Chapter 15: Paradox in Lavender
After a long while of walking, Gilbert, Yolanda, Sakura, Tad and Stanford finally arrived in Lavender Town. "We're finally here." Gilbert said. "About time." Sakura said in relief. They took a moment to look out at the town. "Hey, what's that tower in town?" Tad asked, noticing the Pokémon Tower. "That's the Pokémon Tower we mentioned earlier. It's the town's greatest landmark. It's supposed to be the last resting place for dearly departed Pokémon." Yolanda explained. "I've also heard that there's supposed to be a lot of Ghost-Type Pokémon living in that tower." Gilbert said. "And that's where we'll find the Paradox Pokémon. The readings appear to be coming from the top of the tower." Stanford said. "So, should we go and get it?" Gilbert asked. "Not yet, Gilbert. There's a friend here that I need to see first." Stanford said.
Upon entering Lavender Town, Stanford led the group to the resident Pokémon House. "He's waiting for us in here." Stanford said. "What is this place?" Tad asked. "This is the Pokémon House." Yolanda said. "Pokémon House?" Sakura asked in confusion. "It's a place where people care for abandoned Pokémon. Like a Pokémon orphanage." Gilbert explained. "They're right. My friend volunteers here whenever he's away from work." Stanford said. "So, how do we recognize this guy?" Tad asked. "Oh, I'll know him when I see him." Stanford said with a wink.
They walked into the Pokémon House and saw a few people looking after the orphaned Pokémon. "Well, which one of these caregivers is your friend?" Gilbert asked. "Oh, that's him, right there." Stanford said, pointing to one of the caregivers. He was a young man with shoulder-length orange hair, wearing a tiger-print vest over a black t-shirt, blue jeans and open-toe sandals. He even wore an eyepatch over his right eye. "Hey, Riggorix." Stanford called, getting the young man's attention. "Well, as I live and breathe. Stanford!" The young man, named Riggorix, said as he walked over and brought Stanford into a soul-brother hug. "Guys, this is my friend, Riggorix. But we sometimes call him Rigg for short." Stanford introduced. "Hi, I'm Gilbert from Pallet Town." Gilbert introduced. "I'm Yolanda from Pewter City." Yolanda introduced. "I'm Sakura from Ecruteak City." Sakura introduced. "And I'm Tad Garcia of the Garcia family." Tad introduced. "Pleasured to meet you all." Riggorix sad. "So, you got my message?" Stanford asked. "Oh, yes. Paradox readings coming from the tower." Riggorix said.
Meanwhile, as everyone talked, Gilbert was looking at a bookcase filled with tons of Pokémon books. His eyes kept looking at a certain book without a title. He walked up to it, reached for it and tried to take it off the shelf. But suddenly, it activated a pulley mechanism and opened up a secret room. That got the others' attention. "Gilbert, what happened?" Sakura asked. "I don't know. I was just reaching for a book and then…this happened." Gilbert said, feeling confused. The group walked into the secret room and looked around. "Huh. I've been working in this house for a while, but I've never seen this room before." Riggorix said. "Looks like it's been here for decades." Yolanda said. Just then, Gilbert noticed a diary book on a table nearby. He picked it up, opened it and started reading. As he read it, he found a picture of 2 Pokémon, one of them he recognized. "Hey, guys. Take a look at this." He said. The group gathered as he showed them the picture. "Hey, isn't that the Pokémon who kissed you after you rescued it from that poacher?" Yolanda asked. "Yeah, it is. But who's the other one?" Gilbert asked, looking at an unfamiliar Pokémon that resembled a butterfly. "Hold on. Remember that story I told you guys before? I believe that these Pokémon maybe…the ancient Giver Duo." Stanford said. "The Giver Duo? But I thought those Pokémon were just a myth." Tad said. "Not exactly. I saved one of the Giver Duo from a poacher a while back and it kissed me as a thank you." Gilbert said. "That's amazing." Tad said.
