Author's Notes: Lots of stuff went on from what I remember the first time I wrote this. I made a full lemon in this chapter as well.
Chapter 18
Because of the shabby condition of the Bike Path we had to carefully maneuver our bikes to avoid hazards. TR Jet had apparently neglected to keep the Path in good condition. It seemed like the place wasn't going to be around much longer. When we reached Fuchsia City, we learned it was the new home of a very powerful ninja clan. Everywhere we went, we couldn't help but wonder if we were going to be attacked. Monica, Zora, and Katrin made it a little easier with figuring out Ninjas in disguise from everyone else. When we finally were attacked, I discovered it was really the Fuchsia City Gym Trainers from when Koga was in charge. Apparently he left them to protect Janine.
While at the Pokemon Center, I decided to do an assessment of the Pokemon we were using.
My current 6 were Aurabolt, Puma, Charizard, Blaziken, Rayquaza and Gardevoir.
Ann was currently using Swampert, Delcatty, Tyranitar, Meganium, Hitmontop and Celebi.
Alex was currently using Rapidash, Roselia, Regi-Steel, Porygon2, Gyarados and Mightyena.
Matt was currently using Tyranitar, Blastoise, Raikou, Entei, Suicune and Metagross.
Monica currently had Aerodactyl, Clefairy, Houndour, Meditite and Chinchou.
Nautica was currently using Staryu, Seadra, Seel, Quagsire, Wailord and Huntail.
Zora was currently using Arcanine, Scizor, Zangoose, Deoxys, Hitmonlee and Absol.
Fin and Katrin didn't have Pokemon at the moment. I also had Jirachi numbers 1, 2, 3, 6 and 7. I only had to find #4 and #5. Then I could revive Mewtwo and Mewthree. After swapping Rayquaza and Gardevoir for Mewone and Mewfour I headed over to the Gym/Dojo with Ann, Katrin, Fin and Nautica. Matt and Monica decided to reassess their relationship at the beach if you know what I mean. Alex was getting his weapons serviced and Zora was having her day off.
When we entered the gym, it had the classic "invisible wall" setup but instead of everyone disguised as Janine, they were disguised as us! It was fun seeing such good impersonations of everyone—until I beat them all down, of course. When we reached the middle of the room I found Espia and Janine, the Tactical Battle Sisters. They became sisters when Koga and Sabrina were married. Janine specialized in Poison Types while Espia Specialized in Psychic Types.
"You are in for a real challenge!" Said Janine.
"For instead of battling just one, you must battle us both at once!" Said Espia. "That is something not even our parents can do!"
"Until now!" I said. "I'll battle you with Ann as my teammate. We've got the right stuff to win!"
"Talk is cheap!" Said Janine. "Let's go!" She then sent out Wheezing while Espia sent out Hypno. I sent out Mewone and Ann sent out Tyranitar. That was going to make this battle interesting!
"Pokemon that defend together fall together!" said Espia.
"Wheezing, Explosion!" Said Janine. The resulting blast KO'd Wheezing and Hypno but only scratched the surface of Ann's Tyranitar. Mewone used Detect to avoid damage.
"Hey, that wasn't supposed to happen!" Said Espia. "We knocked out our own Pokemon!"
"Let's try that again, shall we?" Said Janine before sending out Muk. Espia sent out Mr. Mime.
"This time, we're ready!" Said Espia.
"Tyranitar, Earthquake!" Said Ann. The attack KO'd both pokemon simultaneously while Mewone again used Detect.
"I can't believe that happened again!" Janine exclaimed, clearly astonished. "We must be off, today. We're out of useable Pokemon, too!"
"Here, take the Soul Badge." said Espia, clearly feeling embarrassed. And with that we now had 5 badges. Only 3 more were needed!
"That was something else!" said Fin at the Pokemon Center. "I have no idea how that could've happened."
