Kanto Gets Loud
Chapter 53: Tentacool and Tentacruel
Porta Vista Pokemon Center,
The Press Conference lasted about an hour, but Lincoln and the others were able to tell all about their ordeal about nearly being lost in the St. Anne's sinking, "Well, I'd say that went pretty well," Lincoln commented.
"At least now everyone knows we made it out alive," Nana replied.
"True, but that could also mean Team Rocket knows as well. Too bad for them we don't plan on ever going down without a fight," Misty added.
"It'll just make their downfall all the more rewarding," Brock replied.
"Too true," Lincoln replied. Lala then looked at her D-Dial.
"I called Zastin to come and collect us. He'll be here within a few hours," she said.
"Oh, my beloved Zastin, how long has it been since I gazed passionately into your eyes?" Saki said in a lovestruck manner.
"Uh, is she always like this with this 'Zastin' guy?" Lincoln asked.
"Apparently. She became infatuated with him since she first laid eyes on him," Rin replied.
"Well, if he's not going to be here for a few hours, then why don't we have a look around Porta Vista?" Rito suggested.
"Sounds great," Haruna replied, as she and Lala wrapped their arms around his arms.
"I'll come too, just to make sure there isn't anything salacious going on," Kotegawa declared.
"We probably won't be back here for quite some time, so we'd better take in all the sights we can. And for me, that means the beach for all kinds of babes in bikinis!" Saruyama declared.
"I'm right with you there!" Brock stated.
"As am I!" Ronnie Anne declared.
"Keep it together, Nie-Nie. I'm coming with you to keep an eye on you," Bobby said, lifting Ronnie Anne up by the back of her shirt.
"We can all meet up at the harbor in a few hours, so why don't we all go and do our own thing?" Carlota suggested.
"Sounds good," Lincoln replied, turning to Misty and Nana, "Shall we, then?"
"We shall," Misty replied, as she and Nana hooked their arms around his arms.
"I think I'm going to track down the gym they have here and see if they're taking challenges today," Raigo replied.
"You're bound to come up empty handed," a teen boy's voice said. They all then saw a teen boy who looked very chill and laid-back, like a hippie. He had black hair and was wearing some baggy pants, black sunglasses, a backwards facing cap, sandals, a grey t-shirt, and many chains around his neck and nose and ear piercings, "Today's the Gym Leaders Day off, and they want to make the most out of it," he said.
"Dang it. Well, we can wait until tomorrow to challenge them. Do you at least know the way to the Gym?" Raigo asked.
"Sure. Just walk along the cliffsides of the island, and you'll eventually find the Gym built into the rock around it," the boy said.
"And you said 'they' when you told us it was their day off. Does that mean there's more than one Gym Leader?" Lincoln asked.
"Right on. The Porta Vista Gym is one that run by three Gym Leaders, including a mother and her son and daughter," the boy replied.
"Oh boy, taking on one Gym Leader will be tough enough," Leaf commented.
"Nah, you only need to battle one of them, and whoever you battle will be left up to chance," the boy replied, as he left the Pokemon Center.
"Who was that guy?" Risa asked.
"Probably a Gym Trainer," Lincoln guessed, just as he and the others heard an explosion from outside, "What was that?!" they all ran outside to see a fire on the water.
"Something must've attacked that boat!" Mikan exclaimed.
"We need to help out the sailors! Starmie, Poliwhirl, Buizel, go and help them out!" Misty said, sending out her three Pokemon.
"Popplio, we need you help!" Giggles said, sending out Popplio.
"Skipper, you go too!" Raigo said, sending out Skipper, who all swam over to where the wreckage was.
"We can use Mister Sharky Powerboat!" Lala said, as she materialized powerboat shaped like a shark. She, along with Misty, Lincoln, Raigo, and Brock all got on and sailed over. All of the Pokemon were quick in helping out the sailors, bringing them onboard. They were all shaking.
"It looks like they're all paralyzed," Raigo commented.
"Gotta… tell… the boss…" one of the sailors said.
"Hmm? The boss? Who's your boss?" Lincoln asked, as Lala brought the boat back into port, unaware of several eyes watching them, with only one of them being filled with worry.
Later, in a big mansion office,
Lincoln and company were brought to a large, lush mansion, "Whoa, whoever owns this mansion must have some seriously deep pockets," Zach commented.
"Wouldn't that make it hard for them to walk around?" Leni asked.
"No, Leni, they don't literally have deep pockets. Zach is saying that who ever lives here must be filthy rich," Bobby explained, as they arrived before a pair of large, double doors.
"The lady of the house will see you now," the butler said, as the doors opened, allowing them all inside.
