Cutiebunny
Frosty Fashionista
I apologize for the 7 word pages for Chapter 1...and the working title...but I'll work on that. The first chapter is clean, but it will progress into something much more complex. Any feedback is welcome.)
Chapter 1 - Return to Pallet Town
Ten years had passed since Ash had left Pallet Town as a new trainer. He had gone to many foreign lands, earned many badges and met new friends. His journey in realm of Pokemon had taught him much more than he could have ever imagined that fateful day that he left Professor Oak’s lab with Pikachu by his side. But, all his experiences could not prepare him for the next adventure that lay ahead.
Having just clinched the title of “Pokemon League Champion” of the Orr League, Ash and his faithful yellow buddy, Pikachu, headed towards Pallet Town. It had been three years since Ash had returned to the land of Kanto. Three years since he had seen Brock, and even more importantly, Misty. He wondered how they had all changed and what stories they would tell him when he’d see them again. Would they even recognize him now – especially with his dark tan that he received while battling in Orr? Riding atop Charizard, Ash took off his faded red cap and combed his unkempt hair with his hand. He definitely needed a haircut. The land of Orr had provided many new battle opportunities for the youthful trainer, but it was still rather wild and untamed as far as foreign lands go.
As Charizard descended through the forests surrounding Pallet Town, Ash spotted his home along with several other new homes that had sprung up since his absence. But, something else caught his eye – fences. Metal fences surrounded the area around Pallet Town as well as the homes that were built there. The curtains inside the homes were all drawn shut and many of these homes also had bars on their windows. Ash rubbed his coarse hairs on his chin – Fences in Pallet Town? What was occurring in Kanto that the citizens of this land could ever possibly need such barriers?
Landing safely near the outskirts of Pallet, Ash and Pikachu leapt off Charizard. Recalling Charizard into the safety of his Pokeball, Ash, with Pikachu atop his broad shoulder, slowly walked into town. Instead of being greeted by citizens going about on their daily errands, the town appeared deserted. Ash rubbed his hands along the side of his belt, checking to see that he had six Pokeballs on him. There had to be a reason as to why no one was out walking about in the town, and that reason was likely not to be a good one.
Nearing a large Gyarados marble water fountain that had been built since his recent departure, Ash spotted a small figure running towards him. A young boy with dusty blond hair ran towards Ash. The boy, peered into the distance and noticed a tall man of medium build. He took off his green cap and waved it at the figure. The boy called towards Ash and Ash, with Pikachu by his side, ran towards him. As Ash and Pikachu neared the boy, they spotted a large, tan colored bird laying on the floor. Within an instant, Ash recognized the red head feathers of the bird and its golden yellow beak – it was Pidgeot, HIS Pidgeot. Ash ran faster than he ever had towards his injured, old friend.
“Mister!” cried the boy, waving his hat. “Do you have any Pokemon medicine on you?!”
Ash, slightlty panting, reached the boy. He knelt by Pidgeot and felt its forehead; It was burning hot. Ash examined the bird and noticed many open sores along Pidgeot’s feet and wings. He quickly took out some antiseptic and began patching up the wounded creature. Ash had had enough experience in Orr to know that this type of sickness was only caused by a severe infection, and Pidgeot would need medical attention if it was to recover. Taking out a Pokeball, Ash tossed it towards the injured bird. Pidgeot didn’t put up any fight. The young boy looked on, stupefied as to what this new arrival in the town was doing. Unsure of what this person was up to, the young boy tugged on Ash’s arm. “Where do you think you’re going with that injured Pokemon?!”
Ash had a sense of urgency in his response. “This Pokemon is suffering from a major infection, and if doesn’t receive medical care immediately, it’ll die.”
But before the boy could say anything, Ash and Pikachu were racing towards Professor Oak’s laboratory on a grassy knoll. The young boy, not trusting Ash, tagged after him.
Arriving at Professor Oak’s home, Ash pounded on the door. “Professor Oak! Open this door! It’s Ash and I need your help!”
Ash looked up at the peephole and noticed an eye looking out towards him. The door opened and Ash and Pikachu dashed in. The young boy with the green cap, having caught up to both travelers, entered as well. Professor Oak, his face more wore than the last time Ash had seen him, nodded. His tan eyebrows arched, he looked cautiously at Ash and the young co-traveler with him. Professor Oak ushered the boys to a machine with slots for 6 Pokeballs. Ash placed Pidgeot in the machine as Professor Oak turned it on. The professor was very solemn in his response. “It’ll take several hours to heal this Pokemon.”
