[Cues: J Dilla – Let's Grow]
The Outsider's Insurrection
Indigo Iliad
Chapter 109: Take Some Time to Breathe
Translated Pokémon Speech
Pokédex Entries/Computerized Voices/Flashbacks
Reference to an Accessory in the Games
-o-
(Tanoby Town, Seven Island | June 8th | 5:00 p.m.)
[Cues: Theme of Tanoby Town – Nujabes – Feather (Instrumental)]
Crimson arrived to find Heather in the town square, and she looked relived that he was all right. He was surprised that she hugged him.
"Everything all right back at Four Island?" Crimson asked.
"Yeah, Ash is actually heading to Six Island to challenge the leader there. I decided to come here seeing that Sevii's Ranger HQ is here and there's a Gym here." Heather said.
"Well, I'll be resting here for a while. I have a house here that I never got the chance to check out until not, and you're welcome to stay for a few days." Crimson offered. "Least I can offer you."
"Is that an invitation for me to share your bed?" Heather joked as he looked at her humorously.
"Well, I'd be remised if I didn't admit that the offer is tempting, but there's definitely guest rooms there." Crimson snarked. "But tell you what, how about I help you with preparing for that Gym battle?"
Heather gave a simple smile of agreement as they chattered about the Pokémon Rangers before arriving at the house. It was a villa, clearly refurbished. It was even fenced with a small garden and patio. There was a well-dressed man clearing up the place and tending the garden. Crimson cleared his throat as the man greeted him.
"Mr. Ryuseigan, an honor to meet you. I would not worry about me, I'm merely the caretaker for the area while you're away." The caretaker said before handing the keys to the place. "These are yours."
As the caretaker left, Crimson and Heather walked up to the front door.
"I think that my dad kept the house in Pallet nice and homely for me to have humble beginnings." Crimson joked as he opened the door.
The inside did not disappoint at it being fairly themed with a mix of the ruins and that island flair as the aircon came on blowing cold air that was much welcomed.
"You have no idea…how happy I am to know you have an AC." Heather said flopping down on the couch.
"Just try not to get your sweat on my couch." Crimson said putting his cape on the coat rack.
He put his bag down and let out his team save for Atlas telling them that this was a new home. Morticia remarked that the fridge was empty save for water after looking in it.
"I guess we'll have go out for food." Crimson said simply before looking to Galena. "I do hope you were not too dented by those bullets Sird fired at you."
"No, sir. Iron Defense made it easy to defend myself. I'm fine." Galena said he put a hand on her shoulder.
"I know you say that, but I may as well make sure myself." Crimson remarked gently.
"It's bizarre. I know you could talk directly to your Pokémon…it's just weird to see you do actually do it, myself." Heather said before asking, "What's it like?"
"Think of them as your guardian angels." Crimson said as Capone jumped up on shoulder. "You're also never really alone. Also, most Pokémon seem to talk shit and get away with it because humans can't understand. You won't believe how fun it is to let some be aware that I can understand them. Heck, especially the likes of Pokémon belonging to Team Rocket. Real easy to get intel."
"You know I can't help but realize I may have only catch few Pokémon, enough to have a full team…and nothing more." Heather said before letting out her team save for Sonu and Suzy. "I need to fix that…and if your offer to help is still good."
He looked over at Jacira and petted the Galarian Rapidash.
"What are friends for? Let's get to work." Crimson said. "Morticia, get us some waters, please."
She returned with some water as Crimson put on the radio tune in a jazz station before cracking his knuckles. Heather was aware that Crimson was sharp-witted, but it was another to witness it. He broke it down: working on building stats, move pools, and such.
"The moves your team has are all not too bad, but they can be improved." Crimson said. "For one, I suggest Sonu gets access to Sunny Day. Seeing he knows Hypnosis. You can put your opponent, light it up with the Sun, and blast away with your opponent with Solar Beam. Yes, it'd be a turn before you can launch the Solar Beam, but there'd be the added bonus of boosting your fire moves and cutting down Water-types power."
