Pokémon Journey: XYZ

Hey guys Paradox here and welcome to Chapter 99 and Chapter 16 of XYZ. Not much to say about this one, it's filler but enjoyable for the whole family. Probably won't be long but who knows. Enjoy.


"The only real security that a man can have in this world is a reserve of knowledge, experience and ability."- Henry Ford


Chapter 99: The Key to Respect

On the way to Gloire City, the gang stopped in Jacore Town for the day. At a local battlefield Ash had been training Bulbasaur and Squirtle with Clemont along with his Litleo and Chespin. Meanwhile Drake and Bonnie kept watch on them.

"Litleo use Fire Spin. Chespin use Seed Bomb." Both Pokémon went ahead and fired their attacks at their opponents. "Bulbasaur, slice that Seed Bomb with Razor Leaf. Squirtle douse that flame with Hydro Pump." Both Pokémon went on the defensive with Bulbasaur hurdling sharp leaves to slice the Seed Bombs to shavings while Squirtle puts out the Fire Spin with Hydro Pump.

"Chespin use Tackle. Litleo cover him with Flamethrower." Clemont orders as both Pokémon went on the move with Litleo as backup. "Squirtle go in with Rapid Spin. Bulbasaur give him a nudge with Vine Whip." Right then Squirtle retreats into its shell and began to spin rapidly. Bulbasaur pitch in by whipping his vines against Squirtle's shell, turning the Tiny Turtle into a pinball. The Rapid Spin managed to absorb the Flamethrower without leaving any effect. Chespin hesitates But Squirtle kept going until it strikes him then by bouncing off did he striking Litleo next.

"Are you two okay?" Clemont cried as Chespin and Litleo nod. "Nice teamwork guys." Ash commends. "You never cease to amaze me Ash." Clemont comment. "It was a great effort Clemont." Ash said. "Now what do you say we train with Muk and Snorlax next?" Ash asked. "I wouldn't be so sure Ash." Drake pointed to Snorlax who was dozing away. "I guess...later?" Ash questioned. "We did just feed him five sacks of Pokémon food." Clemont said. "I suspose, well how about Charizard instead?" Ash asked. "You got it Ash." Clemont agrees as Ash switches out Squirtle and Bulbasaur with Muk and Charizard. "Ready Guys?" Ash asked as both Pokémon nod and prepared for battle.

Elsewhere in town, Serena and Rene walk through town bronzing through shops. "Okay, So this is the Master Class you're competing in Serena, which means you got have a new look to present." Rene said. "Maybe Rene, though maybe I should go with my usual dress and kimono." Serena said. "Nonsense Serena, the Master Class is really where you must shine. So tell me which outfit takes your fancy?" Rene asked as she and Serena looked through a window display. Serena was torn between multiple choices but her eyes drawn to a certain outfit in beauty and yet so drawing in terms of awe.

It resembles a cheerleader's outfit that comes with a white sleeveless shirt with gold lining. The shirt itself was short to where the wearer's navel is expose along with a red pattern near the collar. With the rest of the outfit was long white gloves with red stripes at the top and the same with the go-go boots. Next was a fire red short skirt with gold that would expose the wearer's legs. Finally next to the outfit on display was a three foot long silver baton with a pointed tip on the end, a blue jewel fused at the beginning, and a red ribbon tied around the body. (If you need a visual reference, it's the art piece of Serena in the cheerleader outfit you can find online.)

"This outfit is so beautiful." Serena awed. "I agree, it's screams cheerful but you would really pull it off." Rene agreed as Serena never took her eyes off it. "So let's get it." Rene said. "Really? But Rene look at the price tag. I could never afford it." Serena point to the hefty price on the tag. "But I can, and I say you need this." Rene smiled. "I shouldn't burden you with this Rene." Serena said. "Serena, I insist really. Plus I could think of dozens of ideas on how to pull this outfit off in ways people consider to be Golbat-shit crazy." Rene smirked, surprising Serena a bit. "Alright, let's do it!" Serena finally agreed.