Professor Oak turned towards Ash. There was more light in this room than there had been in the doorway where Ash had noticed Oak’s changed expression. Ash noticed that Oak’s lab coat was rather worn and stained. But before Ash could speak up, Professor Oak smoothly responded. “Ash, many things have changed in this world since you left for Orr.”
Professor Oak motioned Ash inside his study. The older gentleman than turned to the young boy. “Jeremy, I need you to wait outside this room. Perhaps you could give Pikachu some food and play with him while you wait.”
The boy protested. “But Professor, Pidgeot..!”
Professor Oak walked into the room with Ash, acting as if it was not an issue. “This man is a friend of Pokemon and he knows what is best for his friend.”
The professor quickly shut the heavy, polished oak door on Pikachu and Jeremy. Oak lead the youthful trainer into his luxurious study. The room was decorated with elaborate polished mahogany paneling from an earlier culture that once lived in Kanto. Several bookcases were featured in several areas of the room. A well worn red, oriental rug covered the entire floor space of the study. Professor Oak motioned for Ash to have a seat and Oak began to stoke the fire in the fireplace. Ash took a seat in a well-worn plush blue sofa while the Professor took up residency on his favorite brown leather armchair. “As I mentioned earlier, things have changed since you left for Orr, Ash. A new force has taken over this land and it was a force that none of us were prepared for.”
Ash grew attentive as he listened to Professor Oak. “You see, several years ago, when you first started your journey, Team Rocket had staged attacks in Kanto for many years. Pokemon were constantly seized and riches were plundered. That all ended with Mewtwo’s escape and the fire that destroyed the experimental lab there. Giovanni disappeared and for the most part, Team Rocket’s antics had subsided. It was safe to life here in Kanto again.
‘But, all that changed three years ago. It started out simply enough with petty robberies of Pokemon and all the sinister acts that Team Rocket had engaged in. But then, within the span of months, our old politicians who had for so long protected us from Team Rocket or any other group of criminals, had mysteriously disappeared. This new faction sent out members to extort money from the citizens of this land in order to protect them. Several gym leaders and elite trainers tried to protect Kanto from these people, but their efforts were in vain. Many of these gym leaders disappeared, including all of Misty’s sisters. There’s no record that these elite trainers have ever been found.
‘As the best trainers in all of Kanto could not stand up to them, the citizens of Kanto simply gave up their efforts to stop this evil force. They forced the citizens of Kanto to vote them into power, and now, they are so thoroughly entrenched that there is no possible way that they can be removed. Laws have been changed and people are being abducted from their very homes to serve them.”
Ash listened with interest. He had not heard of such an uprising in Kanto during his training in Orr. “Who are these people, Professor?”
The Professor continued. “They call themselves the Order of Calatrava. There are many theories that this group is a conglomeration of Team Rocket, Team Magma and Team Aqua, but little is known about the group, especially how they conduct their internal operations. The group elects certain members of their group into political positions, however, I suspect that these politicians are merely peons and execute all the whims of the higher level officials.”
Ash stared at the flames flickering in the fireplace before him. He continued to contemplate what Professor Oak had said. After a few minutes of thought, he spoke up. “This all sounds very dire. Isn’t there anything that can be done?”
The Professor’s grave tone became more uplifting. “Perhaps there is. You see, I have been dedicating my time to researching this organization and have found a very interesting item.” Oak got up from his chair and walked over to a bookshelf at the far end of the room. He reached above the bookcase and picked up a medium sized blue box. Carrying the box ever so gently, the Professor made his way back to his chair and sat back down. Oak opened the box to reveal a metallic copper-colored choker. He passed the box to Ash for his examination. “Several months ago, I found this device on a member who had been patrolling this area who had been killed in a car accident.”
Ash picked up the strange circular object and held it in various positions under the fireplace’s soft glow. “What is this thing?”
“It’s a controlling device of some sort. It receives radio waves and transforms these into various chemical agents that are released into the body. If the message is to run, the chocker releases adrenaline into the system. But, I think there are other operations that this device is capable of that I do not know about.”
Ash nodded. The Professor continued. “That young boy out there, Jeremy, is a beginning trainer. Normally, I would allow him to start his Pokemon journey as you did when you were 10 years old. But, with the world being as it is now, it would be unsafe for me to allow him to travel on his own. Also, because of Calatrava’s grasp on the Pokemon industry, I’m afraid that I haven’t a starter Pokemon to give him.”
