Pokemon is owned by Gamefreak and all Pokédex entries are from Bulbapedia.
"Butts"- Humans speaking
"Butts"- Pokemon speaking
'Butts'- thoughts
"Butts"-Pokedex entries/TV commentary
Kindred Spirits
Some time after Ash won his Marsh Badge, our heroes had decided to make a pit stop at Lavender Town, much to both Misty and Yami's chagrin due to Misty's fear of ghosts and Yami…. Well, we should probably find out for ourselves.
Misty: So why are we going to this creepy place again?
Ash: Misty, I told you, my cousin's birthday is coming up. He loves ghost Pokémon more than anything, so I want to catch him one. And Pokémon Tower is supposed to be a good place to get one. It is one of the most haunted places in Kanto, after all. I can't wait to explore it. Ethan's going to flip when he sees the video I'm going to take from him. Maybe we'll get to see a real, live ghost!
Green: Aren't ghosts technically not alive?
Ash: I have really got to explain what figures of speech are to you someday.
Ash let out a fake long suffering sigh, rolling his eyes playfully at his starter as a thick fog rolled into the area.
Brock: Man, there's a lot of fog rolling in.
Ash: Everyone stay close. We don't want to get separated.
Cobalt: I can barely see. This is getting really creepy….
Suddenly, he felt a tap on his shoulder and turned back to see what looked like a floating skull grinning at him. The Lcario screamed in trror, reeling a fist back to punch the "monster." Unfortunately, it ducked and he ended up hitting Green instead, making Green yell out in pain and Ash letting out a loud yell from the fright.
Misty: Ash, don't scream like that, you nearly scared the crap out of me!" Misty, who hadn't seen what happened, complained.
Ash: It wasn't just me. Yell at Green, he's the one that yelld out.
Green: OW! Ow… Yvch- OW! What the hell is wrong with you?!
But Cobalt was looking behind him and pointing frantically, himpering as the skull monster got closer. Ash and Green looked startled for a second, then Ash realized what the "skull" really was. He reached down and yanked off the skull mask, revealing Loki.
Ash: Loki, that wasn't nice.
Loki: Maybe not, but it WAS funny.
Loki gave a shit-eating grin, then jumped out of the way as a fuming Cobalt shot an Aura Sphere at his feet.
Ash: Mist, we have weird Pokémon.
Yami: Aww, you love us anyway.
Psi: And I have weird friends.
Green: You're just as weird as the rest of us, Mr. Know It All.
Cobalt: Sorry for punching you like that, bro.
Green: Ah, don;t worry about it, buddy. Try to be more careful with that next time, all right?
Brock: Look, there's Lavender Town!
The purple town was bathed in the glow of the sunset as the group entered Lavender Town, unaware of the curious eyes that had been watching them, and the large shadow following them. A half hour later, they arrived at Pokémon Tower. It was an old, abandoned hotel, menacing looking with horns at the top and windows that were shaped like a face. It was said to be the most haunted place in Kanto, and rumor had it that it was built on top of an old burial ground.
Misty: This place is spooky.
Ash: I know. Isn't it awesome? I've been wanting to visit this place for a while.
Misty: Why in the world would you want to visit an old abandoned hotel? Especially one that's haunted?
Ash: Me and Ethan are big into ghosts and cool mysteries. We always used to watch ghost shows and even snuck into a few houses that were said to be haunted when we were together. We saw this place on Spirit Hunters and Ethan made me promise that when I went on my journey, I'd explore Pokémon Tower and get it all on video for him.
Misty: It sounds like you guys are close.
Ash: Yeah, he's like my brother. That's why I want to make this birthday extra-special for him. It's his tenth, so he'll be heading out on his Pokémon journey. Hopefully I'll be able to find a good ghost Pokémon for him.
At this, Yami popped up behind Ash, shaking his head and waving his hands as a way for them to say "No", only for Misty to answer and Brock to nod with her.
Misty: We'll help you.
Ash: Thanks, guys.
He started to head towards Pokémon Tower, Misty and Brock, and Ash's Pokémon close behind, though Yami frantically tried to stop them.
Yami: But why come here for Ghost types? I-I-I uh…. I think Cinnibar Island is a better place to get Ghost type Pokemon. Besides, all you'll get here is Electric types.
Green: Isn't Cinnibar hom to Fire type Pokemon?
Yami: You heard wrong.
Ash pushed the heavy door open slowly, making it creak loudly.
Ash: Hello? Anyone home?
Green: *nervous* Ash, do you really want someone to answer that?
Loki: I think someone's scared.
