Hi everyone! I'm back with a new chapter today! There's a review I wanted to respond to because it had some interesting questions I wanted to answer.
An excerpt of review from Pokealec1963:
"questions: how close are we to the end?"
Re: We are about 65 -75% of the way into the story.
"Do you know how long the story will be?"
Re: It'll definitely be a while before we get to the end, we are still in the beginning of Volume III.
"How far do you have things planned out?"
Re: I have things more or less written down for the finale. I've been proofreading and making sure I don't rush the ending, and I may enlist the help of readers to try and come up with a good ending to the story. The worst thing I want to do is waste 10 years of work on this story only to have it end in a lackluster fashion.
"What are some reasons you had to start this, and what were your reasons to continue?"
Re: I was inspired to write this story from a few cosplay pictures I had made for Supercon 2013 in Miami, Florida. The character of Cy or "Ansel" was originally the inspiration for my cosplay: an Ex Team-Rocket Grunt that had gone astray and had found a Pikachu to accompany him during his escape. The original plot for 50,000 Volts was to have Cy as the MAIN character instead of Lucas and have Orion as a Pikachu Cy rescued in Viridian Forest. If you read the early chapters, you'll see how similar everything plays out compared to the 'original' draft mentioned above.
Another reason I made this story is fan art I saw on DeviantArt of a human who was turned into a Pikachu by Team Rocket who was attempting to escape their facility. Again, if you read chapter eleven you'll note the similarities.
The first version of this story came out not long before this current version on Deviant Art and is actually still there today! In the first version, Lucas is turned into a Pikachu and everything plays out similar as to how it does in the main story: except Orion and Cy, as well as many other OCS, don't exist. Bartoli, though, is still a central character in it. It's a short story that caught some people's attention on the site and I decided to rewrite it into a full-fledged novel and posted it here in the winter of 2013 while on vacation in the mountains of Georgia! The mountainous area of North-east Georgia served as an inspiration for what happens in Viridian Forest in Volume I of 50,000 Volts.
So, when I finally got around to writing the first few chapters: I COMBINED my first draft with Cy and Orion and Lucas being TFED into a Pikachu, into ONE full story…and that's how we have the 50,000 Volts everyone reads today!
I abandoned this story for a while because of school and writer's block. I couldn't bring myself to finish it, but eventually I got my head together and decided to come back and finish my flagship novel. I love this story WAY TOO DAMN MUCH for my own good. I even find myself rereading it from time to time. Again, my goal here is to finish 50,000 Volts and finish it good!
Whoa, that was a lot to be said in notes, I apologize, haha! Anyway, as said before this next part focuses on Lucas and Orion's group in Cerulean City/Bill's Cottage. I hope you enjoy this new chapter everyone!
...
Chapter fifty-five: A New Purpose
Our group left the small park in Cerulean City behind. We had gone to the Pokémon Center to help with our injuries from the battle with those Team Rocket Grunts. Jennifer used this opportunity to pick up her Eevee partner. As a human I knew the creature as "Eev" which is what Jen called her.
Anyways, it isn't long before our group leaves for the cottage soon after. I look out the window and see the terrain change to a more forested background. It's quiet in the car, with only the adults up front talking about nonsense. Jen is next to me and decides to break the silence about half an hour into our trip, "that was some awesome stuff you and Orion did back there."
I chuckled at this, "I've gotten…used…to it" I murmured softly.
She raised a lively brow back, "is that a hint of smug I'm sensing from you?" She laughed.
"I guess…Orion is…rubbing off…on me…" I rolled my eyes.
"Must be cool being able to talk to him" the girl said fondly, looking toward the sleeping Pikachu across from us, who is on the lap of an also unconscious Rigel.
"He's…helped me…a lot."
"You know" my ear flicks upon sensing her getting closer, her voice getting louder, "I may not understand him, but I know that he looks up to you."
I peep my head, gazing at Orion…before I finally look back to her, "Orion does…doesn't he…"
"If I were you, I would appreciate that quality from him."
