Hello Fanfiction Readers! How have you guys been doing? I'm doing fine. Anyway, if you've noticed, there isn't a chapter on either Emolga the Irresistible and Emolga and the New Volt Switch. The reason for that being, they felt bland to me. I didn't think I could really do anything with them. Mainly though I think I just wanted to skip ahead to this chapter. After all, I feel this episode has a lot more potential given the story. Well, I digress. Let's get the show on the road!
Disclaimer: -Panting- Well...I found...the Disclaimer...but it seems...I lost...it again.
Pokémon Black and White
Chapter Twenty-Three
Normal Point of View
"What a scorcher!" Ash complained.
"Sure is!" Cilan agreed.
"I don't know, doesn't seem all that bad to me." Misty said.
"Well, maybe that's because you're using Marill's Bubble Beam to cool you off." Ash said.
"A Water-type Pokémon Trainer would be prepared in these situations." Misty said.
"So, where's a good rain storm to cool things off when you need one?" Ash pondered.
Ash's disposition then changed when he felt something.
"Thanks Misty." Ash said as Marill was using Bubble Beam on him. He then wrapped his arm around her shoulders. "I needed that."
"Anytime Ash." Misty said. "Although, your constant whining was getting on my nerves."
"That's a dangerous place to be." Ash said with a sweat-drop.
Iris, busy in her own world, sniffed the air twice.
"A south wind..." She said before pointing a finger up at the sky. "and the scent of water! We're getting rain for sure!"
"Hold on." Ash said before looking up at the sky. "How do you know?"
"I know." Iris said simply.
"Well, where're the storm clouds?" Ash asked. "'Kay, if it rains a drop, I'll walk on my hands. Right, Pikachu?"
"Pikachu Pikapi!" ("Right Ash!")
"Careful Ash." Misty said. "You might regret those words."
"Well, mark my words, it'll rain!" Iris said.
In correlation to the statement, a flash of lightning and a boom of thunder appeared.
"Uh-oh..." Ash said.
"I wonder if Lugia's flapping its wings again." Misty said jokingly.
"Told you!" Iris said after blue lightning appeared on the clouds and rain began to descend.
"No way!" Ash commented.
The rain then started to come down harder, prompting the teens to run away.
"We've got to get out of this!" Cilan exclaimed.
"Oh sure, I'm certain they have a hotel or something around here." Misty said sarcastically.
"Anyway, Cilan's right!" Ash shouted.
After a few seconds of running, Iris noticed something. "Look, what's that?"
"A house!" Cilan said. "Let's head over there!"
"Well, looks like there is a place around here." Misty said.
XXXXXXX
"Hello?" Ash asked as they stood at the front door. Ash then pounded on the door twice. "Anybody in there?"
"Hello?" Cilan inquired. "Anyone home?"
"May we come in, please?" Iris said.
"Doesn't look like anyone is." Misty said.
Before Ash could pound on the door again, it creaked open.
"Well that's odd." Ash said.
"You think?" Misty said.
XXXXXXX
"It would appear we have visitors Shauntal." A masculine voice said as he watched four teenagers and their Pokémon walk into the mansion.
"It would seem so Grimsley." A feminine voice - Shauntal - said. "What a more perfect setting for a story than that of an eerie mansion as a storm rages outside."
"You and you're story metaphors and the like." Grimsley griped. "Sometimes they get on my nerves."
"Oh, I know you don't mean that." Shauntal said as she kissed Grimsley's cheek before looking at him. "I know how you love to hear me go on about my novels."
Grimsley relinquished a resigned smile. "Yeah, I suppose you're right about that."
"Of course I am." Shauntal said knowingly. "And who else would I call upon to proofread my magnificent scene of prose?"
"'Magnificent scene of prose'?" Grimsley repeated, raising an eyebrow. "And as for who else you could call upon, there is always the other three members of our group."
"Oh sure, I like them to read my stories too." Shauntal said, waving her hand dismissively.
"However...I sense a 'however' coming in." Grimsley said.
"How perceptive." Shauntal said. "However, I always like you to read them first."
"Then I suppose I should be honored." Grimsley said, making an exaggerated motion of bowing.
"And honored you shall be." Shauntal said with a bit of a dramatic flair.
She then placed her book that she carried everywhere with her on both of his shoulders.
"And what exactly would this entail in your story?" Grimsley inquired. "Does this make me 'the knight in shining armor who rescues the fair princess'?"
"Don't be silly." Shauntal scoffed playfully. "Besides, it would be more like a dragon protecting the fair maiden. Or a princess liberates herself. Personally, I'm more inclined to the latter."
"Oh right, how silly of me." Grimsley said in mock self-admonishment. "One thing you love most about your stories is how you always subvert what is expected."
"I do enjoy that." Shauntal said. "I find it more interesting that way."
"I most certainly agree." Grimsley said, kissing Shauntal's cheek tenderly.
"Always the gentleman, aren't you?" Shauntal said.
"Of course." Grimsley replied. "Although..."
"Although what?" Shauntal inquired.
"I find my politeness more refined and pronounced when I'm with you." Grimsley answered.
"I wouldn't imagine it any other way." Shauntal said before she kissed him.
XXXXXXX
"Uh, is anybody here?" Ash inquired as they had entered the mansion.
"We need shelter until it stops raining!" Cilan said.
"If you wouldn't mind!" Iris added.
"If there is anyone here to mind it." Misty commented.
"I guess there's no one home..." Cilan said.
Team Rocket's Point of View
"So...the twerp." Jessie said. "I didn't expect to see him here."
"Nor did I!" James said. "And of course, it's after finding the perfect out-of-the-way spot for our super-secret hideout."
"Hey, do you see that?" Meowth interjected.
