The sun burned high in the sky over a beautiful summer day on the Vermilion City beach. Hundreds of people and Pokémon ran along the tannish sand or frolicked in the mild surf. Plenty of young children built structures in the sand or played in the shallows with friends and parents. Several older couples slowly walked along the shoreline, enjoying the heat and the sights. More than a few youths engaged in athletic sports and contests; many young women trying to catch the eye of a young man and many young men intently eyeing the numerous bikini clad young women who dotted the beach.
The Pokémon also engaged in their own games. Most of them had trainers, owners or families they stayed with, but some were wild residents of Vermilion City. Squirtle and Wartortle were common as were Krabby and Psyduck. In addition to the usual Pokémon of Kanto, there were also some creatures from other regions. A few Wingull and Pelipper joined with the native Kanto flying Pokémon. There was also an occasional Mudkip and Totodile scattered amongst the others.
The Pokémon all enjoyed the sand and surf. They played with each other and with the people on the beach. The kids laughed and ran around. Sometimes they chased the Pokémon and other times the Pokémon chased them.
The day wasn't out of the ordinary, but for many, it was special occasion. It was a time for them to get away from the busyness of life and enjoy a few hours of fun and relaxation.
The first disturbance on the ocean surface started in the deep water, some ways out from the beach. The water began to froth slightly and then an obsidian colored, streamlined and ovoid tower with a flat top burst through the water's surface. Small lines of red highlighted the construct and it resembled a submarine conning tower, because that's exactly what it was.
A large amount of water began to churn in front of the tower as it rose higher and higher. A few seconds later, the massive superstructure the tower was build on top of broke the surface. The superstructure was rectangular in shape and far longer than it was wide. It ran some distance in front of and behind the conning tower and was a similar obsidian color.
By now, many people on the shore had taken notice of the strange shape emerging from the water. Nobody knew what to make of it and a strange hush fell on the beach as more and more people and Pokémon turned to look at the surfacing vessel.
The main body of the submersible was next to emerge. Unlike most submarines, which were cylindrical in shape, this one looked as if it had been squashed vertically. It was far wider than it was high and there was a huge flat area on the top of the vessel, in front of the superstructure, surrounded by the rounded bow and sides which curved down into the water. The hull of the submarine was also obsidian and featured more red highlights.
Although no one knew what to make of the vessel, its menacing appearance caused many to feel concern and fear. The silence on the beach was punctuated by the cries and whimpers of a few young children, unnerved by the situation. Long seconds passed as huge amounts of water flowed off the top of the submarine. Then, at the front most section of the flat hull, a pair of panels began to swing upward like a pair of doors opening. A moment later, a portion of the curved sides, began to move along with the panels, opening upward as well. It was a massive bay door, swinging aside to reveal whatever was inside. A few seconds later, a second set of doors, directly behind the first and in line toward the conning tower, began to open as well. Then, another set of doors began to move, and then another. As the doors opened wider, a red hued light began to radiate from deep inside the obsidian colored submersible.
Several people on the beach were beginning to rapidly walk toward the perceived safety of the city. Parents grabbed children and couples engaged in hushed exchanges as more people turned to leave.
A huge, guttural, pitching screech suddenly rumbled from within the belly of the submarine. The sound was like nothing anyone had ever heard and people and Pokémon started to run off the beach. Women screamed, children cried and Pokémon called out in fear.
A total of eleven massive bay doors finally finished swinging aside, clearing the way for the colossal structure within the submarine to begin its ascent. The construct rose slowly. It was a large framework of crisscrossing beams and circular steel structures. All of it was colored obsidian and bathed in a menacing red light.
As the structure completed the first half of its ascent, its purpose became clear to anyone observing. Harnessed within the structure, its massive length and girth surrounded by the large rings of steel, was a Mega Evolved Rayquaza. This Rayquaza was not of ordinary size however. It had been gorged on Galar particles and was now many times larger than was natural. Its arms and head were shackled and anchored to the steel structures. Numerous harnesses were attached along its body and also anchored into the surrounding structure. Atop its head was a large, white, domed device. Dozens of copper colored wires ran out of the dome and attached to small devices located all over Rayquaza's head. The purpose of the devices was to remove the Pokémon's freewill and make it completely beholden to its new masters.
The sky Pokémon's normally curled body was held in a straightened position by the framework of steel and harnesses and it was pointing directly at Vermilion City, just as the submarine was. As the colossal structure neared the end of its ascent, the conning tower and superstructure began to telescope upward, giving the individuals on the bridge of the vessel a clear view of Rayquaza and what lay in its line of fire.
Along the curved front of the conning tower, a series of panels slid upward, revealing full-length windows, out of which the crew inside looked out over the awesome sight.
"Isn't it glorious, Krome?!" a balding man of average height and stature said as he made a sweeping gesture over the view of the Mega Rayquaza. His voice was guttural, full of confidence and menace. He wore a simple black shirt with full-length sleeves and black pants. "Years of work and planning. Now, all of them will see the true power I wield. After today, no one will stand against me."
A few steps behind the boisterous man, was another individual. This man was a head taller than his associate and possessed broad shoulders, a massive, muscular torso and thick legs. His head was bald and his face sported a full beard of black hair. His left arm was muscular in every way, however his right arm was quite different. It was a technological marvel; a construct of steel and servos. It was colored a matte grey, featured all the attributes of a normal human hand and looked every bit as dangerous as the man it was attached to. He wore a dark grey jumpsuit over his bulk and over the left breast of the suit was a small golden logo of a Sharpedo jumping out of the water.
"Today we will finally taste the sweet fruits of victory," Krome replied in a calm and cold tone. "Your enemies will surrender or die."
The man of average height laughed maniacally and strode across the bridge so he stood next to a line of consoles where several diminutive men were busily working.
"Contact the mayor of Vermilion City!" he said in a loud voice.
"Shall we ask them to surrender, sir?" one of the underlings asked.
The commander grinned wickedly. "NO! I want to hear him beg for his life and the lives of his citizens before we vaporize them all!"
The underling began typing at the console as the commander strode across to the other side of the bridge.
"Begin the firing sequence!" he said in a deep and grand voice.
Several of the underlings quickly talked to each other, coordinating the complex operation. Buttons were pressed, levers thrown, dials rotated and keys turned. A low hum filled the room as a massive amount of energy was directed into the batteries. The red glow emanating from inside the vessel, below the framework holding Rayquaza, increased in intensity. Within ten minutes, Vermilion City and the surrounding area would be reduced to a smoldering ruin.
The commander had begun to pace across the bridge again when a klaxon suddenly sounded.
"What is that?!" he said sharply.
An underling worked at one of the computers and a moment later a screen lit up with an internal view of a now opened hatch, through which one could see outside of the vessel.
"Sir, a maintenance hatch has been forced open!"
Krome took a couple steps forward so he stood next to the commander. "IMPOSSIBLE! Surely he drowned when we submerged!"
A moment later the screen lit up with an image from a different camera, showing the man both of them had thought dead, coolly walking through the interior of the submarine.
The commander gritted his teeth and directed a vicious glare at Krome. "Krome, I trust you'll deal with him! Make sure of it THIS time!"
Krome let out a low growl, turned on a heel and stalked toward the elevator at the rear of the bridge.
