Here we are with the latest chapter. The Lavender Town arc begins, and its going to be QUITE different from canon. Enjoy.
Warning: Some scenes in this chapter may be disturbing to some. Viewer discretion is advised.
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"So this is Lavender Town, huh?" Ash frowned as they approached their destination. It had been about a day since they'd agreed to go. After taking a bit of time to rest, they were on their way to the neighboring town, which while not far compared to some Cities, would still take some time to reach. That was why the Natsume family had agreed to lend them some bicycles to help them reach the town faster. Even with transportation and using the dedicated roads, it took them long enough that the sun was already setting when they arrived.
Stopping at the city limits, they got off the bicycles. "Okay, Mr. Natsume said that he wanted the bikes back after we arrived but…how are we supposed to give them back to him?" Ash mused.
Right as he said that, the bikes glowed…before teleporting away.
Ash, Misty, and Pikachu blinked at what just happened. "How even…?" they started to which Brock chuckled a bit.
"Yeah, I was a surprise for me too the first time," Brock chuckled.
"...let's just find the Pokemon Tower," Ash sighed, deciding it better not to pursue that train of thought.
"You won't have to look far. The Pokemon Tower is the tallest building in the town," Brock said, pointing straight at the large tower near the middle of the town. It was a rather dark gray colored tower, standing about 7 stories tall, and had a shape that that made one think of a tombstone.
"Whoever designed that place definitely knew what they were going for," Misty said, looking a little creeped out.
"Guess we should go to the Tower now," Ash frowned, earning a few nods as they went towards the tower. However as they got closer, They noticed some crowds gathered, the roads around the Pokemon Tower blocked by police lines, and even a few barriers made by Psychic-types. "Guess we shouldn't be surprised it's this serious," Brock frowned.
"Let's see if we can't get a better look," Ash frowned as they tried to get closer. That proved…easier said than done between the barrier and people, getting close proved problematic. However, as they were trying to get closer, Ash noticed a rather familiar head of spiky brown hair on a Growlithe. "Wait…isn't that…?" he blinked before coming closer and grabbing onto the person's shoulder.
"What the-?!" the person gasped in surprise, turning around to reveal Gary.
"Thought it was you," Ash chuckled a bit. "Though, what are you doing in Lavender Town?" he asked. "Besides the obvious I mean."
"Hey Ash." Gary sighed "Nice to see you too," he said sarcastically.
Ash was silent for a moment. "... yeah, guess I SHOULD have started with that."
"Ya think?" Gary shot back dryly "Anyway, I came by Lavender Town to catch a few ghost types in the tower. It's one of the few places in Kanto you can find Pokemon that aren't native to either here or Johto. I figured I might as well get a bit of variety and give them some training before I went and challenged Sabrina, but all I managed to get was a Ghastly before things started getting crazy."
"About that…" Ash frowned, before they explained the situation of why they were here.
"Wait, you want to help Sabrina deal with the situation?" Gary asked almost incredulously.
"Well, even if it's not a rushed deadline, we ARE running on limited time," Ash sweat dropped.
"Fair enough," Gary sighed. "Still, can't believe you went and challenged Sabrina before you got more Pokemon that would have a better chance. And you managed to take out two of her Pokemon in your first try too," he smirked a bit.
"Since you were in the Tower when all this started…what IS going on actually?" Misty asked, honestly curious.
"Put bluntly? It's like a horror movie in there," Gary frowned. "It was normal at first, but I swear suddenly the whole place was shaking and then these…things…started appearing out of the graves. I tell you all the Ghost Pokemon that were appearing and disappearing at random up till then suddenly ran for it the moment those things appeared."
"So we're talking actual phantoms? Actual spirits of the deceased?" Ash blinked, while Pikachu looked creeped out.
"I'm not really the type to believe in that stuff…but I legitimately don't have a better way of describing them yeah," Gary frowned. "But yeah, those things started infesting the Tower, and when I tried fighting well…my Pokemon ran straight back into their Pokeballs."
"They must have been terrified," Brock gulped.
"They really must have been. I'm definitely sure you wouldn't raise Pokemon that would run away from just anything," Ash winced.
"Thanks, I think," Gary said a bit dryly. "So since you want to help Sabrina, how do you expect to get through the police?"
He got his answer when he heard a polite cough, to which he turned to Brock and Misty, who had their Trainer IDs…as well as their Badges out. "If one Gym Leader could greatly help this situation, what about three?" Misty said with a playful wink.
"...how did you get two Gym Leaders to travel with you again?" Gary blinked.
"Uh…just lucky I guess?" Ash sweat dropped a little. "Either way, we're going to try and help how we can. What do you plan on doing?"
"You gotta ask? If you're crazy enough to do something like this, no way am I gonna fall behind," Gary said. "I'll help out. Between the four of us, I think we can handle whatever is in that Tower," he smirked.
"Speaking of which, whatever happened to your cheering squad?" Brock wondered, noting the usual girls weren't around.
"Oh them? They're back at the Hotel. They weren't too interested in seeing the Pokemon Tower," Gary shrugged.
