"It has been a month since the new Pokémon Master was crowned, and he has completed to obligatory months battling anybody who wishes to test themselves. There has been a record low number of challengers, with only 4 trainers testing themselves. Now we wait to see what the Master, known only as 'Champion' will do. He promised a review of all the gyms so that is expected, but the only thing that can be truly said about 'Champion' is that he does the unpredictable"
Samuel Fenandez turned off the TV, before dashing downstairs. As he reached the bottom he jumped, sliding in his socked feet across the wooden floor, coming to a stop right next to the table in the kitchen. His father looked up from the paper he was reading.
"Sam, don't do that, you'll fall and hurt yourself."
"Let him be Denis, you know how excited he is today." Denis Fenandez looked across the room to where his wife was cooking a breakfast. Today was their sons 10th birthday, which means that he would be able to go to Professor Elm's laboratory in New Bark Town and pick a starter Pokémon. As Sam wolfed down his breakfast, his parents watched him fondly. He had been looking forward to this day for months, and they were proud to watch him. He hadn't been entirely sure what he would do in his career, but a month earlier he had been inspired to become a battler by the new Pokémon Master. It was amusing when they thought about it that his journey would start on the day that his idol would finally start in his role after the obligatory month of battling.
After he had finished his breakfast, Sam grabbed his bag and said goodbye to his parents. Outside he started to walk towards Professor Elm's lab. He had only gone a couple of streets when a figure slammed into him from the side. Sam was knocked off his feet into a grassy area to the side of the road, with the figure lying on top of him. Groaning, Sam looked into a pair of green eyes. Pushing the figure off he rolled to his feet and held out a hand to his childhood friend Mellanie Rigger. She grinned up at him, before taking his hand and allowing herself to be pulled to her feet.
"Did you really have to do that Mellanie?"
"Just wanted an exciting way to say hello."
"So you sent me flying? Reeeaaaal mature" said Sam, sticking his tongue out as he brushed his black hair out of his eyes.
"Coming from you?" Mellanie retorted. They held each others gaze for a moment before bursting into giggles.
"Come on." Mellanie said, grabbing Sam's hand. "Lets go get our starters."
As the young girl dragged the poor boy towards the lab, they saw a large red dragon race over their head. They stopped and stared in awe at the Pokémon as it vanished over the hill. Mellanie turned to Sam.
"Isn't the lab over that hill? That Pokémon couldn't be headed there could it?"
Sam gasped as a memory hit him. "That Pokémon... It reminds me of one that 'Champion' had." Ignoring his companion's groan, Sam pressed on. "It's a Charizard, the evolution of a Kanto starter. Its owner must be a powerful trainer; I'd love to meet him."
"You think a powerful trainer would talk to a newbie like you?" Mellanie teased. "I mean, you don't even have a Pokémon yet."
"Neither do you!" retaliated Sam. "Anyway, I'm going to be a better trainer than you!"
"You wish" Mellanie grinned, before skipping away up the road again. "Anyway, hurry up or he'll be gone, if he really did land at the lab." She burst out laughing as Sam suddenly started sprinting after her.
Charizard landed in the fields outside the laboratory, and a figure dressed in black slid off his back. He patted the dragon's snout before holding out a Pokéball, and returning the Flame Pokémon. He strode to the entrance of the lab, letting himself in. As he entered, he stopped and looked around the room, observing the mess. He began to wander through, looking at some of the files that had been left lying around, before finally finding Professor Elm, his head buried in yet another pile of paper. The man coughed, causing Professor Elm to wave his hand dismissively. Hidden by his hat, the figures eyebrow raised in surprise. He turned and began to walk back through the lab, letting himself through a door before he stopped once again. In front of him were three small Pokémon that he recognized. A Cyndaquil, a Totodile and a Chikorita. The man observed them, noting their health. He reached into a pocket inside his jacket and took out some food, which he threw to the three Pokémon. He watched with an amused eye as they sniffed it before tasting it, then devouring what he had given them. The Chikorita ran towards him, using its leaf to rub against the man's leg, with the Cyndaquil nudging the other leg. The Totodile watched him slightly more reserved than the other two. The man then gestured to the door, and turned to walk back through it. He strode back through the lab, the three Pokémon following him, till they were outside. When outside he took the Pokémon to the side, around the corner, knelt and started to question them about their care when they were at the laboratory.
