[Cues: Climb Up! and Get the Last Chance! ~ White Land [F-ZERO X]]
The Outsider's Insurrection
Indigo Iliad
Chapter 97: The Tutoring of Hard Knocks
Translated Pokémon Speech
Pokédex Entries/Computerized Voices/Flashbacks
Reference to an Accessory in the Games
-o-
(Scarlet City, Outlaw Island | June 3rd | 4:00 p.m.)
Roulette rolled her car to a stop in front of Crimson's house coming out with Marguerite, who Crimson asked for her to pick up.
"Certainly, living it up, he is." Marguerite said as she and Roulette went up to the door.
Amelia let them in as Crimson was in the midst of eating pie. He looked over to see Marguerite looked the part of a trainer in a pink Pleated Dress, a pair of beige Riding Boots under grey socks, black stockings, a pair of pink wristbands, a black and blue messenger bag slinged on her right shoulder, and a brown belt around her waist for her Poké Balls.
"All right, you're ready for training." Crimson said getting up. "I'm going to be a bit hands off with this. I don't think I have to give you all the details. If anything, if you need something in detail, the Kassai Institute in the nearby Sevii Islands does that. No, what you will do is shadow us and learn from us this week."
Amelia gave Marguerite a book.
"Something for you to get the basics on Pokémon typing." Amelia said humbly as she took it.
"I'm having some people offer. You could call them my collared girls." Crimson said.
"Kinky. I didn't think you were interested in girls…being focused on your Pokémon." She responded jokingly.
That got him to laugh. Roulette as well. Even Crimson's Pokémon were all laughing. Amelia did not get it.
"Oh, honey. You got a lot to learn about how we do it in the regions." Crimson said as he sensed the three's arrival. "And they're here."
Cristal, Cassidy, and Lois all arrived with Lois being the sour one out.
"Ladies, welcome." Crimson remarked.
"Wait, this is where is where you're living. Beats the beach house." Lois said looking around.
"Yeah, I think so too. I brought you three here to introduce you to my student, Marguerite. And my assistant, Roulette." Crimson said. "And the maid…Amelia Bedelia."
Lois snorted at Amelia's name only for Bastien to snarl in Lois's face who wisely backpedaled her snort.
"I brought you here to assist in the training of my student. Well, mostly Cassidy." Crimson said. "You two can just watch."
"Do I get paid for this?" Cassidy asked.
Crimson sighed and got out some cash for Cassidy as Roulette handed him the briefcase.
"I got your cut converted to Poké Dollars." Roulette said.
"Good…" He said before giving it to Sub-Zero to put away. "Now with that done, I'm going to need you for something. A battle." Crimson said surprising her. "A visual showing would be best. Three on three."
"I won't say no to free money if I win." Roulette said confidently. "And I know you're too nice to take my pay away if I lose."
"True. But let's get this party started." Crimson said as they headed outside.
[Cues: Final Fantasy VII OST – Let the Battle Begin]
Out on the backyard, the battle between Roulette and Crimson was on. Crimson started off with Marquesha and Roulette started off with her Mr. Mime, Hobson.
"Hobson, Light Screen!" Roulette said as Hobson mimed a box around himself that glowed a light green.
"Metronome!" Crimson said as Marquesha waggled her fingers before performing a Dragon Dance.
"Magical Leaf!" Both said as both Pokémon fired a barrage of glowing leaves that cut up the other.
Hobson's Light Screen had not reduced the damage much to Marquesha's relief thanks to her ability. Crimson called for her to use Mega Punch as Marquesha got her left fist glowing as Roulette had Hobson counter with Zen Headbutt. The attacks clashed with Marquesha's fist crashing Hobson's skull causing electric sparks.
"Damn, you hard-headed for a fucking mime!" Marquesha screamed.
"At least there's something in my head." Hobson snarked.
"You pasty faced bitch!" Marquesha snarled.
"Hobson, use Psychic!" Roulette said determined as his eyes glowed.
"Shock Wave!" Crimson said as Marquesha was assailed with Psychic power.
Marquesha's free hands sparked with electricity forcing her hand forward despite the psychic energy assaulting her hand only to get headbutted away. She managed to launch off the electric ball of energy which zapped Hobson something fierce.
She skidded on the dirt on her back before forcing herself up as Hobson cracked his neck.
"Metronome!" Crimson said as Marquesha waggled her fingers.
Marquesha screamed as electricity overshadowed her body as she leapt into the air and rained electricity down Hobson trapping and electrocuting Hobson. Roulette tried to switch him it out, but the cage prevented her ball from connecting with Hobson.
"Hobson, use Psychic once again! Bend the bars to redirect them back to sender." Roulette said as Hobson's eyes glowed as he mimed opening bars.