"Gee, I wonder why," Ash chuckled awkwardly while he, Pikachu, Misty, and Brock all sweat dropped.
The group soon approached the police lines, the officers on site naturally trying to keep them away…until Misty and Brock came up and showed them their Trainer IDs as well as Gym Badges, introducing themselves as Gym Leaders, albeit currently on a journey. The officers were understandably surprised, but one quick cross reference later confirmed their identities, and when they explained that they wanted to help with the situation, despite some uncertainties, ultimately they let the group through.
Having two additional Gym Leaders in theory could only help the situation, so it wasn't too hard for Misty and Brock to get everyone inside, especially since they very much intended to help Sabrina. However, when they entered the first floor of the Pokemon Tower, the severity of the situation was further emphasized. The first floor that was normally a lobby of sorts for people preparing to ascend the tower to pay their respects had been covered in wards and talismans, not just the walls but the ceilings too, and even the stairs that were normally wide open for people to go through had been sealed off by a door/barrier that was also covered in wards and talismans, a pair of Spiritualists in deep prayer to maintain the wards and talismans while a few more looked basically like they were staring at a barricade that could go down at any time.
A quick explanation and reconfirmation of Misty and Brock's identities allowed the group through the barricade, which was quickly closed up behind them. Going up the stairs they reached the second floor and thus the cemetery proper. As one would expect, there were rows of tombstones that were lined up neatly, allowing for any visitors to pray at the graves. However, mixed in with the tombstones were several more Spiritualists and a few Channelers seemingly in prayer around what appeared to be ornate stones glowing with a strange energy.
"What are those?" Ash blinked at the sight of the odd stones.
Gary opened his mouth on reflex, usually having an answer for a lot of things…but quickly closed it again when he realized…he had no idea himself. This was definitely NOT something he'd read about in any books.
"Maybe we can ask them?" Misty suggested as aside from the ones praying/chanting, there was one standing guard.
"Yeah, that's probably our fastest way to get an answer," Gary sighed as they got closer and talked to the spiritualist standing guard. One quick explanation later and they got the details. It seemed these were something called Barrier Stones, which they were using to maintain barriers that would keep malevolent spirits at bay. They'd apparently managed to set up barriers on this floor and the floor above them, but as things were they weren't at all sure how long they would hold. This just emphasized how important it was to deal with the situation. Before they continued onward though, the Spiritualist warned them that all of them were feeling a growing energy near the top of the tower. They HIGHLY recommended that the group be careful especially the further up they went.
Gulping a bit but taking the warning to heart, the group continued onward. The third floor was much like the second floor, but with an addition. Several Ghost-type Pokemon coming down the stairs and fleeing for their lives, the Spiritualists and Channelers letting them through. The Barrier was specifically aimed to keep the spirits of the deceased out, not Ghost-type Pokemon who were…mostly still considered living in some cases.
The group continued onward, slowly making their way up the stairs to the fourth floor. However, unlike before, the ascent to the fourth floor was different, as a sudden weight started to come on them, their steps feeling heavier than before for no apparent reason. When they entered, the first thing they felt was the atmosphere. It was cold, oppressive, and seemed to give them a feeling of GET OUT OF HERE!
Oh, and to top it off there was the ominous purple miasma that was covering the floor. Can't forget that.
The group felt shivers go down their spine, and Pikachu was clinging to the back of Ash's head, every instinct in his body shouting at him to run for it, but it was only his loyalty and desire to help that kept him from going the same way as the local Ghost-types.
They felt like they WANTED to say something, to comment on the situation they'd willingly walked into…but no words came to them. All they could do was be on full alert as they slowly made their way forward, a silent agreement between them that this…was very much serious. The shifts that Gary noted, referring to the place as being like a horror movie were already starting to make themselves known, as unlike the previous floors which while sizable were ultimately not too big, this floor however was easily twice as big, and while at first the tombstones were aligned similarly to the previous floors…they soon started twisting into an almost maze-like formation (albeit fortunately the tombstones were still normal sized, making it easy enough to navigate, even jump over if need be), DEFINITELY not something that would be normal.
"I know nobody was doubting it, but see what I mean?" Gary couldn't help but say, partially to try and take his mind off of the abnormal feeling of fear he was feeling.
"Yeah…calling it like a horror setting is apt. The worst part? This feels like phase 1…" Brock gulped.
"Please don't say that," Misty shuddered, while Ash didn't say anything, though it was clear the Riolu was trying to stay focused as well. None of them were used to feeling fear like this. It was the kind of soul crushing dread that made one feel like they were going somewhere they knew with every fiber of their being that they should turn back, yet kept going forward anyway.
As they kept going forward, they tried to make small talk, anything really, even nonsense, because the longer they remained in silence, the more they felt like their steps were getting heavier and heavier. They needed to distract themselves a little while still remaining alert or this place would get to them…and they still had 3 more floors at most to ascend through.
