Pokémon Black and White
Chapter Thirty-Eight
An Aquatic Nighttime Interlude
It would seem all is well for this familiar trio of troublemakers as they perform a stakeout. Fresh on the heels of their victory with their fishing competition, it didn't take them long to catch wind of a certain organization's wrongdoings. Took them even less to investigate.
The obsidian nighttime sky of Unova is dotted everywhere with a multitude of stars. However, while some of her inhabitants enjoy the picturesque sight, a certain nefarious trio has more important matters to concern themselves with.
Currently, the Team Rocket Trio are using a set of night-vision goggles to view an aquarium on the outskirts of Nimbasa City.
"You sure that a group of Team Plasma members are located here, Meowth?" James asks, zooming in significantly on the building in question. The dark blue building itself is oval-shaped, its walls covered in a myriad of different Water-type Pokémon from all regions.
"As sure as the charm on my face." Meowth answers.
The two humans and the Cat Scratch Pokémon are perched on a nearby bluff. The landscape proves to be useful in obscuring them whilst providing them with an optimal view of their target.
"Well, well," Jessie drawls, a smile pulling at her lips. She briefly pulls the goggles away from her face. "What do we have here?"
"What do you see Jess?" James inquires.
"It looks like two of those Team Plasma grunts." Jessie answers, a grimace now manifesting on her face. "They have no sense of style; wearing such gaudy uniforms."
Lifting a hand to indicate where she's looking, as James focuses on the point, he finds his companion is correct. Indeed, standing on the perimeter of the aquarium, two members of Team Plasma stand still. Flanking each of them seem to be a pair of Dewott.
"It would appear our information is correct." James remarks approvingly.
A scoff escaping Jessie, she hands the goggles off to Meowth.
"Our information is correct." Jessie asserts, rising to her feet. "Anything else is unbefitting of the moniker of Team Rocket!"
"Right." James says, nodding his head once in agreement. Rising to his feet, he hands his goggles off to Meowth who promptly takes both and places them in a nondescript box for transport. "Remind me again what our objective here is?"
"To thoroughly trounce Team Plasma wherever they may be and assert Team Rocket's dominance over the Unova region!" Jessie declares, a prideful gleam in her eyes.
"All in the name of the boss!" James adds, his eyes mirroring Jessie's. "What say you, Meowth?"
The Cat Stratch Pokémon, however, is more intent on staring at the aquarium through his night vision goggles.
"Meowth!" Jessie barks, more insistently than her companion.
"I hear ya!" Meowth shouts, briefly removing the goggles to give Jessie a withering glare. "You two lugs should get a load of this. Looks like we're not the only ones aiming to mess with Team Plasma."
"Whatever are you talking about?" James asks.
Meanwhile, Jessie takes a more direct approach.
"Give me that!" she demands, yanking the goggles out of Meowth's paws. When she looks through them, she spots what her other companion noticed. "Is that what I think it is?"
Meowth nods his head, arms crossed over his chest. "Yep. Did a double-take myself when I first saw it."
Without needing to be addressed, Jessie hands the goggles over to James. Wordlessly accepting the device, he takes a moment before looking through them. When he does, it gives him pause. He's struck silent by the display unfolding before him. The Team Plasma grunts and their Dewott - those who appeared so vigilant just a few moments ago - are unconscious. All six of them look to show various signs of battle. And in the eyes of Jessie, James, and Meowth, familiar signs.
And traipsing over their twitching forms, making its way to the door leading into the aquarium, is a Pikachu.
"Did that Pikachu just knock out them all out at once?" James wonders aloud. Handing the goggles back to Meowth, he places them in the nearby box with its compatriots.
"Looks that way." Meowth says. "From what I saw, looks like it used a pretty powerful Thunder attack."
As her two cohorts converse, Jessie grits her teeth.
"Less yapping and more investigating!" Jessie orders. "If it can take two humans and four Pokémon out in one hit, that Pikachu might just be rare and powerful."
"And rare and powerful Pokémon…" Meowth says, catching on to Jessie's intentions.
"Are Team Rocket's stock and trade!" James exclaims. "We have to get down there at once!"
Neither Jessie, James, nor Meowth have anything to add. Instead, they each bind a cord of rope around a nearby outcropping of rocks, throw it over the edge of the bluff, and begin their descent.
As soon as they reach the bottom of the bluff, the trio move quickly and silently over to the aquarium. Arriving at the threshold, they find the humans and Pokémon still very much unconscious. None of them seem intent on moving anytime soon.
"Reminds me of—"
"You can reminisce later, James!" Jessie hisses, being the first to stand before the aquarium's door. She puts an ear to it, closes her eyes.
"Should make sure these guys can't interfere for a while in case they wake up." Meowth muses, turning to James. "Hey, Jimmy, help me tie these goons up, okay?"
"Already on it!" James says, taking a cord of rope and binding the wrists of the two Team Plasma grunts.
When the task of further incapacitating the Team Plasma Grunts and their Pokémon is at its end, James and Meowth join back up with Jessie. When they do, that's when she speaks.
"It's quiet." Jessie says, her expression grave.
The admission instantly puts James and Meowth on alert. Eyes narrowed, they each glance away from each other, look in the other's direction before finally landing on Jessie.
"That's strange." Meowth remarks.
"Indeed." James says. "Given the state that Pikachu left these Team Plasma agents and the way it breached a secure facility…"
As James trails off thoughtfully, it provides a perfect entrance for Jessie's sentiments.
"The place should be buzzing with activity." she asserts. "Alarms, shouts, people and Pokémon running back and forth to find the intruder."
"Hmm…" James murmurs, his eyes briefly falling shut before opening. "Perhaps this Pokémon is quite excellent at covert operations."
"Not for nothing you two, but we should start moving." Meowth interjects, already using one of his sharpened claws to pick at the lock. "We won't learn anything by standing around."
Jessie and James fall silent at that, watching as Meowth takes only a few moments more to open the door leading into the aquarium. Standing halfway on the threshold of the door for a better look inside, Meowth turns around after a moment, motioning for Jessie and James to join him. Creeping along, the three of them enter the building. Jessie has just enough time to close the door behind them when she hears surprised gasps originate from James and Meowth.
She focuses on their surroundings, about to chide her companions for their rather glaring lack of subtlety when her words freeze in her throat. Speechless, a startled sigh escaping her, it doesn't take Jessie long to deduce what evoked such a reaction from James and Meowth.
If the designs making up the walls of the exterior of the aquarium could be considered impressive, they pale in comparison to that which lies within. A kind of labyrinthine maze making up the interior of the aquarium, a winding path cuts between two turquoise walls. And beyond those walls, stretching from floor to ceiling and as far as any of them can see, are massive vivariums fit for aquatic life.
There seem to be all manner of Pokémon inside from Kanto to Johto, from Hoenn to Sinnoh, all the way to Unova. From Squirtle to Golduck, to Poliwag and Kingler, Seadra, Octillery, Milotic, and Buizel, to even Finneon and Panpour. If the Pokémon classifies as a Water-type, it exists somewhere within the watery, man-made realm.
