[Cues: Pokémon FireRed/Leafgreen OST - Intro]
The Outsider's Insurrection
Indigo Iliad
Chapter 78: Storm the Game Corner
Translated Pokémon Speech
Pokédex Entries/Computerized Voices/Flashbacks
Reference to an Accessory in the Games
-o-
(Celadon City | May 22nd | 10:00 a.m.)
[Cues: Michiko and Hatchin OST – Corre, Michiko, Corre!]
It was a slow Thursday, and a few players were playing. The grunt guarding the post yawned having not gotten much sleep. Crimson's fight with Shego practically scared a few of the lower-level grunts. Not anyone could say that they kicked the crap out of Shego, however…many people knew people from the regions were naturally less likely to freak from a supervillain from the outside came in. Pokémon just steeled them, one could say.
"Man, what a slow day. Days like this, I wish something would happen." One of the front desk workers said.
"Don't say that." The grunt said with a yawn. "I'm perfectly happy with nothing happening."
[Cues: Dragon Ball Kai OST – An Unfamiliar Menace]
The doors open leading to several formally dressed people coming in. The moment that front desk worker looked up, he went pale at the sight. The customers all stopped seeing who was there and the motion made to 'get out right now'. The customers wisely decided to cash out and bolt. The grunt rubbed his eyes only to go bug-eyed.
"Hello, I hope you don't mind a private party." Crimson said with a snicker.
He came in a suit that Nergal would be impressed by a trench that had the Black Dragon's emblem loud and proud on the back.
That grunt heard a click as Topaz had her gun aimed at him.
"Do you want to walk out of here alive or die like a dipshit?" Joe asked fluffing his suit. "Tell us, how many grunts and if the boss is in?"
"15 grunts, 1 admin, and the boss himself!" The grunt said as Crimson made the motion for him to get out.
"We'll be able to take them then." Nyancy purred. "There's near ten of us."
"But we can't have too many go down. Stick to the plan, deal with the outside elements with Erika. I'm going in, not alone though. Joe, Rusty, you guys ready?" Crimson said as the pair nodded.
"Dibs on staying up on the top floor to watch the workers." Roulette said as she began playing at the slots.
"So, by the end of this, you'll probably have new management. Now I understand if you protest, but side with me…and I'll double whatever you're getting paid." Crimson said chatting to the workers.
"Can we get the day off?" The manager asked.
"I'd say yes, but Roulette will want you here. So…sorry about that. I'll make sure she tips." Crimson said before going to the poster.
[Music Ends]
"You guys did not think I was not coming with you. I didn't get all dolled up for nothing." Sissi said coming up.
"Where's Misty?" Crimson asked.
"With Erika. She's helping to deal with the police. We need to strike. And strike now." Sissi said as Crimson tore off the poster and pulled the switch revealing the staircase down.
"Remember, there are four floors." Turbine warned. "The last one needs a lift key to get to. I couldn't smuggle that out, but I know they are on the third floor."
"Got it." Rusty said as the four went down.
Outside near Route 7, the Kanker Sisters and Chad were fending off the entrance to the city from grunts while Nyancy would move to the other side of the road near Cycling Road. All and all, Team Rocket had no idea they were being blindsided.
-[Floor B1]-
Two grunts were chilling in front of the watercooler talking about their favorite subject, women they could never obtain.
"Ok, out of our gym leaders, who would you want to eat out?" Grunt A said to his buddy.
"Ea-oh you mean lick thei-Well, that's an easy one. Misty." Grunt B said.
"Why?" Grunt A asked.
"Duh, she spends most of her time in the water. She'd probably be most clean to eat out of." Grunt B said.
"That make sense. I was going to go with Sofia. Uptight personality probably means freak in the sheets. I heard she was a prostitute at one po-"
A female Grunt yelled at him to shut up and stop being perverts.
"Bitch, we're just ragging. Nothing happened yet, take it easy." Grunt A said.
"Yeah, I'm pretty sure you're going to be fired for letting me get this far." Crimson said as the three turned to see he and his friends. "Hey."
"Oh fuck, it's Crim-"
Crimson punched him in the throat as the two other grunts got out their Pokémon. Rusty just had to send Healani to brutalize all of them with ease. Rusty had returned Shellshock Sheldon to the main party just to add extra insult.
"I'm not impressed. So, I'll just take your prize money." Rusty said. "Unless, you want to me to fight you for it."
They handed over the money.
"I'll secure the first floor." Rusty said.
"Ok, how many down below?" Crimson asked the female grunt.