Just then, Stanford's device started beeping. He took it out and examined the evidence. "It's the Paradox Pokémon. It's getting pretty active up in the tower." He said. "So, I guess it's time to capture this Paradox Pokémon?" Sakura asked. "That's right. Rigg, will you help us capture this Paradox Pokémon?" Stanford asked. "It would be my pleasure, old friend." Riggorix said, cracking his knuckles. As the group walked out of the Pokémon House, Gilbert stared at the diary for a moment before putting it in his backpack and following his friends.
Later, the group stood outside the Pokémon Tower and stared up at it. "Wow. So, this is the famous Pokémon Tower." Tad said in awe. "It is way taller than I expected." Sakura said. "Stanford, you said the Paradox Pokémon is somewhere at the top?" Gilbert asked. "Yes. We're gonna have to head all the way to the top if we want to capture this one." Stanford said. "But what if we encounter any Ghost-Type Pokémon?" Sakura asked. "We'll be able to handle them." Stanford said. "He's right. We've handled worse." Gilbert said. "I don't think Team Rocket actually counts." Yolanda joked, making everyone laugh while Riggorix looked confused on who Team Rocket was. "Alright, gang, let's head on in." Stanford said. The group walked into the Pokémon Tower, but were unaware of 2 familiar people watching them from behind.
As the group entered the tower, they looked around and saw dozens of people paying their respects to their beloved Pokémon friends who were buried inside. "Look at all of these people. I never thought so many of them lost their beloved Pokémon." Yolanda said. "Kinda makes me sad, just thinking that my precious Espeon might end up in a place like this one day." Sakura said sadly. "Easy, Sakura, that's not gonna happen for a very long time." Gilbert assured. Stanford started to think as he watched the people looking at the graves of their Pokémon in sadness, his mind drifting to some very important people. But then, his device started beeping, snapping him out of his thoughts as they reached the staircase. "Well, this is it. We better start climbing the stairs." He said. They started walking up the stairs and proceeded to the next floor. As they continued on their way, heading up stairs and passing through the floors, they looked around the empty rooms. "Uh, guys, you said this tower was home to Ghost-Type Pokémon, right?" Tad asked. "That's what we said, yes." Yolanda said. "Then how come we haven't seen any Ghost-Type Pokémon yet?" Tad asked. "That is a bit odd. We should've seen many of the tower's floors, but we haven't seen any Ghost-Type Pokémon. Not even one." Sakura said. "Where are they? Are they all in hiding to try and scare us?" Gilbert asked. "Not likely. Ghost-Type Pokémon only hide and scare to play pranks. But for us to see none on any of the tower floors, I got a feeling our Paradox Pokémon has something to do with this." Stanford explained. "We'll find out once we get to the top of the tower." Riggorix said. As they continued up the stairs to the next floor, something in the shadow was watching them.
Finally, they reached the top floor. "Whew! That was some climb." Tad panted. "The things we do to protect the world." Gilbert said. "Alright, let's keep focused as we relax. The Paradox Pokémon has got to be up here somewhere." Stanford said. As they looked around, something floated around in the shadows. "We're not alone up here." Tad said. "It's here alright. But where?" Riggorix asked. Suddenly, there was a clattering noise nearby. "I'm guessing…it's right behind us." Gilbert said. The group turned around to see a big Pokémon that resembled a big Misdreavus with 4 big wings on its mane-like head. "What is that?!" Yolanda asked in shock. "It looks like a Misdreavus." Sakura said. Gilbert took out his Pokédex and scanned it.
Misdreavus, the Screech Pokémon, a Ghost-Type. Misdreavus spends the day sleeping in darkness and spends the night startling people by biting and yanking on their hair.
