|
Manhunt
Mar 30, 2008 3:06:03 GMT 12
Post by XAOTL on Mar 30, 2008 3:06:03 GMT 12
So Lt Surge betrayed them.
Figures... wait, no it dosn't... hes in the army. Since how did he go under the will of the enemy.
|
|
|
Manhunt
Mar 30, 2008 4:40:50 GMT 12
Post by LuciferIX on Mar 30, 2008 4:40:50 GMT 12
Darn it, because I read the new posts before I read the chapter I got too much of a spoiler from XAOTL.
Oh well, the reason that I'm posting here in addition to my usual ff net review is a little comment on your water trainer's name. It actually works better than you may have first thought. From what you said at the end you got the first part of the name from tsunami and just added the second part. Well tsuki is also the Japanese word for moon, so it fits nicely into that position too.
|
|
|
Manhunt
Mar 30, 2008 19:31:12 GMT 12
Post by dryuu01 on Mar 30, 2008 19:31:12 GMT 12
-Ash doesn't plan on tackling all the new gym leaders, just the ones stationed in Kanto. That's why I only revealed 7(1 still secret) gym leaders. If I make it into like the former, then it's ToE4 in terms of length, all over again.
-Not being fluent in Nippon tongue, I chose Tsuki out of random suffixes. I'm not even sure if what I came up with was a male or a female!
A/N: Not to cause any confusion, the bulk of this chapter occurs during Ash's seven day training, in the story's timeline.
MH09: Luxury Captives
May knew that Lt. Surge betrayed them not because of selfish reasons. Brock felt the same way; however, that didn't stop him from being furious at their supposed ally. However, he did keep his mouth shut as the MiBs closed in.
"Drop all of your Pokeballs and other gear to the ground, and put your hands in the air. Don't make sudden moves, we've got you surrounded. Now, surrender quietly.
Having no choice, Brock slowly reached for a catch in his belt. Pressing it releases all his Pokeballs from the belt to the ground. Misty likewise did the same, only her Pokeballs came from her bag. May followed her friends' example, but the MiBs weren't content. "The Pichu, too, Lassie."
Pichu, however, didn't want to get separated from May, and the MiBs have to force him off her. "Just listen to what they say, Pichu, and you'll be safe, okay?" she said to the little Pokemon. "I promise, I won't be far."
No sooner than the little electric-type was in enemy hands, did they clasp some sort of belt-like device on to him. Similar devices were placed on each of the group's Pokeballs, and Lt. Surge's Raichu was no exception, either. "HEY!" Brock protested. "What did you-"
"Limiter bands; to make sure that they won't try anything funny. As long as the bands are attached to the Pokeball, they won't even be able to get out. When attached to a Pokemon, it diminshes their powers while wearing the belt
In an attempt to redeem himself in front of his friends, Surge asked to the one who seemed to be the leader of the operation: "Are they going to be alright?"
"Do not worry your big blond head, sir," the MiB cockily said, emphasizing the last word to mock Lt. Surge. "Our Boss gave us specific orders to bring them in alive, especially the girl." He jerked a thumb in May's direction.
Luckily for the electric-type gym leader, he was heralded in a different group than Brock and the others, or the latter would vent his anger right now. One after another May, Misty and Brock were taken on board a large, green, military-style truck. The three trainers are crammed in the side seats of the truck, in between MiBs. May could feel the lurch, and realized that the truck started to move. Their Pokeballs are placed on a seperate platform, with a helpless(and mouth quivering) Pichu amongst them.
For who knows how long the truck travelled on the rocky terrain synonymous with Hoenn's landscapes. From the swerves she felt, May surmised that they are heading south, then west. This means that they are bound to pass her hometown Petalburg City.
May did get a glimpse of her father's gym when a slight breeze blew through the truck's canvas, although only for a second. However, the truck didn't stop, and continued westward out of the city.
"Where are you taking us?" Brock asked the MiB guarding his left side, who was supposedly the leader of their captors.
"You'll see soon enough," the guard answered sharply. "Now, no more questions; our lenience has its limits."
May suddenly remembered that they might be reaching Petalburg Forest any minute. She wondered whether or not the truck would fit in through the forest's narrow paths. However, the truck skidded to a stop.
Once they were taken out, she found that they were just at the foot of the aforementioned landmark. They are still in Route 102 between the city and the forest; right next to the sea further west.
"We're," the guard who spoke to Brock earlier, "going back to Kanto."
"But why a roundabout route?" Misty asked. "Why not take us back through the route we used?"
"That's easy, Misty," Brock said, deducing the answer. "They don't exactly want our capture to be secret, do they? That's why they took us through Petalburg City."
"Too smart for your own good," the guard said. "Now quiet, here comes our ride."