“So,”replied Ash. “You’d like to me take him along with me as I try to gather more information?”
The Professor nodded. “Yes, I think that that will be the perfect guise. I’ve already sent Gary out on a similar mission with another young trainer, Kat. However, I don’t think that you and Jeremy can complete this mission on your own. I’ve already notified Misty and Brock of your arrival in Pallet Town. They both seem more than agreeable to help you out on your mission.”
Ash furrowed his eyebrows. He was slightly confused as he had not communicated with anyone in Kanto while training in Orr. “Professor, how did you know that I would be returning to Pallet Town?”
The Professor became more jovial. “Easy, m’boy! I received a CD several days ago for you.”
Professor Oak handed the CD to Ash. Ash took out his newly modified PokeNav. Unlike previous versions of the machine, the new PokeNav had combined the best in the Pokedex with several other handy machines. Ash inserted the CD into the drive on the right side of the machine. Within a few seconds, the screen lit up and a message began to play.
“Hullo Ash!” greeted an attractive, red haired woman with a deliciously sultry voice. She was standing in front of a black colored Charizard on a sunny, tropical looking island. “My name is Saeta, and I am the Gym Leader of the Onche Island gym. This gym is designed to test out possible candidates for Elite Four positions at institutions throughout Kanto, Johto and Hoenn. Your impressive results at the recent competition in the Orr region have not gone unnoticed by the Elite Four Committee. As head of the committee, it is my duty to make sure you’re talented enough to become an Elite Trainer. In order to gain the coveted position of an Elite Four leader, you must defeat me in a Pokemon battle in a format of my choosing.
‘I’m sending the coordinates of my island to your Pokenav through this CD. You are welcomed to bring your friends along with you to my island. Please be advised that due to the Order of Calatrava’s workings in this region, there aren’t any ships or planes that can take you to this location. If you want to battle me, I suggest you find yourself a reliable flying Pokemon.” Saeta pointed to her Charizard and winked. “Perhaps your Charizard will suffice? Oh! And, before I go, one last thing. Due to your success in the Orr Region, you are now considered to be a Master Trainer. Master Trainers, such as myself, can carry up to 10 Pokemon on their person at any time. I suggest you plan your team wisely as Celio’s Pokenetwork has been hampered by Calatrava’s workings in this area, and asking Professor Oak to send you Pokemon is not advisable here. Bring your strongest and bravest creatures and I’ll give you a battle that you’ll never forget. See you soon!”
The CD ended. Ash blushed. She reminded him of Misty. The Professor noticed his reddish hue and smirked. “It’s been awhile since you’ve been around a woman, hasn’t it?
Ash reluctantly nodded. Professor Oak got out of his chair and walked to the door. “Your Pidgeot should be completely healed by now, Ash. You should also decide which Pokemon you’d like to take for your journey before you and Jeremy head out.”
The Professor opened the door. Jeremy and Pikachu had been listening intently and heard the entire conversation. Unfortunately, Pikachu didn’t notice that the door had moved and fell flat on his face. Jeremy, ignoring Pikachu’s antics, was beaming. “Are you serious, Professor?! I get to travel with Ash Ketchum, the greatest Pokemon trainer ever?!!!”
The Professor sighed and shook his head. The audacity of kids these days – listening to private conversations amongst adults would never have been tolerated in his childhood days. He took off Jeremy’s green cap and scratched his head. Replacing the cap back onto the youngster’s head, Oak smiled. “Of course. I’m sending you out with the most talented trainer I’ve ever met, and I expect big things from you, young man.”
Jeremy happily saluted. “Yes sir! I won’t let you down!”
Ash walked over the Pokemon healing machine and picked up the Pokeball containing Pidgeot. He opened up the Pokeball and Pidgeot appeared, revitalized and injury free. The bird happily squawked at seeing Ash’s face again. Ask seemed relieved that his old friend had survived his injuries. “Pidgeot, how are you feeling?”
Pidgeot flapped his wings joyfully in the air. “Pid GEOT!”
Ash chuckled at the bird’s remark. Pidgeot hadn’t changed a bit. “Would you like to accompany me on my journey?”
“Pidge Pidge!” it happily responded.