"I take it this is our Paradox Pokémon?" Yolanda asked. "Yep. This is the ancient ancestor of Misdreavus, Flutter Mane." Tad said, recognizing the Paradox Pokémon. Just then, Flutter Mane let out an ear-piercing shriek before it attacked with Mystical Fire. "That's Mystical Fire!" Yolanda cried as they leapt out of the way and dodged the attack. "Okay, I've had about enough of this. Ivysaur, I choose you!" Gilbert called, tossing Ivysaur's PokéBall. "Saur!" Ivysaur called as he came out. "Koffing, let's go!" Yolanda called, tossing Koffing's PokéBall. "Koffing." Koffing said as he came out. "Come on out, Espeon!" Sakura called, tossing Espeon's PokéBall. "Espeon!" Espeon barked as she came out. "Sparcx, I choose you!" Tad called, tossing Sparcx's PokéBall. "Tymo!" Sparcx squeaked as he came out. "Trevenant, let's go!" Stanford called, tossing a PokéBall. "Trevenant!" Trevenant bellowed in a creepy voice. "Who's that Pokémon?" Gilbert asked, scanning Trevenant with his Pokédex.
Trevenant, the Elder Tree Pokémon, a Ghost-&-Grass-Type and the evolved form of Phantump. Trevenant can control other trees using its roots as its nervous system. It can also curse people who cuts down trees.
"Tre?" Trevenant said, turning to face the group. They felt their bodies shiver in fear. "Oh, it's quite alright. Trevenant might be scary, but he's a big sweetheart." Stanford said. "Tre." Trevenant said as he gave a playful smile. Just then, Flutter Mane attacked with Psybeam. "Watch out!" Gilbert shouted. "Trevenant, block it with Will-O-Wisp!" Stanford called. "Tre…Vant!" Trevenant's body glowed orange as he conjured several balls of purple fire and fired them at the Psybeam, intercepting it. "Alright, Ivysaur, let's get that Paradox Pokémon! Use Razor Leaf!" Gilbert ordered. "Koffing, use Sludge!" Yolanda exclaimed. "Espeon, use Psybeam!" Sakura exclaimed. "Sparcx, use Charge Beam!" Tad exclaimed. "Trevenant, follow with Energy Ball!" Stanford ordered. "Ivy…Saur!" Ivysaur fired his Razor Leaf from his flower bud. "Koff!" Koffing spat his Sludge from his mouth. "Espe…ON!" Espeon fired Psybeam from her jewel. "Ty…MO!" Sparcx fired Charge Beam from his mouth. "Tre…VANT!" Trevenant formed Energy Ball in between his branchy hands and fired it. But Flutter Mane shrieked as it unleashed Dazzling Gleam and blocked the attacks.
"Quick, Ivysaur, grab it before it can attack again!" Gilbert exclaimed. "Saur!" Ivysaur launched Vine Whip and prepared to grab Flutter Mane. But Flutter Mane dodged the attack and attacked with Psyshock. Ivysaur was hit and knocked out in a single blast. "Ivysaur!" Gilbert cried. "That's it! Koffing, hit it with Gyro Ball!" Yolanda exclaimed. "Espeon, help Koffing! Zen Headbutt!" Sakura exclaimed. "Koffing!" Koffing started spinning as his body glowed bright blue. "Espeon!" Espeon's forehead started glowing bright blue with psychic energy. But as they charged towards Flutter Mane, it attacked with Moonblast, knocking them both out in a single blast. "Koffing!" Yolanda cried. "Espeon, no!" Sakura cried. "No one does that to my friends and gets away with it! Use Knock Off, Sparcx!" Tad exclaimed. "Ty…" Sparcx's tail glowed dark purple as he charged towards Flutter Mane. But Flutter Mane attacked with Psybeam, striking Sparcx hard and knocking him out instantly. "Oh no, Sparcx!" Tad cried. "Trevenant, let's show this Paradox Pokemon we mean business. Use Shadow Claw!" Stanford ordered. "Trevenant!" Trevenant's hands became engulfed in a shadowy aura and prepared to slash Flutter Mane. But Flutter Mane dodged each slash as it backed up against a wall. "Now we got it trapped. Use Wood Hammer!" Stanford exclaimed. "Trev…enant!" Trevenant's right hand formed a light green tree stump and prepared to strike. But then, at the last minute, Flutter Mane ducked down, dodging the attack, and struck Trevenant with Mystical Fire, knocking him out. "Trevenant!" Stanford cried. Flutter Mane let out a triumphant shriek.
