Sibling Rivalry
By Ross Jacobsen
Transferred to fanfiction.net by voyager1713
Chapter 62-Up Mt. Fire
After a good night's sleep, Ross started out for Mount Fire. Ross thought
that he would
find several new pokemon.
"But I have to look for new pokemon," argued Ross, "There must be tons of
them on this
mountain!"
"Sorry, but rules are rules," explained the guard, "I can only let
scientists or Elite Masters
of the Pokemon League, both also have to have qualified protection."
"Why?" asked Ross, "I thought that the mountain was safer these days."
"Simple," replied the guard, "This mountain is home to several Moltres and
Magmar,
two very powerful pokemon. As long as they're on the protected pokemon list,
their habitat is
restricted."
Ross was disappointed, but realized that limited access was for the
betterment of the
pokemon.
That didn't mean that he wasn't going to try and figure a way onto Mt. Fire
though. Ross
sat down and puzzled over the problem for a while. Ross decided to check what
was in his
mystery envelope.
Inside was some more passes to the Safari Zone and some cash. Nothing that
would help
Ross at the moment. Ross continued to think when he heard a low hum.
The hum got louder and Ross saw a floating yellow ring with a clear dome
coming
closer. As the hovering vehicle approached, Ross read a plaque on it reading,
"Prototype 01
Exploration Hovercraft." Problem was that the vehicle wasn't level.
"But I need to examine the geothermal activity!" proclaimed the driver in a
white lab
coat.
"Sorry, but until you get this thing fixed, you're not going on this
mountain," said the
guard.
"But all of my tools are useless!" The vehicle turned around and the
scientist left in a
huff. Ross had an idea and ran after the vehicle.
**************************************************************************** **
About an hour later, the guard saw the 01 hovercraft returning. This time
with two
people on board and perfectly level.
"We're BA-ACK!" said the scientist.
"I see that," said the guard, "Now that you've gotten that limp fixed, you
can go on up
the mountain."
The guard walked back into the guardhouse and soon, the gate opened.
The hovercraft floated through the gate and to the red glow at the top of
the mountain.
**************************************************************************** **
After Ross and the scientist, (who was named Peter), set up some equipment,
Peter
pulled out two cameras.
"I understand that you want to capture new pokemon," said Peter, "But if
you can't catch
them, would you mind taking a picture of them?"
"No sweat," replied Ross, taking one of the cameras from Peter.
**************************************************************************** **
The air on Mt. Fire was very hot. Several of Ross's pokemon chose to stay
in their
pokeballs, but Charmeleon, Geodude, Wartortle, and Growlithe could stand the
heat and move
around easily. Most of the pokemon Ross saw were just copies of the pokemon
Ross already
had. Fortunately, Ross found an old lava tube with several pokemon talking.
None of the pokemon ran away when they saw Ross and just started to follow
his other
pokemon. Ross decided not to fight the pokemon for a while and everything was
going great.
Ross was taking pictures of the pokemon and they were loving all of the
attention. All of the
pokemon he saw really liked Ross and his pokemon.
"MOLLLL-TREESSS!" hollered an angry, raspy voice. All of the wild pokemon
jumped
and ran up the mountain and into another cave.
Ross and pokemon were confused by this action until a wild Geodude said,
"The fire god
is angry. We must appease it."
Ross was curious and followed the wild pokemon into the cave. Ross's
pokemon
followed their trainer and beheld a breathtaking site. A large Moltres stood
over a much smaller
one. Several wild pokemon surrounded the two birds. Onix, Ponyta, Charmander,
Magmar,
Geodude, Growlithe, and Vulpix, all were present with their evolved forms, if
any. Ross
decided to stay out of sight when the adult Moltres spoke.
"But we need that food for ourselves," protested a small Growlithe.
Moltres looked angrily at the small dog and burned the poor dog senseless.
The little
puppy dropped and Moltres started spoke again. Ross realized that he just HAD
to get a picture
of the meeting.
Ross aimed the camera and pushed the button. The camera took the picture
and started
to make a loud whirring sound. The camera was rewinding the film roll. Ross
looked from the
camera to the meeting. Moltres looked straight at Ross's hiding place with fire
in his eyes.
Ross's pokemon panicked and jumped into their pokeballs. Ross ran out of the
cave while the
adult Moltres flew out a hole in the roof of the cave.
Ross tried to hurry down the slope but knew that he couldn't outrun the
fire bird. Ross
found a flat spot and stood his ground against the bird. Chapter 63-To Beat A Moltres
Ross sent out most of his pokemon, but they all fell to the powerful
Moltres. Moltres
waited for its next opponent and Ross was down to Geodude.
"Geodude, GO!" said Ross.
Geodude was nervous about facing such a powerful opponent, but was ready to
fight for
Ross.
"Defense curl," instructed Ross.
Geodude developed a new layer of rock as Moltres used ember. Geodude
wasn't
seriously damaged but was left open to a peck attack. Moltres hit Geodude and
was seriously hit
this time.
"Tackle."
Geodude charged Moltres, but missed when Moltres used agility. Moltres
than knocked
Geodude to the ground with a wing attack and trapped Geodude in a fire spin.
Even the hard rock couldn't take the super intense heat in the fire spin.
The fire was so
hot that it white. The imprisoned form was impossible to see.
"Rock throw!"
A boulder shot out of the white flame and knocked Moltres out of the sky
and onto the
ground.
"Rock SLIDE!"
The ground trembled briefly and several rocks up the mountain started to
roll down the
slope at Moltres. Moltres tried to fly up out of harm's way when a rocky form
escaped the
intense fire spin and tackled Moltres back into the path of the rocks. The rock
on Moltres used
harden just before the mountainside rocks rolled past Ross and carried the two
pokemon down
the mountain.
"GEODUDE!!!" cried a worried Ross.
The wild pokemon that had been watching from the meeting cave, ran down the
mountain to the pile of rocks that took away the battling pokemon. Ross ran as
fast as he could
until a wild Rapidash ran by and let him climb on.
**************************************************************************** **
At the large mound of rocks, Ross and other wild pokemon dug feverishly to
uncover the
two trapped pokemon. After a while, a group of Ninetails uncovered an
unconscious Moltres.
It was getting late and there was still no sign of Geodude.
"Gra-ve..." said a weak voice under Ross.
Ross moved boulders as fast as his tired arms could until he found a tired
Graveler
pinned under several rocks.
"GET ME MY BACKPACK!" ordered Ross.
A Magmar ran up with the pack open. Ross reached in and pulled out a
potion to apply
to Graveler. Other pokemon joined Ross and Graveler was soon free of the rocks.
Ross had just barely figured out that his Geodude evolved in Graveler when
the 01
hovercraft floated into view.
"Team Rocket, blast off at the speed of light. Surrender now or prepare to
fight!" stated
an intercom on the craft.
A large hose appeared and started to inhale.
"RUN!" yelled Ross to the pokemon. The wild pokemon ran into another
hidden cave,
followed closely by Ross and Graveler. Everyone was in except the knocked- out
Moltres.
"Thanks for the Moltres," said the intercom, "Good luck trying to get off
of the
mountain! HA HA HA HA HA!!!!!" The three lifts suddenly increased their output
and flew
higher into the air.
"I don't think so," said Ross. Remembering the weak lift, Ross pointed at
it and added
"Graveler, rock throw that lift!"
Graveler and several other rock pokemon threw a total of about 25 rocks at
the lift Ross
pointed out. While most of the rocks hit their target, some rocks hit the other
two lifts. All of
the lifts lost power and the hovercraft started to spin out of control.
The craft disappeared behind the curve of the mountain, followed shortly by
a large
explosion. Chapter 64-Wild Lifestyle
At the wreckage, leftover parts were scattered all over the place. Some
shrapnel was
burning while other pieces were partially buried in the soil.
The wild pokemon let out a cheer and started to dance around the shell of
the 01
hovercraft. Ross and Graveler wondered why they were celebrating so much when a
Charmeleon walked up and explained.
"A few years ago, a Moltres was threatening all of us and demanding a more
than equal
share of our food. Over time, the Moltres had a legacy take its place after
death. Several
pokemon have tried to oppose the ruling Moltres, but they were all beaten.
Finally, You and
your pokemon friends came and beat Moltres. You are welcome to join in our
celebration."
"But what about the infant Moltres?" asked Graveler. Everyone stopped when
they heard
this question. Apparently they didn't think about this.
"Why don't I take it with me?" asked Ross.
The wild pokemon talked about this for a little while until the Charmeleon
said, "We'll
have to talk about it. We'll let you know our decision later. For now, let's
PARTY!!!!"
Ross's other pokemon eventually came to and joined in the festivities. The
party lasted
well into the night. There were races, dances, and a feast.
When Ross had his fill, he set up camp a few feet away from the party and
drifted off to
sleep.
**************************************************************************** **
In the morning, Ross crawled out of his tent and stretched before taking
down his tent.
Ross and pokemon were invited to breakfast.
As everyone munched on fruits, berries, and even a crude bread, 7 pokemon,
a Charizard,
a Magmar, a Rapidash, a Arcanine, a Golem, a Onix, and a Ninetails, whispered
among
themselves.
After breakfast, Ross was shown several sites. Several little villages
belonging to the
different pokemon, several lava tubes, and the entrance and exit to something
translated as an
"evolution tunnel."
Growlithe wanted to go in, but the wild pokemon wouldn't let it. The last
site Ross and
party was shown was a large cave. According to the wild pokemon, it was the
hall of justice.
Inside, the seven pokemon Ross saw earlier rested behind a long table.
The Magmar stood up and started talking. Ross's Abra translated for him.
"We, the seven mayors, have been deliberating your request. We currently
believe that
the best place for the infant Moltres IS with you. You seem to be skilled in
bringing out a
pokemon's inner strength and discipline. SO, we have decided to make a
request."
"Which is?" ventured Rattata.
"We would like you to take some OTHER pokemon with you. We must warn you
that
these pokemon is a young group of trouble makers and might not obey you."
"How many more pokemon are we talking here?" asked Pidgey.
"3, a Magmar, an Onix, and a Vulpix."
"Group huddle," said Ross. Ross and all of his pokemon formed a circle and
took a
quick survey. When they decided, the huddle broke and faced the seven mayors.
"We'll do it," said Machop.
"Vulpix will have to evolve someday, so we'll give you a piece of the
evolution tunnel
for when that day comes."
A Golem walked out holding the end of a chain and carrying a box. Golem
handed the
chain and box to Ross. Ross looked into the box and saw the young Moltres and a
fire stone.
Attached to the chain was a Magmar, a Vulpix, and an Onix.
"We wish you the best of luck. Even if they won't listen to you, we think
that the
experience will do them good."
Ross and his pokemon was shown the way out of the Hall of Justice and
started to go
downhill. Chapter 65-Escape from Mt. Fire
While Ross and pokemon walked down the mountain, they got the feeling that
they were
being followed. Every time Ross or one of his pokemon looked behind them, all
that was seen
was the volcano.
After about an hour of walking, Ross found the equipment that he helped
Peter setup. 'I
don't think that he'll be using this stuff anymore,' figured Ross as he gathered
up the abandoned
technology.
After a light lunch, Ross and pokemon left the experiment sight and
continued down the
trail. Ross put all of his pokemon into a pokeball when the fence was 100 yards
away. When
Ross got to the perimeter fence, the guard stopped Ross from leaving.
"But why?" asked Ross.
"You have to get through us," said the guard.
"Us?" asked Ross.
"Prepare for trouble," said the guard.
"And make it double," added a figure walking out of the guardhouse.
"To protect the world from devastation,"
"To unite all people within our nation."
"To denounce the evils of truth and love."
"To extend our reach to the stars above."
"Mike," said the guard, revealing his face.
"Nick," said the other figure, doing the same as the guard.
"Hey, you're the trainers that I got my Hitmons from!" exclaimed Ross.
"Yeah, and I want them back!" proclaimed Mike.
"No WAY!" denied Ross.
"You have no choice," said a Meowth in the window, "You're stuck on the
wrong side of
the fence. An electric perimeter field extends above the fence."
"You're not getting out until you hand over the Hitmons," stated Nick.
"I'll just have to find another way out then," said Ross, walking off in a
huff.
**************************************************************************** ****
Ross tossed a few rocks towards the top of the fence and they were bounced
back by a
force field of some sort. The ground was solid rock, making going under the
fence impossible.
The fence was also electrified and barb-wire surrounded the top. Every once in
a while, a
Voltorb floated by with a Team Rocket insignia drawn on.
Ross eventually found a cliff that seemed to be close enough to the fence
for Ross to
jump over, but Ross couldn't quite jump far enough. Every time Ross jumped, he
collided into
the fence. Ross sat down on the edge of the cliff, wondering what he could do.
Ross heard a horse neigh and slipped off the cliff. After Ross pulled
himself back onto
the cliff, Ross saw a Ponyta waiting for him.
**************************************************************************** ****
"Ready?" Ross asked the stead beneath him.
The pony under him nodded with a snort to indicate his readiness.
"Ready?" Ross asked the white cat in front of him.
Another Voltorb floated by as Mew nodded and said, "yes"
"Let's go then," said Ross, "HE-YA!"
Ponyta galloped at full speed straight at the cliff edge. The end of the
ground beneath
him loomed closer and closer.
'Maybe this WASN'T such a good idea,' thought Ross as Ponyta jumped off the
rock
face.
"Mew, extend your barrier around all of us!" ordered Ross as the trio
approached the
invisible wall.
Mew began to glow with a white aura which extended around Ross and Ponyta.
As the
group flew over the chain link fence, the force field above it flickered yellow
around the
intrusion.
When Ponyta's tail cleared the electric wall, Ross proclaimed, "Barrier
DOWN!"
Mew relaxed and the white light surrounding Ross and crew disappeared.
Ponyta made a
not-so-soft landing and galloped away from the mountain it grew up on. Chapter 66-Time To Teach A Lesson
Ross tried to battle trainers with the three rebellious pokemon from Mt.
Fire, but they
refused. Not only did Onix, Vulpix, and Magmar refuse to battle, they also
played tricks and ate
more than their fair share of the food.
This went on for two days as Ross made his way to Cape Town. When Magmar
and
Vulpix started a small fire in Ross's tent the morning of the third day, Ross
had enough.
When the fire was out, Ross confronted the young Vulpix, Magmar, and Onix.
"If you've got a problem with me, then let's settle it here and now!"
ordered Ross.
"Is that a challenge?" asked Onix, towering to its full height, attempting
to intimidate
Ross.
"YEAH," answered Ross, "So what are you going to do about it?"
"Do you really think that it's a good idea to let Ross take on three
pokemon at once?"
Ponyta quietly asked Rattata.
"I don't think it would be a good idea for them to try and fight ROSS!"
whispered back
Rattata.
"I'll tell you what we're going to do about it," said Onix, "Uh, what are
we going to do
about it?"
Everyone fell over at the stupidity of this question.
"We're going to accept the weakling trainer's challenge..." started Vulpix.
All of the
other pokemon backed away from the approaching battle.
"And beat him to a bloody PULP!!!" finished Magmar.
**************************************************************************** ****
After the three pokemon decided who would start the tag-team match, Ross
and Vulpix
took their battle stances.
Vulpix started off with an ember, but Ross used telekinesis to send the
flame back at
Vulpix.
"WOW!" exclaimed Ponyta, "How did he do that!?!"
Vulpix was slightly singed, but kept coming. Vulpix next tried a quick
attack, but missed
when Ross used agility to dodge and dealt a karate chop.
Vulpix was dazed and tagged in Onix. Since Onix was a youngster, Onix was
only 12
feet taller than Ross.
Ross dodged Onix's tackle and delivered an ice punch. Onix was chilled and
tagged in
Magmar.
Magmar, a little concerned about the power Ross had demonstrated, started
out by
blinding Ross with a smoke screen. Ross looked around and managed to see a
light through the
smoke.
Ross closed his eyes and focused his energy. Magmar ran up at Ross for a
fire punch.
But Ross opened his eyes and strange energy from them bomb-barded Magmar. The
smoke
cleared and Magmar crawled over to Vulpix and Onix.
Magmar simultaneously tagged Vulpix and Onix in to join him. The three
pokemon
surrounded him but Ross teleported out of the way. Ross used his telekinesis
again, this time to
grab Onix's huge tail.
A orange light-rope appeared in Ross's hands and Ross started to swing it
around. Onix
flew around in a crazed pattern similar to how Ross swung the strange rope.
Magmar and
Vulpix hugged each other in fear as Onix flew towards the and wrapped around
them.
"Put me DOWN!" demanded Magmar, "I'm, get, ting, air, SI, YI, YICK!"
Ross slammed the end of his rope in front of him, then behind him.
Finally, Ross jumped
into the air and swung the rope forward and under him in a huge circle before
slamming the
rope's end into the ground upon landing.
Magmar, Vulpix, and Onix's head sat in a beaten-up heap. Unable to take
any more
damage, but still awake. Ross dropped the strange rope which disappeared upon
landing on the
ground.
"Now, will I be having any more trouble from you three?" asked Ross, "Or do
we need to
restart the lesson?"
All of the trouble-makers acknowledged that they had learned their lesson
and that Ross
was in charge. Ross put the pokemon back into their pokeballs and continued his
way to the
dragon gym of Cape Town. Chapter 67-A New Challenge
That evening, Ross staggered into town at 6:04 PM. It was a busy day.
Several of his
pokemon had evolved, Ross taught Magmar, Vulpix, and Onix not to be
overconfident, and Ross
found someone to buy his useless gold nugget for $7500.
Ross went to the local mall for fresh supplies and saw an interesting
poster.
23rd Pokemon and Trainer Derby
Biking from Cape Town to Cerulean City
Pokemon riding from Cerulean City to Gesav City
check in at Cape Town pokemon center
starts on July 3 at 9 AM
Ross liked the thought of riding in a race and decided to get more info at
pokemon center
later.
**************************************************************************** ****
At the pokemon center, Ross and pokemon had a filling meal before looking
at the
pamphlet he got on the race.
It was a two day race. The first part of the race for bicycling snaked
through the country,
over several bridges, down suburban roads, and even through a Motorcycle course!
The second
part of the race for pokemon-riding went up steep mountains, across a river on
stones, and
through the dusty desert surrounding Gesav City.
"What a challenge," said Ross aloud as he read through the pamphlet as his
pokemon
exercised.
The first leg of the race would be timed and the racers for the second part
would be
released in the same order and timing that they arrived. There was some logical
rules and
checkpoints to pass through. Finally, there was the entry fee of $50. The
prizes included a
portion of the funds, a new bicycle, and even new pokemon!
Ross talked it over with his pokemon while he exercised. Ponyta
volunteered to be the
ride in the second part of the race. Ross and his pokemon exercised until the
nurse sent them to
bed. Tomorrow, Ross and pokemon had to go up against Bill and his dragon
pokemon. Chapter 68-The Dragon Badge
In the morning, Ross and his bike stood in front of a large lighthouse. He
knew that
inside was Bill, still asleep. Bill had set up a large tent nearby to
temporarily serve as the gym
since Team Rocket destroyed his gym in an attempt to rob the dragon pokemon.
The tent held a marked floor with some weights and a treadmill along the
sides. There
was also a bookshelf holding pokemon medical and catching supplies. Another
holding several
books. And a third held up some unusual charms.
"Simple,"said Ross.
"Agreed," replied a voice behind Ross.
Ross turned around and saw a man in a suit continue to say, "But it serves
its purpose
well enough."
"Bill I presume," stated Ross.
"Your presumptions are correct," said the man in the suit as he walked to
the other end
of the tent, "And I presume that you want to battle me for a dragon badge."
"Your presumptions are also perfect," answered Ross.
"3 on 3," instructed Bill, "Dragonite, go."
A large orange fairy-tale looking dragon came out of Bill's pokeball. Ross
pulled out his
pokedex.
"Dragonite," said the computer voice, "Believed by some to be extinct,
Dragonite
evolves from Dratini and Dragonair, Dragonite displays characteristics of a
dragon pokemon that
flies."
'A part-flying pokemon,' thought Ross, 'electric pokemon should work well.'
"Pikachu, go!" said Ross. Pikachu ran out, ready to battle the dragon.
"Dragonite, agility!"
"Pikachu, Thunderbolt!"
Dragonite increased his speed, but couldn't get a wing out of the
thunderbolt's path.
Dragonite was weakened and paralyzed.
"Dragonite, return," said Bill, "Modok, GO!!"
A long green lizard-like pokemon appeared with whiskers drooping from its
face.
"Modok," said Ross's pokedex, "a ground/dragon pokemon, with a long forked
tongue."
"Earthquake," stated Bill.
"Swift," instructed Ross.
The ground started to shake and Pikachu was out of action.
"Pikachu, return," ordered Ross.
