Dome Fossil Island

On their way to Navel Island, the sight of Ash's next badge, James had read about an excavation happening on Dome Fossil Island and wanted to check it out. Since it was on the way, plus Ash and Serena got to go where they wanted, Ash saw no problem with going there.

The group got off at the beach and Ash got out his transport pokemon's pokeball. "Thanks for the lift, Lapras." He returned her. "Take a good, long rest."

"Our exclusive report continues." A female's voice called the group's attention.

They turned and saw a TV crew. The reporter was a woman with blue hair and violet eyes. She wore a pink shirt with white pants and orange pearl earrings. Standing next to her was someone they all recognized as it was Brock.

"I've just arrived on the island and met up with this young man, Brock Harrison, who is training to replace Agatha of Kanto's Elite Four." The woman continued. "Tell me Mr. Harrison, what are you doing all the way out here?"

"Well, this island has always been associated with the thought to be extinct pokemon, Kabuto." Brock replied helpfully. "Recently, another location associated with a wider array of fossil pokemon, Grandpa Canyon, seems to have been occupied by a criminal group."

"Oh dear." The reporter stated. "First the rumors of Team Snagem making their way to Johto, and now signs that a group's been in Kanto. That doesn't bode well."

"You can say that again." Brock crossed his arms and nodded. "Since I was the one Champion Wes sent to check out Grandpa Canyon, he saw fist to let me continue my investigations by coming out here. Essentially, I'm here as protection/investigator."

"Well, if the champion of Kanto saw fit to send you, I'm positive we don't have much to worry about." The reporter declared. "Now, I believe that's a wrap."

She and her crew left Brock who was about to walk off until he noticed Ash, Serena, and James who ended up rushing towards him.

"Brock!" They shouted.

"Hey you three." Brock smiled. "It's good to see you. I was actually hoping to run into you while I was dispatched to the Orange Islands."

"Dispatched?" James asked. "Does this mean you're here on league business?"

The trio kept in relatively regular contact with the rock specialist, so they were usually caught up with what each other were doing. They were certain this would decrease with time, and it already seemed to be the case. Admittedly, this had been a spur of the moment stop for the trio.

"Yeah, it is." Brock nodded. "I was dispatched to Grandpa Canyon back in Kanto and found signs of possible Team Snagem involvement which led here. Wes decided to let me follow up on the lead, so I'm working security for the fossil dig."

"You got to let us help." Ash stated.

After his experience with Team Rocket, Ash's views on organizations that caused any sort of trouble were cemented. If you had the ability to do something, you had to try. James and Serena were of a similar mindset given their own, personal experiences with Team Rocket.

"Even if I wanted to stop you, which I don't, It's not like I could." Brock smiled. "Come on, I'll take you to the excavation group. For now, just keep your eyes peeled for anything out of the ordinary and pay attention to your pokemon."

They stated walking. "Brock, what do you mean by pay attention to our pokemon?"

"When I was at Grandpa Canyon, evidence of Snagem involvement was located around a giant, earthy brown crystal that rock types couldn't resist." Brock stated. "If another crystal is here, which is only a theory on my part, then another type of pokemon might be attracted to it."

Base of Operations

The group arrived at a tent with various Machoke moving items, Rhydon which seemed to be standing guard, and Growlithe sniffing the area. The reporter and her cameraman had even made their way over here and were interviewing a Nurse Joy.

"I'm here at the team's base of operations for this fossil hunt and for a world television exclusive.
A first look at the object that's triggered their investigations." She looks at the fossilized remains of a Kabuto. "Beneath the layers of silt and soil lie the remains of a Kabuto.

Caught in a fisherman's net a week ago, experts working round the clock have determined that it was somehow dislodged from its ancient resting place somewhere on this island. Now, let's get an up-close and personal perspective on this investigation."

She looked to Nurse Joy. "One of the main reasons we've come here is to learn everything we can about the extinct Pokémon Kabuto. We'd also like to find out if there's any truth to the claims about Kabuto oil."