The group returned their Pokémon back to their PokéBalls. "Boy, that Flutter Mane is definitely as strong as Great Tusk." Gilbert said. "I know. Its power is on a totally different level though." Stanford said. "That's it then. None of our other Pokémon can beat that thing." Sakura said. "She's right. It's beaten us all." Tad said. "Not all of us." Riggorix said as he walked up. Gilbert's group was confused. "Rigg likes to make an entrance before saving the day." Stanford said. "But does he have any Pokémon that can beat that Paradox Pokemon?" Sakura asked with concern. "I got just the one." Riggorix said, holding up a PokéBall. "Do it, man." Stanford said. Gilbert and his friends were confused. "Come on out, Perrserker!" Riggorix called, tossing his PokéBall. "Perreowr!" Perrserker meowed as he popped out. "What is that?" Gilbert asked as he scanned Perrserker with his Pokédex.
Perrserker, the Viking Pokémon, a Steel-Type and the evolved form of Galarian Meowth. Perrserker have violent and barbaric demeanor, and live for the thrill of battle. They're relationship with Persian is characterized by mutual disdain on account of differences in their respective temperaments.
"That thing evolves from a Meowth?" Sakura asked in confusion. "A different regional Meowth, no doubt." Yolanda said. "But since Flutter Mane knows Mystical Fire, won't Perrserker be at a disadvantage being a Steel-Type?" Tad asked. "One thing you should remember, types aren't everything." Riggorix said. "Perr." Perrserker growled as he prepared his claws for battle. Flutter Mane shrieked before attacking with Mystical Fire. "Perrserker, leap up and dodge it!" Riggorix ordered. "Perr!" Perrserker leapt up and dodged the Mystical Fire. "Now use Metal Claw!" Riggorix ordered. "Perr…Serker!" Perrserker's claws glowed in a shiny metal grey as he dove down towards Flutter Mane and slashed it hard, knocking it down. "Alright!" Yolanda and Sakura cheered. "Flutter Mane's part Fairy-Type, so Steel-Type moves are super effective against it." Stanford said. But Flutter Mane got up and flew towards Perrserker. "Use Metal Sound to stop it!" Riggorix ordered. "Perr." Perrserker crossed his claws in front of him as they started to glow light blue and released a hypersonic sound. Flutter Mane stopped in its tracks, wincing in pain from the sound. Even the others covered their ears from the sound. "Oh, what a sound! It's even hurting my ears!" Tad exclaimed. "Metal Sound normally lower's a Pokémon's Special Defense! Perrserker's Metal Sound must be extremely powerful to be affecting humans too!" Yolanda exclaimed. "Now, Perrserker, use Iron Head!" Riggorix ordered. "Perr…SERKER!" Perrserker's charm glowed in a shiny metal grey as he dashed towards Flutter Mane and bashed it, knocking it down again. "Wow, what a shot." Sakura said in awe. "With the addition of Metal Sound lowering Flutter Mane's Special Defense, the hit from that Iron Head doubled the damage." Gilbert said.