'What pokemon won't be near the ground,' wondered Ross, 'a flier!'
"Pidgeotto, I choose you," said Ross, "Wing attack!"
"Tongue wrap!" ordered Bill.
Pidgeotto slapped Modok silly with its wings. Pidgeotto then flew upwards
but was quite
literally tongue-tied!
"Squeeze tighter," instructed Bill.
"Peck your way free," said Ross.
Pidgeotto was being crushed by the long tongue of Modok. Pidgeotto swung
his head
back and pecked Modok's tongue until Modok let go.
"Modok, use the poison sting!"
"Pidgeotto, gust!"
Modok opened his mouth and launched several small needles at Pidgeotto.
Pidgeotto
flapped its wings to generate a strong wind. The poisonous needles caught up in
the wind and
flew back at Modok.
"Modok, look out!"
The needles stabbed into Modok's skin, poisoning him. Modok was obviously
in serious
pain.
"Modok, return," ordered Bill, "Dragos, GO!"
A long red dragon appeared. It looked like one Ross saw in a book on
Chinese legends.
"Dragos, the fire dragon," stated the pokedex, "Dragos is considered by
some to be the
strongest of the dragons."
Ross finally remembered to turn off the small computer and called for a
whirlwind.
Dragos retaliated with a flame thrower. The two attacks combined into a
fire spin
moving to Pidgeotto. Pidgeotto was severely burned and fainted.
"Pidgeotto, return," said Ross, "Poliwag, GO!"
The tired bird was replaced by a blue tadpole.
"Dragos, Slash."
"Poliwag, water gun."
Dragos floated at the small tadpole, but was knocked back by a blast of
water.
"DRAGON RAGE!" proclaimed Bill.
"Hypnosis," said Ross.
Dragos started to breath heavily in anger, but calmed down when it saw
Poliwag's spiral
spinning. It wasn't too long before Dragos started to snore loudly. Dragos
turned into a ball of
red energy and flew into a pokeball in Bill's hand.
"Looks like you beat me," said Bill as he walked over to the shelves of
charms. Bill took
one of them off a high shelf and tossed it at Ross. Ross caught it and saw that
it was a small
piece of metal designed to look like a coiled Dragos.
"There's your Dragon Badge," said Bill, "Know if you'll excuse me.." Chapter 69-Sign-in and Hard-Knocks
Back at the pokemon center, Ross signed up for the derby. Ross looked up
the list and,
of course, saw Adam and Ricky's name. Adam signed up to ride a Dodrio for the
second part of
the race and Ricky was going to use Ryhorn. Some of the other pokemon listed to
be ridden
were unbelievable. There was a Chansey, a Charmander, and even a Snorlax!
After Ross paid the entry fee, he stepped outside to train. On his bike,
Ross rode as fast
as he could to a trail and tried to hurry along it. Ross was having a little
trouble because his bike
was built for riding on-road instead of off-road.
Ross was making good progress when he saw a figure trying to hide. Ross
thought it was
nothing until it jumped out and threw a stick at Ross. The stick got stuck in
the rear bike wheel
and Ross crashed.
Ross was shaken, but alright. The odd figure ran out, grabbed Ross's bike,
and rode off
on it. Ross, angry at the thief, called out Ponyta and rode after him.
**************************************************************************** ****
'That was SO easy,' thought the thief, 'Now I have the parts I need to fix
MY bike.'
Cl-CLOP, Cl-CLOP, Cl-CLOP!
'What's that?' wondered the biker, looking over his shoulder. Seeing Ross
riding his
Ponyta, he naturally panicked.
**************************************************************************** ****
"Come back here YOU!" shouted Ross.
The thief tried jumping a cliff, but the bike didn't survive. Unable to
run, the thief called
out an Abra and disappeared in a flash of white light.
Ross examined his bike. The frame were bent out of recoverable shape, the
rear wheel
was flat and bent, the right pedal was cracked in two pieces, the brake cable
had snapped, and
the grips were gone.
Ross sighed heavily, put Ponyta back into its pokeball, and carried the
bike down the
path.
"NOW how am I going to be in the race?" Ross asked himself.
After a while, Ross walked into the pokemon center, hauling his totaled
bike. Ross sat
down, trying to figure out what to do. He had made a lot of money as a pokemon
trainer, but not
enough to buy a new bike OR repair his damaged one.
"But it only needs a few repairs!" protested a voice.
"I don't think that I'll EVER be able to save up enough money to fix this
lame excuse for
a bicycle," complained another voice.
Ross perked up at the sound of the word 'bicycle.' Ross looked over and
saw two kids.
One was carrying a severely damaged mountain bike.
"So much for the race," said the biker.
The kids stepped outside and tossed the bike into a large trash can. Ross
ran up and
removed the bicycle. Chapter 70-The Bike Race
At the city limits, 37 racers lined up on their bikes, waiting for the
clock to chime 9
times. The last racer rode up to the check-in table.
Dressed in a full-size helmet, goggles, jeans, and racing gloves, Ross took
his wearable
racer number, 38, a stamp with 38 on it, and an ink pad.
"When you get to a checkpoint, use your stamp on the posted sheet before
continuing,"
instructed the officer behind the table, "There will also be a helicopter
following the race and
refreshments at each of the checkpoints if you want to stop for them."
Ross walked his bike to his position and waited for race to start. He was
pretty proud of
himself. He used parts from his destroyed bike to repair the BMX and make a few
modifications.
He had mountain bike tires, 24 gears, and bull-horn handlebars for long
distances. Ross
also fixed up the shock absorbers and brakes, repainted the frame, and put on
new grips. Ross
also had a few theories to try out, but didn't know if they would work.
"On Your MARKS!" proclaimed a starter with a pop gun.
Ross and the other riders did any last minute strapping needed.
"Get Set!" continued the starter.
Everyone put a foot on an upper pedal, ready to start at the sound of the
gun.
"GO!!!" exclaimed the starter with a resounding bang.
Ross and 37 other bikers started to pump their legs in a circle.
**************************************************************************** ****
After a lunch on the go, Ross had pulled ahead of most of the pack with
about 7 other
riders ahead of him. Ross didn't pay attention to the competitors.
Ross saw another checkpoint coming up and readied his stamp. The other
racers formed
a line and stamped the paper as they rode by and picked up a drink. Ross did
the same and soon,
all 8 were off again.
Soon, the group encountered a fallen log. The seven racers ahead of Ross
slowed and
rode around.
'Time to see if theory #1 works,' thought Ross. He jumped off his bike,
ran it along as
fast as he could, and hurdled over the log. Ross set the bike back down and
hopped back on.
'Not bad,' decided Ross, 'Might have even gained on them a little.'
After a few more checkpoints, another problem occurred. Someone had dug a
hole in the
dirt path, forcing the cyclists to detour through a wooded glen. Three cyclists
that used a touring
bike fell behind Ross and the others.
'Good thing I kept these wide, knobby tires,' figured Ross.
After Ross rode through a few more checkpoints, picking up a quick dinner.
Eventually,
Ross and the four riders reached the off-road portion of the race. The four
racers made a quick
lap through the motorcycle course before continuing through the streets to the
pokemon center.
Unfortunately, Ross took a spill on the last jump on the straightaway. By the
time Ross got to
his feet again, the other four had already started for the midpoint line a few
blocks away at the
pokemon center.
Ross tried to catch up with the other bikers, but barely saw them pull up
to the race table.
Ross pulled on the brake handle and dismounted. Chapter 71-Ride 'em Pokemon
The next morning, Ross was mounted on Ponyta, ready to start the race.
Ross was going
to have to wait for a while before he could run after the other four racers.
Two of them were
Adam on Dodrio and Ricky on Ryhorn. The other two were an unknown male on a
Tauros and
female on a Stamie.
All of the other racers managed to catch up and, at most, be a minute
behind. The
starting lights flickered to life and only the red light remained lit. All four
of the racers ahead of
Ross got ready as the light turned yellow. Finally, the green light turned on
and the first four
pokemon ran off.
A few seconds later, the lights repeated their cycle and Ross took off
after the settling
dust cloud.
**************************************************************************** ****
"And there goes Ross on Ponyta, after Adam and the others," said Ash into
his
microphone, "Judging by how fast the first five ran off, it looks like this is
going to be a limited
race."
"PI-pikachu," added a voice in the background.
**************************************************************************** ****
Soon however, it looked like Ash was proven wrong. Everyone behind Ross
ran in an
even bigger rush than those before them.
"Looks like everyone else is going to give it all that they've got in the
beginning," stated
Ash.
**************************************************************************** ****
When Ross reached the first challenge, a 500 yard dash up a 45 degree
climb, everyone
but Ricky was halfway up. Ricky, being on the endurant Ryhorn, reached the top
easily.
"Pace yourself Ponyta," instructed its rider, "We've still got a long way
to go."
Ponyta nodded and started up the slant. Someone rolled a metal barrel out
onto the top
of the slant after the last of the four had reached the top. The stranger used
a crowbar to open
the barrel before knocking onto its side. A strange black liquid poured the
onto the racetrack.
Ponyta reached the black goo halfway up the slant. Ponyta then started to
struggle to
keep his balance.
"Oil!" exclaimed Ross, "Ponyta, use stomp to keep your footing."
Ponyta slammed his hooves into the slick oil and climbed the rest of the
way up the hill.
**************************************************************************** ****
"Oh-no! It looks like some prankster poured oil onto the hill," claimed
Ash, "That's
going to make it a good bit more difficult to climb the hill."
"Pi-kachu."
"Let's just hope that that was our only glitch. Our leaders are coming up
on the hairpin
section of our course."
**************************************************************************** ****
Ross and Ponyta arrived at a twisted road cut into a field. Ponyta tried
to catch up to the
fourth racer, but couldn't keep a fast pace in the several turns. They were
able to reduce the gap
when Ross leaned into the turns.
The Tauros in third stumbled and fell over. Starmie floated by at the
rider's left, but
Ponyta couldn't run around when it made another turn.
"JUMP!!!" yelled Ross when he realized that Ponyta was about to trample the
rider.
Ponyta leaped gracefully into the air and landed on the racetrack opposite
of Tauros. The
Tauros rider looked up, wondering why it wasn't a pancake.
**************************************************************************** ****
"That was a close one! #12 was almost a road pizza!" Ash proclaimed.
Pikachu let out a sigh of relief. Looking at another monitor, Pikachu saw
Ponyta gallop
over the crest of a hill. Ryhorn was leading the way down, followed closely by
Dodrio, and
finally, Starmie.
**************************************************************************** ****
The long slope ended in a valley with a small stream in the center and a
large dam behind
the racers. Most of the racers stuck to the left side where the entrance and
exit was, but Starmie
floated over the stream.
About two-thirds of the way down the canyon, Ross passed Starmie and was
about to do
the same with Adam and Ricky.
BBOOOOOMMMMM!
Ross, Ricky, and Adam looked behind them for the source of the blast and
saw a
nightmare. Chapter 72-In and Out of Danger's Grasp
The dam was gone and in its place was a fast approaching wall of water.
Running at full
speed, Ponyta and Ryhorn tried to outrun certain death.
**************************************************************************** ****
"What a HORRIBLE accident! The Gyver Dam is gone and our leaders are in
the
valley," proclaimed Ash.
"Pi-KAA!" yelled the terrified Pikachu.
**************************************************************************** ****
Ryhorn, Ponyta, and Dodrio ran at top speed. Starmie just started riding
the waves and
was quickly catching up. Everyone was only 1000 yards from the exit when one of
Dodrio's
heads, anger, pecked at Ponyta.
Ponyta slowed down and was about to be swallowed by the water when Ross
cried out,
"AGILITY!!!!"
Ponyta flashed red and ran faster. Between Dodrio and the water-surfing
Starmie, Ross
and Ponyta escaped from the canyon.
**************************************************************************** ****
"They all made it! All of our leaders escaped!" proclaimed Ash, "Starmie's
out of the
water and is hot on Ponyta's tail."
Ash looked at the race map and said, "The next part of the race involves
crossing a large
river. Either by swimming, crossing on stones, or taking a long detour on a
bridge."
In the monitor, the four leaders approached the river. Ryhorn knew that it
wouldn't be
able to jump those stones with its short legs and it couldn't swim due to its
type. Ryhorn was
left with no choice but to take the detour to the bridge.
Dodrio easily hoped across the stones and Starmie, who passed Ross and
Ponyta, jumped
into the water to start its swim. Finally, Ponyta started to hop across the
stones.
No one faltered, but Ryhorn had fallen behind. Ponyta, Dodrio, and Starmie
were all
fighting for the lead as they ran off for the food troughs.
**************************************************************************** ****
At the troughs of pokemon food, Dodrio fought over which head should do the
eating.
Ponyta and Starmie ate quickly while Starmie's trainer trash-talked the other
riders. Some of the
riders from behind showed up but got slowed down as their pokemon ate. Finally,
Ponyta and
Starmie finished simultaneously and ran off before Dodrio even had a bite.
Desert sand started to appear under the pokemon and flew up behind them.
After a
while, the desert heat started to get to Starmie and Ponyta pulled away.
Starmie, determined not
to lose, started to spray Ponyta. While this slowed Ponyta, Starmie lost more
water.
Eventually, between the spraying Ponyta and desert heat, Starmie collapsed,
leaving its
rider in the desert.
**************************************************************************** ****
Some riders tried to catch up, but was too far back. After a while, Ponyta
collapsed from
exhaustion and the endurant Ryhorn was still running after them. In a desperate
attempt to stay
in the race, Ross pulled out a bottle of Max Revive and applied it to Ponyta.
**************************************************************************** ****
"We're waiting here in Gesav City, the end of the biking/pokemon derby,"
said Ash in
his booth, "The leader, Ricky on Ryhorn, has just come into sight and is on his
way here without
anyone else in sight. Wait, another pokemon has just been sighted."
Waiting for the new pokemon to be identified, Ash and Pikachu waited in
silence.
"It's Ross and Ponyta!" proclaimed Ash, "Question though is this. Does
Ponyta have
enough left to pass Ryhorn from that far back?"
**************************************************************************** ****
500 yards from the finish line, Ponyta had used its last agility to catch
up to Ryhorn.
Ryhorn wasn't about to slow down anytime soon and Ponyta still hadn't gotten
around him
400 yards. Whichever way Ponyta tried to pass on, Ryhorn blocked his way.
300 yards. Ponyta worked his way near a fence and Ryhorn continued to
block the way.
200 yards. After a while, Ryhorn presumed Ponyta was trying to pass again.
Ponyta kept
running behind Ryhorn until there was enough space between Ricky and the fence
for Ponyta to
squeeze through.
100 yards. Ponyta ran up along side Ryhorn. Realizing that blocking
Ponyta was
impossible, Ryhorn gave it everything he had.
50 yards. The two pokemon battled for position. It was hard to tell who
was leading.
Several men next to the finish line stood up with an automatic camera.
**************************************************************************** ****
It took a while for the picture to develop before the results was
announced.
"Apparently, the biking\pokemon derby ends in a tie!" announced Ash, "In
accordance to
the rules, the two shall battle in a one-on-one pokemon battle." To Pikachu,
Ash added, "This
should be GOOD."
**************************************************************************** ****
Ryhorn and Ponyta squared off to battle in an average size arena. Ryhorn
had a natural
advantage over Ponyta, but Ryhorn couldn't naturally learn anything but normal
attacks.
"Ryhorn, tackle!"
"Trap Ryhorn in a fire spin!"
Ryhorn charged at Ponyta, only to be stopped by a curtain of fire.
"Ember as many times as you can!" instructed Ross.
Ryhorn was soon weakened by the immense fires and was getting tired by the
time the
fire spin died.
"Take down!" ordered Ricky.
"Use agility to dodge," said Ross.
Ponyta ran out of the way, leaving Ryhorn with only the ground to soften
its attack.
"Get up!" yelled Ricky.
"Stomp," stated Ross.
Ryhorn struggled to get up, but was knocked back down by Ponyta's stomp.
Ryhorn
didn't have the strength to stand up with Ponyta on it. So Ryhorn fainted.
**************************************************************************** ****
Once Adam arrived as the third person to finish the race, an elaborate
awards ceremony
took place. Adam was disgusted by his prize of a Togepi egg. Ricky was content
with his new
bicycle. Ross was given a bulky envelope and a fancy walkman. Chapter 73-The Psychic Badge
When Ross woke up, he realized that he had to get the psychic badge before
he left town.
Getting dressed, Ross gathered his things and ate a quick breakfast.
The pokemon gym looked like a famous, foreign opera house. Even though
Ross didn't
know the name of the familiar opera house, he walked into the gym's waiting
room.
The waiting room looked like that of a doctor's clinic. Pictures of
pokemon and a bowl
of not-so-rare candy altered the room to belong in a pokemon gym. Ross signed
in and waited
for his turn.
After Adam and Ricky entered and left the battle area, Ross's number was
called. He
stood up and walked into the gym.
A woman on the other side was sitting in a chair. A Drowzee at her left and
a Haunter to
her right.
"I am Sabrina, leader of this gym," stated the dark-haired woman, "Do you
wish to battle
me?" After Ross confirmed, Sabrina continued to say, "1 on 1, I will use
Drowzee."
"I choose Beedrill then," said Ross. Beedrill and Drowzee ran out and met
in a circle in
the center of the room.
"Pin missile," called Ross.
Beedrill launched its stingers at Drowzee, replacing them soon after firing
them.
Drowzee was hurt, but still tried to hypnotize Beedrill. Beedrill got tired,
but was still awake.
"Focus energy," instructed Ross.
Beedrill glowed briefly as it focused his energy. Drowzee jumped up and
tried to pound
Beedrill. Drowzee fell desperately short and missed Beedrill.
"Agility," instructed Ross.
Drowzee fired some strange beam at Beedrill, but missed its quick target.
"Twineedle," ordered Ross.
Drowzee swung its head at Beedrill and wound up stabbing its forehead on
the
Twineedle.
"Poison sting," called Ross.
Drowzee released a green cloud at Beedrill. Beedrill wasn't affected and
stung the tired
pokemon.
"Finish him with a fury attack," stated Ross.
Drowzee started to glow, but got caught up in the fury attack. Drowzee
fell flat on its
back and fainted.
"You've trained your Beedrill well," complimented Sabrina, "The secretary
will give you
your badge."
"Thanks," said Ross. He called Beedrill into the pokeball and left.
**************************************************************************** ****
"I think I'm losing my touch," commented Sabrina once her opponent left.
"I don't think so," argued Haunter, "That was one of the kids Ash said to
keep an eye
on." Chapter 74-
Ross got some fresh supplies, a blank tape, and some music before leaving
for a large
saucer shaped object in the distance.
"Cloud City," Ross explained to his pokemon, "It's home to a flying pokemon
gym."
"Small wonder," commented Venomoth, "It's so high up, it's perfect for
flyers."
"It's so high up!" exclaimed Raticate, "Must be hard for enemies to
attack."
"There's also some rumors that the city has been closed while Team Rocket
took over,"
said Ross.
"Are they true?" asked Kadabra.
"I don't know," answered Ross, "Only the citizens know for sure, has
communicated in a
long time. People have gone up, but not down."
"Weird," said Pidgeotto.
"No kidding," added Golbat.
"I'm getting tired," complained Gyarados, "I'm going back into my
pokeball."
"Ok," said Ross as he let the flying/water pokemon in.
**************************************************************************** ****
"Enough about those kids already!" shouted Bruno, "We have got a big
problem."
"What is it?" asked Misty.
"Cloud City has been shut down," explained Lance, "Communication in and out
is down,
and no one is coming down."
"Send a Fearow recon," instructed Ash, "And block the entrance from
trainers going to
the gym." In Cloud City, Ross noticed that the streets were unusually empty.
Shrugging it off, he
proceeded directly to the pokemon gym. After filling out some forms, Ross
waited for his turn.
He listened to his favorite song, 2 B A Master, and read more out of Ash
Ketchem's
biography.
"Na na na na na na na na na na na na," hummed Ross along with the song,
"It's all 'bout
the evolution of the POKEMON!"
Finally, Ross was called out back to the arena. There was several stilted
platforms and a
man in a suit on a ladder stand.
"I am George Hermanni," introduced the man.
'Why does that name sound so familiar?' wondered Ross.
"If you want a flight badge, then you will have to best me in battle,"
stated Hermanni.
"Then let's get it on," said Ross.
The two trainers climbed a different ladder to battle. When both reached
their lookout
station, Hermanni said, "5 on 5. If either pokemon touches the ground, then they
are out. I will
start with Spearow, GO!"
"I pick Pikachu, GO!" claimed Ross. Pikachu appeared on a platform while
Spearow
formed in flight.
"Peck," ordered George
"Thunder wave," said Ross.
Spearow charged at Pikachu and went head first into the paralyzing
electricity. Spearow
had trouble moving, but managed to land on the platform with Pikachu.
