Kell Shock:
Izzy's going to talk this issue over with Gennai this chapter.
Luis:
There will be other Pokemon trainers helping out with the war effort in the Pokemon World. The Digital World is accounted for by the forces of the Sovereigns. I will not be using any material from movies after the Entei/Unown one. Jessie, James, and Meowth will be appearing later on, but I won't be bringing in Melody.
AnT:
Yeah, I read some of his work and it's nice.
Disclaimer:
Toei and Bandai own Digimon, and Nintendo owns Pokemon.
The Stones of Doom
By: RB3
Chapter 12: Desperately Seeking Suicune, part 1
Over the next few days, the Liberator camp was bustling with activity. Though the slaves were free, many still needed to be tended to by servicemen and servicewomen. The heroes split up to do their part. In the medical tent, several beds were set up in neatly arranged rows. On each bed was a person or Pokemon wounded during the attack on Kanto's slave camp. Their bodies were covered by bloodied bandages and the medics tended to them each in turn. Ash, Misty, Brock, May, and Joe were checking up on Delia and the Machamp that Brock had rescued.
"Here's your tea, Ms. Ketchum!" greeted Joe to Delia.
Delia was still recovering from her injuries. "Thanks!" Joe brought his cup to Delia's lips in order to help her drink.
"Are you okay, Mom?" asked Ash.
"I'm fine!" replied Delia happily, but meekly. Delia's expression changed to one of regret. "I so sorry, Ash... I always worry about what is happening to you, but now, I'm the one who made you worry about me..."
"Oh, Mom," said Ash as the two hugged. "Don't be sorry. You're okay now, that's all that matters."
"I know I can't stop you from leaving, but please stay safe for me."
"I will, Mom. We'll fight to make the world a better place!"
The heroes finished their visit to Ash's mom, and turned their attention to the Machamp. He had recovered quite rapidly due to his Pokemon physiology. Brock pulled out a tub, and offered the brown morsels of food within to Machamp. This food was a recipe invented by Brock himself. Machamp smelled the morsel of food, and then popped it into his mouth. Machamp loved the spongy texture and meaty taste of the food. It didn't take long before he chowed down the rest of his meal in joy.
"Like the food, Machamp?" asked Misty.
"Ma! (Yeah!)" he replied with a smile.
"Wow, Brock! You really know how to make Pokemon food!" complimented Joe.
"Thanks!" replied Brock. "I'm in training to be the world's best Pokemon breeder, so I need to make the most nutritious Pokemon food possible."
"Yeah, Brock's cooking is the best!" said Ash. "He makes sure our Pokemon get the best food possible."
Machamp suddenly got up. He flexed his muscles and said something in Pokemon language to Brock. "Machamp says he wants you to be his new trainer!" said Gomamon, translating Machamp's words.
"Really?" asked Brock, out of joy and shock.
"Ma! (Yeah!)" replied Machamp affirmatively.
****************************************
The two combatants met at the side of a lake near the Liberator camp. The first warrior was Machamp himself, eyeing his opponent with the focus and intensity of a professional athlete. Machamp's opponent, Brock, returned a similar gaze, analyzing the strengths and weakness of Machamp. Ash, Misty, May, and Joe watched from the sidelines in anticipation of a move from either warrior.
Brock released his Pokemon. "Go, Onix!"
In a flash of red energy, a stony serpent materialized before Brock. "So, Brock's using Onix..." mumbled Ash.
"Onix's stony skin should help against Machamp. It looks like Machamp can't do much other that simple punches and kicks," commented May.
"Actually, Machamp has the type advantage," corrected Ash. "He's a Fighting type, which is strong against a Rock type like Onix."
"Brock made a bad choice then..."
"Not quite... Machamp may have the type advantage, but Brock believes his Onix had better training than Machamp. He's betting on that to give him the win."
Brock made the first move. "Onix, Wrap Machamp!"
The Rock Snake Pokemon lurched forward, but Machamp evaded with a hop to the right. Machamp found an opening, and smashed the base of Onix's body with a Low Kick. Onix fell onto his left, and Machamp pressed the attack with a leaping Karate Chop. Onix suddenly rolled out of the way, causing Machamp to miss, and returning to a vertical stance.
"Tackle Attack!" cried Brock. In compliance, Onix rammed the Superpower Pokemon headfirst and knocked him onto his back with a thud. "Now, try the Wrap again!"
Onix lurched forward, this time entwining his stony body around his foe. Onix began to squeeze his victim with all his strength, crushing the life out of the Superpower Pokemon. After a brief, but difficult struggle, Machamp was able to free his right arm. He began to punch a section of the Rock Snake Pokemon's body, but due to his position, he couldn't put full power into his blows. Mustering sheer will power, Machamp landed a hard punch and finally broke the hold. However, the Wrap attack had taken its toll on Machamp...