"That's actually a really good idea." Heather said before taking a teasing tone. "But I shouldn't be expecting anything less from a champion."
"That's just a title." He said humbly. "It's all about the journey for me. The experiences. The adventure. And maybe a bit of bloodlust for combat."
Several TMs were used that time to teach some new moves. Kimiko was even able to show both Donna Clareese and Dray how to learn Omnious Wind.
"Now, there's the matter of expanding your team. From what I know, Deron's preference is for fighting types, but he diversified to different types. But overall, he's a physical fighter. So, you'll need long range fighters or close range fighters who can square up. Suzy would work…but she's part Ice so she's out." Crimson remarked before returning his Pokémon. "We may as well get going to seek out some Pokémon."
Heather returned hers as they got their bags, walking out into the evening.
"We can go fishing first or we could check out the canyon." Crimson suggested.
"Fishing. I could use a swim." Heather said.
"Am I interrupting?"
Crimson turned to see Gi and Linka approach which got Crimson took a good look at her. She was exactly how he remembered, but she was dressed up as Sky Trainer with purple and black colors. Considering she was a bird expert, that made plenty sense.
"Gi, it's good to see you again." Crimson remarked. "Sorry to run out on you, I was busy."
"Dealing with the last of Team Rocket, I know. I found your mess at Five Island, and I have a feeling you wasted her because of something important." Gi said before turning to Linka. "Allow me to properly introduce you to our Red Baroness of the Skies, Guardian Ranger Linka."
"I'm surprised we're going to not do anything about him mur-"
"Because I have information of value. Information I don't think you want her alive to tell her actual bosses." Crimson remarked. "Me and Heather were going down to the beach, we'll explain there."
The agents had followed along.
"Seriously, you managed to get contacts with people in high places. How did you do it?" Heather asked.
"Adventuring." Crimson remarked before thinking, "And a little bit of luck."
[Cues: Kevin McLeod – Smooth Lovin']
A brisk walk would take them to the aptly named, Asukana Beach. Gi stretched loosening her muscles as she looked out at the sea air.
"Nothing like taking a load off at the beach." Gi said as Crimson took the seat a nearby picnic. "But before we get to the fun stuff, let's get down to business."
"Heather, go on ahead. I need to deal with the nice police officers." Crimson remarked as Linka and Gi took a seat.
"Try not to get arrested." Heather joked.
Crimson winked as Heather looked for a changing booth.
"Now about Sird?" Linka asked.
"She was a terrorist who threatened the safety of our region. She wasn't loyal to Team Rocket, but to another group planning something big." Crimson remarked before producing a folder. "I did have the courtesy to make a paper copy of some of the data I found."
Linka reached for it only for Crimson too pull it back.
"Oh no you don't. I got to the Rockets first and got this information. I'm not giving it for free." Crimson said as Linka looked incredulous.
"Not one to help the police for free?" Linka asked. "You should."
"And let the cops take the credit. Yeah no, I'm one to solve my own problems." Crimson said.
"I've seen your handiwork." Linka said dryly. "A vigilante who's managed to have substantial connections and influence. A powerful gang of followers and friends in the Black Dragons. It just doesn't add up how a small-town kid managed to become this maverick. I've looked at your past, it was nothing to really write home about aside from your missing folks."
"Anything's possible. Now about the offer?" Crimson asked.
"What exactly are we getting?" Gi asked.
"I'll hand over the information that she's been recording on the Rockets, on Kanto, on it's legendries, and information of Kanto's a police force. She got names, numbers, and means of blackmail." Crimson said sternly.
"And you're not going to keep it for yours-Never mind…that was a stupid question." Linka remarked.
Gi was on the phone with someone before putting the phone down.
"The International Police is prepared to make a tangible offer." Gi remarked. "We have a yacht that belonged to a drug dealer who's spending life in prison. Considering he's never going to see the light of day again and our impound lot is a bit stuffed, we'll give you the yacht. It's three story and worth a pretty penny."
"Sounds like a decent offer, but I'm going to need a name to match to that yacht." Crimson said.
"Fernando Diaz." Gi said.
In turn he called Roulette for some confirmation.
