Kate: Hey guys, welcome to chapter 26 of Mewmans: Story of the Dark Ice Maiden.
Keith: Kate, why are you starting the chapter?
Kate: Well, you know that piece of duct tape that was over IMN's mouth.
Keith: Yeah?
Kate: Turns out it was a special duct tape fused with a 'Sticky Web' attack. It's normally used to hold heavy things together, the tape is like cement. It's really sticky and nearly impossible to get it off. *Points towards the cast and IMN*
Luana, Rhythmi and Crawford: *Holding IMN down* PULL HARDER ELAINE!
Elaine: *Trying to get one of the edges up with a spatula* I'M DOING MY BEST HERE!
Keith: Okay then? Anyway have you seen MK? IMN said she was getting ready for this chapter but I can't find her anywhere!
Kate: Knowing IMN, she has something planned and I'm sure MK is fine. Want to help me do the disclaimer?
Keith: Sure.
Kate and Keith: *Turns to the audience* Infusion Masters Nightmare doesn't own Pokemon or its characters. She only owns the idea of Mewmans and the Hunters. Enjoy!
Elaine: I GOT THE CORNER UP! *Holds onto the corner* This will hurt. ...A lot.
Kate and Keith: On with the story!
*RRRRRRIIIIIIIIIIPPPPPPPPPPPP*
IMN: AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!
Chapter 26: Sink or Save!
Normal Pov
It was a perfectly joyful morning for the people of Vientown. The Taillow were chirping, the Combee were buzzing, Crawford was glaring, Keith was getting eaten by a rose monster- Wait, that's not perfect or joyful at all!
In our beloved Vientown Ranger Base our favourite Rangers, Mechanic and Operator were up early in the morning. Crawford was peacefully eating breakfast while the pink roses on Rhythmi's desk grew into a monster and were trying to eat Keith, head first. In fact our favourite red head was half way down the throat/steam of the flower right now.
"GET ME OUT OF HERE!" Keith yelled from inside the plant. The others were trying to do the Heimlich maneuver on the monster size rose. It wasn't until Jet hit the plant's stomach with an 'Aqua Jet' attack that made it spit out the red headed Ranger.
"Keith, are you okay?" Kate asked in concern as she helped her Ranger Partner get onto his feet. Keith, who was in shock by the whole plant incident, nodded his head and muttered thanks. Meanwhile the monster plant shrunk down in size until it was a normal, a lovely pink rose once again.
"Crawford Icecia! That was the fifth time in the last twelve hours that a plant tried to eat Keith. Quit using your Grass type powers to get rid of Keith!" Elaine lectured the afro Ranger. Crawford turned his head and glared at the victim of the monster plant.
"Excuse me, he kissed my little sister! He's going to pay for tainting my precious sister's innocence! HE'LL PAY IN BLOOD!" Crawford yelled while pointing an accusing finger at the red head. Unbeknownst to the others there was a flashing light on the Operator desk so Rhythmi went over to check it out.
"Crawford for the last time they didn't kiss! It was a misunderstanding on my end. Kate said that Keith was getting something out of her eye," Luana explained. Crawford grumbled and continued to glare at Keith, not wanting to get on his Ranger Partner's bad side...again.
"You are so lucky that my dad didn't hear about this or he'll-" "GUYS, WE GOT A HUGE EMERGENCY!" Rhythmi shrieked, interrupting Crawford's threat. Everybody turned towards the blonde Operator to see her turned pale.
"Barlow-Barlow's signal i-is g-g-gone. He disappeared!" Everybody went pale by the news. Their leader was missing? How?
"I-I-I don't know how it happened. If his styler's functioning, it should be putting out a constant signal. Barlow hadn't reported to the Union ever since he arrived in Boyleland," Rhytmi reported. Crawford was gritting his teeth and looked at Kate and Keith with seriousness.
"Alright, I need both of you to go over to Boyleland to see what's going on. This might be related to the missing pokémon, so be careful," Crawford ordered going full 'Barlow' mode.
"No offense Crawford but it doesn't feel the same without Barlow around," Keith said. Crawford's facade cracked and fell down anime-style.
"JUST GO ALREADY, ADAMS!" Crawford yelled as Luana pulled him up from the ground.
"It might be a false alarm. Maybe Barlow got careless and dropped his styler in lava?" Luana nervously suggested. The Ranger duo walked out of the base, hoping Luana was right as they headed to Pueltown.
Kate's Pov-Boathouse, Pueltown
"What do you mean 'no boats are coming out today'?! This is an emergency!" Keith exclaimed as he asked the only captain that could sail to Boyleland.
"I'm sorry lad but ever since last night, we're told that no boats can go in or out until it's safe. If you asked me yesterday I would have said 'yes'. That Ranger from Vientown was the only passenger for the last boat trip. Now that he went missing, everyone is on high alert. So for the last time, I'm sorry but I can't take you two," the captain explained before he walked away.
"Now what? We have no way of getting to Boyleland now. We need a ride. What are we going to do?" Keith asked as I looked around. We need to get to Boyleland somehow and I can't float two medium size pokémon and Keith for such a large distance, much less get caught. That was when I saw a man near the bar making a paper boat out of pure boredom. Then it hit me!
