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Manhunt
Apr 18, 2008 6:24:16 GMT 12
Post by dryuu01 on Apr 18, 2008 6:24:16 GMT 12
Me, I'm just sick and tired of that place now. They ask you to continue a oneshot, and then they drop out on you when I actually did. That happened to me, TWICE, over there. -NOTE: I have a new title up for this story in ff.net, which I call "Proto-title", Neo League Conquest. MH19: Gone Underground
Meanwhile, while the Twerps were pseudo-happy camping, Team Rocket have by now reached Veilstone City. Following directions from locals, the trio immediately headed for the headquarters of Team Galactic.
Along the way, Meowth spotted the four special meteorites that were a landmark of the city. "Hey, Jessie," the Scratch cat spoke up, "-what do you say we take a little-"
"No, Meowth, we're on a mission, remember?" James cut off, obviously knowing what the former was thinking. "Once all this is over, then we can get all the meteorites and treasures that we want, okay?"
"Fine," Meowth replied sulkingly.
Without anymore distractions, the anti-heroes of this series have now approached the stairs leading to the Galactic Building. "Ugh, they really go for the grand effect, don't they?" Jessie remarked airily, nodding at the G symbol engraved at the center of the front wall. "Not even a single effort in hiding their existence!"
"Well, they should now, since they're on the run from the law," James reminded them. "Tell me again why we are looking for Cyrus here?"
"Now that you said it, shouldn't we be, too?" Meowth added.
"Wobbuffet!"
"You don't have to agree with anything we say, you know!" came Jessie's usual tone of annoyance at Wobbuffet.
It was no trouble for the three to enter the building, which was practically deserted. The floors, tables and reception desks could also be seen gathering thick dust, and the light fixtures have long failed. It's an obvious sign that no one's been here for quite a while now.
"Wow, when Galactic goes into hiding, they really meant to go hiding, don't they?" Jessie said out loud.
"That doesn't even make sense," James muttered, and Meowth nodded in agreement.
Jessie only bopped them in the heads for retaliation. "Now, where to begin looking for Galactic's boss? His top office, of course! Let's go!" She led her cohorts in a march, heading towards the elevator leading to the top floor.
"Talk about easy access," James remarked, at how they easily penetrated the upper echelons of the Galactic building. "They could have at least added a little security even if this place is deserted..."
The sweet sound of elevator music relaxed the moods of Team Rocket. In no time at all, they have reached the upper floor. Once again, Jessie led the way, a flashlight in hand, through a hallway that she thinks might lead to Cyrus' office.
Both James and Meowth highly doubted this insight, until they reached a carpeted hallway, going through large, double oak doors. Jessie gave them a gloating look, as she pushed the doors forward.
Cyrus' office is just like the rest of the rooms in the building. Dust is gathering, the supposedly-elegant carpet is now peeling, and the bookcases at the side have Ariados ebs in between old books. The obvious sign of a place long since abandoned.
"Well, we can't find Cyrus just standing around here," Jessie said. "Let's go look for a clue that might lead us to his whereabouts."
She quickly strodse to Cyrus' desk, and started searching in its drawers. Meowth and James divided the chore of searching in the bookcases between them, since the room's walls consists of anything but bookcases.
"Found anything?" Jessie asked the others, while leafing through old research papers she found.
"Nothing," James replied, coughing out some dust he collected from the books.
"Ditto," Meowth added, from the other side pf the room. "Wait," he suddenly said, while poring in a book, "I think I've got something..." The other two Rockets quickly rushed to his side. Wobbuffet reappeared, but Jessie was too disracted to call him back.
What Meowth found was a very old yearbook, dating as far back as from the 70s. The silver engraving on the front cover read: Sunnyshore U., Class of 77. They immediately recognized the person in the center of the group's class shot. Wearing the traditional black professor's toga, is Professor Samuel Oak. The rest of the people in the picture wear white, obviously his students.
"That one," Meoth said, pointing to the graduate in the far-left corner of the shot. He has short, blue-green hair and a stony expression. He was at a noticeable distance from his fellow graduates. "I'd recognize his face anywhere. That's Cyrus, leader of Team Glactic, all right."
"Good find Meowth, but what we need is where he is now, instead of then," Jessie said.
James, however, wasn't listening. He was scrutinizing the photo carefully, and immediately shouted a surprise. "Is that- the Boss?!"
"Huh? What? Where?" His cohorts looked around the photograph, trying to look for Giovanni, but James had to point the figure out for them to actually recognize him, just a few inches next to Cyrus.
It was Giovanni, all rght, with the high forehead, sharp eyes and uniquely brown hair. The detail that made the Rockets miss him is the smile; very contrasting to the sarcastic one they were used to from him.
That wasn't all. He has his arms around someone. A girl with brown-red hair; and the two are smiling, not at the camera, but at each other. Cyrus, on the other hand, was scowling at them from the corner of his eyes.
"Aw," Meowth awed. "The Boss got a girlfriend! I hope he's a better player than that Twerp!"
James rubbed his eyes, time and again, trying to examine the photograph more carefully. "Somehow she looks awfully familiar, but I can't place my finger on it..."
"It's all in your imagination James," Jessie said. "I haven't seen her before; have you Meowth?" The Pokemon shook his head.
