Disclaimer: I don't own Pokémon. Any similarities between real people, living or dead, or places, standing or demolished, in this story are just coincidences.
But if you like what I do and want to support me, you are more than welcome to donate on Place of Patrons.
Chapter no.8 Danger on Mt. Moon
Death, the undiscovered country from whose bourn no traveler returns.
The words echoing in his mind as Austin pushed a shopping cart through Pewter City's PokéMart. Sitting in the child seat of the cart were Pikachu and Vee, looking curiously at the array of items on the shelves.
He reached for some rock-climbing gear—a harness, carabiners, a helmet, and some ropes. Ever since witnessing Sird's brutal attack on the Beedrills, Austin had been mentally scarred. The incident had left him with a deep-seated fear of Team Rocket, causing his paranoia to skyrocket whenever they were involved.
This fear was the reason Austin refrained from asking Professor Oak for help with Team Rocket.
What evidence could he provide other than Vee?
And that was not an option he was willing to consider, as he was diligently working to build trust with the experimented Pokémon, hoping to foster a bond that would enable Vee to evolve into an Espeon.
Austin had briefly entertained the idea of lying to Oak to get him to mobilize the league or his champion son to tackle Team Rocket, but he dismissed this plan almost as quickly as it formed.
Austin truly didn't understand the full extent of Team Rocket's capabilities.
If Sird had appeared, who was to say that other characters from the Pokémon Adventures manga, like the evil gym leaders, wouldn't also emerge? The very thought terrified him—this world was evidently much more than what was portrayed in the anime.
Telling Oak would only make it easier for Team Rocket to narrow down their targets to him and Gary.
Pikachu and Vee, observing Austin's thoughtful demeanor, exchanged a glance, silently communicating their shared concern. Then, with a subtle nod to each other, they sprang into action. Pikachu began performing small electric sparks, twinkling like tiny stars, which always managed to catch Austin's eye. Meanwhile, Vee hopped out of the seat and rubbed against Austin's leg, looking up with big, expressive eyes full of affection.
They're really trying to cheer me up, Austin thought, his smile broadening despite the heaviness that had settled in his mind. It's incredible how they sense my mood and do their best to lighten it. How did I get so lucky to be their trainer?
"Thanks, guys," the boy said while extending his hands to both Pokémon. Pikachu leaped into his arms, giving a soft chirp, while Vee nuzzled his hands, purring softly. He gently stroked Pikachu's back and scratched behind Vee's ears, their responses of delight making him chuckle. They're not just my Pokémon; they're my family, and I'll do whatever it takes to protect them. For now, the best way to stay safe is to remain unseen.
The cashier raised an eyebrow at the sight, which Austin found understandable—it was certainly unusual for a ten-year-old to be buying rock climbing gear, a lot of potions, and an electric taser gun.
Okay, maybe the last item is a bit of a red flag.
"For my safety, I'm going to go through the uncharted areas of Mt. Moon," Austin explained when the cashier's gaze lingered a bit too cashier just nodded, seemingly accepting the explanation, or perhaps indifferent since he was going to get paid either way.
"Do you know any places around here that teach rock climbing?"
The cashier raised an eyebrow again. "Buying equipment before taking lessons?"
Austin rubbed the back of his head and chuckled lightly, trying to ease the tension. "Well, as they say, 'Fortune favors the bold.'"
Austin pushed open the door to the Pewter City Indoor Climbing Center, greeted by the sight of expansive climbing walls stretching high into the cavernous space. The walls were dotted with colorful holds and routes, ranging from beginner-friendly to expert levels. Natural light spilled in from skylights above, illuminating the climbers as they scaled the artificial cliffs with the front desk, Austin saw a clerk who appeared young and enthusiastic, with short-cropped hair and a friendly smile.
"Hi! How can I help you today?"
Austin smiled back. "I'd like to register for climbing classes. I heard there's a weekly fee?"
"That's right! It's 1000 Pokédollars per week," the clerk confirmed, tapping some details into her computer. "And you'll need a Flying-type Pokémon for safety reasons."
"Why a Flying-type?"
She pointed towards a rock wall where an older man, probably the coach, was making his way up with a harness. Attached to the harness was a majestic Pidgeot, carefully monitoring every move the climber made. "The Flying-type Pokémon can assist in case of falls or if climbers find themselves in a difficult spot."
"Okay, yeah, that makes sense. I have a Spearow."
"Great, then we're happy to have you here," The clerk responded warmly, completing his registration. "Classes start in about an hour, so you can come in and check out the facilities. You can even meet the coach."
"I can?"
"I don't see any issues with it, plus it'd be good for you to meet the coach."
Austin nodded appreciatively and turned to signal Pikachu and Vee. The two Pokémon, unable to contain their excitement, had already dashed inside.
"Sorry about that."
"No, go have fun!"
Austin, geared up and ready, gave a thumbs-up to Pikachu and Vee who watched from the sidelines. His first attempt at scaling the wall was ambitious—he lunged for a hold that was clearly out of reach, resulting in a swift and somewhat dramatic tumble back to the mat. Spearow squawked indignantly as it fluttered to stabilize them both, only to get tangled in the safety rope.
Next, Austin tried a different approach, opting for a route that looked easier. However, his foot slipped just as he was gaining confidence, causing him to swing wildly like a pendulum. This time, Spearow, trying to be helpful, swooped in to steady him but only managed to bump into him, sending them both into a spinning mess. Pikachu, Vee, and Rattata pretended to be engrossed in their snacks, occasionally peeking through their paws and paws with feigned nonchalance.
After several grueling hours, Austin collapsed onto his bed, letting out a deep, exhausted sigh. To him, the mattress felt like a cloud welcoming him back to earth. His limbs ached pleasantly from the exertion, and he could barely muster the energy to move. Lying there, he wondered if he could marry the bed.
I should really look into learning first aid.
Meanwhile, Pikachu and the others were playfully poking at Spearow, who was equally tired. The bird, its feathers slightly ruffled and its expression wearied, shot a pointed look at Austin. It seemed to say, See what your fun ideas get us into?
"Hey, I did say if you can help, you can have this," Austin reminded the exhausted bird as he reached for something special. He took out the Boulder Badge and placed it in front of Spearow.
The other Pokémon watched, their eyes shifting from the shiny badge to their trainer.
"Come on, the grumpy bird earned it."
In truth, Austin had always intended to give the Boulder Badge to Spearow. His plan was to train the bird to be a formidable physical attacker, and the item would be perfect for Spearow. The physical boosts would be wasted on Pikachu— a special attacker, Vee, who functioned best as a support sweeper, and Rattata — a fast attacker.
Spearow approached the badge with a cautious yet intrigued air. As it touched the badge with its beak, a soft, greyish aura began to emanate from the object. This aura wrapped around Spearow, seeping into its feathers and muscles. The transformation in Spearow was immediate and striking. His posture became more upright, feathers appeared glossier and more streamlined, and the muscle mass around its chest and wings visibly increased.
The rest of the Pokémon looked a touch disappointed until Austin placed Flint's TM in front of them.
"Let's get some new moves."
The Pokémon cheered as he recalled them into their Pokéballs and placed each ball inside the cube.
The cube hummed to life as it activated, glowing faintly.
TMs worked by storing the memories of a move inside it, in the form of a code. These codes were crafted by psychic types, allowing the memories to be transferred directly into a Pokémon's mind. Upon reception, the Pokémon would instinctively activate their vestigial organs to begin using the new move.
Hidden Power was unique in that it varied for each Pokémon.
Curious, Austin immediately consulted his Pokédex to see the results for his team.
Rattata — Hidden Power: Dark.
Pikachu — Hidden Power: Grass.
Vee — Hidden Power: Normal.
The Experimented Pokemon's hidden power puzzled Austin since a Normal-type Hidden Power was impossible to get in the games. Driven by curiosity, Austin decided to evolve Vee into Flareon and prompted it to use Hidden Power. As he had suspected, the move transformed from Hidden Power: Normal to Hidden Power: Fire. He repeated the experiment by evolving Vee into Vaporeon and then Jolteon, observing how the Hidden Power shifted to match the elemental nature of each evolution.
Just as Austin began to formulate theories about 'The How,' a more pressing need interrupted his train of thought. His stomach growled loudly.
"Let's eat fast so we can eat again!"
Austin sat alone in the cafeteria, a simple breakfast of eggs and toast before him. The radio in the background hummed with the morning news, his ears perked for any mention of Mt. Moon. He was almost certain that Team Rocket would be there. Not only had Ash encountered them there in the anime, but it was also the first location where Team Rocket appeared in the Kanto games in the Pokémon series.
While listening, Austin studied a map of the region spread out beside his plate. He had learned that Mt. Moon wasn't just a single mountain but a mountain range that acted as a natural barrier between Pewter City and Cerulean City. The Mt. Moon tunnels were a series of tunnels that had been built as a trade route to connect the two cities. The trail through the tunnels took about two days to travel, which was a significantly shorter route compared to the daunting two-week trek through the mountainous terrain.
Maybe Team Rocket won't be at Mt. Moon, since I haven't heard any news or rumors about anything strange happening for last few days.
Austin's grip on his fork tightened unconsciously, the metal bending slightly under the pressure. The image of his Pokémon lying lifeless, potential victims of a Team Rocket encounter, flashed across his mind. A bead of sweat trickled down his temple, his heart rate picking up as his body tensed with the fear of what could happen.
"No," Austin muttered to himself firmly, shaking his head. "That won't happen."
For the last 5 days he had won a dozen battles, prepared enough meals for everyone for two weeks, and had trained intensively in rock climbing and administering first aid. He was as ready as he could be.
Let's move to plan A.
Austin's plan A was straightforward: he would place a fake emergency call to the Pokémon Rangers' office and direct them to Mt. Moon, letting them handle Team Rocket.
That was, after all, part of their job.
Over the last few days, he had pinpointed a phone booth, one located away from any prying cameras. Despite the seeming safety of the location, Austin took no chances and wore a mask to further conceal his identity as he approached the booth.
The phone booth was tall and narrow, painted in a once-vibrant blue that had faded to a dusty teal. The paint was chipped and weather-worn. The glass panes that made up the sides of the booth were thick and slightly yellowed. Inside, the space was cramped, with just enough room for an adult to stand comfortably.
Taking a deep breath to steel himself for what he was about to do, Austin dialed the number for the Pewter City Rangers. Before speaking, he clenched his fist and struck himself in the face hard enough to cause his nose to bleed—an act he deemed necessary to make his fake emergency call sound more credible.
"Hello, is this rangers please help?" Austin's voice was nasal and strained as he pinched his bleeding nose, trying to sound distressed.
"Sir, what's wrong?" came the immediate response from the operator, her voice laced with concern.
"I was walking at Mt. Moon when some Pokémon thieves attacked me. I was barely able to make it out alive; those people are crazy," Austin explained, his voice shaky and muffled.
"When did this happen?"
"An hour ago. I was able to make it to safety on my trusty Rapidash," Austin said, his words slightly garbled.
"Is this a prank?"
"No," Austin replied, his confusion evident even through his distorted speech.
"Sir, I highly advise you not to joke on this matter," the operator warned sternly. "There is a 24-hour patrol of rangers on Mt. Moon. Either you are lying, or something happened to the ranger's patrol, and I assure you, we do a routine check-up with the rangers every hour to get updates."
The call ended abruptly. He carefully placed the receiver back on its cradle, his mind racing with doubts.
