Time to March on
#16 of Pokè-Treat
Since I'm starting to travel into dangerous territory.... Jotho, Trainer Red, Professor Oak/Elm, Pokemon, Ecruteak City, Pallet Town, etc.(c) to GameFreaks/ Pokemon Inc.
Other characters(c) to me and those specified on first show date
Yeah, I had to go there, had to... So As....er RED fans, here's a small look at the very first Trainer as I view him. More will come about him later along with a peak at BLUE, so keep in mind that I do not mean to tread on anyone's toes on their veiw of the character(s) that will be coming up in the series. Comments are appreciated as always and if I did not catch the "Hard" characters right, let me know please so I can fix them in later cuts. Thanks all, especially those that vote/comment/watch.
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"Mimaw, shouldn't we be moving?" A tiny ball of brown and red fur said from within the grasp of an overprotective larger version of itself.
"Yes, my pup, we should. Here, run beside me, stretch those legs. Soon you will be strong enough to break free of this darkness that binds me. Remember that I will always love you."
"I will... always" The ball jumped out of the bipedal Pokèmon's arms and landed on all fours. "I will grow strong for you."
"I know you will, little Zorua, I know you will and you will not do it alone."
With that the biped went into full sprint with the tiny Zorua following close behind. Their destination: the Tree Base, their goal: to convince the warrior to allow them to join him, their motive: a killer hell bent on taking over the realm and modeling it after its own desire.
"Everyone, calm down for a bit please." Jason shouted over the murmuring crowd since the meal was delayed because of his meeting. "I want my team to come forward." Jason waited as the aisle way filled up with his large, unorthodox team. "Falrin, you're included in this, get your tail over here."
The ice fox came over and sat next to Moon, his sideburn-like tendrils swayed gently as he breathed and glanced over at Moon.
"I have decided that we will leave tomorrow in search of the third Guardian. I know many of you have found mates here, but take this time tonight to say goodbye to them for it may be a few weeks before our return. Mitch and Queen will be left in charge while I am gone. I expect everything to continue as it has been. When I return, I hope to bring others with me to enforce our defenses and to help train those able to fight. This war Mew has set before us will come before we know it, we must be ready. Train hard and don't look back. Now... Bring on the food we have hungry family members out here!"
Jason leaned over the table to look at his team, with a sigh he spoke more softly. "I expect everyone up at first light, place the children in their respective balls and we shall see what we can do with them. Moon, I'm putting you on Grace's team so you can be her voice. Shadow, I want you to be on Lisa's. If we get separated in any way, I know you two girls will be able to get your partners to safety. Lisa, decide who you are going to pass on to me. In the morning, I want everyone to be at their team lead's side and ready to be recalled. Sam, Flame, you two will be left out to be our guides. Falrin, you'll be on Grace's team, so be sure you are there. I don't think I am forgetting anything right now. Azu, will you take your balls to Grace after dinner?"
"Yes, love."
"Jason, we have guests. Strange ones." Moon growled as her eyes began to glow blue as she tried to find out what the guests were. "The small one is full of energy but has an innocent mind. The large one is only focused on her pup's wellbeing then survival."
"Thank you, send me out there then everyone enjoy your meal."
In a blink, Jason was phased out without immediate protection down to the main entrance of the Tree. He leaned against the base and waited silently. He heard the two approach then he smelled them, he could tell they had not groomed in a while. Then they showed up, he just stared at them while trying to figure out what they were.
"Mimaw, is that the one?" The little said between pants.
"I hope so." The tall one looked fierce but her eyes were calm and worried.
"I was told we had strange guests. Greetings, I am Jason, master of this Tree and all who enter it. Whom may I be addressing?" He tried to sound formal.
"Zorua, would you please-"
"There is no need for telepathy or other means, I understand most of the basic Pokèmon language."
"Oh, um, I am called Zoroark, this is my pup, Zorua. I would like to offer my assistance to your cause."
"And what would you bring to us?" He was being curious, but he noticed he struck a nerve as she looked away and possibly tear up.
"I offer my pup while I cannot join you for long. We are not only warriors, but illusion users. We can trick our enemies into seeing other things for a long period of time."
Jason waited for a moment, she looked back up at him. He was right, she was starting to tear up.