The group slowly made their way through the floor, but as they were about two thirds of the way through, they were met with their first obstacle. The miasma started to swirl, immediately putting all of them on guard, before from the miasma, a pair of hands appeared, and slowly more of the thing manifested, revealing a form that…at its base made one think of a Haunter, but was definitely NOT one. The body was more round and with a face that had a creepy smile on it, while the air around it seemed to twist around it.
"I'm guessing that's one of the phantoms that's causing all this," Brock frowned, while Pikachu took one look at the thing, and his fur stood on end before he ducked into Ash's bag to hide.
"Guess we have to fight them," Misty gulped.
"CAN we fight them?" Gary frowned, remembering how his Pokemon reacted when he tried last time.
"One way to find out!" Ash said, stepping forward as he pushed through the fear. "Here we go!" he shouted as he threw one of his Pokeballs, which popped open, the energy being released…before it basically went 'NOPE!' and went straight back into the Pokeball which flew back into Ash's hand.
"Really Nidorino?" Ash said, looking at the ball with a twitching eyebrow.
"When did you switch him in?" Misty couldn't help but ask.
"I sent Beedrill back to the lab to rest up before we left." he said, before looking at his bag "Can you at LEAST poke your head out and use Thundershock buddy?"
His bag shook for a bit, before unzipping as Pikachu poked his head out, and fired a Thundershock at the phantom, shocking Ash too who just tanked the shock as well.
The phantom was hit by the attack and recoiled, but quickly recovered. When the attack ended, Pikachu felt the overwhelming fear again at the sight of the phantom, before immediately ducking back into the backpack.
"That didn't do much," Brock gulped, while Gary…looked a bit blankly at what just happened, specifically Ash not even batting an eye at being electrocuted in the process of the attack.
"What the hell are you made of man?" he couldn't help but ask.
"Would you believe me if I said Pikachu shocked me so much, the smell of burning ozone reassures me now?" Ash shot back in deadpan.
"That…opens so many questions I don't fully want answers for…" Gary deadpanned, before quickly looking at the ghost. "But now what do we do?" he frowned. Right as he said that, the situation got worse as two more phantoms appeared from the miasma, making their way towards them.
"Uh…maybe we should run?" Brock suggested with a gulp. They…really weren't prepared for this at all.
The others looked ready to agree with him…before something unexpected happened.
A flash of light suddenly erupted overhead, followed by a thin red beam shooting down at one of the phantoms while they were blinded, the process repeating itself to hit the other two as well, and it seemed to dispel their forms, leaving behind faded, nearly transparent versions of a Rattata, a Pidgey, and a Sentret.
"What just happened?" Misty said in confusion, before two figures floated down from the ceiling.
A Duskull, its lone eye glaring at the trio of specters, and a Lampent, though one that had a slightly different colored frame for its body, turquoise eyes, and a darker colored flame within, making it obviously a Shiny Pokemon.
"A Lampent and a Duskull?" Ash blinked in surprise, while Gary took out his Pokedex to scan both Pokemon.
"Lampent, the Lamp Pokemon. Lampent is a Ghost/Fire dual Type Pokemon that is native to the Unova Region. The evolved form of Litwick, Lampent are Pokemon known to wander various areas at night. It is believed the flames of a Lampent are maintained by absorbing ambient spiritual energy, which causes some Lampent to be drawn towards people who are near death. This habit has made some view Lampent as a harbinger of death."
"Duskull, the Requiem Pokemon. Duskull is a Ghost-Type native to the Hoenn Region. Duskull are known to be mischievous and enjoy playing tricks on children, particularly naughty children that it is known to scare with its ability to turn invisible and pass through walls."
The two Pokemon glared at the phantom Pokemon, before beckoning to the Pokemorphs as if saying they can fight. Ash's backpack shook in response, Pikachu popping out of the bag, confused at the sudden shift in atmosphere. Looking to where the ghosts had been, his ears perked up in surprise, before he crawled out and jumped onto the ground.
"Hey, Pikachu came out," Brock said in surprise, to which Pikachu looked up to Ash and started saying a few things.
"Pikachu's saying that the air's different now. He's not feeling so afraid anymore," Ash reported.
"Now that you mention it…" Misty frowned.
"Yeah, we're all not feeling that weight from before…well…not as bad as before anyway," Gary realized as well.
"Guess that means we can fight now," Ash said. "Ready, Gary?"
"Anytime," Gary smirked, taking out one of his Pokeballs while Pikachu stepped forward. "Go for it, Wartortle!" he said, releasing his Starter who landed next to Pikachu, both ready to fight, before Ash sent out Nidorino, successfully this time.
The phantom Pokemon saw the three and immediately snarled, their eyes glowing red with anger before they charged forward.
"Don't give them time to do anything! Bubble Beam!" Gary ordered.
"Pikachu, Thunderbolt! Nidorino, Poison Jab!" Ash ordered.
All the Pokemon obeyed, Wartortle shooting a flurry of bubbles, while Pikachu let loose a powerful bolt of electricity. The attacks hit the Ratata and the Pidgey dead on, sending both phantoms flying back, before they seemingly dissipated upon impact with the Tombstones behind them. At the same time, Nidorino caught the Sentret with a Poison Jab, sending it into the air, before it 'landed' on the ground, and while it seemed to have taken damage, it didn't seem to be poisoned at all.
