[Cues: Pokémon FireRed/Leafgreen OST - Intro]

The Outsider's Insurrection

Indigo Iliad

Chapter 77: Keep Calm and Cool Down

Translated Pokémon Speech

Pokédex Entries/Computerized Voices/Flashbacks

Reference to an Accessory in the Games

-o-

(Lapis Town | May 20th | 1:00 p.m.)

Crimson was eating with his friends at the lunch hall to which our heroes were taking a day off after yesterday's events. A waiter put down a slice of red velvet cake for him.

"I didn't ask for this." Crimson remarked.

"Oh, that was on orders of Ms. Saisei." The waiter said before leaving.

Crimson ate the cake only for the same waiter to deliver a whole cake.

"A gift from the Kanto Navy with a message, 'Thank you for defending our country. Considering joining the navy.'" The waiter said.

"Guys, help me eat it." Crimson asked as he shared the cake.

"I'm glad your neighbors are trying to be supportive." Rusty said.

"Of course, they are. Considering you didn't bring Shego to the Triton." Mary remarked. "Then again, you may just be stepping into the shoes of your father's rep."

"Yeah, he was pretty vicious to his enemies." Crimson said.

"Still, you did what you had to. Frankly, I'm glad you traumatized the bitch. She once stole my car…and wound up wrecking it." Mary said biting through her slices of cake.

"At the end of the day, I'm just glad we're all still alive. There's still Team Rocket to deal with." Sissi said.

"Speaking of that, I feel we'll need to move elsewhere to plan. Considering the news buzz around here, I have no desire for the Rockets to attack me at the Triton. So, after lunch, we need to go." Crimson said in a whisper.

"Where to?" Rusty asked.

"The one place no one would want to look for us. Sepia City." Crimson said. "Mary, arrange helicopter transport for us to Lavender Town. I'll be back here to check up after a while. Keep me posted."

Mary nodded.

-o-

(Lavender Town | May 20th | 2:00 p.m.)

Crimson waved Mary goodbye as the helicopter soon became out of sight. They did stay long in town having done their restocking at Lapis Town. Crimson was feeling particularly good as the Triton Manager who could have a dead ringer for Mr. Moseby handed him a gift from the building owner, a completed Galar TM set (she gotten a set on the cruise, but it was incomplete missing a few). So much more moves he could teach. And his friends were glad for it given that he gave his friends the extras of what he already had.

They were off to Route 8, but they were interrupted by Airi running up to him.

"Wait." Airi said panting as Butch floated by. "We saw what happened…I wanted to see if you were feeling better."

"I am. Saving that Jenny did make feel loads better." Crimson said with a relaxed look. "Hello Butch."

"Y'all are bitches." Butch said.

"That was rude. We can all understand you now." Sissi said. "Remind us who's the bitch?"

Butch balked but Airi waved it off before presenting Crimson and his friends with several dozen ofuda with odd writings.

"Spell Tags to boost Ghost-type moves and Cleanse Tags to ward Ghost Pokémon away. I use the Cleanse Tags on my door to keep them out. Can't have molesting you or eating your dreams, now?" Airi said as Sissi had a horrific realization. "Good luck on your journey."

She left. Crimson pocketed them as Sissi shook her head. Rusty had begrudgingly swapped Midori out sending her to the mansion. Nox was brought to the active party, but Rusty was still on the hunt for another fire-type. Joe was going to swap Edgar but decided not to just yet. Being that he had added Trev to the main party, he was back at six for now. But he too wanted to add to the roster. A lass looked like she was up to challenge only to see Crimson and back off. The next person was not going to do that, however.

"Anyone care for a game of chance?" The gambler said twirling a Poké Ball on his finger.

"I'll do it." Sissi said.

"I'm going on ahead towards the tall grass, Sissi." Joe said kissing her cheek. "Have fun spending time with the elderly."

Joe walked past as Rusty followed. Crimson looked back at the lass and had a look of worry. He wanted to approach her, but he felt it was better to walk away.

[Cues: Pokémon HG/SS OST – Kanto Trainer Battle]

"Name's Rich, lassie." Rich said before sending out Ninetales. "And Ninetales is up first."

"Sissi." Sissi said coolly. "And Bazel, take flight!"

Dodrio was sent out as her three heads stared down their opponent.

"I'd say ladies first, but I'm an old man so Ninetales…Extrasensory." Rich said as Ninetales's eyes glowed pink.

