O-Hina Town Square
Rain continued to fall on the small makeshift stadium that had been constructed for the O-Hina Town Princess Tournament. Despite that, the crowd remained engaged and enthusiastic. The finals between Misty WaterFlower and Jeanette Fisher had not disappointed. Misty jumped out to an early 2-0 lead thanks to Starmie, but Jeanette's secret weapon, a Bellsprout, quickly evened up the score by taking out Starmie and Seadra! With the tide shifted and momentum seemingly on Jeanette's side, Misty sent out her final Pokemon.
"Go Magikarp!" A small red fish with scales emerged from Misty Pokeball, flopping about on land like a fish out of water.
"DOWN TO HER FINAL POKEMON AND MISTY HAS OPTED TO GO WITH MAGIKARP?" incredulously asked the announcer out loud. Murmurs of confusion and no small amount of laughter permeated the crowd. Even Misty's opponent hid a small smile at the sight. It didn't matter. Misty had faith and Magikarp would shut everyone up soon enough.
"Magikarp vs Bellsprout. Let the final battle begin!" called out the referee.
"Vine Whip Bellsprout," Jeanette ordered through a chuckle. Two vines flew from Bellsprout, making their way towards Magikarp.
Trying to do what you did to Seadra huh. Not going to work! "Move towards the vines at full speed!" countered Misty. At those words, Magikarp ceased his helpless flopping, turning upright and speeding straight into the path of the vines and Bellsprout. It almost looked like Magikarp was swimming on land.
"She's using Swift Swim again," Ash realized aloud in the crowd.
"Maybe this battle isn't over yet after all," Brock agreed with renewed interest.
Just before Magikarp collided with the vines, Misty made her move. "Jump spin into Tackle!" The scaley fish leapt over the two vines, managing to avoid them, and began to spin face-forward. Jeanette was thrown off momentarily, but she too reacted.
"Accept the hit Bellsprout." Bellsprout immediately loosened his body, preparing himself for impact. Magikarp soared forward, striking Bellsprout in the face. The Grass Pokemon flipped backward, opting not to fight against the attack and letting the momentum send him back. The result was an attack that delt minimal damage, and Magikarp now stood right in front of Bellsprout.
"Stun Spore!"
"Bounce!" Bellsprout emitted spores form his mouth straight ahead. Lucky for Misty, Magikarp's additional speed allowed him to jump sprang straight into the air right before the spores landed.
"Now descend with your strongest Bounce attack!" Misty yelled at the zenith of her Pokemon's jump. Magikarp aimed his head down and began a rapid descent.
"Not so fast! Full powered Razor Leaf above you!" fired back Jeanette. Bellsprout looked up and he let loose. Magikarp fell fast, aided by Swift Swim, and vicious leaves got nearer and nearer. A collusion was inevitable.
If those leaves hit, there's no way Magikarp will survive, but what can I do but hope. "YOU CAN DO IT MAGIKARP!" Misty shouted, pouring all her emotion into her words.
"KARP!" cried the fish, glowing a bright white light right before impact. The leaves harmlessly bounced off the glowing Pokemon and time seemed to stop. The small red fish grew nearly ten times his original size. A large tail now featured prominently in the back of a body that was covered with sharp fins. The mouth also grew, revealing four sharply pointed teeth and two whiskers protruding below the face. When the light faded, Magikarp was no more. Gyarados was here and he never stopped moving. Giving a mighty roar, Gyarados continued his path, and crashed into Bellsprout with a loud boom, shaking the stadium to its core.
"BELLSPROUT!" Jeanette screamed with worry. After all, a behemoth had quite literally just squashed her tiny Pokemon. Gyarados move back, roaring around the stadium to proclaim his victory, and it was a victory. Bellsprout was stuck at the bottom of a deep crater. He didn't make a single movement.
"Bellsprout is unable to battle! As Jeanette Fisher has no remaining Pokemon, Misty WaterFlower is the winner and tournament champion!" declared the referee.