"Please, tell us just what these startling claims are." The reporter urged.

"Well, legend has it that the oil from the Kabuto shells not only brings good health, but it can make people immortal." Nurse Joy stated.

"Immortal, you say?" The reporter asked.

"Yes, but we know that is impossible." Nurse Joy nodded. "That said, there could be some basis to the legend, and Kabuto oil may prove to be of historic importance to medical science."

"Fascinating." The reporter said.

The interview continued while a young man watched the proceedings from the shadows. He had purple eyes and matching, medium length hair. His attire consisted of blue jeans, a red, no sleeved shirt, and a blue trench coat with a matching hat.

"No one here seems all that challenging." The young man thought. "I mean, those three were involved in stopping Team Rocket, but none of them took down any of the impressive targets. After this, I'll need to talk with Gonzap about giving me a more difficult assignment."

"Alright, is everybody ready?" Nurse Joy called out.

"Yeah!" Ash, Serena, James, Brock, and the rest of the exhibition crew replied.

Everyone started their exhibition to learn of the Kabuto fossil's origin.

"This dedicated band of explorers is beginning a torturous trek to find where the mysterious Kabuto fossil could have come from, and we'll be here to record every moment." The reporter declare. "We're about to begin our climb along a treacherous mountain path, but these brave explorers are incapable of fear."

"Just keep your eyes focused straight ahead." Brock informed.

"Right, just focus straight ahead." Serena stated a little fearfully only to take one misstep and end up looking down. "Someone, help me!"

"I got you Serena." James held out his hand. "Just take a hold of my hand."

Serena grabbed the breeder's hand, and he helped her to safety. The young man from before is below on an uncharted, safer path as he continues to tail the group. The exhibition team soon comes to better land which leads to a bay.

"We have finally reached our destination." The reporter declared. "Thanks to the Growlithe, the exhibition team has located a hidden bay on the desolate Northern shore. The experts believe this is where the Kabuto fossil may have come from.

As you can see behind me, this team of explorers has already begun their painstaking work. Rhydon and Machoke are assisting in the operations, but will any new Kabuto fossils be discovered? All these dedicated scientists can do is work, watch, wait, and see."

"So far, we haven't seen anything linking this to Team Snagem." Ash stated.

"That's a good thing." Brock crossed his arms and nodded. "If Team Snagem isn't here, it means these people are safer."

"Still, you found evidence of someone coming out here you should come out here." James reasoned. "Weather that's because it was genuinely left behind or planted, there should be something out here."

"Not necessarily." Serena reasoned. "If they genuinely left in a hurry, perhaps the Team Snagem, or whoever, decided to shift objectives. We saw that Team Rocket had no end of opportunities available to them. Trainers just happened to crash in on them."

"We found one! We found one!" One of the explorers came running. "We've just found another Kabuto fossil!"

The group joined Nurse Joy in following the explorer.

Cave: Evening…

They entered a cave where they saw a pillar covered in ancient Kabuto shells.

"There's so many of them." Brock commented.

"There's no doubt about it." Nurse Joy smiled. "They are genuine Kabuto fossils."

Everyone cheered as the reporter stepped in. "As you've just seen, the team has discovered an actual Kabuto fossil exclusively on PXTV!"

"Hey, don't these look like Kabuto fossils to?" James called out.

"It looks like the walls of this cave are made of Kabuto fossils." Nurse Joy informed.

"This underground graveyard grotto is actually a mammoth mausoleum." The reporter announced. "A monument constructed by these incredible calcified Kabuto carcasses."

"Better get Rhydon in here so we can start collecting!" An archeologist suggested before the cave started shaking. "The cave's caving in!"

"Everybody out!" Nurse Joy shouted.

Not needing to be told twice, the group ran back.

"Our exclusive report is taking a dramatic twist!" The reporter announced excitedly. "What could be the cause of this?"

"You can put in on me, Kanzaki." The figure that had been following the group revealed himself. "A select few likely know the organization I'm affiliated with better. I am an admin of Team Snagem."