It was like a ghost ship emerging from the coast, thanks once again to the twilight. It was a large cruise ship, and both Brock and Misty were astonished when they saw the name of the ship:
S. S. Anne
"What the-" When the ship came into focus, the metaphor I mentioned above was almost accurate. May's two companions were awfully familiar with the ship, being where they first had their lives put on the line, alongside Ash's.
It was the exact same ship. There were expertly planed panels on the part of the boat that was blown away by certain Pokemon attacks. In and around the ship had the remainders of being underwater for a very long time.
The callous MiB leader smirked at his captives' astonishment. "Don't worry, the accommodation's free, and you'll be travelling first-class." The captors all howled in hollow laughter.
They were then taken to a platform that led to the bow of the ship. There, the leader addressed his prisoners. "Now, our Boss wants you to enjoy this cruise up to when we reach our destination. But that doesn't mean that we won't keep our eyes off any of you lot.
"So don't try any funny business, because we're not afraid of using a little bit of force." The MiB leader left for the bridge of the ship, but his fellows remained around May and friends.
Brock took this opportunity to more closely examine the deck of the S. S. Anne. It certainly is the exact same ship that sank a few years ago, evidenced by wear and tear on the floorboards and walls, rust on the metal railings, and lastly a few seaweed dotted here and there. This gave the ship the appearance of a real ghost ship.
"How did they raise this ship from the ocean floor?" Brock asked rhetorically standing at the edge of the ship. He was careful not to lean too far on the railings, or he might fall off. "I never thought it even possible..."
"Either they were good at reconstructing disaster areas, or this is the real McCoy," Misty said. May, however, wasn't listening, or even attempting to join in the conversation. She was worried for her Pokemon, especially her Pichu.
The "resurrected" S. S. Anne proved to be quite seaworthy, even through the visible wounds from its last voyage. It wasn't very long until the ship docked itself on Vermillion City. Once ashore, they were crammed inside another truck, that made its voyage to who-knows-where until they got there which is, of course, the Indigo Plateau.
May and co. found Indigo Plateau to be in the worst condition from all the cities they've been through while hiding. This was because the cause of the twilight weather is the total eclipse-like formations above the main stadium.
Indigo is patrolled from all sides by MiBs, and guard Pokemon like Luxray and Growlithe. The truck was was given passage through a checkpoint at the road where the traditional "Running of the Flames" used to be performed. Going through means that they are now in the landmass that was home to the League.
Of course this was no pleasure trip. May caught a glimpse of 2 of the 4 mini-stadiums before the truck entered the main stadium. Once they got off the truck with their captors, they found an unusual sight.
The Indigo Plateau's main stadium has now expanded exponentially, much larger than its previous form. The stands were also raised higher, giving the center of the stadium a sort of enclosed space, although the skyline is still largely visible. It gave May the feeling of being inside a large and, and very deep, bowl.
"Ah, so you have finally brought more of my guests." A collective shuffling, and the MiBs guarding May, Misty and Brock all fell to their knees to give their respects. Out of nowhere, the same mysterious masked man, who gave the start of the new Pokemon League, appeared.
"Take them downstairs; I am sure that they would have a tearful reunion with those they cherish." All of a sudden, a large, elevator-like platform appeared in the center of the stadium's arena, where they were taken, then were given the feeling of being sinking downwards, when they actually disappeared in a pillar of light.
However, May had the sudden feeling that they weren't actually underground, though she can't explain why. To her(and Brock's and Misty's as well) astonishment, they passed a set of windows, revealing bright blue skies.
Mask anticipated their surprise. "It will all be confusing at first, but right now you are all in my flying fortress. All will be explained, soon. Right now, here are your rooms."
The three prisoners were taken into different prison cells one at a time, which are absolutely nothing of the like. Fitting the fortress motif their lead captor talking about, May's room was like a princess' from the Victorian era, with matching furniture and queen-size bed. However, the room was also outfitted with modern, maybe even futuristic, luxuries. It was like three time periods crammed into one space. Brock and Misty were also taken to similar rooms.
May dropped her fanny pack onto the bed, still confused. She gazed out of the paned window, and saw that they were indeed high in the sky, above some very unfamiliar lands.
There was a knock on the door, and May turned around just in time to see it open. In came both her parents, Norman and Caroline, followed by several MiBs and Mask himself. May ran to them, and embraced her parents.
"May!" Caroline, May's mother, said in utter relief, stroking her daughter's hair. "We're glad to see you're safe!"
"We thought that you were able to evade capture," Norman added tearfully. He turned to Mask. "I've already given you all my badges and the stones. Why still bring my daughter into all this? Let us free."
"Not yet."