"Tag Team Gym Leaders are usually in synch with each other." Said Katrin. "Liza and Tate are the best example of this. They have patented their techniques so that regardless of what they're fighting they're ready for anything. They also usually use the same type of Pokemon as well. If Espia and Janine work on it they could be very strong."
"Kinda like me and you." I said to Ann.
"Yeah, maybe we should open another Gym somewhere." She replied before kissing me.
"Yeah, maybe." I said before returning the friendly gesture.
"So, should we head out again?" Nautica asked. "We're within walking distance of Saffron!"
"Not this time." I replied. "It's not often that I take the time to relax after getting a Gym Badge. I think I'll take a few days to take a break from traveling and just have fun!"
"Are you serious?" Fin asked.
"Yes, now go play somewhere before I change my mind." I said, giving everyone a large sum of money. "We'll meet back here in...I don't know maybe three or four days. Tell Matt, Zora, Monica and Alex if you see them." Nothing more needed to be said as everyone took off immediately.
"It's nice of you to make time for us like this." Ann said to me 45 minutes later while we were on the beach. "I didn't know you had in you."
"It's not often I've actually stopped to recharge after a Gym Match." I said. "Let's just enjoy ourselves." I then noticed Matt and Monica engaged in some sexual activity further down the shore. It seemed they were in no rush to leave, either. "Want to go for a swim?" I asked Ann.
"Sure, why?" she asked. At that I released Puma, Aurabolt, Mewone and Mewfour from their Poke Balls.
"Go enjoy yourselves!" I said to them. They were more than happy to oblige.
"Ready now?" Asked Ann.
"Oh, yeah." I replied. I picked her up bridal style and walked into the water until it was up to my waist. We then swam in the water for a good 4 hours. It was pretty refreshing. For some reason I couldn't remember the last time I'd done it.
"I'm so glad I married you." Said Ann. "This is one of the nicest things you've ever done."
"It gets better." I said. "For the next 24 hours, I won't even talk about Ash and how much I'd like to butcher that bastard."
"It's good to know you won't be distracted later on." Said Ann, rubbing her stomach. "Can't say the same for me."
"Just don't worry about it too much." I said before pulling her underwater. When we finally came out of the water, it was after midnight. Despite that, it was still pretty warm outside. Monica and Matt were still having sex on the beach, which was something Ann and I couldn't comprehend. I didn't remember seeing them stop while we were swimming, either. Feeling a need to break it up, I went over to them.
"If you must continue that, wait until the morning." I said to them. "You two have been at it for hours."
"You don't say?" Asked Matt, who looked like he'd just woke up. "I hardly noticed."
"Sounds just like you." I said. "All you ever want to do is fuck or fight. One or the other."
"You might want to slow down a bit." Ann said to Monica. "If you rush into things, you'll end up looking like me in no time."
"I wouldn't mind it at all." Monica replied. "If it'll ease your concerns, I'm already pregnant."
"What do you mean?" Asked Matt, who was very surprised to hear this.
"I found out after we did it for the first time." Monica explained. "It's going to be a boy and will be born the same day as Ann's baby." With Monica really being a psychic pokemon, no one had any reason to believe otherwise.
"How do you when my baby will be born?" Ann asked her.
"I don't." Monica replied. "I only know that much."
"Wait, how long have you two known each other?" I asked Monica.
"For 2 years." Matt replied.
"So that's the girl Oak said you were always hanging out with." Ann remarked thoughtfully. "I had no idea you were serious!"
"We plan to be married after the war is over." said Monica as they held hands.
"Let's just call it a night." I said to Ann. "Then we can figure out where to go from here." We went to the hotel we were staying at for some sleep. Everyone else was asleep, which was good. When morning, came everyone was having breakfast in the dining hall. When Ann and I went to join them, I noticed Monica's belly looked much like Ann's did now. I didn't even want to bother figuring out how or why. Ann noticed as well and was even more disturbed.