"We can make our boat!" I thought out loud as I dragged Keith out of the boathouse and to a part of the pier where no one could see us.
"Kate, how can we make a boat? We're not mechanics and we don't have time!" Keith questioned. I gave Keith a smirk before walking towards the water. I looked around and there was no one in sight. I then changed into my Mewman form and glanced at Fro.
"Fro, I want you to use a 'Physic' attack on the water and make it into the shape of a boat."
"Uuuuh, okay Kate." Fro gave me a look as if I was crazy but followed my instruction. I then took a deep breath in and used an 'Frost Breath' attack on the water until it became completely frozen, making an ice boat. I changed back into my normal form and jumped into the boat.
"Hop in guys, it can hold us," I told the gang, motioning them to get in. One by one they all got in: Keith in first, then Fro, then Jet and finally Rhythmi... RHYTHMI?!
"Hey guys! Nice boat, Kate. It turned out really well," Rhythmi greeted us with a smile.
"W-What are you doing here? You're supposed to be at the base! How did you even get here, Rhyth?" Keith gave out to his childhood friend. Rhythmi crossed her arms and glared at Keith.
"I walked here and I'm going with you. In case you guys haven't notice, Boyleland is a volcanic island. You two are ice types; you wouldn't stand a chance against the heat if you use your powers. That's why Crawford gave me some Rindo and Yache berry powder, just so the heat won't affect us. Plus I can help, you'll see. I don't want to sit back and worry about you guys not making it back like Barlow. I want to help, please," Rhythmi told us. Keith and I looked at each other and sighed.
"Fine, but if there is any sign of danger don't stay. Just run, got it?" Keith said and Rhythmi nodded her head. Then with everything settled I put my hand over the back of the boat and used 'Icy Wind' attack towards the water, getting the boat moving.
We were only a few minutes away from Boyleland when Fro let out a gasp and pointed at the sky.
"Drifloon!" Fro proclaimed as dozens of Drifloon floated around us. Some noticed us and waved with a smile on their face.
"That's right, today is the Drifloon Migration! They come once a year because of the seasonal winds. It's really rare to see this. We're really lucky," Rhythmi explained before one bumped into her hair. She giggled as she pet the balloon pokémon before it floated back up to it's friends. Jet was sniffing one that landed on the boat. The little Drifloon sneezed and Jet instantly jumped into Keith's hair for protection. We all laughed at the sight of the brave Buizel of very few words that is scared by a sneeze. We waved good-bye to the Drifloon and continued heading for Boyleland. I stopped using 'Icy Wind' and Jet jumped behind the boat to push us to shore. This way no one will know I'm an Ice Mewman.
"Wow! You people came in a boat made of ice! That's so cool!" A little girl exclaimed as our group got off the boat.
"Yeah, my partner's Froslass created the boat. Anyway we're here to find the missing pokémon and the Ranger that came yesterday. Do you know where the Ranger went?" Keith said the little girl. The girl nodded her head and pointed to one of the two caves at the bottom of the volcano. For some reason there was something about the cave on the right that bothered me. That will have to wait for another time, for now the pokémon and Barlow come first.
"The Ranger went into the left cave but the Elder said no one can go in. You'll have to get the Elder's permission first before entering. He's in that house on the left side nearest the cave," the girl directed us as she led us to the Elder's house. We said thank you to the girl and knocked on the door. It was silent for a moment before the door slammed open.
"YOU ROTTEN THIEVES! GIVE ME BACK MY MIME JR. OR SUFFER MY WRATH!" yelled the enraged old man as he charged out of the door with a wooden sword swinging down onto Keith's head. Lucky for Keith he caught the sword with two hands and used his strength to make sure old man doesn't hit him.
"GRANDPA! Stop! They're not the thieves that took Mime Jr.!" exclaimed a girl running out of the Elder's house and pulling back the old man. Once the Elder calmed down and took back his wooden sword we started talking.
"Sorry about that. My eye sight is not what it used to be. I thought you were those thieves that took Mime Jr." apologised the Elder.
"It's fine. No harm, no foul."
"He nearly took my head off, Rhtyhmi!"
"Anyway, we're sorry to intrude but we were wondering if we can go into the volcano to look for the missing pokémon and our Base Leader. Can we have your permission, please sir?" I asked the Elder, ignoring the banter between the two childhood friends. The old man laughed and patted my shoulder.
"No need for formalities. You three can go ahead. In return, please find my Mime Jr." The Elder said. We smiled and headed for the cave. We told the guy in front of the cave that we had got permission and he allowed us in. Three steps into the volcano and I felt like I would melt in a second. When no one was in sight Rhythmi and Keith applied the berry powder on their Blessed marks. I made sure that the others couldn't see the black veins that are now covering the bottom half of my left rib as I applied the Yache berry powder. The effect of the powder worked instantly and now the heat doesn't affect me as much.
We walked deeper into the volcano until we saw a river of lava that created a gap from where we are to the path on the other side. How are we supposed to cross? Just then the Drifloon from earlier floated. Jet instantly hid in Keith's hair. That Buizel does not like Drifloon or sneezes. Speaking of which, the Drifloon pointed to themselves and then to the gap.