"Why are you-" May started, but Mask held up a covered hand to silence her.
"All will be explained as necessary. Think of yourselves as my, guests, for now."
Mask approached May, and he withdrew his hand into his cloak. May prepared herself for an attack, but it didn't come. Instead, Mask took out his hand, holding Pichu, still wearing the Limiter Band on its waist. "I thought you might have missed his company."
Puzzled, May took Pichu into her arms, who was about to cry. Mask took his leave, taking May's parents with him, although he took one last, long look at May before the door closed. This left May alone in the room, with only Pichu as company. "What is going on?" May asked.
---
Believe it or not, even though Giovanni likes solitude, he wasn't happy to see Ash and his friends go after the week. Although, Ash was pretty sure that he has other reasons for keeping them in the base. Either way, the gym leader had one last bit of advice, another one uncharacteristic of him, to our hero before parting ways:
"Never lose your faith in yourself, your friends, and your Pokemon. Love and care for them like your own family. Most people make the mistake of thinking such feelings were a weakness, and I was one of those people. Don't be."
"Thanks, I think." For one thing, Ash had the vaguest idea of what Giovanni was talking about, and it was apparent that the latter knew about it, although he didn't say anything more. Turning to Max and Dawn, "Okay, you guys, let's get over to Kanto and challenge the new League!"
"Don't you mean 'you'll challenge the new League'?" Dawn reminded him, as they set out. "Never mind, I always wanted to see lands outside of Sinnoh, anyway."
As the three youths left under the twilight sky out of Hearthome City, Giovanni turned to his (only) three subordinates. "Well, what are you waiting for?" he asked them sharply.
"Huh?" all three said in unison.
Giovanni rolled his eyes. "Why aren't you following them, and making sure they stay out of trouble?"
"But Boss," Jessie started, "we-"
"Just GO, before they're gone!" Giovanni shook his head and rolled his eyes as he watched Jessie, James and Meowth scramble for the base hangar, where their ever-faithful signature Meowth balloon awaits.
"Finally, maybe I can get some peace and quiet around here," Giovanni muttered.
"Wobbuffet!"
"Oh, no, you're not! HEY!" Giovanni called back towards the hangar. "You forgot someone! I am not babysitting for him again!"
CONTINUED
|
|
|
Manhunt
Mar 30, 2008 20:13:29 GMT 12
Post by Elite4James on Mar 30, 2008 20:13:29 GMT 12
As Matt said, Tsuki means moon. The moon was thought to affect the tides of the sea, so it can still work! ^^
Anything with the word Sui or Mizu, works for a watery Japanese name.
|
|
|
Manhunt
Mar 31, 2008 0:22:20 GMT 12
Post by XAOTL on Mar 31, 2008 0:22:20 GMT 12
So, Ebil is not as Ebil as it seems.
and one tiny mistake i wierdly spotted. speech mark at the end... wierd coming from me.
|
|
|
Manhunt
Mar 31, 2008 3:45:27 GMT 12
Post by Lara on Mar 31, 2008 3:45:27 GMT 12
Okay, I just read though this whole thing. A-mazing. Really it is. Never seen this plot before; original.
The plot is moving along quite nicely too.
|
|
|
Post by dryuu01 on Apr 1, 2008 5:23:06 GMT 12
-The fact that Mask's fortress(no actual illusion) is "above unfamiliar lands" is a foreshadowing of the entire fic, at least, in my own twisted, complicated sense anyway.
-As usual Team Rocket tries one of their hare-brained, yet cheap(you'll see why) schemes, this time to help Ash and the gang.
-When I try to shift scenarios, the timeline will sort of get confused(even I got confused once). However, May's scenario, from this point onwards, will contain vague references that would place her timeline in tune with Ash's.
MH10: Suspicions
For some reason unknown to Ash and friends, the search for gym leaders(and probably himself) was called off their first day off of the Rocket Base. Neither member of the group could figure out why, although Ash had a sinking feeling that all the gym leaders have finally been caught.
Because of this, a bit of activity returned to the cities of the world. This is what Ash and his friends see as they near Sandgem Town on the way to Kanto. Activity or not, the atmosphere is still very dark, literally. People talking in hushed whispers, few to little to no children on the streets, it's like an enormous invisible hand was out of the shadows, gripping at everyone's hearts, making them distrust one another.
"This really creeps me out," Max remarked, as an old couple started talking in hushed whispers just after the group passed them. Shivering, he rubbed his shoulders nervously. "Ash, are you sure that it's okay for us to be out in the open now?"