"Fernando Diaz? Yeah, I've heard of him. He was a drug lord who made a business out of it from his yacht that he'd use to travel the world. Why? Specs of the yacht. I'd say the best comparison is to that Colonel's yacht."
"Yeah, good to know." Crimson said before hanging up. "Gi, I accept your deal with the caveat of being given $100 grand. Have the yacht delivered to the docks of Tanoby. When it's delivered, I'll hand this to you."
Gi and him shook hands.
"Pleasure doing business." Gi said with a smirk. "It'll be here in five hours. You can find us at the Seichi Hotel…"
She winked before leaving with Linka.
"What was that about?" Heather said coming up in her burgundy bikini.
"Just settled to make a deal. You'll have to go in the water without me." Crimson said putting the folder back in his bag. "I need to make an important phone call."
"I can wait." Heather said taking a seat as Crimson walked off as he called Roulette.
"Roulette, I got an update for you. I made a deal…the information I got off Sird in exchange for Diaz's yacht." Crimson said as he could hear Roulette's excited squeals. "It's going to be delivered here in a few hours. I'm going to need staff for the boat."
"That I can help you with, as least on the matter of a captain for the ship. He's actually a trainer…and was the only one to escape the boat when everyone got arrested. He's been hiding out in Sepia in the same apartment building I used to live in. He's been wanting to get back to the sea not that the heat's off, and he owes me a favor…I can shoot a message to him if he's interested." Roulette said. "We'll need to sweep the boat for any bugs that the IP might leave. I'll have a team sent to Tanoby."
"Thank you, Roulette. There's going to be 100,000 grand waiting for you…when you arrive." Crimson said before hanging up. "Oi, Heather. I'll go change and we can go diving."
Crimson changed to a pair of red board shorts before sending out Capone to watch their things on land before he joined Heather in the water. The two were their water Pokémon, taking it all in as Heather casted her Super Rod out to fish only to see a boat nearby. A sizable two-story yacht that a symbol on the side Crimson was all too familiar with.
"Ahoy, what's good in the hood?" Shady said surprising the two. "Crimson, or should I call you, the Champ!"
"Shady! Where did you get the yacht?" Crimson asked.
"Let's just say some rich kid wannabe drug dealers were shit at cards." Shady said. "Well don't just stand there, come abord the S.S. Mity!"
"You know him?" Heather asked as Suzy and Atlas moved for the ship.
[Cues: Mario Kart Double Dash OST – Peach Beach/Daisy Cruiser]
"I do. He's a dealer of things…always seeming to know what people need." Crimson said as he took her hand to let her on the ship.
Crimson noticed there were others on the ship, some of them he recognized as sellers from Sepia. Shady chuckled before introducing the S.S. Mity as a mobile market.
"I realized that I could expand my business by traveling the regions, wheeling and dealing. I got breeders who want to expand, sellers with wares, and all those of stuff to sell myself. We've formed a collective about the Mity." Shady said dramatically.
"Mind getting us closer to shore so I can my wallet?" Heather asked.
"But of course." Shady said pointing up to the person on the helm who got to moving the ship.
Once near the shore, the two were able to look around and shop. Crimson had pointed the specialty Poké Balls explaining what they did. Then they came across the Pokémon breeders.
"I'm looking for water Pokémon. Preferably, anything not with a secondary Ice, Psychic, or Dark typing." Heather said before one breeder flagged her down.
"I sell various Water-types. I got what you need." The seller said. "I've got to off-load some water Pokémon. My Gastrodon got a bit too frisky with a few Dittos."
Heather and Crimson were introduced to a bunch of West Sea Shellos swimming about in a sizeable tank.
"I really do need to sell what I can off. I had to buy an extra tank from Shady…and I'm 750,000 grand in the hole to him."
"How much?" Heather asked as Crimson was scanning them with his Dex.
"30 grand?"
"I'll cover it." Crimson said ponying up the cash before pointing to one specifically. "That one."
"You didn't have to." Heather said.