When Sam and Mellanie finally reached the lab, they hurried to the door, not seeing the man around the corner. They went inside, and after some effort, finally managed to get Professor Elm's attention. However, when they were shown to where their new Pokémon were waiting, they were surprised to see three empty Pokéballs. The Professor, having tried to release all three was at a loss, and the two youngsters were beginning to realize that they wouldn't be able to start their journeys when they heard a voice behind them.
"Trainers will soon take you away from here. As for your treatment, I know the Professor has good intentions, he just gets very easily distracted. He will improve on this, or he will be replaced."
Professor Elm gulped. There was only one Professor around, and getting distracted sounded very much like him. He, Sam and Mellanie turned towards the door, which slid open as Ash strode through, talking over his shoulder to the three Pokémon behind him. Squeals of delight came from the two youngsters, as they saw the Pokémon that they would be receiving, but as Sam began to move forward to get a closer look, a cold voice stopped him, very different from the caring voice they had heard a moment before.
"Wait."
Ash moved past the stunned trio, before picking up the three Pokéballs, and returning each of the Johto Starters. He then turned to Professor Elm, and gave a simple command.
"Get the Pokédexes." As the Professor, realizing that he was in serious trouble hurried to do as ordered by the Pokémon Master, Ash turned to the youngsters.
"Here to get starter Pokémon?" They both nodded, in awe of the man who by now they had both also recognized. "Very well. Since Professor Elm is busy, I will issue you with them. There are three, Cyndaquil, the Fire-type, Totodile the Water-type or Chikorita, the Grass-type. Do you know which you want?"
Mellanie nervously stepped forward. "I... I err... I would like Totodile please sir."
Sam was still shell-shocked, and wasn't responding even when nudged by Mellanie. Ash looked at him, before handing a Pokéball to Mellanie, and releasing the two Pokémon held in the other two. Cyndaquil looked at Sam and then back at Ash before sitting down to watch his potential new trainer. Chikorita hid behind Ash's leg. The sight of the two Pokémon shook Sam, and he knelt next to Cyndaquil. The Fire-type accepted his petting, before nuzzling his new trainer. Wordlessly, Ash returned Chikorita and then handed Cyndaquil's Pokéball to Sam. As he did so, Professor Elm came rushing back in with a pair of Pokédexes. Ash gestured for him to give them to the new trainers, and stepped back.
"These are your Pokédexes." Professor Elm started. "They will be able to give you information on any Pokémon you see as well as being your licenses to show you are allowed to capture and train Pokémon. Don't lose them."
Sam and Mellanie nodded, still in awe of seeing the Pokémon Master. Professor Elm then handed them five Pokéballs each. "These are Pokéballs, they hold Pokémon. Your Cyndaquil and Totodile have their own Pokéballs. Any questions before you head on your way?"
This time the two new trainers shook their heads.
"Good. In that case, I suggest you head on your way, and if you have any trouble please call the lab."
As the two trainers started to leave, Sam summoned up his courage before turning back to Ash.
'Sir, can I have your autograph?"
Ash just looked at the new trainer, causing him to stutter on. "I mean...I'm a fan, I watched all your battles and..."
"What did I say in my inauguration speech?"
"You said... you said that if any trainers felt they were among the best worldwide you would train them, and you would restructure the Pokémon League, encouraging the gym leaders to take a more active role in training new trainers."
"What was the fourth Pokémon my third challenger used?"
"He used a Fearow, but it was defeated by your Charizard."
"Do you have nothing better to do with your life?"
Seeing how Sam was getting his questions answered, Mellanie stepped in.
"Its true sir, he talks about nothing else, and hasn't done for a month now."
"Unfortunately, I don't do autographs. However, I will have you watched whilst you journey, if you are strong enough, you will be invited to train with some very powerful trainers. I sense potential in you, I urge you to fulfill it."
Ash then turned and strode out of the room, deeper into the Pokémon laboratory, leaving Professor Elm to show the two trainers out.
Once they had left, the Professor walked back into the lab to talk to his renowned guest. He found 'Champion' reading a report that had been left on a desk. As he came in, 'Champion' put the report down and turned to the Professor.
