Pokémon Journey: Kalos Quest
Hey guys Paradox here and welcome to Chapter 73 and Chapter 30 of the Kalos Quest. Well let's get started with a Halloween themed Chapter even though October has already pass. Have fun.
"Love often wears a mask in order to test loyalty."- Minna Antrim
Chapter 73: A Hallows eve Skirmish
A mid day on the road calls a break for the group as Ash found the time to show off his newest group to the others. Before leaving the Grand Hotel, Ash made sure to switch out his current team,biding farewell to them for now.
"Alright guys. Ready to meet more of my old friends?" Ash asked the others. "As long as they don't have a food habit like your Herracross, I'm quite anxious." Rene said.
"I'm excited." Bonnie said. "Me too. Come on Ash. Don't keep us waiting." Serena couldn't hold her excitement. Ash then rephiled by releasing five new pokeballs containing five new/old parnters.
The first Pokémon released was a small light blue reptile who did a small happy dance,Totodile. The second Pokémon was a tall green gecko humanoid brooding with a green twig sticking out of its mouth,Sceptile. The third Pokémon was a Flying type standing tall with a large comb shaped crest on its head,Staraptor. The forth Pokémon was a big,husky pig like Pokémon with a fiery crest on its chest,Pignite. At last the sixth and final Pokémon was a head levitating off the ground with two black horns alongside with chilling prowess,Glalie.
The five new Pokémon saw their trainer and only three of them ambushed him with love,leaving Glalie to look at them and Sceptile to continue brooding. "Haha I've missed you guys too." Ash hugged them while the group minus Drake to cringe at Ash's condition.
"Are all of Ash's Pokémon like this?" Clemont asked. "Well they do miss Ash and each of them has a unique personality." Drake explained. "Just like Ash right." Bonnie said.
"Exactly." Drake said.
As soon as the three Pokémon got off Ash,the auburn trainer turned his attention to Sceptile and Glalie. "Hey guys. I'm happy to see you. How's your training." Ash asked. Glalie responsed by firing an Ice Beam at him,but Ash's enhanced reflexes allowed him to aerial backflip to avoid it,surprising Glalie,Sceptile and even the rest of Ash's new Pokémon. Ash expected this from Glalie,always a chilly reception.
What took Ash by surprise was Sceptile who used Quick Attack to strike him. Ash narrowly dodged it by bending his upper body backwards followed back handspring when Sceptile struck again. Sceptile halted leaving him stock at his trainer newfound finesse. "Wow guys. You guys have been training hard." Said Ash as he was taken by surprise when Glalie and Sceptile hugged him.
"Are all of Ash's Pokémon like this?" Rene asked. "Come on guys. It's normal for Ash." Drake said. "With all due respect Drake. I prefer Ash doesn't get into unnecessary harm." Serena said worried about Ash. "I perfer to call it spontaneous training." Drake smiled,leaving Serena to mumble a curse to her boyfriend's older brother.
After lunch and giving an explanation of his new plan and training regimen,Ash figure to start training right away with two on two duals. With Pikachu vs. Totodile,Sceptile vs. Glalie,and Staraptor vs. Pignite in that order. During the time which Ash oversaw that his Pokémon haven't slip up on their training. Some during which have even learned new move into their arsenal like Totodile learned Aqua Tail and Pikachu,with Drake's help,managed to help get Pikachu to manipulate his electricity to get to travel through attacks much like how Drake managed to beat Rene in their previous battle.
Sceptile managed to reinforce his combo attacks he and his trainer came up over the years like the Spining Leaf Blade,and a new move Sunny Day. "Alright Sceptile with Sunny Day,you'll be able to charge up Solar Beam much quicker." Ash said as the large green gecko nodded. Glalie learned Blizzard while Pignite worked on a defensive Fire Shield using Fire Pledge. Lastly was Staraptor working on reaction time and side stepping with Drake's Pidgeot. While speed was no problem, Staraptor knew that recognizing incoming attacks and avoiding them was always room for improvement.
After lunch and training the group was ready to get back on the road. "Everyone ready?" Drake asked as everyone nodded. "If we keep a good pace,we should reach Misetown Village by nightfall." Rene said. "Just in time too. They're doing a Hollows eve festival there tonight." Serena said as she looked at her tablet on the Mistown's news. "Sounds exciting." Ash said. "This should be a wild night." Rene said as the group preceded to Misetown.