Was I wrong in all of this?
Was I too paranoid?
Austin wondered, his thoughts tumbling over each other. Holding his still-bleeding nose with his mask, he stepped out of the booth, the cool air of early morning hitting his face. He paused, contemplating whether he should proceed through the trail with the rangers or stick to his original plan to trek around the mountain.
As the evening descended over the mountain, Austin continued his trek, the fading light casting long shadows across the rugged terrain. The cool mountain air was refreshing, a welcome relief after hours of hiking. Beside him, Pikachu trotted along, his eyes bright and alert to any signs of danger or curiosity in the surrounding wilderness.
The boy carried an open thermos strapped to his side, within which Vee, now in his Vaporeon form, swirled in a serene water state. They had discovered that maintaining a single form did not cause Vee much pain, and he had decided that having Vaporeon in a liquid form could be extremely useful should they encounter any dangerous wild Pokémon or run into trouble with Team Rocket.
Austin's journey was not just by foot; beside him, he pushed misty's bike, its tires changed for the rough, uneven paths of the mountain trail.
As the sun began to dip below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple, Austin found a high vantage point. He paused, pulling his bike up beside him, and stood overlooking the expansive view. From this elevated position, he could see the vastness of the landscape spread out below him—valleys dipped between towering peaks, and the distant, twinkling lights of a town far beyond the mountain's base.
The tranquil atmosphere of the mountain trek was abruptly shattered by the distant sounds of battle. Austin instinctively reached for his binoculars and peered down towards a rocky edge where he spotted flickers of fire amid the chaos. His heart sank as he focused the lenses and confirmed his worst fears—Team Rocket grunts.
"Ranger patrol my ass."
His eyes widened when he recognized the figures battling against the Team Rocket grunts—it was Jimmy and the Onix trainer he had fought.
Shit.
"Pika?" Pikachu turned to him, scratching his ear, sensing his trainer's tension.
"Let's help them."
"Pi?" Pikachu looked up at Austin, confusion evident in his expression.
"I want to interrogate one of the grunts to find out Team Rocket's positions."
Pikachu gave Austin a look that screamed—Really?
"Yes," Austin affirmed, meeting Pikachu's skeptical gaze.
Pikachu then gestured towards Jimmy's location, performing an exaggerated charade that involved mimicking a heroic stance, clearly pushing for a braver approach.
"I shouldn't have taught you how to do charades."
"Pika," Pikachu responded with a cheeky grin, clearly pleased with himself.
"Whatever, bravery isn't just stupidly trying to do something without a plan."
Pikachu's ears perked up, his body language shifting to one of attentiveness, as if to ask, "What's the plan?"
Jimmy felt despair creeping in, his back literally against the wall of the rocky mountain path. The options before him were bleak: either fall to a certain death or get captured again by Team Rocket.
"Don't give up, young man," the older trainer said, his voice steady.
Jimmy nodded, steeling himself as they prepared to fight. The odds were against them: his Poliwrath and the trainer's Onix were facing off against Team Rocket's Rhyhorn, Raticate, Ekans, and Zubat. It was an uphill battle, one that seemed only a miracle could resolve.
Just as the situation seemed most dire, that miracle appeared.
Something fast streaked through the air—a Pikachu riding a Spearow, a sight so unexpected that Jimmy blinked in disbelief. "What?" he exclaimed just as the Pikachu jumped from Spearow's high above, Pikachu discharged a burst of electricity as it descended. Bolts of lightning arced from its body, striking Raticate, Ekans, and Zubat with pinpoint accuracy. The electric assault was swift and fierce, leaving the three Pokémon incapacitated in a matter of seconds, their bodies twitching from the residual energy as they lay knocked out on the rocky ground.
Rhyhorn, the only one remaining, looked momentarily stunned.
It was not prepared for what came next. Pikachu, gathering energy, raised its arms above its head, forming a glowing orb of light. With a forceful throw, Pikachu released the orb downward. The moment the orb hit the ground, it exploded into a wave of greenish, grass-like energy that swept across the cliff.
"Hidden Power: Grass," Jimmy muttered, recognizing the move as Rhyhorn was also knocked out, collapsing heavily to the ground with a thud.
Pikachu landed deftly in front of Jimmy and the older trainer, its chest heaving slightly from the effort.
Before Jimmy could muster a thank you, a chilling voice sliced through the air. "What do we have here?"
Everyone turned to see Executive Arianna stepping confidently from the tunnel, accompanied by a Vileplume. The indigo, bipedal Pokémon bore a massive red flower atop its head, its beady red eyes fixed menacingly on the group.
Pikachu's cheeks sparked threateningly at the sight of the newcomer.
"Petal Blizzard!" Arianna commanded in a tone that was as cold as it was indifferent. Vileplume's body became the center of a swirling mass of pink petals that rapidly formed into a tornado, hurling toward Pikachu.
Pikachu responded with a Thunder Shock, which intensified into what looked more like a Thunderbolt. However, the science of the situation was against him—the sheer volume of petals, acting as insulators, dispersed the electrical energy, overpowering the electric attack with ease. As the petal storm enveloped Pikachu, sharp cuts formed across his body from the forceful strikes of the hardened petals, leaving the little Pokémon full of bloody cuts, barely able to stand.
"Spearow!" The Flying-type Pokémon called out in anger and fury.
Just then, a voice from the walkie-talkie attached to his side crackled to life.
"Hidden Power: Fire!"
In an instant, Spearow unleashed an orb of light, which exploded into a wave of fire, creating a fiery barrier between the injured Pikachu and a swift use of Aerial Ace, Pikachu and Spearow vanished into the thin air, escaping from immediate danger.
Meanwhile, Jimmy, the older trainer, and their Pokémon were less fortunate. Vileplume released a cloud of Sleep Powder that swiftly knocked them out, their bodies slumping against the rocky floor.
Arianna watched the fleeing figures and the aftermath of her Pokémon's attack with a smirk.
"Those were TM moves, trained Pokémon, huh?" she mused aloud, her voice dripping with malice. The red-haired woman then turned her gaze towards the mountain range, her eyes narrowing as she contemplated their potential escape routes.
"Where are you going to hide from little old me?" she called out mockingly into the distance, her laugh echoing around the rocky walls—a sinister, gleeful cackle that seemed to blend perfectly with the harsh winds of the mountain pass.
Austin's hands trembled slightly as he gripped the binoculars, the knuckles white with tension. His heart pounded in his chest, each beat echoing his dread. The danger a team rocket executive represented was not just a threat; it was an immediate crisis that could endanger everyone he cared , as he continued to watch, his initial fear began to transform. It morphed into a searing rage, a fury so intense that it overrode his instinct to flee.
"Reon."
The soft yet urgent call from his Pokémon snapped Austin out of his escalating anger. He grabbed the walkie-talkie strapped to his side, his fingers fumbling slightly as he switched it on.
"Spearow, don't fly towards us; they'll know our location. Hide in that... lake. I'm coming down."
Austin turned to look at Vee, seeing in his Pokémon's eyes a reflection of his own feelings—a burning desire to get revenge on the woman who had hurt Pikachu. Vee nodded understandingly, sensing the gravity of the situation.
"Don't worry, I already made plans B, C, and D in case we fought Team Rocket," Austin reassured Vee, trying to anchor his own emotions by focusing on the strategies he had prepared.
Arianna's lips curled into a smile as she watched Spearow dive towards a small body of water nestled within the mountain range.
"A watering hole for the local rock-type Pokémon that live in these mountains," she mused aloud, her gaze fixed intently on the bird's descent. "Didn't want to go back to your trainer, or is that watering hole where your trainer is hiding?"
The red-haired executive reached for her Pokéball, releasing her Pokémon with a flick of her wrist. A dark-blue avian Pokémon emerged, its plumage resembling a person dressed in formal attire, akin to a mob boss. Honchkrow, with a large feather crest resembling a fedora hat and spikes extending from the back, surveyed the area with sharp, circular red eyes.
"Hunt your prey," Arianna commanded with a snap of her fingers, her hair fluttering in the wind as Honchkrow took flight with incredible speed.
Honchkrow soared towards the watering hole with purpose, its wings cutting through the air with precision. However, as it arrived and circled the area, it found no sign of any Pokémon. The water remained undisturbed, no ripples or disturbances indicating the presence of Spearow or any local Pokémon.
The big boss Pokémon continued its search, but it was as if Spearow had vanished into thin air.
After several moments of fruitless searching, Honchkrow returned to its trainer, its mission unsuccessful.
Meanwhile, hidden in the shadows under the water, camouflaged perfectly beneath a rocky ledge, a pair of eyes watched silently.
A few moments later, a small bubble of water emerged at the edge of the pond, breaking the surface tension with a gentle pop. Austin felt the ground beneath him as he clenched two Pokéballs so tightly in his hands that his fingers had gone numb, the strain visible in the white knuckles and tense forearms.
Drenched from head to toe, Austin's clothes clung to his body, heavy with water. Vee, having just transformed back from Vaporeon to Eevee, had maintained a protective bubble around Austin's head as they hid from Honchkrow's prying eyes.
The small, brown-furred Pokémon dashed to the lake and dragged out the bike.
As evening gave way to night, Austin's gaze lifted to the sky. The fading light painted the clouds in shades of purple and orange, a beautiful yet somber large rock formation they found for their hideout was almost sculpted by nature for stealth. The boulders were stacked in a staggered manner, creating a natural alcove that shielded them from view. Moss and small shrubs grew around and atop the rocks, blending the structure into the surrounding landscape.
Thank you protagonist luck. This is perfect.
Austin wasted no time.
He spread a blanket on the ground within their stony shelter and immediately sent out Spearow. The Flying-type Pokémon was tired but not gravely injured; a simple health potion, some water, and rest would suffice.
However, when he turned his attention to Pikachu, Austin's heart sank.
The sight of Pikachu's body, crisscrossed with deep cuts that were still bleeding, hit him like a physical blow. The metallic tang of blood filled the air. As Austin gently pressed his palm against the worst of the injuries to assess the damage, the warmth and wetness of the blood against his skin brought a surge of emotions.
"Eevee," called the Evolution Pokémon, its voice cutting through the tense air and pulling Austin from his shock-induced trance.
Shaking his head to clear it, Austin focused on the task at hand.
The boy meticulously cleaned each of Pikachu's wounds, first using alcohol to disinfect them, a procedure that would have been excruciatingly painful had Pikachu been conscious. Next, he applied a healing potion to help accelerate the recovery process, followed by a paste made from crushed Lum Berries.
As he treated the deeper cuts, Austin applied pressure to stem the bleeding, his hands shaking slightly with the weight of the responsibility he felt. He then carefully wrapped each wound with bandages, ensuring they were secure yet not too restrictive.
Thank God! I took Nurse Joy's first aid courses.
Austin gently scratched Eevee's fur collar, a tender gesture meant to comfort both the Pokémon and him. Vee looked up at him, exhaustion evident in its eyes from the day's events—powering up Pikachu with Helping Hand, maintaining Vapreon's water form, and now being his bodyguard.
"Rest up, buddy."
"Eve." Vee shook his head slightly, adamant about not leaving Austin alone during such a fraught time.
"Don't worry, night is going to come soon. We'll hide and then Team Rocket is going to pay for this," Austin declared. The venom in his tone was palpable, and it caused Vee to take a small step back, startled by the fierce anger burning in the trainer's eyes.