"WHO COULD HAVE SEEN IT COMING? MISTY WATERFLOWER ENDS THE TOURNMAENT THE WAY SHE STARTED IT WITH A MID-BATTLE EVOLUTION! I HAVEN'T SEEN A PRINCESS DAY TOURNMAENT THIS EXCIT—"
Whatever the announcer was going to say was cut off. Gyarados suddenly began firing Hyper Beams into the air, causing panic amongst the crowd and competitors. People screamed, pointing at the monstrosity, or just plain running away. Misty had to solve this and do it fast
"Gyarados stop! STOP! GYARADOS STOP!" Misty screamed. It was no good though. Gyarados was in a rage.
"Return," tried the girl, aiming her Pokeball at the Pokemon. Unfortunately, Gyarados spotted the beam and swerved to the side, dodging it. Looking at his trainer with anger and apparent madness, Gyarados began to charge another Hyper Beam.
Is this the end? Misty thought in terror, shaking like mad at the sight of what would be her demise.
"THUNDER!" called out a voice. A small yellow mouse jumped into the air between the girl and her monster of a Pokemon. Pikachu stared down Gyarados and let it out.
"PIKACHUUUUUUU!" Lightning coursed from Pikachu at a blinding speed. The attack connected in an instant, dissipating the charging Hyper Beam. At the same time, Gyarados roared in pain as lightning flowed through the Water-Flying Pokemon, dealing quadruple the amount of damage it normally did. Add in the falling rain, and Gyarados didn't stand a chance. He crashed to the floor, shaking the stadium one final time, and then he was silent.
"Misty! Misty! Misty!" called the same voice, getting nearer to the girl. She didn't hear a word. All she could do was shake and tremble, staring at what she thought was death a few moments ago.
"Misty!" Ash yelled yet again, sliding down next to the girl, and physically shaking her.
The girl looked up and into his eyes. "A-Ash?" she asked in terror and confusion.
"I'm here Misty," the boy said, trying to soothe his friend.
"Gyarados… H-He was g-going to," tears streaked from her face, as she couldn't get it out.
"It doesn't matter!" yelled Ash, pulling her into a hug. "It's over now. It's over," softly soothed the boy.
Misty finally exploded, releasing her fear, confusion, terror, anger, and sadness into her friend's shoulder. The girl wept, and the rain continued to fall.
Rocket Base - Unknown Location
Slowly but surely, Lance came to his senses. His eyes opened seeing nothing but darkness and a metal door a few feet in front of him. His body ached, protesting when he tried to stand up, but stand up he did. Feeling the walls around him in the small room, they too were made of a cold metal. Instinctively, Lance reached down to his belt. His eyes widened when he found nothing there. His Pokeballs were gone. It was at this point that he noticed a tear in the back of his pants. The tracker he had placed on his person was also gone. Lance was all alone, trapped in this tiny room, and he couldn't remember a thing.
"It seems you are awake," echoed an eerie familiar voice from all around him.
"Who are you? Where are you?" Lance yelled, quickly looking to his surroundings, but finding nothing. The voice let out an amused chuckle.
"I'm hurt Champion. You don't recognize the voice of your alleged superior," mocked the voice. That's when it came back to him. The Viridian City Gym, New Island, that creature, and…
"Giovanni!" growled Lance.
"Very good. I apologize I couldn't be there in person, but as you now know, I have an organization to run, and with that time is a resource that one cannot afford to waste," sadly explained the evil man.
"What did you do with my Pokemon?" demanded Lance.
"Rest assured that they are safe and will be put to good use soon. However, If I were you, I'd be more concerned with your own safety," laughed Giovanni.
Lance said nothing, simply glaring ahead of him.
"Such defiance. Perhaps it is a trait thrust upon the Champions of Kanto," mused the man.
So, he can see me. Must have a hidden camera or two hidden around here somewhere… That's right. This bastard killed my predecessor, remembered Lance with a scowl.
"Did I hit a nerve? Well, no matter. You know that I am more than capable of dispatching a Champion and would have no qualms about doing so again. For now, your existence may prove useful, so I think I will keep you right where you are. Do behave yourself, or your stay will become even more uncomfortable. In fact, if that threat is not enough, know that any trouble you cause will be inflicted two-fold on that boy you are so fond off!" warned Giovanni with malicious glee.