Jessie's not one for sentiment, at least not often nor to the extent of James, but she honestly believes the sight to be beautiful.
What she thinks truly captivates her, adds that certain special spark to the display, are the multicolored lights shining within the crystal clear blue waters. Vivid yellows and reds and sharp greens and purples all intermingle together to make a shockingly brilliant scene.
"And to think, the ideas for interior design and costume design are one and the same." Jessie remarks quietly. Voicing such thoughts aloud, she whirls on Meowth, speaks in a rushed hiss. "Meowth, are you positive Team Plasma are the only worthwhile presence here?"
"Yes, I'm sure!" Meowth hisses back. "I double-checked my double-check of the information; it's infallible!"
"It may be," Jessie concedes. "But I'm not so sure about your head!"
James looks between his warring companions for a few tense moments before sighing, shrugging his shoulders.
"Keep it down you two!" James advises, raising his voice as much as he dares. "One false move and the entire area could be alerted to us!"
Thankfully, James' warning is all that is necessary to quell the fighting between Jessie and Meowth. With peace momentarily restored, Jessie, James, and Meowth resume their investigation. They continue along the winding path, oddly enough remaining unimpeded.
"It really is a beautiful place." James remarks.
"Maybe." Meowth says. He looks around, a paw lifting up to tap at his charm. "If you ask me, it's starting to give me the creeps."
"There were two Team Plasma agents outside." Jessie states. "They wouldn't leave two of their people to guard an empty building, especially not with such powerful looking Pokémon. So where's—"
James thrusting his left arm out to his side, bumping into Jessie's torso, stops her cold both in speech and in movement.
Jessie turns her fiery gaze on James at the interruption.
"James?"
With quick, furtive motions, James glances between Jessie and Meowth, a forefinger raised to his lips. He forces both of them into an alcove, a secret indentation made when the winding path branches off in several directions. It goes left down an unobstructed path, straight through next to several smaller vivariums holding Goldeen and Seaking, and down the path to the right of it, exist several concerning entities.
Down the path stands three Team Plasma agents, each of them joined by different Pokémon. Appearing to be two women and one man, from left to right they are joined by a Kingler with an odd color scheme, its body white and claws and horns a greenish-gray, a regular-colored Starmie and a regular-colored Quagsire. The dual Water- and Ground-type Pokémon looks especially furious.
And all six of them seem intent on staring down a Pikachu.
Although the Pokémon bears the same color scheme as the usual Pikachu, there's something different about it. More than its fur looking dirty and matted in places, there's a sternness to its posture. A certain aura that's as intimidating as it is mesmerizing radiates off of it.
"So you're the little troublemaker causing a ruckus, eh?" the girl with the Kingler drawls, said Pokémon raising its larger claw menacingly.
"Pikachu!" the Pikachu growls defiantly, sparks arcing off of it. "Pika Pikachu!"
"Meowth." Jessie mutters. "Translation?"
"I'll do my best." Meowth promises, putting a paw to his ear. "From what I heard already, it sounds like he knows these Team Plasma goons personally."
"I knew nothing good would come from messing around in an abandoned building!" the boy with the Quagsire mutters, giving the lone Pikachu a glare.
"You and Gorm both." the girl with the Starmie remarks. She looks as bored as she sounds, even as Starmie's gem flickers aggressively.
"Pikachu." the strange electric rodent growls. "Pikachu, Pika Pikachu!"
"What's he saying now, Meowth?' James asks.
"He's saying how he can't forgive Team Plasma for what they've done." Meowth answers, falling silent as the Pikachu continues talking. "How not only did they perform experiments on him to test his Electric-type moves, they destroyed his home.
"That could make anyone angry." James remarks right as Pikachu says something more.
In all the commotion, not even Meowth could make it out. However, whatever he said appears to be something most infuriating as one of the three opposing Pokémon leaps into the fray of battle. With an angry chitter and click of its mighty claw, Kingler fires a foamy stream of water at Pikachu.
Said Electric-type manages to quickly avoid the Brine attack, countering with an attack of his own. Sparks racing along his fur, congrating along his cheeks and tail, Pikachu fires a Thunderbolt directly for Kingler's torso.
The attack is a direct hit.
Shuddering violently, Kingler lurches to one side. She falls to one leg, sparks of electricity racing along her body. With a chitter and one more violent shake, Kingler falls over, unconscious.
"Tch." the owner of the Kingler mutters, quickly returning her fallen Pokémon. "This Pikachu is stronger than it looks."
"Pikachu." said Pokémon responds in turn, looking like he may fire an attack upon her next.
Kingler's trainer glares at Pikachu for a moment before turning to her compatriots. "At this rate, it's only a matter of time before it does irreversible damage to the facility. I'll alert Gorm; maybe he and the others can accelerate their research."
"What would you have us do?" Starmie's trainer asks whilst Quagsire's glances between Pikachu and his Pokémon, looking like he may join his companion in an assault.
"Someone should see to the others outside." Kingler's trainer asserts, giving Starmie's trainer a pointed look.
"Ah." is all she says, her eyes wide. She turns to the Mysterious Pokémon. "C'mon, Starmie!"
Starmie and her trainer quickly leave the scene; the Team Rocket Trio has to press themselves firmly against the wall to avoid detection. Positive that she's out of sight, they relax, if only slightly. They watch, attentive and in silence, as Kingler's trainer disappears deeper into the building whilst Quagsire and his trainer stare the lone Pikachu down.
Quagsire's trainer is the first to initiate the battle.
"Quagsire, use Mud Bomb!"
Heeding his trainer's orders, Quagsire opens his mouth and rapidly fires multiple balls of brown mud at Pikachu. Pikachu, however, dodges it effortlessly; his movements owing to both his natural reflexes and his usage of the move Agility. He moves around the battlefield — vanishing, reappearing, vanishing, moving from different points. And blissfully unaware of the slippery residue the Mud Bomb attack leaves on the ground.
To retaliate, Pikachu raises his right paw high in the air - the appendage glowing with a bright metallic sheen - and brings it down on Quagsire's head. Or, at least, that's what his intention appeared to be. Instead of landing the Brick Break, in his move to attack, Pikachu ends up slipping along the ground. He soon careens gracelessly into Quagsire's body.
Bearing witness to the greater proximity the two Pokémon have with one another and Pikachu's dazed state, Quagsire's trainer smirks before barking out another command.
"Use Slam!"
A similar smirk falling upon the Water Fish Pokémon's face, he pulls Pikachu up with both flippers before thrusting him down into the ground. Hard. Quagsire quickly follows up by dropping to the ground on top of Pikachu, essentially trapping him.
Struggling against Quagsire's weight, Pikachu tries in vain to escape. Cheeks sparking with electricity, he and Quagsire become entirely consumed with the energy of multiple ThunderShock attacks. Quagsire, being half-Ground-type, remains unaffected.
Pikachu struggles only once more, sending up a venomous glare to Quagsire.