"If I didn't know better, I'd say you were 7 months pregnant." Ann said to her.
"I guess you could say I am." Monica replied. The baby is growing pretty fast in my body."
"I didn't experience anything like that when I had Katrin." said Ann. "Though alot of weird things did happen though."
"Let's stay a few more days!" I said suddenly, trying to change the subject.
"What kinds of weird things?" Monica asked, ignoring my outburst.
"Things that don't concern you." Katrin replied before using Amnesia on her.
"Nice save!" I said, relieved the conversation had been halted before it really got out of hand. Me, Ann, Fin, and Katrin all decided a while ago that no one needed to know about that.
"I wonder what we should do next?" asked Nautica.
"Whatever you want, I guess." Alex replied.
"That about sums it up." I said. Just then, a tank came crashing through the wall. When the hatch opened, out came Jordan and Kaylie.
"We finally found you!" Said Jordan. "Now we will finally bring you in!"
"Come on, it's our day off!" Said Matt, not really in the mood to deal with this.
"You can't escape from us forever." said Kaylie. "This time, it's personal!" Several Jets swarmed the room with various Pokemon in tow.
"Take them but make sure you don't kill Ted and Matt!" said Jordan. The soldiers then charged us with their Pokemon. At that moment, Espia appeared in front of them. "Hey, where'd she come from?" Asked Jordan.
"Ease your thoughts." said Espia as she began to glow. "Clear your mind!" There was a sudden flash of light, followed by a twister that blew away the troops. Only Kaylie and Jordan were left.
"Hey! What did you do to them?" Asked Kaylie, who was as equally disturbed at this awesome display of power as us.
"I sent them all home, but not before giving them amnesia." Said Espia. "And unless you leave now, I'll do the same to you!"
"Just you try it!" Said Kaylie.
"Not so fast." Said Zora. "I'm going to be needing you later, so disappear!" With that, Zora used her power to make the duo vanish.
"Where'd they go this time?" Asked Alex.
"Saffron City." Zora replied.
"And that's where we're going next." I said.
"You're going THERE?" asked Espia. "That's the location of the TR Jet HQ! Only the bravest trainers go there!"
"Sorry, but I've gotta battle your mom for the Marsh Badge." I explained.
"When do you plan to go?" Asked Espia. Everyone looked at me at this. I'd just suggested we stay a bit longer!
"Tomorrow at noon." I said. "I need the time to get ready for the trip."
"I could teleport you all there if you want." Espia offered. "I'm not as strong as my mom but I can get you there!"
"Aren't you running the Gym with Janine?" Katrin asked.
"I decided to take a break so I could get stronger." Espia explained. "Janine said it would be fine, too."
"Interesting how this all works out." Said Fin.
"Let's just go, then!" Monica exclaimed. "This break was nice but I'm ready to move on!"
"Beam us up." I said to Espia. "It's unanimous."
"Wait, I forgot something!" Zora exclaimed. She then handed me the #5 ball. "I caught it while I was out yesterday."
"Good, now we only need one more!" I said. We were then teleported to Saffron City. The place looked like something out of a futuristic sci-fi movie. It was crawling with soldiers and Dark Pokemon. Not the place for your average trainer!
"We have to be careful here." Said Espia. "The soldiers here like to harass travelers."
"Hey, where'd you come from?" Asked a group of solders that approached us.
"Out of town." I replied.
"I thought so!" Said one of them before removing his mask. It was Hiro! "Once again, you got here before expected." He said to us. "How many badges do you have now?"
"Not enough to get in." I replied. "We need 3 more."
"Don't worry about it too much." Said Hiro. "These guys with me are really holograms." He pressed a button, making them vanish.
"It's not safe to wander the city alone." Espia explained. Suddenly, we heard the sound of a winged beast above us. Everyone looked up and saw what looked like both Lugia and Ho-Oh—in the same body! "Lugi-Oh!" Espia exclaimed. "The Jets release that behemoth every night to attack unsuspecting trainers and rookie soldiers."