"Quick attack Spearow off!" called Ross.
"Make up the speed difference with agility!" yelled George.
Spearow increased its speed and was promptly knocked to the floor.
"Spearow, return," ordered George, "Aerodactyl, hyper beam!"
An off-white bird-like pokemon appeared. Before Ross could react, Pikachu
was nailed
hard by a white beam. Pikachu was knocked back onto Ross's ladder.
"Thunder shock!" exclaimed Ross.
"Bite," said an eerily calm George.
Aerodactyl bit Pikachu who electrocuted the metal platform, shocking Ross.
He pulled
out his walkman, pushed a button and said, "Memo to self, *cough* purchase
accuracy boosters
for Pikachu."
Meanwhile, Pikachu fell to the ground and fainted.
"Pikachu, return. Jynx, GO! Blizzard!" cried Ross.
"Agility!"
It started to snow heavily and hit Aerodactyl hard. When the snow stopped,
Aerodactyl
was shivering on a low platform.
"Aerodactyl, return," instructed George, "Go, Golbat. Wing attack!"
"Ice punch," called Ross.
Golbat flew at Jynx for the attack. Jynx swung a fist at Golbat, encasing
it in a block of
ice. George called back the frozen pokemon and sent out a Farfetch'd.
"Sword dance and slash!" ordered George.
"Lovely kiss!" instructed Ross.
Farfetch'd did a quick dance before swinging its twig at Jynx's face. Jynx
started crying
over its face and Ross had to call it back.
"Graveler, GO! Rock throw!"
"Farfetch'd, leer," instructed George.
Farfetch'd watched as Graveler coughed a rock straight to his head.
Farfetch'd was
pinned under the heavy rock.
"Farfetch'd return,"called George, "Pidgeot, GO! Whirlwind!"
"Graveler, TACKLE!"
Pidgeot's whirlwind was too strong for even Graveler. The heavy boulder
flew
backwards off the platform into one of the supports holding up Ross's platform.
The entire formation shook and leaned backwards. Next thing that Ross can
tell, he's
holding onto the top rung to avoid a long drop.
"We'd say our poem now," said a voice. Looking down, Ross saw someone in a
Team
Rocket uniform. "But it looks like you're ALREADY in trouble." Chapter 75-The Great Escape
"This is going to be so easy," commented George.
"You said it boss," answered the Rocket, "Pidgeot, take his belt."
Pidgeot flew over to Ross and started to scratch at the Ross's waist.
"Ouch! That hurts!" exclaimed Ross as he pulled back a fist, "Why don't
you fly away
home!?!" Ross mega-punched the annoying bird, who flapped back, obviously in
pain.
"Gra-vel!"
Below Ross, a dazed Graveler wobbled around. The team Rocket member was
cornering
him with a Vaporeon.
"Graveler, return!" called Ross.
The walking rock went back into its pokeball, leaving Team Rocket with only
one target.
After the belt again, Pidgeot tried to peck at Ross's hands. Ross closed his
eyes as he cringed
under the attack.
Ross felt the anger and energy welling up inside of him until it was
bulging at his eyes.
When Ross looked, a white light hit Pidgeot, sending it 'blasting off again.'
Ross wanted to find
out what happened, but didn't have time.
George Hermanni and the other Rocket were coming at him, with a familiar
sight. A
large blue bird with a white headband, flew out of a pokeball.
"Articuno!" proclaimed a blue bird.
"Articuno!" exclaimed Ross, "What are you doing here?" Articuno didn't
speak to Ross,
she just listened for instructions.
"Peck," said the unknown Rocket.
Articuno started to stab at Ross with its beak. Doing his best to avoid
losing blood, Ross
grabbed Articuno's neck and swung onto its back.
"Bring him down here," instructed George.
Ross saw a light on Articuno's headband flashed briefly and Articuno
started to descend.
"Not that way," disagreed Ross, jumping onto one of the battle platforms.
"Now what do we do," asked the Rocket.
"We use the ice beam Aroduc." explained George.
Articuno overheard this and tried to freeze the distant Ross. Using
agility, Ross managed
to dodge the freezing cold beams.
**************************************************************************** ****
"Fea-ROW!" yelled an overhead bird.
On the screen, a figure was trying to fight off an Articuno without any
pokemon. The
figure dropped off a platform and disappeared from sight.
**************************************************************************** ****
'How on in the wide world of Pokemon am I going to get out of this mess?'
wondered
Ross in the uncomfortable position. There was little space to move and wires
all over the place.
'It won't be too long until they realize what happened to me.'
Ross looked out the tiny cracked-open door. Articuno, the mother of one of
his
pokemon, working for Team Rocket. Waiting on the floor, Articuno watched the
Rockets talk
over what to do.
Ross couldn't make out what they were saying, but soon, all three went into
a building.
Taking advantage of his time, Ross slid down a support beam like a fireman and
ran into a diner.
The diner was sit-down style and full of people in Team Rocket uniforms and
casual
clothes. Ross acted naturally sat at a table.
Ross ordered a steak and a drink so that he wouldn't stick out in the room
of greedy
eaters. Everywhere he looked, people were talking. Several words, Ash,
Pikachu, Giovanni,
Gary, Team Rocket, and steal, came up.
"But I did all of those jobs already!" complained a kid at a nearby table.
"Sorry Blast, but you're going to have to do one more job," commented a
girl in uniform
at the same table.
"One more job, One more job, that's all I ever hear!" argued the boy,
obviously 'Blast.'
A teenage boy walked in and sat at the same table.
"What are you complaining about NOW!?!" asked another uniformed teen.
"Same old, same old," answered the girl.
"AGAIN!?!" said the boy, "Even after we gave you that Nidorina?"
"If you want it back you can have it and all of my pokemon," offered Blast,
"I just want
out to start my own journey."
"Try making the offer to Gary or Giovanni," said the girl, standing up,
"and stop bugging
us with it."
The two teens walked out and Blast just sighed.
Doing his best to sound tough, Ross asked the now alone Blast, "What's
wrong kid?"
"It's a long story," stated Blast.
"My favorite kind," claimed Ross, "Pull up a chair."
Blast smiled at the offer and did as Ross said. "It all started when I
went to get my
starting pokemon..."
**************************************************************************** ****
"And so I'm stuck here until they either release me or send me off on
another job,"
finished Blast.
"Bummer," said Ross, "You didn't even want to become a Rocket and they can
pin you
for so many bum raps." Ross popped in the last french fry on his plate.
"Tell me about it," said Blast.
Finishing off his meal, Ross glanced towards the door. No one had come in
for quite a
while, which gave Ross a case of the shivers.
"I better get going," said Ross, "By the way, do you have the latest
newsletter?"
"Didn't you hear?" asked Blast.
"Hear what?"
"They gave up on the newsletter," answered Blast.
"Really?" replied a genuinely surprised Ross.
"Yeah,"said Blast, "Too many copies were being picked up by the cops."
"Then how are we going to know where the big jobs are?"
"Letters at the Pokemon Center," explained Blast.
"Oh, of course!" proclaimed Ross.
Suddenly, the front door opened and George and Aroduc walked in.
"George," muttered Ross under his breath as they started checking and
asking tables.
"Who?" asked Blast. Looking at the man walking around, Blast corrected,
"Oh, you
mean Giovanni."
Ross hopped out of his seat and said, "It's been a pleasure talking with
you Blast, but I'm
afraid that I have to go to the restroom, good evening." Ross walked as quick
as he could
without attracting attention to the restroom.
**************************************************************************** ****
'What a nice fellow that was,' thought Blast.
"Hey Blast," said the tall Aroduc, "Have you seen this person?" Aroduc
held out a
surveillance camera photo.
"Isn't that Ross Jacobsen?" asked Blast.
"Yes," answered Aroduc, "He's a spy, which way did he go?"
Blast was in shock, he didn't know if he could bring himself to turn in
someone that he
could almost consider a friend.
"He went to the can!" called out a voice.
**************************************************************************** ****
Inside the tile restroom, Ross turned the deadbolt knob. The only way out
was a window
with a screen, too high up to jump. A knock came from the door.
"Open up Ross!" ordered Aroduc's voice, "We know you're in there."
Trapped! Ross glanced all over the room. Toilet stalls, severely decayed
sinks, a square
vent on the ceiling, and no decent places to hide.
THUD!
Team Rocket was trying to break through the door.
**************************************************************************** ****
CRASH!
Several members of Team Rocket ran in and saw a broken window.
"How did he jump that high?" asked one of the trainers.
"Who cares," answered another Rocket, "If we hurry, we might still be able
to catch him
before he escapes!"
Everyone ran out before anyone could argue. A minute later, a pair of
sneakers touched
the tile floor and stepped out of the stall.
"Like I always say Pidgeotto," Ross whispered to the bird sitting on the
wall of a stall, "A
person is smart, but a group of people is dumb. One of the reasons I prefer
doing my pokemon
journey alone."
Walking back into the diner, Ross wasn't too surprised to find it empty.
Everyone was
behind the diner looking for him, so Ross easily got to the elevator.
Unfortunately, the elevator was being guarded. Ross hid in an alley and
tried to figure
out what to do. If he tried to fly down to the ground, he would be spotted and
who knows what
would happen. He was going to need a distraction.
"Hello?"
Ross looked to his right. A Fearow was perched on a trash can.
"Easy there," said Ross, "I'm not going to hurt you."
Fearow stood on one leg and held out his right leg, saying, "Read this."
Looking closely, Ross saw a note tied onto Fearow's leg.
**************************************************************************** ****
Dear trainer;
We are preparing to make a run on Cloud City. This will start
tomorrow or when
you get safely down, whichever comes first. Any information you can obtain will
be most
helpful in increasing the efficiency of capturing Rockets in the future. Fearow
here will help
you escape in any way possible. We look forward to meeting you.
The Elite Masters of the Pokemon League
**************************************************************************** ****
"Ross!" whispered a voice behind Ross. Turning around, Ross saw Blast.
"What do you want?" asked Ross.
"I think that I can help you get out of here," explained Blast, "Follow
me."
Blast led Ross and the Fearow through the alleys to the north edge.
"There's our ride to safety," stated Blast.
Looking to the edge, Ross saw several hang-gliders with Team Rocket
insignias on them.
All of which were guarded by half a dozen Team Rocket members.
"All we need is a distraction," claimed Blast.
Looking at the Fearow on his right shoulder, Ross said, "I think I have
just the thing."
**************************************************************************** ****
BRING!
"Hello?" asked the bored Aroduc. They hadn't managed to find Ross and he
could be
anywhere by now.
"Ross is trying to fly down on a Fearow from the South!" exclaimed a
Blast's voice.
"Thanks Blast," shouted Aroduc as he slammed down the phone.
**************************************************************************** ****
"There he is!" proclaimed Giovanni, pointing through the setting sunlight
at a Fearow.
"Open FIRE!"
Numerous Rockets lined up at the edge shot guns at the large bird.
**************************************************************************** ****
Meanwhile, on the NORTH side of the city, two people were sneaking to the
unprotected
hang-gliders.
"Are you sure about this?" asked Ross.
The second form just nodded. This satisfied Ross as they strapped into
different gliders
and ran off the edge.
**************************************************************************** ****
"It's a decoy!" exclaimed one of the firing squad.
"Check the rest of the city!" ordered Giovanni. Everyone in the immediate
area started
to run around the city checking the edges and elevator.
**************************************************************************** ****
Under the shadow of Cloud City, half of the local police were waiting. One
of the police
Growlithes started barking upward.
"There they go!" exclaimed Jenny, "Start the blockade!"
**************************************************************************** ****
"He's on a hang-glider!" shouted one of the Rockets, "Someone is already on
him."
"Somehow, I don't think so," replied Aroduc, "AFTER THEM! Take
tranquilizer guns, I
want them alive!"
**************************************************************************** ****
"We made it!" exclaimed Ross to the other glider on his right.
"I don't think so," answered Blast, looking behind them, "LOOK!"
Looking back, Ross saw several other gliders and a couple helicopters
coming after them.
"Uh-oh," was all that Ross had to say.
"FEAROW!" exclaimed a large bird at Ross's left.
"Try to slow down Team Rocket," Ross instructed the bird.
"FEAR!" cried the bird as it set out to do his task.
"Now what do WE do?" asked Blast.
"The closest safe place to land is Indigo Plateau," explained Ross, "I
doubt that they're
dumb enough to try an up-front attack there."
"Gotcha!" stated Blast.
**************************************************************************** ****
"What on Earth is that?" asked the helicopter pilot.
"A distraction!" explained the passenger next to him. Fearow flew along
the windshield
and shattered it with drill peck.
"AGH!" shouted the pilot as he was temporarily blinded by the glass. The
helicopter
started to fly wildly, scaring off some hang-gliders and the other chopper.
Fearow flew at the
second helicopter, tearing several hang-gliders along the way.
"Just shoot the dumb thing!" ordered the radio.
"Understood," answered the gunman by the open bay door.
After taking careful aim, the mighty Fearow was shot and fell out of the
sky into a large
lake.
**************************************************************************** ****
"So much for the distraction,"said Blast.
"FEAROW!" exclaimed Ross, getting ready to turn around.
"There's nothing that you can do now Ross," explained Blast, "He'll be
fine. We're
almost to Indigo Plateau."
Looking forward, Indigo Plateau was getting closer.
**************************************************************************** ****
"We're almost in range," commented the gunman, "But they're almost to the
Plateau!"
"If they make it, our set-up in Cloud City will be ruined!" exclaimed the
voice on the
radio.
"They won't land on Indigo sir," answered the pilot.
"They're in range and still about a mile to Indigo!"
**************************************************************************** ****
A couple of whirring sounds passed Ross and Blast.
"They're firing at us!" exclaimed Blast. A hole suddenly appeared in
Blast's right wing.
"I'm losing lift! I'm going down!"
"No you're not!" ordered Ross. Dropping behind Blast, Ross passed to his
right wing
where the hole was.
"That won't last long!" exclaimed Blast. Ross glided up and blocked the
hole with his
left wing.
"It doesn't have to," explained Ross, "There's the Plateau now!"
Sure enough, the flat mountaintop was getting very close. Looking to his
friend, Ross
saw that Blast had a dart sticking out of his right foot and was out cold. Ross
moved out of
Blast's way to avoid sending him into a spiral. The hole in Blast's glider let
him decline slowly.
Ross heard the terrifying sound of tearing canvas. Then Ross felt like he
got stung in the
seat by a Beedrill.
**************************************************************************** ****
"I have good news and bad news sir," stated the pilot into the radio mike.
"Out with it son!" demanded Aroduc's voice on the speaker.
"Good news-Ross and Blast didn't land on Indigo Plateau," reported the
pilot.
"And the bad news?"
"They crashed into the Pokemon League's courtyard," explained the nervous
man. The
speaker started to scream obscenities. Chapter 76-A Week Later
When Ross came to, he was in a bed. The only person in the room was Blast,
bandaged
up and asleep in another bed. There was a third empty bed. The room was blurry
to Ross. Next
to Ross's bed was his sneakers, backpack, belt, and coat. Ross tried to sit up,
but experienced
pain all over.
Ross's head and arms were wrapped in soft bandages, his right ankle caused
stabbing
pain whenever he tried to move it, and had a seriously bruised bottom.
After a while, a nurse came in with a bowl of soup. "At least you're
awake," commented
the nurse, setting the hot bowl on the table next to Ross.
"Where am I?" asked Ross.
"The recovery ward at the Indigo Plateau Pokemon League Headquarters,"
answered the
nurse.
"Whew," said Ross, "We made it."
"If you don't mind my asking," started the nurse, "Why was Team Rocket
after you?"
"It's a long story," commented Ross, "But here goes..."
Ross ate his soup as he explained the story of how he went up to Cloud City
to get the
trainer badge, how he met Blast, and their desperate escape.
"Sounds like quite an adventure," said a figure in the doorway.
The nurse smiled and said, "Hey Ash."
"Hello Misty," replied the figure. Ross rubbed the blur out of his eyes
and saw that the
nurse was Misty and the other figure was Ash.
"Good thing that you're awake," said Ash, "I wanted to meet the boy that
caused such a
fuss up at Cloud City before I left to see how Hagatha was doing at the ghost
gym."
Blast was starting to stir in the other bed.
"Looks like your friend is going to be with us soon," commented Misty, "I
better go get
some more soup." Taking Ross's empty bowl, Misty left the room.
"How long was I out?" asked Ross.
"Almost a week," answered Ash, "You were in bad shape when you crashed into
our
courtyard. I've been keeping an eye on your pokemon for you."
"Thanks," said Ross.
"Ugh," moaned Blast, "My head..."
"Welcome back to the land of the living," commented Ash.
"Thanks, I think," replied Blast.
"You two coming here caused quite a stir," stated Ash, "There was more
action here than
when I beat Gary!"
"What's going to happen to Blast?" Ross asked.
"Since he didn't know what he was doing his first crime and then was
blackmailed, Blast
is being released," answered Ash.
"Really?" asked Blast, "I'm free?"
"Yep," Ash continued, "And since there is no way to know for sure which
pokemon goes
where, you're going to be able to keep one of your pokemon. The rest will be
leveled down, de-
evolved, and distributed to starting trainers."
"Okay," replied Blast.
"We already sent a new flying gym leader to Cloud City," commented Ash,
"Most of the
Rockets bailed when the raid started."
"I guess that means I have to go back," said a glum Ross
"Nope," answered Misty, coming in with another hot bowl of soup.
"Why not?" asked Ross
"The Elite Masters took a vote and decided to award you both with the
Flying badge,"
stated Ash. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a pair of small badges
looking like a
feather. Ross took the badge and thanked Ash. Blast did the same.
"It's still going to be another day before you two can leave," commented
Misty, handing
Blast the soup. "We better let them get some sleep."
"Just one more thing," said Ash, "Team Rocket is really going to be trying
to get back at
you guys. It's only going to be a matter of time."
Ash and Misty walked out of the room and Ross realized that he was right.
Sooner or
later, Team Rocket would have their day. Chapter 77-Reminiscing
The next day, Ross and Blast were ready to leave. Blast had to go to
Pewter to get his
first badge while Ross chose to tag along with Ash and Pikachu to Lavender. He
still had the
super ball from Seymour that Ross was hoping to use to catch a ghost pokemon.
"Team Rocket has just about always been bugging me," said Ash, riding on an
Aerodactyl, "Even when I was just starting out to get the badges. Back then,
there was only 8
badges to collect, then there was fifteen, and now I have trouble just
remembering them all!"
"There was some close calls with them," commented Pikachu, riding a
Spearow, "Once,
they tried to steal an entire herd of Kangaskhan!"
"You're kidding!" said Ross from his Fearow. After a cold look from Ash
and Pikachu,
Ross corrected, "You're not kidding."
"Butterfree in mating season, an undisturbed herd of Pikachu, even a
pokemon that to
this day I still can't identify," stated Ash.
"I still say that it was a Dragonite," stated Pikachu.
"And I say that it was too big to be a Dragonite," replied Ash.
"Dragonite," said Pikachu.
"I'll tell you one more time," said Ash, "It was..."
Pikachu had sparks flashing in its cheeks.
"Never mind," said Ash to avoid shock.
'I wonder if my relationship with my pokemon will be like that in a few
years,' wondered
Ross.
Before long, Ross, Ash, and Pikachu had landed in front of the ghost tower.
Across the
street from it was a pokemon gym. The three walked into a full waiting room.
After talking to
the receptionist, Ash turned to Ross.
"Apparently, Hagatha went into the pokemon tower yesterday morning and
hasn't come
back yet," explained Ash, "It's very uncommon for a gym leader to stay more than
24 hours
from their gym."
"Maybe something happened to her," suggested Pikachu in it's own language.
"Let's go look for her," said Ross.
Ash agreed and walked to get some of his best pokemon out of his account.
When Ash
and Pikachu was ready, they led the way into pokemon tower. Chapter 78-An Old Enemy?
The light inside pokemon tower was dim, so Ross called out Charmeleon for
light and
Porygon in case they encountered any ghosts.
"Why do we have to come back here? And what's with those pokemon out?"
Pikachu
asked Ash from his shoulder.
Eager to keep his secret, Ross pretended not to understand Pikachu and
asked, "What's
wrong with your Pikachu?"
"He wants to know why you have those pokemon out," answered Ash, "And why
we're
back here."
"Back?" asked Ross.
"We were here a long time ago, when I was ten," commented Ash, "It's a
little personal,
but we had a bad experience."
"Oh, well," started Ross, "Ghost attacks don't affect normal pokemon, and
Porygon has
psychic attacks that take advantage of their semi-poison type. In my mind,
Porygon is among the
best pokemon to fight ghosts."
"Oh..." said Ash and Pikachu at the same time.
"Pretty smart," complimented Ash.