"Guess you're not so strong after all." Quagsire's trainer asserts, arms crossed over his chest.
"Pikachu." the captive Electric-type mutters with a tone of voice indicating such words should remain untranslated.
"Why, the nerve of that guy!" Jessie roars. Quivering with rage, she glares with narrowed eyes at Quagsire's trainer. "I ought to give him a piece of my mind!"
"I agree!" James says. "He—wait, where's Meowth?"
Sure enough, as the two look around for their feline friend, they find that he's moved. No longer is he standing right in front of them. Instead, he's—
"Show some respect, ya jerk!" the Cat Scratch Pokémon shouts, leaping into the air to deliver a Fury Swipes attack directly to the face of Quagsire's trainer. His claws glowing, he strikes the man's face five consecutive times.
"You mangy alley cat!" Quagsire's trainer yowls in pain.
Retreating from the man currently reeling in agony, Meowth lands a few paces away. Standing on his feet, he turns his attention to the Quagsire currently squishing Pikachu.
"Now," Meowth says, his claws catching the light from the vivariums, bathing them in red and green. "It's your turn bub."
"Quagsire!" the Water Fish Pokémon exclaims in response, firing a warning Mud Bomb at Meowth's feet.
Meanwhile, Jessie and James, seeing the antics of Meowth, release Woobat and Yamask from their Poké Balls. They immediately order their Pokémon to attack.
"Woobat, use Air Slash!"
"Shadow Ball, Yamask!"
Woobat's wings glow a light blue the same time Yamask puts his hands together in front of him and forms a purple and black orb of crackling energy between them. As Yamask rears his right hand back to toss the Shadow Ball at the Quagsire, Woobat crosses his wings in front of him, opens them up, and releases multiple disc-like energy blades to join the Ghost-type attack.
Whilst the combined might of the moves isn't enough to faint Quagsire outright, it is enough to force if off Pikachu back to his trainer.
Recovering from the Flying- and Ghost-type attacks, Quagsire glares at the trespassing Pokémon, but says nothing. As for his trainer, the Team Plasma agent glances between Meowth and Pikachu, Woobat and Yamask, Jessie and James with clenched teeth. Instead of ordering his Quagsire to attack, he opts to return his Pokémon.
With one last venomous glare, a corner of his mouth lifting up in a sneer, the Team Plasma agent retreats deeper into the aquarium.
"Coward." Jessie remarks contemptuously, Woobat flying over to hover next to her. Curious and annoyed, she and her Bat Pokémon follow after Quagsire's trainer.
James contends himself with observing the perimeter with the aid of his Yamask. Their intention is to check the surrounding area, ensuring that they don't have to worry about any Team Plasma agents converging on their location. As for Meowth, he stands a few paces away from Pikachu; close, but not terribly so.
"Pikachu." the electric mouse says, regarding the normal feline with narrowed, guarded eyes.
Meowth holds his paws up, his claws having long since retracted.
"Understandably cautious." he remarks with a sagelike nod of his head. He grins diplomatically. "I like the cut of your jib, kid, but we're on the same side. We both don't like Team Plasma."
"Pika Pikachu!" he shouts, though now he looks intrigued.
"That's right!" Meowth asserts with a nod of his head. "We have our own reasons for wanting to bring Team Plasma down."
"Pika."
"So," Meowth drawls carefully, extending a paw. "What do you say? Let's work together to bring these mooks down!"
Saying nothing, Pikachu glances between the offered limb, Meowth's face, and back again. After a few moments of silence, Pikachu comes to a decision. Extending his own paw, he shakes Meowth's deliberately.
"That's what I like to s—"
Meowth is unceremoniously interrupted when Pikachu gives him a slight electric jolt. In response, removing his paw from Pikachu, Meowth gives him a withering stare.
"Pikachu!" he declares, a ghost of a smirk on his face.
"Welcome to the team." Meowth deadpans.
James chooses that moment to intervene.
"Jessie followed that agent deeper into the aquarium." he says. Walking past the two of them, he peers down the path. He says nothing.
"Then let's get a move on." Meowth declares. He turns from James to Pikachu only to find that the Pokémon in question has disappeared. However, he didn't vanish completely. The Electric Mouse Pokémon left a rather glaring trail in his wake; paw prints caked with mud.
James, Meowth, and Yamask share a glance between each other before giving chase.
When James, Meowth, and his Yamask emerge at the end of the pathway, the first thing they notice is the impressive area they've come across.
A startling fifteen feet that seems incongruent with the appearance of the aquarium from outside, the room is outfitted with several vivariums filled with Water-type Pokémon as well as machines and devices. The technological marvels are either by themselves, or tie seamlessly into the vivariums.
All throughout the expansive chamber, Team Plasma agents run about. Their either ordering their Pokémon around or checking the vivariums or standing so close to the machines they're practically glued to them. Despite the hustle and bustle - the frenetic activity clearly not part of their mundane routine - James, Meowth, and Yamask can clearly pinpoint Jessie, her Woobat, and the lone Pikachu.
The three of them, all in clearly defined defensive stances, stand across from a malevolent looking trio. A hand stroking his beard, his regalia and overall presence denoting him as one of the Seven Sages of Team Plasma, Gorm is flanked on his right by a Floatzel as a Crawdaunt stands on his left. The scowl on Floatzel's face and the gleam in Crawdaunt's eyes in combination with each other lowers the temperature of the room several degrees.
"Well, well," Gorm drawls, giving Jessie a significant look than James and Meowth. "So we meet at last."
"Floatzel." the Sea Weasel Pokémon says in a low voice.
"Crawdaunt." the Rogue Pokémon mutters, pinching the top and bottom of his left claw together.
"So it seems." Jessie says in turn, looking down her nose at Gorm. "The information acquired by Team Rocket is second to none!"
"Sage Giallo and Sage Ryuku were right about you." Gorm says, continuing to stroke his beard. "A venomous redhead indeed."
"Pikachu!" the Electric Mouse Pokémon growls low in his throat; on all fours, tense as an electrical wire, he looks ready to unleash all the electricity he has within.
"What an insolent upstart you are." Gorm remarks, his tone amused even as he utters such caustic words. "I had advised, given the reports, how trying to gain your loyalty would be a fool's endeavor."
"The only fool's endeavor I see is thinking you could best Team Rocket in the domination of the Unova region!" James interjects, coming to stand beside Jessie with Yamask as Meowth stands on her other side.
Gorm narrows his eyes, but says nothing.
His Pokémon are more than happy to fill the silence.
Clearly anticipating the heat of battle, Floatzel flexes his arms high above his head, then brings them down to shoulder height as a magenta aura surrounds him. With the Bulk Up move raising Floatzel's Attack and Defense statistics by one stage each, Crawdaunt stands by for battle in a different way. He releases multiple clear bubbles in the empty space next to Yamask and Woobat; the Bubble attack does nothing save alert the Pokémon and the humans even further of Crawdaunt's intentions.
"Looks like you gotta train your Pokémon a bit." Meowth remarks.