But Flutter Mane got back up, proving to be tougher than they thought. "Whoa. No wonder Flutter Mane's a Paradox Pokémon. It's just as tough as Great Tusk was." Gilbert said. "You're not wrong. It took 2 direct hits from Perrserker's Steel-Type moves and it's still standing." Yolanda said. "Rigg, is there anything Perrserker can do to beat Flutter Mane?" Sakura asked with concern. "Actually…there is one." Riggorix said. "Perr." Perrserker nodded as he looked back at his trainer. Riggorix raised his right arm and revealed a white wristband with a shiny metal grey crystal with a strange symbol on it. "What's that?" Tad asked. "That's Riggorix's secret weapon." Stanford said. "Secret weapon?" Sakura asked in confusion. Suddenly, the wristband activated as Riggorix motioned his arms. Perrserker mimicked the motions as energy released from the wristband and entered him. "Here we go! Full power! Perrserker, Corkscrew Crash!" Riggorix ordered. "Perr…SERKER!" Perrserker leapt up, started spinning and morphed into a giant metal drill. He zoomed towards Flutter Mane and struck it hard in the chest, knocking it down. Gilbert's group was shocked by what they saw. "No way." Yolanda said. "What was that?" Tad asked. "I think that was…a Z-Move." Gilbert realized. "A Z-Move?" Sakura asked in confusion. "Yeah. I've heard of a rumor about a special set of moves that can be used in the Alola Region. The bracelet Rigg has allows him to channel the energy of any crystal of a certain Pokémon type and use that move through one of their attack types." Gilbert explained. "That's right. You hit the nail right on the head, Gilbert." Stanford said.
Flutter Mane struggled to get back up, but it was too exhausted from all the damage from the Z-Move. "Now's the time. Go PokéBall!" Riggorix exclaimed, tossing a PokéBall. It tapped Flutter Mane and sucked it right inside. As the PokéBall landed on the floor, it wriggled for a bit. The group stared anxiously until finally…the PokéBall dinged, sealing the capture. Everyone cheered. "We got it!" Yolanda cheered. "Nicely done, Rigg." Stanford said. "Glad I was here to help, Stan." Riggorix said. "Perr." Perrserker purred.
Suddenly, a mechanical clamp appeared out of nowhere and snatched the PokéBall! Everyone gasped in shock. The clamp retracted to the ones controlling it. "Team Rocket!" Gilbert's group exclaimed. "Nice to see you, kids. Did you miss us?" Attila said, taking the PokéBall from the clamp. "Who're these funny-looking clowns?" Riggorix asked. "They're Team Rocket, a group of villains who're trying to take over the world." Gilbert said. "And they're trying to take Flutter Mane to do just that." Stanford said. "They WHAT?!" Riggorix exclaimed angrily. "We learned from our mistakes when trying to capture that Great Tusk last time. So, we decided to wait until you captured this Paradox Pokémon and take it from you." Hun explained. "You have no idea what you're dealing with! Paradox Pokemon are more dangerous than any of you!" Riggorix exclaimed. "Oh, dry up, one-eye. With this Paradox Pokémon under our control, Team Rocket will rule the world." Attila said. They leapt out the window nearby. "We can't let them get away!" Gilbert exclaimed as the group started to head back down the stairs.
The second the group made it back to the ground floor and exited the tower, Team Rocket was already making their escape in their airship. "Ugh! We're too late!" Tad exclaimed. "No, we're not." Riggorix said. "Right. We made a call back on the top floor." Stanford said. The group was confused at this. Meanwhile, Team Rocket had locked Flutter Mane's PokéBall in a glass case. "Once we deliver this Paradox Pokémon to Giovanni, Team Rocket will rule the world." Hun said as they hung the case from beneath the airship. Suddenly, there was a loud shriek in the air. "Did you hear that?" Attila said. "Huh? What's that coming towards us?" Hun said, seeing something approaching their airship. It was a Corviknight. "I don't recognize that Pokémon. Do we catch it?" Attila asked. "COR!" Suddenly, Corviknight attacked with Steel Wing, cutting the strap holding the glass case, shocking Team Rocket. The glass case shattered as it landed on the ground. "Ha! We got Flutter Mane back!" Gilbert cheered as he picked up the PokéBall. "Not for long!" Hun said as she and Attila prepared to send out their Pokémon. But they froze at the sight of Corviknight glaring at them. "Uh, why's it looking at us like that?" Attila asked with worry. Just then, Corviknight's body became covered in a glittery blue fire. "It's using Brave Bird!" Yolanda said, recognizing the move. Corviknight attacked Team Rocket's airship and destroyed it, sending Team Rocket flying. "Why does this always happen to us?!" Attila exclaimed. "We're seriously sinking lower than those other losers in Team Rocket!" Hun exclaimed. "We're blasting off again!" They cried as they disappeared in the distance.