"So, I have you youngsters to thank for rescuing my men? Well, I assure that you do in fact have my gratitude," the big chair at the end swiveled around to reveal a short, elderly woman with red hair done up in pigtails. She was surrounded by eight men in mankinis.
"Well, we were just doing what anyone would've done," Lincoln replied.
"Yes, right. Well, introductions are in order. I am Nastina, and I own a Luxury Resort," the woman said, introducing herself.
"A resort? You mean like a hotel waterpark type resort?" Clyde asked.
"Sort of. It's not finished yet, but it'll be spectacular. The world's largest luxury resort," Nastina replied.
"You know, I thought I saw something that looked like a construction site out on the ocean. Is that what you're talking about?" Ren asked.
"Yes, that's 'Nastina's Paradise'. A super luxurious hotel, with hundreds of luxury suites surrounded by the most beautiful coral reefs," Nastina replied, just as her expression turned sour, "That is if it weren't for those damned Tentacool!"
"'Tentacool'? Are they some kind of Pokemon?" Liam asked, as he took out his Pokedex to look it up.
"Tentacool, the Jellyfish Pokemon, a Water and Poison Type. Its body is virtually composed of water. It shoots strange beams from the crystal-like organs above its eyes," his Pokedex explained, displaying a picture of a blue jellyfish Pokemon with two long, brown tentacles and two large, red round crystals on its head.
"That's right! Those disgusting Tentacool are what are keeping the tourists away from here, and are ruining my profits!" Nastina ranted.
"Did you say disgusting?!" Misty yelled, sounding outraged.
"That's right! Which is why I'd like to enlist in your help with exterminating the Tentacool! Naturally, you'll be rewarded handsomely," Nastina said, tapping her cane on the floor, causing some nearby curtains to pull back, revealing a large spread of fancy looking food, as well as what appeared to be a check for 1,000,000 Pokedollars, "You'll be compensated with an all you can eat luxury buffet for one year, a cash reward of 1,000,000 Pokedollars, and vouchers for free stays at the hotel IF you can get rid of the Tentacool."
"Whoa, that's some reward!" Run commented. Lincoln then placed his hand under his chin in a thinking manner.
"Hmm, I have a hunch about the Tentacool, but I don't think we need to exterminate them to do it. Will you let us try a diplomatic approach?" he asked.
"I don't see why you would want to try talking to them, but if you think it'll help get them away from my hotel, then do it!" Nastina ordered.
"You are so DISGUSTING!" Misty yelled, as she stormed out of the office. The force of her yell caused Nastina to be flung back.
"Grr, there's a girl who can't be bought," she commented, as the others left after the Water Pokemon enthusiast.
Later, along the shoreline of town,
"Hey Misty, wait up!" Lincoln called out, as he and the others caught up to her, "What was with that just now?" he asked.
"Lincoln, didn't you hear that old witch?! She wants to exterminate the Tentacool!" Misty snapped, before adopted a lovestruck look on her face, "And the Tentacool are just so cute!"
"You think Tentacool are cute?" Stella asked, looking at Tentacool's profile picture.
"Well, I guess it is cute if you look hard enough?" Tabby suggested.
"You don't need to look very hard to appreciate just how adorable the Tentacool are. They're just so squishy and adorable when you hold them, and the pretty red spots on their heads are often called the 'rubies of the sea'," Misty gushed.
"Who actually calls them that?" Goh asked.
"I do, just now," Misty replied, causing them all to fall in anime fashion.
"Well, that's Misty for you. When it comes to Water Pokemon, she'll always fall head over heels," Brock commented.
"Of course I would. Water Pokemon are so beautiful, and they have such depth," Misty replied, as she noticed a small, blue seahorse like Pokemon in the water, "Like that Horsea over there," she said, before she did a double take, "A Horsea?!"
"What kind of Pokemon is that?" Giggles wondered, as she scanned the Horsea.
"Horsea, the Dragon Pokemon, a Water Type. Horsea make their homes in oceans with gentle currents. When they're under attack, they spit out a pitch-black ink and uses the cover to escape. This Male Horsea is Level 25, and knows the moves Water Gun, Smokescreen, Bubblebeam, Leer, Twister, and Dragon Breath," her Pokedex explained. It was then that Mikado noticed something.
"Doesn't that little one look like it's injured?" she asked. Upon closer inspection, the others saw she was right, as made evident by a black eye and some bruises it had on its body.
"The poor thing!" Misty took the opportunity to head down to aid it, "Come here, cutie pie! I have some medicine that'll make you feel better," she urged.
"Humans, beware! Beware the Tentacool and Tentacruel!" Horsea warned. Lincoln, his Royal Woods pals and Nana were surprised to hear this.
"Uh, Horsea? What do you mean by that?" Lincoln called out.