"And Charmeleon's tail flame will act like a candle," finished Ross.
There wasn't much in the tower. A few cobwebs, some decaying furniture, a
large hole
in the floor and ceiling, and layers of filth.
'Guess ghosts don't bother cleaning,' figured Ross.
The group passed a dirty mirror. After Ross passed it, he stepped back.
"What are you doing?" asked Ash.
"Most pokemon, ghosts included, use light patterns to put opponents to
sleep," stated
Ross.
"So?" pushed Ash.
"So, with a mirror, the ghosts might just put themselves to sleep,"
finished Pikachu.
"Oh," said Ash, "Okay."
Ross wiped away the filth and saw a short ghost with legs and an off- white
headband on
behind him. The figure started to gather power.
"DOWN!" exclaimed Ross, pulling Ash to the floor.
The mirror shattered moments later.
"What the?" asked Ash when the pokemon responsible cried out.
"GEN-gar!"
"Gengar, what are you doing?" asked Ash. Gengar didn't answer, he just ran
off.
"Did you know that particular pokemon?" Ross asked Ash.
"Once, we were friends," explained Ash, "After a while, Hagatha caught him
and our
friendship continued."
"Not in his mind apparently," commented Pikachu.
"Maybe we better keep looking," suggested Ross. Chapter 79-Pokemon Tower
Ross, Ash, Pikachu, Charmeleon, and Porygon worked their way through the
tower
without any signs of Hagatha. The party had encountered several ghost pokemon
with the same
unusual headbands as Gengar.
The pokemon tried to scare them off, but Ross, Ash, and their pokemon
weren't to be
frightened by lame humor.
"They always did have rather warped senses of humor," commented Pikachu.
After checking each individual floor, the only place left for Hagatha to be
was the roof.
Looking out the trapdoor, it was quickly obvious that no one was around on
that floor.
"I didn't she'd be up there," commented Pikachu, "She has a terrible fear
of heights,
remember?"
"Heights, that's RIGHT!" exclaimed Ash, running down the stairs.
"What's right?" asked Ross, following Ash.
"Pokemon tower has a basement," explained Ash, "The entrance has been
hidden for
years."
"Then how do you know about it?" asked Ross.
Ash didn't hear Ross as he ran over to an old cupboard. Opening it Ash
revealed a door.
Pikachu got even more scared when Ash reached for the doorknob.
"That was just the one time Pikachu," Ash reminded Pikachu. While Ash
turned the
handle, Ross wondered what could be behind the door that was so terrible.
Ash swung open the door and led Ross and his pokemon down the stairs.
**************************************************************************** ****
"Toys?" asked Ross, "This is what you were scared of?"
Pikachu could only shudder. Unlike the rest of the rooms, this toy room
was in excellent
shape. A man in a Team Rocket uniform was asleep at a desk with more of those
off-white
headbands. An old lady was tied up on a merry-go-round.
"Hagatha," whispered Ash. Ash started to walk up to the merry-go-round
when Ross
grabbed him.
"What is it?" asked Ash.
"Look," replied Ross, pointing at the ceiling.
A face was peeking through from the main floor.
"Gastly," whispered Ash.
"How do we get past it?" asked Ross.
"We'll have to distract it," commented Ash.
"And how are we supposed to do that?" asked Pikachu.
"I have got an idea," stated Ross, "I'll battle it."
**************************************************************************** ****
"Start with psybeam," Ross whispered to Porygon.
"Okay," replied Porygon. A beam of light shot out from Porygon's eyes and
hit Gastly.
Gastly cried out in pain, but didn't pull it's face out of the floor.
"Psychic," instructed Ross.
Porygon developed a blue light around him and Gastly cried out in pain
again.
"Gastly, defeat the loser," called a voice from below.
"GA-stly," stated the fog as a face was removed from the floor to face
Ross.
"Psywave," called Ross.
The Gastly was hurt, but flew after Ross.
"Back off!" exclaimed Ross, doing a backflip.
Ross's foot went through Gastly's body and hit his headband. Gastly
hesitated before
trying use lick. Ross grabbed Gastly's tongue and wound it around his body.
"Use the night shade!" ordered the voice below.
Ross pulled Gastly's tongue, spinning him like a top. Gastly was left
dizzy.
"That was incredibly sick," commented Ross, looking at his hand, "Ew, ghost
slobber."
Ross shook his damp hand in an effort to remove the offending ooze.
"Gastly, take five," instructed the voice, "Gengar, get up there!"
The Gengar that attacked Ross when he came in jumped out of the hole and
took a
fighting stance. Ross did the same and readied for what could be HIS toughest
battle. Using
telekinesis, Ross pulled down a broken old electric wire and held it like a
whip.
"Gen-gen-gen-gen-gar," laughed Gengar.
"Come on," said Ross, motioning for Gengar to come and get him.
This apparently greatly angered Gengar who charged at Ross. Ross swung up
the make-
shift whip. The cable wrapped around Gastly's headband and was swung into
Gengar.
Gengar was knocked through the floor, leaving behind his headband.
**************************************************************************** ****
In the basement, Ash and Pikachu were battling against the Rocket and his
Cubone.
"Don't give in Pikachu," called Ash, "Swift attack."
"Bonemerang," stated the Rocket in a calm voice.
Cubone wound up to through his bone when Gengar was knocked through the
floor onto
Cubone.
"Bone," moaned Cubone. Gengar shook its head, trying to regain its
bearings.
"What are you doing down here!?!" asked the Rocket, "Get back up there and
finish the
job! Hey, where's your mind-band?"
Gengar just looked around and saw his trainer tied up and friends trying to
save her.
Determined to help, Gengar used nightshade on the Rocket.
"Ouch," said the Rocket before falling to Gengar's hypnosis power.
Looking around, Gengar realized that he hypnotized Ash, Pikachu, the
Rocket's Cubone,
and Hagatha as well.
**************************************************************************** ****
Back on the main floor, Ross had gotten a hold of Gastly's mind-band and
removed it.
Gastly didn't fight to keep it because he was last told to rest.
When Gastly regained his bearings, he dropped through the floor into the
basement.
Ross took the stairs.
Everyone was asleep except for a Gengar and a tired Gastly. Ross
transferred the ropes
on Hagatha to the Rocket before sitting down to wait for everyone to wake up.
"I still don't understand why Pikachu hates this place so much," said Ross,
attracting the
attention of the ghosts.
"HAU-HAU-HAU!" exclaimed a strange voice from above. Everyone that was
awake
looked up to the hole in the ceiling to see a Haunter, like Sabrina's float
down.
"It's really quite simple," said Haunter's voice in his head, "Ash and
Pikachu both
literally had an out-of-body experience here."
"Woah," muttered Ross while Gengar and Gastly flew up to their friend. The
three
pokemon talked while Ross just watched. Apparently, Haunter was giving Gastly a
hard time
about something. Ross considered tapping into their conversation by reading
their minds, but
decided against it. Hagatha yawned as she woke up.
"Good morning," said a cheerful Ross.
"Hello," said Hagatha in an aged voice, "Who are you?"
"My name is Ross Jacobsen. I came here with Ash when we arrived and found
out that
you weren't in the gym." explained Ross.
"Ash is here?" said a surprised Hagatha, "Where is he?"
"He's sleeping over there," stated Ross pointing at a figure slumped
backwards over a
swing. Pikachu was leaning against a rocking horse, snoring loudly. Hagatha
just shook here
head.
"What are you doing here Haunter?" Hagatha asked the floating figure.
Haunter talked
in his own way for a while. "Whatever," replied Hagatha.
It was a little longer before Ash, Pikachu, and the Rocket woke up.
Forcing the Rocket
to reveal the control panel for the local mind-bands, Ash proceeded to destroy
it.
When Ash was finished, everyone walked out of the tower with Gastly
following them in
vapor form.
**************************************************************************** ****
"After talking with Ash and my Gengar," started Hagatha, "I've decided that
there is no
need to battle you. I believe that you have already earned the right to have a
ghost badge."
Ross was a little surprised when Hagatha handed a small badge resembling a
Haunter to
him.
"Thanks," said Ross, turning to leave.
"One more thing," said Hagatha, "Gengar says that Gastly has been following
you in
vapor form, seeking a rematch against you. If you win again, he'll be yours."
Looking behind him, Ross saw Gastly in the gym arena, waiting for Ross's
choice. Ross
stepped into the arena and said, "You're on. Go Porygon! Psychic."
Gastly tried to use night shade on Porygon. Unaffected, Porygon fired a
beam of light at
the ghost, weakening it.
"Psywave," called Ross.
Gastly was bombarded by mental energy, bringing it down. Ross pulled out
the orange
super ball and pushed a button. A red beam shot out and encased the cloud of
gas.
Gastly struggled to avoid being pulled into the round prison. Moving
closer to it Gastly
knew that he couldn't fight the powerful super ball. Gastly was pulled in and
stopped struggling. Chapter 80-Interview With Ash
When Ross came out of the gym doors, Ash and Pikachu were still waiting.
"Hey Ash," called Ross, "Before you go, I have to ask you some questions."
"Why don't we talk it over lunch?" suggested Ash.
"Okay," agreed Ross, "Let's go."
Ross, Ash, and Pikachu took a short walk to the only diner in town.
**************************************************************************** ****
After being seated, Ross ordered a soup/salad combo, Ash requested some
fried chicken,
and Pikachu asked for an appetizer size portion of cheese bread. Ross reached
into his pocket
and hit the button to record the conversation to listen to later.
"First question," said Ross, "Why is there so many gyms nowadays?
"Well," started Ash, "Like every other job, new people have to be allowed
in. Gym
leaders retire and the new leaders change the gym type. The other reason is
because new gyms
were built, developing a more complex system."
"No kidding," commented Pikachu.
"Second question," explained Ross, "I heard a rumor that in order to become
an Elite
Master, you have to beat everyone else in the League in one year."
"That's actually not far off," commented Ash, "Every once in a while, we
hold a
tournament among the lower level trainers. The winner gets to take on the Elite
Master trainers
in a pokemon battle and a quiz developed by our breeders. If anyone does well
enough in these
fields, they are permitted to join the Elite Masters."
"What's life like up on Indigo Plateau?"
"It's interesting," stated Ash, "but I enjoy coming down to look for more
pokemon and
have some human interaction."
"AHEM!" exclaimed Pikachu.
"No offense," apologized Ash.
"How long have you been a trainer?"
"About, what is it now, 10 years?" Ash asked Pikachu.
"There-abouts," added Pikachu.
"Is there a reason why Pikachu doesn't evolve?"
"Pikachu just didn't like the idea of evolving," explained Ash, "That's
fine with me, he
just took a counteragent to prevent him from evolving. We have a super thunder
stone locked
away that only Pikachu has a key to. Only that thunder stone can evolve Pikachu
here."
"What are you planning to do about Viridian Gym?"
"Right now, Gary's caught up in the court system," explained Ash, "If he
avoids jail,
he'll take back the position of Viridian Gym leader." Pikachu gritted his teeth
at the thought of
Gary.
A waiter walked up with a tray of their order. After handing out the food,
the waiter
asked Ash and Pikachu to each sign a pokeball for his son. Granting the
request, the Ross
politely waited while his dining partners each signed a pokeball provided by the
waiter.
"This sort of thing happens all the time," explained Ash, "Everywhere we
go, someone
always recognizes us and wants a signature or advice."
"Why don't you just stay up on Indigo Plateau?" asked Ross.
"If I did that," said Ash, "It wouldn't be any different than a jail!"
"I see your point," said Ross as the group started to eat.
Ross asked a few more questions while they ate. How many Elite Master have
there
been? What he did in his free time? What was his favorite gym? And the like.
Finally Ross hit a nerve. "Have you had any girlfriends?"
Ash didn't answer at first, so Pikachu said, "That's a touchy subject.
He's got a crush
on..."
"Pikachu!" exclaimed Ash.
"He can't understand me," argued Pikachu.
Changing the subject, Ross asked, "I've heard that some people can
understand their
pokemon, word for word. Any idea on how this is possible?"
"There are some people that can only understand their starting pokemon,"
claimed Ash,
"Others are able to understand only their pokemon, and even more claim to be
able to
understand any pokemon specie that they spend enough time with."
The waiter came back with a check and Ross picked it up. Ash looked a
little puzzled by
this, but Ross said, "It's the least I can do since you answered my questions."
Satisfied with this, Ross paid at the cash register and walked down the
street with his
companions. After healing their pokemon, Ash and Pikachu called their birds and
got ready to
fly back to Indigo.
"See you around Ross," said Ash as Pikachu mounted Spearow, "You're shaping
out to
be a decent trainer." Ash held out a hand and added, "Keep in touch."
Ross shook Ash's hand and said, "You got it."
Ash mounted his Aerodactyl and said, "I'll see you when you get all of the
badges."
And with that, the two birds flew off to the west. Ross just stood there
and watched his
new friends fly off under the setting sun. Chapter 81-
"I say that we take his pokemon NOW!" declared Aroduc. The top 5 Team
Rocket
leaders were having a tele-conference with a prisoner on the phone.
"No," said the prisoner on the phone, "If we wait, he will gather even MORE
powerful
pokemon for us."
"But if we wait too long," argued another leader, "He might have too MANY
powerful
pokemon for us to take from him."
"We're wasting time arguing," stated George Hermanni, "As we speak, Ross
and Blast
are getting stronger!"
"I have already developed a plan," claimed the prisoner, "In the envelope
you sent me, it
speaks of Ross having a brother."
"Yes, Adam Jacobsen," said a fourth man in the room, "What about him?"
**************************************************************************** ****
"Use the flame thrower Vulpix," called Ross.
"Absorb!" shouted the young boy.
Several flames emerged from Vulpix's mouth, leaving Oddish looking like the
remains
of a mini forest fire.
"Absorb THAT," said Vulpix, trying to sound like an action hero.
"Finish it off with a body slam," called Ross.
The weak Oddish couldn't withstand the powerful hit and fainted.
"Oddish, return!" called Ross's opponent, holding up a pokeball. Oddish
turned into a
mass of red energy when the return beam hit it. The Oddish energy flew into its
pokeball to rest
until the next battle.
"Good battle," Ross said, reaching out for a handshake.
"Thanks, but I still lost," said the trainer, shaking Ross's hand.
"You could probably just use some more variety in your pokemon," stated
Ross, "Even a
gym leader should have at least 3 different types of pokemon for self- defense."
"Good point," replied the young boy, "Here's your winnings."
The boy handed Ross some money and left to treat Oddish's burn in a nearby
stream.
Ross pocketed the money and called over the rest of his pokemon over.
"We better hurry if we're going to reach Stone Town by nightfall,"
explained Ross, "It
should just be down this road."
Some of Ross's pokemon thought that it was too far to walk,(or fly as some
cases may
be.) and chose to ride in their pokeballs. Others decided to just stay out for
a while. Walking
along, they noticed a lady trying to beat off some eggs with a broom.
"You horrible pokemon," cried the woman, "Leave my garden alone!"
Wondering what was going on Ross used his pokedex on the eggs. A picture
of a dozen
eggs with faces appeared on the screen.
"Exeggcute, a swarm pokemon," stated the mechanical voice, "This pokemon
displays
psychic and grass type characteristics. It has the potential to evolve when
exposed to the leaf
stone."
"Shoo!" cried the woman. The eggs started to glow.
"Hypnosis," explained the pokedex, still aimed at the eggs, "This technique
is used by
many psychic pokemon to put enemies to sleep by sight." The lady started to get
blinky.
Looking away from the herd of eggs, Ross told Growlithe and Vulpix to roar.
The two
pokemon did and the Exeggcute ran off, well hopped off. The roar also woke up
the woman.
"You okay?" Ross asked.
"Yes, but those horrible grass pokemon are going to come back," complained
the
woman, "Would you mind staying to scare them off?"
"Well, I'm in kind of a hurry to get to Stone Town," explained Ross.
"No problem," said the woman, "If you help me out, I'll give you a lift in
my car. I'll
also cook you dinner."
"FOOD!" barked Growlithe hungrily.
"Transportation would be faster in a car than by foot," stated Vulpix.
"I guess its unanimous," commented Ross.
**************************************************************************** ****
That night Ross waited by the window for the pokemon. He spent time trying
to
determine which pokemon were causing all of the trouble. Four pokemon were
described and
Ross had them displayed on his pokedex's screen. Ross also had a mirror sitting
next to him that
he borrowed from the owner.
"Oddish, Bellsprout, Exeggcute, and Tangela," commented Ross, "All grass
type,
Bellsprout and Oddish are also part poison." Oddish was a small green plant
with leaves
emerging from its head and short legs. Bellsprout was a walking flower with a
yellow head.
There wasn't any movement outside until about 7 in the evening. A mass of
vines was
walking through the gate and heading for the garden. Ross was going to walk
outside, but
Tangela wasn't alone. Oddish, Bellsprout, and Exeggcute were following him.
Once all four pokemon were in the garden, Ross used telekinesis to close
and lock the
gate. None of the grass pokemon noticed this little trick. Ross walked out the
door and turned
to face the garden with hiding pokemon.
"I know that you're in there!" proclaimed Ross, "I challenge all four of
you to a battle!"
The four pokemon walked out and took a battle stance. Ross replied by
pulling out 4
pokeballs.
"Charmeleon, Growlithe, Pidgeotto, Gastly, GO!" exclaimed Ross, throwing
his chosen
pokeballs. The four pokemon appeared and Ross said, "Gastly, night shade to
Exeggcute,
Pidgeotto, wing attack to Tangela, Charmeleon and Growlithe, flame thrower to
Oddish and
Bellsprout!"
Exeggcute tried to barrage Gastly, but went right through him. Bellsprout
used growth
and Oddish tried using poison powder on Gastly, but hit Exeggcute instead.
Tangela constricted
Pidgeotto.
Charmeleon and Growlithe thoroughly cooked Oddish and Bellsprout with their
flamethrowers. Pidgeotto couldn't get lose to use wing attack and Gastly nailed
Exeggcute with
night shade.
Oddish and Bellsprout were burned, Pidgeotto was being pulled in by
Tangela, and
Exeggcute was tired from the night shade and poison.
Considering the positioning, Ross called out, "Charmeleon, trap Oddish and
Bellsprout
in a fire spin, Growlithe, bite off the vines holding Pidgeotto, Gastly, lick
Exeggcute."
Oddish tried to use another powder and Bellsprout tried to use vine whip.
Both of which
were burned when Oddish and Bellsprout were trapped in a fire spin. Tangela put
the squeeze
on Pidgeotto and was soon bitten so hard by Growlithe, that he dropped the bird.
Exeggcute
used reflect to gain armor, but couldn't move when Gastly licked them.
Seizing the opportunity, Ross threw a pokeball at Exeggcute.
Unfortunately, Exeggcute
broke out and knocked away Gastly with a solar beam. Ross called back Gastly
and noticed that
Exeggcute was starting to glow in an attempt to hypnotize Ross and his pokemon.
'Here we go,' thought Ross.
Ross pulled the locker mirror out of his pocket and held it up to
Exeggcute. Exeggcute
continued to perform its hypnosis act even though no one was watching except for
the second
Exeggcute.
Before too long, Exeggcute was snoring loudly and Oddish and Bellsprout was
in no
shape to fight. Ross caught each in a pokeball and turned his attention to
Tangela.
Tangela naturally freaked. It released stun spore on Ross's pokemon,
making them all
unable to battle. Ross reached for the pokeballs for his paralyzed pokemon, but
they were gone,
along with all of his other pokeballs.
"Tang-el," called the vine pokemon, waving Ross's belt like a pendulum.
"You little thief," accused Ross, "I guess I'm going to have to do this the
hard way."
Ross pulled out his pocket knife and opened a blade. Tangela tossed the
belt onto the
house's roof, making it unaccessible until Ross got a ladder. Ross adjusted his
grip on the knife
in his right hand and held it to cut when Ross would do a karate chop.
Tangela started the show down by wrapping its vines around Ross's forearms
and shins.
Ross retaliated by dealing the ground a right karate chop. This freed his right
hand, knife, and
hurt Tangela.
Ross cut off the vine on his left hand before Tangela let go of Ross's
legs. Next, Tangela
regrew its lost vines with growth before being low kicked by Ross.
Tangela flew into the fence and got ready to slam Ross against a tree.
Ross scared
Tangela out of it by swinging his knife at the vines that reached for him.
Tangela started to
release another unusual powder which was starting to drift to Ross.
Ross threw down the knife which was stuck in the ground, standing at an
angle. Ross
quickly grabbed Tangela with telekinesis and pulled him into the dust.
All of the dust got caught in the sudden movement and fell onto Tangela.