"What?" James inquired.
"It looks like the twerp is traveling with the red-headed twerp again." Meowth answered.
"Well what do you know." Jessie said. "I always thought those two were a couple."
"Them being here is just perfect though." Meowth griped. "We just got communications up and running."
"I'm afraid this turn of events could ruin the whole thing." Jessie said.
The Team Rocket Trio then let out an exasperated sigh.
"Those twerps." James said. "They're always putting a crimp in our style!"
"I'm sick of them!" Meowth added.
"Oh, I've got it!" Jessie exclaimed. "We'll capture Pikachu first and then chase those losers away from here!"
"Of course, we could leave the operation up to the Litwick." James said as they looked back at the Pokémon in question. Eight Litwick were playing with Yamask.
"Right!" Jessie said. "After all, they've been living here a long time."
"And they'll do whatever Yamask tells them to do!" Meowth added.
"Hey!" James called to get Yamask's attention. "Oh, Yamask!"
"Yamask?" ("What is it?")
"Would you tell Litwick to catch Pikachu and then chase away the twerp and his friends, quickly?" James said.
"Ya!" ("Yes sir!") Yamask then saluted his Pokémon Trainer before returning to the Litwick.
"Ya Ya Yamask!" ("Litwick, assist us!")
"Li Litwick!" ("Affirmative!") The Litwick then made little salutatory gestures before following Yamask.
XXXXXXX
"Hello?" Ash asked after opening a door.
"This place looks deserted." Iris commented.
"You're right," Cilan agreed. "but we've got to stay here until the rain stops. We can explain things later."
"For a deserted place this mansion looks to be in fairly good condition." Misty said.
XXXXXXX
"Man, what a downpour." Ash commented as they sat in the middle of the red carpet leading from the stairs to the door.
"See?" Iris said, putting her hands on her hips. "It's just like I told you!"
"With your natural senses, I'm not surprised!" Cilan said.
"Axew ew!" ("Amazing indeed!")
"Seems to be like a coincidence to me." Misty said.
"Guess we were wrong." Ash said. "Weren't we, Pikachu?"
"Pika Pika Pikachu Pika Pika." ("I don't know what you're talking about.")
"Geez, thanks Pikachu." Ash said sarcastically.
"Pikapi." ("Ash.") The Mouse Pokémon then rolled his eyes before giving Ash a little electric shock.
"Yeah, I know Pikachu." Ash said, scratching Pikachu's head and elicting a happy "cha".
"So, I'm keeping my promise!" Ash exclaimed before standing up.
"Pikachu!" ("Me too!")
Ash and Pikachu then stood on their hands and paws respectively.
"You don't have to do that, really." Iris said, her facial expression showing she was not amused.
"Who knows though," Misty said, shrugging. "The blood rushing to his head might put some sense into him."
"Hey!" Ash said indignantly, now standing up. "What do you mean by that?"
"What I mean is that you tend to do irrational and headstrong things sometimes." Misty commented.
"You say that like it's a bad thing!" Ash shouted.
"Well maybe it is!" Misty shouted back, standing up herself as Marill was now standing next to Pikachu.
"Marill Marill." ("Looks like they're at it again.") The Aqua Mouse Pokémon said with a sweat-drop.
"Pikachu, Pikapi Pika Pikachupi Pikachu." ("Yeah, Ash and Misty never learn.") The Mouse Pokémon said with a sweat-drop.
"Uh, guys." Cilan began, holding his hands up in a placating manner. "Is now really the time to be arguing?"
"Yeah, arguing is for little kids." Iris said with a sweat-drop.
"I hardly say what we're doing is arguing." Misty said, crossing her arms as she glared at Ash.
"And we are not little kids!" Ash added, also crossing his arms but turning away from Misty.
"Could've fooled me." Iris said, shrugging.
Ash then turned back around, first glaring at Iris before glaring at Misty. Between Ash's and Misty's eyes one could think they saw lightning.
Ash then burst into laughter. "They got a point though."
Misty then couldn't help but laugh too. "I wonder how many people we've annoyed with our arguing."
"All I know is that that was a bit silly." Iris commented.
Before anyone could comment, a window opened up.
"Say, the wind's really picked up." Cilan commented.
Cilan then walked over to close it.
"That should do it. Good!" Cilan exclaimed.
"Or not." Misty said after the window reopened.
"What was that?" Ash inquired.
A table nearby with a vase then started to shake. It then ran across the room, nearly hitting Ash, Misty, and Iris.
"Are you okay?" Cilan asked after coming over.
"Yeah, I'm fine." Iris said.
"Well, actually, I was talking about all of you." Cilan said sheepishly.
"What is going on?" Ash wondered, referring to the moving table.
"Something about this place gives me the creeps." Iris commented.
"What are you talking about?" Ash asked.
"I kind of feel like we're being watched." Iris said.
"By who?" Ash asked.
"I'm not sure." Iris said.
Unbeknownst to the teens, they were being watched. Specifically by Litwick.
"Now hold on." Cilan said. "That was just wind!"
"Could the wind move such a heavy object like that?" Iris asked.
Cilan merely sweat-dropped.
"It's the Nacrene City Museum all over again." Ash griped, bringing a hand down his face. "It was then that Ash noticed something behind Iris.
"Oh man..." Ash said with a sweat-drop, a dark hue to his forehead. Pikachu looked very much the same in that regard.
"Hmm?" Cilan wondered before letting out a gasp. He now was also purple in the forehead and sweat-dropping.
"Wonder what that is." Misty said.
"Judging by the freaked-out look on your faces, it's like you three got hit by Confuse Ray." Iris commented.
"Iris...behind you!" Ash said.