Green: Am not!
Yami: Well, look at that, no one's home! *pushes them out* Well, maybe we should try tomorrow, or next week, or never. Preferably never.
Ash: Yami, what is your deal? You're acting crazy.
Yami: Crazy? Who's crazy, I'm not crazy!... *yells at his shaodw* STOP FOLLOWING ME!
Cobalt: *warning* Yami….
Yami: …..*defeated sigh* Okay, you got me. This place is… My old home.
Aiden: Your old home?
Yami: Yep. I sowre that I'd never come back until I became the strongest Ghost type Pokemon in Kanto. And I uh…. I may have said some stuff and… It'd be awkward.
Ash: Oh,I…. I didn;t know, Yami. I'm sorry. But you know I have to catch a Ghost type for my cousin.
Yami: I know.
Ash: If you want, you can wait outside the Tower. It probably won't take too long to find one.
Hearing this, Yami gave Ash a heartfelt smile, hugging him before sitting on the stoop. Giving Yami a wave, Ash led the others into the Tower.
Brock: Wow, it's really dark in here.
Suddenly, the door slammed shut, making everyone jump.
Misty: And now it's pitch black!
Ash: Hold on, let me find my flashlight.
Brock: Ash, is this you over here?
Brock reached out blindly and grabbed Cobalt's dreadlock by mistake, making him yell in shock and grip hard onto Ash's shoulder, making Ash yelp and drop the bag on his foot.
Cobalt: Something's got me! Something's got me! Mommy!
Ash found his flashlight and turned it on, revealing Brock grabbing onto Cobalt's dreadlock. The Lucario's cheeks turned bright red as Ash took him from Brock.
Brock: Sorry, Cobalt.
Loki was literally rolling on the floor laughing and Green was trying really hard not to. Ash hugged Cobalt close, holding his paw as he held the flashlight with the other, also using it to rub his sore shoulder and lifted his backpack off his throbbing foot.
Ash: Remind me to wear a suit of armor if we ever go to another haunted place.
Ash shined the flashlight around the room, revealing an old fireplace with candlesticks on it and some dusty old furniture covered in sheets.
Ash: No ghost Pokémon yet, but they might be further i…
His flashlight suddenly flickered and died out.
Ash: Uh-oh.
Misty: Please tell me you have extra batteries...
Ash slapped his forehead, though no one could see it in the dark.
Ash: I KNEW there was something I forgot to buy at the Poké Mart...
Misty: Well, that's just great!
Brock: Calm down, calm down. I saw some candles on the fireplace. Let me just grab one of those- OW!
Ash: What happened?
Cobalt: Oh lord, this is it! We're gonna die here!
Psi: Everyone, calm down, there is no need to get hysterical.
Green: We're trapped in a haunted tower with no light and vicious Ghost type Pokemon! This is the perfect time to be hysterical!
Azula: *nervous* Should we be hysterical?
Psi: No!
Aiden: Yes!
Ash: Maybe, but not right now!
Ash finally managed to find his video camera and turn it on, using the night vision to see.
Brock: I stubbed my toe. Okay, I think I got the candle...Yep, that's definitely a candle. Hey Aidan, can you come over here and light this for me?
Aidan nodded and walked over, using his tail flame to find Brock, then shot a Flamethrower at the candle, but overpowered it and hit Brock as well by mistake.
Brock: I said light the candle, NOT ME!
Aidan flinched and jumped backwards.
Aiden: Sorry!
Ash rubbed Aidan's head to soothe him and gave Brock an apologetic look.
Ash: Next training day, we work on Flamethrower control, okay Aidan?
Suddenly, they heard the sounds of creepy laughter coming from somewhere in the tower. Ash and Misty ended up hugging each other in fear.
Misty: Where-Where are those voices coming from?
Brock: Should-Should we go check it out?
Ash: Might as well.
Loki: Ooh, is this the part where we become shish kabob for a psychotic serial killer who escaped from an insane asylum and is hiding in an abandoned hotel?
Loki asked with disturbing cheerfulness.
Cobalt: how the hell did you come up with that?
Loki: Snuck into a theater to see a movie with my gang.
Ash: No, Loki. There's no serial killers in Pokémon Tower, so quit scaring everyone.
Loki: Fine, I'll take your word for it, but if some maniac with a hook for a hand comes after us, I am so tripping you.
Guided by the light of the candle and Aidan's tail, the group headed down the hallway, taking the first door.
—-
Meanwhile outside, we see Yami still sitting on the stoop, using his finger to draw in the sand.
