Chapter 25
Squirtle squad
the next morning,
Lincoln, along with his newest teammate Charmander, were heading out to meet up with brock and misty. but before they did, they decided to say one last goodbye to Damian before they headed out," well Damian, we'll see you again, right?" Lincoln asked.
"Yeah. if you manage to earn 8 badges for the Pokémon league and beat, you can bet I'll come to see 'ow much Charmander has grown since travelin' with ya," Damian replied, as the doctors come in to wheel him into the ambulance on a stretcher.
"Alright Damian, time to get going," the doctor said.
"Right. take care you guys," Damian said, as he's wheeled away, but not sharing one last glance with Charmander, passing brock and misty, before he disappeared into the paramedic's truck, as it drove off.
Lincoln meets up with brock and misty," link, what happened?" misty asked as Lincoln was looking down then explained everything.
misty and brock were shocked," man I can't believe that happened to Damian," brock said upset." I know, now I feel terrible for thinking that he abandoned Charmander," misty said feeling guilty.
"Guys, be real with me. does this kind of stuff happen a lot?" Lincoln asked in a grim tone.
"Unfortunately, it does. being a Pokémon trainer is as rewarding a position as its dangerous. there have been reports of trainers dying while on the road," brock replied sadly. Lincoln felt a chill go down his spine.
"Trainers have actually died while travelling?! I can't... no, I won't let that happen to me or anyone else,' Lincoln thought to himself. he then turned his attention to Charmander," so, how are holding up?"
"I'm sad to see Damian leave, but I hope that we'll see him again," Charmander replied.
"I know we will," Lincoln replied.
"So, you've managed to catch a Bulbasaur and now a Charmander. I wouldn't be surprised if managed to catch a Squirtle before we reach cerulean cape," misty commented.
"Well, if we do, I hope it can be under more cheerful circumstances. everything that's happened yesterday has been a major reality call for me," Lincoln said, as he recalled Charmander, and they continued on the path.
a few hours later,
having added Charmander as the newest member to his team, Lincoln and friends continue their journey to the cerulean cape. their trip took them towards a small town on route 25," hey, do you guys know if this town has a gym? I'd like to earn some more badges while on our way to cerulean cape," he asked his friends.
"Sorry, this town doesn't have a gym. the closest gym you'll have a chance at is in vermillion city, and we won't be there for about another week," brock replied.
"Really? is vermillion city far from here?" Lincoln asked.
"Yup. after we spend some time at cerulean cape, we'll need to backtrack through route 24 and 25, and cut through cerulean city again, and take the underground path on route 5. which will put us on route 6," misty explained.
"Wait a minute, the last map i saw said that saffron city is directly between routes 5 and 6. why take the underground path when we can just cut through there?" Lincoln asked.
"Not happening. I've heard that Saffron city's been on some lockdown for several days, so people can't get in or out. a shame too, since that place also has a gym there," misty explained.
"Though considering who runs it, it may be best to pass on that gym for the time being," brock shuddered at the thought of the saffron city leader.
"So yeah, vermillion city is pretty far from here. but thankfully, routes 5 and 6 aren't terribly long. maybe about half a day's walk for each if we keep up a quick pace," misty explained.
"Yikes! is this a regular thing for trainers?" Lincoln asked with a wince.
"Afraid so. towns are spread out pretty far. but travelling between each town is part of the fun. besides, you won't suffer in it alone. we'll be there with you the entire way," brock proclaimed, giving Lincoln a pat on the back.
"Thanks. and on the plus side, I'm getting some kind of exercise," Lincoln added, as they continued towards the Pokémon center, when he felt something bump into him, before hearing the sound of running off. when he turned to see the source, he saw a Squirtle running away," was that a Squirtle?"
"Looks like it. probably belongs to someone in town," Pikachu replied, before turning back to his trainer," but no time to dwell on it. I've got a hankering for some ketchup."
"You and your ketchup," Lincoln snorted in amusement as they entered the Pokémon center. but what Lincoln didn't know was that his trainer card was no longer in his pocket.
meanwhile, in a nearby alleyway,
the same Squirtle that had pickpocketed Lincoln, who was wearing a pair of Kamia style sunglasses, had ducked into a nearby alleyway, where four other Squirtle, each wearing more rounded sunglasses were waiting," welcome back, boss. you got the goods?" one of the Squirtle asked.
"You know it. check it out boys!" the lead Squirtle said, as he showed the spoils of his latest heist; Lincoln's trainer I.D.," I managed to snag it off of some white-haired moron who was going into the Pokémon center. man, I wish I could see the look on his face when he realizes it's gone!
"Nice one boss! but, uh... what is it?"
"it's a trainer I.D., shell brain. I'm not too sure on how it works, but I know that trainers use it to buy stuff. meaning whatever cash that sucker had on him now belongs to us," the lead Squirtle explained, as he adjusted his sunglasses in a cocky manner, while his cohorts were cheering for him," thank you, thank you. now c'mon boys, time to go live it up!" he said, as he led them out the alleyway, but waiting for them outside was nothing but trouble.
"There you are troublemakers! we've got you today!" a pair of officer jenny's came rushing towards them, each with their own growlithe.
"Ah, shit! it's the fuzz! cheese it boys!" the lead Squirtle said, as the five of them ran off.
"Come back here!" the older jenny said, as they gave chase.