"Onix, Tackle attack again!" ordered Brock.
Onix charged his foe again, and Machamp was still weakened from the Wrap attack. Onix scored a direct hit to Machamp's gut, knocking him onto one knee. Brock could feel victory approaching, ordering Rock Throw as a finishing strike. The dirt split open as Onix scooped several boulders out of the ground and then flung them into his tired foe. Machamp was sprawled unconscious on the ground, half buried under the boulders.
Brock threw a spare Pokeball. "Pokeball go!"
The Pokeball struck Machamp's fallen body and drew him in with a burst of red energy. The Pokeball flashed red and shuddered once, twice, and then a third time before becoming still. Brock took the Pokeball and thrust it into the air triumphantly, announcing Machamp's capture to the world. Everyone was thrilled with Brock's success.
"Yeah, Brock!" cheered the others.
****************************************
The heroes met with Lt. Surge and Izzy a few days later. "I have received a message from Gennai regarding the Stones of Doom," began Izzy.
"I goofed up didn't I?" asked Gomamon, hanging his head in shame. "I should've tried harder to avoid letting the Stone get destroyed..."
"Don't worry about that," dismissed Izzy. Gomamon raised his head in surprise. "Gennai told us that we shouldn't risk our lives just to save the Stones. If we do manage to retrieve a Stone of Doom, we should contact him and he'll do the rest. Otherwise, just let it go and let Gennai know that the Stone isn't coming back."
"Okay that settles that issue," continued Surge. "Now for the other Stones of Doom. As I said, some of these things are in Johto as well as Kanto. We can cover more ground if we split up into groups to find them."
The heroes discussed the break up of the groups. They decided on having only two groups as dividing into many groups would dilute each group's strength too much. Mephistomon would be expecting attacks on the remaining Stones, and they were sure to be well protected. One team was to meet up with allies in Johto and begin the search there. The other team would stay behind in enemy territory and search Kanto for the other Stones.
"I will lead Team Kanto," volunteered Surge. "Our allies are based in Goldenrod and it would be wise to have someone familiar with that place to head the Johto team."
"I'll do it!" offered Ash. "I've been to Goldenrod to earn my Plain Badge, so I know my way around there."
"Okay Ash, you've got the job!" agreed Surge. He turned to face the others. "Now, who else will join Ash in Johto?"
"We might run into some dark Digimon over in Johto. Patamon will be a great help, so I'll go there too," said TK.
"They might need someone older there, so I'm coming too," said Joe.
"I'm going too. I still have many things to learn from Ash!" declared May.
"If she's going, then I'm going too!" stated Misty defiantly.
"Okay, we need only two more people to join Team Johto. Any takers?" Sora and Mimi both volunteered for the job. "Okay, that's it. Everybody else is coming with me."
****************************************
Team Johto were dropped off in a hidden area near the fence on the Johto-Kanto border. Surge's words resounded in the minds of the team: "You kids are too suspicious; Kanto will never allow you guys to leave the country. Therefore, you must sneak in. Our boys will drop you off near the border fence. Cut through this fence and make your way to New Bark Town on foot."
Ash released his Cyndaquil, an earlier evolutionary form of Typhlosion. Flames jetted out of the holes on Cyndaquil, lighting up the dark blue fur on his back. Cyndaquil followed Ash's order to use Flamethrower, breathing roaring flames out of his mouth. The fence melted like butter, leaving a gaping hole where metal wires once were. Team Johto ran through, making sure that they weren't spotted.
"Once in New Bark Town, make your way to the Pokemon Centre. Our agent will meet you there. He'll tell you that 'Professor Elm is such a genius.' Respond by saying 'Elm built his lab here' and he'll take you to Goldenrod to meet the leader of our Johto chapter."
The Johto team waited patiently in some seats in the New Bark Town Pokemon Centre's lobby. A man in a dark grey suit entered the Centre and looked around. He looked like a business man and wore a stylish pair of designer shades. The man himself had dark brown hair, and looked to be in his early thirties. The man spotted the members of Team Johto and struck a conversation with Ash.
"I heard there was famous Pokemon researcher living here. Professor Elm is such a genius," complimented the man.
Ash recognized the man's code phrase. "Yeah, Elm built his lab here."
"So he did.... Anyways, come with me and I'll show you our buddies."
The man led the group to the airport and gave them tickets to a flight to Goldenrod. As Ash gazed upon the concrete jungle of the city, he thought back to how his adventure started so long ago. He thought back to the excitement of seeing the Digital World with his own eyes. It was ironic that he was sent back to Goldenrod to begin all over again. This time, everything was on the line, and worlds will fall if Ash and his friends failed their task.
The Liberator agent led Ash and company to an office inside the Goldenrod department store. Behind the desk was the owner of the store himself. He was a man in his early forties, with greying hair and a moustache. He was in a neat and tidy grey business suit and wore a pair of glasses. It was evident that this man was fairly well off, and successful. The man eagerly waited as everyone filed into his office.