The inside of the huge submarine was filled with a cacophony of noises. An alarm was blaring, machinery was whirring, the voices of shouting crew members echoed through the halls and a low hum permeated everywhere. None of these gave the intruder the slightest pause. He brushed a small amount of dust from his shoulder of his immaculate black suit coat and gave a tug on the cuff of his left sleeve to set it straight. He then strode forward, across the catwalk, moving with grace and purpose.
His cleanly polished dress shoes clacked on the metal walkway and his jet black, sharply creased slacks showed not a single sign of all the action the man had endured over the past day. He moved swiftly through a few corridors and across a bridge. He deftly avoided the gaze of crew members and guards alike. Within less than a minute, he reached the edge of a hatch which led to a large open chamber. In the center of that chamber was the elevator which rose to the bridge.
Two pairs of guards stood watch on the catwalks which surrounded the entrance of the elevator. Below the catwalks, there was a huge pit which was extremely hazy with steaming fog. It was impossible to see the bottom of the pit, and thus impossible to know how far one would fall if someone plunged over the railing.
The intruder smoothly peeked around the frame of the hatch and then smoothly moved so he was again out of sight. His face was a fair-skinned emotionless mask of stoic determination and focus. His dark blue eyes were bright and intense and his short, spiky black hair was neatly combed to the left side for a look that was striking, sharp and very handsome.
He raised his right arm and slightly pulled back the sleeve revealing a finely made silver watch. The watch was extraordinarily expensive but not for the reason of luxury or extravagance. It was a technological marvel. He pushed a small button on the side of the watch and a white flash of light issued forth from it.
"Koffing, deal with the guards!" he said in a calm and confident voice.
The poison gas Pokémon materialized in mid air and swiftly charged into the room. It emitted a battle cry and then discharged a huge cloud of noxious gas. The guards, taken by surprise, gasped and then started uncontrollably coughing and gagging. After a few seconds of this, three of the guards passed out and the fourth climbed over the railing and fell, screaming, into the depths below.
A moment later, the gas cleared and the slender yet strong and very well-dressed man smoothly strode to the entrance of the elevator. Koffing hovered nearby while he eyed the keycard reader used to open the elevator. He swiftly slipped a hand inside his suit coat and retrieved a specialized card. He slotted the card into the reader and watched as the decryption process began.
"THERE HE IS!" shouted a crew member standing on a catwalk on the other side of the massive room. Several guards quickly entered the area and released several Bellsprout.
"Use Protect!" the man commanded Koffing.
A moment later, the Bellsprout unleashed a large barrage of Bullet Seed attacks. The projectiles rained down on the man and his Koffing but the Pokémon had successfully deployed a shimmering green shield to block the attacks. There were a deafening number of explosions as the tiny seeds detonated but the shield held.
Long seconds ticked by. The keycard continued working on the lock and Koffing kept the stream of exploding projectiles at bay. The man knew that his loyal Pokémon couldn't keep this up forever and so he tapped a button his watch.
"Kadabra, I need you!" he said.
A moment later, a white flash of light resolved into a Kadabra standing at his side, on the catwalk.
"Use Protect and assist Koffing," he commanded.
His Pokémon moved quickly and deployed its own shield, relieving Koffing and giving it time to recover.
The keypad suddenly lit up green and the elevator door opened. The man swiftly entered the large elevator, spied a fire extinguisher and snatched it from its bracket. He stepped back out onto the catwalk and turned toward his Pokémon.
"Kadabra!" he shouted, tossing the fire extinguisher toward the psychic Pokémon.
Kadabra didn't miss a beat. It used Psychic to catch the fire fighting device in mid air and then hurled it across the room into the midst of the guards. It exploded into a huge white cloud and briefly stunned the guards and their Pokémon.
The man raised his right arm and tapped a button on the watch. Red recall beams shot out and swiftly whisked his Pokémon back inside the device. He then dashed inside the elevator, pressed the button for the bridge and waited as the doors slid shut.
The elevator jolted and began to rise upward. He took a moment to brush some specks of dust off the front of his suit coat and to readjust his sleeves. He then stood waiting for the elevator to reach its destination.
Several seconds later there was a loud thud on the top of the elevator car as something heavy landed from above. There was a loud squeal of rending metal and suddenly the emergency hatch on top of the elevator was wrenched free. The bald head of Krome ducked into the elevator car and he looked at the intruder with a fierce grin.
"We meet again agent Kozo!" Krome said energetically.
Kozo shifted to a combat stance and glared back at the bald man. "Krome!" he said sharply, meeting the challenge.
"HA HA HA," Krome laughed. "Your boldness will not save you this time. You are trapped like a rat! Now you will die like a dog!"
Krome disappeared from sight and a moment later there was the sound of rending metal above and all the lights in the elevator went dark. The car stopped its ascent and Kozo could hear Krome walking atop the roof of the car.
The agent quickly tapped his watch and a Magnemite flashed into existence.
"Magnemite, restore the elevator, quickly!" he said.
The electric Pokémon went to work and began interfacing with the control panel of the elevator. The lights flickered, but didn't come on yet.
Meanwhile, Kozo took two long strides toward the wall nearest the roof hatch, kicked off the side of the elevator and vaulted through the hatch onto the roof of the car.
The elevator shaft was illuminated by the service lights built into the walls and Kozo could see that Krome was in the process of using his cybernetic arm to rip out the anchors keeping the elevator car from plummeting to destruction. As soon as the well-dressed agent's fine shoes hit the roof of the car, Krome whirled around and leered at him.
"So, you decided to fight rather than cower!" Krome clinched his metallic hand into a fist with a solid 'clank' sound. "Good! I will enjoy crushing your skull like a tiny egg!"
Kozo didn't flinch at the challenge. He stood ready for action and reached into his suit coat with his right hand. He retrieved a hilt with a black grip and a small square hand guard.
"I would say that the only thing to be crushed will be your honor," Kozo said forcefully. "But you have none!"
Krome erupted in a belly laugh and grabbed hold of the upper portion of his jumpsuit with both his hands. He tensed his muscles and rent apart the fabric covering his torso. He tossed the top half of the torn suit aside and briefly posed, showing off his massive muscular upper body.
Kozo flicked his right arm to the side and hit a small switch on the hilt. A slightly curved sword blade unfolded and extended from within the hilt. It locked together into a perfectly formed blade and Kozo raised the sword above his head, gripped it with both hands and pointed the blade toward Krome's head.
Krome narrowed his eyes, continued to grin fiercely and charged straight at Kozo.
The roof of the elevator was spacious enough to allow for maneuver and Kozo took advantage of this. He deftly dodged to his left, avoiding the attack. He counter swung against Krome, but the huge man blocked the strike with his metal forearm, causing a sharp metal 'ping' to sound.
Krome attempted to deliver a roundhouse punch with his left fist but Kozo quickly stepped backward causing the blow to cut through the air, inches from the agent's handsome face.
Kozo quickly attacked with his sword, delivering a series of three strikes. Despite Krome's huge bulk, the man was quite agile. He managed to dodge two of the sword swings, leaving them to cut through the air with a ringing sound. Krome blocked the third strike with his metal arm and then quickly counter-attacked with an extension kick from his left leg.
Kozo twisted sideways, causing the kick to miss him and slam into the wall, leaving a dent in the metal. The agent quickly slashed the sword down on Krome's leg aiming to sever the limb just above the knee. The strike landed before Krome could react and sliced through the jumpsuit fabric before stopping abruptly with a loud metal 'klang.'
