[Cues: Pokémon FireRed/Leafgreen OST - Intro]

The Outsider's Insurrection

Indigo Iliad

Chapter 62: The Returning Rookies

Translated Pokémon Speech

Pokédex Entries/Computerized Voices/Flashbacks

Reference to an Accessory in the Games

-o-

(Vermilion City | May 12th | 7:00a.m.)

"We're finally back in good ol' Kanto!" Ash said walking off the boat.

"And I'm glad you agreed to get some new clothes." Giselle said following along the others.

Ash now wore what Crimson would recognize from Ash's later journey into Hoenn. Pikachu let out a satisfied mewl to be off the boat. Brock and the others piled off as Delia stretched a bit.

"So, where to next for the lot for you?" Professor Oak asked his traveling compatriots.

"I've been itching to get to Saffron City, but there's still the lockdown. So, I'm going back to the Sepia City to train." Ash said as Delia twitched.

"Sweetheart, that place isn't exactly safe." Delia said worriedly.

"A pussy like you couldn't handle it." Gilbert said brashly.

"Honestly, can still be so arrogant after all your losses?" Kyoko said drinking from her flask.

"You're drinking already! It's seven in the morning." Woodrow explained.

"I need to be drunk enough to sleep next to you when we get home." Kyoko said as Gilbert left them to bicker.

Everyone left them to bicker. Gary could not drive away in his car with his girls fast enough.

-o-

(Sepia City | May 12th | 8:00a.m.)

[Cues: Pokémon Black and White OST – Black City]

Ash, Giselle, Brock, and Delia had made it to the edge overlooking Sepia City. Ash had not really taken his time to go into the city using the 'ring' around the city to get to the side with the 'Underground Path' he had to go through. Now, he was ready to go down into the city. Delia had come out of worry for his well-being and because her boss requested that she picked up a package for him at the market there.

"Man, this city reminds me of Gringey…but somehow cleaner." Ash said as they walked down into the stairs.

"Sepia City's got a bit of a long history." Brock said as Giselle sourly said, "A place where the downtrodden live. Why did you even want to go down here?"

"Crimson and Misty mentioned this place and I heard Joe and Rusty talk about it. I wanted to check it out and see what the chatter was all about." Ash said as Giselle rolled her eyes.

"Ash, at least call him and ask about the place." Delia said as Ash got out his cell phone.

"Gary gave me the number." Ash said dialing it. "And Giselle, thanks for the phone."

It rang a bit before Crimson answered.

"I don't know how you got this number, but pray you didn't…"

"Crimson, it's Ash." Ash said as Crimson backtracked.

"Ash. You're back in Kanto. How've you been? And how did you get this number?" Crimson asked.

"Gary gave it to me." Ash said as he could hear Crimson sigh.

"Well, I just woke up on a day I wanted to sleep in a bit more. Whaddaya want?" Crimson said before yawning.

"Some advice for traveling through Sepia." Ash asked.

"Oh…that's simple. Don't look like you're rich, always have one Pokémon out to guard your back, be polite to the shopkeepers of the market, and don't ever threaten to call the police. It's not going to help considering…well the Jenny here is kind of the bimbo of the bunch. She apparently sucked at police work and the city put her in charge sucking other things. Doesn't help, that she's the city's bicycle…surprising the town makes money to maintain her." Crimson said as Giselle and Delia sputtered like idiots. "And if run into one of Torchwick's goons, just say you're from Pallet Town…they'll leave you alone. Now I have to go….some dipshit wants to battle right in the damn morning."

Crimson hung up and Brock was interested in getting to find that Jenny.

"Um, Ash? I need to…go shopping elsewhere. I'll meet you at the market!" Brock said speeding off.

"He can't be serious." Giselle said with a groan as Delia face palmed.

Ash, being the mostly innocent sod, was focused on finding the market with Giselle and Delia following him just to make sure he did not get lost or see something he should not. As for Brock, he searched long and hard burning with excitement. Sure, it was not romantic, but a chance was a chance. Thus, he found the 'police station' and walked in. An officer sat bored while readying a rather graphic piece of erotic literature.

"Excuse me?" Brock said as the officer did not even look at him. "I'm looking for Jenny."

"Sorry, she has the day off."

Brock left defeated and cursed his luck. He did not see the officer smirk down at 'Officer' Jenny who was naked under the desk save for a collar, police hat, and heels.

"Who was that sir?" Jenny said only to get shoved back to sucking along.

"No one important. You got work to do."

"Yeessss siirr!" Jenny said slobbering in the process.

-o-

Ash found the market and excitedly looked around the shops with childlike wonder. Claiming to all sell the products that normal Marts do not sell, Ash wanted to take advantage. Giselle found the breeders selling off their stock and took an interest. At the moment, she realized she had two Ground, Flying, and two Poison-types in her team. She had to mix things up before she knew this was being exploited against her.