"Hi kids, you can call me Mr. Smith," greeted the man. "I'm kind of surprised that you're just kids, but if Lt. Surge says you're good, I'll believe him. I heard you helped nail that concentration camp a few days ago."
"Yeah," responded Joe.
"It's sickening that Kanto is using slavery. Anyways, we were told to look for some items called the 'Stones of Doom,'" reported Smith.
"Did you find anything?" asked Sora.
"Sadly no, we're still looking, " lamented Smith. "We have recorded some news stories yesterday you should see. They've got a report on the state of the war in Hoenn."
Smith pulled out a remote control to the TV set mounted in the wall to his right. A recorded copy of yesterday's news came on. The anchor woman announced that the Kanto army had entered Lavaridge Town. The video clip showed Lavaridge to be a small, quiet town with an old Japanese style. It was known for its hot springs, and thus the perfect tourist trap. However, the war shattered the peace with gunshots ripping through the air each second, and glowing orange tracer rounds flying back and forth.
In another part of the battle, several evolved Kanto Pokemon marched onto the field to meet the enemy. These Pokemon were not normal, having black skin and fur instead of their usual colour. The Pokemon trainers knew something was very amiss with these Pokemon. The camera panned to a terrifying close up of a black Charizard. Its face was contorted by an expression of pure hatred and rage.
Misty cringed in fear. "Ash had a Charizard, but I never thought they could look so evil!"
"Pokemon are supposed to be cute, cuddly things, not evil monsters!" said Mimi.
"This is the work of a Stone of Doom," declared Joe. "There must be a lab somewhere that's making these black Pokemon."
The news turned to a clip of the President of Johto giving a speech to the nation. "Mr. President, critics have slammed your insistence on maintaining Johto's neutrality, in light of Kanto's continued aggression against Hoenn. How would you respond to them?" asked a reporter.
Several flashes went off from cameras photographing the President. "Johto has always been a neutral nation. Our nation prides itself on not getting involved in conflicts. If we take part in the war, we throw our integrity to the wind."
The President's words did little to reassure anyone, especially Ash. "It sounds like he cares more about his country's rep," commented Mimi.
"Yeah, and a lot of Johto's people agree with him," sighed Smith, as he shut off his TV. "Since we don't know anything yet, why don't you go to Ecruteak to earn a Badge? Surge told me that some of you are looking to enter the Johto League competition."
"Yeah, that's me!" exclaimed Ash.
Smith pulled a set of plane tickets out of his pocket. "Here are some plane tickets for a round trip to Ecruteak. Think of them as a reward for helping take out that slave camp!"
Ash was ecstatic. "Wow! Thanks a lot!"
"Pika! (Cool!)" said Pikachu.
Smith pulled a set of cell phones out of his desk drawer. "Also, take these phones. You can use them to keep in touch. All the numbers are written on the phone. If anything comes up, I'll call you guys. Go get'em!"
"Thanks!" replied Ash. "Okay guys, we're going to Ecruteak City!"
After a few hours, Team Johto was approaching Ecruteak City by airplane. The city itself had a style similar to that of old Japan. The houses were made of wood, and had triangular roofs made of black shingles. Ecruteak was a fairly quiet city in appearance, and a good place to go to for a vacation. It lacked the hustle and bustle of a big city such as Kanto's Saffron City, or Johto's own Goldenrod City.
Unknown to the Johto team, a mysterious Pokemon was lurking in a forest clearing below. This Pokemon had a lean, dog-like body with watery blue fur. On the sides of its body were white, diamond-shaped markings. Its two tails whipped around like white ribbons being blown by the air. The Pokemon turned his head upwards to look at the jet liner. The wind picked up, blowing his violet mane into the hexagonal hole in his elongated headdress. Seemingly satisfied, the Pokemon leapt into the forest and vanished.
Ash and company disembarked from their plane. "Hey Ash, you're going straight for the Gym with Misty and May, right?" asked Joe.
"Uh yeah..." said Misty, wondering what was going on.
"Why do you ask?" wondered Ash.
"I was thinking, while you're at the Gym, why don't you let us check around to see if there are any clues?" suggested Joe.
Ash was hesitant. "Sounds great, but I feel like I'm avoiding my responsibilities..."
"Nah... Besides, the people might respond better to us since we're a bit older," noted Joe. "After you're done, we'll meet back at the Gym."
"Okay, that sounds like a plan!"
****************************************
A few minutes later, a young man approached the door of the Ecruteak Gym. Clad in a red bow tie and a neat purple suit, this man resembled a magician. His hair was short and brown, with one of his bangs hanging downwards between his eyes. This man was known as Eusine, and he was a major fan of the Legendary Pokemon, Suicune. A Gym caretaker showed him in and brought him to the battling area.
