Re:Rise of Team Neos

Wha? Crush on Eve? Never!  Anywhos, glad to see a new chapter! Keep it up!

Of course I'm keeping it up Blazi, I just had to take a short dinner break. And I was kidding about the crush on Eve ;3


Chapter 15 pt1: Emo Loneliness

I was completely shaken to the core. I didn’t go back to the hotel, I didn’t even go back to Himee’s lab. I wandered White City in my sorry state all night. My entire existence went through my mind. The night’s events were still fresh but were faded like a bad dream. No, not a dream, an all out nightmare.

“Brian…” whispered Axel worriedly.

“Don’t talk. Your words can’t help this empty shell.” I said in a monotone of sorrow. There was nothing he could do for me now, maybe not ever again. Then all thoughts vanished.

When my mind began functioning again, I was in the residential district a few blocks from my hotel. Axel was ever faithfully standing by my side with a disheartened look on his face. Still clutched in my hand was Beldum’s Pokeball. I felt the warm light of the rising sun on my hollow back. What time was it anyway? Hmph. It doesn’t matter. Time means nothing to those who have nothing left but darkness. I continued dragging myself until I got to my room. I have this big luxurious room when all I need is a small hole.

“Axel.” I said vacantly. I threw him Beldum’s ball and the remaining five Pokeballs I carried. “You know my username and password for the PC Storage System. Put them away.” I don’t need to drag my Pokémon down with me. They’ll be safe in the PC; data doesn’t need to eat for survival.

“Don’t do this! Just talk to me!” Axel begged. I ignored him as I turned off all the lights and locked myself in the master bedroom. It was too late for talk and I wasn’t going to condemn my best friend to darkness with me.

I slept for I don’t know how long, but when I woke up it was completely dark. Was it cloudy or was it night already. Doesn’t matter. The light doesn’t suit me, I’m better off in darkness. For hours more I sat in darkness keeping my mind blank. I focused completely on darkness. I had no need for my thoughts or imagination to run wild.

I was broken from my trance by a knock at the door. “You’ve been in there all day. Are you hungry?” came Axel’s protective voice. I made no effort to move or speak. All I wanted was to be left alone in darkness without interference. “*sigh* Still playing the quiet game? I won’t break down the door because you’ll only be pissed when you get the bill, but don’t think I’ve given up on you. Send me in Alakazam.” The room was suddenly illuminated in orange as Axel was brought in by Alakazam’s Teleport. I lifted my arm over my eyes from the sudden light.

“Axel, please leave. Your flame gives off too much light.” I said.

“I’m not going without you.” said the monkey holding out his hand.

“I’m not in the mood for this so just go.” I said coldly waving my free arm to the door.

“Then get in the mood!” he ordered pulling out a Pokeball. “Vaporeon, this is for the good of our trainer! Water Gun!” The Bubble Jet Pokémon spayed me with a light stream of water the second he materialized from the ball's red light. “Hopefully that woke you up a bit. We’ll be waiting outside.” Axel unlocked the door and walked out with the other Pokémon, then closed the door behind him leaving me completely soaked.

After I changed out of my wet clothes into a dry set, I tried to fade back into darkness. I’m not sure if I did or not though, I haven’t seen any clocks in awhile as I unplugged the one in my room, nor could I recall any time lapse. Plus it was still dark outside. Unfortunately the darkness didn’t last very long as Axel once again opened the door flooding the room with light.

“Don’t you ever quit?” I asked uncaringly.

“No, and neither do you. Now get your ass moving!” he commanded. Suddenly I heard a familiar tapping sound on the window. It would be my salvation.

“I’ll move, but to a place you can’t follow. It’s raining and I’m in the mood for a walk.” I said. Hopefully that will be enough to ease my troubled mind. I walked unfeelingly past Axel, out of the room, and out of the hotel. Once outside I realized this was not just rain; it was a downpour. That’s a relief. With any luck it will drown out my thoughts and wash away my existence. Unconsciously I began walking into the dark skied world.

Chapter 15 pt2: Fight in the Rain

The rain became heavier and the winds stronger. It was the most intense rain I ever had the privilege of existing in. I didn’t know where I was going nor did I care. Where ever my legs wanted to take me would be fine with me. When I had found my way to a grassy hill in the park, I heard another set of footsteps behind me.

“Going somewhere?” asked that persistent Infernape. And here I thought he wouldn’t dare step foot in the elements.

“You hate the rain Axel. So why?” I inquired.

“I hate the rain, but it is my curse as a Pokémon to be eternally loyal to my trainer.” Axel said placing his hand over his chest.

“Then as your trainer, I order you to be gone.” I commanded sternly.

“I can’t do that. I live for battle, just like you, and without you I won’t see any action. I can’t get a new trainer because no one knows me like you and you’re the only human I have any sort of respect for.” the monkey defended.

“Leave me in peace.” I said emotionlessly.

“You idiot! I overheard someone outside our room saying how this isn’t an ordinary rainstorm. Why do you think it’s so intense? It’s a hurricane!” the Flame Pokémon said urgently.

“I’ve always wanted to be outside during a hurricane. Maybe this is the answer I seek.” I said with anticipation.

“Come on! It’s too dangerous out here!” begged Axel.

“I’m not going back! If you’re so worried then save yourself!" I said coldly. Axel got a sorrowful look on his face as his shoulders sank.

“Fine. I get it. I’ll go.” he said hurtfully as if he were about to cry. Axel turned around and began walking. Suprisingly, the monkey then jumped in the air and spun, punching me in the face. The sudden impact sent me to the ground with a loud splash. Yes, the ground was so wet by now that it actually splashed. “But I’m dragging you back with me, conscious or not!” declared Axel.

I got up and wiped the blood off of my lip. “You will try!” I threatened. I had to almost yell as the wind was beginning to pick up.

I threw a punch at the monkey with my right hand which Axel side stepped. He then grabbed my arm, pulled me in, and kneed me in the stomach knocking the wind out of me. I quickly recovered grabbing Axel’s still extended leg and flipped him on his back. The Infernape put his palms on the ground behind his head while curling in his legs and pushed himself back to his feet.

“Stupid monkey!” I yelled pulling my fist back.

“Naked ape!” Axel retorted doing the same. We both ran at eachother and punched our respective opponent in the face. Both of us realized this was going nowhere, so we jumped back to put some distance between us.

“Come!” I challenged taking the Repulse the Monkey stance. Axel must have finally learned his lesson as he didn’t charge at me. “Fine!” I declared making the next move. Before I could land the kick I had planned, the Flame Pokémon jumped in the air. As he landed, he grabbed my wrists in his opposable feet and my ankles in his hands.

“Can’t attack now can you?” Axel mocked. “But I can.” The monkey then began smacking my face with his tail. Not letting an opportunity to regain the offensive pass, I opened my mouth and bit Axel’s tail as hard as I could causing the Infernape to scream in pain like the monkey he is, as well as loosen his grip on my limbs. I pulled my wrists free before grabbing Axel by the ankles and tearing him off me. I then spun around and tossed the Flame Pokémon into a puddle. The rain was now beginning to get heavier.

I was already running at Axel w hile he was getting up. In the art of combat one must always take an opening or exploit a weakness whenever possible if victory is to be attained. No sooner was Axel on his feet, I was already close enough to strike. I first punched him in the stomach causing him to keel over. I then slammed my elbow into his back making him fall. I caught his head between my hands and kneed him in the face. I finished my combo by kicking his now exposed torso which sent him back a few feet before falling to his back.

Axel spat blood from his mouth as he slowly got up. “Damn human! You made me bite my lip!” complained the Infernape.

“And you made me bite your tail.” I said finally spitting out the golden hairs that had been in my mouth for the last two minutes. “We’re even.”

“Not yet we’re not!” shouted Axel running at me. I quickly took Repulse the Monkey to prepare for whatever this monkey had planned. Regrettably, I hadn’t expected Axel to duck at the last minute and knock my legs out from under me with a well place karate chop behind my knees. Axel then paid me back for earlier by lifting me off the ground by my shins and flinging me into a nearby hill. I couldn’t exactly tell what was going on in my dizzied state, but it felt like I actually bounced.

When I started to regain focus, Axel was standing over me with his hand extended to help me up. I smiled and accepted his hand. My smile then turned devious as I pulled Axel to the ground and got up myself.

“Didn’t I ever teach you not to let your guard down?” I taunted. Before I knew it, I was on the ground again with Axel’s tail wrapped around my leg.

“Like you just did there?” teased the monkey. I yelled and jumped at Axel only to land face first in a puddle with a splash. I struggled to get up because the weather was now at an all time high with wind so strong that it was blowing the rain at horizontal angles which tried pushing back to the ground.

I pushed through, throwing another punch at Axel, this time with my left. Axel caught my fist in his palm, then lobbed a punch of his own which I caught. I shifted my fist into a grip allowing me to pull Axel in closer for a headbutt. The monkey recoiled with a scream as our foreheads collided. I then took the opportunity to land a kick to Axel’s chest. While he recovered from that, I went in for another attack. Axel looked up at the last second and pulled his head to the side avoiding my palm strike. He then took a bite out of my hand causing me to scream in pain as his sharp monkey teeth pierced both my glove and my flesh. I pulled my hand back and examined blood trickling out of the puncture wounds on either side of my hand.

“Damn you A-” I started before the Infernape tackled me to the ground finally taking an opening when it presented itself. I pushed him off of me and rolled over on top of him pinning his arms to wet ground.

“Check mate.” I declared.

“For me.” Axel corrected kicking me in the gut. I fell off of him clutching my abs while trying to catch my breath. “Had enough yet?” he taunted. I glared at the monkey. Not out of anger or hate, but out of determination to win. I don’t know when it happened, but I had stopped fighting out of the desire to be left alone and began to actually enjoy the fight. I fought Axel for the thrill and fun of it. I think Axel noticed that too which means that we have absolutely no reason to end this.

In the end we were both lying in the wet grass completely exhausted and covered in cuts, bruises, and other injuries. The rain and wind had finally subsided into a light drizzle and a calm breeze. I stopped panting and turned my head to look at Axel.

“Thanks Axel. I really needed that.” I said appreciatively.

“Sure. I loved beating the emo out of you.” said Axel happily.

“Not that, I meant about saving me. I owe you one.” I said gratefully.

“Nah, we’re even. You saved my life five years ago. I was just repaying my debt.” Axel acknowledged. “I’m just sorry I had to kick your ass to do it.”

“Excuse me, but I won that fight.” I reminded. “What I owe you is for coming out into the rain to get me.” Axel gave me a ‘Yeah right’ look.

“If it makes you feel any better about losing then fine, it was a tie.” the monkey said playfully. Then both of us started laughing.

Chapter 15 pt3: Back to Normal

When the two of us finally had the strength to move again, we dragged ourselves to Prof. Himee’s lab both because it was closer than the hotel, and we wanted to say goodbye. We had every intention of leaving White City as soon as possible.

“Could someone bring me a towel?” I called when I walked through the double glass door. From head to toe I was completely soaked. My usual spiky hair was actually laying flat for once due to the weight of the water with only a few odd strands sticking up from the wind force.

Almost as soon as I called for a towel I began peeling off my shirt which was practically sticking to my back and was heavy with water. Once I got my shirt over my head, gravity did the rest by pulling it to the ground. I rubbed my aching shoulders. Just a minor injury from Axel. Next were my gloves which also took some effort to pull off. I investigated my right hand which still had Axel’s teeth marks in it, but it wasn’t as bad as it originally seemed. When I took off my boots I had to step back outside to dump the water out of them. I decided to just leave them there for now. The sun was starting to come out and there was the roof above to protect them if the rain came back. My socks soon joined the rest of my outfit being the only trace of white in a pile of black.

“Where the hell is that towel?” I called dropping my pants.

“Woah!!” cried Asuna walking in the front door. “What do you think you are doing?” she questioned turning her head to the side.

“Striping.” I said nonchalantly kicking my pants off my ankles.

“I can see that. I’d rather not, but why at the front door where everyone can see you? Have you no shame?” interrogated Asuna.

“Nope.” I said proudly.

“Your towel.” said one of the other aides giving me a green towel.

“Why thank you Bernard.” I said taking it. I dried my body as best I could before wrapping the towel around my waist and shedding the boxers underneath. Asuna rolled her eyes and walked past me trying not to look.

“Good morning Brian.” Himee shouted coming down from his loft. He then got a curious look on his face. “Vhy are you vhering a towel? And vhy do you look so beat up?”

“Axel and I had a sparring match in the hurricane.” I answered casually. “Can I use a PC to withdraw my Alakazam to Teleport back to my hotel where all my clothes are?”

“Sure. Right up zhe staircase on your left. Or vas it right?” the professor stated.

“Hey Asuna. If you don’t want a view, don’t look up.” I warned. “And Axel, grab my wet clothes will ya?” I requested.

“Why me?” he asked.

“Cause if I carry them and this towel comes loose, everyone gets a free show.” I said flatly while typing various keys on the computer to take out Alakazam. Once I had his Pokeball in hand, Axel and I were instantly taken back to the hotel room.

No matter how many times I’ve done it, teleporting is still the weirdest sensation I have ever felt. One minute you’re standing in a lab, then you get this tingling sensation all over your body as you’re blinded by a whitish blue light. When the light fades you are in a completely new location like a hotel room. The only way I can figure Alakazam gets us to the right place every time is his psychic powers to see where we’ll end up.

Before getting dressed even crossed my mind, I had to take a piss. The last time I went was before my match with Eve which had to be at least 24 hours ago if not more. Himee said it was morning and according to my Poketch it was 8:15a which means I lost a day. After taking care of that business, I was forced to put on my bathing suit as I only own two pairs of pants, both black, which were wet thanks to Axel’s stunt with Vaporeon and the downpour. A direct contrast to what I usually where, my trunks were a bright orange with white flowers outlined in a blue flame pattern.

“Axel you are so lucky these are stylish.” I said threateningly. He is also lucky that unlike pants, I own three black T-shirts so I sill had one of those left. I had Alakazam Teleport me and Axel back to Prof. Himee’s lab because I left my only footwear there and they were still wet anyway.

“Oh Brian! I’m glad you returned. I vanted- Nice trunks! Very stylish!” the Professor complemented.

“Thanks. So what were you about to say?” I inquired.

“I vas about to say somezhing? Oh yes. Zhere is anozhere tournament coming up in three days if you are interested.” he proposed.

“Thanks for letting me know, but I don’t think I want to enter this time. Axel and I could use a vacation.” I answered after thinking about it for a second.

“Agreed.” Axel said nodding.

But before we can do that, those parents of mine have a lot to answer for.

Chapter 16: That Clichéd Little Village

As soon as everything was packed, Axel and I took the first ship to Kanto we could. Fortunately, said ship was bound for the Pallet Town Wharf which is exactly where we wanted to be. The moment I stepped off the boat I caught the scent of nostalgia mixed in with the salty air.

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August 11, 1999
“Why couldn’t we have stayed in Sinnoh a little longer Mom? I wanted a Chimchar and my 10th birthday is only six months away!” I had complained ten years ago when my family and I first moved to Pallet Town from Sandgem Town.

“Because I needed to take this job transfer and you’re still too young to be off on your own, especially with your impulsive behavior that always gets you into fights.” my mom had countered leaving a dejected nine-year-old in her wake.

“Don’t worry Brian, you could always get a Charmander from Prof. Oak if you want a Fire-type so badly. Or there are always Bulbasaur or Squirtle to choose from.” my dad had attempted to console with no luck.
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“Hey are you awake in there?” asked Axel shaking me. I blinked a few times to bring myself back to present day.

“Yeah I’m conscious. Just remembering when I first came to Kanto.” I reminisced. I had to know the truth; was I related to Mom and Dad on the genetic level and if not, I had to find out why they never told me.

Pallet Town was mostly rural farmland covered in lush green fields and dirt roads. A ridiculously boring place if you ask me. I couldn’t wait to leave when the time finally came. Life is way too short to be able to predict everything that will happen the next day and be completely right every time.

It took roughly an hour to walk from the wharf to my house, or rather my parent’s house, which was a simple brick structure with a triangular shaped roof that flattened out on the top. Needless to say, I took advantage of the flat roof by sitting on it whenever I needed to think or just sleep out in the sun on a nice summer afternoon or evening.

“Knock knock!” I called knocking on the door. No response. So says my watch it was 1:58p meaning they were both at work and I, of course, didn’t have a key. “To the roof!” I shouted without a second thought. I have nothing better to do than wait for one of them to get home other than take a nap anyway. Axel and I scaled some moss on the wall left of the door like the monkeys we are until we were on the roof.

“Nap time!” Axel cheered as we both picked our spot to sleep.

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July 7, 2003
“Prof. Rowan is inviting you to Sinnoh to catch a Chimchar.” said Prof. Oak to me when I was fourteen.

“So what made him finally call for me after all these years?” I asked with a mix of excitement and sarcasm. It only took him five years to answer all the letters I’ve sent him since I turned ten.

“He said that there is a population spike in the Coronet Mountain range. After how persistent you have been about getting a Chimchar, Rowan believes you should be allowed to pick your own.” Oak responded.

“So when do we leave?” I asked.
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I sprung awake when I heard the sound of jingling keys and the front door opening. I kicked Axel to wake him up as I walked over to the edge and looked down. A short brown haired woman was crouched picking up the groceries she had obviously put down to open the door.

“Yo!” I called down to her waving like a nutcase. She looked to the roof with a startled expression.

“Hi Mommy!” Axel called joining me in a frantic wave.

“Brian and Axel!” she greeted in surprise to see us. “I didn’t expect to see you two. What are you guys doing here?”

“What? Can’t we just…” I cut off there as I jumped off the roof, crouching as I landed to absorb the impact, “… drop in whenever we feel like it?” I asked as I rose. Axel soon landed by my side.

“Not when you do dangerous stunts that could give your mother a heart attack!” she scolded.

“Dangerous? That’s what, a twenty foot drop? Axel and I have been through worse.” I bragged looking at my partner. We both began chuckling sneakily.

“No don’t tell me that! I worry enough about you without trying to think of the trouble you two are getting in.” Mom cried. “Now you boys behave yourselves and carry in those groceries, I want to hear all about your adventure in Sinnoh.” she invited walking in ahead of us. We did as told and followed Mom to the kitchen.

“So what time is Dad getting home tonight?” I asked putting the grocery bags on the table. “I kinda have something I want to ask you two and I’d rather both of you be around when I do so I only have to say it once.” I said gathering the courage I would need for this situation. Mom got a grave look on her face. Oh no. Not more bad news.

“He got arrested for assault.” she said disappointedly rolling her eyes. I almost started laughing in relief but was able to contain myself. What I could not hide was the smile I had. I could hardly believe that the mailman who wouldn’t even raise his voice to anyone actually got in a fight. It was stupendous! And completely out of character. I had to know all the details.

“So what happened? Did Dad win? Did the other guy deserve it? And how long is he in for?” I asked proudly running off every possible question I could think of in my excitement.

“You wouldn’t be so thrilled to know that there was a break-in.” my mom started with a serious tone. My grin quickly faded.

“Here?” I asked in disbelief pointing to the table the three of us were sitting at which referred to the entire house. I couldn’t believe it. Pallet Town had a .01% crime rate a year and the one that occurs once a decade just happened to be on my doorstep. Oh how fucking fantastic! (sarcasm)

“Mm hmm.” she nodded. “Last month someone tried robbing us and your father went and broke the guy’s arm trying to fend him off. Well the burglar then decided to exploit the legal system and sue us for a hundred grand. At first we thought it was a joke until we were called into court, but even then we didn’t think anything would happen. However, it soon became obvious that despite the fact that this guy broke into our house and tried to rob us, he was going to win because you father “caused him excessive trauma and he couldn’t pay his medical bills or go back to work”. That’s when your dad volunteered to do one month of jail time on assault charges rather than pay the guy, which the judge agreed to so the criminal wouldn’t win.” Mom explained. “He’ll be out next week.”

“WHAT THE HELL IS THE MATTER WITH THIS!!” I roared in outrage. “Shouldn’t the burglar have been the one arrested? Shouldn’t Dad have gotten off because it was self defense? That case shouldn’t have even gone to court!” I protested angrily.

“I completely agree. Unfortunately, that is the way the legal system goes.” Mom said sharing my disapproval.

“Well the system’s flawed!” I spat. “It should either be fixed or eliminated entirely!”

“Just like a body’s systems. If the heart doesn’t function properly, the creature dies.” Axel put in completely understanding what I was getting at.

“Well don’t do anything you’d be ashamed to tell me about.” Mom warned worrying about me as usual. I guess she figured I was talking about tearing down the establishments.

“By the way,” I said calming down now, “is there anything you’re ashamed to tell me about?” I asked. It would be now or never.

“W-what do you mean?” she questioned completely clueless.

“I wanted to wait for Dad, but since he isn’t coming and I really need to know, was I adopted?” Mentally I was both relieved to get that out there, but still a bit worried about what I would find out.

“When did you find out?” Mom asked dejectedly looking to the floor. So it is true.

“Four days ago. I was participating in a tournament in White City where I met a man who instantly recognized me because I am the spitting image of my biological father.” I said. “So why didn’t you tell me?”

“Would that have made a difference in our relationship?” inquired my mom.

“At least I would have heard it from someone I trust and not some stranger who I hold nothing but hatred for.” I admit. In such few words I understood that I was still her son and she my mother and nothing would ever change that. “Now stop brooding and tell me what’s for dinner. I’m hungry!” I said with disregard for our previous conversation. Mom sensed that the uncomfortable talk was over and smiled at me.

“Well I was just going to make egg salad, but with you home I think I’ll let you decide.” said Mom just to humor me.

“Well, I did win $10,000 for coming in second in the Sinnoh League, so why don’t I treat you to that sea food restaurant down by the wharf that I like so much?” I asked without giving her much of a choice. “Then I’ll tell you what we monkeys have been up to for the past year.”

“Well let me change then.” Mom said happily.
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Between bites of an all-you-can-eat shrimp platter, I discussed everything Axel and I have been up to lately with the exception of the moments that would only make her worry about us, namely our encounters with Team Neos, Axel nearly getting killed by Diva, and our epic battle just the other day. I also inquired if I had a little sister that no one told me about given that Madison insisted I was her Onii-chan and persistently followed me for six months until I finally escaped to White City. Mom denied, but said how cute it was that I had taken Madison under my wing like that.

“Not cute. I took her with me out of pity for how pathetic she was.” I responded. I reached down to pick up more grilled shrimp, but my plate was missing. I looked over to Axel already expecting to see his mouth full of my shrimp.

“It’s all you can eat! You can get more.” he defended after swallowing. “And get more Cajon shrimp while you’re at it.” I lifted my hand which to Axel meant I was going to slap him for stealing my food as I’ve been doing ever since he was a conniving little Chimchar. He looked at me in surprise when all I did was tap his shoulder.

“Axel, you know the only reason you’re getting away with this right now is because today is July 8th, better known as our anniversary.” I reminded.

“I’m glad you remembered because I don’t know the human calendar. I only know that the night before you caught me it was a New Moon.” Axel stated.

“Is that why you wanted to go out to dinner?” Mom asked suspiciously.

“Maybe.” I said mischievously as I turned my head to the side scratching a nonexistent itch behind my ear. “Actually I just wanted an excuse to get some shrimp. More shrimp alfredo pasta please!” I called politely as the waiter past our table. My mom just shook her head in delight and went back to her Remoraid filet as Axel yelled at me for not getting the Cajon shrimp.

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July 8, 2003
“And where is this Chimchar population again?” I asked impatiently. I had been following Prof. Rowan in a forest at the base of the Coronet Mountains for the past hour and still had yet to see any signs of the Chimp Pokémon.

“Be patient Brian. I found them right up this ridge, so we should be arriving very soon.” the old man reassured. I’d believe that when I had a Chimchar. Suddenly something hard hit my head.

“Ow! Dammit that hurt!” I yelled putting my hands on the top of my head.

“Are you alright?” asked Rowan with concern.

“What was that?” I asked no one in particular as I looked up. There was a tree branch sticking out of the side of the mountain and hanging on it was a small gold colored Pokémon hanging on for dear life as the cliff around the tree began crumbling sending rocks and pebbles to the ground. Then without warning, the gold creature lost its grip and came plummeting to its death. At least it would have if I hadn’t instinctively thrown out my arms to catch it.

“Ah!” I cried recoiling my arms dropping the small Pokémon harmlessly to the ground. I tightly gripped my left arm which felt like it had just been burned. I looked down at the Pokémon I dropped and, to my surprise, I saw that it was in fact a Chimchar who was rubbing his butt which was probably sore from getting dropped. “But Chimchar have brown fur. Is that a shiny?” I asked in confusion.

“No. Shiny Chimchar have maroon fur.” Prof. Rowan confirmed.

“Then it’s a freak of nature just like me! Get a Pokeball out Rowan, this one’s mine!” I said in excitement. The Chimchar growled at me as it reached under its fiery tail. It then tossed a fire ball at me which I narrowly dodged causing it to splatter on the cliff wall behind me. Wait, a splatter? An unpleasant odor filled the air.

“Oh poo! That’s flaming poo!” I realized. I better be careful, that stuff will mess me up. “So it’s a fight you want, eh?” I challenged. Chimchar launched another flaming poo which I ducked to avoid. “Stop that!” I yelled kicking it. It actually went pretty far considering I’m nearly three times Chimchar’s size.

“Now Brian! That was uncalled for!” reprimanded Rowan.

“Chimchar started- Ah!” I screamed as the little monkey came back and bit my arm. I lifted my arm up and bit the small primate’s head causing it to let go of my arm as it screamed. I released Chimchar’s head and spat out a few gold hairs. Chimchar retaliated by scratching my other arm. Before the young monkey could pull its hand away, I grabbed it by the arm and threw it into Prof. Rowan.

“My word!” Rowan cried out as he fell to the ground with Chimchar. I walked over, pulled a Pokeball from the Professor’s bag, and dropped it on the dazed Chimchar. The Pokeball shook violently as the Chimp Pokémon struggled to get free, but it ultimately locked. A smirk of satisfaction went across my face as I crouched over to pick up my first Pokémon. “An unorthodox way of catching Pokémon, but it seemed to work this time. Next time use him.” Rowan commanded pointing to the Pokeball.

“A boy huh?” I mused sending out the young monkey. Once released from the ball Chimchar stared at me in defiance as he reached under his tail but quickly thought better of it and instead crossed his arms in front of himself.

“Would you like to give him a nickname?” asked Prof. Rowan. A nickname? Hmmm… I’m not very good at coming up with names, but this golden Chimchar definitely needs one being as special as he is. Let’s see…

“I can’t name you Sun Wukong after the Monkey King because you already seem like the proud type and that name would just go straight to your head. I know! I used to know a pyromaniac named Axel, so that’s what I think I’ll call you. Do you like it?” Chimchar looked like he was thinking about it before smiling with a satisfied cheer.

“Alright, Axel it is. I’m Brian.” I said extending my hand. Axel sniffed my palm but quickly caught on and gave me his hand too. As we shook, I got an unsettling feeling. “That’s the hand you threw the poo with isn’t it?” Axel laughed in embarrassment that I called him out on it. I slowly pulled my hand away and held it to the side in disgust. “Make sure you wash your hands before eating anything. As for me, I think I’ll start wearing gloves. Fingerless of course because those are more badass.”

After that, I had Prof. Rowan take me back to Kanto so my parents could meet Axel and give me a proper farewell.
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“What’s on your mind Psycho Monkey?” inquired Axel. When we got home from dinner Axel and I had gone back to the roof to watch the sunset and stars come out.

“Just reminiscing about when our two paths crossed and merged into one.” I said. “The Road of Life is a strange one. Twists and turns exist at every point and you can never turn around to see what could have been. You can’t stay in one place either because the road is long and unpredictable, otherwise you’ll never get anywhere. You’re only hope is to follow the road to the end and hope you had fun doing it.”

“Since when did you become a philosopher?” Axel asked jokingly.

“Since I thought about how your road could have ended when you fell and how mine could have ended when I met Strife Maxwell, but because a chance encounter occurred five years ago today, we were both able to be led down a path we didn’t know existed.” I went on.

“You have a point there Brian. In order to survive we need eachother.” acknowledged Axel understandingly.

“That’s right, so let’s promise that we see the Road of Life to the end.” I said extending my hand.

“And we continue getting stronger so that we can survive any bumps in the road.” Axel added taking my hand. “By the way, this is the hand I throw poo with.”

“You stopped throwing poo when you evolved into Monferno because it didn’t catch on fire anymore. Besides, I’m wearing gloves, even if the right one still has holes in it from when you bit me.” I responded. After a good laugh, we laid back and watched the summer night sky until falling asleep.

Chapter 17: A Relaxing Vacation (Maybe)

“Do you have everything you need?” my mom asked for the third time.

“Yes Mother dearest.” I said beginning to get annoyed by the constant reminder of something I’ve been doing perfectly for half a decade while still trying to sound sincere. “We’re off now!” I announced grabbing the worn and beaten green backpack I have been using since day one and heading out the door.

“Take care you two. Have fun, be safe, and try to stay longer than three days the next time you come and visit.” Mom asserted bidding us farewell from the doorway.

“I’ll try. I need more mental stimulation than this town has to offer.” I said pulling a red and white orb from my side. “But I’ll see if I can’t fit it into my completely random schedule to visit more frequently.” I added noticing a look of disappointment on her face. That comment seemed to satisfy her for now. After saying our goodbyes, I opened the Pokeball in my hand releasing a long stone grey winged beast with a large maw filled with razor sharp fangs. Aerodactyl gave a loud screech which startled several of the neighbors who were outside.

“To Vermillion City!” I instructed once Axel and I had boarded our prehistoric transport. With another loud screech the Fossil Pokémon beat his powerful wings to attain lift off. When we were high enough, he curled in his clawed legs and simply glided on the thermals.

It had been one tournament after another, battle after battle for so long that Axel and I had decided we needed a break from it all. It has been awhile since we were in Johto, so that’s where we decided we would take our vacation. We had originally planned to take the Magnet Train to Goldenrod City as it would be quicker than the S.S. Aqua, but I hear the Whirl Islands are nice this time of year, and it would save us a trip if we were to start in Olivine City.

Beneath us Pallet Town gradually went from houses and farmland to open grassy fields, then the scenery changed to lush green forested wilderness followed by crystal blue open water, all before we passed over Vermillion City half an hour after our departure from Pallet Town. Aerodactyl turned 45 degrees into a nosedive taking his passenger plummeting to the ground. Just as we were only a couple of feet from the surface, the ancient flier pulled up again and flapped his wings three times to maintain balance making for a badass yet elegant landing.

“Thanks Aerodactyl, you deserve a break.” I said appreciatively as I hopped off of the Fossil Pokémon’s back. After patting him on the head, I rewarded Aerodactyl’s efforts by returning him to his Pokeball to rest.

“What time does the S.S. Aqua leave?” inquired Axel eagerly.

“Patience my young monkey. We’re on vacation, we can afford to wait and be as lazy as we damn well please. But to answer your question: four o’clock. That gives us roughly fifty minutes to get on board.” I answered. That did remind me though. I pulled off my backpack and rummaged through it until I found a rectangular sea blue ticket with a white boat drawn on it. Like my backpack, this ticket has seen some action as was noticeable in the bends in it and slight tears on the ends. This was a lifetime Aqua Pass I had won off of some rich guy who thought he could beat me in a Pokémon battle. Rich people never learn, they always think they’re better than us commoners.

We took the opportunity now to go down to the harbor so that we wouldn’t risk missing the ship. As would be expected of Vermillion Harbor, sailors and their Machokes, Poliwraths, Blastoises, and Primapes were everywhere loading and unloading the cargo of all the sea going vessels in the water. I wouldn’t expect anything less than to see this place bustling with activity and the scent of industry mixed in with the sea breeze. One of the sailors began yelling and cursing at a Wingull that unknowingly and uncaringly took a dump on his bald head. Both Axel and I had to withhold our laughter unless we wanted a fight on our hands. We would make jokes about it when we got aboard the S.S. Aqua.

“Here you go.” I said handing my pass to the sailor guarding the ramp to the ship. After inspecting it he handed it back to me and stepped aside.

“Right this way sir. Enjoy your trip.” he said with genuine courtesy. I smiled politely and walked up the ramp onto the ship where my expression changed to one of confusion. Never before have I encountered a well mannered sailor. Either he’s a new guy and hasn’t gotten as irritable as his coworkers, or he really likes his job. Then again, maybe he thought I was rich due to my lifetime pass and was hoping for a nice tip. Damn the privileged.

“That was different.” Axel affirmed. I nodded in agreement and began looking for the room that I would call my own for the next eighteen hours.
----------------------------

The next morning the S.S. Aqua arrived safely in Olivine Port without anything exciting happening during the voyage. I descended the ramp with my tattered backpack on my shoulders and Axel by my side as always, while surrounded by the other passengers. I stretched my arms in the air with a satisfied sigh.

“Let the relaxation begin.” I declared in a mellow tone. I suddenly heard a tear and felt the weight on my back shift to my right shoulder. “Oh don’t tell me…” I groaned. I pulled off my backpack and sure enough the left strap had ripped. “Crap. Hold this while I get out the duct tape.” I told Axel passing the pack to him. This was the second time I had to actually repair my pack with duct tape. The first was when it got caught on a torn bush and the pocket I keep all the Pokémon medicine ripped open.

“Why not put it in an Item Ball like you do with the stuff that doesn’t fit in it?” the Infernape suggested.

“Because then it would be a pain in the ass getting stuff out.” I countered as I dug through the bag. “Ah! Found it!” I said pulling out the silver roll of tape. While I repaired the strap by wrapping tape all around it, Axel was quietly giggling to himself at all the trouble I was going through. He looked at me like he was going to make fun of me, but he suddenly got a terrified look on his face.

“Forget the backpack for now, we have to go!” he said desperately.

“Why? What’s wrong?” I said getting ready to turn around.

“Don’t look! Just run! I’ll explain everything when we get to safety!” he pleaded urgently. Before I could react to what he had told me, I understood why the monkey was so panicked. And I wish I had had listened.

“Onii-chan!!!” came a loud high pitched excited girly voice.

“Oh no…” I whispered in complete terror. Not her.

“Why didn’t you run?” Axel mourned in defeat.

“I didn’t know!” I sobbed regretfully. I had already been spotted so there was no use in fleeing now. All I could do was stand my ground and take this like a man. Without warning, ninety pounds of girl was thrown onto my back causing me to lean forward. I’m glad I did stand my ground; otherwise I would have been knocked to the ground. Madison had her legs wrapped tightly around my waist and her arms just as tightly around my neck.

“Onii-chan! I really, really, really, [Oh kill me], missed you!” she squealed just as enthusiastically as ever. The feeling isn’t mutually. Especially when I can’t breathe! Her grip was like an Ekans around my throat. I desperately pulled on her arms while trying to choke out the words ‘Can’t breathe!’

“Oh! Sorry!” she said loosening her grip. I began sucking in as much air as I could to fill my oxygen starved body. “Is Onii-chan ok?” she asked.

“Yeah. I’m fine.” I said gasping heavily as if I had just run a mile with Madison on my back. I let out one big sigh having finally caught my second wind. “Now get of my back.” I said sternly while straightening up so she’d be able to reach the ground easier. No sooner had I gotten her off of me, was she already glomping Axel.

“I missed you too Axel-kun!” she cheered snuggling him. Now here we have the weirdest size comparison imaginable. Axel is tall for an Infernape, standing at four and a half feet. Madison is a sixteen-year-old human female and is barely the same height. I guess some things never change. She still dresses like she belongs in an anime convention rather than on the road as a trainer, this latest outfit being very Lucky Star-ish, not to mention her everlasting pink bangs.

“Brian, she won’t let me go!” whined the golden monkey trying vainly to pry his way from Madison’s death grip.

“Alright, that’s enough Madison. Axel needs to breathe too.” I said lightly tugging her shirt collar. Madison tilted her head back looking up at me then back down to Axel.

“Sorry Axel-kun.” she apologized releasing him.

“So Madison, what brings you to Johto?” I inquired. Her brown eyes grew huge followed by a pathetic whimper from her mouth. I could tell by the shocked look on her face that I was in for a ridiculous story.

“You mean this isn’t Hoenn?” she asked distraughtly as if hoping I would contradict myself. Instead, I face palmed and sighed. I knew it. “No-o! I got on the wrong boat again! I wanted to go to Hoenn for all the contests! Are there any contests in Johto?” I shook my head in the negative. Madison put her hands to her chin and began crying twin waterfalls while looking at me for guidance.

“You can’t do anything right without me can you?” I asked already knowing the answer. Madison shook her head with the same chibiish expression.

“Can I go with you?” Madison asked hopefully giving me puppy eyes.

“Me and Axel are supposed to be on vacation.” I stated trying to deter her. All I succeeded in doing was make Madison give me a cuter face. I can’t believe I’m about to say this. “Fine.” I conceded. “It would be heartless of me to leave such a pathetic creature as you to roam on your own.”