"This will be brief Professor Elm. I am reviewing the roles of everybody affiliated with the Pokémon League. Since I got here I have been disappointed with what I have seen. You are a researcher, but you are also responsible for the trainers who are based in the Johto Region. Whilst I do not doubt your research credentials, but your ability to organize the trainers of this region is lacking. The fact that you failed to notice the Pokémon in your care leaving suggests that you are not able to focus sufficiently on them. If this was a first offence I would consider overlooking it, but it is not. As a result, you are hereby replaced as the presiding researcher of the Johto Region, effective immediately. This laboratory is the property of the Pokémon League, and as such will be required for your replacement. You will be expected to have vacated the premises within three days. The Pokémon currently under your care will be sent to a centre until your replacement moves in."
'Champion' turned on his heel and strode out of the lab, leaving Professor Elm to recover from what just happened. As the words of the Pokémon Master hit him, he sunk to his knees, before turning to the laboratory. He now had to start clearing his belongings out, and find out who his replacement was so he could try to use their lab when they took his.
Cynthia noticed a message appearing on her computer as she got into work. It was the first day after 'Champion' had departed on his tour of the regions to review the various members of the Pokémon League. The message was surprisingly from her boss. Cynthia opened it, scanned it and froze. The message was simple, only a single line.
"Inform Prof. Rose that she is Prof. Elm's replacement. Effective immediately."
Cynthia hadn't expected such rapid results from his review, but having known Professor Elm she wasn't surprised that he was the first casualty. She picked up her phone, and called Professor Rose, a young and upcoming professor that she got on very well with. As she did so she wondered if her relationship with Rose was the reason for her selection. She had certainly topped the shortlist that she had provided 'Champion', the Pokémon Master having asked for a list of trainers who could take over a gym of any type as well as Professors that could manage a region. Cynthia was snapped back to the present by the sound of her friend's voice in her ear.
"Hello? Rose? How do you fancy a change of scene?"
"Pidgeot, Aerial Ace!"
"Snubbull, Take Down!"
The Bird Pokémon swerved around the charging bulldog, and then caught it on its side. Snubbull was sent skidding across the field, and before its trainer could give another order, Gym Leader Falkner gave his last order.
"Hyper Beam".
Pidgeot swooped around, before firing an orange beam out of its beak, which caught Snubbull, knocking him out in a large explosion. Falkner recalled his Pokémon, and walked across the field to shake his opponents hand.
"That was a good battle. You are a powerful trainer."
"Not good enough to defeat you though" the defeated trainer said sullenly.
Falkner laughed. "Kid, I've been training for more than a decade. I also train a whole cadre of Flying-Pokémon trainers. There is nothing about them I don't know. You are young; you'll beat me eventually. I used my most powerful Pokémon against you, and you still nearly won. Not all trainers face these. When you win your Zephyr Badge it will mean even more. "
As the trainer left, Falkner stood on the gym roof, where the battlefield was, looking out over Violet City. He turned to go back inside, but there was a man leaning on a wall. Falkner instantly recognized 'Champion', the man who was the Pokémon Master. He strolled across the gym field, to lean on the wall next to 'Champion', before turning to him and asking him the obvious question.
"The review?"
'Champion' merely nodded, before handing the Gym Leader a piece of paper. It had various categories marked on it. Falkner read down it, before realizing that the Pokémon Master had been in his gym for some time.
Battling: Pass
Teaching: Pass
Overall. Pass
The gym leader turned back to the Pokémon Master who was watching him.
"So I pass?"
"Yes. You're record as a gym leader is exceptional and your cadre of trainees are of a high standard. What I have seen today is confirmation of that."
"What now?"
"Carry on. You shouldn't see me again."
As he finished speaking, a large red Pokémon landed next to 'Champion', who swung up around the creatures neck. The Charizard took to the sky, heading in the direction of Azalea Town.
Over the next week, the remaining Johto Leaders were reviewed. Bugsy passed with flying colors, as did Morty, Chuck, Jasmine and Clair. However, two of the Johto leaders had issues. Neither Whitney nor Pryce taught trainers. As a result, they both failed their leader reviews, and were replaced by leaders from Cynthia's shortlist. Neither leader had taken it particularly well, but their pleas had fallen on deaf ears. 'Champion' refused to listen to pleas, and merely ordered them out of their gyms, so that their replacements could move in without upsetting any trainers who wished to challenge for the badges. Whitney had been the first to be replaced. She had been tearful when ordered out, but had eventually been forced to move back to the Miltank Farm outside Goldenrod City. However bad her reaction was, compared to Pryce it was very subdued.
