing towards the lighthouse before disappearing inside. With her out of sight, Jasmine sighed once more.
"Again, I am so sorry this happened to you all." Jasmine repeated. "If there's anything I could do to make it up to you, please let me know.".
"Well one reason we originally came here was so I could challenge the gym." Ash explained. "But after the news report last night, we know you've got more important things to deal with, so that can wait.".
"Thank you for understanding. I promise to accept your challenge once Amphy is fully recovered." Jasmine replied, before turning back towards Brock. "Now Brock was it?".
"Yes." Brock replied, not sure what she was going to say.
"I believe you said you had an Onix, do you mind if I saw it?" Jasmine asked.
Brock smiled at the request before taking out a Pokeball and let his Onix out behind them. Despite being smaller than Jasmine's Steelix, it is clearly well raised, and the gym leader also noticed that it was bigger than her own when hers evolved. It also did roar upon being released, it looked at Brock expectantly.
"I must say Brock, your Onix has certainly been raised well." Jasmine praised as she approached it for a closer look. "Tell me, have you considered evolving it at all?".
"We've talked about it but never came across a metal coat to do so and we also haven't come to a final decision." Brock answered. "And after seeing Janina's Steelix once it evolved.".
"I wouldn't let that put you off, Brock, Janina's reacted badly because he wasn't ready to evolve." Jasmine reassured. "I can tell just by looking, your Onix wouldn't have the same issue should it evolve.".
"Thank you." Brock replied, taken back by the praise. "But in the end, it is up to Onix.".
"Always the right choice, only a Pokémon can decide if they want to evolve." Jasmine agreed before taking a sort of pot of cream out of her bag. It was very large. "Here, take this. It is a metal coat, enough to have an Onix evolve. Should he choose to. The pots size are based on the Pokémon they are meant to evolve.".
"I- I don't know what to say..." Brock replied with clear surprise. "Thank you for this Jasmine.".
"It is the least I could do, for how you handled Janina and her Steelix." Jasmine replied, as Brock's cheeks turned red at praise, all the while wanting to remain loyal for Suzy, it seems that when Brock is just himself he actually has accomplishments in talking with women. "Now if you excuse me, I have my niece to deal with.".
With that, Jasmine took her leave inside the lighthouse where her niece is waiting for her. With her gone, Silver decided to go over and talk with the group, this will likely be the last meeting they have for a while, so he wants it to count but it certainly won't be the last one... Ash still has something Silver wants.
Inside the lighthouse, Janina was pacing back and forth, worried about what her aunt will say when she shows up. Not to mention, will she get her Steelix back? Every time she has misbehaved, she never had her Pokémon taken away. She has really messed up this time.
After what felt like a hundred years, Jasmine finally entered the lighthouse and stood in front of the door as it closed, with a serious and stern expression on her face. Her niece looked at her and flinched at the hardened expression. She is in so much trouble.
"I'm so sorry aunt Jas-" Janina went to apologise but was cut off.
"Save it!" Jasmine replied, in a harsh tone. Making Janina stop in her tracks. "I told you that Onix wasn't ready for evolution and you promised to stop it! But instead of sticking to your word, you went behind my back and evolved him anyway! Not only going directly against what I told you, but endangering yourself and complete strangers!".
Janina just looked at the ground, she never meant to hurt anyone. She just wanted to become stronger and the obvious way to do that is to evolve her Pokémon, Steelix is her only Pokémon so what was she meant to do?
"What would've happened if you didn't meet Brock and his friends? If you battled less experienced trainers who couldn't stop Steelix?! He could've tore through this entire city without batting an eye and you would've been powerless to stop him! Do you know what would've happened if that happened?".
"...no." Janina whimpered out, in a weak and frailed voice.
"The G-men and international Police would've been called! They would've took Steelix down, even using lethal force if needed!" Jasmine continued. "And even if they didn't, they would've had investigated what happened and took Steelix into their custody! Given what actually happened, they would revoke your trainers license at the very least, and possibly take my gym away from me since you are my apprentice!".
Janina just continued to stare at the floor as she let her aunts words sink in, part of her wanted to apologise again but she decided against it. Her aunt has already said she doesn't want to hear it, in not as many words and might make this go on longer. It's not like she doesn't know she has messed up.
"What am I going to do with you?" Jasmine thought to herself before voicing her next words. "Nothing to say? Not that you could say anything given what happened... Alright, from here on out, you are on a tight leash. Grounded, until I say otherwise.".
"What about Steelix?" Janina asked, her voice breaking on the first word.