"Do you not want to face Team Rocket?"
Vee shook its head, the uncertainty flashing briefly in its expression.
"How long are you going to remain in fear?" Austin pressed, his voice escalating with intensity. "How long are you going to run and hide?" He stared down at the Eevee, his posture rigid, his gaze piercing.
As he spoke, Austin felt a surge of guilt wash over him.
The sight of Pikachu, wounded and vulnerable, weighed heavily on him. His words, though meant to motivate Eevee, were also a reflection of his internal struggle, a way to channel the anger that simmered within him.
He wanted to fight back.
This was illogical and perhaps fear would have kept them safer, but the human part of him—the emotional, visceral part—couldn't let the attack go unanswered. He couldn't bear the thought of not standing up to those who had hurt his Pokémon.
Vee hesitated, the words resonating deeply within him.
He had gained freedom from these monsters, found a family, and a home worth fighting for.
After a moment of inner turmoil, Vee placed his paw on Austin's foot, nodding with a look of pure determination, as if asking, "What's the next plan?"
Under the cloak of night, a Team Rocket grunt patrolled the dense, shadowy forest, his flashlight casting eerie shadows among the twisted trees. The beam of light jittered across the underbrush as he trudged forward, his boots squelching softly in the moist earth. Suddenly, his foot splashed into a puddle, the sound sharp in the quiet of the night.
A rustling noise from the bushes startled him, and he swung his flashlight towards the disturbance. A Rattata, its eyes glinting in the artificial light, darted into the undergrowth. Before he could recover from the surprise, another sound whipped his attention around to see a more unsettling sight—a boy wearing a paper bag over his head standing ominously a few feet away.
The grunt screamed, stumbling backward in panic, his feet slipping as he scrambled to regain his footing inside the puddle.
Did it get bigger?
In his frantic state, he reached for his Pokéball, but before he could react further, the puddle beneath him seemed to explode. The surface tension popped dramatically, and suddenly he was plunging neck-deep into a newly formed sinkhole. The water around him churned violently, pulling him downward. The terror of the situation paralyzed him; the water's icy grip rendered him unable to move as it swirled and tugged at his limbs with horrifying force.
Above him, the paper bag-wearing boy loomed, a taser gun pointed directly at the grunt's trembling Team Rocket comrades.
"Can't move in these treacherous waters, can you? Let me paint a picture for your soon to be overwhelmed mind," Bag Boy began. "When I point this taser at your drenched and vulnerable form, do you know what will happen? The electric current will find its eager path through the water, invading your body with ruthless efficiency. It will surge through your nervous system, seize control of your muscles, and dance perilously close to your heart. Tell me—what will you feel in those final moments? Fear? Anger? Or perhaps the exquisite agony of pain?"
"Please, spare me—I have a sick mother to take care of!" the grunt begged, his words tumbling out in a frantic, breathless rush. The fear in his eyes was palpable, raw like that of a cornered animal, his body trembling uncontrollably as the cold water lapped against his chin.
"As long as you do what I tell you."
"Anything."
"Good, now tell me how much of Mt. Moon and its ranges have been captured by Team Rocket."
"We have seized the trail and the border on the backside," the grunt replied, his voice trembling.
"How many executives are currently on Mt. Moon?"
"Only one," the grunt managed to say, his breath coming in short gasps.
"Good, what have you done with the rangers and any of the trainers coming here?" Austin continued, his questions like sharp darts in the quiet of the night.
"They have been captured, put into cages while their Pokémon were collected. Some grunts are impersonating the rangers to trick the ranger's office," the grunt revealed, the gravity of his words hanging heavily in the air.
Austin was not surprised by them fooling the Rangers office; what truly caught him off guard was the apparent leniency.
"Not killed?" he asked, a hint of disbelief in his tone.
"Team Rocket has a no-kill rule."
"Bullshit," Austin spat, his frustration peaking as he remembered Sird's cold murder of those beedrills as he pressed the taser against the grunt's skin even harder. "Tell me the truth."
"I am telling you the truth. This was the one rule that was beaten into the mind of every single grunt. You must not kill another human," the grunt replied, almost crying, his body trembling.
Austin paused, processing the information.
Giovanni isn't benevolent enough to institute a no-kill rule without reason, he thought. What kind of trouble wouldn't he want for his business?
It clicked then—the kind of trouble Giovanni would avoid at all costs would be the Elite Four and the champion.
The escalation to murder of humans would undoubtedly draw their attention in a manner far more direct and aggressive than any other criminal activity.
Murder of Pokémon could be dismissed as nature's brutal law, but the murder of human life would surely place Team Rocket squarely on the radar of the higher ups Pokémon League.
"Last question, what Pokémon do you have?"
"An Ekans and a Zubat."
"Good... No, great even. I was looking for a Zubat," Austin said. The grunt eyed the bag boy warily.
"Are you going to steal my Pokémon?"
"Pot calling the kettle black?" Austin retorted as he pulled out his Pokédex and activated the recorder function. "Now, you're going to do a simple recording for your Pokémon, telling them that I am someone who can be trusted and your friend."
"Why?"
"Do you need more reasons?" Austin pressed the taser gun slightly closer. After a few attempts, Austin was satisfied with the genuineness of the recording.
"Are you going to let me go?" the grunt asked, a hopeful note in his voice.
"Of course, I'm going to let you go, and you can fly off to wonderland with Peter Pan," Austin replied sarcastically, confusing the grunt further.
"No, I'm going to beat you unconscious, then strip you of your clothes and pretend to be you as I eliminate Team Rocket from this entire place."
"What?" The grunt managed to squeak out just as Austin took a sidestep, revealing Rattata poised with her iron tail glowing?
In that moment, the grunt realized he had been prey from the start.
"Fuck," was the last thought that flickered through the grunt's mind as Rattata's iron tail swung forward and sent him into the dark void of unconsciousness.
The entrance to Mt. Moon's tunnels was daunting, surrounded by sharp, uneven rocks that seemed to claw at the sky. It looked like a dark, gaping hole carved into the side of the mountain, ready to swallow anything or anyone that dared to enter. Little patches of tough, wiry grass grew in clumps around the rocks.
A few Team Rocket grunts in Pokemon Ranger outfits, stationed strategically around the area, stood alert, their eyes scanning the darkness for any signs of intrusion.
Suddenly, the tension spiked as a noise echoed through the air.
The grunts snapped to attention, hands moving instinctively toward their Pokéballs. Their alertness waned, however, when they realized the noise was made by one of their own.
A grunt approached slowly, his footsteps deliberate and heavy. Beside him, a Zubat flitted through the air, its wings creating a soft, continuous buzz.
"Why is your Pokémon out?"
"Safety," the boy replied in a gruff tone, his voice a low grunt as he continued his steady approach toward the group.
"Okay, but what are you doing here and who is your leader?" another grunt asked, curiosity piqued as he observed the newcomer.
The boy paused, fishing an ID card from his pocket and flashing it briefly. "I completed Mrs. Arianna's mission," he stated plainly.
"Oh," murmured the rest of the grunts, their postures relaxing slightly as they moved closer.
"So, what did you do?"
The boy abruptly jerked his hand away and continued walking inside, his demeanor dismissive.
The other grunts exchanged frowns but chose not to press further. They understood the hierarchy within Team Rocket well enough to know that if this grunt had indeed completed a mission for an executive like Arianna, a promotion wasn't far off. It was best not to antagonize someone who might become their boss.
Austin's lips curved into a smile as he stealthily navigated through the tunnels of Mt. Moon.
His plan had worked perfectly; he was deep inside the caverns, and none was the wiser.
The tunnels of Mt. Moon were labyrinthine, intertwining and intersecting the territories of various Pokémon. The public tunnels, where most trainers ventured, were illuminated by electric lanterns, casting eerie shadows against the rough stone walls.
Team Rocket was conducting their operations right in these public tunnels. Their scheme was deviously simple: fake rangers stationed outside would warmly greet trainers, relay information to other Team Rocket members lurking inside. These members would then ambush the unsuspecting trainers, rob them, and throw them into hidden cages. Their ultimate goal was to capture a trainer possessing an Eevee capable of both evolving and devolving.
Taking a deep breath, Austin continued his cautious advance through the tunnels.
Atleast Team Rocket won't be bothering the Clefairy tribe at least.
However, his relief was short-lived as he suddenly froze, his eyes catching sight of a familiar object—a destroyed red convertible, unmistakably Gary's.
Oh no!
Before he could process the sight fully, a voice called out to him.
"Hey there, buddy."
Austin turned sharply to see an older Team Rocket member approaching him. The man was in his late 30s, with a disarming smile that didn't quite reach his eyes, making him appear both friendly and menacing at the same time.
Austin was ready to walk away when the man extended his hand, blocking his path. "Come on, I just want to talk."
"What?"
"No need to be so antagonistic," the man said smoothly. "I heard from a couple of friends that you finished that bitch's mission."
"Get to it."
"Well, I was thinking about how we can split the rewards, and in return, I can get you in contact with the other captains," the man proposed, his smile slick and calculating.
"Are you alone? Better yet, why should I do that?"
"Of course, just you and me, buddy. I think you should listen to me," the man said, a hint of menace creeping into his tone as he flashed his Pokéball, revealing a sleeping Rhydon through its translucent top.
"Sure," Austin replied, understanding the thinly veiled threat. As the older man's smile widened, Austin reached into his backpack and pulled out a thermos.
"What's that?"
"The place I hide the Pokéballs for the Pokémon the executive was looking for," Austin answered, his face expressionless.
"Smart," the older man commented, though his confusion was evident as he only saw water in the thermos.
"What—" he began to ask but was abruptly cut off when Austin splashed the water right in his face.
For a brief moment, it seemed as if the water itself was alive, clinging to the man's features and seeking entry into his mouth and nostrils in a suffocating embrace. The man sputtered and choked, his hands clawing desperately at his face as he tried to clear the invasive liquid.
Just as he managed to gasp for air, a sudden jolt coursed through his body. Austin had swiftly pulled out a taser gun and activated it, sending a powerful electric shock into the man's wet form. The man's body convulsed under the force of the electricity, his muscles contracting uncontrollably. With a final shudder, he collapsed to the damp tunnel floor, his limbs twitching slightly from the residual effects of the shock.
As the man lay incapacitated, the water that had drenched him began to move again, but this time with purpose and coherence. It coalesced and shimmered, solidifying into the form of a Vaporeon.
"Night night."
Austin raised his foot and brought it down sharply.
He wasted no time after subduing the Team Rocket member. He quickly stripped the man of his high-quality uniform, designed to withstand Pokémon attacks, and collected his Pokéballs and any other valuables, stuffing them into his backpack. To the victor go the spoils.
Once he had taken everything of value, Austin dragged the unconscious man into a dark, adjoining tunnel—one likely to be the territory of a Pokémon, and left him there, hidden from the main path or any team rocket member that might alert the others.
Turning his attention to the team rocket's Zubat.
"Remember, these people have captured your beloved trainer, so let's hurry up and save him."
The blind Pokémon nodded in agreement.
The bat Pokémon's echolocation was invaluable, allowing him to effortlessly run through the tunnels without getting lost and detect the presence of Team Rocket members ahead of time.
With stealth on his side, Austin was able to sneak up on lone Team Rocket grunts and leaders, incapacitating them one by one with Vee's help. After each encounter, he quickly looted their belongings, ensuring not to leave any valuable resource behind.