"You want to help us cross the lava river?" Keith asked and the Drifloon nodded. So Keith and I captured the balloon Pokémon and lifted us over the gap. Jet was nervous around the Drifloon so Fro carried him across. He almost got barbecued because Fro tripped over nothing and he nearly rolled into the lava river. Never in my life have I seen a Buizel go white in fear until today.
"Guys, I found Barlow's styler!" Rhythmi exclaimed as she found the styler by the entrance leading deeper into the cave. We went up to Rhythmi and true to her word, there was Barlow's styler. Barlow isn't the type to drop his styler so why is it here? That was when we heard voices deeper in the volcano and we saw two grunts from Team Dim Sun. Damn! I should have known they were behind this.
"Maaaaaaan! What a nightmare! Last night was brutal!" groaned a grunt while rubbing his arm in pain.
"Tell me about it! Eight guys taking down one huge guy? Pokémon Ranger my foot! He should be called a Pokémon Wrestler! His Makuhita punched my face before we knocked it out," groaned the other grunt as he held his swollen cheek. That's Barlow and Guts!
"The worst part is that I goofed up. I grabbed his styler but he kicked me so hard that I dropped it. I switched off the styler so there shouldn't be a problem but I don't know where it is," said the first grunt. It was a good thing they didn't notice us yet. It looked like we have the element of surprise.
"HEY! Why are there Rangers here?!"
"WHAT?! This is bad, RUN!" the grunts ran away when they saw us, probably going to tell their 'Boss'. ...So much for the element of surprise. They were heading into the volcano so that must be where Barlow and the missing pokémon are. We ran deeper into the volcano with the help of some Drifloon we captured along the way. The grunts must have told their friends because we bumped into several different grunts along the way. Keith and I captured their pokémon no problem with Jet helping us (Fro was not very useful since they were types that beat Ice).
Several Drifloon, some annoying grunts and loads of captures later we reached the back of the volcano. We saw the grunts from earlier standing on an arch and on the other side of the arch was a small area and on the wall was a metal door.
"MUWHAHAHA! You dumb Rangers and... Blondie. You guys thought we're stupid for not having a back-up plan?" the grunt with the swollen cheek guffawed.
"You'll never get past this arch because of THIS! Dynamite time!" yelled the other grunt as he held a black box and pressed the red button. There was a loud explosion over us before a large boulder landed in front of the entrance under the arch, blocking our path and the grunts were laughing triumphantly.
"Uh, quick question: You guys did a good job keeping us out but how are you two going to get back in?" Keith challenged with a raised eyebrow. The grunts paused before they started to panic. "Dumb," muttered Jet glaring at the grunts while Fro nodded in agreement.
"Now what do we do?! How are we going to get to the hidden harbour?"
"Idiot! You just told the Rangers about the hidden harbour is where we keep the pokémon!"
"You're the idiot! You told them about where the island pokémon are!"
"WHAT?! DAMN IT!"
"Is it always like this with every Dim Sun grunt?" asked Rhythmi as we nodded 'yes'. They're not the brightest evil group in the world. No wonder they're called Dim Sun.
"Don't worry people! I can handle this! I can break this boulder, no problem!" Fro exclaimed as she charged up a 'Shadow Ball' attack. Jet, Keith and I froze in shock at the pale Froslass because of what happened last time she did this in Marine Cave. How Crawford's afro sacrificed itself because of Fro 'handling' the boulder back then.
"HIT THE DIRT!" Keith and I warned as we all ducked when Fro fired her 'Shadow Ball' attack. When we got up the boulder was destroyed. "You did it Fro! Good job!" I mentally said it to Fro through telepathy. Fro was smiling with pride from her attack with no hair styles sacrificing themselves.
"HA! Thanks a lot Rangers! To reward you for clearing our mess we'll defeat you with our pokémon!" yelled the grunts as they took out their Miniremo, clicked some buttons and a swarm of Numel appeared. They were not very hard to capture because of their mellow attitudes even when they were controlled by the grunts. When Keith and I captured the Numel, they ran off as the grunts Miniremo exploded.
"R-R-R-R-RETREAT!" The grunts yelled as they entered the metal doors. We then opened the metal door and were surprised to be hit by a cool sea breeze when we came in. There really was a hidden harbour in the volcano with large crates around the edge but what surprised us most what the huge black cargo ship at the end. On the other side of the harbour there were was an admin with a Miniremo controlling all the island pokémon going into the cargo ship. Following behind were eight grunts; half were pushing a large cubed shape item under a large drape and the other half were carrying a large piece of cargo.
"You rotten bunch of crooks! You'll never get away with this!" shouted the carried cargo. Wait, that's Barlow!
"Be quiet already! You're cargo and cargo doesn't talk! You and the little guy there should learn when to shut up!" yelled the admin as he kicked the draped cargo. There was a moaning sound from underneath the drape. Barlow just struggled against the rope in rage.
"How could you do that to a baby?! Let it and all the other pokémon go!" Barlow seethed as the grunts carrying him held on. The admin just glared at our leader and ordered the grunts to bring them inside.