The time went and came as the group was together and walking through town. Along the way Serena looked past a bulletin board to where it said something about a jewel exhibit. "Hey guys there's a jewel exhibit happening at a five star hotel nearby." Serena said. "We're not much of jewel folks Serena." Drake said. "Well I am, so I'm going weather you like it or not." Serena pouted as she marched pass the group. "Wait honey, I'll go with you." Ash hesitates as he catches up to his girlfriend. "Well, hopefully we get to stay in style for the night." Drake said. "That maybe, but Ash gets it because he supports Serena." Rene said. "That or its the saying, 'happy girlfriend, happy life.' said Drake as the others catch up to Serena and Ash.

Once the group reach the hotel, they walk to the front desk. "Welcome, how may I help you this evening?" A female worker asked. "We're here to see the jewel exhibit." Serena asked. "Oh I'm sorry, the exhibit is close for the day but we reopen in the morning at ten." The worker said, saddening Serena about the time. "In that case, do you still have rooms available?" Drake asked. "Yes we do. Will two rooms suffice?" The worker asked as the nods. "Excellent, your rooms are 210 and 212. The elevator is that the end of the hall." Said the worker. "Thank you." Rene thanked as the group walked off.

On the roof of the exhibition room a lone stranger who managed to open the window glass through the roof and drops in. This stranger wore a full white suit with a black shirt and orange tie, on his back was a full orange cape and white top hat with orange stripes, white gloves and had a little stick figure like Pokémon on his left shoulder. "While valuable of course, I'm only after one thing." Locke said.

The gang walked through the hall to get to the elevator. "So tomorrow we'll see the exhibit then we get on the road. It's a few days to Gloire City." Drake said as everyone agreed. Suddenly they were cut short when a braxton alarm went off. From the next hall, three security guards run past the group. "We got a breach in the exhibition room!" One says. The group was shocked to hear that a break in was taking place. "What do they mean by that?" Bonnie asked. "Let's fine out." Drake said as the group runs after them.

In the room the exhibition room the guards noticed nothing out of the ordinary but that ceases when they heard gloating laughter. The group just ran into the room when heard the voice from the roof. "As you can see, there is no lock that can't be penetrated by none other then yours truly, Master Thief Keys." Locke said as throws a card to the ground in the room. Ash growls as uses his Staff for the grapple hook and launches it. "Ash wait!" Drake called but by then Ash was already going through the air. Ash managed to land on the roof, but failed to see Locke coming back at him. Locke couldn't have anyone follow him and so managed to charge and push Ash off the roof and back down to the room.

"Ash!" Serena cried when she saw Ash falling back down. Ash grunted mid fall but managed to grapple the top of roof with his grappling hook to cushion his fall when he landed. "Ash!" Rene called as the group ran to him. "Oh Ash, are you hurt?" Serena cried. "I'm fine, just my pride. He managed to push me as soon as I got up there." Ash said. "Makes sense, he didn't want anyone following him." Clemont said. "I'll be sure to return the favor when I see him." Ash vows. "The guards are investigating things?" Ash asked. "Yep and they contacted Officer Jenny." Drake said.

Five minutes pass and Officer Jenny came to investigate as she saw nothing that took place expect one thing, an unlock lock which means that He struck again. She goes over to the group to get statements from them. "Officer Jenny." said Drake. "I recognize you two. You're the Ketchums, my cousins spread word about you guys all over Kalos." Officer Jenny said. "I imagine, what can you us about what took place?" Rene asked. "This is part of a string of break ins that have been happening all week." Officer Jenny said, shocking the group. "All week? was anything been taken?" Ash said. "Nope which is perplexing but the only thing the culprit does is unlock special locks design to be...thief-proof." Officer Jenny explain. "I don't get. The trouble of breaking and enter and not steal anything but only to unlock special lock." Serena questioned. "Which is why I call in an expert to assist." Officer Jenny said.