"growlithe, flame charge!" the younger jenny instructed. her growlithe became cloaked in fire, and began to race after the squirtles, picking up speed as it moved along," just give it up! we're taking you in!"
"Like hell you are, bitch!" the lead Squirtle shot back, as they turned back to face them, blasting the charging growlithe into the other one with five steams of water, knocking them both out of the process.
"Oh no, growlithe!" both jenny's exclaimed, coming to their aid. the younger jenny then recalled her growlithe, before facing the Squirtle.
"Grr, you're not getting away with this!" the younger jenny yelled, as she chased them herself.
"Oh yes, we are! ready boys? open fire! the lead Squirtle said, as they all fired off their water guns, blasting the younger jenny into the older one and her growlithe, sending them all into some trash cans," and stay in the trash where you belong! but before we go," the lead Squirtle said, as he and his brethren flipped them both off, and ran off.
"Damn it! we almost had them this time!" the older jenny cursed, as she and the younger jenny brushed off all the garbage, they had on them.
"We should take our growlithe to the Pokémon center before pursuing them again, aunt jenny," the younger jenny said.
"Good call. let's hurry through," the older jenny replied, as she scooped up her growlithe, and they made their way to the Pokémon center as fast as they could.
meanwhile, at the Pokémon center,
Lincoln was going through the mart, and gathering the items he wanted to purchase, which included five pokeballs, three potions, five bottles of milk he found, and a bottle of ketchup," I'd like to purchase these items," Lincoln told the clerk.
"Certainly. that'll be 2200 pokedallars please and this moomoo milk is very popular for those wanting to grow big and strong," the clerk replied.
"of course, if it's true about the milk that's even better. just let me get my..." Lincoln was puzzled when digging through his pockets, and couldn't find his trainer card," what the...? where'd my trainer card go? I know I had it in my pocket before coming into town."
"Is there a problem, sir?" the clerk asked.
"no, nothing's wrong. I just need to find my..." then, Lincoln realized something. when that Squirtle bumped into him earlier, it must've pickpocketed his trainer card," the Squirtle must've stolen my card!"
"Oh dear, they're still at it, huh?" the clerk asked, holding her head.
"What do you mean?" Lincoln asked.
"See, there's a gang of Squirtle that have been causing trouble in town, such as vandalism, thievery, harassment, just about any type of mischief they can pull. there are rumors going around that they're acting like this because they were abandoned by their trainers," the clerk explained.
"And now one of them has my trainer card. just perfect," Lincoln groaned, before giving his partner an apologetic look," sorry buddy, but until we get my card back, there won't be any ketchup?"
"n-no... ketchup?" Pikachu parroted, unable to fully comprehend what he was told," I'm going to fry that turtle when we find him again. no one gets between me and my ketchup!"
"Well, if you have some actually cash on hand, you can still purchase these items," the clerk said to Lincoln.
"Well, that doesn't really help much. all of my cash is stored in the bank," Lincoln replied.
"What about the nugget you won off of Gary the other day? you could sell that and still pay for everything," Pikachu suggested.
"Oh yeah, I forgot about that," Lincoln replied, as he dug through his bag, and pulled out the nugget and gave it to the clerk," what if I sold this? will I be able to pay for everything?"
the clerk took a moment to look over the nugget. upon finding it satisfactory, she turned back to Lincoln," I can buy this for 5000 pokedollars. that means you'll be able to purchase everything here, and get 2800 back in change," she explained.
"Sounds like a deal," Lincoln replied. the clerk then took some money out of the register, and handed it over to Lincoln. Lincoln then placed his purchase into his bag, before heading out to the lobby, where brock and misty were waiting.
"Got everything you need?" brock asked.
"From the store, yes including the milk you mentioned, but we quite leave this town just yet," Lincoln replied.
"Why not? are you having second thoughts about cerulean cape?" misty asked, hands on her hips.
"no, I still want to go, but..." Lincoln then explained everything that the clerk told him, unaware that both jenny's had just arrived to have both of their growlithe treated.
"So, you think a Squirtle stole your trainer card? no offense, but that sounds a bit outlandish," misty replied.
"she's right. maybe you just misplaced it," brock theorized.
"Not possible. before we left the Pokémon center this morning, I made doubly sure that it was in my pocket," Lincoln replied.
"We can both guarantee that his ID was stolen," a female voice said. the three of them turned to see both officer jenny's standing before them," we ran into those same Squirtle your friend mentioned, and they had a trainer card with the very same picture of your friend on it."
"I do believe that something has been stolen, and by the two of you, no less-that being my heart!" brock proclaimed, kneeling down, taking the hand of the older jenny.
"Hey link, it's been a while," the younger jenny said, hugging Lincoln, he started hugging her back.
"Wait, are you the same jenny intern that I met back in viridian city?" Lincoln asked.
"The very one! part of my internship has me going around the region studying under the other jenny's to help with following in my mother's footsteps," jenny replied.
"Huh, that's handy to know," Lincoln commented.
"she's not the only one!" another female voice exclaimed, as Lincoln found himself pulled into a hug by nurse joy," I'm here studying under this towns nurse joy as well!"
"Great to see you too, joy," Lincoln replied, hugging joy back.
"we're getting off topic here!" the older jenny said, pulling her hand away from brock," the point is those Squirtle are causing trouble, and you guys seem to have a knack for sorting out trouble, from what my niece has told me."
"If you can help us out with rounding them up, I'm sure the town would be ever so grateful," the younger jenny said.