When 'Champion' told Pryce that he was expected to pass on his experience, and his failure to do so discounted him from being a Gym Leader, he had flown into a rage. Shouting at the Pokémon Master, he had claimed that he would never be moved from his gym, having given his life to it. What had followed had terrified passers-by.
"I will never be thrown out of my gym. This is my life, my everything."
"It was. Now you are being replaced."
"You have no right!"
"Wrong. I have the right."
Pryce had been arguing with the stubborn Pokémon Master for nearly fifteen minutes, but he had made no progress. Realizing that he wouldn't win the argument, he turned back into his gym and slammed the door, shouting through it that he would never give up. 'Champion' hadn't bothered to respond, merely striding to the doors and pulling on them, to confirm that they were locked. By this point a news crew had arrived and were filming everything. In front of the world, 'Champions' Charizard forcibly opened the doors to the gym, before picking up Pryce and carrying him out. The Ex-Gym leader was deposited on the ground outside his gym, where he was about to stand up before the dark figure of the Pokémon Master stood over him.
"Pryce. By the power invested in me as Pokémon Master, I hereby remove you from the rank of Gym Leader. Your refusal to cooperate means that I have no choice but to ban you from any future affiliation with the Pokémon League. Do not attempt to enter this gym again, it no longer belongs to you."
With that, 'Champion' had recalled his Charizard and strode away, leaving Pryce to contemplate the ruins of his career. The news crew had tried to get an interview from both men, but Pryce ignored them, and Champion had gone.
Back in Kanto, Misty was spending a few days with Brock in Pewter City before returning to training. They had been watching the news when they saw Pryce being removed. They were absolutely shocked at the cruel nature of 'Champion', his lack of remorse as he removed a man who had devoted his life to his gym. Their reaction was one mirrored across the Pokémon World. Whilst 'Champion' was technically working within his remit, he was taking it to an extreme. He had promised reviews of all gym-leaders. Both Brock and Misty feared for the gyms that they were affiliated with, as Brock's father Flint had remained the Pewter City gym leader whilst Daisy had taken over being the Cerulean City gym leader when Misty had wanted to tour the world. Neither gym had any trainees there at all, and as a result, the leaders could be thrown out just as Pryce had been. They both began to work on ways to avoid such a calamity.
Sam and Mellanie had reached Violet City, where they intended to battle against Falkner. Sam had chosen to go first, and whilst Falkner had easily defeated his Sentret, but had struggled against the Ghastly sent out, and then Sam's Cyndaquil had defeated Falkners Pidgeotto winning the 3 on 3 match. Mellanie had offered to give Falkner a day to recover from the battle, which he had accepted, so the two trainers were returning to the gym the following day in order for Mellanie to try to win the Zephyr Badge.
Falkner met them both on the roof, shaking Mellanie's hand before showing her to the field. They took their places, with Falkner choosing his Pokémon first.
"Hoothoot, your up".
"Poliwag, come on out"
"Hoothoot, Peck"
"Poliwag, Bubble"
Hoothoot swept down, but was forced back into the sky by bubbles from Poliwag. The Owl Pokémon tried twice more, but each time was forced back into the sky, causing Falkner to change his strategy.
"Hoothoot, Confusion"
"Poliwag, dodge"
Hoothoot's eyes glowed, and he fired waves of attacks at Poliwag who succeeded in dodging them all. Falkner was starting to get irritated, whilst Sam was trying not to grin at watching his friends style.
"Hoothoot, Air Slash!"
Hoothoot charged in with another attack, determined to make sure this didn't miss, but Mellanie was ready for it.
"Poliwag, Bubblebeam!"
As the Owl Pokémon came near, it was caught in a stream of bubbles that forced it to the ground. Before it could recover, Poliwag was on it, beginning a vicious Doubleslap attack. Hoothoot finally managed to get away, but not before it had been visibly hurt by the attack, whilst Poliwag remained fresh. Falkner gritted his teeth in anger, before ordering the next attack.
"Hoothoot, Take Down"
Hoothoot went into a steep dive, but as it came close to Poliwag, Mellanie gave her final command.