"I don't think so, now…Mega Punch!" Crimson said as Marquesha came down from the air dive bombing the mime with a blow to the head.
An explosion kicked up a brief dust storm sending Marquesha tumbling into the dirt as Hobson fall down on his back out good.
[Music Ends]
"Yeah, boi…get wrecked!" Marquesha said before falling on her knees.
"And you've had enough." Crimson said returning her back in her ball. "Get some rest."
[Cues: Final Fantasy VI OST – Battle Theme]
"Hobson, take a load off." Roulette said before sending her Alolan Persian. "Akela, get out there!"
"Tessa. Light the way!" Crimson said sending out his big cat.
The two cats circled each other eager to fight the other. Crimson started off with having Tessa use Swift having Tessa fire out yellow stars from her eyes. Roulette had Akela rebound with Play Rough as Akela raced through the Swift attack taking damage while glowing pink before tackling Tessa landing a critical.
"Electric Terrain." Crimson said as Tessa light up the ground giving it a yellow glow.
"Thunderbolt." Roulette remarked.
"Thanks for the power boost, kitten." Akela said before launching an electric attack from his whiskers.
"No, thank you." Tessa said as Crimson called for her to use Charge.
Using Charge and standing completely skill, she tanked the attack absorbing some of its energy in the process while minimizing the damage.
"Now, return the favor with Charge Beam!" Crimson said as Akela balked.
Roulette tried to get Akela to dodge, but he met his unconscious fate with a supercharged beam of electricity. The smell of burnt cat hair was a pungent one mitigated by Roulette returning him.
[Music Ends]
"I think I'll cut my losses." Roulette said sheepishly. "Bad match ups…"
"Aw what, no battle to the end?" Lois complained.
"You wanna go?" Crimson asked as Tessa sparked with electricity. "I could use a punching bag."
"Actually, I'd like to fight." Amelia said as Crimson and Tessa bowed out.
"And there's your opponent, Lois." Crimson said getting a few healing items for Tessa and Marquesha.
Lois grumbled and got into the arena.
"Marguerite, come with me. I will continue to teach you a bit more…leave these two to fight it out." Crimson said leading Marguerite away with him. "Roulette, keep an eye on things."
A good distance away from them, he sat her down on the lakeside where Atlas was swimming around.
"I wanted to discuss this with you in hopes you in what a Pokémon needs to shine, a good trainer. Which is why I'm going to teach you how to groom your Pokémon. It's important for raising Friendship with him. I put emphasis on it because it's an aspect that can empower your Pokémon as much as if your Pokémon really hates you." Crimson remarked.
"Aren't you worried about your maid?" She asked as he laughed.
"No. I give her Pokémon some good moves and held items. Amelia's going to be fine." Crimson said giving her a brush. "Let's get down to business."
Marguerite got out her Purrloin and Lotad as Crimson demonstrated how to brush Purrloin using Tessa as an example.
"Yes…that's it." Tessa purred as he scratched behind her ear.
"By the way, are you going to give your Pokémon a nickname? Doing so is a pretty easy way to start building a bond. It's optional but…" Crimson remarked.
"Sounds fun." Marguerite said stopping her brush to take up Purrloin in her hands. "Now what to name you?"
"This one's a girl." Crimson remarked.
"Luciana." Marguerite said as the now christened Luciana licked her face. "What about the Lotad?"
"Male." Crimson said as she put Luciana.
"Lombardi." Marguerite said. "But I don't think I can brush him."
"Put him in the water gently." Crimson said as she set him in the water. "Lombardi, you good mate?"
"Yes…this water is just right." Lombardi said.
"You act like you can understand him." Marguerite said.
"I can. Being an auric makes me an empath for Pokémon letting me understand them." Crimson said gently. "So, I can understand them…which is what makes me so good with them. If you can understand them, you may be able to tame them without a battle for an easy capture."
"For someone so young, you speak like you're older. Not like my father…maybe about my age." She remarked. "You just got a matured air to you. You'll probably sound like an old man when you do get older."
"Hardy har har. Let's go back and catch up with Amelia and company." Crimson said as she scooped Lombardi.
They walked back to see the tail end of the battle with Troprica and Whispin duking it out. Despite the less levels and the disadvantage, she pulled a win.
"But I had the advantage!" Lois whined.
"Advantages? Yes. Good movepool? Doubtful." Crimson said walking up thinking, "Good thing I give Amelia an EXP Share."
Gilen came out of his ball himself before evolving into a Croconaw.
"Lois, it seems you've lost the first round." Crimson said as Lois rudely flipped him off as she returned Whispin.
"Domaine, get out here!" Lois said sending out her Medicham.
"Troprica, come here and rest yourself. Elianna, come in." Amelia said as Elianna seemed to glide in.