At that, Gorm does indeed speak.
"Respect is an indispensable tool." he says. "Though you may have interfered with Sage Giallo in Aristotelem Town and Sage Ryoku in Barkmoss Town, you will find that I am not so easily deterred."
"Enough talk." Meowth says. "If your Pokémon are itching to fight…"
"Then let's battle!" James declares.
"Team Plasma amateurs roaming free…" Jessie says, wrinkling her nose in disgust.
So disgusted is she, that Jessie is the first to command her Pokémon to attack.
"Woobat, use Air Slash!"
Woobat brings his wings forward and back, once more unleashing several discs of energy at Floatzel and Crawdaunt both. Aside from earning a grimace from the former, they look wholly unaffected. That in itself earns a snarl from Jessie, commanding her Pokémon into battle once again.
"Air Slash!"
Woobat isn't alone however; Yamask and Meowth quickly lend their strength.
"Fury Swipes!" Meowth shouts, acquainting Floatzel's face with the business end of his claws. He ends up scratching the Water-type four consecutive times before retreating.
"Use Shadow Ball!"
Before Yamask can so much as bring his arms together, Gorm attacks. Not content with merely observing as his Pokémon are assaulted, he utters commands.
"Crawdaunt, dodge and use Night Slash!" he says. "Floatzel, attack Woobat with Aqua Jet!"
Floatzel and Crawdaunt were matching smirks of satisfaction as they launch their respective attacks. Closing his eyes, standing completely still, Floatzel soon engulfs his entire body with water. He fires himself at maximum speed for Woobat right as Crawdaunt charges across the field, his left claw, glowing a light purple. The energy of the Night Slash manifesting into the Ghost-type attack, it hits an unaware Yamask directly the same time Floatzel crashes into Woobat with the Aqua Jet attack.
Going back to stand in front of their trainer like a living shield, the result of their attack is soon clear to see. Drenched after being subjected to such a high volume of water hitting him with such great velocity, Woobat flaps his wings. He hovers unsteadily in the air, but remarkably, he remains conscious. His partner isn't as fortunate.
Although Yamask hasn't fainted outright, he is clearly affected in the aftermath of such a powerful, super-effective attack. He sinks down closer to the ground, his arms low, hanging at his sides. Though the Ghost-type is down, he is by no means out. A hardness solidifies in his eyes; an unquenchable desire for victory.
"A single attack from my Floatzel and Crawdaunt would've left one unable to battle." Gorm asserts, something like admiration in his voice. "Your Pokémon are impressive to withstand such power."
Jessie and James share a confident smirk, the beginning and end of their communication for the time being.
"Very well." Gorm says, sweeping his left arm out in front of him. "Floatzel! Crawdaunt! Use Crunch!"
Floatzel and Crawdaunt share a brief glance before focusing on Woobat and Yamask respectively. Advancing on the two of them, the Sea Weasel and Rogue Pokémon open their jaws. Leaping upon their opponents, their teeth glow white as they prepare the Dark-type attack.
A Dark-type attack…
"Yamask!"
"Woobat, get out of there!"
...That never hits its mark.
Instead, Woobat and Yamask retaliate. Yamask's eyes glow with a dark and ethereal purple light. Raising his arms, his entire body becomes consumed with a tempest of purple wind. He unleashes the Ghost-type attack at Crawdaunt. It sends the Rogue Pokémon flying back, crashing to the ground. Assaulting with such uneering winds, Crawdaunt's only recourse is to be pushed back behind his trainer.
At the same time Yamask was engaged with Crawdaunt, Woobat fires off an attack of his own. His eyes glowing a light blue, Woobat raises his wings. As he does, a blue outline surrounds Floatzel. The Pokémon in question has no time to react before Woobat not only forces Floatzel away from him, but sends the Water-type crashing directly into an unobstructed section of wall. Falling to the ground, Floatzel is bruised and battered, but still standing.
Jessie and James wear matching expressions of joy and admiration at the sight of not only their Pokémon unharmed, but something else entirely.
"Was that...Psychic?" Jessie wonders aloud, grinning.
"Yamask, you learned Ominous Wind!" James cheers.
"Learning a new move in the heat of battle is impressive, indeed." Gorm remarks, Floatzel and Crawdaunt moving to stand on his left and right respectively. "Will it be enough, I wonder?"
However, before Gorm can deliver a command to his Pokémon, a new arrival joins them. Kingler's trainer. With a disdainful and fleeting glare in the direction of the Team Rocket trio and the lone Pikachu, she whispers something in Gorm's left ear. Something most auspicious given the way a large grin appears amidst his facial hair.
"This is quite excellent news!" he asserts, motioning with a hand at his two Pokémon; like an ocean's wave, his left hand moves up and down in languid motions. The message is clear: stand down. Floatzel and Crawdaunt bow their heads in submission, watching their trainer carefully.
Kingler's trainer gives a decisive nod of her head. "The others need only your word, sir."
Gorm returns that with a decisive nod of his own. He focuses on his opponents.
"However much I wish to continue our battle, I am afraid this is where we part ways." he says. "Until we meet again."
He turns around, continues as if the Team Rocket trio and the lone Pikachu were never in the vicinity.
"Part ways?" Jessie exclaims, almost choking on the words. Indignant, she glares at Gorm as he sets about ordering Team Plasma agents to cease all activity and ready themselves for departure and their supplies for transport. "Their cowardice is as nausating as their fashion sense!"
Jessie isn't the only one offended by such blatant disrespect and dismissal. With an incoherent growl, Pikachu arcs his body up before firing off a ThunderShock near one of the Team Plasma agents contending with the machines. The Electric-type move spooks the young man, sending him scurrying away to the back of the room.
Without pausing to take a breath, Pikachu fires off another ThunderShock attack. This time, instead of frightening someone, it hits its mark. The young woman convulses as she's struck by the onslaught of electricity. As it dissipates, yellow sparks arcing off of her in random intervals, she's left wheezing, but still standing.
That's as far as Gorm is willing to entertain such a display.
"Deal with this rabble at once!" he barks. "They will cause irreversible harm if they're left unchallenged!"
"Right away!" comes a cry.
"We'll deal with that at once, Sage Gorm of the Seven Sages!" another promises.
Following the cry, two Team Plasma agents appear in front of the Team Rocket Trio and the lone Pikachu: a young man and a young woman. Judging by how they approached them hand-in-hand from a nearby machine with various charts on it, one could infer they're romantically involved. It helps that they're both wearing matching sapphire rings - simple gems set in the material - and they release the same Pokémon.
Emerging from their Poké Balls, a pair of Azumarill appear before their trainers. Without preamble, the two Water-types put their paws together, close their eyes, and open their mouths.
And thus, they begin to Sing.
Focusing the Normal-type move on the Team Rocket Trio and the lone Pikachu, the multi-colored notes of blue, red, and yellow encircle them.
"This looks familiar." Meowth remarks, his eyes already dropping shut.