Yami: I love sand. It's coarse and… rough, and…. It just gets everywhere…. Ah, wel, at least I'm not in there. It's not like I forgot something in that tower that would make me want to go in or anything…
The Gengar continued drawing in the dirt for a little bit more before he stopped, standing up before he realized something.
Yami: MY TREASURE! I can't believe I forgot it here! I have to get it back!
Expecting the door to be stuck, he floated up to the door, backing up slowly before charging quickly, trying to ram the door open. However, he simply phased through it, much to his confusion.
Yami: Huh?... Oh, right. Ghost.
Back with the others, they came upon what looked like a huge banquet hall. Lights suddenly came on as they walked in, making everyone jump. The table was set with dishes that were surprisingly clean.
Brock: It looks like some sort of fancy restaurant.
Misty: Maybe it's some sort of party? Or a reception?
Ash: In an old abandoned hotel that's said to be haunted? It'd be a pretty weird place to have a party. Something odd is going on here.
Green: No, you think so?... Hey, what's up with this?
The Grovyle pointed over, showing a string with a small sign attached.
Brock: Hm… "Pull this".
Ash: *frantic* Don't pull it!
Misty: We're not stupid, Ash.
A curious Cobalt looked up to see what the string was attached to, then walked over to Brock to see the string as he then turned back to Ash.
Cobalt: It looks like the strings attached to some weird looking ball and a big-
He was cut off when he felt a sharp tug. His tail had got caught on the string, pulling it down. The ball broke open, sending confetti flying and a big banner reading WELCOME dropped down.
Brock: Are we…
Misty: Being welcomed?
But confusion soon turned to fear as the dishes, tables, and chairs began levitating in the air and flying at them. Cobalt grabbed a tray from the air and began using it to shield his friends and trainer from flying dishes. Brock yelled as he was scooped up by a flying chair. Ash and Misty gasped and rushed to help him. However, Cobalt was seen being dragged by another chair and taken towards the opposite side of the room. Aiden leapt on top of a flying chair and leapt towards Cobalt, grabbing him. They were about to crash into the wall when Green grabbed them both and leapt on the table.
A pitcher went flying at Loki and he braced himself for impact, but Psi grabbed him, pulling him out of the way just in time. Dodging flying dishes, the group of Pokémon raced out of the room. Once they reached the living room, the four panted hard, Psi having a small conception fit.
Psi: There must be a logical explanation for what happened in there.
Loki: This place is freaking haunted, there's your explanation! Now let's make like a Trevanant and leave!
Green: Wait. Where's Ash?
Aiden: They must not have gotten out of there!
At those words, Cobalt ran back towards the dining room to find his trainer, Aidan, Green and Psi hot on his heels while Loki begrudgingly followed.
Loki: Yeah, run back into the place where the creepy-ass stuff just happened, real smart.
Much to their surprise, the room looked completely untouched, the dishes sitting on the table again. There was no sign of their trainers.
Green: Where are they?
Aiden: Maybe the ghost got them!
Psi: No, no Aiden. That is not possible. *unsure* This room has more than one exit, maybe they went out through the other door.
Suddenly, the lights went out, making Aidan yelp and Cobalt leap into Green's arms in fear.
Green: It-It's okay, guys, it was just the lights.
Loki: You guys are wild Pokémon, you don't get it. If the lights go off in a haunted place, it means scary stuff is about to happen!
Psi: Loki, knock it off and quit trying to scare everyone! Let us just find our trainers and get out of this damn place!
The group of Pokémon headed out of the dining room and down the hallway, looking around nervously. Suddenly, a cupboard door opened quietly and something that seemed to glow purple and be made of shadows floated out of it. Its glowing white eyes focused on Green and it gave her a sinister smile.
Green: *horrified* Guys…. Look….
The others, who were all in front of her, turned to look. But by the time they looked, the creature had vanished.
Aiden: Green, there's nothing there.
Green: But it was right there!
Loki: You must be seeing things.
Green: But it was there!
Despite this, they kept going, with Aiden walking alongside Green. They had only walked a little further when the creature suddenly appeared in front of Green, right in front of the back of his head. It grinned at them, showing razor sharp teeth as they then screamed.
Loki: Don't tell me you're seeing things again.
The creature mimicked his words, as it then started to move forwards, an evil grin on its face.
Green: GET AWAY!
He instinctively threw an Energy Ball at the creature, but it vanished at the last second and it ended up hitting Loki right as he turned around to see what was going on, sending him flying across the room and hitting a wall.
Loki: Ow…
Green gasped and rushed to check on him, but tripped over Psi's foot. Loki glared at Green and was about to yell at him when creepy laughter filled the room.
