[Cues: Cowboy Bebop OST – Goodbye Julia]
The Outsider's Insurrection
Indigo Iliad
Chapter 121: An Iliad's Last Verse
Translated Pokémon Speech
Pokédex Entries/Computerized Voices/Flashbacks
Reference to an Accessory in the Games
-o-
(Scarlet City | July 4th | 8:00 a.m.)
He had stayed longer than he expected, but today was the day for him to leave Kanto. Well, not alone…Amelia was going with him. At the moment, Crimson had been making sure his things were packed as did Amelia.
"So, you'll be making a new team there?" Amelia asked. "Maybe I should give that a shot."
"Good thing because I was holding onto a gift for you…a Popplio." Crimson said, giving her the ball. "A leftover from the starters not picked."
"Oh Crimson, how sweet." Amelia said as they were heading downstairs.
Shenhua and Federica had come to attention. The funny thing is he had forgotten about them as he was busy teaching, so Amelia had acted on his behalf days ago…making them junior maids. Except for Lotton, who Cassidy had asked Amelia to have him work his debt off by working in her bakery. He was more than happy to leave Shenhua and Federica to their fate…especially realizing he was getting paid, and Cassidy seemed to have an interest in him. As for the two girls, Amelia had trained them in all things in the duties of being a maid. Even managed to get Shenhua speaking English that was broken. Of course, Crimson let Shenhua wear the cheongsam…and made it the required outfit that Federica had to wear. Federica was a blushing mess wearing it giving her legs and arms didn't see a lot of sunlight…that it being a short version of it.
"Master Crimson, the helicopter is here to take you to Vermillion." Shenhua said. "Have a safe trip to Hoenn."
"Keep an eye on the house and the Pokémon. They'll be watching you. Especially Masachika." Crimson said as both girls nodded. "And don't forget to look after Cristal. Aside from that, thank you for your service."
"Before we go, I have a surprise. I got Federica a larynx and trachea transplant two days ago." Amelia said as Crimson and Shenhua balked. "Well Federica, what do you say to the say."
Federica blushed and said thank you.
"Well that was a surprise. Did you-"
"I paid for it myself. I got plenty of money and I saw that collar with the voice box was itching her neck. So I just took her out to get her voice fixed along with those scars best I could." Amelia said casually. "Now come on, let's go."
"One last thing, I asked Cristal to hold onto a gift I have for all three of you. Normally, I'm hesitant to give you this… but given my Pokémon needs and Amelia's vouching. It's best you have it…since I've all make sure all my maids and staff have it." Crimson said.
Crimson and Amelia left as the two maids sighed in relief. Crimson had bid Cristal goodbye.
"Damn…I can't believe she did that for you. And why do you sound like me with an American accent." Shenhua asked.
"I don't even remember what I originally sounded like before my throat was cut up." Federica admitted.
"At least they're gone…" Shenhua said slumping on a couch. "At least we won't be seeing them for a while."
"You know this is our lives now…" Frederica remarked. "Just serving that brat for the rest of our lives."
"Oh wow, a cushy job, an allowance, and a room in a mansion. You have it so hard." Cristal said sarcastically from the couch. "Besides, didn't he promote you to bodyguard. Even got you new kukris."
Ironically, Cristal found it funny that she was not wholly hypocritical. Cristal's job was basically his 'escort' when needed…she did technically have 'maid-esque' duties, but she was not going to full the bodyguard and the junior maid that. Not when Crimson gave her permission to give them reasonable orders.
"Bodyguard? You kidding me, right? You're literally his personal sex toy." Shenhua snarked.
"And? I keep him happy, be good company both in and out of that…and I get a nice place to stay and cash in pocket. Working for him isn't so bad…I used to think he was a cocky brat, but he's a brainy one. And why would I complain on his…he can dick me down really good. Better than most of the men in the States. I wasn't faking those orgasms you heard yesterday." Cristal said as Frederica looked pensive.
"What the fuck, but he's…"
"Legal here. And I'll put it there…he'll be a real monster in the sack when he gets older." Cristal said.
Shenhua was seriously wondering if this was her life now.