"Sure. one of them stole my ID, so naturally I'll help out. i just have one question regarding them," Lincoln said.
"And that would be?" the older jenny asked.
"The clerk at the pokemart said those Squirtle are wild, but that there are rumors that they're abandoned Pokémon," Lincoln replied.
"I can confirm that they are in fact wild," the older jenny replied.
"Great! then I'll help out, if it's alright that I catch one of them and I think the Squirtle deserves a second chance in life," Lincoln replied.
"Hmm, I see no issue with that, if that's all you want," the older jenny replied.
"Then it looks like we got ourselves a deal. so, how many Squirtle are we looking at? all I got from the clerk is that there's more of them," Lincoln asked.
"In total, there's five of them," the older jenny replied, showing them a picture of the gang in question," that one there is the leader," she said, pointing to the Squirtle with Kamia styled glasses.
"Huh, so the one with the Kamia sunglasses must be the leader," Lincoln theorized.
"Kamina sunglasses?" misty questioned.
"it's a reference to an anime I watched a while back. I'll tell you about it later," Lincoln replied dismissively," in any case, that'll be the one I'll try to catch. more than likely its the one that stole my ID."
"Sounds fair," misty replied.
"So, how do we track them down?" Lincoln asked, just as the Pokémon center chime went off.
"Just leave that to us," the younger jenny said, as she and her aunt went to collect their growlithe.
"Both of your growlithe are back into perfect health," the older nurse joy said, as both of them took their partner's pokeballs.
"Thanks for this, joy, the older jenny said, as they both released their growlithe.
"Our growlithe have the scents of all those Squirtle memorized by now," the younger jenny stated proudly.
"Hey there, growlthe. how have you been?" Lincoln asked the younger puppy Pokémon, who happily ran up to Lincoln, jumping up on him, seeing a hisuian version of growlithe in his arms.
"Easy there, rookie. we've got a job to do!" the older growlithe barked.
"Right, right! sorry," the younger growlithe said, returning to his trainer's side and Lincoln snapped back to reality.
"So, what's the plan? we split up into groups of two?" Lincoln asked.
"Precisely. the three of you will team up with one of us, and help us scour the town for the Squirtle," the older jenny replied.
"I'll go with the older jenny. having at least one gym leader on the team should help out immensely," brock said.
"Just as long as you don't slow me down," the older jenny stated bluntly, as the younger jenny rolled her eyes along with joy, link took noticed.
"That leave me with misty and Lincoln!" the younger jenny said, as she high fives Lincoln.
"Well, let's get those Squirtle rounded up and getting my ID card back," Lincoln said, as they left the Pokémon center, and split up.
later, in town, with brock and the older jenny,
"Alright boy, you know what to do," jenny said, as her growlithe began to sniff around for the Squirtle.
"So, officer, after we're done here, are you free later, because..." brock said.
"Young man, is this really the time for that? I assume you know we have more pressing matter at hand?" jenny asked incredulously.
"Could there be any matter more pressing than true love?" brock asked romantically.
"How about your friend's trust? after all, he's counting on us to find his trainer card, my niece semes to like you why not take her to dinner. besides, I have a boyfriend," jenny retorted.
"Rejected again. what am I doing wrong, wait her niece likes me," brock thought surprised. just then, growlithe's ears perked up.
"What is it boy? do you smell something?" jenny asked.
"Yeah, I think it smells like..." a vindictive grin worked its way onto the puppy Pokémon's face," Squirtle! smells like one's a block away!" growlithe replied, as it raced off, leaving both humans to chase after it.
"growlithe must've picked up one of the Squirtle!" brock guessed, as they rounded a corner.
"Must be! since growlithe's nose has never been wrong before, its more than likely," jenny said, as they soon rounded another corner. they arrived at a large building, where they saw two Squirtle, one standing on the other's shell, while spray painting the wall, including some obscene words," damn it, we just had that building cleaned yesterday!"
"Huh... I never knew Squirtle were able to use spray paint, or that they can use it to make actual words," brock commented.
"Are you seriously impressed by their vandalism?!" jenny snarled.
"Well, this isn't the kind of stuff you see every day," brock replied defensively.
"For you, maybe, but I have to put up with this B.S. every day," jenny retorted, turning to her growlithe, who had its fangs bared, and ready to go on the attack," growlithe?"
"Yeah?"
"Fetch those Squirtle," jenny simply said. growlithe beamed vindictively.
"With pleasure," the puppy Pokémon replied, as it charged at the two Squirtle, startling them.
"Aww, crap! it's the fuzz!" the crouching Squirtle yelled, as they ran off, causing his partner to fall on his head, knocking him out.
"You head off the fleeing Squirtle up ahead. I'll apprehend this one," jenny said, as she deployed one of her pokeballs.
"Right," brock said, as he raced off after the fleeing Squirtle," bronzor, come on out!" brock said, sending out bronzor," use hypnosis on that Squirtle!" he instructed, pointing to the Squirtle that growlithe was battling. bronzor then floated up towards the Squirtle, who just warded off growlithe with water gun, and began to emit a strange wavelength from its eyes, causing the Squirtle to become drowsy," alright officer jenny, now's your chance to catch this one!"
"Got it! I've been looking forward to this for a long time!" jenny said gleefully, as she readied her pokeball.
"s-screw you... copper. you may catch me and that idiot over there... but you'll never... get the others!" the Squirtle flipped off the officer, before collapsing. although she couldn't understand what Squirtle had just said, jenny could tell it wasn't anything good.