As the Rockets continued to leaf through the yearbook, a piece of paper fell out from one of its pages. James picked it up, saying, "Listen to this!" and read the writing on it:
Cyrus, an expert on computer technology and robotics, is awarded the Sunnyshore University Award for Scientific Achievements. After graduation, he preferred to solitude in the Sunnyshore Power Plant, situated in underground Sunnyshore City.
Jessie and Meowth were looking over his shoulder the whole time he was reading it. "Well, there you have it," the former spoke up, after finishing. "If Cyrus is still in hiding, there's only one place he could be."
"Underground in Sunnyshore," her cohorts said in unison.
"Now, what are we waiting for? Sunnyshore City is still quite a good distance from here, you know!" Jessie straightened herself up, and headed out the door, with a very enthusiastic spring in her step.
"I have a feeling she would be gloating about all her guesses here," Meowth muttered. "You know how she loves to brag about anything..."
"You got that right," James mouthed back.
"It's all in my catchphraise," Meowth added, grinning.
---
The next morning, the guards to Saffron City announced that a bypass has been erected. This bypass used to be the tow underground tunnels connecting Celadon to Lavender, and Cerulean to Vermillion. But now, they are connected as one, appropriately an underground crossroad.
"Well, that solves our problem on how to get Lavender," Ash said after the announcement. He and his friends headed back north, where the entrance to the tunnel would be.
"Great," Max said sarcastically. "We have to go through a dark tunnel to get to a ghost town. What a trip..."
It doesn't help that the tunnel is indeed dark and murky in appearance; and that's how the tunnel looks from the outside! Dawn shivered terribly for this, and she wasn't the only one. Even Ash is having second doubts on going through the tunnel now.
"But," Ash spoke up, trailing his thought, "we still have to go on. Come on, you guys!"
CONTINUED
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Manhunt
Apr 18, 2008 7:14:57 GMT 12
Post by RobSp1derp1g on Apr 18, 2008 7:14:57 GMT 12
I don't think things will be that easy...
Wow, they are becoming quite old.
So, Prof. Oak, was that class' teacher...
So, Giovanni, Cyrus, and the mystery woman on the same class. This is ought to be interesting... Keep up the good work.
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Manhunt
Apr 18, 2008 8:22:54 GMT 12
Post by JbstormburstADV on Apr 18, 2008 8:22:54 GMT 12
Oh, I got a feeling I know who said mystery woman is. I'll PM, you what I think.
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Manhunt
Apr 19, 2008 6:05:04 GMT 12
Post by XAOTL on Apr 19, 2008 6:05:04 GMT 12
No mystery what's going on, a bit obious who she is really, especiall y after seeing it in a load of other places. But Cyrius, was a nice adition indeed. Never thought He'd play that sort of role. But it explains a raivalry beetween Galactic and Rocket
"We have to go through a dark tunnel to get to a ghost town. What a trip..."
wern't they in everlasting Darkness?
Then tell them it's annoying. Better to say it there than here. I'm sure they'll understand, many reviewers are... But remember. Just about every single one- shot in Serebii has close to 0 reviews.
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Manhunt
Apr 19, 2008 7:29:26 GMT 12
Post by dryuu01 on Apr 19, 2008 7:29:26 GMT 12
-I'm only ending my rant because of what you said Xaotl. You're right, I shouldn't rat it out here. However, I only ranted because this fic is nearly going the same way as its brothers in Serebii. MH20: Ghostly Problems?
Mask is found in a large laboratory underneath his castle. He was surveying the large pieces of mineral rock standing before him. They were brought from all over by his subordinates.
"So, are these the ones we've been looking for?" Mask asked the MiB closest to him. He mentally made count. "One for each Pokemon type..."
"Yes, boss. With the old leaders cooperating with us, finding the minerals was no trouble. But, we haven't found the piece that-"
"Responds to dark-types. Understandable, as I already have it with me. No worries, but the machine-"
"The machine is ready, sir, and-"
"But, WE are not," Mask said curtly. "We are still missing one important piece."
"The amplifier with Team Rocket's Boss, sir? We are still looking for him, as hard as we can and-"
"The amplifier is the least of our worries. That is not the 'component' I am talking about. However, there is no need to find this piece. The final piece I speak of will soon come to us.
"As for now, you know what to do with these rocks."
"Yes, sir." The MiB dismissed himself in front of Mask, and then started barking orders to the others.
---
Ash was feeling very claustrophobic right now. It wasn't because of the tunnel they were in; it was because of Max and Dawn, both feeling scared, were sticking very close to him.
"Hey," he muttered to his companions. "Can I get a little room here?"
"Sorry," the other two said in unison. However, they never said anything about giving in to Ash's demand, so the latter still felt cramped.
The tunnel under Saffron City is maze-like in the sense. Water pipes line the ceiling above, dripping unknown liquids; this gave the tunnel the uncanny impression of a sewer.
"Lavender Town should be east of here," Ash muttered, as the three of them separated from the main crowd. "So, it would be- thataway," he said, pointing to a left path on a fork.
With a knowing look at each other, Max and Dawn pulled out their Pokenav and Poketch, respectively. Just as they expected, the compass addition featured on their maps say that the actual East direction is right in front of them.