"YOU WILL BE STOPPED!" roared Lance with anger.
"That's what Red said over a decade ago. Yet, I remain. Farewell Lance." Giovanni's laughter echoed around the room, making the dragon master boil over even more. Soon the silence returned though, and Lance was left all alone.
It's up to my Elite Four now. Hopefully they can stop him and that thing. Stay safe Ash, Lance thought, sliding back down to the cold floor.
Tournament Aftermath
The aftermath of the O-Hina Princess Day Tournament sped by in a blur. Luckily, Gyarados did not harm anyone, or cause any property damage. As a result, Misty was let off with a warning by a stern Officer Jenney. The awards ceremony was also called off, and the girl was simply handed the Pokemon Doll Collection. That suited Misty fine, who simply wanted to get away from the town and the reminder of what had transpired. One quick trip to the Pokemon Center and a night of rest later, and the gang was gone.
Ash and Brock took care of the logistics regarding transferring or mailing Misty's purchases and prizes to the Cerulean City Gym, giving their friend plenty of space to sort out her feelings. Ash also took that opportunity to switch out some teammates for the upcoming Gym Battle. The Pokemon on hand now included Charizard, Pikachu, Espeon, Tyrogue, Krabby, Shellder, and Ryhorn. As the boy now had seven badges, his next Gym Battle would be a full 6 on 6, at least according to Brock. That meant one of the seven would have to sit out. Who that would be, Ash didn't know.
Tamago Town (Day 28)
Getting back out on the road had done wonders for everyone's morale. Ash was reinspired to get some training in, excited at the prospect of his upcoming Gym Battle. The morning runs returned with a vengeance and he didn't let up in the afternoon either.
All of Ash's Pokemon were working on moves or strategies that would prove useful against Fire Pokemon. Pikachu, surprisingly enough considering how much Ash used this move in battle, had not learned Dig. Hence, Ash set the rodent to work, having a few of his other Pokemon demonstrate the move first. Charizard was naturally resistant to fire attacks, but he didn't exactly have much that could deal significant damage. At best, he knew Air Slash and Dragon Breath, which would deal a neutral amount of damage. Thus, Ash asked Brock to lend him Golem, who was showing Charizard the ropes of Earthquake. Ash figured that Charizard had the potential to deal some good damage with that move, especially if he flew down from high and landed hard on the ground. In addition, something prodded the boy to get Charizard to work on a move called Seismic Toss.
Espeon already knew dig, but Ash didn't want to rely on that move too much. Besides, constant improvement was a good thing, and so Espeon was being trained to learn a move called Power Gem. Dexter had told the boy that It involved the use of psychic energy to control rocks and send them at an enemy. Ash did his best to explain this to his princess and then she was off on her own. There wasn't much to do with Tyrogue. He had the potential to learn moves such as Rock Slide and Bulldoze, but at his size, the damage wouldn't add up to much. For him, Ash had the Pokemon work on evasion, speed, and endurance. These traits along with an already impressive move set should see the Fighting Pokemon to at least one victory. Not to mention, Tyrogue still had the Black Belt he won from the P1 Grand Prix, boosting the attack power of his fighting moves.
The Water Pokemon continued to spar with one another, as they had been doing during Ash's previous training sessions. Krabby already knew everything Ash could possibly think of. He was starting to get worried that the Pokemon may not evolve before Cinnabar after all. Shellder was working on a move called Shell Smash. It represented a desperate gambit, but it was one that may prove useful when all else failed.
Then there was Ash's first Safari Pokemon. Ryhorn had already known a few decent moves. These included Bulldoze, Horn Attack, Tackle, and Smack Down. Still, the Pokemon lacked experience and range attacks. To this end, Ash wanted him to learn Rock Blast. He also had Charizard take breaks from his own training every now and then to practice against the Rock Pokemon. Things were certainly coming together nicely for Ash and his team.
Brock's focus remained on his Vulpix. By now, Cubone had grown up to the point of being able to suffice on his own for the most part, allowing the aspiring breeder to prepare for the Fire Pokemon's evolution. Every breeder dreamed of having a Ninetales, and Brock was no different. Perhaps another month of dedicated training and he could bring up the matter with Vulpix herself.