"The Tentacool and Tentacruel are angry because of the invaders in their home! And they plan to extend their wrath to your world as well!" Horsea warned.
"What is it saying?" Misty asked.
"Apparently, the Tentacool and something called 'Tentacruel' are trying to destroy the hotel, not for the sake of being a pest, but rather to chase off Nastina's construction crews," Lincoln replied.
"I wonder if Nastina had the area she's building her hotel on surveyed?" Brock pondered.
"We should try to settle this matter in a peaceful manner so the Tentacool won't come up onto the land to wreak havoc," Pikachu suggested.
"Good idea, Pikachu," Lincoln replied, turning back to the others, while Misty treated Horsea.
"Brock, do you know anyplace where construction sites have to be authorized before it begins?" Lincoln asked.
"You know, the Town Hall might have something there," Brock replied.
"Leaf and I can go and try find out about the reef. You guys should try to talk things out with Tentacool," Raigo suggested.
"We'll come with you," Kotegawa said, as she, Lala, Momo, Run, Ren, and Mikan stood by their sides.
"Which leaves the rest of us to wait here until you guys come back, right?" Risa asked.
"Not necessarily. You guys should try to keep Nastina from pulling any funny stuff while we're negotiating with the Tentacool," Lincoln replied.
"Sounds like a plan," Rito said. Lincoln let out Gyarados, and leapt on its back along with Misty, and Brock.
"Gyarados, I need you to take us over to the waters near that construction site. We need to talk thing out with the Tentacool," Lincoln said.
"No problem," Gyarados replied, as it began swimming out to sea.
"We should get going," Leaf said, as she led the others into town.
"Let's hope they get done what needs to get done," Rito commented.
Out near the Nastina's Paradise Hotel Construction Site,
Gyarados swam through the water as it made it's way over to where Lincoln asked it to go, "So, what's your plan with talking to the Tentacool?" Gyarados asked.
"First, we need to confirm if the coral reef Nastina is building her hotel on is the Tentacool's home. Then, if Raigo, Leaf and the others are successful, we can hopefully keep this whole conflict from escalating any further," Lincoln explained. Just then, Gyarados stopped swimming, "Gyarados? Why did you stop?"
"Because we have company," Gyarados replied. The trio then saw a large mass of Tentacool.
"Oh man, there's a lot more of them than I was expecting," Brock commented.
"Humans, we will NOT tolerate any further destruction of our homes any further! Leave now, or the consequences will be dire!" the largest Tentacool of the bunch demanded.
"Take it easy Tentacool, we're not here to cause you any trouble! We're just here to talk," Lincoln reassured.
"You… are able to understand my speech?" the lead Tentacool asked.
"It's a long story, and I'd rather not bore you with the details," Lincoln replied.
"My fellow Tentacool, you can stand down for now. We shall listen to what these humans have to say," the lead Tentacool stated.
"Thank you. Now, for my first question, I want to ask you about the coral reef the hotel is being built on," Lincoln said.
"Yes, a bunch of humans came in and began building that repulsive structure right on top of our home for absolutely no reason!" the lead Tentacool replied.
"Ok, that answers that question. My next question will have to have you think back a bit. Have any boats with people who looked like researchers ever come out here?" Lincoln asked.
"I do remember one such boat. Some humans were using devices that were sending out sound waves whilst they were swimming. But they were not threatening our home directly, so we didn't bother with them," the lead Tentacool replied.
"No doubt that was a survey team. But then, why would Town Hall approve of construction over the habitat of such a large group of Tentacool?" Lincoln wondered.
"It's more than likely they were bribed by Nastina to make a false report," Misty theorized.
"Which would be how she got the authorization to build her hotel here," Brock added.
"Your friends assume there is foul play involved?" the lead Tentacool asked.
"Probably, but we need some way of proving it," Lincoln replied.
"GUYS!" they all looked up to see Nana flying towards them, "We found something out. Whoever was in charge of surveying the area around here must've done a crappy job of doing it, because we told the Mayor about the situation with the Tentacool, and he wasn't told of any Tentacool inhabiting this area."
"Which more or less proves Misty and Brock's theory about there being bribery involved," Lincoln replied.
"But there's some trouble back on their pier. Looks like Nastina is mobilizing some kind of private military units to exterminate the Tentacool. And what's worse, she's even getting all the trainers in Porta Vista to help out with the promise of free stays at her hotel," Nana added, as they looked over to see a large crowd gathering on the pier.
"Then we got to act fast! Do you or your sisters have anything that can force the truth out of a person?" Lincoln asked.
"I think Momo has some kind of flower whose pollen forces someone to tell the truth for a short amount of time," Nana replied.