"Rica, I'd like a shoulder massage." Cristal said leaning back.
The goth junior maid got to work as Cristal let out a groan of pleasure.
"From for what it's worth, just do your job and you'll find the benefits are worth it. Hell, you have it easy…Crimson practically owns the island…and no hood is stupid enough to come here to cause problem…especially with his Pokémon here to help protect the place. You now have your own Pokémon to help you do things…look I'll help you…at least we need to get along." Cristal said before revealing a bottle of Pecha Berry wine. "Snatched this from Crimson's mini-fridge."
Fuck it, Shenhua thought. She got glasses.
"So what was the thing Crimson had for us?" Shenhua asked as Cristal got the box out and opened.
"Holy shit, it's translators…" Cristal said seeing three pairs and two note.
One was instructions on how to put them on and the second was for Cristal thanking her. Cristal helped everyone get them on.
"Translators?" Frederica asked.
"Yeah, the Pokémon have their own speak. This device lets you understand as if it was clear English." Cristal remarked. "I can still you this stuff is something he doesn't trust with anyone."
"You're right…and we'll be watching you." Lil' Swish said surprising them.
Lil' Swish trotted up and jumped into Frederica's lap demanding to be petted. She realized that knowing what the Pokémon were saying only just made her job harder…given she had less excuses to screw up. Cristal was not complaining…being a chatty gossip…she had the inside scoop now.
-o-
(Vermillion City | July 4th | 8:30 a.m.)
Of course, Crimson's friends all came to see him off. Misty had even come with her family as everyone had meet up at the Pokémon Center a bit of a going away party.
"Joe, enjoy your flight to France." Rusty said as Joe fist-bumped.
"It'll be a bore." Joe said.
"About that…my dad is coming down to Kanto to see us." Sissi said. "As for my friends, they'll be coming another way soon."
"Oh, really? What changed?" Joe asked.
"Well, it's Summer break. My dad got a minor lotto win, and he wanted a vacation. So he's coming down for a week's vacation." Sissi said as Joe sighed. "So, it worked that we got that place."
Joe and Rusty have a few places over Kanto now. Of course, they had rooms at the Seacrest Mansion Crimson had…but that was basically Black Dragon headquarters. They had gotten a house to share in Viridian City when they wanted to stay the night after visiting Professor Tree, the fact it was Ethelinda's old home was icing on the cake for them. It was small potatoes compared to the swanky condos in Scarlet City and the much nicer houses in Crimson City they bought. Rusty had even gotten a place on the Sevii Island in the same neighborhood as Crimson's place. The triplets were beyond happy to have space away from Ivy…even though she would frequently come over from her apartment on Six Island. Joe had gotten a place in the Sevii Islands…on Three Island. Namely Lucky's old house given he was moving out to Kanto's mainland.
"Several. We really made it…" Joe said as Rusty nodded. "So, you settling into teaching at Kassai?"
"Part time." Rusty said. "I still want to travel around. But it'll be really you and me again. Like old times."
"I see you guys are doing well for yourselves now." Crimson said happily.
"You'll be missed man." Rusty said.
"We'll travel together again soon…I'd say three years from now." Crimson said cryptically. "There'll be something for us, enemies to fight, and a region to save."
Crimson went on over to his people from Pallet Town. Woodward had gone on a spiel, but he noticed that his wife was not with him. So, Crimson turned to Ash.
"You're going through Johto next?" Crimson asked.
"Yup, going to start fresh with just Pikachu. I'll be traveling with Ritchie, we're going to make whole new teams and try for the Johto League." Ash said.
"You know they share similar Elite Four to the Kanto League right?" Crimson remarked. "Technically, Lance is still the Champion of Johto."
"It'll be fine…you do your best in Hoenn." Ash said as Ritchie gave him the thumbs up. "Either way, we're leaving. Later, Crimson. Don't forgot you owe me a battle."
"Someday, Ash." Crimson said as watched Ash and Ritchie leave.
"Gary! I heard you're the new Viridian Gym Leader. Congrats!" Crimson said shaking Gary's hand.
"What can I say…I found my calling as a Gym Leader and part-time researcher. And Ella wanted to help Viridian City rebuild…" Gary said as Ella looked rather serene on his arm.