"End it with Water Gun!"
Unable to dodge at such close range, Hoothoot was sent crashing into the ground. As the dust cleared, his eyes were replaced by swirls, leaving Falkner to return his Pokémon, before replacing it instantly.
"Dodrio, revenge time."
Mellanie recalled her Poliwag to replace it with Geodude. Falkner gritted his teeth, knowing that he would be lucky to win this match-up, and another defeat would give Mellanie the victory.
"Dodrio, Tri Attack"
"Geodude, dodge"
"Peck"
"Defence Curl"
As each of the three heads fired a beam, Geodude merely dropped under them, before curling into a ball to endure the follow up.
"Dodrio, Fury Attack, and don't let up."
"Geodude, stay curled up"
The three headed bird continued his furious pecking, but was making no progress against the stubborn defence of Geodude. Now fuming at the girls ability to counter his every move, Falkner pressed for an attack that would actually do some damage.
"Dodrio, Drill Peck"
"Geodude, Rollout."
As Dodrio stopped its pecking, its three beaks began to spin rapidly. However, as it struck forward, it found its target had rolled away. As Dodrio began to chase after it, Geodude doubled back round and smashed into Dodrio, sending it skidding back across the field. As Dodrio recovered, Geodude smashed into him once again, and again. After the fourth collision, Dodrio failed to get up, and Geodude stopped his rolling.
Falkner recalled his Dodrio, before stepping out across the field. Winning two battles was enough to win the Zephyr Badge, and he congratulated Mellanie, handing her the badge, before returning into his gym to train.
"Good win Mellanie. Seriously, that was impressive."
"Thank you Sam" responded the girl, smiling at him. They were heading towards the Sprout Tower, something that they both wanted to see before they headed on to Azalea Town.
"But why didn't you use Totodile? Surely he wanted to fight?"
"He did, but he fought those trainers outside the city. I wanted Poliwag to get some experience, and Geodude was a no brainer. If either of them lost, Totodile was ready for his last Pokémon."
Sam was about to respond when the tower loomed in front of them. Heading through the door, they smiled at the men on the ground floor, before heading up the tower. On the first floor they were stopped by a man who challenged them to a battle. Mellanie was about to step forward when she felt a hand on her arm. Sam was smiling at her, holding out a Pokéball.
"I've got this Mellanie."
Another man stepped out next to the first. "How about we make it a double battle?" the newcomer suggested, holding out his own Pokéball.
"Very well, Cyndaquil, let's go!" Sam said, grinning as his fire starter materialized.
"Totodile, fight!" called Mellanie.
The two men looked at each other, before releasing a Bellsprout each. Mellanie noticed them both watching her and realized that she was about to be targeted. Sam had also realized it, but it made him grin. If they thought they could trap Totodile, they were very much mistaken. He himself had been beaten by Mellanie's style of countering opponents.
"Bellsprout, Vine Whip"
"Razor Leaf"
"Totodile, left, then under, followed by water gun"
Totodile moved as ordered, avoiding the Vine Whip from one Bellsprout, before firing its water gun to knock down the leaves of the other. Before the two men could react, Sam jumped in.
"Cyndaquil, Ember"
The Fire Mouse Pokémon fired an ember attack that smashed into one of the Bellsprout, with the power of it knocking the Flower Pokémon out. Cyndaquil turned its attack on the other Bellsprout, but it managed to dodge, before being caught by a Bite attack from Totodile. As it tried to throw the Water-type away, Cyndaquil fired again, this time catching it and knocking it out. The two men recalled their Pokémon, before stepping into the recesses of the tower wordlessly. Sam and Mellanie exchanged glances, before heading further up the tower.
They stopped for a short while two floors up, watching the swaying of the inside of the tower, before they climbed up one more. As Sam climbed off the stairs with Mellanie behind him, he realized that the floor he was on was very dark. He was about to call out his Cyndaquil to give some light when he was grabbed from behind. Mellanie screamed, but it was cut off as a hand clamped over her mouth and she was hauled further into the darkness of the tower.
In Petalburg City, Caroline Maple picked up the ringing phone.
"Hello, Petalburg Gym."
"Mum? Its me, May."
"May, its wonderful to hear from you. To what do I owe this pleasure?"
"Have you seen the news? About Pryce?"
"Pryce who dear?"
