1.1.1 Chapter 7: Enemy Within
"Oh, come on, Morty!" Sylvie whined. "Why won't you trade with me? You've got plenty of ghosts!"
Morty shook his head. "Pokémon isn't just about evolving, little one."
"But I don't even want to keep it! I just want Haunter to evolve!"
"Let's say I did trade with you. Then you'd have a Gengar with weak stats. You must train your Haunter so that it gains plenty of experience and new attacks before you evolve it. Gengar can be powerful, but it learns new techniques very slowly."
"But Haunter already knows everything I want him to!"
Morty smiled. "Even so, he could use the experience, and don't make me prove it by beating him with a Gastly.again."
Sylvie glared at him. "No fair! You've got a SUPER Gastly!"
"And he got that way by training, just like your Haunter will.if you take the time to work with him."
"But I can't teach Haunter any of the elemental punches until he evolves!" Sylvie complained.
Morty stared at her. "Elemental.? What are you saying, Sylvie? You should teach him Ghost and Psychic attacks."
"Maybe that's okay for your ghosts, but I want mine to be different."
Morty was about to say something when his Gengar appeared. "What is it, Gengar?"
Gengar made a quick motion with its hand.
Morty frowned. "We've got company. Seven of them, all wearing similar uniforms. Probably Captain Jenny and her team."
"You mean the PokéPolice?" Sylvie asked.
"The very same. Don't know why they'd be in our neck of the woods, so to speak."
It was a few minutes more before Jenny's team arrived at the tunnel entrance.
"Can we help you?" Morty asked, letting his coat fall open so his pokéballs would be in plain sight.
"That's what we're hoping, Morty," Jenny said as she stepped forward. "I need to speak with Sabrina immediately."
"I'm afraid that's impossible. Sabrina and the others are currently indisposed, and as you can see, young Sylvie and I have guard duty. We'll do anything we can to help out, of course."
Jenny peered down at Sylvie. "A little young for such an important job, isn't she?"
Morty smiled. "I assure you, Captain, Sylvie is quite capable for her age. Show her, little one."
Sylvie closed her eyes and pressed her hands to her head. "They think we took Shigeru, and they want my big sister to confess."
Jenny chuckled, but only for a moment. "Look, Morty. We know the rebels were involved in the kidnapping. Just let us talk to Sabrina."
"So you can arrest her? I don't think so, Captain."
"We're trying to stop the Rocket League, just like you are! But we're bound by the law to bring the guilty to justice, not just them."
"Sounds like a personal problem." Morty crossed his arms over his chest. "We have our own methods of justice, Captain, and trust me, they're much more effective."
"But not necessarily legal," Jenny growled.
"True, but as we speak, Satoshi himself is in our midst. That's better than you've ever done."
Jenny's eyes widened. "Show me."
"I must have your word that you won't interfere."
"You know I can't do that, Morty. Satoshi is the most wanted trainer in the Elite Five. If he's in there, I have to arrest him."
"You can try, but he'll only get away. If you wait, I promise you won't even have to catch him. When Brock's plan works, he'll turn himself in."
"Brock? You mean he's.alive?"
Morty smirked. "Proof alone that we're better than you think we are, Captain. Your word.?"
Jenny sighed in defeat. "Very well. You have my word. We won't touch Satoshi."
"Or Shigeru!" Sylvie added, a frown on her face.
Jenny smiled a bit. "Or Shigeru."
Morty nodded. "Thank you, Captain. Now, come and watch the battle of the century."
* * * * *
Brock had been an excellent trainer in his younger years. A Gym Leader, even, and the only thing truly above them was a few select trainers and the Elite themselves.
But these were no longer his younger years, and he'd lost a great deal: his youth, strength, and a considerable amount of his eyesight (he was too proud to admit he was blind as a Zubat). Two things he hadn't lost, however, were a calm head in battle and a close relationship with his Pokémon.
Satoshi, on the other hand, seemed to have lost only one thing: anything resembling mercy on the battlefield. In sharp contrast, all his other skills seemed to have increased exponentially. If Ash had won all those gym badges by luck, then he was definitely having a major lucky streak now. But Brock had a sinking feeling that the Rocket League was behind Satoshi's abilities. And he had to admit that the boy once known as Ash Ketchum was a man now, and a very good trainer to boot. Too good, in fact.
Already, three of his Pokémon had fallen to Satoshi's Gengar, and it wasn't even tired. Brock had hoped that Satoshi would start with Pikachu, but maybe he'd been expecting that. Satoshi wasn't exactly stupid.
Crobat chirped on Brock's shoulder, reminding him that the battle wasn't over.
"Are you giving up so soon, Brock?" Satoshi asked from the other side of the dim arena.
"No, Ash. We're just beginning." Brock pulled out his last pokéball. "I think you'll like this one."
Crobat took the pokéball from Brock's hand and tossed it out.
A large, hulking shape formed on the battlefield, and Satoshi's eyes widened a bit as he recognized it.
The Feraligatr roared and stomped the ground as it emerged, causing Gengar to back up. Then it caught sight of Satoshi and froze.
Brock smiled. "That's right, old friend. Remember."
Feraligatr took a hesitant step forward.
Satoshi blinked a few times. "To.Totodile.?" he whispered in disbelief.