Ash recalled his friend back into his Pokeball. He attached it to his black leather belt that hung tightly around his waist. Walking over to the professor’s computer, Ash began to take stock of the Pokemon he had at his disposition. Putting some of his old team members into the machine and exchanging them for previous members, Ash reorganized his belt with eight Pokeballs.
When Ash had finished his task, he walked over to Jeremy and greeted him. The Professor walked over to bid them goodbye. “Ash, I have one final gift for you.” The Professor took out a small silver colored metallic transponder unit and placed it in Ash’s hand. “Professor Elm has been working on this device for several years now. This device can be attached to any Pokemon and it will translate whatever the Pokemon says into English. I know that, with your strong bond with your Pokemon, that this device isn’t necessary. But, perhaps it will aide you in your future encounters in Kanto.”
Ash nodded and clenched the gift in his hand. “Thank you, Professor.”
Opening the door, Pikachu, Ash and his new travel companion, Jeremy, headed out the door. The Professor stood at the doorway, waving happily as another young trainer left his facility to journey into the world of Pokemon.
Meanwhile, in a dark room on the outskirts of Saffron City, a different type of journey was in the making. Four figures, their faces shadowed in the darkness of a faintly lit room, spoke.
“I’m not pleased with how slow our progress has been in the Sevii Island chain, gentlemen.”
A man with a red suit spoke up. “We have encountered much resistance, Giovanni.”
A man, wearing a blue shirt, quickly affirmed what his counterpart said. His voice had a slight Cajun accent. “We stand no chance of taking over the Sevii Islands without more resources. Of course, I might be more willing to aide you more if there was something in it for me.”
Another man, in a gray suit, was quick to jump in. He passed over a piece of paper to the gentleman in the blue shirt. “Will this do?”
The gentleman in the blue picked up the paper and looked at it. Several minutes later, he smirked. “Quite a looker this one is, eh?”
The man in gray seemed pleased that his counterpart was willing to cooperate. He motioned to Giovanni and the man in red to leave the room. Both men complied and the man in gray and the man in blue were left alone.
The man in gray spoke. He produced a purple masterball from his pocked and rolled it over to the man in blue. “Before you execute this plan, Archie, you may want to take this.”
Archie held the ball up to the dim light that hung above them. “What is zis?”
The man in gray wickedly smiled. “Collateral.”
TO BE CONTINUED….
Chapter 1 - Return to Pallet Town
Ten years had passed since Ash had left Pallet Town as a new trainer. He had gone to many foreign lands, earned many badges and met new friends. His journey in realm of Pokemon had taught him much more than he could have ever imagined that fateful day that he left Professor Oak’s lab with Pikachu by his side. But, all his experiences could not prepare him for the next adventure that lay ahead.
Having just clinched the title of “Pokemon League Champion” of the Orr League, Ash and his faithful yellow buddy, Pikachu, headed towards Pallet Town. It had been three years since Ash had returned to the land of Kanto. Three years since he had seen Brock, and even more importantly, Misty. He wondered how they had all changed and what stories they would tell him when he’d see them again. Would they even recognize him now – especially with his dark tan that he received while battling in Orr? Riding atop Charizard, Ash took off his faded red cap and combed his unkempt hair with his hand. He definitely needed a haircut. The land of Orr had provided many new battle opportunities for the youthful trainer, but it was still rather wild and untamed as far as foreign lands go.
As Charizard descended through the forests surrounding Pallet Town, Ash spotted his home along with several other new homes that had sprung up since his absence. But, something else caught his eye – fences. Metal fences surrounded the area around Pallet Town as well as the homes that were built there. The curtains inside the homes were all drawn shut and many of these homes also had bars on their windows. Ash rubbed his coarse hairs on his chin – Fences in Pallet Town? What was occurring in Kanto that the citizens of this land could ever possibly need such barriers?
Landing safely near the outskirts of Pallet, Ash and Pikachu leapt off Charizard. Recalling Charizard into the safety of his Pokeball, Ash, with Pikachu atop his broad shoulder, slowly walked into town. Instead of being greeted by citizens going about on their daily errands, the town appeared deserted. Ash rubbed his hands along the side of his belt, checking to see that he had six Pokeballs on him. There had to be a reason as to why no one was out walking about in the town, and that reason was likely not to be a good one.