"Yeah, well screw you too!" jenny said, as she tossed the pokeball at Squirtle, sucking them in. it rocked for a few seconds, before the clicking was heard, signaling a successfully capture. she did the same thing to the unconscious Squirtle, successfully capturing it as well," two down, three to go. thanks for having your bronzor put it to sleep like that,' jenny replied.
"of course. now that we've gotten that out of the way," brock was interrupted by growlithe barking.
"We got another Squirtle about 2 blocks away!" growlithe said, before rushing off.
"c'mon! growlithe must have smelled another one!" jenny said, as she followed after her partner, leaving brock to hang his head in disappointment.
"Damn it," was all he could say, before recalling bronzor, and follow closely after them.
meanwhile, with Lincoln, misty, and the younger jenny,
the three of them were following growlithe, who was sniffing around for any of the Squirtle," still nothing. is it possible that they're hiding somewhere in town?" Lincoln asked.
"it's possible. after all, if you were on the run from the law, wouldn't you try to hide out somewhere?" misty asked.
"Fair point," Lincoln replied.
"I don't ever foresee you being on the run from the law, Lincoln, but if it does come to that, just turn yourself in right away. you may get a lesser sentence," jenny advised in a serious tone.
"I'll keep that in mind," Lincoln said, as little unnerved by what one of his new friends just said. just then growlithe started barking.
"We got a bogey, 11 o clock!" he said, before racing off.
"growlithe says it's got something," Lincoln said, as he and the two girls followed after growlithe. and true to form, there was a Squirtle, who appeared to be hitting on a couple of women.
"Hey ladies, want to go steady with a stud muffin?" it said, moving in a suggestive manner, causing the women to scoff indignantly, before storming off," eh, their loss."
"Can you scan this one to see how strong it is?" misty asked Lincoln.
"Sure thing," Lincoln said, pointing dexter at the Squirtle.
"Squirtle, the tine turtle Pokémon, a water type. it hides inside of its shell to protect itself. it then fires off blast of water at any opportunity. this Squirtle knows the moves withdraw, tackle, water gun, rapid, spin, bite, and mirror coat," dexter explained.
"what's mirror coat?" Lincoln wondered.
"Mirror coat: a psychic type move that reflects twice the amount of damage the user took from a special attack," dexter explained. it was then the Squirtle noticed them, eying misty and jenny in a lust filled manner.
"Hey there, baby dolls, how's about ditching the mini grampa and scoring with a real man?" the Squirtle asked. Lincoln, Pikachu, and even growlithe winced at what they just heard.
"Uh, misty, jenny? don't know if I should tell you this, but I think that Squirtle is hitting on you both?"
both girls looked back at the white-haired boy," what?! no way! not happening! I already told officer jenny that we would help catch the Squirtle, and that's what we're doing!" misty proclaimed.
"And I don't date perverts!" jenny said.
"You must be talking about the other hot police chick, right? figures that both of them would hire other trainers to do their dirty work. not that you have any chance of catching us, especially me. I'm the boss' right hand 'mon!" the Squirtle said, giving a confident smirk.
"Really, now? you'd better enjoy your last moments of freedom while you can! once I catch you, you're going to be a full-fledged captured! misty proclaimed, holding out a pokeball.
"Heh, I'd like to see you try, sweet cheeks," the Squirtle said, beckoning misty to come at him.
"Need help with this?" Lincoln asked.
"I got this. poliwhirl, I need your help!" misty said, sending out poliwhirl surprising Lincoln.
"When did you get poliwhirl?" Lincoln asked.
"My gym had poliwhirl, after our gym battle, I decided to bring him with me on our adventure," misty replied, as Squirtle was glancing past poliwhirl, and up to misty and jenny, Squirtle sighed.
"Man, what I wouldn't give just to get close to total knockouts like them. too bad I can't let that poliwhirl of hers win. unless...' he thought, as a plan began to take shape in his mind, 'unless there was a way to strike a deal with them, one that can help bust the guys out of the slammer, and get me in the clear! well, I always knew we were going to be caught eventually,' he thought, as he worked out a plan in his mind while facing poliwhirl, who looked ready to battle,' ok I think I got it worked out. time to put into action.' in an instant, Squirtle fired off water gun in the tadpole Pokémon's face, before running towards a nearby alley, flipping the bird," come and get me, bitch!"
"After it, poliwhirl! don't let it escape!" misty ordered, prompting the water type to chase Squirtle.
"You too, growlithe!" jenny said, as the puppy Pokémon followed too.
"Stop in the name of the law!" growlithe barked, as both he and poliwhirl were chasing the fleeing Squirtle. neither of them could fathom how a turtle could move so fast.
"You want me? come get me!" Squirtle yelled, flipping the bird once more, before noticing that he ran himself into a corner," uh oh, this was part of the plan," he said, as poliwhirl and growlithe finally caught up to him.
"End of the line!" poliwhirl said.
"you're under arrest for vandalism, theft, and harassment!" growlithe stated.
"Hey, hey, ease up guys, I don't want to fight," Squirtle said.
"Too bad. you should've thought of that before committing all those crimes," growlithe stated.
"Wait! just give me a moment to speak! I want to make a deal with that growlithe! Squirtle pleaded.
"you're... offering a deal?" poliwhirl asked.