"You're kidding right?" Jasmine asked her niece, making the girl flinch at the harsh tone. "Steelix is well out of you level. Until I know he is safe to be with you, I'll take over his training! Do to him evolving before ready, I need to help him understand this new power he has! Do you know why I said he wasn't ready?".
Janina just shook her head to answer, too scared to answer with her voice. She has seen Jasmine's Steelix only show her the upmost respect and a clear display of controlling his own strength, so she had no-idea this would happen. She also had no-idea why her aunt said they couldn't evolve him.
"It's because when a Pokémon evolves, they completely change, not just physically but also mentally. It is why most Pokémon have a set level before they can even try to evolve, to ensure they are ready! Even then, some evolve too early, its why Pokémon like Gyarados are so dangerous, they evolve young for protection but in return, lose most of their self-control. Which is why I said your Onix wasn't ready, because I knew the moment he evolved he would lose control, overwhelmed by the power from the evolution.".
Not wanting to spend another moment in this conversation, Jasmine sighed before making her way back outside. She had hoped her niece would go on an errand for her, to Cianwood but how could she trust her after how she went behind her back? Guess she will need to find another way, for Amphy's sake.
"So you guys are going to head off to Cianwood City to challenge the gym there." Silver guessed the groups plans.
"Err, yeah." Ash replied, a little uneasy since they didn't tell him that. "But how did you-".
"Know that?" Silver asked, finishing Ash's sentence. "Easy, I've lived in Johto for most of my life. I know its layout like the back of my hand. Guessing your route didn't take much to work out.".
"Oh right..." Ash sheepishly replied, guess if you know the region that well then you could make a guess like that. "So will you keep travelling with us?".
"No." Silver replied bluntly. "I am needed here, so here is where I will be. But we will meet again, possibly when you come back for your gym battle against Jasmine.".
It was at this moment that Jasmine walked out of the lighthouse, while they could hear raised voices from within there, they didn't know exactly what was said. It was clear Jasmine ripped the young girl a new one for evolving her Onix even when she told her not to.
"How'd it go?" Silver asked, to start with.
"How do you think?" Jasmine snapped. Before sighing, realising this man did nothing wrong. "Sorry, I didn't mean that. I am just so mad that she would deliberately go behind my back like that. What would my sister have said if I let her get hurt like that?".
"Understandable, but try seeing it from her perspective." Silver replied.
"What?" Jasmine asked, clearly offended that the man is indicated she did nothing wrong.
"I know she is in the wrong." Silver clarified before continuing. "But she didn't set out to hurt anyone. Her only experience with any sort of Steelix is yours, who has always been tough and powerful but always in control. If she didn't know why you said her Onix wasn't ready, then how is she supposed to understand that it is for their own good.".
"So you think I handled this wrong?" Jasmine asked.
"No, she disobeyed you and needs to be punished for that." Silver replied. "But next time you tell her not to do something, try explaining why before she does it. I assume you told her in there why you said not to, but it is too late for that explanation now.".
"And what makes you so sure there will be a next time?" Jasmine asked.
"Because I know you, and I know that no matter how angry you are right now. You will calm down and let her continue with her training." Silver replied. "She is too much like her aunt for you not to.".
"...your right." Jasmine admitted defeat. "That still doesn't fix our other issue.".
"The medicine for Amphy?" Silver guessed.
"Yeah, I was going to send her but how can I trust her after this." Jasmine replied.
"Easy, she goes but takes my Feraligatr with her. He will ensure she goes and comes straight back, no side tracks." Silver replied.
"This whole thing started with a powerful out of control Pokémon, ya know." Jasmine replied in a sarcastic tone.
"Maybe, and I won't deny Feraligatr is strong." Silver replied. "But you've seen him battle, would you say he is out of control? Remember powerful and out of control are two very different things.".
Jasmine considered that point and Silver is a much tougher trainer than herself. She knows he is closer to the level of an elite four member and his Feraligatr has never disobeyed him in the slightest way. He may have a brutal battle style, but the moment Silver tells him to do something, he does without question. Little does she know, he has never shown her exactly how brutal he can be. That goes both for Feraligatr and Silver. He has to keep all the gym leaders sweet, in case he needs a favour at some point.
"Okay, I'll let her calm down then mention it to her tomorrow. The next boat leaves tomorrow morning anyway." Jasmine explained.
"Good call." Silver replied before turning back to the others. "You should go for that boat too, it only takes about three hours and leaves the docks at eight in the morning.".
"Thanks Silver." Ash replied.
"If you three want to go off for the rest of the day, I'll be happy to pick our tickets up for us." Brock suggested.
"You don't mind, Brock?" Misty asked.
"Of course not, I want to talk with Onix anyway so this will be a good chance to." Brock replied.