Nearing a large Gyarados marble water fountain that had been built since his recent departure, Ash spotted a small figure running towards him. A young boy with dusty blond hair ran towards Ash. The boy, peered into the distance and noticed a tall man of medium build. He took off his green cap and waved it at the figure. The boy called towards Ash and Ash, with Pikachu by his side, ran towards him. As Ash and Pikachu neared the boy, they spotted a large, tan colored bird laying on the floor. Within an instant, Ash recognized the red head feathers of the bird and its golden yellow beak – it was Pidgeot, HIS Pidgeot. Ash ran faster than he ever had towards his injured, old friend.
“Mister!” cried the boy, waving his hat. “Do you have any Pokemon medicine on you?!”
Ash, slightlty panting, reached the boy. He knelt by Pidgeot and felt its forehead; It was burning hot. Ash examined the bird and noticed many open sores along Pidgeot’s feet and wings. He quickly took out some antiseptic and began patching up the wounded creature. Ash had had enough experience in Orr to know that this type of sickness was only caused by a severe infection, and Pidgeot would need medical attention if it was to recover. Taking out a Pokeball, Ash tossed it towards the injured bird. Pidgeot didn’t put up any fight. The young boy looked on, stupefied as to what this new arrival in the town was doing. Unsure of what this person was up to, the young boy tugged on Ash’s arm. “Where do you think you’re going with that injured Pokemon?!”
Ash had a sense of urgency in his response. “This Pokemon is suffering from a major infection, and if doesn’t receive medical care immediately, it’ll die.”
But before the boy could say anything, Ash and Pikachu were racing towards Professor Oak’s laboratory on a grassy knoll. The young boy, not trusting Ash, tagged after him.
Arriving at Professor Oak’s home, Ash pounded on the door. “Professor Oak! Open this door! It’s Ash and I need your help!”
Ash looked up at the peephole and noticed an eye looking out towards him. The door opened and Ash and Pikachu dashed in. The young boy with the green cap, having caught up to both travelers, entered as well. Professor Oak, his face more wore than the last time Ash had seen him, nodded. His tan eyebrows arched, he looked cautiously at Ash and the young co-traveler with him. Professor Oak ushered the boys to a machine with slots for 6 Pokeballs. Ash placed Pidgeot in the machine as Professor Oak turned it on. The professor was very solemn in his response. “It’ll take several hours to heal this Pokemon.”
Professor Oak turned towards Ash. There was more light in this room than there had been in the doorway where Ash had noticed Oak’s changed expression. Ash noticed that Oak’s lab coat was rather worn and stained. But before Ash could speak up, Professor Oak smoothly responded. “Ash, many things have changed in this world since you left for Orr.”
Professor Oak motioned Ash inside his study. The older gentleman than turned to the young boy. “Jeremy, I need you to wait outside this room. Perhaps you could give Pikachu some food and play with him while you wait.”
The boy protested. “But Professor, Pidgeot..!”
Professor Oak walked into the room with Ash, acting as if it was not an issue. “This man is a friend of Pokemon and he knows what is best for his friend.”
The professor quickly shut the heavy, polished oak door on Pikachu and Jeremy. Oak lead the youthful trainer into his luxurious study. The room was decorated with elaborate polished mahogany paneling from an earlier culture that once lived in Kanto. Several bookcases were featured in several areas of the room. A well worn red, oriental rug covered the entire floor space of the study. Professor Oak motioned for Ash to have a seat and Oak began to stoke the fire in the fireplace. Ash took a seat in a well-worn plush blue sofa while the Professor took up residency on his favorite brown leather armchair. “As I mentioned earlier, things have changed since you left for Orr, Ash. A new force has taken over this land and it was a force that none of us were prepared for.”
Ash grew attentive as he listened to Professor Oak. “You see, several years ago, when you first started your journey, Team Rocket had staged attacks in Kanto for many years. Pokemon were constantly seized and riches were plundered. That all ended with Mewtwo’s escape and the fire that destroyed the experimental lab there. Giovanni disappeared and for the most part, Team Rocket’s antics had subsided. It was safe to life here in Kanto again.
‘But, all that changed three years ago. It started out simply enough with petty robberies of Pokemon and all the sinister acts that Team Rocket had engaged in. But then, within the span of months, our old politicians who had for so long protected us from Team Rocket or any other group of criminals, had mysteriously disappeared. This new faction sent out members to extort money from the citizens of this land in order to protect them. Several gym leaders and elite trainers tried to protect Kanto from these people, but their efforts were in vain. Many of these gym leaders disappeared, including all of Misty’s sisters. There’s no record that these elite trainers have ever been found.