"What's behind me?" Iris said before looking behind herself. When she did, her pupils shrank as did Axew's. They too were now sweat-dropping with a purple veil to their foreheads.
The thing that was on the stairs: A statue bust of a man with a picture frame in front, a record player on one side and a lamp and an umbrella on the other. 'He' was sitting in a chair with a tea kettle and a cooking tin as 'his' feet. 'He' was using the umbrella as if to swipe at the teens as 'he' chased them around.
"We've got to get outside!" Cilan said.
"Okay!" Ash said.
However, before they go there, a dresser was put in the front of it.
"Can't get out this way!" Cilan said.
They then looked to see the amalgamation of objects charged forth. They managed to get out of the way though as "He" crashed into the dresser.
As they jumped to the ground, the bust fell in front of Cilan, scaring the daylights out of him.
Cilan then, panicked, ran away screaming.
"Wait Cilan!" Iris exclaimed, chasing after him. "Come back!"
Ash and Misty merely sweat-dropped before chasing after them.
XXXXXXX
"Strange, they blocked off the exit." Jessie said. "I don't get it. We said catch Pikachu and chase off the twerps!"
"That we did!" James said. "What's going on?"
"Obviously the Litwick didn't understand what we wanted them to do so I guess I'll have to go and tell Yamask again." Meowth said, getting up to do just that.
XXXXXXX
"It seems as if those troublesome Litwick are causing mischief again." Grimsley said as he walked through the halls of the mansion. His fingers entwining with Shauntal.
"I agree." Shauntal said. "The foul ruffians appear to be causing chaos in the small village."
"Yeah, something like that." Grimsley said after a chuckle.
"I wonder if they're going to try and open the spirit world again." Shauntal said.
XXXXXXX
"All right, what's up with this place?" Ash pondered as he and his friends were sitting at a table.
"I wonder if Ghost-types are involved." Misty said, more to herself than to anyone else. She was then reminded of the Gastly, Haunter, and Gengar they meet back in the Lavender Tower.
Ash, hearing the comment, remembered the day well.
So, Misty, you're really worried about me.
Ash, open you eyes. Please, Ash.
Ash then gave Misty's hand a squeeze. In response, Misty just rolled her eyes, but not before giving him a small smile.
"This table is fully set and ready!" Cilan observed.
"Which means someone must be here." Iris added.
Just then a bell was picked up with a light blue outline as it was rung. Afterwards the light blue outline surrounded Ash, Misty, Iris, and Cilan's chairs as they were thrown about.
The plates and silverware were then picked up and thrown at then teens. However, the teens were lowered and the plates and silverware crashed harmlessly into the wall behind them.
The teens were then dumped out of the room.
When Ash looked up, he saw a hand outstretched to him. He saw what looked to be a squire's outfit. And behind it was a jester's outfit and a lady's yellow dress.
Their presence though, caused the teens to jump up and scream. The three outfit's then danced with the teens. They alternated between the four of them as they danced.
Pikachu and Marill then unleashed a Thunderbolt and Water Gun respectively which caused them to stop.
"Hey, wait." Ash said, noticing the Litwick. "Hold on!"
The four Litwick that weren't traveling through the halls then started to run away. However, it would be to no avail as two of them were cut off by Ash and Misty. One of them tripped and the Litwick behind them fell on them.
"So you're the ones who did this to us?" Ash inquired. To the Litwick, the sight of the humans overbearing on them looked quite menacing.
"Ghost-types." Misty said. "Always the pranksters."
XXXXXXX
"They're Litwick." Cilan commented.
"Litwick?" Ash wondered, getting out his Pokédex.
"Litwick, the Candle Pokémon. Litwick appear to be helping to guide the way of people by illuminating areas that are darkened, but..." The Pokédex uttered but soon turned off.
"Wow, that's so weird." Ash commented before putting the Pokédex away. "Whatever!"
"To think Pokémon were doing this all along!" Cilan said. "Obviously, they can use Psychic quite well."
"Sometimes Cilan," Iris said. "I just don't even know."
"So, Litwick, does your Trainer own this place?" Ash inquired.
"Really!" Cilan said as the Litwick spoke.
"No?" Iris asked as they spoke again.
"Which is it?" Ash asked.
I'm wondering if these guys even have a Pokémon Trainer. Misty thought.
"We're not here to do anything bad to you, you know." Ash said.
"Or steal anything, either!" Iris added.
"Is there anything to steal here?" Misty quipped.
"The only reason we came here was simply to get out of the rain!" Cilan said.
"And it'd help to know what they're saying..." Ash said, hanging his head as the Litwick spoke again.
XXXXXXX
The teens then walked through the halls with Cilan carrying one of the Litwick and Ash carrying the other.
"Hey, Litwick, where are all your buddies, anyway?" Ash inquired.
"Litwick." ("Who knows.")
"Wonder if it knows what I'm saying..." Ash said.
Ash was then taken aback when a Yamask mask appeared.
"A Yamask!" Iris and Cilan exclaimed.
"Great, just what we need." Misty said. "Another Ghost-type."
The Yamask then disappeared.
"So work with me and chase the twerps outta here on the double!" Meowth said, walking through the halls into the teens field of vision.
"It's Meowth from Team Rocket!" Iris said.
"And that's a lot of Litwick." Misty said, seeing the six Litwick behind Meowth.
"Yipes!" Meowth exclaimed. "It's the twerps!"
"All right, you!" Ash said. "What are you doing here?"
"Not staying long!" Meowth shouted before running off with the Litwick close behind.
"Stop!" Ash shouted, rounding the corner but was surprised to see nothing there.
"Whoa..." Ash said.
"Now, what in the world is Team Rocket up to?" Cilan pondered.
"No good, I'm sure." Iris said.