"There's two more this floor and one below." The grunt said only to see another grunt walk up.
"Intruders. I don't know how, but you're not leaving alive!" The grunt said sending out a Grimer and a pair of Koffings.
"I'm not even impressed. I'm just disappointed." Crimson said as Joe sent out Jian to fight them.
The grunt had Grimer use Sludge on Jian only to see it do nothing. The grunt kept ordering his Pokémon to hammer it with their best poison attacks. Jian just sighed as Joe told him to use Icy Wind freezing and blowing the Pokémon and the grunt away.
"I'll stay and watch these guys." Sissi said sending out Cherry. "Good luck."
"I'm going down solo. I sense there is only below." Crimson said going down the stairs. "Your Dex will signal you both."
He went.
-[Floor B2]-
[Cues: Pokémon FR/LG OST – Team Rocket Hideout]
If there was one thing Wendy was good at was playing to her strengths. It's how she appeared to be more successful than the average grunt. That and somehow not having the same Pokémon as everyone else. She had gotten an offer to be an admin, but she turned it on. She knew she could not square up to the Admins who actually could easily wreck her. Being a lowly grunt was fine, it paid the bills. However, when Crimson came down those floors, they locked eyes. Sham could have called for help, but seeing what Crimson did Shego made that idea sound really dumb. Yes, she was loyal to the Rocket, but not enough to die for them because they did not pay her enough for that. She had two simple options, fight him or surrender. Of course, Wendy could just laugh at that. She's seen his matches on television…probably the only one who bothers. The kid was gifted. However, there was something I wanted to ask.
"Before we go on with this, I just to ask if you really did convince Jessie to leave." Wendy asked.
"Yeah, why?" Crimson said as she sighed.
"Because the bitch owes me for making me pay for her smoothie. I wanted to get her back, but she's flown the coop." Wendy said a labored sigh. "And seeing that Butch is dead, and Cassidy is…is she dead?"
"No, but from what I hear, she wishes she was." Crimson said.
"Honestly, I obviously don't stand a chance fighting her in a fistfight near with my Pokémon." Wendy said as Crimson raised an eyebrow. "I'm only here for the paycheck. I only call our boss, master, just to sate his ego."
"And you're saying this on camera?" Crimson said as she laughed.
"You think the boss would dumb enough to have cameras in here? No, he has none in this base. The walls and floors are soundproofed. He has no idea someone calls him." Wendy said. "Literally, even if I scream, no's one hearing anything. Plus, the maze is a blind spot."
"I just want to make a deal that lets me walk away." She said walking up. "Without me dying or getting arrested…I don't think I do good for prison."
"Ok, what do you have to offer?" Crimson said as Wendy revealed a Lift Key. "Oh."
"I also want 5,000 Pokémon Dollars." Wendy said. "A fair price for the key."
"Fine, do you have a bank account I can transfer to?" Crimson said.
After a transaction was made, she gave him the Lift Key. He came the word to his friends that Floor 2 was clear, and a former Rocket was coming up. As Wendy left, he made through the maze finding a Nugget and a Moon Stone before getting to the elevator.
"This is Crimson, I got a Lift Key. You and Rusty got on ahead to the third, I'm heading down to the fourth." Crimson said using his Dex's comm line.
"We're on it." Joe said before Crimson entered the elevator.
He entered the key and went down to the fourth floor. He came out as two grunts were having coffee on a nearby table. They saw Crimson and promptly backed away.
"Smart move. I suggest you got in the elevator and go to the 2nd floor. And stay here for a while." Crimson said showing a glint of Daimonji.
They went and they bolted leaving Crimson to walk unimpeded to the way to the boss's room where Ariana was grumbling to herself. He slowly walked up to her with his glowing white.
"Hey Ariana. Remember when you called me a kurombo?" Crimson said getting her attention.
"You-"
Giovanni was having tea poured by his new secretary, Matori, where Ariana came flying smack into the wall before crashing on the desk with a broken jaw and dislocated shoulder.
[Cues: Pokémon Heartgold/Soulsilver OST – Team Rocket Encounter Theme]
"Hello, Crimson. We finally met in person." Giovanni said as the two were face to face.
"We do, Giovanni. We do at last." Crimson said coming in.
"It's funny really. You and I are far too alike. I didn't want to admit that, but you and I share a common thread of being aurics." Giovanni said as Crimson glared at him.
"No, that makes sense. I can feel it in you." Crimson said.