"Head back and tell her to get it ready! We'll join up with you soon," Lincoln instructed. Nana flew on back towards the pier, "Tentacool, you should all go and try to find cover until this is over!"
"The rest will head for cover, but I will follow in secret to see how your plan plays out," the lead Tentacool insisted.
"Ok, but be sure you stay out of sight. There's no telling what'll happen if everyone sees you coming with all the bad things Nastina's been saying," Lincoln replied.
"Very well, human."
"Ok Gyarados, you can take us back into port," Lincoln said.
"Already on it!" Gyarados turned around and began swimming back towards the harbor.
Back on the harbor,
"We're telling you to give Lincoln and the others a little more time! They're trying to talk to the Tentacool!" Ronnie Anne insisted.
"I'm not interested in making peace with those parasitic Tentacool! My business is losing money fast, and I will not tolerate any further delays!" Nastina, dressed in military attire, retorted stubbornly.
"Nastina!" a man's voice said. The crowd cleared, as a well-dressed man in a fancy suit was storming up to her, "You have some serious explaining to do!"
"Why what do you mean, Mr. Mayor?" Nastina asked innocently.
"I want to know why the survey report you had done in that particular area says there were no Tentacool living there!" the Mayor demanded.
"I can't control where Pokemon go in the wild. The probably migrated into that reef sometime after I had the survey done," Nastina lied, unaware that Momo was floating high above her with a flower in hand, spraying the pollen down on her.
"And you're sure that's the case?" the Mayor asked.
"Actually, it was a complete lie. I bribed the survey team with free stays at my resort and a large sum of money to make a false report," Nastina immediately slapped her hands over her mouth as she said that. This caused a major uproar in the crowd.
"Why that lying little…!"
"So, the Tentacool really aren't to blame!"
"And to think, I nearly helped with driving off a group of innocent Pokemon!"
"Nastina, you and I are going to have some words in my office, immediately," the Mayor stated, as he walked away, just as some police officers came and arrested her.
"Aw, damn it!" she cursed, as she was dragged off. The crowd began to dissipate.
"Well, there's another crisis averted," Leaf commented, just as Lincoln and company got back into Port.
"I'm assuming that things are taken care of?" Lincoln asked, as they got off of Gyarados.
"Yep. Nastina's been taken into custody, and now no one will bother the Tentacool," Rito replied.
"Well, I'm glad we were able to resolve this without things escalating into something worse," Lincoln commented, before turning to the lead Tentacool, "Did you hear that, Tentacool? Your home is safe now. The Porta Vista government will most likely take care of the demolition of the construction site."
"Indeed I did hear. However, let this be a warning for you to pass along to all the humans of this island; Should any of you try to destroy our home to build your ugly structures on top of it, then nothing will stop us from extending our wrath to your world," the lead Tentacool warned, as it swam back out to sea.
"Well, now that that's taken care of, lets go ahead and enjoy ourselves," Rusty said, as they all dispersed to explore Porta Vista.
Back at the Loud House, Morning,
The majority of the household was in high spirits after the call from Lincoln last night, but none more so than Luan and the twins, especially after making amends with their brother, "So, what should we do today?" Lola asked.
"Well, now that I'm able to bond with Lincoln's Pokemon, I'm going to help Lisa with studying them. I'm most interested in Goomy and Trapinch," Lana replied.
"I'm not too sure what I'm going to do today, so I think I might kick back and veg in front of the TV," Luan added, just as her phone started ringing. She took one look at the caller ID, and was very surprised, "Fanny? I thought she wasn't on speaking terms with me right now?" she commented, as she left the room and answered the call, "Hello?"
"Hello Luan, I'm glad I was able to get in touch with you," Fanny said.
"It's good to hear from you too, Fanny, but why are you calling me? I thought you didn't want to speak with me?" Luan asked.
"Yes, well, I was approached by some of the town councilmen, and they'd like to discuss something with you that could potentially allow you back at the Emporium, with some restrictions," Luan was now very surprised to hear this. The Town Council wanted to talk with Luan directly?
"Well, alright. I can be over there a little later," Luan replied.
"Good. I'll be waiting," Fanny replied, as she hung up.
"Well, that was a surprise," Luan commented.
"What was the call about, Luan?" Rita asked, as she was drinking some tea that Lilianna had brought over from the Monster Realm as a gift.
"Fanny says that some of the Town Councilmen want to talk to me, and she wants me down at the Emporium to discuss the terms and conditions," Luan replied.
"Well, just as long as you don't go overboard with your pranks like you did with the stink bombs," Rita warned.
"No worries. I vowed that I'm going to get my pranking under control, and I intend to follow through on it," Luan replied. Just then, the housephone began ringing. Rita went and answered it.