The next moment a man around his sixties came in. He wore green overalls, a brown apron, a grey bandana and glasses. "Did it happen again Officer Jenny?" Ed asked. "Yep, and didn't stop him like before." Officer Jenny said as she gave Ed the lock to look at. "Oh right, kids meet Ed. Our expert Locksmith." Officer Jenny introduce.

"You made this lock. It has great craftsmanship." Drake said. "It doesn't, it clearly didn't do its job." Ed said. "Sooo...reinforce steel?" Ash asked. "With an inch armor plating." Ed spoke. "Can't be melted, frozen, sawed, prided. A great piece of mechanical engineering." Drake said. "'Was' kid. Whoever did this didn't use a key." Ed said. "So a burglar who only breaks in and undo the locks you made. Well clearly this person has it out for you Sir." Clemont spoke while Ed said nothing. Drake felt Ed's feelings halt and notice in Ed's mind was resolve and certainty. Meaning that Ed may know who the culprit is.

"I'll head back to my shop to get this lock checked out." Ed said as he walked away. "If your guy is going after Ed's locks, you should watch Key locations that has them." Drake said. "Easier said than done. Just about everywhere in town uses Ed's locks as security." Officer Jenny said. "We could help." said Ash. "I know, but frankly he only seems to hit one location every night so that mean she we have to wait until tomorrow. For now, it's best you kids go and get some rest. I'll call if anything comes up." Officer Jenny said as group nods and leaves. Unknown to them was Team Rocket who overheard everything.

"An old fashion crime." Rene said. "There was nothing normal about it." Drake said. "I wonder what they'll do about the exhibit." Serena said. "I overheard that they're canceling it until further notice." Drake said. "WHAT?! Man when I get my hands on that Master theif." Serena growl. "Easy honey, the guy proves he can hold his ground." Ash said. "He knocked you off a roof." Clemont brought up. "That's what I meant." Ash said.

Suddenly they were surprised went a small Pokémon jumped them and landed on Bonnie's head. "Ahhh! Get it off, get it off!" Bonnie screamed out. Ash and Clemont tried to pull it off but the Pokémon had rooted in. Then quite unexpectedly, it popped off but only use Double Slap on Ash and Clemont's face. "Okay, That was cruel!" Ash said as he held his face. "Would someone just pull it off of me!" Bonnie yelled while Ash decides to scan it.

"Binacle, the Two-Handed Pokémon, They stretch and then contract, yanking their rocks along with them in bold hops. They eat seaweed that washes up on the shoreline."

"Well that doesn't help much. There's only one of these little guys." Drake said. "Righty is that you?" The gang turns to see none other then Ed standing behind them. "Ed?" Rene asked. "By any chance, is this Binacle yours?" Ash asked. "Yes, we had a fight awhile back and left to find the other Binacle Lefty and my apprentice Locke." Ed explains. "Sir back in the work, you recognize the technique use to open the lock and you said it wasn't a key. You know who's behind this." Drake said as Ed could only stay blank that the kids figured it out.

"He was a worthy apprentice, eager to learn but he was impatient. Couldn't get to open the locks we made, he has no respect for them. That was a week and half ago." Ed said. "Then this is a vendetta, Locke wants to ensure he can bobby-pin a lock to prove himself." Ash said. "Possibly." Ed said. "Respect is a two way street. Locke has to know you still believe in him." Rene said as Ed gave deep thought. "Like Officer Jenny said, we'll have to wait until tomorrow to find Locke." Ash said. "Yes, Righty come on. Let's let these folks sleep." Ed said as Righty only grunted in anger. "You are so stubborn!" Ed yelled. "Perhaps Righty could stay with us for the night. I'll take real good care of it." Bonnie suggested it. "Well...just for tonight." Ed agreed. "We'll come find you tomorrow." Drake said as Ed nods and heads home.

In the forrest near Jacore Town, Locke and Lefty camped around a fire. "Ah, another successful day Lefty. Pretty soon Ed will see out talents, that we can open any lock together." Locke smile with Lefty joining him. Suddenly that was cut short when a cube was toss and ensnared the both of them. "What the? What is this?!" said Locke. "Hmm hmm hmm. This is what we would like to call a proposition." Jessie appears along with James and Meowth. "Who are you guys!?" Locke demanded.