Krome grinned and ripped away the pant leg, revealing a massive cybernetic leg, which resembled his arm in design and appearance.
"I decided to get an upgrade after our last meeting!" Krome exclaimed confidently.
Kozo took a step backward, assessing the new development. "So, you are now even less of a man than you were before," he quipped dryly.
Krome's eyes flashed with anger and he emitted a growl before charging at Kozo.
The two of them continued to clash for several more long seconds. Krome used his cybernetic arm and leg to block Kozo's swings and to try to deliver a devastating blow. Kozo remained agile and avoided the blows. He made precise attacks, but Krome was a skilled fighter and none of them made it through the large man's guard.
Abruptly, the elevator car jolted and began moving upward again. Magnemite had succeeded in restoring the vehicle and the small electric Pokémon floated up through the hatch to see if it could assist its master.
Krome paid the Pokémon no heed and continued attacking Kozo. He had maneuvered the agent into a corner of the elevator shaft and he stood, arms spread wide in a confident stance, preparing to crush the man in the fine suit.
"Nowhere to run this time, agent Kozo!" Krome growled.
Kozo didn't blink and waited for Krome to make a move. The instant the large man began his lunge Kozo deftly dove and rolled out of the large man's grasp. Krome's cybernetic fist slammed into the top of the elevator car, leaving a large dent in the surface.
"Now Magnemite!" Kozo said quickly.
The magnet Pokémon reacted immediately and sent a charge into the metal of the elevator car. The surface became magnetized and suddenly Krome's arm and leg were locked in place by the invisible force. Krome struggled mightily, but couldn't break free.
Kozo smoothly walked to the center of the car and stood next to the cables anchored into its roof.
"Your cowardly tactics will not save you, Kozo!" Krome growled.
Kozo grasped hold of the elevator cable with his left hand and looked at Krome with the smallest of ironic smiles pulling at the corner of his mouth.
"It looks like you need a hand, Krome," he said dryly. "Too bad there's no one here to lend you one."
Kozo swung his sword in a horizontal slash and sliced through the elevator cable beneath where he was holding it. Immediately, the cable began to be drawn upwards, pulling Kozo along with it. Additionally, the elevator car began to fall, taking a furious Krome along with it. The man screamed out in defiance as he plummeted out of sight.
Kozo held tight to the cable as it pulled him up to the top of the shaft. He jumped onto the ledge where the upper most pair of doors was located and waited for Magnemite to catch up to him.
"Excellent job!" he said to his Pokémon, recalling it with his watch. Kozo then turned to the closed elevator doors and ran his left hand over the seam in the middle where they met. He then took his sword, jammed it into the seam and used it to pry the doors open. He then stepped through the narrow opening and walked onto the bridge.
Kozo scanned the room with his eyes. There were several computer consoles lining the walls, a few tables in the middle of the room and the back walls were lined with file cabinets and book shelves. There was a distinct lack of people however. The room was eerily deserted.
He took several cautious steps forward, holding his sword at the ready. He glanced out the windows at Rayquaza and at Vermilion City.
Suddenly, a balding man of average height stepped out from behind a console and laughed.
"HA! HA! HA! A very bold move indeed, agent Kozo! Like usual! However, you've fallen into my trap!"
Kozo turned to face the balding man. "Zarnas!" he said. His voice filled with disdain.
Zarnas giggled evilly. "Soon Vermilion City will be a pile of ash and the world will be begging for mercy. Perhaps if you surrender, I'll let you live to see my ascension to ruler of the entire world."
Kozo took a step toward Zarnas and brandished his sword. "It seems your lapdog has fallen and your lieutenants have fled," he spoke with a slight taunt in his voice. "Do you intend to face me all alone?"
Zarnas continued to grin. "No, Kozo! And who said that I was alone."
Abruptly, five panels in the ceiling swung open and four Sneasel and one Weavile dropped down onto the tables. All five of them made soft but menacing cries and stood ready for action.
Kozo gritted his teeth and his face locked into mask of determination.
Zarnas gestured to the Weavile which possessed a scar running down the left side of its face. "I believe you remember Dark Klaw," he said in grandiose fashion. "He certainly remembers you."
Dark Klaw let out a growl for emphasis.
"Who is alone now, agent Kozo?" Zarnas said with menace.
Kozo took a quick step back and raised his sword. "Not me," he said, tapping a button on his watch. "Sandslash!"
The yellow skinned and brown spined Pokémon appeared and brandished its claws.
Dark Klaw growled and a moment later all four Sneasel attacked. Two went for Kozo and two attacked Sandslash.
Kozo used his sword to block the slashing strikes of the Sneasel. He counterattacked, but the dark type Pokémon dodged and flipped away from the path of his sword.
Sandslash met its attackers head-on. The three Pokémon exchanged blows, sometimes blocking and other times landing attacks. Sandslash was stronger and tougher but the Sneasel were faster.
Dark Klaw hung back, watching the fight and waiting for the opportune time to move in.
One of the Sneasel jumped high in the air, aiming to attack Kozo from above. The sharp looking agent quickly swung his sword up to meet the Pokémon. The Sneasel raised its claws to block the sword strike, but was still knocked backward in the air by the blow.
"Sandslash!" Kozo cried out.
The ground type Pokémon didn't miss a cue and leapt toward the helpless midair Sneasel, swinging a vicious clawed strike into it. The dark type took the impact and was hurled through the air, slamming into a wall and leaving a Sneasel shaped indentation before it fell to the floor.
The two Sneasel focused on Sandslash tried to avenge their comrade. They landed several brutal attacks before the other could respond. Sandslash was staggered but replied with its own devastating attack; a Fury Cutter assault which left one of the Sneasel reeling before it collapsed to the ground.
With only one Sneasel to deal with, Kozo quickly gained the upper hand. Dark Klaw saw this and made his move.
Kozo had nearly driven the Sneasel back into a wall when Dark Klaw leapt in to attack. He saw the flash of movement approaching and swung his sword to block the Weavile's claws at the last moment. Dark Klaw back flipped away from Kozo, growled and then charged straight at the well dressed agent, claws raised.
Dark Klaw was a far more skilled combatant than the Sneasel. His assault pushed Kozo to the limit but the agent didn't give ground or let an attack through.
The Sneasel chose this moment to attack Kozo again. The agent blocked the lesser assault but it provided a tiny window for Dark Klaw. The Weavile lunged forward and slashed at the man. Kozo dodged as best as he could but the attack still landed, fraying a single stitch in his immaculate suit coat near the end of his left sleeve.
Kozo recoiled and gasped in dismay, inspecting the damage his foe had inflicted. Dark Klaw grinned wickedly and let out a taunting snarl. The agent then fastened his eyes on his opponent, more determined than ever to defeat him.
The Sneasel attempted to attack again, but Kozo, without looking, simply slammed the pommel of his sword into the creature's face as it came within reach. The Sneasel's eyes rolled back in its head and it let out a weak groan before falling flat on its back.
Kozo and Dark Klaw stared each other down for several long seconds before the Weavile made a small gesture with its claws for Kozo to come at him. The agent did so; however the attack was a feint. Dark Klaw also began to dash forward, but its move was a feint as well. The two of them again stared at each other before they both surged forward in attack, this time for real.