It didn't take a genius to work out he wanted to speak to him about possibly evolving now that they have their hands on a metal coat to do so. They know he has asked Onix before but now they have the means to make it possible, it is only natural they want to talk again.
"Thanks Brock, that will give me a chance to see who I can use against the Cianwood gym leader." Ash smiled in response.
"I'll help you, if you're okay with that Ash." Serena offered.
"Of course." Ash replied, with a cheesy grin.
"I'll be on the beach." Misty explained. "I want to show the others that Marill evolved and get some serious training in as well.".
With the decision made, the group each split off in three different ways. Brock climbed onto Onix's head and the rock snake began to carry him towards the boat's station near the middle of the docks. While Ash and Serena headed back towards the Pokémon centre. Finally, Misty let her new Marill out before they headed off towards the beach.
Once they were on their own, Brock began to talk to Onix about the item Jasmine gave him. He has always said if any of his Pokémon want to evolve, it is their decision at the end of the day. He knows his dad wouldn't be happy since he would no-longer be a rock type, but Brock has never really specialised in a single type like his dad or Misty.
"So buddy, I am guessing you know what I am going to say." Brock started the talk.
Onix growled an answered while slightly nodding his head, not too much though since that is where Brock is sat. The reason Brock is riding him is simply so they can have a private talk. Due to Onix's size he would either have to lean down to properly listen to Brock or Brock call up to him which would make it no-longer private.
"I know before you said you wasn't sure but has that changed?" Brock asked. "Now that we have the metal coat to make it possible?".
"On Onix." Onix responded, while he can't understand a Pokémon's native tongue like Ash can, Brock knows his own Pokémon well enough to understand what they are saying. He wouldn't be a good breeder if he didn't. What the rock snake said, roughly translated to, 'While evolving would be nice, he isn't in any rush'.
"Any reason you don't want to rush into it?" Brock asked, not wanting the way Janina's Steelix evolve to affect him.
"On Onix. Onix Onix. On Onix On." Onix explained, which roughly translated to. 'It's because of the younger Pokémon Brock has. Like Omanyte, Stantler and Bonsly. He doesn't want to evolve and make them feel like they can't approach him. As one of the oldest members of the team, he feels like a sort of father figure'.
"I know how that can feel buddy, really." Brock rubbed the side of Onix's horn. "I haven't really told anyone this but when we reunited with the others just before leaving for Johto, I felt like everything had changed. They didn't need me to do the cooking or chores or anything anymore. Everyone had grown in my absence and it made me feel redundant for a while.".
"Onix Ix. On Onix Ix." Onix replied, translating roughly to. 'You'll never be redundant'.
"Thanks buddy." Brock smiled in response. "And the same goes for you, whether an Onix or a Steelix, you will still be there for the younger members. Just let me know if you change your mind.".
Onix agreed and they two continued towards the docks in a comfortable silence. They have been together for so long that it is like any sort of small talk would be pointless as they already near everything about each other. Just spending time together like this is enough.
Soon however, Onix growled to alert Brock. Looking in the direction that his rock ground type was looking, they saw Janina walking on her own, with her head down, clearly upset over what happened. Knowing how bad his siblings feel after getting told off like she did, Brock decided to make a detour to speak with her. He gestured for Onix to go towards her and he did. Feeling the ground shake from the rock snake, Janina stopped in her tracks and turned to the source, just as Onix let his trainer down.
"Hey Janina, where are you going?" Brock asked.
"Back home." Janina sighed. "Aunt Jasmine grounded me but couldn't take me herself because she had 'business' to sort out.".
"So how are you feeling?" Brock asked, getting down onto one knee so they are at eye level.
"Terrible... my aunt is mad, she's taken Steelix off me and will probably send me back to mum and dad." Janina explained.
"Is going back to your parents really that bad?" Brock asked.
"Well, they both care for me but..." Janina replied, not sure if she should continue. Eventually, she decided to anyway. "But they hate Pokémon. I was only allowed Onix because my aunt promised to take me under her wing. Plus, they are always so busy with work. It's better that I'm just not there to distract them.".
"I am sure that's not true." Brock tried to reassure. "I bet they only work so hard so they can ensure you have the best life possible.".
"I doubt it..." Janina mumbled.
"And even still, I don't think your aunt will send you back for this." Brock replied.
"How come?" Janina asked, with clear intrigue.
"Because everyone makes mistakes, and everyone deserves a second chance." Brock replied. "It doesn't mean she isn't angry with you or that she won't punish you but in the end, I am sure she will forgive you. It's what family does.".