“YAY!” Madison cheered completely changing her disposition while jumping up and down. “I love you Onii-chan!” she cried happily as she hugged me again. I put my hand on the bridge of my nose between my eyes. So much for a relaxing vacation.

“You go too easy on her.” Axel pointed out. I groaned knowing that much to be true. I slipped my arms between myself and Madison trying to free myself from her powerful clutch.

“We’re going to the Whirl Islands. Any objections?” I asked without giving her much choice. Not that she would object. Knowing Madison, she would probably follow me to Hell and back.

“*squee* The Whirl Islands sound like so much fun! Thank you so much for inviting me!” she said gratefully.

“Now remember Madison, this is a vacation. That means we get to be as lazy as we damn well please, all schedules are out the window, and we just sit back, relax, play and have fun. Maybe chill by da poolside if we find one. Kay?” I went over just to make sure she understood.

“Why did you throw your schedule out of a window?” she asked blankly. *eye twitch* I should have taken the Magnet Train.

Of all the chapters to finish the first page with...

Chapter 18: The Unthinkable

I held a long sturdy black fishing rod in my hands as far out as my arms would allow with a big chunk of meat dangling from the string. This was to serve as motivation for the giant rotund bear with midnight blue fur and a cream colored belly to Surf myself, Axel, and Madison down to the Whirl Islands. No ships would dare make the trip because of all of the whirlpools so I had to resort to my usual brilliance in unconventional means and use my Snorlax. The food would always be there, but he wouldn’t be able to reach it with his short arms until the task at hand was complete no matter how hard he swam. Sometimes it’s a good thing hunger and instinct out weigh good judgment and reason.

“Are we there yet Onii-chan?” asked Madison. My eye started twitching at the dreaded question. I have to take care of this now before it gets out of hand.

“No Madison, and if you ask again I’m throwing you off the Snorlax.” I answered trying to hide my annoyance.

“But I only asked once.” she said giving me a confused look. “It’s not like I was saying Are we there yet? Are we there yet? Are we there yet? Are we there yet? Are we there yet?” she rambled on. I quickly felt what little sanity I had fading into nothingness.

“Gah! Axel! Shut her up!” I yelled trying to keep the fishing rod steady and hold my ears at the same time. I found it was an impossible move.

“Way ahead of ya.” Axel said pulling the duct tape from my backpack. Madison let out a frightened squeal as she put her hands on her mouth and curled into a ball.

“Don’t you think that’s a little harsh? It would be funny as hell, but then I’d have to deal with her crying when we finally took the tape off.” I said indifferently. The Infernape grunted in annoyance that he couldn’t have his fun in making Madison a silver mummy.

“Thanks Onii-chan.” said Madison gratefully. She crawled up Snorlax’s back and joined me near the shoulders where I was sitting with the fishing rod.

“What are you thanking me for? Silence is golden, duct tape is silver. If you get duct taped, I’ll never have silence again.” I said straightforwardly.
----------------

We could go no further. Whirlpools and rocks were everywhere blocking every possible route except the one we had come from. To keep Snorlax from killing us, I pulled in the meat and let him have at it.

“What now Onii-chan?” Madison asked hoping I’d have an answer. As always, I did.

“Give me a minute to put away this rod.” I said pulling out a grey orb that resembled a Pokéball but was used for an entirely different purpose. I held the Item Ball to the fishing rod and pulled back the latter item like how a Pokémon would be called back to its Pokéball. You got to hand it to the Devon Corporation; Item Balls sure make a trainer’s life easier. It is possible to carry large items like fishing rods and bikes in a backpack along with tons of smaller items with these balls. After putting away the fishing rod, I pulled a Pokéball from my waist.

“Now to get to the islands.” I said sending out Aerodactyl. “All aboard!” The Fossil Pokémon swooped in low so that everyone could climb on his back. By the time everyone had gotten on the flier, Snorlax had finished his meal. I took out the Sleeping Pokémon’s Ultra Ball and called him back in a flash of red light for his nap.

We flew on Aerodactyl until reaching four rocky islands arranged in a spiral pattern, each one covered in rocks with some vegetation and surrounded by white sandy beaches. “Take the lower right one!” I called out pointing to the one I meant. The prehistoric beast pulled in his wings while tilting down into a dive. Madison screamed while I grinned in excitement from the adrenaline rush.

“That was scawy.” Madison sobbed as she clung to my torso for dear life even after we had already landed.

“Wuss.” I mocked. With a good bit of effort, I managed to peel the girl’s arms off of me. I then unmounted my noble stead with Axel following me. Madison got off less gracefully, first getting caught on one of Aerodactyl’s spikes causing her to slide before falling face first into the sand. Axel and I burst into laughter at the scene.

“It’s not funny!” she whined getting up while trying her hardest to brush the sand off of her clothes and out of her hair.

“Ha ha ha aha… *sigh* You’re right, it’s not funny.” I said catching my breath. “It’s hilarious!” I began laughing hysterically again. Axel held out his hand trying desperately to say something over his laughter so I gave him the high five he was looking for. All the while our female companion glared at us angrily for getting so much amusement at her expense.

“Hmph!” she pouted turning her head away from us.

“Aw. Don’t get mad. It’s vacation, you have to unwind.” I encouraged. “Besides, you should already know that me and Axel are easily entertained. Now get yer bathing suit on! We’re going swimming!” I declared already taking my shirt off.

“But where do I change?” asked Madison nervously as she began looking around.

“Well, you could be ridiculously prepared like me,” I dropped my pants to reveal that I already had my suit on, “or you can duck behind those bushes over there.” I said pointing to a small patch of green foliage roughly fifty feet up the beach. The brush was actually closer to the rocky part of the island than the sand.

“But-”

“Look. I’m the only boy on the island and all I care about is seeing how far out I can swim. Use your Pokémon for protection if you’re scared.” I pointed out, now fully undressed save my swimwear. Madison nodded and ran up the beach to her hiding place.

“Enjoy yourself. I’m not going past the high tide mark.” Axel said bitterly. Such is my one disadvantage of having a Fire-type. He’ll join me in all of my crazy endeavors except the ones that will get him wet.

“Then let me give you some company.” I said picking up my other Pokémon’s balls. Snorlax, Piloswine, Riolu, and Beldum joined Aerodactyl and Axel on the beach. “It’s everyone’s vacation so have fun doing as you please.” I encouraged.

With that, I turned toward Kyogre’s realm and ran headlong down the sand to the sea. My speed was gradually diminished the further out I got, starting with kicking water everywhere at the tide line, to hopping on the bottom until I could no longer feel it. Once I could no longer feel anything but cold water under my feet, I leaned forward into prone position and began breast stroking out further. The water was not as rough as one might think from all the whirlpools everywhere. But it was also not what I would call calm either. Something in the middle I would say.

“Onii-chan!” Madison called from the shoreline waving at me. I turned around bobbing in the water. From what I could see from my location, she was wearing a pinkish purple one piece and standing about ankle deep. I waved back at her and Riolu who was doggy paddling just a few feet from Madison. Aerodactyl was perched on one of the many rocks that littered the shore, Snorlax was sleeping lazily on the beach with Axel leaning against his bulk, Piloswine looked like he was digging a hole in the sand with his tusks, and Beldum just floated around aimlessly. Mimi, Maki, Chuchu, Fluffy, Ichi, and Cherim were also out and about with Maki swimming along side Riolu.

Suddenly, Riolu stopped his leisurely swim and looked toward me with a startled bark. Axel also got up off of Snorlax and ran to the tide line. “Brian! Get back here now!” the monkey shouted urgently.

“Onii-chan!” Madison screamed frantically. I didn’t even need to guess why they were so worked up, I already knew. No sooner had Riolu’s head perked up, I felt the water around me recede. I quickly turned my head around to see a huge tidal wave looming over head.

“Oh shi-!” was all I could scream before all that water came crashing down on me. I felt like I was in a whirlwind of madness. I couldn’t tell which direction was up, down, left, right, forward, or behind as I spiraled through the water. The answer only came when I bounced on my back against the sandy bottom, then again when I was lifted back up, spun around, and dropped on my left shoulder.

When the currents seemed to calm down, I was finally able to pick myself up and get the much needed air that my lungs burned for. I tried wiping the salty water from my eyes to see where I was, but that only made things worse as my hands were also dripping wet. I finally got my eyes open enough to see that I was about knee deep facing the ocean and another wave was heading my way. This one, however, broke just before hitting me, but sent gallons of water hitting me below the waist like a punch to the balls. I fell on my ass from the impact with the wind knocked out of me.

I got up again and staggered back to the beach completely dizzy from the shellshock. I couldn’t even walk in a straight line and almost fell twice. My nose and eyes burned from the salt water and my mouth felt dry. Despite it all, I was laughing maniacally. I have never been thrashed so badly before and I liked it. If I could, I would love to go through that all over again without any changes.

“Onii-chan! Are you ok!? You’re bleeding!” Madison cried. Bleeding? I looked at my left shoulder, the one I had landed on. It had a few scrapes on it but other than that it was nothing serious. My back was probably the same way. Axel walked up next to me when I got out of the water incase I needed anything or fell from dizziness.

“Grab me a bottle of water.” I told the Infernape as I sat down with my legs up for balance. I started spitting to get all the salt out of my mouth. Not exactly an easy task. Axel came back and handed me the bottle I always keep in my front pocket. I accepted and began chugging to rehydrate myself. After my drink, I used what was left in the bottle to wash out my mouth by rinsing and spitting the mixture into the sand.

“Onii-cha~an!” Madison called obnoxiously trying to get my attention.

“I’m fine Madison.” I said with a sigh. I started sniffing inward until I finally forced out a sneeze that had been bothering me for the last couple of minutes. It was a very phlegmy sneeze as it was taking all of the ocean’s dissolved particles with it. “Very fine.”
--------------

That night after my epic experience, we had a bonfire complement of Axel. For dinner we had hotdogs, followed by s’mores for dessert. While we ate, we told random stories of past endeavors and complete fantasy. By this time, Madison had changed into a pair of beige shorts and a pink hoodie. All I did was put my shirt back on.

“Then when it looked like I was about to lose, Axel let out a furious roar. He was consumed by his Blaze aura and began growing and changing. When the glow dissipated, my Monferno was gone, replaced by the badass Infernape you see here. Whitney’s Miltank didn’t stand a chance.” I said telling Madison about my last trip to Johto.

“True story. Afterward we had burgers.” Axel added. I began chuckling evilly remembering how we called our lunch that day Whitney’s Miltank.

“Wow.” Madison said in amazement. “Onii-chan and Axel had lotsa fun huh?”

“We still are. You can too.” I looked at my Poketch. It read 11:29p. “Tis getting late. Have Maki put out this fire so we can go to bed. Tomorrow will be another day of unplanned fun.”

Even with the light of the fire completely gone so that even sparks didn’t remain, the beach was still bathed in the light of the almost full moon and stars. I was slowly lulled to sleep by the peaceful sound of the waves which was all that could be heard in the silence of the night.
--------------

Was it humming? No. It sounded more like singing. It was so calm… soothing… and peaceful. It sounded like a happy song. Or was it sad? I guess melancholy would be the right word to describe it. What ever it was, it was relaxing. Like every worry or problem I had was gone. It was just me and the song.

“Onii-chan wake up!” I lazily opened one eye to see Madison crouching over me. I wish it was just me and the song. Wait! The song. It was gone. Had I just been dreaming it?

“What do you want?” I said groggily. The sky was still dark with the only sign of morning being a thin azure glow on the Eastern horizon.

“I saw a big silver bird.” she whispered. I was slightly intrigued, but not enough to get up. I took a quick look at my Poketch which read 5:38a.

“You’re dreaming. Go back to sleep.” I advised as I rolled back over.

“It wasn’t a dream. I really saw it. It came out of the ocean and flew to one of the other islands.” Madison went on. It is way too early for this.

“Alright, fine. Show me where you saw this ‘silver bird’ of yours.” I said drowsily getting up. “Let me just get dressed first.” When I had at least gotten some pants on I kicked Axel to wake him up too.

“Man. I was having such a nice dream too. That was a beautiful song.” the monkey groaned at being woken up so early.

As Madison dragged us to the north most part of the island, I began hearing screeches and fluttering. It definitely sounded like a bird, or rather multiple birds. The sound was coming from behind one of the tallest of the many rock formations. When we rounded the corner, we were greeted by a sight like no other. The North side of the beach was littered with dozens of Tentacool, Shellder, and Mantine carcasses. Above them were dozens, maybe even hundreds more Wingulls having a feeding frenzy on the all-you-can-eat-buffet that covered the sand. One of the bird Pokémon was picking the eye out of a deceased Tentacool while another ripped out the soft insides of a Shellder. There was more going on than I could possibly describe. I was left awe struck. How did so many Pokémon wash up on the beach like this? What could have done this? As bizarre as this situation was, it did answer one question.

“There’s your silver bird Madison.” I said pointing to the flock of Wingull. “The morning light, or lack there of, must have reflected off of their white feathers making them look silver. And because there are so many, they looked like one giant bird.” I explained.

“That’s not it!” Madison responded adamantly. “It wasn’t Wingull. It was ginormous and it flew over to that island!” she said pointing in the distance to a rock peak. “We have to go!” Persistent as always.

“Madison, the sun isn’t even up yet. I’m on vacation, I’m tired, I’m going back to bed.” I said leaving no room for argument. “However, you have aroused my curiosity. When I wake up for real we can investigate this silver bird of yours after breakfast. Until then, don’t wake me.”
-----------------

True to my word, the three of us flew on Aerodactyl to the specified island four hours later. It took some work getting around the Wingull, but after that it was a smooth flight. Between the two islands in the ocean were several violent whirlpools grouped together in one area. The strange thing about them was the way they were spiraling. It was as if they were pulling water from the surface to fill a void left below, like a giant mass rose from the sea at a very high velocity. I suddenly remembered something Axel said earlier that I was too tired to process at the time.

“Axel, you said you had a dream about singing earlier. What was it like?” I questioned.

“I don’t know. It sounded kinda lonely but at the same time reassuring.” Axel tried explaining.

“I also had a dream about singing.” Madison added with excitement.

“You too?” I inquired in disbelief. “Do you remember how it went?”

“Mhm. It was something like-” she closed her eyes and began humming. That was it! That was exactly what I heard in my dream. Axel had the same surprised look as I did.

“This is no coincidence. There is no way all of us had the same dream about a song none of us have ever heard before.” I acknowledged. “No, it wasn’t a dream. We must have been hearing the song at the exact same time.”

“Do you think it was the silver bird?” asked Madison. Aerodactyl landed on the island’s mountain near a cave.

“Maybe.” I said hopping off. This time I helped Madison off so she wouldn’t hurt herself on the jagged rocks in the area. I recalled Aerodactyl to his Pokéball before walking into the cave. Axel walked in front as our light while I brought up the rear with Madison in the middle so she wouldn’t get lost. Most caves I have found are very treacherous and can be deadly if you don’t know where you’re going or you don’t take proper precaution ahead of time.

Rather than seek out the silver bird itself, we decided to look for traces it had been here: feathers, bird poo, footprints, or anything else relevant to the search. The next best thing would be if we heard it, with the best being actually seeing it. I debated on whether or not I should try to catch it or not. I guess it would depend on the situation.

“WAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!” Madison suddenly screamed as she jumped back into me. I caught her in my arms and helped her regain her balance.

“What’s wrong?” I asked in concern.

“Sa-sa-something touched my leg!” she wailed hysterically. I wordlessly directed Axel to turn his head to where Madison had been standing. Running away from the light was a decent sized red crab with its pinchers elevated above its body.

“It’s just a Krabby silly.” I reassured. “I’m sure there are many more wild Pokémon in here. Now come. We have a silver bird to seek.” Madison whined as I pushed her forward to keep going.

The deeper we went, the colder it got. It was no where near as cold as the Ice Path where I could see my breath, but it was enough to make my exposed arms tingly. Some paths were open, allowing us to go anywhere. Others were narrow, forcing us in one specific direction without the option of turning around. Inside the cave there were also hills, some so steep we had to go one at a time so we wouldn’t fall into eachother while using the wall in an attempt to maintain balance. Others were flat enough that it didn’t even feel like a hill. There were also random tunnels in various places leading to different “rooms” inside the cave. More than once Madison let out a pathetic whimper from something that scared her, usually the occasional Zubat.

“Can we go now Onii-chan?” she asked nervously. I stopped in my tracks which told Axel to do the same when he looked back and saw we weren’t moving.

“Go? You’re the one who wanted to find the silver bird!” I reminded. “Where be ye sense of adventarre?” I asked pirate like. “You commented last night how Axel and I had a lot of fun. Now’s your chance! Even if this search is a bust, you can still brag later that you explored the deep, dank, and dark caverns of the Whirl Islands in search of a rare silver bird! No go forth! See this to the end!”

With my encouraging speech, Axel moved forward again. Madison reluctantly followed, with me behind them. I noticed the small child was shaking despite hugging herself for warmth. I walked closer and leaned forward to talk in her ear. “If you’re cold, get closer to Axel’s fire. If you’re scared, don’t be. We’ll protect you from any harm. Kay?”

“Okay!” Madison said happily. “I know I can trust Onii-chan!”

As we walked down one particular tunnel, the floor started getting damper, most likely from the water dripping from the ceiling. Every step we took caused the floor to splash. Every drop that fell did nothing to me, but made Madison jump and Axel grumble. A new scent slowly filled the cavern. It was the smell of water. When we exited the tunnel, we were on a subterranean island possibly big enough to fit me, Madison, and all twelve of our Pokémon with only a little bit of room to spare. The smell of water came from the water surrounding the island. I slowly walked across the slippery damp surface to the edge. I got on my knees, stuck my face in the water, and sucked in, something I immediately regret doing. I quickly pulled my head out and started spitting.

“Don’t drink that! It’s brackish.” I warned.

“What does brackish mean?” asked Madison putting her index finger to her mouth cluelessly. I informed her three times that it meant it was salt water, but not as salty as the ocean as she didn’t quite get it the first two times. My theory was that the water was once fresh ground water, but being surrounded by the ocean, salt water gradually seeped in as well. I decided not to voice that theory out loud as I really don’t feel like explaining it five different times.

“Looks like we can go no further. Time to turn around and go back.” I said dejectedly.

“Why can’t we get on Snorlax and see where the water goes?” Madison inquired.

“You don’t hear it?” I asked. Madison looked around obliviously before shaking her head. “That is the sound of crashing water meaning there’s a waterfall nearby.” I informed. “If we go down that waterfall, we’re screwed. It’s better to cut our losses now and say we tried, than to do something stupid and end up dead.”

“Why not try a different corridor and see where it leads?” asked Axel.

“Simply put, we’ve been in here for almost five hours. In another five hours it will be almost dusk. That’s providing we take the exact path back that we took getting here. One wrong move and we may not be getting out of here until midnight.” I ranted.

After sending my charges back the way we came, I noted that it was just as difficult to get around if not more. Just like getting to this point, we had to deal with treacherous terrain and maze-like structures. What made it more difficult was remembering which way we had come from; exactly as I predicted. It got to the point that I had to carry Madison on my back because she was too tired to keep going.

“We’ll rest here for a little while.” I declared after climbing up a particularly steep hill. Even I had reached my limits, plus with Madison now asleep, she was dead weight and wouldn’t be able to hold on to me if I needed to use my hands for any reason. Axel sighed with relief. Obviously he only kept going for me. I had the Flame Pokémon take the sleeping girl off of my back and lay her on a flatter surface of the bumpy ground. I sat down and started rubbing my shoulders.

“So what do you think it was? The silver bird I mean.” the golden monkey inquired taking a seat next to me.

“Honestly, I’m thinking Lugia.” I admit as I leaned forward to stretch my back muscles.

“Lugia huh?”

“Mhm.” I nodded. “Johto legend speaks of a Great Silver Guardian that used to reside atop the Brass Tower before fleeing when a lightning bolt burned the tower to the ground. Over the last couple of centuries sailors and fishermen have been spreading rumors of a silver beast that causes storms near the Whirl Islands. I think they are one and the same and that the silver bird Madison saw is in fact Lugia. The song that we all heard was my first hint that what we were looking for is actually real. But there are other clues that I think all go together. The tidal wave that hit me yesterday was the only one that hit all day leading me to believe some unusual force caused it. A bigger one must have struck last night while we were sleeping to wash all of those Pokémon onto the beach. Adding that to those violent whirlpools that we saw in the ocean between the islands has led me to the conclusion that something big and powerful rose from the depths in the last 24 hours. My tidal wave was just the first ripple of Lugia’s rising. The other came when it emerged. Madison must have woken up and seen it before it flew over to this island. Whether or not it actually landed here, I’m stumped given that we have found no further evidence, but at least we know what it is we’re dealing with.” I explained.

“It makes perfect sense. You’ve been think about that a lot haven’t you?”

“What else would I have been doing all this time? I can’t not think.” I confessed. I looked over at Madison who was sleeping so peacefully. “We might as well get some rest too. She doesn’t look like she’ll be getting up anytime soon.”

“You rest. I’ll take the first watch.” Axel offered.

“No, you sleep too. You’re our light source.” I said releasing Riolu from his Pokéball. “He’ll watch. Rio, if you sense anything, wake us up before it gets here.” I instructed. Riolu nodded in compliance before closing his eyes to survey the area. I laid back and threw my hands behind my head as a pillow. Axel curled up next me and closed his eyes. It didn’t take long for me to join him.
---------------

I was the first to wake up, followed by Axel a few minutes later. Madison could probably out sleep Snorlax with how long she’s been out. I’ll give her ten minutes, after that I’m waking her up in the most interesting way I can think of.

“3… 2… 1. Time’s up.” I said after the allotted ten minutes unleashing Aerodactyl.

“What’s he for?” Axel asked warily.

“Watch. Roar Aerodactyl!” I commanded. The Fossil Pokémon inhaled deeply prior to releasing a frightening ear shattering shriek that echoed off of the cavern walls giving it a more ominous and sinister sound. Madison awoke with a terrified scream while I laughed my ass off at how evil I can be.

“It’s not funny Onii-chan!!” my victim yelled. My amusement ceased when Riolu tugging at my pants leg with a nervous look on his face. Answering Aerodactyl’s call was a loud cry that echoed from deep in the cave. The howl was like nothing I had ever heard in my life. It was one of power that commanded respect.

“You’re right Madison. Perhaps I did go too far this time.” I admit with an uneasy tone. “But we can talk about that later. Right now I think I just pissed off Lugia. Run!” I ordered. The sound of multiple beating wings could be heard as a swarm of Zubat flooded the corridor we were in. They were most likely startled by Aerodactyl’s and that other creature’s roars.

“You’ve really done it now, haven’t you?” Axel chastised.

“You can tell me off later! Right now move it!” I yelled after returning Riolu and Aerodactyl to their respective balls. We kept the same pecking order to ensure that no one got left behind. That made life rather difficult for me as I was the one who was harassed the most by those bloodsucking fiends.

“That’s enough!” I proclaimed. “Come back out Aerodactyl!” I summoned releasing the stone grey winged terror. “Scatter these Zubat with Supersonic and Roar!” I threw my hands over my ears as I expected the Supersonic to vibrate off of the walls just like Roar did, and confusion at a time like this would be pretty bad. “Cover your ears everyone!” I shouted. The ancient Pokémon opened his mouth releasing a shrill screech that sent the Zubat into disarray. Once they started swarming aimlessly, Aerodactyl let out another fearsome roar sending the Bat Pokémon back into the depths of the cave they came from.

“Is it over?” Madison asked hopefully. Before I could say yes, another wild bat dropped from the ceiling, this one with a huge gapping mouth lined with sharp fangs. In a sense it was a flying mouth as the feet came out of the jaw and the wings were attached to the cheeks. Jeez, it’s one thing after another here. The Golbat spit out its long saliva covered tongue as it screeched a cry rivaling Aerodactyl’s.

“I’ve had enough of this!” I said angrily. I called Aerodactyl back to his Pokéball while readying a Great Ball. “Finish this Piloswine!” I called sending out a large pig Pokémon covered in coarse brown fur with two large tusks protruding from his mouth. “Icy Wind!” The wooly boar blew a freezing breath at the evolved Bat Pokémon that crystallized the cave’s water vapor into an icy white mist. The Golbat shrieked with displeasure from the Super-effective hit as it flew into the abyss.

“I say we get the hell out before a Crobat decides it wants to join the party as well.” I said sarcastically. I will be willing to admit this was my fault after we get out of the cave.
------------

Hours passed until we finally reached the mouth of the cavern, recognizable only for the moonlight shining in. According to my watch it was 1:11a. We would have made better time had we not taken that rest or been attacked by deranged Zubat, but I digress. We found Lugia, even if we only heard its cry, so the trip wasn’t a total waste. Plus it is always fun to explore new places just to see what can be found.

“It’s late, so I say we sleep here tonight.” I said taking a seat followed by a yawn.

“*Yawn* Ok. Good night Onii-chan.” Madison said rubbing her eyes.

“Night ya lazy monkeys.” Axel said tiredly.
-------------

“I’m going for an early morning walk. You wanna come with?” I asked Madison the following morning.

“No thanks Onii-chan. I’m making us breakfast today.” she said confidently.

“You!?” I questioned in shock. “O~ok. Axel my friend, I have a feeling one of us is going to die today.” I joked.

“That’s why you’re eating first.” the monkey replied.

“Bye Onii-chan! Bye Axel-kun!” Madison called to us as we began our trip from the rocky ridge near the mouth of the cave down to the beach.

For this vacation, Axel and I decided that we would do no training or battling unless in self defense like yesterday. However, that doesn’t mean a leisurely walk along the beach on a beautiful sunny morning was out of the question. The salty breeze was crisp and fresh, the sound of the waves was relaxing, and the shining sun was warm. While we walked, Axel and I lamented that we didn’t get to at least see Lugia like Madison did. Lucky girl.

I suddenly stopped cold in my tracks. I don’t know what it was, but I sensed something. Something felt horribly wrong. My heart began racing and my body began shaking.

“Brian. What’s wrong?” Axel asked in a serious, apprehensive voice. I looked out into the ocean. In the distance there was a gun metal black ship. There was some marking on the hull, but I couldn’t tell what it was from this angle at this distance. The sight of the ship only made this foreboding feeling stronger.

“We need to go back!” I yelled breaking into a run back the way we had come. I don’t know how I knew, but my instincts were telling me that that ship in the distance was dangerous. An agonizing scream could be heard as we neared the campsite. “Madison!” I shouted desperately as I picked up the pace.

A horrifying sight greeted me when I returned. Two men dressed in black with a red ‘R’ plastered on each of their shirts, white gloves and boots, and black hats stood behind two Houndoom, each spewing streams of orange fire from their maws onto their poor unsuspecting victim. My entire body quivered with rage.

“Axel! Destroy those Houndoom!” I roared my voice shaken with fury. The Infernape screamed as he ran to the demon dogs, tackling one into the other. The Dark Pokémon yelped in surprise as they were knocked away from their burning prey. In a singly motion I grabbed Piloswine’s Great Ball and released the boar. “Powder Snow!” I commanded. Piloswine blew a cold snowflake filled breath over the burning corpses putting out the fires. I collapsed to my knees over the two sets of remains. On was of a charred shriveled plant. A Cherim! The other… No… the other was of a human girl! On parts of the body the flesh had been burned clean off the bone while in other parts only the skin was gone revealing the muscle tissue below. The most horrific part was how unrecognizable the body was, yet I could still identify the blackened remains by the remnants of pink hair on the front of the scalp, the single remaining brown eye, and what was left of the clothes. It was sickening!

“Oh Madison… What did they do to you?” I asked mournfully starting to cry.

“Was that girl a friend of yours?” one of the murderous Rockets asked in a mocking tone. I looked up at the two criminals with an unforgiving gaze. I could barely see them as my eyes were blinded with tears. My entire being burned inside with a violent anger. They had just taken a life, no, two lives and they were making jokes.

“Friend?” I said shakily. “I was Madison’s Onii-chan. At first I hated the nickname, but more and more it grew on me until she finally did become like my little sister. Though we were not related by blood, I was as much her brother as I am my parent’s son.” My voice sounded calm, but it was seething with malice. “But you bastards took all that away! Madison was just a child, she had her whole life ahead of her! A little naïve, sure, but she would have over come that! I will never forgive you for this! I’ll make you pay! I’ll make you hurt! I’ll destroy you!” I roared vengefully. My voice no longer sounded human.

“I’ve heard enough of this guy.” said the other Rocket pulling a knife from the belt his waist. “I’ll send you to hell to reunite with your sister!” he yelled lunging at me. I ran at the Rocket head on, the adrenaline rush from my bloodlust giving me deadly accuracy. As he stabbed at me, I grabbed his wrist in my right hand and thrust my left palm into his elbow causing it to shatter and his arm bend the opposite way it was supposed to. The Rocket let out a painful scream from the damage done to his arm. But I wasn’t done with this one, not yet. I picked up the knife he dropped when I destroyed his arm and slashed it across his throat before stabbing him between the eyes. The murderer fell to the ground dead himself.

“Madison was too sweet to go to hell, which is a good thing as she’ll never have to see you again.” I said without remorse or regret.

“Shit! You’re fucking insane!” the other killer screamed turning to run away.

“And you’re fucking dead! Don’t kill unless you are prepared to be killed!” I screamed giving chase. I was on him in a second. My body was powered by anger and hate; there was nothing I couldn’t catch. I pounced on my victim like a Persian on a Rattata. I flipped him around to face me, then punched him in the face causing his nose to shatter. I stood up, lifted the Rocket by his collar, and punched him back to the ground. I then sat on top of him planting my feet on his wrists so he couldn’t fight back. I furiously punched his face where every time I pulled a fist back the other one was already coming down on him again. I continued my relentless assault until my prey’s face no longer looked like a face, just a distorted mound of bleeding flesh. Yet he still managed to live.

“Monstah! Monstah!” he choked spitting teeth and blood at me.

“Monster? Me?” I asked hatefully. “You’re the one who killed a child! She did nothing wrong! Just in the wrong place at the wrong time! You didn’t need to kill her, you just did! I’m not the monster here, YOU are!” I wrapped both of my hand around the Rocket’s neck and began pressing down on his Adam ’s apple as hard as I could with my thumbs. “And now you will never speak again!” With every gasp of air the murderer made, I squeezed tighter and tighter until his trachea collapsed under the pressure and he breathed no more.

I sighed heavily as I began to regain my composure. Everything had happened so fast, so it took awhile for it all to sink in, and when it did I screamed in horror. “Wh-what have I done!?” I sobbed. I threw my blood soaked hands around my head and began griping trying to comprehend everything. “I- I killed them… I just killed two people! I’m no better than they are! I’m a murderer! There’s no forgiveness for this, I’ll go to jail for sure!” I looked around the area at the two people whose live I had taken. Then I saw Madison’s and Cherim’s corpses.

“No. What am I saying? I’m not the murderer here, they are!” I realized. “They killed an innocent girl, they deserved to die! I was simply avenging the death of someone close to me. They killed for the fun of it! I’m right, they’re wrong! Strife Maxwell was right, this world is corrupt. The police are obviously not enough to set things right, hell, they’re part of the problem! This whole system is flawed. Only Team Neos can set this world straight, and to do that they’ll need all the help they can get, right Axel?” I asked the golden Infernape who had come up behind me during my rambling. “Right!?” I pressed.

“Yeah.” he said solemnly with a nod.

“That’s right.” I said with a dark grin. “Hmhmhmhmhm Hehehehehehe Ahahahahahaha AHAHAHAHAHAHA HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!”

And so I fell into maniacal laughter…
************

I had forgotten how intense the mood whiplash was in this chapter, and I'm the one who wrote it! Definitely qualifies as my darkest chapter.

Chapter 19: Descent Into Darkness

Axel and I spent the next hour prying open the melted Pokéballs of Madison’s surviving Pokémon until our fingers were raw. When Fluffy, Ichi, Maki, Mimi, and Chuchu were all released, we gave them the tragic news. As expected, they were devastated at the loss of their trainer and fellow Pokémon. Ichi possibly took it the hardest as the Cherubi was the offspring of Cherrim.

“I am so sorry about what has happened here today. If there is anything Axel and I can do for you, let Axel know and he’ll relay the information to me.” I said supportively. I then turned to my gold companion, who was coved in blood just like I was, though not as much. He had a few splashes on his arms, and one each on his chest and face. Both of my hands were drenched with the life giving plasma, along with several splatters on my shirt and at least one I could feel on my face. From what he told me, the Houndoom were all dead. Axel had smashed one of the Dark Pokémon’s head into a rock which shattered its skull and scrambled its brain, thus resulting in the blood on him. The other had its neck snapped.

“Axel, could you see if they need anything?” I requested. “I’m going down to the water to see if I can’t clean myself up some.”

“I know where you’re coming from; even I’m considering taking a bath for once. Go. I’ve got things covered here.” said Axel. I nodded in thanks as I moved away from the scene towards the beach. When I got down to the ocean, I waded into the salt water just over ankle deep and got on my knees. I began scrubbing my hands vigorously even using sand as soap hoping the small particles would be able to loosen the crimson stains.

Why did things have to go so wrong? I was only on my walk for ten minutes, but it only took ten seconds for everything to go straight to hell. Who knew that when she bid us farewell this morning that it would be for keeps? What further drove my guilt was what we had said yesterday. I told her in the Whirl Island cave that I’d protect her and she trusted me. But I failed. And I can’t get the smell of blood off of my gloves! I punched my fist into the water in anger, impacting the sandy bottom.

“Brian?” I looked behind me at Axel who had come down to the water’s edge. “You probably won’t like this, but Madison’s Pokémon all agree that they want to go back home to Madison’s family. Her parents are breeders so none of them can be released into the wild as they were all born and raised in captivity and know nothing about surviving on their own.” the Infernape passed on.

“Aw man. How can I face them?” I pondered sorrowfully. I sighed as I steeled myself for my inevitable fate. “Alright. I’ll do it. Someone has to tell them what befell their daughter. I just hope I have five empty Pokéballs.”

I returned to the defiled campsite and one by one recaptured Fluffy, Ichi, Maki, Mimi, and Chuchu in fresh Pokéballs. Actually, two Pokéballs, a Dive Ball, a Premiere Ball, and a Great Ball to be more precise. One after another the five Pokémon were transported to my PC as I already had six Pokémon on me. I then focused my attention on the grotesque remains that were once a cute sixteen-year-old and a Cherrim. “Do you know if we have two empty jars Axel?” I questioned.

“We’ll need to check. What for?” inquired Axel.

“We can’t leave Madison here all alone, but we also can’t carry that around with us.” I said briefly shifting my eyes to the corpse. “So, as horrible as it will be, I’m afraid I’m going to have to ask you to finish what the Rockets started. Cremate her Axel. Cherrim too.” I ordered mournfully. Axel was completely taken back by my request. His eyes were wide and his mouth hung open. I can’t say I blame him, I hate myself for even coming up with such an appalling idea, but it has to be done.

“If I’m going to do this, then we also need to take out that blindfold we use for training.” insisted the monkey bitterly.

I dumped out the contents of my backpack and began sifting though Item Ball after Item Ball looking for anything that could hold ashes. The blindfold was easy enough to find, as it was one of the few non spherical objects I carry. While Axel and I didn’t find anything jar-like, we came across roughly ten empty water bottles. Makes sense, I’m a heavy drinker of water and I have nowhere to put empty bottles when on the road but back in my backpack.

“Ready?” I asked once Axel had his blindfold on.

“Just give the detestable order.” Axel demanded.

“What are you talking about? It’s just another day of training your senses incase you get blinded or the battlefield is dark.” I said calmly hoping to make this easier on him. “The target is right in front of you. Use Flamethrower.” The Infernape made an upset groan just before breathing a blazing tongue of fire at the remains. I quickly turned away with the horrified realization of the malignant command I had asked. The putrid stench of burning human flesh once again filled the air. I made a fist with my right hand and put it in the palm of my left to silently pay my respects to the dead in honor of the life Madison and Cherrim lived.

Even after Madison was nothing more than a pile of grey ash, that horrible odor lingered on. I tapped Axel’s shoulder to let him know he was done for now. I walked over to Cherrim’s body to separate it from the ashes so they wouldn’t get mixed up. “Thirty degrees to your right.” I commanded pathetically. The Flame Pokémon moved his body accordingly, followed by another Flamethrower.

“That’s enough!” I shouted when the Grass-type was reduced to another pile of ash. Axel removed the black cloth from his eyes to see what he had accomplished. Neither of us were proud of it. Now came the tricky part. I released Snorlax from his Ultra Ball for this very important mission. “Snorlax. I know I’m asking a lot, but can you try to Metronome Psychic to transfer those two piles of ash into the empty bottles while keeping them separate? If you can’t do it, don’t worry. I’ll find another way.” I begged.