"Hello, Loud Residence," she said. Some garbling was heard from the other end, "Oh yes, hello, what can I do for you this morning?" some more garbling was heard, "Is that right?" mor garbling, "I see. Well, I'll let her know about that," Rita said, as she hung up, "Lola, sweetie?"
"Yes, Mom?" Lola asked.
"That was the Pageant Commission. They've decided to allow you to start participating in Pageants again, but they want to go over the details with you in person, so we'll be heading over there in a little bit," Rita said.
"Ok," Lola replied.
"And I expect you to NOT blackmail or sabotage your fellow contestant's performances. Remember, that's one of the things that got you banned in the first place," Rita warned.
"Don't worry, Mommy. I'm putting my blackmailing ways behind me for good," Lola vowed.
"That's good to hear. Now, if you and Luan will finish your breakfasts and go get ready, we can head out," Rita said. Luan sat back down at the table to continue eating her breakfast alongside her sisters. Just then, a portal opened, and out from it was Lilliana, along with Charlie, Vaggie, Elanor and Verosika.
"Hello, Rita. I hope we didn't pop in at an inopportune time?" Lilianna asked.
"Not at all, Lilianna. We were just enjoying some breakfast. Why don't you come in and join us?" Rita invited.
"That would be lovely," Elanor replied, as the five Monster women joined Rita and her daughters at the table.
"Arlie! Arlie!" Lily said, happy to see Charlie and company again.
"Hello Lily. Have you been a good girl since last time?" Charlie asked. Lily giggled happily.
"I'm glad that you and the others were able to make a good impression on Lily. With her being so young and all, I was, admittedly, worried that she'd be scared of you," Rita commented.
"Perfectly understandable, Mrs. Loud. I know we can come off as scary and maybe even threatening looking to most humans," Verosika replied.
"But on an unrelated note, how have you been since we were here last time?" Lilianna asked.
"Things could be better, what with Lori and Junior's bad behavior becoming worse, but last night, things took a turn for the better for us. We got a call from Lincoln. He and the others were able to escape the St. Anne wreckage and are now somewhere called 'Porta Vista'," Rita replied.
"That's great to hear your son wasn't lost in the sinking," Charlie replied.
"That's debatable," the crabby voice of Lori said, as she and Lynn walked into the room. They were clearly unhappy with the news of Lincoln's survival.
"Honestly girls, can't you two be happy that your brother survived being trapped in a sunken ship?" Rita asked irritably.
"He's no brother of ours, as far as we're concerned. And if the rest of you have any loyalty, you'll feel the same way!" Lori said, glaring at her younger sisters, who remained anchored to their beliefs.
"What has Lincoln actually done to make you two want to disown him?" Luan questioned.
"Gee, I don't know… how about the fact that he ruined my relationship with Bobby and got me banned from dating, period?" Lori guessed sarcastically.
"And we all know why I am totally in the right for being mad at that nerd!" Lynn added.
"It's like listening to broken records with you two! You two are going on and on about some guy or some game that you're constantly blaming your brother for, even though you have no actually proof that he did it!" Verosika said.
"Because we don't need any more proof! That geekwad causes nothing but trouble and ruins our lives. I honestly would be happier if he was never born at all!" Lynn declared.
"As would I!" Lori added.
"Well, he WAS born, and there's nothing the two of you can do to change that. So just suck it up, and get over it! Besides, we've already used ACTUAL logic to determine that Lincoln is innocent on both accounts of your accusations," Rita stated.
"Right, YOU'VE already determined that based on YOUR logic, but he's still guilty as far as we're concerned, right Lola?" Lori retorted, looking down at Lola.
"Hate to break it to you, but I'm not part of your 'Anti-Lincoln' Club anymore. I've already apologized for my actions last night, and I'm NOT going to waste this opportunity!" Lola declared.
"The same goes for myself and Lana," Luan added.
"WHAT?! Have you three lost your minds?!" Lynn yelled.
"Maybe we have, but we were able to find them again, as well as our hearts, two things that the two of you clearly have yet to find again," Lana replied.
"Lana, haven't you been paying attention?! Girls are always the victims in fights with boys! WE are the ones that Lincoln should be trying in vain to apologize to, not the other way around!" Lori scolded. Lilliana then stood up, and stormed over to both sisters, taking them both by the ears.
"I have most certainly heard ENOUGH of all this unwarranted hate you two have towards your brother! The only bad thing he apparently did was lie about being bad luck, something that's only punishable with a slap on the wrist, as well as working to regain the trust of those he lied to, and nothing more!" she stated.
"Quite right, Liliana. Though, given our actions, I'd hardly say we're in a position to talk about not trusting Lincoln," Rita replied.