"Gary, you absolute chad." Crimson said as Gary smirked. "Hope that battling drive is still burns."
"With blue flames." Gary boasted.
"Good luck on your journey, Crimson." Ella said before giving Crimson a gift. "Here. I hear in Hoenn has a desert so I figured you need a pair of Go-Googles."
Crimson accepted it thanking them both before moving on. Lindsay had dragged him into a closet with his face deep into her chest.
"I'm going to miss you, you know." Lindsay said.
"You too, Lindsay. So, what are you planning on doing?" Crimson asked.
"Well, getting the rest of the Kanto badges…and maybe consider meeting you up in Hoenn someday." Lindsay said teasingly. "I have to admit you'd make for a real hot teacher."
"Starting to regret banging you on that desk…" Crimson teased.
"Didn't you and Giselle…"
Crimson cut her off citing a gentleman after kisses and tells. However, Lindsay asked about Amelia.
"I haven't…" Crimson said. "She's a sweetheart."
"You keep being you, okay." Lindsay said before kissing him before leaving the closet.
Crimson came wiping lipstick off his face only to run into the Lagoon Crew. He was glad to hear the crew was back together finding work in running jobs in Sevii…and he chuckled to see Revy and Rock still together…still in matching together. He was glad to see Revy more likely to smile and just be happy. He noticed an engagement ring on a chain around her neck, but he did not bring it up.
"Sofiya, glad you came. How you been?" Crimson asked coming up to Hotel Moscow.
"Good, business interests are coming along. Given how bad things seem to be getting in the homeland makes me realize leaving the mafiya business was a blessing in disguise. Russian styled alcohol is in demand." Sofiya said before petting her Luxray. "And I finally got this darling to evolved. But I have something for you to replace your damaged knife."
Balalaika presented three combat knives, but it was no ordinary blade.
"NRS-2s. Me and my group used these in." She said as he took them.
"Thanks, Sofiya! Much appreciated." Crimson said. "I'm sure Kanto will be good hands."
"I'll keep an eye out…and about the Roanapour Mafia. I wouldn't worry about them…they're history." She said as Crimson left.
Oak had given him some words of wisdom and let him know that Birch was expecting him. Mei had come to let him know that X Incorporated was having talks with Silph Company.
"My handiwork got noticed and your ideas for an improved 'smart phone' was complete genius. Thanks for letting me peep at that phone's UI of yours. In a few years' time, we'll have PokéGear X taking the world by storm!" Mei said before hugging him. "We'll be big shots. But I got something for you…seeing I heard you were going to Hoenn. PokéNavs are on the rage there, so I want you to have one that I've made myself. I call it the PokéNav Plus, it's a prototype I've been making. Don't worry, it's not an X Incorporated…I'm working to be independent soon enough. Don't worry, I got your maid a regular Nav."
Crimson gladly took it as Mei left. He went up to Misty and her family next.
"Hoenn has plenty to do, Crimson. So, I want you have this…a Hidden Machine for Dive. I've been to Hoenn and have done plenty of diving with my Pokémon there. Also take this rebreather…you'll need it too." Kishi said before he took them. "We wish you the best."
"And thank you for mentoring Griswald's boy. He and I worked together on a mission in the past…" Hiroshi said cooly.
"You'll be missed…" Misty said wistfully.
"What? No goodbye kiss…or did you had one last roll in the hay?" Violet asked.
"And? Even if I did…it's something you're not getting. You can pull whatever guy you want…your ego won't rest because I never caved to you, Lily, or Daisy. I got plenty of women…but none of them were you." Crimson said before turning around and walking off.
"Yeah well…your dick's probably small." Violet snarked trying to save face.
Misty gave her a side eye which the other two sisters saw that Crimson was most likely packing. Bill was in a corner with Marie chatting as Crimson greeted them.
"So, you're going to Hoenn…let me just say. Seek out my friends and fellow programmers for the Pokémon storage network. Ayumi Lanette and Brigette. They live in the higher parts in Hoenn, a little off from Fallabor Town. They've been working upgrading the storage system thanks to your help with Celio." Bill said before giving a bow. "Thank you for all your aid for the Pokémon Storage System, fellow developer."