The Sleeping Pokémon pulled himself to his feet with a very determined look on his face while making hand gestures. Snorlax’s white face started to turn red from the intense concentration. Finally, Madison’s pile began to rise in a spiral as if it were in a gust of wind. The ash trailed to one of the bottles and began filling it until the bottle was full. The stream continued moving down the line until all the ash was gone, filling a total of three bottles. While Snorlax transferred Cherrim’s ashes into the fourth bottle, I sealed the others marking them each with an ‘M’. Cherrim only filled one bottle which I marked with a ‘C’.

“Thank you Snorlax. I know that that command was very taxing on your mind and body, but I am very grateful for what you did.” I said appreciatively. After returning the rotund bear to his ball, I picked up the bottles to put away. “May you now rest in peace.” I said to the bottles.

“I agree. Let’s leave this place now.” said Axel mournfully. I couldn’t agree more.

“No, I haven’t found the scouts yet.” I heard a female voice yell. “I know they should have reported in an hour ago, but I am not entering that cave.” I put my index finger to my mouth telling Axel to be quiet as we stealthfully moved closer. “Look, all I’m saying is that maybe they have tried to radio in but they don’t get reception in the tunnels.” I pressed my back up against a rock and looked around the corner. Talking over a radio was a woman about average height with shoulder length blond hair wearing knee high white boots, white gloves, a black miniskirt, a black beret, and a long-sleeved black shirt with that despicable red ‘R’ on it.

The rage from this morning began to resurface at her sight. However, I did everything I could to suppress my bloodlust for now. First of all, I didn’t want whoever was on the other side of that radio to hear me unless I wanted a whole army after me, and second, I wanted to hear this conversation. I might learn something. “For the last time, I am not going into that cave!” she shouted into the radio emphasizing every syllable. I turned my head and whispered something in Axel’s ear. “Fine, I’ll report back. Send someone else to find those scouts.” She turned off her radio with an annoyed grunt. “Who the hell does that guy think he is ordering me around like that?” Now I would strike.

“Excuse me.” I said walking around the rock into view. The woman jumped back in surprise. She quickly reached for a Pokéball, but I was smarter. I threw my hands up to show that I meant her no harm. Yet.

“Who are you? What do you want?” she interrogated warily, never moving her hand from the sphere.

“Easy. I only want to help you out.” A lie, but I was putting on a pretty convincing performance. “I’m sorry for eavesdropping, but I couldn’t help but over hear your conversation. You’re looking for your two friends, right?” Come on, take the bait bitch!

“Are you saying you’ve seen those two scouts?” she questioned suspiciously.

“Indeed.” I answered. No came the fun part. “After all, I’m the one who killed them!” I confessed in a psychotic voice. A look of shock and terror appeared on the female Rocket’s face. Exactly the look I wanted to see! “Now Axel!” I shouted. Axel jumped out from behind the Grunt in an ambush, landing a fully charged Focus Punch to her back before she could react. Our prey let out an agonizing scream of pain as she fell to the ground in prone position.

“Th- this can’t be! I- I can’t feel my legs!” she screamed with a mix of pain and panic.

“That’s because Axel’s attack broke your spine.” I said calmly with an uncaring tone walking over to my victim.

“You bastards will pay for this!” the Rocket cried pulling out her radio. I stomped her hand as hard as I could, smashing both the radio and her fingers. She screamed in anguish again at the loss of her hand.

“If you want to live, you will answer my questions!” I demanded fiercely. The woman nodded miserably with tears falling down her face. “Good girl. Now, why is Team Rocket here? What were those two scouts looking for?”

“Th- They *sob* They were… *wheeze*” How irritating. I crouched down, flipped off the Rocket’s beret, grabbed a handful of her dirty blond hair, lifted her off the ground, punched her in the stomach, and threw her back down on her broken back causing her to scream again.

“Answer dammit!” I yelled.

“LUGIA!” she cried before falling into tears. Amazing how tough Team Rocket acts, but when the tides turn they can be such pathetic cowards.

“That’s why they were here? For Lugia? Is that why Madison had to die?” I ranted off. The woman simply sobbed and cried in response. “Alright, last question and I’ll let you live. Where is your base? Where is Team Rocket hiding?”

“A ship…” she said in almost a whisper. That black ship I saw in the distance! The one that gave me such an ominous feeling! So that’s where they are. “Please… you have to get me to a hospital. My body… it hurts…” she pleaded pitifully.

“I said I’d let you live. Whether or not you can survive with the use of only one arm is entirely up to you.” I said coldly glaring down at her without remorse. Her brown eyes widened with grief realizing that while I wasn’t going to kill her personally, I was leaving her to die a slow and painful death. She began screaming and begging me to help her. I ignored her as I walked away from my victim, motioning Axel to follow me. We travelled back to that dreaded place where the Rocket scouts remained.

“Why are we back here again?” Axel inquired grimly.

“Team Rocket is looking for their scouts. I say we give them what they want.” I said graciously. “And then we make them pay for everything they’ve done! The lives they’ve ruined in the past will be avenged. The people they would have hurt in the future will be saved. And I get to have more fun!” I cheered with a gleeful malice.

“You’re insane!” Axel shouted.

“I know! But the question is, are you with me or against me?” I asked hoping my friend and ally for so many years was still on my side.

“Bitch please. I already told you that it is my curse as a Pokémon to be eternally loyal to you. Besides, this is so that no one has to suffer again. I’m with ya Monkey!” the Infernape replied devotedly. I laughed triumphantly at his response.

“Excellent! Come forth Aerodactyl!” I shouted sending out my prehistoric Flying Pokémon. “We have a delivery to make. Would you be so kind as to carry myself and Axel to a nearby ship with that cargo in tow?” I asked pointing to the deceased enemy. The stony terror screeched his reply as he crouched to let Axel and I board. Once we were settled, Aerodactyl fluttered to the Rockets and picked them up in his claws before flying off the island.

I directed my Fossil Pokémon to the location I had seen the ship and what luck! There it was, sitting stationary just waiting to be ambushed. It was disguised as a black cargo ship, about thirty feet in length, but on the hull was the red ‘R’ that gave it away as the world’s enemy. Due to the sharp point the bow came to, the ‘R’ was some what misshapen. It was really no wonder I didn’t recognize the symbol from the distance and angle I saw it from the beach.

“Aerodactyl. When you drop off the delivery, let it touch down first, give the Rockets on board just enough time to acknowledge the bodies but not enough to react to us, then blow them away with Hyper Beam. A~and Go!” I instructed. The ancient beast opened his claws letting the corpses plummet to the ship below. No sooner had they touched down, a group of black dressed Rockets ran over to investigate.

“Now!” I shouted. Aerodactyl pulled his head back and blasted a powerful beam of yellowish orange energy when he thrust forward. Even though I wasn’t the intended target, I could feel the heat from the attack from where I was and I had to grip Aerodactyl harder to brace myself from the recoil. The people below us looked up at the impending apocalypse heading their way. They didn’t even get a chance to scream before their bodies were incinerated and the ship beneath their feet exploded. For maximum damage, the King of the Skies lifted his head from facing directly downward to almost looking forward sending the Hyper Beam in a straight path form the bow to the stern of the ship destroying everything in its wake.

I began laughing maniacally at the mindless destruction. I was forcibly silenced when the ship wasn’t completely and utterly destroyed as I expected, in addition to the sight of more Rockets emerging on the deck to investigate the damage. The ship was more durable than I gave it credit for. To top it off, Aerodactyl won’t be able to do another Hyper Beam, or even attack for that matter, for a few minutes. Not a problem.

I pulled out Snorlax’s Ultra Ball again and released the heavyweight in midair. “Harden!” I yelled as the giant plunged from the sky, crashing into the ship below like a comet. Snorlax had landed on the Captain’s driver seat room causing the windows to shatter and the steel to bend and snap like twigs. The entire boat violently rocked in the water from the impact. The Sleeping Pokémon rose from the resulting crater in a grumpy rage facing the stern of the ship. The Rocket’s began readying their Pokémon at the sight of their foe.

“Eliminate them with Hyper Beam!” I commanded from Aerodactyl who had swooped in closer so that I could give commands. Snorlax inhaled followed by his own blast of the lethal energy attack. The enemies in front were consumed by the beam which resulted in another explosion on the ship starting a fire. However, the enemies behind Snorlax and on his flanks were still active and now had their Pokémon out, ready to take advantage of his recharge time. From my vantage point I saw a Nidoking, two Mightyena, a Dustox, three Golbat, a Raticate, a Gligar, two Weavile, an Ariados, and a Drapion. I quickly called back Snorlax and circled around to get some distance.

“Don’t let that coward escape! Chase after him Golbat!” one of the Rockets ordered. Who said anything about escape?

“Use Iron Head to tear through the port side of the ship!” I commanded. “Be ready to jump Axel.” Aerodactyl did as I told, stiffening his head until it shined a pale silver. With two seconds until impact, Axel and I got up, ready to dismount at the right second. As the prehistoric Pokémon tore through the side of the ship, we two monkeys jumped and landed on the boat while Aerodactyl tore through the other side with some unsuspecting victim in his mouth.

“You have some nerve attacking a Team Rocket vessel.” threatened one of the criminals standing with the Nidoking. The Golbat that had been chasing us landed with its trainer as well. Axel and I stood back to back in a defensive position as we were now surrounded by the enemy. I couldn’t help but smirk. The worse the odds, the greater the fight or flight response. I then did the one thing they wouldn’t expect; I charged them head on.

“You’re plan will fail! We have you out numbered!” a Rocket shouted. “Slash him to ribbons Weavile!” he ordered. I felt the heat of Axel’s flame as he flew past me surrounded by fire for Flare Blitz. Weavile shrieked as the fire monkey collided into it.

The Weavile’s trainer grabbed me from behind wrapping his arm around my neck in an attempt to choke me. Lucky for me, I was both taller and stronger. I leaned forward flipping the criminal on his back. I repaid him for attacking me by kicking him in the face and stomping his groin. A cruel thing for one man to do to another, but I no longer view those who wear Team Rocket’s uniform as human. They are nothing more than trash polluting this world. I dragged the unconscious -or dead, who could tell- Rocket into the fire created by the Hyper Beams and casually threw him in. Wait a second, how did I do that? I’m relatively strong, but lifting a human body and casually tossing it?

Now wasn’t the time to reflect on that as I heard the furious roar of Nidoking. The Drill Pokémon came charging at me with his horn pointed low in an attempt to skewer me. I quickly drew Piloswine’s Great Ball to summon the wooly boar. “Ice Beam!” I called rolling to the right just barely dodging the purple monster. As soon as the Swine Pokémon was fully materialized, he shot a wintry beam of condensed water vapor at the spiked bipedal rabbit. Nidoking roared in anguish as he was slowly frozen solid. With that, I unleashed Beldum onto the field. This would mark the first time I used the metallic blue arm shaped Pokémon in battle. I hope it performs well.

“Beldum! I want you to use Iron Defense, then shatter that Nidokng with Iron Head. Got it?” The Iron Ball Pokémon responded by shining with a fresh coat of metal followed by charging strait though the King of the Nidoran. “Long live the King!” I shouted smashing the Pokémon’s severed head.

“Nidoking! Bastard! Look what you’ve done!” shouted the Pokémon’s former trainer angrily.

“All I did was defend myself.” I said indifferently. “You just need to chill. Ice Beam!” Another pale blue beam came from Piloswine’s mouth freezing the Rocket as well. I walked over to the frozen statue and pushed it over causing it to shatter. “Oops.” I said like a child who just broke his mother’s vase. I casually walked away from the frozen shards to find what more trouble I could get into.

“There he is!” cried more Rockets charging at me. I took a fighting stance and quickly dealt with them with a mix of punches, kicks, and throws. I didn’t kill them; in fact I even left them conscious. I had a better plan. Besides, the fires were starting to spread, and the deck was littered with warped or sharp metal shrapnel.

“Axel! Where are you?” I called stopping at the bow of the ship.

“Right here. Why?” the monkey asked running to me with an Ariados leg in his hand.

“It’s time to end this.” I told recalling Beldum and Piloswine to their respective spheres as both were weak against the spreading fire.

“Attention Team Rocket!” I announced. “As you have probably noticed, you can’t beat me! My Pokémon and I have already killed a few of your members and Pokémon. Now I’m giving you a choice. Those of you who think you deserve to live step forward and stand in a straight line. Return all of your Pokémon to their Pokéballs and lay the balls in front of you. Do that and I may accept your surrender.”

“Are you serious?” asked Axel in dismay.

“Just watch.” I whispered to him. As I expected, all of the surviving members of Team Rocket gathered and stood side by side in a straight line.

“So you all think you deserve to live?” I asked them. Each one nodded nervously. At that moment my face turned grim. “So did Madison.” I mumbled. An evil smirk appeared on my face. “Now all of you! Die!” I commanded sweeping my arm down the line. While the arm motion did nothing in particular to them, it was the signal to Aerodactyl, who was patiently hovering above, to launch another Hyper Beam. The revived carnivore cocked his head back before sending another burst of heated radiation right down the line. The Rockets screamed in agony before being completely destroyed by the blast and the resulting explosion.

“That’s what you deserve you animal fucks!” I shouted victoriously.

“You are enjoying this way too much.” Axel pointed out.

“I know. I’m so fucked up.” I owned up shamelessly.

“If you are, then so am I. Just now I got a sadistic pleasure in holding another life form’s existence in my hands. It’s actually a kind of liberating feeling. Before when I fought, I always gave it my all, but I never crossed that fine line. Now it feels like I’ve been holding back.” my companion described.

“Well don’t let it go to your head. We only kill the guilty. Friendly battles will stay just that. We don’t want to hurt innocent people or Pokémon. We’d be just like them if we did.” I made clear. The boat then began to shake violently knocking me off balance. The sound of creaking metal could be heard. I guess the ship has finally had it. “Hehehe. Time to go Axel.” I said raising my right arm in the air while embracing Axel in my left. Our transport dove down catching us in his claws. I tightly gripped Aerodactyl’s ankle as we sped away from the exploding ship.

The middle of the boat caved in first sending the bow and stern into the air folding into eachother. The fires of the deck were gradually put out as the vessel sank. Axel and I climbed up on Aerodactyl’s back so we could get a better view of it all. I had the ancient flier circle the crash sight for about ten minutes just incase any survivors surfaced. If there were any, I’d have Aerodactyl pluck them out of the water and tear out their throats with his serrated fangs. After ten minutes no one surfaced, and I doubt any survivors would be able to hold their breath this long after such a traumatic experience. Satisfied, I had Aerodactyl fly us to Cianwood for a much needed rest.
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One week later after having chartered a boat from Cianwood, I arrived back in White City. Knowing what I had learned from last time, Strife Maxwell was a political who worked for the White City Committee which resides in the tallest building in the city. Axel and I wandered around the pristine and clean city until finding a tall, reflective glass paned building dominating the skyline. This was it!

I walked through the glass doors into a gigantic lobby. Lining the door were two potted plants, one on each side and each about human sized. The floor was white, smooth, and uncarpeted. In the middle of the room was a finely crafted marble fountain carved in the shape of a Suicune with its snout turned up as it sprayed a Water Gun to the sky before coming back down into the surrounding pool. People in suits walked to and fro going about their daily lives completely ignoring me. On the left and right sides of the room were a set of staircases, both covered in an expensive looking ruby carpet. Each staircase was adorned with a golden railing on either side and in the middle to give them both up and down capabilities. In the back of the room between the double staircases was a mahogany desk with someone sitting at it; most likely the secretary.

I waded my way through the crowd to the desk in order to greet the secretary, who was an older woman, possibly mid-forties, with tied back graying hair, a narrow wrinkled face, thick librarian style gasses, and a dress suit like everyone else. “Can I help you young man?” she asked in a shrill voice.

“Yes, I’m here to see Mr. Strife Maxwell. I’m the son of one of his friends, Nathan Xelbu. My name is Brian.” I introduced making sure I covered all of my bases so I could get my business done as soon as possible. The secretary gave me an unconvinced look but picked up the phone on her desk anyway and dialed a number.

“Sorry to bother you Mr. Maxwell, but there is a young man here to see you. He says his name is Brian Xelbu.” the woman said into the phone.

“That’s not his name dumbass!” Axel corrected. I on the other hand, found it to be the perfect alias to protect both my reputation and my family from my new enemies.

“I understand. I’ll send him right up.” she acknowledged before hanging up the phone. “Mr. Maxwell will see you now. He is in room 376 on the eleventh floor. Elevators are right up those staircases.” said the secretary pointing to the stairs behind her. “And this is your visitor’s pass.” she said giving me a sticker and a marker.

“Thank you.” I said graciously. I quickly filled out my pass and made my way up the right staircase passing several workers on the way. The upper part of the first level had the same white floor as downstairs. Just like the building’s entrance, healthy looking green human sized potted plants were on both sides of the four gold door elevators resulting in five plants total.

The first elevator to open was the second one from the left. Without hesitation Axel and I entered as everyone else got off. I guess it wouldn’t make much sense to be going to the first floor if you weren’t intending to exit. Two other people entered with us, a man in a shit brown suit and a woman in midnight blue dress clothes. I pushed eleven while the man pushed three and the woman pushed eight. Both gave us weird looks; first curious, then dirty and condescending. That is the very reason I hate rich people, they think they’re better than the commoners, especially Pokémon trainers who have almost no money at all.

As the elevator went up, those two eventually left, but more got on. Each time they regarded me and Axel as diseased rodents and tried their best to keep their distances. Just you wait you rich bastards, I’m going to tear down the establishments so that your money is worthless!

At last, floor eleven. I rudely pushed past the three smug humans who remained in the shaft just to give them something to talk about. The hallway was like a lounge area of sorts with blue carpeting and comfy looking sofas and chairs surrounding tables of various sizes where people were enjoying their lunch breaks and coffee. I ignored them as I made my way to the offices. 374… 375… Ah there’s my prey, 376! I didn’t bother knocking, Strife should already know I’m here, so I just opened the door and walked right in. I made sure to close the door behind me so that no one would easily overhear our conversation.

Strife sat in his black leather chair facing away from me, instead looking out the window which gave a scenic view of the entire west side of the City. The interior of the room was fancy as one would expect. The azure carpet from outside trailed in covering the floor. Strife’s fine brown desk was covered with neatly stacked paperwork and office supplies. The white walls had awards and pictures on them that I really didn’t give a damn about. There was only one thing I was here for.

“Brian Xelbu?” he greeted with interest placed on the name.

“I had nothing to do with that. It was the secretary’s assumption.” I defended. Strife turned around in his chair to face me. Like before, he was in a neatly pressed white suit with a sky blue dress shirt underneath. His brown hair was also neatly combed giving him a sophisticated and proper look.

“So what brings you here Brian? After our last meeting, I did not believe I would see again, especially so soon. What has it been, two, maybe three weeks?” Strife played with his hands folded under his chin and his elbows resting on his desk.

“I won’t drag this out Strife. I want in.” I said straightforwardly. The politician chuckled lightly at my declaration.

“So what made you change your mind?” he inquired.

“I’ve been enlightened. I’ve finally seen the world for what it really is; corrupt, unjust, dangerous, and chaotic. A man gets charged with assault for defending his family and property from a burglar, an innocent child is burned alive because she’s in the wrong place at the wrong time… I want it all to end! You said Team Neos is working to bring peace and order to the world so let me help.” I ranted while Strife sat silently hearing me out. “In fact, let me make myself clearer.” I got down to one knee and extended both my arms to my side. “I, Brian Nosurname, now known as Brian Xelbu, do hereby swear my loyalty to the ideals set out by Team Neos!” I decreed.

“Where would you like to be stationed?” asked Strife obviously accepting my proposal. He was, after all, the one who extended the first invitation.

“Anywhere in the world is fine, I’ll gladly go where ever my services are needed.” I answered. “Although, I want Team Rocket to suffer the most.” I added maliciously. Without a word, Strife reached into his desk and pulled out a notepad. He scribbled something on it, ripped off the sheet, and handed it to me. I walked over to the desk to accept it.

“The Left Atrium is a bar in Goldenrod City. It is also one of Neos’s recruitment facilities. Go up to the bartender and say you want a NEOpolitan with emphasis on the Neo. He’ll show you to the back room.” Strife instructed.

“Thanks.” I said stuffing the paper into my pocket.

“I have a few words to share with you before you go.” said Strife. “When someone refers to the Leader of Team Neos, they refer to Arthias. He goes by the code name Leader while serving as my stand in so that I may easier manipulate dealings with the bureaucrats and politicians. As of this moment you and Arthias are the only ones who know my true identity. Therefore do not say anything foolish.”

“Got it.” I answered. “By the way, I also have something I want to say. Before I realized how the world really was, I thought of Team Neos as nothing more than another criminal organization. If at any time I regret joining, I will kill you Strife Maxwell.” I warned heatedly.

“Then I hope that we meet your expectations Brian.” he said sounding unconvinced of my threat. It wasn’t that he didn’t believe me, it was more like he was confident I would fail if I tried. Always with that air of confidence and coolness. Never faltering once except that time with Arthias. Strife Maxwell is probably the most dangerous man on the planet. It’s a good thing I’m on his side.

“Come on Axel.” I said walking out the door.

“I’ll be honest with you. I really don’t like that man.” stated the monkey once we were in the hallway.

“I can’t say I’m too fond of him either, but if anyone can change the world, it’s him. Not to mention at this very moment, Strife Maxwell is our new boss.” I responded.

“Your new boss. The only human I take orders from is you.” Axel retorted.

“Right.” I affirmed. “Anyway, back to Johto then.”

Chapter 20: Point of No Return

It took awhile to find -due to the size of Goldenrod City and my own directional impairedness- but I finally found the bar known as the Left Atrium. It was a rather simple design; rectangular, peeling white paint on the outside revealing the wooden walls beneath, and a beaten wooden door leading inside the bar itself. On the roof were the words “Left Atrium” shining in red neon lights written in a fancy cursive font. On the left side of the name was an Ace of Hearts card, also made out of red neon lights. Just what could be expected from this kind of place.

Unlike the rest of the city which had a golden glow in the afternoon sun, the area I was in was dirty and full of broken buildings and boarded up houses. According to the people of Goldenrod, this dingy district was considered a bad neighborhood where only the scoundrel of humanity resided. The main hangout spot for these vermin was none other than the Left Atrium. It was ironically fitting that this was also the very recruitment center of the organization that would clean up this filth.

“Ready Axel?” I asked my companion. “Once we walk through that door, it’s over. There will be no going back.”

“There was no going back the moment you killed those people. I say we do what we came here for and finish what we started.” declared the monkey. I could only smile at his determination. I reached out for the bar door and entered.

The inside wasn’t much better than the outside. First of all, I started coughing from how much cigarette smoke there was in the air. I grabbed the collar of my shirt and lifted it over my nose and mouth to keep from breathing that crap, but that did nothing to keep my eyes from watering. I felt bad for Axel who had no protection from the carcinogen. Aside from the foul stench in the air, the lights were dimmed giving it a more dreary look. To the far right were a number of booths and tables, some occupied, with a yellow tinted window by each. In the middle of the floor were about six pool tables with various thugs playing at all but one table. In the back left corner was a dart board with about three darts in it, none on the bulls eye. What I wanted was on the far left side, the bar itself. All I had to do was ask for a Neapolitan with emphasis on the Neo. The idea was to get in without any trouble, but based on the looks I was getting from everyone here, I could already tell that was going to be difficult.

“Hey there little boy.” said a soon to be dead man. He was a shirtless bald fat bastard wearing a simple black leather vest letting all his girth hang over his blue jeans. A tattoo of a Gyarados ran up his right arm. “That’s a mighty nice Infernape you have there. Hand it over!” he ordered.

“Go fuck yourself tubby!” Axel spat. I pulled my face out of my shirt to make speaking easier.

“Sorry, but it doesn’t look like he’s interested in going with you and I’m not really the type to give into intimidation.” I said nonchalantly with a hint of snark.

“Are you making fun of my friend here?” asked a skinny guy with buck teeth and a purple mohawk. Judging by how alike the two men were dressed, I’d say they were both part of the same gang. Tubby must eat all the food leaving Slim hardly any.

“What ever gave me away?” I asked carelessly. Both hooligans gave me angered looks. “Listen, I have better things to do than deal with you unevolved monkeys, so get out of my way and no one gets hurt. Kay?” I proposed pushing past the two thugs.

“Hey! I’m not done with you yet!” shouted Tubby grabbing my shoulder.

“I got the Infernape!” Slim said proudly. My eyes widened with my pupils narrowing. They had their chance to live.

“Flare Blitz!” I called to Axel. I heard Slim cry in pain as Axel surrounded his body in fire, then most likely tackled the fool. I reached my arms behind my head and grabbed Tubby’s arm. I then pulled him as I leaned forward flipping the fat bastard over me with some effort. I stood over him glaring.

“Wh- wh- what’s with your eyes?” he stammered in fear.

“These are the eyes of a killer.” I said coldly. “Perish, now.” I ordered placing my foot on his head. Slowly I pressed down, savoring Tubby’s every scream.

“That’s enough!” shouted the bartender. I looked over my shoulder at the man in a white T-shirt and black apron with buzz cut brown hair and a stubble beard and mustache.

“You’re lucky I have better things to do than waste my time on you.” I said lifting my foot off the man’s head. “Axel!” I called.

“Oh fine.” Axel said disappointedly as he dropped the now hairless Slim. I took a seat at the bar with Axel standing on my right. No one else in the bar dared mess with us after the stunt we just pulled.

“Hey bartender! Can I get a NEOpolatin?” I asked.

“What did you just say?” he asked warily.

“Perhaps you didn’t hear me. NEOpolatin.” I repeated boldly. The bartender shifted his eyes right and left before looking back at me and nodding.

“Could you watch the bar Jack?” the bartender asked another guy who was wiping down glasses up until now. “Follow me.” he said to me quietly. As soon as he left the bar, the guy led us down a narrow hallway.

“So who’d you hear that from?” he inquired suddenly.

“What?” I asked not completely sure what he meant.

“The password. There is no way you just knew, so who told you?” I couldn’t exactly tell him the truth, I swore myself to secrecy. Actually, I could tell the truth and lie at the same time.

“I heard it from Leader himself.” I said. Strife may be the real leader, but they all will think I’m talking about his stand in Arthias.

“Shit! Leader!? As in…” he said starting to shake his hand over his head.

“Leader as in the head of Team Neos.” I bragged. The bartender started spazzing as if he was about to die. He was acting like I was some sort of prince or other type of royalty.

“Shit. You must be somethin’ then for Leader to recommend you. Those guys out there really had no idea who they were messin’ with did they?”

“Well I don’t like to brag, but I came in second at the Sinnoh Conference. Now, there’s a reason I’m here.” I reminded sternly.

“Ah! Right, right! Sorry!” he said walking forward once more until we got to a door. He began fumbling with a set of keys he pulled from his apron. When he found the one he wanted, he unlocked the door and led me and Axel into a dark room. After flipping a switch on the wall by the door, the bartender knelt down and lifted up a secret hatch on the floor revealing a set of stairs.

“Take these stairs and you and your Infernape will find yourselves in Team Neos’s recruitment branch of Goldenrod. Normally I wish people luck, but someone like you probably doesn’t need it. Hell, I’m willing to bet you’re made a seated officer if not lieutenant.” he kissed up.

“Thank you.” I said walking down with Axel close behind. I wonder what will have to be done for me to become an official member. Maybe all I have to do is say Leader told me about this place and they’ll just give me a position. Hm. Wishful thinking.

At the bottom of the stairs was a room full of people conversating about whatever. Were we waiting for something to happen or was this it? I walked through the crowd interacting with no one, but observing and listening to everything so that I could piece together what was going on. As I passed through, I realized the diversity Team Neos represented. People no better than the ones upstairs were here, along with teenagers and adult alike. Some people were still dressed in their work clothes having just come from their jobs. Why were they here? Did they have the same goals as I did? As Strife does? Or are they here just because? For the crime? For the money?

“This should be interesting Axel.” I stated continuing to look around. Out of nowhere a pair of hand came around my face covering my eyes.

“Guess who.” a female voice said sweetly. The voice was so familiar, I know I know it, but from where?

“Evil bitch.” Axel mumbled unkindly.

“Eve Illuminati.” I said pulling her arms away from me and turning around. Indeed it was her. Long white blond hair, piercing emerald eyes, black gothic lolita dress, black platform boots going up to her knees and everything. “Why am I not surprised to see you here?” I asked condescendingly.

“Why am I surprised to see you?” she asked. “This is no place for children.” I was hoping I’d see Eve again so I could pay her back for before, but this was way too soon.

“I’m here to change the world.” I answered deciding not to let her get to me. “What are your reasons?”

“For fun.” Eve responded with a crude gratification. I should have known. She isn’t the type to change her behavior on or off the battlefield. Speaking of battlefields…

“Tell me, who won the White City Tournament?” I inquired. Eve looked away from me with a mopy look on her face. Obviously not her.

“It was so stupid!” she shouted in aggravation. Obviously a humiliating loss. “Raiden Arka beat me in the final round.” I had stopped listening right there. Raiden Arka had been in that tournament? How the hell did I miss him? It should have been me fighting him! The first trainer I ever battled. The first trainer I ever lost to. The first and only trainer to grant me my ideology on training Pokémon.

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July 10, 2003
“I challenge you to a battle!” I said to an older trainer on Route 1. The man had long black hair tied in a ponytail with several strands hanging down the side of his face ending at his cheek bones. His eyelids hung over his dark eyes giving him a sense of aloofness. He wore black jeans which were torn at the knees, yellow boots, and a blue denim jacket over a sleeveless navy blue shirt. I was so excited! This was the first trainer I had met since I captured Axel just two days ago.

“Do you honestly think you can beat me?” he questioned uncaringly.

“Of course I can! And don’t think you can back out either! Once a trainer makes a challenge, you must accept!” I said arrogantly. “Let’s go Axel!” I called throwing a red and white sphere. The Pokéball opened materializing the golden Chimchar in a burst of red light.

“A Chimchar. One of an interesting color no less.” he said before sighing. “So young, so brash. Fine. I accept your challenge. You will not win, but I will at least give you some advantage with Magneton.” said the trainer holding out a blue Pokéball with red stripes on either side. I believe it is called a Great Ball. From it emerged a Pokémon made of three silver steel orbs held together by about seven screws with a vacant white eye on each orb. The Pokémon was surrounded by six magnets.

“Alright Axel! Let’s get this guy with Ember!” I called. The young monkey inhaled deeply but was only able to burp out a puff of smoke. Axel giggled in embarrassment.

“He cannot use even the simplest Ember?” he questioned with an unamused look.

“We’re working on that!” I defended. “So let’s try Scratch instead!” I commanded. Axel ran at the Magnet Pokémon and swiped his claws across the opponent’s smooth shiny body. The young Pokémon gave out a muffled wail of pain as he gripped the hand he had attacked with in his other.

“A Steel-type like Magneton is resistant to such weak attacks as Scratch. If anything, your Chimchar hurt himself in the same way a human would scratching the side of a building. How weak.” scoffed the other trainer. Axel got an angry look in his eye and before I could stop him, the Chimp Pokémon reached under his tail and threw a pile of flaming poo at the trainer. Lucky for him, his Magneton was fast enough and willing to take the hit instead. “What… was… that?” he asked completely perplexed.

“I’m so sorry!” I apologized. “Axel! Enough with the flaming poo! It’s rude and just… just no! Don’t do it again, got it?” I scolded. The Chimchar gave me a dirty look in response.

“No need to be so harsh on him. I’ll punish your Chimchar for you. Magneton! Thunder Wave!” the trainer ordered. Magneton had shaken off the poo leaving an unpleasant brown stain on the Magnet Pokémon where it had hit. All three eyes stared at Axel furiously as the entire body began sparking. Axel squealed nervously as he slowly started backing away with a scared expression on his face. Magneton discharged its electricity on the young monkey causing him to first scream then quiver uncontrollably from paralysis.

“And finish it with… Tackle.” he said picking the move seemingly at random. Magneton threw itself into the immobile Chimp Pokémon sending him rolling across the ground before stopping with his butt up in the air. The flame on the Chimchar’s rear extinguished itself as a sure sign he was fainted. I was left with my mouth agape completely taken off guard by the situation. How easily I had lost.

“No… No way! What power! You are way too good for me.” I said in admiration.

“That is because you are a low class trainer. You just picked up a Pokémon with out knowing what to do with it while I am Gym Leader level. I was just on my way to Viridian Gym to prove that Electric-type Pokémon can beat Ground-types when given the proper training.” explained the other trainer after recalling his Magneton.

“A Pokémon is only as strong as its trainer, and you are weak. You rush into things and you do not have complete control over your Pokémon or else he would not have thrown feces at my Magneton. You, the trainer, must first become stronger before you can expect anything from your Pokémon. You must lead by example. Also,” he reached into his pocket and pulled out a white crystal “it is very irresponsible to walk around with your Pokémon fainted if you can help it, so take this Revive and use it on your Chimchar. Now, I hope you learned something today. I must be off now.”

“Wait! What is your name? I wanna know so that when I do get stronger I can beat you.” I spoke up. The man turned back to me with a blank look.

“It’s rude to ask someone else there name before giving your own.” he said flatly.

“Sorry. I’m Brian Nosurname.” I said.

“Raiden Arka.” he responded before walking away again.
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I never forgot what Raiden said that day. Ever since, I have trained alongside my Pokémon including my frequent sparring matches with Axel just to make sure that I am also at the top of my game. Unfortunately, that training wasn’t enough. Three years ago I ran into Raiden again in Hoenn by chance. We had another battle but I still lost. He beat two of my Pokémon with his Manectric before I beat it, he beat another two with Magneton until I was able to take it down as well, but his Raichu finished me off. He said my problem then was that I had realized I was going to lose but kept going anyway. Losing faith in my Pokémon’s ability to win is what cost me.

“Hey! Are you even listening to me?” Eve yelled bringing me back to the present.

“Yeah, I heard you. You got your pretty little ass handed to you by the most powerful trainer either of us have ever met.” I repeated.

“And he’s the one that recruited me.” she added. I think I just swallowed my tongue and had a heart attack. Raiden was also with Team Neos? How many other people do I know are with this organization?

“Alright, quiet down all of you!” shouted a man standing on a stage wearing the Team Neos uniform; grey mid-shin high boots, hakama pants, gloves, and a hooded long sleeved shirt, the emblem of a silver X with red dots in the upper cross, grey dots in the lower cross and blue dots between the two crosses was on the chest. Standing with him were three other members, two on his right and one on his left. “As of this moment you maggots are members of Team Neos. To determine your rank we will hold a number of tests from Pokémon battling to situational logic. If you want a respectable rank, I advise you to do well.” he blared from his high point.

“I am not wearing that outfit.” Eve said defiantly.

“Then work on getting an advanced rank. Higher ups are usually allowed to customize their uniforms.” I taunted.

“There’s no doubt I’ll get a high rank. Most likely higher than you. And then you can be my wittle gwunt servant.” she mocked with her baby talk.

“Just know that if we ever meet in battle again, I will rape you.” I threatened.

“Oh please don’t! I’m still a virgin!” begged Eve crossing her legs. She decided to drop the act by laughing me off with a snide giggle. “Remember? You even admit it yourself, you can’t beat me. That is an unchangeable fact.”

“Just be glad we’re on the same side now.” I warned.

“Stupid woman. She has no idea what we’re capable of now.” Axel said. I wonder though, what would she be like if I actually got her to fight seriously? My Pokémon would need to be ready to fight for their lives if I did.
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The training really wasn’t all that bad. The way it worked was the better you did in one round, the tougher the next round would be. Our four instructors would give us different scenarios and hypothetical missions, whereas we trainees had to find ways to complete those missions successfully by any means necessary. What made these tricky were random hurdles and unexpected incidents that threw off the original plan forcing us to adapt. Those who passed with all requirements met were sent to the next level. Those who failed were demoted.

Another thing they looked at was our skills in battle. Obviously those who were strongest and smartest outclassed the weaker crowd. Combining these two attributes, combat and success rate, would be what would determine our rank.

Low Class Grunts: Any trainer who just picks up a Pokémon and thinks they have power now. A lot like what Raiden said about me all those years ago. They are only a threat to people without Pokémon, new trainers, and wild Pokémon. Low class grunts are given the most basic and unimportant missions.

Grunt: Trainer level. They are like the average trainer, they have a team of about three or more Pokémon, and they can hold their own in most battles. Grunts are given missions where failure is only a minor setback and success leads to great rewards. This is the most common rank among the Neos.

Officer: Gym Leader level. Officers are as strong as a Gym Leader or someone who has beaten all eight leaders of any region. They are highly unlikely to lose except to higher ranked individuals and are given more important missions such as interfering with the major criminal organizations of the world. The two trainers I fought on the boat that one time were officers.