"I need a fire-type." Giselle said before coming to a stand where a breeder was offering various fire types. "Excuse me sir, I need some advice. I need a fire-type…a dual type preferably."

"Well, that depends. What's your team setup?" The breeder, a young man with fitting red hair, said. "And Pyro's the name."

After an explanation, Pyro had a thoughtful look. His setup was similar to the one selling water Pokémon, with the Pokémon being offered gathered around in a neat enclosure.

"I reckon, you could consider taking her in. She's been around the longest with many not wanting to buy her…she's not exactly a cute one." Pyro said before turning to his Flareon. "Go get her, girl."

"This is going to be either really good or really bad." Flareon said going into his van to get a Heavy Ball.

Spitting it out into Pyro's hand, he sent out a massive Pokémon. A massive goliath with a body of coal atop it. It has a large, coal-black body, with two legs and a pair of stubby arms, alongside two massive spikes for elbows. It bears a head consisting of a pair of eyes and a mouth, atop which it carries a large amount of heated coal.

"What is she?" Giselle asked.

"A Coalossal, they're from the Galar region. A Fire/Rock type….I…" Pyro said was cut off with Giselle asking for a price. "Wha…seriously?"

Coalossal, herself, was surprised someone wanted her considering all the rejection. Giselle got out a plastic credit card asking for the price and Pyro saw Poké Dollar bills. He gladly got Coalossal a new home and made 50k off of it.

"Welcome aboard, Miss Steam." Giselle said taking the ball before returning her.

The ball vanished from her hands. She knew she needed to get to a PC but before buy some TMs and TRs. As Giselle left, another Pokémon among Pyro's keep had her eye on another, Ash Ketchum. A off white Pokémon resembling a salamander or lizard. Her thin body has a purple underside with several wavy, dark pink markings: a U-shaped marking with two additional lines inside on her chest and one on each hip resembling wisps of smoke. The dark gray on its head and neck extends slightly onto her chest in a V-shape. She had a slender head with purple, almond-shaped eyes with slit pupils and two fang-like projections on each side of her lower jaw. There are two thin, wavy growths on her back at the base of her tail, which is whip-like with a dark pink underside. Her hands and feet each have five long, thin digits. A shiny Salazzle had her eyes on him…and hearts were in them. This Salazzle had a small harem of male Salandits, and all the praise from them. But it was not enough, and it bored her. However, Ash had some sort of appeal. She did realize it was his aura drawing her to him just yet, but she continued had to get close to him.

"My lady…what's wr…" A male Salandit before slapped aside.

She slithered up to Flareon.

"Firefox, I need something of you. You see that young man there with the Pikachu? Get him to me!" Salazzle said.

"And why should I help you?" Flareon asked.

"Because I want him! I need him!" Salazzle said with desperation. "Something about him…"

"Girl's thirsty. Never thought I'd see the day." Flareon thought before running off.

Ash was looking around only to see Flareon tugging at his pants with paw.

"And what do we have here?" Ash said looking down at it.

"Hey so…can you get your trainer to follow me? I got a Pokémon wanting to apparently join his party." Flareon said addressing Pikachu.

"Why him?" Pikachu asked suspiciously.

"Hell, if I know. She wants him as her trainer because it's apparently love at first sight or some shit." Flareon said dryly. "Look, I want to get rid of the bitch. So, if he can take her…be my guest."

And then Pikachu followed Flareon leading Ash right to the stand.

"There you are, and who's your friend?" Pyro said.

"Your Flareon lead me here?" Ash said.

"Well, ain't that charming. Name's Pyro, and I sell premier fire-types. You look like you could use one in your arsenal." Pyro said as Ash thought about it.

"Well, I could use more than one." Ash said turning to see the enclose.

Salazzle virtually shoved her way to the front looking at Ash with expectant eyes much to the innocent trainer's eyes.

"That's unusual. She's never so eager before." Pyro said looking over at her. "That's a shiny Salazzle, a Poison/Fire type from the Alola."

"I don't know what it is about you that draws me to you, but I want to find out." She purred with hearts in her eyes.

"Oh, dear Arecus. Ash, please don't." Pikachu thought hoping his trainer would not buy her.

"What do you mean 'never been eager'?" Ash asked.

"She's never made an effort to stand out despite being a shiny Pokémon. She just sits around being tended to by the Salandit. She must really like you already…you must have a way with Pokémon." Pyro said as Salazzle hugged Ash nuzzling him. "Well, isn't that sweet?"

"How much?" Ash asked pulling a credit card.

