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Manhunt
Mar 24, 2008 2:37:27 GMT 12
Post by dryuu01 on Mar 24, 2008 2:37:27 GMT 12
-I was originally planning a previously announced War of Legends remake, but instead this crops up. Same characters, and also the same ship(eventually).
DISCLAIMER: I don't own Pokemon.
MH01: Take Over
The story begins in Foento City, the home of the Sinnoh Pokemon League. The league in question has just concluded, but the city it is held in was still teeming with activity.
Ash Ketchum, runner-up of the Sinnoh League, is seen walking out of the Pokemon Center with two of his friends, the siblings May and Max Maple. The former was checking up on his Pokemon, who were taken there for treatment.
Twelve hours ago, Ash was in a slump, throwing his match for his Pokemon, and thinking everyone ridiculed him for it. But, as it turns out, everyone saw this as a selfless act, and Ash was instead honored(and even awarded) for it. The champion, Ash's rival Paul Veil, acted completely opposite Ash's, and the one that was completely ignored.
"Well, aren't you glad that your Pokemon don't blame you for the loss either, Ash?" May asked.
"Yeah, yeah," Ash replied, only half-listening, as he was staring blankly at the sky. Foento City was just recovering from a rainstorm, and the sun is seen shining brightly above them.
Max ran ahead of them, oblivious to the conversation. "Come on, you two, or Brock and the others will finish off all the food before we can!"
Even though Max was out of earshot by now, Ash whispered, "So, why is he still tagging along with you instead of on his own journey?"
"He's still a year younger than the requisite age," was May's answer. "So he had to stay home during the past year while I was in Johto. But, as soon as we get back he will be ready to receive his license."
The trainers continued their walk through the city streets in silence. All around them there was a bustle of activity. From shopkeepers peddling their wares, to tourists either saying farewell to new friends or taking mementos of the city to remind them of.
It took some time for them to reach the hotel where Ash and his current travelling companions Brock and Dawn were staying. There Ash can see Dawn and Tracey helping prepare the gang's meal. Meanwhile, Ash also found Misty and Brock huddled around in a corner, talking in whispers. When they saw Ash and the others return, they quickly broke out of their conversation and forced some smiles.
"Hey, what's up?" Ash asked, as he walked over to them.
"Nothing, Ash," Brock replied. Ash could tell that he was not being so truthful. "How are your Pokemon?"
Just as Brock asked this, Misty turned to May and said, "May, can I talk to you for a moment?" Misty led the other girl away from Ash and Brock, talking in whisper.
"What's up?" Ash repeated, noting the seriousness in Misty's voice. "Is something wrong?"
"We'll tell you later, Ash. Come on," Brock said, leading the latter to the picnic table, "you must be really hungry." At a distance, Ash could see May and Misty also heading for the table, both looking grim.
Ash nearly forgot everything else because of his hunger. He joined everyone else in digging into the delicuous meal prepared by Brock. Soon into their meal talk rose about their plans after leaving Foento. Ash, busy with his meal, could only pick up a few lines, even though his friends are inches away.
"Professor Oak is thinking of going on vacation, to the Orange Islands," Tracey told Brock, on Ash's left side. "He's leaving Gary in charge, while I become his guide there."
"Well, the Orange Archipelago would indeed be a good vacation spot this time of year," Brock said out loud.
On Ash's other side... "I was thinking of heading over to Johto," Dawn was saying. "How's the Contest Circuit there, May? May?"
"Huh? Oh, sorry, what were you saying, Dawn?" Ash saw May was distracted in her own thoughts, which is why she answered a little later.
The rest of the meal was uneventful. Everyone is acting normal, as far as Ash can tell, at least. After the meal the gang talked a little more, and retired to their hotel rooms at 8:00 PM. They were all looking forward to leaving Foento City the next morning.
However, roughly an hour into resting in his bunk, and Ash quickly woke up. "Oh man," he muttered, chewing his lips. "I think I need to go to the bathroom."
Ash slowly lowered himself from his bunk, careful not to wake Max, Brock or Tracey on the other upper and lower bunks. Only, neither Brock or Tracey were there. "Huh?" He turned to a corner of the room where they stashed their luggage, and neither Brock's nor Tracey's were there either. "What the-?"
Scratching his head, Ash walked out of the room, not waking Max up at first. He strode to the girls' room next door, and knocked. "Hey, girls." No answer. Ash knocked a little harder. "Girls?"
It was a groggy Dawn, still in her pink PJs, who answered. "What's up, Ash? Why wake me up from my sleep?"
"Brock and Tracey are both gone," Ash said quickly.
"Huh?" Dawn answered, rubbing her eyes. "What do you mean, they're gone?"
"That's what I said," Ash said impatiently. "Are Misty and May-"
Dawn looked back into her room, turning the lights on in the process. Only then it was apparent that the bundle on the beds of the aforementioned girls were merely pillows. "Huh?" Dawn blinked. "Where'd they go?"
Before Ash could say anything, the hotel beeper on Ash's red Poketch rang. "A message from Indigo Plateau for Ash ketchum. Please intercept the call at the hotel station."
"What do they want?" Ash asked rhetorically. "Dawn, get dressed, and wake up Max. I'll see what this is about." And Ash was off before the girl could retort.
When Ash received his call, he was astonished to find it was from Lance of the Elite 4. The latter seemed utterly relieved to find Ash. "Am I glad that I was able to contact you before they do, Ash."
"They? Who's they, Lance? And why-"
"I've no time to explain. I want you to get out of Foento City as quickly as you can, and leave your friends and Pokemon behind if you want to. Head to Hearthome City, Fantina will-"
Ash was taken aback at what Lance last said. "You're asking me to leave the city without my friends or Pokemon?" Ash exclaimed, cutting the other trainer off. "Are you insane?"
By this point, Dawn and Max have joined Ash at the phone booth, both still sleepy. Max was ecstatic at the sight of Lance on the video, but the latter cut him off. "All I'm saying is," Lance continued, "your life is in danger now, Ash, and it's best that you disappear for a while until this whole thing is over."
"You're still not saying why I should abandon my friends and Pokemon," Ash retorted, raising his voice. "Of all people, you-"
Lance held his hands up to interrupt. "Okay, I'll tell you what's happening. Someone has taken over the Pokemon League Association, and whoever it is is hunting down anyone with a badge. Trainers, gym leaders, anyone."
"Why?" Something was running in Ash's thoughts. Brock, Misty and May; the first two being gym leaders themselves, and the latter a daughter of one. They all disappeared; have they known about this, and have gone into hiding? But why was Tracey gone as well? And why is Max still here?
"-don't know why," Lance was saying, by the time Ash returned to reality. This time it was the former who was getting impatient. "They'll be after you, being one of few to have more than the standard 8 badges."
"So you're saying you can't do anything about it?" Dawn piped up. "I heard about you, aren't you a member of the Elite Four?"
Although the video is starting to show static, Lance could still be seen clearly grim and shaking his head. "I'm sorry. Neither my comrades or myself can do anything about this. The best we can do in this situation is-" The line was cut off before Lance could even finish.
"Uh, oh," Ash muttered. "That can't be good..." The light was also cut off soon afterwards, sending the room into complete darkness, alarming everyone in the room.
CONTINUED
-No Elite Four, no plot involving the Legendaries(even though some of them get into the story later as well).
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Manhunt
Mar 24, 2008 3:13:52 GMT 12
Post by LuciferIX on Mar 24, 2008 3:13:52 GMT 12
Well I sent the official ff.net review before I saw this but I will repeat myself, you and your darn cliffhangers.
Its just something that I'll have to get used to yet again.
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Manhunt
Mar 24, 2008 3:34:25 GMT 12
Post by JbstormburstADV on Mar 24, 2008 3:34:25 GMT 12
Man, you are evil if you use so many cliffies, but I'm interested. This has potential to become another TOEF, maybe even the next MC (but that is very slim, even now). So, keep it going, good luck, and please limit the number of cliffies you use.
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Manhunt
Mar 24, 2008 5:15:50 GMT 12
Post by XAOTL on Mar 24, 2008 5:15:50 GMT 12
So, It's a sepuil to your one-shot.
I'm guessing this'll have more action than anything.
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Manhunt
Mar 24, 2008 6:31:27 GMT 12
Post by DaveTheFishandChipsGuy on Mar 24, 2008 6:31:27 GMT 12
Nice, the start of another saga.... of CLIFHANGERS!