Seated Officer: Frontier Brain Level. A step above regular officers, seated officers are given a numerical rank to determine status. Ten is only slightly better than a regular while one is the strongest. Seated officers have missions similar to officers, only they are to derail the more important plans of the enemy Teams. A seated officer would have been needed for the Lugia incident on the Whirl Island had they known about it.

Lieutenant: Elite Trainer level. The highest obtainable rank. Like elite trainers who have mastered all thirty two Gyms, beaten at least one Battle Frontier, and regularly participates in tournaments worldwide, lieutenants are nearly unstoppable unless faced with someone of equal or greater power, though this is rare. They are given missions that are crucial to Team Neos’s plans and are treated with the utmost care. Failure is not an option.

Captain: Elite Four Level. The three most powerful members of Team Neos, this rank cannot be obtained without first being appointed by Leader. Their missions consist of only the most important. If there is any room for failure by a lower ranked member, the mission is given to a captain. Arthias is ranked head Captain making him the fourth, though for Strife’s purposes Arthias assumes the role of leader.

These ranks of course only apply to the main division. I don’t know how accurate the rumors I’ve heard are, but supposedly there is also a Stealth Division. They serve as spies and do more black-ops type missions. There is also the Science Department which Xelbu was a part of, but that has nothing to do with me.
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“If you are ever in a situation where the mission has crumbled and the only way to get out alive is to abandon your Pokémon, what do you do?” asked one of the instructors. Today was day four of our training.

“That’s easy. Leave it! When it comes to survival, you must always look out for number one.” answered a random person I couldn’t see from my position in the crowd.

“You’re wrong!” I interrupted. “Abandoning your Pokémon is the stupidest thing you can do in that kind of situation. I’ll give you two scenarios to prove you wrong. In the first one, you abandon your Pokémon but get captured by the enemy. You now no longer have any means to defend yourself against them and their Pokémon leaving you with two options: surrender or die. If it were me who caught you, I’d execute you on the spot without mercy. The second case is you get out safely, but the rest of your Pokémon no longer trust you. They’ve seen that they are disposable to you, and like how you abandoned the other Pokémon, they too will abandon you to survive. It would be the same case if you were a grunt and saw your commanding officer leave a fellow grunt to die. You would do whatever it took to get away from him before you are next. That is why I would do whatever I could to save my Pokémon or die trying because I know they’d do the same for me.” I explained.

“Well said.” came a voice that did not belong to any of the instructors. Arriving down the stairs from the bar was none other than Raiden Arka wearing a Team Neos uniform with the hood down so that we could clearly see his face.

“Third Seat Raiden Arka! Sir!” the four instructors acknowledged simultaneously as they saluted Raiden. Third seat huh? As expected, he is very far up there in rank. I didn’t expect to see him here though.

“Brian is absolutely correct.” Raiden agreed. He even remembered who I was. There is a reason I have an undying respect for that man. “A Pokémon is only as good as its trainer. In combat a trainer acts as a general to his troops, the Pokémon. If the general is weak, he can expect nothing from his subordinates. At the same time, a general is at the mercy of his troops, without them he cannot accomplish his goals. Therefore a symbiosis must be met where the two work together.” Raiden clarified. “I want all of you to remember that!” he addressed to all of us.

“He’s a pimp.” said Axel in admiration.

“He is.” I agreed. So badly I wanted to battle Raiden right now just to see how much I’ve improved. However, this was not the time or the place. I’ll challenge him after today’s seminar. Hopefully my Pokémon and I won’t be too worn out.
---------

Riolu thrust his palm forward sending a burst of aura through my opponent’s Sudowodo’s body. The tree look-a-like gave a weak yelp before collapsing unconscious making Riolu and me the winners.

“Alright Rio!” I cheered as I crouched down to high-five the young Emanation Pokémon. Riolu gave me a gratified smile as he slapped my hand.

I took a quick look at my Poketch which read 7:51p. Only nine minutes remained of this exercise. Our final test of the day was combat practice. We could challenge any other new recruit of our choosing and there was no backing down from a challenge. A lot of the people that challenged me would be Grunts at best. The sad part was that Eve and I were two of the best people here leaving not much decent competition. It’s a shame we aren’t allowed to challenge the instructors or Raiden.

“Hey you!” someone yelled out to me in a deep gravelly voice. This challenger had a jowled face like a Granbull’s with small narrow eyes and short silver hair.

“Let me guess, you want a battle.” I said uninterestedly.

“I wanna get you back for making me look like an ass in front of the superiors!” he shouted. I had no idea what he was talking about. I turned my head slightly to the side to try and remember who all I had humiliated today.

“Oh, you wouldn’t happen to be the clown that was going to abandon his Pokémon are you?” I realized.

“Yer damn right I am! Now it’s yer turn to be humiliated!” he bellowed grabbing a ball from his waste and releasing a human sized green mantis with long bladed arms and a reptilian like head.

“Can I fight this one?” asked Axel like he wanted a treat.

“Alright, Scyther is yours.” I agreed. “Hit it with Flame Wheel!” Axel’s fiery mane grew intense as he jumped in the air and spun at the unfortunate Bug-type.

“Avoid with Agility!” my adversary ordered. Scyther turned into a green blur dodging right of Axel’s attack. “Now I’ll use Straptor!” he said sending out a tall bird covered in black, grey, and white feathers with a long head crest tipped with red feathers. The bird Pokémon stood on powerful orange talons that could tear its prey to ribbons.

“Two against one isn’t exactly fair, ya know?” I said looking back and forth between Scyther and Staraptor. “So I’ll just have to use-”

“Staraptor! Use Brave Bird on the Infernpe! Scyther! Quick Attack the trainer!” barked the trainer. What did he just say!? Staraptor slammed itself into Axel’s chest knocking the monkey as far away from me as possible with the Mantis Pokémon lunged at me at a blinding speed. Before I could react, I was thrown to the ground with Scyther looming over me.

“Brian!” Axel cried trying to get to me.

“Keep the Infernape busy with Close Combat!” ordered the Granbull face. The Predator Pokémon started rapidly kicking and slashing at Axel with its enormous talons forcing the monkey on the defensive. “Now Scyther! Finish the trainer with Slash!”

Time seemed to slow down as Scyther lifted one of its lethal blades over my head. I couldn’t dodge, Scyther was way too fast, it would hit me no matter what direction I moved. I couldn’t summon another one of my Pokémon, it would take too long for them to protect me. There was only one thing I could do, and that was to protect myself! I instinctively threw my right hand into the air actually catching the Mantis Pokémon’s blade in a firm grip. I winced in pain as I felt the blade cut into my palm. Blood ran from my palm down my arm before trailing off to drip on the floor.

“Impossible! Scyther’s blade should have cut your hand off!” my opponent cried in shock. I gazed up at the man with a feral look in my eyes. He stepped back in fear at my commanding presence. I picked myself up, throwing Scyther aside when I had regained my balance. I stared down at my wounded hand, blood still trickling from the gash in my glove. To my alarm, I noticed that my finger nails had suddenly grown into claws and there was a faint blue glow around my hand. “What the hell are you!?” demanded the terrified man.

“I’m beginning to wonder that myself.” I answered in confusion looking back at him. The glow around my hand faded away while my nails returned to their normal length.

“Whatever you are, yer dead! Scyther! X-Scissor! Staraptor! Aerial Ace!” he ordered. I reached for Piloswine’s and Aerodactyl’s Pokéballs for assistance, but they were unnecessary as two bolts of blue lightning shocked the two Flying-types into fainting. Raiden walked up with a Jolteon by his side and a very unamused look on his face.

“Like I said before, a trainer is like a general and the Pokémon his troops. Taking out the general will leave the troops in disarray making victory impossible for them and inevitable for you. It is a smart strategy when facing your enemies. However, taking out one of your own comrades is greatly frowned upon and is also a way to develop mistrust among the ranks. Much like abandoning your Pokémon.” Raiden reprimanded. “As for you Brian; great job parrying that Scyther’s attack. Perhaps you have gotten stronger.”

“Thank you sir!” I thanked appreciatively of the complement.
------------

After getting my hand bandaged up, I joined the rest of the recruits for rank and squad assignment. The four instructors stood on the stage with two on each side of Raiden.

“Well maggots, you are all being promoted tonight! Your rank has be determined by the tests you each performed these last four days! If you do not like your rank, you have only yourself to blame and only you can change that!” one of the instructors blared. “First, I would like to inform you all that as of now you each serve under Third Seat Raiden Arka! That won’t change until you become seated officers yourselves! That said, Raiden Arka has hand picked four of you to be his personal officers and as such his squad members! Will Eve Illuminati, Zack Kaguya, Chane Turk, and Brian Xelbu report to the stage?”

Did I hear that right? Raiden hand picked me to be in his personal squad along with Eve? This is both an honor and a WTF moment. “Get moving Psycho Monkey, we’re up!” Axel told as he pushed me up to the stage.

“Let’s do this!” I declared with excitement. I would be in a squad with someone I admire, someone I have a loathing respect for, and two people I know nothing about other than they must have impressed Raiden somehow.

On the stage standing by Raiden’s side were Eve, a petit girl with wavy auburn hair and brown eyes with a timid expression on her face, and a boy with unkempt red hair with blue eyes hidden behind glasses. This one had a look of confidence to him.

“Wow. Little baby Brian made it all the way to the big leagues. I’m so impressed.” Eve teased sarcastically. “And since when is your name Xelbu? I thought it was-”

“I changed it to protect my family.” I interrupted. “You and Raiden are the only ones here who know my true name.”

“Well whatever your name is, I’m Zack Kaguya.” introduced the boy holding out his hand. I gladly accepted my new partner’s hand shake.

“A-and I-I’m Chane Turk.” the girl introduced shyly. It made no sense to me why someone as shy as Chane was here. Team Neos doesn’t seem like the line of work someone like her would be cut out for, but she must have her reasons. Either that or she’s just nervous.

“I’m Brian Xelbu and this is my life partner Axel.” I introduced formally motioning myself then the Infernape.

“When he says ‘life partner’ he means it. Don’t you ladies come sniffing around my man.” the deranged monkey said defensively. It’s times like this that I’m glad I’m the only one who can understand him.

“Shall we be off then?” Raiden inquired leading us to the exit.

“We shalst!” I answered following my new leader with the rest of my companions. I took one last look at my bandaged hand. There was definitely something going on with me that I needed an answer to. For now though, I’ll just have Axel keep an eye on me until I get a chance to find out what’s happening. For now, I’ll enjoy the company of my new squad. This will be where the fun truly begins!
**************

All the main characters are in place now.

Whoa. What the heck just happened with that Scyther...? Creepy. Ominous. You get the idea.

I guess you're a new fan Zoroark. You'll see soon enough


Chapter 21: The Dream Team

Mom and Dad

Due to being in the wrong place at the wrong time and events that were completely beyond my control, I have become public enemy number one of Team Rocket. To protect my identity I have changed my name and to protect you this will be the last time I contact you until everything is taken care of. I have Axel with me along with a few trustworthy allies so don’t worry, I’ll be completely fine. I love you both.

-Your one and only son.

P.S. Burn this letter after reading it. I don’t want my enemies to trace this to you.

I held the envelope addressed to my parents which contained that letter in my bandaged hand staring at it for a solid two minutes before tossing it into a blue mailbox at the corner of a street in Goldenrod. It was only 11:30 in the morning, but already it was turning into a hot day. The bright August sun made the city glow like its namesake. I don’t think any Grass-type would have trouble launching a Solar Beam today if there were to be a battle.

“You ready?” asked Axel empathetically.

“Yeah, we can go.” I said turning away from the mailbox. All I could do at the moment was turn as my destination was across the street and I had the red light. I stood patiently waiting until the light for the cars turned red and I got the white walking signal. At that moment I casually walked across the street to the building that housed my squad’s temporary base.

Raiden had rented us a four bedroom apartment paid for by Team Neos. The Team will support us until we get our first mission and start making money at which point our squad funds will pay for our finances. The way I understand it, mission profits are divided into three categories; what goes to Team Neos to keep it running, what goes to the smaller teams to support their field work, and what goes to individual members to keep them happy.

The apartment we were staying in was on the first floor so all I had to do was walk in the main entrance and go down the hall to room 109. As I put my key in the door, I heard yelling and screaming on the other side.

“What the hell is going on in there?” Axel wondered out loud. I quickly turned the lock and pushed the door open. Standing in the middle of the floor was Eve dripping wet wearing nothing more than a white towel. She was staring daggers at Zack who had his arms up palms out with a nervous grin on his face. Chane was standing by the doorway to Eve’s bedroom with a concerned look. She probably heard them fighting and came to investigate.

“What is going on here?” I asked in confusion.

“Zacky boy though it was a smart idea to walk in on me in the shower!” Eve said angrily.

“I told you, I only wanted to see if you needed help scrubbing your back. My intentions were entirely pure.” he replied like he did nothing wrong. “Help me out here Brian. I know we haven’t known eachother long, but we men have to stick together.” he said looking to me for support. My mouth slowly curved into a demented smirk as I realized what was going on here.

“What are you so happy about?” Eve questioned venomously. “You better not be siding with this lecher!”

“I’m not siding with anyone nor will I get involved. This is like an anime and I’m just thrilled to have it unfolding live in my own living room.” I said happily. I closed the front door and leaned against the wall. “As you were.” I instructed. This will definitely keep me entertained for awhile.

“C-can’t we all just get along? M-maybe we could sit down and maybe g-get to know eachother? W-we are a team now s-so why argue?” Chane proposed moving her foot side to side in a timid manner.

“And miss all the fun?” I asked sarcastically raising an eyebrow. Zack used this distraction as an opportunity to run over to Chane. Comparatively, he was about nine inches to a foot taller than she was.

“I for one agree with the idea.” he declared wrapping his arm around her shoulder. I’m not sure if it was intentional of accident, but he had his hand on one of her boobs. Chane definitely noticed as she was wide eyed and blushing bright red. “It will be a nice way to settle our differences and become better comrades.” Zack went on.

“U-u-umm…” Chane stammered trying to get Zack’s attention. He looked down at her realizing what he was doing. Zack pulled his hand away with a shameless laugh.

“Sorry, old habit.” he confessed modestly. He then turned to Eve. “Eve, as much as I love seeing you dripping wet in nothing but a towel, how about getting dressed so that we can get better acquainted. Then maybe later we can really get acquainted.”

“Not going to happen!” said Eve spitefully. As she walked past Chane and Zack to go to her room, Zack thought it smart to grab her ass. Needless to say, no one was surprised when Eve turned around and elbowed him in the face before slamming the door.

“I might have deserved that.” Zack said holding his nose as he crouched to retrieve his glasses. Already I like this squad! Although by the looks of it, one of us was missing.

“So where’s Master Raiden?” I inquired pushing myself off the wall and walking to the rest of the group.

“Master?” asked Zack regaining his composure.

“Well ya, I respect him and he is our superior. Therefore I call him Master.” I clarified.

“He has a warped sense of respect.” Axel threw in for the hell of it.

“R-Raiden w-went to pick up our n-new uniforms.” answered Chane with a stutter. It’s too bad he’s going to miss our Q&A session. I would suggest postponing it until he got back, but I don’t know how long he’ll be and Eve might kill Zack in that time span. Speaking of the devil herself, Eve came walking out of her room fully dressed but still emanating a wrathful aura.

“If we’re doing this, I’m sitting out of Kaguya’s reach.” Eve said sounding calm, but her tone was laced with anger. We all gathered in the living room, which is where the whole post-shower scene took place, and sat on the various furniture lying about. Zack, Axel, and I sat on a grey three cushion sofa, Chane sat in a red recliner with her hands folded nervously in her lap, and Eve laid on her side on a blue two cushion sofa with her head propped up in her hand glaring at Zack. Poor bastard’s made it on her hit list it seems.

“Well the first question I think that should be asked is; why did you all join Team Neos?” asked Zack starting everything off. “I myself joined for the chicks. Chicks dig a man in uniform and we have one badass uniform.” he said concededly with his hand on his chin and a smug grin. Somehow that doesn’t surprise me with his behavior this morning.

“I joined for the fun of it. Seeing the humiliated faces of people when you beat them is just so satisfying and some of their expressions are just priceless!” Eve sneered joyfully. “Isn’t that right Brian?”

“Quiet you!” I yelled at her. “Your turn Chane.” I said more calmly.

“W-w-well… m-m-my brother always took care of me and looked out for me, b-but w-when he got sick I decided to join s-so that I could become stronger a-and protect him for once.” she explained. So that was her reason, it’s for her brother. Somehow though I don’t think we’re getting the whole story on her.

“What about you Brian?” inquired Zack pushing up his glasses.

“Me? I want to change the world. I want to destroy all crime and tear down the world government. Only then can things be rebuilt the way they should be. A place where both Pokémon and humans can be happy and free: that is my goal.” I said straightforwardly. Everyone in the room gave me strange looks. Eve broke the silence by laughing mockingly.

“Oh what a vivid imagination the child has.” she taunted.

“I- I think it is a wonderful goal.” Chane agreed with me.

“Why not? We’ll help eachother achieve our goals.” declared Zack. “The three of us will work on getting Chane stronger for her brother, you all can help me get laid -especially you ladies-, we can assist Brian in destroy the world, and Eve can have herself the time of her life doing all of that. Whadaya say?”

“Fuck off.” Eve answered flatly. Figures she would be unsupportive.

“Next question! What Pokémon do you all have?” Axel brought up. I kindly translated for everyone and ran down my list of Axel, Aerodactyl, Riolu, Piloswine, Snorlax, and Beldum, the six I was currently carrying.

“I have a Banette named Diva, a Luxray, a Steelix, a Nidoqueen, a Roserade, and a Walrein.” Eve told.

“I- I have Beautifly, Lunatone, Pidgeot, Chansey, Azumarill, and Breloom. Th-there names are Celia, Luna, Jace, Lucy, Kermit, and Izzy r-respectively.” listed Chane.

“I’ve got a Golduck named Lloyd.” said Zack. “Up until a month ago I was a Pokémon Ranger so I was only allowed and only needed one partner.” he said bluntly.

“S-so you quit to join Team Neos?” inquired Chane.

“Quit?” he replied with a confused look. A proud smile then appeared on his face. “I was kicked out for way too many sexual harassment charges!” stated Zack pompously pointing his thumb at himself. “It’s part of a Pokémon Ranger’s job description to stay fit and athletic so who can blame me if I was turned on? I mean those are some sweet lookin’ hotties in that profession.”

“Figures.” Eve said unamusedly as she rolled her eyes. Chane simply looked to the floor blushing while I fell to the floor laughing hysterically, pounding my fist to the white carpet.

“I love you Zack!” I declared between fits of giggles. “You will be the source of much amusement!” I gripped my sides as I started rolling around uncontrollably. It had been awhile since I laughed like this at something genuinely funny and not at ripping people’s limbs off. When I finally caught my second wind, I got back on the sofa. “Next question?” I proposed.

“Are you ready to try on your new uniforms?” All five of us turned to the front door where none other than Raiden was standing wearing his “civilian” clothes consisting of long black pants, brown tennis shoes, and a sleeveless navy blue shirt. Slung over his shoulder was a white gym bag which I’m guessing contains our uniforms.

“Sure, why not? Kaguya was making me nauseous anyway.” said Eve getting off the sofa and walking to Raiden.

“Ouch. That hurt.” Zack said pretending offence.

Raiden emptied four uniforms out of the bag and passed them out to us, sending us to our rooms to get changed once we had one. Those who had rooms anyway. We were staying in a four bedroom apartment meaning one person would not get a room. I was the first person to call the floor as I am fully capable of sleeping anywhere. As such, Raiden sent me to his room. It was rather basic with only a bed and dresser occupying a moderate amount of space.

“Can you believe it Axel? Things just keep moving forward. At this rate we’ll fix this world in no time!” I mused optimistically while getting undressed. I held the pale grey hoodie out in front of me admiring the shining silver X on the chest.

“Yup. As much as I liked our previous lifestyle, we only fought for ourselves. Now it seems like we’re putting our talents to better use.” acknowledged Axel with an outlook I hadn’t really considered. I mean I knew what I was doing, I just hadn’t heard it put into words like that before. That monkey can be wiser than me sometimes.

After applying the whitish grey gloves, I proceeded to look myself over in a mirror on Raiden’s dresser. Zack was right; we do look pretty badass in this outfit. And here I thought I only looked good in black. I finished off by throwing the hood over my head to get a view of what my enemies will see. I must say, I’m quite pleased with the results. As far as the fit went, the pants were comfortable around the waist and baggy in the legs, just the way I like my pants, and the hoodie was loose giving me room to breathe. The gloves and boots were also perfect fits. It’s almost as if Raiden bleached what I normally wear and gave it back to me.

“Dude. You rock.” Axel complemented looking me over.

“Indeed I do. Now come! We must join the others.” Outside Zack was already standing fully dressed with Raiden. Aside from being two inches shorter than me, we could have been called twins. Joining us a minute later was Chane. Eve was the last one to come out with a modified uniform giving us all WTF faces. She had cut the top of her shirt open to expose her cleavage, and rather than wearing the pants she was given, she wore her own skirt and platform boots. Raiden did a slow motion face-palm with a sigh and shook his head. I should have seen this coming with what she said in training. Chane was a stuttering mess as she tried to form the words she wanted to say.

“Wh-wha-what did you do!?” she finally got out.

“Simple, this shirt was too tight and I do not wear pants.” declared Eve arrogantly.

“Hell yeah!” Zack cheered at her comment.

“Get over yourself jizz stain. It’s not gonna happen.” she shot down mercilessly.

“Ow. My feelings.” lamented Zack. Twice in one hour. How much more can he take of this before Eve breaks him for real?

“Enough nonsense.” Raiden scolded. “While you were all getting changed, I was informed that the spies we have infiltrating Team Rocket reported that the Rocket’s plan on raiding the Day Care Center on Route 35 to steal the Pokémon the elderly couple living there are taking care of. Their reasoning for doing this is of no concern to us; your objective is making sure theirs fails.”

“Our objective? What about you?” I questioned with a raised eyebrow.

“The report came in just now. So far we are the only squad in the area to be informed. Therefore, the four of you will be more than enough to handle it. Now stop wasting time! Get going!” he told us. Without a seconds more hesitation, we left the apartment.

“Well that was random.” Axel said as we ran outside.

“Agreed.” I affirmed.

“What kind of leader is he anyway? Sending us to do all the dirty work.” Eve protested.

“A good leader also needs to know how to delegate. If Master Raiden were here it would be serious overkill.” I pointed out both to annoy Eve and defend Raiden. I looked at the many buildings lining the streets then up at the sky. I determined the fastest way to get to where we need to go would be by air so I quickly reached for Aerodactyl’s Pokeball to release him.

“Good idea Brian.” Zack complemented when the Fossil Pokémon materialized in a red beam of light. “You mind if I ride with you? I don’t have a Flying-type.”

“Sure, hop on.” I instructed jumping on myself quickly joined by Axel. Aerodactyl growled in disapproval as Zack also mounted. The only other time he had been forced to do a three-seater was with Madison and she was a light weight. At the same time, Eve joined Chane on the latter’s Pidgeot. When everyone had their rides sorted out, we took to the sky. “Sorry Aero.” I whispered in the dinosaur’s ear as he flew us.

“I guess I need a flier?” posed Zack realizing Aerodactyl’s stress.

“It would be helpful.” I approved. “Eve should get one too if she doesn’t already have one.”

“Yeah, I’d love to have the option of mounting either her or Chane.” Zack said enthusiastically.

“You mean their Flying-types?” I suggested wondering if he meant it to sound the way it did, or if just forgot a word. Axel was snickering at the very thought of it.

“That too.” he said not bother to correct his mistake. “But what about you? Which do you think is cuter?” he inquired flirtatiously.

“We’re here!” I dodged pointing down to the small ranch. Unfortunately, we were late as I could see several figures below dressed in black harassing the Pokémon at the Day Care. What worried me was that I couldn’t see the elders anywhere. Hopefully they were just being held hostage in the house and not hurt in anyway. After all, I know full well what those bastards are capable of. The very thought of it makes my blood boil!

Jace came from behind Aerodactyl in a nosedive toward the ranch. I led my flier to do the same. Four Rockets looked up in alarm as the two Flying-types landed and the five of us unmounted.

“Ah! It’s them! It’s Team Neos!” one of them screamed fearfully, this one male.

“It seems our reputation precedes us.” I said sinisterly. I glared at my foes like a predator looking for the weakest link to feed on. Looking around the group I count two males and two females accompanied by a purple bipedal canine with massive jowls curved up in two pointed fangs and a black collar around its neck, a red snail made of lava with huge yellow eyes and grey hardened lava forming a shell, an angry white furred monkey with a red crest on its forehead and two long black claws on each hand, and a cyan colored rabbit covered in short poisonous barbs. Just one Pokémon each? Can’t they do better than that?

“Relax, there are only four of them and six of us. We can handle these punks.” said the other male confidently. What a delirious fool. Still, that meant there were still two more unaccounted for.

“Oh no! They have us out numbered! Whatever are we going to do?” mocked Eve sarcastically. I could almost laugh now that her quips weren’t directed to me for once. I was also amazed that it required six of these clowns to hold up a Day Care.

“You’re not making fun of us now, are you Little Girl?” taunted what sounded like an older female from behind us. Eve simply laughed the woman’s comment off.

“Are you just jealous because, unlike you, I still have my looks you ugly old hag?” she retorted not missing a beat. A silver spoon held by a yellow three fingered hand swung around Eve’s throat threatening to slash if the owner didn’t like the next remark out of her mouth. The rest of us were entangled in blue vines save Axel and the fliers. The morale of the other Rocket members seemed to shoot up at seeing us taken out so quickly.

“If your Pokémon are smart they won’t dare attack my Tangrowth or my Kadabra unless they want their precious trainers to be crushed or have her throat slit.” warned the woman. I nodded to Axel and Aerodactyl to let them know to stay at bay for now.

“That’s our Boss for ya. There’s no winning with her unless you agree with her.” said one of the two females proudly. That meant this woman was the leader of this operation. I will enjoy killing her.

“What do you want with this Day Care anyway?” inquired Zack.

“We have no reason to explain ourselves to you NEOphytes.” mocked the male who was originally scared of us. I love how they act so tough when things end up in their favor.

“*Pff* Nice pun, did you hear it from your mommy?” Eve ridiculed. Kadabra pulled its spoon closer to her neck causing Eve to grunt in annoyance.

“Watch your tongue girl. To answer your question young man, we heard there was a Pokémon staying here that was bred from a good stock so we decided to acquire it.” the woman said stepping into our view. I’m guessing she was in her mid thirties. She had grey eyes, red hair done up in a ridiculous perm, and wore a fancy white uniform with the trademark red ‘R’ on it that would look magnificent stained with blood. She also had white heeled boots and on her waist was a gold belt. “Unfortunately that well bred Pokémon just turned out to be this weak little thing.” she criticized holding up a small blue Pokémon with white cheeks and a zigzagged black tail ending in a blue ball the same size as the Pokémon. The poor little Azurill looked panicked and terrified as the vile woman held it by its bubble like tail.

“Azurill!!” Chane shouted in distress. That’s right, she did say she had an Azumarill, the fully evolved form of the victim. Was Chane empathizing or were this one and hers related? Chane began struggling to get free of Tangrowth as hard as she could.

“What’s wrong? Did I hit a nerve?” tormented the leader. “What if I were to do this?” The woman began playing paddle-ball using the ill-fated Azurill as the ball with its own tail the paddle.

“Stop it!” Chane cried desperately.

“How typical of a stupid Rocket.” I scoffed. The wench stopped her assault and looked at me curiously to see what I was up to. “You told our Pokémon that if they were smart, not to attack. Well they’re not the ones who should be smart. It’s you! On our side are two Flying-types and a Fire-type. On yours is a Grass-type holding us hostage.” I smiled darkly giving the female Rocket wide eyes full of fright. “Axel. Burn Tangrowth alive!”

“Yes, my lord.” Axel said willingly. He spat a long tongue of fire at the hapless Vine Pokémon behind us. I could feel the intense heat as the creature behind me writhed in agony. The vines around me and my partners weakened enough for us to literally break free. Eve took the opportunity to elbow Kadabra in the side while it was distracted by its companion’s demise to escape.

“Time to play Diva.” she said evilly as she removed a Dusk Ball from her belt.

“Jace! Aerial Ace that woman and free Azurill!” Chane commanded. The Pidgeot wasted no time in dive bombing the leader in the chest knocking the wind out of her and causing her to drop Azurill. At once Chane rushed over to catch the baby Pokémon as it fell. “You’re ok now. You’re safe.” she whispered to it comfortingly. Kadabra instantly Teleported away from the possessed doll known as Diva to aide its master.

“Where do you think you’re going?” Eve questioned rushing after her chosen opponent.

“How dare you hurt our boss! Use Flamethrower on the girl with Azurill Magcargo!” ordered the second male Rocket. Before I had a chance to react, the Vigoroth was attacking me with its arm raised over its head. Axel swiftly jumped in the way to parry the Wild Monkey Pokémon’s Slash and threw it to the ground.

While we were distracted by Vigoroth, Chane embraced Azurill tightly as the stream of flame neared its intended target. A blast of water suddenly came from behind Chane cancelling out the fire. She looked up and behind her where Zack stood next to a blue kappa with a long tail and a red jewel on its forehead. A few drops of water dripped off the Golduck’s beak onto the ground.

“You ever think about hurting my friends again or you’ll have me to deal with.” Zack said threateningly. I couldn’t see her face under her hood, but I think Chane was looking at Zack as if he were Lance of the Elite Four as he chuckled before saying “Don’t give me that look. We’re teammates, we lookout for eachother.”

“Right.” she answered. While holding Azurill in one arm, Chane stood up in addition to pulling out a Luxury Ball. From the ball came a pink egg shaped Pokémon with small arms and legs, small frills hanging off the side of its head like hair, and an egg in a pouch on her belly.

“Lucy, take Azurill and heal it with Softboil.” Chane told the Chansey handing off the baby Pokémon. Lucy wasted no time in pulling out her egg and feeding it to the young Azurill. “Now it’s your turn Kermit!” The fully evolved Aqua Rabbit materialized from his Lure Ball with a very pissed off look on his face. Either the Azumarill was aggressive anyway, or sensing what happened to his kin from inside his ball put him in a bad mood. “Use Hydro Pump on the Magcargo!” the female trainer commanded continuing her vendetta. Kermit gladly complied, blasting water from his mouth like a fire hose. The lava snail was quickly taken out by the 4x effective attack.

“Hey, you’re kinda cute. Why not ditch Team Rocket and join me? I will give you as much passion and romance as you want.” Zack said hitting on one of the female grunts. This one was the owner of Nidorina. Has he no shame?

“Get real.” was her annoyed response.

“Too bad.” Zack sighed lowering his head. “Lloyd! Use Psychic!”

I had no time to observe any more of the battle as I was in one of my own. “Vigoroth! Attack with Ice Beam!” called the monkey’s trainer. Vigoroth screamed as the cold pale blue ray shot from its mouth. Axel threw his arm in front of the beam to block it only to have his arm frozen.

“Axel, I think you just learned Ice Punch. Use it!” I called. The Flame Pokémon pulled his fist back followed by a devastating jab to the enemy monkey’s jaw which cracked the ice around Axel’s arm. “Follow up with a Fire Punch! Same arm!” Axel punched the Wild Monkey Pokémon in the stomach causing the ice to shatter, not only from impact, but also from the Infernape’s flaming fist.

“That’s better.” Axel declared while staring at his hand as he moved his fingers. He was suddenly struck from behind by a Headbutt from Granbull. The monkey landed on all four limbs and growled at the purple canine.

“How dare you interrupt a monkey battle!” I yelled at the female Rocket who had issued the command while I was distracted with Vigoroth and its trainer.

“Hey I had this!” agreed my opponent. I was actually surprised he wasn’t grateful for the assistance seeing that he had nothing but a humiliating loss ahead of him.

“Well sor~ry for helping then.” she said snidely.

“Not yet you’re not.” I said vehemently. “Aerodactyl! Lunch is served! Ganbull or human? Which do you want today?” I called over to my prehistoric beast who had been sitting bored and idle since we landed. The revived terror shrieked with delight as he flew over to us with his mouth wide open.

“Oh Arceus no!” the female Rocket cried running away with Granbull close behind as Aerodactyl fast approached. A yellow dust filled the air around the two causing them to stop dead in there tracks.

“Just thought I’d lend a little assistance. You can hardly take care of yourself.” teased Eve. She stood with a small green human shaped creature that had white hair, a leaf like cape, a green mask, and two bouquets for hands, one red the other blue. “Roserade’s Stun Spore should last ten minutes or so, so don’t take too long torturing them.”

“Thanks.” I told her. I looked over at my ancient warrior who already had his claw on Granbull and was tearing out the Fairy Pokémon’s throat. “Aerodactyl thanks you too.”

“You… You ate them!” panicked my foe slowly backing away.

“No. He ate them.” I corrected pointing back to the scene where the Fossil Pokémon was devouring Granbull leaving behind bloody bones. “Or rather is eating them. Now are we going to finish this monkey battle or not?” I demanded.

“*Grrr* Vigoroth! Double Team!” the Rocket ordered. One Vigoroth soon became seven attempting to surround us. “Now use Fury Swipes!” The seven monkeys all came at me and Axel with their claws swinging wildly. We stood back to back knowing that the real one would attempt to take either me or him out. I punched at the nearest one only for it to vanish. This would be so much easier if I had a sword, then I could take two or three out in a single stroke.

“Gah!” I heard Axel scream. Sounds like he found the real Vigoroth. I turned around to see my monkey grab the other monkey by its head followed by several rapid kicks to the stomach. At last the Vigoroth fell unconscious.

“Now it’s your turn!” I said victoriously turning toward the trainer. He tried to run away, but when he turned around Aerodactyl was standing behind him with blood lining the sadistic grin on his maw.

“P- please… spare me.” he begged getting on his knees.

“Ok.” I said in a friendly tone.

“Really?” he asked nervously.

“Sure.” I walked over to the Rocket and extended my arm in a gesture to help him up. However the moment he accepted my hand, I thrust my palm into his elbow snapping his arm in the wrong direction. Over his pain written scream I added “You’ll live, but you’ll be a cripple. I call that a fair deal.”

After breaking the Rocket’s other arm and shattering both of his knees with the help of Axel and Beldum, I looked around to see what else could be done. The trainer with the Magcargo was fast asleep as a result of Luna’s Hypnosis and Chane’s mercy. The Nidorina was lying on top of her trainer, both alive but in rough shape. I’m actually surprised Zack didn’t try to rape her. Then again he does seem to have his chivalrous side. The other female trainer shared the same fate as her Granbull being nothing more than a pile of broken bones in a pool of blood. There was no sign of this group’s leader, her Kadabra, or the sixth member that was spoken of.

As I walked around the side of the house into the ranch the Pokémon stayed in, I was greeted by Chane who was sitting with a Paras, a Rattata, a Politoed, and a Flaafy. Kermit was holding the Azurill from before and Lucy was tending the wounds of a Nuzleef.

“Um… Hi Brian. Hi Axel.” she greeted cheerfully as she pet the Rattata.

“Hi yourself.” I responded. “You really like Pokémon don’t you?” I observed.

“I had to make sure they were alright. Team Rocket was being so cruel to them.” said Chane in despair. “But everyone’s ok now!” she said happily.

“Yup. You did great today. I can see why Master Raiden chose you.” I praised.

“Th-thank you…” she said shyly.

“Oh yeah! Where is everyone else!” I asked when I realized they were still missing.

“I-I don’t know. As soon as Luna put that Rocket to sleep I came back here to check on the Pokémon.” she answered looking side to side.

“Come on! I haven’t checked the house yet!” I said running to the side door. I threw open the screen door to see the female boss standing in the living room holding a gun to the Day Care Lady’s head while the Day Care Man was knocked out on the floor with a big bruise on his bald head. She looked like she had been put through hell as her hair was a mess and her clothes were dirty and ripped in several places including a gash in her shirt that exposed her entire shoulder. Standing in front of her were Zack, Lloyd, and Eve who were looking on motionlessly.

“I was wondering where the rest of you Neophytes were.” the Rocket wench ridiculed. “As I told your friends, one wrong move and the old lady dies!” she warned pushing the gun harder to the elder’s head. That would explain why the others weren’t attacking. But did they have a plan?

“So where’s your Kadabra?” I interrogated not seeing it as I looked around.

“I fainted it.” Eve admit proudly. “But she called it back before I could have any more fun.” she pouted. I rolled my eyes. How typical.

“Shut up! All of you!” the Rocket demanded. “Now that I have you all in one place, I can finally escape. You may have ruined our plans, but none of you will leave here alive!” she announced. The woman pulled a black rectangular radio from her pocket with her free hand and pushed down a red button. “Are the Electrodes ready?” she asked into it.

“Yes ma’am.” came a response on the other end.