"I…do…" I retort quietly as not to disturb the others, "I…want to help…them."
She scratched her chin in thought, and an idea crossed her mind, "you told me before that you helped Rigel win a badge in the Cerulean Gym, right?"
"His…first…" I nodded.
"Then why don't we go for the League?" My ears perked up at the mention of that word. What…she's not being serious…the Indigo League?
"Jen…eight badges…all over…Kanto, it's…challenging…"
"Should that notion stop Rigel? Think about this: you know Pokémon and Pokémon battles, you can help them win!"
"That'd…be cheating…"
"You're a Pokémon now, silly!" She laughed, almost hysterically which made me grunt a little…not going to lie, "as long as you don't talk to people!"
I rolled my eyes to her in response, but she giggled, "we're doing it."
"No…we're not…" I retorted, distastefully if I'm being honest, "out of the…question…"
"Yes! We! Are!" She fed off my responses with more persistence.
Eventually, we made it back to the cottage. By the time we had dinner, Jennifer just had to bring the topic up with everyone.
"Everyone, I have an idea while we wait to find a cure for Lucas."
The adults, Rigel and his Pikachu stare back at her, their interest perked.
"Rigel earned a badge, something not many kids can get on their first try" she explained.
"Yes Jennifer, and what about it?" George raised an eyebrow.
"Let me accompany Rigel and help him defeat the Gym Leaders while we wait for Bill to find a cure for Lucas here," she gestured to me, rubbing a hand on my head after…much to my slight disapproval.
"I'm not sure, honey?" May shook her head, turning to her husband for approval.
Rigel is immediately drawn by the idea. I suppose being a kid hanging around such a 'boring' place like this he felt like it was the best idea ever thought up, "It would sure beat waiting around and doing nothing, "Orion and I are ready!"
Orion can't help but copy his trainer's gestures, mirroring his confidence as always, "yes!" He squeaked.
"I'm not sure that's the best idea" George muttered to Jennifer and then to Rigel, "besides, the road to the Indigo League is a long and hard one, a journey that would see you travel all over the region. I'm not sure it's such a good idea given our current situation."
"But dad-"
"Do I need to mention Team Rocket also?" The father retorted.
Jen gets the latter's attention, trying her best to change his mind, "I'll be there with them, I may not have made it through the Sinnoh League all the way, but I can help guide him."
The parents look at each other, both unsure of what to say. George is adamant but May is still unsure about what to say.
Jennifer tries to add garnish to her conception quickly to try and win them over for Rigel, "plus, we'll be traveling in a group, and we can stay on the routes to avoid any problems."
"Lucas can come along too, he's tough and you guys know that!"
Bill scratches his chin, but like the other adults he looks to them for a response, but all three are quiet. Jen looks over and notices this, taking the initiative again, "if Bill finds a cure, we can send Lucas to you.
I shake my head, initially against this idea altogether, especially with our recent run in with Team Rocket. The parents and Bill, after talking amongst themselves, look back to face our group on the other side of the table, "we'll have to discuss the possibilities later" George finished.
"But dad…"
"Not now, Rigel, and the same goes to you Mrs. Jenson." George insisted. Rigel yielded, sitting back down. Silence fills the air before everyone goes back to eating. Jennifer gives an inward smile, her plan must have worked, for now there's a chance they might agree to it.
…
Later that night in the green parlor room, I am resting next to Jennifer as she's reading a book. Rigel and Orion are in the same room across from us…watching cartoons on the TV to pass the time. Suddenly, the girl, after having watched some of the adventures from the fictional characters on the show, turns to me, "you think they'll let us go?"
I rolled my eyes to her in response, "you just…want to go…around Kanto…to see all the…sights…and maybe…do a little…shopping…" I scoffed jokingly.
"True, but I'll be with you" she deadpanned, "we'll get to see the region together, 'ya know."
I look down, I can't fathom the idea…I just don't know what to think: going on an adventure after everything that happened in Viridian Forest and in Rigel's house. The teen, despite what happened, seemed pretty excited about the prospect.