"What did Barlow mean when he said 'baby'? Why would Dim Sun have any use for a baby?" whispered Rhythmi.
"I don't know but we have to get on that ship before it leaves," I replied as we headed for the path leading to the ship. Just then Keith grabbed my wrist and stopped me. I felt the warmth of Keith's hand spreading up my arm but that doesn't matter! I was about to say something but Keith shushed us and pointed in the direction of the grunts.
"Alright guys! The loading is complete! We'll launch the cargo ship in two minutes! Guards, keep close watch! You know what to do."
"Aye, aye sir! Truss up the big ones and kick out the little ones!" replied the grunts. Just then the grunts spread out over the harbour. Damn, this won't be easy since my Ice type powers haven't returned thanks to the Yache berry powder on my Birthmark is still in effect. We had to do it the hard way. We decided to split up because it would be easier to get to the ship separated than together. Fro used her Ghost type powers to go through the crates and taking Rhythmi with her while Jet dived into the water to get to the ship. Meanwhile Keith and I took the regular path.
It wasn't easy to get pass the patrolling grunts but thankfully they didn't think about checking behind or to the side. This was a good advantage for the two of us as we weaved behind the grunts and hid behind the crates. We got to the cargo ship with a minute to spare. Keith and I met up with the others just before two grunts appeared to stop us. They sent out their pokémon with the Miniremo but Keith and I handled it.
"You may have defeated us but the others will know you guys are here -" "VINE WHIP!" one of the grunts said before Rhythmi pointed her left wrist to the grunts and from her little green Blessed mark came a vine that was strong enough to knock the two grunts into the water. We all stared in shock as the vine went back into the blonde's Blessed mark.
"What? The Rindo berry powder worn off while you guys did your capture. I learned how to control my mark while you guys were on missions. You don't honestly think I just sit behind a desk all day?" Rhythmi explained. Just then the ship's horn blew, signalling the ship's departure. We quickly got onto the ship before the door closed. Now there is no turning back.
Keith's Pov
As the ship sailed out of the harbour and into open water, we hid behind a crate while Rhythmi typed in something on her laptop.
"Okay I got onto the Dim Sun network and downloaded the ship's layout. It was too easy. I can't believe they were dumb enough to use 'password' as their password. Only an idiot does that!" Rhythmi said.
"Yeah... A total idiot," I repeated, hopefully not giving away anything. Note self: change my email password when we get home.
"Rhythmi, do you know where Barlow is?" Kate asked as we looked at the screen. Rhythmi typed in something and a video of Barlow showed up. Either he was in a messy cell or the supply closet.
"The security footage I found is coming from the floor above us, near the captain's quarters. It would take a while to get there since it's on the other side of the ship," Rhythmi replied as she shuts down her laptop. Just then Kate held us back and looked around one of the crate that we were hiding behind. I looked as well and saw two grunts and... Why is there a gigantic bathtub plug in the middle of the floor?
"This is the Kingston Valve. Now listen carefully, if this thing is yanked out, seawater will flood the ship, and it sinks," one of the grunts explained.
"So if we have problems we take this plug out? It looks heavy to lift."
"The Boss said it's easy to come out but impossible to put back. You'd need Machoke-level strength to muscle it back down and even then it would be hard. With all that water coming in you would need to hold this thing down." The grunts walked away without spotting us. Okay, so now we know that taking out the Valve is a big 'no'. We moved around the crate and I heard a faint cry. Was it me or did that sound really familiar?
Without thinking I followed the sound. I walked down several paths until I found the cargo covered in a drape. I heard the crying sound so I walked up to it, lifted the drape and all the air left my lungs.
"M-Mini Kate?" I whispered in horror. It was really the baby Lugia I befriended when Kate and I went underwater a while back. The young Lugia was curled at the floor of the cage. When I said her name the baby Lugia looked at me eyes full of fear and joy. I noticed that she was injured badly and her wings looked the most damaged. I felt myself fill with rage towards the Dim Sun hurting such a sweet pokémon. They'll pay for this!
"Keith Dazzle Adams! What were you thinking running off like that?! Do you want to get captured- Oh my Arceus," Rhythmi started her rant before turned the corner and saw MK in the cage. Kate, Jet and Fro came after her and turned pale at the sight. Meanwhile I tried to break the lock with some Ice attacks but my Blessed mark isn't that strong and it looked to be attack proof.
Suddenly Kate appeared next to me and inspected the lock. She took a deep breath in and blew a 'Frost Breath' move towards the lock so that meant the berry powder is gone. The ice sunk into the keyhole and turned into an ice copy of a key. Kate turned the key and the lock opened. I rapidly opened the cage door and lifted out MK.
"Nice going, Rangers. You made it to the party cruise!" announced a voice in a sarcastic tone. We all turned towards the voice to see Noir with her hood up and her Tyranitar by her side. Kate quickly turned into her Ice Mewman form and pointed her gun at the female Hunter. Kate glared at Noir with clear hatred in her eyes.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you, Icecia. By transforming into your Mewman form, your energy signature activated the trap set up around here. The barrier is up and you are all stuck here while the guards are on their way." WHAT?! Was what Noir saying true? Did we really screw up? Is this really... over?