"Snagem." Brock looked up at him. "Seems the information I found was reliable."

"What do you want?" Ash asked. "If you're after our pokemon, you can forget it."

"Please, I'll leave that to the grunts." Kanzaki scoffed. "Admins of Team Snagem go after far more enticing prizes. For instance, the fossilized treasures all around us."

"You won't get away with these fossils while I'm here." Brock declared.

"I don't remember asking your permission." Kanzaki retorted. "Palossand, use earth power!"

A Palossand appeared and used earth power to shake everything causing fossils to fall into thick, strong nets. They were then taken into the air through the hole Kanzaki made. He grabbed a rope and let it take him up as well. The moon above was unusually red.

"A Team Snagem member just escaped with a cache of Kabuto fossils through the roof." The reporter announced. "Oh, this is going to make my ratings shoot through the roof when these reports start airing."

"Are ratings all you care about!?" Ash exclaimed. "We've got to get those fossils back!"

"We can't let him get away." Serena agreed.

Before they could go after them, Pikachu froze in place. "Pika?"

Almost immediately after, the fossils left behind came back to life.

"Do fossils do that?" James asked nervously.

"What's happening?" Brock asked.

The guy might be a rock specialist, but he was lost on what was going on.

"The Kabuto fossils are coming to life." Ash pointed out.

"That's impossible." Nurse Joy stated.

The reporter stepped in, "As incredible as it may seem, the ancient Kabuto fossils now appear to be alive."

The Kabuto started to storm out of the cave.

"Let's get out of here!" James shouted.

With Kanzaki

Kanzaki was laid back in the basket of his hot air balloon as he flew away. The Kabuto below were trying desperately to break the netting, but he had planned for the possibility of the legends being true. As such, he acquired nets that pokemon like them couldn't break.

"Yet again, it was another simple job." Kanzaki tipped his hat over his eyes deciding to take a nap while the grunts took over.

Island

"Come on, we're leaving!" Nurse Joy announced as everyone ran out the cave.

"What do you mean we're leaving?" One archeologist asked.

"We have to get everyone away from this part of the island!" Nurse Joy said.

"Why? What's the matter?" The same archeologist asked.

The island shook dangerously prompting everyone to heed her word and run into the forest as fast as their feet could carry them. Behind them, the land began to sink into the sea. Sea water was quickly gaining on them until they reached outside the area of effect panting for air.

"That was way too close for comfort." Ash wheezed.

"I second that." James agreed.

"But what about all those Kabuto?" Serena asked. "What are they going to do?"

"They might just find a new home to call their own." Nurse Joy replied.

Once the island settled, everyone looked for any signs of Kanzaki, but he was gone. By the time they were through, it was late, so they decided to rest up back at base camp.

Coast: Morning…

"So, what are do we do now?" Ash asked. "That Kanzaki guy is long gone by now."

"Despite how dangerous this all was, we'll be heading to Mandarin Island with the reporter." Nurse Joy informed. "We'll compile everything into a report to be given to our peers."

"I'm planning on escorting them." Brock informed. "From there, I'll contact Wes to see where I need to proceed from here. The rest of you should get back on your journey." He smiled. "Knowing Ash's luck, it won't be long until you run into Team Snagem again."

"Well, then I guess we'll see you when we do." Ash held out his hand.

"Yeah." Brock shook the offered hand. "Knowing Wes, and with my trail officially cold, I'll probably be called back to Kanto."

Trovita Island: Evening…

Misty had left her pokemon with Nurse Joy. She did this after every training session, but it was doubly important they get healed up now. She also thought they'd need more time to rest because Rudy had informed her that Lorelei would be coming to this island soon.

While Lorelei was an ice type trainer, Misty still had a lot of respect for the Kanto Elite Four member and always wanted to meet her. Rudy picked up on this and promised to help her fulfill that dream prompting an early end to that day's training.

Speaking of Rudy, he was waiting outside the center for her. "Misty."

"Oh, hey Rudy." Misty returned.