Ross let go of
Tangela and listened to its snoring. Pulling out another pokeball, Ross caught
the snoring pile of
vines. TO BE CONTINUED
By Ross Jacobsen
Transferred to fanfiction.net by voyager1713
Chapter 62-Up Mt. Fire
After a good night's sleep, Ross started out for Mount Fire. Ross thought
that he would
find several new pokemon.
"But I have to look for new pokemon," argued Ross, "There must be tons of
them on this
mountain!"
"Sorry, but rules are rules," explained the guard, "I can only let
scientists or Elite Masters
of the Pokemon League, both also have to have qualified protection."
"Why?" asked Ross, "I thought that the mountain was safer these days."
"Simple," replied the guard, "This mountain is home to several Moltres and
Magmar,
two very powerful pokemon. As long as they're on the protected pokemon list,
their habitat is
restricted."
Ross was disappointed, but realized that limited access was for the
betterment of the
pokemon.
That didn't mean that he wasn't going to try and figure a way onto Mt. Fire
though. Ross
sat down and puzzled over the problem for a while. Ross decided to check what
was in his
mystery envelope.
Inside was some more passes to the Safari Zone and some cash. Nothing that
would help
Ross at the moment. Ross continued to think when he heard a low hum.
The hum got louder and Ross saw a floating yellow ring with a clear dome
coming
closer. As the hovering vehicle approached, Ross read a plaque on it reading,
"Prototype 01
Exploration Hovercraft." Problem was that the vehicle wasn't level.
"But I need to examine the geothermal activity!" proclaimed the driver in a
white lab
coat.
"Sorry, but until you get this thing fixed, you're not going on this
mountain," said the
guard.
"But all of my tools are useless!" The vehicle turned around and the
scientist left in a
huff. Ross had an idea and ran after the vehicle.
**************************************************************************** **
About an hour later, the guard saw the 01 hovercraft returning. This time
with two
people on board and perfectly level.
"We're BA-ACK!" said the scientist.
"I see that," said the guard, "Now that you've gotten that limp fixed, you
can go on up
the mountain."
The guard walked back into the guardhouse and soon, the gate opened.
The hovercraft floated through the gate and to the red glow at the top of
the mountain.
**************************************************************************** **
After Ross and the scientist, (who was named Peter), set up some equipment,
Peter
pulled out two cameras.
"I understand that you want to capture new pokemon," said Peter, "But if
you can't catch
them, would you mind taking a picture of them?"
"No sweat," replied Ross, taking one of the cameras from Peter.
**************************************************************************** **
The air on Mt. Fire was very hot. Several of Ross's pokemon chose to stay
in their
pokeballs, but Charmeleon, Geodude, Wartortle, and Growlithe could stand the
heat and move
around easily. Most of the pokemon Ross saw were just copies of the pokemon
Ross already
had. Fortunately, Ross found an old lava tube with several pokemon talking.
None of the pokemon ran away when they saw Ross and just started to follow
his other
pokemon. Ross decided not to fight the pokemon for a while and everything was
going great.
Ross was taking pictures of the pokemon and they were loving all of the
attention. All of the
pokemon he saw really liked Ross and his pokemon.
"MOLLLL-TREESSS!" hollered an angry, raspy voice. All of the wild pokemon
jumped
and ran up the mountain and into another cave.
Ross and pokemon were confused by this action until a wild Geodude said,
"The fire god
is angry. We must appease it."
Ross was curious and followed the wild pokemon into the cave. Ross's
pokemon
followed their trainer and beheld a breathtaking site. A large Moltres stood
over a much smaller
one. Several wild pokemon surrounded the two birds. Onix, Ponyta, Charmander,
Magmar,
Geodude, Growlithe, and Vulpix, all were present with their evolved forms, if
any. Ross
decided to stay out of sight when the adult Moltres spoke.
"But we need that food for ourselves," protested a small Growlithe.
Moltres looked angrily at the small dog and burned the poor dog senseless.
The little
puppy dropped and Moltres started spoke again. Ross realized that he just HAD
to get a picture
of the meeting.
Ross aimed the camera and pushed the button. The camera took the picture
and started
to make a loud whirring sound. The camera was rewinding the film roll. Ross
looked from the
camera to the meeting. Moltres looked straight at Ross's hiding place with fire
in his eyes.
Ross's pokemon panicked and jumped into their pokeballs. Ross ran out of the
cave while the
adult Moltres flew out a hole in the roof of the cave.
Ross tried to hurry down the slope but knew that he couldn't outrun the
fire bird. Ross
found a flat spot and stood his ground against the bird. Chapter 63-To Beat A Moltres
Ross sent out most of his pokemon, but they all fell to the powerful
Moltres. Moltres
waited for its next opponent and Ross was down to Geodude.
"Geodude, GO!" said Ross.
Geodude was nervous about facing such a powerful opponent, but was ready to
fight for
Ross.
"Defense curl," instructed Ross.
Geodude developed a new layer of rock as Moltres used ember. Geodude
wasn't
seriously damaged but was left open to a peck attack. Moltres hit Geodude and
was seriously hit
this time.
"Tackle."
Geodude charged Moltres, but missed when Moltres used agility. Moltres
than knocked
Geodude to the ground with a wing attack and trapped Geodude in a fire spin.
Even the hard rock couldn't take the super intense heat in the fire spin.
The fire was so
hot that it white. The imprisoned form was impossible to see.
"Rock throw!"
A boulder shot out of the white flame and knocked Moltres out of the sky
and onto the
ground.
"Rock SLIDE!"
The ground trembled briefly and several rocks up the mountain started to
roll down the
slope at Moltres. Moltres tried to fly up out of harm's way when a rocky form
escaped the
intense fire spin and tackled Moltres back into the path of the rocks. The rock
on Moltres used
harden just before the mountainside rocks rolled past Ross and carried the two
pokemon down
the mountain.
"GEODUDE!!!" cried a worried Ross.
The wild pokemon that had been watching from the meeting cave, ran down the
mountain to the pile of rocks that took away the battling pokemon. Ross ran as
fast as he could
until a wild Rapidash ran by and let him climb on.
**************************************************************************** **
At the large mound of rocks, Ross and other wild pokemon dug feverishly to
uncover the
two trapped pokemon. After a while, a group of Ninetails uncovered an
unconscious Moltres.
It was getting late and there was still no sign of Geodude.
"Gra-ve..." said a weak voice under Ross.
Ross moved boulders as fast as his tired arms could until he found a tired
Graveler
pinned under several rocks.
"GET ME MY BACKPACK!" ordered Ross.
A Magmar ran up with the pack open. Ross reached in and pulled out a
potion to apply
to Graveler. Other pokemon joined Ross and Graveler was soon free of the rocks.
Ross had just barely figured out that his Geodude evolved in Graveler when
the 01
hovercraft floated into view.
"Team Rocket, blast off at the speed of light. Surrender now or prepare to
fight!" stated
an intercom on the craft.
A large hose appeared and started to inhale.
"RUN!" yelled Ross to the pokemon. The wild pokemon ran into another
hidden cave,
followed closely by Ross and Graveler. Everyone was in except the knocked- out
Moltres.
"Thanks for the Moltres," said the intercom, "Good luck trying to get off
of the
mountain! HA HA HA HA HA!!!!!" The three lifts suddenly increased their output
and flew
higher into the air.
"I don't think so," said Ross. Remembering the weak lift, Ross pointed at
it and added
"Graveler, rock throw that lift!"
Graveler and several other rock pokemon threw a total of about 25 rocks at
the lift Ross
pointed out. While most of the rocks hit their target, some rocks hit the other
two lifts. All of
the lifts lost power and the hovercraft started to spin out of control.
The craft disappeared behind the curve of the mountain, followed shortly by
a large
explosion. Chapter 64-Wild Lifestyle
At the wreckage, leftover parts were scattered all over the place. Some
shrapnel was
burning while other pieces were partially buried in the soil.
The wild pokemon let out a cheer and started to dance around the shell of
the 01
hovercraft. Ross and Graveler wondered why they were celebrating so much when a
Charmeleon walked up and explained.
"A few years ago, a Moltres was threatening all of us and demanding a more
than equal
share of our food. Over time, the Moltres had a legacy take its place after
death. Several
pokemon have tried to oppose the ruling Moltres, but they were all beaten.
Finally, You and
your pokemon friends came and beat Moltres. You are welcome to join in our
celebration."
"But what about the infant Moltres?" asked Graveler. Everyone stopped when
they heard
this question. Apparently they didn't think about this.
"Why don't I take it with me?" asked Ross.
The wild pokemon talked about this for a little while until the Charmeleon
said, "We'll
have to talk about it. We'll let you know our decision later. For now, let's
PARTY!!!!"
Ross's other pokemon eventually came to and joined in the festivities. The
party lasted
well into the night. There were races, dances, and a feast.
When Ross had his fill, he set up camp a few feet away from the party and
drifted off to
sleep.
**************************************************************************** **
In the morning, Ross crawled out of his tent and stretched before taking
down his tent.
Ross and pokemon were invited to breakfast.
As everyone munched on fruits, berries, and even a crude bread, 7 pokemon,
a Charizard,
a Magmar, a Rapidash, a Arcanine, a Golem, a Onix, and a Ninetails, whispered
among
themselves.
After breakfast, Ross was shown several sites. Several little villages
belonging to the
different pokemon, several lava tubes, and the entrance and exit to something
translated as an
"evolution tunnel."
Growlithe wanted to go in, but the wild pokemon wouldn't let it. The last
site Ross and
party was shown was a large cave. According to the wild pokemon, it was the
hall of justice.
Inside, the seven pokemon Ross saw earlier rested behind a long table.
The Magmar stood up and started talking. Ross's Abra translated for him.
"We, the seven mayors, have been deliberating your request. We currently
believe that
the best place for the infant Moltres IS with you. You seem to be skilled in
bringing out a
pokemon's inner strength and discipline. SO, we have decided to make a
request."
"Which is?" ventured Rattata.
"We would like you to take some OTHER pokemon with you. We must warn you
that
these pokemon is a young group of trouble makers and might not obey you."
"How many more pokemon are we talking here?" asked Pidgey.
"3, a Magmar, an Onix, and a Vulpix."
"Group huddle," said Ross. Ross and all of his pokemon formed a circle and
took a
quick survey. When they decided, the huddle broke and faced the seven mayors.
"We'll do it," said Machop.
"Vulpix will have to evolve someday, so we'll give you a piece of the
evolution tunnel
for when that day comes."
A Golem walked out holding the end of a chain and carrying a box. Golem
handed the
chain and box to Ross. Ross looked into the box and saw the young Moltres and a
fire stone.
Attached to the chain was a Magmar, a Vulpix, and an Onix.
"We wish you the best of luck. Even if they won't listen to you, we think
that the
experience will do them good."
Ross and his pokemon was shown the way out of the Hall of Justice and
started to go
downhill. Chapter 65-Escape from Mt. Fire
While Ross and pokemon walked down the mountain, they got the feeling that
they were
being followed. Every time Ross or one of his pokemon looked behind them, all
that was seen
was the volcano.
After about an hour of walking, Ross found the equipment that he helped
Peter setup. 'I
don't think that he'll be using this stuff anymore,' figured Ross as he gathered
up the abandoned
technology.
After a light lunch, Ross and pokemon left the experiment sight and
continued down the
trail. Ross put all of his pokemon into a pokeball when the fence was 100 yards
away. When
Ross got to the perimeter fence, the guard stopped Ross from leaving.
"But why?" asked Ross.
"You have to get through us," said the guard.
"Us?" asked Ross.
"Prepare for trouble," said the guard.
"And make it double," added a figure walking out of the guardhouse.
"To protect the world from devastation,"
"To unite all people within our nation."
"To denounce the evils of truth and love."
"To extend our reach to the stars above."
"Mike," said the guard, revealing his face.
"Nick," said the other figure, doing the same as the guard.
"Hey, you're the trainers that I got my Hitmons from!" exclaimed Ross.
"Yeah, and I want them back!" proclaimed Mike.
"No WAY!" denied Ross.
"You have no choice," said a Meowth in the window, "You're stuck on the
wrong side of
the fence. An electric perimeter field extends above the fence."
"You're not getting out until you hand over the Hitmons," stated Nick.
"I'll just have to find another way out then," said Ross, walking off in a
huff.
**************************************************************************** ****
Ross tossed a few rocks towards the top of the fence and they were bounced
back by a
force field of some sort. The ground was solid rock, making going under the
fence impossible.
The fence was also electrified and barb-wire surrounded the top. Every once in
a while, a
Voltorb floated by with a Team Rocket insignia drawn on.
Ross eventually found a cliff that seemed to be close enough to the fence
for Ross to
jump over, but Ross couldn't quite jump far enough. Every time Ross jumped, he
collided into
the fence. Ross sat down on the edge of the cliff, wondering what he could do.
Ross heard a horse neigh and slipped off the cliff. After Ross pulled
himself back onto
the cliff, Ross saw a Ponyta waiting for him.
**************************************************************************** ****
"Ready?" Ross asked the stead beneath him.
The pony under him nodded with a snort to indicate his readiness.
"Ready?" Ross asked the white cat in front of him.
Another Voltorb floated by as Mew nodded and said, "yes"
"Let's go then," said Ross, "HE-YA!"
Ponyta galloped at full speed straight at the cliff edge. The end of the
ground beneath
him loomed closer and closer.
'Maybe this WASN'T such a good idea,' thought Ross as Ponyta jumped off the
rock
face.
"Mew, extend your barrier around all of us!" ordered Ross as the trio
approached the
invisible wall.
Mew began to glow with a white aura which extended around Ross and Ponyta.
As the
group flew over the chain link fence, the force field above it flickered yellow
around the
intrusion.
When Ponyta's tail cleared the electric wall, Ross proclaimed, "Barrier
DOWN!"
Mew relaxed and the white light surrounding Ross and crew disappeared.
Ponyta made a
not-so-soft landing and galloped away from the mountain it grew up on. Chapter 66-Time To Teach A Lesson
Ross tried to battle trainers with the three rebellious pokemon from Mt.
Fire, but they
refused. Not only did Onix, Vulpix, and Magmar refuse to battle, they also
played tricks and ate
more than their fair share of the food.
This went on for two days as Ross made his way to Cape Town. When Magmar
and
Vulpix started a small fire in Ross's tent the morning of the third day, Ross
had enough.
When the fire was out, Ross confronted the young Vulpix, Magmar, and Onix.
"If you've got a problem with me, then let's settle it here and now!"
ordered Ross.
"Is that a challenge?" asked Onix, towering to its full height, attempting
to intimidate
Ross.
"YEAH," answered Ross, "So what are you going to do about it?"
"Do you really think that it's a good idea to let Ross take on three
pokemon at once?"
Ponyta quietly asked Rattata.
"I don't think it would be a good idea for them to try and fight ROSS!"
whispered back
Rattata.
"I'll tell you what we're going to do about it," said Onix, "Uh, what are
we going to do
about it?"
Everyone fell over at the stupidity of this question.
"We're going to accept the weakling trainer's challenge..." started Vulpix.
All of the
other pokemon backed away from the approaching battle.
"And beat him to a bloody PULP!!!" finished Magmar.
**************************************************************************** ****
After the three pokemon decided who would start the tag-team match, Ross
and Vulpix
took their battle stances.
Vulpix started off with an ember, but Ross used telekinesis to send the
flame back at
Vulpix.
"WOW!" exclaimed Ponyta, "How did he do that!?!"
Vulpix was slightly singed, but kept coming. Vulpix next tried a quick
attack, but missed
when Ross used agility to dodge and dealt a karate chop.
Vulpix was dazed and tagged in Onix. Since Onix was a youngster, Onix was
only 12
feet taller than Ross.
Ross dodged Onix's tackle and delivered an ice punch. Onix was chilled and
tagged in
Magmar.
Magmar, a little concerned about the power Ross had demonstrated, started
out by
blinding Ross with a smoke screen. Ross looked around and managed to see a
light through the
smoke.
Ross closed his eyes and focused his energy. Magmar ran up at Ross for a
fire punch.
But Ross opened his eyes and strange energy from them bomb-barded Magmar. The
smoke
cleared and Magmar crawled over to Vulpix and Onix.
Magmar simultaneously tagged Vulpix and Onix in to join him. The three
pokemon
surrounded him but Ross teleported out of the way. Ross used his telekinesis
again, this time to
grab Onix's huge tail.
A orange light-rope appeared in Ross's hands and Ross started to swing it
around. Onix
flew around in a crazed pattern similar to how Ross swung the strange rope.
Magmar and
Vulpix hugged each other in fear as Onix flew towards the and wrapped around
them.
"Put me DOWN!" demanded Magmar, "I'm, get, ting, air, SI, YI, YICK!"
Ross slammed the end of his rope in front of him, then behind him.
Finally, Ross jumped
into the air and swung the rope forward and under him in a huge circle before
slamming the
rope's end into the ground upon landing.
Magmar, Vulpix, and Onix's head sat in a beaten-up heap. Unable to take
any more
damage, but still awake. Ross dropped the strange rope which disappeared upon
landing on the
ground.
"Now, will I be having any more trouble from you three?" asked Ross, "Or do
we need to
restart the lesson?"
All of the trouble-makers acknowledged that they had learned their lesson
and that Ross
was in charge. Ross put the pokemon back into their pokeballs and continued his
way to the
dragon gym of Cape Town. Chapter 67-A New Challenge
That evening, Ross staggered into town at 6:04 PM. It was a busy day.
Several of his
pokemon had evolved, Ross taught Magmar, Vulpix, and Onix not to be
overconfident, and Ross
found someone to buy his useless gold nugget for $7500.
Ross went to the local mall for fresh supplies and saw an interesting
poster.
23rd Pokemon and Trainer Derby
Biking from Cape Town to Cerulean City
Pokemon riding from Cerulean City to Gesav City
check in at Cape Town pokemon center
starts on July 3 at 9 AM
Ross liked the thought of riding in a race and decided to get more info at
pokemon center
later.
**************************************************************************** ****
At the pokemon center, Ross and pokemon had a filling meal before looking
at the
pamphlet he got on the race.
It was a two day race. The first part of the race for bicycling snaked
through the country,
over several bridges, down suburban roads, and even through a Motorcycle course!
The second
part of the race for pokemon-riding went up steep mountains, across a river on
stones, and
through the dusty desert surrounding Gesav City.
"What a challenge," said Ross aloud as he read through the pamphlet as his
pokemon
exercised.
The first leg of the race would be timed and the racers for the second part
would be
released in the same order and timing that they arrived. There was some logical
rules and
checkpoints to pass through. Finally, there was the entry fee of $50. The
prizes included a
portion of the funds, a new bicycle, and even new pokemon!
Ross talked it over with his pokemon while he exercised. Ponyta
volunteered to be the
ride in the second part of the race. Ross and his pokemon exercised until the
nurse sent them to
bed. Tomorrow, Ross and pokemon had to go up against Bill and his dragon
pokemon. Chapter 68-The Dragon Badge
In the morning, Ross and his bike stood in front of a large lighthouse. He
knew that
inside was Bill, still asleep. Bill had set up a large tent nearby to
temporarily serve as the gym
since Team Rocket destroyed his gym in an attempt to rob the dragon pokemon.
The tent held a marked floor with some weights and a treadmill along the
sides. There
was also a bookshelf holding pokemon medical and catching supplies. Another
holding several
books. And a third held up some unusual charms.
"Simple,"said Ross.
"Agreed," replied a voice behind Ross.
Ross turned around and saw a man in a suit continue to say, "But it serves
its purpose
well enough."
"Bill I presume," stated Ross.
"Your presumptions are correct," said the man in the suit as he walked to
the other end
of the tent, "And I presume that you want to battle me for a dragon badge."
"Your presumptions are also perfect," answered Ross.
"3 on 3," instructed Bill, "Dragonite, go."
A large orange fairy-tale looking dragon came out of Bill's pokeball. Ross
pulled out his
pokedex.
"Dragonite," said the computer voice, "Believed by some to be extinct,
Dragonite
evolves from Dratini and Dragonair, Dragonite displays characteristics of a
dragon pokemon that
flies."
'A part-flying pokemon,' thought Ross, 'electric pokemon should work well.'
"Pikachu, go!" said Ross. Pikachu ran out, ready to battle the dragon.
"Dragonite, agility!"
"Pikachu, Thunderbolt!"
Dragonite increased his speed, but couldn't get a wing out of the
thunderbolt's path.
Dragonite was weakened and paralyzed.
"Dragonite, return," said Bill, "Modok, GO!!"
A long green lizard-like pokemon appeared with whiskers drooping from its
face.
"Modok," said Ross's pokedex, "a ground/dragon pokemon, with a long forked
tongue."
"Earthquake," stated Bill.
"Swift," instructed Ross.
The ground started to shake and Pikachu was out of action.
"Pikachu, return," ordered Ross.
'What pokemon won't be near the ground,' wondered Ross, 'a flier!'