Back on the road to Fuchsia City, Misty simply said that she didn't want to bring what happened up. This might not have been the most mentally healthy option, but the boys let it slide for now. Instead, Misty threw herself back into taking care of her Pokemon Egg. Doing this had brightened the girl's spirits immensely over the past few days, much to the relief of her companions. One thing Misty knew for sure, and that was that Gyarados would not see the light of day until she was ready to face him. Mental scars did not heal overnight though, and so Misty and Gyarados would not look upon one another for some time.
Today in the early morning, the gang found themselves in another city called Tamago Town. It wasn't exactly as large as Celadon or Saffron, but then it wasn't rustic like Dark City either. It was somewhere in the middle, and that was just fine. The city with the last stop the trio would be making before heading back to the road and finally arriving at Fuchsia City. Other than to resupply, Brock had mentioned that a well known Pokemon Daycare had recently opened. Ash wasn't too interested, preferring to look after his own Pokemon, while Brock thought it would take the challenge away from being a Pokemon Breeder. Misty on the other hand was delighted for the chance to have professionals check over her Pokemon Egg.
Walking down the street passed a large tree in the center, Ash, Brock, and Misty had their attention drawn to a nearby large TV, which was playing an advertisement. A blonde adult woman with long hair split into two down her back spoke. She wore a white jacket and beige pants.
"Having trouble with your Pokemon? Trying to get them to evolve? Perhaps your Pokemon Egg is not hatching fast enough? If these problems sound familiar to you, look no further. Introducing the Tamago Town Pokemon Daycare! Here at Tamago Daycare, our specialists are trained to bring out the best in a Pokemon. Don't believe us? How about you hear from some of our happy customers!" beamed the woman.
What followed was a few testimonials from apparent past customers, praising the daycare and explaining the gains their Pokemon had made. Near the end of the commercial, the picture flashed back to the woman.
"If that still isn't enough to sway you, why not come on down for a free consultation where we will look after your Pokemon for 24 hours! After that, we will recommend treatment. Remember, here at our facility, we put the care in Daycare!" winked the girl, ending the commercial.
"Well, that was cheesy," laughed Ash.
"I thought it was nice. Besides, they did say they would look after Pokemon for a whole day for free! I'd love to give it a shot with my Egg. Can we stay just for one more day? Please!" pleaded Misty.
"Fuchsia City is only two days away Ash, so we wouldn't miss the boat to Cinnabar," added Brock.
Ash frowned for a moment, but he didn't want to be completely selfish, especially since they would still make it back on time. With a sigh, he relented. "Fine. I'm not letting them touch my own though."
"Great! You're the best Ash!" beamed Misty, giving the boy a quick hug and reddening his cheeks.
Tamago Town Daycare
After a 30-minute walk around the city, the group, accompanied by Pikachu and Espeon, approached a building with glass windows. A long line formed out the building, so they buckled down into the back, waiting for their turn. An hour later, they finally managed to make it into the building and to the front desk. It was currently being manned by the same woman from earlier, and an adult male with light blue hair. He wore similar clothing, down to the white jacket and beige pants.
"Welcome to the Pokemon Daycare! My name is Cass and this is my associate Biff. Young man, I see you have a unique Espeon there. Would you be interested in a free consultation," smiled the lady. Beyond his initial discomfort from the idea of handing his Pokemon over, the lady gave off an unsettling vibe. The fact that she knew what kind of Pokemon Espeon was and that her color was different added to his suspicions. Still, he was here for Misty, so he remained polite.
"No thank you ma'am. We're actually here for my friend," Ash said, pushing Misty forward.
A flash of disappointment traveled through the woman's face, but it was gone as quick as it had come. "A pity. In that case, how may I help you young lady?" asked Cass, turning to Misty with her ever-present smile.
"I was hoping you could take a look at my Pokemon Egg and give it a check-up?" responded Misty, holding out her Egg. Cass gently grabbed it, turning it around to observe the markings with scrutiny.
"Hmm. It certainly looks healthy, but we'll need to keep it under careful observation just to be sure. Your thoughts Biff?" Cass asked her colleague. The man visibly twitched at that name, but he too wore a smile.