They made a series of rapid strikes and blocks as they quickly advanced and retreated. The air hummed with the ring of Kozo's sword slicing through the air and the whistle of Dark Klaw's slashing strokes. Neither combatant gave an inch and after a barrage of exchanged attacks, both of them took a couple steps back to reassess.
Dark Klaw abruptly jumped sideways and vaulted off of a table. He came at Kozo from above, but the agent blocked the attack and used his sword to shove the Weavile back into the air. Dark Klaw flipped and landed neatly on a nearby table.
Kozo promptly grabbed a small book and hurled it at the Pokémon. Weavile swung its claws and sliced the book in half. It was the distraction Kozo needed however. The agent kicked upward at the underside of the table and knocked Dark Klaw up into the air. Kozo then spun and delivered an extension kick to the Pokémon, sending it flying across the room where it slammed into a bookshelf.
The Weavile groaned and fell to the ground in a pile of books. A moment later the entire shelf fell forward on top of the Pokémon along with its neighbor, burying the creature under a pile of wood and parchment.
Kozo glanced over at Sandslash and saw that the Pokémon had just defeated the second Weavile. The ground type was badly hurt and swayed on its feet as it tried to remain standing.
"Good job my friend," Kozo said, recalling the Pokémon. He then turned toward Zarnus and advanced on him, keeping his sword pointed at the other man's chest.
Kozo glanced at the consoles and determined that the submarine was preparing to force Rayquaza to fire on Vermilion City.
Kozo looked Zarnas straight in the eye with deadly intent. "Deactivate the firing sequence!"
Zarnas grinned. "HA HA! Once started, the firing sequence cannot be stopped. The energy will build until it is channeled into Rayquaza and then the Pokémon will annihilate whatever lies before it!"
Kozo gritted his teeth and looked over the consoles, searching for some sort of solution. He spotted the controls for the harnesses holding Rayquaza.
"If I cannot stop the countdown, than I will release Rayquaza! Your weapon will be useless!"
Kozo prepared to activate the control to free the gigantic Pokémon when Zarnus began to laugh again.
"HA HA HA! Are you so sure that's what you want to do, agent Kozo!" he said in a mocking tone. "I think there is a certain troublesome reporter you know who might wish otherwise!"
Kozo gasped and looked out across the framework holding Rayquaza. Far toward the bow of the ship, he could see the form of a woman in a white outfit standing on a walkway above Rayquaza's head. Her arms were handcuffed together around a large steel beam above her.
"Fuji," Kozo breathed.
Zarnas laughed again. "HA HA HA! If you release Rayquaza, she'll be torn apart!"
Kozo turned on Zarnas, his eyes burning with anger. "You fiend!" he shouted.
Zarnus chuckled and leered at Kozo. "So, what will it be, agent Kozo?! Let a city burn, or let your friend die?!"
Kozo gritted his teeth and thought quickly. He glanced around the room and his eyes settled on the power conduits running vertically on the rear wall of the bridge. Without hesitation, he swung the pommel of his sword into the window nearest him, shattering it. He then flicked his sword into the air, caught it in his right hand in a reverse grip and then hurled it like a spear at one of the conduits. The blade penetrated through the middle of the large conduit. A large burst of steam escaped and a moment later a loud alarm sounded.
Zarnas looked alarmed and dismayed. "YOU FOOL! YOU'LL KILL US ALL!"
Kozo didn't wait a moment. He dashed toward the broken window and jumped into the air. He'd measured his leap perfectly and landed on a sharply slanted part of the upper framework. He began sliding downward, neatly keeping his balance as his high-end shoes skidded across the obsidian painted steel. The edges of his suit coat flapped as the wind blew past him. He made another perfectly measured leap and landed on the catwalk of the framework.
He tugged at the suit coat and adjusted his sleeves before taking a step forward. The first, of what would be many explosions, occurred behind him, sending a wave of heat washing over him. His finely trimmed and well combed hair was blown askew by the rush of air but he smoothly ran his hand over his head and set it back as it should be.
Captain Kubo stood on the bridge of the Self-Defense Force vessel Maya. The ship was racing across the ocean at top speed, heading straight for the massive obsidian colored submarine threatening Vermilion City. Kubo peered through a pair of binoculars, assessing the situation.
"Sir, we're nearly within firing range," Lieutenant Hiromi said. She was a young and sharp looking officer. She was petite and possessed short cut black hair which barely showed underneath her navy hat.
Kubo glanced down at the two Metagross who had taken position on the bow of the vessel, ready to unleash attacks on command.
"We can't risk hurting Rayquaza," the captain said firmly. "If it goes into a rage, the results could be catastrophic."
Hiromi looked worried. "But sir, if it launches an attack-"
The captain held up a hand to stop her. "We must trust agent Kozo," he said in a reassuring tone. "He's our best option."
Kozo moved quickly across the catwalks and soon approached the forward section of the framework. Below him, Rayquaza made some movements against the harnesses, however the massive Pokémon was mostly docile.
The agent stepped onto the catwalk where Fuji was restrained and she turned her head toward him, her expression showing grave concern and also some relief.
"Kozo!" she said, in a frantic voice. She pulled at the handcuffs which were looped over the top of a large steel beam above her.
Fuji was a shapely young woman in her mid 20s. She was wearing a very tight, cream colored button up shirt and a white skirt which terminated just above her knees. She had long black hair which was currently all tied up in a large bun at the back of her head and secured with a pair of large, elegant, metal hairpins which were arranged in a diagonal cross.
Kozo strode coolly to Fuji's side and inspected the handcuffs.
"I told you to stay in the fishing village," he said, a measure of admonition in his tone.
"And let a story like this get away, ha!" she retorted.
Kozo glowered at her briefly and then retrieved a lock pick from within his coat.
"Hold still," he said, reaching up for the handcuffs and inserting the pick.
Fuji suddenly glanced over his shoulder and her eyes went wide. "LOOK OUT!" she shouted.
Kozo glanced backward and saw two of the Sneasel from earlier had apparently recovered and were dashing along the catwalk toward them. He pressed the lock pick into Fuji's hand and turned to face the attackers.
"Hold on to that," he said over his shoulder.
The two Sneasel paused when they reached the catwalk Kozo and Fuji were on. They eyed their foe and then charged forward, claws raised.
Kozo, now unarmed, dodged the claw swipes and was forced backwards. He timed his movements well and landed a strike on one of the Sneasel when it overcommitted to an attack. Despite this, the two fierce Pokémon drove him back toward Fuji and soon he was forced to avoid the swiping attacks and keep from crashing into the restrained woman.
"Kozo!" Fuji exclaimed in fear as the Sneasel's attack came dangerously close to her.
"Just stay calm," Kozo said.
The battle continued and neither Kozo nor the Sneasel could gain the upper hand. Kozo twisted out of the way of one attack and the claw strike instead tore through part of Fuji's skirt with a loud ripping sound.
Fuji screamed in fright and dismay.
Kozo punched one of the creatures and the other slashed at him in retaliation. Kozo deflected the blow, causing it to go wide and tear another large gash into Fuji's skirt. The girl yelped in fright and dismay again.
Kozo elbowed and then slammed one of the Sneasel into a guard railing. The other Pokémon tried to slash him but Kozo rolled aside and instead the attack shredded what remained of Fuji's skirt. The fabric was in tatters and easily blown about by the wind, which left her well sculpted and very attractive legs completely exposed.