"Mum, it's the Pokémon Master. He is removing Gym Leaders that do not have any trainees at their gym. Leaders who do nothing but work to defend their badge, ignoring the responsibilities that he demands. Gym Leaders like Dad."
"Don't be ridiculous dear, he can't just remove your father."
"Mum, he can, Pryce, a Johto leader, was thrown out of his gym and forbidden from returning. The same could happen to Dad!"
"May, your father is not going to be removed as a gym leader. He is one of the strongest in Hoenn, there is no way he could be replaced."
"Mum, you don't understand. This man is heartless. He obliterated Misty, and nearly caused her to have her license revoked. Pryce had his career ended because he opposed his removal. Warn Dad, he needs to get some trainees quickly, or he will be replaced."
Caroline put the phone down, not believing the danger. She looked out the window, to see a large red dragon flying towards the gym. Assuming it was a trainer to challenge her husband, she started to cook lunch for after the battle.
Charizard flew through the air, before descending to outside the Petalburg Gym. Ash slid off his back, landing on his feet just outside before recalling the Flame Pokémon. It had been a long time since he had stood here. He knew that the gym before him would not live up to the standards that he demanded, and knew that he would have to remove the Maple family. The Ash of some years ago would have been shocked at such a callous act, but the new Ash merely took it in his stride. Over his seven year absence he had hardened significantly towards people. The Hoenn Gyms were potentially the toughest, yet more than one of them would fail his review because they did not fulfill the criteria. He had reviewed each Gym in his month at Indigo Plateau, and he knew which ones would not match up.
Ash strode up to the door of the Petalburg Gym and swung it open. Inside was Normal Maple, having a practice match with his son, Max. Ash stepped in, to watch, as Norman's Slaking overpowered the Raticate that the youngest Maple was using. Recalling his beaten Pokémon, Max thanked his father, before heading into the house. Norman recalled Slaking, and was about to follow when a voice stopped him.
"Gym Leader Norman. You should know why I am here."
Spinning around, Norman saw Ash standing in his gym. His eyes widened in surprise, before he thought back to the inauguration speech some weeks ago. As realization hit him, he nodded.
"A review. I think you will find that my gym record speaks for itself."
"In that you are correct. However, there are two aspects to my review. Your battling record, and your contribution to teaching new trainers. You are an admirable battler, but you do not teach."
"Yet with my battling record, surely you could accept that I could change? I have two children and have taught both of them. One is now a powerful trainer, the other an admirable coordinator, even if she is taking a break."
"Your battling is not exceptional. You are not irreplaceable."
"You will not find a trainer stronger than me."
As soon as the words left Norman's mouth, he knew he had made a mistake. The change in the posture of the Pokémon Master was enough to warn him.
"Nobody stronger than you? Beat me in a 2 on 1 battle, and perhaps I'll believe you."
Norman gulped. He may not keep up with all the news, leading a particularly busy life, but he did know that he didn't stand a chance against this man. He didn't know about Pryce's removal, but he had realized that his job might genuinely be on the line. However, if he backed out, he knew that he would almost certainly be removed, and so he took his place in the gym leader box, before throwing out two Pokéballs.
"Slaking, Vigoroth, battle stance."
The two normal types appeared, one lying on its side, the other dancing around like mad. Ash wordlessly threw a Pokéball towards the field, and a large red dragon appeared with a roar. Ash smirked under his hat, deciding to end the battle as quickly as possible.
"Flamethrower."
Before Norman could react, a torrent of flame raced across the field. Both of his Pokémon were caught in the flames, sending them flying to crash into the wall behind him. Norman looked around in shock as his Pokémon were taken out in a single attack. He looked back at the man in front of him who was recalling his Charizard.
"You have three days to empty the house Norman. Your replacement will need it."
"What about my family?"
"Your children have moved out. You and your wife can find somewhere else to live."
With that he strode out of the room, leaving Norman to contemplate the loss of his career and his home.
Violet City Gym Leader Falkner strode into the Pokémon Centre late that evening. He went to the front desk where Nurse Joy was waiting for him, holding a tray containing three Pokéballs. He thanked her, took his Pokémon back and was about to leave when he noticed that she looked worried. Turning back, he asked what was wrong.