"Why prepare for trouble, you'll know who we are."

"And make it double, so stay where you are."

"To protect the world from devastation."

"To unite all peoples within our nation."

"To denounce the evils of truth and love."

"To extend our reach to the stars above."

"Jessie"

"James"

"Team Rocket blast off at the speed of light."

"Surrender now or prepare to fight."

"Meowth that's right."

"Wobbuffet."

"So...a circus pact?" Locke asked. "We are not a circus pact!" Jessie yelled. "Anyway, we heard of your skill set. A skill set we could use." Meowth said. "Well that's where you're wrong. I may undo locks but I don't steal anything." Locke said. "That's gonna have to change. You'll be pick the lock AND stealing the goods." James said. "You mean you're gonna steal the goods. I'll never help the likes of you!" Locke yells. "Oh but you will if value your little friend's well being." Jessie pointed to Lefty which then scared Locke that they threaten Lefty. Seeing that they were serious, Locke had no choice.


The next morning came as the group step out of the hotel. "Alright so we head over to Ed's?" Clemont asked. "Actually I think we could try our luck at finding Locke and maybe Lefty." Ash said as Righty excitingly nods from the top of Bonnie's head. "I think Righty agrees too." Rene said. "So how do we find a single Binacle in this town?" Drake asked.

"Allow me to help out with that. The future is now thanks to science. CLEMONTIC GEAR on." Clemont said as he place a cyan mechanical ring with antennas on Bonnie's head and around Binacle. "I call it my Binacle Finder." Clemont said. "Stupid name." Bonnie insults. "You sure this'll work?" Serena asked. "Well..when I build it, I wasn't sure if it'll find Binacle exactly." Clemont scratched his head. "So stupid and lazy. This thing better not blow up my head!" Bonnie yells. "I promise it won't. So as we take Righty's biological date, we could try to pinpoint an exact match of the other Binacle anywhere in town." Clemont explains as he fires his device up.

The remote in Clemont's hand began scanning around the city. In a moment, Clemont's remote began pinging. "I got something." Clemont shows the a location. "That's the Pokémon Center." Drake said. "So that's where Locke and Lefty is." Ash said as the group began to move.

Behind the Pokémon Center, Team Rocket dragged a snared Locke and Lefty to the storage building. "Exactly why did you drag us here to the Pokémon Center storage?" Locke asked. "We're glad you ask. You see, right behind that reinforce steel door is where all the Pokémon Nurse Joy keeps inside all the sweet little Pokémon, and you're gonna open the door the for us." Jessie said. "I've never hurt anyone, I don't steal things but stealing Pokémon? I've never heard of anything more cruel." Locke said.

"It's simple, open the door and we let you and your little buddy. Refuse and well...thing will turn quite drastic if you know what we mean?" Meowth said as he sharpen his claws. Locke felt nervous and knew there was one other option. "Fine! Then undo these restraints and let me work." Locke demanded as James undid the restraints on him. Locke then approached the door and kneels in front of the lock.

"Whatcha waiting for?" Meowth demands. "The right moment." Locke smirks as he puts his plan in moment. "Now Lefty, use Brick Break." Locke toss Lefty as the latter slams a karate clop on Meowth's head. "Come on Lefty!" Locke makes a break for it with Lefty catching up. "Get them!" Meowth Grunts our. "Gourgeist use Dark Pulse." "Inkay use Psybeam." Both Rockets release their Pokémon who then fired their attacks at Locke and Lefty. Zigzagging around, Locke nearly trips as he and Lefty kept on running.

Walking to the storage building, Nurse Joy continue down until she quite literally ran into Locke. "I'm so sorry." Nurse Joy apologized. "There's no time, it's not safe here." Locke said until then Gourgeist and Inkay caught on. "There's no escape." James yelled. "Now Gourgeist use Dark Pulse again." Jessie orders as the Pumpkin Pokémon fires another beam of darkness. Locke dodges out of its path and the Dark Pulse winds up hitting the boiler that heats the storage building instead.