Cobalt: *nervous* Please tell me that was one of you.
Suddenly, three pairs of glowing eyes stared at them in the darkness as the laughter continued. Cobalt and Aidan jumped into Psi's arms in fear.
Psi: Well, seeing as I am once again incorrect. I believe the best thing to do here is…. RUN FOR OUR LIVES!
Loki ran full steam ahead as Psi floated quickly, carrying Aidan and Cobalt. None of them realized that Green wasn't behind them.
—-
Meanwhile, Ash, Misty, Brock, and Azula had run into a dark study and shut the door, hearing the dishes that had been flying after them crashing into the old wooden door. They waited for a few minutes, scared and completely silent, until all noises had stopped.
Misty: Do-Do you think whatever's doing this is gone?
Brock: I don't hear anything.
Ash: Wait, did either of you see what happened to the rest of our Pokémon?... Please tell me they're not still in there!
Brock: I-I didn't see them after getting grabbed by that chair.
Misty: *worried* Me neither.
Ash: We've got to go find them!
Both Misty and Brock shushed him, not wanting the ghost or whatever had made the dishes float to hear them.
Misty: *whispers* Ash, shh, we'll find them, but I don't want to be ghost food, so quiet down a bit.
Brock: Everyone grab hands so we don't get lost. Where are you guys?
Reaching out, Brock bumped into Ash and found his hand. After making sure Azula was still on him, Ash reached out for Misty.
Ash: Mist, where are you?
Ash: I'm right here. Where are you?
However, as Misty reached out, a cold, bony hand took hers just as another hand like it slipped into Ash's.
Ash: Oh, there you are.
Misty: Man, Ash, for someone who eats as much as a Snorlax, you have really bony hands.
Ash: My hands are bony? Yours feel like a skeleton!
As Brock led them out, the two ended up in an argument over whose hands were bonier, which would have amused Brock had they not been in a haunted tower.
Brock: Guys, you can decide whose hands are bonier after we get out of the creepy tower.
As he felt around, his hands hit a wall and he touched what felt like a light switch.
Brock: Hey, guys, I think I found a light switch! I wonder if it actually works!
He flipped it on and the lights came on behind him. A loud scream from Misty made Ash and Brock turn, gasping at what they saw. Misty and Ash were holding hands, not with each other as they had thought, but with a walking skeleton. It slowly turned and its jawbones creaked as it said in a raspy voice.
Skeleton: Thanks for getting me out of there, guys. There's ghosts in here!
A large horrified scream was the three's very understandable response as they ran off. The skeleton shrugged and walked the opposite direction. Ash, Misty, and Brock ran, looking back to see if the skeleton was following them as Azula held on for dear life, rounding a corner at the same time Loki and Psi, who was carrying Aidan and Cobalt as they ran, sped around the corner as well. Both groups slammed into each other, falling hard to the ground.
Cobalt: Ash, you're okay!
The Lucario cried in relief, hugging him, as did Aidan and Psi.
Loki: Hate to interrupt the reunion, but let's get out of this freaky place
Azula: Wait, where's Green?
Loki: He's right behind…. *looks behind* Wait, where is he?
Yami: *off-screen* Where's who?
The entire group screamed at the sudden voice, only to see Yami, who also screamed in terror.
Ash: Oh, Yami. It's just you… Wait, why are you here? I thought you were outside.
Yami: I was, but I remembered something. Before I left home, I found this awesome treasure. But when I left, I forgot to bring it with me, so I came to get it. But while I was searching, I was surprised to find you guys running around and screaming like banshees. Why are you guys so spooked, anyway?
Cobalt: It's a bit of a long story. You see-
Suddenly, there was a loud yell of pain, making everyone jump. Ash an most definitely Cobalt recognized the voice.
Ash/Cobalt: Green!
The pair rushed back towards the hallway, intent on saving their friend. But there was a crack in the floor and Ash tripped and fell hard. There was a creaking noise above him and Ash looked down to see a huge chandelier falling down towards him. Pushing Cobalt out of the way, Ash braced himself for impact, faintly hearing his friends screaming his name, but nothing happened. He looked up to see the chandelier levitating above him.
Ash: How….
He noticed movement on his right and turned to see a small orange Pokemon covered in blue energy floating, using a small lightning bolt shaped limbs to fire off electromagnetic pulses to keep it afloat, then carefully lowering the chandelier once he was out of the way. Cobalt ran up to Ash and tackle-hugged him, relieved he was safe.
Ash: Thank you.