"Agreed Cass. A 24 hour observation is for the best. In fact, we may be able to identify the Pokemon inside the egg if you wish miss?"
"That would be fantastic! Thank you so much!" grinned Misty.
"No trouble at all. We'll see you tomorrow," finished Cass, placing the Pokemon Egg on a nearby conveyer belt and gesturing for the gang to leave the store. Once the kids and the subsequent customers had left, Biff walked to the door, locking it, and turning the sign to closed.
"You know, it really grates my nerves to have gotten a name like Biff," grumbled the man, turning back to his partner.
"Can it Botch. We have more important things to worry about. Did you not recognize that boy with the shiny Espeon?" his annoyed co-worker asked.
Biff, botch, or whatever his name is, stilled for a moment, before his eyes widened. "He's that punk kid! The one the boss put the word out on."
"You're not completely hopeless after all," sarcastically replied Cass, continuing before what's his name could speak.
"We have a report to make. I'm sure the boss will want to hear about this latest development. Come along Butt," nonchalantly said Cass, walking away with a smirk.
"THE NAME IS BUTCH!" raged the man, following close behind.
The Next Day
Misty walked back inside the Daycare alone. Ash was off training, getting it out of the way now so the group could travel unimpeded for the rest of the day. Meanwhile, Brock said he had to pick up a few last-minute items for the needed resupply. She would meet her friends back at the Pokemon Center later, so it was no big deal.
"Hello again young lady!" chirped the nice woman behind the front desk, recognizing Misty at once.
"Hi there. Do you have any news for me?" Misty asked with hope.
Pulling out Misty's egg, Cass gently placed it on the counter. "I sure do. This egg is perfectly healthy! I think you should see it hatch in the next few weeks. Also, you will be happy to know that the Pokemon inside this egg is a Togepi."
"A Togepi? What's that?" wondered the curious girl.
"Now I don't want to spoil the surprise. How about you just take your Pokemon Egg and you will find out soon enough," winked Cass.
Misty picked it up, but was soon puzzled. "Hey, the Pokemon Egg feels different than yesterday."
"That would be because we performed a few tests. Nothing dangerous, but enough to temporarily alter the outside feel," reassured Cass with that same smile.
Misty wasn't entirely convinced, but it kind of made sense. "Ok, I guess. Hey, where's your partner?"
"Busy taking care of Pokemon in the back. Now why don't you run along. You're holding up the line," said the lady, starting to push Misty out the door.
"What line?"
"Bye now!" smiled the lady, successfully pushing Misty outside and shutting the door.
"That was weird," muttered the girl to herself. She didn't dwell on it too long though. Ash would complain if she delayed their travel plans. That in mind, she hustled back to the Pokemon Center.
Pokemon Center (1 hour Later)
"WHAT DO YOU MEAN THE EGG IS A FAKE!" Misty screamed at Espeon.
"DON'T YELL AT MY POKEMON MISTY!" fired back Ash with equal fervor. Suitably abashed, but still full of panic, Misty calmed herself down and quickly rephrased the question.
"Sorry, but please, what do you mean Espeon. I'm starting to freak out!"
"I mean what I side. I can't sense any life within that thing you are holding. Before, I was able to pick up a Pokemon developing inside," the Psychic Pokemon apologetically explained.
"But that can't be right," said the girl, panic rising again. Brock decided this had gone on long enough and promptly yanked the "Egg" out of Misty's hands.
"Hey!" started the girl in anger, prompting a hand to the face from Brock.
"Calm down and watch!" ordered the boy. Brock took out a knife and gently scratched against some of the blue coloring. In a few moments, he got results. Paint started to come off.
"IT IS A FAKE!" exclaimed Ash.
"Those rotten punks. We need to call Officer Jenny and now!" said the girl, starting to move off, but once again she was stopped by Brock.
"Misty, I don't think that will work."
"And why not?" asked the irritated and skeptical girl.
Brock sighed. "It would be our word against their word. We'd have no proof that the Pokemon Egg ever belonged to you in the first place." Misty tried to think up a response, but she had nothing to argue against that.