‘As the best trainers in all of Kanto could not stand up to them, the citizens of Kanto simply gave up their efforts to stop this evil force. They forced the citizens of Kanto to vote them into power, and now, they are so thoroughly entrenched that there is no possible way that they can be removed. Laws have been changed and people are being abducted from their very homes to serve them.”
Ash listened with interest. He had not heard of such an uprising in Kanto during his training in Orr. “Who are these people, Professor?”
The Professor continued. “They call themselves the Order of Calatrava. There are many theories that this group is a conglomeration of Team Rocket, Team Magma and Team Aqua, but little is known about the group, especially how they conduct their internal operations. The group elects certain members of their group into political positions, however, I suspect that these politicians are merely peons and execute all the whims of the higher level officials.”
Ash stared at the flames flickering in the fireplace before him. He continued to contemplate what Professor Oak had said. After a few minutes of thought, he spoke up. “This all sounds very dire. Isn’t there anything that can be done?”
The Professor’s grave tone became more uplifting. “Perhaps there is. You see, I have been dedicating my time to researching this organization and have found a very interesting item.” Oak got up from his chair and walked over to a bookshelf at the far end of the room. He reached above the bookcase and picked up a medium sized blue box. Carrying the box ever so gently, the Professor made his way back to his chair and sat back down. Oak opened the box to reveal a metallic copper-colored choker. He passed the box to Ash for his examination. “Several months ago, I found this device on a member who had been patrolling this area who had been killed in a car accident.”
Ash picked up the strange circular object and held it in various positions under the fireplace’s soft glow. “What is this thing?”
“It’s a controlling device of some sort. It receives radio waves and transforms these into various chemical agents that are released into the body. If the message is to run, the chocker releases adrenaline into the system. But, I think there are other operations that this device is capable of that I do not know about.”
Ash nodded. The Professor continued. “That young boy out there, Jeremy, is a beginning trainer. Normally, I would allow him to start his Pokemon journey as you did when you were 10 years old. But, with the world being as it is now, it would be unsafe for me to allow him to travel on his own. Also, because of Calatrava’s grasp on the Pokemon industry, I’m afraid that I haven’t a starter Pokemon to give him.”
“So,”replied Ash. “You’d like to me take him along with me as I try to gather more information?”
The Professor nodded. “Yes, I think that that will be the perfect guise. I’ve already sent Gary out on a similar mission with another young trainer, Kat. However, I don’t think that you and Jeremy can complete this mission on your own. I’ve already notified Misty and Brock of your arrival in Pallet Town. They both seem more than agreeable to help you out on your mission.”
Ash furrowed his eyebrows. He was slightly confused as he had not communicated with anyone in Kanto while training in Orr. “Professor, how did you know that I would be returning to Pallet Town?”
The Professor became more jovial. “Easy, m’boy! I received a CD several days ago for you.”
Professor Oak handed the CD to Ash. Ash took out his newly modified PokeNav. Unlike previous versions of the machine, the new PokeNav had combined the best in the Pokedex with several other handy machines. Ash inserted the CD into the drive on the right side of the machine. Within a few seconds, the screen lit up and a message began to play.
“Hullo Ash!” greeted an attractive, red haired woman with a deliciously sultry voice. She was standing in front of a black colored Charizard on a sunny, tropical looking island. “My name is Saeta, and I am the Gym Leader of the Onche Island gym. This gym is designed to test out possible candidates for Elite Four positions at institutions throughout Kanto, Johto and Hoenn. Your impressive results at the recent competition in the Orr region have not gone unnoticed by the Elite Four Committee. As head of the committee, it is my duty to make sure you’re talented enough to become an Elite Trainer. In order to gain the coveted position of an Elite Four leader, you must defeat me in a Pokemon battle in a format of my choosing.
‘I’m sending the coordinates of my island to your Pokenav through this CD. You are welcomed to bring your friends along with you to my island. Please be advised that due to the Order of Calatrava’s workings in this region, there aren’t any ships or planes that can take you to this location. If you want to battle me, I suggest you find yourself a reliable flying Pokemon.” Saeta pointed to her Charizard and winked. “Perhaps your Charizard will suffice? Oh! And, before I go, one last thing. Due to your success in the Orr Region, you are now considered to be a Master Trainer. Master Trainers, such as myself, can carry up to 10 Pokemon on their person at any time. I suggest you plan your team wisely as Celio’s Pokenetwork has been hampered by Calatrava’s workings in this area, and asking Professor Oak to send you Pokemon is not advisable here. Bring your strongest and bravest creatures and I’ll give you a battle that you’ll never forget. See you soon!”