By nightfall the gang approached the town gates and were already traveling down a busy street. Kids in various Pokémon costumes were running around,street lights and various types of hollows decorations were hung,and the festivities were up and packing. As soon as they got to the square,the group decided to head to the Pokémon Center first.
"Welcome to the Pokémon Center." Nurse Joy welcomed the group along with Wigglytuff. "Hello Nurse Joy. We noticed that the Hallows eve festival has begun." Drake said. "Yes,Everyone can join the town's festivities like collecting candy from residents." Nurse Joy said as they group seemed interested. "For now,I suggested you all take a costume from the wardrobe department here at the center." Nurse Joy said. "It's a start. Thank you Nurse Joy." Rene said as the group went to the wardrobe room next to the lobby.
A few minutes later everyone was in a costume including their Pokémon. Ash was in a full Greninja costume. (I figure this is more to Ash's style) Drake was a Lucario suit,Rene a Delphox, Serena in a Florges, Clemont's a Watchhog while Bonnie was dressed in a Ludicolo. Pikachu was in a homemade Psyduck costume,Chespin decided to mince Pikachu, Dedenne was in a small Corphish costume with the other Pokémon sporting something completely opposite.
Going outside,the group preceded to walking around town collecting candy and trading candy among residents. Unknown to them perched on a rooftop rooftop was Team Rocket overlooking the crew. Jessie,who was dressed as a Mismagius and James who oddly...was dressed in a Gourgeist costume. "There they are." James commented. "Look at them. Clueless at what's stalking them and pretty soon all their Pokémon will be ours. Starting with that Pikachu." Jessie glare as the trio stalked their prey. Unknown to even them,someone was stalking them from a vast distance.
Looking through a telescope stalking the trio,a servant calls his master. "My Lord,you must see this." He calls him as a short man with a goofy haircut,thick mustache and currently wearing a red royal tunic,teal pants with a gold beat buckle,and black pointy shoes. Along with him was a Pumpkaboo of the smallest size. Using a footstool, Count Pumpka (yes that's actually his name.) looked through the telescope to see a marvelous sight,a Pumpkaboo of high quality,size,features. No doubt this will make the perfect mate. "My dear friend. Look before your eyes." Count Pumpka called to his long time friend Prince Pumpkaboo.
The small Pumpkin Pokémon looked and awe in approval for his potential mate. "It's settle. Stuart,bring me those trainers." Pumpka ordered as the steward bowed and rush to complete his Lord's task.
Meanwhile the group continues to travel down another busy street to check out the festivities. "So Rene,what can you tell us about this place?" Ash asked. "It's usually quiet. That is until now and it gets very populated. Up there at the plateau is the high lord's castle who governs this town." Rene pointed to the top to a tall structure.
"Cool,so it's almost like Camphrier Town." Ash pointed out. "Exactly Ash. I see you guys been there." Rene said. "Well...under concerning circumstances but we've enjoyed our time there." Said Drake. "Check it out guys. Apple bobbing." Bonnie pointed to a group of people where one of them had their head dunk in a barrel attempting to grab an apple.
"Ha,I dare you try that out Ash." Drake suggested. "Really? You know I don't back down of a challenge." Ash said as they walked over to the barrel. Ash's turn came as Drake counted down for him.
"Ready...Go." Right off the bat,Ash dunk his head and went fishing. By five seconds he got one out. "Five seconds...not bad." Rene pointed out as Ash rubbed the apple clean on his costume. "Here Serena. This is for you." Ash gave it his girlfriend as she kissed his cheek as a way of thanks.
As they continue to stalk the group,the steward approached the trio hiding behind a building. "Excuse me." He called to them as the sudden call startled the trio. "Oh you stranger. Don't you know it's impolite to sneak up on people!?" Jessie shouted. "My sincere apologies,but I'm on orders to bring you before my lord's presence." Stuart asked. "And why would we do that?" James asked. "My Master wishes to speak to you about a generous proposal over dinner." Stuart said as Team Rocket felt their interest being peaked.