Suddenly Noir started to giggle before it turned into a full on laugh. Even her Tyranitar was guffawing. Why are they laughing? I glanced at Kate and Rhythmi in confusion to see they didn't understand what was happening.
"Heh heh heh! You should have seen the look on your faces! Priceless!" Noir giggled. "Do you honestly think these Dim Bulbs thought that far ahead? I'm surprised they even got this far with their empty heads! Much less get that Lugia! Honestly, I can't believe I'm working for them." As she said this, Noir walked towards me, grabbing a Hyper Potion from her trench coat and sprayed it on MK's wounds.
"Wait a minute. Wait a minute! Time out," Rhythmi said making a 'T' shape with her hands. "You're a Hunter, who kills or capture Mewmans and Legendaries for money, but you're HELPING US?!" Noir sized Rhythmi up and made a grunting sound.
"Oh, I remember you. You're that girl back at the Ranger School who knocked me out! Do you have any idea how much my head hurt since you hit me with that book?" Noir stated while rubbing the back of her head. Rhythmi glared at the Hunter with hate. "That's what you get for trying to kidnap my friends, you-you evildoer!"
"'Evildoer'? Seriously? That's the best you got, Princess? Heh!"
"GRRR! Why I ought to-"
"Guys, this is no time to argue! There might be Dim Sun and Hunters coming and MK is hurt," Kate said, stopping the fight between Noir and Rhythmi. Noir signalled her Tyranitar to come to her and it lifted MK out of my arms. I was about to fight but it just stood there while Noir got a better look at MK.
"I don't get it. First you try to kidnap our friends, then you save that Happiny and Kate in the forest fire, after that you attacked us at the Peril Cliffs and now you're helping us? You're so confusing!" I said to the girl. Noir froze and stared at us for a minute. Was it just me or did she look at Jet for a few seconds longer.
"When I'm in the company of a Hunter or one of those Dim Sun members, I have no choice but to pretend I'm one of them. All those times I tried to kidnap your pals or hurt you were the times I was acting. When I helped you, no one but us was there to see me being my normal self," Noir explained.
"So, you were acting like a real Hunter when someone you work with is watching you? If this is the real you then why work for the Hunters?" Kate questioned, turning back into her normal form and glaring at Noir. Right, Kate is a Mewman and she hates Hunters for what they did to her people. I wouldn't be surprise that she doesn't trust the hooded girl.
"Relax Icecia, I'm on your side. I'm here because I'm looking for an opportunity to get someone I know out of this. There's also another thing but enough about my life. I'm here to warn you guys. The members of the ship know your here thanks to the security cameras. I was lucky to switch the cameras around here so I could speak to you. Everyone is on high alert and they're planning to get you," Noir explains as she points to us.
"I'll disable the cameras so you guys can get around easier and I'm giving you this little guy I found so you can sneak past any Hunters," Noir said as she gave me a dark pokéball in Kate's hands. They both had a serious look on their face before Noir turned towards the rest of us.
"I can only help you this much. Next time we meet and there are any people that might ruin my cover, I'll have no choice but to go along with it. Good luck!" Noir said as she climbed up onto Tyranitar and MK flew over onto my head to rest. As Noir went off with her Tyranitar, we went the other way. Jet stayed behind to stare in Noir's direction before he ran to us.
Kate's Pov
I can't believe I'm saying this but thanks to Noir, we got around the ship without bumping into Hunters. It turns out the pokéball she gave me contained the Elder's Mime Jr. and it was using it's powers to detect Hunters. Noir kept her word and the crew were having trouble finding us. We did bump into some Dim Sun grunts but Keith and I handled it. Surprisingly enough MK was a great help in some of our captures, however for some reason Jet has been saying "annoying" when we praise MK. Anyway, Rhythmi was using an iPad, which was connected to her laptop, to find us the route to Barlow's location.
"This is where they're keeping Barlow." That's all the confirmation we needed out of Rhythmi before Jet used 'Aqua Jet' to knock down the blocked door.
"Who's there?! Some knucklehead of a Dim Sun or a Hunter?! Alright you smelly Dim Sun goon, if it's you I will-"
"Barlow!" we exclaimed in relief seeing our leader. We entered the supply room to see Barlow and Guts tied up into the right hand corner of the room. Barlow squinted at us because it was too dark before his eyes adjusted.
"Keith? Kate? Rhythmi? What are you guys doing here? *Sigh* I can't believe you guys are seeing me like this. Being roped up a smidgeon on the tight side. I don't know how Ollie put up with this for days. Tough guy," Barlow rambled as we tried to untie our leader. Rhythmi then told us to move away as she pointed her Blessed Mark at the ropes and said "Razor Leaf!" With that sharp leaves came out of her wrist and slashing the ropes without injuring Barlow.
Rhythmi gave Barlow back his styler and several messages came up. Barlow called Crawford and said we were fine before he hung up. Meanwhile Jet, Fro and MK tried to open the door but not even the baby legendary could open it. Barlow saw this and told us to step aside. We did as we were told before Barlow took several steps away from the door.
"Watch and learn, kids! I'm showing you my special move," Barlow announced before he ran at the door at full speed. "TARGET CLEAR!"