"Hey, where are you guys going?" Ash asked, when he saw the other two heading in the latter direction.
"The map says east, Lavender Town, is this way," was Dawn's answer.
"Yeah," Max agreed. "Somehow, for some reason," he narrowed his eyes, "I trust the Pokenav map more than you."
"Same here," Dawn agreed.
A nerve on Ash's temple twitched. Grinning, Max and Dawn continued onward, and Ash begrudgingly followed. Much to the latter's dismay, the maps beat his gut instinct. The stairs leading up to the east entrance of the tunnel was soon visible.
Route 8 was a welcome sight for anyone coming from inside a murky, sewer-like tunnel. However, the twilight sky, combined with the ever-eerie atmosphere of the outskirts of Lavender Town, still makes a gloomy setting.
Ash pointed to the landmark of Lavender Town, visible in the skylight. "The Pokemon Tower. A graveyard for departed Pokemon," he told his companions, in a tone not unlike that of a tour guide.
Max awed at the sight of the tower, albeit from a distance. Dawn, however, kept shivering, having bad vibes from the sight. Noticing this, Ah said, "There's nothing to worry about. I've met some ghost Pokemon there a long time ago, and they're anything but evil, believe me. A little eccentric, and weird, perhaps, but that's all.
"Now come on, we can't get the Badge just standing here," Ash said, and marched forward.
This time it was Max and Dawn who grudgingly followed Ash's lead. As the troupe trekked through Route 8, the fog synonymous with the town kept getting thicker and thicker by every foot.
At long last they reach Lavender Town. The group quickly caught sight of the Pokemon Center right near the entrance, and headed there first. Max quickly braced himself, ready for the impulse of jumping on Brock, only to quickly remember that the latter wasn't there.
"Hate to say it, but I miss Brock trying to woo girls," he muttered.
"What I miss about him is his cooking," Dawn added, her stomach giving a low growl. "I'm going to the cafeteria. Want me to order anything for you guys?"
After receiving requests from her friends, the girl quickly went for the cafe in the next room. Ash, meanwhile, approached the front desk. Nurse Joy was there; but instead of the cross logo on her nurse's cap, it was replaced by a dark, neon-blue N insignia.
"Welcome to the Lavender Town Pokemon Center. How can I help you?" she asked, in that all-too-familiar sweet tone.
"Nurse Joy, I need my Pokemon to have a check-up before I challenge the gym here." Ash took out his five Pokeballs, and Pikachu from his shoulder jumped to the counter beside them.
"Alright," Nurse Joy said. A Chansey appeared from the door behind her, wheeling in a trolley. "It will only take a good few thirty minutes, so why don't you take a break for a while?"
"Thanks, Nurse Joy." After that, Ash followed his friends' lead into the cafeteria. When he found the booth they were sitting on, Ash slid in next to Max. Next to the booth are Dawn's own Pokemon, who were already provided sustenance.
"By the way," Ash asked, as he bit into a cheese sandwich Max handed to him, "you guys find out anything about the gym here?"
"It's just south of the tower, according to sources provided here," Max said, waving his Pokenav. "The gym was, according to this, recently erected. Fitting, I guess."
Ash leaned back in his seat as he took the last bite out of his sandwich. "Well, Nurse Joy said that the check-up will take a while to finish, so we're in no hurry."
A man they didn't notice earlier stood up from the booth right next to theirs. He's tall, and burly, with wild brown hair and mustache. his style of clothing is reminiscent of mountain hikers, only with brown-green hues instead of just brown.
"So, I hear that you're going to challenge the Neo Lavender gym, eh?" he asked, without even turning around to face them.
"Uh, yeah," Ash slowly said, turning to the man.
"Um, may we ask why you cut into our conversation?" Dawn added.
"Sorry, let me introduce myself. The name's Armand. Neo Lavender gym leader." Armand smirked at the stunned expressions on the faces of Ash and friends. He sat himself next to Dawn, opposite Ash. "Sorry, but right now, I'm too busy to take any challengers."
"Why is that?"
"Orders from headquarters. There has been a streak of weird incidents around the area, that needs to be dealt with. We believe the mishaps are connected with Pokemon Tower."
"Wait a second!" Ash exclaimed. "I met the ghosts of Pokemon Tower, and-"
"Oh, you have, have you? Well then, I guess there's no trouble finding the culprits now."
"Wait," Ash repeated. "I know for sure that the Pokemon there don't mean any harm! They-"
"And how long have you known these, 'ghosts'?" Armand asked skeptically. "Are you quite positive that they are harmless?" No answer. "Thought so.
"I will look into this angle you gave me, but I ask you not to interfere. I will inform you when I can take challengers again."
Armand stood up, and left the Pokemon Center. Ash couldn't help but glare at him as he left, before sinking back into his seat.
"Great," Dawn said sarcastically, finishing her soda. "We have to stay here in Lavender Town until he finishes his mission. We have the worst of luck..."
Ash wasn't listening, however. "I know for sure that the inhabitants of Pokemon Tower are harmless," he said. "Someone must be trying to frame them; and I'm going to find out who."
"But Armand said-"
"I know what he said. But I'm still going to get to the bottom of this." The finality of Ash's voice indicates that he can't be convinced at all.