"Pidgeotto, I choose you," said Ross, "Wing attack!"
"Tongue wrap!" ordered Bill.
Pidgeotto slapped Modok silly with its wings. Pidgeotto then flew upwards
but was quite
literally tongue-tied!
"Squeeze tighter," instructed Bill.
"Peck your way free," said Ross.
Pidgeotto was being crushed by the long tongue of Modok. Pidgeotto swung
his head
back and pecked Modok's tongue until Modok let go.
"Modok, use the poison sting!"
"Pidgeotto, gust!"
Modok opened his mouth and launched several small needles at Pidgeotto.
Pidgeotto
flapped its wings to generate a strong wind. The poisonous needles caught up in
the wind and
flew back at Modok.
"Modok, look out!"
The needles stabbed into Modok's skin, poisoning him. Modok was obviously
in serious
pain.
"Modok, return," ordered Bill, "Dragos, GO!"
A long red dragon appeared. It looked like one Ross saw in a book on
Chinese legends.
"Dragos, the fire dragon," stated the pokedex, "Dragos is considered by
some to be the
strongest of the dragons."
Ross finally remembered to turn off the small computer and called for a
whirlwind.
Dragos retaliated with a flame thrower. The two attacks combined into a
fire spin
moving to Pidgeotto. Pidgeotto was severely burned and fainted.
"Pidgeotto, return," said Ross, "Poliwag, GO!"
The tired bird was replaced by a blue tadpole.
"Dragos, Slash."
"Poliwag, water gun."
Dragos floated at the small tadpole, but was knocked back by a blast of
water.
"DRAGON RAGE!" proclaimed Bill.
"Hypnosis," said Ross.
Dragos started to breath heavily in anger, but calmed down when it saw
Poliwag's spiral
spinning. It wasn't too long before Dragos started to snore loudly. Dragos
turned into a ball of
red energy and flew into a pokeball in Bill's hand.
"Looks like you beat me," said Bill as he walked over to the shelves of
charms. Bill took
one of them off a high shelf and tossed it at Ross. Ross caught it and saw that
it was a small
piece of metal designed to look like a coiled Dragos.
"There's your Dragon Badge," said Bill, "Know if you'll excuse me.." Chapter 69-Sign-in and Hard-Knocks
Back at the pokemon center, Ross signed up for the derby. Ross looked up
the list and,
of course, saw Adam and Ricky's name. Adam signed up to ride a Dodrio for the
second part of
the race and Ricky was going to use Ryhorn. Some of the other pokemon listed to
be ridden
were unbelievable. There was a Chansey, a Charmander, and even a Snorlax!
After Ross paid the entry fee, he stepped outside to train. On his bike,
Ross rode as fast
as he could to a trail and tried to hurry along it. Ross was having a little
trouble because his bike
was built for riding on-road instead of off-road.
Ross was making good progress when he saw a figure trying to hide. Ross
thought it was
nothing until it jumped out and threw a stick at Ross. The stick got stuck in
the rear bike wheel
and Ross crashed.
Ross was shaken, but alright. The odd figure ran out, grabbed Ross's bike,
and rode off
on it. Ross, angry at the thief, called out Ponyta and rode after him.
**************************************************************************** ****
'That was SO easy,' thought the thief, 'Now I have the parts I need to fix
MY bike.'
Cl-CLOP, Cl-CLOP, Cl-CLOP!
'What's that?' wondered the biker, looking over his shoulder. Seeing Ross
riding his
Ponyta, he naturally panicked.
**************************************************************************** ****
"Come back here YOU!" shouted Ross.
The thief tried jumping a cliff, but the bike didn't survive. Unable to
run, the thief called
out an Abra and disappeared in a flash of white light.
Ross examined his bike. The frame were bent out of recoverable shape, the
rear wheel
was flat and bent, the right pedal was cracked in two pieces, the brake cable
had snapped, and
the grips were gone.
Ross sighed heavily, put Ponyta back into its pokeball, and carried the
bike down the
path.
"NOW how am I going to be in the race?" Ross asked himself.
After a while, Ross walked into the pokemon center, hauling his totaled
bike. Ross sat
down, trying to figure out what to do. He had made a lot of money as a pokemon
trainer, but not
enough to buy a new bike OR repair his damaged one.
"But it only needs a few repairs!" protested a voice.
"I don't think that I'll EVER be able to save up enough money to fix this
lame excuse for
a bicycle," complained another voice.
Ross perked up at the sound of the word 'bicycle.' Ross looked over and
saw two kids.
One was carrying a severely damaged mountain bike.
"So much for the race," said the biker.
The kids stepped outside and tossed the bike into a large trash can. Ross
ran up and
removed the bicycle. Chapter 70-The Bike Race
At the city limits, 37 racers lined up on their bikes, waiting for the
clock to chime 9
times. The last racer rode up to the check-in table.
Dressed in a full-size helmet, goggles, jeans, and racing gloves, Ross took
his wearable
racer number, 38, a stamp with 38 on it, and an ink pad.
"When you get to a checkpoint, use your stamp on the posted sheet before
continuing,"
instructed the officer behind the table, "There will also be a helicopter
following the race and
refreshments at each of the checkpoints if you want to stop for them."
Ross walked his bike to his position and waited for race to start. He was
pretty proud of
himself. He used parts from his destroyed bike to repair the BMX and make a few
modifications.
He had mountain bike tires, 24 gears, and bull-horn handlebars for long
distances. Ross
also fixed up the shock absorbers and brakes, repainted the frame, and put on
new grips. Ross
also had a few theories to try out, but didn't know if they would work.
"On Your MARKS!" proclaimed a starter with a pop gun.
Ross and the other riders did any last minute strapping needed.
"Get Set!" continued the starter.
Everyone put a foot on an upper pedal, ready to start at the sound of the
gun.
"GO!!!" exclaimed the starter with a resounding bang.
Ross and 37 other bikers started to pump their legs in a circle.
**************************************************************************** ****
After a lunch on the go, Ross had pulled ahead of most of the pack with
about 7 other
riders ahead of him. Ross didn't pay attention to the competitors.
Ross saw another checkpoint coming up and readied his stamp. The other
racers formed
a line and stamped the paper as they rode by and picked up a drink. Ross did
the same and soon,
all 8 were off again.
Soon, the group encountered a fallen log. The seven racers ahead of Ross
slowed and
rode around.
'Time to see if theory #1 works,' thought Ross. He jumped off his bike,
ran it along as
fast as he could, and hurdled over the log. Ross set the bike back down and
hopped back on.
'Not bad,' decided Ross, 'Might have even gained on them a little.'
After a few more checkpoints, another problem occurred. Someone had dug a
hole in the
dirt path, forcing the cyclists to detour through a wooded glen. Three cyclists
that used a touring
bike fell behind Ross and the others.
'Good thing I kept these wide, knobby tires,' figured Ross.
After Ross rode through a few more checkpoints, picking up a quick dinner.
Eventually,
Ross and the four riders reached the off-road portion of the race. The four
racers made a quick
lap through the motorcycle course before continuing through the streets to the
pokemon center.
Unfortunately, Ross took a spill on the last jump on the straightaway. By the
time Ross got to
his feet again, the other four had already started for the midpoint line a few
blocks away at the
pokemon center.
Ross tried to catch up with the other bikers, but barely saw them pull up
to the race table.
Ross pulled on the brake handle and dismounted. Chapter 71-Ride 'em Pokemon
The next morning, Ross was mounted on Ponyta, ready to start the race.
Ross was going
to have to wait for a while before he could run after the other four racers.
Two of them were
Adam on Dodrio and Ricky on Ryhorn. The other two were an unknown male on a
Tauros and
female on a Stamie.
All of the other racers managed to catch up and, at most, be a minute
behind. The
starting lights flickered to life and only the red light remained lit. All four
of the racers ahead of
Ross got ready as the light turned yellow. Finally, the green light turned on
and the first four
pokemon ran off.
A few seconds later, the lights repeated their cycle and Ross took off
after the settling
dust cloud.
**************************************************************************** ****
"And there goes Ross on Ponyta, after Adam and the others," said Ash into
his
microphone, "Judging by how fast the first five ran off, it looks like this is
going to be a limited
race."
"PI-pikachu," added a voice in the background.
**************************************************************************** ****
Soon however, it looked like Ash was proven wrong. Everyone behind Ross
ran in an
even bigger rush than those before them.
"Looks like everyone else is going to give it all that they've got in the
beginning," stated
Ash.
**************************************************************************** ****
When Ross reached the first challenge, a 500 yard dash up a 45 degree
climb, everyone
but Ricky was halfway up. Ricky, being on the endurant Ryhorn, reached the top
easily.
"Pace yourself Ponyta," instructed its rider, "We've still got a long way
to go."
Ponyta nodded and started up the slant. Someone rolled a metal barrel out
onto the top
of the slant after the last of the four had reached the top. The stranger used
a crowbar to open
the barrel before knocking onto its side. A strange black liquid poured the
onto the racetrack.
Ponyta reached the black goo halfway up the slant. Ponyta then started to
struggle to
keep his balance.
"Oil!" exclaimed Ross, "Ponyta, use stomp to keep your footing."
Ponyta slammed his hooves into the slick oil and climbed the rest of the
way up the hill.
**************************************************************************** ****
"Oh-no! It looks like some prankster poured oil onto the hill," claimed
Ash, "That's
going to make it a good bit more difficult to climb the hill."
"Pi-kachu."
"Let's just hope that that was our only glitch. Our leaders are coming up
on the hairpin
section of our course."
**************************************************************************** ****
Ross and Ponyta arrived at a twisted road cut into a field. Ponyta tried
to catch up to the
fourth racer, but couldn't keep a fast pace in the several turns. They were
able to reduce the gap
when Ross leaned into the turns.
The Tauros in third stumbled and fell over. Starmie floated by at the
rider's left, but
Ponyta couldn't run around when it made another turn.
"JUMP!!!" yelled Ross when he realized that Ponyta was about to trample the
rider.
Ponyta leaped gracefully into the air and landed on the racetrack opposite
of Tauros. The
Tauros rider looked up, wondering why it wasn't a pancake.
**************************************************************************** ****
"That was a close one! #12 was almost a road pizza!" Ash proclaimed.
Pikachu let out a sigh of relief. Looking at another monitor, Pikachu saw
Ponyta gallop
over the crest of a hill. Ryhorn was leading the way down, followed closely by
Dodrio, and
finally, Starmie.
**************************************************************************** ****
The long slope ended in a valley with a small stream in the center and a
large dam behind
the racers. Most of the racers stuck to the left side where the entrance and
exit was, but Starmie
floated over the stream.
About two-thirds of the way down the canyon, Ross passed Starmie and was
about to do
the same with Adam and Ricky.
BBOOOOOMMMMM!
Ross, Ricky, and Adam looked behind them for the source of the blast and
saw a
nightmare. Chapter 72-In and Out of Danger's Grasp
The dam was gone and in its place was a fast approaching wall of water.
Running at full
speed, Ponyta and Ryhorn tried to outrun certain death.
**************************************************************************** ****
"What a HORRIBLE accident! The Gyver Dam is gone and our leaders are in
the
valley," proclaimed Ash.
"Pi-KAA!" yelled the terrified Pikachu.
**************************************************************************** ****
Ryhorn, Ponyta, and Dodrio ran at top speed. Starmie just started riding
the waves and
was quickly catching up. Everyone was only 1000 yards from the exit when one of
Dodrio's
heads, anger, pecked at Ponyta.
Ponyta slowed down and was about to be swallowed by the water when Ross
cried out,
"AGILITY!!!!"
Ponyta flashed red and ran faster. Between Dodrio and the water-surfing
Starmie, Ross
and Ponyta escaped from the canyon.
**************************************************************************** ****
"They all made it! All of our leaders escaped!" proclaimed Ash, "Starmie's
out of the
water and is hot on Ponyta's tail."
Ash looked at the race map and said, "The next part of the race involves
crossing a large
river. Either by swimming, crossing on stones, or taking a long detour on a
bridge."
In the monitor, the four leaders approached the river. Ryhorn knew that it
wouldn't be
able to jump those stones with its short legs and it couldn't swim due to its
type. Ryhorn was
left with no choice but to take the detour to the bridge.
Dodrio easily hoped across the stones and Starmie, who passed Ross and
Ponyta, jumped
into the water to start its swim. Finally, Ponyta started to hop across the
stones.
No one faltered, but Ryhorn had fallen behind. Ponyta, Dodrio, and Starmie
were all
fighting for the lead as they ran off for the food troughs.
**************************************************************************** ****
At the troughs of pokemon food, Dodrio fought over which head should do the
eating.
Ponyta and Starmie ate quickly while Starmie's trainer trash-talked the other
riders. Some of the
riders from behind showed up but got slowed down as their pokemon ate. Finally,
Ponyta and
Starmie finished simultaneously and ran off before Dodrio even had a bite.
Desert sand started to appear under the pokemon and flew up behind them.
After a
while, the desert heat started to get to Starmie and Ponyta pulled away.
Starmie, determined not
to lose, started to spray Ponyta. While this slowed Ponyta, Starmie lost more
water.
Eventually, between the spraying Ponyta and desert heat, Starmie collapsed,
leaving its
rider in the desert.
**************************************************************************** ****
Some riders tried to catch up, but was too far back. After a while, Ponyta
collapsed from
exhaustion and the endurant Ryhorn was still running after them. In a desperate
attempt to stay
in the race, Ross pulled out a bottle of Max Revive and applied it to Ponyta.
**************************************************************************** ****
"We're waiting here in Gesav City, the end of the biking/pokemon derby,"
said Ash in
his booth, "The leader, Ricky on Ryhorn, has just come into sight and is on his
way here without
anyone else in sight. Wait, another pokemon has just been sighted."
Waiting for the new pokemon to be identified, Ash and Pikachu waited in
silence.
"It's Ross and Ponyta!" proclaimed Ash, "Question though is this. Does
Ponyta have
enough left to pass Ryhorn from that far back?"
**************************************************************************** ****
500 yards from the finish line, Ponyta had used its last agility to catch
up to Ryhorn.
Ryhorn wasn't about to slow down anytime soon and Ponyta still hadn't gotten
around him
400 yards. Whichever way Ponyta tried to pass on, Ryhorn blocked his way.
300 yards. Ponyta worked his way near a fence and Ryhorn continued to
block the way.
200 yards. After a while, Ryhorn presumed Ponyta was trying to pass again.
Ponyta kept
running behind Ryhorn until there was enough space between Ricky and the fence
for Ponyta to
squeeze through.
100 yards. Ponyta ran up along side Ryhorn. Realizing that blocking
Ponyta was
impossible, Ryhorn gave it everything he had.
50 yards. The two pokemon battled for position. It was hard to tell who
was leading.
Several men next to the finish line stood up with an automatic camera.
**************************************************************************** ****
It took a while for the picture to develop before the results was
announced.
"Apparently, the biking\pokemon derby ends in a tie!" announced Ash, "In
accordance to
the rules, the two shall battle in a one-on-one pokemon battle." To Pikachu,
Ash added, "This
should be GOOD."
**************************************************************************** ****
Ryhorn and Ponyta squared off to battle in an average size arena. Ryhorn
had a natural
advantage over Ponyta, but Ryhorn couldn't naturally learn anything but normal
attacks.
"Ryhorn, tackle!"
"Trap Ryhorn in a fire spin!"
Ryhorn charged at Ponyta, only to be stopped by a curtain of fire.
"Ember as many times as you can!" instructed Ross.
Ryhorn was soon weakened by the immense fires and was getting tired by the
time the
fire spin died.
"Take down!" ordered Ricky.
"Use agility to dodge," said Ross.
Ponyta ran out of the way, leaving Ryhorn with only the ground to soften
its attack.
"Get up!" yelled Ricky.
"Stomp," stated Ross.
Ryhorn struggled to get up, but was knocked back down by Ponyta's stomp.
Ryhorn
didn't have the strength to stand up with Ponyta on it. So Ryhorn fainted.
**************************************************************************** ****
Once Adam arrived as the third person to finish the race, an elaborate
awards ceremony
took place. Adam was disgusted by his prize of a Togepi egg. Ricky was content
with his new
bicycle. Ross was given a bulky envelope and a fancy walkman. Chapter 73-The Psychic Badge
When Ross woke up, he realized that he had to get the psychic badge before
he left town.
Getting dressed, Ross gathered his things and ate a quick breakfast.
The pokemon gym looked like a famous, foreign opera house. Even though
Ross didn't
know the name of the familiar opera house, he walked into the gym's waiting
room.
The waiting room looked like that of a doctor's clinic. Pictures of
pokemon and a bowl
of not-so-rare candy altered the room to belong in a pokemon gym. Ross signed
in and waited
for his turn.
After Adam and Ricky entered and left the battle area, Ross's number was
called. He
stood up and walked into the gym.
A woman on the other side was sitting in a chair. A Drowzee at her left and
a Haunter to
her right.
"I am Sabrina, leader of this gym," stated the dark-haired woman, "Do you
wish to battle
me?" After Ross confirmed, Sabrina continued to say, "1 on 1, I will use
Drowzee."
"I choose Beedrill then," said Ross. Beedrill and Drowzee ran out and met
in a circle in
the center of the room.
"Pin missile," called Ross.
Beedrill launched its stingers at Drowzee, replacing them soon after firing
them.
Drowzee was hurt, but still tried to hypnotize Beedrill. Beedrill got tired,
but was still awake.
"Focus energy," instructed Ross.
Beedrill glowed briefly as it focused his energy. Drowzee jumped up and
tried to pound
Beedrill. Drowzee fell desperately short and missed Beedrill.
"Agility," instructed Ross.
Drowzee fired some strange beam at Beedrill, but missed its quick target.
"Twineedle," ordered Ross.
Drowzee swung its head at Beedrill and wound up stabbing its forehead on
the
Twineedle.
"Poison sting," called Ross.
Drowzee released a green cloud at Beedrill. Beedrill wasn't affected and
stung the tired
pokemon.
"Finish him with a fury attack," stated Ross.
Drowzee started to glow, but got caught up in the fury attack. Drowzee
fell flat on its
back and fainted.
"You've trained your Beedrill well," complimented Sabrina, "The secretary
will give you
your badge."
"Thanks," said Ross. He called Beedrill into the pokeball and left.
**************************************************************************** ****
"I think I'm losing my touch," commented Sabrina once her opponent left.
"I don't think so," argued Haunter, "That was one of the kids Ash said to
keep an eye
on." Chapter 74-
Ross got some fresh supplies, a blank tape, and some music before leaving
for a large
saucer shaped object in the distance.
"Cloud City," Ross explained to his pokemon, "It's home to a flying pokemon
gym."
"Small wonder," commented Venomoth, "It's so high up, it's perfect for
flyers."
"It's so high up!" exclaimed Raticate, "Must be hard for enemies to
attack."
"There's also some rumors that the city has been closed while Team Rocket
took over,"
said Ross.
"Are they true?" asked Kadabra.
"I don't know," answered Ross, "Only the citizens know for sure, has
communicated in a
long time. People have gone up, but not down."
"Weird," said Pidgeotto.
"No kidding," added Golbat.
"I'm getting tired," complained Gyarados, "I'm going back into my
pokeball."
"Ok," said Ross as he let the flying/water pokemon in.
**************************************************************************** ****
"Enough about those kids already!" shouted Bruno, "We have got a big
problem."
"What is it?" asked Misty.
"Cloud City has been shut down," explained Lance, "Communication in and out
is down,
and no one is coming down."
"Send a Fearow recon," instructed Ash, "And block the entrance from
trainers going to
the gym." In Cloud City, Ross noticed that the streets were unusually empty.
Shrugging it off, he
proceeded directly to the pokemon gym. After filling out some forms, Ross
waited for his turn.
He listened to his favorite song, 2 B A Master, and read more out of Ash
Ketchem's
biography.
"Na na na na na na na na na na na na," hummed Ross along with the song,
"It's all 'bout
the evolution of the POKEMON!"
Finally, Ross was called out back to the arena. There was several stilted
platforms and a
man in a suit on a ladder stand.
"I am George Hermanni," introduced the man.
'Why does that name sound so familiar?' wondered Ross.
"If you want a flight badge, then you will have to best me in battle,"
stated Hermanni.
"Then let's get it on," said Ross.
The two trainers climbed a different ladder to battle. When both reached
their lookout
station, Hermanni said, "5 on 5. If either pokemon touches the ground, then they
are out. I will
start with Spearow, GO!"
"I pick Pikachu, GO!" claimed Ross. Pikachu appeared on a platform while
Spearow
formed in flight.
"Peck," ordered George
"Thunder wave," said Ross.
Spearow charged at Pikachu and went head first into the paralyzing
electricity. Spearow
had trouble moving, but managed to land on the platform with Pikachu.