“Very well. Get down here so that we may take our leave.” ordered the wench. A moment later the sixth Rocket came running down the stairs followed by a muscular grey skinned man wearing a black speedo and a big gold belt with a red ‘P’ on it. The size of the Machoke’s red veined arms gave it a slight hunch. They must have been holding the couple hostage before we arrived which is why we didn’t see them until now.

“You should feel lucky Old Woman. You get to live.” the sixth Rocket told the Day Care Lady spitefully.

“You scoundrels will never get away with this!” the elder warned defiantly.

“Hostages should know better than to talk.” growled the leader pushing the pistol harder.

“She’s right though. You won’t get away.” Eve said confidently. On queue a black ghostly hand came out of the woman’s head. The fingers on the hand curved into claws before raking back through the Rocket’s skull. Her eyes rolled to the back of her head as she fell lifelessly to the ground. Axel and I both shuddered as we realized that could have been him when we last battled Eve. Diva came walking through the wall with a satisfied look on her zippered face.

“My word!” gasped the old lady looking down at the scene.

“You bastards!” yelled the last conscious survivor. “Machoke! Crush them!” There was no response from his Pokémon. “Machoke!” he yelled angrily turning to the Super Power Pokémon. Machoke groaned as it collapsed to the hard wood floor crackling with electricity.

“I was wondering what was taking you four so long.” Raiden said bluntly. He stood in his Neos uniform with his arms crossed and an orange mouse with yellow cheeks, big curly black ears, and a long black tail tipped with a yellow lightning bolt standing with him. I remember that Raichu, it’s the one I lost to in my and Raiden’s last battle.

“There are five of you now!? I can’t take this! I surrender!” moaned the final Rocket falling to the floor in defeat.
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Once the Day Care was safe, and all the surviving Rockets gathered up and sent to the police, we returned to the apartment for some well deserved rest. And a lecture which none of us were quite thrilled about.

“Your first mission was a success, but you all could have done a lot better. I want to see more teamwork. Things will go by much faster if you work together.” Raiden told us.

“Next time I will be with you so that should help smooth things over. As squad leader, I will also find ways to utilize each of your individual talents to their fullest. Zack Kaguya, the ex-Ranger. Your specialty is using the environment to your advantage. Chane Turk, you care a lot about Pokémon. Your performance today only proves how passionate and determined you are to protect them from harm. Eve Illuminati and Brian Xelbu. You are both cunning strategists. Eve, you focus on ruthless battling and using your charm and wit to throw enemies off balance, while you Brian can adapt to any situation and your relationship to Axel is like none I have ever seen.

“Then there is myself. Like Eve and Brian, I am a strategist. I strive to overcome my weaknesses while exploiting the weaknesses of my foes. Just as I have found ways to compensate for my Electric-type Pokémon’s weakness to Ground-types, I will find ways to compensate for each of your weaknesses to make our squad unstoppable. That is all I have to say, so you may do as you like now.” he finished.
**********

Looking back, the first experiment with them wasn't all that great. Oh well. At least I've improved in future chapters. ^_^

Chapter 22: Dragon’s Den

The early morning silence was interrupted by laughter. My laughter. I was the first of the five of us to wake up which also made me the first one to read today’s newspaper. The paper was limp in my hands while I leaned back in my chair at the kitchen table giggling at what I had just read.

“What is so funny that you had to interrupt my beauty sleep?” Eve demanded grumpily walking into the kitchen. As I explained before, her room is closest to the living room. The kitchen is to the left of the living room making her room also the closest to the kitchen. Although since I chose the living room floor as my sleep area, that could make me the closest, but I digress.

“Well good morning to you too.” I said sarcastically. I was taken slightly off guard by her nightwear, a very short see-through purple nighty. Lucky for my biological instincts, the top was opaque. “*Ahem* If you don’t want Zack hitting on you, then you shouldn’t be wearing such a revealing outfit. I can see your panties you know.” I pointed out.

“That’s exactly why I’m wearing this. After yesterday I think he might replace you as my favorite chew toy.” she said matter-of-factly with a playful vibe. Oh I should feel so honored. “But what do you care? You even said you thought Kaguya’s sexual harassment was funny.” Eve’s eyes widened as if she had just had an epiphany. “You actually like it don’t you? Aww… so cute.” she teased getting a little too close for comfort. This is the last thing I wanted, her getting the wrong idea and finding some way to twist it even further in that wicked mind of hers.

“Anyway, you wanted to know why I was laughing earlier?” I said changing the subject and handing Eve the newspaper. “Have a look.” She snatched the paper from my hands and began looking over it.

“‘Team Neos Thwart Team Rocket Scheme at Route 34 Day Care Center.’” she read off the headline. “Aha! We made the front page! Go us!” she cheered gleefully. While she had been reading I picked up a white mug to sip my Chiai Tea, still hot from the microwave.

“I know. The four of us actually make a pretty bitchin’ team if you ask me.” I stated putting down my cup.

“Excuse me, four?” Axel, who was sitting to my left, questioned unhappily crossing his arms while throwing his feet on the table and crossing them.

“I’m sorry, five. But I was counting us as the same combative mind in two separate bodies.” I apologized. “Besides, if you want to cut hairs like that, then there are really thirty of us. Five humans plus six Pokémon each minus Zack who only has one.” I analyzed.

“Fun article.” said Eve throwing the paper back at me. “Not all the details are correct and some of the stuff was embellished to make us look bad, but what the hell. It doesn’t change what we did.” she reviewed. “Now since my appearance has you all hot and bothered, I’m going back to my room and getting dressed.” she played just for the sake of toying with me. Eve then turned to me with her index finger to her mouth. “Unless you’d rather me stay like this for awhile longer.” she said taking a sexy pose and faking vulnerability.

“I actually don’t care what you do. Remember, I’m asexual so you can’t seduce me.” I reminded looking straight at her to prove my point. “Zack is probably the only one you’ll get excited while dressed like that.”

“Oh fine.” whined Eve in defeat. “I should have known better than to expect a reaction from someone who hasn’t reached puberty yet. I feel like a pedophile now.” she mocked.

“Since when is nineteen considered a minor?” I inquired with a raised eyebrow.

“Doesn’t matter. You’re still younger than me.” Eve said. At that moment her eyes widened with dread as she had just let a certain detail slip.

“Oh so you are older than me. By how much?” I asked taking advantage of the opportunity.

“So what if I am older? It makes no difference if I’m one year older or one thousand, you’re still a baby!” she yelled in frustration before storming off back to her room. I looked over at Axel smiling. I held out my hand soliciting a high-five from the monkey. I had just beaten Eve at her own game. Point mine.
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As everyone else woke up and came in for breakfast, I passed along the newspaper to show them our accomplishment. Zack had the same reaction as I did, getting a good chuckle out of the fact that our first mission was getting so much attention. Chane was both embarrassed and proud uttering a simple “Oh wow.”

Raiden however, didn’t take it as well as the rest of us. “What does it matter that we got in the news? The mission was a success and that is what counts. Yes, Team Neos needs media attention in order to recruit new members, but it is not essential. What is essential is the destruction of the enemy Teams. Anything else is just trivial.”

“Now why did you have to go and bring us down like that?” Zack asked dejectedly. “It was our first mission and it made front page. Can you blame us for getting a little excited?”

“Yes.” Raiden answered aloofly. That quickly shut Zack up leaving him, and the rest of us, speechless. There was really no come back for that kind of response. The only thing that could be said after that would be ‘Damn’ and even that would just be a hollow retort. I quietly went back to my breakfast of eggs and bacon on an English muffin pondering how easily everyone in the room was silenced by a single word.
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A little while after everyone finished eating, Raiden instructed us to pack our things as we would be moving on to our next destination for another mission. We’d be getting the details as soon as everyone was ready.

It took me no time at all to pack up as I was simply living out of my backpack. I wasn’t intentionally trying to keep the living room clean, it was more of a habit I had developed from camping in the wilderness for five years so I wouldn’t lose anything. “Well that’s it.” I said after stuffing my uniform into my pack. I then stored the green duct tape covered bag in an Item Ball for easier transport.

“I wonder where we’ll be going next.” Axel stated out loud. “I can’t wait to beat the crap out of more Rockets!” declared the monkey punching his fist into his palm. That reminded me. I looked at my right hand that was still bandaged from the Scyther incident. I had actually completely forgotten that I had been wounded, and as such hadn’t changed my bandages in the last three days.

“If you need me, I’ll be in the bathroom.” I told the gold furred Infernape showing him my hand. I walked down the hall to the sterile looking white tiled room complete with a porcelain toilet, sink, and tub.

I stood over the sink as I unwrapped my hand so that I could wash it off. My jaw practically hit the floor when I finished removing the bandages. While the wrappings were stained a rusted brown red color from the blood, my hand was completely and fully healed. Not even a scar remained. I ran the index finger of my left hand across my palm. I still had feeling in my palm and it felt as it always had; no pain. I then brought my hand to my face; first I sniffed it, next I licked it. There was nothing abnormal that I could pick up on. It was just healed. Nothing more, nothing less.

“They’re waiting for you.” said Axel walking in. I looked up at the monkey and turned my palm towards him. Axel tilted his head to the side investigating it. “How did such a nasty gash heal in three days?” he questioned as he grabbed my hand for a closer inspection.

“I don’t know.” I admit shaking my head. “Well we can’t keep Master Raiden and the others waiting now can we?” I rhetorically asked exiting the bathroom. Back in the living room the rest of my squad was lounging about on the furniture waiting. Eve opened her mouth to say some off hand comment, most likely about me and Axel being in the bathroom together, but she was quickly cut off by Raiden.

“Now that everyone is present, I will debrief you on today’s mission.” he interrupted, possibly unknowingly as there was no sign of scolding or reprimanding in his voice. Eve slouched back in the sofa with an unhappy sigh as her quip would now be late and not as menacing. “Today we will be heading to Blackthorn City to do reconnaissance in the legendary Dragon’s Den to see if it holds any information that can be useful to Team Neos.”

“Excuse me sir, but don’t we have a Stealth Force for that?” inquired Zack even raising his hand so he wouldn’t seem as rude.

“Team Neos is still rather new having been around for less than a year. The few members we have in the Stealth Division have all infiltrated the ranks of our enemies as spies to inform the Main Division of the enemy’s activities. What this means is that recon sometimes falls on the Main Division.” Raiden explained.

“Then why not send a grunt squad?” asked Eve boredly putting her head in her hand like she wanted to fall asleep. Raiden sighed before continuing.

“If you all would let me continue, I could tell you.” he said. “The requirements for this mission call for more strength and strategy than grunts are capable of. Basically, we need to keep the Dragon Clan out of the way until we finish investigating the Dragon’s Den. Lance will be no problem because as of two days ago, the winner of the Indigo League tournament emerged from Victory Road and made it safely to Indigo Plateau. While she rests, all members of the Elite Four must report in for when the trainer is ready to take them on. That eliminates the biggest threat.

“Next is Clair.” Raiden turned and looked directly at Zack. “In order to keep her out of the Den, you Zack Kaguya must issue a Gym Challenge. Your goal is not to defeat her, but to prolong the battle for as long as you can. The reason it has to be you is because I need to lead the mission, Brian already has the Rising Badge, and Eve and Chane will be needed to dispose of the guard at the entrance and the Dragon Clan Elder without drawing attention to us. Now gather your things and let us be off.”
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We arrived in Blackthorn two hours later via hot air balloon and once again rented an apartment to use as a base. The building was a lot smaller than the one we had in Goldenrod due to Blackthorn City’s smaller population and isolated location at the top of a mountain bordering the treacherous Ice Path. Once we got to our room, Raiden, Eve, Chane, and I wasted no time in getting changed into our uniforms while Zack remained in his black slacks and red button down short sleeved shirt as he had the more “open” task.

“Alright. The four of us will go to the roof and take to the sky to minimize the number of people that see us. While we do that, Zack will make his way to the Gym to make sure Clair is present and challenge her to a battle. If she is not in the Gym, radio us immediately Zack.” instructed Raiden.

As soon as we left the apartment, the rest of the recon team, Axel, and I darted up the nearest staircase until emerging on the roof of the building. The view from up here was amazing, almost breathe taking. I shook my head. This was no time to be admiring the sights. I had a job to do.

“Come Aerodactyl!” I called summoning the King of the Skies. Aerodactyl shrieked with delight upon emerging, flapping is purple skinned wings to get some lift off. That’s right. Before going extinct Aerodactyl were predominately found in the mountains, at least according to the fossil record. He must be feeling quite at home. Axel and I boarded the Rock/Flying duel-type to take us to Dragon’s Den.

Eve once again mooched a ride on Jace, while Raiden sent out a long steel disc colored silver with a metallic blue tint. On its orb like shoulders were screws jutting out the back, a magnet forming hands, and an eye on each shoulder. A third magnet stuck out from its back like a tail and a red eye adorned its front. A yellow rod stuck out of a grey plate on the creature’s head.

“So your Magneton evolved I see.” I said stating the obvious.

“Indeed. It happened when I was in Sinnoh last fall.” Raiden responded as the Magnezone attached itself to metal plates on Raiden’s back that he had modified to his uniform. “Well, shall we be off?” Each of us nodded as we left the roof.

The group flew over the city virtually out of sight until we hovered over Dragon’s Den. Standing on the landmass between Blackthorn City’s lagoon and the entrance of the cavern below us was a lone guard. Unknown to him, he would soon be taking an unexpected nap. It was time for our plan to begin!

“Get ready Diva.” said Eve sinisterly. Out of the Dusk Ball in her hand came a black mist with purple highlights that soon formed into the devilish Banette. Diva made a spine chilling hiss as she contorted her body like she was stretching after being cramped inside her ball. The wicked Ghost-type floated an inch above Chane’s Pidgeot in preparation for her command.

“Do your best Izzy.” Chane said gently as she held out a Pokéball releasing a tall, mostly green bipedal dinosaur like creature in midair. All I saw of the Breloom as she fell from the sky was her green mushroom-capped head with red orbs on the sides and her long off white tail tipped with four green spheres.

“Now Diva! Hold Izzy in the air with Psychic. And be gentle Sweety. We don’t want to hurt our companion.” Eve told. I wasn’t sure if the ensuing screech from the deranged spirit was one of compliance or one of disappointment at not being able to brutalize the half Fighting-type. Either way, she did as told suspending the Mushroom Pokémon right above our target. So long as the guard doesn’t look up in the next minute everything should run smoothly.

“Thank you Eve.” Chane said gratefully. “Izzy, could you please use Spore to put that man to sleep?” To say the least, it was a rather unusual way to give a command, but it seemed to work for their team seeing that a pale green powder began pouring out of the mushroom on Izzy’s head. The man below began to slowly nod off until finally succumbing to the attack and slumping over into a sitting position with his head in his lap. Part Two was a success.

With the guard asleep, Izzy was the first to be lowered to the ground touching down on her red talons and standing a full four feet tall about. Aerodactyl was the next to land followed by Jace and last was Raiden. As soon as Chane got off of her Pidgeot, she ran over to give her Breloom a hug. “You were great Izzy!” she complemented.

“Return your Pokémon everyone. We cannot dawdle out here too long, we do not want to get caught before we even get to do what we are here for.” Raiden ordered as he called back his Magnezone. They rest of us did as instructed leaving Axel as the only Pokémon remaining as usual. Without further delay, we entered the Dragon’s Den.

The moment we set foot in the underground cavern, my entire being began quivering. It was both an ominous feeling and a sense of belonging at the same time. I felt at peace and yet I wanted to lash out to release the surge of energy that passed through me. What was this? Every breath I took was like becoming one with the Dragon’s Den.

“Yo! Are you still alive in there?” questioned Axel smacking my back and effectively breaking my trance.

“Yeah, I’m fine.” I responded coming back to my senses. “What is our next order of business Master Raiden?” I asked of our superior.

“We split up and investigate.” he answered nonchalantly. “Eve and Chane will take the eastern part of the Den, Brian and I will examine the western half.” Raiden went over pointing to each side as he spoke. “We will rendezvous at the Shrine in the center of the cavern where Eve will have Rosarade use Grass Whistle to put the Clan Elder and everyone inside to sleep. At that point we will go over everything our respective groups have uncovered. Understood?” The three of us nodded in the affirmative before moving out to our respective areas.

Raiden, Axel, and I carefully inspected the Westside making sure nothing was left unnoticed. When there was no longer any land for us to investigate, I sent out Snorlax for us to Surf on.

“Brian, can I ask you a personal question?” inquired the third seat with a serious tone. I turned to him in slight confusion. Sure Raiden was a serious guy, but he also seemed unconcerned with what the rest of us did so long as we didn’t cause too much trouble. This time however, he seemed as if he was concerned about something.

“Go ahead.” I said giving him permission as I was curious as to what he wanted to know.

“How much are you willing to give up for Team Neos?” Raiden asked just as seriously as before. I was even more confused now.

“What do you mean?” I asked hoping to get more detail.

“I mean Axel. You and he are very close, and I do not expect the two of you to ever separate. However, just like you observed this morning, our squad made the news. As we go on more high profile missions our endeavors will continue to be noticed. It would not be long before people realize that an Infernape with gold fur is hanging around Team Neos. Those who already know you will make the connection. Strangers who see you on the street will be able to identify you as a member. You will have to sacrifice the pleasures of an ordinary life if you continue to wear that uniform. Are you prepared for that?”

I had never really thought about that before. I looked behind me to Axel who had also heard Raiden’s rationalization. He simply gave me the look that said ‘I’ll follow you no matter what.’ The true reality of what I had gotten myself into weighed heavily on my mind, but I had already made my choice.

“Master Raiden. I joined Team Neos so that I could change the world. Even if I must die in the process, as long as I give up my life knowing that I made a difference in bettering the lives of both mankind and Pokémon, then my sacrifice wasn’t in vain.” I said calmly. Raiden nodded in understanding.

“I see you have already made your peace with what is to come. It is the duty of the commanding officer to help his subordinates, therefore I will grant you assistance where ever and whenever you need it so do not be afraid to ask.” my commander affirmed. I smiled and nodded in appreciation.

The rest of the swim was silent save for the sound of water. That feeling I had before came back while I sat idle on Snorlax without distraction. We continued the reconnaissance once the Sleeping Pokémon got to the next landmass. During the investigation we gathered a good bit of data on Dragon’s Den, but nothing that I perceived as being too useful for Team Neos. Who knows though, Raiden might know how this information could be helpful.

The sound of a soothing whistle suddenly echoed through the underground cave. I felt my eyelids grow heavy and had to smack myself to stay awake. Eve and Chane must have made it to the Shrine. It also meant that we were nearing the Shrine as well.

“We have learned everything we can over here. Let us rejoin with the others.” declared Raiden. Once again Raiden, Axel, and I boarded my rotund blue bear in order to swim to the designated rendezvous point.

“So, what did the two of you find?” questioned our leader.

“Ummm… Just this.” Chane said pulling a pointed white tooth from her pocket. “I-it was just laying there and Eve said to take it with us.”

“It looked important so I figured what the hell.” added Eve to justify herself.

“Can I have a look at that?” I posed holding out my hands to either catch the object or have it handed off.

“Uhhh… Sure.” answered Chane handing it to me. The moment my hand touched the tooth a surge of power shot through my body causing my muscles to spasm and my nerves to fire off wildly. I screamed from the sheer intensity of it all. My head was spinning in a whirlwind of madness. I thought I had heard Axel call my name, but it sounded so distant. I feel to my knees from loss of control over my body while I gripped my head. I have no memory of what happened after that.
-----------

Why do I feel so dizzy? I tried opening my eyes, but they could only flickered not fully open. It felt like the whole area around me was spinning. I lifted my right arm and threw it over my face. The way it fell and that fact that there was a cool damp washcloth on my forehead told me I was laying down on my back.

“Ah! Y-you’re awake!” I heard Chane say with relief.

“Wha happen? Whe am I?” I asked jadedly unable to form tangible words quite yet.

“*Mocking laughter* You fainted you wuss. Then we had to drag your sorry ass all the way home.” Eve ridiculed.

“Be nice Eve!” Chane defended. I tried saying thanks, but all that came out was a weak hum. Next I tried sitting up, but attempting to rise only made me feel lightheaded. Before I fell back, I felt a hand grab me and help me sit up. By now I could see again and standing over me was the ever faithful Axel.

“Take it easy monkey boy.” the Flame Pokémon told me. I nodded to him gratefully.

The only people in the room were the girls still wearing their uniforms with the hood down and we two monkeys. I was also still in my pale grey uniform with the hood down. In my hand was the washcloth that I’m guessing Chane put on me. The lights in the room were off with the only light coming from the window behind the bed I was laying in. Even then the sun was beginning to set leaving the room a mix of gold and red. We hadn’t had a chance to claim rooms before leaving on our mission, but I guess this one is now mine by default.

“So tell me, what happened back there?” I inquired.

“I told you, you passed out like a wuss wuss. I guess it was past baby’s naptime.” Eve continued to tease obnoxiously.

“R-Raiden thinks it had something to do with the Dragon Fang I gave you.” Chane explained wrought with guilt. The poor girl couldn’t even look me in the face when she said it. She looked like she was about to cry.

“It’s not your fault Chane.” I attempted to consol. “I’m the one who asked you for the Dragon Fang plus neither one of us expected me to have such an adverse reaction to it. So put it behind you. I’m alive and I think I’m healthy, therefore we don’t have a problem.”

“Thanks.” Chane said gratefully giving me a hug. I heard Eve snickering in the corner. I’m sure she had something nasty going on in that mind of hers. When Chane released me, she said “You should go see Raiden. He may not say it out loud, but I think he was worried about you too.”

I left the room with Axel to look around the apartment for Raiden. In the living room Zack sat watching TV wearing a different outfit than this morning, this one consisting of a blue silk shirt and white slacks.

“How did the Gym battle go?” I asked Zack walking up behind him. He turned his head back to me allowing me to see a few minor cuts on his face along with a melancholy expression.

“Not only did I lose to Clair by attempting to draw out the match, but then she had her Kingdra use Dragon Pulse on me.” he replied dejectedly. I waited quietly for him to say exactly why she would do that. “I mean, all I did was ask her out to dinner as my treat for being the superior trainer.”

“And what else did you say?” I pressed knowing that wasn’t the full story.

“Well, I may have mentioned how nice her body looked in blue leather and that I wouldn’t mind her using that whip of hers on me. I mean come on! You can’t dress like a dominatrix and not expect that kind of request.” And there it was. Axel and I couldn’t help but laugh at him. “It’s not funny! Dragon Pulse is not a fun attack to be the victim of, especially when you’re human!” he complained.

“I understand.” I said trying to empathize. It was hard because I’ve never been hit with a Dragon Pulse and it was just too funny.

“There you are Brian.” came Raiden’s voice as he joined us. “Are you feeling well?”

“I am.” I responded. “Thanks for bringing me back.”

“You should be thanking Axel. He knew which Pokéballs Snorlax and Aerodactyl were in to help transport you. All I did was help Axel carry you back to your room.” Raiden said modestly. “Anyway, whether or not we have a mission tomorrow, you will have the day off to recover.”

“Can we make it the next two days? I would like to see a certain doctor in White City about my condition.” I requested.

“Very well.” he allowed.

“By the way, whatever happened to the Dragon Fang?” I asked.

“Do not worry about the Dragon Fang. I have it in a safe place. Just make sure you do not touch it again.” informed Raiden. Don’t have to tell me twice.
---------

The following morning I left for the nearest airport to book a flight for White City. It was too long of a trip for Aerodactyl to make and I figured I had been giving him enough of a work out the last few days anyway.

“Brian. Last night Riolu told me that lately he’s been sensing a change in your aura. He said that the biggest spike came when we were in the Dragon’s Den.” Axel brought up while we waited for the gates to open.

“Well as soon as we get to White City, I’m having Prof. Himee do a blood test on me. We’ll have answers soon enough.” I reassured. For awhile I had thought about asking Strife Maxwell what was going on since he seems to know a bit more about my family history than I do. It didn’t take me long to dismiss the idea as he may know and not tell me, or he’ll find away to better use me to his advantage and I will not allow myself to become his tool.

“Flight 3582 to White City is now boarding. Repeat, Flight 3582 to White City now boarding.” an announcement over the speakers said. Axel and I got up from our seats to make our way to the gate.
*************

Last one for now. I might post more tonight, or wait until tomorrow. The important thing is we're only seven chapters away from being caught up! If I'm diligent enough, I may be able to finish Chapter 30 and get that up as well!   Maybe not though... 

This oughta be interesting.

One more chapter before the day is over. Also Zoroark, could you be a bit more specific about what it is you like/don't like/could be improved/etc. in your posts? I appreciate the comments, but "This oughta be interesting" doesn't really tell me anything. One line isn't exactly feedback.

Chapter 23: I Am Not An Experiment!

“Passengers of Flight 3582 now unboarding. We hope you enjoyed your flight and will enjoy your stay in White City. Have a nice day and please fly with Poké Airlines again!” spoke the intercom as we left the terminal.

“Hmph. Enjoy the flight my ass.” I complained rubbing the inside of my ear with my pinky. My ears were still ringing from the jetlag which had also given me a headache. I had taken two aspirin before landing but unfortunately they haven’t kicked in yet.

“Seriously, what was with all of those people staring at us? It’s like they’ve never seen a Pokémon flying coach before.” Axel whined. During the flight, the other passengers kept gawking at me and Axel. Some even turned to whisper to the person sitting next to them. The two most likely possibilities were Axel’s fur and the fact that all Pokémon were supposed to be in their Pokéballs during the flight. The only reason I got away with it was by wearing a pair of sunglasses, horn rimmed naturally, and convincing security that I was blind. Axel, being my seeing-eye-Pokémon, didn’t have a Pokéball because I needed him to guide me. Just to better uphold the charade, I closed my eyes so that I really wouldn’t be able to see. It wouldn’t be the first illegal thing I’ve done.

I decided it would be best if I left the shades on until we got to Prof. Himee’s lab. I would rather not get arrested today, especially for such an innocent misdemeanor as this. Once the two of us got outside I was glad I left the glasses on because of how bright the sun was today. Even with sunglasses I still had to squint which did nothing for my lingering headache.

The airport was in the main city area, same as the Committee building, so it was a pretty long walk to the lab. I didn’t really mind though as I liked being outside when it’s warm. If I was more familiar with the area I would have probably taken the long way just to enjoy the weather. Regardless, there was a reason I was here and Raiden had only given me two days off to take care of things so I had to work fast.
----------

About half an hour later I crossed the bridge that led to the large white rectangular lab. The building practically glowed in the sunlight. I walked up the left side of the double staircase to the glass doors located under an awning giving the entrance and upper part of the stairs shade from the sun. When I entered through the glass doors I was hit with a burst of nostalgia. It felt like it had been forever since I was here, though in reality it had been only a little over a month.

“Himee! I’m home!” I shouted excitedly from the first floor lobby. I stood with my arms wide spread but there wasn’t a response from anyone. I sighed in annoyance that not one person was around to greet me. I took off my sunglasses and hung them on my shirt collar, quickly choosing to go seek out someone rather then wait in the lobby completely ignored. “Prof. Himee! Asuna! Is anyone around?” I called as I went up the spiral stairway.

“Intruder!” yelled Prof. Himee jumping out from behind a corner with a metal bucket on his head and a pillow tied to his chest while holding a frying pan. I fell into Axel who was behind me with a startled scream having been caught completely off guard by the old man’s stunt. The loss of balance caused us both to fall to the floor. The mad scientist looked down at us with a curious look. “Oh I remember you now! Slappy Joe and Monkey Fist!” he stated as if he knew exactly what he was talking about. I jut looked up at Himee with a confused expression.

“I… I think you mean Brian and Axel.” I corrected getting back up. Axel used me as support as he pulled himself off the floor, more out of spite for me making him fall than because he couldn’t get up by himself.

“Zhat is vhat I said; Brian and Axel. You must be getting deaf. Is all zhat loud music you fledglings listen to. So tragic.” Himee sighed disappointedly. That isn’t what’s tragic here. I might as well let it go, it’s not like correcting him gets us anywhere.

“Right then, can I ask a favor from you Prof. Himee?” I inquired. I then held out my arms to be at his mercy. “I need you to take a blood sample.”

“Vhat zhe hell are you talking about? I am not a vampire!” Himee rejected. I stared at him with my mouth hanging open. Where did he get vampire from?

“He means he wants a blood test.” Asuna said walking out of the room behind me. I hadn’t noticed before, but it was the same one Himee blew up last time. It had a new door on it now. “As in an experiment.” she said with emphasis to drive the point home. The old man’s face lit up like a child on Christmas.

“I love an experiment!” the professor cheered. “But before ve start, I must find zhose damn leprechauns! Zhey stole my undervear again!” he rambled aimlessly. I guess that would explain the outfit and why he attacked me. Asuna face palmed with a sigh.

“Professor, it has been weeks since you did your own laundry. I took your clothes to get them washed for you so that you could continue your research unbothered.” she confessed. Himee’s eyes widened as an alarmed look over too his face.

“Asuna is a leprechaun! Get her Brian!” he declared illogically.

“First I want you to test my blood! Test it for any and all abnormalities, even genetic ones!” I asserted. “Do that for me, and I will help you catch Asuna.” I agreed even if it was complete madness.

“Oh fine zhen.” Prof. Himee agreed unhappily. “Besides, I might need her help anyvay vith all zhe tests you vant us to run. And for vhat purpose?” he asked.

“This.” I said pulling what was left of my right glove from my pocket. I handed the article to Himee to look at. “Do you see that huge gash in the palm and the dried blood around it? I was wounded by a Scyther not even a week ago.” I explained.

“So you vant to know if you got infected vith somezing?” inquired the scientist looking over the black glove. I held out my naked palm for him to observe next.

“More like I want to know why I fully healed so quickly without even a scar.” I said straightforwardly. Both Himee and Asuna began grabbing at my hand to look it over. “I’ve experienced other strange things as well lately that I want answers to.” I added.

“Zhis vill be exciting!” declared Prof. Himee without hesitation. “For science!”

“I agree! Come with us Brian, we’ll draw your blood right away!” Asuna agreed with as much enthusiasm as her boss.
------------------

Axel was a nervous wreck; the monkey paced back and forth moaning anxiously every couple of seconds as he turned to me. I was strapped to a chair with a tourniquet on my left bicep to get the vein on my arm to pop up. Once that was ready, Asuna was going to stick me with a needle to draw the blood as neither of us trusted Himee to do that much. Afterward, I would be free to go and Himee would call me when the tests were done.

“Are you sure you want to do this? I mean… n-needles?” Axel chattered tensely.

“Unlike you, I’m not scared of needles, plus I need this done to better understand all the weird stuff that’s been happening to me lately.” I reminded.

“Ready Brian?” asked Asuna coming to me with a giant needle attached to a bag. Axel shrieked like a little girl monkey before jumping into the smallest space he could fit in curling up into the fetal position. I’ll make fun of him for being a coward later.

“Go for it.” I consented. There was a slight pinch as the needle entered my vein, but after that it was more uncomfortable having the foreign object in me than it actually hurt. As I watched the blood flow into the bag, I began to feel slightly light headed but not like I was going to passout.

“There. All done.” Asuna said putting gauze over the needle prior to pulling it out so that I wouldn’t bleed all over the place. “How do you feel?” she asked securing the gauze with medical tape.

“Not bad.” I answered. “I have to go find a way to amuse myself now while you do your tests right?”

“Himee already has several experiments set up. He’ll notify you when we’ve got something.” she confirmed.

“Right. Axel! Let’s go!” I called to the pitiful monkey after getting out of the chair only slightly dizzied. He squeaked as he tried freeing himself from his self imposed purgatory. I made sure my phone was on before walking back outside. The time was 2:18p, so hopefully they’d have something before it got too late.

“Are you ok? Tell me you’re still alive!” Axel pleaded pathetically.

“I’m hungry. Let’s get some lunch first, then we can go find ways to amuse ourselves.” I said putting my sunglasses back on. That was obviously good enough for the Infernape seeing that he answered with a pleased cheer.
-----------

“Aw don’t feel bad Riolu. This just isn’t our specialty.” I consoled to my young Emanation Pokémon. While waiting for Prof. Himee’s call, I figured I’d try my hand at something new; contests. Of all days, they just happened to be holding a contest in the hall at the northern point of the city. I chose Riolu as my Pokémon because he’s young, adorable, and cute. Unfortunately, I soon learned that it takes more then just appearance to win one of those things. Needless to say, we lost in the first round. My Pokémon and I are definitely more suited for combat than we are for appeals.

“Besides Riolu, Contests are for chicks and gay guys anyway.” Axel added rudely.

“Be nice Axel. You know Rio looks up to you so don’t be a bad influence.” I scolded. The monkey crossed his arms grumpily while growling. Someone’s moody today. At that moment my phone began vibrating. I immediately pulled it out of my pocket to answer. “Ya?” I asked after filling it open and putting it to my ear.

“Brian! Get back to my lab quickly! Zhere is much to discuss!” Himee requested urgently. There was a click on the other end of him hanging up. I pulled my phone away from my ear and stared at it. I wonder what that was about. It had only taken him a little less than two hours to find something, and it was obviously something incredible to get a reaction like that from him.

“Come Axel! Himee’s on to something!” I commanded shoving my cell back into my pocket and breaking into a run toward the lab. The Flame Pokémon dashed behind me having no trouble keeping up even with Riolu on his shoulders. When I returned, I jumped up the steps of the facility taking two at a time. If one of the aides hadn’t opened the door to leave, I think I might have crashed through the glass doors.

“Hey! What’s your problem!” the guy yelled as I pushed past him.

“Sorry about that!” apologized Axel for me as I was already tearing up the spiral stairwell. When I made it to the top, I fell to my knees panting. I guess I hadn’t recovered enough blood yet to go through that kind of physical activity. But wasn’t I supposed to be a fast healer?

“You look a mess. Don’t tell me you ran all the way here.” Asuna observed coming to get me. I giggled shamelessly in response. “*Sigh* Well come on. Himee is in his loft on the third floor.” she said. Axel, now on the second floor with me, picked me up so that we could follow Asuna to the next floor.

“So what did Prof. Himee find?” I inquired while we travelled through a door in the far back of the lab. It was in this room that the stairs for the third floor resided. Three aides wearing white lab coats were sitting at their desks, one doing paperwork, another was tweaking what looked like a weathervane, and the third was looking at a map.

“That is for him to tell you. Besides, I’d rather not say when there are other ears around.” she whispered. That only made me all the more curious as to what could be so clasified. Oh well, very soon I would know.

My heart pounded and my body trembled in anticipation. Up the stairs we went. Very soon. Around the corner. Very soon. To the wooden door of Himee’s loft. Very soon! “He’s here Professor!” Asuna called knocking on the door. I heard Himee scrambling on the other side to open the door. How long is this going to take!? Seconds felt like minutes, I don’t think I can take the wait any longer! At last the wooden door flew open. The old man reached out, grabbed me by the shirt collar, and yanked me inside.

“You are a remarkable specimen!” Himee complemented as he slammed the door.

“Uh… what about Axel?” I questioned as the monkey didn’t have a chance to come in after me before the mad scientist shut the door.

“Yes, yes. He’s a remarkable specimen as vell.” responded the professor oblivious to what I meant.

“No, he’s still outside. I want him in here.” I clarified. Himee looked at me in confusion as if I were crazy. He then started looking around the room.

“Vhere’s Axel?” he asked.

“Outside.” I reminded. I would have probably found this a lot funnier if what he had to tell me wasn’t so catastrophically important. Prof. Himee scratched his balding head of wild white hair prior to turning around to open the door. No sooner had the brown board creaked, a golden blur pushed through nearly tackling me to the ground.

“How could you let him lock me out!” cried the Infernape throwing his hands on my shoulders and shaking me. The abuse I take.

“Behave!” I reprimanded smacking his arms off of me. Following a well needed sigh, I began looking around for a place to sit. It was the first time I had ever really been in Prof. Himee’s loft, every other time I had only stood at the entrance. First off, the room was in complete disarray; papers, boxes, various scientific instruments, clothes, and a ton of other junk littered the floors in stacks. No wonder Asuna had to come in and do his laundry. There were three desks in the room, each one equally covered in various papers and equipment. And then there was the pink bovine Pokémon with a black head, black spots, and small horns in the right hand corner standing on a platform with a bale of hay in a trough.

“Himee. Why is there a Miltank in here?” I asked in bewilderment.

“Oh zhat’s Millie. I got tired off asking ozher people to get me milk, so I found a better vay. Now I get free MooMoo Milk every day! Is very nutritious.” He told gleefully. I understood completely, it made perfect sense, and this was Prof. Himee. Damn he’s an awesome role model. Hearing that also helped to ease my tension. This world needs more crazy people.

I finally found a soft recliner in the midst all the mess to make myself comfortable in. Luckily there were three chairs all situated around a small table for each of us. If I could give a color scheme to the lab, this room was a light brown where the floor, walls, door, and tables were wood while the rest of the building was clean silver and made of more modern materials. There was no mistake; this was definitely the room of an old man.