Feraligatr broke out into a wide, toothy grin.
"Sabrina?" Brock asked.
"On it," came the reply.
Brock's feet slowly lifted off the ground. "Thank you. Now, let's hope he's still that happy little Totodile deep down inside."
Feraligatr growled happily and started to dance. Of course, he was a lot heavier now, and what had once been a joyful little jig was now just as powerful as an Earthquake attack.
Satoshi teetered unsteadily for a moment, then pitched forward, crashing to his hands and knees.
"It's time," Brock said. "Signal the others, Sabrina."
Duplica, Whitney, and Casey stepped out of the darkness.
"Long time no see, Ashy-boy," Duplica muttered, a frown on her face.
Satoshi stared at her uncertainly, as if he didn't know her. Then he shook his head, and the fog cleared. "Duplica."
"I used to be able to trust you, but that time is long gone now. I still have the trust you put in me, though."
Satoshi watched as she tossed out a pokéball. Another huge shape emerged, only this one was a Venusaur. His Venusaur. "Bulbasaur.it's.really you."
Venusaur nodded. "Saur."
"He's not the only one," Whitney said as a Noctowl landed on her shoulder. "We all took good care of your Pokémon, Ash."
"We sure did," Casey added. "Right, Pyro?"
At her side, Typhlosion nodded.
"So, Ash," Brock said quietly. "Should we continue? Have you really changed so much that you're ready to battle your own Pokémon?"
Satoshi groaned and shook his head. "My head.what's this.pounding.?" He grunted in pain and grabbed his head. "AAAAAHHH!!!"
"Ash!" Casey cried, running toward him.
Brock caught her wrist. "No, Casey. Wait."
"But he's hurt!" she wailed.
"The truth can do that, when you've been in darkness for so long."
Casey sighed and stayed where she was. Then she realized that Typhlosion hadn't. "Pyro?"
"He's out there," Brock replied.
Casey looked up to see Pyro running to Satoshi. "They're finally back together."
"I don't think so," Brock said quietly.
Satoshi's head suddenly whipped up, and there was a panicked look in his eyes. "GET AWAY FROM ME!" he screamed.
Pyro froze and stared at his original trainer, blinking in confusion.
"Just.stay away," Satoshi whispered, backing up. "Don't."
Pyro took a step forward.
"NO! Gengar!"
The ghost Pokémon appeared between them without warning, sending out his long tongue.
Pyro fell back, his body shuddering slightly as he hit the ground.
"Pyro!" Casey ran to the paralyzed Pokémon and wrapped her arms around him. "Ash, how could you?" she whispered. "He's your Cyndaquil!"
Satoshi stared at her in shock. "I.I."
"Granbull, Take Down!" a new voice called.
Satoshi barely had time to turn as the Granbull slammed into his chest, knocking him to the ground.
Brock spun around to find Shiro and the rest of Jenny's team behind him. "What are you doing?!"
"Something we should've done a long time ago," Shiro snapped.
"Stand down, Shiro!" Jenny ordered, glaring at him. "We gave our word!"
"You gave yours," Shiro corrected her. "I never said anything. And you said you wanted Satoshi."
Casey carefully knelt over Satoshi. "Ash? Can you hear me?"
There was a slight twitch beneath Satoshi's flowing black cloak.
Then eight violet and orange clawed legs whipped out, tearing the cloak to shreds.
Casey shrieked in fear and backed away as a giant Ariados sprang up. Satoshi's body swung limply from its abdomen as the spider lashed out, a single talon catching the Granbull in the throat. The dog shuddered and collapsed, whining quietly.
"Stay back!" Sabrina shouted, carrying Casey away. "The venom kills humans instantly!"
Ariados bent two talons up to Satoshi's neck and tugged, bringing out a tiny pokéball. With practiced skill, it enlarged the pokéball and threw.
There was a terrible, bloodcurdling shriek as a huge shape took form in the sky, blocking out the moon.
"What is it, Sabrina?" Casey whispered.
"Zapdos the Legendary," Sabrina replied just as quietly. "Satoshi must have assumed we'd try to kill him if he thought this was necessary."
"But we weren't.were we?"
Sabrina sighed. "Well, Casey, it won't matter if Zapdos has his way."
* * * * *
"Do you really have an Espeon?"
Gary lifted his head and stared at the boy. "I'm guessing you're Mikey."
"That's right. Can I see it?"
"I don't know. Can you get these manacles off me?"
"I would, but Morty has the keys." Mikey thought for a moment. "Do you have a really strong Pokémon? One that could smash a boulder?"
"Nidoking."
"Great!" Mikey drew out two pokéballs. "Flareon, Vaporeon, weaken those chains!"
Flareon quickly heated the chains while Vaporeon went behind her, cooling them down.
"Nidoking's is the third pokéball from the left," Gary said, nodding to his belt.
Nidoking easily broke the weakened chains with a single hit.
"Thank God for sensible kids," Gary said, rubbing his wrists. "All the adults here are idiots."
"They're just mad about Ash.or whatever he calls himself now. Most of them were his friends, and they feel betrayed."
Gary opened Cleo's pokéball. "Can you sense anything?"
"Yes. Satoshi is here, but he's currently unconscious." Cleo paused and blinked a few times. "He's also released Zapdos."