"It's a shame. I'd want to make you my right-hand man. But you're too good for that, no I need to deal with your insolence." Giovanni said getting up at Matori got the table out of the way. "And Ariana, I told you to escort him to me, and you let invade our base and get down here."
"He pu-"
"Giovanni-sama does not tolerate excuses." Matori said.
"I literally have a broken jaw and shoulder because of him!" Ariana said.
"Enough. It's time we finally did this." Giovanni said taking a Poké Ball up. "I hope you're ready."
"Thrill me." Crimson said.
[Cues: Pokémon Heartgold/Soulsilver OST – Team Rocket Battle Theme]
"Of course, our boss will only waste four Pokémon on you." Matori said as Giovanni sent out his Persian.
"Brutus, you're up." Crimson said sending out the wild bull Pokémon.
From what Crimson saw on the Dex, they were close in level which only raised the stakes.
"Persian, Night Slash!" Giovanni said as Persian lunged with glowing claws.
"Brutus, counter with your Strength!" Crimson said as Brutus's outline glowed white.
"Come on, pussycat!" Brutus charged.
Both clashed with their attacks. Giovanni called for Persian to use Iron Tail to which Crimson called for Iron Head. CLANG!
"Damn, this asshole/bastard hits hard." Brutus/Persian snarled before they both jumped back.
"Crunch down on him." Giovanni said as Persian used the desk to jump on Brutus's face before crunching down on his head.
"Zapdos! Shit!" Brutus screamed. "That was a critical! And you got me ANGRY! Crimson, pick a move."
Tauros' outline grew red for a split second as its body bulked slightly. Anger Point was on and Crimson called for Iron Head to which Brutus rammed Persian into the wall forcing the Persian to spit out a spot of blood before hitting the ground.
"All right, Brutus. Have a break on me." Crimson said returning him. "Looks like I take the first round."
Giovanni wordlessly returned Persian and sent out a Rhyhorn that let out a roar. Out came Rhint. Crimson had to give it to Giovanni for giving Rhyhorn Shock Wave in way for it to be a pain. In turn, he had Rhint use Aura Sphere.
"Enough of this! Rhyhorn, use Superpower!" Giovanni said as Rhyhorn's outline became a dark and angry red.
"Brine!" Crimson said Rhint spewed releases a stream of salt water from his cannons at Rhyhorn.
Rhyhorn did get fire out his attack which sent Rhint into the wall, but the salt got into the Rhyhorn's wounds, hurting it even more and doing double the damage. Both Pokémon were down.
"Good work, Giovanni-sama." Matori cheered.
"But not good enough." Giovanni said returning his Rhyhorn.
"Rhint, you did great. I'm so proud." Crimson said.
"Fuck him up for me!" Rhint said before being returned.
"May as well, send out the last two." Giovanni said with a smirk before sending a Steelix and a Kangaskhan. "Matori, ready my secondary weapon."
Matori opened a briefcase…revealing a Mega Band which got Crimson to flinch.
"I could see the appeal of Mega Evolution. It's power…and how it effects a person like you. The look on your face signals you were not expecting it." Giovanni said before activating it. "Let's see how you handle, Mega Steelix."
"High defense. Low Speed. I need to hit hard and fast" Crimson thought before sending out Emperor Magnus and Brutus. "Kangaskhan needs to go."
"Kangaskhan, Surf. Steelix, Protect!" Giovanni said as Kangaskhan formed a wave of water under her feet.
"Ok, you have to go! Brutus, Wild Charge into the water. Emperor Magnus, Dragon Pulse!" Crimson said surprising Giovanni.
Consumed with electricity over his body, Brutus ran clear into the water which conducted it electrocuting it, Kangaskhan, and himself.
"DO IT NOW!" Brutus roared.
"I will avenge your loss, brother! RRARRGH!" The emperor said before releasing Dragon Pulse with a tear rolling down his eye.
BOOM! The place shook with a cloud of smoke which cleared to see both Brutus and Kangaskhan defeated and unable to continue. Matori wanted to point out that two of Crimson's were down, Giovanni pointed that a self-sacrifice. Both Pokémon were returned leaving Magnus vs Steelix. At least, it would if Crimson did not return Magnus.
[Cues: My Hero Academia – You Say Run]
"Bad matchup." Crimson said before sending out Jett. "Better."
"Aqua Tail." Giovanni said as Steelix had a swirling storm of water around its tail.
As it swung at Jett, Crimson called him to dodge by jumping towards the wall.
"Kick off it and flip onto the desk." Crimson said as Jett stuck the landing.