There was a small pause when Ash noticed that, before he frowned. "I guess I should have seen that coming…"
"Yeah…what good would poison do on something already dead," Gary frowned.
"While we also ignore the part of how their Moves are working on spirits of the dead…" Misty muttered with a sweat drop.
"Hey, if it works, don't question it," Brock said. The LAST thing they needed was for their Moves to inexplicably stop working altogether.
Back with the fight, Ash had ordered Nidorino to continue with Poison Jab, to which Nidorino hit the Sentret repeatedly with the attack till it eventually dissipated as well. "Glad that's over," Ash sighed, smiling at his Pokemon. "Great work Nidorino," he said as he recalled Nidorino.
"You too Wartortle," Gary added as he recalled Wartortle as well.
"And we owe you two some thanks as well," Misty smiled, looking over at the Lampent and Duskull, both of them looking proud of themselves.
Pikachu went over to the two new Pokemon and started talking to them. The two Ghost-types proved rather friendly and didn't have issues talking with the mouse. "Thanks for the help. We'd have been in serious trouble if you two didn't show up."
"No problem," Lampent said.
"We found completely by accident that we could dispel that…disguise I guess," Duskull said. "Since we found out that that weird feeling of fear goes away when that disguise is gone, we started trying to help anyone still in here."
"Help anyone here…hey, did a uh…cat Pokemorph with long green hair come by?" Pikachu asked.
"Oh yeah, there was one that passed by. I think she was going for the top floor," Lampent said. "She sure seemed strong, and that Kadabra she had with her was no joke either. They sure looked like they knew what they were doing, not like those weird ones that went up even after the ghosts started showing up," Lampent frowned.
"Weird ones?" Pikachu asked.
"Yeah, some weird Pokemorphs wearing matching clothes. All of them had this big R on their clothes," Duskull nodded.
Pikachu's eyes widened at that, and he quickly went over to Ash and relayed what the two had told him. "Team Rocket is here?!" Ash said in surprise.
"We can't go a week without those idiots." Misty said with a twitching eyebrow.
"It's like they're always causing trouble no matter where we look." Brock added with a sigh.
However, right as he said that, they heard what could only be described as blood curdling screams coming from one floor up. "...I know I said it before, but I'll say it again. Horror movie…" Gary gulped thickly. He was no coward, none of them were…but that was the kind of scream that common sense would tell you that it's time to turn back. Too bad they couldn't just do that.
"So…you and your Trainer and his friends aren't SERIOUSLY going to keep climbing, right?" Duskull said a bit worriedly.
Pikachu felt a shiver go down his entire being. "I REALLY want to turn around…but we came here to help that cat Pokemorph and we're not gonna turn around…unless we REALLY don't have a choice," Pikachu said…before adding the last part.
"Then we definitely should tag along," Lampent said. "You're DEFINITELY gonna need our help, especially cause there's more ghosts the higher you go up."
"Yeah, so many that we were honestly about ready to run for it ourselves," Duskull shuddered.
"Thanks but we couldn't possibly…" Pikachu started but was cut off.
"We insist. If all of you are crazy enough to keep climbing, then we'll help," Lampent said, before cheekily adding, "Besides, if needs be we're not the ones who can't just fly out the nearest wall."
"Gee…thanks," Pikachu said dryly before getting back on Ash's back, while the two Ghost-types floated around the group.
"Guess these two are following us for now," Misty blinked after Pikachu relayed that they were tagging along and Ash translated.
"If they can at least give us a fighting chance against those phantoms, then I say welcome aboard," Brock said a bit wryly before the group cautiously continued on their way up.
The group barely even reached the next floor before the air felt even thicker than the previous floor. "Ugh…this feels even worse than before," Ash groaned.
"If this is going to be how it goes with each floor, then I don't know how Sabrina could get so far by herself," Gary groaned as well. He couldn't wait to be done with this and never have to feel this feeling of…wrongness…hopefully for the rest of his life. That was a sentiment literally everyone in present company shared.
They soon reached the next floor, and unsurprisingly the miasma was thicker than the previous floor. At this point they were starting to feel like breathing was becoming harder than normal, while Ash, Gary, and Pikachu were feeling their fur standing on end. Even so they pressed on. The sight before them made their hearts sink a bit. Instead of a normal sized floor or even one that was just a bit larger than normal, they looked like they may as well have been inside of a full on graveyard…albeit one that was somehow still indoors.
"Okay…this is just…" Brock trailed off, trying to find the right words.
"Completely insane?" Gary offered.
"...yeah, that works," Brock sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. The group barely had time to fully process this new area before they heard another blood curdling scream.
"That… that was from this floor this time." Misty said, shaking a bit.
Everyone gulped VERY thickly, Pikachu shaking and ducking into Ash's backpack again (not that the Riolu could remotely blame his starter), and heck, even Lampent and Duskull were hiding behind the biggest person here…that being Brock. Once again the feeling of wanting to turn around and leave was there, but they continued to press on.