His mother had given him one and Pyro made a 15,000 profit out of Ash. Using a Love Ball, he caught it and the ball vanished into cyberspace.

"Well now, I give Charizard a bit of a break. Guess, I'll call Crimson to meet up to borrow up his TMs." Ash thought.

Brock was in the midst of looking at another stand of a Super Nerd who sold Fossil Pokémon.

"My stock is pretty small, I only got the Fossil Pokémon of Kanto and Hoenn." Miles explained. "Except Aerodactyl. Those things are bit too ornery. I have the Old Ambers for you if you want to revive them yourself."

"What about that one?" Brock said pointing a plantlike Pokémon.

"That's a Lileep, a Rock and Grass Pokémon. Good coverage against Water types." Miles said as Brock asked for the price. "2500 and it's yours."

And Brock walked away with his sixth Pokémon. Delia had gotten the package, which turned out to be a Minun, much to her growing confusion to why she had to come down there for it.

-o-

(Cerulean City | May 12th | 12:00p.m.)

[Music Ends]

"Crimson City? You're on your way there. Yeah, well. I'll be seeing you there, but I figured I'd go to Seacrest first to check the place out. Yeah, the ladies all say hi. Later…Crimson." Gary said before hanging up.

Gary sat his car with his group of cheerleaders all having takeout as a familiar voice called him out. And there was Ash citing today was the day he would beat him. Gary simply laughed at off as Brock and Giselle came up. Delia had already taken off on her Fearow for Viridian City.

"Gary, today is the day I defeat you in battle." Ash said determined.

"Ash, last I checked you only had three badges. At least you earned them…and you're not stuck at two like Gilbert." Gary said smirking. "I don't feel like a full battle…so how about just one on one?"

"Fine." Ash said raising a Love Ball.

"Let me join the fight." Heather said raising a ball of her own. "Jacira could use the exercise."

"Then, you won't mind me getting involved." Giselle said stepping up.

[Cues: Pokémon Anime OST – Kanto Rival/Champion Battle]

"Nidoqueen, ready yourself for battle!" Gary said sending out the armored Poison/Ground type.

"Jacira, go for it!" Heather said sending out her Galarian Rapidash.

Ash tried to use his PokéDex, but aside from telling him it was a regional variant of a Rapidash, it had no data to give.

"Miss Steam, game on!/Shiroi, I choose you!" Giselle and Ash said sending out their new additions to their team.

"What the fuck is that thing?!" Kristen said backing up in fear.

"Well now I know how it how annoying it is to have a useless Dex." Gary said with a sigh. "Nidoqueen, use Brick Break on that pile of rocks!"

"As you command, Gary!" His Nidoqueen said charging in with glowing fist.

"Moonblast, Jarica!" Heather ordered as pink energy formed a sphere on Jacira's horn.

"Miss Steam, Dig!" Giselle said as the giant beast of coal dug into the earth.

"Shiroi, use Fire Lash!" Ash said as Shiroi cracked her neck.

"As you desire, darling." Shiroi said as her right hand glowed with fire before forming a whip of flames. "Allow me to help."

She used her whip to catch Nidoqueen by her arm and swung her around right into Jarica which got the Moonblast to blow up in their faces. BLAM! Miss Steam hit with Dig getting a critical hit that put Nidoqueen out of the match. The look on Gary's face….was one of sputtering, redness, and steam coming out of his ears. Heather was not much better as Jacira realized she was injured and against two Pokémon.

[Music Ends]

"Immma about to whip somebody's ass." Shiroi sang cracking her whip.

Jacira neighed a fearful whine as Heather had two choices. Fight and risk getting Jacira hurt or back down. Heather called it off as she came up to Jacira to comfort her.

"Thank you…" Jacira said before licking her face.

"It's ok…you got caught off guard. It's not your fault." Heather said gently rubbing her face.

People could almost forget Heather could be a raging bitch most of the time due to those few tender moments before she glared at Ash as if he insulted her.

"You got lucky." She hissed. "You didn't even order that lizard to swing Nidoqueen at her. She did that on her own."

She stormed over and forked over the prize money. Gary regained his demeanor as he returned Nidoqueen before ponying up.

"Clearly it's a sign that a Pokémon has more brains than you." Gary said as Pikachu and Ash growled.

WHAP! Gary was leashed on his ass by Shiroi's Fire Lash. She did not take her beloved being insulted, and Gary had yelped as Shiroi cracked her whip.

"Hey, that wasn't needed, you fiend. You already won." Jacira said getting in-between them.

"What will you do about it? No one insults my beloved in front of me." Shiroi said as Miss Steam rolled her eyes.

"All right, that's enough." Lindsay said getting between Jacira and Shiroi. "No need to fight after a petty fight."

"You got lucky, bitch." Shiroi said slithering back over to Ash.