"Since you have the time, I was hoping you would do me the honor of joining me for dinner tonight?" Rudy asked. "Mahri would simply love to have you at our table tonight, and I'm happy to cook something."

"I would love to join you." Misty replied with a light light-hearted smile.

"Shall we?" Rudy asked as he held his arm out.

Misty took the cue and looped her arm around his. Taking the lead, Rudy began to walk back to his home with Misty by his side.

Trovita Gym: Later…

"Thank you, Rudy." Misty stated as they just finished dinner. "Everything was delicious."

While they were eating, Mahri was quite happy to have Misty at their table; just as Rudy said.

"It was my pleasure, Misty." Rudy replied with a charming smile. "I am glad you enjoyed it."

Despite feeling something for Rudy at the beginning of her stay here, she had been a bit wary of the guy. In all honesty, he wasn't anything like one would think. The way he dresses shows that he has a fancy and possibly rich background; however, he wasn't snobby.

Everything he's done proved the opposite. Rudy was nice and takes his job as a gym leader seriously. He is also very caring and responsible. You just needed to look at how he cares for Mahri to see that. In short, to Misty, he is the total package.

"See, my brother is the best!" Mahri exclaimed. "He would make a great husband, right Misty?"

This was something Mahri had been pushing a lot as the days went by. Misty turned bright red at that comment. She was coming on fourteen, but that was far too young to be thinking along those lines.

Rudy was speechless at his sisters mention of him as a husband. "Where does she come up with this?" He quickly regained his composure and piled up the empty plates before carrying them to the dish washer. "Mahri, why don't you go play for a bit while I speak with Misty."

Mahri wasn't happy about being sent away. She clearly doesn't understand how uncomfortable the subject she brought up makes the couple feel. Still, she knew it wasn't a suggestion.

"Okay…" Mahri sighed sadly. "Can I go play with Seel."

Misty had learned that while Mahri was too young to own a pokemon, she's met Seel when he washed up on the beach. Not being used to the hot climate showed as he was ill for quite a long time. Taking on the responsibility for him, Mahri did everything she could to make him better.

Naturally, she needed help because of her age, but Rudy was impressed by his sister's actions. When it came time for Seel to leave, neither Seel nor Mahri wanted him to, so Rudy caught the water type. He promised them Mahri would become Seel's trainer when she is old enough.

"Of course, you can play with Seel; however, do not take him off the beach." Rudy stated sternly. "Remember what we discussed that day."

Mahri nodded. "Don't swim unless you or Misty are there to watch me."

"Very good Mahri." Rudy smiled. "Go have fun."

Misty knows what it's like to have an older sibling with authority over you. The difference here is that Rudy generally seemed like an all-around good brother. While Misty loved her sisters, it wasn't easy with them.

The only reason she got Staryu was because it hatched from an egg not long before she left on her journey. Of course, she loves Starmie and wouldn't trade it for anything. At the time, she'd had a Psyduck or Tentacool in mind to start with over her starter.

"Sorry about that Misty." Rudy apologized.

"Oh, don't be." Misty assured. "You are just being a good brother."

Rudy smiled. "Say Misty, how would like to meet some of my pokemon since I've become so familiar with yours?"

"That would be lovely, Rudy." Misty smiled gratefully.

Rudy escorted her to a workout room where his pokemon were dancing. "This is my approved line up for the current Orange League competitors."

He had: Ursaring, Magmortar, Politoad, Jolteon, Sunflora, Jynx, Hitmontop, Arbok, Gliscor, Toucannon, Espeon, Ariados, Kabutops, Mismagius, Alolan Executor, Houndoom, Alolan Dugtrio, and Clefable.

"Do all your Pokemon dance?" Misty asked.

"Not all of them, but this group certainly does." Rudy answered. "I was given dancing lessons as a child. Not only does it keep you in good shape, but it also helps in battle."

Misty smiled. "Well, they certainly seem to be enjoying it."

Rudy held his hand out. "Would you care to dance?"