Next, a Sneasel jumped high, trying to attack Kozo from above. He kicked the creature in midair and sent it spinning toward the side of the catwalk. As if flew by Fuji, it desperately tried to grab hold of anything but only succeeded in shearing off several buttons from the top of her shirt. Fuji screamed in fear and dismay again as the upper half of her extremely tight shirt popped open, revealing the top of a lavender bodice with frilly lace.
As this happened, the shock and surprise of the moment caused Fuji to drop the lock pick. The small metal pick fell down, slid right into the cleavage of her large bust and disappeared from sight. Kozo saw this and glared at Fuji as he smacked around one of the Sneasel.
"Sorry," Fuji said with apology and embarrassment.
Kozo slammed one of the Sneasel face first into the catwalk and then waited for the other to make a move. The dark type eyed the man for several seconds and then made a bounding charge toward him. Kozo met the creature and kicked it into the air toward Fuji. Fuji flinched but the Sneasel went high and instead its claws sliced through the handcuff chains before the creature flew over the railing and plummeted out of sight.
With both Pokémon dispatched, the now freed Fuji ran to Kozo and spoke in a concerned tone. "What do we do now?! Rayquaza is still trapped!"
Kozo's piercing, dark blue eyes swept the scene and he tapped his watch. "Arcanine, I need you!"
The huge, orange and black dog with billowing fur appeared next to Kozo and let out a growl. Kozo made a gesture and Arcanine grabbed a compact backpack off of its back and tossed it to his master. Kozo fastened the pack onto his back and then pointed toward the harnesses holding Rayquaza.
"Arcanine, set Rayquaza free!" he said forcefully.
The large dog let out a cry and then leapt out onto the framework. It quickly dashed to one of the harnesses and began ripping at it with its powerful jaws.
Kozo began pacing along the catwalk with Fuji in tow. He stared down at Rayquaza's head and the device which kept it enslaved to Zarnas.
"Freeing Rayquaza's body is meaningless if we cannot free its mind," he said in a disheartened tone.
"What is the plan?!" Fuji asked.
Kozo frowned. "I don't know. We have to find a way to counteract the mind control signal."
Arcanine finished dismantling one of the harnesses and leapt across to another one.
An explosion occurred far below them as another part of the submarine's energy grid destabilized. A strange hum filled the air and Fuji suddenly perked up.
"Hey, do you hear that?!" she said abruptly.
Kozo listened and nodded. "Yes, it sounds like the control wave you discovered."
Fuji looked excited. "I think it is the control wave. If we can send out a resonance signal we might be able to disrupt the mind control device."
Kozo suddenly looked more enthused. "We can use the submarine's PA system!" He grabbed hold of Fuji's arm and began pulling her along with him as he ran toward the front of the network of catwalks. "Come on!"
They shortly arrived at a large computer console located at the foremost part of the framework. Kozo yanked open the side of the device, giving Fuji access to the internals.
"Can you shut it down?" he asked simply.
Fuji eyed the computer's internals. "Yes, but I need a phone."
Kozo reached inside his coat and retrieved Fuji's phone which he had taken from her before this whole submarine excursion had begun. As he did this, another explosion occurred and Kozo saw the illuminated outline of a figure approaching them on the catwalk. It was Dark Klaw, and the Pokémon grinned evilly, aiming to take revenge for what had happened earlier.
Kozo handed Fuji the phone and then reached behind her head to retrieve her two hairpins.
"Hey!" Fuji exclaimed as Kozo pulled the pins free. Her long black hair unfurled and began to billow in the constant breeze.
Kozo turned to face Dark Klaw and began walking toward him. "Work quickly," he said over his shoulder.
Fuji stood watching Kozo for a moment and then set to work on counteracting the control wave.
Kozo and Dark Klaw approached each other until there was only a dozen strides separating them. They sized each other up. Kozo holding one of Fuji's hairpins in each hand and Dark Klaw flexing its razor sharp claws.
The dark type Pokémon reached a hand up to the left side of its face and ran one of its claws along the jagged scar there. Dark Klaw vividly remembered when Kozo had given him that memento. Now he intended to return the favor.
Kozo narrowed his eyes and ran a finger along the single stitch on his sleeve that Dark Claw had severed earlier. The Pokémon would regret that action.
The two combatants eyed each other for several more seconds and then lunged forward simultaneously. Dark Klaw slashed at Kozo but the agent managed to twist and dodge out of the way. Kozo countered with the hairpins but the Weavile was just as agile. Neither of them could land a blow.
Dark Klaw juked from one side of the catwalk to the other and slashed at Kozo's legs. Kozo kept up with the movements however and the Weavile only cleaved through the metal gridding of the walkway. Kozo abruptly took several steps backward and Dark Klaw followed, stepping over the destroyed portion of the walkway as he advanced. The damaged walkway creaked and groaned slightly as they stepped causing both of them shift their feet carefully.
They stared each other down again and then Dark Klaw attacked, swinging aggressively at Kozo. Kozo dodged several of the attacks and used the hairpins to deflect a few of the blows. One of the slashes cut through a handrail, causing the entire platform to shudder under their feet.
Dark Klaw attacked again, but this time Kozo was ready. The agent deftly dodged and ducked and baited the Weavile into an overhand slash that went wide and dug into the metal walkway. Kozo quickly jammed one of the hairpins in between the Wevile's claws and the twisted metal, locking the Pokemon's hand in place.
Dark Klaw growled in anger and swiped at Kozo. This attack went wide and Kozo repeated what he had done a moment earlier and immobilized the Pokemon's other hand with the second hairpin.
Dark Klaw struggled and yanked at his stuck hands. Kozo took a couple of cool steps back, regarded his foe for a moment and then kicked the second undamaged handrail free of the walkway. The far end of the walkway section came loose and began to fall. Dark Klaw suddenly realized what was happening and locked eyes with Kozo. The Pokémon let out a hissing cry as the platform he was on completely broke free and fell, tumbling end over end, down into the billowing clouds of smoke.
Kozo stared down into the smoke for several long seconds then readjusted his coat and returned to Fuji.
"Have you broken the mind control?" he asked directly as he came up along side of her.
Fuji tapped on the phone. "I think so," she said hesitantly. "But I need another minute to be sure!"
Another explosion occurred and the entire submarine shuddered.
Kozo looked around and gritted his teeth. "There's no time! Activate it now!"
Fuji looked concerned for a moment but then tapped a few more commands and suddenly the submarine's PA system began emitting a very unpleasant shrieking sound.
It took a few moments, but Rayquaza suddenly began to stir. Its eyes blinked and started tracking back-and-forth as the Pokémon became aware of its surroundings.
"I think it's working!" Fuji exclaimed.
"Arcanine!" Kozo shouted. "Get rid of that control device!"
The mighty dog barked an acknowledgment and bounded up to the head of the massive Pokémon. Arcanine growled once and then sunk its teeth into the device mounted atop Rayquaza's head. The dog ripped and yanked, and after a struggle the accursed, machine was torn free.
Rayquaza suddenly became fully aware of what was going on and violently thrashed against its restraints. The harnesses had been partially damaged by Arcanine and now could not contain the furious legendary beast. Metal groaned and bent, cables snapped and the entire submarine was shaken as Rayquaza began breaking free.
Kozo and Fuji were thrown against the railing as the submarine shook. Fuji instinctively grabbed hold of Kozo and he protectively wrapped an arm around her. Rayquaza snapped several restraints near its head and suddenly whipped the forward section of its body upwards. Arcanine was still perched on top of the monster's head and was hurled high into the sky by the action.