Already, a heated battle was taking place between two combatants. The first fighter was a teenager with a grunge look. His shirt had long sleeves and was light blue with large yellow bands. His hair was brown, and partially covered by a light blue headband. This boy was the Gym Leader, Morty, and on his side was a violet ghost Pokemon, Gengar. Morty was preoccupied and didn't notice Eusine watching from the sidelines.
Morty's opponent was none other than Ash Ketchum, but Eusine didn't recognize the boy. Ash was directing his Pokemon, the owl-like Noctowl. Ash gave Noctowl the order to employ the Psychic type attack Confusion. Instantly, Noctowl's eyes glowed ethereal blue, and a similar glow enveloped Gengar's body. Suddenly, Gengar slammed into the roof! Gengar winced in pain before plummeting back onto the ground.
The referee looked over Gengar's condition. "Gengar is unable to continue! Ash is the winner!"
Ash was elated. "Awesome!"
"Pika! (Yeah!)" agreed Pikachu.
Morty handed a ghost-like Badge to Ash. "Here's the Fog Badge, Ash. You've earned it!"
Ash thrust the Badge into the air victoriously. "Ha ha! I won a Fog Badge!"
"Hey Morty!" called Eusine.
"Oh, hi Eusine! When did you get in?" asked Morty.
"Oh, just a few minutes ago. I was watching the ending of your Pokemon battle."
"Still looking for Suicune?"
"Yeah, I heard rumours of many Suicune sightings here in Ecruteak. It's kind of strange though... Pokemon like Suicune don't usually show themselves this much. I wonder if these sightings are an omen of some kind..." pondered Eusine.
Ash, Misty, and May approached the two. "Hey, sorry about eavesdropping, but I heard you two talking about Suicune," began Ash.
"Yeah, there have been rumours of Suicune lurking around Ecruteak," informed Eusine. "Suicune is a Legendary Pokemon that I want to catch."
Morty directed his friends to a study filled with books on Pokemon legends. He opened a book to an entry on Suicune. The right page had pictures of three dog-like Pokemon below a fiery bird. The artists designed their pictures of the Legendary Pokemon to have a very mystical, fairytale-like appearance. On the left page was writing describing the Pokemon themselves.
"That's Suicune," explained Morty, as he pointed to the picture of a sleek dog on near the bottom. Suicune had a flowing appearance, like that of water.
Morty gave a lecture on Suicune to Ash, Misty, and May. Suicune was the representation of the north wind. He was the creation of another Legendary Pokemon, the phoenix-like Ho-oh. Ho-oh was waiting for the time when the hearts of humans and Pokemon were one. Ho-oh created three servants, Entei, Raikou, and Suicune himself to keep watch and inform Ho-oh when that time came. Suicune was a Water type Pokemon according to legend, but had many Ice type powers as well.
Ash looked at the picture and recognized him. "Hey, I saw that Pokemon!"
"You saw Suicune?" asked Eusine, raising his voice in disbelief.
"Yeah!" replied Ash. "I saw him on my way to New Bark Town to enter the Johto League."
Eusine was indignant. "Suicune only shows himself to the most worthy trainers! You can't possibly have seen him! I challenge you to a battle!"
Ash was dumbfounded but agreed to the battle anyways, and the two met at the battling area. "I still don't understand why you're doing this."
Eusine released his Pokemon onto the field of battle. The Pokemon had a yellow, humanoid body and stood about the height of a young child. He had an almost dragon-like head with a long, drooping moustache. In his hands was a pair of silver spoons which he held like a pair of magic wands. The Pokemon was an Alakazam, and his eyes were filled with determination. Ash promptly scanned the creature.
====================Pokedex====================
Name: Alakazam
Type: Psychic
Evolved From: Kadabra
The PSI Pokemon, Alakazam has brain power rivalling that of supercomputers. This enables Alakazam to remember anything they ever learn.
==============================================
"My Alakazam is trained to punish anyone who would soil the name of Suicune! Now Ash, it's time to battle!"
"Alright! Pikachu, you're up!" Pikachu leapt off his trainer's shoulder and took a fighting stance opposite Alakazam.
Before anyone could act, one of the Gym's caretakers rushed in. "Everybody get out!"
Suddenly, a deafening explosion ripped through the air, blowing one of the Gym's walls open! A huge cloud of dust blanketed the room. Everyone was momentarily disoriented and coughing. The roof began to give way, prompting Alakazam to create a dome of ethereal Psychic energy. The PSI Pokemon successfully encased Eusine and Morty in its safety, just as the roof collapsed.
"Everybody, in here!" called Eusine. Alakazam made an opening and Misty and May entered the safety of the dome.
Ash spotted another pile of rubble about to land on Pikachu. "Pikachu!" Instinctively, he leapt onto his friend and into the rubble's path. The two were buried alive.
Misty and May were shocked. "ASH!"