"But I want to." Crimson insisted. "Besides, I make plenty cash on my end. The casino is a bit of a mint. Besides, what good is all that cash if I can help out my friends."
Heather decided to not comment on that. If he wanted to spoil her, she was not going to try to stop him too hard.
"But why that Shellos?" Heather asked.
"The ability on it. Storm Drain. It absorbs Water-type attacks and allows an increase in Special Attack. So, I was scanning them to find what natures they had as the right nature can determine the stat can get increased. That male Shellos I picked out was Mild natured for that reason." Crimson said astutely.
Heather blinked.
"Add the fact that most Water attacks rely on the special attack stat. In tag matches, if another one of your Pokémon knows a Water-type move can unload it on him to massively increase it yourself." Crimson said.
That was the moment where she realized it. The stint of how calculating he was. From what little data he got off the Dex, he formulated a way to make Shellos an effective unit on the battleground in mere moments. It put a lot of things into perspective. Yes, he had plenty of tools to help, but it was all secondary to the mind he had. She supposed she should have realized it sooner. You don't just beat the Elite Four, beat Team Rocket, form your own gang, and become the Champion by being an idiot. Heather realized she sorely underestimated him…she blamed a bit of her own ego.
"So, what are you going to name him?" Crimson asked as he give her a Luxury Ball. "And use this."
"Pinkerton." Heather said as she 'caught' the Shellos with the ball which vanished off to cyberspace.
"We should look for vitamins, probably see if we can get you an Experience Share. The old model or the new model…either or." Crimson said before seeing some tailors offering wares. "Maybe do some clothes shopping."
Crimson being one to do the talking leading Heather got several good items in the haul.
"I have seriously need to better my networking." Heather thought as she and Shady were chatting.
"Going to Hoenn after the Indigo Conference. I've been something big could be going down there…and in another region. I'm going to be hedging my bets, and training my apprentice, Dusky. She's a bit stoned at the moment so you won't be seeing her. Speaking of stoned…" Shady said giving Crimson a 'brick' of weed. "On the house to make us even. Some of your Black Dragon members opted to join my crew."
"We're square then." Crimson said putting it in the shopping bag before turning to Heather. "We should go…looks like a crowd is coming for the ship's bar."
"Not staying for drinks?" Shady asked.
"Nah, I want to offload these while I'm sober." Crimson said taking Heather's hand.
[Music Ends]
They returned to shore returning their water Pokémon as he got out a bottle of Berry Juice. He opened it up to give to Capone, who nearby took it to drink it all up.
"Thanks, boss." Capone said as Crimson tossed the empty bottle in the trash.
"Let's go home." Crimson said getting his bag and putting on sandals.
"We don't have anything for dinner." Heather said getting her backpack on her back before getting on a pair of sandals.
"I actually brought some ingredients to make curry. If you make it right, it can heal your Pokémon and give it experience points. Even attract wild Pokémon. At least that's how they say it works in Galar. I even got Galarian ingredients." Crimson said eagerly.
"You can cook?" Heather asked surprised.
"You do realize I was living on my own for a time, right? Of course, I know how to cook. I wasn't relying on Delia to survive." Crimson said with an eager grin.
"Now I think back to our time in school. You asked me if I wanted to travel with you….when we became trainers. Starting to regret saying no." Heather said thoughtfully.
"Don't fret about it. Just focus on your goals…besides now that I think about it. If you're going to be a Ranger, you might not need to fight Deron in the now. You should focus on qualifying to become a Ranger." Crimson remarked. "What requirements are they even asking of you?"
"Well, they want trainers to either have a year's experience as a trainer or at least six badges from your respective region. There's a physical, a criminal background check, test of empathy towards Pokémon, a psychological examination, and test of physical ability. They have two types of Rangers, I'm trying to be the first type. They're called Delta Rangers, which function like regular trainers. I'm not a fan of the second…"
"Those are the ones who use capture stylers, right?" Crimson said.
"Gamma Rangers." Heather noted as they arrived at the house.
"I think we'll have to use the patio to have all Pokémon out, so they have something to think, but I'm going to cooking first." Crimson said as they entered. "I've wanting to try cooking with Moomoo Cheese for this one, shopkeep said it was popular with women."