"Well, let's do something about it, shall we?" I said. Aurabolt got ready to fight. "Let's fuse!" I said after it evolved into Gochu. We then fused together. Matt fused his Tyranitar and Blastoise, making Meta-Cannon. "Ann, you wait here with Alex, Nautica and Hiro." I said. "Everyone else, let's go!" We then took to the sky to fight the most powerful POMD of them all.
Jessie and James watched the proceedings of the battle from their HQ in Saffron. They'd just released their Champion Pokemon to purge their capital of lazy soldiers and unsuspecting travelers. Now it seemed a group of people had come to challenge their most powerful Pokemon of Mass Destruction. Having even defeated Karen, Glacia, Will and Phoebe—former members of the Elite 4-they had no reason to doubt its capabilities.
"This battle will be an interesting one, eh?" said James. "I can't wait to see what kind of challenge these fools hope to give to Lugi-Oh."
"We'll get even more reassurance once we can get an ID on them all." Said Jessie. Just then, a messenger came in the room.
"Great Leaders, the good prince Jordan and Miss Kaylie are here to see you." He said.
"Back AGAIN?" Asked James. "Send them in!" A few moments later Kaylie and Jordan entered the room.
"Father, I demand to know the reason for dispatching Lugi-Oh ahead of schedule." said Jordan. "The people battling it right now are very powerful!"
"We have yet to see that." Said James. "That's why we released it early today."
"What the hell are you talking about?" Kaylie asked. "Do you NOT remember what happened at Rock Tunnel last week? Ted's Rayquaza vaporized over 50,000 troops, Tanks, Ships, and Aircraft from both TR and TR Jet!"
"What, Ted is here?" asked Jessie. "Then the computer isn't malfunctioning. He got his 5th badge yesterday, so he's looking for #6 here."
"His traveling party has gotten bigger since he came here." said Jordan. "He is accompanied by his wife and 2 kids as well as Matt Oak, Monica Waters, Zora Ketchum, Nautica, Espia and Alex Garum."
"He won't find this battle very easy." Said Jessie. "Lugi-Oh is unlike the other Pokemon we created. Unless it is completely destroyed Cell by Cell it will always come back. Even if it were to be shattered into pieces it would recombine into one body."
"Let's hope you're right." said Kaylie. "The sooner Ted is dealt with, the sooner I can rescue Alex."
"I know you love him but don't let it cloud your judgment." Said James. "We have no idea what Ted has being doing or saying to him to keep him from escaping."
"Once I free him, everything will be fine." Said Kaylie. "We'll be a family."
"When was the last time Lugi-Oh ate something?" Jordan asked.
"Oh, I don't know." Jessie replied. "I think it ate a Snorlax but that was several days ago."
"Then it'll be hungry, then." Said James. "Yes, this may very well be the final fight for Ted Toss. No one can stop a hungry beast!"
"Are you getting this on tape?" Kaylie asked.
"Of course." James replied. "It's being broadcast live to everyone in Kanto and Johto. Everyone will see the consequences of opposing us!"
As Lugi-Oh attacked, me and the others used evasive maneuvers to avoid harm. It was tricky trying to avoid both Sacred Fire and Aeroblast at the same time. Even though we outnumbered the beast 7 to 1 we were on the defensive. I wondered if I'd be ok to level half the city to stop it. After it destroyed the city's only Pokemon Center it figured it would be just fine.
"Fin, use Nuclear Fusion!" I said.
"Are you sure?" Katrin asked. "We could have mass casualties!"
"I am aware of that." I said. "But we have to destroy that thing, and fast!"
"I'll go for a direct hit." said Fin as he started charging power.
"Espia, go take Ann, Hiro, Nautica and Alex to the Gym." said Monica.
"I'm on it!" Said Espia as she flew away.