Izzy's going to talk this issue over with Gennai this chapter.
Luis:
There will be other Pokemon trainers helping out with the war effort in the Pokemon World. The Digital World is accounted for by the forces of the Sovereigns. I will not be using any material from movies after the Entei/Unown one. Jessie, James, and Meowth will be appearing later on, but I won't be bringing in Melody.
AnT:
Yeah, I read some of his work and it's nice.
Disclaimer:
Toei and Bandai own Digimon, and Nintendo owns Pokemon.
The Stones of Doom
By: RB3
Chapter 12: Desperately Seeking Suicune, part 1
Over the next few days, the Liberator camp was bustling with activity. Though the slaves were free, many still needed to be tended to by servicemen and servicewomen. The heroes split up to do their part. In the medical tent, several beds were set up in neatly arranged rows. On each bed was a person or Pokemon wounded during the attack on Kanto's slave camp. Their bodies were covered by bloodied bandages and the medics tended to them each in turn. Ash, Misty, Brock, May, and Joe were checking up on Delia and the Machamp that Brock had rescued.
"Here's your tea, Ms. Ketchum!" greeted Joe to Delia.
Delia was still recovering from her injuries. "Thanks!" Joe brought his cup to Delia's lips in order to help her drink.
"Are you okay, Mom?" asked Ash.
"I'm fine!" replied Delia happily, but meekly. Delia's expression changed to one of regret. "I so sorry, Ash... I always worry about what is happening to you, but now, I'm the one who made you worry about me..."
"Oh, Mom," said Ash as the two hugged. "Don't be sorry. You're okay now, that's all that matters."
"I know I can't stop you from leaving, but please stay safe for me."
"I will, Mom. We'll fight to make the world a better place!"
The heroes finished their visit to Ash's mom, and turned their attention to the Machamp. He had recovered quite rapidly due to his Pokemon physiology. Brock pulled out a tub, and offered the brown morsels of food within to Machamp. This food was a recipe invented by Brock himself. Machamp smelled the morsel of food, and then popped it into his mouth. Machamp loved the spongy texture and meaty taste of the food. It didn't take long before he chowed down the rest of his meal in joy.
"Like the food, Machamp?" asked Misty.
"Ma! (Yeah!)" he replied with a smile.
"Wow, Brock! You really know how to make Pokemon food!" complimented Joe.
"Thanks!" replied Brock. "I'm in training to be the world's best Pokemon breeder, so I need to make the most nutritious Pokemon food possible."
"Yeah, Brock's cooking is the best!" said Ash. "He makes sure our Pokemon get the best food possible."
Machamp suddenly got up. He flexed his muscles and said something in Pokemon language to Brock. "Machamp says he wants you to be his new trainer!" said Gomamon, translating Machamp's words.
"Really?" asked Brock, out of joy and shock.
"Ma! (Yeah!)" replied Machamp affirmatively.
****************************************
The two combatants met at the side of a lake near the Liberator camp. The first warrior was Machamp himself, eyeing his opponent with the focus and intensity of a professional athlete. Machamp's opponent, Brock, returned a similar gaze, analyzing the strengths and weakness of Machamp. Ash, Misty, May, and Joe watched from the sidelines in anticipation of a move from either warrior.
Brock released his Pokemon. "Go, Onix!"
In a flash of red energy, a stony serpent materialized before Brock. "So, Brock's using Onix..." mumbled Ash.
"Onix's stony skin should help against Machamp. It looks like Machamp can't do much other that simple punches and kicks," commented May.
"Actually, Machamp has the type advantage," corrected Ash. "He's a Fighting type, which is strong against a Rock type like Onix."
"Brock made a bad choice then..."
"Not quite... Machamp may have the type advantage, but Brock believes his Onix had better training than Machamp. He's betting on that to give him the win."
Brock made the first move. "Onix, Wrap Machamp!"
The Rock Snake Pokemon lurched forward, but Machamp evaded with a hop to the right. Machamp found an opening, and smashed the base of Onix's body with a Low Kick. Onix fell onto his left, and Machamp pressed the attack with a leaping Karate Chop. Onix suddenly rolled out of the way, causing Machamp to miss, and returning to a vertical stance.
"Tackle Attack!" cried Brock. In compliance, Onix rammed the Superpower Pokemon headfirst and knocked him onto his back with a thud. "Now, try the Wrap again!"
Onix lurched forward, this time entwining his stony body around his foe. Onix began to squeeze his victim with all his strength, crushing the life out of the Superpower Pokemon. After a brief, but difficult struggle, Machamp was able to free his right arm. He began to punch a section of the Rock Snake Pokemon's body, but due to his position, he couldn't put full power into his blows. Mustering sheer will power, Machamp landed a hard punch and finally broke the hold. However, the Wrap attack had taken its toll on Machamp...
"Onix, Tackle attack again!" ordered Brock.