Ash told the ghost, trying to remember what species it was before deciding to scan it.
Pokedex: Rotom, the Plasma Pokémon. An Electric and Ghost type. Rotom play pranks by inhabiting electrical appliances. With 5 separate devices, it allows Rotom to change battle style and even typing.
Seeing this, he finally remembered it from a show on Ghost Pokémon he had watched with Ethan. But Rotom was a ghost Pokémon from Sinnoh. What was it doing here?
?: Ash!
Someone called from the shadows, interrupting his thoughts. Ash turned to see Green coming out of the shadows, a Gastly, Haunter, and Gengar with him.
Ash: *relieved* Green. Are you okay? I heard you screaming.
Green: You'd scream too if you hit a shelf with your face.
Ash: Ow… Who're they?
Green: Oh, this is Perry, Bob, and Rico. They're the ones who were scaring the heck out of us with their awesome pranks.
Ash was wide-eyed as he looked at the three ghosts, translating Green's words to Misty and Brock.
Ash: That was all you guys? The dishes floating and everything?
The ghosts looked at him in shock.
Green: I may have forgotten to mention my trainer can understand Pokémon. Sorry.
Gastly (Perry): Whoa, really? That's freaky!
Bob (Haunter): But extremely awesome.
The Gastly and Gengar in agreement.
Misty: *angry* Wait, so you guys have been the ones scaring the life out of us? What's the meaning of scaring us like that?
Gengar (Rico): It was funny.
Cobalt: You think that was funny?! That wasn't funny! Scaring people like that is not funny! You almost got us killed!
Perry: *confused* You humans love scaring yourselves. Why else would you be in a haunted tower? Plus, it was just a little scare. It's not like we hurt you or anything.
Loki: You nearly beaned me in the head with a glass pitcher!
Bob: That was an accident.
Cobalt: And you nearly sent me and Aidan flying into the wall!
Rico: Relax, I would have made sure you turned before hitting the wall. We prank people, we don't hurt them. And that pitcher was made of stage glass. Even if it had hit you, it wouldn't have hurt.
Loki: Stage what?
Yami: Stage glass. It's a type of glass designed to be used in plays and movies. You can hit someone over the head with it and it won't even hurt.
Rico: Wait, I know that voice….. Franklin? Franklin, is that you?
Yami: *sighs* Oh Arceus- Hey, Rico. And the name's Yami. Franklin's a dumb name.
Perry: Well, look at you. I bet that Speaker kid's your trainer and you finally evolved.
Bob: I bet you're really strong now, huh?
Yami: *awkward* Uh… Yeah….
Cobalt: "Franklin"?
Yami: Don't start.
Misty: So why scare us like this? Are you trying to keep people out of the tower?
Bob: *as Ash translates* No. In fact, we want people to come to this tower.
Misty: Then why are you trying to scare everyone?
Perry: Because we're trying to make our own comedy show.
Bob: But on the computer instead of on TV.
Psi: Do you mean a web show?
Rico: Yeah, exactly.
Ash was wondering how wild Ghost Pokémon knew so much about human technology. Turning to Gengar, he asked exactly that.
Rico: Oh, I'm not wild. Most of the other ghosts here are, but I belong to the caretaker here. He's a retired magician and I used to help him with his tricks.
Ash: Wow. So, if you don't mind me asking, how'd you do that trick with the plates? Was there a magnet in the floor or did they have motors or something?
Rico: No, nothing that complicated. I just know Psychic.
Psi: You used Psychic on all those plates by yourself?
Rico: I had help. *gestures to Rotom* Sparky has a way with electromagnetism and some of the others here helped us as well.
Ash: There are others besides you four?
Yami: Yeah, there are lots of others here. They just don't show themselves as much as these guys.
Ash: Are there any that are looking for a trainer?
Rico: As long as you're not like this spiky haired kid that came in a few days ago and was bragging loudly that he would capture every single Ghost Pokémon in this tower. Let's just say we had him running out of here screaming like a girl. So much for 'the great Gary Oak' as he called himself.
Cobalt, Green, and Yami burst out laughing and Ash tried to hold back his own.
Bob: I can see you holding in that laugh, kid. We got it all on video if you want to see it.
Rico: Speaking of video, *picks up camcorder* you dropped your camera in the dining room during the plate prank.
Ash: *takes camera* Thanks and don't worry, I won't force any Pokémon to come with me. You see, my cousin's tenth birthday is coming up and we came here so I could find a ghost Pokémon to be his starter because they're his absolute favorite.
The ghosts began to whisper amongst each other, then nodded.