"don't listen to him, private! I've seen this a dozen times; he tries to offer up a deal, then strikes when our backs our turned," growlithe warned.
"I give you my word that this is a goodness proposition. and where everyone benefits. just give me five minutes to explain," the Squirtle said. both poliwhirl and growlithe looked between each other, unsure on whether to trust Squirtle or not.
"Alright, you get ONE chance to strike a deal," poliwhirl stated, keeping a close eye on Squirtle.
"Alright, so that blue headed trainer of yours is set to catch me, right?" Squirtle asked.
"that's what I heard. get to the point," poliwhirl demanded.
"here's the deal. I'm willing to take a dive so she can catch me," Squirtle said. both of the pursuing Pokémon were flabbergasted at what they had just heard.
"you're just surrendering? just like that?" growlithe asked.
"what's the catch?" poliwhirl asked suspiciously.
"Well, besides that officer of yours is a total hottie, but despite what our leader says, our gang was going to get caught eventually by the other officer chick of this town, given how persistent she is," Squirtle said.
"So, basically, you're wanting out of your gang before things go south, right?" poliwhirl asked bluntly.
"An A+ for you, frog man. so, here's the deal-just hurl some attacks my way, and knock me out," Squirtle explained.
"Sounds doable, but why not just turn yourself in now?" growlithe asked.
"Ugh, fine, if you guys want to do it the BORING way," Squirtle groaned in annoyance.
"I'll lead the advance. poliwhirl, you keep watch, so this joker doesn't try any funny stuff," growlithe ordered, getting behind Squirtle.
"Right-o," poliwhirl replied, as growlithe led them out of the alley way," I must say, I'm impressed that you're turning on your gang so easily."
"Hey, if it means getting close to that fine officer you call a trainer, then I'll do just about anything," Squirtle replied.
"One more crack like that about jenny, and I'll make soup out of you," growlithe warned.
"Yeesh, can't you take a joke?"
outside of the alley,
"I saw them coming this way," Lincoln said, as he, misty, jenny were right outside of the alleyway where poliwhirl and growlithe were confronting Squirtle.
"With two of them battling it, I'm sure they'll take down that Squirtle," jenny replied, just as they saw poliwhirl emerging from the nearby alleyway, followed by Squirtle and growlithe.
"growlithe! how'd it go?" jenny asked.
"Squirtle decided to come quietly, and let you catch him in exchange for helping bust his gang," growlithe replied.
"growlithe just said that Squirtle's surrendering itself to you, jenny. Squirtle has even offered to help bust the rest of the gang," Lincoln translated. both girls were very surprised.
"Really? well, that wasn't too hard," jenny commented, as jenny got out one of her pokeballs.
"Alright Squirtle, you're mine!" jenny said, as she tossed her pokeball.
"Sure thing babe," was the last thing Squirtle said before it got sucked into the ball. after a few seconds of rocking, the ball clicked shut.
"I'm surprised that it was willing to give itself up so easily," Lincoln commented, as jenny retrieved Squirtle.
"I'll say. that just leaves us the boss. any ideas on how you're going to battle him," Pikachu asked.
"Most likely I'll go with Bulbasaur, mainly because I want to see how well he does in battle," Lincoln replied.
"Sounds reasonable," Pikachu replied.
"Right," Lincoln said, turning to the two girls, jenny, your new Squirtle said he was willing to help apprehend the rest of the gang. should we have lead us to the leader?"
"Sounds like a plan, but are you certain we can trust him? after all, these Squirtle are troublemakers," misty replied, as jenny nodded.
"Maybe so, but that Squirtle seems to really like you, so maybe he'll do it for you," Lincoln replied.
"Well, if you say so," jenny replied, as she sent out Squirtle.
"Only a few seconds of being captured, and you're already sending me back out? you must have the hots for me, huh? what 'cha need, babe?" Squirtle asked.
"We need your help in tracking down the rest of your gang. they've been causing a lot of trouble for my aunt and the people living in this town. I'm almost certain that you'll say no, but I want your help," jenny explained.
"If it were any other trainer, I would tell them to go to hell. but for a hot piece of ass like you, I'll do as you ask just this once," Squirtle replied.
"Well, that settles it. Squirtle's onboard," Lincoln translated.
"I'll let aunt jenny know," jenny said, pulling out her walkie-talkie," aunt jenny, come in, over."
"I'm here, jenny. what's your situation?" the older jenny's voice said over the line.
"we've managed to apprehend one of the Squirtle. how are things on your end?" jenny asked.
"we've managed to procure two Squirtle, and are currently searching for the other two," the older jenny said, as barking was heard over the line," hang on, I think growlithe just picked up on something. we'll talk later."
"Ok, see you soon," jenny said, hanging up," ok, so now all that's left for us to do is to find the leader Squirtle."
"If that's what you guys want, then I'll take you to his usual spot. but I should warn you ahead of time, the boss is a lot tougher than the rest of us," jenny's Squirtle warned.
"He said that he'll take us to his leader, but warned us that the boss Squirtle is stronger than the rest of the gang," Lincoln translated.
"Well, lead away, Squirtle," jenny requested.
"Alright, but remember, you asked for it."
later, by a small pond on the outskirts of town,
"we're going awfully far from town. are you certain that Squirtle isn't just leading us on a wild goose chase?" jenny asked.