"Rita, no one's perfect at being parents. Even we make our share of mistakes with our daughters," Eleanor replied.
"But that's why we make mistakes. So that we can learn from them and never make the same ones again," Lilliana added.
"Except we didn't make any mistakes, Lincoln made the foolish decision to lie and betray our trust. Far as I'm concerned, we aren't the ones who should be apologizing," Lynn Sr. said from behind the doorway to the kitchen. The three mothers gave him irritated looks.
"Lynn," Rita said, as she approached her husband, taking him by the ear, "Are you aware that WE'RE the ones who broke a law? It's as Lilliana said; All Lincoln did was tell one little white lie, and that's only punishable by a slap on the wrist and a lecture about honesty at most! We took it way too far by locking him out of the house!"
"Even so, he has to be punished to OUR specifications. Which is why I'm officially revoking permission to let him continue with his adventure in Kanto!" Lynn Sr. declared.
"In case you've forgotten, it was my father who gave Lincoln the suggestion of going to Kanto! We just agreed to that, meaning we didn't actually give Lincoln direct permission. Therefore, we have nothing we can actually revoke from him!" Rita argued.
"He's our son, Rita. That means he has to respect OUR rules and OUR authority. And…"
"Wouldn't you need to actually have a sense of authority for your kids to actually respect?" Lilianna questioned.
"What are you talking about? Of course, my kids respect my authority!" Lynn Sr. argued.
"No, they don't. You let these two, poorly raised daughters of yours walk all over you like a doormat. The only time you ever use the authority your SHOULD be using to punish them is when they have complaints about their brother, from what we gather. And with how you're trying to placate their unreasonable needs, it's highly likely your son has absolutely zero respect for you at all," Lilianna replied.
"And what would you know about our family? I doubt you're a psychologist," Lori quipped.
"It doesn't take a degree to figure you three out. A bossy, oldest sister who enjoys having authority over her siblings far too much, and is more concerned with some guy, an overly temperamental jock who can't handle a single loss with any proper dignity, and a cowardly man who only favors his daughters because he's scared about what they're capable of when angered," Verosika countered effortlessly. This really seemed to strike a nerve with both sisters, who lunged at the teen succubus, who quickly, and even more effortlessly pinned them both to the floor with a slam.
"Verosika, sweetie, you shouldn't be so rough with them, even if they are being brats," Elanor advised.
"Don't worry, Mom, I just have to make a point," Verosika replied, as she leaned in closer to them, "Now, then, just listen to what I have to say; We don't always get our way in life. That's a fact of life that everyone has to accept. Sometimes romances fall apart, or can never come true, and sometimes we lose a few games. The world isn't going to end just because the two of you feel like you're being forced into this reality. So, whatever pointless vendetta you two have against your brother, I say you should just get over it and grow up!" and with that, Verosika got off of the two sisters.
"Man, she is good!" Lisa commented, as she and the others watched from the sofa as they were watching TV.
"Lincoln is so lucky to have a total babe like her for a fiancé," Luna added.
"But I have to wonder how he'll react to having seven monster princesses for future wives?" Lucy stated.
"Well, just remember, Lincoln isn't a prejudiced person. I'm sure he'll at least consider trying to get to know them," Luna replied.
"You're right, Luna. Though it will be interesting, have some many different Monsters as in-laws," Lisa replied. Nearby, Lapis and Queeny were sitting on the floor, listening to the conversation, feeling very jealous.
"Oh, why do they get all the luck, getting engaged to MY Lincoln?" Lapis grumbled.
"'Your Lincoln'? I'll have you know that Lincoln is MY King! After all, he needs a strong woman for a wife," Queeny argued.
"Yeah? Well, I was one of the first Pokemon Lincoln got from a Wonder Trade! That means I'm the most likely to have him for a husband!" Lapis declared, as she imagined herself, dancing with Lincoln in a big fancy ballroom, with some Ralts and Kirlia watching them from the side.
"But I'm not afraid to get in directly and fend off anything that would dare threaten him!" Queeny replied, as she imagined herself sitting on a throne alongside Lincoln, with some Bounsweet and Steenee close by. Both of them blushed happily at their thoughts. Then, Lapis got an idea.
"Hey, you know, we could always share him," Lapis suggested. Queeny looked interested.
"I'm listening," Queeny replied.
"Well, those girls from the Monster Realm are all going to be engaged to Lincoln, right? What's to stop us from joining our Master's harem?" Lapis explained.
"Ooh, I like the way you think," Queeny replied.
"What do you suppose those two are talking about?" Lucy asked, looking over at the Gardevoir and Tsareena.
"Who knows? With my main translator on the fritz, we'll just have to leave it up to our imaginations," Lisa replied.