I don't really mind, as I'm sure this will prove to be another fantastic series from you.
Looking forward to the next installment! Dave
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Manhunt
Mar 24, 2008 17:44:34 GMT 12
Post by dryuu01 on Mar 24, 2008 17:44:34 GMT 12
Now you'll see here why I mentioned in the last chapter "same characters".
Disclaimer: I'm only using the name, I don't own MiB, and they have no part in this story.
MH02: Into Hiding
"I still think it doesn't feel right," May said. "Us leaving without a word, and Max; why did we leave him in the first place as well?"
"I know, May, and we're sorry, but it's for the best," Misty comforted her. "Ash is in enough danger as he is."
"We told you already May," Brock added grimly. "We are in danger now for being gym leaders, or, at least, for being related to one. As for Max, even though he is a gym leader's kid like you, May, he won't be targeted by whoever is behind this plot because he is too young to be a trainer.
"Heard it all from Roark," Brock continued, waving his wrist, where his chocolate-brown Poketch was attached. "That, and he and the other Sinnoh leaders were into hiding themselves."
"Why didn't Tracey leave with us, if he's going into hiding himself?" May asked.
"What Tracey said earlier, about him and Professor Oak going to the Orange Islands, was a lie. Professor Oak is actually going to the Sevii Islands, where he can continue to support any resistance to the new 'leader'. Since the former archipelago was larger, they think that it'll take some time to discover the ruse."
---
Ash cupped his hands to both Dawn and Max, and shoved them under the table of the phone booth. He then squeezed in after them, as several men in black appeared from the front door. Their dress code seemed to blend in the darkness, and the only visible part of them were their faces, although Ash couldn't make them out.
These mysterious characters approached the front desk. Luckily for our heroes the darkness actually helps them hide. Plus, the phone booth they were using was out of the way of the hotel's reception desk.
The maitre' appeared right beside the receptionist after a summons from the newcomers. He wasn't exactly pleased.
"We are sorry for the disturbance," one of the men in black said, in a deep voice. It occured to Ash that this one might be the leader. "We are-"
"So you are responsible for this blackout?" the maitre declared. "I have hundred of guests in this hotel, and they'll be complaining about-"
The leader cut him off. "We are only here to see a Mr. Ash Ketchum. He is supposed to be the runner up of the Sinnoh League, and is staying here with some friends, am I correct?" Ash and his friends exchanged puzzled looks.
"But what if he is?" the maitre retorted. He was suddenly silenced by something. Then, to everyone's, within earshot, astonishment, he then said, "I will show you to his room. Right this way, please."
Utilizing the darkness, Ash, leading both Dawn and Max by hand, snuck by the strangers just as they were passing through on their way to the elevators. The hotel doors were, luckily, ajar, so the trio made their exit with barely no sound. Only when they made it to the forest surrounding the hotel, and the city, did they breath sighs of relief.
"What was that all about?" Max said out loud, sitting on a fallen tree trunk. "Ash, do you know those guys or something?"
Ash shrugged, trying to catch his breath. "It was too dark, and I don't recognize the voice at all. These must be those people that Lance said would be after me." He looked up back at the hotel, at the windows to their rooms. At that moment, the lights there turned up. "They would have realized that we're gone. We'd better move."
"Move?" Dawn repeated. "To where?"
"Pokemon Center. We've got to get our Pokemon, and get out of here." Ash walked towards the direction of the Pokemon Center. Max and Dawn looked at each other, shrugged, and started to follow.
Luckily the trio stayed in the shades of the trees, because the city is now being searched from head to foot by more "Men in Blacks". Then, getting into the Pokemon Center was no cakewalk, either, as it was surrounded as well.
"Geez, they're everywhere," Ash muttered. "Now what do we do?"
The three stealthily snuck around the building, trying to find a way in without being spotted. However, they didn't need to, when, out of the bushes behind them appeared Pikachu and Prinplup! Trainer and Pokemon were all glad to have found each other.
"Pikachu, am I glad to see you got away from the center," Ash said in relief as he held his yellow Pokemon in his arms. "Is everyone-"
Pikachu answered by pointing to the bushes where they appeared. There, the three are astonished to find, two trays with 6 and 5 Pokeballs each! Ash took the tray containing the five, ajnd Dawn took the one containing six. There is no doubt that these are their Pokemon, but now the question is, who put them there?
Neither Pikachu nor Prinplup know either, as they were both asleep the whole time. But, right now, Ash mustn't fathom himself in this mystery; they have to get out of there first. He relayed the next part of the plan to his friends.
"Lance said that we should head back to Hearthome City. He thinks that Fantina, the gym leader there, might help us."
---
Indigo Plateau; another site of a Pokemon League. It is now, literally, a shadow of its former glory. The entire place seems to be covered in twilight, caused by what looked like a total eclipse high above the stadium.
From the office of the former PLA chair Goodshow, sat a mysterious figure. This one is covered from neck to toe with a black, billowing cloak. His most distiguishing feature is a grotesque mask that looks like it was made from blackened crystal, covering his entire face.
This is the "mysterious entity" that Lance was talking about; the one who took over the Association, and is now hunting gym leaders. He sat on the large swivel chair behind his desk. However, instead of facing his desk, he was staring out the window, at the phenomenon that was happening outside.
There was a knock on the door. An MiB came in, and reported some progress. "The Ketchum boy has disappeared in Foento City, along with some of his friends. They have left behind their belongings, though I doubt they'll be coming back for them."
"As expected," the masked man said quietly, not even turning his seat around to face the MiB. "What about the other- projects?"
"Pokemon gyms around the world have been quickly deserted. Someone must have tipped the Gym leaders of the search."
"What about the gym in Viridian City?" Finally Mask turned around to face his follower. "Any progress in finding the leader there?" From the tone of his voice, one can tell that this is the one report he was most interested in.
The MiB shook his head. "No, sir. The gym has long been abandoned by its original leader, and has been passed in to Agatha. We brought her in for questioning, but she doesn't know anything about the previous leader either, or rather she wouldn't tell us what she knows."
"Very well. You are dismissed. Continue searching for the Ketchum."
Just as the first MiB strode out the door, another one came in, bringing more news. "We have searched Oak laboratories. Professor Oak and his assistants have already vanished."
"What about the Pokemon?"
"I am happy to report that we have apprehended all the recorded Pokemon in the lab. They are being examined as of right now. All of Ketchum's Pokemon are-"
"No." Mask stood up. "Not all his Pokemon were in that lab." He started pacing around as he enumerated whatever his men has missed. "He has a Charizard in the Charicific Valley, a Pokemon preserve in Johto; a Squirtle as a firefighter in Vermillion City; a Haunter in the possesion of Saffron's gym leader.
"He also had a Pidgeot that is somewhere near his hometown, a Lapras somewhere in the Orange archipelago, a Butterfree, also somewhere near Vermillion, and a Larvitar nearby in Mt. Silver. Find them all; we can't afford to miss one.
"As for the Pokemon in the lab; send over to me his Sceptile, Totodile, Bayleef, Bulbasaur and Cyndaquil. I am, ah, in need of their services."
"Yes, sir." It occured to the MiB that his boss was able to tell some of Ash's Pokemon without even giving him a list first, but quickly dismissed this fact.
When the second MiB left, Mask turned back at the window, back at the total eclipse. "If it all turns out right, then all this madness will be over."
You still haven't told us anything about your plans.
"Ah, so you have answered my summons. I'm flattered." Mask turned around to see a purple, human-sized creature facing him eye to eye.
Why are you after the boy?
"I will answer all your questions in due time. Now, do I have your cooperation, Mewtwo?"
This is, as Cresselia was able to point out to us, utter madness. However, in the end we all agreed to help.
"Good."
CONTINUED
-What do you think? Are the events of this chapter unexpected, or what?
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Manhunt
Mar 25, 2008 3:28:42 GMT 12
Post by JbstormburstADV on Mar 25, 2008 3:28:42 GMT 12
OK, that was unexpected. The legendaries, working with Mask!!! It is madness!!! So, please fill in these plot-holes already!!!
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Manhunt
Mar 25, 2008 20:24:14 GMT 12
Post by dryuu01 on Mar 25, 2008 20:24:14 GMT 12
MH03: All Over Again
Getting out of Foento City is definitely much easier said than done. After all, the city is covered on three sides by water, and the only port leading out is now heavily guarded.
This is what Ash's swift flier, Staravia, reported, back to the group after scouting the dock. "Good work, Staravia," Ash complimented his Pokemon. "Join the others in the meal, you deserve it."