"Moon, can you come here please." He waited for the Espeon to phase beside him. "Will you take these two to the hot spring so they can wash up then bring them to the dinning hall. I'll have Queen fix up a roast for them while they clean up. Oh, and scent the water for them. I rather not have any quarrels come up about having foreigners here. Queen would not let me live it down."
"So something of the local forest, got it. Just relax, this won't hurt a bit." Moon said to the two as she went up to them then fazed the them away leaving Jason to walk back to the meal.
Jason walked quietly, feeling something was wrong with the two new Pokèmon he knew that were not of this land. He had to get the two alone so they could talk. But for now, they needed to clean up and eat. He rejoined the family and sat down at his spot and dug into his plate. It did not take long for Moon to escort Zoroark and her pup into the room. The room fell silent as everyone turned to stare at the strange duo. He stood and motioned them to join him at his table. They did so then a second roast was brought out by Queen. She sat it down in front of Jason then leaned over to whisper in his ear.
"You have her do that to me again, and you will get a chewing. Both taking me and talking within my head. I don't care if you are the General of Mew's Army. The kitchen is mine and I control it and it alone."
"Yes, but you were voted to be the matriarch instead of Azu. You have duties that do reside outside of the kitchen. You need to realize this, I am just giving that needed push."
Queen growled then turned and bowed before walking away.
"Please excuse her, she's always grumpy. Now, Madame, I must ask, but what brings you from across the waters?"
"I... I was sent here."
"Something tells me that it was not your choice. I do not want to press the matters, but you did offer your own pup to our cause."
"To keep him safe." Zoroark nuzzled Zorua."
"Right, and it does not have anything to do with you being used by a mad man a little over a year ago."
"Not exactly."
"Mimaw-"
"Hush." Zoroark grabbed the pup's muzzle and glared at him.
"I can't help you if you won't help yourself."
"That's just it... I can't. That's why I need him to be safe."
"He can stay here, if you have your own war to be fought."
"I thank you for that. I think it would be wise for him to join you permanently."
"I will not hold him like that. Especially since you two do not live here. You may join my team on our journey, I would like to see what skills you two have to offer the family and the future."
"Please, I insist, take my babe and raise him. For his safety and mine."
Jason could see the fear in her eyes, he could not help but wonder why she would be so willing to give him up. Unless... "You were forced here, right?" He said quietly.
She straightened up her back and looked down as she wringed her paws.
"I'll do it, so you don't have to worry. He'll be safe."
"Bless you."
"Let's just pray that you'll be safe." Jason said just above a whisper.
Zoroark's ears folded back slightly and a tear rolled down her cheek.
"Eat up, you two, the team leaves first thing in the morning. If you two are going to join the family here, then you need to join us and show your skills off." He nodded lightly as Zoroark cringed.
With a sigh she ate, Zorua did not have to be told twice. They both ate slowly knowing that eating fast only became a wasted effort in the end.
Jason noticed that in all the silence, someone had started to sing lightly. He figured it was Rex since he was the only one that had split off after the consul to sit with his lover. He cleaned off his plate then leaned back and watched the newcomers eat. The pup, he watched more closely, he noticed that this was most likely the boy's first real meal in a while and probably his first cooked meal. Once the two had pushed their plates back, Jason stood and back away from the table. The room slowly emptied leaving the day's clean-up crew behind to clean the dishes.
He stopped Lisa before she got away and asked her to show the duo to his room. She smiled and led the two out. He began to pick up the plates at his table and carry them to the kitchen for the washers. He saw that the newer Grass types were hard at work scrubbing away at the multitude of dishes from the meal. They would be busy for several hours. He smiled at them then walked out to tend to his guests.
He joined Lisa and the Zor family duo in his room. He walked in silently as the two adults talked about their pups while Zorua sniffed at the smells within the room. They females jumped as Jason came up beside them and joined in their watching of Zorua.
"Get Grace, she's going to do this one and make sure she has her belt. Don't forget yours as well. We'll do the switching afterwards. And since this place acts a storage facility, we will have to decide who gets left behind since we do have more than eighteen now."
"Right. They aren't going to like this."
"Experience is the one thing we need for this trip. At least you and Grace can protect yourselves for the most part without added help." Jason smiled grimly for the sake of Lisa, she did not mirror him. "Look as much as I would love to be have more than six on a single team, we can't, just be glad you can carry a team."