"One Mareep," James murmurs as if in a trance, his eyes half-lidded. "Two Mareep, Three...Mareep…"
James gets halfway through counting to a fourth Mareep when the Sing attack takes root and he falls asleep.
"James, you can't...fall asleep at a...time like this!" Jessie hisses, even as her own eyes slip shut. "Although," she continues, falling gently to the ground. "A nap sounds absolutely divine."
"Pika…" the lone Pikachu growls, jerking to one side as he struggles to stay awake. "Chu!"
After a masterful crescendo, the Team Rocket trio and the lone Pikachu are successfully bested, drifted off to a realm of slumber.
"Excellent." Gorm remarks appreciatively as the two trainers of the Azumarill embrace on a job well done. He waves a hand dismissively at the sleeping quartet. "Now, tie these scoundrels up at once! It wouldn't do to have them follow us."
"Yes, Sage Gorm!" the couple exclaimed in unison upon pulling apart. A hand to their heart, they bow their heads before setting themselves to task.
"As for the rest of you," Gorm says, returning his Floatzel and Crawdaunt after a moment's pause. "We've kept our king waiting long enough."
The first to awaken from the slumber forced upon them is Meowth.
"Hrm?"
Aiming to clear the sleep from his eyes, the Cat Scratch Pokémon rubs at his eyes with the back of his paws. Or, he would, if it weren't for one simple fact.
"Hey!" he cries, thrashing on the ground. "What's the big idea tying me-owth up?!"
Meowth continues his attempts to free himself from the ropes binding him for but a single minute before giving up. His breath leaving him in a huff, he stares up at the ceiling.
"If I had a Poké for every time another Pokémon put me to sleep." he mutters.
Deciding that there's not much he can do for the moment, Meowth takes stock of the present situation. From what he can tell in the dim lightning, the Team Plasma agents that were present earlier are long gone. As is Gorm of the Seven Sages and a vast majority of their machines and research. The only thing that remains to offer a shred of evidence that Team Plasma were even using the aquarium to begin with is a single computer, whirring softly from the other side of the room.
That last detail gives Meowth pause.
As a member of an evil organization himself, he can appreciate the need for subterfuge and secrecy. So then, why? Why would Team Plasma willingly leave behind a possible gateway to their schemes and stratagems? If they were in a rush to leave, Meowth could understand that. It would be perfectly acceptable that they might've forgotten something in their haste.
But considering how he and his compatriots were rendered unconscious for an unknown amount of time, how Team Plasma had ample time to cover their tracks and remove their presence from the premises, it doesn't make much sense.
Speaking of…
"James?" Meowth murmurs, looking to and fro. "Jessie?"
Ah, he should probably be looking for that Pikachu, too, shouldn't he?
It doesn't take Meowth long to spot his cohorts as well as the vengeful Pikachu, whiskers twitching. A few paces away from him, Meowth notices two things.
The first is how Jessie, James, and the Pikachu are all tied up like him. And still very much asleep.
The second is much more insulting: judging from their proximity to everything in relation to the room, Team Plasma had the audacity to not only tie them up, but leave them where they lay after the duo of Azumarill sang them off to sleep.
"Man, I don't like those guys!" Meowth complains. Shaking his head, his whiskers twitching once with rage, he directs his attention to his nearest companion. "Hey, Jimmy, wake up."
His words go unheeded.
"Oh grandpapa, I'm afraid I'm much too full!" he cries, donning a pleasant, placid smile. "I couldn't possibly eat another!"
Meowth's mood momentarily sours at the reminder of James' distant, extravagant lifestyle. He turns his attention to Jessie.
"Jess, it's time to stop sleeping."
Her response is a kind of laughter Meowth hasn't heard since their stint in Sinnoh.
"Ah, my adoring public!" she crowes. "You're all much too kind!" she snores just as loud as her laughter. "Much too kind indeed."
Meowth scowls, his eyes falling shut. A single cross-popping vein appears on his forehead. However, as he thinks of his partners still in the grip of slumber, his irritation and frustration mount. Reaching a fever pitch, as two more cross-popping veins appear on his forehead, that's when Meowth explodes, his eyes flying open.
"HEY, WAKE UP! NOW'S NO TIME TO BE NAPPIN'!
Though his arms may be tied down, uncomfortably close to his torso, his legs are relatively free. And so, with great agility, Meowth extends his claws from his feet and proceeds to scratch up both Jessie and James's face.
Aside from leaving a criss cross of large angry lines on their faces, Meowth's assault has the intended effect.
"How dare you mangle my beautiful face!" Jessie shrieks.
"This isn't funny, Meowth!" James added with a growl.
Sitting upright, Jessie and James sneer at Meowth.
Meowth nods his head.
"I had to wake youse two up somehow." he reasons, unabashed.
Jessie and James, wearing matching glares, say nothing. Stewing in their indignation, they stare Meowth down.
"How would you like it if we scratched your charm?!" Jessie cries.
"Yeah! That wouldn't—" James starts, his outrage apparent. Such outrage that quickly fades, a look of curious confusion on his face. "Hm? What's that Pikachu doing?"
That garners Jessie and Meowth's attention. Looking away from each other, it doesn't take them long to pinpoint the location of James' befuddlement. Walking around the lone electronic in the room, Pikachu's cheeks and eyes both sparkling with electricity and barely restrained fury.
"A computer?" Jessie muses.
"We should probably investigate it." James asserts with a self-satisfied grin.
"Right." Jessie says.
Jessie and James make to stand up before noticing something amiss.
"Meowth!"
"Ah, a little help here?"
After freeing Jessie and James from their bindings - and after Jessie did the same to Meowth - the Team Rocket Trio walk over to inspect the computer. As for the Pikachu, he sits on the ground, staring at the machine.
"Do ya tink it has somethin' important on it?" Meowth wonders.
Jessie scoffs. "Clearly not! I doubt even Team Plasma would be foolish enough to leave anything involving their plans behind!"
"You really tink so?" Meowth asks dubiously, his eyes narrowed.
"Well, there's only one way to find out." James asserts. Stepping between his two friends, he sets himself to the keyboard. The room is silent for quite some time, punctured only by the sounds of his fingers pressing against the keys. Becoming enraptured in James' technological pursuits, neither Jessie nor Meowth notice how Pikachu climbs up James for a better vantage point.
"I must admit, I'm rather quite impressed." James says, the monitor showing firewall after firewall. "This security of theirs is second to none."
Jessie scoffs, but doesn't comment.
"This could take weeks to decode." James remarks. Eyebrows drawing together in dismay. "Less if we had a Porygon with us."
"Can you crack the code any quicker?" Meowth asks.
"Afraid not." James says on a frustrated breath. "But worry not. This is difficult, but not impossible."
"Whatever." Jessie gripes. "We should get moving. I can't stand being here for much longer."
"Pikachu!" he shouts in agreement, jumping off from James' shoulder. The Electric Mouse Pokémon stares off into space, sniffing the air. "Pika!"
"Help me unplug this thing and we'll leave faster than you know it."