"It's these two kids" Nurse Joy said. "They went to visit the Sprout Tower hours ago, and haven't come back. I normally wouldn't worry, but they are young."
Falkner felt a sinking feeling. "Who are they?"
"Mellanie Rigger and Samuel Fernandez. They took a room for the night, but its late, and they aren't back yet and I'm worried about them"
"I'll go and have a look." The Gym Leader promised. "They've probably just got lost."
But even as he said it, he knew that they hadn't. As he left the Pokémon centre he threw a Pokéball, jumping into the air, letting the bird Pokémon catch him on its back.
"Pidgeot, to the Sprout Tower."
As the Bird Pokémon reached the tower, Falkner released his Hoothoot to scout around, before landing on the top. Within a few minutes Hoothoot had returned, cooing into his trainer's ear. Falkner jerked around, to stare at his Pokémon who merely nodded. Falkner threw another Pokéball out, causing his Pidgeotto to appear.
"Pidgeotto, watch the entrance. If anybody leaves, come and get us." The bird nodded before flying away to watch. Falkner then turned to Pidgeot. "On my command, Whirlwind the tower."
Falkner then swung himself off the roof, letting himself drop a short way to a window below, Hoothoot clinging onto his shoulder to slow his descent. As he reached the window, he felt Pidgeot grab him as well, keeping him floating there. Falkner pushed at the window which opened silently, allowing him to land inside. Pidgeot flew away, and Hoothoot remained rooted to his trainer's shoulder. Falkner looked around at the dark insides of the tower, and took another Pokéball in his hand, before stepping forwards deeper inside.
Using Hoothoots ability to see in the dark, Falkner made quick progress through the tower, before he found a door in front of him. He pushed it open, stepping inside and shutting it again behind him. Out cold in front of him, and tied up were 5 young trainers, including the two he had been looking for. Before he could do anything to untie them, he heard voices through the door.
"This one's heavy"
"We should drug them after we take them nearer, give us less distance to walk."
"Yeah. Still, got a good haul tonight."
"6 trainers in one night, fair few Pokémon taken, dream job."
Falkner stepped back into the shadows, tightening his grip on the Pokéball in one hand, pulling another off his belt with the other. As the door opened, two men stepped in, carrying a teenager between them. The two men were both dressed in black clothes, each with a large red R on their chest. Team Rocket grunts, though they hadn't been seen for nearly four years. As they tossed the boy they'd been carrying into the room, Falkner stepped forward, throwing his Pokéballs. The first Pokémon had a crest of blue feathers from its head, extending down its back, with red chest feathers. The other had three heads, and brown feathers. The two grunts jumped back in surprise, reaching for Pokéballs, but Falkner got there first.
"Quick Attack"
Swellow and Dodrio surged forward, crashing into the trainers and sending them into the wall. Falkner gestured to Swellow who perched herself on the chest of one grunt, glaring at him so he didn't move. Falkner grabbed the front of the shirt of the other grunt, hauling him up with Dodrio rearing behind him.
"How many of you are here?"
The grunt remained silent, causing Dodrio to snap one of its heads forward into the grunts shoulder. There was a scream from the grunt, before his head was snapped up to look at Falkner once again.
"I'm not asking again, how many are you?"
"Go to hell"
Falkner looked him in the eye, before nodding to Dodrio and stepping back. Each head snapped out once, hitting both legs and then the man's other arm. As he screamed in pain, Falkner grabbed the front of his shirt again.
"I warned you" He dropped the man again, next to his team-mate, who still had Swellow on his chest. Falkner looked him in the eye, before asking him the same question. This time answers were more forthcoming.
"There are nine of us, including us two."
"Where?"
"Two downstairs. Anybody that beats them are the ones we want."
"What are you doing?"
"We get the trainers up here, grab them, take their Pokémon and then drug them. They won't be awake for hours. We'll be gone by then."
Falkner rocked back on his heels, thinking about what he'd heard. He then gestured to Swellow whose wing hit the edge of the man's head, knocking him out. The Gym Leader untied the trainers, and used the rope to tie up the two grunts, one of whom was still in absolute agony. He then pulled out his final Pokémon, releasing a Starly. He gave the small bird a note and ordered him to take it to Office Jenny. As Starly vanished through the tower, Falkner sent Hoothoot out to find the remaining Team Rocket members. He knew he didn't have long till they noticed the others hadn't come back, even if they hadn't heard the screams. Within minutes Hoothoot returned once again, and Falkner started to run.