CONTINUED
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Manhunt
Apr 19, 2008 8:02:24 GMT 12
Post by XAOTL on Apr 19, 2008 8:02:24 GMT 12
Now that's kinda wierd. Gengar and Ghastly. THe Gym Leader, hasn't got his facts right about the area. Don't see why Dawn heads his words... She never listens to Ash
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Manhunt
Apr 20, 2008 17:18:19 GMT 12
Post by dryuu01 on Apr 20, 2008 17:18:19 GMT 12
-Hmm, I wonder if I should reinstall the subtitles, for (obviously)comedy and plot effects...
MH21: Creature Feature
After their meal, Ash immediately headed off to Pokemon Tower. Dawn and Max, fearing the wrath of their friends, wherever they are, if ever something happened to Ash, followed reluctantly.
However, reaching the tower was not possible. The entire perimeter was blockaded off, like the north entrance to Saffron City before. And the blockade is even more heavily guarded!
"Great. How do we get in now?" Ash asked.
Before any of his companions could answer, they heard a scream in the distance. Ash quickly rushed in the direction of the scream, followed by his friends.
The foggy streets of Lavender Town had Ash barely see three feet in front of him. However, overhead lamplights turned on above them, clearing their vision, although only by a little bit. Ash tried using his Staravia and Gligar to blow away the fog with Fog Clear, but to no avail. Instead he used them to scout on ahead.
After a while of blindly groping into the fog, they found the woman who screamed. She was middle-aged, and lying in the ground. Her whole body was quivering in shock. In her hands is a small, infant Meowth, who was also in the same state of shock as her.
"What happened, ma'am?" Dawn quickly asked, stooping down to check on the woman.
"A- a- M- monster!" she barely stuttered. "Scared the wits out of me and my poor Meowth, and stole all my groceries!" She pointed a little distance in front of them.
The fog was still thick, but Ash saw what the woman was pointing to. All he could make out, however, is a hulking shape of a silhouette, and that it walks on four legs. It was running as fast as it can away from them.
"Gligar! Staravia!" Ash called from above. "Find the target and circle him! Dawn, I think you'd better take the woman back to the Pokemon Center." Dawn nodded, and helped the woman to her feet, and headed back to the Center.
"Monferno, Grotle, go!" Ash said, tossing two of his Pokeballs into the air, releasing his fire-type and grass-type Pokemon. "You and Pikachu try to find that Pokemon and corner it. Understood?"
All three Pokemon nodded, and sprinted in the direction of the creature. "Ash, what do you think that was?" Max asked uneasily.
Ash shook his head. "Whatever it was, it's no ghost," he said grimly. He pointed to a low wall beside them. There was a huge slash mark on it. "No ghost can do that..."
Max examined the slash carefully. "I've never seen a Pokemon's slash mark like that before," he said. "What could've done this?"
"We'll find out as soon as we find it. Come on."
However, before they could take a step any further, another voice rang through the air. "Freeze! Stop where you are!"
The voice sounded like it came from all directions. Turns out, that Ash and Max were surrounded by MiBs. Armand emerged from amongst them, looking very stern.
"I thought I told you not to interfere with our operation," he said, fuming.
"And, like I told you, I don't think the ghosts of Pokemon Tower are behind this," Ash retorted. He grabbed Armand by the arm and led him to the damaged wall. "See? No ghosts could've done that," he said, pointing to the damage.
Armand didn't answer. Instead, he turned to his men. "The marks are fresh. The creature may still be around. Spread out, and search for it."
"I already sent most of my Pokemon after it. They-"
"Will not suffice," Armand said. "This creature is not one of those you're accustomed to, boy. Whatever your Pokemon are, they won't be able to handle it."
Armand tossed two Pokeballs into the air. From them a Donphan and Swampert emerged. He addressed the latter, which might easily be his best. "Use your radar to find our target. Meanwhile, Donphan, use Magnitude if ever you found him."
The two Pokemon nodded, and then sprinted in the direction Armand pointed to. He then turned to Ash and Max.
"What are you going to do when you find whatever that was?" Max asked.
"I assure you that it will not be harmed. We will-"
He was cut off by something moving towards them. However, it just turned out to be Ash's Staravia. From the gestures of the Pokemon, Ash could tell that hey found the target.
Without even saying a word to Armand, Ash and Max sped off after Staravia. Armand reluctantly followed them. The Pokemon led them through the fog, hoping they can find the other Pokemon.
The chase ended on a place outside the Pokemon Tower that may be the town plaza. The creature is right next to a circular fountain at the center of the area. "It" is surrounded by Ash's Pokemon, land and air, in a semicircle.
From the opening of the semicircle, coincidentally, Armand's Pokemon have also arrived. Even at the sight of all the Pokemon and humans, the unknown creature still remains unidentifiable.
"Monferno," Ash shouted, "trap it with Fire Spin!"
Monferno breathed spiralling flame towards his target. However the fire was blown off, literally, by the creature.
"Donphan, charge towards it with Giga Impact!" The Armor Pokemon charged forward, gathering up momentum. However, the creature was faster than it looks, as it easily dodged Donphan, tripping the latter in the process.
"Staravia, dive down with Brave Bird!"