"OH NO!" Fuji exclaimed upon seeing Arcanine's peril.
Kozo grabbed hold of Fuji tightly and began to run toward the end of the catwalk. "Hold on!" he shouted.
A moment later, Fuji screamed as Kozo jumped off the end of the catwalk and began falling through the air. Kozo waited a couple of seconds and then hit a button on one of the straps of his backpack. A pair of wings suddenly unfolded from the device and Kozo angled himself toward his falling Pokémon.
Fuji gasped as Arcanine plummeted toward a horrible fate, but Kozo remained cool. He smoothly raised his right arm and deployed a recall beam from his watch, whisking the large dog away to safety. Kozo then used the wings to fly upwards and away from the foundering submarine.
Captain Kubo watched as Rayquaza thrashed itself free of the restraints and finally broke away from the submarine. The serpent-like Pokémon made several twists and turns in the air before looking back at the vessel which had imprisoned and inflicted much pain on it. The Pokémon screeched and then reared back, unleashing a devastating Hyper Beam that raked the vessel from stem to stern.
The submarine shuddered and Rayquaza let out one more screech before rocketing straight up into the sky and out of sight.
Kubo grinned and set down the binoculars. "Lieutenant!" he said sharply.
The second in command needed no additional instruction. She took a deep breath and shouted, "Metagross, begin firing!"
The two Metagross on deck looked toward the smoking submarine and fired their own Hyper Beams. The attacks hit home and several more explosions occurred. The Metagross fired again and again and soon the obsidian colored boat was fully ablaze and beginning to sink.
Lieutenant Hiromi ordered the Pokemon to cease their attacks and the bridge became quiet as everyone watched the submarine slowly go down.
"Do you think agent Kozo made it out?" Hiromi asked with some concern in her voice.
The captain laughed and looked toward the sky. "I believe that's him now!"
The lieutenant looked upward and saw the well dressed agent descending with his wingpack, carrying a young woman in his arms.
Kozo smoothly landed on the bow of the ship and gently set Fuji down.
"OH!" Fuji exclaimed as she looked at the sinking sub. She pulled out her phone and began rapidly snapping pictures of the sight.
"This is incredible!" she said breathlessly. "No one else is going to have a story like this!" She turned to face Kozo, her long black hair billowing in the breeze. "This is sure to win an award. Do you think we can do an interview?"
Kozo regarded the young woman for a few seconds, then took hold of her, pulled her across his body and drew her into a lengthy kiss.
On the bridge, lieutenant Hiromi gasped and raised a hand to her face out of embarrassment. "Oh my!" she exclaimed, blushing slightly at the sight.
The captain grinned broadly and let out a belly laugh. "HA HA! That's Kozo for you. Always bold with assignments and with the ladies."
Below, Kozo gently parted his lips from Fuji's and the two of them stared at each other for several seconds.
"Does this mean I can get an exclusive?" Fuji asked in a dreamy voice.
"Any time," Kozo replied in a confident tone. He then drew her up into another lengthy kiss.
Overhead a trio of fighter jets roared above them, soaring over the half submerged wreck of Zarnas' boat and then banking toward Vermilion City.
The lights inside the theater began to rise and Ash glanced to his right at Serena. He was smiling from enjoyment of the movie they'd just finished watching and he wanted to see what her reaction was.
Serena was still staring at the screen as the credits began rolling and the grandiose music continued playing. Her mouth was slightly scrunched and twisted, as if she'd just taken a bite of some very exotic food and wasn't quite sure if she liked it or hated it.
"So, what'd you think?" Ash asked eagerly.
Serena waited a moment, shifted her mouth slightly and then spoke in a tactful voice. "You know, I'm always surprised at how….. different the movies are in Kanto compared to Kalos."
"Really, what do you mean?" Ash replied.
Serena briefly scrunched up her mouth again and then continued. "I guess the movies in Kalos are more….. subtle," she offered.
Ash wasn't quite sure what to make of that answer. "Well, okay, but did you like it?"
Serena let out a small sigh. "I guess…." she said slowly. "But I don't understand why Kozo couldn't figure out the connection between those different signals. He's supposed to be really smart, but he was clueless until Fuji just randomly showed up in the lab that day and put it all together."
Ash thought for a moment. "Yeah, well… hmmm I guess you're right," he said quietly, becoming aware of the inconsistency in the story.
Serena crossed her arms and kept staring at the screen as an after credits scene played out showing Dark Klaw staggering out of the ocean and letting out a menacing growl. "And Fuji is supposed to be really modest, but every time she shows up it seems like she's doing something really risqué. I mean, who gets out of the shower and answers the door only wearing a towel and then is like 'oh no! I'm only wearing a towel!'"
Ash had to admit Serena had a point about that one. "Okay… but overall, did you like it?"
Serena sighed again. "I just like my movies to make sense," she said in a disappointed tone. She glanced over at Ash and changed her demeanor and tone to be a bit more upbeat. "But I did like the Pokémon battles and some of the special effects…. Although a mega gigantic Pokémon is pretty ridiculous."
Ash laughed. "Yeah, that was pretty crazy. It was cool though."
Serena laughed slightly and smiled. Even though she'd disliked the movie, she loved that Ash had enjoyed it. A few weeks ago Serena had suggested they go watch a movie about a romance between a girl in Kalos and a man sailing around the world. She'd thought it a neat mirror of her and Ash's relationship, however that detail had been lost on Ash and he'd been somewhat bored by the movie. He'd put on a happy face regardless, however, and Serena had appreciated his tact. She felt it was the least she could do to return the favor and at least act cordial.
Ash stood up and smiled at Serena. "Well, you ready to get going?"
Serena smiled and stood as well. "Yep, this was fun!" she said happily.
Ash reached out and took Serena's hand. The two of them then walked out of the theater and into the cold, wintery night of Viridian City.
Serena was a little surprised that Ash didn't recommend they immediately fly back to Pallet Town. Instead, he suggested they go for a little walk, and after a short while, they were deep inside the city park and completely alone. They were each wearing pants, coats and hats. They'd brought gloves with them, however, they were currently only wearing them on their hands which weren't clasped together. They'd been holding hands since leaving the theater and they didn't want the fabric of the hand coverings to interfere with their touch.
They laughed and leaned against each other as they walked. They whispered and rubbed their cold noses against the other's warm cheek. Eventually, they stopped underneath a leafless tree and let their hands separate. It was getting late and they needed to head back home, but they wanted just a little more time together.
Ash glanced at Serena and got a mischievous look on his face. He blushed slightly and looked away. Serena saw his behavior and smiled slightly, curious as to what Ash was thinking.
Ash again looked toward Serena and again looked embarrassed.
Serena chuckled. "What is it?" she playfully probed.
Ash grinned and shook his head. "Aw… it's nothing," he said, sounding very embarrassed.
Now Serena was very intrigued. She could tell from his mannerism that Ash was thinking about doing something with her. The times when Ash had taken initiative in their relationship were few and far between, but when he'd done so, Serena had been so overwhelmed with emotion and sentiment that she'd almost become weak in the knees. She really wanted to know what Ash was thinking about. Maybe she could coax him to take action on it.
"It's clearly something, Ash," Serena said lightheartedly, with a big smile on her face.
Ash giggled slightly and tried to keep his excitement under control.