As they did, more ghosts manifested from the miasma, but when they did Lampent and Duskull were quick to strip away the disguise, making it at least doable to fight back, the ghosts dissipating after enough damage. The group pressed forward, their progress at least giving them some feeling of confidence that they could actually do this…even as they passed an area where the tombstones seemed taller than before, and honestly they swore they saw a mausoleum or two around the area…though they opted NOT to lampshade how seemingly big the place was. They really didn't want to think about it.
However, as they made their way through, they continued to encounter phantoms, some of them fighting them like normal, while a few just cackled before vanishing, the latter of which unnerved them more than they'd care to admit. Even so they continued on, at least glad this floor seemed…straightforward. They'd soon come to regret that momentary feeling of security as while they were walking, Misty suddenly paused when she felt something drip onto her shoulder. Blinking in surprise, she wiped whatever had dropped on her shoulder and looked at her hand…before going pale at what she saw.
"Uh…guys…?" she gulped thickly, drawing everyone's attention, before she slowly looked up, the others slowly following her gaze…before she screamed in terror, while the boys looked very green, with the three Pokemon with them immediately hiding in fear too. The reason? Up on a rather tall gravestone or something, one with a notably…sharp…top…was a body. Fresh blood dripping from it as the unfortunate Pokemorph had been impaled through the chest, no doubt killing them shortly after. The Pokemorph in question was a Poochyena Pokemorph with shaggy hair, though they couldn't see the face…nor did they want to. The only thing they could tell for sure was the bit that was an unmistakable R on the black full body outfit the Pokemorph was wearing.
"L-looks like this guy was with Team Rocket," Brock gulped, fighting hard to keep whatever food was still in his gut down.
"I guess the phantoms didn't take kindly to whatever they were doing," Ash said, sharing Brock's feelings. He had no love for Team Rocket…but that was a very painful way to go for anyone.
"W-what do we do now?" Misty asked, shaking from the remainder of the shock.
"I…I think we can only keep moving," Gary said after a moment, clearly trying to maintain composure. "I'm not sure if there's anything we can do…and I don't know if moving the body is a good idea…" he gulped, especially when they noticed one of the cackling phantoms looking at them from a distance before vanishing.
That…more or less got the message across. If the ghosts did this…trying to move the bodies right now…might make the phantoms more agitated. "I…I guess we can't move them till after everything is resolved…" Ash frowned, not really liking the idea, but understanding it.
"Y-yeah," Gary nodded. "Come on, let's just…keep moving," he said, trying hard to not look at the freshly killed body again. That was a sight he did NOT want to see when he set out on his journey.
The mood was far more somber as they continued onward. The encounter with the body hammered in once again that they were very much in a serious situation. These phantoms weren't playing around, and it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that it was only because of Lampent and Duskull that they had a fighting chance, since as long as the phantoms had their true nature hidden…that gripping terror would stop any of them from using their abilities to fully fight back.
The group were once again on high alert as they slowly made their way forward. The phantoms had for some reason left them alone for now, which just made them even more nervous. "Why aren't they doing anything?" Misty asked wearily, at this point Pikachu was barely peeking out of Ash's backpack, while Duskull and Lampent had managed to hide themselves inside Brock's backpack…well…more like they phased through and were peeking out here and there. Even with their ability to remove the disguises, they were terrified too.
The path continued on, as more cackling phantoms briefly appeared and then vanished, further unnerving the group as they pressed on. The path soon led them towards what appeared to be a mausoleum, a sizable one which they opted not to question.
"...anyone else having that feeling of we shouldn't go in here?" Ash groaned.
"Try the feeling of get out of here altogether…" Misty groaned.
"Just…keep moving…" Brock sighed tiredly, the entire situation heavily draining on them mentally.
The group continued forward, cautiously entering into the mausoleum. The inside was…fairly empty at first, the large structure apparently having more than one room, and the first one was nothing of note. However, that changed as they got closer to the door to the next room…the first warning being a splash that they felt at their feet. Something rather…sticky.
The group gulped thickly, looking downward…and paling at the sight of some…familiar red liquid. They'd just stepped in blood which was coming from under the room leading to the next room.
"This…does NOT bode well," Gary gulped again as he slowly reached out, grabbed the handle, allowing them to open the door….and they immediately felt like losing their lunch again. In the center of the room, hanging from a rope and noose from the roof, was a Tyrogue Pokemorph, dressed in a Team Rocket uniform…but the most disturbing part beyond the look of being hanged…was the fact that the blood they were walking in came from the Tyrogue…from the limbs which looked like they'd been ripped off, the Tyrogue looking forward with an empty, dead look. Further adding to the horror was the missing limbs around the room. All of them were strewn about randomly in no particular way…like someone just tossed them aside like garbage.