The flightless Pokémon left an assault on the mind and body.

"Bazel, return the favor with Mirror Move!" Sissi said as Bazel regained their mean mugs.

Taking a stance, Dodrio glowed a soft white before now having Extrasensory. Rich called for Iron Tail to which Sissi called for Toxic. Bazel took the hit, but the second did jab Ninetale's with her beak badly poisoning her.

"Game point, foxy." Bazel's leftmost said.

"Don't get cocky Balez, it's not over yet!" Bazel's center head stated.

"I want a snack, Zelez." Bazel's rightmost said.

"Damn it, Lezlez. We can get snacks later." Balez snapped.

"Snacks after winning, you three." Sissi said. "Now, use your Tri Attack."

The three heads sang in unison as each head fired a different colored beam. Balez fired a beam of flames, Zelez came down with ice, and Lezlez was raw electricity all of which combined into a tri-color beam. Rich had Ninetales use Flamethrower leading to a bit of a beam struggle.

"Extrasensory." Sissi said as Bazel was happy to return the mind screw on Ninetales threefold.

Ninetales was overwhelmed and lost the struggle getting hammered by Tri-Attack leading to the fox Pokémon fainting.

"You returned the favor, not bad." Rich said returning Ninetales. "But you'll need a bit more to win. Arcanine, you're on."

Arcanine barked ready for battle as Sissi recalled Bazel and sent out Otto. Rich sent Arcanine to use Psychic Fangs which Sissi responded by having Otto shove a Water Pulse into the Arcanine's mouth and let it explode in him.

"Arcanine, use Dig." Rich commanded as Arcanine dug a hole.

"Earth Power. Bring him out of hiding." Sissi said as Otto's outline glowed bright yellow.

"Arcanine, serve up your attack before Otto can land his!" Rich said.

It was a gamble…all down to speed. For Rich, his gamble won big hitting first with a critical.

"Iron Tail/Poison Jab!" The battle cried at the same time.

Both attacks hit with the Iron Tail coming down on Otto's shoulder while the Poison Jab landed in the stomach. Otto was never the gladder for Poison Point as Arcanine groaned from being clearly poisoned.

"Finish it off with Venoshock!" Sissi said as Arcanine whimpered.

The poison within sparked with a 'bio-electricity' that writhed in the fire mutt's body before Otto threw him to the ground out cold.

"Drat. It's the last card." Rich said returning him before sending out a Seaking. "But I'm ready."

When Sissi sent Voltkin, Rich folded.

[Music Ends]

"A gambler has to call out when it's too hot, and I got no shame in it." Rich said returning his Seaking and paying up. "You're a real spitfire. That fella's lucky to have you."

Sissi took the winnings before returning her own Pokémon. They both wound up having to walk to Lavender Town to get their Pokémon healed. Joe and Rusty were in the fenced area of tall grass. Rusty had Lumi out with him.

"Why exactly are we looking for a Ninetales? I'm not being replaced, am I?" Lumi asked.

"No, I'm looking for a Kantonian one. So, you can have a friend." Rusty said. "I also need a second fire-type."

"Oh. Ohhh...well…eep!" Lumi said before squeaking as she felt a few tails brush hers.

A Ninetales came out of grass circling Lumi.

"Aren't you just the treat?" Ninetales said eyeing Lumi. "I…"

"You're a bit too old for my liking…" Lumi said unnerved.

"I haven't even hit 200 yet, doll. I can make you feel like a bed of tulips." Ninetales said perversely. "Something tells me you're rip-AAIII!"

Rusty grabbed that Ninetales by the scruff of his neck glaring at him and it was then Ninetales realized that the trainer might have understood what he said. Rusty's fist glowed hot white.

"Is that a Mega Pu-AAAHHHHHH!"

Said Ninetales was punched launching him into the air far out of the tall grass and into the rocky wall.

"Ugh, about time someone kicked my grandfather's ass."

Another Ninetales came out of the grass looking flushed.

"All he wants to do eat, lay about, and do anything that moves. Half of Vulpix and Growlithes here probably his kid, grandkid, or great-grandkid. Pretty sure, he's made inbreds." The Ninetales said in disgust. "I'm so sorry."

Lumi came up gently brushing the other Ninetales' face with her tails.

"It's ok...not your fault. I'm Lumi…" Lumi said blushing.

"Don't really have a real name of my own." Ninetales said being lost in her eyes. "What are you…some kind of Shiny?"