"Quick attack Spearow off!" called Ross.
"Make up the speed difference with agility!" yelled George.
Spearow increased its speed and was promptly knocked to the floor.
"Spearow, return," ordered George, "Aerodactyl, hyper beam!"
An off-white bird-like pokemon appeared. Before Ross could react, Pikachu
was nailed
hard by a white beam. Pikachu was knocked back onto Ross's ladder.
"Thunder shock!" exclaimed Ross.
"Bite," said an eerily calm George.
Aerodactyl bit Pikachu who electrocuted the metal platform, shocking Ross.
He pulled
out his walkman, pushed a button and said, "Memo to self, *cough* purchase
accuracy boosters
for Pikachu."
Meanwhile, Pikachu fell to the ground and fainted.
"Pikachu, return. Jynx, GO! Blizzard!" cried Ross.
"Agility!"
It started to snow heavily and hit Aerodactyl hard. When the snow stopped,
Aerodactyl
was shivering on a low platform.
"Aerodactyl, return," instructed George, "Go, Golbat. Wing attack!"
"Ice punch," called Ross.
Golbat flew at Jynx for the attack. Jynx swung a fist at Golbat, encasing
it in a block of
ice. George called back the frozen pokemon and sent out a Farfetch'd.
"Sword dance and slash!" ordered George.
"Lovely kiss!" instructed Ross.
Farfetch'd did a quick dance before swinging its twig at Jynx's face. Jynx
started crying
over its face and Ross had to call it back.
"Graveler, GO! Rock throw!"
"Farfetch'd, leer," instructed George.
Farfetch'd watched as Graveler coughed a rock straight to his head.
Farfetch'd was
pinned under the heavy rock.
"Farfetch'd return,"called George, "Pidgeot, GO! Whirlwind!"
"Graveler, TACKLE!"
Pidgeot's whirlwind was too strong for even Graveler. The heavy boulder
flew
backwards off the platform into one of the supports holding up Ross's platform.
The entire formation shook and leaned backwards. Next thing that Ross can
tell, he's
holding onto the top rung to avoid a long drop.
"We'd say our poem now," said a voice. Looking down, Ross saw someone in a
Team
Rocket uniform. "But it looks like you're ALREADY in trouble." Chapter 75-The Great Escape
"This is going to be so easy," commented George.
"You said it boss," answered the Rocket, "Pidgeot, take his belt."
Pidgeot flew over to Ross and started to scratch at the Ross's waist.
"Ouch! That hurts!" exclaimed Ross as he pulled back a fist, "Why don't
you fly away
home!?!" Ross mega-punched the annoying bird, who flapped back, obviously in
pain.
"Gra-vel!"
Below Ross, a dazed Graveler wobbled around. The team Rocket member was
cornering
him with a Vaporeon.
"Graveler, return!" called Ross.
The walking rock went back into its pokeball, leaving Team Rocket with only
one target.
After the belt again, Pidgeot tried to peck at Ross's hands. Ross closed his
eyes as he cringed
under the attack.
Ross felt the anger and energy welling up inside of him until it was
bulging at his eyes.
When Ross looked, a white light hit Pidgeot, sending it 'blasting off again.'
Ross wanted to find
out what happened, but didn't have time.
George Hermanni and the other Rocket were coming at him, with a familiar
sight. A
large blue bird with a white headband, flew out of a pokeball.
"Articuno!" proclaimed a blue bird.
"Articuno!" exclaimed Ross, "What are you doing here?" Articuno didn't
speak to Ross,
she just listened for instructions.
"Peck," said the unknown Rocket.
Articuno started to stab at Ross with its beak. Doing his best to avoid
losing blood, Ross
grabbed Articuno's neck and swung onto its back.
"Bring him down here," instructed George.
Ross saw a light on Articuno's headband flashed briefly and Articuno
started to descend.
"Not that way," disagreed Ross, jumping onto one of the battle platforms.
"Now what do we do," asked the Rocket.
"We use the ice beam Aroduc." explained George.
Articuno overheard this and tried to freeze the distant Ross. Using
agility, Ross managed
to dodge the freezing cold beams.
**************************************************************************** ****
"Fea-ROW!" yelled an overhead bird.
On the screen, a figure was trying to fight off an Articuno without any
pokemon. The
figure dropped off a platform and disappeared from sight.
**************************************************************************** ****
'How on in the wide world of Pokemon am I going to get out of this mess?'
wondered
Ross in the uncomfortable position. There was little space to move and wires
all over the place.
'It won't be too long until they realize what happened to me.'
Ross looked out the tiny cracked-open door. Articuno, the mother of one of
his
pokemon, working for Team Rocket. Waiting on the floor, Articuno watched the
Rockets talk
over what to do.
Ross couldn't make out what they were saying, but soon, all three went into
a building.
Taking advantage of his time, Ross slid down a support beam like a fireman and
ran into a diner.
The diner was sit-down style and full of people in Team Rocket uniforms and
casual
clothes. Ross acted naturally sat at a table.
Ross ordered a steak and a drink so that he wouldn't stick out in the room
of greedy
eaters. Everywhere he looked, people were talking. Several words, Ash,
Pikachu, Giovanni,
Gary, Team Rocket, and steal, came up.
"But I did all of those jobs already!" complained a kid at a nearby table.
"Sorry Blast, but you're going to have to do one more job," commented a
girl in uniform
at the same table.
"One more job, One more job, that's all I ever hear!" argued the boy,
obviously 'Blast.'
A teenage boy walked in and sat at the same table.
"What are you complaining about NOW!?!" asked another uniformed teen.
"Same old, same old," answered the girl.
"AGAIN!?!" said the boy, "Even after we gave you that Nidorina?"
"If you want it back you can have it and all of my pokemon," offered Blast,
"I just want
out to start my own journey."
"Try making the offer to Gary or Giovanni," said the girl, standing up,
"and stop bugging
us with it."
The two teens walked out and Blast just sighed.
Doing his best to sound tough, Ross asked the now alone Blast, "What's
wrong kid?"
"It's a long story," stated Blast.
"My favorite kind," claimed Ross, "Pull up a chair."
Blast smiled at the offer and did as Ross said. "It all started when I
went to get my
starting pokemon..."
**************************************************************************** ****
"And so I'm stuck here until they either release me or send me off on
another job,"
finished Blast.
"Bummer," said Ross, "You didn't even want to become a Rocket and they can
pin you
for so many bum raps." Ross popped in the last french fry on his plate.
"Tell me about it," said Blast.
Finishing off his meal, Ross glanced towards the door. No one had come in
for quite a
while, which gave Ross a case of the shivers.
"I better get going," said Ross, "By the way, do you have the latest
newsletter?"
"Didn't you hear?" asked Blast.
"Hear what?"
"They gave up on the newsletter," answered Blast.
"Really?" replied a genuinely surprised Ross.
"Yeah,"said Blast, "Too many copies were being picked up by the cops."
"Then how are we going to know where the big jobs are?"
"Letters at the Pokemon Center," explained Blast.
"Oh, of course!" proclaimed Ross.
Suddenly, the front door opened and George and Aroduc walked in.
"George," muttered Ross under his breath as they started checking and
asking tables.
"Who?" asked Blast. Looking at the man walking around, Blast corrected,
"Oh, you
mean Giovanni."
Ross hopped out of his seat and said, "It's been a pleasure talking with
you Blast, but I'm
afraid that I have to go to the restroom, good evening." Ross walked as quick
as he could
without attracting attention to the restroom.
**************************************************************************** ****
'What a nice fellow that was,' thought Blast.
"Hey Blast," said the tall Aroduc, "Have you seen this person?" Aroduc
held out a
surveillance camera photo.
"Isn't that Ross Jacobsen?" asked Blast.
"Yes," answered Aroduc, "He's a spy, which way did he go?"
Blast was in shock, he didn't know if he could bring himself to turn in
someone that he
could almost consider a friend.
"He went to the can!" called out a voice.
**************************************************************************** ****
Inside the tile restroom, Ross turned the deadbolt knob. The only way out
was a window
with a screen, too high up to jump. A knock came from the door.
"Open up Ross!" ordered Aroduc's voice, "We know you're in there."
Trapped! Ross glanced all over the room. Toilet stalls, severely decayed
sinks, a square
vent on the ceiling, and no decent places to hide.
THUD!
Team Rocket was trying to break through the door.
**************************************************************************** ****
CRASH!
Several members of Team Rocket ran in and saw a broken window.
"How did he jump that high?" asked one of the trainers.
"Who cares," answered another Rocket, "If we hurry, we might still be able
to catch him
before he escapes!"
Everyone ran out before anyone could argue. A minute later, a pair of
sneakers touched
the tile floor and stepped out of the stall.
"Like I always say Pidgeotto," Ross whispered to the bird sitting on the
wall of a stall, "A
person is smart, but a group of people is dumb. One of the reasons I prefer
doing my pokemon
journey alone."
Walking back into the diner, Ross wasn't too surprised to find it empty.
Everyone was
behind the diner looking for him, so Ross easily got to the elevator.
Unfortunately, the elevator was being guarded. Ross hid in an alley and
tried to figure
out what to do. If he tried to fly down to the ground, he would be spotted and
who knows what
would happen. He was going to need a distraction.
"Hello?"
Ross looked to his right. A Fearow was perched on a trash can.
"Easy there," said Ross, "I'm not going to hurt you."
Fearow stood on one leg and held out his right leg, saying, "Read this."
Looking closely, Ross saw a note tied onto Fearow's leg.
**************************************************************************** ****
Dear trainer;
We are preparing to make a run on Cloud City. This will start
tomorrow or when
you get safely down, whichever comes first. Any information you can obtain will
be most
helpful in increasing the efficiency of capturing Rockets in the future. Fearow
here will help
you escape in any way possible. We look forward to meeting you.
The Elite Masters of the Pokemon League
**************************************************************************** ****
"Ross!" whispered a voice behind Ross. Turning around, Ross saw Blast.
"What do you want?" asked Ross.
"I think that I can help you get out of here," explained Blast, "Follow
me."
Blast led Ross and the Fearow through the alleys to the north edge.
"There's our ride to safety," stated Blast.
Looking to the edge, Ross saw several hang-gliders with Team Rocket
insignias on them.
All of which were guarded by half a dozen Team Rocket members.
"All we need is a distraction," claimed Blast.
Looking at the Fearow on his right shoulder, Ross said, "I think I have
just the thing."
**************************************************************************** ****
BRING!
"Hello?" asked the bored Aroduc. They hadn't managed to find Ross and he
could be
anywhere by now.
"Ross is trying to fly down on a Fearow from the South!" exclaimed a
Blast's voice.
"Thanks Blast," shouted Aroduc as he slammed down the phone.
**************************************************************************** ****
"There he is!" proclaimed Giovanni, pointing through the setting sunlight
at a Fearow.
"Open FIRE!"
Numerous Rockets lined up at the edge shot guns at the large bird.
**************************************************************************** ****
Meanwhile, on the NORTH side of the city, two people were sneaking to the
unprotected
hang-gliders.
"Are you sure about this?" asked Ross.
The second form just nodded. This satisfied Ross as they strapped into
different gliders
and ran off the edge.
**************************************************************************** ****
"It's a decoy!" exclaimed one of the firing squad.
"Check the rest of the city!" ordered Giovanni. Everyone in the immediate
area started
to run around the city checking the edges and elevator.
**************************************************************************** ****
Under the shadow of Cloud City, half of the local police were waiting. One
of the police
Growlithes started barking upward.
"There they go!" exclaimed Jenny, "Start the blockade!"
**************************************************************************** ****
"He's on a hang-glider!" shouted one of the Rockets, "Someone is already on
him."
"Somehow, I don't think so," replied Aroduc, "AFTER THEM! Take
tranquilizer guns, I
want them alive!"
**************************************************************************** ****
"We made it!" exclaimed Ross to the other glider on his right.
"I don't think so," answered Blast, looking behind them, "LOOK!"
Looking back, Ross saw several other gliders and a couple helicopters
coming after them.
"Uh-oh," was all that Ross had to say.
"FEAROW!" exclaimed a large bird at Ross's left.
"Try to slow down Team Rocket," Ross instructed the bird.
"FEAR!" cried the bird as it set out to do his task.
"Now what do WE do?" asked Blast.
"The closest safe place to land is Indigo Plateau," explained Ross, "I
doubt that they're
dumb enough to try an up-front attack there."
"Gotcha!" stated Blast.
**************************************************************************** ****
"What on Earth is that?" asked the helicopter pilot.
"A distraction!" explained the passenger next to him. Fearow flew along
the windshield
and shattered it with drill peck.
"AGH!" shouted the pilot as he was temporarily blinded by the glass. The
helicopter
started to fly wildly, scaring off some hang-gliders and the other chopper.
Fearow flew at the
second helicopter, tearing several hang-gliders along the way.
"Just shoot the dumb thing!" ordered the radio.
"Understood," answered the gunman by the open bay door.
After taking careful aim, the mighty Fearow was shot and fell out of the
sky into a large
lake.
**************************************************************************** ****
"So much for the distraction,"said Blast.
"FEAROW!" exclaimed Ross, getting ready to turn around.
"There's nothing that you can do now Ross," explained Blast, "He'll be
fine. We're
almost to Indigo Plateau."
Looking forward, Indigo Plateau was getting closer.
**************************************************************************** ****
"We're almost in range," commented the gunman, "But they're almost to the
Plateau!"
"If they make it, our set-up in Cloud City will be ruined!" exclaimed the
voice on the
radio.
"They won't land on Indigo sir," answered the pilot.
"They're in range and still about a mile to Indigo!"
**************************************************************************** ****
A couple of whirring sounds passed Ross and Blast.
"They're firing at us!" exclaimed Blast. A hole suddenly appeared in
Blast's right wing.
"I'm losing lift! I'm going down!"
"No you're not!" ordered Ross. Dropping behind Blast, Ross passed to his
right wing
where the hole was.
"That won't last long!" exclaimed Blast. Ross glided up and blocked the
hole with his
left wing.
"It doesn't have to," explained Ross, "There's the Plateau now!"
Sure enough, the flat mountaintop was getting very close. Looking to his
friend, Ross
saw that Blast had a dart sticking out of his right foot and was out cold. Ross
moved out of
Blast's way to avoid sending him into a spiral. The hole in Blast's glider let
him decline slowly.
Ross heard the terrifying sound of tearing canvas. Then Ross felt like he
got stung in the
seat by a Beedrill.
**************************************************************************** ****
"I have good news and bad news sir," stated the pilot into the radio mike.
"Out with it son!" demanded Aroduc's voice on the speaker.
"Good news-Ross and Blast didn't land on Indigo Plateau," reported the
pilot.
"And the bad news?"
"They crashed into the Pokemon League's courtyard," explained the nervous
man. The
speaker started to scream obscenities. Chapter 76-A Week Later
When Ross came to, he was in a bed. The only person in the room was Blast,
bandaged
up and asleep in another bed. There was a third empty bed. The room was blurry
to Ross. Next
to Ross's bed was his sneakers, backpack, belt, and coat. Ross tried to sit up,
but experienced
pain all over.
Ross's head and arms were wrapped in soft bandages, his right ankle caused
stabbing
pain whenever he tried to move it, and had a seriously bruised bottom.
After a while, a nurse came in with a bowl of soup. "At least you're
awake," commented
the nurse, setting the hot bowl on the table next to Ross.
"Where am I?" asked Ross.
"The recovery ward at the Indigo Plateau Pokemon League Headquarters,"
answered the
nurse.
"Whew," said Ross, "We made it."
"If you don't mind my asking," started the nurse, "Why was Team Rocket
after you?"
"It's a long story," commented Ross, "But here goes..."
Ross ate his soup as he explained the story of how he went up to Cloud City
to get the
trainer badge, how he met Blast, and their desperate escape.
"Sounds like quite an adventure," said a figure in the doorway.
The nurse smiled and said, "Hey Ash."
"Hello Misty," replied the figure. Ross rubbed the blur out of his eyes
and saw that the
nurse was Misty and the other figure was Ash.
"Good thing that you're awake," said Ash, "I wanted to meet the boy that
caused such a
fuss up at Cloud City before I left to see how Hagatha was doing at the ghost
gym."
Blast was starting to stir in the other bed.
"Looks like your friend is going to be with us soon," commented Misty, "I
better go get
some more soup." Taking Ross's empty bowl, Misty left the room.
"How long was I out?" asked Ross.
"Almost a week," answered Ash, "You were in bad shape when you crashed into
our
courtyard. I've been keeping an eye on your pokemon for you."
"Thanks," said Ross.
"Ugh," moaned Blast, "My head..."
"Welcome back to the land of the living," commented Ash.
"Thanks, I think," replied Blast.
"You two coming here caused quite a stir," stated Ash, "There was more
action here than
when I beat Gary!"
"What's going to happen to Blast?" Ross asked.
"Since he didn't know what he was doing his first crime and then was
blackmailed, Blast
is being released," answered Ash.
"Really?" asked Blast, "I'm free?"
"Yep," Ash continued, "And since there is no way to know for sure which
pokemon goes
where, you're going to be able to keep one of your pokemon. The rest will be
leveled down, de-
evolved, and distributed to starting trainers."
"Okay," replied Blast.
"We already sent a new flying gym leader to Cloud City," commented Ash,
"Most of the
Rockets bailed when the raid started."
"I guess that means I have to go back," said a glum Ross
"Nope," answered Misty, coming in with another hot bowl of soup.
"Why not?" asked Ross
"The Elite Masters took a vote and decided to award you both with the
Flying badge,"
stated Ash. He reached into his pocket and pulled out a pair of small badges
looking like a
feather. Ross took the badge and thanked Ash. Blast did the same.
"It's still going to be another day before you two can leave," commented
Misty, handing
Blast the soup. "We better let them get some sleep."
"Just one more thing," said Ash, "Team Rocket is really going to be trying
to get back at
you guys. It's only going to be a matter of time."
Ash and Misty walked out of the room and Ross realized that he was right.
Sooner or
later, Team Rocket would have their day. Chapter 77-Reminiscing
The next day, Ross and Blast were ready to leave. Blast had to go to
Pewter to get his
first badge while Ross chose to tag along with Ash and Pikachu to Lavender. He
still had the
super ball from Seymour that Ross was hoping to use to catch a ghost pokemon.
"Team Rocket has just about always been bugging me," said Ash, riding on an
Aerodactyl, "Even when I was just starting out to get the badges. Back then,
there was only 8
badges to collect, then there was fifteen, and now I have trouble just
remembering them all!"
"There was some close calls with them," commented Pikachu, riding a
Spearow, "Once,
they tried to steal an entire herd of Kangaskhan!"
"You're kidding!" said Ross from his Fearow. After a cold look from Ash
and Pikachu,
Ross corrected, "You're not kidding."
"Butterfree in mating season, an undisturbed herd of Pikachu, even a
pokemon that to
this day I still can't identify," stated Ash.
"I still say that it was a Dragonite," stated Pikachu.
"And I say that it was too big to be a Dragonite," replied Ash.
"Dragonite," said Pikachu.
"I'll tell you one more time," said Ash, "It was..."
Pikachu had sparks flashing in its cheeks.
"Never mind," said Ash to avoid shock.
'I wonder if my relationship with my pokemon will be like that in a few
years,' wondered
Ross.
Before long, Ross, Ash, and Pikachu had landed in front of the ghost tower.
Across the
street from it was a pokemon gym. The three walked into a full waiting room.
After talking to
the receptionist, Ash turned to Ross.
"Apparently, Hagatha went into the pokemon tower yesterday morning and
hasn't come
back yet," explained Ash, "It's very uncommon for a gym leader to stay more than
24 hours
from their gym."
"Maybe something happened to her," suggested Pikachu in it's own language.
"Let's go look for her," said Ross.
Ash agreed and walked to get some of his best pokemon out of his account.
When Ash
and Pikachu was ready, they led the way into pokemon tower. Chapter 78-An Old Enemy?
The light inside pokemon tower was dim, so Ross called out Charmeleon for
light and
Porygon in case they encountered any ghosts.
"Why do we have to come back here? And what's with those pokemon out?"
Pikachu
asked Ash from his shoulder.
Eager to keep his secret, Ross pretended not to understand Pikachu and
asked, "What's
wrong with your Pikachu?"
"He wants to know why you have those pokemon out," answered Ash, "And why
we're
back here."
"Back?" asked Ross.
"We were here a long time ago, when I was ten," commented Ash, "It's a
little personal,
but we had a bad experience."
"Oh, well," started Ross, "Ghost attacks don't affect normal pokemon, and
Porygon has
psychic attacks that take advantage of their semi-poison type. In my mind,
Porygon is among the
best pokemon to fight ghosts."
"Oh..." said Ash and Pikachu at the same time.
"Pretty smart," complimented Ash.