"Relax, toots. I know the boss, and he's always hanging out up ahead," jenny's Squirtle said, as they neared the pond. and lo and behold, there was the very same Squirtle wearing Kamia styled sunglasses, sitting on the banks of the river, a content smile on his face," see? what'd I tell ya?"
"Alright, so we found the leader. now what?" jenny asked.
"I'll go and try to schmooze it over with the boss, and try to convince him to give himself up," jenny's Squirtle replied, as he went over to the pond. meanwhile, Lincoln took out dexter.
"Dexter, could you tell me what moves the Squirtle in the pond can use?" Lincoln asked.
"Certainly. one moment," dexter replied, scanning the leader," this Squirtle knows the moves tackle, bite, withdraw, water gun, rapid spin and aqua jet."
"Aqua jet?" Lincoln parroted, having heard of that move once before.
"Essentially, aqua jet is a water type equivalent to quick attack, allowing the user to attack first," misty explained, as jenny's Squirtle was nearing the leader Squirtle.
"Hey boss, how's it going?" jenny's Squirtle asked.
"Pretty good, considering everything that's happened earlier today," the leader replied, swimming up to shore," but enough about me. let's talk about you."
"m-me? uh... sure boss. what about?"
"First, answer me this; how long would say we've been friends? two, maybe three years?"
"Sounds about right. but what brought this on all of a sudden?"
the leader's expression turned ice cold," well, considering what i saw and heard earlier, its clear to me that you don't really care much about our friendship, now do you?"
"b-b-but boss, if you hear me out..."
"Silence! you betrayed me and the rest of the gang, and for what? to help some dopey looking humans hiding out in the bushes over there?" the leader ranted, pointing towards Lincoln and company's hiding spot," come out of there, I know you're hiding out there!"
"Crap! I don't know how, but he found us out!" Lincoln said, as he, misty, Pikachu, and jenny stepped out from the bushes.
"Seriously? these are the humans you've chosen to side with? pathetic!" the leader sneered incredulously.
"Yeah? well, we'll just see about that, turtle boy!" Lincoln said, holding out Bulbasaur's pokeball.
"you're challenging me to a battle?"
"that's right! and afterwards, I'll catch you!" Lincoln declared, only to be laughed at by the lead Squirtle.
"You? catch me? you're too much, you know that?"
"let's see if you can back up that smart mouth. of course, I'm going to offer you the easy way out, where you just turn yourself in and make things easier o yourself," Lincoln offered.
"How about this? I beat you, and you tell that bimbo officer to let my brethren go. you can keep this traitorous scumbag for all I care," Squirtle said, glaring at jenny's Squirtle.
"Oh come on, boss!"
"Never call me that again," the leader warned in a cold tone.
"Suit yourself. but don't say I didn't offer the easy way," Lincoln said, as he sent out Bulbasaur.
"a Bulbasaur? well, at least you're not like those brainless officers that always send their growlithe to chase us. I mean, who uses a fire types against a water types?"
"Think you can take him, Bulbasaur?" Lincoln asked.
"I'll be fine battling him," Bulbasaur replied, turning to his trainer," the real question is whether or not you can guide me to victory or not."
"What kind of trainer would I be if I wasn't able to?" Lincoln asked rhetorically.
"Ha, don't underestimate me, just because you have a type advantage over me doesn't mean squat!"
"Really, let's see if you can back up those words," Lincoln said, turning to Bulbasaur," you ready?"
"Whenever you are."
"Alright, now then, let's start off with razor leaf!" Lincoln instructed. Bulbasaur then fired off razor leaf at the turtle Pokémon.
Squirtle used rapid spin to beat razor leaf then headed towards Bulbasaur.
"Quick, deflect it using vine whip!" Lincoln instructed. Bulbasaur used his vines to smack away the spinning Squirtle, causing it to crash into a tree feeling dizzy.
"Whoa what a rush, head still spinning," Squirtle said.
"Nice work Bulbasaur, got another trick up your sleeve?" Lincoln asked, as Bulbasaur gave him a smirk.
"Trust me, Lincoln I do!" Bulbasaur replied, as he shot a seed off its back hitting Squirtle covering it in vines.
"Ha, this is all you got covering me in vines, how lame, now face my aqua jet," Squirtle said as it begins aqua jet until it fell to the ground," what, what's happening my strength is fading."
"it's a little hidden move I have called leach seed. it's a move I've learned back in the hidden village, it sucks the energy and strength of any Pokémon caught in it, it's as strong as poison powder," Bulbasaur said with pride.
"Wow, Bulbasaur, that's a nice move you got, also is the poison powder fatal to humans? because I still want to catch Squirtle," Lincoln asked.
"No worries. for Pokémon, being poisoned is the equivalent of what you humans call 'catching the flu'. it won't kill him, it'll just weaken him like my leach seed," Bulbasaur explained.
"Well, that's less worrisome than i thought," Lincoln said, unnerved by what Bulbasaur just explained." though I'll remember to keep away from that poison powder of yours," he commented, as Squirtle was having a hard time standing," though I should catch him now."
Lincoln readied his pokeball," alright Squirtle, you're mine!" he said, tossing his pokeball at the weakened Squirtle, sucking him into the ball. it rocked for a few seconds before snapping shut.
"Great! now I've got a Squirtle!" Lincoln said, retrieving his newly caught Pokémon.
"Do you wish to swap out Squirtle for one of your party Pokémon?" dexter asked.
"Yes. I think Kirila's earned himself a break, so if you can send him over," Lincoln replied. Kirila's pokeball then warped away, allowing Lincoln to add Squirtle to his party.