"No, Alolan. I'm an Alolan Ninetales. Instead of fire, we breath ice." Lumi said breathing out some ice crystals.

"Long way from home, then."

"It's a long story, but the short version is I ended up in Kanto and captured by him after he saved me from being eaten by Muk." Lumi explained. "He wanted to find another Ninetales…he needs a second fire type. And he thinks I'm lonely."

"Are you? Because if you are…I could tag along. I need to leave this place…and get away from my gramps and his influence." Ninetales said.

"Well, you just made this easy." Rusty said.

"My trainer also can understand what we're saying. All of it." Lumi said.

"Wait, what the f-" *SMACK* Rusty actually found use for a Repeat Ball. It waggled before it clicked.

Rusty immediately swapped Nox out of the main party for the new guy before sending him out.

"Welcome aboard." Rusty said. "Brantley. It's German for fire."

"What is he, psychic?" Brantley asked.

"Auric." Lumi said as Brantley looked surprised.

The old lecher Ninetales came back angry breathing out fire for an Inferno only for Brantley to get in the way. Flash Fire let the attack harmlessly hit him.

"Why do you defend this human? He is disrespectful and must be punished!"

"No, I won't you harm him for protecting his own. I'm ashamed to be descended from you. You were humping my sister this morning!" Brantley said in disgust. "I…I…renounce you as my relative!"

"Then you will this place is ashes!"

'Lechertales' level was much higher than Brantley's and he know it. Lumi got in front of Brantley only for Rusty to do the same. He sent out Titan.

"Don't make me laugh. What will that thing do?"

"Sand Tomb. Then, use Stone Edge." Rusty said as 'Lechertales' froze.

A few seconds later, the battered fox was covered with dirt and sand out cold.

"Thank you, Titan." Rusty said as Titan nodded before being returned. "Let's get out of here, come on, you two."

Joe was not finding anything he really wanted and just left. Crimson had a rather easy battle against a Super Nerd.

"Word of advice, vary your movesets." Crimson said taking the winnings.

"I'd do that if TMs were more affordable and available." Glenn grumbled.

"Sad thing is, he has a point." Misty said sympathetic.

Rusty got out of the fenced area before getting use a few TMs he got Crimson and several of them and TRs that he bought himself.

"Brantley, let's go get you a challenge." Rusty said before spying a pair of twin girls playing with their Pokémon, a Clefairy and a Wigglytuff. "Hm? Excuse me."

"What do you want?" The Clefairy twin said.

"I notice you're in need for a Moon Stone. Tell you what, I have one and I'll give to you if you battle me. Doesn't matter if you win or not, I'll give it to you just for the fight." Rusty affirmed taking out a Moon Stone.

"Do we still have to pay you even if we lose?" The other twin asked as Rusty nodded. "Well not going to turn down a free Moon Stone. Let's go, Eli."

[Cues: Pokémon HG/SS OST – Kanto Trainer Battle]

Brantley would have his first battle alongside Lumi against the twins, Eli and Anne.

"Clefairy, Metronome!" Eli said.

"Wigglytuff, use Water Gun!" Anne said as Wigglytuff spewed a stream of water at Brantley.

"Dodge it and return fire with Mystical Fire." Rusty said as Brantley rolled out of the way.

His body's outline went fire before he roared out multicolored fire that consumed Wigglytuff.

"Too much spice! Too much spice!" Wigglytuff wailed.

Clefairy waggled her fingers and used Self-Destruct which…missed Lumi by inches. Eli just looked in disbelief as even Rusty shook his head in sympathy. With one left, it was easy pickings to defeat the other.

[Music Ends]

True to his word, he gave up the Moon Stone and took his meager prize winnings.

"Ay yo, Rusty."

Rusty turned to that it was Riley who called him out decked out looking fly.

"What up, g?" Riley said as Rusty shared a fist bump.

"Nothing much, just passing through." Rusty said coolly. "Walking with my new capture, Brantley."

Riley whistled.

"Damn, I've been trying to get one of those. All I got was the small one." Riley said.

"You do you need a Fire Stone to evolve Vulpix to Ninetales, right?" Rusty said as Riley gaped before facepalming.

"Told you so!"

Riley turned to see the four snickering trainers he had beaten earlier.

"Screw y'all! I still kicked your sorry asses." Riley said whirling back to Rusty.

"And we still can't get in through the gate." Cindy said walking up. "Can't even ask any question, they wanna keep a nigga down."