*BAM!* *BAM!*
We all gaped at our leader as he crashed through the door and couldn't stop until he took down another door. Is he even human?! I would have taken him for a Mewman with that strength and he's the SECOND strongest guy in Almia?!
"Hey guys, I think I found the captain's quarters!" We snapped out of our shock and followed the sound of our Base Leader's voice and-GAAAAH! What in the sweet name of Mew is that smell?!
"Kate, you're turning green!" Keith told me as he held me up. I could see the worried look in his eyes but right now my nose is screaming. That smell is like a Garbodor and a Skuntank had a baby, didn't bathe it for a year, a Weezing sprayed it with gas and they all lived in a toxic facility! BLEUGH! I used my 'Ice Punch' attack to charge ice into my hands before holding them over my mouth and nose until it formed a mask. At least the smell is gone.
When I felt better after the stink attack, we entered the room and let me tell you something; it looks like a girl's room. Everything was purple, not the dark purple the Dim Sun grunts wear but the type of purple girls love. It was just sad to see a man's room covered head to toe in girly purple. There were similar weird outfits on hangers to the left of the door, the Dim Sun banner in front of us and there were bookshelves saying 'Prevent Running in Hallways'. I found out the source of the smell, it was the cans of hairspray sitting on a dressing table in the top left side of the room. Weird outfits... Books about running in hallways... Smelly hair spray... Why does all this seem familiar?
"We have to move! Mime Jr. saw some Hunters and Dim Sun grunts on their way! The control room is nearby," Fro told us as Jet started to growl. We all ran out of the room and headed towards the deck, ready to take over the ship.
Keith's Pov
We made it onto the deck and looked at the door leading to the control room. We all nodded our heads before heading to the door. That is until it opened and a figure came out. Kate was still wearing her ice mask but the smell hit me like that time a Rhyhorn tackled me (don't ask). Then we saw a man in his mid-thirties with the familiar face and blonde Elvis like hair. No. F-ing. Way.
"MR. KINCAID?!"
"You three know him?!" Barlow asked as Rhythmi, Kate and I were shocked to see the teacher that made my Ranger School life miserable.
"Well, well. Kate, Rhythmi and Keith. Long time, no see. I haven't seen you three since graduation. I hope you three haven't been running in the hallways," Mr. Kincaid greeted us with an evil smirk.
"I should have known you're a Dim Sun member; no one would give me the amount of detention you gave me unless they're evil! Or have that horrible sense of fashion unless he's a Dim Sun member!"
"Uh Keith, you kinda deserved those detentions most of the time for all the pranks you pulled," Rhythmi replied.
"I HAVE FABULOUS FASHION SENSE!" Cue the 'Oh really' look from everyone towards Mr. Kincaid. "But you are right; I am a member of Team Dim Sun. I am Team Dim Sun's guiding light! Kincaid!" He announced as he ripped off his clothes to reveal an outfit that was black and purple and even worse than the normal Dim Sun outfit. We all cringed at the sight of it.
"Now I will have revenge for all the times you put glue in my hairspray, putting ice down my trousers, pouring hair dye in my shampoo, putting up a virus on my computer that shows nothing but a video of a Pikachu doing Gangnam style and convincing the Froslass to give me a wedge!" Kincaid said. Kate was shocked and glared at Fro and myself.
"You two said that was the school Ghastly that gave him that wedge!" Kate proclaimed. Fro nervously looked away from her trainer.
"Yeeeeeaaaaaahhhh, about that... I kinda twisted the truth a bit. I wanted payback when he took my apple pie," Fro nervously replied while I scratch the back of my head.
"Hello! Evil bad guy talking here!" Kincaid yelled. "*Ahem* Now Rangers, your journey ends here."
With a click of his fingers Hunters and Dim Sun members ran to the deck and surrounded us. Damn! He knew we were coming!
"You thought I wouldn't notice trouble makers running in the halls of my ship? Even though our security cameras were on the blink, I knew you would come here. Crew, take care of them!" Kincaid ordered. All at once the Dim Sun members pulled out Minremos and the Hunters brought out their pokémon.
Kate and I handled capturing the hypnotised pokémon while Jet, Fro and MK handled the Hunters. Rhythmi kept using her Blessed Mark to attack any pokémon or Hunter sneaking behind us. Barlow went to deal with Kincaid while we took care of the crew. Every grunt that we defeated they surprisingly jumped overboard to swim home and the Hunters used flying type pokémon to fly away. Guess they don't want to face Kincaid's wrath. To Kincaid it didn't matter that his crew jumped ship, he had plenty more. The grunts were easy to handle but our pokémon were too tired to move.
"WAAAH!" We turned around to see Barlow thrown away from Kincaid with his styler smoking. He was badly hurt with his chest covered in claw marks and bleeding.
"You deserve kudos for your bravado, Area Ranger. Sadly you lack the ability to capture my Drapion," Kincaid boasted. Rhythmi got medical supplies from her laptop bag to help Barlow and our pokémon with their injuries. It looks like it was up to me and Kate.
"Be careful... No matter how much I captured it, that pokémon won't stop..." Barlow mumbled. Huh? How is that possible? It was just a regular Miniremo. Kate elbowed me and pointed to Drapion's neck. That was when I saw the black collar.