"Yeah...lot's of evil to be had in this mansion." Misty said. This got a sweat-drop from Iris.
"Well, if you're right," Ash exclaimed. "we'd better find out what it is and fast!"
"Right!" Cilan said as they nodded their heads.
XXXXXXX
"What?" Jessie said. "The twerps didn't see you, did they?"
"Yeah, what of it?" Meowth said.
"What in the world were you thinking?" Jessie asked.
James then noticed a distinct lack of energy in Meowth. "Are you feeling okay? You look exhausted!"
"Oh, yeah?" Meowth inquired. "Well, you do, too!"
"Me?" James asked before rubbing his cheeks. "Fancy that!"
"Something's wrong." Jessie said. "What's going on with the two of you?"
"That includes you!" James said, pointing at Jessie.
"Hey!" Meowth exclaimed as the Litwick played with each other in the background. "It's gotta be because we've been working twenty-four-seven!"
"Regardless, let's hurry and catch Pikachu and chase the twerps out of here!" Jessie said. "After all, this place is perfect for a secret base."
"True!" James said. "It's the front line for all our Unova region endeavors!"
The Team Rocket Trio then stood up.
"Here's to success!" James exclaimed.
"Conquering Unova!" Meowth said.
"Doing it for the Boss!" Jessie, James, and Meowth shouted.
Yamask then floated behind them and spoke in agreement.
The Team Rocket Trio then fell to the ground, exhausted.
"Look!" James said after the six Litwick appeared. "Is it me, or are the Litwick flames larger than before?"
"No..." Jessie said. "You're making it up."
"Look again!" James said.
"You're right!" Jessie said.
"You're both right!" Meowth added.
"No joke?" James asked.
"None!" Jessie said. "Well, whatever! Please tell the Litwick to chase the twerps away, won't you?"
"And catch Pikachu, too!" Meowth said.
"Yamask Ya Ya!' ("You guys hear that!")
The Litwick spoke their assent.
The Litwick then huddled, looked at each other and snickered evilly.
XXXXXXX
"I sense a disturbance Grimsley." Shauntal said.
"A disturbance?" Grimsley asked.
"Those Litwick are siphoning off the life energy of someone in here." Shauntal answered.
"How can you tell?" Grimsley asked.
"Being around Ghost-types so much tends to give you a sort of inkling to what they're doing." Shauntal said. "A sixth sense."
"Well, sooner or later, we'll be there in case those Litwick decide to open a portal to the spirit world." Grimsley said.
"Indeed." Shauntal said, nodding. "My Chandelure will make quick work out of their portal."
"And my Bisharp will most certainly be helpful in sending those Litwick back." Grimsley added.
XXXXXXX
"Team Rocket, come out, now!" Ash shouted.
"Stop hiding!" Cilan said.
"No matter what you're planning, it won't work!" Iris said.
"Do you honestly believe they'll just come out into the open?" Misty asked, an eyebrow raised.
Before anyone could respond though, nearby tables with vases on them were outlined in a light bluish outline.
"That must be Litwick's friend!" Iris commented, pointing to the Litwick in question.
Litwick then threw the tables and vases at the teens. The teens however, dodged them.
"Litwick, knock it off!" Ash said. "We don't wanna fight with you!"
"I don't think Litwick shares your feelings." Misty said as the Litwick's eye glowed light blue as it made a chandelier almost fall on them.
"Let's get out of here!" Cilan exclaimed as chandelier after chandelier were falling from the sky.
Axew however, due to him being in the back, was prey for the Litwick.
XXXXXXX
"Glad that's over with." Ash said as they panted.
"Pikachu." ("I agree.")
"Why did that Litwick attack us?" Cilan pondered.
"Ghost-types, always causing some sort of mayhem." Misty said.
"Huh, where's Axew?" Iris pondered.
"I thought Axew was running behind Pikachu and Marill." Ash said.
"Pika Pika!" ("Me too!")
"Marill marill?" ("Where did he go?")
"Axew!" Iris called, standing up and cupping her mouth like a megaphone.
"What happened to the first and second Litwick?" Ash wondered.
"What happened to all of them?" Iris said.
XXXXXXX
"Uh-oh..." James said, looking behind him.
"What's wrong, James?" Meowth asked.
"Yamask seems to have disappeared!" James answered.
"Are you sure?" Jessie inquired.
"I thought Yamask was keeping an eye on those Litwick." Meowth said.
"I hope you're correct." James said.
XXXXXXX
"Axew!" Iris called. "Axew! Where are you?"
"Hey! Axew!" Cilan said.
"Axew..." Ash said.
"Axew!" Misty said.
"Pika!" ("Axew!")
"Marill!" ("Where are you!")
Pikachu and Marill then stopped as they heard something behind them.
"Pika?" ("Huh?")
"It's no use..." Ash said.
"Where could they have gone?" Iris pondered.
"I'm sure we'll find Axew Iris." Cilan said, placing a hand on Iris' shoulder. Iris responded by blushing faintly and offering a small smile in return.
While the teens were up ahead, Pikachu and Marill turned around in fright to see four Litwick staring menacingly at them.
XXXXXXX
"Okay, where's Pikachu?" Ash pondered.
"And Marill?" Misty wondered.
"Pikachu and Marill were here a moment ago." Cilan said.
"Don't tell me Pikachu and Marill are gone too!" Iris exclaimed.
"We've gotta figure this out!" Ash said.
"I wonder where they could of gone." Misty said.
"Pikachu!" Ash shouted. "Marill!"
"Pikachu!" Cilan shouted. "Where are you? Marill!"
"Axew!" Iris called. "Pikachu! Marill!"
"Marill!" Misty shouted.
"Could Team Rocket have done this?" Iris inquired.