"Nah, it's just something silly," he said evasively.
Serena wasn't deterred one bit. "It's something about us, isn't it?" she said, making her voice deliberately invasive yet extremely coy.
Ash snorted and tried to suppress a laugh, but failed. He blushed a bit more and nodded in response to Serena's question.
Serena grinned broadly. "Come on, Ash, tell me what it is?" she insisted.
Ash looked uncomfortable and excited at the same time. He glanced at Serena and opened his mouth to speak. "I don't know Serena," he said slowly, his voice full of tense energy. "It's something that's really bold."
Serena felt her heart leap and her romantic emotions ignite. Now she really really wanted to know what Ash was thinking.
"What have I told you a hundred times, Ash?" she said, barely keeping her excitement from running out of control.
Ash pressed his lips together, weighing whether he should proceed. "You sure?" he asked.
Serena took a step toward him and sent him a look of intense eagerness. She didn't need any words to answer his question.
Ash laughed a little and then nodded his head, internally deciding to go forward with his idea, crazy and bold as it was.
He took a step toward Serena so she was standing directly in front of him. Their shoes were almost touching and Serena's heart was pounding in anticipation. She stared into Ash's eyes and he stared back. Ash reached out and placed his left hand behind Serena's right shoulder and his right hand just above the small of her back. Serena wasn't quite sure what Ash was planning, but she really liked it so far.
Without warning, Ash suddenly turned slightly to his left and pulled Serena across his body. As he did so, he rotated her slightly so she was facing upward, looking toward the sky. The motion pulled Serena off of her feet, so only the heels of her shoes were touching the ground, barely supporting any of her weight. Ash's strong arms were now completely responsible for preventing her from plummeting to the ground.
Serena was startled by the move. She felt herself being pulled off her feet and briefly experienced the sensation of falling. She gasped and instinctively reached up with both her arms, wrapping them around Ash's neck to keep herself from crashing to the ground. A moment later, she felt Ash's muscular arms holding her tightly and realized that her action had been unnecessary.
She stared up at Ash's face, which was hovering only a few inches above her. A moment after that, Ash lifted her up slightly and craned his neck downward. He drew Serena into his lips and kissed her gently yet passionately.
For Serena, the experience was indescribable. She closed her eyes and became lost in the sensations that were washing over her. Ash had total control of her and she was trusting him to not drop her. She loved being at his mercy and knowing, with absolute certainty, that everything would turn out wonderfully. She felt his left hand creep upward and his fingers spread apart over the base of her skull. He now controlled the movement of her head, and thus, how firm the kiss was. Serena marveled at just how perfect everything was.
She let her body go mostly limp and surrendered her will over to Ash. She moved her lips slightly along with his, letting him dictate the pace of things. She loved this so much! This was easily the most romantic, intense, loving, sexy and magical thing that Ash had ever done to-"
Ash suddenly broke this kiss and lowered Serena a tiny bit. He lifted his head and looked down at her with a smile on his face. Serena's eyes snapped open and she stared back in shock and dismay.
"So, was that okay?" Ash said with a grin.
Serena just stared back at Ash, hardly able to believe his choice of actions. There were times when this boy from Pallet Town was unbelievably dense.
"Shut up!" she said sharply. She then used her arms to pull Ash's head down and herself up, into another kiss.
Mercifully, Ash didn't skip a beat and he resumed the wonderful kiss just as it had been before. Serena let herself relax again and become lost in the firm embrace of Ash's arms and the soft touch of his lips. She wasn't sure how long Ash held her, and frankly, she didn't care. Eventually, he slowly and gently lifted and turned her so she was again on her feet. During this maneuver, he kept his lips softly pressed against hers and only broke the kiss once Serena was fully supporting her own weight. He kept his face nearly touching hers and both of them could feel the warm breath of their partner brushing against their face.
Serena knew exactly what to say after that amazing encounter. It was incredibly cheesy, but the circumstances demanded it.
Serena opened her mouth and whispered, "a very bold move indeed, agent Ketchum."
Both of them chuckled and then began laughing more intensely as the excitement of the moment enhanced Serena's choice of words and made the joke seem much funnier than it really was. They hugged each other and rested their chins on each other's shoulders. They stayed like this for several minutes and then slowly pulled apart. They exchanged one final kiss and then Ash sent out Charizard and they prepared to fly home.
Ash pulled open the front door of the main building and waved Serena inside. Both of them flashed smiles at each other as she walked past the threshold. Despite Serena's lukewarm attitude toward the movie, both of them were in high spirits in light of Ash's very bold move. They'd snuggled close against each other as they'd flown back to Pallet Town and Serena had taken the opportunity to playfully nibble on Ash's earlobe and whisper a few sensual teases to him.
They snuck a few furtive glances at each other as they took off their coats, hats, shoes and socks. They were a little chilled from the flight back and headed further inside to get warm.
Ash was feeling a bit giddy as he walked into the living room with Serena. He couldn't stop smiling and he boosted himself up so he was sitting on the back wall of the couch with his legs dangling freely. Serena joined him and hopped up so she was straddling the back wall, facing Ash and sitting to his left.
Ash let out a silly giggle and Serena responded in-kind.
"You're really enjoying this, aren't you," she said in a jovial tone.
Ash kept giggling and nodded.
Serena laughed and shook her head in amusement. She waited a few moments for Ash to calm himself and then spoke in a quiet and playful tone.
"So, does agent Ketchum have another bold move planned for tonight?"
Serena's words provoked another round of giggling from Ash and she chuckled a few times as he struggled to find words. Ash finally coughed a few times and cleared his throat. He was still blushing slightly but he'd stopped giggling.
"Well," he began, with a big grin. "Actually, I was wondering if you had any bold moves you'd like to try out?" he said excitedly
Serena almost laughed out loud at the request. She possessed a massive arsenal of bold moves, some of which would likely make Ash pass out at the mere mention of them. However, most of these ideas were for much much later in their relationship. She thought of them as similar to the still-wrapped Christmas presents she and Ash had bought for each other. As the two of them grew closer in their relationship, Serena looked forward to presenting these sensual gifts to Ash and seeing his reaction. There was one idea however which Serena had been thinking of for a while now. She believed they were far enough along in their relationship for her to present this gift to Ash.
Serena grinned broadly and briefly chewed on her lower lip. "Are you serious?" she asked, inserting a small warning in her playful tone. She wanted to make sure Ash knew what he was getting into.
Ash hesitated for a moment. He knew Serena was far bolder in their relationship than he was, but with what he'd done that night, he was feeling adventurous. He wanted to see what Serena could do in response to his move.
Ash grinned and nodded. "Yeah, sure," he said eagerly.
Serena held in a laugh and briefly looked down at the couch. She then looked back up at Ash, took a deep breath and steadied herself.
"Okay," she said, sounding as if she was about to make a leap of faith. She quickly smiled, scooted herself toward Ash and reached out with her right arm.
Serena started by gently sliding her right hand over Ash's shoulder. Her touch was gentle and welcoming. She enjoyed feeling Ash's firm muscles and the hardness of his bones. Ash smiled and his eyes glimmered as his girlfriend ran her hand across him.
After a few moments of feeling Ash's shoulder, Serena slid her hand down the front of Ash's chest. She let her hand rest atop his left pectoral and slowly pressed her fingers into his flesh. Serena loved feeling the immense strength Ash possessed; she loved the sensation of his muscles resisting her touch. It made her feel close to him and began stoking the flames of passion inside her.