"Ahhh, so you two notice. That's a special collar that we created to prevent Rangers from fully capturing our controlled pokémon. No matter how many times you capture a pokémon it is still under the Miniremo's control as long as they wear the collar. It's a prototype but it's working perfectly. Also the Miniremo is more powerful than those bulky Gigaremo. Not only is it compact and portable but it can give over a hundred commands. To think that only a boy around your age created this masterpiece," Kincaid said. Kate glared at Kincaid with hate. In fact her eyes turned black for a second.
"Kate, we have to get that collar off if we need to capture it." I told Kate via telepathy as Kincaid rambled on.
"You're right; I'll try to get the collar off. You distract Kincaid so I can get close to it." I was about to protest until I saw Kate's eyes. She was silently asking me for her to do this. I wanted her not to put herself in danger but this is Kate, she can handle herself and she wouldn't be the girl I know if she didn't do this. I nodded my head and she sneaked off to the sides.
"That boy was clearly a genius that comes along once in a century. In order to recruit such a genius, I'd taken the position as a teacher at the Ranger School."
"You used the school for that?! That's low. I can't believe people like you exist!" I sneered, shooting a venomous glare at Kincaid. "Come on, Kate."
"Life is tough, boy. Now say your prayers-" "HHHAAAAAAAAA!" Kincaid said before Kate jumped out and grabbed Drapion's neck. Kincaid, surprised, reacted quickly and typed and order into the Miniremo. The Drapion started bucking around; trying to use its claws to get Kate off its back but Kate was too fast. She dodged the claws easily as she continuously used 'Ice Punch' attacks to the collar. With one last punch the collar shattered and the Drapion became less aggressive with its attacks.
"CAPTURE ON!" I yelled releasing the capture disc from my styler as Kate jumped off the pokémon's back. It was hard because of the constant attacks towards me. I had to stop mid-capture so I could dodge them! I really need Poké Assist to help me capture it. Kate seemed to sense my problem and ran towards me. I knew what she was planning and I got into a stance. Kate held onto my shoulders, I could feel her powers flowing into me and through my styler.
"CAPTURE ON!" we both yelled as we released the capture disc now white and had spikes around it. It froze the Drapion several times and also froze part of the deck so the Drapion had a hard time balancing. Finally the Drapion was captured and ran off. Cue the Miniremo exploding!
"It seems that I underestimated you two. Who knew you would do something reckless or use Mewman powers for a Poké Assist? You think you won by defeating me?! THINK AGAIN!" Kincaid rambled before taking out a radio from his pocket. What is he planning?
"All crew members remove the Kingston Valve! I repeat remove the Kingston Valve! If any of you value your lives abandon ship!"
"WHAT?!" We all exclaimed. Kincaid is sinking the ship?! Just then Noir came out of nowhere and gave Kincaid another Miniremo. He opened it out, typed in a command and a Gliscor appeared. Noir threw a pokéball and released her Swellow.
"With this I will get rid of all evidence of our plan and get rid three of Almia's Rangers and Operator! This will be your final resting place! Goodbye, Rangers! AHAHAHAHA!" Kincaid then flew off on his Gliscor with Noir behind him. Barlow got up and ran to the control room much to Rhythmi's displeasure. We all followed Barlow into the room and he was looking at the ship's monitors with a worried look on his face.
"This is bad; we took in too much water already! The closest port is Pueltown and at this rate we'll never make it," Barlow explained as he took over the wheel. Rhythmi then went over to the radio and tuning into a certain station.
"Elaine, what's wrong with the Operator's desk? The screen is flashing." That was Luana! Rhythmi contacted the Ranger Base!
"Luana this is Rhythmi. Can you hear me?"
"WAAAAAH! THE BASE IS POSSESSED!" yelped Crawford just as there was noise on the radio.
"Knock it off, Crawford! This Elaine, where are you and the others, Rhythmi? I got your signals saying that you're in the middle of the ocean."
"IS KATE OKAY?!" snapped Crawford before some more noise came through the radio.
"This is Kate, we have a big problem. We're on the ship that contains the abducted pokémon and Kincaid was the leader-"
"Kincaid? Isn't that the teacher that stinks of hairspray from Ranger School?" Luana questioned over the radio.
"WE'LL TALK LATER! Long story short he was a jerk and now the ship is taking on water! We're too far from Pueltown to make it," I snapped. There were collective gasps on the radio.
"Kate, change into your Mewman form and help everyone off the ship. Abandon the ship. It's too dangerous!" Crawford ordered. Kate clenched her fist and had a look of determination in her eyes.
"I'm sorry Crawford but I won't abandon the pokémon on this ship! I maybe a Mewman but I'm also a Ranger and Rangers help any living creature in need. I rather use my powers to save the pokémon and die trying than use it to run away!" Kate replied.
"It's the same with me too. I won't run away and I'll do whatever I can to help," I said while I held Kate's hand subconsciously. Kate stared at me in surprise before she squeezed back.
"*Sigh* Fine. Try to find land or shallow water to beach the ship. Good luck and be careful," Crawford said before the radio turned silent. Rhythmi took out her laptop, plugged it into the nearest machine and typed in something.