At this point it was too much for some of them, as Misty and Gary ran to the nearest corners they could find and proceeded to throw up. Pikachu, Lampent, and Duskull were utterly terrified, and even Ash and Brock were stunned silent, neither of them seemingly able to fully process what they were seeing, just staring almost blankly at the dead Pokemorph.
Ash in particular was quite shaken, his mind struggling to come to terms with the situation. When he'd set out on his journey, he knew there would be dangers. He knew that there would be perils. Team Rocket were a good reminder, even if they weren't so bad. The encounter with Cross definitely was a blow to him, but it was more just a reminder that there were some rotten people in the world. This however…this was something else. Right before him he saw life being taken so brutally, and done in a way that felt almost like the ghosts were toying with them. Sure he had no love for Team Rocket, but even he didn't think their members deserved to die like this. The look on the face of the Tyrogue made it clear this hadn't been a quick death. This had been slow and brutal like torture.
While a rational part of him knew this was all from this twisted place…from whatever was making this place so wrong…it still hit him hard. This…this wasn't the journey he'd dreamed of, at least that was the feeling coming from the little part of him that had always dreamed of basically a magical, whimsical even, journey of adventure around the world. It honestly hurt more than he thought it would, this cold…horrifying even…reality faced before him. However, even as he felt himself falter, something else came up. He remembered the stories he'd heard from not just his parents but even Professor Oak. The Journey that they all took…it was always going to be different for each person, and it would never be easy…but even so…one only truly loses…when they give up. That memory was like hands on his back, pushing him back forward against this wave of uncertainty he felt in his heart.
Suddenly he felt himself back in reality, once again staring at the horrifying sight. Even though he'd started to gather his thoughts, he still remained frozen, unsure what to do. However, eventually it was Brock who regained his full wits and with slow almost labored movements, Brock stepped forward and using one of his hands, closed the eyes of the Tyrogue out of respect before cutting the rope and lowering him to the ground. The only thing he could do for the deceased Pokemorph at this point. "Let's…keep moving…" he said softly, fully snapping Ash out of his funk. At the same time Misty and Gary had returned, both still looking less than healthy, but able to keep going.
No words were said, the mood VERY somber as they continued onward. Even so their movements had lost much of their energy. After the sight of two Pokemorphs brutally losing their lives like that, the group morale was at an all time low as they continued to trudge forward. Around them here and there, a few phantoms appeared before vanishing, almost as if the damn things were enjoying seeing them look so emotionally drained. However, they forced themselves to not think about it. They couldn't afford to right now.
However, that grim determination was interrupted when they heard another scream, this one coming from not far ahead. The moment they heard that, they perked up, and while still feeling heavy from…everything…they ran forward and soon came upon another rather terrifying sight. On the ground was a female Purrloin Pokemorph, once again dressed in a Team Rocket uniform. In the case of this member of Team Rocket though, she was literally waist deep into the ground, looking like she was trying to escape from quicksand.
The moment she saw them, her eyes started to fill with hope. "Hey!" she shouted. "Please! You gotta help me! There's something in the gro-!" she started, but was cut off when some hands suddenly emerged from the ground and grabbed onto her. "No! No no no no!" she shouted and screamed in terror. "Please help me!" she shouted before the source of the hands revealed themselves. What emerged well…they weren't fully sure WHAT they were. The only thing they could say for sure was that it looked like a pair of decaying corpses, both of them so thin that the skin had seemingly turned ashen white and they could see the ribs through the skin. Topping the scary cake was the fact that well…none of them knew what the heck these corpses were. They looked kinda like primates somehow, but they couldn't tell if the lack of fur was due to losing all hair or because these things didn't have any to begin with. Their faces were also shaped rather strangely, different from any known Pokemorph species at that. The image of zombies of some kind were horrible enough, but adding a pair of zombies that looked like no Pokemorph they'd ever seen before somehow added to the fear as they could only watch in horror as the Purrloin was dragged underground further. The horror didn't end however, as they heard one last chilling set of words.
"Finally…fresh meat…" a pair of eerie voices said…before the sickening sound of something tearing into flesh was heard, followed by the pained and terrified screams of the Purrloin as blood splashed out of the hole, turning the nearby ground red.
At this point all of them couldn't take it anymore, and fell to their knees and threw up. This was too much. Whatever will they still had was all but completely shattered by the horrors they'd witnessed so far. So broken were the group, while their Pokemon inside and out of Pokeballs were too terrified to do anything, none of them were in a state to protect themselves as more of the horrific creatures emerged from the ground, making their way to the group to bring upon the same fate as the unfortunate Purrloin, and by this point none of them had the will or state of mind to be able to defend themselves.
Fortunately, it seemed fate hadn't abandoned them yet, as right as the monsters were about to get their claws on the group, a wave of psychic energy happened, and the creatures were violently pulled away, followed by a set of paper talismans and even a few arrows flying through the air, hitting all of them, the creatures vanishing in bursts of light as they screeched in pain and anger.
The abrupt disappearance of the creatures as well as the attacks that caused them to disappear seemed to dispel the miasma around them, which once again lightened the weight they were feeling…even if it did little to change the horror and sickness they were feeling from the sight they'd just witnessed. As such, even as they felt the shift, all they could do was stay on the ground, shaking and trying to get their stomachs under control, completely unable to care about the sick that was all over the floor.