Onix charged his foe again, and Machamp was still weakened from the Wrap attack. Onix scored a direct hit to Machamp's gut, knocking him onto one knee. Brock could feel victory approaching, ordering Rock Throw as a finishing strike. The dirt split open as Onix scooped several boulders out of the ground and then flung them into his tired foe. Machamp was sprawled unconscious on the ground, half buried under the boulders.
Brock threw a spare Pokeball. "Pokeball go!"
The Pokeball struck Machamp's fallen body and drew him in with a burst of red energy. The Pokeball flashed red and shuddered once, twice, and then a third time before becoming still. Brock took the Pokeball and thrust it into the air triumphantly, announcing Machamp's capture to the world. Everyone was thrilled with Brock's success.
"Yeah, Brock!" cheered the others.
****************************************
The heroes met with Lt. Surge and Izzy a few days later. "I have received a message from Gennai regarding the Stones of Doom," began Izzy.
"I goofed up didn't I?" asked Gomamon, hanging his head in shame. "I should've tried harder to avoid letting the Stone get destroyed..."
"Don't worry about that," dismissed Izzy. Gomamon raised his head in surprise. "Gennai told us that we shouldn't risk our lives just to save the Stones. If we do manage to retrieve a Stone of Doom, we should contact him and he'll do the rest. Otherwise, just let it go and let Gennai know that the Stone isn't coming back."
"Okay that settles that issue," continued Surge. "Now for the other Stones of Doom. As I said, some of these things are in Johto as well as Kanto. We can cover more ground if we split up into groups to find them."
The heroes discussed the break up of the groups. They decided on having only two groups as dividing into many groups would dilute each group's strength too much. Mephistomon would be expecting attacks on the remaining Stones, and they were sure to be well protected. One team was to meet up with allies in Johto and begin the search there. The other team would stay behind in enemy territory and search Kanto for the other Stones.
"I will lead Team Kanto," volunteered Surge. "Our allies are based in Goldenrod and it would be wise to have someone familiar with that place to head the Johto team."
"I'll do it!" offered Ash. "I've been to Goldenrod to earn my Plain Badge, so I know my way around there."
"Okay Ash, you've got the job!" agreed Surge. He turned to face the others. "Now, who else will join Ash in Johto?"
"We might run into some dark Digimon over in Johto. Patamon will be a great help, so I'll go there too," said TK.
"They might need someone older there, so I'm coming too," said Joe.
"I'm going too. I still have many things to learn from Ash!" declared May.
"If she's going, then I'm going too!" stated Misty defiantly.
"Okay, we need only two more people to join Team Johto. Any takers?" Sora and Mimi both volunteered for the job. "Okay, that's it. Everybody else is coming with me."
****************************************
Team Johto were dropped off in a hidden area near the fence on the Johto-Kanto border. Surge's words resounded in the minds of the team: "You kids are too suspicious; Kanto will never allow you guys to leave the country. Therefore, you must sneak in. Our boys will drop you off near the border fence. Cut through this fence and make your way to New Bark Town on foot."
Ash released his Cyndaquil, an earlier evolutionary form of Typhlosion. Flames jetted out of the holes on Cyndaquil, lighting up the dark blue fur on his back. Cyndaquil followed Ash's order to use Flamethrower, breathing roaring flames out of his mouth. The fence melted like butter, leaving a gaping hole where metal wires once were. Team Johto ran through, making sure that they weren't spotted.
"Once in New Bark Town, make your way to the Pokemon Centre. Our agent will meet you there. He'll tell you that 'Professor Elm is such a genius.' Respond by saying 'Elm built his lab here' and he'll take you to Goldenrod to meet the leader of our Johto chapter."
The Johto team waited patiently in some seats in the New Bark Town Pokemon Centre's lobby. A man in a dark grey suit entered the Centre and looked around. He looked like a business man and wore a stylish pair of designer shades. The man himself had dark brown hair, and looked to be in his early thirties. The man spotted the members of Team Johto and struck a conversation with Ash.
"I heard there was famous Pokemon researcher living here. Professor Elm is such a genius," complimented the man.
Ash recognized the man's code phrase. "Yeah, Elm built his lab here."
"So he did.... Anyways, come with me and I'll show you our buddies."
The man led the group to the airport and gave them tickets to a flight to Goldenrod. As Ash gazed upon the concrete jungle of the city, he thought back to how his adventure started so long ago. He thought back to the excitement of seeing the Digital World with his own eyes. It was ironic that he was sent back to Goldenrod to begin all over again. This time, everything was on the line, and worlds will fall if Ash and his friends failed their task.
The Liberator agent led Ash and company to an office inside the Goldenrod department store. Behind the desk was the owner of the store himself. He was a man in his early forties, with greying hair and a moustache. He was in a neat and tidy grey business suit and wore a pair of glasses. It was evident that this man was fairly well off, and successful. The man eagerly waited as everyone filed into his office.