Gary frowned. "Then it looks like a pretty one-sided fight. Mikey, how many ice types do you have?"
Mikey tore his eyes away from Cleo. "Delibird, Smoochum, and Piloswine. My Vaporeon knows Ice Beam, too. Why?"
"Because until Satoshi wakes up, Zapdos is free to do whatever he wants to your friends. And I'm not so sure Satoshi would stop him even if he was awake."
"You mean.we're going to battle Zapdos? But my Pokémon aren't strong enough!"
Gary shot him a look. "Do you have any better ideas, Mikey? Every second we waste must seem like an hour to them."
Mikey started to answer, then pointed. "What's that light down there?"
Gary turned see a yellow light farther down the tunnel. It seemed to be pretty small at the moment, but he could tell it was moving very quickly.
"It.it's him!" Mikey cried. "Zapdos is already here!"
"Cleo?" Gary asked.
"I sense a very powerful electric Pokémon with Satoshi's psychic imprint.but it's not Zapdos."
"Pikachu, then. Run, Mikey."
"But.he wouldn't attack you.would he?"
"Doubt it," Gary replied. "Can't say the same for you, though."
Mikey's eyes widened, and he quickly took off in the opposite direction.
Gary bit his lip as the light came steadily closer. Now that he thought about it, he wasn't quite sure that Pikachu wouldn't zap him. Sure, he was Satoshi's first Pokémon, but if Shigeru was anything like Gary, he probably hadn't been too fond of the electric mouse, either. He was suddenly very happy to have Nidoking next to him.
"Trainer Gary, I'm now sensing three different Pokémon. None of them is a Pikachu."
Gary was forced to agree as the light got closer. What had once looked like a light now seemed more like an electric spider with jagged bolts of lightning for legs. Two black eyes filled with menace stared ahead at him as the spider suddenly came to a stop a few feet away.
Gary was startled by a beeping noise at his side. He looked down to see Sally poking at his Pokédex with her vines. "Sally, how do you keep DOING that-"
"Scanning.multiple Pokémon detected.attempting to separate.one moment, please."
The air around the spider's eyes began to shimmer and dissolve, revealing something else entirely.
The Pokédex beeped again. "Pokémon entries found. Gengar, the Shadow Pokémon. Raichu, the Mouse Pokémon. Sneasel, the Sharp Claw Pokémon."
Raichu suddenly collapsed to the ground, his body shrinking until only Pikachu remained.
Gary's gaze landed on the two stones it wore on either front paw. One was green with a tiny lightning bolt on it, while the other was a dark violet color. Without thinking, he stepped forward to get a better look.
Gengar instantly slid in front of Pikachu, growling in anger.
"Going back and forth like that must weaken Pikachu," Cleo said.
"My guess is it had something to do with the light show a second ago. That was a lot of power."
Sneasel lifted its head and sniffed the air, then gave out a loud screech.
Instantly, there was an answering shriek, muffled somewhat by distance, just before the ground began to shake.
Nidoking covered Gary in a protective hug as rocks rained down, splitting as they crashed into floor.
Cleo gasped as a bright light flooded the tunnel. "Zapdos is here."
Gary looked up to see Zapdos staring down at them through a large hole in the tunnel roof. Raw electrical energy seemed to cover his body as he moved, beating the air with his great wings. "Nobody move," he whispered, though it was pointless. There were very few that could move when Zapdos was staring at them.
Sneasel flew up in the air and made some motions with its claws.
"He.wants us to follow, Trainer Gary. Should we.?"
Gary smirked. "If you're gonna tell him no, Cleo, you've got way more guts than I do."
* * * * *
Sentry sighed in relief. "Satoshi is safe, and Shigeru has been secured. Zapdos is on his way back."
Kasumi smiled. "Good."
"But the rebels are trying to stop them."
"Not so good. Sentry, can you.?"
"On it, Kasumi." Sentry's eyes glowed beneath his helmet. "Time to work my magic."
* * * * *
"So, when we catch them.we're not going to hurt them, right?" Casey asked for the third time.
Brock sighed. "Let's just focus on catching them first. They know where our base is, so we can't let them go back to the Rocket League. Sabrina, can you get a fix on them?"
Sabrina shook her head. "It's like they just vanished, Brock. I can't sense them at all."
"Then I'll find them my way. Both of you, hang on." Brock patted his Pokémon's head. "Spinout!"
"Is that really an attack?" Casey whispered to Sabrina as Steelix began to spin its long tail.
Sabrina smirked. "This is Steelix, Casey. Everything's an attack."
"Iron Tail, now!" Brock shouted.
Steelix quickly swung its tail upward. The momentum it had gained from the Spinout combined with the Iron Tail attacked, resulting in a sight few people had ever seen: a flying Steelix. Of course, it only traveled a few miles, but it was still much further than any other Steelix had ever managed to fly.
As Steelix slid to a stop moments later, Sabrina reached out once again with the power of her mind. This time, she found something.
"What is it?" Brock asked.
"It's.it can't be," she whispered, her eyes widening.
"What?" Casey asked, touching Sabrina's shoulder.
"Hello down there," a voice above them said.
Brock's blood ran cold in his veins even before he turned around. "Impossible."