"I only got the power source." Crimson said humbly.
"That's still important, regardless." Marie said. "It's thanks to you that Bill and I got together."
"By the way, where's Maylin and Chad?" Crimson asked as Bill laughed.
"Maylin's getting a checkup…she's pregnant. Busted condom." Bill said as Crimson laughed. "Wasn't even a local brand…it was cheap imports from the outside."
"It worked out…Maylin and Chad love each other…and they've opting for a shotgun wedding. Doing a double wedding with Teruo and his girl." Marie said.
"As long as their heart's fully in for it." Crimson said sagely. "Where's Lee?"
"Doctor's appointment. That's why she called you yesterday." Marie said before Crimson nodded.
He went off to look for others only for Ash to run in.
"Sorry, I almost forgot. My mom told me to give this to you." Ash said giving him a folded letter.
"Thanks…hope you didn't have to run back." Crimson remarked.
"Nope. With my mom doing her new job selling sportswear, he got me and Ritchie Mach Bikes from Hoenn." Ash said excitedly before leaving. "Sorry about the letter. See ya!"
Ash took off as Crimson opened the letter.
'Sorry, I couldn't make it. Had a work thing that's ending near lunch…I'll be home by then. I have something for you…and we need to talk. I suggest you deal with everyone else first before coming to see me. – Delia P.S. Trash this letter when you're done reading.'
He did as instruct and wondered what Delia wanted. Given he and Amelia weren't leaving until late in the afternoon, he figured he'd get a move on. Mary had already come over for dinner yesterday at his place, so she was at home skipping the party. Giselle had come with the Recess bunch who were all sad to see him go.
"Don't fret too bad…when you all become trainers. The regions are your oyster." Crimson said before his phone rang. "Excuse me."
Crimson went outside to answer the phone.
"Moshi moshi." Crimson said before hearing Linka's voice. "Linka, hey…didn't expect you to call."
"Sadly, it's not a pleasant call. Naru Narusegawa escaped prison…and so has DNAmy. Someone busted DNAmy out…be very wary, Crimson." Linka said before hanging up.
"Shit." Crimson said. "Probably going to have to Mitsu-"
"Crimson."
Crimson turned to see Gretchen there.
"Yeah, Gretchen?" Crimson asked before she gave him a slip of paper with a phone number on it.
"Call me sometime." Gretchen said before leaving him alone.
Crimson added the number before telling Amelia that he was taking off to handle some business and would be back soon. Given the only Pokémon he had hand on was the Torchic that he was still deciding on a name for, he had Dex Bulma send him Kimiko for him to fly off to Pallet Town.
[Cues: Pokémon HGSS OST – Pallet Town]
In a short flight became returning to his hometown. It had hit him as he returned Kimiko upon landing how long it had since he was even in this town long-term. Since his departure, he only really stayed in town for short periods of time. But he supposed that was life for him now. He noticed Pallet House was quite busy. No surprise given Delia didn't have to run day to day operation now. He arrived at the Ketchum house and entered through the open door to find Delia there…looking sheepish.
"Delia." Crimson said, closing the door behind him.
"Well, I wanted to say I got you a care package. A new outfit for you to wear while in Hoenn along with a new hat." Delia said pointing over to a package on the coffee table. "And I was thinking about…that time. I messed up, I…"
"It's ok-"
"No, it's not. I was being a bit selfish." Delia said with a firmer tone. "I shouldn't have done it…"
"Sleeping with me or calling me by my dad's name." Crimson asked. "Because I was consenting and so were you…"
"It's the second…and it's a bit of the first. I know that it's all good, but I feel I did your parents wrong." Delia admitted. "And I feel I was just using-"
"Delia, if I wanted to fuck you, I would have said no. But I didn't…" Crimson said, assuring. "Don't forgot, our tango was a two-person job."