"Aurabolt, we're going to hit this thing from 3 sides at once." I said.
"How so?" He asked. I threw 2 Poke Balls into the air. Out came Mewone and Mewfour.
"We're going all out!" I said. "Use Psycho Crusher on Lugi-Oh!"
"Consider it done." Said Mewone.
"Meta-Cannon, Aqua Blast!" Said Matt. Everything was coming into focus. If it worked just right then we'd take Lugi-Oh down hard and fast. Just then, Lugi-Oh fired a double Hyper Beam at Katrin, who sent it right back with Mirror Coat—at double the power. The 4-way attacks caused a massive explosion. Lugi-Oh was blown to pieces and all buildings within the immediate area were erased save the TR Jet HQ. When the smoke cleared, we could not find any sign of it having survived. We'd done it! "Well, that wasn't so bad, was it?" Asked Matt. "We tore that big bird up!"
The next thing we saw caused the sudden relief to disappear. All of the pieces were reforming, much like Morph did at Mt. Silver. It was soon fully reformed, and stronger than before.
"Well, that worked nicely." Said Zora. "We'll have to try something else, and soon." Right then it used its Aero Fire attack again, nearly scorching us all. I just missed getting a really bad burn. The last thing I saw before loosing consciousness was Jordan and several soldiers standing over me.
"What should we do to them?" asked one of the soldiers. "Do you want me to kill them?"
"Not yet." Said Jordan. "Let's not kill them yet…"
"I'm not going to lie to you." Said Ash. "I have to admit I am impressed. I never would have thought you two capable of capturing Ted and his little band of mercenaries."
"And I'm not too surprised to hear you say that." Said James. Jessie, James and Jordan were in a meeting with Ash and Kaylie in Saffron City. They were discussing what should be done with their latest prisoners.
"Does anyone else know?" asked Ash.
"None except everyone in this room." Said Jordan. "We had to pay off the media a huge sum of money to come up with a cover story. Even the rest of them think Ted was vaporized by Lugi-Oh."
"Very nicely done." Said Jessie. "Now let's down to the order of business."
"Right." Said Ash. "As agreed, Mt. Silver will become Kanto Territory. In exchange, the Indigo Plateau belongs to Johto."
"As for Ted, he will be released into your custody within the next 72 hours." Said James. "In addition to that, we have his children locked up in special rooms that neutralize their powers."
"For once, you actually sound like you're doing your job." Said Ash. "I couldn't be more pleased." Jordan suddenly noticed Kaylie didn't say anything since the start of the meeting. This was strange to him since she was always talking about capturing Ted since they teamed up.
"I have a terrible headache!" Kaylie exclaimed suddenly, clutching her head with both hands.
"What's wrong?" Asked Jordan, offering her some ice.
"Don't touch me!" She exclaimed, dropping to the floor. Ash, Jordan, Jessie and James could only watch. After a few more moments it stopped. Kaylie calmly got up and sat at the table.
"What happened?" Jessie asked.
"It's nothing." Kaylie replied in a strange voice. "I'll be fine." The Imperial Family noticed Kaylie's eye color had changed from blue to yellow. They also noticed they were able to see Kaylie's unborn baby through her clothes and skin. They said nothing, nor did they make any indication about what they saw.
"Who are you?" Jordan finally asked.
"Funny you should ask." Said Ash. "This, my friends is Ed Ross."
"Ted's Clone!" Jessie exclaimed. "We thought you were destroyed forever!"
"So did I." Said Ed. "Then Ash was generous enough to grant me another chance at life—as his heir."
"What about Kaylie?" James asked. "Where does she fit in all this?"
"Until I am expelled from her body, I can use her as a puppet. Believe me when I tell you this, Ted will be no threat to me."
"Speaking of him, what manner of death do you propose?" Asked Ash. "Consider it reward for aiding in his capture."
"I have a good idea that will work well." Said Ed. "You'd have to be willing to give up Zora, however."