In the furthest recesses of Mt. Moon, a simple structure that once served as a Ranger's post had been commandeered by Team Rocket and repurposed into a makeshift jail. The once orderly and well-maintained station now bore the grim appearance of a dungeon. Dimly lit by a flickering bulb, the room was lined with crude cages made of rusting iron bars. The air was stifling and stale, filled with the despair of the captured trainers.
Within these cages, the conditions were inhumane. The prisoners, deprived of food and water for days, sat slumped against the cold, unforgiving metal. Their faces were gaunt, eyes hollow from hunger and desperation. A lone Team Rocket grunt, a woman with a harsh demeanor, stood mocking them. She was tall, with sharp features and a cruel smile. Her uniform was impeccably neat, contrasting starkly with the disheveled appearance of her captives.
As she leisurely ate from a packed meal, the aroma of food filled the air, taunting the famished prisoners.
"Please, just a bit of water."
"Could ya spare some scraps for us?"
The grunt merely laughed harder, shaking her head with amused disdain. "As if! You dweebs are lucky you're even breathing. Enjoy the ambiance, why don't ya?"
In one of the cages, Amanda, herself a prisoner, looked on in horror and disbelief. It had been 9 days since she and her friends, including Gary, had been captured.
Most grunts couldn't defeat the Young Oak but once the executive came, it was quick work.
Their situation was now even more dire.
Gary was in a bad state—malnourished, dehydrated, and now feverish. Her friends were fanning him with pieces of torn cloth, trying to offer him some relief. Amanda felt a pang of hunger gnaw at her stomach; the meager crumbs they had received earlier barely enough to keep them conscious.
Gathering her courage, Amanda called out to the female grunt, her voice shaking. "Look, I know you think you're all that and a bag of chips, but can't you see he's really sick? Just some water, please. Have a heart."
The Team Rocket grunt's momentary pause gave the prisoners a flicker of hope, but it was quickly extinguished. "Not!" she yelled out, relishing her position of control as she watched the despair flicker across the faces of her captives.
Just then, a knock at the door interrupted her taunting. "Who is it?" she barked sharply.
"I have some orders from Executive Arianna for the prisoners," came a reply from the other side. The voice was muffled through the door.
At the mention of Executive Arianna, a wave of fear and anxiety swept through the prisoners. Whispers filled the air, and the clinking of chains became louder as they shifted uneasily. Some let out muffled screams, their eyes wide with terror, imagining what further torment might await them.
"Shut up!" the grunt snapped, annoyed by the noise. She stomped over to the door, her keys jangling loudly at her belt as she moved.
"Finally, did she give any orders for the captured Pokémon?" the grunt asked as she swung the door open, not prepared for what was about to happen. Suddenly, something fast and forceful struck her, sending her flying back into the cages with a loud crash. She slumped to the ground, knocked unconscious by the impact.
The prisoners gasped, their eyes widening with a mix of shock and hope. They craned their necks to see who or what had come to their rescue. There, standing in the doorway, was a boy dressed in a standard Team Rocket uniform but with a paper bag over his head.
A Rattata stood confidently infront him.
"Who are you?" Amanda asked, her voice strong despite her fear as she instinctively moved to shield Gary and the others.
As the boy knelt in front of Amanda's cage, his gaze—visible through the holes in his paper bag—settled on Gary. He reached into his backpack, the sound of rustling wrappers piercing the oppressive silence of the makeshift prison.
The sight of the chocolate bars sparked a visceral reaction among the prisoners. Their faces, gaunt and lined with the harshness of captivity, lit up with a blend of disbelief and desperate hope. The simple offering of food, so mundane yet so profoundly needed, appeared to them as nothing less than a miraculous feast.
"Is that for us?"
"Please, just a piece," another begged, extending her hands through the bars, her fingers trembling.
"We're so hungry."
"If you give me just a piece, you can have all my money."
"I have a TM," another chimed in, trying to barter anything of value.
"My uncle owns a small company..."
"You can use my body..."
The pleas escalated, becoming more erratic and desperate as they drowned each other out. Dozens of arms stretched out, pushing and shoving as the prisoners fought to get closer to the boy with the food.
For a fifteen-year-old, witnessing such raw human suffering was shocking.
Adults, Teens and Children were reduced to begging for scraps, a scene that would forever imprint itself in his mind.
Austin had never considered himself highly empathetic but seeing this level of hardship stirred something within him. He felt an unexpected surge of emotion as the reality of what these people were enduring sank in. This wasn't just a brief moment of sympathy; it was a profound, unsettling insight into how cruel the world could be.
What if I hadn't come?
What if I had remained a coward?
What would have happened to these people?
What would have happened to Gary? Such thoughts haunted Austin, the weight of potential outcomes pressing down upon him with suffocating force. He took out more food from his backpack, some that he had prepared, some pilfered from the grunts. "Everyone will get some, but you have to behave like humans. No pushing, no stealing. Just wait."
As the boy handed out food and water to the prisoners, a sudden movement caught his eye. Rattata appeared in front of him, intercepting a bottle hurled at him by a guard who was attempting to escape. The bottle, intended as a distraction, tumbled through the air, its contents spilling and dampening the paper bag covering his face.
"Sword strike!"
The small Pokémon vanished in a blur, ricocheting off the walls with a rapid Quick Attack that closed the distance in mere seconds. Just as the grunt reached for the door handle, Rattata's Iron Tail whipped through the air, connecting squarely with the grunt's jaw as her head snapped to the side with such force that her brain rattled, overwhelming her senses. Her body went limp almost instantly, a ragdoll succumbing to sudden unconsciousness.
Meanwhile, Austin felt the paper bag on his face beginning to disintegrate from the water. He hastily held the breaking bag, trying to maintain some semblance of cover as he walked over to the pile of discarded bags nearby. Quickly, he sifted through his own backpack, finding a new paper bag to slip over his head.
The last thing he wanted was for someone to see my face.
As bag boy's fingers brushed against the fabric of the Silph Co. bag, curiosity nudged him forward, and he unzipped it to reveal an assortment of items: some Pokéballs, a wallet, documents, a gym badge case, and a TM. His hand reached out almost of its own accord, fingers closing around the TM labeled 'Bide.'
A voice echoed in his head, "Take it, this could help us."
Austin froze, the weight of the decision pressing down on him. He was just a regular fifteen-year-old who had been taught that stealing was wrong.
'You are going against an Executive; that TM and that Boulder badge can increase our chances of winning.'
Austin's brow furrowed, his mind racing with conflicting thoughts. Part of him, the part driven by survival instincts sharpened by his recent ordeals, urged him to take the TM.
It wasn't just about stealing; it was about surviving.
But another part, the core of who he had always been, recoiled at the idea. He wasn't a thief. He was just a kid from a normal background, thrown into extraordinary circumstances.
Rattata placed her paw on the boy's leg.
Austin looked down at the small Pokémon.
Do it for your pokémon.
The boy closed his eyes as his subconscious weighed heavily
Am I just greedy? Or am I being pragmatic? Austin questioned himself, his fingers tightening around the TM.
"You can have that."
He looked up to see a prisoner waving her hands. She couldn't see him fully, but the outline of the TM was unmistakable.
"What did you say?" Austin asked, momentarily forgetting to disguise his youthful, child-like voice. The shift in his tone made several prisoners gasp, but none commented further.
"You can have that, but you have to give me double the food," the prisoner negotiated, her voice strained with hunger.
Austin's eyes scanned the girl. She was one of many he hadn't given much food to because of the sneak attack on him.
Suddenly a flurry of offers from other prisoners:
"You can have my TM for Rain Dance."
"You can have my Cerulean Badge."
"You can have my money."
The offers piled on, voices growing louder and more desperate. Austin realized that, in their current situation, food was far more valuable than money or valuable items.
Taking advantage of these people is wrong, his conscience nagged. Yet, the opportunity before him was incredibly tempting. He could feel his plans shifting, adapting to the offers being thrown at him.
"Rattata..." His little lady squeaked, sensing his turmoil.
"Don't—"
Austin cut off his own inner consciousness. He knew exploiting these desperate people was wrong, but if it meant increasing his and his Pokémon's chances against Team Rocket, he was willing to make that choice.
As the prisoners devoured their food quickly almost scared that someone will take it away from them, Austin took a moment to survey the trove of items he had acquired from their trades. He counted 30,000 Pokédollars, 20 spare Pokéballs, and an assortment of valuable items: ten Boulder Badges, three Cerulean Badges, a Moon Stone, Leftovers, and a Sharp Beak. The collection also included six TMs for moves such as Bide, Water Pulse, Rain Dance, Whirlwind, Bubble Beam, and Flash.
"What are you, some kind of hero?" Amanda's voice brought his back to the present.
"Nah, just some guy who was wronged by these villains and wants revenge," Austin responded with a shrug.
The prisoners looked on, their expressions a mix of hope and uncertainty. They seemed to be waiting for Austin to reveal a grander plan, his actions having marked him as a leader, whether he intended it or not.
"Where are your Pokémon?"
"Snatched, and apparently stashed in the executive's pad. They're supposed to be some kind of gnarly gift for the Big Boss," Amanda replied, her voice laced with bitterness.
"How do you know this?"
"She was all, like, bragging about it," Amanda said, nodding toward the still unconscious grunt.
"Listen, I know you've all been through hell," Austin began, his tone firm yet empathetic. "You've been captured, stripped of your belongings, and your Pokémon taken from you. But I'm here to ask, do you want to get revenge on those who caused you this pain? Do you want to stand up and fight back against Team Rocket?"
Murmurs filled the air, mixed with nods and hesitant looks.
"Why should we fight back?"
Austin met his gaze squarely, his voice growing stronger.
"They took our freedom; they took out dignity and they took out family."
"But we are weak."
"If you can't punch, kick. If you can't kick, bite. If you can't bite, then crawl," Austin proclaimed, his voice escalating into a scream. "Crawl not for yourself, but for your Pokémon... Crawl for your family!"
A murmur swept through the crowd, the seed of resolve taking root.
"I am scared," whispered another prisoner, her voice a fragile thread of sound in the dense air.
Austin stopped in his tracks, turning to face them directly. "How many of you felt fear when you first entered a Pokémon battle? When your Pokémon got hurt? When you froze? To feel fear is to feel alive, but we overcame that fear!"
"We are trainers, are we not?" he challenged.
The prisoners nodded, some more eagerly than others.
"We are fighters, are we not?" Austin continued, his voice growing louder.
Again, the prisoners nodded, their movements firmer, their voices beginning to find strength.
"So rise and fight!" Austin exclaimed, throwing his fist into the air.
"Fight!"
"Fight," the prisoners echoed, initially soft and uncertain.
"Fight!" Austin repeated, his command more forceful, more insistent.
"Fight!"
This time, the shout from the prisoners was unified, their fists raised in apparent solidarity. Yet beneath this was all just a facade filled with an undercurrent of individual fears and hidden agendas.
Arianna lounged in a chair, the ticking of the clock echoing through the spartan room that had once served as a ranger lounge. The space was utilitarian, with tunnel maps still pinned to walls and a couple of rugged sofas. Several days had slipped by since she had commandeered this outpost for Team Rocket's operations, yet the elusive mystery trainer she was hunting remained at large.
As she closed her eyes, the ticking clock morphed into the steady beat of a distant drum. She pondered whether Giovanni would be pleased with her efforts.
Giovanni... she sighed internally.