"Quite a successful mission, if I do say so myself!" James crows, beaming brightly as the three of them - as well as their newest recruit - leave behind the foulness of the aquarium.
After dealing with the Team Plasma presence within, the trio of Jessie, James, and Meowth as well as the Pikachu they encountered, hide within a darkened, out of the way corner of Nimbasa City. Currently, their newest objective is to contact Doctor Zager for further instructions. As well as inform him of how they acquired a computer formerly in Team Plasma's possession.
A task that is currently consuming Jessie's attention.
"Those Team Plasma punks almost make it too easy!" Meowth declares.
"I must admit, it's rather nice to have such a powerful Pokémon on our side for once!" James remarks, reaching out a hand to pat Pikachu on the head.
And promptly gets shocked for his trouble. Given his prior experience with electric outbursts, the attack manages to leave him slightly singed.
"Pikachu." the Electric Mouse Pokémon growls, low in his throat as he glares at James.
"His temperament, on the other hand…" James remarks with a sweat drop.
"Temperament, schmperament." Meowth says. "As long as this little guy can help us, who cares how he acts?"
"You may have a point." James admits.
"I'm more interested in that computer we swiped." Meowth says. "Who knows what kinda information we can get from it?"
"When I can break the code, anyway." James says.
"In the meantime," Jessie interjects right as she presses enter on her keyboard, the monitor in front of her buffering. "I believe it's time to touch base with Doctor Zager."
James and Meowth say nothing, rushing to join Jessie before the video call can begin.
After a few tense moments, the screen soon shows the graying features of Doctor Zager.
"Report." is the first and only thing he says.
"Sir!" Jessie, James, and Meowth declare in unison, giving a respectful salute. It's Jessie who takes point. "We quickly routed the Team Plasma agents within the aquarium. They won't be returning there."
"Excellent." Doctor Zager remarks with a brisk nod. "As expected. Do you three have much else to report?"
"We do." James answers, angling both himself and their camera so Doctor Zager may acquire a glisp of their latest prize. "Not only have we gained a powerful new ally, but we've also secured a computer that was previously in Team Plasma's possession."
Doctor Zager's eyes light up at the new information; it shines within his irises, then disappears. "That's quite the valuable acquisition."
"We thought the same." Meowth says.
Doctor Zager strokes his chin, thoughtful. "This new ally?"
"Pikachu."
The Electric Mouse Pokémon wiggles between Jessie and Meowth, observing the elderly gentleman with wary eyes.
"Quite the rare and valuable Pokémon, I must say." Jessie remarks, looking only mildly perturbed by Pikachu's impudence.
"This Pikachu knocked out four Dewott and two people with a single electric attack." James adds. "As well as survived being immobilized by a Quagsire's Slam attack with barely a scratch or risk of losing consciousness."
Doctor Zager merely offers a noncommittal hum. "You three have done well. You're reporting from the designated spot."
Jessie nods. "Indeed. And we are ready to move out at a moment's notice."
"By your command." James adds with a respectful nod of his head.
"Just tell us what we need to do." Meowth says.
"Temper your enthusiasms." Doctor Zager advises. "Listen closely for this shall be your most important mission thus far."
Despite the man's advice, the Team Rocket Trio share an excited, albeit subdued, look, their eyes gleaming with glee.
"Nimbasa City, that which is lit by the flash of lightning." Doctor Zager says, the makings of a nefarious grin on his face. "Home to Elesa, the Electric-Type Gym Leader as well a host of attractions meant to tantalize the mind. However, the most important destination is much more mundane."
"Now," Doctor Zager says, finishing his explanation of their latest scheme in exacting detail. "You four must move out at once. I trust that won't be a problem."
"We'll move right under their noses." James says.
"We'll finish up here and start immediately, sir!" Jessie says, she and her two companions raising their arms in salute.
"Pikachu." he cries; cheeks sparking in anticipation, smirking.
"This'll be your most important mission yet in the Unova region." Doctor Zager states. "I have already set the plans in motion on my end. What say you?"
What they say is a simple chuckle from Meowth.
"Don't worry that genius head of yours doc." Meowth advises, the dim light of their surroundings casting his features in a harsh light. "You don't have nothin' to worry about. I have the perfect plan."
Meowth says nothing more, a sinister gleam shining in his eye.
"Misty! Slow down!"
Looks like our favorite hero is lost in the woods! With the appearance of such an unruly Pokémon, you know adventure is soon to follow!
After the alternately-colored Palpitoad made her appearance, Ash and Misty and their Pokémon quickly gave chase. As they delve deeper into the forest, Ash finds that he's lost her. He looks around the wooded area with Pikachu and Marill. Several moments spent in fruitless searching, Ash hangs his head, Pikachu's ears droop, and Marill sighs; a quiet, piteous "...rill." escapes her.
"C'mon Misty." Ash says, feeling a pinch in his chest he would rather never feel again. "Where are you?"
Thankfully, he needn't look very far. Or rather, hear, as the sound of her voice reaches his ears. From her joyous and passionate shout, he deduces that she's found the Palpitoad. And she very well may be in the midst of a battle.
"Don't worry, Misty!" Ash exclaims with a grin, rushing over in the direction of her voice with Pikachu on his shoulder and Marill walking directly next to him. "We'll be there before you know it!"
Traipsing through the underbrush for several paces, making a path through several shrubs, when they emerge past the last one, Ash, Pikachu, and Marill find themselves in a small clearing. Misty and the alternatively-colored Palpitoad stand across from one another, neither making a move. Her gaze steely with determination, Misty's fingers are already brushing against one of the Poké Balls on her belt.
"It's been so long since I've last caught a Pokémon!" Misty says, removing Corsola's Poké Ball from her belt. "I can't wait to get started! Misty calls Corsola!"
The Coral Pokémon appears but a moment later with a happy chitter.
"Corsola! Cor! Corsola!"
"Okay, Corsola, it's time to attack!" Misty shouts. "Use Spike Cannon!"
Corsola immediately ditches her playful demeanor for a much more serious façade. Staring the Palpitoad down, it doesn't take Corsola long to heed her trainer's wishes. Glowing a bright white light, Corsola points all of its horns directly at Palpitoad before swiftly firing multiple white spikes at her.
Palpitoad merely sidesteps to the right to avoid the Normal-Type move.
"Huh." Misty murmurs, blinking twice as Corsola does the same. "Corsola, use Spike Cannon again!"
Corsola's second attempt at Spike Cannon proves unsuccessful, this time, Palpitoad jumping into the air to dodge the attack. Palpitoad does not follow up with an attack of her own, instead opting to hop from one foot to the other, a steely glint in her eyes.
"Doesn't look like Palpitoad wants to battle, huh?" Ash asks, walking up to Misty with Pikachu in tow. Almost instinctively, Misty catches Marill in her arms as she jumps up to hug her trainer.
"Guess not." Misty says, letting out a breath of frustration. She pauses for a moment, smiling whilst rubbing the top of Marill's head. She looks up at Ash. "Got any ideas?"