"Hi kids, you can call me Mr. Smith," greeted the man. "I'm kind of surprised that you're just kids, but if Lt. Surge says you're good, I'll believe him. I heard you helped nail that concentration camp a few days ago."
"Yeah," responded Joe.
"It's sickening that Kanto is using slavery. Anyways, we were told to look for some items called the 'Stones of Doom,'" reported Smith.
"Did you find anything?" asked Sora.
"Sadly no, we're still looking, " lamented Smith. "We have recorded some news stories yesterday you should see. They've got a report on the state of the war in Hoenn."
Smith pulled out a remote control to the TV set mounted in the wall to his right. A recorded copy of yesterday's news came on. The anchor woman announced that the Kanto army had entered Lavaridge Town. The video clip showed Lavaridge to be a small, quiet town with an old Japanese style. It was known for its hot springs, and thus the perfect tourist trap. However, the war shattered the peace with gunshots ripping through the air each second, and glowing orange tracer rounds flying back and forth.
In another part of the battle, several evolved Kanto Pokemon marched onto the field to meet the enemy. These Pokemon were not normal, having black skin and fur instead of their usual colour. The Pokemon trainers knew something was very amiss with these Pokemon. The camera panned to a terrifying close up of a black Charizard. Its face was contorted by an expression of pure hatred and rage.
Misty cringed in fear. "Ash had a Charizard, but I never thought they could look so evil!"
"Pokemon are supposed to be cute, cuddly things, not evil monsters!" said Mimi.
"This is the work of a Stone of Doom," declared Joe. "There must be a lab somewhere that's making these black Pokemon."
The news turned to a clip of the President of Johto giving a speech to the nation. "Mr. President, critics have slammed your insistence on maintaining Johto's neutrality, in light of Kanto's continued aggression against Hoenn. How would you respond to them?" asked a reporter.
Several flashes went off from cameras photographing the President. "Johto has always been a neutral nation. Our nation prides itself on not getting involved in conflicts. If we take part in the war, we throw our integrity to the wind."
The President's words did little to reassure anyone, especially Ash. "It sounds like he cares more about his country's rep," commented Mimi.
"Yeah, and a lot of Johto's people agree with him," sighed Smith, as he shut off his TV. "Since we don't know anything yet, why don't you go to Ecruteak to earn a Badge? Surge told me that some of you are looking to enter the Johto League competition."
"Yeah, that's me!" exclaimed Ash.
Smith pulled a set of plane tickets out of his pocket. "Here are some plane tickets for a round trip to Ecruteak. Think of them as a reward for helping take out that slave camp!"
Ash was ecstatic. "Wow! Thanks a lot!"
"Pika! (Cool!)" said Pikachu.
Smith pulled a set of cell phones out of his desk drawer. "Also, take these phones. You can use them to keep in touch. All the numbers are written on the phone. If anything comes up, I'll call you guys. Go get'em!"
"Thanks!" replied Ash. "Okay guys, we're going to Ecruteak City!"
After a few hours, Team Johto was approaching Ecruteak City by airplane. The city itself had a style similar to that of old Japan. The houses were made of wood, and had triangular roofs made of black shingles. Ecruteak was a fairly quiet city in appearance, and a good place to go to for a vacation. It lacked the hustle and bustle of a big city such as Kanto's Saffron City, or Johto's own Goldenrod City.
Unknown to the Johto team, a mysterious Pokemon was lurking in a forest clearing below. This Pokemon had a lean, dog-like body with watery blue fur. On the sides of its body were white, diamond-shaped markings. Its two tails whipped around like white ribbons being blown by the air. The Pokemon turned his head upwards to look at the jet liner. The wind picked up, blowing his violet mane into the hexagonal hole in his elongated headdress. Seemingly satisfied, the Pokemon leapt into the forest and vanished.
Ash and company disembarked from their plane. "Hey Ash, you're going straight for the Gym with Misty and May, right?" asked Joe.
"Uh yeah..." said Misty, wondering what was going on.
"Why do you ask?" wondered Ash.
"I was thinking, while you're at the Gym, why don't you let us check around to see if there are any clues?" suggested Joe.
Ash was hesitant. "Sounds great, but I feel like I'm avoiding my responsibilities..."
"Nah... Besides, the people might respond better to us since we're a bit older," noted Joe. "After you're done, we'll meet back at the Gym."
"Okay, that sounds like a plan!"
****************************************
A few minutes later, a young man approached the door of the Ecruteak Gym. Clad in a red bow tie and a neat purple suit, this man resembled a magician. His hair was short and brown, with one of his bangs hanging downwards between his eyes. This man was known as Eusine, and he was a major fan of the Legendary Pokemon, Suicune. A Gym caretaker showed him in and brought him to the battling area.