"I assure you it's very possible, humans," the floating cat replied, its eyes glowing neon blue beneath its helmet. "Now, either you can turn around and go hide in your tunnels, or I can show you why the Rocket League thought I was valuable enough to keep around."
Brock stared up at the cat defiantly for a few seconds, then looked away. "Steelix.let's go."
"A wise decision," the cat said, nodding. "But I will not be so lenient the next time you harm my masters.Takeshi."
Brock's eyes narrowed. "Don't EVER call me that again!"
"Brock, let it go," Sabrina whispered, shaking her head.
"Who's Takeshi?" Casey asked once Steelix had turned around.
"It would've been Brock's name, had he become full-fledged a member of the Elite Five."
Casey blinked in disbelief. "He was.?"
"Yes. But they found fault with him, and he was replaced."
"They didn't find fault," Brock snapped. "I just.woke up and realized how wrong it all was. I couldn't explain it then, and I still can't now. All I know is that whatever made me think the Rocket League was right stopped making me think that. And I think it's the same thing that makes the Elite Five forget what they've done."
* * * * *
Gary had always dreamed of owning a legendary bird Pokémon. Now, as he rode on the back of Zapdos, he realized it might be as close as he ever got. Unfortunately, he wasn't enjoying it. He was too worried about Satoshi, who still hadn't regained consciousness.
And then the ride wasn't exactly made comfortable by the giant Ariados still perched over his head. While Gary was amazed how the spider positioned itself so precisely that it didn't interrupt Zapdos's flight, it was definitely giving him the creeps. After all, if the spider suddenly got antsy (no pun intended), Satoshi wouldn't be awake to calm it down.
"Trainer Gary?"
Gary glanced down at Cleo, who was curled up at his side. "What is it?"
"I was wondering.do you think Mistress Frieda is okay without us?"
Gary sighed wistfully. He'd been so busy lately, there hadn't been much time to think of Frieda. Now that he was, he could almost see her face in his mind's eye. "I'm sure she's fine, Cleo. It's this world that's in danger, not yours."
"I can't help worrying. I miss her," Cleo sighed.
"I could bring out Leon for you," Gary offered, a grin on his face.
"Don't you dare!" Cleo snapped, the red dot on her forehead glowing brightly.
Gary chuckled and reached over to stroke her head. "Just kidding, girl."
Any real protests Cleo had died as she purred softly, shutting her eyes and leaning into his hand. "Curse you and your magic fingers.!"
"You know you love it. Frieda taught me how to do this."
Cleo's eyes opened. "I think Pikachu could use some comfort as well."
Gary glanced over to Zapdos's neck, where Gengar was still perched protectively over Pikachu. "You're right. But I guess we'd have to get past Evil Casper first." He opened Eve's pokéball. "Think you can spare some juice for Pikachu, girl?"
Eve bounded over to Pikachu, stopping when Gengar appeared in front of her.
"Pika.!" Pikachu groaned weakly, forcing himself to his feet.
Gengar growled softly, then backed off.
Pikachu collapsed on his side, panting heavily.
Eve laid down beside him and closed her eyes. The yellow stone on her EvoRing pulsed, surrounding her body in a yellow, electric aura.
Pikachu opened one eye. "Pika?" he asked.
Eve nodded and draped her bushy tail over his side, gently licking his cheek.
Pikachu turned a dark shade of red as the electric sacks in his cheeks reacted, sending out tiny sparks.
"I think someone's going to be a Jolteon," Cleo teased.
"It's not her I'm worried about. But if he suddenly goes Raichu on me, I'll be suspicious."
There was a quiet groan behind them, and they both turned around to see Satoshi shaking his head.
"About time," Gary said. "I was starting to think you were dead." He glanced down at Cleo, who appeared to be asleep, though her red dot was shining brightly.
Satoshi frowned. "Not funny. Widow?"
The Ariados cut away her webbing with a talon, and Satoshi fell to his knees. His hand instantly went to his bruised ribs. "Damn dog," he growled, wincing.
"You okay?" Gary asked.
"I'm alive," Satoshi muttered. "At least, that's what the pain tells me."
"So spill it. Did you come just to stir up the rebels, or were you actually stupid enough to try and rescue me?"
Satoshi smiled grimly. "It worked, didn't it?"
"Not the point. Pikachu's a wreck-a very happy one now, but STILL a wreck- and you're not much better."
"Anything you can walk away from, right?" Satoshi sighed, then realized Gary was still staring at him. "What?!"
"Do it."
"Do WHAT?"
Gary smirked and crossed his arms over his chest. "Walk."
Satoshi started to move, winced, then growled. "Shut up."
Gary grinned. "I win. And so does Pikachu."
Satoshi glanced over at his electric mouse and couldn't help smiling. "Dibs on the egg."
"Done, Trainer Gary," Cleo psi-whispered. "You were right. There is no memory of the Orange League Massacre in Satoshi's head."
"Good work, Cleo," Gary muttered, frowning slightly.
* * * * *
Continued in Chapter 8: Battle in Lab 2
The moment both Satoshi & Gary have been itching for: a battle to determine the best of the Elite. But why is Kasumi acting so strangely, and who is the mysterious figure observing the Rocket League from the shadows? Also, Sylvie and her young trainer friends have gone missing, but what do the PokéPolice have to do with it?