"Now you've got Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle, a complete set of kanto starters!" misty commented.
"By the way, I believe this is yours," jenny's Squirtle said, handing Lincoln a familiar card shaped item.
"My trainer cards!" he exclaimed, as he took it from the Squirtle," good, looks like my money's still here."
"Looks like the Squirtle squad won't be a problem anymore. aunt jenny will be so pleased to hear that" jenny commented.
"Seriously? they were called the Squirtle squad?" Lincoln asked incredulously.
"Well, we had to call them something besides a gang of Squirtle. speaking of which," jenny said, getting out her walkie-talkie," aunt jenny, its jenny."
"Were you three able to find the leader?" the older jenny asked.
"Affirmative. and only were we able to retrieve Lincoln's trainer card, but he managed to catch the leader as well," jenny replied.
"Oh thank arceus. now this town can rest easy!" the older jenny said in a big sigh of relief.
"Roger that. we're heading back to the Pokémon center now," jenny replied.
"Roger that. we've just caught the fifth Squirtle, and are heading back now ourselves," the older jenny said.
"Roger that. see you soon," jenny said, putting her walkie-talkie away.
"Well, let's get going back to the Pokémon center. I want to get Bulbasaur and Squirtle patched up," Lincoln commented.
"Yeah, and I'm pretty sure jenny's Squirtle and poliwhirl need some rest too," misty replied, as they made their way back to town.
back at the Pokémon center,
"I can't tell you three just how grateful I am to each of you for helping us catch the Squirtle," the older jenny said with a grateful smile.
"It was our pleasure to help out," misty replied.
"So, what are you planning to do with the four you caught?" Lincoln asked. a vindictive smile then formed on the two jenny's faces.
"Community service. these four are going to be repaying their debt to society for a very long time. and I mean a long time," she replied, crackling in a manner.
"Especially this little pervert here, when I'm done with him, he'll never be a perv again," the younger jenny added.
"Well, now that this whole mess is settled, jenny I noticed that you and joy looked annoyed when brock flirted with your aunt, is there by any chance you two have a crush on him," Lincoln asked, as the two blushed.
"Well, yes but he didn't even notice us, which annoyed us both," the younger jenny replied.
"Look, I know he goes nuts with every pretty girl he sees, but I got to know the guy, he's helpful, responsible, a great cook, looks after his siblings, puts others before himself, I'll talk to him for you both," Lincoln said.
"Thanks, Lincoln you're the best, by the way jenny and I owed you this for saving the Pokémon center in viridian city," the younger joy said, as they both kissed Lincoln on both sides of his cheeks, making him blush.
"Sure, no problem, I'll go talk to brock," Lincoln said walking to brock.
at the Santiago household,
Carlota was reading a fashion magazine while Ronnie Anne was having soda while watching her baby cousin, until she suddenly crushed her soda can surprising Carlota.
"Whoa, what's up with you prima?" Carlota asked.
"I don't know why, but I felt like kicking Lincoln's butt for some reason," Ronnie Anne replied.
back at the Pokémon center,
after his talk with brock about the younger joy and jenny about liking him, brock decided to take ask them out, Lincoln felt a chill down his spine.
"I suddenly feel a chill I hope it's nothing bad, oh well, I should call professor oak. it's been a while since I called him last," Lincoln commented.
"You do that, while I go and make sure we have everything for cerulean cape," misty said.
meanwhile, at oaks lab,
in a tatami style room, professor oak was enjoying some tea and cakes, while dabbling in a little bit of poetry," hmm, what a good word that rhymes with 'clefairy'?" he pondered, as the sound of ringing was heard," oh, thank you clefable," he said, as Lincoln's clefable was carrying the video phone over to him. answering it, professor oak was greeted with the sight of the very boy in question," ah, Mr. loud. haven't heard from you in a few days. how have you been?"
"Fairly busy since last we spoke, professor," Lincoln replied.
"Is that so? then would you mind sharing the stories of your travels?" professor oak asked. Lincoln then explained everything that had happened since leaving cerulean city," my word, you have been busy. not too many trainers are able to catch all three kanto starter Pokémon, especially not within a few short days."
"Yeah, I know. but each new adventure has been pretty fulfilling," Lincoln replied.
"I see. but why pray tell are you headed for cerulean cape? from cerulean city, your next stop would've been vermilion city," professor oak asked.
"Yeah... about that... when I called my family on our last night in cerulean city... Lynn decided to brag about how they sold my furniture and how they were planning to go to the beach without me," Lincoln said solemnly.
"I see," professor oak replied, frowning at what he had just heard. just then clefable went into the frame.
"Friend Lincoln, are you having troubles with your family?" he asked.
"Hey clefable. and yeah, to say that I'm having troubles with my family would be an understatement. Kirila, Andrea, and queeny can fill you and the others in. they were in my party at the time I made the call," Lincoln replied.
"Queeny and Andrea?" professor oak asked.
"I gave the steenee I got in a wonder trade a nickname, as well as my sandshrew. I named her Andrea," Lincoln explained.
"Hmm, I see. normally, Pokémon that you receive from trades can't be given nicknames, but if they did so, then they must really like you already," professor oak replied.
"I guess so, especially since gramps is the trainer who originally caught steenee when it was just a bounsweet," Lincoln explained.
"Really now? that's quite a coincidence," professor oak commented in a surprised tone.