Rico: We do have a few ghosts looking for trainers. What's this cousin of yours like?
Ash: Very friendly, hyperactive, loves exploring, pranks, and jokes, and really loves to battle.
Rico: *chuckles* Kinda sounds like a certain Gastly I used to know… Eh? Am I right, Franklin?
Yami: Stop calling me that.
Rico: Actually I know the perfect ghost. And you'll be doing both him and us a favor by finding him a trainer.
Bob: Yeah, he's a bit….annoying. He constantly challenges everyone he sees to a battle, whether they want to or not. That's why we call him Scraps. Actually he came by a few weeks or so after Franklin left. He'd probably be pretty happy with a trainer because he'd be able to battle whenever he wants to.
Rico: We'll take you to him.
Ash nodded as he then looked to the Rotom the others had called Sparky.
Ash: If you don't mind me asking, have you always lived here? I thought Rotom was native to Sinnoh.
Sparky: We are. I waz caught in Zinnoh, but my trainer releazed me here at Lavender Tower.
Ash stopped in his tracks, making Psi bump into him.
Ash: You were abandoned?
Sparky: No, it wazn't like that. My former trainer waz a very zeriouz battler and an Elite Trainer, got top two in the Zinnoh League and waz taking on the Kanto Battle Frontier. He waz hoping to uze me in the Frontier, but though I tried my bezt, I waz pretty far behind the otherz and wazn't really good at battling their way. And though I don't mind the occasional battle, I'm not really that crazy about battling. I tried my bezt to become ztronger and make myzelf az enthuziaztic about battlez az all of hiz other Pokémon, but he could tell I wazn't happy. And with hiz goalz, he needed Pokémon who were ztrong and loved to battle, and I couldn't be that Pokémon. You can't change who you are, and inztead of forzing me to be zomeone I wazn't, he dezided it waz bezt for both of uz to releaze me. He brought me here to Lavender Tower zo I could at leazt be with other Ghozt Pokémon and I've lived here ever zince.
Ash: Do you like it here?
Sparky: Yeah, zort of.
Cobalt: Zort of- I mean, sort of?
Sparky: The other ghoztz are really nize and I do like it here, but I kind of get bored with nothing to do. I zometimez help the other ghoztz, but when I try to help them with prankz, I….
Perry: Accidentally prank yourself. *to Ash* If you ever decide to prank, remember, you have to put the bucket of mayonnaise on the door a certain way so it doesn't come back down on you when you go to leave. And always remember where you put the tripwire for the water balloon catapult.
Ash: I'll keep that in mind. So Sparky, what do you like to do?
Sparky: Mostly, I like to juzt help people out and meet new people and Pokémon. Az long az I have zomething to do and friendz to hang out with, I'm happy.
Ash had an idea.
Ash:Why don't you come with me? The professor who gave me my Pokédex, Professor Oak, has a huge Pokémon ranch and it's baby Pokémon season so he could really use some help. Professor Oak is really nice and always takes good care of the Pokémon there, and the place is huge, so you'll have room to roam around. And if you get bored there or one of my teammates gets burnt out and needs a vacation, you can always journey with us. I won't make you battle if you don't like it.
Sparky: That doez zound really good. It'll be nize to go to that ranch. And if you need my help, I would definitely be willing to battle for you.
Ash smiled and was about to answer when a voice yelled,
?: You have entered the realm of the mightiest of all ghost warriors! Prepare for battle!
Yami: What the- Hey, he stole my thing!
Suddenly, a small floating green serpent with a dragon head slid out of the shadows and took a battle stance. Confused, Ash scanned the new creatrue.
Pokedex: Dreepy, the Lingering Pokemon. A Dragon and Ghost type. After being reborn as a ghost Pokémon, Dreepy wanders the areas it used to inhabit back when it was alive in prehistoric seas.
Ash: Woah, another foreign Pokemon. This guy's from Galar. *to Dreepy* Can I talk to you?
Dreepy: Talking is boring! I want to battle and you wouldn't understand what I'm saying anyway.
Ash: 'Yep, definitely a good Pokémon for Ethan.' Actually, I can understand what you're saying, Scraps. *Scraps becomes surprised* I just need to ask you something and we can battle afterwards.
Scraps finally nodded and Ash explained about his cousin's birthday and that Ethan really wanted a Ghost Pokémon, telling Scraps a little about his cousin. Scraps thought for a few minutes.
Scraps: Well, he does seem like my type of trainer and I have been wanting to get out of here and show off my battling in actual gyms. So I will go with you and become his Pokémon….if you can defeat me. And if he turns out to be a jerk or a terrible trainer when I meet him, the deal is off.