Misty accepted Rudy's hand and the couple began to slow dance around the room. Despite the music not being a slow song, Rudy lead perfectly, and Misty was having a great time. The dance continued until the song ended.

Misty was enjoying herself because tonight couldn't be any better. Sure, they might not be completely compatible, she does have a fear of bugs, but Rudy made her happy. As for his pokemon, they all seemed to like her just fine from what she could tell.

In that moment, Rudy planted his lips on hers. Misty's eyes widened as she received her first kiss. The shock soon faded, and she leaned in returning it. After who knows how long, the couple parted.

"Misty, I..." Rudy tried to think of the best way to word his next statement. "When you first showed up and saved my sister, I was enamored by you. As the days wore on, I got to know you. You're assertive, dedicated, and a great trainer.

I've seen the way you interact with Mahri which is huge with me. Altogether, It made me feel for you like no one else I've ever met. You've come to have a special place in my heart. and I know I will never feel like this for anybody else. Misty... I love you."

Misty turned bright red at Rudy's statement. She knew she was starting to really like Rudy, and aside from how things began with her rescuing Mahri, she has enjoyed her time on Trovita. Still, love felt like a strong word, and Misty wasn't certain she could say it back.

"Look Misty, I know this is selfish, but I would love for you to live with us on Trovita." Rudy proposed. "I know you have your family gym back in Kanto, and when the time comes, I would happily follow you there." He shook his head. "After our time together, I can't lose you."

Misty looked into Rudy's eyes as the words sank in. She has feelings for him, and she would love to say yes. Trovita was a lovely island, and Rudy had been helping her grow as a trainer. Still, there were many water pokemon she wanted to meet, and she still wanted to see other regions.

"Could I really give up on traveling and meeting new water pokemon to stay here with Rudy and Mahri?" Misty contemplated.

"It's okay, Misty. I know this is a big decision." Rudy continued. "I can't expect you to have an answer right now." He grabbed her hands in his with a soft smile. "That's why I will await your answer and ask that you give it to me before you potentially leave."

"Sure…" Misty managed.

Rudy planted a delicate kiss on Misty's lips before bidding her a goodbye and goodnight. Misty then returned to her room within his home, which she rarely used due to her training, and sat on the bed. Her mind was flooded by thoughts of Rudy's offer.

To be fair, what's been going one between Rudy and Misty has taken more time than the show gave them. It only took a day for canon Rudy to make the same offer while it's been like two weeks now since this Misty came to his island. I mean, you're free to say this is still fast, but it's still been slower than canon. As for Brock's return, I know it didn't follow the typical companion returns, but he's still not done in this story.

As for Kanzaki, he's a character from the pokemon trading card video games that I decided to put in Team Snagem for diversity. In the canon games you had Gonzap, many bald grunts which looked exactly like the admins, and the admins who just look like grunts. If Wes could be part of Team Snagem, someone looking like Kanzaki very well could.

lrbrenneke: I don't agree. Ash's life may have been in danger in the second movie, but he literally died in the first with no mention of aura being present there. Personally, I think Ash always had aura, but it was never brought up until the first time it was relevant.

Reader: Thank you. The possibility of mega evolution isn't off the table. We'll see about your Moltres Idea.

Elemental-Aura: Thank you. I try my best. I've said it before, but it was literally and Island of Pink Pokémon and Butterfree flee off with a Pink Butterfree. It was literally right there for the writers to use, and I would have loved to see Ash meet up with Butterfree. Don't worry because Grace is going to be really happy with that. I did draw on some inspiration to concoct Hilbert's part. As for Giovani, I'm under the impression that any redemption needs to be handled with care.

While some do fall short for me, if a writer at least tries to put in that effort for the redemption, I can call it satisfactory. The fact is, Giovani, no matter his reasons, still did some heinous stuff in this story. While the fault lies on him, it is shared amongst other people who just weren't there for them. That's kind of where Agatha and Samuel are now They know Giovani choose to do what he did, but they recognize he may not have made that choice if felt he had another choice. Choices were always there, but Gio never saw them as viable.