Ash, Dawn and Max were camping out in some secluded, mountainous part of north Foento, on a cliff opposite the city. There is a good chance that their pursuers will "find them there last".
"Well, that means that getting out of the city by boat is off our list," Ash told his companions. "Dawn, how's your Prinplup at long Surf trips? With him and my Floatsel, they are our only options."
The girl shrugged, and turned to her starter Pokemon. "Well, Prinplup, are you up for one long journey by water?" Of course, the proud Prinplup thumped his chest with his, er, fins(?), indicating he's not about to let his trainer down.
Dawn smiled at this gesture, but then grimly turned back to Ash. "Even if we get out of the city by sea, I doubt that we'll go unnoticed, Ash, they're bound to see us."
"You're right. We need-"
"Some help? W'll give you help!" a voice echoed around them. Startled, Ash and friends whirled around, trying to find the source of the voice. Behind Ash, an all-too-familiar white balloon appeared, rising up the cliff. Onboard are two humans and one Pokemon: Jessie, James and Meowth, all members of team Rocket.
"You guys!" Ash shouted.
"What are you doing here?" Max added. "If we didn't have enough trouble already!"
"You needed some help, and we're here to offer it to you. What do you say?" Jessie, the de facto leader of the trio, proposed.
"What's in it for you guys?" Dawn asked, suspicious.
"Simply put, our Boss wants cooperation from you, Twerp," Meowth said. "We don't know why, but if we succeed in bringing you to him, maybe we'll get promoted!"
"And, it so just happens that you needed help escaping the citym so maybe we can work out a compromise," James finished.
"Your Boss? Is he the one who took over-"
"No, twerpette, our Boss had nothing to do with this new regime; in fact, he's in hiding himself! Now," Jessie said, extending a hand to Ash, "do we have a deal or not?"
Ash looked at the hand like it were a Seviper or something. Then, without even looking at his companions, he took it, and he and Jessie shook hands.
---
In an underground arena, the Pokemon Mask has requested are taken. Mask surveyed them through a screened partition; for some reason he doesn't want to come into contact with them at first.
"So these are his starter Pokemon?" Mask asked.
Cyndaquil started scratching himself with his hind legs, like a dog. Meanwhile, Sceptile felt like something clamped onto his fren tail and whirled around, only to see Totodile latched onto it with his jaw. The green lizard tried whirling around to get Totodile off his tail, resulting in a rather comical tail chase.
Mask watched this scene through the partition bemusedly, with little interest. "They will have to do," he said. Mask turned to the MiB that was accompanying him. "Continue your search for the Ketchum boy, and the Viridian gym leader. We can't continue our project without either one."
"But, sir, these Pokemon-"
"-You will leave to me. Now, haven't I given you an order?"
"Uh, yes, sir, I'll get right on it, sir!"
The MiB quickly left, not ready for anything Mask might do to him if angered. Mask turned back to the Pokemon. While he wasn't looking, Sceptile was slapped on the back of the head by Bayleef, protecting Totodile.
The scene changes three days later, in the Sevii Islands, where Professor Oak and Tracey are in hiding. No sooner than he set foot at the Net Center of One Island, did Professor Oak get started on his investigation. He found out from his young friend Cielo there that, so far, the archipelago is not affected by the take-over.
"Things are really looking bad for the mainlands," Cielo commented, "but I don't think the new League Head has anything to do with it."
"What do you mean, Cielo?" Tracey inquired.
Cielo showed the two to the computer right beside his large network machine, that occupied more than half the Center. On the screen was displayed a seismograph-like measuring device. Not even the Samuel Oak understood the readings the computer is giving out, but he could tell that there is something wrong.
"These readings indicate abnormal signatures somewhere near the Indigo Plateau. Something like this happened before, in Sinnoh's Alamos Town, but never this big.
"Maybe who took over the League is behind this disturbance; maybe he was not. Either way, this is more a threat than the take-over. Because, if the disturbance continues-"
"Then, reality will slowly tear itself apart, or something like that," Tracey muttered, remembering what Ash and co. recounted during their adventures in Alamos Town, when the group had that little reunion less than two days ago. Cielo nodded grimly.
---
With the help of some underground friends, May's party were able to make it safely from Sinnoh to Kanto. The group are en route to Hoenn, trying to make contact with May's parents(Brock and Misty have already confirmed their respective families' safety). Earlier they decided that contacting them through Poketches or Pokegears would be hazardous as it may give away their location.
It was nightfall as the group set themselves to camp in a clearing deep inside a forest at Route 6. They decided that they would head to Hoenn via Vermillion City's SS Aqua the next day.
The moonless night reflected the mood of the group. Normally, camping would be oh-so-fun, especially for Ash and his friends. But not this time, not when they are on the run.
In order to not give themselves away by making a fire on the ground, May instead had her Blaziken provide enough heat to warm themselves(and, to an extent, the food). Human and Pokemon sat on felled logs around the fire-type, who's meditation was enough to generate the heat.
"May, what's wrong? You haven't even touched your food yet," Brock inquired, worried.
"Sorry." May set down her plate, right next to a tempted Munchlax. The Pokemon quickly took the plate, but May didn't bother getting it back. "I'm just worried about everyone, that's all. Max, Ash, my parents, everyone," she repeated the last word, with a tone of emptiness.
"Well, starving won't help your mood one bit," Misty said, and, giving a stern look at Munchlax, handed May a second plate of food. "Eat, May."
Munchlax, meanwhile, was frightened by Misty's look, and quickly scampered to the bushes, May's first plate on his head. "Uh, oh," Brock said. "If Munchlax is seen running, we might be discovered."
"I'll go and get him," May volunteered. Before the other two can protest, she laid her second plate down on the log again, and ran after her Pokemon.
It was no trouble, as May immediately spotted her Munchlax just a few feet from the campsite. The Pokemon was sitting on the base of a tree, eating the food like crazy. May shook her head amusedly, but then her smile quickly faded when she remembered someone who also had a ravenous appetite.
Suddenly, there was a soft rustle on the bushes nearby, to Munchlax's left, which left both trainer and Pokemon paralyzed. 'Has someone found us?' May thought.
However, the bushes parted, and out from its opening stumbled something small, sparkly yellow. The little creature lifted its head from its body, and May discovered what it was: a Pichu.
The Pichu shook its head rapidly, like it was trying to clear its brain from dizzyness. Then, the little Pokemon caught a glimpse of May, who was standing right in front of him. The Pokemon looked ecstatic, and then, much to May's surprise, the Pichu jumped into her arms, looking like it was happy to see her.
"Huh? What-?" May started, as she reluctantly held the little Pokemon as it cuddled itself in her arms. She was interrupted by Brock's voice back at the campsite.
"May, what's taking you so long?" Brock appeared, and he immediately saw the Pichu in May's arms. "What the? Pichu are supposed to be rare in Kanto. Where did you get that one?"
"I- I don't know," May stammered, as Pichu continued to make itself comfortable. "It just- appeared from the bushes, and-"
Alarmed, Brock ran over to the bushes indicated. There was no evidence that there was someone hiding there. He turned back to May. "We'd better get back to Misty, she's getting edgy since you left."
Back at camp, Pichu never left May's arms, even when offered food by Brock. "How do you suppose that Pichu came here, Brock?" Misty asked. "I thought Pichu are supposed to be native only to Johto, unless hatched."
"That's what bugs me. At first I thought a hiding trainer set it on us, but then again there was no one. Maybe we should just let it go, just in case." Pichu, upon hearing this, looked up at May, its mouth quivering.
"No!" May protested, taking Brock and Misty by surprise. To answer their stares, she quickly added, "Pichu's just a baby. He doesn't look like he could harm us; please, Brock."
Brock sighed, and looked at Misty, who only shrugged defeatedly. 'I'm going to regret this,' he thought. "Alright, May." May breathed a sigh of relief and looked back at Pichu, who was now smiling with glee.
CONTINUED
Quoted from Tsubasa Chronicle: (well, not the actual quote, but has the same sense) There is no coincidence; everything happens for a reason.
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Manhunt
Mar 26, 2008 3:07:08 GMT 12
Post by JbstormburstADV on Mar 26, 2008 3:07:08 GMT 12
Dang it, Dryuu. You leave way too many plot-holes, but it is getting even better.