Ash: Fair enough.
Ash looked to his Pokémon to decide which one to have fight Scraps, but Yami moved forwards.
Yami: Let me battle him. I want to see how the "mightiest of all ghost warriors" does against the strongest Ghost ype in Kanto.
Scraps: *smiles* Bring it on!
He led Yami to an empty room, then looked to the other Gastly.
Scraps: You're the referee, Perry.
Perry: Um…. go?
Scraps launched a Shadow Ball at Yami.
Ash: Yami, dodge it and use Sludge Bomb!
Yami nimbly dodged the ball of ghostly energy and flew at Scraps, his cheeks full of sludge and ready to spit it out at him. Scraps had no time to dodge and was hit, but wasn't out yet and went invisible. Ash frantically scanned the area and saw Scraps using Shadow Sneak from the shadows around the ceiling.
Ash: Yami, he's above you! Dodge and use Shadow Ball!
Scraps was quicker and managed to hit Yami, knocking Yami back, but Yami quickly recovered and used Shadow Ball. Scraps slid backwards with a growl and vanished again, only to reappear behind Yami and hit him with a Shadow Ball of his own.
Ash: Shadow Punch!
Yami hit Scraps hard with his shadowy fist, making the ghost type fall to the ground and struggle to get airborne again. Thinking Scraps was out, Ash threw a PokeBall as it shook once, twice, three times….
….Then burst open. Scraps grinned, not wanting to give up that easily.
Scraps: You guys are good. But I'm not going down that easily.
He hit Yami with a powerful Shadow Ball, then vanished into the shadows while Yami was recovering from the hard hit. But Ash noticed Scraps sneaking up on the right.
Ash: Yami! Shadow Punch! Your right!
Yami quickly obeyed the command, about to strike Scraps ith a Shadow Punch as he dashed. Only instead, he seemed to meld with the floor. Confused, Scraps looked around as a pair of red eyes seemingly gleamed at him and rose up, revealing Yami as he struck the Dreepy's stomach. Ash stood in awe at what happened; Yami had learned Phantom Force, onne of the most powerful Ghost type moves. Scraps fell back and used Shadow Ball, which Yami dodged, then hit Scraps with Venoshock at Ash's command. Scraps fell to the ground again, unable to get up this time. Ash tossed another Poké Ball at him, and it rattled once, twice, three times before clicking shut. Ash ran and picked it up, but it surprised him by teleporting away. Ash looked around for it frantically for a second before slapping himself on the forehead.
Ash: Oh, I forgot they did that if you're over six Pokémon. Hope he doesn't give Professor Oak too much trouble at the ranch before I can explain things to him.
Bob: He'll probably challenge everyone in sight to a battle.
Sparky: I can keep him under control. Do you mind if I zay goodbye to the other ghoztz, Ash?
Ash: That's fine. Take as much time as you need.
Sparky thanked him and left the room. Bob smiled at this, asking Ash and his friends if they wanted to see the most awesome room in the tower… Only to remember they couldn't phase through walls. As Yami tried to follow, he was stopped by Rico's hand on his shoulder, signalling him to stay as the others left.
Yami: ….Okay, look. I know what I said was wrong. I'm sorry, okay? I just…. Didn;t like you guys saying that stuff about me being only a prankster and I-
He was interrupted by the other Gengar, who held out a small lavender ball with an indigo and red swirl within it, which Yami gleefully took.
Rico: Here. I knew you'd come back for it.
Yami: My treasure! Thanks, Rico. And I was honest there… I really am-
Rico: Don;t worry about it. I guess we were kinda harsh, but you really have become strong the way we've seen you just now. Just… Come back sometime, okay? You'll always have a home here, Franklin- I mean… Yami.
Yami nodded and smiled, bringing Rico into a small embrace before Ash, Misty, and the others came back, seemingly laughing at something. When he asked what happened, Cobalt said Bob sent a copy to Ash, so he could watch it later. Eventually Sparky came back, Ash catching him in a ball, which was teleported to Prof. Oak's lab. They said their farewells before heading downstairs, ready to leave.
Brock: Well, that was certainly interesting.
Misty: If by interesting, you mean weird.
Ash: You know us, we don't do normal.
Suddenly, they heard creepy laughter again.
Misty: Will you guys knock it off? We know it's you three!