"Oh, come on, Morty!" Sylvie whined. "Why won't you trade with me? You've got plenty of ghosts!"
Morty shook his head. "Pokémon isn't just about evolving, little one."
"But I don't even want to keep it! I just want Haunter to evolve!"
"Let's say I did trade with you. Then you'd have a Gengar with weak stats. You must train your Haunter so that it gains plenty of experience and new attacks before you evolve it. Gengar can be powerful, but it learns new techniques very slowly."
"But Haunter already knows everything I want him to!"
Morty smiled. "Even so, he could use the experience, and don't make me prove it by beating him with a Gastly.again."
Sylvie glared at him. "No fair! You've got a SUPER Gastly!"
"And he got that way by training, just like your Haunter will.if you take the time to work with him."
"But I can't teach Haunter any of the elemental punches until he evolves!" Sylvie complained.
Morty stared at her. "Elemental.? What are you saying, Sylvie? You should teach him Ghost and Psychic attacks."
"Maybe that's okay for your ghosts, but I want mine to be different."
Morty was about to say something when his Gengar appeared. "What is it, Gengar?"
Gengar made a quick motion with its hand.
Morty frowned. "We've got company. Seven of them, all wearing similar uniforms. Probably Captain Jenny and her team."
"You mean the PokéPolice?" Sylvie asked.
"The very same. Don't know why they'd be in our neck of the woods, so to speak."
It was a few minutes more before Jenny's team arrived at the tunnel entrance.
"Can we help you?" Morty asked, letting his coat fall open so his pokéballs would be in plain sight.
"That's what we're hoping, Morty," Jenny said as she stepped forward. "I need to speak with Sabrina immediately."
"I'm afraid that's impossible. Sabrina and the others are currently indisposed, and as you can see, young Sylvie and I have guard duty. We'll do anything we can to help out, of course."
Jenny peered down at Sylvie. "A little young for such an important job, isn't she?"
Morty smiled. "I assure you, Captain, Sylvie is quite capable for her age. Show her, little one."
Sylvie closed her eyes and pressed her hands to her head. "They think we took Shigeru, and they want my big sister to confess."
Jenny chuckled, but only for a moment. "Look, Morty. We know the rebels were involved in the kidnapping. Just let us talk to Sabrina."
"So you can arrest her? I don't think so, Captain."
"We're trying to stop the Rocket League, just like you are! But we're bound by the law to bring the guilty to justice, not just them."
"Sounds like a personal problem." Morty crossed his arms over his chest. "We have our own methods of justice, Captain, and trust me, they're much more effective."
"But not necessarily legal," Jenny growled.
"True, but as we speak, Satoshi himself is in our midst. That's better than you've ever done."
Jenny's eyes widened. "Show me."
"I must have your word that you won't interfere."
"You know I can't do that, Morty. Satoshi is the most wanted trainer in the Elite Five. If he's in there, I have to arrest him."
"You can try, but he'll only get away. If you wait, I promise you won't even have to catch him. When Brock's plan works, he'll turn himself in."
"Brock? You mean he's.alive?"
Morty smirked. "Proof alone that we're better than you think we are, Captain. Your word.?"
Jenny sighed in defeat. "Very well. You have my word. We won't touch Satoshi."
"Or Shigeru!" Sylvie added, a frown on her face.
Jenny smiled a bit. "Or Shigeru."
Morty nodded. "Thank you, Captain. Now, come and watch the battle of the century."
* * * * *
Brock had been an excellent trainer in his younger years. A Gym Leader, even, and the only thing truly above them was a few select trainers and the Elite themselves.
But these were no longer his younger years, and he'd lost a great deal: his youth, strength, and a considerable amount of his eyesight (he was too proud to admit he was blind as a Zubat). Two things he hadn't lost, however, were a calm head in battle and a close relationship with his Pokémon.
Satoshi, on the other hand, seemed to have lost only one thing: anything resembling mercy on the battlefield. In sharp contrast, all his other skills seemed to have increased exponentially. If Ash had won all those gym badges by luck, then he was definitely having a major lucky streak now. But Brock had a sinking feeling that the Rocket League was behind Satoshi's abilities. And he had to admit that the boy once known as Ash Ketchum was a man now, and a very good trainer to boot. Too good, in fact.
Already, three of his Pokémon had fallen to Satoshi's Gengar, and it wasn't even tired. Brock had hoped that Satoshi would start with Pikachu, but maybe he'd been expecting that. Satoshi wasn't exactly stupid.
Crobat chirped on Brock's shoulder, reminding him that the battle wasn't over.
"Are you giving up so soon, Brock?" Satoshi asked from the other side of the dim arena.
"No, Ash. We're just beginning." Brock pulled out his last pokéball. "I think you'll like this one."
Crobat took the pokéball from Brock's hand and tossed it out.
A large, hulking shape formed on the battlefield, and Satoshi's eyes widened a bit as he recognized it.
The Feraligatr roared and stomped the ground as it emerged, causing Gengar to back up. Then it caught sight of Satoshi and froze.
Brock smiled. "That's right, old friend. Remember."
Feraligatr took a hesitant step forward.
Satoshi blinked a few times. "To.Totodile.?" he whispered in disbelief.