The CD ended. Ash blushed. She reminded him of Misty. The Professor noticed his reddish hue and smirked. “It’s been awhile since you’ve been around a woman, hasn’t it?
Ash reluctantly nodded. Professor Oak got out of his chair and walked to the door. “Your Pidgeot should be completely healed by now, Ash. You should also decide which Pokemon you’d like to take for your journey before you and Jeremy head out.”
The Professor opened the door. Jeremy and Pikachu had been listening intently and heard the entire conversation. Unfortunately, Pikachu didn’t notice that the door had moved and fell flat on his face. Jeremy, ignoring Pikachu’s antics, was beaming. “Are you serious, Professor?! I get to travel with Ash Ketchum, the greatest Pokemon trainer ever?!!!”
The Professor sighed and shook his head. The audacity of kids these days – listening to private conversations amongst adults would never have been tolerated in his childhood days. He took off Jeremy’s green cap and scratched his head. Replacing the cap back onto the youngster’s head, Oak smiled. “Of course. I’m sending you out with the most talented trainer I’ve ever met, and I expect big things from you, young man.”
Jeremy happily saluted. “Yes sir! I won’t let you down!”
Ash walked over the Pokemon healing machine and picked up the Pokeball containing Pidgeot. He opened up the Pokeball and Pidgeot appeared, revitalized and injury free. The bird happily squawked at seeing Ash’s face again. Ask seemed relieved that his old friend had survived his injuries. “Pidgeot, how are you feeling?”
Pidgeot flapped his wings joyfully in the air. “Pid GEOT!”
Ash chuckled at the bird’s remark. Pidgeot hadn’t changed a bit. “Would you like to accompany me on my journey?”
“Pidge Pidge!” it happily responded.
Ash recalled his friend back into his Pokeball. He attached it to his black leather belt that hung tightly around his waist. Walking over to the professor’s computer, Ash began to take stock of the Pokemon he had at his disposition. Putting some of his old team members into the machine and exchanging them for previous members, Ash reorganized his belt with eight Pokeballs.
When Ash had finished his task, he walked over to Jeremy and greeted him. The Professor walked over to bid them goodbye. “Ash, I have one final gift for you.” The Professor took out a small silver colored metallic transponder unit and placed it in Ash’s hand. “Professor Elm has been working on this device for several years now. This device can be attached to any Pokemon and it will translate whatever the Pokemon says into English. I know that, with your strong bond with your Pokemon, that this device isn’t necessary. But, perhaps it will aide you in your future encounters in Kanto.”
Ash nodded and clenched the gift in his hand. “Thank you, Professor.”
Opening the door, Pikachu, Ash and his new travel companion, Jeremy, headed out the door. The Professor stood at the doorway, waving happily as another young trainer left his facility to journey into the world of Pokemon.
Meanwhile, in a dark room on the outskirts of Saffron City, a different type of journey was in the making. Four figures, their faces shadowed in the darkness of a faintly lit room, spoke.
“I’m not pleased with how slow our progress has been in the Sevii Island chain, gentlemen.”
A man with a red suit spoke up. “We have encountered much resistance, Giovanni.”
A man, wearing a blue shirt, quickly affirmed what his counterpart said. His voice had a slight Cajun accent. “We stand no chance of taking over the Sevii Islands without more resources. Of course, I might be more willing to aide you more if there was something in it for me.”
Another man, in a gray suit, was quick to jump in. He passed over a piece of paper to the gentleman in the blue shirt. “Will this do?”
The gentleman in the blue picked up the paper and looked at it. Several minutes later, he smirked. “Quite a looker this one is, eh?”
The man in gray seemed pleased that his counterpart was willing to cooperate. He motioned to Giovanni and the man in red to leave the room. Both men complied and the man in gray and the man in blue were left alone.
The man in gray spoke. He produced a purple masterball from his pocked and rolled it over to the man in blue. “Before you execute this plan, Archie, you may want to take this.”
Archie held the ball up to the dim light that hung above them. “What is zis?”
The man in gray wickedly smiled. “Collateral.”
TO BE CONTINUED….