"Well then what can we do?" Misty followed up in despair. Brock was about to answer, but one of his senses started setting off internal alarm bells.
"Misty, where is Ash?" slowly asked Brock.
"Well, he's right… Oh my gosh you don't think he went off do you?" speculated the anxious girl.
"That's exactly what I'm afraid of," confirmed Brock with dismay, before gaining resolve.
"Come on! We have to go to Officer Jenny now!" ordered the boy, running outside, followed by Misty.
"But I thought you said—"
"Things have changed Misty. Ash may be going into a dangerous situation and he is going to need help," retorted Brock, never losing his stride.
Why do you always rush into danger Ash? That boy had better be careful, thought Misty, heading off with Brock for much needed aid.
Tamago Town Daycare (20 Minutes Later)
Ash, Pikachu, and Espeon made excellent time, never stopping to catch their breath along the way. This led them to where they were now, outside the Daycare, which had a closed sign on it and the windows barred.
"That's not suspicious at all," muttered the boy, turning to his Pokemon.
"Let's check the ally to the side. There may be another entrance," suggested Ash. Both Pokemon nodded and the three made their way around. The last time Ash walked into an alleyway, things hadn't exactly gone well for him. This time was different though. He had his Pokemon, and nothing would stop them. Ash and his Pokemon walked past a large pick-up truck and a dumpster, trying to find an entrance.
"Bingo," said Ash, spotting a back door with a padded lock.
"Think you can get this open Espeon?"
"Easily," confirmed the Pokemon. Her eyes flashed and the lock fell away, allowing the group entry. Careful not to make a sound, they made their way inside. Walking down a green tiled hallway at a snail's pace, a door that stood ajar caught their attention. The group edged closer, stopping just outside the door's reach upon hearing voices coming from the other side.
"Sir, we have successfully acquired several rare Pokemon and a few Pokemon Eggs. We are now ready for extraction," called a voice that Ash recognized as belonging to Cass.
"I am pleased with your progress agents. Report back once you are on the road with the assets," responded a distorted voice that made Ash's hair stand on end.
"It couldn't be," whispered Ash to himself. A third voice quickly regained his attention.
"Excuse me boss, but are you sure you don't want us to do anything about the kid?" Biff asked. There were a few moments of silence following this question before the response came.
"Ash Red Ketchum is a nuisance that ideally should be eliminated. However, the boy has thwarted missions in the past, so you will not risk this one by giving him the chance to interfere," warned the ominous voice with a hint of anger.
It's him! The man whose goons stole Misty's Pokemon. The man who planned the attack on the S.S. Anne. The man who had me kidnapped. The man whose gang continues to threaten Kanto's citizens and Pokemon. The man who killed my father! This last recollection spurred the boy through the door, slamming it open, while his Pokemon followed. Perhaps he might have acted differently were he not emotionally compromised.
"Whatever this is, it stops now," Ash said in a low dangerous voice. To the sides, he could see Pokemon lined up in cages along with a few Pokemon Eggs in a package. In front of him stood the man and woman from yesterday, but they were not donned in their previous outfits. They wore black outfits with a bold red R on the chest. Finally, a screen rested behind those two, and it was there that Ash could see the shadowy form of Team Rocket's Boss.
"We meet again Ash Ketchum," the boss chided with amusement and an underlying hint of frustration. His underlings said nothing.
"What do you mean meet? The only times I've seen you has been on a screen. When are you going to man up and face me head on?" fired back Ash with hatred.
"HOW DARE A TWERP LIKE YOU SPEAK THAT WAY ABOUT THE BOSS!" Cass, well that was as Ash knew her, raged. Biff looked equally furious.
The Rocket Boss simply laughed. "Calm yourself Butch and Cassidy. The words of a child, much less this one, are meaningless. Besides, it seems he was foolish enough to come alone," observed the evil man.
"Wrong! I have my friends with me," Ash gestured to his Pokemon.
"Indeed. Agents, knock out his friends and beat this boy within an inch of his life. I would like to send a message. Oh, and Mr. Ketchum?" offered the Rocket Boss.
"What?"
"Champion Lance sends his regards."