"Then let's drop Grace's team so she can have the kids. She'll still have Moon and Rex. Right? Or is that just too much to ask for?"
"I find that agreeable, but we do need her, it's her team."
"Fine, I shall be back." Lisa walked out, her ears drooping behind her head showing her disapproval for the subject.
Jason straightened up slightly and looked into Zoroark's eyes. He saw a caring soul and mother staring back. "It's hard to decide whether or not the young learn our parts in the world. Believe it or not, I rather would gladly hide my own son away and not let this coming war near him. But alas, I cannot, this war will consume us all I'm afraid. And you are stuck trying to free yourself from the very evil we fight... am I right?"
"How-" Jason raised a hand to stop her in mid-sentence.
"I have come to learn the many signs that we all show. You try to hide it, but it is there. But I will not be your son's Trainer. I will protect him, but he will have to learn how to use his power. I understand that your kind does not appear in large groups even during the breeding season that takes place like other species which make you almost as rare as Absol. You seem all too fond to hide your son away, who is his sire?"
"I... I don't know. I have had my bouts with a mysterious Psychic named Mewtwo while I traveled along with others that are more compatible. But as I am sure you know that Psychics can breed with anyone if they put their minds to it."
"That I know. So, has he shown any sign of abilities yet?"
"Only the ones that come naturally to our kind. Illusion. Though I have sensed other power in him, power that is not of our kind. I do not know if the humans who held us put it in him or it is from his sire. He needs to learn himself, I fear." Zoroark stared at her pup and her eyes became glossy with tears.
"I will see that he remains fair to all Pokèmon and hopefully he will join the league of Guardians."
"I doubt that. But it would be nice. I just hope when the time comes... he will finish the job." A tear rolled down Zoroark's cheek. Her pup just looked at her quizzically. "I am sorry."
"Hush, I do not care. You are pure of heart, this I can see. You are trapped, and this is why I fight for Arceus: To free those who are not loved. I may have only recently realized why I do this, but it is my destiny. The Dark One shall fall, and the Light shall rise victorious." Jason took on an air of strength, Zoroark stepped back as she felt the change within him.
Her tail quivered slightly as she stared at him. She was about to ask about the change but Lisa came in with Grace and an angry looking Espeon.
"Sir." Moon grunted.
"Moon, this is only temporary and it's not like you are going to storage. Now, we need to make a list..."
Three hours of debating came about and the teams finally were worked out:
Jason took: Champ, Clair, Sam, Adrian, Azu, and Flame
Lisa took: Salamence, Rickerts, Shadow, Miguel, one of the Tryanitars, and Falrin
Grace took: Moon, Rex, Mona, Mickey, Lil' Jason, and Angel
The three sighed as they clasped the balls onto their belts, they then started to make a check list on what they needed to pack for the trip. Lisa took care of hers and Grace's packs while Jason took stock on what he had. It felt odd leaving so many of his team behind, but it was necessary for them to move on. Jason smiled as Zoroark cuddled her pup as she lay in a corner half asleep. He bid Lisa and Grace a well night then waited for them to leave and Azu to come in with Mickey in her arms.
They lay on the bed and fell asleep with a single eye open Zoroark, just in case she tried something. As Jason slept, Moon entered his dreams. He muttered lightly about pain then rolled over onto his side.
You told me that you would never separate us!
Yes, I did. I did what I had to, to keep my girls safe I have to force you two to make sure that they don't get separated. You may think that I think that they are like no other of their species, but you are wrong. Everyone here is part of me. Those two are more at risk of harm because outside of Parzaa, humans don't see Pokèmon as intelligent individuals. You know this, you have been there. Have we been stuck in this one place for so long that you have forgotten what it is like to be a Trainer's partner?
Jason's dream suddenly became clearer to Moon, instead of being stark black, it became an open field with thousands of Pokèmon and creatures grazing on the tall grass. Suddenly they stampeded as a single human child started to walk slowly towards them. One injured Tauros was left behind. The child went up to it, a blade suddenly appeared in the child's hand as they rubbed the injured Pokèmon's neck. Then all of a sudden, the child slammed the blade into the throat of the Tauros. As the beast fell, the scene faded away. Moon shuddered with disgust.