"I don't know!" Ash said.
"They couldn't have just disappeared!" Cilan said.
XXXXXXX
"Professor Zager, this is Jessie." Jessie said. "We think we've found the perfect building for our Unova headquarters. But we need your help."
"What kind of building is it?" Professor Zager inquired.
"It's an old mansion, and it's huge!" James answered.
"Perfect." Jessie said. "Kitchen, bathrooms, walk-in closets, elevator and a group of Litwick!"
"You said Litwick?" Professor Zager asked.
"That's right!" James replied. "They're very good Pokémon and do exactly as they're told!"
"You'd better be careful." Professor Zager said.
This statement caused Jessie and James to become a bit apprehensive.
"Why do you say that?" Jessie asked.
"I've seen much research that concludes Litwick feed off the life energy of both people and Pokémon." Professor Zager said.
This information brought a dark purple hue to their foreheads.
"The life energy?" James repeated.
"And he said both people and Pokémon!" Jessie added.
"I've actually been meaning to research the phenomenon myself..." Professor Zager said before the machine he was talking to over cut off.
"Doctor Zager!" Jessie and James exclaimed. "Doctor Zager!"
"So that means..." Jessie said.
"...those Litwick have been feeding off of life energy..." James said. "Ours!"
Jessie then dug around in her pocket for her compact mirror. She gave a yelp when she saw her features.
"So that's why we all look so drained." James said as Jessie started to pant.
"It's hard to breathe." Jessie said.
"Enough!" James said. "We need to leave now!"
James then noticed a distinct lack of a third party to their group.
"Wait, where's Meowth?" James said.
"Meowth was going to check on the Litwick." Jessie reminded.
The two then realized the implications of this.
"Oh, no!" Jessie and James exclaimed.
XXXXXXX
"This is weird." Meowth said. "Why am I having such a tough time walking?"
"Huh?" Meowth said when he saw two Litwick. "So what are you doing hiding out around here? I thought I told you to hurry up and chase the twerps away!"
Litwick's eye then gleamed malevolently as it raised Meowth into the air.
"Yipes!" Meowth exclaimed. "I think this is Psychic! Oh, no...Oh, no!" Lightning then crashed down as thunder boomed ominously outside.
XXXXXXXX
"Did you hear that Shauntal?" Grimsley asked as he looked around a corner suspiciously.
"Indeed I did." Shauntal said, kneeling on the ground as she looked around sporadically, a hand above her eyes. "It sounded like the frightened wail of a doomed soul."
Grimsley shuddered at that as he helped her up. "The things you say can be so interesting."
"Yes, I know." Shauntal said as they continued down the corridor. "Sometimes all something needs is a little dramatic touch."
"But there is such a thing as being too dramatic." Grimsley said.
"Sure there is." Shauntal said, rolling her eyes as her arm was linked through his. "Who knows though? A little dramatic finesse can be quite charming."
"If you say so." Grimsley said, rolling his eyes dramatically. He then sighed in an overblown manner.
"Now who is the one being overly dramatic." Shauntal said, raising an eyebrow.
"What?" Grimsley asked. "You think you're the only one who can be dramatic?"
"I never said that." Shauntal said.
"Sounded like you were implying it." Grimsley said.
"Sounds more like a foul trickster is manipulating the words to their advantage." Shauntal retorted.
"I'll repeat it, sometimes your story metaphors get on my nerves." Grimsley said, although the comment was good-natured.
"And you playing those little games of chance gets on my nerves." Shauntal said.
Grimsley then flipped the coin he always carried with him in his opposite hand.
"What can I say," He said shrugging. "I love a good game of probability."
Grimsley then took on a much more brooding appearance. "My family..."
"Don't worry about it." Shauntal said, looking at him with understanding. "It's not your fault."
"I know that." Grimsley said. "But it isn't like one of your more idealistic and optimistic series of books. You can't just write yourself a happy ending."
"I think your life is fine the way it is." Shauntal said, kissing his cheek.
"What do you mean?" Grimsley asked.
"Well, for starters, you're an Elite Four Member of Unova." Shauntal began.
"That is rather gratifying." Grimsley admitted.
"Not to mention you have me." Shauntal said, using the arm that wasn't linked with Grimsley's to wave over herself. As if to encompass her being.
"And I couldn't be more delighted by that." Grimsley said before their lips pressed together.
After kissing for a minute or two, they separated.
"Every time I fall in love with you all over again." Grimsley said, his blue eyes gleaming as he put the back of his hand against her cheek.
Shauntal's brown eyes also gleamed before a thought struck her. "Although, we should most likely find the source of those screams."
"I couldn't agree with you more." Grimsley said before wrapping an arm over her shoulder and they continued down the hallway towards the aforementioned screaming.
XXXXXXX
"Pikachu!" Ash shouted as they were back where they entered the mansion.
"Axew!" Iris shouted.
"Marill!" Misty shouted.
"Where are you?" Iris said. "Wow, I sure wish I knew where they were."
"I'm sure they're around here somewhere." Cilan said, placing a comforting hand on Iris shoulder. Strange, why do I feel so inclined as to do this.
"Well, something tells me they're probably all together." Misty said. "So Pikachu, Marill, and Axew will be able to protect each other."
"Thank you Cilan. Misty." Iris said with a small smile.
"Say, Ash, you remember when your Pokédex stopped in the middle of describing Litwick, right?" Cilan said.
"Yeah!" Ash said, nodding his head. "That's the first time that happened."
"So, can you open it up again?" Cilan asked.
"Yeah, sure!" Ash said, getting his Pokédex out.
"Litwick, the Candle Pokémon. Litwick appear to be helping to guide the way of people by illuminating areas that are darkened, but in reality they are actually leading them to the Ghost World." The Pokédex uttered.