Pretty soon,Team Rocket stood before a large table spread of food on the castle balcony. "I trust everything is up to your liking?" Count Pumpka who joined in with them. As Team Rocket pigged out on all the food, Count Pumpka got down to business. "Now for the reason I've called you all is because of a generous proposal I like to offer." Pumpka said. "You have us at generous." Jessie said as she scaff down a piece of chicken down her throat.
"My long time parnter, Prince Pumpkaboo, has been longing for a mate for a time and it just so happens your Pumpkaboo has stolen his heart." Pumpka said as Prince Pumpkaboo inched to Jessie's Pumpkaboo,much to the latter dismay. "Okay, So?" Jessie asked. "It is with a grand request that you have your Pumpkaboo stay here with Him." Pumpka announced.
That moment, Jessie sprang up in retaliation. "Now wait just a minute. What makes you think that I'll just drop everything and leave my Pumpkaboo here!?" Jessie argued as Pumpkaboo sided with her trainer. "I have wealth,gifts. Anything your hearts desire." Pumpka offered as James and Meowth had a light bulb. "There is no way I'll just." "Jessie hold on. Perhaps we can use this to our little predicament." James said as Jessie gasped and then smiled evilly. Now doubt now Pikachu will belong to them finally.
"Actually, Count Pumpka allow us to make you an offer that'll benefit us all." Jessie smiled.
A half an hour later and the group were still out on the streets enjoying themselves. "Ha,So are ready to call it a night." Drake asked. "Are you kidding. I still wanna have fun." Bonnie exclaimed. "Probably for another hour then we head back to the Pokémon Center." Rene suggested as the group agreed.
Suddenly a Shadow Ball struck the ground blinding the group. "What the heck!?" Rene cried. Suddenly the group were hurled together and were surrounded by three gourd jack o lantern like Pokémon with hair like arms and slender appearance. "Umm...what are those?" Ash asked. "Gourgeist." Rene cried as Drake scanned them on his Pokewatch.
"Gourgeist,The Punpkin Pokemon, It enwraps its prey in its hairlike arms. It sings joyfully as it observes the suffering of its prey."
"Well that's sadistic." Drake said as he stares at one of the Gourgeist. Among them was Stuart as he walks up to the group. "Stop where you are thieves." Stuart demanded. Theives? Are you sure you got the right people?" Ash asked. "Oh I do. Gourgeist Leech Seed." Stuart ordered as all three fired several seedlings that sprouted into vines.
"Charizard use Flamethrower." Drake released the Flame Pokémon as he blasted a stream of fire at the vines. "Del, help Charizard out." "You too Braxien." Both girls released the Fox Pokémon to give Charizard a hand.
The attack said cancelled each other out and the proven to be a stalemate. "What's your deal man!" Rene shouted. "You'll soon find out. Gourgeist Smokescreen." All three puff out streams of black smoke that blind the whole street. Ash,Drake and Rene tried to use their Aura vision to see through,their first instinct was to retreat to protect the others but by then it all happened so fast.
The smoke dispersed quickly and their attackers have disappeared,leaving the group alone. "Where they go?" Ash wondered. "They're long gone." Rene scanned the area. "Well...that was unusual." Drake said. "You said it. Stupid guy thought we were thieves." Rene said. "Which kinda worries me a bit. Let's do a head count guys." Drake said as the group counted to see everyone including their Pokémon were present. All seem clear until Clemont realizes something. "Uh guys. We got a problem." Clemont said. "What is it Clemont?" Bonnie asked.
"Chespin's missing." Clemont said.
"May I present to you three. Your missing Pikachu." Stuart pulled a sheet of cloth off a cage only to be a real disappointment to Team Rocket. "Chespin,still in his Pikachu suit, appeared nervous before complete strangers in his eyes.
"Do you do think we are idiots?" Jessie asked. "I'm sorry?" Stuart asked. "YOU IDIOT THIS ISNT PIKACHU." Jessie shouted louder.
"Why would he take my Chespin." Clemont wailed. "Clemont,I'm sure we're gonna find out." Serena and Bonnie tried to calm him down. Meanwhile Ash,Drake and Rene tried to figure out where their attacker may have fled off to. "So any ideas?" Ash asked. "Guy spoke pretty sophisticated. Even for that butler costume." Drake said. "Wait...what if it wasn't a costume." Rene suggested as the brothers looked confused. "Think about it. Proper language speaking, spick and span manners, the basic training and even the suit. Guys I think this guy was a real butler." Rene said.