Like a tea kettle, the boiler increases more and more pressure until it violently combust in a great explosion. Locke and Nurse Joy ducked and cover but Team Rocket weren't fast enough and wound up blasting off once more.

The explosion left the entire building on fire as Nurse Joy and Locke got up hastily. "No, all the Pokémon inside." Nurse Joy worried over. Outside the gate to the Pokémon Center, the group was approached the entrance until they saw black smoke rising. "Uh guys, that is not a good sign." Ash said. "This is the right spot. Lefty should be behind the Pokémon Center." Clemont said. "So are we." Drake called as the group ran around the building.

Locke was lost to what to do, he couldn't combat a blaze or get inside the building. "Nurse Joy." Both people turn to see the group coming towards them. Lefty looks to see Righty sitting on top of a little girl's head. "Locke." Rene called. "Who are you guys?" Locke asked. "We've been searching high and low for you. What happened here?" Drake asked. "Perhaps explanations are to keep for later." Locke said. "We gotta get inside, all the Pokémon there won't last long." Nurse Joy said. "Nurse Joy, go contact the fire department. We got this." Locke said as Nurse Joy leaves to do just that. That leaves just Locke and the group.

"We gotta blast through the door." Drake said. "We can't, the door is reinforced steel making it almost indestructible." Locke said. "Just what is it with this town and security?" Rene yells. "I suspose you have a plan then?" Ash asked Locke. "Yes, put out the fire at the door so that I can pick it open and get inside." Locke explains. "It's best if one of us do it." Drake argues. "There's no time, these are complex locking mechanisms and I've the only one with training." Locke explains. "Ughh! Fine! We'll give you the opening you need. Rene we'll need a bucket brigade." Drake said as Rene and Clemont left to get water. "I know just the firefighter for the job. Squirtle come on out." Ash releases the Tiny Turtle Pokémon for duty.

"Squirtle we need you. Use Hydro Pump to put out the fire at the door." Ash said. Squirtle gets busy and fires a strong stream of water at the fire by the door. The fire was giving back with the embers still keep the blaze alive. "Squirtle isn't enough to put out this fire by himself." Ash said. "We need more firepower." said Drake. "Righty, could use Water Gun?" Bonnie asked as Righty nods. "Then have at it. Help Squirtle." Bonnie pointed as Righty shot a stream of water at the door. The fire seems to be getting put out at the door, giving Locke the moment he needs.

"Locke go." Drake said as Locke and Lefty ran to the door. "We gotta keep the flames away from them!" said Ash. Meanwhile, a bucket brigade started with Rene and fetching water, passing them to Clemont who gave them Ash and Drake to toss into the fire. Meanwhile Locke and Lefty carefully pick the tumblers and finally unlocks the door. Locket and Lefty head inside where they saw smoke filling around the room meaning they don't have much time. "Quick Lefty, let's get all these Pokéballs in this basket." Locke said as he handles a cart and quickly starts placing Pokéballs inside.

The was group was still trying to put out the fire but doesn't seem to be letting up. "This clearly hasn't improve." Rene said. "Just keep trying." Ash said. Suddenly an explosion happened at the roof, causing structural to fall in front of the door. The fire made things worse by causing the lock to erode.

"That's all of them. Come on." Locke said as they dash to the door with a cart full of Pokéballs. He then tries to open the door but somehow it got stuck. "Guys! Guys!" Locke banged on the door. "We hear you Locke!" Drake called. "The door is stuck, we can't get out!" Locke yells. "That's not good. This fire is fighting back and now Locke is stuck." Rene said. "Guys the firefighters are here." Serena pointed back of them where they saw a team of firefighters manning two hoes. "Great but that still leaves Locke inside trapped." Drake said. "I got an idea. I'll be back." Bonnie ran away and to the street. "Where's she going?" Clemont asked. "I'd say just trust her on this." said Ash.