Ash's Staravia also gathered momentum, before flying downwards at the creature, with a trail of white energy encircling him. This time it appears to be a direct hit, but the creature used its right front leg to slam Staravia to the ground after the hit.
Grotle and Gligar tried going to Staravia to help, but were held back by a breath of fire, stopping them in their tracks.
"A fire-type, huh?" Ash said. He quickly aimed Staravia's Pokeball at the Pokemon, recalling it with one hand. On the other hand was a second Pokeball, from which he called out, "Floatzel, Water Gun!"
Floatzel unleashed the attack upon his appearance. The jet of water hit the creature, but it was clearly unfazed. The latter then charged towards Floatzel, and Floatzel braced himself for impact. Grotle tried weakening the charge by firing Razor Leaves, and Gligar also supplemented them with her X-scissor melee attack.
The attacks merely bounced off the very hard body of their target. The creature pummeled into Floatzel with its head, but the latter stood his ground, trying to resist the force. At that close proximity, Floatzel apparently had a clear view of what his opponent looked like, and widened his eyes in shock.
Using the distraction to its advantage, the creature hurled Floatzel over its head with incredible force. Floatzel was tossed into Armand's direction. The latter had no time to dodge, but he need not to.
Before the impact, a purple circle of energy encircled Floatzel. Instead of crashing into the Neo Leader, the sphere lowered the Pokemon safely into the ground. The one who conjured the attack was none other than a Ghastly, and Ash, even after a long time, recognized it as one of the residents of Pokemon Tower that he befriended.
The Ghastly was accompanied by Gengar, another Tower resident. The creature, feeling threatened now that it's outnumbered, used its head and front claws to burrow underground. Even though there was paved cement in between, he easily dug through it. Humans and Pokemon quickly ran to where it burrowed, but surprisingly, it was long gone.
"Swampert, try to go after it," Armand ordered. Swampert nodded, and jumped through the same hole the creature dug through. However, minutes later, the Swampert returned, obviously losing track of its target.
---
A few hours later after the incident... It was early evening, at 6:00 PM. Mask is receiving a report from Armand on the recent events. "It is just as we feared," Armand reported. "Our 'situation' is starting to spread, and get worse. If this continues-" Armand trailed himself off, since Mask already knew what he meant.
"I see. Are there any casualties?" Armand shook his head. "Good. And do you have any idea what the creature was?"
"No. And that confirms your suspicions even further, Mask. By the way," Arman added, trying to change the subject, "the boy you told me you are after? He's here to challenge me and-"
"Then let him. How many times do I have to repeat it to all of you: we don't need him incomplete."
"Very well. I, like my many cohorts under you, still don't understand what's so special about the boy." Mask signed off even before addressing Armand's last remark. "Ever so mysterious," Armand muttered.
Just then, a maid appeared from the door. "Sir, your challenger and his friends have arrived."
"Go on ahead, and take them to my arena," Armand addressed his maid. "I'll be right along." The maid bowed herself out of the room.
CONTINUED
-Is it a Pokemon, or is it not? Again a new mystery, yet, as you can see, still connected to the plot.
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Manhunt
Apr 21, 2008 4:53:41 GMT 12
Post by XAOTL on Apr 21, 2008 4:53:41 GMT 12
Insert song
What's that coming over the hill?
Is it a Monster
Is it a Monster!!!!!!!!
So it seems that Armand still hasn't admitted that he's wrong about the Pokemon, and there's a new enemy that Only Floatzel's seen...
Interesting.
a/n I've reviewed your one shot... fifteen, on serebii.
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Manhunt
Apr 21, 2008 5:26:56 GMT 12
Post by RobSp1derp1g on Apr 21, 2008 5:26:56 GMT 12
So, there is a monster on the Pokémon Tower... And Floatzel is the only one that saw it... Mysterious...
is it Graveler or Donphan?
anyway, good job.