"But why would a butler attack us and make off with Clemont's Chespin? It doesn't make sense." Ash claimed. "We'll know that once we find him. Question is where though." Drake wondered. "Guys use your heads. A butler would go to only one place." Rene pointed to the castle. "The castle? How positive are you." Drake said. "Absolutely sure. It's still occupied by the Ruling Family and that's where we'll find Chespin." Rene said.
"Well what are we waiting for. Let's save Chespin." Serena said as Bonnie and Clemont joined her. "We'll have to sneak in and surprise them." Drake said. "Sneak in? That's not gonna bold well." Said Rene. "So? The Ruling Family basically took Clemont's Chespin and I find that as an excuse to throw manners out the window." Drake said as he released Pidgeot along side Charizard.
"Let me Guess. We're gonna fly there." Ash said. "You got a better idea? Which reminds me, Rene you might want to release Arrow as well." Drake said as Rene knew what he has in mind while she released her Altaria. "Alright,Ash and Serena. You guys can take Pidgeot." Drake offered. Ash and Serena nodded as they walked up to the giant bird. Ash helped Serena get on first as he sat in front of her as Serena wrapped her arms around Ash's chest. Unexpectedly to Ash, Serena took hold of Ash's left cheek and gave a full kiss on his lips. "Wow. What was that for." Ash smiled. "For Luck." Serena grinned happily.
"Clemont, you're with me." Drake called to him. "Right, Rene could you take Bonnie." Clemont asked her. "I got her Clemont." Rene said as she helped the little girl mount on Arrow as Clemont rode in back of Drake on Charizard. "Alright guys. Let's go." Drake said as all three Flying Pokémon took off.
"I think I understand it ma'am." Stuart said. "That's what we've been trying to explain to you for the last five minutes!" Jessie exclaimed. "I understand ma'am. May I have another chance?" Stuart asked. "Oh that won't be necessary."
The five culprits turned to see three Flying Pokémon land right in front of them,riding them were the trainers Stuart had poached from. "That's my Chespin." Clemont cried as Chespin called out the group. "Oh surprise, surprise to see you three here." Ash pointed to Team Rocket. "There they are your Majesty. The thieves." James pointed.
"Theives? What have you been telling these poor souls?" Drake cried. "I'm afraid they're right." Pumpka said as he step on a certain floor panel. Right away a huge cage dropped right on top of the group,trapping them in. "A cage!? Are you serious!" Rene yelled. "Now,your Pikachu will now be returned to you But first our business." Pumpka said as he snapped his fingers. Right away, Stuart rolled out a trading transporter on wheels.
"If we are to do this property. We'll trade one Pokémon to the other. Now, I will trade you this Mawile for your Pumpkaboo where she can live royalty here alongside Prince Pumpkaboo." Pumpka explained. Jessie saw this as an offer she really couldn't refuse but Pumpkaboo saw the wheels turning in her trainer's head and plead her to say no.
"I'll do it!" Jessie agreed causing Pumpkaboo's heart to shatter. Meanwhile the group continued being in their little predicament. "Alright the good news is that these bars are just common steel and we can break out with a couple of Aura Waves." Rene explains. "Actually Rene, I found a better idea." Clemont pointed to the top where a control panel laid. "You thinking of hacking that?" Drake asked. "Of course. It's better than breaking things this time." Clemont said as he asked Charizard to give him a boast up. "He does have a point." Ash pointed out. "Alright Clemont. Just make it quick." Rene said as she hopes their captivers stay distracted.
Pumpkaboo launched a Shadow Ball right at Jessie's head. "What the?! What the heck is wrong with you!" Jessie cried as Pumpkaboo argued about her treachery and about how all the times they had meant nothing to her. "Jessie she has a point." Meowth said. "I don't care. We can finally get Pikachu after this." Jessie argued causing Pumpkaboo to stare angrily and nodded. If her trainer didn't want her anymore then she has no regrets leaving this...person just the same.
