Chapter 3: Cerulean Caves
(Inside the Cerulean Gym)
Ash, Pikachu, Shantae, Misty, Lusamine, and Guzma were in Misty's office as Shantae was telling them about how she was in pursuit of Risky Boots.
Shantae- This time, I managed to catch her in the act of smuggling several illegal merchandises. But she must've known I was following her, because I ended up losing her ship in the chase. But that's how I ended up here in Kanto.
Guzma- How were you even able to swim all the way from there to Kanto? That's a huge distance.
Shantae- I'm a genie. I have the ability to change into other forms. I simply transformed into an aquatic animal, or a squid to be accurate.
Ash- And when Pikachu and I crossed paths with Shantae, I agreed to help her. We are both part of the Super Mario Brothers' Team and whatever Risky Boots is doing here could mean trouble for us as well.
Shantae- Ash, you only agreed to help me look because you wanted an excuse to get away from those rabid fangirls that were trying to hunt you down like a wild animal.
Ash- Could we not bring them up, please!
Misty- Ha! That is too funny! Guess the pressure of being world champion is getting to you already!
Ash- Not funny, Misty!
Misty- I can't help but tease. It's been a habit since you were battling the gyms in the Kanto region with me and Brock traveling alongside you.
Lusamine- But you still haven't told why you came here. If you're looking for a pirate ship, wouldn't it make more sense to search the ocean area?
Ash- I was hoping Misty would be able to help with that. She's the best water expert I know of in Kanto and would know if anything strange occurring in any of the water areas.
Misty- Ash, I might be an expert on water type Poke'mon, but how can I keep track of every water area at all times?
Shantae- I guess it was a nice try, Ash, but I guess we will have to search the oceans after all. Which I know will take a while…
Suddenly, the door opened and Lillie and Gladion entered the room.
Lillie- Mother, we have a situation!
But then Gladion and Lillie noticed Ash and Shantae in the room.
Gladion- Ash?
Lillie- Ash! Long time no see! I think this is the first time seeing you since becoming world champion!
Gladion- How's being world champion going for you?
Ash- It has its ups and downs.
Lusamine- You said something about a situation?
Lillie- Oh, right! There were recent reports that pirates have been storming the routes just north of Cerulean City.
Lusamine- Pirates…?
Shantae- Where?!
(Route 24 in Kanto)
Ash, Shantae, Pikachu, Misty, Gladion, and Lillie were standing by the river on the route and it did look like the area had been damaged a bit.
Lillie- This is the place.
Misty- What on Earth happened here?! It looks like several wild Poke'mon went on a rampage here!
Gladion- Like we said, it was reported that pirate attacked this area recently. Lillie and I overheard a man and a woman telling Officer Jenny that a pirate ship was seen in this river and that the crew looked like skinny shadow people. Shortly after the ship arrived, they attacked all the trainers and wild Poke'mon with their cannonballs and many of the while Poke'mon were injured from this.
Shantae- That matches the description of the Tinkerbats.
Lillie- It was then said that their ship sailed right into that cave over there.
Ash and Shantae looked towards where Lillie was pointing and they managed to see the entrance to a cave across the river.
Shantae- That's got to be where Risky is hiding.
Ash- But why sail in there? Looks cramped for a ship as big as hers.
Shantae- Probably to hide from me until the coast was clear.
Misty- Hang on, Ash! I know that place! That's the entrance to Cerulean Caves.
Ash- Cerulean Caves? I don't think I've heard of that location before.
Misty- It's an underground cave system that runs deep beneath Cerulean City. However, it's also considered to be a very dangerous location. Not just because of all the cave hazards, but also because the Poke'mon that are rumored to be living there are strong enough to make even the Elite Four take caution.
Ash- Still, if Risky Boots is hiding in Cerulean Cave, we're going to have to go in there to find her.
Misty- Fine, then I guess I better come and make sure you don't endanger yourself again!
Ash- Hey, I'm not the cocky kid with the big head anymore, Misty!
Then Pikachu looked at the entrance to Cerulean Cave and felt a presence coming from inside.
Pikachu- Pi…?
Pikachu took a whiff and suddenly began to shiver like crazy.
Ash- Huh…? What's wrong, Pikachu?
Pikachu- Pika Pi…Pi Pikachu…
Pikachu points at the cave entrance while continuing to shiver in fear.
Ash- I think Pikachu is detecting something big down there. And I don't think he's sensing Risky Boots.
Gladion- This is getting interesting. I can tell there's going to be some action happening and I don't want to miss out on the fun!
Lillie- Gladion!
Gladion- I'm a Poke'mon Trainer too and I love a good battle as much as Ash.
Lillie- Oh…you…fine, but I'm coming just to make sure you don't get hurt!
Then Misty called out her Gyarados so that Ash, Shantae, and the others could ride it to the entrance to Cerulean Caves. But just as they all entered Cerulean Caves, the silhouette of large bird could be seen looming just outside the cave entrance.