"Really, now?" Asked Jessie. "What exactly did you have in mind?"
"Nothing short of pure mind manipulation!" Ed replied. "We are going to play Ted like a fiddle…"
When I awoke, I found myself in a dark room. Alex and Matt were in there, as well. There was no sign of Fin, Zora, Monica or Katrin. "Talk about a whopper headache!" I exclaimed. "Where are we?"
"Death Row Maximum Security Prison." Said Alex. "The only inmates housed here are those sentenced to die."
"Where are the others?" Matt asked.
"They're probably in different cells." I said. "To accommodate their special abilities. Fin's probably in a room made of rubber so he can't use electricity. Katrin would be in a room with an Energy Barrier. As for Monica, and Zora, their rooms would be insulated against psychic energy."
"How do you know that?" Asked Alex.
"That's just what I'd do." I replied. "I don't know about Ash."
"They even took our Weapons and Pokemon." Said Matt. "It'll take us a while to track 'em down—if we can get out this room. This room looks well done."
"That shouldn't be too hard." I Said. "I'll command The K.I. to come to me. No matter where it is, it will cut through anything to reach my hand."
"Can you really do that?" Asked Alex. At that moment, the Machete dropped through the opening of the cell door. Not only that, 3 Poke Balls dropped in, too!
"Wow, that was fast!" Said Matt.
"Would you believe I didn't do that?" I asked. "If I did, the blade would've cut the door open. Someone must've done this." I extended my hand and the K.I. slid into it obediently. After inspecting the Balls we discovered one belonged to each of us. Mine contained Aurabolt!
"Time for us to bust outta here!" Said Matt. I was about to cut the door open when it unlocked from the other side. Me, Alex and Matt waited to see who was on the other side. When it opened two guards came in, dragging a new roommate in between them. They set the figure down and unlocked the shackles. At this point we recognized the person as Kaylie!
"You were a fool to sneak into the supply room." Said one of the guards. "Did you really think you'd succeed in breaking them out?"
"I hope you enjoy your time with Alex." Said the other. "Enjoy it while you still can!" The two then left and locked the door behind them. Alex rushed to Kaylie's side instantly.
"My God, what did they do to you?" Alex asked her as he held her in his arms. "You look like you've been physically tortured!"
"I…was…" said Kaylie before coughing up blood. "But, we survived. Me and…the…baby..."
"You're pregnant?!" Alex exclaimed in surprise. At that moment I realized Alex really didn't know all along that his was going to be a father. I was very concerned with how he would take the news. "TR Jet will pay for this!" Alex exclaimed. "Ted, get us out of this place!"
"First, I need you to calm down." I said. "Second, I need you to control yourself. If Kaylie sees you upset like this then she'll be upset."
"How would you know?" He asked. "You've never had TR do something like this to Ann." As soon as he finished the sentence, I unsheathed the Machete and raised it to cut off his head.
"Ted!" exclaimed Matt. I returned the blade to its holster.
"That's where you're wrong." I said to Alex. "TR killed our son 4 years ago before he was even born. Not only that, TR tried to kidnap Fin and Katrin when they were born. TR even went so far as reviving My Dark Half, causing me to go insane. You have no idea how much I want to take this blade and slash at Ash until there is nothing left of him." Taking out the Killer Instinct again, I cut the door open. There were 4 other cells. Upon opening the first one I found Katrin. She looked like she'd been to hell and back.
"I was wondering when you'd bust out!" She said when I opened the door. "Come on, let's go!" Upon opening the next two doors, I found Zora and Monica.
"That was like being in a Pandora's Box." Said Monica. "It's been several thousand years since I've been in one!"
"I guess that just leaves Fin." I Said. That's when the 4th door blew open with a blast of electricity. Fin then stepped out.
"Funny how the doorknob was the only part of the room made of metal." He said. "I only had to focus enough power."