“Anyvay, you vanted us to test for everyzing and so ve did. Vhat I found vas zhat unlike normal humans who have twenty-shree chromosomes, you have twenty shree and a half.” Himee enlightened.

“H-half!?” I stammered in astonishment. “But how? What is it? What is that half?”

“It is a chromosome zhat is normally found in a Pokémon. Zhis particular vone determines zhe Pokémon’s type and vhat moves it can learn. Vhat I do not understand is vhy you only have vone copy and not two like a normal Pokémon.” the Professor analyzed.

“It’s because I’m not a Pokémon! I shouldn’t even have this! It has to be a mistake!” I yelled in denial.

“I zhought zhe same zhing. Zhat is vhy I did zhe test shree times.” Himee affirmed. “According to zhe analysis, you are a member of zhe Dragon-type. Zhere vere also trace amounts of shinkasterone in you blood vhich is a hormone zhat causes Pokémon evolution. Shinka is anozher vord for evolution and –asterone is a common hormone suffix. Basically, you just evolved or are about to. Zhis hormone would have been found in Axel before and after his evolutions to Monferno and Infernape.”

I sat in the chair silently leaning forward with my head down trying to absorb it all. I’m a Dragon. I’m freshly evolved or about to. What’s going on here? None of this makes any sense! I think my mind is about to explode!

“How did this happen? Answer that! I must know!” I shouted suddenly. I couldn’t believe this! Not without proof or some sort of explanation.

“Vell in order for a Pokémon to evolve, certain conditions must be met. Reaching a certain level of strength, stimulation from certain items, or strong emotional attachments can all lead to a spontaneous release of shinkasterone and zhus evolution. But zhe zhing is, shinkasterone only lingers in zhe blood for about a day or so, and you said zhese strange occurrences have been going on for a couple of veeks.” said the old man without truly answering any of my questions.

“And what about my stimulation!?” I demanded. Prof. Himee started rubbing his chin while he pondered my question. He suddenly looked up as if he had just come to a conclusion.

“Zhat is it! Of course, it vas so simple, vhy did I not see it before. Oh I feel so foolish. Zhis changes everyzhing!” he declared passionately. At last I might get some answers. “Asuna! Zhe red drapes vould look best in zhe zhird floor east ving!” he shouted. My jaw fell open weightlessly. How did such a random thought come from something so serious?

“Focus Himee!” I ordered.

“Focus? Focus on vhat?” he asked unknowingly. Before I could answer him with the tongue lashing I had in store for such a careless question, I was interrupted by Riolu’s frantic barks. I looked over at Axel who was holding the upset Emanation Pokémon. The small puppy was focused directly on me as he yapped his head off.

“He says he senses your aura changing again. It has him very panicked?” the monkey translated as he held Riolu at bay.

“I figured it out! Forme shifting!” Himee announced jumping out of his seat. “It bozhered me from zhe beginning zhat you only had vone copy of zhe gene and not two. Having a second copy vould have made you a full Dragon or a duel type, but zhis means zhat zhe Dragon gene was dormant until you evolved and zhe reason you still look human and still have traces of shinkasterone is because you can change forme.” the old man hypothesized.

“Forme shifting? Explain.” I pressed getting calmer now that I had a potential answer to my problem.

“Vhat is zhe veazher like outside?” Himee asked out of nowhere.

“Sunny, why?” I inquired.

“I vill show you! Come, come my boy! Zhere is still much to be done! For science!” the Professor declared hurrying out of of the room. Axel, Riolu, and I had no choice but to chase after him if we wanted answers. It wasn’t until we were outside that Prof. Himee produced a half red half white sphere from his lab coat.

“Aww. Is not as sunny as it vas earlier. Guess I vill haff to use Sunny Day. Men, zhis is Castform!” he said throwing the Pokéball in the air where it opened shooting a red ball of engery from its hollow interior. The red light materialized into a small grey ball shaped head sitting on top of a cloud. The head had a friendly expression, white rings around its eyes, and a small whisp on its head. For the first time in a while, I pulled out my Pokédex as I did not recognize this particular species.

‘CASTFORM, THE WEATHER POKÉMON. THIS POKÉMON CHANGES ITS FORME WITH THE WEATHER TO PROTECT ITS SMALL BODY.’ the entry read.

“I’ve heard of Castform, but I’ve never seen one up close. So this is what they look like.” I stated. I had to admit, I was cuious as to what the little monster could do along with how it related to my condition.

“Oh you have not see nozhing yet. Cast your Sunny Day Castform!” Himee told his Pokémon. The Weather Pokémon briefly started glowing white until his pent up energy shot into the sky. Though it was quarter to five, the sun immediately brightened back to the way it was several hours ago. To my amazement, Castform began changing right before my eyes as if it was evolving. Soon the Pokémon floating near Himee’s head was an orange sphere with numerous smaller orbs attached to it making the head look like a sun sitting on top of a fluffier white cloud.

“Interesting.” Axel said while Riolu got his exercise by jumping over the monkey’s tail as it wagged back and forth about one and a half feet off the ground.

“Did it just evolve?” I asked utterly perplexed.

“No, no. Is like Cherrim who blossoms in zhe sunlight, only Castform has two ozher formes depending on zhe veazher.” clarified Himee. I nodded in understanding by what he had meant by Forme Shifting now. So this is how it’s done. “Veazher is Castform’s stimulation, now ve must find yours.” said the old man. I couldn’t agree more.
-------------

As it would turn out, there was a basement below the first floor that Prof. Himee hadn’t shown me we he gave me the tour the last time I was here. I can almost imagine why too. When one enters the basement, they come to a fork. One fork leads up a short flight of stairs to an observation deck full of monitoring equipment and a large window overlooking a large grey empty room with a single door. The second fork leads into that room. I had been in the grey room for roughly an hour meditating in order to access my Dragon power while Himee, Asuna, Axel, and Riolu crowded into the observation deck.

“How long is this going to take? I’m not changing at all!” I called up to them.

“He has been in there awhile Professor. Should we try a different approach?” questioned Asuna over the open channel speakers we set up so that I could hear everything they said up there. That way I wouldn’t be kept in the dark if the scientists came up with a new hypothesis, nor would I get bored from no interaction.

“Zhen it is time for Plan B.” declared Prof. Himee.

“Plan B? What’s Plan B?” I questioned. There was a long silence until the door at the front of the room opened. The mad scientist’s arm up to his elbow entered the room with a Pokéball in his hand. No sooner had the ball opened bringing forth Castform, did Himee retract his hand and shut the door.

“Professor, you’re not!” cried Asuna.

“He’s not gonna what?” asked Axel worriedly.

“Castform!” called Himee reentering the observation deck. “Powder Snow!” He wouldn’t dare! If I’m a Dragon-type and Dragon’s are weak to Ice-type attacks then-

“You senile bastard old man!” I yelled as cold air and small ice fragments struck my body. I crossed my arms to shield myself from the bone chilling attack. For as long as I can remember, I’ve never liked the cold but I could grudgingly tolerate it. I could travel in winter, I could stand in the snow, and I could stand fighting in the Ice Path in Johto and Icefall Cave in the Sevii Islands. It was a typical human reaction. But not this time this time was just torture!

“Enough!” I roared throwing my right arm out. Words can’t even describe the shock I felt when a blue burst of raw energy shot from my hand at Castform. The Weather Pokémon cried out as the attack struck, sending the small Pokémon hurdling into the wall behind it, then falling to the floor unconscious.

“No way! That was a Dragon Pulse wasn’t it?” cried Asuna fearfully.

“Holy fucking shit!” Axel screamed over a barking Riolu.

“Himee! What the fuck was that supposed to be!? I am not your fucking experiment that you can do what ever the hell you want to! Now get back down here so that I can rip your god damn head off!” I shouted.

“No vay am I going down zhere and getting my god damn head ripped off.” Himee said calmly as if my threat was something minor. In annoyance I began clawing at the metal wall of the grey room beneath the window. Even with my hands glowing with an unstable blue aura which I perceived as my Dragon Claw attack, I was leaving only minimal gashes in the wall.

“It vould seem zhat aggression is zhe trigger for zhe Forme Shift and vonce transformed zhat aggression is hightened as can be observed by zhe subject’s clawing at zhe vall.” Prof. Himee noted. “Is a good zhing zhat despite zhere incredible strength, Dragon-types cannot damage Steel-types or any metal for zhat matter.”

“So we’re safe up here until he calms down?” Asuna wondered nervously.

“No you’re not! And I told you, I am NOT your subject!” I growled fiercely. I pulled my right arm down to my side. I could feel the energy course through my body into my appendage where it gathered and condensed in my palm. I thrust my arm into the air launching another Dragon Pulse up the side of the wall causing the window to shatter when it got that high. I could hear the screams of everyone above.

“Brian!” shouted Axel jumping out of the shattered window. As the Infernape fell, he lifted his leg to his torso. When the monkey was just barely a leg’s length above me, he brought his foot down in a drop kick to the back of my skull causing my entire upper body to jerk forward so that it was parallel with the floor.

“Axel.” I said nonchalantly as I lifted my body back into its upright position. The golden monkey stared back at me defiantly. “I give up.” I surrendered thowing both arms in the air and slightly lowering my head.
-----------

“Sorry about that Prof. Himee. Sorry Asuna.” I apologized to each of them back in Himee’s loft. There was no need to say anything to my Pokémon, Axel already got back at me, and Riolu was just happy that I turned back into my human forme. “So do the two of you think I’ll ever be able to control this transformation at will?” I asked them.

“Zhat is for you to find out Brian.” Himee answered flatly. I sighed in disappointment.

“You are our first case like this. I’ll see if I can’t dig up any instances of this in the past, but it will more than likely just be a wild goose chase. Sorry.” Asuna added with a sense of hopelessness.

“Don’t worry about it. I’ll run my own tests and see if I can’t learn some self-control. I would hate to chance into my Dragon Forme at the wrong time in the wrong place.” I affirmed optimistically. “Well thanks for everything guys. I’ll be sure to keep you in the loop if I notice or come up with anything.”

“Ve vill do zhe same!” the old man declared. “Is late now, so vhy not stay here for zhe night?” he offered. There was no reason for me to decline, so I gratefully accepted.
------------

The following morning was a blast. Prof. Himee was beyond thrilled when his missing underwear returned. Just to humor him, Asuna said she had caught the leprechauns and stolen his clothes back. I had offered to make breakfast, but Himee insisted that we have Lucky Charms instead just to stick it to the leprechauns. I could hardly eat because I was laughing so hard. Now that the worst was over, I could finally relax. After all, it wasn’t like I changed; it was more like going through a second puberty only this time I had no one to explain what was happening.

I made sure that I called Raiden directly after breakfast to find out where I should meet the squad when I got back, to which he replied that we have a mission in Ecruteak City. Since he had given me two days off, I booked a later flight and used most of this day to hang out with Himee and to help out around the lab. As I had guessed by Castform and the instruments the aides had been using the day before, Prof. Himee was doing weather based research. I assume he finished (or got bored with) the work he was doing on the Pokéballs last time. Unfortunately, there just weren’t enough hours in the day until it was time for me to go.

“Do be careful vhen you fly. Zhose damn gremlins vill make zhe plane crash if you are not alert.” warned the mad scientist unnecessarily.

“I will be sure to warn the pilot then.” I said trying to keep a straight face. I reapplied my sunglasses fully prepared to pull the blind man stunt again.

“Back to work again already.” groaned Axel. No, it would still be a long time before our work was done. In fact, I would even go so far as to say our work was just beginning.
***************

I'm going to say this again because it was funny: Prof. Himee broke my spellcheck!

Hm. So when Brian get ticked off he transforms into a half-pokemon? That's.... awesome. And, Psycho Monkey, I really like it. Nothing really bad. Heck, nothing at all bad. It's great!

D'aww, you should really put Brian into more cold situations Pyscho. I forgot how fun it was to see him angry like that! Get his kit off in the snow >:3

If you want to see Brian pissed off, just wait until I post the newest chapter. That one gets dark enough to rival The Unthinkable

I'll see what I can do about sending the crew to the Ice Path. Or have someone use Ice Beam on him. That will really set him off. If I didn't get some much evulz (evil lulz) off of this, I'd feel bad about how much I torture my characters.

Speaking of evulz...


Chapter 24: Secret Secret Service

Ecruteak City was by far one of, if not THE most beautiful cities in Johto. The way the houses and buildings have remained unchanged since feudal times was amazing. Seeing both older and younger people roaming the streets in kimonos and other traditional wears gave a very cultural feeling as if I had gone back in time. If it wasn’t for modern conveniences like the cab I was riding in, I would have thought I really was in the past.

“So where ‘m I takin’ ya?” inquired the driver in a scratchy voice. Doubtless this man was a smoker when not driving.

“If I’m not mistaken, I’m supposed to meet up with some friends at the Phoenix Hotel.” I answered casually. At least I think it was Phoenix Raiden told me. It was only yesterday morning that he had told me about it. Had I not been so concerned about my damn flight being delayed, I would have probably remembered it better. The dumb shits working air traffic control ended up rerouting those who were originally going to Ecruteak City to Olivine. Rather than deal with those morons again, I just camped out for the night and flew here on Aerodactyl this morning. I only rented a cab because I didn’t know where the hotel was.

“Oh I know that place. The one on Tin Drive? Yeah, it’s a real fancy joint, lot o’ rich and important people stay there. Yer friends must be loaded.” the driver commented. Someone sure as hell is if that place is as exclusive as this guy says. But at least I now know I have the right place. “So is this yer first time in Ecruteak?” he asked.

“Third actually. The first time I was here was when I won the Fog Badge. As for my second, I was just passing through. With all of the beautiful places in the world, it’s hard to decide which one to visit. Even more so when there is still a lot of the world I haven’t seen yet.” I said.

“We’re only here now because we’re on the job.” Axel put in. Sad but true. After making a turn, we had to stop at a stop sign to let three pedestrians get across the street. Instantly I recognized the trio as they walked past the cab.

“Let me out here instead. Those are the friends I was talking about.” I requested. I paid my cab fare, got out of the back door with Axel, and ran across the street to join Zack, Chane, and Eve. They obviously heard me coming because they turned around as I caught up to them. “Yo!” I greeted with a mock salute.

“Well, well, well. If it isn’t Baby Brian. We thought you ran away ‘cause you got a wittle booboo.” Eve teased.

“You mean you thought that.” Chane corrected defensively. “W-welcome back.” she said to me cheerfully.

“So where did you go?” asked Zack inquisitively.

“To make sure I was fit for duty.” I said tapping my temple with my index and middle fingers. “As it turns out, I’m more than ok. I just need to learn some self control is all.”

“Well that’s good. It just means that you get to join us for the mission we’re on right now.” Zack declared. Wait a second. They were on a mission at this very moment!

“Our mission: Go shopping!” clarified Eve. I think I just felt several of my precious brain cells die off. Was this a joke? Could the fact that Raiden wasn’t with them mean that this was a self imposed mission? The girls probably wanted to go shopping, and poor Zack got dragged along for the ride. Now that I was here, Axel and I were getting dragged down too! While there is a lot of cool stuff that we could probably buy here, shouldn’t we be doing something more productive?

“You look concerned. Is there something wrong? M-maybe you aren’t fully recovered after all.” analyzed Chane.

“No, I am fully recovered. I’m just trying to contemplate why we’re shopping.” I said dryly. “I mean, what purpose does it serve?”

“We’re shopping for formalwear so that we can be incognito at tonight’s party.” said Zack excitedly even doing a freakish dance to go with his statement.

“A party.” I said flatly. Eve shook her head in disappointment at me.

“Because you were crying in your emo corner, you missed the mission review. Basically, the Johto Prime Minister’s son Johan is vacationing here in Ecruteak and is staying at the Phoenix Hotel. Raiden got a call from a Lieutenant, who is also going to meet us here, saying that there is a strong possibility that Team Rocket is going to attempt to kidnap the pampered brat and hold him for ransom. Our mission, of course, is to keep that from happening. To get close to Johan, we need to get into that party, and to get into that party, we need to look rich by dressing formally.” she explained.

Now that was a mission! A pretty damn serious one too if a lieutenant was getting involved. I am so glad I came back in time for this. Kicking Rocket ass is one thing, but attending a rich people’s party to do it is just icing on the cake. I hate rich people because they think having money makes them better than everyone else, but I love raiding rich people’s parties because they got shrimp and all kinds of other good food. But most importantly shrimp! On top of that, with me being there, they’re spending there money on a commoner!

“Well why the hell are we just standing here? Let’s go shopping!” I proclaimed ridiculously loud. Random passer-biers even turned to stare.

“Woo. Shopping.” moaned Axel sarcastically. The monkey absolutely hated clothes shopping because he saw no point in it. Even I found the idea trivial as I only needed two pairs of pants and three T-shirts to survive, but it helps to have formal attire for occasions like this. Even better because it’s not my money I’m spending! Because it’s for the mission, it gets paid for by Team Neos. Point mine.
--------------

“What do you think Axel? Sexy ya?” I asked the Infernape coming out of the fitting room in a solid black suit, with a black dress shirt and a red tie underneath. On my feet were shiny black dress shoes. I put my hands together as if I were holding a gun and made some badass 007 poses. “The name’s Monkey. Psycho Monkey.” I introduced in a fake Scottish accent. My monkey started laughing at me.

“Nice monkey suit!” he mocked falling to his knees with laughter.

“Well I’m glad you like it, because I’m getting one for you too.” I responded with sarcastic seriousness. Axel lifted his head up immediately putting an end to his hazing.

“No! You can’t! I won’t allow it! I hate clothes! No! No! No! No! No!” rejected the Infernape frantically. I smiled deviously as I began searching the rack for a child sized version of the suit I had settled on.

“Nice Brian! You look like you belong in the mafia.” Zack complemented. Just one look at Zack had me nearly hyperventilating from the thorough amusement his outfit provided. He wore very tight light pink pants that ended just before his ankles to show off his pointy white boots. His frilly white shirt took the average V-neck to the extreme by ending halfway down his torso leaving most of his chest exposed. And have I mentioned the frills on the sleeve? This is probably the coolest suit I’ve ever seen a guy wear that I would never put on myself.

“That is amazing Zack. I love you for this.” I said appreciatively almost in tears from the sheer awesomeness.

“That’s right, I’m a pimp! But sorry to disappoint, I have eyes for women only.” he said immodestly with his eyes closed while waving his hand at me as if telling me to go on with the complements. That motion alone had me and Axel laughing our asses off. “Oh now you’re just making fun of me.” said Zack pretending to be hurt.

“Not at all. You just overly mentally stimulated me.” I panted. I took a deep breath to try to settle myself. “Alright, let’s go pay for these pimp suits so we can meet back up with the girls.” I suggested.

After changing back into our normal attire, Zack and I paid for our chosen clothes (Axel’s included) and left the only men’s formalwear outlet store that sold non-traditional clothing that we had found. I also made sure to buy a new pair of fingerless gloves while I was out because of how naked my right hand had been feeling lately.

We decided to grab some lunch while we were waited for Eve and Chane to finish their spree. I could almost understand why females take forever searching for the perfect outfit for the perfect occasion. I get that way when I want something badass: it had to have the right amount of badassery while still being comfortable and easy to move in. It also has to be cheep because the life of a trainer does not leave much room for a stable source of income.

“So how cute do you think their dresses will be?” Zack asked over sushi at a really nice restaurant we found. I couldn’t answer right away while my mouth was suffed with a delicious crab roll. Why must people ask questions while the person they’re talking to has food in their mouth?

“I’m sure they will be very pretty.” I replied after swallowing. “I am equally certain that no matter what they wear, you will be turned on.” I added stuffing a squid roll in my mouth. Mmm… tasty.

“Yeah I will.” Zack nodded knowingly.

“Can I get you gentlemen anything?” inquired the waitress coming back to our table.

“Can I have a date with you?” solicited Zack. I practically choked on my sushi at such an off hand request. Has this man no shame?

“Excuse me?” she said taken back. Here it comes, almost like clockwork. He hits on a female, she rejects him, he says something crude, and she gets pissed at him.

“What? You’re a beautiful woman, I’m a handsome guy. Can’t you feel the chemistry between us? Back in college chemistry was my best subject so I know it when I feel it. Are you free tomorrow night?” he flirted shamelessly. To my dismay it was actually working! The waitress was actually giggling at his ridiculous come-on!

“Alright, you have yourself a date.” she accepted. WHAT!?

“Great! I’ll come pick you up at seven tomorrow night.” Zack claimed confidently. As she left the table, I just stared at Zack trying to figure out how he did that. I didn’t even notice I had dropped my chopsticks until I heard them hit the floor.

“How did you do that?” I asked perplexedly.

“I asked.” he relied simply.

“No! Every time I’ve ever seen you hit on a girl it ends in disaster for you. How was this one different?” I demanded still confused.

“Well you see, the dating world is like a slot machine. Even if you lose the first time, or the second time, or the third time, keep playing and you’ll eventually win. You may even score big.” explained Zack. I just shook my head. This would just have to be categorized as one of the greater mysteries of the world that I cannot understand. I picked up my chopsticks and quietly got back to my sushi.
--------------

“It’s not fair that I couldn’t eat with you! I cry speciest!” protested Axel after lunch. Like the rest of my Pokémon and Lloyd, Axel was forced to dine in a separate room much to his dislike.

“There was nothing I could do about it, so hush.” I told him straight-forwardly. It wasn’t my fault that the restaurant didn’t allow humans and Pokémon to eat together.

When we reunited with Chane and Eve, we went straight back to the Phoenix Hotel to get ready for the party. I was taken back by the beautiful architecture of the Hotel once we arrived. The place was essentially a giant four story golden pagoda with gold statues of the Legendary Bird Ho-oh adorning the entrance. Before I could even see this palace, we had to first go through a tall gate on Tin Drive to enter the walled off property. Next, we walked down a bricked walkway and across a wooden bridge over a Magikarp pond to arrive at the front door. I can definitely see why this place is exclusive to rich bastards.

The inside was just as impressive if not more so. The floor was lined with a very expensive looking wine colored carpet, the lobby was gigantic, and the hallways could easily fit four people walking side by side with room to spare. Axel being the fifth had to walk behid me until we got to the elevator and took it to our floor.

“D-do you think the lieutenant has arrived yet?” asked Chane as we walked to our room.

“I hope the lieutenant is a she. I love a woman with power! They can be so… naughty.” Zack mused pushing on his glasses.

“If it is female then hopefully she’s like me so that she can put you in your place the moment you try anything Kaguya.” Eve warned without remorse. Now there’s a scary thought: two Eves. Something like that would be the source of my worst nightmares.

Zack unlocked the bright red door ironically numbered 250 allowing us into our room. Like everything else, our room was amazingly huge and fancy with that just being the entrance. Behind a set of sliding paper doors in the back of the room I could hear talking which obviously meant there was another room behind there where Raiden was having a conversation with someone, presumably the lieutenant.

“My lord! Your humble vassal has returned to your service!” I announced sliding open the door. Raiden gazed up at me from his Tatami mat with an unsurprised look on his face as did the small guy with short brown hair who he was sitting with at a table. And by small, I mean this guy had to be between three and four feet tall.

“Oh. There you are.” my master answered indifferently.

“Hey Raiden, who’s the kid?” inquired Eve insensitively entering the room behind me.

“Who the fuck are you calling a kid you dumb blonde?” demanded our guest in a semi-deep voice jumping off of the floor. I barely noticed Eve’s annoyance as I could hardly contain the pleasure and excitement about what I had just learned. I should have noticed sooner by the stubby limbs to torso ratio. A giant smile appeared on my face while my legs uncontrollably bounced my body up and down.

“You’re a midget!” I cheered followed by a happy giggle. I love midgets! I always wanted to meet one!

“What the hell was that!? Do not use the ‘M’ word on me bastard!” shouted the midget angrily. He must be very sensitive about his height.

“Everyone, I would like to introduce to you Lieutenant Charles Deter. He will be the one in charge of this mission.” explained Raiden once everyone else entered.

“What? They actually let midgets into Team Neos, let alone promote them to lieutenants?” asked Eve. I honestly couldn’t tell if she was being serious or just screwing with Lt. Deter. Knowing her, probably the latter.

“Call me midget one more time and see what happens! Come on! Anyone? Anyone?” challenged Lt. Deter. Eve took the dare by crouching down in front of him so that they were the same height.

“What’s wrong? Little Charlie doesn’t like being called midget? But what can you do about it Midget? Nothing because you’re a midget.” she mocked rubbing her hand vigorously though his hair like he was a child. Eve then rose to her full height and looked down at our superior. “Look at this. I’m like two feet taller than you. Like a midget can do anything to me.” she ridiculed laughing at him.

By this point Deter really looked like he was going to flip out. His face was bright red with rage, both of his fists were clenched, and he was grinding his teeth. Finally Charles let out a furious battle cry as he ducked and ran under Eve’s legs. Once behind her, he elbowed her in the back of the knees causing her to lose balance and fall forward. He then lifted his leg literally kicking her ass. I started pointing and laughing at Eve’s humiliation.

“Eve just got her ass kicked by a mi- I mean lieutenant.” I corrected before I received the same twisted fate.

“Anyone else want to call me a midget?” Charles taunted aggressively. He looked around the room at the three of us remaining intensely. “That’s what I thought.”

“Ya know Eve, I can see your panties from this angle.” Zack pointed out tilting his head to the side so he could get a better view.

“Don’t look!” Chane told Zack slapping his arm.

“I’m not looking, I’m peeking.” he defended with a wide grin.

“Dammit Kaguya!” yelled Eve turning around on the floor into a sitting position so Zack couldn’t peek. Zack let out a loud depressed sigh so that everyone knew just how let down he was.

“Third Seat Raiden Arka. I am very disappointed in the personal squad you selected for yourself. They appear to be nothing but squabbling monkeys.” Deter chastised.

“Hey I resent that!” yelled Axel shaking his fist. Why is he blaming all of us when Eve and I are the one who screwed up? In my defense I didn’t know he hated being called a midget though.

“Lt. Deter, I apologize for my squad’s behavior. The four of them are excellent trainers worthy of Team Neos. The problem comes in that neither of them have any social skills.” Raiden apologized.

“Well see to it that they don’t fuck up this mission. If anything goes wrong there will be five demotions in store for the lot of you.” warned the lieutenant trudging out of the room.

“What ever possessed you to do such a stupid thing Eve?” Raiden asked with his left hand over his eyes. Eve didn’t answer; instead she averted her eyes with a submissive grunt. “Well anyway, take a seat everyone so that I can get you all up to speed.” said Raiden making room for everyone around the table. He pretty much repeated what I had found out earlier while adding that the party stated at six o’clock which was two hours from now. Raiden also informed us just how important this mission truly was.

“As you all already know, Johan Kaiser is the son of Johto’s Prime Minister. If he is protected from Team Rocket by Team Neos and comes out unharmed, then that puts Team Neos in good standing with the Prime Minister. As a reward for protecting Johan, those among our ranks who have been arrested could get pardons. That is not all, if all goes well, then Team Neos may have the support of the entire Johto Region which will further our goals faster than ever before. In short, it is to our advantage that nothing goes wrong tonight.” explained our superior. “Now go prepare yourselves. I want all of you to be ready when Lt. Deter returns.”

With the meeting adjourned, I went to the room that I was told was mine to get ready. Preparations included my first shower in three days since I had been travelling so much. That killed half an hour because of how nice the water felt. After that, I got fully dressed in my awesome new suit. Then I had to fight Axel to get him to wear his. My attempt at telling him that it would be funny to screw with the rich people because they would never expect a Pokémon to wear clothes failed even though I thought it was a pretty effective argument. I finally won when I bribed him with the promise of setting something of his choosing on fire other than his or my clothes and a Cheri pie.

I had to assist the monkey as he was very unfamiliar with how to put clothes on. When the time came I even ripped the seam on the back of his pants so that his tail could move freely. “I look ridiculous.” groaned the Infernape checking himself out in a mirror.

“On the contrary, you look absolutely bitchin.” I complemented. We were, after all, wearing the same thing and he did look pretty good in it. “Just think of all the lulz it will bring us.” I forecasted. That got a devious laugh from the Infernape. I held out my hand for a high five which he accepted meaning we were both fine with the arrangement.

Despite how much screwing around the two of us did, we were the first ones ready and the only ones in the meeting area. I’m not entirely sure how to label these rooms other than what we’ve used them for so far. Joining me five minutes later was Eve who wore a green shoulderless dress that came down to her mid thigh. She had on green eye shadow drawing attention to her bright emerald eyes. At the sight of us she started laughing, not mockingly but out of enjoyment.

“Oh wow! You actually got Axel to wear a suit! I love it!” she praised. For once she sounded sincere about something. Axel and I turned to eachother with the same confused look. “Oh what? Can’t I complement my favorite boy toy without him getting suspicious?” Yup, should have known better.

“I’m not your boy toy.” I said flatly.

“Ladies! Your prince has arrived!” announced Zack jumping into the room in his gigolo costume with his usually messy red hair neatly combed. Eve laughed harder at him than she did Axel.

“You’re right, HE’S my boy toy!” she declared. “Oh Zacky poo. Could you say fabulous in a really high pitched voice for me?” she sang.

“Fabulous!” Zack shouted as instructed getting a giggle from Eve.

“I love you.” Eve said figuratively.

“If you love me so much can we make a love child?” Zack proposed.

“Don’t push your luck.” warned Eve in a scary tone giving him an evil eye.

“I didn’t hear a no.” he indicated playfully.

“Uh… Um… H-how do I look?” Chane asked nervously slowly walking to join us. She wore a long black dress, much more modest than Eve’s, and had her hair tied into an upside down ponytail on the top of her head. It was a cute look that screamed moe.

“That outfit looks beautiful on you Chane.” Zack complemented.

“R-really! Th-thank you!” she responded happily.

“Of course it would look better on my bedroom floor.” he added. Chane’s face turned bright red at the implied implications of Zack’s comment.

“W-wh-why would you s-s-say that?” she questioned fretfully.

“Because he’s a womanizing jackass.” Eve said angrily. “Look Kaguya, don’t go breaking my toys before I’ve had a chance to play with them. Otherwise I’ll just have to play harder with you.”

“Oh good, I like it rough.” Zack said excitedly not realizing he was poking the Arbok with a short stick and she was about to strike. Eve simply smiled devilishly at Zack’s declaration. In one swift motion she clamped her hand on the poor bastard’s crotch and began squeezing. Zack’s blue eyes grew huge as he realized the horrible predicament he was in.

“Rough enough for you?” inquired the demon woman sweetly. Zack simply laughed pitifully trying not to show her the pain he was in, but she saw right through the act. “Say the safety word and I’ll let you go.” she teased.

“I am not sure what Zack did to receive such brutal treatment, but let him go so that he can participate tonight.” said Raiden apathetically as he too arrived in the meeting room. The way he was dressed was like he had just gotten out of a fight. His black slacks looked like they were a size too long with the extra length of the legs bunched up at his ankles over top black tennis shoes. His white dress shirt was untucked, the collar popped up, and his lack of a tie showed that the top button was also undone. On top of that was a black vest that came down to the base of his ribcage. Just when I thought my admiration for Raiden couldn’t get any higher, he does this. While the rest of us try to blend in, he openly sticks it to our hosts by proving he’s a commoner.

“Fine.” Eve said releasing her victim. The now freed Zack began gasping for air once his torturous ordeal was over. Seeing the lecher’s pain gave Eve a satisfied smirk.

Fifteen minutes later Charles came back to make sure we were ready. If I was part of the mafia like Zack suggested earlier, then Lt. Deter was my don. He had on a custom white suit with a black dress shirt and a white tie complete with a white rimed hat with a black band on it. “Are you people ready? Johan’s limo pulled up just as I got here.” the little man informed us.

“No you’re not ready! What the hell is this?” he demanded looking us over. “Raiden! You look like a lazy slob! And you!” he yelled pointing to Zack. “You look like some sideshow clown! And why are you icing your balls?” Zack didn’t say anything nor did he remove the ice pack, he just silently pointed to Eve who started acting innocent at the accusation. Lt. Deter growled shaking his head in disgust. “And you! Why is your Infernape wearing a suit? Return it to its Pokéball this instant!” he commanded me.

“No can do lieutenant.” I said cynically as I showed him Axel’s busted ball. “He stays.”

“Too bad Tiny Tim.” the monkey out right mocked. I could have sworn I saw an anger vein appear on the midget’s forehead, but it was kind of hard to see under his hat.

“Fuck it. We don’t have time for you all to fix this so just get your asses downstairs so we can concentrate on getting this mission over with.” Deter said getting tired of us already. I’m so glad I’m not his direct subordinate.
----------------

The ballroom where the party was being held was gigantic. It was a circular room that could be only entered from the main lobby, though directly across from the lobby entrance there were several glass doors that led out into the hotel’s garden. Lining the top of the room was a balcony that I wasn’t entirely sure how to get to. On the ceiling directlt over head was a massive glass chandelier. Scattered through out the ballroom were tables for people to eat and drink at. An area devoid of tables was used for dancing with an orchestral band at the far edge playing soft classical music. Traversing the floors were waiters carrying an array of appetizers and drinks. For those who wanted something specific, there was a mini bar set up and a banquet table. My first priority was to find and devour all of their shrimp.

“Hey Brian! You want to get some drinks?” inquired Zack making a cup shape with his hand and tilting it to his mouth.

“I assume you mean alcohol. I really don’t think it’s a good idea to be drinking on the job.” I said straightforwardly.

“Aw come on. Just one?” he persisted.

“Forget it. It’s not nice to make a toddler drink.” Eve teased. She put her arm around my shoulders bringing her face close to mine. “Besides, even though the drinking age is eighteen, I doubt BriBri has ever had one in his life.” I lowered my head to wiggle out away from the she-demon.

“You are correct.” I admit. “I am already borderline psychotic, so why push the madness further?” I finished the sentence with a short but sweet maniacal laugh.

“You won’t wuss out on us will you Chane?” Eve asked in a won’t-take-no-for-an-answer tone.

“B-b-but I can’t! I-I’m seventeen, I’m… I’m underage!” she resisted. Now way! She’s that young! That officially makes her the youngest human member of the team.

“Damn. Chane’s jailbait. I can’t hit that for at most a year.” Zack said pretending to be distraught. “When’s your birthday so I know when you’re legal?”

“I’m not telling you.” Chane defied assertively. Zack looked like he was about to say something else, but the sound of Eve cracking her knuckles quickly silenced him while giving him the look of a Stantler in headlights.

“So where are Master Raiden and Charles?” I asked in an attempt to change the subject.

“Watching the entrance as bouncers. Now let’s have our drinks already!” continued Eve relentlessly. Unbelievable! Were they that intent on getting drunk?

“Right! Let’s go Chane!” Zack agreed.

“No!” she pleaded.

“Sweetie, if you’re worried about being underage, don’t be. We’re Team Neos, we have fake IDs.” Eve reminded snidely. If that was her attempt at being comforting, it failed horribly. If anything, it only made Chane more fearful.

“Brian!” cried Chane holding out her arm hoping I’d help her as Zack and Eve dragged her to the bar.

“C’mon Axel. Looks like it’s up to us to keep those two out of trouble while protecting Chane.” I said exasperatedly.

“It’s pretty sad when the most mentally unstable one becomes the voice of reason.” Axel said reading exactly what was on my mind. Team Rocket better show up soon so that we can get this night over with.

Petrel is a silly name. He stays Lambda. It was Tin Tower in Gen II so that is how it will stay. Ho-oh is not Quasimodo.


Chapter 25: Reckless Behavior

Chane sat at the bar staring nervously at a martini glass filled with a mysterious pink liquid. Zack and Eve sat on her right watching her intently like a pair of Staraptors eyeing up a bewildered Bidoof.

“Whatcha got there Chane?” I inquired passively while I squeezed in between her and her tormentors taking a seat on a stool.

“Strawberry dacari.” she answered distantly not looking away from the drink. It was pretty apparent that she wanted no parts of it.

“Why are you guys doing this, hm?” I asked in complete seriousness turning to Eve and Zack. “It’s obvious the lady’s not interested, so why pick on her?”

“For fun mostly.” Eve admit shamelessly without a second thought or remorse.

“Hey I’m not picking on her.” Zack said defensively. “It’s a party so I just want everyone to relax and unwind a bit.”

“You just want to get in her pants.” I concluded bitterly. Hearing that only made Chane more fearful about taking that first sip.

“Hey I take offence to that!” he retorted “I’m a chivalrous pervert. I have a moral code that prevents me from taking advantage of drunk girls.” Eve got one of her trademark crouching-innocence-hidden-motive faces at Zack’s statement.

“I’m feelin’ a li’l tipsy Zacky. You wanna fool around?” she asked jadedly, putting her hands on her lap and sliding her dress up her legs.

“Well as I know you’re still sober, hell yea I do!” the red head accepted. The duo started laughing together.

“Hahaha… I’ll castrate you.” Eve said scornfully. That instantly silenced Zack while giving him a halfhearted grin. I shook my head in displeasure at how lightly they were taking the situation.