PS: I reviewed your one-shot at FF.net
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Manhunt
Apr 21, 2008 19:39:18 GMT 12
Post by dryuu01 on Apr 21, 2008 19:39:18 GMT 12
-I know you guys did, and for that I'm grateful. But, Xaotl, that doesn't stop my resolve. is it Graveler or Donphan? -Sorry, I have edited it earlier in ff.net, and forgot it here. But now it's fixed. MH22: Grounded, Part IEarlier, before Ash and company headed for their planned gym battle, returned to the Lavender Center, where Dawn was waiting. Armand returned with them, but nevertheless he's a little more friendly now. Along the way, Gengar and Ghastly instantly recognized Ash and Pikachu, and were extremely ecstatic to see them again. Gengar and Ghastly were the life of the party. Of course, a party as in a group, instead of a special gathering. Dawn, at first however, upon meeting the ghosts, took a little while to be calmed down. However, after all the hysterics, she did warm up to the ghosts, who were friendly of sorts... The Pokemon, apart from Floatzel, who looked like he was in trauma, enjoyed the new company. Pikachu, in fact, eagerly introduced his old friends to his new friends, the ghosts to his Sinnoh teammates, respectively. Meanwhile, Armand stayed in the Pokemon Center for a while, questioning the lady witness. She couldn't give a definite description of the creature that attacked her, other than what they already knew. After the interview, Armand was more than willing to share in his progress with Ash and his friends. "I have to admit, I have you, and those pokemon," he said, indicating Ghastly and Gengar, "pegged all wrong. I'm sorry." "Think nothing about it," Ash said, and shook Armand's outstretched hand. "But tell me one thing: what was that we fought? Was it even a Pokemon?" "That I'm not sure. However what we do know is that there's more than one of them." "What?" shouted everyone in the room in surprise. Armand nodded. "Earlier I received a call from my unit, around the time after we fought the creature. They each encountered more creatures from different parts in and out of town. "It may be a new species of Pokemon, or-" "Or what?" Ash asked, curious. "I have a theory that I share with my superiors. However, that theory is, until we can prove it, entirely confidential." Armand turned to leave, but he stopped for a moment, for one final word. "You do know where my gym is now, Ash, right? I'll be waiting for you." As soon as Armand left, chatter echoed throughout the Center cafeteria. It is quite noticeable, since only three humans are present at the time. "A new species?" Max asked in amazement. "Wow..." "I dunno, it might be more trouble for us," Dawn remarked. "Hey, Ash, Max said, suddenly remembering something. "Didn't Floatzel come close to seeing the monster? You think maye he recognized it?" "Huh. I completely forgot all about it." Ash turned to the aforementioned Pokemon. He was still traumatized, sulking in a corner, and his friends and teammates all crowded around him worriedly. Ash was getting worried as well. "I don't think you'll be in any shape in our upcoming gym battle," Ash addressed Floatzel. "It's best that you sit this one out." Floazel silently nodded, surprisingly agreeable this time. "But, Ash, without a water-type, how are you going to fare against Armand? He's a ground-type trainer, according to Team Rocket's database, remember?" Dawn pointed out. "Well, it's for the best," Ash said. "I can't let my Pokemon battle under such a condition anyway. I'll just have to make do with the others on my team for now." --- ( fastforward to when the last episode left off) The Neo Lavender Gym was not unlike ordinary gyms from the outside. But, upon entering, it's like stepping into an underground cavern. The floor is comprised mostly of natural rock, supplemented by stalagmites dotted here and there. The ceiling is also rock-"infested", and has the stalactites. In the middle of the largest room was a white-lined square. The markings on it indicate that this was, in fact, the arena. A maid came in from the door opposite the gym entrance. She took her place at the center sideline of the arena, with a large screen behind her. Max, Dawn and Pikachu took their places on bleachers behind her. Armand came after her seconds later, still in his "Hiker" gear. "I spoke with Ariel earlier, and she says that you're an exceptional trainer, Ash," he said, stepping into his spot at one end of the arena. "Although it's out of admiration and being smitten with you. However, after the events of this previous afternoon, I can see that she may not be wrong." Armand took something out of his jacket, and held it out for Ash to see. It was small, pentagon shaped and chocolate-brown in color. The center is slightly emphasized by a simple engraving. "We will be fighting for this, the Gaia Badge. My maid will be acting as referee. This will be a 3-on-3 match. Standard gym battle rules. Understood?" "Yeah," Ash said, stepping into his own square. "Let me start. Go, Graveller!" A brown-gray, creature appeared from the Pokeball Armand tossed. It easily resembles a boulder, only with four arms, one pair shorter than the other, and short, stubby legs. "Then, I choose, Grotle!" Ash's Grove Pokemon appeared. Due to his sheer weight, some rocks were crushed beneath his feet upon landing on the ground. "A grass-type," Armand said. "Typical." The referee looked from one Pokemon before raising two flags, one red and one green, in the air. The screen behind her lit up, showing Ash's battle stats on one side, and Armand's on the other. They will be playing, according to the screen and in the direction of the flags, in red and green, respectively. "First round. Graveller vs. Grotle. BEGIN!" "Grotle, you know what to do! Razor Leaf attack!" "Graveller, Rollout attack!" The Rock Pokemon dug the claws of his long arms onto the ground, and spun around vertically, gathering momentum, while still stationary. Graveller's momentum deflected the leaves even before impact. Releasing himself from the ground, Graveller then rolled towards Grotle at incredible speeds. The latter could barely sidestep the attack. But Graveller came back for more, and, of course, the Rollout became stronger by the second. "Use Bite, Grotle, then try to Drain him!" Ash ordered. Grotle used the force of his strong hind legs to jump high, his sights set on Graveller. Up in the air, the Rock Pokemon looked like a pinball in a machine, hitting stalagmites over and over, trying to find his target. Grotle felt something hit him from behind, and found it as a stalactite hanging low from the ceiling. Finding some solid ground even on the air, he propelled himself downwards in Graveller's direction. However, much to everyone's, but Armand, surprise, Graveller stopped Rollout, facing Grotle directly. "Focus Punch!" Armand shouted. Graveller's right hand glowed blinding white. The powerful attack is easy to miss, unless the target is coming right for it! CONTINUED
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Manhunt
Apr 21, 2008 23:28:10 GMT 12
Post by Elite4James on Apr 21, 2008 23:28:10 GMT 12
Me, I'm just sick and tired of that place now. They ask you to continue a oneshot, and then they drop out on you when I actually did. That happened to me, TWICE, over there. "Drop out on you"? Keep in mind, some people (as opposed to everyone) aren't good with reviews.