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Manhunt
Mar 26, 2008 19:50:28 GMT 12
Post by dryuu01 on Mar 26, 2008 19:50:28 GMT 12
-Finally, I am able to create an air of absolute mystery. About time, since I'm supposed to be trained in Criminology.
DISCLAIMER: I do not own Keira Knightley's name, or Madam Meow-Meow's from Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening.
MH04: Lost?
"May, may I have that Pichu for a while? I want to check something out."
"Brock, you still suspect that Pichu's-"
"Sorry, May, but we have to make sure. Don't worry, it will be quick, and harmless." May reluctantly handed Pichu to Brock. However, she got the uneasy feeling remembering the last words; those last words are typical in movies where someone is about to die.
The breeder softly pushed his sleeping Croagunk to the side on his way to the group's belongings. He rummaged in his backpack, and took out what looked like a small tuning fork.
"Brock, I didn't know that you-" Misty started, but Brock cut her off, while placing Pichu on a tree stump. So instead she answered May's inquisitive gaze. "It's a small device used to detect Pokeball bruises on a Pokemon.
"When a Pokemon is captured with a Pokeball, a ball bruise would appear at the part of the body where the Pokeball hit the Pokemon. It is not visible, but can be sensed by certain wave frequencies. That's what the tuning fork is used for. Now, if there are indeed any bruises, that would indicate that that Pichu belongs to someone. Otherwise, it means it is a wild one."
Brock started touching Pichu with the fork, sweeping it around its small body. Pichu, curious, followed the fork with its gaze as it continued to probe him. After touching every part of the Pokemon's body, Brock declared that Pichu indeed is a wild Pokemon.
"But that doesn't prove anything, right?" Misty stated, as Brock handed Pichu back to May. Pichu wrestled the fork out of Brock's hands, and the breeder handed it over. "I mean, look at Team Rocket's Meowth. I never saw him once come in or out of a Pokeball, so I doubt he would have ball bruises either."
"Well, now I seriously doubt that Pichu would be similar to Meowth," Brock countered. They watched as Pichu bit into one of the fork's two prongs, causing itself to vibrate uncontrollably.
By this point the other Pokemon were interested with the newcomer, and Croagunk woke up himself. They all shared sweatdrops as Pichu continues to vibrate, literally, on May's lap.
Brock looked at his Poketch, and found that it was a little after 10:00. "Okay, you guys," he called to the rest to the group. "We have to get to sleep. Tomorrow, we have a big day ahead of us."
The Pokemon expressed their dissapointment with a loud groan. May stood up, and took the fork out of Pichu's mouth. Pichu still in her arms, and strode over to her sleeping bag which already lay right next to the group's packs and Croagunk. Brock's and Misty's sleeping bags were already propped up earlier like hers.
Brock was quick to get to sleep, and loud snores could be heard from his sleeping bag three minutes in. Misty, meanwhile, took one last amused look at may and Pichu before sleeping herself, silently in contrast to Brock.
Pichu, however, has anything on its mind other than sleeping. For the first time since Brock handed back Pichu to her, Pichu jumped off May's lap. It clumsily walked towards the group's baggage, passing a curious Croagunk. Without warning, Pichu dextrously unzipped a pocket of May's fanny and started rummaging inside it.
"Hey, don't do that," May lightly scolded, but Pichu didn't listen. It dug deeper and deeper into the pocket until only its feet were visible sticking out of the mouth. When May neared Pichu, the Pokemon finally emerged, holding out something gold and pink.
Pichu extended its prize towards May, and the latter realised what it was: the Terracotta Contest ribbon, or, at least, half of it. May's mind lingered in memory for a while before being returned to reality by Pichu pulling on her hand. May picked Pichu up, and looked at the ribbon.
"Are you interested in it?" she asked Pichu, who vigourously nodded. "Alright, but don't lose it, okay? It's, it's," she blushed, which a naive Pichu tilted its head in response, "important to me."
After that, the two went to sleep. The last event for the night was Croagunk peering curiously in the still-open pocket of May's fanny. Blood comically rushed out of his nose when he saw the contents, and knocking himself out.
---
"I can't believe this actually worked," Ash muttered.
"Shut up," Jessie hissed, "or you'll give ourselves away!"
"Yeah, be more grateful for our effort, will ya!" Meowth added. "We worked long and hard for your costumes, ya know."
"What are you talking about? You only had an hour to work the costumes," Dawn protested.
The group of six(five in the eyes of strangers) were, in fact, as inconspicious as they can be. James is dressed up as an old man with his hair white and a fake, yet matching, thick beard and mustache. Jessie, meanwhile, posed as his "daughter", with her hair surprisingly tied into a bun reminiscent of hospital nurses.
Ash and Dawn are clothed as the children of the latter, wearing traditional Japanese "sailor" uniforms. Ash's hair was slicked back and his cheekmarks covered by expert make-up. Dawn(the actual crossdresser, thankfully not James this time), on the other hand, sports one of those nerdy bottle-shaped glasses with a "swirly" design. Her hair was also in a bun, but most of it is tucked under a yellow baseball cap.
Max, meanwhile, was the least comfortable with his disguise. Who would be, with an overstuffed cloak surrounding you. Plus there's no joyride in carrying something that weighs 4.2-ish kilograms on your shoulder. The two, Max and Meowth, as one, are posing as James' "wife", the grandmother, with the latter wearing a ridiculous wig and older versions of Dawn's glasses. Pikachu, meanwhile, is hiding underneath the cloak as well, sitting on a pocket of a jumper provided to Max by the Rockets.
The group, Ash, Dawn, Jessie, James and Meowth(plus Max), are now utilizing aliases. They are Soot, Kira(as in Keira Knightley), Jessica, Jacques and Grandma Meow-meow, respectively.
Max stuck his head out of "Granny's" robes, out of breath from inside the stuffy cloak. "I still don't get why we have to wear these costumes for the rest of the trip!" he gasped. Meowth kicked him back inside before he could get spotted by anyone.
Interestingly enough, the group managed to get past the security of Foento's port with the said disguises. Because of this, they safely managed to get off Foento Peninsula and into the Sinnoh mainland. Now they are en route to-
"Wait a second," Dawn piped up as she raised her glasses a little to adjust her eyesight. "Where are we going anyway?"
"Hearthome City," James said, with his not-so-well disguised voice from behind the ridiculous mustache.
The name of the city rang inside Ash's head like fireworks. He and Dawn looked at each other. "Hearthome?" Ash repeated.
"Yeah?" Jessie said. "Why? Something going inside that head of yours, twerps?"
"Before all this started, Lance of the Elite Four called Ash," came Max's muffled answer from underneath Meowth. "He told us, I mean just Ash, that he should go to Hearthome as well. "
"Is there a connection?" Dawn inquired.
Grandpa Jaqcues and mother Jessica looked at each other, confused. They turned back to their, er, spawn. "What connection?" the latter asked.
"You said we are heading to Hearthome City," Ash pointed out. "Lance directed us there as well, and I can guess that your 'Boss' would be there, right? Are you guys working together?"
"Lance?" Jessica echoed. "You mean that redheaded government yahoo who always thinks he's a superhero or something?"
"Uh, yeah," Max said, sweatdropping at Jessica's description. "Him..."
"Well, no," Jessica remarked. "Our Boss had nothing to do with government yahoos; he doesn't trust them too much."
"Especially since he's the Boss of you guys, I'm guessing he is the leader of Team Rocket," Ash thought out loud. "So, he's got good reason not to trust the government in the first place. OW." The last "word" was caused by someone hitting him on the head with two canes, by Granny and Granpa, simultaneously.
---
Mewtwo Teleported in the underground arena, appearing right next to Mask. The Genetic Pokemon was perplexed at what the latter was doing, which was absolutely nothing, except watch Ash's Pokemon, who were likewise doing nothing significant.
"Mask, I saw the progress of your grunts, and they are nowhere near finding the boy-"
"And that's the way I had it arranged," Mask interrupted, without even turning to Mewtwo.
Mewtwo didn't question that remark, and instead continued. "If you want to find the boy so badly, why not send me, or my allies? We would find him in-"
"I gave you and your friends only one job, and that's all the work I require from you. I don't need you to find the boy, yet." Mask stood up, and faced Mewtwo. "Do you trust me?"
"No."
A laugh could be heard echoing through the mask. "Why? Is it because you can't read my thoughts?" No answer; Mask laughed again. "You have good reason not to trust me, of course. As for the boy, like I told you before, we need him. However, we do not need him incomplete."