Ash didn't respond to Serena's actions. He was enjoying every second of her hand running across his upper torso. His heart was beginning to beat faster and he wondered what Serena could possibly have planned next.
As Ash waited, Serena began slowly applying more and more pressure to his pectoral. Too late, he realized that he was beginning to tip backwards and that Serena was intentional pushing him over.
Ash cried out in surprise and flailed his arms and legs, however, it was to no avail. Serena gave him a shove and he toppled backward, his back landing on the cushions below and his legs propped in the air by the couch back wall.
Serena pounced instantly. She practically leapt off the back of the couch and landed on Ash. She straddled his stomach with her legs and curled her body forward. She gently but firmly grasped hold of Ash's head with both her hands and pulled him upwards slightly. She then moved her head forward and aggressively pressed her lips against his. He felt her fingers pushing through his hair and bursts of breath issuing from her nostrils. Every sensation was amazing and most welcome.
Serena worked her mouth once, twice and then a third time. Ash loved the warm, wonderful feeling of Serena's lips and the rapid rhythm of her mouth. He eagerly moved his mouth along with her, joining her in a sensual dance of soft flesh and warm breath. By the third movement of her mouth, Ash felt wetness enter the kiss and the subtle, sweet flavor of Serena's lips became much more prominent.
On the fourth movement of her mouth, rather than just pressing and rolling her lips against his, she allowed her lips to part and her mouth to open slightly. Ash followed her movements and slightly opened his mouth as well. The sweet flavor of Serena's mouth intensified as Ash now had direct access to the source of the delicious nectar he loved so much.
Serena moved her lips a few more times. Each manipulation caused both their mouths to open wider and wider. Ash felt a little overwhelmed by the intensity of this kiss. Serena's flavor filled his mouth and the wetness of her lips against his was incredibly enjoyable. He could sense the warm breath from her lungs gently wafting into his mouth and it made him feel closer to her than he ever had. Ash didn't think the kiss could get any better, and then he felt Serena's tongue gently play along his lower lip.
At first he was a little shocked. He'd never thought of using his tongue as part of a kiss, but now that Serena was demonstrating the idea, it seemed innovative and intriguing. A moment later, when Serena's tongue softly brushed against the tip of his, and both her flavor and erotic pleasure exploded inside his mouth, Ash was again shocked that it was possible for such a small act to cause such indescribable, overwhelming pleasure.
Serena slowly and carefully slid her tongue down the side of Ash's. As this happened, Ash felt an intense desire for Serena suddenly well up inside him. He wanted to be close to her, he wanted to feel her body against his he wanted his hands to caress her wonderful curves. His mind flashed back to the times he'd seen Serena in her bandini and her sports bra. He'd never fully appreciated just how attractive and sexy she was.
With the position he was in on the couch, Ash was somewhat helpless to respond to Serena's actions. He simultaneously really wanted to make a move and at the same time didn't want to do anything to interrupt the fantastic kiss they were in the middle of. Thus, Ash compromised and ran his hands across Serena's back. He pressed the tips of his fingers into her flesh and pulled her closer to him. His heart beat faster and faster and he felt the pressure of hot desire continuing to build inside him, like a dam straining to hold back a torrent of water.
Serena absolutely loved everything that was happening. She felt Ash flinch and struggle a little beneath her as she slowly moved her tongue into his mouth. She loved Ash's savory taste but she could tell that he was absolutely enthralled by her flavor. He started grasping and clawing at her back and that only made Serena want to give him more of what she had to offer.
Serena worked her mouth a few more times and turned her head slightly so she could further engulf Ash with her mouth. She pulled her tongue back into her mouth to retrieve more of the flavor Ash loved so much and then gently moved it forward again, delivering her luscious taste to her boyfriend's overwhelmed senses.
Ash's actions became a bit more clumsy and uncoordinated. Serena found this extremely amusing and also very heartwarming. She liked the idea that she was blowing his mind with pleasure and sensuality. She hoped that one day, maybe he could do the same for her.
Serena repeatedly used her tongue to bathe Ash's mouth with her flavor. She slid her tongue along Ash's, enjoying his flavor and the texture of his tasting organ. Despite everything she was doing, Ash was barely using his tongue to respond to her actions. Serena was fine with this, Ash's other actions were providing her with plenty of enjoyment.
While Serena worked on Ash's mouth, he was continuing to try and caress her back. His movements weren't precise and Serena suspected Ash was barely aware of what he was doing. His hands repeatedly slipped off her sides or sometimes missed her body entirely, grasping at air instead of her arm or shoulder. Additionally, Ash's hands repeatedly strayed and his finger tips and palms sometimes brushed against Serena's breasts. Serena knew this wasn't intentional on Ash's part, but she found it utterly hilarious and very stimulating at the same time.
Serena kept up the kiss until she felt Ash was at his limit. She then broke contact with a big flourish and let out a big sigh of enjoyment. Ash looked stupefied and simply stared upward, his eyes partially unfocused. Serena chuckled and grabbed hold of the front of Ash's shirt with both her hands. She partially slid off of the couch and the rotated Ash so he was lying on the couch with his head resting on a pillow.
Serena wiped a mix of her and Ash's saliva from around her mouth and sat on the edge of the couch, smiling at her boyfriend.
Ash took a few breaths and his eyes refocused on Serena. He smiled and opened his mouth to speak.
"What was that?!" he said, his voice a little shaky. He then began wiping at his mouth to clean it of saliva.
Serena grinned. "That was a type of kiss that's popular in Kalos!" she said smartly.
Ash coughed to clear his throat. "Really," he replied. "How come you never mentioned it before?"
Serena playfully shrugged. "Do you think you could have handled it before now?" she said with a bit of a tease.
Ash chuckled and his eyes drifted across Serena's body. Now that he had more control of the situation he suddenly found that the burning desire for Serena he'd felt earlier still lingered inside him. His heart was still pounding and he felt like there was a large amount of pressure built up inside him. He was really enjoying staring at Serena's beautiful body.
Serena noticed how Ash's gaze was lingering below her neckline. She grinned fiercely and her flush deepened a bit.
"So, Ash," she said slowly and deliberately. "Did you enjoy that kiss?"
Ash laughed. "Yeah," he replied simply.
Serena leaned forward a little and Ash started to sit up, leaning forward to meet her. Serena really wanted to keep teasing Ash, but a little warning bell sounded in her mind, telling her that probably wasn't a good idea. As much as she teased Ash about making him lose control, she didn't actually want that to happen. If one day, Ash decided on his own to make a bold move and be intimate with her, she would go wherever he led. However, the idea of her manipulating him into taking that action was horrifying to her and something she never wanted to have happen. It was time for her to head home.
Serena leaned back, smiled and then stood up. "Well, Ash, I think that's enough for tonight, don't you?"
Ash looked a little disappointed but he quickly chuckled. "Okay," he said with a silly grin.
Serena took a step toward the door then looked over her shoulder and shot Ash a mysterious look. "See you tomorrow, agent Ketchum."
Both of them giggled and then Serena continued on her way and left the main building.
Ash sat on the couch for a few minutes, reflecting on the kiss he'd given Serena in Viridian City and the kiss she'd given him, just a few minutes ago. Who could have thought that a simple thing like kissing could be so much fun!