"Let's grab our gear and go!" Zora exclaimed.
"Already done." said Katrin, who teleported through the floor. "I got everything. Let's get out of here!"
"I know my way through here well." said Kaylie. "I'll take point. Everyone just follow me!" We followed Kaylie through many parts of the prison. We soon came to the front gates. There wasn't even an alarm. That's what bothered me. Everyone was surprised when I stopped.
"What's wrong?" Asked Fin.
"Something doesn't seem right." I said. "There's no guards, no body patrolling, nothing. It's almost as if they want us to escape."
"I wouldn't say that much." Said Jordan, who suddenly appeared behind Kaylie. "I don't know how you managed to get out but you won't be going any further!" A Helicopter flew in low over the yard. Grabbing Kaylie, he jumped aboard before Alex could stop him. The chopper then flew away.
"They're heading west." said Zora. "Why would they do that?"
"They must be going to Johto." I said. "To bring Kaylie to Ash."
"Somehow I doubt that." Said Zora. We then heard a familiar sound approaching. It was Lugia-Oh!
"Looks like we get a rematch!" Said Fin. "This time I'm ready!"
"Everyone, use your Full Power!" I said. I then sent out Puma and Blaziken. They fused to become Techna. I also summoned Rayquaza! The sky went from bright blue to pitch black within seconds.
"Ted, let's do it." Said Aurabolt.
"I'm ready!" I said. "Energy Force!" We both said, putting our hands in the air.
We were going to launch the most powerful attack in our arsenal. Everyone else started powering up as well. "We have to time this just right." Said Zora. "If we all strike at once, we should kill it."
"Rayquaza, use Dragon Beam!" I said. "Techna, E.M.P!" As they prepared to launch their attacks, the Energy Force became massive above Lugi-Oh. It was 10 times the size it was when I used it against Morph. I knew that there was a very high chance the rest of Saffron City was going to be in flames, but it would be a small price to pay to destroy it. I looked up and saw the Energy Force go from Bright Yellow to Blue. It was still getting bigger!
"We could launch it at this point." Said Aurabolt.
"No, let's wait a bit more." I said. "I want to make sure it'll be strong enough."
"Don't forget what I said before." Said Aurabolt. "If it doesn't connect it could erase the whole country!"
"Then so be it." I Said. "Super Nova, Launch!" As the attack was launched everyone released their moves on Lugi-Oh as well. It tried to resist with Safeguard but our combined moves just pushed right through it. The blast was enormous. At first I thought indeed we had just destroyed all of Kanto but Monica, Zora, Sabrina and Espia (who both appeared out of nowhere) used their power to keep the blast radius from going past the City Limits.
They also spared the Pokemon League HQ in Saffron as well. The attack had worked this time, though. Lugi-Oh had been destroyed Cell by Cell. The attack had exhausted everyone's powers, however. Monica and Zora's energy had gotten so low they passed out. Pyro and Puma also defused as did Matt's Tyranitar and Blastoise. Katrin and Fin were experiencing a sudden loss of power. They'd have to wait until their powers returned on their own. Me and Aurabolt had somehow managed to stay fused, though. As we came down to check on everyone the city burned around us. It looked like a total loss save the Pokemon League HQ.
Sabrina and Espia led us to the Saffron Gym, which was also intact. Hiro, Koga, Ann and Nautica were there waiting. To them we looked like we'd just survived a Nuclear Explosion. "We could hear everything from here." Said Koga. "Are you guys alright?"
"We'll live." I said after defusing from Aurabolt. "Monica and Zora are going to need some time, though. Katrin and Fin have exhausted all their powers as well. They'll have to wait until they come back on their own."
"It doesn't matter as long as you're all alright." Said Nautica.
"You don't think anything will happen to Monica's baby, do you?" Asked Ann.
"The child will be fine." Said Katrin. "Monica's body continues to function even though she is asleep."