Would he smile like he used to, or has that part of him vanished forever?
The ticking of the clock grew louder.
Guess he truly did change on that day when Silver disappeared, Arianna clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms.
Arianna's heart pounded as the unexpected call of an Eevee pierced the silent air.
Is my mind playing tricks on me?
Then, a voice called out, "I have your Eevee right here, come and get us."
Adrenaline surged through Arianna as she leaped over the sofa, rushing outside.
There on the dirt road, a figure with a paper bag over his head sat nonchalantly on a bike, an Eevee perched in the basket. Without hesitation, the Eevee transformed into a Vaporeon, launching a powerful Water Pulse at Arianna.
Dodging swiftly, Arianna watched as the attack shattered the wooden frame of the door, splinters flying through the air. Her eyes narrowed as she threw out a Pokéball, releasing a serpentine Pokémon that resembled a cobra, its hood flared and eyes narrowed menacingly.
"Sludge Bomb!"
Arbok obeyed instantly, spewing globs of sludge from its mouth in a deadly arc toward the boy.
But he was quick, pedaling furiously away. In mid-flight, Vaporeon evolved again, this time into a Flareon.
The fiery Pokémon unleashed a barrage of embers, intercepting the sludge mid-air.
The poisonous attack met the fiery embers, resulting in a spectacular explosion that lit up the area with a brief, intense burst of light and sound. Arianna couldn't help but grin.
Now she had the chance to finally end this stupid mission.
"Let's go, Arbok!"
Arianna sprinted after the boy, her loyal Arbok slithering swiftly beside her.
The chase was on, and Arianna felt alive with the thrill of the hunt.
The boy had a plan, but she didn't care as she would kill him and take Eevee as her prize.
As soon as the red-haired psycho and her slithering pokemon vanished into the tunnel, a group of trainers peeked from their hiding spots.
"Is it safe to go in?"
"Totally, I think," Amanda replied.
The group quickly sprinted into the lounge, where several briefcases lay open with pokeballs waiting inside. Relief washed over everyone as they reunited with their Pokémon, noticing that, thankfully, Team Rocket had been feeding them.
"Guess they didn't want to damage the merchandise," Amanda muttered, her eyes scanning the room as she fetched Gary's Pokéballs.
"Okay, let's go help our hero!" she turned, rallying the group with a cheer.
Her smile faltered, however, as she noticed the hesitation among the group, even among her own friends.
"What's the 411?" she asked, grabbing Jessica's hand as she adjusted the unconscious Gary on her back.
Jessica turned to face her friend with a grim expression.
"I'm running towards Pewter, it's better to get the Rangers involved," one of the older men, a Pokémon Ranger, declared, his tone resolute.
"You can't be serious, what about the plan?"
"What about it? Last time I checked that woman is on the same level as an Ace trainer. None of us can hope to overcome that," the Ranger countered sternly, stepping in front of Amanda, as he looked down on the girl.
"But—" Amanda started, only to be cut off.
"Do we sacrifice ourselves for some thief who was so happy to take our money and items? We are pawns in his plan, and I'm not going to take that risk," the Ranger asserted, his words resonating with many in the group who murmured their agreement.
They had only pretended to follow the boy to save their own skins.
"He already took my stuff so ..."
"I practically repaid my debt with those TMs."
"Sucks to be him."
Amanda couldn't believe the justifications people were giving.
It was supposed to be a simple plan: the boy would lead away Arianna while they sneaked in to retrieve their Pokémon and then they would gang up on the executive and defeat her.
"Well, I am going to go help him. Who's with me?" Amanda declared.
Most of the group walked out, leaving only a few of the younger trainers who were eternally grateful to their rescuer.
"Let's not waste any time; we need to help him," Jimmy said.
Amanda, Jimmy, and the small band of trainers sprinted toward the agreed-upon location.
The approved location was the exit of Mt. Moon, they found themselves confronted by several Team Rocket grunts blocking their path, no hero or executive in sight. The sudden encounter made Amanda realize that her hero had anticipated this scenario. He knew that not everyone would follow the plan; instead, they would choose to save their own skin. In his strategy, he had set them on a path where they would inevitably engage the grunts at the entrance and exit of the cave while he himself took on Arianna in a secret location known only to him.
Where we all truly just pawns in his game? Amanda mused, a trace of bitterness in her thoughts, as she released Gary's Growlithe from its Pokéball to help fend off the grunts.
Arianna stood at the entrance of a tunnel, its interior swallowed by pitch-black darkness—a wild Pokémon nest. She tapped her earbud, her voice steady and commanding.
"Seal off the entrances to Mt Moon."
Almost instantly, a voice crackled through the earbud. "Ma'am, we have a problem. The prisoners are trying to escape."
Arianna's attention snapped to a flicker of blue light deep within the tunnel, signaling evolution.
A smirk spreading across her face. "Mean look!"
Her Arbok responded instantly, the face-like pattern on its hood darkening as the Eevee inside the tunnel froze, unable to move.
"Did you free the prisoners?" Arianna called into the darkness.
"Of course," a voice emerged from the shadows, tinged with a rough edge as if maintaining it was a strain.
"Haha, so what? Your plan was to send in help from the outside," Arianna taunted, her eyes scanning the darkness for any sign of movement.
"That was plan B. I was hoping that plan A worked," the voice responded, followed by a cough, the strain evident.
"Which is?"
"Simple, the others would come in and help me fight you."
"Sad, it didn't happen."
"Not really, I'm just glad I get this 1 v 1," the voice declared.
Arianna laughed, covering her mouth with her hand, her eyes sparkling with delight. "I like you. Why don't you join Team Rocket under me?"
"Interesting, what do I need to do?"
"Simple, bring me that Eevee."
"Can I put in a special condition?" the voice bargained, an unexpected twist that piqued Arianna's interest.
"Sure."
"If I join, I want you to fuck you," the voice demanded, a bold request that drew a blank stare from Arianna.
"Wow, no one has the audacity to speak to me like that," Arianna mused aloud, genuinely impressed.
"Let's say I'm a little crazy."
"Hmm, I like some craziness in my men," Arianna replied, patting her chest. "I'll agree to that condition."
"Nah, I changed my mind, you're too ugly. If we did something, you'll have to wear this paper mask," Austin quipped as he stepped forward, Vee evolving into a Jolteon. The bright light of evolution briefly illuminated his paper bag-covered face.
"Oh, I am going to enjoy this," Arianna snarled, her frustration boiling over as she released her full team: Vileplume, Arbok, and Honchkrow.
"Wow, this is going to be easier than I thought," Austin responded with a smirk, his confidence seeming to infuriate her further.
"Big bark coming from the loser that ran and hid from me," Arianna retorted sharply, her tone acidic.
"Well, in my defense, I was running from a villain," Austin replied nonchalantly.
"A villain?" Arianna echoed; her confusion evident. She couldn't grasp why this boy treated the situation as if it were a game. What are you so confident about?
"You know, you are a villain alright, just not a supervillain," Austin said, goading her.
"What's the difference?"
"Presentation!"
At that instant, Pikachu used Flash, flooding the tunnel with a blinding light.
As Arianna's eyes struggled to adjust, she saw Austin's prepared battleground: Spearow, Rattata, Zubat, Pikachu, and Eevee strategically positioned atop fire extinguishers and near the walls, suggesting that Austin had meticulously planned for this encounter.
The boy had dozens of Pokéballs laid out in front of him. At his command, Zubat let out a piercing screech, a signal that awakened a colony of Zubats nested on the ceiling of the tunnel. Disturbed by the call of danger, the Zubats began a frenzied escape, but there was only one route out—the tunnel where Arianna stood.
Reacting quickly, the Pokémon under Austin's command squeezed the handles of the fire extinguishers, releasing a dense cloud of foam. The mist filled the entrance, creating an impenetrable fog just as hundreds of Zubats and Crobat rushed toward the exit.
Caught in the chaos, Arianna found herself practically blinded.
Arianna's voice cut through the chaos, "Petal Blizzard!"
In response, Vileplume twirled gracefully, a tornado of pink petals swirling around its body. The petals expanded outward, creating a shield that blocked and repelled the incoming swarm of Zubats.
Some crashed into the barrier while others swerved away, their echolocation squeals piercing the misty air.
Just then, the leader of the bat Pokémon—a large, menacing Golbat with deep blue coloring and wide, poison-dripping fangs—dived towards them. Its eyes, narrowed to slits, targeted Arianna with Poison Fang! Before the Golbat could strike, her Honchkrow intervened, its body gleaming with a metallic sheen.
Steel Wing!
Honchkrow's wing struck the Golbat, sending it spiraling back into the foggy tumult.
At that moment, a flurry of Pokéballs flew through the air, bursting open to reveal a motley crew of Pokémon: Sandshrews, Rhyhorns, Rhydon, Raticates, Ekans', and more Zubats.
Arianna clicked her tongue in realization. The boy must have defeated the majority of her grunts, commandeering their Pokéballs and now deploying the stolen Pokémon in this chaotic melee.
"Dark Pulse! Dragon Tail! Sleep Powder!" Arianna yelled out her commands. Honchkrow unleashed a beam of pulsating dark rings that soared towards the airborne Pokémon, knocking them back with its force. Arbok's tail glowed with a greenish energy, whipping through the air to slam a Rhydon to the ground with brutal force as the rock Pokemon responded with a drill run.
Meanwhile, Vileplume spun elegantly, releasing a cloud of greenish sleep powder that drifted through the battle zone. The weaker Pokémon, caught in the cloud, stumbled and fell into a deep sleep, momentarily removed from the fray.
The battle raged for what felt like hours, though it lasted only about a minute.
From the chaotic foam, a blur darted out, Honchkrow swooping in with a swift Aerial Ace. The collision resounded like a thunderclap through the tunnel, sending numerous Pokémon sprawling in its wake, knocked out or critically injured. Amidst the melee, Arianna watched in disbelief as her Honchkrow was physically halted by a Spearow.
"How?" Arianna muttered under her breath, her eyes narrowing as she observed Spearow's muscles bulge out, enveloped by a greyish aura. With an unexpected display of strength, the smaller bird threw Honchkrow back into the mist.
Even though Honchkrow was exhausted, being overpowered by a Spearow was baffling.
How was that possible?
Her thoughts were interrupted as Arbok lunged forward, moving like a true snake. Its body coiled swiftly around Spearow, tightening its grip before sinking its fangs deep into the bird, delivering a potent Poison Fang.
"Spear!" came a shout as the flying type slammed the snake against the wall. Arianna's jaw dropped when she saw that aura flare again around Spearow, and it clicked—the boy had used multiple Boulder Badges to permanently increase Spearow's physical prowess.
"Acid!"
Vileplume responded by hurling a glob of acid toward the struggling bird and snake. Just as the attack was about to hit, something shot from the mist, intercepting the acid with its body.
There, standing between the wrestling duo and Arianna and Vileplume, was a Rattata, but something was off. Her fur was singed from the acid, emitting a burning smell, and suddenly a fire-like aura ring pulsed around her.
Arianna realized that the purple rat was suffering from a Burn status, but how? And more puzzling, why did this Pokémon look like it had been hit by several moves?
Her question was immediately answered as a reddish aura enveloped the Pokémon.
As Rattata's Guts ability activated, boosting its strength despite the searing pain from its burn, the little Pokémon readied itself for a powerful Bide. Gathering all the damage it had received, Rattata's body was outlined in a vibrant crimson glow. After a tense moment, it unleashed a crimson beam, directed straight at Arianna.