"Incomplete? What are you-"
"For a psychic Pokemon, you are quite narrow-minded, Mewtwo. If you were being observant, Ash Ketchum has lost four out of the four Leagues he's participated in. However, not only did he lose the competition, he lost something else. Something that he has to regain in this test I gave for him."
"Test? What test?"
"All in due time, Mewtwo. All in due time."
CONTINUED
-As you can see, the aliases are stupid puns on their original names. In Dawn's case, it's the exact opposite pun, sort of, I think, maybe.
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Manhunt
Mar 27, 2008 19:07:24 GMT 12
Post by dryuu01 on Mar 27, 2008 19:07:24 GMT 12
Some non-spoiler SPOILERS(does that even make sense?):
-I've sworn on Serebii that I will not use the over-used cliche of "protagonist being the son of the villain". I stand by that vow up to now. However, well, you'll see...
-As mentioned in the story description, I was planning a title change, but, the new title would reveal too much of the plot, so I will only put it in when it's non-SPOILER material anymore.
MH05: Check, Mate
May felt someone nudge her. "May, wake up," came Misty's voice. May opened her eyes to see her friend standing over her, bag in hand. "Come on, May, we've got to move."
May sat up in her sleeping bag, and Pichu, still asleep, rolled on its side, hitting the side of her lap with the ribbon it was using as a blanket of sorts. At the sight of the little Pokemon, May realized that she was now in a similar situation to when she hatched a Manaphy she was now an adoptive mother, again.
Looking around, May saw that Brock has already packed his own things as well. "We have an appointment with some friends in Vermillion City," Misty explained, making room for May to stand up. "They can help us get to Hoenn, I hope."
The group recalled all their Pokemon back into their Pokeballs(Brock wondered why Croagunk looked pale in the face for a while). May let Pichu sleep in her arms for a little longer. They also made sure that there was no trace of camping where they were to avoid detection. Then they trudged, still under cover of woodland, headed south towards the port city of Vermillion.
May took a glance at her Pokegear watch, and it read 10:00 AM. But, why is it still a little dark? The skies above are between light and darkness. To add to the mystery, Pokemon flying above were acting erratic, flying southwards, or, at least, away from the northwest, where the twilit-like phenomenon seems to be coming from.
"Why is it still-"
"Don't know, but we don't have time for that now," Brock said. "Come one, the city is just over that hill."
Just as Brock reached the top of the hill he indicated did he come to a screeching halt. He signalled the others back into the woodland. There, he said, "Bad news, girls. A checkpoint's been set up at the Vermillion entrance of Route 6. Men in black are inspecting everyone going in and/or out. I'm betting that Route 11 would have the same scenario."
"Why didn't we see this coming?" Misty complained airily. "It's quite obvious that they would place checkpoints at those cities that serve as an exit out of the region!"
"Well, sorry for my lack of insight, okay!" Brock retorted. They weren't exactly shouting, or they may have been found out already, but it was enough to wake Pichu up into crying.
"Guys, stop fighting!" May pleaded, while trying to calm the baby Pokemon. "We shouldn't argue with ourselves in times like this."
Misty and Brock looked at her, then they both sighed. "Sorry, May," the latter apologized. "You're right; this isn't the time to lose our cool."
"We've got to find a way around the checkpoint, but how?" was Misty's contemplation.
They pondered that for a moment. Pichu, meanwhile, looked from one person to another, wondering what the "adults" were thinking about. Then, without warning, Pichu jumped off May's arms and into the bushes.
"Pichu!" May whispered anxiously. She pushed her way through the bushes, following the trail of the little Pokemon. Brock and Misty had no choice but to follow. The trail took them a little to the east, passing more thick shrubbery and trees. They soon found Pichu's hind legs sticking out of some more bushes.
From the other side of the brush, the group found themselves on top of a cliff overlooking the sea. On the coastline right below them, were the Vermillion Docks. And, it turns out that Pichu led them to it.
Brock scratched his head in disbelief. "Whoah. I never thought we could see the sea like this," he muttered. He thought for a moment, then called out his loyal rock-type, Sudowoodo. "Okay, Sudowoodo, use Rock Climb and see if you can find us a way to the docks without being spotted. Also, find the contact that I told you about earlier, we can't get out of here without him."
The Imitation Pokemon saluted Brock like a soldier to a commander, like usual, and began his descent on the rocky cliff face. Brock turned to the others. "It may take some time for Sudowoodo to give us the okay sign. In the meantime, let's rest around here for a while."
Sitting right next to a cliff would be, of course, hazardous, so they set themselves back in the forest, just a few yards from it. As they sat down, Brock took out some food rations from his large backpack. That quickly reminded everyone that they hadn't had any breakfast yet.
"Hey, Brock," Misty said, as she watched Pichu easily gulping down a baby bottle full of milk May had given to him that was more than twice the Pokemon's size. "You think Pichu led us to this cliff by accident?"
"Hm?" Brock muttered, his mouth full of garlic rice. He gulped it down in one swallow. "Maybe; maybe not. We can't tell for sure. " Due to the sheer weight of the bottle, Pichu was now lying on its back. "Then again, I think it's the second one..."
A sudden rustle of the leaves indicated that someone is coming. But, it turns out to be just Sudowoodo, returning from his "reconnaissance mission". After handing his deserving Pokemon a plate of food, Brock asked, "Found anything?"
Sudowoodo nodded, and finished off his plate in one serving. Brock turned back to the girls. "Okay, then. After we finish our meal, Sudowoodo here will lead us to our contact. And then we-"
"Wait a minute," Misty interrupted. "You never told us who your contact was, have you?"
"You'll meet him anyway when we get there." Brock wiped his lips with a napkin, and stood up. "Ready, gang?" he asked, but before they could answer, "Then, let's go."
---
Back to the other group in Sinnoh, they are facing the same perdicament as the others. Hearthome City(most likely, all cities by now, as well) has checkpoints on all of its exits.
However, the Team Rocket half of the group is confident that their disguises will get them through the checkpoint. The other half, well, are feeling the exact opposite, and needed some convincing.
"Come on, our disguises have been so foolproof, that we managed to fool you guys all these years, haven't we?" Meowth pointed out.
"Don't remind us!" Ash shouted, sounding embarrassed by the very fact. "And what if those guards have guard Growlithes and/or Luxrays with them? I doubt our disguises could fool them."
"So, for the last time, trust us with our costumes, 'kay?" Jessie finished. "Now come on, the Boss doesn't like waiting. And don't forget to act your parts."
"Right." Dawn shivered, before she could say the word in the most boyish voice she can muster, "Mum."
The "family" of five walked towards the checkpoint. Much to Ash's relief, he was wrong about one thing; there were no Pokemon accompanying the guards. Team Rocket then remained confident, although Ash could tell Meowth was a bit hesitant himself this time.
The two stationed MiB guards promptly stopped the "family" in their tracks. "Halt. We need to inspect your luggage, and personal effects, please."
"Personal effects?" Ash repeated.
"Our identifications, Soot," Dawn nudged him.
There was a collective lurch in Ash's group. They haven't exactly identification for their own disguises, have they? Before they could say anything else, the walkie-talkie of the first guard beeped, and he answered it, walking a few steps away from everyone. however, his partner kept alert.
Ash felt like he was being examined from head to foot by the second guard, being reminded of a Luxray. To relieve his tension, he turned to the other guard, who was still talking to whoever was on the other side of the line. Ash could see the guard nodding at whatever orders were given him, and kept looking back in their direction.
The first guard returned. "They're clear," he told his partner. "Let them pass."
"What?" the second MiB asked, turning to him, with a fleeting look at Grandma Meow-meow's somewhat bulking form. "Are you sure?"
"Yes." The guard turned to the group. "You are now free to enter the city now. Be wary; as soon as you get inside, you will be monitored everywhere you go."
Everyone sighed in relief; Ash, however, didn't feel reassured, although it wasn't because of the warning. 'Who was the guard talking to that gave them clearance?' he thought.
But that wasn't in the mind of the others, all of them feeling relieved that they managed to get through the checkpoint. In fact, once they were out earshot of the guards, Dawn muttered gratefully, "I have to admit, these disguises got us through. Thanks you guys."
"Don't mention it," Meowth said. "Now, don't forget our deal."
"We have to meet with up with your Boss, right?" Dawn asked. The Rockets nodded. "Right. But first we must find a way to him, wherever he is, without being spotted. Well, what do you think, Ash? Ash?"