"You're not feeling guilty because of-"
"No! Why would I? Ash doesn't need to who I did…neither should he have to worry about you. What reason would I have to tell you? Or for you to tell him?" Crimson said plainly. "And look if what you did the first time really bothered me, I would have said something. I made my peace with the fact that my parents are likely dead. I had a year as a shut-in to mourn and process my grief. That's why when I came to start my journey…I did it with gusto. They did everything they could to prepare me…so, I'll keep moving forward."
Inwardly, Crimson was not going to rule out the possibility they were likely alive…just not around in the present. Given the world of Pokémon, for all he knew…they could be trapped in the past, another timeline, the future, or another dimension. It would be ironic if they were isekai'd like he was, he thought, a twisted cosmic joke.
Delia had looked him in the eyes before calming down.
"You're serious…I think you were pretending to sound mature." Delia said. "But it seems I was wrong to think that…I guess I still wasn't treating you like you weren't had grown up."
"Sorry, I thought you called me here for a booty call." Crimson said as Delia was red-faced.
"Oh no, I couldn't…" Delia said. "I haven't been on birth control in a while and I'm ovulating. Besides, I think I rather you when you a bit older."
That part slipped out, but Crimson seemed unbothered by that. He simply bid her farewell and left with the package. Delia slumped into a chair after getting a bottle of aged whiskey out of the fridge. Part of her was kicking herself for not taking him up to the bedroom…another part of her was kicking her for leaving the hint she wanted him older.
"Kaida, I only hope you and Brandon can forgive me…." Delia said drinking straight from the bottle. "Even if part of me doesn't regret it."
She blushed a deeper shade of red. Crimson had returned to the family home, one last time.
"I guess I'm leaving again…this time out of the region." Crimson said taking a family photo. "You raised me, taught me to fight, and gave me the tools to make a life for myself. For that I am grateful."
[Cues: Nightshift TV – Drive Forever (slowed + reverbed)]
"How poetic…"
Crimson turned to see Kyoko, coming in. She looked all dolled up in bright red dress with low-cut straps, a high silt, black stockings, and red heels.
"I didn't expect you to be here." Kyoko said. "But I suppose the timing couldn't be better. You didn't know, but me and Woodward had a quiet divorce while you were in the hospital. I only stayed for the kids…after that I was done being a trophy wife." Kyoko said quietly. "I saw you come out her house. I always figured some-"
"She just gave me a package." Crimson said icily. "What do you want, Mrs. Oak?"
"Miss now. Me and Woodward had divorced while you were in the hospital…it was finalized today." Kyoko said. "I'm single again…and seeing that…"
"Not interested." Crimson said firmly. "Not interested in a fling or anything with you. Quite frankly, you piss me off as much as Woodward. Probably more than him given you just gave up on parenting and spent your time under the bottle. Hell, when Gilbert was in the hospital, you didn't even bother to see him! I know Woodward sees him as a failure…but what's your excuse?"
Kyoko could not answer as Crimson put the framed photo down. She did not want to admit she was on a bender that day, but Crimson did not need to hear her say it. Her eyes were enough…and she turned to leave closing the door behind her. He could hear her car drive away as Crimson's shoulders slump.
[Music Ends]
"Damn, I almost forgot about the Bulbasaur. I should take that with me." Crimson said before using his Dex to bring Garth to his active team.
His phone rang, which he heard Amelia's voice when he answered.
"I didn't get cold feet, Amelia. I'm just walking down memory lane, one last time before leaving." Crimson said. "And I'm thinking I got a name for the Torchic…oh you got a name for Popolio. Oh, so you won't tell me until we get there. All right, you can be that way. I'll be on my way soon." Crimson said hanging up.
Then his phone rang again…this time from an unknown number.
"Hello…"
"Crimson Ryuseigan."
"Who wants to know?" Crimson asked pensively.
"A friend of Rock's and the reason you have the Italian mafia on your ass."
"Go on." Crimson said calming down.
"I don't have a lot of time, but you got an organization who wants you dead in Hoenn. Sigma Purple…"
"Never heard of it." Crimson remarked.
"You can do homework on that another time, but what you really need to be they got spies in two other teams in Hoenn, Team Magma and Team Aqua. Also managed to absorb in some members from one of Hotel Moscow's branches…the Japan one. Half a dozen, and three are more administrative than combatants. But really, the big thing is they have hired on five assassins to kill you…two of them people you've sent off to prison."