"Thanks Brock." Janina replied, giving him a quick hug like what a younger sibling would do. "And what will I do about Steelix? He is completely different now.".
"He maybe look different and behave a bit different, but he is still your friend and partner." Brock reassured. "You need to listen to your Steelix with both your heart and your ears, so you can learn everything you need too.".
"Hey, that's exactly what aunt Jasmine would tell me to do." Janina replied.
"Well maybe you should start listening to her advice." Brock suggested. "She didn't become a gym leader for no reason, ya know.".
Janina didn't say anything for a while after this and just seemed in deep thought. Honestly, she had no-idea why her aunt said they couldn't evolve her Pokémon before today but maybe if she stopped and asked herself why her aunt might say it, or even ask her why then this whole mess could've been avoided.
"I guess you're right, Brock." Janina replied. "Thank you.".
"No worries." Brock replied as he stood back up. "Now why not get back home, you don't want to make your aunt any madder at you.".
Janina nodded before continuing her trek towards her home here in Olivine. Brock waited until she was out of sight before turning towards his starter Pokémon. Brock and Onix just stared at each other before they smiled at the same time before they set off once more to get the tickets for their boat ride tomorrow.
Late at night, the group reunited at the Pokémon centre and had a pretty uneventful time before heading off to bed. While across the city, Silver is still in the lighthouse, watching over Amphy with Jasmine by his side.
Silver had already accompanied Jasmine to her home so they could explain to Janina the plan. He also left his Feraligatr there since he wouldn't have time to drop it off in the morning and they could go straight away. Silver knows his Feraligatr can defend both himself and the kid, and while he won't let her trick him, and he won't hurt her, he will force her down the set path before them. Not being lenient in the slightest.
"Thank you for offering to stay the night," Jasmine thanked the man again. "I would hate for Amphy to be alone like this, and we need someone to manually handle the light until she gets better. And I can't just leave Janina at home for an indefinite amount of time.".
"It's no trouble, really." Silver replied. In fact, he is more than happy to do this as it grants him unlimited access to one of Team Rocket's scenes of a crime, no-doubt the pigs missed something in their search so he can find whatever they missed and use it to hunt them down once and for all.
Little did they know; four different people were watching the front of the lighthouse. This is a calculated risk, but they need to ensure package can get out of the city, so they plan for these grunts to create a disturbance and pull in the polices attention. Even if it costs them bail, getting the package is that important. One of the men were on the phone.
"Sir, the gym leader and an unknown male is in the building." One of the voice informed the person on the other end of the phone.
"Perfect... They just put the package into the van." The cold voice on the other end of the phone informed. "Do it now, so we can take the van.".
Turning the phone off, the four men walked in front of the lighthouse, out in the open. Upon seeing them, Jasmine's Steelix let out a loud roar, alerting the two people in the lighthouse, so they went to a nearby window to see four men dressed in black with big red R's on their jumpers.
"Team Rocket." Silver growled at the sight of them. Not waiting another moment, he bolted out of the room and down the stairs. As he reached the lobby, gun fire was released into the lighthouse.
Steelix acted quickly and blocked most of the door way with his body since the bullets would just bounce off him. He roared to try and scare them away but to no-avail. The gym leader arrived a couple seconds later and was surprised by what was happening.
"Why are they here again?" Jasmine asked, tears filling her eyes. "What do they want?".
"Chaos..." Silver replied, with narrowed eyes.
"What?" Jasmine asked before shaking her head. "Never mind that, we need to call the police.".
"They will already be on their way, but it is too late." Silver replied. "We need to act now, or we won't live long enough to find out what they want!".
"Steelix can handle the bullets." Jasmine insisted. It was at that moment that a rickashay shot off Steelix's body and embedded in the wall next to them, Silver gave her a glare as if to say, you sure about that?
"Look, I can stop them, but I need your permission. I need to be let out of the back door!" Silver insisted.
Jasmine continued to see the bullets fly off Steelix's body and knew that this isn't fair to her Pokémon and not to mention what would happen if some civilians end up walking into this mess. Eventually she sighed and handed him the key to the back door, giving him all he needs.
Taking the key in hand, Silver wasted no more time and shot towards the back exit, making sure to duck to avoid the rickashay's to the best of his ability. Making it to the back door, without the grunts noticing, he sneaked outside. Slowly pacing around the side of the lighthouse, hiding in the shadows. Without a word, he released his Weavile.
The sharp claw Pokémon took a moment to take the scene in before an evil smirk grew on his face. Silver looked down at the ice dark type and smiled back, knowing his Pokémon will very much enjoy this. "Take them down.".