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Manhunt
Apr 22, 2008 1:11:25 GMT 12
Post by RobSp1derp1g on Apr 22, 2008 1:11:25 GMT 12
So there are more of those "beings"... I actually forgot that Ash had Grotle. Keep in mind, some people (as opposed to everyone) aren't good with reviews. I'm like that, alright. I just can't write a single review in a right way. I mean, look at my reviews here. You'll see what I'm talking about... Can anyone give me some tips on how to review a story? It will be appreciated.
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Manhunt
Apr 22, 2008 8:39:42 GMT 12
Post by XAOTL on Apr 22, 2008 8:39:42 GMT 12
Reviews.... Usually people review if they find something wrong with your story. Other than that reviews will be summaries, or a inepth look into how well one has done with different aspects of their chap, like how thing may have caught them off guard, or was basically brilliant. Each review's there to help. Apart from those flaming ones. I havn't really seen anything wrong with your reviews. and Dryuu, I've been in the same situation as you, so has Matkin. Now we're back there... I've gotten no extra reviews. But it's your desicion in the end. but to the actual review...again. Seems that the Gym leader has changed in personality, for the better. Bit sudden but after what's just hpeened, a change in attitude may do him a world of good. Other than that it just seems like the MiB's seem to not have as much of a presence any more. It seemed to be like the U.S.S.R. at first but more loose here. I just wonder if they're spying on Ash. Ash using Grotle... has he forgotten what Geo (as u called him) said?
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Manhunt
Apr 22, 2008 9:28:27 GMT 12
Post by LuciferIX on Apr 22, 2008 9:28:27 GMT 12
What XAOTL said is pretty much it. I use the reviews to give a few critiques and then say what was best about the chapter and what was worst. It also can show the author how close you were actually paying attention to the story if you mention specific details like subtle plot twists.
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Manhunt
Apr 23, 2008 17:06:39 GMT 12
Post by dryuu01 on Apr 23, 2008 17:06:39 GMT 12
Anything I post there in Serebii, or anywhere else for that matter, are downright ignored. Stories, ideas, anything. All I ask is for people to review, just as proof of whether they read it or not. The "Hits" keep piling up, yet no one bothers to post. Do they even read the stuff?
There's also the case I put up earlier. About people posting to request you to put up sequels, yet they didn't even bother to post again when I fullfilled the request. That just ticks me off. Counting my whole Net career, that has happened about five times to me already(only two on Serebii; one the "Impressions" and the other being "Cheer"[the prologue to this]).
I don't know if you understand why I hate being neglected to be reviewed. All I ask is for someone to review my fics, whether they be critic or not. That's all.
-Something will happen here that I neglected to "develop" in Trials.
MH23: Grounded, Part II
Graveller's Focus Punch was a direct hit, connecting to Grotle's lower jaw. The latter was sent flying backwards by the blow, crashing into a boulder.
"Grotle!" Ash called. The Grove Pokemon emerged from the rubble, dazed. "Return, Grotle," he said calmly, retrieving the Pokemon. Ash took out another Pokeball. "Go, Gligar!"
The only female of Ash's Pokemon team appeared, flying in circles a little before perching herself on the tip of a stalagmite. To momentarily stun her opponent, Gligar performed her usual habit of winking, and sticking out her tongue.
"Quite a quirky Pokemon you have there, Ash," Armand called out, raising an eyebrow.
"Tell me about it," Ash agreed. "Now let's continue. Gligar, Steel Wing!"
"Hey, Max," Dawn whispered, in the heat of the battle, "do you think Ash knows what he's doing? Sending out Gligar?"
"All I can say is," Max muttered in response, "it's a mixed bag. Gligar may be flying, but she's also a ground-type. That's an edge over Graveller's rock-type. Now the question is, does Gligar know ground-type moves?"
Back into the battle... Gligar swung her glowing, hardened wings downward towards Graveller. For a large, and heavy, Pokemon like Graveller, dodging the attacks were easy. There was one setback for Graveller, however; since Gligar attacks close, he couldn't charge up another Focus Punch.
This was Ash's new plan. He had Gligar close to Graveller so the latter couldn't charge up his Focus Punch. Armand must have gotten wind of this plan, as he was making every effort to make Graveller make distance between them.
"Gligar, use Steel Wing to slash through Graveller!" Ash shouted.
Armand, however, was able to create a clever counter. "Grab your opponent by the wings, Graveller!"
The Rock Pokemon, enduring the pin inflicted by the super-effective Steel Wing, clapped his shorter arms around one of the striking wings. He then pummeled at Gligar with unorthodox punches and kicks at pinpoint accuracy!
Graveller struck an uppercut as the last hit of his combo, sending Gligar flying backwards like Grotle earlier. However, Gligar was able to recover faster, and flew back in for more.
"Graveller, you know what to do! Charge up your Focus Punch, now!"
"Oh, no you don't!" Ash retorted. "Gligar, Double Team!" Graveller's attack connected, but it was too later; all he hit was an after-image. Seconds later, half a dozen after images have surrounded the Rock Pokemon on all sides. "Now, use Brick Break, Gligar!"