Feraligatr broke out into a wide, toothy grin.
"Sabrina?" Brock asked.
"On it," came the reply.
Brock's feet slowly lifted off the ground. "Thank you. Now, let's hope he's still that happy little Totodile deep down inside."
Feraligatr growled happily and started to dance. Of course, he was a lot heavier now, and what had once been a joyful little jig was now just as powerful as an Earthquake attack.
Satoshi teetered unsteadily for a moment, then pitched forward, crashing to his hands and knees.
"It's time," Brock said. "Signal the others, Sabrina."
Duplica, Whitney, and Casey stepped out of the darkness.
"Long time no see, Ashy-boy," Duplica muttered, a frown on her face.
Satoshi stared at her uncertainly, as if he didn't know her. Then he shook his head, and the fog cleared. "Duplica."
"I used to be able to trust you, but that time is long gone now. I still have the trust you put in me, though."
Satoshi watched as she tossed out a pokéball. Another huge shape emerged, only this one was a Venusaur. His Venusaur. "Bulbasaur.it's.really you."
Venusaur nodded. "Saur."
"He's not the only one," Whitney said as a Noctowl landed on her shoulder. "We all took good care of your Pokémon, Ash."
"We sure did," Casey added. "Right, Pyro?"
At her side, Typhlosion nodded.
"So, Ash," Brock said quietly. "Should we continue? Have you really changed so much that you're ready to battle your own Pokémon?"
Satoshi groaned and shook his head. "My head.what's this.pounding.?" He grunted in pain and grabbed his head. "AAAAAHHH!!!"
"Ash!" Casey cried, running toward him.
Brock caught her wrist. "No, Casey. Wait."
"But he's hurt!" she wailed.
"The truth can do that, when you've been in darkness for so long."
Casey sighed and stayed where she was. Then she realized that Typhlosion hadn't. "Pyro?"
"He's out there," Brock replied.
Casey looked up to see Pyro running to Satoshi. "They're finally back together."
"I don't think so," Brock said quietly.
Satoshi's head suddenly whipped up, and there was a panicked look in his eyes. "GET AWAY FROM ME!" he screamed.
Pyro froze and stared at his original trainer, blinking in confusion.
"Just.stay away," Satoshi whispered, backing up. "Don't."
Pyro took a step forward.
"NO! Gengar!"
The ghost Pokémon appeared between them without warning, sending out his long tongue.
Pyro fell back, his body shuddering slightly as he hit the ground.
"Pyro!" Casey ran to the paralyzed Pokémon and wrapped her arms around him. "Ash, how could you?" she whispered. "He's your Cyndaquil!"
Satoshi stared at her in shock. "I.I."
"Granbull, Take Down!" a new voice called.
Satoshi barely had time to turn as the Granbull slammed into his chest, knocking him to the ground.
Brock spun around to find Shiro and the rest of Jenny's team behind him. "What are you doing?!"
"Something we should've done a long time ago," Shiro snapped.
"Stand down, Shiro!" Jenny ordered, glaring at him. "We gave our word!"
"You gave yours," Shiro corrected her. "I never said anything. And you said you wanted Satoshi."
Casey carefully knelt over Satoshi. "Ash? Can you hear me?"
There was a slight twitch beneath Satoshi's flowing black cloak.
Then eight violet and orange clawed legs whipped out, tearing the cloak to shreds.
Casey shrieked in fear and backed away as a giant Ariados sprang up. Satoshi's body swung limply from its abdomen as the spider lashed out, a single talon catching the Granbull in the throat. The dog shuddered and collapsed, whining quietly.
"Stay back!" Sabrina shouted, carrying Casey away. "The venom kills humans instantly!"
Ariados bent two talons up to Satoshi's neck and tugged, bringing out a tiny pokéball. With practiced skill, it enlarged the pokéball and threw.
There was a terrible, bloodcurdling shriek as a huge shape took form in the sky, blocking out the moon.
"What is it, Sabrina?" Casey whispered.
"Zapdos the Legendary," Sabrina replied just as quietly. "Satoshi must have assumed we'd try to kill him if he thought this was necessary."
"But we weren't.were we?"
Sabrina sighed. "Well, Casey, it won't matter if Zapdos has his way."
* * * * *
"Do you really have an Espeon?"
Gary lifted his head and stared at the boy. "I'm guessing you're Mikey."
"That's right. Can I see it?"
"I don't know. Can you get these manacles off me?"
"I would, but Morty has the keys." Mikey thought for a moment. "Do you have a really strong Pokémon? One that could smash a boulder?"
"Nidoking."
"Great!" Mikey drew out two pokéballs. "Flareon, Vaporeon, weaken those chains!"
Flareon quickly heated the chains while Vaporeon went behind her, cooling them down.
"Nidoking's is the third pokéball from the left," Gary said, nodding to his belt.
Nidoking easily broke the weakened chains with a single hit.
"Thank God for sensible kids," Gary said, rubbing his wrists. "All the adults here are idiots."
"They're just mad about Ash.or whatever he calls himself now. Most of them were his friends, and they feel betrayed."
Gary opened Cleo's pokéball. "Can you sense anything?"
"Yes. Satoshi is here, but he's currently unconscious." Cleo paused and blinked a few times. "He's also released Zapdos."