A loud crash of thunder was then heard as lightning illuminated the area, as if nature itself wanted to add a dramatic touch.
Ghost World? Ash thought. Haven't heard of that since all the way in Sinnoh when I went to that Pokémon Summer Academy with Dawn and Brock.
"They feed off the life energy of people and Pokémon and use it as fuel for the flames on their heads." The Pokédex continued.
"Wow, does this mean that our lives are in danger?" Iris wondered.
"So the Litwick cut off your Pokédex because they didn't want us to know that!" Cilan exclaimed, remembering when they had first ran into the Litwick.
"We've gotta find Axew, Pikachu, and Marill now!" Iris said.
"Right!" Ash and Misty said, nodding their heads.
"Axew!" Iris called.
"Pikachu!" Ash shouted before they starting running back towards the stairs.
"Marill!" Misty added.
XXXXXXX
"Meowth, where are you?" Jessie wondered as she traversed the halls with James.
"Getting too close to the Litwick could be trouble!" James said.
Jessie then put her hand to her chest and breathed heavily.
"Jessie, are you okay?" James asked, putting a hand on her shoulder.
"I'm not sure." Jessie said.
"Let's find those Litwick." James said.
"That's it!" Jessie said. "Give me back my life energy right now!"
Their attention was then diverted as they heard the elevator ding.
A wave of water then came crashing through when it opened.
XXXXXXX
"There they are!" Ash exclaimed after running around a corner.
"What have you done with Axew!" Iris shouted as she saw the four Litwick.
"And Pikachu!" Ash added.
"And Marill!" Misty said.
The Litwick merely ignored them as they walked away.
"Hey!" Ash exclaimed. "Where are you four going?"
"Those Pokémon are asking for a swing from my mallet!" Misty said.
"Stop!" Iris demanded before running after them.
The teens then ran and burst through two wooden doors into a dark place that wouldn't look out of place as a dungeon.
"Huh?" Iris said, noticing something. "Axew!"
"Pikachu!" Ash said, running to his buddy with Iris and Misty close behind as they did the same.
"Pikachu, are you okay?" Ash asked as he held the Mouse Pokémon.
"Pika." ("I'll be fine.")
"Axew, how about you?" Iris inquired as she held the Tusk Pokémon.
"Axew?" ("Iris?")
"Marill, how are you feeling?" Misty asked.
"Marill." ("I'm feeling fine.")
The doors to the room then slammed shut.
Cilan then walked over to them and was surprised when a gush of water came through a hole it made.
When it petered out, Jessie's head came through. "There you are!"
"Uh, oh, no!" Ash exclaimed.
Jessie and James then burst through the door, surprising Cilan as he was left in a weird pose. The result of dodging the suddenly opening doors.
Jessie: "You must have questions. We're impressive, indeed!"
James: "But answers will come as we feel the need!"
Jessie: "Bring the blinding white light of evil into the future!"
James: "Thrusting the hammer of justice onto the blackness of the universe!"
Meowth: "And carving our names in the rock of eternity!"
Jessie: "The fiery destroyer, Jessie!"
James: "And with thunderous emotion, I am James!"
Meowth: "Wisest of the wise, I'm Meowth!"
Team Rocket Trio: "And now, gather! Under the name of Team Rocket!"
Yamask then appeared behind them.
"Say, Misty, do they look...off...to you?" Ash whispered.
"Yeah, I wonder if the Litwick sucked their energy." Misty whispered.
"Quick, Meowth!" Jessie exclaimed, pointing to her right. "We've got to get out of here right away!"
"But, Jessie, this is the best chance we'll have to catch Pikachu!" Meowth said.
"Not if the Litwick catch us!" James said. "They're draining our life energy."
As if on cue, eight flames then winked into existence.
The eight Litwick then appeared, but they were not alone as they had two Lampent behind them.
"Lampent!" ("Hello.")
"Lampent!" ("Guests.")
"Litwick." ("Life energy.") The eight Candle Pokémon said in unison.
"Their flames are even larger!" James said as the Team Rocket Trio panicked at the sight.
"From our life energy!" Jessie said.
"Look, there's someone else!" Cilan said.
"And it would appear they have a friend." Iris added.
"Yeah, those are Lampent!" Ash said.
"I wonder what your Pokédex says about their life-sucking capabilities." Misty said. "If, you know, they have any."
Ash then pulled out his Pokédex.
"Lampent, the Lamp Pokémon and the evolved form of Litwick. Rarely, Lampent can be found with Litwick, leading people and Pokémon to the Ghost World while stealing their life energy." The Pokédex uttered.
"This can't be good!" Iris shouted.
"You think?" Misty said.
The two Lampent then put their arms together and a light blue and blue flame appeared between their hands. They then pulled their arms next to themselves, dragging the fire with them. They then leaned on their backs as they threw the fire to the top of their heads. When the fire reached their heads, the Lampent then started to spin rapidly with the top of their heads facing the group of people. A light blue stream of fire with dark blue rings of fire around it was then fired from the top of their heads.
The eight Litwick then followed suit as the purple flames on the top of their heads stretched out into the sky. An orb of light blue and blue fire then formed in front of the Litwick's flame. The Litwick then fired a spiraling stream of light blue fire with rings of dark blue fire from the orb at the group of people.
Team Rocket went out of the way so the attacks hurtled straight towards the teens behind them.
"That's Inferno!" Cilan commented before they ducked out of the way and the attacks hit the wall.
When they did, a plume of black smoke appeared. When it dissipated, it revealed a hole in the wall.
"I hope these people are insured." Misty quipped.
Behind the hole was a dark purple and light purple realm. It also seemed to suck in its surroundings.