"Nope." Max sighed. Then, a thought sprang into his head. "Hey, I heard from Professor Birch that Professor Rowan, the leading authority on Pokemon here in Sinnoh, is right here in Sandgem Town! Maybe it's worth-"
"A visit?" Dawn finished. "Max, have you forgotten that the league is searching," Dawn doesn't like using the word 'Hunt', "for all known celebrities? He would be top of the list, like Professor Oak, and that means he's in hiding, not here in his hometown."
"Dawn is right," Ash added. "Hiding or not, we have no time to visit him, though a part of me wants to. But, I feel that we need to get back to Kanto as soon as possible. Right, Pikachu?" The Electric Mouse on his left shoulder nodded. Ash remained in the middle of the group as they walked, Pikachu effectively using his ears as a sensor in case they get into trouble.
Max has that longing look on his face as they passed a stone building that he recognized in his PokeNav's guide function, as the professor's lab. In truth, Dawn had the same feeling, although it's for her mother, whose fate was still unknown to them, in nearby Twinleaf. However, they settled these inner demons, and continued onward, heading south, towards the beach.
"Wait a minute," Dawn spoke up. "Even if the search is off, though we're still not sure on that, how are we going to board a ship? I learned from my mother that inter-region cruises are not exactly affordable."
Ash felt like there was a swirling in his stomach. He knew that Dawn was right. How in the world are they going to afford a boat trip from Sinnoh to Kanto?
The answer came to them like being hit with a solid wall of bricks. Right next to a small, dilapidated boat, or, more likely, dingy, there was a small wooden stand holding a lottery game. Managing the stall are two barely disguised individuals, who are able to fool everyone except for Ash and friends.
"But hey, keep it quiet, will ya?" the hidden Meowth told me. "We're doing the twerps a favor, and it's best they don't know we're helping them, ya know."
Okay, fine, whatever. But tell me one thing. Why did James have to crossdress, AGAIN?!
"That, was beyond any of our help."
"Come one, come all!" the disguised (female, BRR!) James called out in the tiniest voice (s)he can muster. "Try your luck at our game, and you could win free tickets to a sea cruise courtesy of our yacht!" (S)he waved his hands in the direction of the dingy.
"Well, that's convenient," Dawn muttered. "Hey, wait you guys!" she called as Ash and Max ran ahead of hear toward the lottery game. Even from that distance, the twinkling of the eyes of the proprietors are easily visible.
"AH! Customers!" the (real) woman, Jessie, exclaimed, as Max approached, the first to reach their stand. "Are you ready to test your luck in our lottery, youngsters?" she added, just as Ash and Dawn arrived. It was apparent from a twitch in her mouth that she's itching not to use a certain "T" word instead of "youngsters".
"I'm too young to gamble, but," Max said, then, turning to the others, "what about you guys?"
"No thanks, I feel that my luck's not good these days," Dawn replied.
"How about me?" Ash asked the women(?) at the stand. "Can I try?"
"Be our guest." As Ash tried rolling the wheel-shaped box containing the golden ball that would be their grand prize, the stall's proprietors huddled into a corner out of earshot from Ash and co., although Dawn raised an eyebrow in their direction.
"Well, James, have you made sure that the Twerps," Jessie felt relieved at using that word again, "would win the game?"
"Of course!" James retorted, in his normal voice.
"-by putting only golden balls in the wheel?"
"Erk..."
"James!" Jessie groaned.
At that same moment, Ash stopped rolling, and instead of a golden balli, a silver ball popped out of the hole of the wheel. They (all of them, plus the Rockets) gave a collective groan, with Jessie providing a venomous stare at James.
"Eh, he-he," Ash said, sweatdropping and scratching his head sheepishly, "can I try again?"
Jessie is seen rubbing her hands together, an act common to storeowners when ware-selling opportunities arise. "Of course, of course, you can try as much as you like!" she said, still having the stare at James that would put even her Seviper to shame.
THAT was the hard part. Try as Ash might, he couldn't get the golden ball. On his thirteenth try, an impatient Dawn took over. Much to everyone's surprise, it was her draw that revealed the (single) golden ball from the wheel.
---
Surprisingly, for May, neither she nor her family and friends were not essentially prisoners in Mask's flying fortress. Their every move were still being guarded; otherwise it's like living in luxury. At least, that's what May felt, the past couple of days.
The fortress help provided them with meals in the banquet hall three times a day. This also saw May's opportunity to see the other prisoners of Mask's castle: Professors Elm and Birch, the original chairman Charles Goodshow, among others; the rest she couldn't recognize. Of course, Mask was not present at meals with them; what warden in his right mind would want to dine with his prisoners?
Also another privilege is having what Norman liked to call "limited freedom". Mask allowed them to journey most of the castle. However, like implied, certain portions are prohibited to enter. Brock suspected, and he relayed this thought to his friends one night, that their host/warden has reason to believe that it's impossible to escape his stronghold, since the castle is thousands of feet off the ground.