Five minutes later and Bonnie was coming back with Ed in tow. "Ed, what are you doing here?" Drake asked. "When this little girl came to me with Locke being in trouble, I knew I had to come." Ed said as he saw the fire. "Locke said the door was stuck somehow." Ash said. "The lock must've eroded from fire damage. The only way to open the door is to unlock both sides at the same time." Ed explained. "Got it, we'll give you cover from the fire." Rene said as the gang continue to work. Ed already rushed to the door when the firefighters put the fire out there, but the rest of the building was still ablaze.

Locke and Lefty were coughing from smoke inhalation and it was getting bleak by the second. "Locke, Locke, are you there!?" Locke heard what who maybe Ed. "Ed is that you? There's smoke in here!" Locke coughs out. "Try to stay awake. Listen we gotta pick each side of the lock for the door to open." Ed explains. "Got it, you and me Lefty." Locke said as Lefty agrees and gets to work. "Alright I'll hold the damage pieces together while you revert the tumbler pieces in place." Ed explains. As they work, timing was the key and Time wasn't on their side as Locke felt the heat beginning to rise and debris fell behind him. "Come on kid, stay with me." Ed said. "Ed, in case this doesn't work. There's something I have to say." "Ah, save it for when it does." Ed stops Locke who figures to continue on their current situation.

After what was nonstop smoke inhalation and scorching heat Locke and Ed finally got the door unlock and both ran out with the cart in hands. "They're out." Serena said. "Good now all that's left is the fire." said Ash. "Are you two alright?" Bonnie asked. "Cutting it close but we're hanging on." Locke smiled. "By the way, what I meant to say back there." "That all this time you were Master Thief Keys?" Ed finished Locke's thought. "Kid, there are only two people in this town who could pick my locks. Sure you broke the law but regardless, you're one of the finest Locksmiths I've training." Ed said as Locke and Lefty smiled. "But this doesn't let you off the hook, you still gotta deal with Officer Jenny." Ed said which dissatisfied Locke. "...I know." Locke sighed knowing no doubt he'll be arrested.

The storage building was in bad shape but Nurse Joy claims the city could have it rebuild in a heartbeat. Meanwhile everyone was with Officer Jenny who was finishing up. "Okay, I'll be sure to get a proper statement from the police station." Officer Jenny told Locke. "It's gonna be okay Locke." Rene said. "Don't worry kid, when you're a free man, you still gotta a place here." Ed reminded which Locke smiled at.

Afterwards Officer Jenny took Locke away, that only leaves the group and Ed. "Is Locke really going to jail?" Bonnie asked. "On the contrary kids, this is between us but Officer Jenny told me she'll let Locke with a warning since all he did was open my locks." Ed said. "Hey what about when he push me off the roof the other night?" Ash asked. "That was your fault kid, deal with it." Ed said which made everyone laugh and Ash pout much more.

After bidding Ed farewell, the group was left on their own walking through town. "Man after today, I'm not in the mood to travel." Ash said. "We could all agree with that." Serena added. "So...another tonight at the hotel?" Drake asked. "Oh yes, I could order some good room service." Rene said. "Well I'm gonna head to the pool." Ash decided. "You mean we are honey." Serena joined. "Well what are we waiting for? Let's get going." Bonnie laughed as the group then back to the hotel. Deciding on tomorrow to continue on the road to Gloire City as the Journey continues.


Man, this was stressful and by stressful I mean my current day life. Sorry this took so long to post everyone, I mean even for a filler but my school life has been hectic for the past two weeks and it still currently is. But otherwise here's Chapter 99, I tried to make this chapter more meaningful for a filler that'll play out soon enough.

So tune in next time for dealing under stormy weather and a Legendary thunderbird and then afterwards is one of the greatest match-ups of this entire story but I'll get into more detail when we get there.

So, Like, Comment Guys and Thanks for reading. This is Paradox signing off. Goodbye.