"That must be the Ghost World!" Ash exclaimed, then remembered vaguely that it was the Spirit World he had gone to in Sinnoh. He then chided himself for thinking it made much of a difference.
"Is that what the Pokédex was talking about?" Iris said.
"The Ghost World entrance!" James said.
"If we get drawn inside there..." Jessie said.
"There'll be nothing left of us to be tired!" Meowth exclaimed, clutching his head.
"That would all be in very poor taste!" Cilan said.
"Got that right." Misty said.
Four of the Litwick then stretched out the purple flame on their heads into the air above them again. This time though, a purple and black orb of energy appeared in front and the Litwick then fired the orb at the teens Pokémon.
A fifth Litwick followed suit as it did the same with an Inferno attack.
The Shadow Ball attacks slammed into Yamask, Axew, Pikachu, and Marill while the Inferno attack collided into Meowth.
Yamask hovered while the others scrambled to try and get away from the Ghost World entrance.
The two Lampent then fired another Inferno attack at the wall. A plume of black smoke appeared as the attack exploded, pushing back the other four Pokémon but leaving Meowth scrambling.
The walls of the room then fell apart, leaving behind nothing but the floor and the smoke around them.
"Now what?" Ash shouted.
"If we don't defeat the Litwick and Lampent once and for all, we're going to be stuck here forever!" Cilan exclaimed.
"Oshawott, I choose you!" Ash said, throwing out the Poké Ball.
"Misty calls-" Misty began but then sweat-dropped when a certain Duck Pokémon appeared. "PSYDUCK!"
"Psy?" ("Huh?") Psyduck wondered, holding his head as he usually did.
"Oh just go and use Water Gun." Misty said, waving her hand dismissively.
"Psy...duck?" ("Water...Gun?")
"What an interesting Pokémon." Cilan commented.
"Psyduck, you still have trouble knowing how to use your own attacks?" Misty griped, covering her face with her hand.
"Psy...duck." ("Yes...maybe.")
"Use Water Gun!" Ash shouted.
As the two Water-types then fired their Water Gun attacks, the Litwick and Lampent merely protected themselves with a light green shield.
"Dwebble, let's go!" Cilan said, throwing his Poké Ball into the air.
"Now, X-Scissor!" Cilan shouted after the Rock Inn Pokémon appeared.
Dwebble's claws then glowed light blue before they were crossed in an "X" motion. A huge purplish "X" then appeared as Dwebble prepared the X-Scissor.
The Litwick and Lampent merely dodged the attack.
"Woobat, out here on the double!" Jessie said, although it was obvious how drained she was.
"Use Air Slash!" Jessie said after the Bat Pokémon appeared.
Woobat's wings then glowed light blue in front of her. She then pulled them back as four saw energy disc-like objects appeared.
"Quick, Yamask, use Shadow Ball!" James said, but it was also clear how much he had been affected.
Yamask then put his hands in front of his face as he formed the shadowy orb. When it was at a decent size, he reared back his hands before tossing the ball.
The Litwick though managed to dodge the attack.
One of the Litwick then levitated Woobat and Yamask with Psychic.
"Yipes!" Meowth commented. "It's the Litwick's Psychic!"
The Litwick then slammed Woobat and Yamask into their respective trainers.
"We're being sucked in!" Jessie and James shouted in unison as they gripped onto the floor for dear life with Woobat and Yamask hanging onto them.
The flames on the heads of the eight Litwick then grew drastically from the life energy.
"Look!" Iris shouted. "The Litwick flames!"
"And at the same time, they're draining away all of our precious life energy!" James said as he used both hands to hang onto the floor.
"We'll be nothing but empty shells!" Jessie added as she hung on with only one hand.
"Not a pretty sight!" Meowth said as he, like James, was holding on with both paws.
"No way am I gonna let that happen." Ash said.
"I'm right there with you Ash." Misty said, giving him a thumbs-up.
Jessie then gave a small gasp when she lost her grip. "That's it!"
Grunting a bit, Ash then grabbed onto Jessie's hand.
"It's the twerp!" Jessie said.
The Litwick then prepared to launch their Shadow Ball attacks once more.
With a bit of startled grace, Cilan managed to dodge the Shadow Ball that hurtled straight for him.
"Cilan!" Iris said.
"I'm okay." Cilan said.
Before James could lose his grip too, Misty then grabbed onto one of James' hands. "Geez. You sure are heavy."
"No need to be rude." James said.
Pikachu and Marill, however disgruntled by the task, also managed to grab onto one of Meowth's paws and bring him back onto the floor.
"But they're with Team Rocket!" Iris shouted.
"Doesn't matter." Ash said as he got Jessie back onto even ground.
"No one should be lost to the Ghost World." Misty added as she got James back on even ground too.
Jessie and James, ecstatic to see each other still alive, hugged each other fiercely.
"Uh, did I miss something here?" Ash asked, scratching his head before Meowth jumped into the hug too.
"I think it's rather obvious Ash." Misty said with a sly grin. "About time too. I always knew there was something between those two."
"Huh." Ash said. "I never noticed it before."
"Oh please," Misty scoffed. "You're not exactly the best at noticing what is right in front of you."
Ash was about to make some sort of clever retort, but decided against it. This is not the time nor place.
"Look, twerp." Jessie said, having pulled herself away from the embrace between her and James, and later Meowth when he jumped in. "What say we call a truce?"
"Yeah, for a while." Ash said.
"Combining and battling as one!" James said.
"Perfect blend time!" Cilan added.
"Wouldn't be the first time we had to team up." Misty said, shrugging.
"Quick, Yamask, use Shadow Ball!" James said.
Yamask fired the attack, but the Litwick and Lampent merely put up their light-green shield of Protect.