With those three simple words, Weavile didn't miss a beat and disappeared into the shadows. Silver turned away and soon the horrified screams of terror was mixed in with the gun fire. Around ten seconds later, both the screams and the gun fire stopped. Silver turned around to see his Weavile stood among the four bloody men, blood still dripping from his claws and a pleased expression rested upon his face. Silver approached his Pokémon to inspect the job, when a voice brought him back to reality.
"Silver..." Jasmine whispered, as she left the lighthouse to also see what happened.
What she saw horrified her, one of Silver's most trusted Pokémon was stood among four dead men, blood still dripping from his claws and he looks pleased. By the speed that he took them out, she could easily assume this isn't his first time either. And as for Silver, he is seeing the exact same scene, but isn't surprised or even horrified. She knows he has never been one for showing emotions, but this should evoke some sort of reaction, but he isn't phased in the slightest.
Before anything else could be said or done, several police cars came storming around them, containing the scene. Despite being used to hardened criminals and nasty crime scenes, seeing the state of the grunts body made even the most seasoned of cops stomach's turn. Silver knew he was in trouble now.
The next morning, the group got up early so they would be sure to be at the docks early enough for the boat. Maybe Silver had some luck left since they didn't have chance to see the morning news, which of course was filled about what happened at the lighthouse the previous day. So they have no-idea he is currently in police custody.
As the group stood around on the docks, waiting for their boat to arrive, they spotted Janina with a Feraligatr stood beside her. Knowing it was Silver's, the group went over to see how she was doing.
"Hey guys." Janina greeted. "What are you doing here?".
"We're going to Cianwood so I can have my fifth gym battle." Ash answered.
"Ah cool, that's where we're going as well." Janina answered. "That friend of aunt Jasmine is sending Feraligatr to escort me though.".
"Your aunt was really mad about what happened yesterday." Misty commented.
"I know." Janina sighed. "I just wish I knew how long I'll be on punishments for it.".
"Don't think about the time frame and think about what you can do convince her to give another chance." Brock suggested. "It'll have the time pass a lot faster and I bet she doesn't even know herself, so this might also help shorten the punishment anyway.".
"I will Brock, thank you." Janina replied.
It was at this moment that a loud horn blasted through the whole docks, a decent sized boat pulled up to the docks. Since only one boat makes the trip between Olivine and Cianwood a day, it is a bigger than average boat. Soon a voice came over the P.A. system.
"The days boat to Cianwood city has just docked. Please form an orderly line with your tickets available for boarding." The voice announced. "And please do not leave any unattended bags in the docking house.".
With that over, the group began to make their way over to the line to board the boat. Before long, everyone was on the boat and it had set off on its journey. They knew the boat would have a couple more stops before reaching Cianwood and it will be only a few hours before they reach the location.
In a skyscraper, looking over the city of Goldenrod, Archer is stood at the window with an evil smirk crossed his face. A door behind him opened and Petrel walked in. He stood in the middle of the room and waited for his boss to speak.
Archer let the good atmosphere sink in for a few moments before turning around. Seeing the boss in such a good mood put Petrel on edge, he hasn't been in a good mood since Giovanni disappeared. What happened?
"Petrel, I was given some good news today, from Proton." Archer in formed.
"His mission was a success?" Petrel asked.
"Oh, better than that." Archer replied. "We know the identity of the man whose been killing our grunts.".
"Really?" Petrel asked.
"Really." Archer confirmed. "It cost us four more grunts to do it but now we have his identity, we can keep tracks on him and ensure he no-longer interferes with our plans.".
"Where is he?" Petrel asked.
"Currently being held in custody at Olivine's police station. A man in his early twenties with long red hair." Archer replied. "Either he will be sent straight to jail, in which case we have plenty of contacts who can ensure he has an accident. But in case he gets bail or something, I want you down there to keep surveillance on him.".
"Can't we just take him out anyway?" Petrel asked.
"No... If he gets bail then he will have his Pokémon with him, and he has shown that he isn't afraid to use lethal force against us." Archer replied. "Soon our boss should be back and once he is, then we can go after him with the full force of our team.".
Petrel smirked as he realised that is just like Archer, he has a plan and won't make any moves which might risk it. Taking someone out in prison is one thing, it is easy to spread word that he is a kiddie fiddler and let some random con with a family take him down but to go to war with a serial killer in his prime is too dangerous for them. With his mission in hand, Petrel set off with an evil smirk on his face. Today is a good day, after all.
Thanks for reading... Please Favourite, Follow and Review. Also, feel free to ask any questions through PM, I will answer them all, although don't expect too big of spoilers. Don't forget to vote in the polls. I really appreciate the support. Thank you and see ya next time...