"Come on Luc, didn't you want to do this when you were his age? Wasn't that the reason you came back to Kanto? You told me remember?"
"I know I…did…" I fold my arms, thinking to myself.
Suddenly, I felt a warm hand on my shoulder before I look up to Jen, "I know I told you I wouldn't be able to come...but I left everything in my life behind for you, Lucas. That's how much I care about you. My family understood, they know how much I care."
She softly gestures to Rigel with a free hand, "you can help guide them, I know you can, and I'll be there with you." She said with her heart, eyes gleaming.
I think about it…my dream WAS to be a Pokémon Master…a dream that was shattered when I was younger…and let's face it: becoming a trainer at my age is weird enough, and not very common. Rigel is a bit older than I was when I attempted the Indigo League. Perhaps…my dream CAN LIVE AGAIN and even be fulfilled through HIM!
I glance over to the teenage boy, focusing intensely on him for a moment…my mind is wracked with emotions. I did help him get the Cascade Badge earlier. Maybe this is meant to be…I DO want to help him and Orion. I might as well get my mind off everything too. Hell, maybe we'll find Bartoli while we're at it, however unlikely that may be of course…
Despite the change in my attitude towards Jennifer's idea to set off into a new adventure, it's ultimately not up to me.
Even now, George and Maybelline discuss the topic in private in their room. They spent quite some time in there, but after an hour or so…they finally made their decision.
That same night, both parents entered the parlor room where everyone but Bill currently was and they delivered their decision promptly.
"Rigel, your father and I have decided…"
George stepped forward. Everyone, including me, held their breath. The father fixes his tie and clears his throat, finally revealing, "we'll let you attempt the Indigo League again."
As soon as he muttered that Rigel and Orion, with their usual ebullient mannerisms, jumped up from the couch in explosive excitement. Jennifer smiled softly…figuring it would be the best for Rigel and me. I remembered at that point too that Rigel was already training for the Indigo League…now he can resume his mission to be a Pokémon Master.
The teen danced over to his dad and mom, hugging them both, never stopping to thank them until George interrupted, "now Rigel, your mother and I are laying down rules you should follow while out there with Jennifer Jenson."
"S-she's coming too?" The boy asked, a little surprised by it.
"You bet" she giggled as her and I left our seats to join the group.
Orion couldn't contain his excitement, "This is AWESOME!"
"We'll give you two money and supplies for the trip. First thing tomorrow we'll drop you off in Cerulean City."
"Thank you SO much!"
"No problem, bud."
May added in as they broke away from their hug, "we want you to be happy. We don't want you sheltered in and lose this opportunity."
Later that night, Jen and I are at the door to Rigel's bedroom. Jennifer has her side against the door frame as I'm by the entrance.
"I hope…we're making…the right choice…" I squeaked softly. Gosh, I hope my ability to speak to people improves because it's really getting on my nerves!
"I'm sure it'll work out, might as well have fun while you're like this, Lucas."
I shrug, "I guess…tomorrow we'll see."
"Goodnight Champ" Jen winks before going down the hall to get to her room. I head to bed. I get situated before staring up at the ceiling:
I guess it IS getting boring around here, and we have a solid group now. If I can get Rigel to train his Pokémon, catch new ones and help motivate Orion and the others this ought to end well for us. Then…a terrible thought had crossed me in that moment…what about Viridian Gym!? Giovanni controls the gym and he's the leader of Team Rocket! I'm sure he's gone now though…after everything that had happened…especially with Bartoli. We'll have to be careful. I might as well sleep…because our new adventure starts tomorrow…
…
The big day arrives, and everyone wakes up and gets ready. Rigel puts on his outdoor outfit: his gray and black long sleeve shirt with a white t-shirt underneath. He also dons caramel-color pants and gray boots. He slings his messenger bag around his shoulder to finish his set up.
Jen, meanwhile, wears her usual: her red baseball hat, red jacket and blue jeans. Like Rigel, she puts on a white tank top underneath.