Ash wasn't paying attention. Instead, he was looking up at the sky. Dawn poked him at the back to get his attention. "What's wrong, Ash?"
"What time is it, everyone?" Ash asked, without averting his gaze.
Max stuck out his head out of Meowth's cloak again. Before he could be shoved back inside, he said, "10:30 AM. Around the same time in Kanto, and-"
"-about time for a little snack," Meowth said, but Ash paid attention only to the time.
"Look up, you guys," Ash said. "Isn't it strange that it would be this dark this late in the morning?" It was true. The twilight-like phenomenon that was just crawling around Kanto a few minutes ago is now enveloping Hearthome, and, most likely, Sinnoh as a whole. "What's going on?"
Team Rocket didn't have an answer. However, James said, "I think our Boss knows something about this. And, it's about time you met up with him. Come on."
CONTINUED
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Manhunt
Mar 27, 2008 23:23:03 GMT 12
Post by XAOTL on Mar 27, 2008 23:23:03 GMT 12
Just something small:
Dose Brock ever use the word 'latter' insignificant I know. But I needed to review. IDK why tough.
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Manhunt
Mar 28, 2008 16:42:08 GMT 12
Post by dryuu01 on Mar 28, 2008 16:42:08 GMT 12
-Never thought that was a literary mistake. Sorry, I'll edit it. MH06: The New Base
Hearthome City used to be a metropolis of activity, largely thanks to the many attractions of the city. However, because of the League take-over, this was not the case. Add the twilight in, and the city is now literally a shadow of its former glory. The city itself seems like it was wrapped in perpetual darkness, and the buildings were only illuminated by the dim lighting from the windows of the buildings.
Ash was still puzzled at the condition the city is in. And, does their "unknown enemy" have anything to do with this whole thing?
His companions, on the other hand, had no mystery brewing in their heads. Instead, there was a collective rumbling in their stomachs. Ash found that he's not far off from the feeling either.
"So, Gramps," Dawn said out loud, still in that same, crude, boyish voice, "do you know where Uncle lives, or are we lost again?"
"Uncle?" James repeated. It took a few seconds for the code to sink in to the Rockets, to which Dawn rolled her eyes.
"Oh, oh, oh," Meowth declared, followed by James saying "Ow, ow, ow." This is because Meowth accidentally hit James on the head with his cane for every "Oh" he said. "I get it," he said to Dawn in a low voice. Out loud(luckily Meowth's voice sounds explicably like a grandmother's; no offense to the latter party), he said, "Don't worry, Kira, my dear, Grampy Jacques is never wrong in his sense of direction."
"That's what we're afraid of," Ash muttered to Dawn, and they both stifled their laughter.
Jessica cleared her throat to silence the others. "Right. Uncle Geo would be found in a small shack just east of the Contest hall. Come along now, everyone."
She led her "family" northwest, to the direction of the large Contest Hall. For them, the aforementioned attraction, which was where the Sinnoh Grand Festival was held, was a familiar, and welcome, sight for them. However, that was not the case for the cityfolk to them.
Everywhere Ash looked the folks of Hearthome took one glance at them and then they rushed back inside their houses. This doesn't help his bad feeling, not one bit at all. With the city srtreets deserted, and the twilight cloak overhead, it was like nighttime came early.
A few minutes later, they are now in the indicated location. Jessica looked from right to left, before proceeding onward. "Now, pay attention, this is where it gets tricky," she mouthed to the others. She pressed herself to the wall of the Contest Hall.
Ash blinked, since some speck got in his eye, but he shouldn't have. Jessie was gone, and Dawn was openmouthed right beside him. "How-?" she began, but Jacques pushed her forward to the spot where Jessie disappeared.
Something grumbled behind Ash, and he turned around to it. When he saw that the rumbling came from beneath Grandma Meow-meow's cloak, he guessed it would be Max.
"What're you looking at me for?!" Meowth scolded. "Your brother's gone, it's your turn, twe- I mean, Soot, dearie..."
"I think I like it better when you called me 'Twerp'," Ash muttered. But, he turned around, and saw that Dawn was gone as well! "Wha-?" Ash said, mouth gaping. But before he could say anything else, he was shoved head-first into the wall by both Jacques and Grandma Meow-meow!
Ash was expecting a major collision, and probably concussion, any second, but neither one came. Instead of cold hard wall, he met with cold, hard, floor, because he stumbled.
Next thing Ash knew, he found himself lying belly first on a small hallway. "Ooh," he groaned, "what hit me?"
Before Ash could fathom where he was, Dawn's voice echoed from the other end of the hall. "Is that you, Ash? If it is, wait there until we give you the signal, we're still changing here."
Still not knowing what happened, Ash had no choice to obey. After all, there would probably be two hotheaded females on the other room, and walking in on them changing isn't exactly a good thing. Ash sat up, cross-legged, and at that moment, Jacques walked in behind him. Not long after that, Meow-meow also appeared.
"What are you doing, sitting around there for!" Jacques, no wait(it's safe now), James declared.
"The girls are changing over there," Ash muttered, pointing to the other end.
"Eh. Good point. But, why waste time sitting there again? You can change here and now, you know."
"Oh yeah. Oops, my bad." Ash quickly stood up, and he now has a clear view of the wall behind the other two, only there wasn't any wall at all. There is, however, a square opening(obviously a door) and a sort of device on a table in front of it.
Max finally pushed Meowth off himself, much to the chagrin of the latter. It was quite obvious to the expression on his face that it was quite stuffy inside that cloak, which fell alongside Meowth. Pikachu, on the other hand, was enjoying himself on the front pocket of Max's jumper. And Ash needn't guess why...
"No wonder you kept quiet the whole time," he declared at his Pokemon. "You had your mouth on a bottle of ketchup! Geez!" Pikachu sniggered as he continued to coddle the condiment. Ash turned to the Rockets. "Where'd you get a ketchup bottle on short notice anyway?"
"Well," James said uneasily, as he shed off his mustache, "we've been holding onto one for quite some time now." He shook his head Growlithe-style, and white dust littered the floor. "Hoping that someday it might trap your Pikachu."
Ash sweatdropped, but no one noticed as Meowth unintentionally threw the cloak to him, covering his face for a while. When Ash shook the cloak off of himself, Jessie called out, "Okay, you guys, we're done now."
Ash stripped off his uniform as the foursome walked through the corridor. He has his undershirt on, but, since they're in a hurry, he plans to change his pants at a later, more leisurely time. He also shook his head, more rapidly than James, turning his hair back into the spiky theme he's used to.
When they reached the next room, they found Dawn and Jessie in a sort of debate. This was because...
(FLASHBACK)
"Huh?" Dawn said, sprawled face-first on the floor.
"Come on, get up, we need to get changed before the guys get here." The commanding voice belonged to Jessie, standing over Dawn looking at her like a Staraptor to a prey.
After helping herself up, Dawn followed Jessie down a narrow corridor. The next room was a little roomier, and Jessie closed the door behind Dawn. "To prevent Peeping Toms," she told the other female.
"I don't think any of them are even capable of it," Dawn remarked. "Your effeminate partner, and my ultra-dense companions; yeah, I doubt that they'll grow normal hormones for a while."
Jessie just shrugged. "Just to be sure. You never can be careful, you know."
They heard a crash back at the first corridor, indicating someone has went in after them. A groaning voice indicated it was Ash. "Is that you, Ash?" Dawn called in the direction of the groans. "If it is, wait there until we give you the signal, we're still changing here."
Before they can start, er, changing, however, a big, bright, blue blob ran in from a third room, from the door opposite where they came from, shouting, "Wobbuffet!" obviously to greet his trainer. However, at the first sight of his trainer going to do something he's awfully familiar with, Wobbuffet quickly grabbed a Pokeball(his) from Jessie's hand. With another "Wobbuffet!", he quickly disappeared in a red light
"Well, at least he's learned his lesson this time," Jessie muttered, as Wobbuffet's Pokeball rolled to the floor. "He met with an accident," was her answer to Dawn's inquisitive gaze, "and that's all you need to know."
While changing back to their normal clothes, Dawn asked, "Jessie, what do you think? Is Wobbuffet male or female?"
"Male, of course. According to James' cards, female Wobbuffet are known for having lipstick on them, and mine obviously does not have one."
"But Brock told me once that before going to Sinnoh, he and Ash have never found a single Wobbuffet in their travels that wear lipstick. Maybe yours hasn't evolved much, yet."