Gary frowned. "Then it looks like a pretty one-sided fight. Mikey, how many ice types do you have?"
Mikey tore his eyes away from Cleo. "Delibird, Smoochum, and Piloswine. My Vaporeon knows Ice Beam, too. Why?"
"Because until Satoshi wakes up, Zapdos is free to do whatever he wants to your friends. And I'm not so sure Satoshi would stop him even if he was awake."
"You mean.we're going to battle Zapdos? But my Pokémon aren't strong enough!"
Gary shot him a look. "Do you have any better ideas, Mikey? Every second we waste must seem like an hour to them."
Mikey started to answer, then pointed. "What's that light down there?"
Gary turned see a yellow light farther down the tunnel. It seemed to be pretty small at the moment, but he could tell it was moving very quickly.
"It.it's him!" Mikey cried. "Zapdos is already here!"
"Cleo?" Gary asked.
"I sense a very powerful electric Pokémon with Satoshi's psychic imprint.but it's not Zapdos."
"Pikachu, then. Run, Mikey."
"But.he wouldn't attack you.would he?"
"Doubt it," Gary replied. "Can't say the same for you, though."
Mikey's eyes widened, and he quickly took off in the opposite direction.
Gary bit his lip as the light came steadily closer. Now that he thought about it, he wasn't quite sure that Pikachu wouldn't zap him. Sure, he was Satoshi's first Pokémon, but if Shigeru was anything like Gary, he probably hadn't been too fond of the electric mouse, either. He was suddenly very happy to have Nidoking next to him.
"Trainer Gary, I'm now sensing three different Pokémon. None of them is a Pikachu."
Gary was forced to agree as the light got closer. What had once looked like a light now seemed more like an electric spider with jagged bolts of lightning for legs. Two black eyes filled with menace stared ahead at him as the spider suddenly came to a stop a few feet away.
Gary was startled by a beeping noise at his side. He looked down to see Sally poking at his Pokédex with her vines. "Sally, how do you keep DOING that-"
"Scanning.multiple Pokémon detected.attempting to separate.one moment, please."
The air around the spider's eyes began to shimmer and dissolve, revealing something else entirely.
The Pokédex beeped again. "Pokémon entries found. Gengar, the Shadow Pokémon. Raichu, the Mouse Pokémon. Sneasel, the Sharp Claw Pokémon."
Raichu suddenly collapsed to the ground, his body shrinking until only Pikachu remained.
Gary's gaze landed on the two stones it wore on either front paw. One was green with a tiny lightning bolt on it, while the other was a dark violet color. Without thinking, he stepped forward to get a better look.
Gengar instantly slid in front of Pikachu, growling in anger.
"Going back and forth like that must weaken Pikachu," Cleo said.
"My guess is it had something to do with the light show a second ago. That was a lot of power."
Sneasel lifted its head and sniffed the air, then gave out a loud screech.
Instantly, there was an answering shriek, muffled somewhat by distance, just before the ground began to shake.
Nidoking covered Gary in a protective hug as rocks rained down, splitting as they crashed into floor.
Cleo gasped as a bright light flooded the tunnel. "Zapdos is here."
Gary looked up to see Zapdos staring down at them through a large hole in the tunnel roof. Raw electrical energy seemed to cover his body as he moved, beating the air with his great wings. "Nobody move," he whispered, though it was pointless. There were very few that could move when Zapdos was staring at them.
Sneasel flew up in the air and made some motions with its claws.
"He.wants us to follow, Trainer Gary. Should we.?"
Gary smirked. "If you're gonna tell him no, Cleo, you've got way more guts than I do."
* * * * *
Sentry sighed in relief. "Satoshi is safe, and Shigeru has been secured. Zapdos is on his way back."
Kasumi smiled. "Good."
"But the rebels are trying to stop them."
"Not so good. Sentry, can you.?"
"On it, Kasumi." Sentry's eyes glowed beneath his helmet. "Time to work my magic."
* * * * *
"So, when we catch them.we're not going to hurt them, right?" Casey asked for the third time.
Brock sighed. "Let's just focus on catching them first. They know where our base is, so we can't let them go back to the Rocket League. Sabrina, can you get a fix on them?"
Sabrina shook her head. "It's like they just vanished, Brock. I can't sense them at all."
"Then I'll find them my way. Both of you, hang on." Brock patted his Pokémon's head. "Spinout!"
"Is that really an attack?" Casey whispered to Sabrina as Steelix began to spin its long tail.
Sabrina smirked. "This is Steelix, Casey. Everything's an attack."
"Iron Tail, now!" Brock shouted.
Steelix quickly swung its tail upward. The momentum it had gained from the Spinout combined with the Iron Tail attacked, resulting in a sight few people had ever seen: a flying Steelix. Of course, it only traveled a few miles, but it was still much further than any other Steelix had ever managed to fly.
As Steelix slid to a stop moments later, Sabrina reached out once again with the power of her mind. This time, she found something.
"What is it?" Brock asked.
"It's.it can't be," she whispered, her eyes widening.
"What?" Casey asked, touching Sabrina's shoulder.
"Hello down there," a voice above them said.
Brock's blood ran cold in his veins even before he turned around. "Impossible."