"And Charmeleon's tail flame will act like a candle," finished Ross.
There wasn't much in the tower. A few cobwebs, some decaying furniture, a
large hole
in the floor and ceiling, and layers of filth.
'Guess ghosts don't bother cleaning,' figured Ross.
The group passed a dirty mirror. After Ross passed it, he stepped back.
"What are you doing?" asked Ash.
"Most pokemon, ghosts included, use light patterns to put opponents to
sleep," stated
Ross.
"So?" pushed Ash.
"So, with a mirror, the ghosts might just put themselves to sleep,"
finished Pikachu.
"Oh," said Ash, "Okay."
Ross wiped away the filth and saw a short ghost with legs and an off- white
headband on
behind him. The figure started to gather power.
"DOWN!" exclaimed Ross, pulling Ash to the floor.
The mirror shattered moments later.
"What the?" asked Ash when the pokemon responsible cried out.
"GEN-gar!"
"Gengar, what are you doing?" asked Ash. Gengar didn't answer, he just ran
off.
"Did you know that particular pokemon?" Ross asked Ash.
"Once, we were friends," explained Ash, "After a while, Hagatha caught him
and our
friendship continued."
"Not in his mind apparently," commented Pikachu.
"Maybe we better keep looking," suggested Ross. Chapter 79-Pokemon Tower
Ross, Ash, Pikachu, Charmeleon, and Porygon worked their way through the
tower
without any signs of Hagatha. The party had encountered several ghost pokemon
with the same
unusual headbands as Gengar.
The pokemon tried to scare them off, but Ross, Ash, and their pokemon
weren't to be
frightened by lame humor.
"They always did have rather warped senses of humor," commented Pikachu.
After checking each individual floor, the only place left for Hagatha to be
was the roof.
Looking out the trapdoor, it was quickly obvious that no one was around on
that floor.
"I didn't she'd be up there," commented Pikachu, "She has a terrible fear
of heights,
remember?"
"Heights, that's RIGHT!" exclaimed Ash, running down the stairs.
"What's right?" asked Ross, following Ash.
"Pokemon tower has a basement," explained Ash, "The entrance has been
hidden for
years."
"Then how do you know about it?" asked Ross.
Ash didn't hear Ross as he ran over to an old cupboard. Opening it Ash
revealed a door.
Pikachu got even more scared when Ash reached for the doorknob.
"That was just the one time Pikachu," Ash reminded Pikachu. While Ash
turned the
handle, Ross wondered what could be behind the door that was so terrible.
Ash swung open the door and led Ross and his pokemon down the stairs.
**************************************************************************** ****
"Toys?" asked Ross, "This is what you were scared of?"
Pikachu could only shudder. Unlike the rest of the rooms, this toy room
was in excellent
shape. A man in a Team Rocket uniform was asleep at a desk with more of those
off-white
headbands. An old lady was tied up on a merry-go-round.
"Hagatha," whispered Ash. Ash started to walk up to the merry-go-round
when Ross
grabbed him.
"What is it?" asked Ash.
"Look," replied Ross, pointing at the ceiling.
A face was peeking through from the main floor.
"Gastly," whispered Ash.
"How do we get past it?" asked Ross.
"We'll have to distract it," commented Ash.
"And how are we supposed to do that?" asked Pikachu.
"I have got an idea," stated Ross, "I'll battle it."
**************************************************************************** ****
"Start with psybeam," Ross whispered to Porygon.
"Okay," replied Porygon. A beam of light shot out from Porygon's eyes and
hit Gastly.
Gastly cried out in pain, but didn't pull it's face out of the floor.
"Psychic," instructed Ross.
Porygon developed a blue light around him and Gastly cried out in pain
again.
"Gastly, defeat the loser," called a voice from below.
"GA-stly," stated the fog as a face was removed from the floor to face
Ross.
"Psywave," called Ross.
The Gastly was hurt, but flew after Ross.
"Back off!" exclaimed Ross, doing a backflip.
Ross's foot went through Gastly's body and hit his headband. Gastly
hesitated before
trying use lick. Ross grabbed Gastly's tongue and wound it around his body.
"Use the night shade!" ordered the voice below.
Ross pulled Gastly's tongue, spinning him like a top. Gastly was left
dizzy.
"That was incredibly sick," commented Ross, looking at his hand, "Ew, ghost
slobber."
Ross shook his damp hand in an effort to remove the offending ooze.
"Gastly, take five," instructed the voice, "Gengar, get up there!"
The Gengar that attacked Ross when he came in jumped out of the hole and
took a
fighting stance. Ross did the same and readied for what could be HIS toughest
battle. Using
telekinesis, Ross pulled down a broken old electric wire and held it like a
whip.
"Gen-gen-gen-gen-gar," laughed Gengar.
"Come on," said Ross, motioning for Gengar to come and get him.
This apparently greatly angered Gengar who charged at Ross. Ross swung up
the make-
shift whip. The cable wrapped around Gastly's headband and was swung into
Gengar.
Gengar was knocked through the floor, leaving behind his headband.
**************************************************************************** ****
In the basement, Ash and Pikachu were battling against the Rocket and his
Cubone.
"Don't give in Pikachu," called Ash, "Swift attack."
"Bonemerang," stated the Rocket in a calm voice.
Cubone wound up to through his bone when Gengar was knocked through the
floor onto
Cubone.
"Bone," moaned Cubone. Gengar shook its head, trying to regain its
bearings.
"What are you doing down here!?!" asked the Rocket, "Get back up there and
finish the
job! Hey, where's your mind-band?"
Gengar just looked around and saw his trainer tied up and friends trying to
save her.
Determined to help, Gengar used nightshade on the Rocket.
"Ouch," said the Rocket before falling to Gengar's hypnosis power.
Looking around, Gengar realized that he hypnotized Ash, Pikachu, the
Rocket's Cubone,
and Hagatha as well.
**************************************************************************** ****
Back on the main floor, Ross had gotten a hold of Gastly's mind-band and
removed it.
Gastly didn't fight to keep it because he was last told to rest.
When Gastly regained his bearings, he dropped through the floor into the
basement.
Ross took the stairs.
Everyone was asleep except for a Gengar and a tired Gastly. Ross
transferred the ropes
on Hagatha to the Rocket before sitting down to wait for everyone to wake up.
"I still don't understand why Pikachu hates this place so much," said Ross,
attracting the
attention of the ghosts.
"HAU-HAU-HAU!" exclaimed a strange voice from above. Everyone that was
awake
looked up to the hole in the ceiling to see a Haunter, like Sabrina's float
down.
"It's really quite simple," said Haunter's voice in his head, "Ash and
Pikachu both
literally had an out-of-body experience here."
"Woah," muttered Ross while Gengar and Gastly flew up to their friend. The
three
pokemon talked while Ross just watched. Apparently, Haunter was giving Gastly a
hard time
about something. Ross considered tapping into their conversation by reading
their minds, but
decided against it. Hagatha yawned as she woke up.
"Good morning," said a cheerful Ross.
"Hello," said Hagatha in an aged voice, "Who are you?"
"My name is Ross Jacobsen. I came here with Ash when we arrived and found
out that
you weren't in the gym." explained Ross.
"Ash is here?" said a surprised Hagatha, "Where is he?"
"He's sleeping over there," stated Ross pointing at a figure slumped
backwards over a
swing. Pikachu was leaning against a rocking horse, snoring loudly. Hagatha
just shook here
head.
"What are you doing here Haunter?" Hagatha asked the floating figure.
Haunter talked
in his own way for a while. "Whatever," replied Hagatha.
It was a little longer before Ash, Pikachu, and the Rocket woke up.
Forcing the Rocket
to reveal the control panel for the local mind-bands, Ash proceeded to destroy
it.
When Ash was finished, everyone walked out of the tower with Gastly
following them in
vapor form.
**************************************************************************** ****
"After talking with Ash and my Gengar," started Hagatha, "I've decided that
there is no
need to battle you. I believe that you have already earned the right to have a
ghost badge."
Ross was a little surprised when Hagatha handed a small badge resembling a
Haunter to
him.
"Thanks," said Ross, turning to leave.
"One more thing," said Hagatha, "Gengar says that Gastly has been following
you in
vapor form, seeking a rematch against you. If you win again, he'll be yours."
Looking behind him, Ross saw Gastly in the gym arena, waiting for Ross's
choice. Ross
stepped into the arena and said, "You're on. Go Porygon! Psychic."
Gastly tried to use night shade on Porygon. Unaffected, Porygon fired a
beam of light at
the ghost, weakening it.
"Psywave," called Ross.
Gastly was bombarded by mental energy, bringing it down. Ross pulled out
the orange
super ball and pushed a button. A red beam shot out and encased the cloud of
gas.
Gastly struggled to avoid being pulled into the round prison. Moving
closer to it Gastly
knew that he couldn't fight the powerful super ball. Gastly was pulled in and
stopped struggling. Chapter 80-Interview With Ash
When Ross came out of the gym doors, Ash and Pikachu were still waiting.
"Hey Ash," called Ross, "Before you go, I have to ask you some questions."
"Why don't we talk it over lunch?" suggested Ash.
"Okay," agreed Ross, "Let's go."
Ross, Ash, and Pikachu took a short walk to the only diner in town.
**************************************************************************** ****
After being seated, Ross ordered a soup/salad combo, Ash requested some
fried chicken,
and Pikachu asked for an appetizer size portion of cheese bread. Ross reached
into his pocket
and hit the button to record the conversation to listen to later.
"First question," said Ross, "Why is there so many gyms nowadays?
"Well," started Ash, "Like every other job, new people have to be allowed
in. Gym
leaders retire and the new leaders change the gym type. The other reason is
because new gyms
were built, developing a more complex system."
"No kidding," commented Pikachu.
"Second question," explained Ross, "I heard a rumor that in order to become
an Elite
Master, you have to beat everyone else in the League in one year."
"That's actually not far off," commented Ash, "Every once in a while, we
hold a
tournament among the lower level trainers. The winner gets to take on the Elite
Master trainers
in a pokemon battle and a quiz developed by our breeders. If anyone does well
enough in these
fields, they are permitted to join the Elite Masters."
"What's life like up on Indigo Plateau?"
"It's interesting," stated Ash, "but I enjoy coming down to look for more
pokemon and
have some human interaction."
"AHEM!" exclaimed Pikachu.
"No offense," apologized Ash.
"How long have you been a trainer?"
"About, what is it now, 10 years?" Ash asked Pikachu.
"There-abouts," added Pikachu.
"Is there a reason why Pikachu doesn't evolve?"
"Pikachu just didn't like the idea of evolving," explained Ash, "That's
fine with me, he
just took a counteragent to prevent him from evolving. We have a super thunder
stone locked
away that only Pikachu has a key to. Only that thunder stone can evolve Pikachu
here."
"What are you planning to do about Viridian Gym?"
"Right now, Gary's caught up in the court system," explained Ash, "If he
avoids jail,
he'll take back the position of Viridian Gym leader." Pikachu gritted his teeth
at the thought of
Gary.
A waiter walked up with a tray of their order. After handing out the food,
the waiter
asked Ash and Pikachu to each sign a pokeball for his son. Granting the
request, the Ross
politely waited while his dining partners each signed a pokeball provided by the
waiter.
"This sort of thing happens all the time," explained Ash, "Everywhere we
go, someone
always recognizes us and wants a signature or advice."
"Why don't you just stay up on Indigo Plateau?" asked Ross.
"If I did that," said Ash, "It wouldn't be any different than a jail!"
"I see your point," said Ross as the group started to eat.
Ross asked a few more questions while they ate. How many Elite Master have
there
been? What he did in his free time? What was his favorite gym? And the like.
Finally Ross hit a nerve. "Have you had any girlfriends?"
Ash didn't answer at first, so Pikachu said, "That's a touchy subject.
He's got a crush
on..."
"Pikachu!" exclaimed Ash.
"He can't understand me," argued Pikachu.
Changing the subject, Ross asked, "I've heard that some people can
understand their
pokemon, word for word. Any idea on how this is possible?"
"There are some people that can only understand their starting pokemon,"
claimed Ash,
"Others are able to understand only their pokemon, and even more claim to be
able to
understand any pokemon specie that they spend enough time with."
The waiter came back with a check and Ross picked it up. Ash looked a
little puzzled by
this, but Ross said, "It's the least I can do since you answered my questions."
Satisfied with this, Ross paid at the cash register and walked down the
street with his
companions. After healing their pokemon, Ash and Pikachu called their birds and
got ready to
fly back to Indigo.
"See you around Ross," said Ash as Pikachu mounted Spearow, "You're shaping
out to
be a decent trainer." Ash held out a hand and added, "Keep in touch."
Ross shook Ash's hand and said, "You got it."
Ash mounted his Aerodactyl and said, "I'll see you when you get all of the
badges."
And with that, the two birds flew off to the west. Ross just stood there
and watched his
new friends fly off under the setting sun. Chapter 81-
"I say that we take his pokemon NOW!" declared Aroduc. The top 5 Team
Rocket
leaders were having a tele-conference with a prisoner on the phone.
"No," said the prisoner on the phone, "If we wait, he will gather even MORE
powerful
pokemon for us."
"But if we wait too long," argued another leader, "He might have too MANY
powerful
pokemon for us to take from him."
"We're wasting time arguing," stated George Hermanni, "As we speak, Ross
and Blast
are getting stronger!"
"I have already developed a plan," claimed the prisoner, "In the envelope
you sent me, it
speaks of Ross having a brother."
"Yes, Adam Jacobsen," said a fourth man in the room, "What about him?"
**************************************************************************** ****
"Use the flame thrower Vulpix," called Ross.
"Absorb!" shouted the young boy.
Several flames emerged from Vulpix's mouth, leaving Oddish looking like the
remains
of a mini forest fire.
"Absorb THAT," said Vulpix, trying to sound like an action hero.
"Finish it off with a body slam," called Ross.
The weak Oddish couldn't withstand the powerful hit and fainted.
"Oddish, return!" called Ross's opponent, holding up a pokeball. Oddish
turned into a
mass of red energy when the return beam hit it. The Oddish energy flew into its
pokeball to rest
until the next battle.
"Good battle," Ross said, reaching out for a handshake.
"Thanks, but I still lost," said the trainer, shaking Ross's hand.
"You could probably just use some more variety in your pokemon," stated
Ross, "Even a
gym leader should have at least 3 different types of pokemon for self- defense."
"Good point," replied the young boy, "Here's your winnings."
The boy handed Ross some money and left to treat Oddish's burn in a nearby
stream.
Ross pocketed the money and called over the rest of his pokemon over.
"We better hurry if we're going to reach Stone Town by nightfall,"
explained Ross, "It
should just be down this road."
Some of Ross's pokemon thought that it was too far to walk,(or fly as some
cases may
be.) and chose to ride in their pokeballs. Others decided to just stay out for
a while. Walking
along, they noticed a lady trying to beat off some eggs with a broom.
"You horrible pokemon," cried the woman, "Leave my garden alone!"
Wondering what was going on Ross used his pokedex on the eggs. A picture
of a dozen
eggs with faces appeared on the screen.
"Exeggcute, a swarm pokemon," stated the mechanical voice, "This pokemon
displays
psychic and grass type characteristics. It has the potential to evolve when
exposed to the leaf
stone."
"Shoo!" cried the woman. The eggs started to glow.
"Hypnosis," explained the pokedex, still aimed at the eggs, "This technique
is used by
many psychic pokemon to put enemies to sleep by sight." The lady started to get
blinky.
Looking away from the herd of eggs, Ross told Growlithe and Vulpix to roar.
The two
pokemon did and the Exeggcute ran off, well hopped off. The roar also woke up
the woman.
"You okay?" Ross asked.
"Yes, but those horrible grass pokemon are going to come back," complained
the
woman, "Would you mind staying to scare them off?"
"Well, I'm in kind of a hurry to get to Stone Town," explained Ross.
"No problem," said the woman, "If you help me out, I'll give you a lift in
my car. I'll
also cook you dinner."
"FOOD!" barked Growlithe hungrily.
"Transportation would be faster in a car than by foot," stated Vulpix.
"I guess its unanimous," commented Ross.
**************************************************************************** ****
That night Ross waited by the window for the pokemon. He spent time trying
to
determine which pokemon were causing all of the trouble. Four pokemon were
described and
Ross had them displayed on his pokedex's screen. Ross also had a mirror sitting
next to him that
he borrowed from the owner.
"Oddish, Bellsprout, Exeggcute, and Tangela," commented Ross, "All grass
type,
Bellsprout and Oddish are also part poison." Oddish was a small green plant
with leaves
emerging from its head and short legs. Bellsprout was a walking flower with a
yellow head.
There wasn't any movement outside until about 7 in the evening. A mass of
vines was
walking through the gate and heading for the garden. Ross was going to walk
outside, but
Tangela wasn't alone. Oddish, Bellsprout, and Exeggcute were following him.
Once all four pokemon were in the garden, Ross used telekinesis to close
and lock the
gate. None of the grass pokemon noticed this little trick. Ross walked out the
door and turned
to face the garden with hiding pokemon.
"I know that you're in there!" proclaimed Ross, "I challenge all four of
you to a battle!"
The four pokemon walked out and took a battle stance. Ross replied by
pulling out 4
pokeballs.
"Charmeleon, Growlithe, Pidgeotto, Gastly, GO!" exclaimed Ross, throwing
his chosen
pokeballs. The four pokemon appeared and Ross said, "Gastly, night shade to
Exeggcute,
Pidgeotto, wing attack to Tangela, Charmeleon and Growlithe, flame thrower to
Oddish and
Bellsprout!"
Exeggcute tried to barrage Gastly, but went right through him. Bellsprout
used growth
and Oddish tried using poison powder on Gastly, but hit Exeggcute instead.
Tangela constricted
Pidgeotto.
Charmeleon and Growlithe thoroughly cooked Oddish and Bellsprout with their
flamethrowers. Pidgeotto couldn't get lose to use wing attack and Gastly nailed
Exeggcute with
night shade.
Oddish and Bellsprout were burned, Pidgeotto was being pulled in by
Tangela, and
Exeggcute was tired from the night shade and poison.
Considering the positioning, Ross called out, "Charmeleon, trap Oddish and
Bellsprout
in a fire spin, Growlithe, bite off the vines holding Pidgeotto, Gastly, lick
Exeggcute."
Oddish tried to use another powder and Bellsprout tried to use vine whip.
Both of which
were burned when Oddish and Bellsprout were trapped in a fire spin. Tangela put
the squeeze
on Pidgeotto and was soon bitten so hard by Growlithe, that he dropped the bird.
Exeggcute
used reflect to gain armor, but couldn't move when Gastly licked them.
Seizing the opportunity, Ross threw a pokeball at Exeggcute.
Unfortunately, Exeggcute
broke out and knocked away Gastly with a solar beam. Ross called back Gastly
and noticed that
Exeggcute was starting to glow in an attempt to hypnotize Ross and his pokemon.
'Here we go,' thought Ross.
Ross pulled the locker mirror out of his pocket and held it up to
Exeggcute. Exeggcute
continued to perform its hypnosis act even though no one was watching except for
the second
Exeggcute.
Before too long, Exeggcute was snoring loudly and Oddish and Bellsprout was
in no
shape to fight. Ross caught each in a pokeball and turned his attention to
Tangela.
Tangela naturally freaked. It released stun spore on Ross's pokemon,
making them all
unable to battle. Ross reached for the pokeballs for his paralyzed pokemon, but
they were gone,
along with all of his other pokeballs.
"Tang-el," called the vine pokemon, waving Ross's belt like a pendulum.
"You little thief," accused Ross, "I guess I'm going to have to do this the
hard way."
Ross pulled out his pocket knife and opened a blade. Tangela tossed the
belt onto the
house's roof, making it unaccessible until Ross got a ladder. Ross adjusted his
grip on the knife
in his right hand and held it to cut when Ross would do a karate chop.
Tangela started the show down by wrapping its vines around Ross's forearms
and shins.
Ross retaliated by dealing the ground a right karate chop. This freed his right
hand, knife, and
hurt Tangela.
Ross cut off the vine on his left hand before Tangela let go of Ross's
legs. Next, Tangela
regrew its lost vines with growth before being low kicked by Ross.
Tangela flew into the fence and got ready to slam Ross against a tree.
Ross scared
Tangela out of it by swinging his knife at the vines that reached for him.
Tangela started to
release another unusual powder which was starting to drift to Ross.
Ross threw down the knife which was stuck in the ground, standing at an
angle. Ross
quickly grabbed Tangela with telekinesis and pulled him into the dust.
All of the dust got caught in the sudden movement and fell onto Tangela.
Ross let go of
Tangela and listened to its snoring. Pulling out another pokeball, Ross caught
the snoring pile of
vines. TO BE CONTINUED