Jessie shrugged, and looked at her figure at certain intervals to make sure she didn't miss anything. Seeing As Dawn was finished as well, she called out, "Okay, you guys, we're done now."
(END FLASHBACK)
And the two females are still wondering about the gender of Team Rocket's Wobbuffet up to the point Ash and the rest of the group appeared. James broke up the debate before it could turn into an argument.
"Come on, you guys, the Boss is waiting for the Twerps downstairs, remember?"
"Right," Jessie said. Waving her head to let down her hair, she walked to the door where Wobbuffet came from. "Right this way, twerps."
The room beyond the door was a spiral stairwell. With the dim lighting and gloomy gray color of the walls, Ash was quickly reminded of castle dungeons in those old medieval movies he used to watch.
After going through the door that is at the bottom of the stairs, the group found themselves in a large Pokemon arena. It was then that something occured to Ash.
"Hey, wait a second," he said, turning to the Rockets. "Where are the rest of you guys? You know, the rest of Team Rocket?"
"Our Boss disbanded the group, thinking that a large criminal syndicate would be easy to spot," Meowth replied.
"And we were the only ones left, being very loyal," Jessie added, proudly.
"I'm guessing that you guys didn't even know that Team Rocket disbanded until you met up with your Boss," Max deduced, eyes twinkling. Team Rocket sweatdropped.
"Ah, enough of this!" Jessie said. She pointed to the door at the other, far side of the arena. "The Boss is just beyond that door. Sorry, but it's just the Twerp he wants. The others have to stay here. Even we're not allowed."
Ash shrugged. Turning to the others, he said, "I'd better go with this. Stay here, you guys." And Ash walked, alone, through the arena, beyond the door.
CONTINUED
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Manhunt
Mar 29, 2008 1:15:06 GMT 12
Post by dryuu01 on Mar 29, 2008 1:15:06 GMT 12
MH07: The Badge Amplifier
Brock peered from around one of the large warehouses of Vermillion City, checking to see if the coast, literally, is clear. After confirming this, he signaled to the other two accompanying him, and they stealthily crossed an open distance between the warehouse and the nearest crates. This time the twilight gave them enough cover to get past without being seen.
"Brock, where's this contact you were talking about?" Misty asked.
"He said to meet us somewhere near where the ships are mainly docked. Sudowoodo confirmed this for me, and the rendezvous point is just a few yards from here now." He pointed to where a large cruise ship is docked. "There. He told us to meet him there!"
Brock ran ahead of them. When sure that he was out of earshot, Misty said to May, "'Him'? Maybe, considering Brock, this contact of his may be legitimate, after all..."
May giggled. "Girls!" Brock hissed, calling out to them. "What are you waiting for? Get over here! I found our contact!"
Said contact was out of view from the girls until they reached Brock. Misty recognized the man, but he was a complete stranger to May. He was a very large, tall man, with dirty blond hair and a buff physique underneath army fatigues.
May was completely taken aback at the size of the man. "May," Brock said, "I'd like you to meet Lt. Surge, leader of Vermillion City Gym."
"Well, hi there, little lady," Surge said, a smile on his lips, peering down at May with interest.
Misty is quite familiar with this gesture, so she stepped in between them. "Sorry, Lieutenant, but May's already taken."
Both Surge and Brock declared, "She is?!" just as May said, "I am?!"
Misty took May to one side, and whispered, "Just go along with me here. Lt. Surge is a worse player than Brock-"
"HA-CHOO!" Brock wiped his nose. Pichu curiously peered around May to look at him. "Man, that might have blown our cover," he said, oblivious to what Misty said.
"Literally, "Lt. Surge agreed, nodding his head. "Gezundheit, by the way."
"Thanks a heap."
"Anyway, May, it's best that you pretend to have a boyfriend, or Surge would be all over you, okay?"
"Okay, but, who's going to pretend to be my boyfriend?"
A smile crept into Misty's lips. "There can only be one other right? Instead of him," she added, jerking her thumb back at Brock.
"HA-CHOO! Aw, geez, not again!"
"Gezundheit, again," Lt. Surge said again, trying to suppress a smile. "Need a napkin?"
"No thanks."
"-it's quite obvious who our choice would be, right, May, hm?" May blushed. Misty's eyes twinkled.
---
"HA-CHOO!" Ash sneezed. "This place is too cold," he muttered.
Just as soon as Ash entered the dark room, he was met with a booming voice. "I am glad that my Rockets have found you, Ash Ketchum. I have clearly underestimated them. Now, sit down, we have a lot to talk about."
Ash shielded his eyes from sudden brightness, when a spotlight overhead was turned on, illuminating a single chair right in front of him. "Sorry about that. Maybe this would be better." Someone clapped his hands, and the whole room was now illuminated.
Now that he can see clearly again, Ash looked around the room. It was small and roughly square, but otherwise indifferent from the rest of the Rocket Base. At the opposite side is a large desk usually seen in company executives' offices. Sitting right behind it, dressed in an orange, pinstripe suit, was a tall, middle-aged man. He had orange-brown hair shaped like a dome, and a high forehead. He was leaning forward with his elbows on the desk, looking at Ash with keen interest.
Ash sat on the seat before, right opposite the man. "My name is Giovanni. You may have not remembered," he said slowly, "but I do. That we have met before-"
"When you endangered a dozen, maybe even a hundred Pokemon lives just to capture one? Oh yeah," Ash added sarcastically, "that's very hard to remember."
"I can see that you inherited your mother's spunk. I admire that. However, we mustn't talk of our past. Let's focus on the future." He leaned further towards Ash, and the latter felt like his body was being pierced by the man's steely blue orbs.
"We are both in the same boat now, Ash. The Pokemon League is after me after that incident in Viridian City that my Rockets," a nerve twitched in his temple, "have caused. And now, with the new League, they are after you as well. Do you know why?"
"No. Do you?" Ash retorted.
The other man shook his head. "However, I do know that this new Administration is after me as well, although for a different reason than the first." He opened a drawer from his desk, and took out a small, compact device, and threw it to Ash.
"What is it?" Ash asked. Even examining it up close, he couldn't figure out what the device is, and what's so important about it.
"A very important component from a device back in Viridian Gym." Giovanni stood up, and faced the wall behind his desk. "Boy, do you know what badges are made of?"
"Huh?"
"Thought so. You have travelled five different regions, participated in one League each, yet you don't know what they are made of?" Giovanni took out another item from his pocket, and this time it was his Earth Badge. "Badges are made from special materials that harness a bit of power from elements. I found this out as soon as I became gym leader.
"Before I took the reins from my mother as leader of Team Rocket, I was a scientist stationed at Cinnabar Island. There I met with the future gym leader of said locale, Blaine. He, too, was a scientist back then. We were conducting research on properties of certain volcanic material from the volcano.
"These materials, seemingly from out of nowhere, have special properties in them that piqued our curiosity. After an extensive study, we passed our research to the Pokemon League. They, too, were interested in the study, and started funding more research as well as in finding more of the same properties. Pretty soon, more and more of these materials were now in our possesion.
"From that day forward, Pokemon League Badges were made from those materials. These were to assure that gym badges act more than a trophy for aspiring trainers, but to also slightly augment the abilities of their Pokemon."
"But, what does this, thing," Ash waved the device in his hand, "have to do with the badges?"
"The main device I took that from, is my own creation, stemmed from my research. I invented it when I finally joined Team Rocket. The device is the Badge Amplifier, which increases the augmenting abilities of the badges. With that in hand, and so many badges, one can become the most powerful trainer in the world."
"Do you think this is why the League's after you?" Ash asked. "The Amplifier so that whoever can get his hands on it would become powerful?"
"I can only guess. We cannot be sure. Now, the real question is, why is he after you?"
Before Ash could answer, James ran in through the door. Giovanni rounded on his subordinate. "I told you not to interrupt us!" he said in a raised voice.
"I know, Boss, but you've got to see this! Outside, Boss, and you, too, Twerp!"
Without warning, James took both Giovanni and Ash by hand outside, back to the arena, with the others. There, with the lights on, Ash has just noticed the large monitor at the north end of the large room. The TV screen was on, and it was broadcasting some sort of announcement. The most cryptic part about this broadcast was that, the person giving the announcement is wearing a black, grotesque crystalline mask.
"I am sorry for keeping all of you in the dark these past few days. I am having trouble adjusting to my position as the new Chairman of the Pokemon League. Aside from that, I have great news.
"Starting as of now, there will be a few changes in the League. Because some of our gym leaders have disappeared, I am happy to announce that the League circuit will now continue, with some of my best picks to become the new leaders.