"Slam him down with Body Press. Ruin the room if you have to!" Giovanni ordered as Mega Steelix was coming down for a slam.
"Use Aerial Ace to circle around him!" Crimson said.
"Not today, asshole!" Jett said 'flying' around him as Steelix slammed into what Jett stood. "Crimson, shall I burn him up?"
"Do it, Jett. Incinerate!" Crimson said as Steelix was peppered with fireballs.
It did leave Jett open to an Aqua Tail that send him into the wall ruining a portrait of Giovanni. Jett's shades clattered on the floor with cracks on the lens. Crimson took him up putting them on before returning Jett. He had not fainted, but he knew he had to switch out. Crimson activated his Mega Band.
"Kimiko, blaze the scene." Crimson said sending her out. "Now Mega Evolve and use Blast Burn!"
Giovanni had that glow in his eyes like Crimson did as he called for Steelix to use Head Smash. Another struggle, one that rattled the building itself.
"Crimson, it's over!" Giovanni roared.
"I doubt that. I believe in my Pokémon, and they believe in me." Crimson said calmly even if Steelix was closing the gap. "That was what will let me win, that is what will let Kimiko win!"
Kimiko staggered as Steelix, but she could feel a welling of strength within herself and Crimson. His eyes had blues flames coming off the shades of his eyes. For those seconds, Crimson and Kimiko felt in sync.
"He's right. I won't lose yet, not to you!" Kimiko said as her flames burned bright.
"It's…it's too much!" Steelix screamed in burn before his attack 'broke' and he was consumed in fire.
The explosion rocked the building rattling the foundation and kicking up a cloud of dust sending office supplies flying all over the place.
[Cues: One Piece OST – To the Grand Line]
People were storming down, grunts along Crimson's friends. All ignored their side who were fighting for the moment, they wanted to know what the hell happened…and who won. The dust cleared and Wendy could see both Giovanni and Crimson standing with their Pokémon. Matori was a but burnt but on shaky legs, and Ariana was on the ground clearly more hurt. Silence…nothing but silence as they stood, the hair covering Crimson's eyes from view.
Crimson got out a blunt and lit it up with Kimiko's tail before taking a long drag of it before blowing out smoke. Steelix looked up giving Kimiko the meanest look she could see but she glared right back gesturing for him to come up and fight. Steelix slithered before losing his Mega form and hitting the ground…with no energy left to fight.
"And I believe that's my victory." Crimson said as Giovanni was shocked.
"No…this cannot be!" Giovanni said as Ariana looked at Crimson with shock and horror.
The grunts were all in disbelief.
"Yeah, that's right. My friend, here? Kicked your boss's arm, any of you want to step up now?" Joe boasted.
"It was one victory. One that was very close, and it's clear that he was not expecting me." Crimson said calmly.
[Cues: Pokémon FireRed/LeafGreen OST – Team Rocket Hideout]
"You clearly raise Pokémon with utmost care. But you may be skilled, you're still a child, and you would never understand what I hope to achieve. I shall step aside this time as this place is compromised! I hope we meet again..." Giovanni said. "Rockets, retreat."
Matori slammed half a dozen smoke bombs on the ground allowing for him, herself, and Ariana to escape. Most of the grunts used the confusion to escape save for Wendy, who stayed put. The smoke cleared and they were gone, not that it mattered to Crimson. He knew where the next target was.
"Dude, still you fought the boss of Team Rocket. And won!" Joe said slapping Crimson's back. "You ok?"
"Yeah, I am. Kimiko, you did great. Now rest." Crimson said before returning her. "The office is a mess, but I know Giovanni left things behind."
"Holy shit!" Rusty snapped. "I knew I recognized him…."
"Who is he?" Joe asked.
"Giovanni Sakaki, he….he was…no technically still is, the Viridian City Gym Leader." Rusty said.
This would have been dramatic for Crimson, but he already knew this. However, that raised a question.
"If he is the Gym Leader, then shouldn't Misty know him?" Crimson thought.
"I mean that makes sense why every scrub would have a Poison-type Pokémon, his specialty was Ground-types." Joe said thoughtfully.
"I knew it! No wonder he did not want me to keep a Politoed." Wendy thought.
As they were having their thoughts, Crimson was rifling around the ruined office before looking for what he considering the real prize.
"Guys, I'd like a moment alone." Crimson said. "Go check on the others."
"Right." Rusty said.
They left through the elevator and Domino came out from a hidden panel.
"You were watching." Crimson said.