"Okay, I found the nearest spot but with the amount of water coming in we won't make it in time. We need something to slow down the water intake so we could beach the ship," Rhythmi explained. Think Keith, think. There's got to be a way to solve this... That's it!
"We have to put back the Kingston Valve!" I exclaimed and made my way to the door until Kate grabbed my hand.
"No Keith, it's too dangerous!" Kate argued.
"So you're saying our only option is staying on this boat and letting it sink? We have to save the pokémon and this is the only way. Let me do this, Kate!" Kate looked at me in shock before giving me a determined look.
"Then I'm coming with you, whether you like it or not. We're Ranger Partners and we're in this together!" Kate pointed out. I nodded and ran out of the room with Kate behind me along with Fro, Jet and MK.
We ran past all the screaming Dim Sun grunts and the pokémon running for their lives. Fro scouted ahead and told us we only have less than four minutes! Damn it! Screw the no running rule! We raced against the clock to the ship's hull and we saw that the room was almost full with sea water. We hopped onto the crates towards the Kingston Valve plug. Along the way Kate captured a Machoke and it pushed the plug over the valve but it just wouldn't stay!
"The water pressure is too strong! We have to seal it but the water is too deep," Fro told us. MK heard this and flew over the water.
"MK! What are you-" "LUUUUUUU!" MK released a cry as she flapped her wings and the water over the valve parted. That's my girl! Kate captured another Machoke and this time she told it to hold it down and Fro helped using her 'Psychic'.
"Hurry! We have to seal it shut!" Kate exclaimed as she started using 'Ice Beam' to freeze the valve in place. I took off my glove and Jet quickly held onto me. I used 'Ice Beam' thanks to my Blessed Mark and I didn't start flying everywhere because of Jet pinning me in place. When we finished sealing the valve we got back onto the crates and MK flew back to me. This time the valve stayed in place.
"WE DID IT!" Kate and I cheered and started to hug each other. I felt my heart skip a beat. I glanced at Kate's smiling face and realised that she was crying in joy. What I wouldn't do to protect her smile, more importantly protect Kate. Then it hit me. All those times I want to be near Kate, why I want to kiss her (twice), why I was jealous of Wes and how I want to protect Kate more than anything. I think I'm in love with-
"Voicemail, voicemail! This is Rhythmi! Guys, you might want to hold onto something!" Rhythmi said through the styler. Why would we-AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!
Normal Pov
It was a beautiful day in Ascension Square in the Ranger School grounds. The teachers were sitting on the Pledge stone watching the students bond with each other and playing with the pokémon.
"This is a great process. Thanks to Kate and Keith the students get along better than ever," Mrs. April sighed in contentment.
"Yes. Also the sun is shining; the students are bonding and-Is that a ship heading towards us?" Principal Lamont mused until he saw a giant ship off the horizon taking a sharp left and heading towards the school. Everyone paled at the sight.
"RUN!" Everyone screamed as they fled. The cargo ship came crashing onto the Square. Luckily it stopped before it hit the Pledge Stone. All the students and teachers gasped in distress at a ship crashing into the tiny pier while Barlow was laughing in relief. Meanwhile in the ship's hull the water was draining out and in the corner were the two Ranger Partners.
They flew to the right side of the ship when Barlow made that turn but Keith took the blunt of the hit and held onto Kate for dear life. They both opened their eyes and gazed at each other.
"You okay?" Keith whispered, moving a stray piece of hair out of Kate's face.
"I'm fine but what about you? You really took a hit," Kate whispered as she touched the back of Keith's head, using her Ice powers in her hand as an ice pack.
"Nothing I couldn't deal with. We did a great job together. We saved the pokémon. I think this is a Mission Clear," Keith boasts. Kate giggles and pecked Keith on the cheek, making the red-head's face turn the same shade as his hair.
"That's for saving me and being really brave. I couldn't ask for a better partner and best friend," Kate praised. Keith smiled and stroked Kate's cheek soothingly.
"Same to you." They were so closer to feel their breath on each other's lips. They slowly moved closer and shutting their eyes.
"KATE! WHERE ARE YOU?!" Fro screeched as Jet and MK ran after the pale Froslass. Kate and Keith jumped away from each other with blushes on their face. There were voices from outside calling for them and they slowly got up. They nervously glanced at each other and smiled. They held each other's hands and walked out of the ship together.
IMN: THE VIENTOWN ARC HAS COME TO AN END! YEAH!
Kate: That sure was dramatic.
IMN: I can't help it! I wanted to do this scene for a long time and it's one of my favourites from the game! Also I feel bad for not updating the story very much because of my exams so I made it long for all the fans to enjoy!
Keith: So what happens now?
IMN: Hohoho! Good news, I'm on my summer holidays! Which means more chapter updates! YAAAAAAY! Also it's the start of the Top Ranger Arc and some of our beloved characters return in the next chapter. There will be some surprises, action, drama and ROMANCE! *Turns to the audience* Just you wait everyone, I'll update soon with a brand new chapter in a brand new arc! So for now I hope you enjoyed this chapter and see you all soon! BYE!