"Apart from that, the rules remain unchanged. 8 gyms per region, four Pokemon Leagues. Whoever becomes champion of each League is then put into a tournament to pit him against the other champions. The true champion will then be awarded with special recognition, and an even more special prize.
"Let the new Pokemon League begin!" The TV blacked out, indicating that the broadcast is over.
"You know who that guy was?" Ash asked Giovanni.
The Rocket leader shook his head, his eyes never leaving the monitor. "I've never seen him in his life. Then again, we couldn't actually see his face..." He grimaced. "What is he thinking? A new Pokemon League? Is he trying to draw you out?" he asked Ash.
---
"He restarted the League just so none of the general public would suspect him. Pretty shrewd, if you ask me."
En route underwater from Kanto to Hoenn is a small, deep ocean blue(camouflage purposes) submarine. Steering it is its owner, the Lightning American Lt. Surge. His passengers are Brock, Misty and May. They, too, have just witnessed Mask's broadcast announcing the new League.
"What do you make of it, Surge?" Brock asked. "Why is he after all the gym leaders, and why start this League?"
The war veteran shrugged as he steered the sub to avoid hitting a coral reef. "I know as much about him as you guys do. That mask, however; I feel like I've seen it somehwere before."
The group remained silent for a while, Surge concentrating in his driving. Pichu, meanwhile, was on May's shoulder, staring out the window of the sub, and waving at a school of Goldeen passing by. The innocent little Pokemon doesn't have the slightest idea of what's going on. Or does he?
CONTINUED
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Manhunt
Mar 29, 2008 21:07:06 GMT 12
Post by dryuu01 on Mar 29, 2008 21:07:06 GMT 12
-I just realized something. The star of the Trials series, ever since his debut, is undoubtedly Pichu. Don't you guys agree?
MH08: The New Leaders
Pichu gazed at something that was very interesting to him. This is, in fact, what should be his final evolution. Lt. Surge's Raichu, on the other hand, was not exactly keen on being watched by something so small. He turned away in one direction, but Pichu followed, trying to see him face to face, much to Raichu's annoyance.
This comical cycle happened again, and again, and again the whole time the group stayed in the sub. Or, at least, when May wanted company, and held on to Pichu to ease her own anxiety.
Brock was deep in conversation with Lt. Surge, exchanging their opinions on the new regime. Misty, meanwhile, preoccupied herself with looking through the sub's window like Pichu, being fascinated with water-types herself.
What Misty said earlier, began to take its toll on May. Bad thing or not, it's up to the girl's own thoughts and feelings. She hasn't given much of the former when it comes to Ash, after all.
'I wonder if he feels the same way,' May thought, then remembered how Ash was around girls, especially compared to Brock. She vented her thoughts by looking at the window alongside Pichu and Misty. "All the marine Pokemon look so peaceful, don't they, Pichu?" May said out loud, watching a school of Corsola lounge in the reef below them.
Pichu voiced its agreement, followed by a wagging of its tail. "Wish life on the surface would be just as peaceful now, huh, May?" Misty asked. May nodded, and both of them leaned back on their seats. The former turned to the large gym leader. "Lieutenant, how long until we reach Oldale Town?"
"Just in a few hours, missy." Misty really didn't like being called like that, but she bade no attention.
In two hours, like Surge predicted, the submarine finally surfaced on a rocky cove off Route 103. "I'd better stay here in case you guys need a quick getaway," he suggested. "Be careful, and contact me when you found your," he nodded at May, "parents."
"Alright," Brock said, agreeing to the plan. "Keep the sub, er, submerged, or someone will spot you."
After saying their farewells and thanks, the group of trainers navigated the rocky coastline southwards, to Oldale Town. However, as soon as they passed the beach, they found themselves surrounded.
"What the-?" Brock exclaimed. Lt. Surge appeared from behind them, accompanied by more MiBs. Brock rounded on him. "Surge, did you-"
"I'm sorry Brock," Surge replied, his voice and face solemn. "But they threaten me with the lives of everyone in Vermillion City if I don't cooperate."
---
Ash spent the next week training in the arena of the Rocket Base. He plans on entering the new League in order to find out more about the mysterious masked character. Training would be certainly fit the atmosphere, because even though Ash "lost" his two gym leader friends, he made alliance, albeit uneasy, with another.
However, Giovanni was at first reluctant to get involved in training. Ash thinks the Rocket Boss doesn't like the one they started to call "The Masked Menace", and firmly believes that whatever this masked man was planning, Ash would most probably be at the center of it.
Giovanni employed ground-type Pokemon, "his area of expertise". Although he has shown interest in capturing Pokemon of all types, and most of Team Rocket specializing in another(poison), Ash found that Giovanni is indeed still a capable battler/trainer with his ground-type Pokemon.
During the one week tenure, something has come up that troubled Ash. He and everyone else(Max, Dawn, and the Rocket trio) found out, much to their astonishment, that Giovanni is, in fact, well acquainted with Professor Oak!
After recovering from this shock, Ash tried making use of this connection to get a hand on his Pokemon from the professor. However, this is when he found out what happened in Pallet Town.
"Where have these guys been all our criminal life?" Meowth asked rhetorically, after Ash relayed to them the news of his captured Pokemon. "We could have gotten tips on stealing Pokemon from these guys." Jessie and James only nodded in agreement.
"You guys are not helping," Max retorted, seeing his friend in a slump.
If Giovanni wasn't busy training Ash, he was usually found in his office, which also doubles as his laboratory. The Rocket Boss didn't tell anyone what he was working on, although Ash suspects it might have something to do with the Amplifier.
In one of the rare occasions that Giovanni actually trains Ash, he had to offer some sort of advice that no one would think be associated with him. "Never rely on the strengths and weaknesses of your Pokemon's type. It is a rule that everyone's used to, and therefore easy to predict by others. Find your way around your Pokemon's own weaknesses, and it will be easy to get the upper hand in battles."
Giovanni recited all this in a villain-like monologue. When he snapped out of it, he found that all his listeners were speechless, openmouthed even. "What?" he asked, confused at their expressions.
"Boss," Meowth murmured, the first to snap out of the trance, "where did you learn that sort of stuff?"
Giovanni slapped his own head in disbelief. "Have you forgotten who I am? I'm a gym leader, remember?!" he snapped. "I'm supposed to know all about this sort of stuff!"
"Oh, yeah," James said sheepishly. "Oops. Sorry, Boss..."
Team Rocket's Boss stroked his eyebrows in contempt. "Ugh, these people will be the death of me," he muttered.
If not irritating their Boss or the "Twerp Troop", J&J(though mostly Meowth) spent their time hacking into the League database for info on the new gym leaders. Up to now, they haven't found anything solid, yet-
"There we go!" Meowth declared one morning. "Gather 'round, you guys, here's the lowdown on the new leaders!"
All activity within the base was halted due to the announcement. Meowth found himself in the center of a not-so-comfortable bundled semicircle, all around the computer he was working on. "Aw, geez, give me a little room, please!"
"Sorry." Everyone but Ash moved a little, since the latter was the most eager to find out who he will be facing. The computer read-out displayed the following profiles of the new gym leaders in Kanto, where Ash decided to tackle the League:
-Tina
Specialty: Steel
Station: Pewter City
-Tsuki
Specialty: Water
Station: Cerulean City
-Vulcan
Specialty: Fire
Station: Celadon City
-Boreas
Specialty: Flying
Station: Fuschia City
-Armand
Specialty: Ground
Station: Lavender Town
-Husky
Specialty: Fighting
Station: Cinnabar Island
-Lita
Specialty: Psychic
Station: Saffron City
The profile list stops there all of a sudden. When Meowth tried acessing the profile of the eighth, the screen went blank. "Wait a second," Ash said, turning to Meowth. "Where's the lowdown on the 8th leader?"
Meowth shrugged. "This is all I got, Twerp. Cut me some slack, will ya?"
"Maybe they installed a new rule of having only 7 gym leaders?" Dawn suggested.
But Giovanni shrugged this off. "No, He did say that it was going to be 8 gyms. If they were brave enough to have profiles of the first seven, then where's the profile of the eighth? This is troubling; very troubling."
CONTINUED
-In order of the profile list, here are the references of the names: Tin; Tsu(nami); Vulcan, the Roman god of fire; Boreas, the North Wind of Greek Mythology; armadillo; synonymous with muscles; pun on Light.
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