"Poison Jab." Lois cried as Domanie's right arm glowed purple as he charged Elianna.
"Shadow Ball." Amelia said as Elianna formed a shadowy purple sphere in her left hand. "Duck and weave!"
Domaine's jab nearly nicked her cheek, but Elianna used her hand to give him a Shadow Ball uppercut.
"Ice Punch!/Thunderbolt!" Both trainers said at the same time.
Domaine's attempt to punch her was cut short by being electrocuted. Insult to injury was Domaine's paralysis.
"Come on, get up!" Lois demanded as Domaine got up.
"You…bitch, I…"
SLAP.
Elianna backhanded him into the dirt.
"Get up."
Domaine got up as Lois called for him to use Brick Break. He landed a punch to Elianna's jaw only for her to return with a Brick Break of her own sending him back into the ground again.
"Get up."
Domaine forced himself up and spat at her 'dress'.
"Domaine, Psychic." Lois said.
Elianna looked at the spit and her face fumed with anger before grabbing him by the throat actively fighting off the Psychic attack from Domaine as she squeezed.
"Damn, I didn't think it get could that vicious!" Marguerite said as Amelia called for Elianna to drop him and use Future Sight.
She dropped him into the dirt harder than she had to as her eyes glowed pink for a moment. Crimson used the Dex to check for damage and saw that Domaine had a little less than half while Elianna had three-quarters of her health still.
"Get up."
Despite the paralysis, Domaine got her and surprised everyone with a Hi Jump Kick that got Elianna in the jaw sending Elianna into the ground.
"A critical." Crimson thought monitoring the HP.
"Should I ask you to get up?" He boasted.
"I didn't know your Medicham knew Hi Jump Kick." Cassidy said.
"He didn't." Lois said surprised herself. "Not going to complain though."
Elianna floated back upright as Lois called for Domaine to give her another kick as Domaine leapt into the air to give a flying kick with a glowing leg. Elianna took a deep breath only hearing Amelia's call for Brick Break and Elianna swung…landing a critical of her own.
Because she caught him between his legs with her attack and everyone could hear the cacophony of screaming from him.
"…Oh shit." Tank said in horror.
"I don't think I need to be a psychic to feel that!" Lil' Swish said.
Capone was laughing while rolling on the ground while Sub-Zero stoically laughed on the inside. Domaine coughed up spittle as Elianna's eyes widen in horror. Amelia cringed seeing Domaine's face twisted as he fell to the ground out cold and foaming from the mouth.
"Point goes to Elianna and Amelia." Crimson said as Lois returned Domaine to her ball. "And I'm going to call this match over. Amelia wins. Lois, we should get him to a center now."
"We don't have a main Pokémon Center set up yet." Roulette said awkwardly. "The building is still under construction and the Joy family hasn't picked who's going after there."
"A Healing Haus?" Crimson asked as she nodded. "Ugh…"
"Elianna could heal him." Amelia said. "She knows Heal Pulse."
"I'll get some medicine." Crimson said.
Domaine and all the other Pokémon were healed up, but Domaine had to sit with a bag of ice between his legs with a sour look on his face.
"Oh yeah. Since you lost Lois, pay up." Crimson said pointing over to Amelia.
Lois snatched out a few bills before putting them in Amelia's hand.
"Roulette, there wouldn't be a place for Marguerite to explore to battle or catch wild Pokémon?" Crimson asked her.
"A few. I can take her out for a bit to help teach her." Roulette said.
"Ok, I'm going to…take a break and then train more I guess." Crimson said as Roulette left with Marguerite.
"What I want to know is how Amelia beat me so easily." Lois said.
"Because she had better moves and held items. Considering she hangs around him…I wouldn't be surprised if he has a bunch of TMs, stat vitamins, and all that shit at his disposal." Cassidy said.
"You'd be right." Crimson said as Cassidy rolled his eyes.
"Then maybe he'd be privy to shar-"
"So, you want to kiss my ass now when you need me." Crimson snarked. "Yeah, I don't think so. Seeing you want to be a prick…you'll get my help after you take over for Amelia's duties today in cleaning and cooking dinner. Unless your housewife duties dulled sitting around all day."
Lois wanted to be snipe back. However, Cassidy's look at her signaled that she was not going to get backed for it. Lois had always been able to get out of things though various means, but now…those means were all out of reach. Her father basically abandoned her, her kids all basically turned on her, and Peter was dead due to his own stupidity as she sometimes fantasized when she cheated on him. It was ironic, all considering. She supposed it could be karma for all of the things she's done wrong. She simply sighed and got to work.
Crimson got to work dealing with Cassidy's Pokémon with her. Cassidy found herself surprised and not so surprised by him. She knew he had to be sharp in some regard but seeing him going into detail was something else. He even made a drink for her Houndoom, Raticate, and Granbull mixed with a few berries and the Protein vitamin.