"What about those portable ones you've been trying to develop?" Luna asked.
"I'm getting closer to perfecting them, but there are still a few bugs to work out still," Lisa replied. Just then, a news report came on.
"And our next top story, the Press Conference with the survivors of the St. Anne sinking, who are going to talk about their harrowing ordeal," the reporter stated.
"Hey dudes, looks like the press conference is coming on!" Luna called out, causing everyone in the dining room to pile into the living room.
"Well, that certainly didn't take long for them to broadcast," Rita commented.
"Well, we could care less about what's going on, especially with that rotten twerp!" Lori said, as she and Lynn stormed back upstairs.
"Their loss," Elanor commented.
"So that's the Lincoln kid," Vaggie commented, seeing Lincoln among the many people in the panel.
"Well, I will admit, he is cute," Verosika commented.
"So, first question, what was your initial reactions to being stuck inside a sunken ship?" one reporter asked.
"Well, I think I speak for the others when I say that our initial reaction was a slight sense of panic and worry. We were thankful to have had the air we had when we came to, but still, being trapped inside of a luxury cruise liner that had sunk to the bottom of the sea was extremely nerve-wracking, especially since it was upside down," Lincoln was the first to reply.
"So, who exactly took charge with the escape?"
"That would be me. When I was a little girl, I built a model of the St. Anne, so I knew the whole layout by heart," Misty was the next to answer.
"And how exactly did you manage to escape?"
"We used the Pokemon we had on hand, as well as whatever tools we also had on hand. When we got to the hull of the ship, we welded a hole through, and used Water Pokemon to swim out. When we got to the surface, we were rescued by our Research Fellow friends from the Cerise Laboratory in Vermillion City, who were the first people to have come to find us," Lincoln replied.
"Will this ordeal affect how you all will continue your travels?"
"It will certainly make us more cautious when we take any ferries. But as for every other aspect, we don't foresee this causing us to up and quit," Raigo was the next to answer.
"During the time you spent underwater, Team Rocket was upgraded from 'underground mafia ring' to 'full-fledged terrorists.' What is your reaction to that?"
"Well, seeing as how they did try to sink an entire ship with several people on board, I'd say it's only fitting that they be called as such," Leaf answered.
"Though they're bound to try to make it look like this was just ONE act of terrorism, it won't change how everyone is going view them. After all, they were already dangerous before, but this goes to show just how far they're willing to go if they're pushed far enough," Brock added.
"Will you all be helping in taking down Team Rocket for good?"
"The five of us, most definitely. But our friends here aren't trainers, but they might be able lend a hand where it matters most," Lincoln replied, looking over towards Nana and the others.
"And we'll try to help out where and when we can," Lala added.
"You've certainly raised a brave son, Rita," Lilianna commented.
"Well, Lincoln does have some moments where he's just like his father when it comes to scary stuff like horror movies, but he does have a strong sense of justice," Rita replied.
"And that's what I mean when I said he's brave. He might be scared to take on Team Rocket, but he's willing to do so if it means bringing them down," Lilianna replied.
"Maybe we could lend a hand in busting some of their operations?" Elanor suggested.
"Hmm, we could, but Lucius told me about one of the proposed guidelines of the Interspecies Exchange Bill, one that states that Humans and Monsters are forbidden from harming each other," Lilianna replied.
"Shame, because you could provide just enough fire power to make ending Team Rocket easier," Lisa commented.
"Well, the bill says we can't HARM Humans. It doesn't necessarily mean we can't put them in a position to get them arrested," Charlie mused.
"That's right. My scales can cause them to become numb and unable to move for a while, while also keeping them alive," Vaggie commented, unfurling her wings.
"And Gwendolyn can also tie up some of the grunts in her webbing," Luna added.
"We'd have to talk it over with the Human leaders first," Lilianna replied.
"But if we do manage to get permission, we can lend a hand in stopping those guys," Charlie replied.
"Perhaps, though we might have to follow some strict regulations," Lilianna replied.
"Speaking of your son, did he say he was willing to meet with us?" Elanor asked.
"As a matter of fact, he did. He said he'll call us again once he's at a place called 'Maiden's Peak' if I remember correctly," Rita replied.
"That sounds about right. He said he wanted to challenge the Gym there for another Badge," Luna added.
"He did also mention something about a festival," Lucy added.
"Well, that certainly will be quite the meeting!" Lilianna commented.
"I'll say. Not only will we determine if the boy is a suitable fiancé for our daughters, but we can have some fun at the festival," Elanor replied.
"But will you all be ok with going there? I mean until that bill is passed, seeing real monsters walking around might cause a panic or unease," Rita asked.