It was when May accidentally stumbled into a dungeon-like portion of the castle did she find out that they weren't the only prisoners, human, at least. In the large cavernous room, all fitted with Limiter Bands similar to Pichu's, were many Pokemon. Among them, May recognized hers, Brock's, anjd Misty's, but collectively she also recognised the rest of the Pokemon.
A guard immediately spotted her, and quickly marched over to her. "HEY! This area is off-limits! Out, OUT!"
The cry was heard from the floor below, by the Pokemon. They all looked up just in time to see May being manhandled by the guard, to which they screamed in protest. However, that's all they can do, thanks to the Limiters. However, May had a savior, which is, of most people-
"What seems to be the problem here?" Mask asked, appearing from the doorway from where May entered.
"Sir, this prisoner has tresspassed onto this room, and-"
"Go back to your post," Mask interrupted, "and I'll take care of the girl." He took May by the arm, to which, for some reason, May felt a degree of warmth she was surprised at; warmth that was awfully familiar to her for some reason.
Mask heralded May out of the room and back to the corridor. Not letting go of May's arm, Mask led her straight back into the main halls. "You are guests of my castle, but I already informed you that some areas are off-limits. Try to be more careful this time." Mask let go, and started walking away.
But, there was a question that May wanted answered. "Why are all of Ash's Pokemon here?" she asked, rubbing the part of the arm where the masked man held her. Mask stopped in his tracks. "What are you planning to do with them?"
The masked man didn't turn around, but he did give his answer, dort of. "It is not the right time to reveal these things." Whether he has a watch or not, Mask didn't look at his wrist, and yet he easily deduced the time. "Hm, you should be heading to the banquet hall now, it's time for dinner."
Mask disappeared into a door off the hall, leaving May alone. After a minute, she turned, not towards the banquet hall, but to the stairs leading to her bedroom. As she walked the stairs, her hand never left the arm where Mask has touched her. 'Why does his warmth feel so familiar?' she asked herself. "Who is he?"
This question kept replaying in May's head, yet she couldn't come up with an answer. May opened the door to her room, to reveal a sleeping Pichu, wrapped in her bandana like a blanket, right in the middle of the bed. She smiled woefully at the comfort the little Pokemon was having, despite the circumstances they were in.
CONTINUED
|
|
|
Manhunt
Apr 1, 2008 11:07:36 GMT 12
Post by JbstormburstADV on Apr 1, 2008 11:07:36 GMT 12
Anyone thinking that we may see Drew soon, because the above scene seems to hint towards it.
|
|
|
Manhunt
Apr 1, 2008 12:16:11 GMT 12
Post by dryuu01 on Apr 1, 2008 12:16:11 GMT 12
, what scene made you think I'm going to put in Drew?
|
|
|
Manhunt
Apr 1, 2008 22:40:03 GMT 12
Post by JbstormburstADV on Apr 1, 2008 22:40:03 GMT 12
Remember, "warmth that was awfully familiar to her"? Yeah, you can get what I mean now.
|
|
|
Post by dryuu01 on Apr 2, 2008 2:23:35 GMT 12
-Nope, Drew's not involved in the main plot in any way. -Throughout the anime timeline, Team Rocket's disguises never were convincing to those who watch the show, yet still infallible in the eyes of other characters. The only instance that another character saw through a disguise would be when Misty was able to recognize the Rockets when they came to cheer on Ash before his rematch with Lt. Surge. -Er, a reference to smoking early this chapter? Either way, BEWARE. MH11: Braving a Storm
During dinner, May relayed what she has found in the dungeon to her friends. They had the same baffled expressions as May had, and the same thoughts as well: What in the world is Mask planning to do with all of Ash's Pokemon?
There was, however, one consolation. Brock confirmed this by asking May: "Are you sure 'all' of his Pokemon are there? All of them?"
"No, maybe; I'm not completely sure. I don't see his Charizard, or his Squirtle..."
Brock and Misty exchanged sighs of relief. "Well, that means that this, masked man doesn't have all of Ash's Pokemon after all," the latter said. "May, there are more Pokemon aside from Charizard and Squirtle that weren't in Professor Oak's lab."
"However," Brock added, becoming grim again, "who knows how long until he gets his hands on the rest? If Ash knew what is happening to his Pokemon right now, he must get to them first."
May watched Pichu run around the table, barely missing the dishes, with her bandana draped on the Pokemon's back like a cape. Pichu must be imagining he's a hero or something...
Pichu screeched to a halt right in front of Caroline. Pichu tilted its head from one side to the other, like it was examining the older woman or something. Curiously amused, the latter asked, "Yes? Is there something about me that interests you?"