As he neared a room, Hoothoot hooted into his ear. Falkner nodded, and moved towards it, Dodrio and Swellow on his heels. As he reached the door, he threw it open, taking the five Team Rocket members by surprise. Swellow and Dodrio flew straight into the attack, knocking a Rocket down each. Each bird then grabbed the trainers Pokéball belts, relieving them of the Pokémon that they had, leaving him with three opponents. As they all pulled out Pokéballs, Falkner played his ace. Throwing his head back, he shouted as loudly as he could.
"Now Pidgeot!"
The bird who had kept his ear cocked for that shout ever since his trainer entered the building flapped his wings powerfully. The Whirlwind attack rocked the tower back and forth vastly exaggerating the natural swaying, and causing the Rockets to stumble. Falkner, ready for the shaking, darted forward, using the rope he had taken from the other trainers to tie hands behind the Rockets back, whilst his birds took their Pokéballs away from them. Only one of the Rockets managed to avoid Falkners Pokémon, and had backed up against a wall. He pulled out his Pokéballs, and threw it, revealing a Raticate.
"Dodrio, Hyper Beam"
Before the Raticate was able to move, all three of the Dodrio's head fired orange beams at the Normal-Type, knocking it out with a single strike. Swellow surged across the room and used her talons to pin the trainer against the wall, as Falkner strode across the room. Falkner tied the final Rocket up, and left his Pokémon to watch them. As he went down the third floor, he found his Pidgeot sat with two more Rockets whom the Bird Pokémon had knocked out. Falkner hauled them up to the top floor to wait for Officer Jenny with the other Rockets.
After the Rockets had been arrested, Falkner put in a call to the Pokémon League. It was picked up by a receptionist, and he asked to be diverted to the Pokémon Master. Being a Gym-Leader, he was answered a few moments later by 'Champion'. Falkner proceeded to inform his superior of the resurfacing of Team Rocket, expecting to be ordered to keep watching them, potentially to see if they had a cadre based in Violet City. Instead he was bombarded with questions, regarding how they were discovered, their aims, and how many he had captured. Falkner answered as many as possible, and then confirmed that they were now in Officer Jenny's custody, so could be questioned further there. As the call ended, he returned to the Pokémon Center to visit the trainers that he had rescued, thinking about the degree of interest that the Pokémon Master was taking in the resurgence of Team Rocket. He hadn't expected such an immediate response. As he reached the Center, he pushed his thoughts to the back of his mind and strode through the doors.
A/N
Once again, I feel I should respond to a few of the reviews. It also give me an opportunity to thank those of you who are following this, and to especially thank those who are reviewing. I'll probably get into the swing of doing this every couple of chapters (Which I'm going to try to keep coming every few days, time permitting) Anyway, please keep reading and reviewing, it gives me something to think about whilst I write. I particularly enjoyed the guy who reviewed in Spanish after reading a story in English. To you, (who I will not name, but you shall be forever my Spanish friend) your more than welcome to review in any language Google Translate can translate for me, I am unfortunately not fluent in Spanish, but cheating is fun!
I also want to apologize for not actually revealing the last two original team members, as well as the rest of Ash's team. They will come out eventually I promise, but I'm working my way there.
So, to answer some reviews:
WhiteEagle1985 - I honestly am not sure about romance. There might be some with the other characters, whether Ash will get any will depend on how I develop the story later. Don't count on it, but we'll see.
LightRayPearlshipper - She probably should. However, for plot reasons, she can't. You'll see soon.
Grassy Nol - Ash does not have psychic powers. His Espeon does, and they will be developed as the story goes on. He can use aura, but none of his friends were able to work that out as he moved Golduck. Potentially his aura is acting like psychic, but that's just the way its going to go I'm afraid. As to organizations... I think this chapter answers that one.
AFan - Snorlax is one of Ashs original Pokémon, so I won't reveal yet if his Snorlax is one of the Pokémon that decided to stay and train. You're welcome to speculate as to who they are, but the ones that did have reasons to do so. For example, Charizard is a Pokémon that had an overwhelming desire to get stronger, and Ash was providing a means.
Thecactusman - You're going to have to wait for me to write to find out what Ash will do I'm afraid!