“Chane, you know you don’t have… to…” I trailed when I saw her looking a bit sickly and the glass half empty. She didn’t! “Chane. Why did you do it?” I asked concernedly.

“W-we’re all p-part of the same squad s-so I took one for the team.” she replied timidly.

“You’re not getting off that easily Cutie.” declared Eve spitefully. “I didn’t see you drink that, so finish it.” she coaxed.

“Wh-what!?” Chane questioned in a panic.

“You heard me. Why waste a good dacari. Finish it.” the sociopath ordered unsympathetically. I couldn’t believe this! Wasn’t it enough for her that Chane drank half of it?

“I… I don’t want too…” protested Chane.

“Eve, don’t you think you’re taking this too far?” Zack asked. “The goal was to have fun, and Chane does not look like she’s enjoying this.” Eve ignored him as she got out of her chair and pushed me out of mine so she could get closer to her prey. I landed with a thud having been caught of guard.

“Finish it!” Eve persisted getting aggressive.

“NO!” Chane shouted, reflexively grabbing the glass and splashing its contents in Eve’s face. Zack, Axel, and I were awed by such an unexpected response. I had only just gotten back to my feet to help Chane, but I guess she didn’t need me after all. Eve had instinctively closed her eyes to shield them from the liquid so that now her green makeup ran down her cheeks which made her eyes look even fiercer when she opened them.

“You little bitch!” yelled Eve furiously as she back handed Chane across the face, knocking the poor girl out of her stool to the floor.

“Chane!” I cried. Had I stayed down a few seconds longer, I could have probably caught her or at least broken her fall. I reached down and grabbed Chane’s arm to help her back up. “Are you okay?” I questioned. Chane responded by smacking my arm away.

“W-why d-do you think th-that I always n-need y-your help?” she slurred standing up, though a bit wobblely. “I… I’m not s-some baby th-that always needs r-rescuing you jackass.” I was completely taken back by what she said. It was so out of character!

“Damn! Chane just cursed!” Zack shouted in shock.

“B-be quiet you s-stupid s-sex offender!” Chane ordered swaying back and forth like she would fall any second.

“Are you feeling okay Chane?” I asked worriedly. I stood close enough to her that if she did fall, I could catch her.

“Isn’t it obvious? The little girl can’t hold her liquor. It was barely a sip and she’s already smashed. A weak little lightweight.” mocked Eve. “I mean look at her. She can barely stand!”

“S-shut up bitch! I… I can k-kick your ass!” Chane babbled. She swatted her arm at Eve to slap her but missed completely by a whole arm’s length. The momentum spun Chane around and falling into my arms with her face buried in my chest.

“Nice catch.” Axel complemented over Eve’s condescending laughter.

“Silence!” I roared. Not only did Eve obey my command, but she did so with an expression of primal fear.

“When did you put in those creepy red contacts?” she asked nervously. Contacts? Does she mean for corrective vision? I don’t wear those. That’s when I realized a correlating trend starting from the incident on the Whirl Islands up until to now. Those who fear me always comment on my eyes. On this latest occasion Eve mentioned that they were red. I’ve never seen myself in a mirror when in Dragon Forme, but I can’t imagine that claws would be my only change. There must be other alterations as well like to my face. To my eyes.

“I’m not wearing contacts. These are the eyes of a demon.” I answered cryptically. “Axel. Grab her legs.” I instructed. Chane’s body had recently gone limp meaning she just passed out, and while I could easily carry Chane by myself, I was less likely to bump her head into any walls if I had help in carrying her linearly.

After the two of us organized our position so that Axel held Chane’s ankles while I had my arms wrapped under her arms, I gave Zack and Eve one more hateful glance. “I hope you’re both satisfied.” I hissed.

“I’ll apologize as soon as she wakes up.” Zack promised regretfully. At least he has a conscience. As it would turn out, we had drawn quite a bit of attention. From what I gather, people had been staring ever since Eve slapped Chane.

“What’s going on here?” demanded Raiden pushing through the crowd to join us. “What happened to Chane?”

“Those two got her drunk.” I said tilting my head to the culprits.

“Tattletale.” Eve snipped crossing her arms.

“For the love of Arceus, are you people trying to sabotage this mission?” interrogated Raiden in a hushed voice so onlookers wouldn’t hear. He put the tips of his left hand over his forehead and cheek in disappointment. “Brian, take her back to the suite please, and take the long way. Lt. Deter is watching the south hall and if he finds out about this there will be no end to his fury.” Raiden instructed.

“On it.” I complied leaving the scene with Axel and our precious cargo. I was glad to be departing too, because I could tell Raiden was about to give those two a lecture that I would rather not be a part of.

I heard Chane moan as she slowly came to once we entered the elevator. “Mmm… Brian…” she said in a daze. “I don’t feel so good.” Aw crap.

“Just hang in there Chane. We’re in an elevator right now so I’m begging you not to throw up yet. I really don’t want to be puked on tonight.” I told her.

“Don’t throw up on me either. If that stuff gets in my fur I’m doomed as I also hate the water that would wash it all out.” my monkey partner added. Chane groaned again at the sound of the elevator’s dinged for our floor. I felt so bad for her. At any rate, we were almost back to the room.

Axel and I arrived back to the suite just in time to run Chane to the bathroom for a not so pretty sight. I was thankful that she had her hair already tied back so that I could turn away as I was getting nauseous by just being nearby.

“I-I’m sorry for all the trouble I’ve caused and all of the mean things I said.” apologized Chane as I escorted her to her room.

“Don’t be. You did nothing wrong.” I consoled laying her in her bed. “It’s Eve and Zack who should, and will, be sorry. You just rest.” I may not have an experience with hangovers, but from what I understand things won’t be so pleasant for Chane when she wakes up so I went to my room to get her some aspirin.

“Brian.” she whispered when I came back to put the orange pills on her nightstand. “You and Axel need to get back to work, b-but I d-don’t want to be alone. C-can you send out m-my Pokémon?” Unlike all of our other rooms we’ve stayed in lately, the bedrooms in this suite were large enough to accommodate all six of her Pokémon at once with room to spare. They were about as mad as I was, if not more, when I told them why their trainer was in bed in a half state of consciousness.

“Lucy. See what you can do about healing her.” I told Chane’s Chansey as I left the room. I really hated seeing good people suffering like this because of someone else’s selfishness.
----------

Just as I had decided earlier, once I got back to the ballroom I began eating as much shrimp as my stomach could hold. I was starting to get jittery by this point. I had taken Chane to bed some 90minutes ago and even now there was no sign of Team Rocket.

“I’m starting to think that this mission was pointless.” Axel mused. “I mean, didn’t they say that they thought Johan was a target. What if they were wrong?”

“No argument there.” I said taking a drink of water. It was as if we had set ourselves up for it as suddenly the doors leading to the garden burst open and dozens of people dressed in black uniforms with white boots and gloves came flooding into the dance floor. While the rich people screamed in surprise and terror, I laughed at the irony. Show time.

“Good evening everyone.” greeted a thin sickly man with a slight wobble to his step. He had short purple hair with a mohawk in the middle of his head, a purple goatee, and lazy grey eyes. His long face resembled a bobble head that if tapped the right way would bounce all over the place. His uniform differed from the others in that he wasn’t wearing a black beret, his boots and gloves had a single red stripe lining their rims, the middle torso of his shirt was trimmed with gold, and he wore a white belt with three strange vials on it.

“My name is Lambda. I am an Executive of the glorious and mighty Team Rocket.” the Rocket introduced. “Do as we say, and no one will be harmed in any way. Just line up and hand over all of your valuables. Cash, jewelry, any Pokémon you may have with you, and the like.” He had particularly eyed Axel when he said Pokémon. I think I’ll kill him for that.

The Rocket Grunts went from person to person with bags to collect their loot. I watched as the rich people reluctantly parted with their expensive belongings, biding my time until one of them was unfortunate to come to me, Eve, or Zack. While his minions stole, Lambda walked through the room with two guards looking side to side, most likely seeking out Johan.

“Hey you! Hand over your valuables and your Infernape!” demanded a pre-mortem grunt. I began laughing mockingly at him. “What’s so funny?”

“Why don’t you die?” I ordered calmly. I snatched a nearby glass of red wine and splashed it in the Rocket’s face. “Ember!” I called. Axel spit a small fireball at the man which was enough to ignite his head in a burst of flame. The criminal screamed in agony as he clutched his burning face and ran in circles.

“What the hell!?” shouted another Rocket in alarm. I unbuttoned my suit jacket.

“Brian Xelbu of Team Neos says this!” I announced crossing my arms over my waist to grab my Pokéballs. “Fight!” I rapidly uncrossed my arms sending five spheres flying into the air. In an explosion of white lights Riolu, Beldum, Piloswine, Snorlax, and Aerodactyl emerged sending panic throughout the room.

“Did he say Team Neos?” cried Lambda wide eyed and worried.

“You couldn’t wait, could you?” Eve asked sarcastically with a sadistic grin. By this point she had cleaned herself up and fixed her eyeliner. “Time to play darlings!” From Eve’s Pokéballs came Diva, Luxray, Rosarade, Steelix, who towered over the entire ballroom with a murderous look in his eyes, and the other two I had yet to meet until now. The first was a plump blue Pokémon with flippers for limbs, a shaggy white head and two massive tusks coming from its mouth. The second was a blue bipedal creature with a tan belly, rabbit ears, a small horn on her nose, and spikes running from the top of her head to the tip of her powerful tail.

“Let’s party Lloyd!” Zack called summoning his Golduck to join the fray.

“Much better!” Axel cheered gladly after stripping off his clothes so they wouldn’t get destroyed or restrict him in battle.

“Don’t sweat it! There are only three of them and over twenty of us! We got them out numbered!” proclaimed a Rocket arrogantly. The moron was swiftly electrocuted, not by Eve’s Luxray, but by Raiden’s Raichu. The Mouse Pokémon’s long black lightning bolt tipped tail wagged proudly while its yellow cheeks still sparked with electricity.

“That’s five of us.” corrected the third seat standing with Lt. Deter.

“It should be six. Where’s the brunette?” Charles questioned irritably scanning the room.

“She was feeling ill so I gave her permission to take a leave of absence to rest.” Raiden covered for us. Eve grumpily averted her eyes.

“Well don’t just stand there like idiots! Attack!” ordered Lambda. Within seconds, the room was filled with dozens of Pokémon representing just about every type and evolutionary stage.

“Rich bastards! If you don’t want to die, then I suggest you get the hell out of our way!” I threatened. “Snorlax! Body Slam!” The Sleeping Pokémon got up on his legless feet and slowly trudged through the crowd to the nearest enemy Pokémon which happened to be a Murkrow. The civilians who had nothing to do with this fight scattered in screams of fear; pushing eachother out of the way to escape. I love inducing chaos and panic among the masses. Snorlax then belly flopped on top of the pitiful Murkrow smashing it to the floor.

Aside from the orange mouse by his side, Raiden also called forth his Magnezone, an Electrode, a Manectric, his Jolteon, and finally Electabuzz. Lt. Deter summoned six large and intimidating Pokémon. My guess is for compensation. The first was an Arbok with a pattern of an open smiling mouth that was red with a black outline making the impression that there were teeth on the inside, and eyes similar to the mouth in that they were outlined black, had red inside, yellow irises, and black pupils. The rest were a Milotic, a Tyranitar, a Hariyama, an Ursaring, and a Dusknoir.

“Your orders are simple: Eliminate Team Rocket!” commanded Lt. Deter. “Hariyama! Go after one of those Raticate with Force Palm! Tyranitar! Eliminate the Xatu with Stone Edge! Arbok! Crush that Gliscor with Wrap! Ursaring! Use Slash on the Tentacruel! Dusknoir! Curse one of the Houndour! And Milotic! Cover the rest of the party, including my men, with Safeguard!” the midget systematically ordered.

The Tender Pokémon began singing as it surrounded every Pokémon owned by a member of Team Neos in a white barrier. What I want to know is how an angry little man like Charles owns such a calm and soothing creature as a Milotic. At the same time, the Lieutenant’s other Pokémon went on the offensive.

The Cobra Pokémon lunged at a purple Flying-type Pokémon that looked like it was a cross between a bat and a scorpion as it had large black wings, big ears, and long fangs like a bat, along with large purple claws at the end of slender red arms and a long segmented tail tipped with two deadly stingers like a scorpion, entangling the creature in its coils.

Dusknoir impaled itself with a ghostly knife it created then threw the knife into a nearby Houndour. The Requiem Pokémon’s pain will be that Fire-type’s eternal suffering. Meanwhile, the other three were having their way with their respective opponents.

“All six of you, use Charge Beam on the Golbat swarm!” Raiden told his Pokémon. Magnezone and Electrode began gathering bright blue electricity in front of their faces while Jolteon and Manectric did so in their mouths and Raichu and Electabuzz charged the energy in their cupped palms. Then all at once the six Electric-types released their attacks at six different Golbats, two of which were fainted by the attacks.

“Hey Lloyd! I think I see a dehydrated Typhlosion over there! Give it a drink will ya?” Zack said courteously. Per his trainer’s request, the Golduck sprayed the Volcano Pokémon with a gushing river of Hydro Pump much to the latter’s dislike.

“Diva! Use Shadow Ball on Haunter! Luxray! Put that Rivalry Ability of yours to good use and take a Bite out of Jynx! Rosarade! I want you to make a Raticate suffer with Toxic! Steelix! Take out on of those filthy Grimers with Dragnbreath! Walrein! Take care of another one with Sheer Cold! And Nidoqueen! Earthqu- well maybe that isn’t the best idea. Earth Power the Hypno instead!” commanded Eve. It’s a good thing she cancelled that Earthquake order because otherwise everyone’s Pokémon, even her own, would be screwed.

The Banette gathered a swirling mass of black and deep purple shadows between her hands and threw it at a large transparent purple demonic face with two floating hands. The Haunter screeched an otherworldly cry of pain from the attack. Nidoqueen tore up the floor in a single stomp that sent dirt and mud flying at a human shaped Pokémon with yellow fur, a fluffy white collar, and a long nose holding a pendulum. One Grimer was instantly frozen solid while a second was engulfed in a powerful beam of green energy. Elsewhere, Eve’s Luxray clamped her jaws around a Pokémon that could easily be confused with a blond haired woman with a dark face and big lips wearing a red dress. Meanwhile, the Rosarade sprayed an unfortunate Rat Pokémon with a thick purple toxin.

“Piloswine! Use Dig on the Weepinbell! Aerodactyl! Get that Skarmory with Rock Slide! Beldum! Hit a Rattata with Iron Head! Riolu! Take out another Rattata with Cross Chop! We can’t keep going after the bigger prey while leaving the small ones around to run wild! That is why Snorlax is going to flatten everything within range with Rollout! And Axel! I think that Primeape looked at you wrong. Close Combat!” I called out to them.

Axel ran madly to engage the enemy monkey in hand to hand combat at the same time that Riolu and Beldum went on an exterminating mission of the pest population. While that was going on, Piloswine tore up the floor by burrowing underground for a sneak attack against a yellow Grass-type Pokémon with green leaves for arms. Aerodactyl further destroyed the ballroom floor with a loud screech that summoned dozens of rocks hurdling at the Armored Bird Pokémon. Snorlax did a summersault to get his Rollout started that not only finished off the Murkrow from before, but also rampaged through members of Team Rocket and their Pokémon.

Naturally the Rockets fought back hollering out commands for Weepinbell to Razor Leaf, Hypno to use Psychic, Grimers, Muks, Koffings, and Weezings were to use Sludge, Poison Gas, Tackle, and Pound, Tentacruel to Wrap Ursaring, Skarmory to use Steel Wing on Aerodactyl, Primape to retaliate with its own Close Combat, and Haunter to use Shadow Punch. There were the commands for Jynx to use Ice Beam, Houndours and Houndooms to use Crunch or Flamethrower, Golbats and Zubats were told to use Supersonic, Confuse Ray, Wing Attack, Air Cutter, and Leech Life, while the Rattatas and Raticates were mostly told to use Hyper Fang, Tackle, and Quick Attack. Voltorbs and Rocket owned Electrodes were ordered to use Thunderbolts, Tackles, and one even called for a Self Destruct sending even more chaos through the battleground.

All of this occurred in less than two minutes.

“Man, oh man! If you wanted all out war, I think this might be it!” Zack shouted ducking out of the way of a Geodude’s Rock Throw. “Lloyd! You mind teaching that Geodude a lesson for me?” Lloyd answered the call by surrounding his tail with water and smacking Geodude unconscious. “Thanks Buddy!” said Zack giving a thumbs-up to the Duck Pokémon.

“I’ll get that Golduck! Shoot it with Bullet Seed Exeggutor!” ordered a Rocket. A walking palm tree began firing off multiple rounds of brown balls from its three heads.

“Axel! Destroy those seeds with Ember!” I called. The Infernape momentarily kicked his Primeape opponent away in time to shot down each projectile in a flurry of small flames. No sooner had the seeds been destroyed did the Pig Monkey Pokémon jump on Axel in an angry rage. My monkey responded by kicking Primeape off and finishing it with a Fire Punch.

“Thanks Brian! We owe ya one.” said Zack appreciatively with Lloyd nodding in agreement.

“Don’t mention it.” I said with a smile. “Just helping a teammate out.”

“In that case… Lloyd! Finish that damn Exeggutor with Ice Beam!” my partner commanded. Lloyd opened his beak releasing a pale blue beam of frost at the Coconut Pokémon. The Grass-type cried in pain but wasn’t beaten yet.

“You call that an Ice Beam?” mocked Eve. “Walrein! Show these children a real Ice Beam!” At once her Walrus Pokémon launched an even larger wintry ray than Lloyd had which succeeded in knocking out the Exeggutor. “How was that?” she taunted.

“Hey now, you’re Pokémon is Ice-type, you have STAB bonus.” Zack defended. While Eve laughed at him, an Arbok that wasn’t Deter’s loomed up behind her without warning. Eve turned around just in time for it to sink its fangs into her face. At least it would have had it not been consumed by a pink aura and thrown into a wall at the last second. Zack and I looked at eachother in confusion as neither of us had ordered any of our Pokémon to use Psychic.

“A-are you okay Eve?” asked a certain team member flying over head on her Pidgeot with a Lunatone by her side.

“Chane… you saved me. Why?” Eve questioned in wonder as Jace landed with us.

“B-because we need to w-work together.” Chane said cheerfully. “I s-still haven’t forgiven you for this t-terrible headache I have now, b-but we have to beat Team Rocket first.” Because Chane was still a bit hungover, Zack and I helped her off of her bird so he could fight without worry about his trainer’s safety.

“Ya know, if I wasn’t such a sadist I’d feel bad about what I did to you.” Eve confessed shallowly. At least she was honest about it.

“But I feel bad. I’m sorry Chane.” Zack apologized keeping his word. Chane nodded in understanding as she sent out the rest of her Pokémon.

“Fuck! Shit! Another one just showed up!” screamed various grunts at once.

“Yeah, but look! She has a Chansey! Let’s steal it!” announced another one foolishly. “Go get her Ariados!” A large spider crawled its way through the crowd in a futile attempt to attack.

“Please keep Ariados away with Gust, Jace!” Chane called. The mighty Bird Pokémon flapped his powerful wings several times to kick up a wind strong enough to knock back the Long Leg Pokémon.

“Hey! Get your hands off me!” demanded a voice that sounded like it belonged to a young man. I turned to see Lambda standing with his two goons who had a man with neatly combed blonde hair wearing a grey suit in their arms. If logic serves, that must be Johan. After Lambda slapped a piece of tape over his captive’s mouth, he pulled a Pokéball from his belt. From it came a Pokémon made up of two purple spheres fused together and covered with numerous vents emitting toxic fumes.

“I want the rest of you to finish off Team Neos and meet at the rendezvous point as soon as you do!” he ordered his troops. “I’m sorry to say, but I will now be taking my leave ladies and gentlemen.” said the Rocket Executive apologetically to everyone else. With that, his Weezing let out a Smokescreen covering the entire ballroom in a thick haze. Everybody remaining in the room, the rich people, my squad and I, and even the remaining members of Team Rocket, not to mention our Pokémon coughed asthmatically as the smoke filled our lungs.

“Ce- *cough* Celia! De- *hack* Defog!” Chane gagged.

“Do *gasp* the same *cough* Aerodactyl!” I wheezed. Even though I couldn’t see them through the smog, I heard the manic flapping of wings and felt the wind produced by it. Gradually the smoke dispersed from the room through the door to the garden and the door to the hallway. It was then we noticed that Lambda and Johan were missing.

“Dammit! They’re getting away!” shouted Lt. Deter furiously. “Arka! Take the exit into the garden! I’ll go through the hall! The rest of you are to cover us!” he commanded returning his Pokémon leaving only Tyranitar out. Raiden did the same with only his Electabuzz remaining before running to the garden.

“Where do you think you’re going small fry?” questioned a most unfortunate Rocket getting between Charles and the doorway. The midget yelled out angrily before kicking the dumbass in the kneecap then punching him in the stomach.

“The only thing small here is your IQ.” he retorted. “Tyranitar! Scatter these lowlifes with Hyper Beam!” The dinosaur esque Pokémon opened its mouth wide blasting a devastating yellowish orange beam that sent the Rockets and their Pokémon fleeing for their miserable lives.

“Use Discharge Electabuzz!” commanded Raiden. The Electric-type roared as it sent lightning shooting off indiscriminately in every direction. Luckily, the only two Pokémon that were hit on our side were Piloswine and Nidoqueen who felt none of the effects. All at once the members of Team Rocket and their Pokémon that were nearest to the garden door were covered in a purple glow and pushed to their knees, or in the case of some Pokémon, their bellies.

“Diva, I did not tell you to use Psychic!” Eve scolded uncaringly. The Marionette Pokémon rolled her demonic eyes at her trainer as she released her unwary prey. It just seemed too perfect as it had given enough time for Raiden to escape. Unfortunately, that also meant the four of us had to face down about twenty Rockets and roughly four times that number in Pokémon.

Chane, Zack, Eve, and I stood back to back to cover eachother’s blind spots as Team Rocket encircled us, determined to finish us off for good. Naturally they were mistaken, but even so, we needed a strategy if we wanted to get out of this in one piece.

“All we gotta do is finish these guys off and then meet back at Tin Tower right?” questioned a particularly brainless grunt for just giving away their location.

“You moron! You weren’t supposed to say that out loud!” reprimanded another one.

“Doesn’t matter. These guys won’t live long enough to use that information anyway!” assured a third. “Take ‘em Down Rhyhorn!” A large rhino like Pokémon covered in plated grey armor let out a low bellow as it charged at the group.

“Don’t be so sure!” I warned as I felt my Dragon blood rise. “Hit it with Iron Tail Axel!” I called. The monkey’s golden tail changed to a metallic silver color as it hardened. He held out his arms to catch Rhyhorn as it charged then started whipping the Spikes Pokémon across the face and in its eyes. Rhyhorn roared in pain until Axel took it out with a swift punch to its jaw.

“That’s how it’s done bitches!” taunted Axel giving our enemies the finger on both hands while sticking out his tongue.

“Sorry everyone, but play time is over.” Eve alerted. She turned to her Luxray with a bored look. “I don’t care who, but use Thunder Fang on someone that isn’t on our side.” The lioness complied, teeth crackling with electricity, as she took a bite out of a female Grunt’s leg causing her to scream in anguish. “I should warn you all, Luxray is very territorial. If you’re a woman, get away from her now.” she notified.

I suddenly heard the cracking sound of gunfire and Axel cry out hardly half a second later. I quickly turned to my partner who was gripping his left arm.

“Axel! Are you alright!?” I asked fearfully. The Infernape moved his hand to investigate himself, but there was no visible scratch on him.

“Yeah. I’m missing some hair so I think the bullet just grazed me.” he said with as much relief as I felt that he was alright. We both then started looking around to see who or what got shot and who ever fired because one person may need medical attention while the other would need a body bag. I noticed a flattened piece of metal on the floor under Steelix meaning no one was hurt but that wouldn’t save Team Rocket.

“Guys, I think we need to get out of this predicament.” Zack advised warily. I think we all felt the same, but there was something that needed to be done first.

Draconic energy coursed through my body into my hand the moment I set my sights in the direction the gun was shot from. An inhuman growl came from my vocal cords as I pulled back my arm, then in the blink of an eye the blue burst of energy was launched when I thrust my arm forward. My Dragon Pulse crashed into the Rocket standing closest to me destroying the criminal’s uniform and knocking him back into the Jynx behind him sending both to the floor. And standing behind them was a Rocket with a look of terror on his face and a gun holster on his chest.

“It was you!” I screamed like a madman, jumping over my previous victims with my claws pulled back. My prey had absolutely no time to aim his weapon before a Dragon Claw tore through his eyes, skull, and brain. When I pulled my fingers out, they were covered in blood down to my knuckles with splashes of blood on the back of my hand and wrist.

With them out of the way, my squad had room enough to get out of the fray with the chance of getting the high ground. Including me, only Axel, Eve, Diva, Rosarade, Lucy, and Zack were able to get out of the circle before our adversaries closed in again and began attacking those still trapped with some going after us. Zack flipped over one of the buffet tables for us to take refuge behind.

“Piloswine! Beldum! Take Down! Snorlax! Body Slam!” I called. That should open another path for Chane and the rest of our Pokémon to get free. Rockets jumped out of the way of the charging Pokémon letting their own monsters take the hits. This time everyone got out and joined us behind the table. I grabbed a discarded napkin to wipe the blood off my hands.

“Listen, I’ve got a plan!” proclaimed Zack. “You guys see that chandelier up there? Steelix can reach it, so what we need is for Axel and Kermit to stand on his head. Axel will melt the chain with Flamethrower and Kermit is too cool it with Water Gun.” he elaborated.

“What good will that do?” Eve criticized, unimpressed by his idea.

“I’m getting there! That will warp the metal while keeping the chandelier in place. While they do that, we will have the rest of our Pokémon go after Team Rocket to get them under the chandelier. Once that’s done, Steelix will use Crunch on the weakened chain and Boom! Down it comes crashing on the Rockets.” he finished.

“I like it!” I agreed whole heartedly.

“Whatever.” sighed Eve probably mad that she didn’t come up with the idea first. “Lower your head Steelix.” The Iron Snake Pokémon grunted irritably at the thought of having other creatures stand on his head, but he did as instructed allowing the Infernape and Azumarill on.

“Be strong.” encouraged Chane as Steelix rose again. I took the initiative to jump out from behind the table with a deranged battle cry.

“Rollout around the Rockets Snorlax! Confuse the fuck out of them with Supersonic Aerodactyl” I commanded. “The rest of you just make sure that no one goes where they shouldn’t be!”

“Keep them off balance with Whirlwind Jace! Do the same with Gust Celia! Use Psychic on them as well Luna!” Chane told her friends.

“Play with Team Rocket anyway you want my little terrors!” shouted Eve lightheartedly.

“Put them in place with your Psychic too Lloyd!” called Zack.

Aerodactyl’s loud screech echoed throughout the ballroom as the gale force cyclones created by the Pidgeot and Beautifly sent everything that wasn’t pinned down flying. Meanwhile people and Pokémon were being forced around not just by the raging indoor tempest, but also pink and blue auras of psychic energy. Piloswine, Luxray, Nidoqueen, and Walrein used intimidation tactics by pushing, biting, or jabbing at anyone who dared to get away from the crowd while Snorlax rolled around forcing those who weren’t already into the cluster. Riolu, Beldum, and Diva did what they could to keep everyone under control as those above blasted the chain with an unending stream of fire and water.

“That’s it! They’re all under!” Zack cried looking up and down just to make sure that the alignment was correct. “Alright! Have Izzy and Rosarade use Stun Spore now!” he told the girls.

“Your heard the man Rosarade.” Eve said victoriously.

“Do your best Izzy!” said Chane supportively. The two Grass-types unleashed a cloud of yellow power over the Rockets, Rosarade from her flowers and Izzy from under her mushroom cap. The Rockets and their Pokémon screamed as their muscles stiffened making them immobile.

“Bring that thing down with Crunch Steelx!” Eve shouted up to her metal serpent. First Steelix violently shook his head to throw off Axel and Kermit who were caught midair by Jace, then the Iron Snake Pokémon turned his massive head to chomp the chandelier chain sending it falling on the heads of Team Rocket.

“Now to make sure they don’t escape, freeze them! Use Ice Beam Lloyd!” Zack commanded.

“Ice Beam Walrein!” called Eve pointing to the pile.

“Piloswine! Ice Beam!” I added. All three of our Pokémon shot cold beams of pale blue at the creatures under the chandelier creating a massive wall of ice encasing our captives. The moment we ceased our attack, the civilians still in the room that had to endure all of this craziness began clapping and cheering for our wonderful job.

“Well done! Well done!” praised a rich woman. “Thank you for all of your hard work, you saved us all. We can take it from here, I’ll call the police to have those scoundrels arrested at once.” she offered.

“No need. Aerodactyl and Snorlax! Destroy them all with Hyper Beam!” I commanded maliciously pointing to the frozen pile of evil. Aerodactyl opened his great maw and blasted a yellowish orange beam of raw energy from the sky at the captured Team Rocket members. Snorlax did the same from the ground creating a massive explosion of frozen body parts of all kinds of different species. Those that weren’t incinerated that is.

“All criminals should be executed. Why waste the space in prison or risk them going free because of some flaw in the legal system?” I posed answering the horrified looks I was getting from everyone.

“H-how? How c-could you be s-so c-cruel?” questioned a frightened Chane.

“Because he’s a demon.” Eve replied. “Isn’t that what you told us earlier?” she asked me. “Unlike me who would rather not kill, he seems to have no issue with it. It’s actually kind of scary.”

“Regardless, I just did the world a favor by eliminating its vermin. Now let’s go! Master Raiden and Short Fuck are waiting for us.” I said returning all of my Pokémon except for Axel and Aerodactyl. I took them with me outside to the garden which was a pretty nice place. There was a stone fountain in the middle of the walkway, tall but thin trees lining said walkway, and various types of flowers, berry producing trees, and apricorn baring trees about. However this was no time to admire the scenery.

“To Tin Tower!” I told Aerodactyl jumping on his back.

I'm starting to think Brian is going insane.

He is insane. Just read this chapter for further proof.

Chapter 26: Battle At Tin Tower

It wasn’t long before the Tin Tower appeared on the horizon. Hell, being the tallest structure in Ecruteak City it was hard to miss. While Aerodactyl faced forward, Axel and I scanned the ground for any sight of our prey or Raiden. There was none. I tightened my grip on the Flying-type’s shoulder as he increased his speed to get to our destination faster. The speed caused a slim red fabric to start whipping my face. I caught my tie in my mouth then tossed it behind me where it wouldn’t be a hindrance.

“To the top!” I called as we reached our destination. Aerodactyl screeched in compliance quickly going into a 90° turn only losing a little speed. Speed which was soon regained with one mighty flap of his wings that sent us bulleting to the sky. My plan was that if Lambda entered from the first floor entrance with Raiden and Charles coming in behind him, than I would cut him off by attacking from the top floor of Tin Tower.

The Fossil Pokémon had actually built up enough speed that he overshot the roof of the tower. Normally I would have just jumped off, but because the blue tiled roof was so slanted leaving only a small flat part at the tippy top with tall golden spire in the center and statues of Ho-oh at its edges, there were just too many obstacles to deal with that could have hurt. I felt Axel’s grip on me tighten as we both knew what Aerodactyl was about to do. The King of the Skies did a midair back flip before diving back to Tin Tower and landing next to one of the Ho-oh statues.

“I hate it when you do that Aero.” Axel complained to the prehistoric beast as we both got off the Flying-type’s back. Aerodactyl must have made some sort of rude comeback in his own language because my monkey partner looked like he was getting ready to throw a fit.

“Behave yourselves now.” I told the Pokémon. “Aerodactyl. I want you to keep watch for any Team Rocket activity. If you see them, eliminate them at once anyway you wish.” I permitted. The Fossil Pokémon nodded with a shriek while taking to the sky once again to circle Tin Tower.

“Alright, come along Axel. We have some more Rockets to slay.” I said darkly as I walked over to a staircase leading to the lower levels.

I have never been in Tin Tower before, I have only seen it from the outside, but the inside was both beautiful and eerie at the same time. The floor and walls were all made of 700 year old wood giving the room an ancient kind of smell. Paper doors led from one room to another which were all full of yet more sculptures of Ho-oh. There was also a giant pillar in the middle of the floor that led all the way down to the first floor. Because it was night time, only the light of the stars penetrated the windows making the rooms feel that much more ominous. In reality, if I was here during the day, it probably wouldn’t be that bad. As usual, I made Axel stand in front so that I could use his fiery head like a flashlight.

“Gah!” screamed the Infernape jumping back into me. “Stupid Rattata!” he grumbled kicking away the rodent that had brushed past his feet.

“You’re just too jumpy.” I teased. The two of us made sure to check every room before going down to the eighth floor in search of Team Rocket and their hostage. We found nothing. Obviously they hadn’t gotten this high yet. It wasn’t until we got down to the sixth floor that I heard a voice.

“Be patient my dear Johan. By the time my men finish with those fools from Team Neos, the chopper should be here and then we can leave. After that, Daddy just has to pay your ransom and you can go free.” said the voice.

I motioned for Axel to stay put as his fire would only draw unwanted attention to us while I stealthfully crept forward. I threw my back against a wall to peer around the corner only to be left confused by what I saw. There was a man tied up on the floor and standing over him was his twin in appearance right down to his clothes! There was no sign of any members of Team Rocket, and yet there were two Johan Kaisers! The one on the floor rolled around moaning something in protest, but it was impossible to understand with the tape over his mouth.

“Struggle all you want, it won’t make a difference. I was given the position of Executive of Team Rocket because I never fail my missions. In the event that those two who tailed us get past my guards, I’ll simply masquerade as you to get them off the trail. As you can clearly see, I am a master of disguise.” he mocked. No doubt this one was Lambda. How he was able to replicate the appearance of others, I’m not sure, but he isn’t the only one who can put on an act. I quietly slinked back to Axel and filled him in on what I saw.

“Just follow my lead.” I instructed in a hushed voice. “Come on Axel! I think I heard a voice coming from somewhere in this room!” I shouted obscenely loud so that both men were sure to hear me. As expected, the imposter came running around the corner to see what was up and so I wouldn’t have to opportunity to see the real Johan tied up.

“Wh- who are you?” he questioned in a somewhat panicked voice. I had to admit, he was a pretty good actor to sound just like the real thing. If I hadn’t caught him in the act, I’d be completely fooled.

“I am a member of Team Neos. You must be Johan Kaiser, the Prime Minister’s son.” I answered. As long as he didn’t suspect that I knew he was a fake, then chances are he’ll drop his guard. Once that happens, it’s all over.

“Y-yeah. I’m Johan Kaiser. I just got away from Team Rocket when those two other Neos guys showed up. They’re fighting downstairs as we speak.” the imposter lied through his teeth not once breaking character.

“In that case, I want you to go with Axel,” I said motioning the Infernape, “and go to the top of Tin Tower. My Aerodactyl is waiting up there and will escort you to safety. I’m going to go downstairs and help my comrades.” The phony looked a bit worried knowing that as soon as I walked around that corner I would see the real Johan as Lambda hadn’t had a chance to stash him somewhere yet.

“Why can’t you come with me to the top? I know that the battle downstairs is three against two, but I’m sure your partners can handle it themselves.” he tried to convince. I’m sure that if I were to agree with that, Lambda would then strike me down when my back was turned.

“Actually, I have a score to settle with Lambda.” I lied. Tonight was the first time I had ever seen the Rocket Executive, but the real Johan wouldn’t know the difference. Just for the lulz, I think I’ll even make fun of Lambda and make him sound like a complete tool! “You see, when I first encountered Lambda he was a poor little creature dressed in rags and smelled like sun-dried piss. He was an ugly pile of monkey vomit, but I took pity on that filthy piece of shit and took him under my wing. He later repaid me in a bar by calling me a donkey head, dumping my apple tini in my hair, and declaring that he was going to join Team Rocket.”

I tried my hardest not to burst out laughing at my own fabrication especially considering the statement had the man in front of me glowing red with anger. I hope he breaks his charade before I do!

“That never happened!” he yelled in disgrace. That was when both Axel and I started laughing uncontrollably at him. While I got my giggles out of my system I pointed to the next room telling Axel to go retrieve the hostage. “You knew!” realized Lambda when Axel walked past him and patted him on the shoulder for trying.

“That’s right.” I shamelessly admit. “You really shouldn’t conversate with the hostages Lambda.”

“Got him!” called Axel from the other side.

“No!” Lambda yelled throwing a Pokéball. Emerging from it in a white light was a large, blue, fang filled mouth with stubby feet coming from its chin, two small ears and narrow eyes on its head, and two long wings on its cheeks with purple membranes in them. “Golbat! Stop that monkey!” he ordered.