Domino said nothing but she did grab him to hungrily suck his face before breaking for air. Crimson looked into her eyes seeing a hungry look in her eyes much to his confusion, horror, and a bit of arousal.
"Who would think you'd have it in you?" Domino said panting. "I saw what you did to that green bitch. You were so vicious…you were so hot."
Domino was already angering him further because when Neo came to see him, she did not try to jump him when he was clearly not in the mood and try to rile him up.
He was already settled to sleep only to have Neo enter his room and sitting next to him.
"I'm impressed with what you did to Shego. Not many can put the fear in her. I had done the same a long while back…and now you join her list of people she won't ever fight again." Neo said impressed. "That warrants a lot of my respect. I know you were probably not in a good time doing that, just talk to me if you need me."
"Domino." Crimson said shoving her off. "Shouldn't you catch up with your boss?"
"But I am at your mercy." Domino said in faux helpless tone. "And the only way you'll let me go is after you violate me and make me spill information about the Game Corner."
"I don't want to do this!" Crimson said a mix of frustrated and fuming. "I'm not even a mood for this..."
"Oh, come on, you choked a woman to near death. A bit of roleplay of you forcing me isn't going to be too bad, you'll enjoy it like you did strangling Shego." Domino said lustfully.
Wordlessly, he walked up to her before flipping her on her back and slapping her across the face.
"Oh my, getting into it!" Domino said before Crimson produced that knife. "Ooh, going to leave a few marks."
Frankly, he slammed that knife right next to her before leaning in and grabbing her by the collar.
"Do I look like a big rubber black dildo for your amusement? Do I? Now you're going home with blue ovaries, because you're going to tell me what I want to know…unless you insist on testing my fucking patience before I murder another Rocket!" Crimson said as his free hand formed a Fire Punch.
Domino started to sweat realizing she may have gone a bit too far. Considering he was on top of her with an easy mean to kill her and was clearly not in the mood, Domino immediately dialed back trying to claim it was all a joke.
"Ok, ok, I see that you are in a bit torn up." Domino said. "I figured you'd be in the mood…gack!"
Crimson was choking her, thankfully after deactivating the fire.
"Ok, ok, I'll gave you the information! There's a safe with all what you want, it's behind us hidden in a panel next to the escape routes." Domino wheezed as he squeezed. "The combos 97-03-18!"
"I have a half of mind to put a bullet in your head!" Crimson snarled tossing her to the floor as he went into his bag.
[Music Ends]
"I highly doubt you'd be willing to kill me. I excite-" Domino said.
She was cut off by a bullet entering her lap. Crimson stood over her with the smoking gun. Before she could do anything, he put one right through her head. There was no fanfare, no last words, no nothing. There was nothing he felt further towards Domino. He quietly went to the safe and got what he needed before he disposed the body.
-o-
Crimson came out of the hideout to see his smiling friends and was still stoic under he revealed the papers and stated that the Rocket Game Corner was under their control.
"You okay, slick?" Roulette said.
"My Pokémon are all mostly tired. Honestly, I could use a day off. Other than aside from Domino getting her long deserved death, I feel ok. I need a status report." Crimson said.
"We got the cops doing dirty busted and some of the Rockets who did not escape rounded up. The Black Dragons are being seen as heroes. And it's a good thing you got the papers because we can make a legal claim for this place to make some serious bank. I think the Black Roulette Game Corner has a nice ring to it." Roulette said with a crooked grin.
"Later. Let me just…wait Wendy? You're still here." Crimson said.
"Yeah…I wanted to ask if I just work here. I mean, you're going to need cleaning staff after all." Wendy said.
"Ugh, fine. But we're closing this place for today. I need a meal, a bath, and some sleep." Crimson said looking up into the sky.
In a twisted sense, Domino got the dark side of Crimson she was asking for. She just did not expect him to be among the killed.
(A/N: But I bet you're wondering, isn't the way Domino died…anticlimactic? Yes and no, Domino may have an attractive figure in Crimson's life, but she was still a violent maniac who had her moments of riling up people. She was getting under Crimson's skin and wanted to encourage his darker behaviors. If anything, she's a twisted parallel to Neo. The one thing that Neo had over Domino was simply knowing when she's going too far. Other than that, writing Giovanni and Crimson's dialogue was rather amusing. If anything, there is a parallel between both Giovanni and Crimson, especially given they're both gang leaders now. Wendy is an actual character from the anime, a minor one who had a petty grudge with Jessie. Her personality was tweaked as there has to be one smart mook.)