As for me, I put on my blue goggles on my head and my gray necklace…figuring they ought to give me a more unique appearance as before.
Once everyone is ready, we make it to the car where we are met by none other than Bill.
"I hope you four manage to accomplish your goal, please do keep in touch" the older man said, smiling softly and sheepishly as we've come to know him to by.
"If anything happens, please come back here!" Rigel's mother said.
"We'll be around Cerulean City in an apartment complex, I'll give you the address once we arrive there" the father added, getting in the driver's seat.
Rigel's mother is staying behind with Bill for now, but soon she'll join George in the city.
"I will notify you of any updates from my research regarding Lucas Bright!" Bill had said, he walked up to the teenager, with Orion perched on the boy's shoulder, and hands him a disk-like belt. It's-it's an HM containing Cut!
"You may find this useful on your adventures, use it wisely and when needed."
Rigel takes it willingly and looks up, nodding confidently, "I will!"
"Please keep in touch!" Maybelline begged and we all respond in synch, "we will!"
"Come on kids, time to go" George muttered, turning on the ignition.
"Oh! By the way, if you manage to find any rare and exotic Pokémon, let me know!" Bill asked excitedly, waving goodbye to us. We wave back before taking one last look toward Bill's Cottage before finally setting off on our new journey!
As we drive through the forested road, we hear on the radio one of Jennifer's favorite artists and their rendition of Niji-iro Basu by Hikaru Utada. The girl happily swings her arm out the window in a happy fashion, and we can't help but mirror her cheerful disposition. The trip lasted about an hour…we're once again in Cerulean City and the others couldn't contain their excitement!
George parks beside the apartment where he and his wife will be staying in future days. He gets out to say his goodbyes, "alright everyone! Remember to have fun and stay out of trouble! Like your mother said Rigel, keep in touch and be careful. Keep an eye out, you two." He said as Jennifer and Rigel listened and nodded, "we will!"
"You can manage that, I trust?"
"Of course, dad!"
"Follow Jenson's example." Before George leaves however, he kneels toward the boy, "nothing makes me prouder than to see you happy like you are now, Rigel. If you don't win, if you don't make it through this…don't make it hard on yourself, be happy you took the chance. I love you son; you take good care now."
Rigel can't help but smile, a barely noticeable tear almost fell down his cheek in response. George rubs the top of his son's head before chuckling, "go get 'em, champ!" he waves to us before getting back in the car, driving off as we wave goodbye!
Soon after he leaves, we feel a calm breeze hit us as we four let this moment sink in.
"Can't believe this is happening right now…" Orion said, perched on Rigel's arm as I decide to rest on Jen's shoulder across from the other two.
"I admit, I am too. This is what you two want and we're doing it for you."
"Aren't you excited as well?" Orion tilted his head before I nodded slightly, "of course, even if I wasn't it feels good being out of that Cottage for a while."
"Well then…let's go!" Rigel said before jumping in the air excitedly. Jennifer does the same as Orion and I hang on to our respected humans.
I guess this is a new beginning, a new purpose for me, one that I'm sure I can look forward to fulfilling. I must…for his sake and mine…let's do this, let's get the last seven badges and win this thing!
Our group starts making our way through the city as the sun rises above Cerulean in a spectacular glare, giving light to the path we must take to begin our journey to the Indigo League! Let's go!
…
I hope you all enjoyed this latest chapter! Looks like this ought get more interesting from here!
A note: if you noticed from the earlier chapters when Rigel won the Cerulean badge that that specific chapter took place just before Episode seven of the original Anime, you'll know that Ash and the others aren't that far from Lucas and the group. The end of this chapter is actually leading into the thirteenth episode of the Pokémon Anime "Mystery at the Lighthouse" where Ash and company reach the cottage. So that means Lucas and the others, including the parents, left a day…maybe more, before the Anime gang arrive and see Bill!
Anyway, take care everyone and I'll see you next time!