With closed eyes, Ash only shrugs his shoulders in response, Pikachu mimicking his trainer. Misty looks over her shoulder in dismay, Marill doing the same.
"Maybe try a different Pokémon?" Ash suggests.
"A different Pokémon." Misty echoes, eying her Marill speculatively. "Hey, Marill, think you can do some more Poké-translation for me?"
"Marill!" she cries, holding a paw up.
Smiling, Misty sets Marill down so she can heed her trainer's wishes. Running across the open field, it doesn't take Marill long to reach Palpitoad. Said Pokémon is still jumping from foot to foot, settling down at her fellow Water-Type's arrival.
Ash, Misty, and Pikachu only hear the two offering friendly greetings before they launch into their dialogue.
"I wonder what they're talking about." Ash muses.
"Whatever it is," Misty says on a sigh. "It sounds beautiful."
Soon, with Palptioad giving a passionate shake of her head, their conversation comes to an end. Marill gives a nod of her head before bounding over to her trainer with a smile.
"So, what'd she say?" Ash asks.
"Marill!" she cries, glancing between Ash and Misty. "Marill! Marill rill ma rill!"
"Huh." Misty says flatly. A chuckle escaping past her lips, it's with an exasperated shake of her head that she puts a hand to her temple. "No wonder Palpitoad doesn't want to battle."
"Pikachu Pikachupi."
At the same time, Ash is staring at Palpitoad's Poké Ball, resting innocently in the palm of his hand.
"A battle, huh?" Ash muses; fingers tightening around the sphere, he looks at Misty. "But wait, I've never used Palpitoad in a battle before. Shouldn't I train him first?"
"When has that ever stopped you before?" Misty asks, grinning.
"Har har." Ash deadpans.
"Beginner's Luck tends to work in your favor, Ash." Misty says, giving him a friendly pat on the shoulder..
Ash primes himself for a response, but freezes when Misty's face becomes much more serious.
"Besides," she adds, her focus zeroing in on Palpitoad. The Vibration Pokémon stares back, wary. "This is a battle between Pokémon."
Multiple question marks appear in the air around Ash's head. "'A battle between Pokémon…'. Aren't all battles between Pokémon?"
That earns a laugh from Misty. "Not exactly what I meant. Your Palpitoad has to battle this one to decide what happens."
"Marill."
"Pikachu."
The two Pokémon nod their heads sagely.
"If your Palpitoad wins, not only will this Palpitoad calm down, but I'll have a new Pokémon!" Misty says.
"And if the wild Palpitoad wins?" Ash asks.
Misty gives a nervous little chuckle, scratching the back of her neck. "Yeah, about that…"
Pikachu whispers in Ash's ear.
"I have to what?!" Ash exclaims, his hold on Palpitoad's Poké Ball becoming outright protective.
"Well…" Misty drawls with closed eyes, bouncing back once on the balls of her feet. "You did catch Palpitoad's boyfriend."
"It was an accident!" Ash half-fumes, half-whines. Crossing his arms over his chest, he mutters: "How was I supposed to know?"
"Well, not much to do about that now." Misty asserts with a wave of her hand. "It's time for these two Palpitoad to battle!"
"I don't remember agreeing to that." Ash grumbles. Despite his petulant façade, he tosses Palpitoad's Poké Ball into the air, catching it easily. "But I guess it's what I get for not thinking before catching Pokémon."
Ash falls silent, then, staring at Palpitoad's Poké Ball. His face thoughtful, it doesn't remain that way for long. The introspective fades, dissipating, paving the way for a smile.
"Alright." Ash shouts. "Palpitoad, I choose you!"
Palpitoad appears a moment later.
"Okay Palpitoad, I hope you're ready for battle!" Ash says, the anticipation of battling blazing to life in his heart. "We haven't done much training, but—whoa!"
Flailing his arms, Ash nearly loses his balance when his Palpitoad charges forward a few paces. Blinking, Ash watches as the wild Palpitoad does the same thing. Engaging in a furious staring contest, neither of the Pokémon seem intent on battling. Instead, the two Vibration Pokémon move about the clearing, always staying within perpendicular distance of one another.
Then, a gleam shining in their eyes, that's when they spring into action.
Ash's Palpitoad fires off the first attack. Sticking out his tongue, it begins to glow a soft yellow. The glow soon dissipating, Palpitoad swings his tongue from one side to the next, the momentum causing the multiple balls of Mud Shot to fling forward at his target.
The attack hitting the wild Palpitoad directly, she retaliates by using Mud Shot herself. And much like the attack before it, it lands, splattering Ash's Palpitoad's eyes with mud.
Blinking furiously, Ash's Palpitoad takes to glaring at the wild Palpitoad. Not to be outdone, he fires off another Mud Shot. This time the Ground-Type attack misses its mark, for the wild Palpitoad moves to her left to avoid the attack. She soon follows up with an attack of her own; opening her mouth, a high-pitched din reverberating from within, a kaleidoscope of red, green, and blue hurtles through the air.
Ash's Palpitoad, made dizzy by the sheer volume of the Round attack, is helpless to react as the wild Palpitoad follows up with a BubbleBeam attack, a stream of prismatic bubbles hitting Ash's Palpitoad directly in the chest.
"Man, this Palpitoad doesn't let up." Ash remarks.
"Never underestimate a Water-Type." Misty gushes.
Despite the relentless assault, Ash's Palpitoad isn't beaten quite yet. Opening his mouth, Ash's Palpitoad releases a barrage of sound waves at the wild Palpitoad before she can follow up her attacks. Though not as powerful as Round, the Supersonic attack has the desired effect. Teetering on her feet, it's clear how the wild Palpitoad is suffering from a state of confusion.
Given the status of his opponent, Ash's Palpitoad chooses to capitalize on the opportunity before him.
Opening his mouth once more, multiple rings of light blue water appear within. Ash's Palpitoad soon releases it in a mighty torrent of water.
Meanwhile, the confusion afflicting the wild Palpitoad doesn't last. A glare making its stay on her face, she unleashes a Hydro Pump of her own. Soaring through the air, the two Hydro Pumps meet each other between the two Vibration Pokémon.
The two Water-Type attacks slamming into each other, it's unknown which Pokémon will prove victorious. Eventually, the two Hydro Pumps increase marginally in size due to the two Pokénon putting more force into their attentions. Without preamble, a winner is decided.
Of sorts.
From the point where the two Hydro Pumps collide, they explode in a plume of fog. The thick fog obscures the two Palpitoad from sight, and with it, the winner of the battle.
The fog doesn't last long.
Fading from sight, the concealing mist parts to reveal both Ash's Palpitoad and the wild Palpitoad. And how both Vibration Pokémon are busy staring into each other's eyes.
Misty sighs at the display, a happy little sound.
Marill and Pikachu cry their approval, looking just as enthused.
Ash has a much different reaction.
"So," he drawls, glancing between his Palpitoad and the wild Palpitoad. "Who won?"
"I think," Misty says, sidling up next to Ash. "They both won, don't you think?"