"Naru and DNAmy…what about the other three?" Crimson asked.
"Some woman dressed up as a pirate claiming to be Henry Morgan's ancestor…one of the Hotel Moscow's former snipers called the Devil's Wind, and some mini-maid from the Lovelace family."
That got Crimson on high alert. Depending on the circumstances, she was either still in one piece after killing those Americans or crippled.
"I thought she was rumored to be crippled." Crimson said.
"She is, but Sigma Sky has the means to repair her body. But they're not doing it to keep her and Garcia under their thumb."
"I had a feeling that the good times for them would end soon…and add the fact that their best guard dog is crippled." Crimson remarked. "But do have an idea where their base is?"
"Sigma Purple forced them to work for them or they'd make it public Roberta was crippled. And no…as a tech person, they had me work remote. The only reason I'm even able to get this information was because the idiots gave the laptop and Pokémon of the last tech person they had because they capped them. I'm already trashed the laptop, but I'm keeping his Pokémon."
"Why help me?" Crimson said. "A way to get safe passage into Kanto."
"That and I'm not stupid. I've been looking into you…and I realized that I don't have no desire or want to get in your way or be on your shitlist. Moment I found out I complied the intel I could get and called Rock to get your number so I can call you while I'm boarding a ship for location unknown…to you. Good luck, kid."
She hung up on him.
"Shit." Crimson said.
"I assume that's bad." Neo said, opening the front door.
"It's a shit show. What do you know about Sigma Purple?" Crimson asked as Neo sighed.
"Sky pirates. One of the oldest villainous teams out there, they'd use Flying Pokémon to terrorize the land, sea, and skies. They're kinda the reason the League has badge restrictions on using Fly…at least in Hoenn. They don't fuck with Kanto or Johto. Especially with Lance around…you on their shit list basically is making Hoenn a no-go zone, but you're going anyway." Neo said.
[Cues: Grand Theft Auto III OST – Ending Theme]
"Yup. And I'm using the Wind Wave to get to Hoenn so it'll be at the a few weeks on sea." Crimson said.
"Not if you use the right routes. I'll get your captain a map…that'll cut it to sixteen days at the most. And a flying Pokémon for him to use to get you and your maid into Hoenn undetected…got a place you want to be dropped off in?"
"Littleroot Town." Crimson remarked.
"Noted." Neo said. "You should get back to Vermillion and get ready to go a bit earlier than planned."
As Neo left, Crimson looked back at the family photo.
"Time for a new region and another adventure…I'll do you proud." Crimson said before leaving himself.
(A/N: And here we are, the end of the Iliad at last. It was an honor to write this story and really expand the games that I love so much. A side series? Possible. Sequel, absolutely. But before I reveal details about that. Let me give some commentary. Originally, I had considered a lemon between Crimson and Delia, but I realized while Crimson would be up for it…Delia not so much given her issues that she has to sort out. Kyoko and Woodward divorcing was planned…and I did consider revealing he already had a housekeeper pregnant, but I cut it. The scene with Gretchen was going to be a bit longer but I cut it short because I didn't like the original plan that I had in mind for it. As for who called Crimson to warn him, she is a Black Lagoon character…specifically one from the manga (manga readers will pick up who she is). And yeah, Crimson is 'starting over' to make a new team, only going to Hoenn with just two Pokémon. Don't worry, his old Pokémon do have a shot at returning…just not in the near future. But it's funny, the Pokémon anime has finally ended the Ash and Pikachu story after 23 years…it was practically my childhood. So, what does this mean going forward? Well given my plans for it…things are definitely going to change. Some plotlines from the anime are going to be cut, reworked, or used. But look forward to it, it'll be a wild ride. And yes, there is going to be a short timeskip.)
The Outsider's Insurrection: Indigo Iliad
End
(May 14, 2019 – August 1, 2023)
Next Time: The Outsider's Insurrection: Amalgamation Emerald (or Hymns of Hoenn)
(A/N2: And as a special thank you, one more Omake Oasis chapter will be released…functioning as an epilogue of sorts.)