The little Pokemon answered with a very strange gesture: It started with his hands clapped at the middle, then quickly setting them apart. Caoline had the inkling that Pichu's suggesting that she was fat. "Oh, really?" she asked, eyebrows raised.
"Oh, sorry, Mom!" May quickly said, running to her, and grabbing Pichu. "He doesn't really know what he's doing..."
"It's alright, May, dear," Caroline said, bemused at Pichu, who kept repeating the gesture over and over and over and over...
"Hey!" a guard from behind them said.
"We're not breaking any of your 'prison rules'," Norman shouted, protecting his family. Turning to May, "May, you'd better return to your seat." May nodded, and no more Pichu Antics happened for the duration of their dinner.
In one, secluded part of the castle, Mask was watching several screens. "Hm, a storm in between Kanto and Sinnoh? That's not a good sign..."
---
Ash still couldn't believe that Dawn had won the lottery instead of him. Ironic, considering that he was confident on winning, and Dawn said it out loud that she had bad luck, yet it was the latter who prevailed in the game.
Once they have all packed their things on the floor of the yacht/dingy, one of the lottery girls disappeared. In her place, beside the second one, was the captain of the dingy. He was quite overdressed for the part, which consists of an oversized sailor hat, and a smoke pipe. Underneath the sailor's cap is the unmistakable(for everyone who "watches", but not "those in", the story) blue hair of Team Rocket's James.
"So," the ship captain said out loud, watching his passengers get comfortable(though with great difficulty), "you are the lucky little lads that won a trip on my ship, eh?" His voice was very raspy, maybe due to the fact that he occasionally chokes on the smoke from his pipe. "Welcome aboard."
Like mentioned, the "ship" is more of a dingy, which is a small, dilapidated, seaworth-is-questionable boat. The other host(Jessie) of the lottery game disappeared, and in her place was the captain's first mate. This time it was she who was the crossdresser, with all her hair surprisingly fitted inside her own sailor's cap, and fake stubble lining her chin.
Ash didn't have time to see through these disguises, though. He felt that his Pokemon needed some fresh air, and let them out. Dawn followed his example, releasing her own Pokemon. After they said they were ready, the small boat set off, southwards, to Kanto.
The fliers Gligar and Staravia flew in circles over the ship, before roosting on the roof of the bridge. Dawn's Ambipom climbed up with her long arm/tails to join them. Ash's Floatsel stood on the very railing of the dingy, overlooking the dark water, reconsidering if he should dive in or not. Prinplup, however, not like his fellow water-type, wants to dive in, only to be stopped by his trainer. Grotle stretched himself right in the middle of the deck, with his best friend Monferno leaning back on him, both asleep. Pachirisu, meanwhile, climebed on the back of Grotle, easily the largest of the group's Pokemon, before resting there herself. Buneary, meanwhile, kept close to Pikachu, much to the latter's discomfort and embarrassment.
Ash, sitting right next to where his Floatsel stood, watched his Pokemon sleep comfortably. Dawn noticed this, and, sitting next to him, asked, "You worried that they may not be up to the new gyms, right?"
The boy shrugged. "I don't know." He took a look at Buneary and Pikachu, then, remembered something. Ash grabbed his backpack, and rummaged in it for a few seconds. He finally found what he was looking for, and took out what looked like a golden coin with pink lace.
Upon closer inspection Dawn saw what it was, but Max, who was sitting across from them, got there first. "Hey, Ash, I didn't know you still had that ribbon you shared with my sister?"
"Yeah. I always wanted to have all my friends' keepsakes close to me, which is what I'm doing now." The captain and his one-(wo)man crew listened in with interest, from the bridge.
"Wait a second," Dawn piped up. "That's quite a waste, cutting a ribbon in half. Why do such a thing, Ash?"
"Well, I, er, ah-"
Everyone BUT Ash seemed to notice that he was turning as red as an apple. Max raised his glasses so his twinkling eyes would be invisible from the reflective glare, but a devilish smile was still visible. Not-so-suspicious whistling seems to be coming from inside the bridge. Dawn's eyes seemed to pierce through Ash's, seemingly(but not literally) melting the latter.
"May is not my girlfriend, okay?!" Ash shouted exasperatedly to everyone.
"But, Ash," Dawn said, a clever smile creeping into her face, "we didn't say anything about May being your girlfriend..."
"Nor did we even say anything about my sister," Max added, also smiling, "hmm...?" Ash's stomach felt like it's bottom fell off. Trying to get his mind off his friends' teasing, he returned to rummaging in his backpack.
Meanwhile, in the small cabin that was the dingy's bridge, unknown to their three passengers, the one who was actually steering was Meowth. When they overheard the conversation, Jessie remarked, eyes twinkling, "AH. Young, twerpish love. Ain't it grand?"