Fortunately the next thing they felt was a calming feeling, like a calming hand on their shoulders, or someone reassuring them things would be okay. It worked well enough as their shaking slowly stopped, and they looked up, looking very much worse for wear.
"Are you all alright? Can you stand?" came Sabrina's voice as the Meowstic was standing over them, bent over slightly with a worried expression on her face as she looked at them, especially at Brock, a far cry from the face she put on during the time Ash fought her. Those eyes showed a greater kindness to them.
Coming up behind her, they also noticed two more people, who judging by their outfits, which were what some would identify as Shrine Maiden outfits, were Spiritualists, probably having come to help Sabrina in dealing with this crazy place. The first was a Braixen Pokemorph who seemed to be in her early to mid teens with long straight black hair that went straight down her back. She had a rather serious expression on her face as she stood alert, several paper talismans in her right hand while the stick that naturally came with her species was held firmly in her left hand, the tip already ignited, ready to fend off any ghosts that tried to get close.
The second on the other hand was a Kirlia Pokemorph. Like with the Braixen she had long black hair, though hers was decidedly more wavy than the Braixen. Her eyes were also notably less stern, having a kinder look to them as she looked worried for the group who were still barely able to get to their feet, still very much shaken from the horrors they'd witnessed. In her hands was a bow with a quiver of arrows strapped to her back, one such arrow already notched into her weapon, ready to shoot if any of the spirits tried anything funny.
"That was… terrifying." Ash managed to say finally, as after a few moments the group shakily got to their feet, while the Pokemon with them cautiously peeked out of their hiding spots.
"I thought we were all gonna die." Gary added, with Pikachu nodding in agreement as he finally got out of the bag fully.
"It's a good thing we got here when we did," the Kirlia frowned. "Those things…those…buried alive things or whatever they are…they're some of the worst things the phantoms created…" she frowned.
"It's very worrying. What has caused the spirits to become so restless…so angry…that such things are appearing," the Braixen said with a deep frown.
"Whatever it is, I feel that it is hiding at the top of the tower," Sabrina frowned, before looking worriedly at the group. "If you all wish to turn back, I won't fault you. Even the Spiritualists trained for this…even they are feeling the weight of this insanity…" she reassured them.
"But you're going to keep going, aren't you?" Brock said with a frown.
"If we don't stop the thing at the top of the tower, the situation will only get worse," Sabrina sighed. "And it is my duty as the Gym Leader of Saffron City to protect both Saffron City and our sister city of Lavender…"
"Then I'm not going anywhere," Brock said firmly. "Even if it's not my city, I'm a Gym Leader too…well I was," he stumbled a bit but quickly got on track. "But point is, this isn't just a Lavender Town problem, so I can't just ignore it, and I'm not going to let you go at this alone!" he said, probably a bit more passionately than most expected.
"What are we, chopped liver?" The Braixen said dryly, but chuckled all the same. "But we get the point, so try not to get yourself killed."
"I'll do my best," Brock snorted a bit.
"Well I'm the same," Misty said, stepping up.
"Don't forget about us. We're not gonna just act like nothing happened," Ash said.
"If these things get out of the Tower, it'll be a disaster for everyone, so I'm in too," Gary added.
"A-are you sure?" the Kirlia said in surprise. "These things are no joke. The last unfortunate person we found, even if they WERE with Team Rocket…well…" she trailed off and looked to the side as a Mightyena came towards them, roughly dragging a Combusken Pokemorph, also dressed in a Team Rocket Uniform…looking completely dead to the world, with a blank stare and drool going down the side of his mouth.
The Kirlia sighed tiredly at that. "Inu…didn't I ask you to carry them nicely?" she groaned, walking towards the Mightyena who let go of the Rocket Grunt and huffed, looking away defiantly and growling out a few things, earning a dope slap from the Kirlia. "Language, mister!" she admonished.
The Braixen groaned at the exchange. "Kagome, is that Mightyena STILL giving you problems?" she asked dryly.
"Hey, I've tried just about everything. This is literally the only way he'll even start to be agreeable," Kagome groaned. "Just be glad your Pokemon don't give you grief, Rei," she sighed.
Rei shrugged but didn't refute that as a Murkrow and a Corvisquire came down and flew near here. "Phobos, Deimos, is anyone else on this floor?" she asked.
The two bird Pokemon shook their heads, earning a nod from the Braixen. "It seems this is everyone…everyone alive anyway…" she frowned.
The group looked green again, knowing exactly what she meant. "So…what happens to that guy now?" Misty asked, looking at the seemingly brain dead Combusken.
"Indeed, we can't leave him be," Sabrina nodded, before taking out one of her Pokeballs. "Kadabra, if you'd please," she said before the Pokeball opened, and out came a Kadabra. "Kadabra, please take this man out of the Tower. The Police will know what to do with him," Sabrina said calmly.