"Yeesh, you and all these trainers out here really make our education system back home look like a joke." Cristal said referring to herself and Lois.
"I did graduate from a pretty good private school, the Kassai institute, a year early than expected." Crimson said. "I could have started my journey a year ago…but I was…not myself. I was in a depressive funk over the disappearance of my parents."
"My condolences." Amelia said.
Crimson quietly rubbed Houndoom's head before getting up.
"It's fine…" Crimson said quietly as his phone rang.
He answered to hear Balalaika's voice on the other end.
"Sofiya? What do I owe the call?" Crimson asked.
"I saw about your recent victory. Congratulations." Balalaika said. "I just wanted to let you know I'll be in town by tomorrow. Looking to get an apartment for myself there…along with a business. We'll need to meet to discuss terms, Crimson."
"Terms?" Crimson asked.
"You've amassed yourself quite a lot of influence. Plenty of people joining the Black Dragons under your lesser members." She mused. "Something for you to think about…goodbye, Crimson."
She hung up as he plopped down on the couch before looking at the calendar.
"Oh shit, it's three more days until 2 Fast 2 Furious comes out in theaters." Crimson thought. "I need to get me a ticket."
-o-
(Scarlet City, Outlaw Island | June 3rd | 5:30 p.m.)
Crimson and company were having dinner when Roulette returned alone.
"How did the hunt go?" Crimson asked.
"She caught a Galarian Ponyta. Yes, X Inc did import several species of Pokémon to the island…no, they wouldn't tell me what they imported." Roulette said closing the door as she saw down to eat.
"Lois, a plate for my assistant." Crimson said as Lois hastily got dinner on a plate for the guest.
"Mashed potatoes, stewed beef, and vegetables. Basic as it comes." Roulette said before starting to eat.
"There's a movie coming to theaters that I want to see. 2 Fast 2 Furious. Three days from now. Tell me we got a movie theater on this place." Crimson remarked.
"We do have a Multiplex…and that movie is coming here." Roulette said. "I'll ask about it."
"And what about the Black Dragon Arena?" Crimson asked. "How soon until it opens?"
"We're still gathering employees for all what it will offer, but the Arena's lounge is hosting a party on the sixth. I'll talk to the theater people if we can get a copy of that movie you want to see to premiere it at the party and make it a gala." Roulette said only to see Crimson's eyes wide and twinkling with excitement. "I'll take that as a yes! I'll make some calls."
-o-
(Cerulean City | June 3rd | 5:30 p.m.)
Misty was beat from a long day of gym duties and already missed traveling around. Her father left for his duty with the Marines. Kishi had stuck around. To her surprise, Kishi was adamant in making her sisters take some responsibility. Kishi made it clear that she was not going to tolerate foisting all the work on Misty.
Misty was outside at the ice cream place having a milkshake as her phone rang.
"Moshi moshi." Misty remarked.
"It's Rusty." Rusty remarked. "Figured I'd check up."
"I'm exhausted. A long day in a life of a gym leader. I had to catch up on paperwork. My mom might be getting my sisters to pick up the slack, but I don't trust any of them with the paperwork." Misty said matter of fact. "Plus, your battle was the better of the bunch…even if you wiped the floor with me. You seemed to be in a hurry to leave."
"I was. I'm on my way to Sevii Islands to see my girlfriends." Rusty said. "I wanted to ask if you're going to the event at Scarlet City. The opening gala for the Black Dragon Arena."
"Opening? When is it?" Misty asked.
"This Friday at seven. I can't make it…I did stay I was going to stay around for a week to spend time with the girls." Rusty said sheepishly. "Joe and Sissi are having a romantic week to themselves…so they can't make it either."
"Well, you've been away from them for a while. I can understand…and I'm sure Crimson does too." Misty said with a chuckle.
"You going?" He asked.
"I can'…." Misty said.
"Excuse me…"
Misty paused to see a girl looking at her with a Wartortle and a Liepard behind her.
"You're Misty, right?"
"Yeah, what do you want?" Misty asked.
"A battle for my third badge."
"Rusty, I'll call you back." Misty said. "Stay safe."
She hung up and turned to the challenger.
"Let's see what you're made of." Misty said getting up. "Huh…"
"What?"
"Something about your Wartortle is awfully familiar…" Misty said thoughtfully.
(A/N: Considering the party, I decided not to have Joe, Rusty, or Sissi show up to it. Why? I did opt to stick to my guns on them on their separate roads. Misty might show as she is closer in location. Plus, I did realize I kept Rusty away from the triplets for too long. This is also a chance to bring some minor characters to the forefront. I think the girl Misty is about to fight will ring a bell.)