"Corv. Corv." Corviknight chirped as he landed in front of the group. "Thanks, Corviknight." Stanford said. "Lucky you came along." Riggorix said. "So, this is a Corviknight." Gilbert said, scanning Corviknight with his Pokédex.
Corviknight, the Raven Pokémon, a Flying-&-Steel-Type and the evolved form of Corvisquire. Corviknight is known to be the strongest bird Pokémon in the entire Galar Region. With its intelligence and flying skills, Corviknight also serves a Flying Taxi service.
"Wow. Corviknight is so cool." Sakura said. "Wait. You guys know this Corviknight? How?" Tad asked. "Simple. Corviknight belongs to one of our leaders." Stanford said. "You called?" A voice said. Everyone turned to see a young boy around 14 with spikey red hair, wearing a blue hoodie, tan pants and combat boots. "Aerrow, you made it." Riggorix said. "Huh? Who's he?" Tad asked. "Oh, forgive my manners. My name's Aerrow. Aerrow Mistheart." Aerrow introduced. "Mistheart?!" Gilbert, Yolanda and Sakura asked in shock. "You're not by any chance related to Aria Mistheart, are you?" Sakura asked. "Of course. Aria's my sister." Aerrow said. That surprised the group. "So, you're Gilbert, Yolanda and Sakura. Aria's told me about you guys. And from what I've heard, despite that you 3 lost to her in a battle, I'm really impressed." Aerrow explained. "Wow, that's so nice." Yolanda said. "Though I don't recognize you." Aerrow said, gesturing to Tad. "Oh, yeah. I wasn't with them at the time. My name's Tad Garcia. It's nice to meet you." Tad introduced. "It's nice to meet you too." Aerrow said.
"Hold on. Stanford said that you're one of their leaders. What's that mean?" Gilbert asked. "I'm one of the founders of a huge group of strong and powerful trainers that protect the world from evil." Aerrow explained. Gilbert and his friends were amazed to hear that. "As much as we'd like to explain everything, we need to go report back to HQ." Stanford said. "Then I guess this is where we part ways." Gilbert said as he handed Flutter Mane's PokéBall to Riggorix. "Don't worry, kid. We'll see each other again." Riggorix said. With that said, Aerrow, Stanford and Riggorix waved goodbye as they flew off on Corviknight. "Wow, we're really having an amazing journey, meeting more people and Pokémon, like how we met Stanford, then Aria, Vandana and Zad, and now Riggorix and Aerrow." Sakura said. "No kidding." Yolanda said.
The next day, after healing their Pokémon at the Pokémon Center, Gilbert, Yolanda, Sakura and Tad left Lavender Town and continued on their way to Saffron City and the next Gym. On the way, Gilbert thought about the book he found in the Pokémon House and hoped to figure out who the Giver Duo are. Unknown to the group, the shadow from earlier hitched a ride on Gilbert's shadow, staring at him with glowing red eyes.
Major Events:
The group and Stanford arrive in Lavender Town
The group meets Riggorix Ironheart
The group encounters their second Paradox Pokémon in the Pokémon Tower, a Flutter Mane
Stanford is revealed to own a Trevenant
The group meets Aerrow Mistheart
The group parts ways with Aerrow, Stanford and Riggorix, and continued their way to Saffron City
A mysterious shadow from the Pokémon Tower hitches a ride on Gilbert's shadow