That is how it is, humans destroy, it is our nature. If it were not for you... I, too, would be like that child thinking that putting the poor beast out of his misery would be the best thing. Not talking it and nursing its health back. Just remember, without you at my side... I would be lost. Same goes for the rest of my family. I hate leaving anyone here. But at least this Tree somehow acts as a storage facility personalized just for me. I know that my ever growing family will be safe here for they have friends, mates, and young here. Here we are at our strongest, please don't forget that, my lovely Espeon.
Shock came from Moon especially when she heard him call her his Espeon she never would have thought he would call her that. She pulled out of his head and let him sleep in peace, she was outside in the canopy of the Tree staring at the full moon. She felt extremely weak because of this. She knew why, She was the Sun Pokèmon while her sister was the Moon Pokèmon. She could never find the reasoning in her Trainer's head why her call her Moon. She finally just eased her mind saying he just wanted to be different.
"Different indeed, little one."
Moon jumped and looked around for the disembodied voice that had just called out. "Who's there?"
"Fear not, I cannot show myself yet. Just know that you face a hard path, cross it and you will become stronger from it. And when you meet my brother... kick his ass for me, would you?" The voice broke out into a chuckle and faded slowly.
"Wait! What do you mean?" She got no answer beyond the constant noise of the Kricketots and such down below. "Dammit! Why is everyone on his team getting mysterious visits? How can we be this special?"
"Moon?" A familiar voice made her jump.
"Shadow, why are you awake?"
"The moon was calling. I see why, the Lunar Mother is at her peak. She is watching us closely tonight. Go on to bed, sis. I need to do my prayers then I'll go back in."
"You haven't done those in years."
"Three years, two months, and fourteen days. With the full moon above me, it seems only right that I should go back to doing my weekly prayers. The Mother will understand. Go now, rest so you may pray to the Solar Father before we leave."
"I never stopped my prayers to Arceus. He delivered us to His cause, we are fighting at his Blade's side."
"You need sleep, go on." Shadow's ring was starting to glow bright under the moonlight.
"Fine, but only because I know you can force me to right now."
"Damn right, I can." Shadow chuckled then rubbed against her sister.
Jason woke an hour an and a half before dawn, he woke everyone in the room. Despite the groans, they moved and gathered down at the lobby. Jason went to the PC and registered the remaining members to the tree itself then wrote down the IP address and such so he could access it at a Center if need be. With a drawn out sigh, he logged off then turned to face the still growing crowd. The last to come down was Lisa and Grace directing the crowd in front of them.
"Right. The time has come, not all will be able to join us, it was a difficult decision for us to make. Those left behind, I trust you will make yourselves leaders among the lost here. Know that you are still a part of my team and therefore should act as such. May Arceus bless you with wisdom while following Queen's and Mitch's leaderships. Champ, Clair, Adrian, Azu... Return." Jason held the four balls up and recalled his team.
Lisa recalled her opened five then she recalled Rex and Moon. Out of the remaining teammates, Stan was the one that looked shocked. He expected to go even if it was to lug around wood and supplies. He flinched as Lisa ran her paw up his spine. He looked at her as she passed him by.
"Keep each other safe. Be ready at any time to be switched out, for that is how this place is setup. We shall return soon." With that, Jason climbed onto Sam's back and watched as Lisa set Grace on Flame's then climbed on herself. Zoroark, with her son, climbed onto Sam's back and clung onto Jason; she feared riding on the bigger Pokèmon but truly she had no choice if she wanted to stay alive. "Let's go."
Sam followed the path to the exit with Flame behind him. They waited only a short moment outside before dashing off in a direction that the Trainer could not determine. The scenery changing so fast that Jason's mind could not keep up. From the forested land, it turned to prairie, then to desert, then back to prairie. The duo stopped suddenly at this second prairie. Neither was exhausted but the day was.
"Where are we?" Jason asked Sam quietly.
"In the land humans call Johto. We left our homelands midmorning. The Raikou clans never left the homelands of our ancestors. We shall begin our search at the Burned Tower, the tower Moltres forsook and Ho-oh burned to forget his mate."
"While there, we need to see if the bird will help us then."
"If possible, yes, Flame will need to get you up there though."
"Think we should go visit Professor Elm?"