Kadabra nodded, moving over to the Combusken and placed a hand on the Combusken. After a few moments of concentration, Kadabra suddenly teleported out of the tower before reappearing a minute later.
"Huh…glad to know we got an emergency exit it seems," Gary blinked.
"Don't get too comfortable," Sabrina said. "The more people at once, the more Kadabra needs to concentrate,' she warned. "At any rate, shall we keep moving? The longer we wait the more dangerous these spirits may become."
"...great…just great…" Ash groaned, while Pikachu really didn't like the sound of that.
The group soon continued onward, with Sabrina and the two Spiritualists leading the way. With them around, it seemed the phantoms present were deterred from trying anything for now. Well…most of them anyway. A few phantoms still tried to cause them trouble…and were quickly dispersed, be it from Rei's talismans or from Kagome's arrows, the two quick to take the lead as Sabrina seemed to be their ace in the hole if something bigger were to happen.
The stairs soon came into view, yet even with the additional help everyone's expression remained grim. The atmosphere seemed to turn thicker as they got closer to the stairs. "Be careful…we're getting dangerously close to the source," Kagome frowned, while Inu was growling angrily at the stairs.
"I thought you said that the thing was on the top floor?" Gary gulped.
"It was…but that doesn't mean it's confined to the top floor," Sabrina frowned.
"That's…not comforting at all," Misty gulped. "So basically whatever is causing this whole thing might be on the next floor?"
"Yes," Rei said simply.
"Well…look at it this way…at least if we beat it sooner, then we can solve this issue faster," Brock said, trying to keep the mood up.
"If only it'd be that simple," Rei sighed.
"Not helping, Rei," Kagome groaned.
"Just saying it how it is. This thing is strong. Defeating and putting it to rest won't be easy. I feel it would be better if they understand that," Rei said simply.
"But its not helping our morale," Sabrina sighed, before turning to the group. "I apologize for her. She takes her duties…quite seriously."
"Well…I guess it's better we treat things accordingly rather than think it's not a big deal," Gary gulped a bit.
Once again the grim atmosphere settled on the group as they finally went up the stairs. As they reached the top of the stairs…it now felt like they were walking through molasses. Just moving forward was a great effort, and the Pokemon had either retreated into their Pokeballs or were hiding where they could with how unsettling the entire floor felt.
Speaking of the floor itself, it was…honestly quite disturbing. While it hadn't massively morphed…the entire area they were in felt distorted. The walls and floors twisting in on themselves which created a strange space that while still identifiable as a floor within the Pokemon Tower, it looked like it was in the process of turning into whatever the spirits wanted it to be…though what it was…they had no idea nor did they want to know. Heck, at this point they didn't even want to think about what more these things would do if they didn't stop them soon.
Up ahead, they saw what appeared to be a thick fog that was obscuring the stairs. "That sounds like a pretty clear warning bell," Ash gulped a bit.
"Yes, I'm sensing something from that fog," Sabrina confirmed. "Be on guard."
That was all she needed to say, as everyone was already on guard as they slowly made their way forward. This time they didn't encounter any Phantoms or creatures that seemed to have been created by them…something they were very much thankful for as just walking was an effort. If they had to fight their way through they'd be exhausted before they reached the source.
"What's our plan when we reach this thing?" Brock asked, dead serious.
"For now…we treat it like a Pokemon. We have to weaken it first before the three of us or at least Sabrina to exorcize the spirit," Rei said.
"We'll do the heavy lifting," Kagome said. "All of you just well…play distraction."
"Fair enough I guess," Misty frowned. They…really didn't have an actual means of dealing with angry spirits beyond the usual methods they have.
With the admittedly very rough decision made, they continued onward. The only good thing of the warping area was that somehow it had shifted the gravestones in the area so it was a fairly simple way through…though that didn't mean that it was a smooth path either.
As they made their way towards the fog ahead, aside from the weight they felt, the warping space made the floor feel more like they were walking in one of those funhouses that were slanted, forcing them to watch their footing. Even so they continued to make progress as they started to approach the thick fog. Rei took out the wooden stick/wand that her species usually had and ignited the tip, sending a small wave of flames to try and dispel the fog with the heat. It worked…slightly…as the fog thinned a little, but overall still remained present. However, that stopped being an issue as what was hiding in the fog soon revealed itself. It was a Phantom like they'd expected…but this one was several times larger than all the others they'd seen so far. And it did NOT look pleased to see them. The moment it did, the aura of fear intensified, so much so that most of the Pokemon present were near frozen, forcing them to be recalled, while Pikachu hid in Ash's bag. Duskull and Lampent were just barely able to stop themselves from running away.
"Well…looks like we found it. And it's definitely ready to fight," Ash gulped thickly before they all quickly got into ready positions, looks of grim determination on their faces. It was time to put an end to the haunting of this tower.
XXXX
And done for now. Yeahp, Lavender Town is anything but pleasant, and I drew ideas from various creepy pastas as well as from the game and Electric Tales manga. Needless to say this chapter is one of the ones that REALLY justify the M rating.