At moment, Jessie and Pumpka put their Pokéball that they would trade away and let the machine handle the rest. Then it was done and Jessie had a new Mawile while Pumpka received her Pumpkaboo. They each released their new Pokémon as Pumpkaboo suddenly began to glow brightly.
"What's happening?" Serena asked. "Clemont you may want to speed up." Drake said. "Ha, I bet they didn't even know about that." Rene laughed. "What do you mean by that Rene?" Ash asked. "The only way Pumpkaboo evolve into Gourgeist is to trade it and they didn't even expect it." Rene said as she saw what transpired.
Pumpkaboo size's shifted big,slimmer and grew hair on top of her head until suddenly her appeared as a Gourgeist. "Wow, she evolved Jessie." James pointed out. "I see that James." Jessie spat. "Prince Pumpkaboo examined his new mate only to be sourly disappointed and turned away. "Really? Well that's a shame." Pumpka said sadly. "What's going on?" Jessie asked. "It appears that Prince Pumpkaboo no longer desires your Pumpkaboo now that its a Gourgeist." Pumpka said.
"All because of that!?" James and Meowth asked until Jessie exploded. "Now wait just a minute! My Pumpkaboo is top quality and the best Pumpkin here because I know she is! If your stupid lump you call a parnter can't see that then this concludes our so called deal!" Jessie argued. "Very well. We'll trade our Pokémon back." Pumpka agreed.
After trading back,Gourgeist stared her trainer in disgust. "Gourgeist, I'm sorry. Of course our time together was special. I was a lousy princess fool to give you away. Of course I mean every word for when that lousy tree stump to reject you. Could you ever forgive me." Jessie begged as Gourgeist was touched the sincerely of her trainer and wrapped her new scary locks of hair around her for a hug. Jessie and Meowth choked back some tears by the sight while the group was still occupied by getting out of their cell.
"Now what do we do." Meowth asked. "I'm glad you asked old chum." James said as he grabbed Chespin,who was still the cage. "Now Jessie." He said as Team Rocket made a break for it.
"Now Clemont?" Ash asked. "Now." Clemont said as the cage rose up,freeing the group. "Now where were we?" Drake glared at Team Rocket. "Ha you can't stop us." Jessie said. "Guess again." Drake rushed to James and agilely swipe Chespin's cage out of his arms. "Now Ash." Drake called as Ash called Pikachu to use Thunderbolt. The Mouse Pokémon sent a bolt dousing through Team Rocket who then blasted through the balcony and into the sky.
"Aww. I didn't even get any candy." Meowth said.
"Least I got something even sweeter." Jessie cried as she hugged her new Gourgeist.
"Yippee for You." James said glum.
oh well
"HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYONE!" Team Rocket cried as they turned into a twinkle. (Yes I know it's not even October anymore but work with this and don't give me any shit about it.)
The group sighed as they finally could take a break from this. "Man This has been a weird Hallows eve." Drake said as the group nodded. "So let me get this straight...you six aren't thieves?" Stuart asked. "Perhaps we can give you both a proper explanation. Over dinner of course." Drake asked.
Over a long spread of food on the table and after a long explanation,the group enjoyed their full course meal. Pumpka and Stuart felt like fools believing in Team Rocket but the group dismissed their blame on them as the excuse of an accident.
"I say. I'm glad we finally that over." Ash said. "And also to make it up to you six. I'll let you all rest here at the castle for the night." Pumpka offered. "We'll take you on your offer Count Pumpka." Drake said as suddenly fireworks filled the skies,giving the group quite a show.
"At last,the Hallows eve festival comes to an end." Pumpka said as they saw the light show up close. This has been a night to remember and everyone certainly enjoyed the festivities. Now tomorrow they'll be back on the road as the Journey continues.
Done guys. Whew,I had a sudden lost in motivation for this chapter and also had to deal with another's school project. But the good news is that I'll finally be done in school just in time for the Holidays. One thing I like to ask you all a question which I'll be posting a poll for.
It may seem stupid but I just want to be certain about: For Ash's old Pokémon, should I allow them to evolve or to remain as they are? Like I said it's stupid but I know this is also a sentimental issue to discuss. So I'll post the poll right now and it's yes or no for your decision.
Please vote and thanks for reading. This is Paradox signing off. Goodbye.