"Kinda has a nice ring to it, doesn't it?" Meowth added, smirking, absentmindedly spinning the ship's wooden steering wheel. Clearly they were savoring the comical despair their "Chief Twerp" was in.
"Wobbuffet!"
"Shut up will you," Jessie scolded, returning the ever-eager Pokemon back into his Pokeball.
James, however, wasn't paying attention. He was peering at the horizon through binoculars, sounding grim. "Uh, guys, we might be having a bit of trouble..."
"What is it?" Jessie snapped, taking the binoculars from James and looked at where the latter was pointing. even underneath the twilight, storm clouds are visibly forming in the distance. Her heart sank. "Meowth, exactly how seaworthy is this bucket of bolts?" From the sheepish expression on their pilot's face, Jessie could tell he was not exactly sure. "I hate you..."
She ran outside, shouting to Ash and co., without even attempting to disguise her voice, "Brace yourselves! We're about to go into a storm!"
Heeding the warning, Ash and Dawn quickly recalled their Pokemon. Jessie heralded them into the bridge, which was already crammed enough as it is. They were briefly taken by surprise by Meowth's appearance, but now was not the time for words.
Strong waves rocked the dingy back and forth violently, and downpour was resounding at the roof above them. Equally powerful gales blew from all sides. Once or twice Meowth lost control of his steering, and he needed assistance from the others to regain it via stopping the steering wheel's uncontrollable spin.
At that moment, strong wind knocked the bridge's back door wide open. A tidal wave hit the boat at that exact same moment, and Max, the one closest to the door, was knocked backwards, outside, into the treacherous waters below.
"MAX!" Ash and Dawn cried. The former burst through the door after the younger trainer, and, without thinking, jumped into the choppy waters.
Ash had to use up all his strength to swim through the powerful underwater currents. He quicly found Max several hundred feet from the boat, glasses askew and knocked out. Ash quickly swam over to him, and grabbed Max by the waist with one hand, and grabbing Max's glasses with the other. With the latter Ash tried reaching for Floatsel's Pokeball, then remembered that he left them back at the boat.
Looking around, Ash found that he couldn't find the hull of the dingy. 'Where are they?' he thought desperately. Breaking through the water surface, Ash craned his eyes, straining not to let seawater clog them, and looked around. Still he couldn't find them.
However, for one strange instance, he saw what he thought he saw, and swam there, Max safely in tow. The storm, luckily, has abated as quickly as it appeared. Before he could reach whatever it was, they were found by the dingy's crew.
James, Jessie and Dawn all helped carry a barely-conscious Max onboard. Ash, after getting on himself, was on all fours, trying to catch his breath. Meowth was beside himself with anger, not even caring that their cover was blown.
"Twerp, of all the craziest stunts you've pulled!" he said, fuming. "If our Boss found out, he would kill us, then fire us, you know that?"
However, Ash didn't listen. Ash knows what he saw, but he still couldn't believe it. Why was he able to see the Olivine Lighthouse somewhere there, in northern Kanto, where it should be hundreds of miles away, in western Johto?
CONTINUED
|
|
|
Post by XAOTL on Apr 2, 2008 3:44:59 GMT 12
I think I know who Mask is...
... it makes complete sense really. Mask is _____
Won't spoil it ^_^
|
|
|
Post by DaveTheFishandChipsGuy on Apr 2, 2008 5:09:00 GMT 12
As I said in the ff.net review, I just love the phrase 'Pichu Antics'. You have to use it more often now. ;D
|
|
|
Post by dryuu01 on Apr 3, 2008 6:24:37 GMT 12
I think I know who Mask is... ... it makes complete sense really. Mask is _____ Won't spoil it ^_^ -Send a PM to me and I'll confirm/deny it for you. Either way, there is quite a history with the man "behind the Mask".