"And you believe hi-"
A ping sound was heard from Dex Bulma.
"What's going on?" Crimson asked.
"I believe your contact with the Phantom Ruby and Solid Sapphire have affected me…and enhanced me with that white energy of yours."
Crimson sighed, knowing that was going to be a headache to deal with. Heather was confused and a bit curious, but he waved it off before getting on a white shirt and going off to the kitchen. Heather was task to set up the tables outside. She had let her Pokémon out to help out before inside to join Crimson. She insisted on help, feeling a bit guilty.
"I know you said you wanted to cook…but I wanted to help. You took me shopping…and considering that and the house…helping you cook is upon the least I could do. I could learn something." She remarked.
"Well, I guess you can make a smaller pot of curry." Crimson said as Dex Bulma chimed that she could run Heather through the instructions.
Heather washed her hands and cracked her knuckles as she began to listen to Dex Bulma's instructions. In a few moments, Morticia opened the door so Crimson could carry out the big pot of Moomoo Cheese Curry and Heather could carry out her curry, Spicy Smoked-Tail Curry.
"I made a generalized version for all to enjoy." Crimson said putting it on the table before sending out the rest of his Pokémon.
"About my curry, I didn't make it for our Pokémon to have. I made it for us." Heather admitted.
"That's really nice of you." Crimson said. "I guess I can't say no to some potential good food."
"I should be able to grade the curry's quality once you take a taste of it." Dex Bulma said he sampled Heather's first. "This curry is classed as…Wobbufett Class."
"Lower-tier, but the quality isn't bad. According to the Dex, it's potent enough to heal half a Pokémon's HP, give a bit of Exp. Points, increase a Pokémon's friendship, and gives a 5% chance of spawning a wild Pokémon." Crimson said reading off the data. "Though considering we're in a town…doubt that'll happen."
The flapping of wings was becoming louder as down came a Fearow, a shiny one. It walked right over wanting the food.
"Mmm…Slowpoke tail." Fearow said about to take from the pot only for Heather to snatch it away. "Hey! I…"
Crimson slipped Heather a Dusk Ball.
"Say you'll join me, and you can have some." Heather said in a sing-song voice.
"Yes, yes, yes!" Fearow said as Heather put out a bowl for him to eat. "YES! Spicy goodness!"
"He said yes, by the way." Crimson said as Fearow ate furiously.
"Well then, welcome to the team Dorian." Heather said as Fearow chirped.
Heather let the Fearow eat before he willingly got himself captured, but not before Crimson scanned it. With a click, he was caught, and the ball was off to cyberspace.
"According to my readings. That Fearow was male with a Brave nature which explains the spicy food preference. He's at Level 50, ability's Keen Eye, and it's got Tri Attack for an Egg Move." Crimson said before putting the device down. "Now let's taste my curry."
They took a bite, and each let out a pleased sound from the flavor.
"This curry is classed as Copperjah. It's near perfect!" Dex Bulma said before showing him the benefits.
Unlike Heather's, it seemed no Pokémon was showing up to interrupt so they kept eating dinner. Eventually, Atlas, Kimiko, Sonu, and Suzy were returned to their balls as everyone else helped to clean up before they went inside.
"Here's the guest room." Crimson said opening the door for her.
"Oh, so we're not sharing a room?" Heather joked as he snickered. "I'm kidding. Thank you for today. You turning in?"
"Nope, I got business to take place of. I might be back late…so tomorrow I'll help you train for joining the Rangers." Crimson said. "Night."
He left as Heather and her Pokémon entered the room that was practically a hotel suite. She simply changed to her sleepwear before plopping down on the bed. She supposed she could understand now why Lindsay was so interested in him. Heather realized that it not been for her, Lindsay would have definitely opted to travel with Crimson sooner. She supposed that she the appeal…she noticed a television and found the remote.
"May as well." She said before turning it on.
-o-
(Tanoby Town, Seven Island | June 8th | 10:00 p.m.)