“I don’t think so!” I countered throwing a Great Ball to release my Piloswine. “Powder Snow!” The Swine Pokémon created a wind that began condensing water molecules in the air into ice fragments that were blown at Golbat before it could go after Axel.

“Let me guess. I’m taking the prince to Aerodactyl while you have the fun of battling.” Axel observed running passed with Johan thrown over his shoulder.

“Just consider it motivation to get your ass back here as soon as possible.” I taunted. The monkey growled at me as he continued back the way we came.

“Damn you! You actually think you can stop me?” interrogated my opponent clutching the top of his forehead. As he pulled off his face, his entire disguise began to give way until he was back to his old appearance with a pink blob in his hand. So it was a Ditto that made him a master of disguise.

“I don’t think, I know I can kick your ass.” I retorted. “And even if I somehow lose, my partners are already on their way. You see, we finished off all the Rockets at the hotel, and Master Raiden and Lt. Deter should have no problem finishing off your goons downstairs. That makes you the only one left.”

“I’ve heard enough from you! Golbat! Make Piloswine suffer with Toxic!” Lambda commanded. The vampire made a hacking sound as its mouth filled with a purple ooze which it then spit all over Piloswine. The wooly pig made as sickly sound as the sludge seep through his thick fur and was absorbed by his skin.

“Hang in there.” I encouraged. “Use Ice Fang!” The boar’s twin tusks were coated in a thin layer of frost as he charged at Golbat. Once he was close enough, Piloswine shook his head to stab Golbat once with each tusk. Piloswine then winced as the poison started taking its effect.

“Suffer a little more! Confuse Ray Golbat!” shouted the Rocket Executive. With a loud screech, the Bat Pokémon blasted a bright white light from its gigantic mouth directly at the mammoth boar who was still at too close a range to have any hope avoiding the attack.

“Resist confusion Piloswine! Take Down the son of a bitch!” I called. Instead of doing what I asked, Piloswine drunkenly shook his head side to side as if dancing. That must be one trippy song playing in his head.

“That’s more like it. Use Aerial Ace Golbat!” yelled Lambda. Golbat flew over the field directly above Piloswine, then as it dive-bombed the parasite was surrounded in white streaks as the air around it broke apart from the speed. Piloswine grunted loudly in displeasure as he was struck, both from the pain of the attack and from the poison continuously draining his strength.

“Hit Golbat with Ice Fang again!” I commanded taking note that the mammoth pig was still bobbing his head back and forth. The Swine Pokémon’s tusks were once again covered in ice as he jabbed his bloodsucking opponent several times. If I had ordered Fury Attack it wouldn’t have made much difference, this just hurt more.

“Golbat! Restore your strength with Leech Life!” Lambda ordered. The vampire looked more than delighted at suck a request. It flew behind Piloswine, away from all possible points of offense, and sunk his fangs into the thick hide of the wooly boar’s giant hump. I knew that had to hurt because Golbat’s mouth was bigger than Piloswine’s body. The Swine Pokémon began going wild, jumping up and down and scraping his hooves against the wooden floor. On top of that, Toxic was taking a heavier toll on him every minute.

“Piloswine! Body Slam into that wall!” I called pointing to the one on our right. Piloswine snorted as he ran straight for it, then turned at the last second to smash his back and the parasite on it into the wall. The impact sent vibrations through the room and dust falling from the ceiling. Golbat spat fresh blood as it let out an ear piercing shriek from getting pinned between the two. I wasn’t entirely sure if that was Piloswine’s blood that it had drunken or its own.

“Now finish that thing with Blizzard!” I commanded. This battle had gone on long enough. The Swine Pokémon turned to his opponent who was still regrouping from having its meal interrupted. Without hesitation Piloswine took a deep breath, then exhaled the coldest wind imaginable turning the air and everything around it into ice. The Bat Pokémon cried in agony as the frozen gale shredded its wings and formed crystals of ice on its body. When the wooly boar ceased the attack from fatigue, Golbat collapsed to the ground unconscious and very hypothermic.

“Dammit! I can’t believe I’m losing to some punk!” the Rocket Executive berated as he returned the Bat Pokémon to its ball and readied another. I did the same with Piloswine so that he could take the rest he earned. “You won’t beat my Raticate!” A brown bipedal rat with a long scaly tail, messy brown fur, and four giant front teeth, two on top two on bottom, materialized from its Pokéball. In response, I summoned Riolu from his ball.

“Start us off with Bullet Punch Rio!” I called. Riolu’s fist started glowing blue before he disappeared in a blue blur. The young Pokémon reappeared in front of Raticate and thrust his fist between the Rat Pokémon’s eyes. The oversized rodent shrieked in pain while putting its paws to its eyes out of instinct.

“You can’t let that little creature beat you! Use Hyper Fang!” my opponent ordered. In the blink of an eye, Raticate pounced on Riolu with its mouth wide open. The only thing that kept Raticate from biting off the Emanation Pokémon’s head was Riolu holding its jaws open as the rodent pressed forward.

“Kick it Riolu!” I told him. This stalemate would have gone on until one of them either wore out or did something, and it’s better for me that Riolu be the one to do it. The young canine delivered a swift kick to Raticate’s stomach per my request causing the Rat Pokémon to jump back. “Now use Quick Attack!” I called.

“Raticate! Sucker Punch!” countered Lambda the second Riolu moved. Before the Emanation Pokémon could land his attack, Raticate slugged him in the face as soon as he was within the rodent’s reach.

“Counter Riolu!” I commanded. The young Pokémon clasped his paws around Raticate’s claw and flipped it over his shoulder.

“Get out of there! Quick Attack!” Lambda shouted. After rolling over on all fours, the Rat Pokémon lunged at Riolu with incredible speed sending him bouncing down the floor. True to form, Riolu got right back up. “I guess I’ll just have to increase the pain. Use Swords Dance Raticate!” instructed the Rocket Executive. Raticate growled as it increased its fighting power. For a brief second it looked like transparent swords had appeared around the rodent.

“Be on your guard Riolu. As soon as Lambda calls another attack, use Detect!” I strategized. Riolu nodded in compliance wiggling his aura sensing appendages to get a feel for the environment.

“Too bad your plan won’t work! Drop their guard with Screech Raticate!” yelled Lambda. Raticate let out an ear splitting sound that forced both Riolu and I to hold our ears. “Now hit it with Zen Headbutt!” I heard my opponent shout after the audio onslaught. The Rat Pokémon dropped to all fours again and charged at the small canine with a glowing pink head. Still disoriented from Screech, Riolu was unable to defend himself when Raticate literally attacked head on.

“Hang in there Rio!” I encouraged. “Use Cross Chop!” The Emanation ran back to the giant rodent then karate chopped Raticate on both sides of its neck so that his arms ended in an X shape. Needless to say, I was pretty shocked and a bit worried when Raticate opened its eyes with a menacing glare aimed at Riolu.

“Bite the damn thing’s arms off!” the Rocket Executive ordered. The Rat Pokémon mercilessly chomped down on Riolu’s right paw causing the young canine to bark in pain as he struggled to free his arm. While I disliked this predicament, I did see a benefit to it.

“Riolu! Force Palm directly into Raticate’s mouth!” I commanded. The Emanation Pokémon quickly composed himself as he concentrated his aura into a blue glow in his palm. He then straightened his hand to send an azure energy blast tearing through Raticate’s body. The rodent yelled in agony releasing Riolu at once.

“Now finish this with Brick Break!” I called. Riolu paid back Raticate’s bite with interest by landing a powerful punch to the Rat Pokémon’s fangs shattering them to pieces. Raticate dropped to its knees clutching its face in agony as enamel and blood fell from its mouth. If I didn’t know that those teeth grow back, I’d almost feel bad for starving the creature. In a matter of seconds, Raticate passed out from the pain.

“No.” Lambda denied taking a step back. “This can’t be. I can’t be losing to the likes of you! I am a memember of the glorious Team Rocket!”

“Recall your Raticate and bring out your next Pokémon. If you don’t finish this Pokémon Battle, then I will kill you on the spot like I did with all of your minions at the hotel.” I warned returning Riolu.

“You did what!?” he demanded in disbelief. I smiled at him with a deranged look in my most likely red eyes and began laughing.

“My partners and I defeated the grunts you brought with you and then I destroyed them all!” I proudly admit. Lambda looked absolutely terrified of such a revelation. “Now then…” I trailed walking forward.

“Don’t come any closer!” cried the Rocket Executive in fear grabbing another Pokéball. “Protect me Weezing!” he begged sending out the Poison-type from earlier.

“That’s more like it! Let’s go Snorlax!” I called releasing my rotund bear from his Ultra Ball. Snorlax stretched and yawned as if I had woken him up from a nap.

“I’m back!” Axel announced jumping into the fray. “I told Aerodactyl to drop him off back at the hotel. He’s probably calling the police so you may want to finish this soon.” the monkey advised.

“Guess what Lambda. According to Axel, Johan Kaiser is free and is calling the police as we speak. You lose!” I mocked. Lambda’s eye began twitching while he began grinding his teeth.

“Brian!” Raiden called running in behind Lambda with Lt. Deter effectively surrounding the Rocket.

“No! It won’t end this way! Weezing! Take them all out with Explosion!” ordered the Rocket Executive in desperation. The Poison Gas Pokémon’s body began slowly expanding beyond its normal limits.

“Get back!” shouted Lt. Deter as Weezing’s massive growth suddenly came to as stop. It then rapidly contracted its body exerting so much pressure that it broke apart releasing all of its toxic gases at once in a fiery burst that shook the whole room and probably the whole tower. I heard a cracking sound of splintering wood just before the ancient floor beneath my feet gave way.

“Oh shit!” I yelled as I felt myself go into a freefall. I saw Axel reach down to grab me, but I was only able to touch my fingers to his as I plummeted. As my luck would have it, Snorlax had also fallen through the hole. I pulled out his Ultra Ball and called him back then maneuvered myself in the falling debris to point my arm downward to resummon him beneath me. No sooner had Snorlax finished materializing, did I land on his soft belly.

“I’m coming!” I heard Axel yell as he jumped down to join us also landing on Snorlax. I looked around to see if anyone else had fallen and what damage there was. Littered among the burned and fragmented wood were warped purple chunks of Weezing’s kamikaze attack. What a miserable way to end things.

“So you survived.” a voice said sounding neither relieved nor malicious. I turned to see Raiden brushing himself off after the fall.

“Yeah. You know it takes more than that to kill me.” I said rubbing my shoulders. “Where are Lt. Deter and Lambda?” I asked looking around for them.

“I’m not sure. Maybe they were killed.” Raiden answered bluntly. I put my hand to my chin to think. I highly doubt Lambda would have intentionally killed himself, but given the circumstances he may not have been thinking straight. Still…

“I want to find proof. If Lambda is still alive, then I want to kill him. As for the midget, well, he’d probably be pissed off at us for ditching him.” I said.

“Alright. You search down here, I’ll go back upstairs to see what I can find.” suggested Raiden. I nodded telling Axel and Snorlax to overturn some of the fallen wood for any traces of anyone.

No sooner had I begun my search, Chane, Eve, and Zack at long last rejoined me. “What took you guys so long?” I teased when they saw me.

“Have you ever tried running in heels? It ain’t easy. On top of that, your pretty princess had to throw up.” Eve informed cynically.

“It’s your fault I feel so terrible.” Chane reminded.

“My condolences Chane. But seriously, why do you girls torture yourselves with those shoes?” I questioned in complete dismay.

“Because they’re cute and really go with my outfit.” responded Eve as if it were completely obvious and that I should know this already. I still didn’t quite understand. “Plus I can use them to punish Kaguya if he misbehaves.”

“Normally I would respond to that with something naughty, but now isn’t the time. What happened up there and where is everyone?” Zack asked seriously. I proceeded to fill in everyone on what I did with Johan and the battle with Lambda leading up to the big kaboom. Then I told them about my recent assignment from Raiden.

“But I never said that.” Raiden said in confusion walking in to join us along with Lt.Deter.

“That’s right. Raiden has been with me since the moment we entered the Tower.” the lieutenant informed. If that’s true that means… Dammit! That rat bastard deceived me!

“LAMBDA!” I yelled furiously. I returned Snorlax once again and charged passed my superiors.

“Where the hell do you think you’re going?” demanded Charles.

“I’m hungry and I’m in the mood for some lamb! Duh!” I shouted viciously. I heard no response to that whether there was one or not because I was already on the lookout for the stairs so that I could catch up to my prey. No one gets on my bad side and lives!

“You’re not leaving me out of this fight!” called Axel running up behind me. I smiled at him as I continued my search.

When we got to the stairs I actually dropped to all fours since it was easier to climb them that way. We tore back up to the sixth floor only slowing down to find a way around the big giant hole in the floor. With Axel’s natural speed and the boost I got from Dragon Forme, we easily caught up to Lambda who had resumed his natural appearance on the eighth floor.

“Oh shit!” he cried the moment he saw me. The look of primal terror and sweat on his face said he was on the verge of pissing himself. “Ditto! Transform into the Infernape!” he pleaded sending out the pink amoeba. Seconds later, the Transform Pokémon had created an exact replica of Axel.

“Monkey battle huh? Let’s see if you can give me a good show!” my Infernape said with excitement at getting the chance to fight himself.

“Axel! See how well this copy does with Close Combat!” I commanded.

“Do the same Ditto!” shouted Lambda. Monkey see, monkey do eh? The two gold Infernapes rushed eachother and began a barrage of punches and kicks on one another. It was obvious which one was which with how expertly Axel parried and dodged Ditto’s blows while countering with his own.

“Why not try something these idiots can’t mimic? Combo 16! Away!” I yelled.

“Was the away really necessary?” Axel questioned as his hands and feet were surrounded by fire. He continued with his Close Combat with the added effects of Fire Punch and Blaze Kick in the mix.

“You think Ditto can’t mirror that? I’ll show you! Do exactly what the Infernape is doing!” the Rocket Executive ordered. As expected, the Transform Pokémon didn’t have the natural talent of a Fire-type or the years of training Axel had endured to maintain a flame on each limb at once. I laughed at how pitiful Ditto looked as it struggled to simultaneously ignite more than one appendage at a time.

“Axel, I really want you to mess with these guys. Double Team.” I said casually. The monkey pulled the bottom of his eyelid down while sticking out his tongue before multiplying so that both Ditto and Lambda would have to stare at eight copies of that.

“Stop mocking me!” Lambda yelled at me.

“You mean like the way you mocked me earlier by disguising yourself as Master Raiden?” I retorted. “Face it, you can’t stand that you’re losing. Attention all Axels! Mach Punch Ditto all at once!” I instructed throwing my hand out toward the pseudo Infernape. Each of my Infernapes began laughing evilly as they pulled back their fists.

“No! Ditto! Flamethrower them!” cried my opponent. The Axel-replica opened its mouth spitting a long tongue of fire at all of the Axel clones. Before the flames could touch them, each copy disappeared in golden blurs, but were ultimately destroyed when they got too close to the Transform Pokémon who was turning its head side to side covering its flanks. What Ditto failed to notice though was the blur that appeared behind it lobbing it in the back of the head.

“Pika boo! I see you!” Axel announced as the fabrication fell face down on the floor.

“You worthless Pokémon! Get up! You need to beat this guy Ditto! Get up!” commanded Lambda desperately as his own life depended greatly on the outcome of this fight. Suddenly the sound of footsteps echoed throughout the room as the members of Team Neos assigned to this mission arrived.

“Now why did you have to go and steal the show without us?” Zack asked dejectedly. Lambda looked about as horrified seeing the six of us together as he did with me alone.

“This can’t be! More of you showed up!?” he whimpered taking a few steps back.

“Aw. You broke him before I could play with him.” Eve said sadly. Almost as if sensing the change in the tide, Ditto got back up just barely maintaining its Infernape form. At the sight of his Pokémon, Lambda got a wry smile as if he still had a chance to get out of this.

“Ditto! Burn everything! Everything!” he ordered frantically. Ditto once again breathed flames, turning its head in every direction setting the seven-century-old tower a blaze. “Ecruteak City was always meant to have twin towers! Now this one will be burned to the ground as well!” yelled the Rocket Executive clearly out of his mind as fire consumed the wood and paper doors giving the room an orange glow. “So long Neos! Enjoy hell!” With that he ran into the inferno laughing triumphantly. "All hail Team Rocket!"

“You just had to fucking antagonize him didn’t you?!” Lt. Deter reprimanded to me.

“Now isn’t the time for that Lieutenant! Right now it is crucial we put out this fire!” Raiden argued. Zack already had Lloyd on the scene spewing Hydro Pumps everywhere.

“Help us Kermit!” Chane requested summoning her Azumarill which also used Hydro Pump once realizing the situation. Deter’s Milotic and Eve’s Walrein were also called upon to insist on this dire situation with Milotic placing a Safeguard around everyone for protection. Raiden being an Electric-type trainer and I not having a Water-type Pokémon on my person made us the only ones not helping out.

“Electrode! Use Rollout to put out the flames!” Raiden called sending out a large inverted Pokéball that began rolling its spherical body over the fires. Yeah, thanks for making me the only one not to contribute.

“I don’t mean to ditch you guys again, especially during this crisis, but I’m useless right now except in finishing off Lambda!” I told them all straightforwardly.

“Then go! Just don’t get hurt!” Raiden authorized. I nodded as I ran in the direction the Rocket Executive had gone with Axel close behind. Given that this wasn’t the way back downstairs, the maniac must be going to the roof. Why any idiot would go up in a burning building and not down is beyond me, but this only made him cornered when I finally found him.

“Just think. If Aerodactyl came back already from dropping off that guy, Lambda is in really deep shit!” Axel pointed out enthusiastically. I laughed at the thought of his expression if he ran into my prehistoric terror up there.

We got to the top floor once again closing in on our prey who was standing in front of the ladder going up to the roof. “Don’t you ever quit? Just please leave me alone!” Lambda begged as he vigorously climbed the ladder.

“I’ll quit when you’re dead! Then you can be left alone for eternity!” I promised darkly chasing after him. I reached up the ladder to grab his foot only to get my hand kicked away before I could pull him back down.

“You’ll pay for that!” I yelled following Lambda to the roof. Much to my surprise and anger, there was a black chopper with a red “R” painted on it waiting to rescue the Rocket Executive. I ran after the purple haired freak with draconic energy surrounding my claws to strike him down before he could get away. Fortunately for Lambda, he turned around just in time to duck causing me to behead one of the four Ho-oh statues instead. He then swung his leg behind mine tripping me and sending me falling to the floor.

“As I told you before, so long you Neos fool!” Lambda bid farewell grabbing a rung of the rope ladder his comrades were kind enough to send down to him. As the helicopter flew away from the tower, I got up and chased after it. There was no way I was letting my catch get away! I jumped onto the blue tiles only to lose my balance and start sliding down.

“Brian!” Axel shouted worriedly as he reached out to stop me. I was already too far out of his reach and sliding too much to stop. At the last second I jumped off the roof and grabbed the bottom most rung of the rope ladder that was still hanging out.

“Tenacious creature!” sneered the Rocket Exective attempting to kick me off with his left foot. I pulled my head back to avoid his kick, then I leaned back in sinking my fangs into his akeles tendon and ankle. Yes, the way that bite felt, I am now sure that Dragon-Forme comes with fangs as well. Lambda screamed in pain desperately trying to pull his leg away from me. I responded by shaking my head like a Growlithe puppy with a brand new chew toy to rip to shreds. With every tug, the taste of iron got stronger as his blood filled my mouth. The worst part was how much I liked the taste!

“Release me you monster! Release me!” he pleaded hysterically. “Are you trying to kill us both? Do you want to die?” interrogated Lambda with his grip on the rope noticeable weakening with how much extra slack I was getting with every yank.

Out of necessity, Lambda pulled his right foot back and slammed it into my face in a last ditch effort to free himself. I winced in pain as I was struck again and again. Too bad for Lambda that this was a double edged sword on his part as every time I was hit, my bite got tighter. Then came that last boot to the face which I couldn’t endure any longer. I opened my mouth to let out a cry of pain only to lose my grip on Lambda’s leg and thus fell to the ground below.

While in free fall, I watched helplessly as the chopper flew into the distance. I soon realized just how far it had gone in those few moments as Tin Tower was part of the horizon like it had been when I first arrived. Below me were a bunch of trees that indicated that I was falling on the border between Ecruteak and Route 42. At least I’ll have them to break my fall. Or my neck.

“There’s our dumbass!” I heard a familiar voice ring out into the night. A winged beast soon flew over me, retrieving my plummeting body in its claws. “You are so lucky Aerodactyl got back just as you left. As soon as we land you’re getting on your knees and begging for forgiveness for being such a reckless dumbass.” Axel threatened.

“I know, I deserve as much.” I admit as I climbed up Aerodactyl’s side to his back. “But what about Master Raiden and the others? Are the fires out?” I asked concernedly.

“Don’t know. But Raiden won’t be so happy with you. He said not to get hurt, and here you are with a back eye, and a few scrapes and bruises on your face.” the monkey pointed out.

“Nothing my healing factor won’t clean up in a couple of days.” I said nonchalantly. “But first we need to get back there and make sure everyone is okay!” I said more urgently. Without any instruction, Aerodactyl made a U-turn back to Tin Tower. And by U-turn, I mean another back flip and a corkscrew much to a certain monkey’s displeasure.

When we got back, police cars were already parked at the entrance with the cops dressed in SWAT uniforms and armed with rifles and Pokéballs storming the tower. That isn’t good. If my team hasn’t gotten out of there yet, they are utterly screwed unless they find a way to get out from the roof.

I had my Fossil Pokémon once again fly to the top so that Axel and I could go through the tower from the upper tiers and assist in any way we could. When we got back to the roof, I returned Aerodactyl and began my search. There was significant fire damage to the eighth floor, but all the flames had been put out which was a sigh of relief right there. However, there was no sign of anyone, not even the Rattata and Gastly that infest this place. We had to slow down again when the two of us got to the scene of Weezing’s Explosion to get by the hole in the floor without falling. Man, we sure did a number on this place. I sure hope Ho-oh doesn’t curse us for this.

When Axel and I got to the fourth floor, we were greeted by the sight of the aforementioned SWAT team laying on the floor unconscious with a fine green powder surrounding them like dust. I crouched down, wiped some on my fingers, and sniffed it. Instantly I began to feel drowsy as my eyelids got heavy.

“Sleep Powder.” I affirmed. “Most likely from Izzy which means everyone most likely got away without trouble.”

“Then let’s keep going down to the front door and get the hell out of here.” Axel proposed.

Once back outside I noticed the cops who had stayed with the cars as back up were also asleep, complements of a certain Breloom’s Sleep Powder. With still no sign of my comrades, I did what I should have done half an hour ago: pull out my cell phone and call Raiden.

“Hello?” he answered picking up.

“Yeah, where are you guys right now? I just spent the last half hour wandering around Tin Tower looking for you all and now I’m back outside again.” I explained sheepishly.

“We’re on our way back to the hotel. Meet us back there immediately.” instructed Raiden before hanging up. Forget Ho-oh’s curse, now I hope I’m not in trouble with Raiden. That would suck worse.

This time when I (yet again) summoned Aerodactyl, he gave an exasperated sigh from all the work he’s had to do in one night. I apologized, promising him a good meal and first dibs in the next battle I get in. Only slightly satisfied with the potential rewards, the Flying-type agreed to let me mount him for the last time tonight. Considering the eastern sky was starting to glow a pale blue with the soon to be rising sun, I could understand his weariness. Even I was exhausted from all that had been done.

Chapter 27: Aftermath

Rather than go straight back to the room, I made a detour to the Pokémon Center to heal my Pokémon. It would be irresponsible and cruel of me as a trainer to leave them in the shape they’re in. I’m sure Raiden will understand.

In the wee hours of the morning it was no surprise that the Center was empty save for two bored looking nurses at having the graveyard shift. They immediately jumped to attention seeing me walk in.

“Good morning! You’re up early!” greeted one of them, a brunette.

“Oh my! What happened to you?” questioned the second, a red head, noticing how beat up I was.

“I got in a scuffle with Team Rocket. My Pokémon could really use your attention, especially my Riolu and Piloswine.” I said holding out my Pokémon’s balls. “And this one doesn’t have a functional ball so you’ll have to do him the old fashioned way.” I added motioning Axel.

“Right away!” they agreed in unison.

It took two doses of Antidote to cure Piloswine’s poison condition, followed by getting the puncture wounds made by Golbat’s fangs cleaned up and bandaged to prevent infection. Riolu had some lacerations on his lower arm from the bite which were direct opposite of the metal plate on his upper arm which is why he had no wounds there. He too was cleaned up and bandaged to avoid infection. The rest of my Pokémon got the standard rejuvenation treatment.

“You’re Pokémon are fully healed. Have a good day and try to be careful.” said the red head energetically handing me back the Pokéballs.

“Thanks.” I said appreciatively.

“I thank you too.” Axel said looking livelier.
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All of us seemed to congregate back to the hotel at the same time with me coming in seconds after everyone else. We actually had to sneak around to get back to our room as the place was crawling with police investigating the night’s event.

“That was such a pain. I want to take a hot shower and I want to go to bed.” Eve complained sounding about as worn out as she looked.

“Can I join you?” inquired Zack in a weak voice, the complete opposite of his usual cheerfulness. All he got was an irritated look as Eve was too tired to even punish him with physical pain.

“No one is doing anything until we review what happened!” Charles prohibited sounding about as grumpy as always. We all gathered around the table he and Raiden had been meeting at earlier to hear the midget rant.

Abridged version: Lt. Deter was far from happy. Despite saving Johan Kaiser as was the entire goal of the mission, along with the bonus of capturing the two Rockets who had been Lambda’s lackeys for interrogation, Lambda still got away and the damage to done to the hotel and Tin Tower have effectively put an end to the endorsement Team Neos would have received for saving the Prime Minister’s son. After all, what politician in his right mind is going to endorse terrorists?

“As punishment, you are all demoted!” the angry little man yelled.

“Hold on! We accomplished our mission! We may not have gotten the bonus you wanted, but you and Master Raiden still succeeded in capturing two Rockets! Isn’t that compensation enough?” I objected jumping to my feet.

“Silence! You’re the jackass who caused most of the mess!” accused Lt. Deter. That quickly silenced me while making me feel pretty bad about my destructive tendencies.

“Brian has a point though.” Raiden defended. “What happened in the ballroom downstairs was a direct result of an out of hand battle where my squad was heavily out numbered, and technically it was Lambda who ruined Tin Tower.” he pointed out.

“I don’t care! The five of you are now grunts! You got that?” yelled Charles with a vein popping on his forehead that looked like it was about to burst.

“Now with all due respect, you are my superior but that does not mean I will not appeal the situation to Captain Ross.” Raiden threatened. Now it was the midget’s turn to look concerned about his future.

“You wouldn’t dare get her involved in this!” Deter challenged. The third seat simply looked at the lieutenant intensely and unwaveringly. It was the most emotion I’d ever seen in Raiden.

“Try me.” Raiden dared. “I will do whatever it takes to protect my people. Sure we still have some work to do, but tonight proves their strength.”

“Wh-who are you talking about?” asked Chane curiously.

“Just like Lt. Deter is my direct superior, Captain Alexandra Ross is his direct superior. They do not get along very well.” Raiden explained. Makes sense why the midget looks so panicked by the prospect then.

“Ok, fine. I won’t demote any of you.” Lt. Deter caved. “But I’m reassigning the lot of you to the Kanto region effective tomorrow. Now get some rest.” he ordered before getting up from the table and storming out of the room.

“Glad that’s over.” Zack said tiredly stretching. “I’m going to bed. I have a hot date tonight.”

“Kaguya has a date?” Eve said in disbelief as Zack dragged himself to his room.

“Jealous?” he shot back seductively.

“No, just wondering what kind of desperate whore you picked up.” she responded uncaringly.

“Now that wasn’t very nice. Angela happens to be a very nice girl.” said Zack defensively. Rather than wait for Eve’s next stab, he continued back to his room.

“Good night.” Chane said softly.

“And you!” Eve pointed at me. “What the hell are you really?” she demanded.

“It can wait until I wake up.” I told her. I then turned to Raiden. “Thanks for taking up for me earlier.” I thanked. He nodded in response. “Come along Axel. Night ladies. Master Raiden.” I said nodding to each one as I made my way to my room.

“What a night.” Axel groaned falling flat on the floor of our bedroom.

“Tell me about it.” I sighed looking at the early morning light coming in from the window. I collapsed face first onto the soft bed and quickly faded from consciousness.
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It was 12:05p when I finally revived from my sleep. I tiredly cracked my neck and stretched my arms over my head. I was still so groggy from my all-nighter that I almost wanted to go back to sleep. unfortunately I was also tired of sleeping.

“Feed me!” ordered Axel like a spoiled child jumping on top of me in bed. Don’t anyone read too far into that.

“Feed yourself you lazy monkey.” I told the Infernape pushing him off of me.

“I did, I ransacked your stash of Cheri Berries, but I’m still hungry!” he persisted. I rolled my eyes and crawled out of bed.

“Fine. Come along.” I said walking to the door. No sooner had I walked out of my room did everyone else turned to me. Chane had an expression of worry and concern on her face, while Eve looked absolutely thrilled. Raiden on the other hand seemed to gaze at me with pity.

“Have a seat.” Eve offered sweetly tapping the cushion next to her in front of the TV. “You too Axel. You both really should watch this.” I took my seat next to her noticing that the News was on. I became slightly unnerved when I realized that the black haired female reporter was standing at the entrance of the Phoenix Hotel.

“Team Rocket’s kidnapping attempt was quickly thwarted by the teamwork of six trainers, one of them a self proclaimed member of Team Neos.” she reported. The scene then shifted to the ballroom which had a huge crater in its center, cracks in the walls, broken furniture, and yellow caution tape everywhere. “The hotel ballroom where the battle took place was left in ruins with thousands of dollars worth of damage after a heated battle culminating the suspected Neos member ordering his Pokémon to murder the Rockets with Hyper Beam. He is wanted by police for multiple accounts of second degree murder and reckless endangerment as well as for questioning. Witnesses say that he gave his name as “Brian Xelbu” and that he can be identified by the Infernape with unnatural gold fur that he used in battle. Here is a police sketch of what witnesses say the suspect looks like.” the reporter continued with the screen flashing to a very poorly drawn picture of me.

“Dude, you are totally screwed.” teased Eve. Instead of having an ‘oh shit’ moment like any normal person, I quickly fell into maniacal laughter at how soon I had been outed. This earned me blank stares from everyone, even Axel.

“I fail to see the amusement in this. We can’t show our faces in public anymore!” reminded the Infernape irritably. I slowly turned to him with a giggle still in my throat.

“But Axel, you and I already agreed that this was best. Remember when Master Raiden brought up the subject before? Don’t tell me you’re backing out now.” I laughed.

“That was before last night.” Raiden said. “There will be no repercussions for your actions, I just want to know what I am dealing with when I turn you loose next time.”

“Dragon-Forme.” I answered simply. “I’m not lying when I say that I know very little about my strange power. I had some tests done that confirmed this fact and all I know so far is that I am in fact a Dragon-typed human, I can use Dragon Pulse and Dragon Claw, I can’t damage steel, and I am critically weak to the cold. On top of all that, I can’t control the transformation, and once I am in that Forme my aggression is through the roof. As you noticed I was like I wild monster last night. Oh. I also have accelerated healing.”

“That was heavier than expected. If I hadn’t seen your startling display first hand I wouldn’t believe such a thing.” said Eve with a sigh. I was actually in the same boat as her. I have lived it for a week and it still feels unreal.

“Well it explains the Dragon Fang incident.” Zack said lightly trying to make the revelation less intense. Chane then came up to me and gave me a hug.

“Whatever you are, I still like you as long as you keep being you.” she said warmly.

“Thanks.” I said patting her head.

“Aw. You two make a cute couple.” taunted Eve with a snicker.

“W-we are not a couple!” protested Chane blushing slightly.

“That’s right. We’re friends who aren’t afraid to show our affections. It’s the same way with me and Axel.” I agreed.

“Wow Chane. You just got compared to a monkey.” Eve giggled.

“S-so? I-it’s true.” she stuttered defensively.

“Then why are you still hugging him?” continued Eve unrelenting. Noticing the blonde was right, Chane quickly released me while taking a step back with an apology.

“Brian. A Pokémon is only as strong as its trainer.” Raiden reminded. I remained silent to hear him out at what he was getting to. “You are weak. Being half a Pokémon means you must also become your own trainer. Train hard and learn to control yourself better. Leaving yourself uninhibited like this will only lead to your own destruction.”

The way he said wasn’t stern like a lecture, nor was it a warning. In his own way Raiden was begging me not to do anything that could permanently ruin my life or end it. While he was aloof and normally inattentive, I could tell after how he dealt with Lt. Deter earlier and how he handled learning about Dragon-Forme that he really does care about our well-being.

“Yes, my lord!” I accepted gratefully. “I won’t let my inner demon consume me. I’ll bend it to my will to make it a part of me.”

“Wait!” Axel cried suddenly. “If we’re still in the hotel, and reporters and police are everywhere, won’t we get caught?” I relayed the question to everyone else with equal concern. I was pretty mad I hadn’t thought about such a threatening issue sooner.

“I took care of that.” said Zack reassuringly with pride. “I still have my Ranger ID for emergencies. When the police came to our door for questioning, I showed my ID and told them that ‘Yes, I helped in that battle, but because Team Rocket are practically Pokémon poachers which I am sworn to combat. I had no idea that the guy from Team Neos would take things so far. I would have arrested him, but he took off before I could.’ I then assured the cops that everyone else staying in my room were trustworthy individuals.” he explained. I high fived Zack for such a brilliantly audacious stunt.

With that out of the way, Axel and I went to the kitchen to finally get our breakfast/lunch after nearly eighteen hours. All the while, I heard from Raiden how he and Charles had no problem dispatching Lambda’s guards in the tower and how Deter’s Arbok and Tyranitar detained the two while their trainer and Raiden went to the upper levels to eventually join with me. It also explained why Lt. Deter didn’t use Tyranitar during the fire to make uses of its Sandstream ability.

Tyranitar then carried both of the Rockets to the lieutenant’s car where Dusknoir then watched them until presumably Deter left to drag them to where ever headquarters was for interrogation. Pretty sad that I still have no damn clue where HQ is for this organization.

Next I finally changed out of my suit (I had slept in it) back into my usual attire. I then proceeded to pack everything up so that all I had on me was a single Item Ball that contained my backpack which had everything else in it.

“Come on Raiden! Let’s go to Kanto already!” Zack persisted.

“Why are you in such a hurry Zack? I thought you had a date tonight.” I asked in confusion. He looked down in defeat.

“She just called me to say that she hooked up with her ex-boyfriend last night. The date’s off.” he said in disappointment.

“Awwwww. Poor Zacky. The girl must have come to her senses after all.” Eve tormented sarcastically. Put that way I almost felt sorry for him.

“If you really feel sorry for me, then give me the comfort only a woman can give.” he requested romantically embracing her.

“I’ll comfort you with the pain only a man can feel. How about that?” she said nonchalantly sliding her hands down his torso to his crotch.

“Point taken.” said Zack knowingly as hew released her. He didn’t want any repeats of last night’s abuse on his balls. Then again, who would?

“Eve, you’re a hypocrite. You hate it when Zack touches you, and yet you enjoy touching him in naughty places.” I pointed out just to mess with her.

“You’re simply too young to appreciate adult interactions.” she retorted. “If it means bending someone to my will, I’m even willing to do a strip tease.”

“Please?” solicited Zack wide eyed reaching for her skirt.

“Knock it off. You four better behave yourselves on the Magnet Train. It’s an hour and a half ride so try to be civil.” Raiden requested. The lecher retracted his hand, not just because Raiden said so, but also because Eve now had a Great Ball in her hand that most likely held an unpleasant punishment if he proceeded.

“Since you are now a wanted man, you and Axel need to sneak out from the balcony. The rest of us will check out downstairs and meet you at the Pokémon Center.” the third seat instructed. I nodded and walked outside onto the terrace.

“Ready Monkey?” I inquired.

“Let’s run like crazy Psycho Monkey!” Axel agreed. He jumped off the balcony first as he is more graceful at landing from two stories up. I jumped next into the Infernape’s open arms using him to break my fall. Unfortunately, it didn’t exactly work as planned and hurt about as much as if I had done a barrel roll. “We need a new way of doing this.” he said sounding strained.

“Indeed.” I acknowledged rubbing my ribs. We then ran for dear life so as not to be spotted. It would be pretty shameful to have come this far only to get caught now. Once we five humans (do I even count any more?) rendezvoused at the Center, we headed out to Goldenrod City to catch our train for Kanto.
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We are almost all caught up now! Ill post the last 'old' one later followed by the long awaited new one!

I just realized your avatar is meant to be Brian. Cool.