"Anyway, where Crimson at?" Riley asked.

"Where's your brother?" Rusty asked.

"His hater ass probably in Crimson City. He and Jasmine always one step ahead of me, not this time though." Riley boasted.

"Crimson's not far. I am traveling with the guy." Rusty said as those four trainers looked nervous.

"Man, I knew Crimson had the balls, but fucking up Shego….damn. Everyone in Crimson City is talking about it, they threw a party in his honor. There were some fine bitches." Riley said as Cindy rolled his eyes.

"I want to meet the man himself. I only heard about it, I was stuck in some stupid aca-I remember you, you were at the Academy with those two import kids." Cindy said surprised.

"Riley?" Crimson said coming up. "Already starting up the journey?"

"Fuck yeah, my homie. Soon, I'll square up to you." Riley said with that trademark swagger.

"Then don't disappoint." Crimson said as Sissi jogged up.

"Cindy?" Sissi said.

"If it isn't the princess?" Cindy said sourly.

"Still mad?" Sissi said as Cindy flipped her off.

"Not like I have a reason not to be…central Kanto is on shutdown." Cindy said.

"There's a way under it. The Underground Path…to Sepia City that splits into four under roads." Crimson explained.

"So that's what that shed building was for…shit, I…"

"Hold it. Be careful, Sepia City is pretty dangerous. Probably the only city where you can get wrecked by wild Pokémon and there's the gangs and all that shit. Just don't anything stupid, and you won't get stabbed." Crimson said casually walking off towards it.

"Wait, take us with you." Cindy said coming up. "Cindy McPhearson. We haven't met…but you know my friends and my mother."

"I guess I can do that." Crimson said as he kept walking.

The party of six entered the shed and went down the stairs.

The path on side was simply cold and barren before leading to the outer ring when Sepia City was down below.

"If you're going down in the city, keep your expensive shit out of sight and always have a Pokémon out on your side." Crimson warned. "Otherwise, the ring will take you to the four points. One to Celadon, one to Cerulean, and One to Vermillion."

Crimson sent Red Bullet out of his capsule and got on his bike which Misty getting her Vespa out of her capsule.

"So, you are using it?" Crimson said surprised.

"Yeah, I got a bit used to you carrying me around." Misty said getting on her Vespa. "It being a capsule and all…just makes me forget. Plus, I'm still nervous about using it."

Joe and Rusty got their bikes out to which Rusty returned both Brantley and Lumi before getting on.

"I'd stay, but I got a meet to get to." Crimson said before he and his friends left Riley and Cindy behind.

"Wanna go check out the city?" Cindy asked.

"I don't want to sound like no bitch, but…I think we should get our next badge. That shit more important." Riley said trying to sound tough.

On the way down, Crimson called Roman.

"Yo, I'm down in Sepia. Look, I need a temporary place to set up shop for a bit. I need to lay low and plan some things out." Crimson remarked.

Roman directed them to a warehouse where Emerald was waiting for them. She explained that there was a room above the bar not far from the warehouse and to leave it with the bartender when they were done using it.

"Thanks, Em." Crimson said taking the key as she left. "Ok, you're all wonder about what my plan is. Is it to strike at one of Team Rocket's source of income, the Rocket Game Corner. When we went, notice there's always a grunt leaning on the wall near a poster. That poster hides a switch…to the lower levels where Team Rocket has their Ops building."

"And you want us to infiltrate it? How much guys are we looking at?" Joe said.

"Dozen, but they are mostly scrubs that any novice can handle. No, the real place is the leader himself is here. Thanks to the intel, I can confirm it." Crimson said icily. "I'm going to fight him personally."

"That's why you need the guns." Misty said.

"Just in case. I don't want to use them, but…I don't want to over-rely on my team. Which is why we're not going in alone." Crimson said as Joe and Rusty grinned.

"We making this a party." Joe said as Crimson nodded.

"Yes, let's write a guest list and prep the decorations." Rusty said excitedly.

People were called, supplies were gathered, and the party would be in full swing in just two days. Ash would be in Lapis Town along with Gary and his group. Delia was flying on Rowe in the skies having gotten her fifth badge on her way to Vermillion once again. Her job was going to take her to Sevii and she was excited to get out of Kanto…and need more captures to the two she made.

(A/N: A lighthearted chapter to set the stage for the real party. It's time we dive into the main Rocket conflicts.)