"Personally? No." Sam turned and dug a ring in the ground with a claw big enough for him to lay in. Water quickly filled the interior of the ring. "I shall return shortly, I must share our arrival with the Suicune clan of this land. Flame, it would be wise that you did the same yourself." He stepped into the ring and sunk into the water.
Flame growled, "And how does he expect me to do that? I never learned how to contact other clans. That's the Elder's job."
"Don't know. But while you figure it out, start a fire so we can start cooking."
"Unfair." Flame stuck her tongue out at him then started her task.
Jason just laughed then went to help Lisa set up the tent. Once Flame had the fire going through her power, Jason pulled out a griddle and filled it up with dehydrated meat that he poured water over. The newly hydrated meat sizzled and popped as the blood within met heat. Lisa could not help but shiver at the sound being not much of a predator. She rolled out the sleeping bags then adjusted them to fit comfortably within the tent. Then she turned to the outside and shivered slightly as she reached for Salamence's ball.
"Jason, be ready, he's coming out."
"Can it wait until Sam returns? I would rather have two Ice Beams instead of one. Beside's, I don't know if Azu can use that."
"Then let her out and find out. I would like to show this beast who his master is."
"Alright, keep your panties on. Yeesh."
"I don't where panties and you know it, father." Lisa harrumphed then waited for him to release Azu.
As soon as he did, she pressed against and embraced him. Grace happened to release her team as well, the children whimpered once they saw the new surroundings. Moon and Rex stretched. The kids surrounded Grace knowing that she was an elder and would protect them. Moon grumbled as she did her task.
"Azu, I need to know if you can use Ice Beam."
"Um... I don't think so. I know Ice Punch though. That is the move I use to encase my fist in ice, right? That's the one I know."
"Good. Keep that ready. Okay, Lisa, release the beast." Jason chuckled at himself as he patted Azu's backside to get her in between the kids and the Salamence.
The dragon appeared silently. He faced Jason and knelt once he was able laying his head on the ground in submission. Jason just crossed his arms then nodded towards Lisa. He did not move until Lisa climbed onto his back. A sharp breath showed him aware but otherwise he did not resist.
"Take me for a flight." Lisa said sternly. "Circle around camp slowly, I want a good view of the area."
He did not move, only stared at Jason.
"Obey her. She holds your prison, and it is up to her whether or not to allow you out again."
"Yes, master." He finally spoke quietly.
As Lisa went up into the air, Jason released the rest of his team. Clair immediately went to her twins and cradled them. While Adrian looked at his daughter then jumped away from camp and landed in a fighting position; Jason warned them not to hurt each other. Champ sat beside his partner then looked up when he saw the shadow of the Salamence.
"You did not allow me to hunt that bird." Champ said remorsefully.
"You will get it, you just need to finish healing. Being out and about will help that, not moping around the Tree. Go and slowly stretch them out then move them back and hold the position for a moment before relaxing again. I want you to do this ten times, supper will be ready once you are done."
"Sure."
Jason watched the family do various activities as he flipped the final slabs of meat. He tested the meat pinkness then gave a shrill whistle as he dug into his pack for several trail mix packets. He placed the meager meal on tin plates. Salamence landed and laid so Lisa could slide off. The family gathered quietly, Sam came out of his watery circle just as Jason started passing the plates around. They ate silently, then the first watch was discussed as they finished up the meal. Everyone voted for Rickerts despite him having a bad habit of dream eating. He grumbled but took the job just to be out of the ball. He did find his thinking process was far clearer than it ever had been since before he had been captured. As darkness finally rolled in, the parents took their children and either curled up with them or dragged them into the tent. Grace, Lisa, and Jason surrounded the fire with Moon laying still behind her current guardian.
So, where do we go from here? Do we split up? A gentle, high pitched voice echoed within Lisa's and Jason's minds thanks to Moon.
"We will never split up unless we absolutely have to. Other than that, we go into a human city called Ecruteak City. You two must stick close to me, though legalized as it is back home, the same system may not apply here. Even though my Pokèdex and Pokètch have changed to local, I still don't trust the area's people." Jason flinched as he saw a flash of fire. Flame, under guidance of Sam, finally was able to make contact with the local Entei clan. "At least Flame made progress. Now, while we are here, Grace, no catching males in thought of forcing them to be mates."