But the laughter continued. A hand was suddenly placed on her shoulder, which caused Misty to turn at yel at what she thought was one of the ghosts. But when she turned, she saw a red demonic face with burned black patches and black horns as well as bright yellow eyes. She screamed, pulling out her Misty Mallet and slamming it down on the creature, knocking it to the ground. The "creature" groaned, its mask falling to the side to reveal an old man with a beard and salt and pepper hair.
?: Ow…for such a little girl, you have a strong swing.
Brock helped him to his feet.
Misty: Why did you scare us like that?
?: Thought I'd give you guys one last scare before you left. Can't let my Gengar assistant have all the fun.
Brock: Are you the caretaker here?
?: *nods* Yes, I am. I'm surprised none of you recognized me. Before I retired, I was-
Ash: *amazed* The Great Alfredo!
Brock: The who?
Misty: *mutters* Sounds like a pasta dish.
Ash: He's one of the greatest comedy stage magicians ever! I used to watch his show all the time. *to Alfredo* It's nice to meet you, sir.
Alfredo: Always great to meet a fan.
He pulls a picture of himself in a bright violet magician's cape and hat out of thin air and makes a sweeping gesture. A pen came flying from out of nowhere and autographed the picture all by itself. Alfredo then waved his hand over the picture and it completely vanished.
Ash: Hmm, where'd it go?
Alfredo: Maybe….Ash, check out the inside pocket of your vest.
Ash did as he was told, finding the picture neatly tucked in the inside pocket of his vest. Cobalt's eyes were as big as dinner plates.
Cobalt: How did….How'd that….He couldn't have…I would have seen it!
Azula then fainted as her brain glitched. Ash quickly caught her and tried to wake her up as Green tried not to laugh at his nervous friend fainting from inability to figure out a magic trick.
Misty: That was awesome.
Alfredo: You must be the gym leader from Cerulean, Misty. I apologize for scaring you. *bows* Let me give you this as an apology.
He handed her a folded piece of tissue paper.
Misty: Um, thanks?
Alfredo: Oh, forgive me, it needs to be opened first.
He opened the paper and somehow pulled out a bouquet of roses from inside the folds and handed them to her, which Misty took in amazement.
Misty: Wow.
Brock: Oh, and you're Brock, the Pewter City Gym leader. Hmm…. That's a strange place to keep your Boulder Badges.
He reached to Brock's ear and pulled out an entire string of small stones shaped like Boulder Badges, handing it to him.
Brock: Wow, you're right, Ash, he is good.
Alfredo: Thank you. So how did you three enjoy our little Tower Of Terror?
The three ghosts came down the stairs to join him.
Ash: It was fantastic. You guys really got us good. The dish prank was well done, but I think my favorite was the talking skeleton.
Alfredo: *confused* Skeleton? What skeleton?
Ash: The one in that closet near the dining room. It ended up holding hands with me and Misty and said "Thanks for getting me out of there. There's ghosts in here!" Don;t you remember?
Alfredo: *eyes wide* Rico, did you get a talking skeleton?
Rico: Wasn't me, but that'd be a great idea for a prank. Bob, did you do it?
Bob: No, I was with you the entire time and so was Perry.
Misty: *quavering* Quit playing around, we know it was you.
Alfredo: I'm not playing around, it really wasn't me.
Cobalt: Guys, I'm reading his aura. He's not lying.
Brock: I think this is our cue to leave.
The three said goodbye to Alfredo and the ghosts and headed out quickly. The last thing Ash heard was Bob talking to Rico about finding the skeleton and making it a pranking partner.
Ash: Do you think there's any chance that skeleton thing could have been….well, real?
Misty: I doubt it. It was probably someone's idea of a joke.
Brock: Who knows? Strange things can happen.
—-
In the tower, Alfredo and the ghosts were searching for the mystery skeleton, but to no avail. None of the other ghosts had ever seen it or knew what they were talking about. Alfredo wrote it down in his journal as the newest unexplained occurrence in Lavender Tower, then went to his room with a shrug. It looked like Lavender Tower still had many mysteries, some meant to remain unsolved….
TO BE CONTINUED…..
—-
Ash's Team
Lucario: Cobalt
Grovyle: Green
Alakazam: Psi
Gengar: Yami
Charmeleon: Aidan
Sobble: Azula
Rotom: Sparky (at Oak's lab)
Misty's Team
Staryu
Starmie (at gym)
Gyarados: Mel (Malestrom)
Butterfree: Alex (at gym)
Squirtle: Loki
Wimpod: Harold
Goldeen: Bella (at gym)
Horsea: Jeff
Tentacool: Charles
Brock's Team
Onix
Geodude
Zubat: Nightwing
Bulbasaur
Croagunk