"Your turn!" James said.
"Now, Dwebble, use X-Scissor!" Cilan said.
Four of the Litwick merely dodged the attack again as the other four fired their Shadow Ball attacks at the Rock Inn Pokémon. This left Dwebble feeling a bit dizzy.
"Dwebble!" Cilan exclaimed.
The two Lampent then fired their Inferno attacks, hitting Psyduck and causing him to wander even more aimlessly than he was already.
"Oshawott, Water Gun!" Ash said.
"You fought well Psyduck, but I think that's enough for now." Misty said, returning the Duck Pokémon.
"You too Dwebble." Cilan said. "Return!"
"Woobat, use Air Slash!" Jessie said.
Four of the Litwick countered the Air Slash attack with their Shadow Ball attacks while one of the Lampent fired an Inferno attack. The impact of the move sent Woobat back.
"Quick, twerp, your turn!" Jessie said.
"Okay!" Ash said. "Pikachu, Electro Ball!"
Pikachu then gathered up the electricity in his tail before rearing back and firing the attack. However, while he managed to cause damage to a Lampent and three Litwick, that left the other Lampent and five Litwick still active.
"These Litwick sure are tough." Cilan said. "Like an overcooked meal."
"There's got to be some way to defeat them." Iris said.
"'And as the valiant heroes try their best to defeat their foes, it is for naught'." A female voice said.
"Huh?" Cilan said, looking around. "Who said that?"
"Ah Ghost-types." A second masculine voice said. "Always causing trouble and seeking to devour the life energy of those around them."
"At least these Ghost-types anyway." Iris said.
"'When faced in their darkest hour, who should come but a force to be reckoned with'." Shauntal said. "Chandelure, use Shadow Ball on the Litwick!"
"And Bisharp, attack with Night Slash!" Grimsley said, crossing his arms in front of him as the back of his hands touched his cheeks. His eyes closed as he and Shauntal appeared from the fog.
Bisharp, in the same pose that Grimsley was in, then opened his eyes in a flash before he brought back his arms. His hands then elongated as they turned a whitish-purple. He then charged at the Litwick and Lampent, causing them considerable damage. Chandelure then followed suit as she tipped her head down and formed a black and purple ball of energy. She then fired the ball at the Litwick.
The Litwick and Lampent then collapsed on the ground.
"Chandelure!" Shauntal shouted. "Finish this up with Overheat!"
"And you Bisharp attack with your Dark Pulse!" Grimsley added.
Chandelure's body then turned a faint red. She then tipped her head down before firing a stream of a white fire with a red-orange flame spiraling around it at the Litwick and Lampent. Bisharp then followed through with his attack as he closed his eyes and put his hands together in front of his chest. His eyes then gleamed as he opened them and fired a beam of black and purple at the aforementioned Ghost-types.
The force of the two blasts then sent the two Lampent and the eight Litwick spiraling into the Ghost World. The room around them then turned back to normal as the bricks came back into place and sealed off the Ghost-types.
"Well, that was something." Ash commented.
"I think it might've been a bit much." Misty agreed with a sweat-drop.
"Where did they go?" Jessie wondered.
"Back to the Ghost World." Meowth said.
"Then that means..." James began.
"Yay, we're back to normal!" The Team Rocket Trio exclaimed before they put their heads on their cheeks as if for reassurance.
"And now, we're finally able to leave this house of horrors!" Jessie added after kissing James on the cheek.
"Great!" Cilan said, turning to his companions. "We can leave too!"
"Right!" Ash said.
They then ran out of the mansion.
"Hey look," Misty said, looking up at the sky. "It stopped raining."
"Yeah, and look at the mansion!" Cilan said.
"For being infested with troublesome Ghost-types, it sure looks to be in good condition." Iris commented. "I knew things weren't right the moment I set foot in there."
"Then perhaps you should've said something." Misty said.
"Not much we could do with it raining." Cilan said, placing a hand on Iris' shoulder when she shouted a glare at Misty.
"Hey, twerp!" James shouted, diverting their attention.
"Next time we see you, the gloves are off!" Jessie said as they came atop the mansion.
"And Pikachu will belong to us!" James added.
"Yeah, count on it!" Meowth said.
The Team Rocket Trio then blasted off on their jet-packs, leaving being a cloud of dust as they did.
"They never give up, do they?" Misty said.
"Nope." Ash said, shaking his head.
"Good time for us to leave, too!" Cilan interjected.
"You bet!" Ash said.
Iris then sniffed the air again twice before pointing a finger at the sky. "I smell rain again!"
"Again?" Ash asked as stormclouds formed above them.
The rain then started to downpour on them.
"Ah, let's get out of this rain!" Cilan said as they ran away from the mansion.
"I couldn't agree with you more Cilan!" Iris said.
"Look, that tree seems to be ample shelter!" Ash said, pointing at the aforementioned tree.
"We'll just go under it to wait the storm out." Cilan said before they were in the alcove the tree had.
"I wonder who those two people that came to our rescue were." Iris said.
"Well, no matter who they are, I have a feeling we'll meet them again." Cilan said.
Author's Notes: And meet them again you shall! At least, when the situation would call for their presence anyway. So, what did you guys think of my inclusion of Shauntal and Grimsley? If you ask me, I wish that those people who write this show utilized the characters more. -Lamenting- The wasted potential of it all! -Clears throat- Ahem, anyway, see all you guys later. Until then, remember the three Rs. Rest. Read. And most importantly, review! I get quite hungry for those. And the story. Mainly the story. Ravenous little beast...
Also, I was planning on updating another chapter to the last one, but I figured that the whole point of a mini arc is that you don't get to see it all at once. After all, what would be the fun of me updating all those chapters at once? Seriously...