Crimson was ready for the meetup having changed to a red and white striped collared polo, a red tie, a pair of dark colored jeans, a black trench coat, his champion's cape, his usual fingerless gloves, and a pair of black Short Boots.
He sensed Roulette not too far away and caught up to her. She seemed to have swapped out the dress in favor of a suit and skirt of the same shade of color. The skirt being short enough to show off her long legs. She also wore a black longcoat.
"Good to see you boss, Topaz is in the convenience store getting drinks." Roulette said. "But look at all, already well on the way to being the closet thing to a Pokémon Master."
"Give it a few years." Crimson joked as Topaz came out.
She was decked on black tactical wear with a Black Dragon Hachiman around her right bicep. She also wore a similar long coat.
"Looking good, Topaz. You must have upped your regimen." Crimson remarked as Topaz nodded.
"I have. The mansion's gym has been quite useful along training with the likes of those martial artists. Managed to up my limit, and I've been traveling around Kanto…getting gym badges." Topaz said chipperly as they walked on ahead. "I've managed to get six so far…also I've been seeing someone."
"That's great to hear that you're improving your skills and I'm glad to hear that you've met someone. No hard feelings about that it at all…we only did it once." Crimson said as Topaz blushed. "Who's the catch?"
"Oscar." Roulette said as Topaz pouted.
"Wait a second…Salem and Ozpin's oldest? So…they call a cradle robber?" Crimson asked as Topaz punched Crimson in the shoulder.
"They did, but I'm not that old! I'm going to be 21 in a week!" Topaz snapped with a pout.
"You're 20?" Crimson asked. "To be fair, I thought you were older due to the haircut."
"Told you so." Roulette said as Topaz sighed. "But you two ready for this?"
"Yeah, we are." Topaz said before revealing something for Crimson. "Here, this is for you."
A handgun. Namely, a platinum AMT Backup with a few small attachments on it and a custom finish on the side.
"Consider it my present to you for becoming the champion. Figured you'd want something small, compact, and easy to conceal." Topaz said as he told it up.
"I'm touched." Crimson said putting it in his coat. "Where did you get it?"
"There's an arm dealer that's a friend of the Cortez hiding out in the regions. Let's just say Roulette thought of it as a good idea to get some of us armed." Topaz said as Roulette revealed he had a gun license for Crimson.
"How did you get this?" Crimson said as he put that in his wallet.
"Namedropped you. As Champion, you got influence all over Kanto. You ru-"
"We're here." Crimson said interrupting her.
The three came up to the International Police officers at the docks and there was the yacht as promised. It did look a bit messy, however. Linka tossed Crimson the case citing they held their end of the bargain.
"No need to be rude." Crimson said producing the file out of his coat. "Here. As promised."
"Thank you, Mr. Ryuseigan. Pleasure doing business…and thank you for helping your country." Gi said as she and him bowed to the other. "Enjoy the yacht."
Gi gave him a set of keys for the yacht as a helicopter came down for the pair as they boarded as Gi waved him goodbye as it took off.
"Ok, I'll call a crew to get to get this ship cleaned up and checked for any bugs." Roulette said getting her phone.
"Well then, I leave you do. Ensure anything valuable found is noted…I need to decide what to do with it. Other than that, I'm going home. I need some sleep." Crimson said before turning and leaving. "Night."
"Night, boss." Roulette said.
As Crimson walked home, he was unable that Dex Bulma was contemplating telling Crimson what her new upgrades entailed in full…that she may have accidentally let this spider into both the Tashigi and Stocking Ais. Maybe she could tell in the morning…or maybe in a week.
(A/N: It's been months since I updated, but there's a reason of it and it's called college. Also I did have to fix a lot of chapters for this story. Chapters 15, 16, 24-30, 33, 51-53, 69, 76, 86, 92, 95, and 102 all fixed for their spelling and grammar by the time this chapter is posted. So yes, Crimson and Heather were bonding a bit and it was fun for them to pay off each other. But yeah, it was time to show that the Black Dragons now had pull and influence throughout Kanto. A taste of the fruits of their labor before the end of this story.)