Arianna's eyes widened in shock as she watched the attack hurtle towards her. Reacting quickly, Vileplume sprang into action, positioning itself between Arianna and the incoming beam. With a graceful twirl, Vileplume summoned a Petal Blizzard.
The clash between the swirling petals and the crimson beam was intense.
The air around them vibrated with energy as the petals tried to dissipate the beam's power.
Rat-ta-ta!
Vileplume, already exhausted, struggled to maintain the integrity of its floral shield. Slowly, the beam began to break through, tearing petals away and diminishing the shield's strength.
With a final, desperate effort, Vileplume threw its body in front of the beam, acting as a living shield to protect its trainer. The beam hit Vileplume full force, causing the Pokémon to shudder under the impact.
The sound of the beam's impact was like the crack of thunder, echoing through the tunnel. Vileplume's body absorbed the energy, its form quivering as it took the brunt of the attack. Boom!
As the smoke dissipated, Vileplume slumped forward, visibly weakened and panting heavily. Burn marks and singed petals covered its body.
Vileplume had managed to protect Arianna, but the cost was clear. The Pokémon was severely injured, barely able to stand, its energy sapped.
Where is Honchkrow?!
Just moments before, as Honchkrow had been flung back into the cave by a powerful blow, the skies above had opened up. A steady rain began to fall, droplets drumming steadily on the rocky ground and dampening the sounds of battle. Honchkrow, looking upwards, saw the dark clouds unleashing their burden, its expression turning to one of frustration. The Rain Dance, skillfully executed by Austin's team, had effectively immobilized Arianna's flying type, preventing it from taking flight and escaping the melee below.
"Thundershock!" Austin commanded, a gleam in his eye.
Pikachu and Jolteon responded instantly, their bodies crackling with accumulated static electricity.
Meanwhile, Honchkrow, sensing the impending electrical attack and unable to fly, did the only thing it could to avoid becoming a direct target. It stabbed its steel wings deep into the ground.
Austin, however, had other plans.
He wasn't aiming for Honchkrow directly. Instead, he directed Pikachu and Jolteon to unleash their electric fury on the row of fire extinguishers arranged near the cave entrance, right beside where Honchkrow was grounded. The Pokémon released their attacks in unison, bolts of electricity arcing beautifully but deadly through the air and striking the metal canisters.
The electric charges heated the contents of the fire extinguishers, rapidly increasing the pressure inside the canisters. Within seconds, the built-up pressure reached a critical point, and the canisters exploded with a loud, concussive blast. The force of the explosion was magnified by the narrow confines of the cave, sending a shockwave rippling through the space.
Honchkrow, trapped by its own wings and too close to the blast, bore the brunt of the explosion. The shockwave hit it full force, hurling the bird Pokémon against the cave walls. The impact was harsh and unforgiving. Honchkrow crumpled to the ground, visibly dazed and critically injured from both the explosion and the collision.
Singed feathers clung to its battered form, scattered amidst welts and burns from the explosion. Each breath was labored, revealing its pain. Its wings lay awkwardly twisted beneath it, visibly broken, burned and bleeding.
"Sword Strike!"
Pikachu leapt towards the barely standing Vileplume.
The impact was monumental—Vileplume was literally smashed into the ground with such force that it created a crack in the rocky floor of the tunnel, sending small shards of stone scattering.
Meanwhile, Jolteon unleashed a Thundershock, its crackling energy bolts stunning Arbok. Seizing the moment, Spearow and Rattata coordinated their attack, both delivering the move Assurance. The double dark type attack was too much for the weakened Arbok, which collapsed under the assault.
Throughout her time in the criminal underworld, Arianna had witnessed countless battles, deceptions, and displays of power. She thought she had seen it all, that nothing could surprise or unnerve her anymore. But as she watched her Pokémon fall one by one, a visceral fear gripped her—a fear that froze her in place and made her heart pound against her chest. It was a fear she had only felt twice before, in the presence of two men: Giovanni and the masked man.
Arianna tried to run but Pikachu's Thundershock struck her, her muscles seizing up as the voltage coursed through her body. She collapsed to the ground, her limbs splayed awkwardly as the shock overwhelmed her. Her breath caught in her chest, and her vision blurred with the sudden, sharp pain that radiated through her.
The boy dragged a fire extinguisher behind him, the metal scraping against the rocky ground with a harsh, grating sound that echoed ominously in the tunnel. Arianna's heart pounded in her chest, fear gripping her as she watched him approach. For a fleeting second, as he raised the extinguisher, she thought she was about to die. Although anger and satisfaction were evident in his eyes.
These were not the eyes of a killer.
Before she could make a sound, Austin brought the extinguisher. It collided with her face with brutal force, the impact sending a searing pain that exploded in her skull. The world spun wildly as her senses were overwhelmed by the agony of the blow. Darkness crept into the edges of her vision, and her consciousness slipped away as she was knocked out cold.
The last thing she felt was the cold, hard ground against her cheek, as she thought.
You think this is the end, boy? You should kill me now—right here, right now—because if you don't, I promise you, I will hunt you down.
In in this game, it's kill or be killed.
And if you don't have the stomach to finish what you started, then you are not just a fool; you're a dead man walking.
No mercy shown will be no mercy given. I will come back, and I will make you regret sparing my life today.
Brock sat outside the Pewter City Gym, relishing a rare moment of solitude. Sometimes, being away from people was exactly what he needed to clear his mind. He popped open a can of iced tea, the sound crisp in the quiet of the evening. Just as he was settling into his calm reprieve, the shrill sound of a police siren shattered the night's peace.
Red and blue lights flashed urgently as Officer Jenny opened her car's door.
"Brock, an attack on Mt. Moon," she announced breathlessly.
"What?" Brock and another voice echoed his surprise, as the duo turned to see Flint emerging from the bushes.
'Was he spying on me?' Brock thought, his brow furrowing in confusion as Officer Jenny's jaw dropped. "Flint? Is that you?!"
"Y-yeah," Flint replied with a nervous chuckle.
"I thought you were dead."
"What about Mt. Moon?" Brock interjected, his voice firm, adopting a no-nonsense tone as he headed toward Jenny's police car.
"I'll tell you all the details in the car, but we need to be there."
"Drive," Brock commanded as he settled into the passenger seat. Officer Jenny hesitated for a moment, her eyes darting between Flint and Brock, assessing the situation.
Brock took a deep breath, his mind racing. He wanted nothing to do with his father under normal circumstances, but the situation was dire. Recognizing that they needed every capable trainer to reassure the public and handle the crisis, Brock reluctantly decided to set aside their personal differences for the greater good.
"Get in."
Flint's face lit up as he climbed into the back seat.
"Well then, Flint, enjoy the ride," Officer Jenny said, her tone light but firm as she slammed on the accelerator.
In just a few minutes, the car arrived at the base of Mt. Moon, where a throng of reporters had gathered, their microphones thrust forward like spears as they bombarded the arriving police officers and Pokémon rangers with questions who were busy coordinating their efforts leading out injured Pokémon and humans to safety while medical teams swiftly attended to victims in the ambulances.
As Officer Jenny's car approached the site, she punched the car horn, the loud blare parting the sea of reporters like a ship's bow cutting through water.
Brock stepped out of the car, immediately bombarded with questions from the eager reporters.
"Brock, what can you tell us about the attack?"
"Is it true that wild Pokémon are involved?"
"Is it true that a gang of thieves were involved?"
"We heard something about a vigilante, what can you tell us about them?"
"How many are injured?"
"What is the response of the league in all of this?"
Ignoring the media, Brock made his way towards the police line.
"Brock, good to see you," a familiar voice called out amidst the commotion. Brock turned to see Greg, the Superintendent of the Pokémon Rangers, a robust man with a commanding presence as he enveloped Brock in a hearty hug, lifting him slightly off the ground.
"Good to see you too, please put me down or the media is going to spin this as you not taking your job seriously," Brock muffled into Greg's shoulder, aware of the cameras still pointed in their direction.
"What, for hugging my nephew?" Greg chuckled, setting Brock down but keeping a friendly hand on his shoulder.
"I wouldn't put it past them," Flint remarked as he walked up to the duo.
Greg's gaze darkened at the sight of Flint, Brock quickly intervened with a subtle pinch.
"The media is here."
Greg exhaled deeply, his broad shoulders relaxing slightly as he placed a heavy hand on Flint's shoulder.
"After this is over, we will talk, best friendo."
Flint nodded as he then turned to the reporters, offering, "I'll deal with the media so that you all can focus on this."
Brock gave a grateful nod, and even Greg looked impressed by the gesture, though his face still held a trace of skepticism. He leaned toward Brock and whispered, "Is he the same good-for-nothing father?"
Brock chose not to respond.
Meanwhile, Flint approached the reporters as his presence caused a stir, and it didn't take long for one of them to recognize him. "Wait, aren't you the boulder?" the reporter exclaimed, referring to Flint's old nickname, The Boulder Of Pewter City.
Flint snorted.
"Yes, and the boulder is back, baby," he declared, slipping into the character he had once played for the cameras.
"Can you tell us what you have been up to for the last few years?"
Flint's smile faltered slightly, and he paused, considering his response.
"The boulder is conflicted; if he wants to tell you that information."
"You know, your mother was the one who came up with that nickname," Greg remarked, watching Flint draw all the media attention, which effectively allowed everyone else to focus on the crisis without disruption.
"I didn't know that."
However, Brock's focus quickly shifted as a stretcher carrying a woman with her red hair, now matted and disheveled. Her face was severely injured; her nose appeared broken, her jaw misaligned, and several of her teeth were visibly damaged.
"Jenny gave me somewhat of a rundown, but what happened in there?"
In the ensuing minutes, Greg filled Brock in with the consolidated testimonies from all the victims and the evidence they had gathered from inside Mt. Moon.
Brock's mind raced as Greg relayed the complex details, especially the ambiguous figure central to the incident—viewed by some victims as a hero and by others as a villain.
"What about this 'bag boy'?"
"Long gone by the time we arrived. All we know is that he's probably aged between 10 to 12, though considering the level of violence and the meticulous planning, he could be older, possibly suffering from dwarfism."
"Anything about his Pokémon and skills?"
"We've identified that the individual had a Rattata, Eevee, and Spearow. There are indications he had more Pokémon, but he took measures to ensure they weren't seen by the victims. From what we've pieced together, he was able to map out all of Mt. Moon, execute sneak attacks on the majority of the grunts, and brutally overpower the leader of this operation—who, according to some rangers, was as formidable as a gym leader."
Greg paused, letting the information sink in for both of them.
Team Rocket was previously considered just a gang of Pokémon thieves—nothing too serious. Yet now, it's been revealed that they had someone of a gym leader's caliber within their ranks. This suggests that this gang might be concealing more than we anticipated, or perhaps, he was just overthinking it.
A fleeting suspicion had crossed Brock's mind—could Ash Ketchum be Bag Boy? The coincidence that both had a Rattata and a Spearow was striking. However, he quickly shelved that thought.
No, it can't be him. Ash's just a kid starting out.
Turning to Greg with a more pressing concern, Brock asked, "What exactly was Team Rocket's goal here?"
"We're still in the dark about that. The captured members are too terrified to speak up. It's like they fear retribution from Team rocket more than they fear the law."
"Could this be gang loyalty?"