All images of the Fly Scorpion Pokemon flew towards Gengar, ready to hit him. It was like all images are real, with each one hitting Graveller one after the other, and it was the "real" Gligar who dealt the finishing blow.
Graveller, after all the attack(s), was easily knocked out. "Graveller is unable to battle," the referee called. On cue, Graveller's icon on the monitor screen was darkened out.
"Great job, Gligar!" Ash called to his Pokemon. Gligar responded by flying into him, again. Everyone sweatdropped at this gesture, even Armand, just as he recalled Graveller back into his Pokeball.
"Well, that's quite a workout. What say we make things tougher now, Ash?" he asked. He tossed a second Pokeball into the air. "From it came the Swampert everyone saw earlier.
"Uh-oh," Max said. "Now maybe Gligar could be in a bit of trouble..."
Ash, however, doesn't mind. He decided to stick with Gligar for this battle, at least until she couldn't continue anymore. "But I hope it doesn't come to that,' Ash thought.
"Gligar, Double Team again, then Quick Attack!"
Gligar's after-images appear again, seemingly surrounding Swampert like last time. However, unlike Graveller before him, the Mud Fish Pokemon was able to tell apart the real McCoy from the illusions. Upon doing so, Swampert fired Water Gun through all the after-images until it hit Gligar.
The Fly Scorpion, momentarily stunned, Roosted involuntarily to recover. Armand and his Pokemon used this opening to their advantage.
"Hammer Arm!" Swampert jumped over Gigar, his arms high above him and balled together, swinging them downwards in addition to his falling weight.
"Quick, Gligar, get out of the way!" Ash warned.
Gligar got out of range of the Hammer Arm in the nick of time. Swampert's attack was so powerful that it left a large crater where the impact was. In order to prevent this from happening again, Ash had Gligar return to the air.
"Swampert, use Muddy Water." The arena began to shake violently. From random points, water sprang out, like geysers. Mixing in with the ground, and then, being manipulated by Swampert, tried to drown Gligar, chasing her around.
The Fly Scorpion Pokemon tried evading the attack by flying high, but the Muddy Water still hit. Gligar found herself submerged in brown water, before the force of the current slammed her back to the ground. While grounded, she could still feel the full-blast of the water.
When the waters subsided, Gligar is clearly unconscious. "Gligar is unable to battle." This time it was Gligar's icon on the screen that was blacked out.
"You've done well this far, Gligar; get some rest," Ash said sympathetically, whilst recalling his Pokemon.
Which is Ash going to use now?" Dawn asked in a worried voice.
"Well, Grotle could still not make it, and the rest of Ash's team may have a disadvantage if Swampert knows ice attacks, and it should," Max surmised.
Ash, meanwhile, was thinking along the same lines. He had been right all along to deduce that Sawmpert is one of Armand's best. But, he has no choice now but to summon his still-weakened Grotle back into battle.
The Grove Pokemon could barely stand on his feet. Armand expressed concern for this. "You sure your Pokemon is up to this, Ash? He doesn't look like so."
Ash misunderstood Armand's tone, thinking it of one of sarcasm. "I know Grotle can pull through this, Armand," he said calmly.
"Let's just hope that it's your funeral, not his," Armand muttered. Out loud, he shouted, "Swampert, another Hammer Arm!"
Instead of the leap seen earlier, Swampert is now sprinting towards Grotle. His hands are balled again, but this time he swung it sideways instead of downwards. The attack swiped at Grotle's jaw again,making the latter wince in pain.
"Grotle, hold your ground, and use Razor Leaf!" Ash commanded.
What Armand didn't see was Grotle's endurability. Swampert, with great strength, continued to Hammer away at his opponent, but for every hit Grotle remained surprisingly strong. The bushes on Grotle's back started to rustle violently, indicating he was about to release Razor Leaf.
Swampert quickly jumped out of the way as Grotle released the ultra-effective(to Swampert) attack. The Mud Fish took cover behind some rocks. Grotle aimed his attacks at Swampert's hiding place, and the point of impact were cracked easily by just a few hits.
"Drown him with Muddy Water, now!"
Again, water began rising up from beneath the ground. However, Grotle felt something, else, from deep inside of himself, and grinned. He doesn't care that there is a large wall of brown water that soon bored down on him.
"Grotle!" It seemed like eternity that Grotle was engulfed by Muddy Water. However, through all the murk, bright light began to shine. 'Is that-' Ash thought.
The water didn't dissipate back underground, no. Instead, they formed what looked like a vortex, at the very center of the arena. They were being Absorbed! Not by Grotle, not exactly.
When all the water disappeared, where Grotle once stood, a large, green tortoise appeared. On its large shell is a solitary tree and what looked like small mountains. "Grotle has evolved," Dawn whispered in shock.
"That's a Torterra?" Max asked, clearly ecstatic. Dawn nodded. "Wow..."
"Torterra," Ash repeated, stunned. "You were Grotle, right?" he asked stupidly. Torterra turned to him and nodded. Finally recovering from initial shock, Ash said, "Looks like we can take on any of Armand's Pokemon now, huh, Torterra?"
The continent Pokemon roared in response. Armand, not even considering the odds are now against him, smiled, and merely said, "NOW this will certainly be interesting."
CONTINUED
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