"Not to worry, Rita. We have spells that allow us to morph into human forms so we can walk around completely unnoticed," Lilianna reassured.
"Rita, could I have a word with you in the kitchen?" Lynn Sr. requested.
"Sure Lynn. I'll be right back ladies," Rita replied, as she followed her husband into the kitchen, "Alright, what is this about, Lynn?" she asked, crossing her arms.
"You should know what this is about. How can you be so casual about agreeing to this engagement?" Lynn Sr. asked.
"Lynn, it's like how Lucius said; Harriet made a deal with them, and it's going to remain in effect until the details are fulfilled. There's nothing we can do about it. And even if there was, those girls have done nothing to convince me that they're bad," Rita explained.
"Rita, of course they're bad! They're monsters!" Lynn Sr. retorted.
"Lynn, how can you be so prejudiced against them? You never even gave Lucius, Stolas or any of the others a chance when you were young!" Rita questioned.
"Because I didn't need to give them a chance to know they were bad news. There's no such thing as a 'good monster'," Lynn Sr. replied.
"I can't believe you, Lynn! You're letting your cowardice cloud your judgement of them! They haven't done anything to convince me that they're bad, so that must mean they're not bad!" Rita retorted.
"Well, it doesn't matter. I'm still not going to allow this engagement to go through," Lynn Sr. stubbornly replied.
"And how exactly do you plan on doing that then? Last I checked, you're just one man, and that deal Harriet made is iron-clad on both ends. It has to be fulfilled!" Rita replied.
"I just will, ok? And since we're all heading to Kanto, that'll be an opportune time to bring Lincoln back home so he can begin his PROPER punishment," Lynn Sr. retorted.
"Rather than thinking about how you're going to punish our son, you should start thinking about how you're going to apologize to him for your part in this whole bad luck fiasco," Rita replied, as she stormed out of the kitchen. Lynn Sr. could only sigh in annoyance.
"Rita, can't you see that we aren't the ones who need to apologize? Lincoln betrayed our trust, so he should be the one to apologize," he said to himself.
"Hmmph, I don't see why he should apologize," Lynn Sr. turned to see a doppelganger of himself, leaning on the kitchen counter.
"What the…?!" Lynn Sr. exclaimed, before he remembered listening in on Rita's conversations with Lucius and the others about the Karmic Misfortune Curse, and how phantasms would often materialize to offer motivation to go through with mending fences, "Y-You're one of those phantasm things, aren't you?"
"Well, this is a surprise. You're actually using your brain! Or whatever it is you have in that dense skull of yours," the phantasm said in a taunting tone.
"Hey, I'll have you know that I use my brain on a daily basis!" Lynn Sr. retorted.
"Is that so? Then why don't you use it to try actually seeing that everything you are trying to do to punish your son makes you anything but a good father, or even a father period?" the phantasm questioned.
"What are you talking about? Lincoln lied about being bad luck. In this family, even a little white lie is a fatal breach of trust that cannot easily be forgiven, no matter the circumstances," Lynn Sr. replied.
"Even though you broke a law?" Now, Lynn Sr. was sweating.
"W-well, we didn't know at the time, so…"
"It doesn't matter if you knew about it or not, the CPS, once they hear about this, will be on your sorry ass like cheese on macaroni. And you'd no doubt be taken to court where you could potentially loose your parental rights," the phantasm's words shook Lynn Sr. to the core.
"Wait, we can lose our rights as parents?"
"Well, you would, for sure, but I think the court system would be lenient on that hot tamale of a wife you have. After all, she can do a lot better than you," the phantasm replied.
"But she and I do equally great jobs as parents, even if our methods aren't the best," Lynn Sr. argued.
"I'm not talking about being parents. I'm talking about having a better husband or possible wife than you. I mean, come on, just look at yourself. You're a spineless coward that does nothing to reign in your daughter's bad behavior. You only ever act like an authoritarian when they stand against their brother, and not to mention when Lori and Junior were practically wishing for Lincoln to have died on that ship, you just stood there and watched. And those are only SOME of your bad qualities. The only redeemable quality you have is being able to make some good lasagna, but that's about it," the phantasm listed off some of the Loud father's flaws.
"B-But what about my cowbell playing?"
"I was referring to qualities that qualify as beneficial to the family. That cowbell is nothing more than a hobby."
"Would you just leave already? I have to get ready for when I follow the others to Kanto to drag Lincoln back," Lynn Sr. demanded.
"I'll leave… for now. But until your son forgives you, even out of pity, you're stuck with me," Lynn Sr. rubbed his temples as the phantasm disappeared.
"And I've got to think of a proper punishment for Lucy for casting such an awful curse," he said, unaware of a seed of doubt having been planted in back of his mind.