Ash glances between Misty and the two Palpitoad once more. When he does, the ramifications of what Misty said sink in.
"Yeah." Ash says; grinning, he nods his head. "Yeah, you're right!"
With both Palpitoad giving a joyful cry, they bound over to the two Pokémon Trainers and their Pokémon. They peer up at them with inquisitive eyes, saying nothing.
"Looks like you two had a lot of fun out there, huh?" Ash says, crouching down to better communicate with his Pokémon. Misty crouches down herself a moment later.
"Palpitoad!" Ash's Palpitoad crowes affirmatively. But his gaze is not on Ash, but on Misty.
"Palpitoad Palpitoad." the wild Palpitoad adds, in a manner not at all subtle.
"I don't think you have to try and convince Misty." Ash says, giving Misty a sideways glance. "She wanted to catch you for a while; probably when you first showed up."
Ash ends up laughing when Misty pushes his shoulder, the action making him fall over on his side.
"Having a new Pokémon would be pretty great." Misty admits with a smile whilst Ash reorients himself. "And if it keeps you two together, I can't think of anything better."
"Palpitoad!" the two Palpitoad exclaim.
"Okay!" Misty shouts, clapping her hands together exactly once. Taking an empty Poké Ball into her hands, she gives the wild Palpitoad an even stare. "Are you ready, Palpitoad?"
"Palpitoad Palpitoad!" she answers with an exuberant nod of her head.
"I thought so." Misty says, clearing her throat. "Okay! Misty chooses Palpitoad!"
Misty throws the Poké Ball the same time the wild Palpitoad jumps into the air to join it. She disappears in a flash of crimson light, the Poké Ball giving but a single beep before a satisfying click fills the air.
"Yay, yay, yay!" Misty cheers, picking up the Poké Ball and performing a little dance. She finishes her little performance by holding two fingers up for victory. "I caught a Palpitoad!"
Smiling fondly, Ash's gaze lingers on Misty for a few short beats of a Butterfree's wings before turning back to his own Palpitoad.
"Well, Palpitoad, I think you deserve a good rest." he says, readying his Pokémon's Poké Ball. "Return!"
"Palpitoad!" he cheers, hopping from foot to foot before disappearing in a flash of crimson light.
Ash smiles at his Poké Ball before hooking it back on his belt.
"Looks like we've got a new Pokémon friend, huh, Pikachu?" he says.
"Pikachu!" he says, a paw raised in the air.
Looking up and away from Pikachu, Ash is promptly taken aback by the sight awaiting him.
Marill sitting snugly in her arms, a thoughtful expression on her face, Misty stares at him with a great intensity.
"Misty?" Ash says. "What's up?"
"I was just thinking, that's all." Misty admits.
The way Misty's voice quivers for a brief moment in the middle of her sentence sends a chill down Ash's spine. Given the seriousness that was previously displayed by Misty's fair features, Ash has the distinct feeling that Misty's ordeal isn't as simple as 'just thinking'.
Ash chuckles, scratching at the back of his neck.
"Really?" he says. "What were you thinking about."
"I was thinking about how you seem...distracted since we left Eindoak Town."
Ash gulps not only at such bluntness, but that to which it refers.
"I don't know what you're talking about." Ash says pointedly, looking away in much the same manner.
Misty's expression sours, frowning. Her voice remains calm when she says, "Is that so? I think you do."
"I think you're crazy." Ash retorts.
"Crazy?!" Misty repeats, a bit of her usual fire infusing the word. Despite this, she closes her eyes and takes a deep breath. Opening her eyes, she closes the distance between her and Ash. Using one arm to support Marill, she places her other hand on Ash's empty shoulder. "Ash, you can tell me anything, so please, what's bothering you?"
Ash stares at Misty's hand, his lips parted in thought. He looks up into Misty's concerned blue-green eyes, quickly looking away.
"I know that, Misty." Ash says softly. "I just...I don't want to talk about it. Not yet, at least."
"Ash.."
"I promise, once I'm ready, you'll be the first one I talk to, okay?'
"You better, Ketchum." Misty says. Stepping away from Ash, she takes to wrapping her other arm around Marill. "If you don't, you'll be in big trouble."
"Big trouble?" Ash challenges, the makings of a smirk on his face. "Should I be worried?"
"You bet!" Misty says with a wink. "And I want you to remember that you're not alone. Not as long as you have me. And I know that I have you to count on too."
"Misty…" Ash says, the edges of his smirk softening.
Before Misty can react, she finds herself with Ash's arms wrapped around her middle. He says nothing for a while, his head resting on her shoulder.
"Pikachu." he murmurs.
"Marill Marill!" she cries, looking between the two Pokémon Trainers with a smile on her face.
"We should get back to the others." Ash says soon after separating from Misty. "They're probably worrying about us by now."
"Yeah, probably." Misty says with a light chuckle. "I'll race you, Mister Pokémon Master!"
Ash adjusts his hat. "You're on!"
By the time Ash and Misty and their Pokémon return to where they left Cilan and Iris, the sun is nearly gone, bathing everything in a gentle golden light. They also find that not only has Cilan put his culinary supplies away, but Iris is nowhere to be seen.
"Ah, you two!" Cilan exclaims, greeting his two companions with a broad smile. "I was starting to wonder what had happened to you two! Did you manage to catch that wild Palpitoad?"
"You bet I did!" Misty preens. With motions proud, she displays Palpitoad's Poké Ball in the grip of her hand. "It was no trouble at all!"
"I'm glad to hear it." Cilan says the same time Ash looks around the immediate area.
"Wait a minute." Ash says. "Where'd Iris go?"
Misty puts her Poké Ball away, looking thoughtful. "Huh, you're right. Hey Cilan, shouldn't Iris be somewhere around here?"
Immediately, Cilan looks incredibly pensive. Pulling on the collar of his shirt, it's on a sigh that he says, "Actually, she left for the woods not long after you two gave chase for that peculiar Palpitoad."
"She left?"
"For the woods?"
Blinking, Ash and Misty look to each other, then to Cilan.
"Indeed." Cilan says before filling in Ash and Misty on what transpired when they left.
"So that's what happened." Ash says when Cilan is finished regaling them with the details..
"Should we go look for her?" Misty asks. "It sounds like she's been gone for a long time."
"I admit, I'm quite concerned." Cilan says, something in his tone of voice striking a most curious chord in Misty's heart. "I had the same thought about searching for her. However, I didn't wish to intrude on her attempts to bond with Excadrill."
"That makes sense." Ash says.
"Besides," Cilan continues, his gaze skyward bound, the golden hue fading to the brilliant purples and blues of twilight. "It's rather late. I think it'd be best to wait until morning to search for her."
"Sounds like a plan!" Ash says.
"It'd be really dark soon." Misty adds. "It'll be better to search for her in the morning."
And thus, with a plan devised, Ash, Misty, Cilan, and their Pokémon get ready for slumber.
Originally Added: February 2nd, 2022 as Part of a Two-Part Special.