"No, which suggests to me that Team Rocket has evolved beyond common thievery. This 'Bag Boy,' with the way he took down those grunts and the care he showed the prisoners while being ruthless with the leader... it seems personal, like he was driven by revenge."
Brock rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "What's our next move then?"
"Officially? Not much except damage control. Unofficially, a lot of scapegoats will be made to protect the Rangers' image. It's not pretty, but that's often how these things play out."
Brock gave a slow nod. "At least the immediate threats are neutralized. The bad guys are in custody, the victims are safe, and we're treating the injured Pokémon."
Greg sighed, "And the media will have a field day with the vigilante angle. They love a mysterious hero—or anti-hero, in this case." He reached into his pocket, his fingers touching the pack of cigarettes he'd been longing for. "This paperwork is going to be a nightmare."
[ 15 Minutes Ago ]
Austin, swiftly escaped the tunnels of Mt. Moon before the authorities arrived, had one more task to complete.
The night was cool and quiet as he maneuvered through the rocky terrain of the Mt Moon ranges. Guided by the faint echo of a Zubat, Austin arrived at a secluded spot near a giant tree. It was here that he had left a man earlier in the evening, a man who was now bound and visibly distressed.
"SOMEONE HELP ME!"
The man, clad only in his underwear, had been shouting for help, but the moment he noticed Austin approaching, he abruptly ceased and feigned sleep.
"If I don't move, he won't see me," the man muttered under his breath.
"That only works when a T-Rex is written by Michael Crichton."
Realizing his attempt to hide was futile, the man sighed deeply and opened his eyes, facing the inevitable.
"Okay then, just do it quickly."
"I am not going to kill you," Austin reassured him, as he placed the Zubat's Pokéball into the man's lap. The action was gentle, meant to convey no threat.
"You aren't?"
"No. Zubat was willing to do pretty much anything I said to save you, which tells me you're not all bad."
"Thank you... I'm Christopher."
"Christopher, why are you with Team Rocket?"
"It's the money... My mother needs surgery, life-saving surgery, and it's expensive. I couldn't find any other way to get enough in time," Christopher confessed, his voice breaking as he spoke.
"How much more do you need?"
"40k total. I've managed to scrape together 25k, but…"
Austin reached into his bag and began counting out cash.
"Here's 15k Pokédollars. It's enough to cover the rest of your mother's surgery. And in exchange, you answer my questions," Austin offered, extending the money towards the grunt.
Christopher's lips quivered as he recognized the boy's unnecessary generosity. He could have easily used threats, but instead, he chose kindness. Tears welled up in Christopher's eyes, relief flooding through him at the thought of his mother's safety. "What's your first question?"
"How do you get into Team Rocket?"
A few minutes later, Austin stealthily re-entered Pewter City, which was still reeling from the nearby chaos at Mt. Moon. Small crowds gathered around televisions in shop windows.
Unperturbed by the subdued atmosphere, Austin made his way to the Pokémon Center. As he entered, he was greeted by the intern at the front desk, a pink-haired tomboy named Cassie.
"Oh, if it isn't Austin, didn't you leave for Mt. Moon?"
"Dude, didn't you hear what happened at Mt. Moon? Shouldn't you be glad I'm safe?" Austin retorted, his tone half-joking.
He and Cassie had become friends during his basic medical aid training at the center.
"I am glad, but what happened?"
"No, I was staying at my friend's house, I was going to go in the morning," Austin explained his alibi in case someone tries to investigate all the trainers who had set out to Mt. Moon.
"Lucky," Cassie sighed, relieved. "So what can I do for you?"
"Can I use the communication room? I need to call my mom and make sure she knows that I am safe."
"Good call."
Austin hastily dialed the Viridian City Pokémon Center, quickly leaving a voicemail before switching to a more personal call.
Dealing with Delia was especially challenging under the current circumstances. As a mother, her fears were amplified by the harrowing news from Mt. Moon, and the constant media coverage only intensified her anxiety. To add to the complexity, Gary's involvement in the incident had thrown her into a state of heightened emotional distress.
From the moment Austin's call connected, Delia was already in tears.
After a few minutes of reassuring Delia with his alibi and confirming that he was indeed 100% fine — even going so far as to assure her that all his underwear was clean — Austin couldn't help but be puzzled by her prioritied.
What did Ash do, run his underwear up a flagpole or something?
"I got to go, I have someone else on the line," Austin said as he noticed another incoming call.
"Okay, sweetie, goodbye and keep yourself safe."
"I will," Austin promised, quickly switching to the other call. This time it was Nurse Joy from Viridian City's Pokémon Center.
"Looks like you have been busy, Bag Boy. Was Mt. Moon also the darkness that shaped you?"
Austin blushed, slightly embarrassed by his previous dramatic distraction.
"Yeah, that might have been a bit much," he admitted sheepishly.
"So, what can I do for you, hero?"
Austin took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts.
"Well, I'm sure you've heard about the chaos at Mt. Moon."
"In a sense but the news isn't really covering what happened, just that it happened."
Austin, then succinctly summarized the events at Mt. Moon, deliberately leaving out the more brutal details to keep the narrative straightforward.
"So, you want me to treat your Pokémon?" Nurse Joy clarified, getting to the heart of the matter.
"Yes, it's better to keep a low profile here. Too many questions could lead Team Rocket right to me."
Nurse Joy nodded.
"About that, can't your identity as Bag Boy will be traced back to Viridian City, and from the description of your Pokémon, they could find you."
Austin's heart skipped a beat at the realization.
"Don't worry, I've removed you from the Pokémon Center database. Even if they trace your visit here, they won't find any record of the boy behind the mask," Nurse Joy reassured him.
"Thank you, you're a lifesaver. How long will the check-up take?"
"I'll have them ready and call you back in about 15 minutes," Nurse Joy replied.
Austin decided it was best to reach out to Professor Oak, considering his grandson Gary was involved in the situation. He thought, "I'll call the professor to reassure him that Gary is safe."
A minute after hanging up with Professor Oak's assistant, who had informed him that Oak was en route to Pewter to check on his grandson Gary, Austin felt a mix of relief and anticipation. He had asked where they were, considering it might be good to visit and provide support in person.
That would be nice.
Just then, his phone rang again. It was Nurse Joy, calling back sooner than expected. Austin's heart sank a bit when he noticed the serious look on the pink-haired woman's face through the video call.
"What kind of situation were you in?"
"Life-threatening."
Nurse Joy sighed deeply. "Well, I have bad news and good news. What do you want to hear first?"
"Which one would take longer?"
"Bad news," Nurse Joy replied with slight hesitation.
"Let's just go with the good news."
"The good news is that your Pokémon can make a full recovery, and nice job on treating Pikachu—that was better than most amateurs. If being a Pokémon trainer or a hero doesn't work out, you can always work for me," Nurse Joy offered, managing a small smile.
Austin chuckled. "I saw your intern—no thank you, slave driver."
"I promise, I'll treat you slightly less worse than my intern, like my ex-husband," Nurse Joy quipped back, and they both giggled.
A Calm Before The Storm.
"The bad news is that all of your Pokémon are in very serious need of help," Nurse Joy began, her tone somber. "Let's start with Pikachu. He's the simplest case. He had multiple lacerations on his skin and some muscle damage. Thankfully, the quick first aid you administered stabilized the condition, preventing infection and further deterioration."
"What's the solution?"
"Pikachu needs a course of antibiotic treatment to prevent any potential infection from the cuts, and I'll apply a regenerative gel to accelerate skin and muscle healing. He should rest and avoid battles until fully recovered."
Next, Nurse Joy turned to the more severe case. "Rattata, on the other hand, suffered from extensive burns across her body and skin, along with internal damage and bleeding. Your prompt administration of healing potions stabilized her, but she needs more intensive care."
"What needs to be done?"
"Well, Rattata is going to need to be shaved to properly treat her burns. We'll apply a special burn ointment that promotes healing and reduces scarring. She'll also need pain management and anti-inflammatory medications to deal with discomfort and internal swelling," Nurse Joy detailed. "To address the internal bleeding, we'll keep her on a course of hemostatic agents and monitor her closely for any signs of internal distress."
Austin thanked Arceus that his Pokemon could make a full recovery.
Nurse Joy's tone turned grave as she continued.
"Lastly, there is the issue with Spearow. I'll be honest, if I didn't know you personally, I would consider what you did to Spearow, practically abuse."
Austin's face went pale at the comment.
"How many badges did you use on Spearow?"
"Eight Boulder Badges on Spearow and two on Rattata," Austin replied, his voice faltering slightly.
"Oh, that explains it."
"Explains what?"
"A normal Spearow's mass is about 2kg. Can you guess what your Spearow's mass is now?" Nurse Joy posed the question with a serious look.
"I don't know," Austin admitted, bracing himself for the answer.
"40kg."
Austin felt his heart sink into his throat.
"Spearow's drastic weight gain is extremely harmful. Normally, a Spearow's hollow bones are adapted for flight, but at 40kg, flight becomes impossible. The excessive mass puts incredible strain on its skeletal structure, risking fractures and other bone injuries. More critically, the extra weight is a massive burden on Spearow's heart, which isn't designed to support such a body mass. This could lead to severe problems and a life span of less than a year," Nurse Joy explained.
Austin covered his face with his hands, overwhelmed with guilt and shame.
"There are two solutions to all of this," Nurse Joy continued, her voice softer now, seeing Austin's distress. "The first is surgery, where we'll remove the increased body mass. This is normally recommended in cases like these where rich assholes irresponsibly use items to drastically alter their Pokémon's physique, often leading to death. However, your Spearow is different in the sense that it is strong enough to at least live through this.
Nurse Joy listened intently as Austin described Spearow's training regimen. "Okay, I don't see how that would significantly increase Spearow's bone density."
"Well, Spearow handled Onix's Bind attack, and I had it train to swat away Rock Tomb and throws."
"Hmm, that could explain some increase in bone density," Nurse Joy conceded thoughtfully. "Your training may have inadvertently enhanced Spearow's skeletal strength to some extent. Luckily, Spearow's bone density is sufficient so that, unlike normal Spearows, it won't snap like a twig under the mass. This should theoretically allow you to opt for the second rehabilitation option."
"Theoretically?!"
"The thing is, most trainers or medical professionals don't opt for the second option because it's very risky. The only reason I am even recommending it is that, medically, Spearow is normal aside from its new weight. It can't fly due to the increased mass, but other than that, it's perfectly healthy. So, let's say you're lucky you beat the odds and can go for the second option," Nurse Joy explained.
"Which is?"
"Becoming an Alpha Pokémon?"
"What?"
"Do you know what Alpha Pokémon are?" Nurse Joy asked.
"No, ma'am."
"Well, in nature, there are special types of Pokémon that are bigger and stronger than the normal versions of themselves. These Alpha Pokémon are incredibly rare, almost as rare as legendary Pokémon," Nurse Joy elaborated. She explained that in certain cases, Pokémon can develop into these Alpha forms under unique conditions, often involving environmental factors, genetic predispositions, or, in very rare cases like Spearow's, dumb luck.
"Really?"
"Statistically speaking, yes, even though theoretically, Alpha Pokémon are much more plausible to find than a legendary," Nurse Joy said, clarifying the distinction with a slight wave of her hand, dismissing the semantics.
"So how would Spearow evolve into an Alpha Fearow?"
"Through evolution."
"That's it?" Austin pressed. "If it's just about evolving, why are Alphas as rare as legendaries statistically?"