"We should probably wait until tomorrow to assess the situation." Said Sabrina, who'd just come in the room. "Even though an hour has not yet passed the damage could be as high as $250 Billion."
"TR Jet has ways of getting money from the people." Said Matt. "By increasing the bounty money, of course."
"As well as other tactics." Nautica added. "They even tried to cash in on Nativity Town by making all the females there sell their bodies as surrogate mothers."
"I want to make sure everything well be fine." I said. "We'd better stay inside for the time being." Later that day we learned the damage to Saffron City was staggering. Only a few buildings were left in one piece. Over 100,000 people died in the explosion. Since Lugi-Oh was Government property they decided to blame us for what happened, saying we should've let it eat us. The bounty for me in Kanto was now at $500 Billion. According to TR Jet's bank records they would have little trouble with paying that much money—after taxing 99.99% of it, of course. During the next day I found Fin, Katrin, Espia, and Nautica looking through the Gym's Certified Trainers List. They had found mine as well as Ann and Matt's.
"I don't get how you got the Marsh Badge before." Said Espia. "Dark Types didn't exist then and Ghost types weren't that strong."
"I had a very well balanced team." I explained. "It isn't like it is now. I used many different types to clear all the gyms."
"Mom and Dad have gotten stronger over the years." Said Espia. "Dad used to be in the Elite 4 and Mom trained Will, who was also in the Elite 4 with him."
"It will be nice to have two back-to back 2 on 2 Gym Battles." I said. "I hope this battle will keep me on my toes!" After getting everything all set I got ready to battle Sabrina and Koga, the Tactical Battle Gym Leaders. The duo started with Alakazam and Muk so I sent out Mewfour and Charizard.
"Alakazam, Super Psi!" Said Sabrina.
"Muk, use Toxic Waste!" Said Koga. Super Psi caused Paralysis and Confusion if it connected and Toxic Waste caused Severe Poison. Not good!
"Mewfour, use Mirror Coat!" I Said. "Charizard, Heat Wave!" The attacks caused Muk to Self-Destruct, taking out itself and Alakazam in one go. It was starting to look like my battle against Janine and Espia.
"That was very well executed." Koga remarked. "But are you ready for our next move?" They then sent out Gardevoir and Torkoal. This certainly was going to be tricky! I decided to go first this time.
"Mewfour, Water Pulse!" I said. "Charizard, use Snatch!" Water Pulse KO'd Torkoal while Snatch reversed an attempted Mind Reader. This set things up for my next move. "Charizard, Incineration!" I said. The OHKO Fire move destroyed Sabrina's Pokemon, giving me the win. I'd just won my 6th badge.
"That was some very well played teamwork." said Sabrina. "No wonder you were able to beat the girls. You are worthy of getting the Marsh Badge."
"If you continue your training, there will be nothing you can't do." Said Koga. "Always look for stronger opponents."
"That I will!" I said.
"I'm going continue my training." Said Espia. "When I return to Fuchsia City, I will be ready to battle alongside Janine instead of trying to keep up!"
"Best of luck with that." said Katrin, shaking her hand. "Maybe we'll run into each other again."
"I'll look forward to it." Said Espia. "Which reminds me. I wanted to give you this Pokemon. It can help you until your powers return." And with that Katrin received an Espeon, her first Pokemon!
"I wish I had a Pokemon." Said Fin. "I like having the powers of one but it would be nice to have one as a friend."
"I have one for you, too. "Said Espia. "Janine sent it here this morning." She then gave him a Scyther!
"This Pokemon is a perfect match for me." Said Fin. "You won't be disappointed!" And with that we went west from Saffron to Cinnabar Island. We knew not that yet another adventure awaited us on our way to badge Number 7.
End Chapter 18.
As you can see, this chapter not only came together well but the prison sequence goes to show that this War will not be without sacrifice. Next Chapter is no exception. It will be Chapter 19 (formerly 11).