"I assure you it's very possible, humans," the floating cat replied, its eyes glowing neon blue beneath its helmet. "Now, either you can turn around and go hide in your tunnels, or I can show you why the Rocket League thought I was valuable enough to keep around."
Brock stared up at the cat defiantly for a few seconds, then looked away. "Steelix.let's go."
"A wise decision," the cat said, nodding. "But I will not be so lenient the next time you harm my masters.Takeshi."
Brock's eyes narrowed. "Don't EVER call me that again!"
"Brock, let it go," Sabrina whispered, shaking her head.
"Who's Takeshi?" Casey asked once Steelix had turned around.
"It would've been Brock's name, had he become full-fledged a member of the Elite Five."
Casey blinked in disbelief. "He was.?"
"Yes. But they found fault with him, and he was replaced."
"They didn't find fault," Brock snapped. "I just.woke up and realized how wrong it all was. I couldn't explain it then, and I still can't now. All I know is that whatever made me think the Rocket League was right stopped making me think that. And I think it's the same thing that makes the Elite Five forget what they've done."
* * * * *
Gary had always dreamed of owning a legendary bird Pokémon. Now, as he rode on the back of Zapdos, he realized it might be as close as he ever got. Unfortunately, he wasn't enjoying it. He was too worried about Satoshi, who still hadn't regained consciousness.
And then the ride wasn't exactly made comfortable by the giant Ariados still perched over his head. While Gary was amazed how the spider positioned itself so precisely that it didn't interrupt Zapdos's flight, it was definitely giving him the creeps. After all, if the spider suddenly got antsy (no pun intended), Satoshi wouldn't be awake to calm it down.
"Trainer Gary?"
Gary glanced down at Cleo, who was curled up at his side. "What is it?"
"I was wondering.do you think Mistress Frieda is okay without us?"
Gary sighed wistfully. He'd been so busy lately, there hadn't been much time to think of Frieda. Now that he was, he could almost see her face in his mind's eye. "I'm sure she's fine, Cleo. It's this world that's in danger, not yours."
"I can't help worrying. I miss her," Cleo sighed.
"I could bring out Leon for you," Gary offered, a grin on his face.
"Don't you dare!" Cleo snapped, the red dot on her forehead glowing brightly.
Gary chuckled and reached over to stroke her head. "Just kidding, girl."
Any real protests Cleo had died as she purred softly, shutting her eyes and leaning into his hand. "Curse you and your magic fingers.!"
"You know you love it. Frieda taught me how to do this."
Cleo's eyes opened. "I think Pikachu could use some comfort as well."
Gary glanced over to Zapdos's neck, where Gengar was still perched protectively over Pikachu. "You're right. But I guess we'd have to get past Evil Casper first." He opened Eve's pokéball. "Think you can spare some juice for Pikachu, girl?"
Eve bounded over to Pikachu, stopping when Gengar appeared in front of her.
"Pika.!" Pikachu groaned weakly, forcing himself to his feet.
Gengar growled softly, then backed off.
Pikachu collapsed on his side, panting heavily.
Eve laid down beside him and closed her eyes. The yellow stone on her EvoRing pulsed, surrounding her body in a yellow, electric aura.
Pikachu opened one eye. "Pika?" he asked.
Eve nodded and draped her bushy tail over his side, gently licking his cheek.
Pikachu turned a dark shade of red as the electric sacks in his cheeks reacted, sending out tiny sparks.
"I think someone's going to be a Jolteon," Cleo teased.
"It's not her I'm worried about. But if he suddenly goes Raichu on me, I'll be suspicious."
There was a quiet groan behind them, and they both turned around to see Satoshi shaking his head.
"About time," Gary said. "I was starting to think you were dead." He glanced down at Cleo, who appeared to be asleep, though her red dot was shining brightly.
Satoshi frowned. "Not funny. Widow?"
The Ariados cut away her webbing with a talon, and Satoshi fell to his knees. His hand instantly went to his bruised ribs. "Damn dog," he growled, wincing.
"You okay?" Gary asked.
"I'm alive," Satoshi muttered. "At least, that's what the pain tells me."
"So spill it. Did you come just to stir up the rebels, or were you actually stupid enough to try and rescue me?"
Satoshi smiled grimly. "It worked, didn't it?"
"Not the point. Pikachu's a wreck-a very happy one now, but STILL a wreck- and you're not much better."
"Anything you can walk away from, right?" Satoshi sighed, then realized Gary was still staring at him. "What?!"
"Do it."
"Do WHAT?"
Gary smirked and crossed his arms over his chest. "Walk."
Satoshi started to move, winced, then growled. "Shut up."
Gary grinned. "I win. And so does Pikachu."
Satoshi glanced over at his electric mouse and couldn't help smiling. "Dibs on the egg."
"Done, Trainer Gary," Cleo psi-whispered. "You were right. There is no memory of the Orange League Massacre in Satoshi's head."
"Good work, Cleo," Gary muttered, frowning slightly.
* * * * *
Continued in Chapter 8: Battle in Lab 2
The moment both Satoshi & Gary have been itching for: a battle to determine the best of the Elite. But why is Kasumi acting so strangely, and who is the mysterious figure observing the Rocket League from the shadows? Also, Sylvie and her young trainer friends have gone missing, but what do the PokéPolice have to do with it?