DISCLAIMER: The title of "Dark Knight" belongs to DC, specifically Batman, XD. Try as hard as I can, it doesn't belong to me. MH12: Projections?After dinner, the prisoners were taken to their rooms. Saying good night to her parents and friends, may closed the door to her room. She was a little scolding to Pichu right now. "You shouldn't have been telling my mother she's, er, overweight, you know, Pichu," she said to the little Pokemon. "She doesn't like that, okay?" Pichu must have misunderstood, and he now acted wild and cheery, thinking May complimented him. May sighed, and put a finger at the top of Pichu's head to stop him from being "springy", all the while smiling ruefully. Minutes later, after changing into nightwear, May let Pichu run around the bed, pretending he's the "Dark Knight" or something, with the bandana. Afterwards the two immediately fell fast asleep. However, Pichu bolted up mere minutes later, sensing something. Looking around, the Pokemon saw something white, a vapor-like firgure standing over at May's side of the bed. Pichu tilted its head in the direction of the apparition, then chirped cheerfully, obviously not threatened with the presence. The "ghost" then quickly disappeared. "Pichu, what are you doing still up?" May, rubbing her eyes, sat up, yawning. Pichu blinked. "What's wrong, Pichu?" The baby just continued blinking, before finally falling on his back, to sleep. It was then May's turn to blink in confusion. For some reason she felt that someone was there beside her, only there wasn't. Thinking she's imagining things, May returned to her slumber. Too bad she didn't see that on Pichu's portion of the blanket, something was giving off an eerie glow. --- For some reason, Ash felt like he was out of his body for one second. The next, he is back on his knees on Team Rocket's boat. Still confused, Ash feels like he doesn't want to share what he experienced with the others. Right now, however, no one seemed to notice, since there seems to be a heated argument forming between everyone else. It's nothing serious; just about who's going to give Max CPR. "There is now way I'm wasting my first kiss on someone that is too young for me!" Jessie said out loud. "Well, I don't mean to offend Max, but I don't want to try it either," Dawn put up. Together the two females rounded on James. "Waitaminit," the latter protested. "What are you looking at me for?! I'm not going to give him mouth-to-mouth, either! I haven't gone THAT far, you know!" In turn he stared at Meowth. For the first time, he couldn't find a retort when everyone stared at him. "Uh, I think I need to steer this boat back to the mainland," he said, and quickly darted for the bridge. "Wobbuffet!" Of all times, the not-so-lovable blue blob appeared, as usual, but suddenly the entire group, minus Ash and Max, rounded on him instead. Getting the idea, and being scared out of his wits as well, Wobbuffet grabbed Jessie's pokeball and recalled himself, again. "Oh, no you're not!" Jessie furiously screamed at the Pokeball, looking like she's about to squeeze it. "Now, get back OUT here and be a hero for once!" The argument, luckily, was finally stopped when Max managed to recover on his own. Ash, meanwhile, forgetting everyone else for a second, looked back in the direction where he saw the lighthouse. It was gone. Was it only an illusion, or were they veered (way) off course, and landed in Johto? The latter was disproven when Meowth announced from an overhead speaker that the Cerulean City harbor is in his sights. Minutes later, the group was able to make out the outline of Misty's hometown in the southern horizon. A few more minutes in, and Meowth expertly docked the dingy on the harbor, which was, unsurprisingly by now, deserted. Our heroes didn't notice it at first, since they're having another round of exchange. "So, Giovanni sent you three to protect us?" Dawn asked, as she stepped off the dock first. "Specifically, he was referring only to the 'Chief Twerp'," James said, jerking a thumb at Ash. "But, you guys would have to count as well." "Then why not tell us this, instead of playing charades?" Max asked. "It could have been easier that way..." "Well," Jesise retorted, "it's against the criminal code to openly cooperate with do-gooders like yourselves." At this response, Max and Dawn exchanged bewildered looks, and rolled their eyes. Pikachu only sighed and shrugged, to which meowth stuck out his tongue in response. "These guys are hopeless," Max remarked. "What do you think, Ash? Ash?" However, Ash wasn't listening. He was still gazing out to sea, wondering about the Olivine Lighthouse, and the strange feeling he had experienced right after. "Hulloooo," Max said, "Earth to Ash, Earth to Ash, please come in." "Huh?" Ash said, snapping out of his thoughts. "Sorry. What were you guys saying?" "Never mind." Dawn looked around. "So this is Cerulean City, hometown of your friend Misty. I expected it to be more- livelier..." "Wha'd you expect, due to the current events?" Max retorted. "Anyway, Ash, one of the new gyms is supposed to be here, right? Maybe you should try that one out first, to save us some time." "Good idea." For one half-second, Ash thought that he felt something at the back. Specifically his backpack, he suddenly took it off himself and set it on the ground. he rummaged in it for the third time, while the others looked on in bewilderment. "What-" Dawn began, but Ash put a hand up to silence her. Finally, he found what he was looking for, only it was the last thing he expected to find in his bag. "Ash, what is that in your hand?" Enclosed in one hand is(unknown to everyone but him) the component of the Badge Amplifier Giovanni has shown exclusively to him. In the other, is the Terracotta Ribbon; only, it was glowing, albeit fadingly, like it was resonating to the device. CONTINUED
|
|
|
Manhunt
Apr 3, 2008 10:56:09 GMT 12
Post by JbstormburstADV on Apr 3, 2008 10:56:09 GMT 12
Man, I got a feeling you're going to sweep us off our feet with a theory that will cause people to debate for a long time.
|
|