"Yeah. I would've told my family more about it, but Lynn and the others burst in well, things went downhill after that," Lincoln replied.
"Well, after I ran off from the call, misty suggested that we visit the cape so that we can have the very same kind of beach day my family was planning. that, and we can also visit bill in his lighthouse," Lincoln explained.
"I see. two birds with one stone. it would be good to spend some time with your friends," professor oak commented, before remembering something, that reminds me, the other day, your sister had mentioned that two of your friends back home showed an interest in becoming trainers themselves. what would your opinion on such a subject be?"
"You must mean Clyde and Ronnie Anne. funny you should mention that. they were present when I called home from cerulean city, and mentioned that they were interested too," Lincoln replied.
"I see. well, would you say that they're trustworthy with such a responsibility?" professor oak asked.
"I would, professor, and I'm not say that just because they're my friends. Clyde's as trustworthy as they come, and Ronnie Anne is trustworthy, tough and honest too," Lincoln replied.
"I see. so, you confirm that they would be good trainers?"
"I do, professor," Lincoln replied.
"Hmm, very well then. by the way, would you mind terribly if I included your latest exploits in the next progress report? I plan on sending a recorded message to your family in a few days, and I wish to have everything up to date," professor oak requested.
"By all means, professor. and if you do a recorded message, then you won't have to worry about Lynn ruining things."
"My thoughts exactly. though it was Lisa who suggested it, given the differences in time zones and all.
"Great. oh, one more thing before I hang up," Lincoln said, as he dug out the mega stone that Damian gave him." when I rescued Damian, he gave me this as we were heading back to the Pokémon center."
"Another mega stone? how many does this make?"
"it's my fourth one, including the one I got from the beedrill swarm and the two from Kirila and riolu were holding when I got them from a wonder trade," Lincoln replied.
"Fascinating! will you be sending it over then?"
"of course. just give me a moment," Lincoln went off screen for a few seconds. on professor oak's side, the mega stone in question had materialized.
"The transfer was successful, Mr. loud. I'll be sure to let you know as soon as professor sycamore has done his analysis," professor oak said.
"Thanks professor, I really appreciate this. well, I got to go, I'll call you back as soon as I can, professor," Lincoln said.
"Very good. I look forward to hearing from you again," professor oak said, as he hung up," four mega stones already, this just goes to disprove all that rubbish that big, mouthed sister of his said about him being bad luck," he said, as he began to dial the number for another Pokémon lab. in seconds, professor sycamore's voice came on screen.
"Ah Samuel, haven't heard from you in a few days. how are things?"
back at the Pokémon center,
Lincoln hung up the phone and was about to head to his room until brock came up and hugged him," Lincoln thank so much," brock said letting him down.
"what's going on brock?" Lincoln asked.
"thanks to you i got a date with joy and jenny tonight," brock said excitedly.
"that's awesome brock, just don't blow it ok," Lincoln said.
"don't worry I won't girl guru," brock said laughing, as Lincoln laughed as well, but felt uncomfortable about being called that.
That's chapter 25, next chapter we'll see what goes on in the loud house with the second report.
just a heads-up Lincoln'sPokémon at the loud house and oaks lab will train off screen.
I let the younger jenny catch a Squirtle because she would use it to put out fires.
brock has a date with both the teen jenny and joy, will he blow or not?
Lincoln's team
Pikachu (male)
moves: thunderbolt, iron tail, quick attack, electroball.
Fearow (female) oaks lab
moves: drill peck, wing attack, gust, brave bird.
poliwhirl (male) at loud house
moves: hypnosis, water sport, and water gun.
pidgeotto (female)
Moves: gust, whirlwind, sand attack, tackle, brave bird, steel wing, and quick attack.
butterfree (male) at loud house
moves: sleep powder, stun spore, confusion, quick attack, and psybeam.
beedrill (shiny) (male) at loud house
poison sting, string shot, bug bite, harden, pin missile, poison jab, and whirlwind.
riolu (male)
moves: quick attack, endure, counter, metal claw, and egg move vacuum wave
Kirila (male) at oaks lab
moves: confusion, double team, thunder punch, disarming voice, teleport, and egg move misty terrain.
Flapple (male) oaks lab
moves: dragon rage, grassnot, razor leaf, and whirlwind.
Appletun (female) oaks lab
moves: dragon rage, grassnot, razor leaf, and energyball.
zubat (male) at the louds
moves: absorb, supersonic, bite, wing attack, astonish, and giga drain.
paras (male) at the louds
moves: scratch, stun spore, poison powder, absorb, and fell stinger.
sandshrew (female) (Andrea) at oaks lab.
moves: poison sting, defence curl, rapid spin, fury cutter, magnitude, and metal claw
clefable (male) oaks lab
moves: metronome, minimize, double slap, disarming voice, sing, and wake up slap.
steenee (female) oak's lab
moves: sweet scent, razor leaf, rapid spin, splash, play nice, and grass whistle.
rockruff (male) at the louds
moves: rock throw, crunch, sand attack, roar, dig, stone edge, and counter.
goomy (female)
moves: tackle, bubble, absorb, bide, protect, and poison tail.
bulbasaur (male)
moves: vine whip, tackle, sleep powder, and razor leaf.
charmander (male)
moves: flamethrower, cratch, sand attack, and ember.
squirtle (male)
moves: tackle, bite, withdraw, water gun, rapid spin and aqua jet.