Already, a heated battle was taking place between two combatants. The first fighter was a teenager with a grunge look. His shirt had long sleeves and was light blue with large yellow bands. His hair was brown, and partially covered by a light blue headband. This boy was the Gym Leader, Morty, and on his side was a violet ghost Pokemon, Gengar. Morty was preoccupied and didn't notice Eusine watching from the sidelines.
Morty's opponent was none other than Ash Ketchum, but Eusine didn't recognize the boy. Ash was directing his Pokemon, the owl-like Noctowl. Ash gave Noctowl the order to employ the Psychic type attack Confusion. Instantly, Noctowl's eyes glowed ethereal blue, and a similar glow enveloped Gengar's body. Suddenly, Gengar slammed into the roof! Gengar winced in pain before plummeting back onto the ground.
The referee looked over Gengar's condition. "Gengar is unable to continue! Ash is the winner!"
Ash was elated. "Awesome!"
"Pika! (Yeah!)" agreed Pikachu.
Morty handed a ghost-like Badge to Ash. "Here's the Fog Badge, Ash. You've earned it!"
Ash thrust the Badge into the air victoriously. "Ha ha! I won a Fog Badge!"
"Hey Morty!" called Eusine.
"Oh, hi Eusine! When did you get in?" asked Morty.
"Oh, just a few minutes ago. I was watching the ending of your Pokemon battle."
"Still looking for Suicune?"
"Yeah, I heard rumours of many Suicune sightings here in Ecruteak. It's kind of strange though... Pokemon like Suicune don't usually show themselves this much. I wonder if these sightings are an omen of some kind..." pondered Eusine.
Ash, Misty, and May approached the two. "Hey, sorry about eavesdropping, but I heard you two talking about Suicune," began Ash.
"Yeah, there have been rumours of Suicune lurking around Ecruteak," informed Eusine. "Suicune is a Legendary Pokemon that I want to catch."
Morty directed his friends to a study filled with books on Pokemon legends. He opened a book to an entry on Suicune. The right page had pictures of three dog-like Pokemon below a fiery bird. The artists designed their pictures of the Legendary Pokemon to have a very mystical, fairytale-like appearance. On the left page was writing describing the Pokemon themselves.
"That's Suicune," explained Morty, as he pointed to the picture of a sleek dog on near the bottom. Suicune had a flowing appearance, like that of water.
Morty gave a lecture on Suicune to Ash, Misty, and May. Suicune was the representation of the north wind. He was the creation of another Legendary Pokemon, the phoenix-like Ho-oh. Ho-oh was waiting for the time when the hearts of humans and Pokemon were one. Ho-oh created three servants, Entei, Raikou, and Suicune himself to keep watch and inform Ho-oh when that time came. Suicune was a Water type Pokemon according to legend, but had many Ice type powers as well.
Ash looked at the picture and recognized him. "Hey, I saw that Pokemon!"
"You saw Suicune?" asked Eusine, raising his voice in disbelief.
"Yeah!" replied Ash. "I saw him on my way to New Bark Town to enter the Johto League."
Eusine was indignant. "Suicune only shows himself to the most worthy trainers! You can't possibly have seen him! I challenge you to a battle!"
Ash was dumbfounded but agreed to the battle anyways, and the two met at the battling area. "I still don't understand why you're doing this."
Eusine released his Pokemon onto the field of battle. The Pokemon had a yellow, humanoid body and stood about the height of a young child. He had an almost dragon-like head with a long, drooping moustache. In his hands was a pair of silver spoons which he held like a pair of magic wands. The Pokemon was an Alakazam, and his eyes were filled with determination. Ash promptly scanned the creature.
====================Pokedex====================
Name: Alakazam
Type: Psychic
Evolved From: Kadabra
The PSI Pokemon, Alakazam has brain power rivalling that of supercomputers. This enables Alakazam to remember anything they ever learn.
==============================================
"My Alakazam is trained to punish anyone who would soil the name of Suicune! Now Ash, it's time to battle!"
"Alright! Pikachu, you're up!" Pikachu leapt off his trainer's shoulder and took a fighting stance opposite Alakazam.
Before anyone could act, one of the Gym's caretakers rushed in. "Everybody get out!"
Suddenly, a deafening explosion ripped through the air, blowing one of the Gym's walls open! A huge cloud of dust blanketed the room. Everyone was momentarily disoriented and coughing. The roof began to give way, prompting Alakazam to create a dome of ethereal Psychic energy. The PSI Pokemon successfully encased Eusine and Morty in its safety, just as the roof collapsed.
"Everybody, in here!" called Eusine. Alakazam made an opening and Misty and May entered the safety of the dome.
Ash spotted another pile of rubble about to land on Pikachu. "Pikachu!" Instinctively, he leapt onto his friend and into the rubble's path. The two were buried alive.
Misty and May were shocked. "ASH!"