"WHAT DO YOU MEAN?" Ash passionately responded, concern evident on his face.,
The Rocket Boss simply smirked, and the screen went blank.
"NOOOO! WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO LANCE?" thundered Ash, not caring that the connection had broken.
"Hey kid, if I were you, I'd start looking out for myself," Butch interjected with a nasty leer.
"Time for your friends to go goodnight. "Raticate, come on out!" yelled Cassidy, releasing a large brown rat-like Pokemon.
"I choose you Golbat!" followed Butch, sending a vampire-like bat Pokemon to the field. Right away, Ash could tell that it looked far weaker than the one Koga wielded. In fact, both Pokemon seemed rather pathetic. Unfortunately for the Rocket duo, Ash was not feeling particularly merciful.
"Charizard, come out!" Ash's starter Pokemon emerged, giving a loud roar, and staring down his opponents with a menacing glare.
"H-He has a Charizard," stuttered Butch.
"G-Get it together Botch. I-It's probably as weak and p-pathetic as he is," weakly added Cassidy, not believing her own boast.
Ash didn't respond. He gave the two an ice-cold calculative look, one many would have attributed to a similar man, and he uttered a single word.
"Flamethrower." Intense heat filled the room as a blast of fire zoomed towards both Rocket Pokemon. The thugs and their Pokemon were too intimidated to react, and they paid the price.
"RATICATE!" screamed the rodent in agony. Golbat gave an equally pained screech, as fire engulfed them both. Finally, after 30 seconds, Ash nodded to Charizard and the attack ceased. The moment it did, both Pokemon fell to the floor, severely burned, and knocked out.
"Pikachu, Thunderbolt," Ash ordered without emotion.
"Wait! You can't do that!" a shocked Cassidy spouted. Pikachu showed her otherwise.
"PIKACHUUUUU!" Volts of electricity engulfed the Rockets, lighting them up for a moment and then sending them to the ground with their Pokemon.
Pathetic, Ash thought with disdain. The easy victory did nothing for his anger though. Not even the thought of saving the innocent Pokemon and Pokemon Eggs helped. Seeing that man brought back everything Ash had been keeping forced down since Celadon City. He killed his father and now Lance was possibly in trouble? Ash silently shook with fury, his Pokemon watching him wearily. Gazing at the blank screen, he whispered.
"I will find you… and I will end you.
END CHAPTER
We are getting close to the big showdown of the Kanto Arc. In other news, Gyarados did make an appearance, but he takes the place of Charizard in this story as the Pokemon that refuses to obey. Misty did mention that they were notoriously hard to tame in the anime at some point. I also hoped you liked the Butch and Cassidy showcase.
Next Time – Giovanni reacts to yet another setback, we get some fallout from the heroes, and the gang finally arrives on Cinnabar Island.
Espeon860 - Thanks for the review! We will see about Blaine. By the way, excellent prediction about Magikarp and the lack of control!
CaptainSammyAngel - Thanks for the review! Red's Pokemon have a role to play. Just keep reading. Hope you liked the end of the tournament and this chapter!
F Names - Thanks for the review! I understand and wish you the best. Some people just don't like certain characters. Personally, I detest Iris and Cilan myself, but that probably has to do with my overall hatred of the Black/White Anime.
Zyxis - Thanks for the review! That is some fair criticism. Looking back, your suggestion with Gengar makes more sense. In any case, please keep the feedback coming. I would love to hear any suggestions you have for the future.
Reader - Thanks for the review! Good call on Bounce. That said, Gyarados was a bit obvious, but I hope you liked the twist with the disobedience. This will tie into Misty's story down the line. As for Jeanette, Ash may not face her in the league. I would like to keep some things the same, while others are different. I can tell you that Ash will face Ritchie, AJ, and one other obvious character.
I have a bit of a confession. I got this additional chapter out fast because I know that when BDSP comes out on Friday, I am going to be engulfed in that for a while, taking away from writing time. Speaking of which, let me know your ideal team that you will be going with? I plan on an Infernape, Manaphy, Vespiqueen, Mismagius, Lucario, and Magnazone. At least for my SP playthrough…
Remember to review with your thoughts and critique :)
Smell ya later!