"Let me put it this way," Nurse Joy explained. "Normally, a Spearow evolves into a Fearow, and its body mass increases significantly—going from about 2 kg to around 38 kg. In your Spearow's case, given its already enhanced mass, the evolution would proportionally increase its size even more due to its unique condition."
"So, how big would Spearow get?"
Nurse Joy paused, calculating mentally. "Based on its current weight and typical growth patterns during evolution, I estimate about 9 feet in height and a 28-foot wingspan."
"Jesus Christ!" Austin exclaimed, standing up. His Fearow would be nearly as massive as legendary Pokémon like Ho-Oh.
"As I said, you're very lucky," Nurse Joy remarked with a hint of amusement at his reaction. "So, what option do you want to go with?"
"I think Spearow would love to be an Alpha Fearow."
"I'm sure he will."
"Yeah, so what now?"
"Now, I'll send back Pikachu and Spearow along with their medications and detailed care instructions," Nurse Joy outlined the immediate plan. "Rattata will be sent tomorrow after I've shaved her and assessed the extent of the burn damage, then we can proceed with her treatment."
The call ended with a polite goodbye, and Austin leaned back in his chair.
"9 feet, huh?"
Managing an Alpha Pokémon would be no small feat—akin to caring for a small dinosaur in terms of food, space, and general upkeep. The thought hit him like a ton of bricks. "This is going to burn through my wallet like a Snorlax at a buffet." Austin said he slammed his head onto the table.
Fuck!
Author's Note: Let's Do This, Q&A Style!
Question: Can you clarify the thematic direction of the fanfic despite the dark tone of the recent chapter?
Answer: Absolutely! While this chapter had its dark moments, we're not transitioning to full-on grimdark. Someone recently suggested minimal violence, and while that's interesting, I must stay true to the threats posed by Team Rocket. This chapter was intense, but it's not setting a new standard. We'll keep the tone more light-hearted up UNTIL Bulbasaur and Charmander.
Question: How do you balance realism with maintaining the essence of Pokémon in your storytelling?
Answer: I strive for a real feel—portraying life's messiness like Austin's budget woes, Flint's family drama, and the political maneuvers in the ranger corps. It won't always be doom and gloom; life's rough patches are inevitable, but turning every chapter into Warhammer isn't my plan.
Question: What should readers expect regarding the depiction of violence in the story?
Answer: Violence will be present—it's Team Rocket, after all—but it won't dominate. Consider it more of a spice than the main ingredient. It'll appear occasionally to maintain a sense of danger and stakes but won't become the narrative's focus.
Question: Should fans expect a shift towards a darker narrative given the tone of recent chapters?
Answer: No need to worry. A darker chapter doesn't mean we're heading into a bleak, dystopian scenario. Balance is key. We explore serious themes and real-world struggles, but at its core, this is still a Pokémon story. Expect exploration over brooding.
Question: Any advice for readers on leaving reviews based on the thematic content of the fanfic?
Answer: I truly value your feedback! Just remember the overall vision of our journey. It's a realistic take, but not a dive into dark fantasy. Feel free to share your thoughts and reviews, but let's not jump to conclusions based on one or two intense chapters. Stick with me, and let's see where this adventure leads!
2- In this chapter, I finally answered why Austin didn't bother asking for Professor Oak's help. The amount of comments I got about this was kind of ridiculous, but the clues were there, in my opinion. Let's also answer some questions some of you posted via reviews, replies, or comments.
Question: Why didn't Austin tell Professor Oak about Team Rocket?
Answer: First off, Austin would need to reveal a lot of details for it all to make sense. If he simply mentioned that Team Rocket might be after him, what could Oak really do with that information? Austin isn't sure, but he guesses that Oak would start asking a lot of questions:
How does Austin know that Team Rocket might be on Mount Moon? Why is Team Rocket after him?
There are many more questions, but it all boils down to the information Austin could give Oak. Let's say Austin tells Oak everything he knows. Naturally, Oak would want to see Vee and probably run some tests. Austin wants to avoid this because, unlike a typical protagonist who might lean on a wise scientist to solve issues, Austin already knows how to solve Vee's issues—by evolving Vee into an Espeon, which requires building a high friendship level between them. That's why he hasn't pushed Vee into battles or tough training.
You might wonder why Austin doesn't just lie and say consulting Oak is the way to help Vee. Well, it harms Austin. Even if Oak then presented evidence to the league to take Team Rocket more seriously, it could backfire. Giovanni, knowing about Oak's moves against Team Rocket, might target people connected to Oak, like Austin and Gary, considering the timeline and that a field trainer like Austin could have caught Vee.
If this sounds like Austin is overthinking, that's because he is. This is a sign of the protagonist's trauma and paranoia. Remember, Austin is mentally 15 and physically 10. People who go through tough experiences, especially as kids like Austin did when he witnessed a murder by Sird, often end up being super cautious, suspicious, and overthinking every situation as a way to protect themselves. This makes Austin's reactions more genuine in my opinion and a logical reason for him not being too trusting of others.
Point: Heck, we just learned Blue Oak is the gosh darned champion.
Context: Yes, you as the audience did, but Austin as a character just dismissed it as a coincidence or a reference because he doesn't have any reason to believe that Blue Oak, Gary's counterpart in the manga and games, is Anime Gary's father. From a meta perspective, Austin thinks this world is the anime, but the realism are aspects that weren't touched upon by the anime. Blue being Gary's father doesn't make much sense timeline-wise because Blue and Red are game and anime counterparts of Gary and Ash. From a reader's perspective, this makes sense, Blue being Gary's father, because this is a fanfic.
Question: Like what is his gain in not setting up a sting operation. He even has the excuse of overhearing about the interdiction.
Answer: Because he can't set it up, an excuse for overhearing is still an excuse; the adults, especially the higher-ups of the league, aren't going to take Austin or Oak seriously without evidence. Vee might make the league take Team Rocket seriously, but sting operations aren't going to be done unless some evidence is provided, especially when Austin can't exactly provide much evidence for anything Team Rocket-related. Austin doesn't know where Team Rocket bases are. Austin doesn't know how many Team Rocket personnel there are or their level of weapons, i.e., helicopters, etc. Austin only knows that Giovanni is the leader alongside the identities of the Executives, the evil gym leaders, and anything that was shown in the anime, manga, or games, but if he wanted to convince the league, the Elite 4 or Blue, or even Professor Oak about Giovanni being the leader of the Team Rocket, how would he go about doing that? Better yet, why would they even entertain this idea. Sting operations just don't happen because some 10-year-old says something, and Giovanni has enough reach in the league that he would immediately know about these sting operations if they hypothetically happened.
Question: I get normally in a kids' show adults are useless, and I guess the trope is to handle it yourself, but it feels jarring.
Insight: I think it's jarring because you don't exactly know the position of Giovanni, Team Rocket, etc., in the world yet, so if I want to make the adults useful they would feel like adults, i.e., if you want them to move, you have to give them a reason.
Question: Why didn't Austin kill Arianna? He obviously had the chance, right?
Answer: Remember, Austin is essentially a 15-year-old in a 10-year-old's body. It's unrealistic to expect him to make a lethal decision like an adult might. Despite what some might say, thinking you can kill and actually doing it are worlds apart. Also, Austin is still a child, and killing would have profound psychological impacts on him. Will Austin regret sparing Arianna? Potentially, yes. What will Arianna do next? You'll have to keep reading to find out.
Question: Can you share Austin's various plans?
Answer:
Plan A: Create an advantageous setting using a Zubat Swarm and stolen Pokémon from the grunts to cause chaos, while the rescued prisoners escape. Plan B: Similar to Plan A, but relies on the prisoners to not be cowards and to help him gang up on and defeat Arianna. Plan C: Utilize TMs to learn Rain Dance, Whirlwind, Bubble Beam, Water Pulse, Flash, and Bide. If these weren't found, he'd use fire extinguisher bombs on Arianna and have Pokémon attack strategically. Pikachu would target the extinguisher bombs, Vaporeon would target Arianna, and so on. Plan D: Enlist the Clefairy tribe's help by leveraging their moonstone, hoping they use Metronome to possibly one-shot Arianna. Plan E: Have an escape plan ready if all else fails.
Question: What did Austin do to his Pokémon that buffed them enough to defeat Arianna, and what were the consequences?
Answer:
Spearow: Received physical boosts eightfold via Boulder Badges. Now too muscular to fly, Austin must retrain it to fight on the ground. Rattata: Endured multiple attacks for the move Bide, was burned, and now needs significant recovery time and potentially surgery. Pikachu: Suffered from Arianna's Petal Blizzard, resulting in numerous cuts that have been treated by Austin but will still require physical therapy. Vee: Used multiple transformations; though temporarily painful, there were no permanent injuries.
What are your thoughts on the Austin vs. Arianna battle?
Were Austin's plans effective or flawed?
How do you rate Arianna's strength and the prisoners' reactions?
4- Question: Why did you decide to give Austin an Alpha Fearow instead of having him catch a Pidgeot for Mega Evolution, as many readers suggested?
Answer: Alright, so everyone was buzzing about getting Austin a Pidgeot for that cool Mega Evolution, right? But here's the twist—I went for an Alpha Fearow to shake things up! I actually crunched the numbers, using those fancy biological scaling laws to make sure the size and growth stuff made sense for a bird like Fearow.
Height
Birds, like many animals, roughly follow what's known as "isometric scaling" for many of their dimensions, but for more precise modeling, especially at larger sizes, "allometric scaling" is often more appropriate. The scaling relationship can be expressed as:
y=kx*b
where:
y is the measurement we're interested in (height, wing span), x is the body mass, k and b are constants that depend on the specific dimensions and the species in question.
For simplicity, we assume linear scaling for height with mass (which isn't precisely accurate but can serve as a first approximation without more specific biological data). If your bird's height is 3'11" (or approximately 1.19 meters) at 38 kg, and you want to know the height at 700 kg under a simplistic linear assumption:
Height Scale Factor= 2.18 (using the cube root as a rough estimation for linear dimensions scaling, since the cube of height would relate to volume or mass)
New Height = 8.5feet
Wingspan
For wingspan, the calculation is a bit more complex because the bird needs to generate sufficient lift to overcome its weight. The wing loading (weight per unit area) is critical here.
Wing span contributes to wing area, and larger birds need comparatively larger wings to support their weight.
A rough approximation:
If we assume the square-cube law (area vs. volume/mass scaling), and original bird with 38 kg has a functional wingspan (which isn't given but let's assume it's similar to large birds like eagles or vultures for argument's sake—say 2 meters as a guess), then:
Wingspan Scale Factor= 4.3 (using the square root, as area scales to the square)
New Wingspan= 28feet
Conclusion These are very rough estimates:
Height at 700 kg: 8.5 feet. Wing span required for normal flight functionality: 28 feet.
Alpha Fearow is just a little bit smaller than a Ho-oh but much larger than 99% of all Flying Pokemon even Zapdos, Moltres and Articuno.
5. The grunt who gave Austin his Zubat was inspired by the animation YouTuber Gumbino and his characters, David and Christopher. Check it out on YouTube for some fun.
6. Why did Brock refer to Austin as Ash? It's because Austin never introduced himself by that name; Brock knew him only by his official name, Ash.
Thank you for your support and for enjoying my work. I upload every 7 days.
I hope you have a blessed rest of the day, and please share your thoughts in the reviews!