"While that was funny, that was not needed." Pikachu said looking down at her.

Heather returned Jacira as Gary paid Giselle her prize money before grumbling about dumb luck.

"While I am glad that we won, they do have a point Ash. You and her need to be on point." Giselle remarked. "You could learn to learn a bit more about the Pokémon you do…as I need more information on it."

"It seems your Dex isn't going to help you there." Brock remarked breaking his silence. "But maybe Crimson could help considering we've seen his scan foreign Pokémon with no issue."

"It's not just him. Honestly, Joe and Rusty have ones like his. We need a National Mode." Gary said shaking his head.

"That's if we can find him, he's nearly had a week over us." Ash remarked only for Gary to help him.

"He's heading for Shinkushi. You know, that place full of martial artists." Gary said. "I figured I'd let you know because I'm oh so generous. But you probably won't last a day there."

"And why not? I just beat you in a battle!" Ash said fuming.

"Shinkushi…is rather dangerous if you're not a trainer or martial artist…or both." Chrissy said concerned. "I heard that the people there supplex Rock Pokémon for fun."

"I heard that even the police use martials arts and the Jenny and Joy there are completely crazy." Kristen said as Kirsten looked impassive.

"I heard that they like to haze the newcomers." Kirsten said shaking her head. "They are real uppity about their town."

"Don't try to scare me. I'm not afraid of a martial artist." Ash touted.

"I'm sorry, but Ash…I pegged you have a brain and be smarter than Gilbert." Gary said as even Pikachu looked at Ash with a bit of worry. "Have you not seen what Crimson does on a weekly basis? Hell, have you not seen the news?"

Ash blinked along with Brock and Giselle leaving Gary and crew to facepalm.

"Crimson, Joe, and Rusty spent a few days out of commission after he was targeted by martial artists…specifically assassins. Three of the world's deadliest came after Crimson. He and friends fought them, and they barely pulled a win." Ella explained. "They were pretty banged up."

"Wait, Crimson was hurt?!" Giselle said speaking.

"By the Hateocracy." Heather said as Shiroi flinched in fear.

The lizard's time in the underground city had allowed her to hear plenty of how the criminal underworld was like. She had heard horror stories of such a group of how age seemed not to limit them at all.

"But he never mentioned it…when I called him." Ash remarked.

"Of course not, dumbass, he's sort of in-hiding. Team Rocket doesn't know he's recovered enough to travel. So, don't be stupid and keep your mouth shut. And don't tell Gilbert, that asshole would rat Crimson out just to get him killed." Gary said seriously staring into Ash's eyes.

Ash nodded as Gary got back in his car with his girls. He had intended to go Crimson City himself initially, but Sepia City made it easier to go around it. Plus, he gotten an upgrade for the car to retract into a capsule. X Incorporated was really a marvel and he owed Crimson thanks for it. As Gary and his group left, Ash was rather quiet.

"Beloved, are you all right?" Shiroi said looking up at him.

Giselle looked over at Ash asking the same question.

"I…feel really dumb about what I said, but I still want to go to that city." Ash affirmed. "I still need Crimson's help."

"Walking there is going to take a week, but we can cut that time down if we fly." Brock suggested.

"While Batro and your Crobat could carry me and you, I rather not consider that option." Giselle said as Ash sighed.

"I'll get Charizard out." Ash remarked. "Or maybe we can all squeeze on Pidgeot."

-o-

(Cerulean City Gym | May 12th | 1:00p.m.)

Gilbert walked out of the Gym with a cocky grin having gotten the Cascade Badge officially now. Misty was glaring at Violet the whole time.

"Why did you have to lose to that asshole?" Misty sourly said.

"Jeez, what's your problem?" Daisy remarked seeing that Misty was seething.

"Aside from that the fact he has an ego the size of a Snorlax, he's a racist piece of a shit who thinks he's a blessing on this world." Misty said shaking her head. "Honestly, the fact that I can justify Crimson breaking his arm is a testament to how much a piece of shit he is."

"Figures, he's the son of that piece of shit Woodrow." Hiroshi said coming up. "I knew him from way back. A leech he was."

As Gilbert headed off, he noticed Ash and his friends flying away on a Pidgeot.

"I wonder what they're up to." Gilbert said sending out Keene. "Keene, we're following them."

Gilbert took off as Keane being a present shadow behind our heroes.

(A/N: So, to lay the number of badges: Gilbert, Ash, and Giselle are three badges. Gary, Heather, Lindsay, and Ella have four. As for the Clones, I'm actually considering writing them out of the story. Considering Heather, Lindsay, and Ella are much stronger characters, and they can do the cheer just fine, I am considering this option. Next up, we go through Grampa Canyon and meet a new friend.)