Never crossed my mind. Besides, I have yet had my first cycle, though I do feel something changing within me. I don't think it could be my cycle.
"She has learned a lot, I am proud of her." Lisa muttered with a smile and wiped a nonexistent tear from her eye.
"Ladies, please, can we get our minds back on track? Our goal is to find out where we are going. Even if that means we have to fall to the Professors Elm and Oak."
"I've heard of them, they are supposed to be the founders of the Pokèdex and the entire categorization of Pokèmon moves and abilities." Lisa did not try to hide her interest in the names.
"That's them."
"We have to meet them before we leave. There's so much I want to ask them."
"I wouldn't count on it." Jason looked at his Pokèdex to see the time. "We best hit the hay. Wake me in four hours, Rickerts, I'll take the second watch.
Moon hesitated a moment as the three went into the tent. She knew that Jason would not do anything that would put them into danger, but she could not help but think that Zoroark and her son would bring danger to the group. She went inside and curled up against Grace and fell into a shallow sleep. She noticed that once Rickerts was distracted enough by the night, Zoroark got up and wandered a bit away that was just barely out of her psychic senses. She saw the female scratch at the ground but could not sense what. Though she watched, unintentionally, as the female relieved herself before returning to her son's side.
A Pidgey woke everyone up in the morning, he demanded that he had his feeding grounds back. Zoroark nearly vaporized the poor bird in a Shadow Ball attack. She pulled back on the power at the last moment and sent it flying away from them. Jason grumbled as he hit the side of the cooking pot he was cooking breakfast in. He began to dish out the scrabbled Blissey/Delibird egg meal onto the tins they used last night.
Everyone gathered silently and ate the small meal then broke camp. By midmorning, they had stopped at the market in the city. Jason found it odd that even across the sea, his Weedle silk shirts were popular. He stepped inside, despite the staring Sam and Flare was undergoing, and went directly to the section where his shirts were being sold.
"Can I help you, young man?" The stocking clerk asked him.
"Yes, I would like to know who priced my products twice over the original price."
"Trying to weasel your way into a better deal are you?" The clerk muttered under her breath.
Jason looked inside the shirt and found the tag that he had the sewers place on the inner bottom of the shirt. "Look here, lady, then look at my card."
The woman went pale as she read the patent owner then his card. She dropped the freight then ran off towards the back. He waited expecting an upset manager, instead he got the visiting market manager and branch manger to show up. The two gentlemen stood tall and proud, almost twice his height, but he did not flinch for he had a business to run as well.
"May I ask why you are impersonating-"
"I am the owner of the Weedlet Sweeters and you double my price. Import or not, you are losing money by doing this crap. They can order from my base store outlet online for a third of this-as long as they buy twenty or more in an order. You tell me why I'm here? Hmm? Maybe it's because I'm travel and scoping out new retailers, or maybe it is because I got wind of a third party scandal." Jason kept his voice as even as possible.
"Sir, I am going to have to ask you to leave. I will call the authorities."
"Fine, but your contract is void!" Jason pulled his Pokètch out and dialed Parzaa's store. "Mike, it's Jason. Void out Johto's contract, they are selling double our price... Sure, make sure it is perfectly clear that the sellers here have been charging too much and give the Johto people who wish to order a twenty-five percent discount on single orders. No business offers. Thanks, Mike." He made sure he waited long enough in the building for the men to hear the full conversation then left the building. Each country, he knew, ran on it's own pricing system but he was plenty strict on the contracts with the pricing on his products. They would have been fine adding twenty percent to cover import fees and still make a profit, but to double that...
Outside, Jason found that young children had gathered around Lisa and Grace while they tried to keep them from Sam and Flame. He smiled, it was a far better reprieve to see this than having found a mob of women trying to pass design ideas to him.
"Having problems?"
A little. Lisa rarely used telepathy, though she was in the middle of telling off a young boy's Growlithe.
"Is it alright with you two?" Jason turned to Sam and Flame who in turn smiled then pushed passed Lisa.
Sam growled playfully. Alright, younglings, who thinks they can take down a Legendary duo?
A young boy raised his hand as he reached for a ball but was stopped as a paw knocked him to the ground and a wet tongue slathered his cheek. The boy squealed then wrapped his arms around Sam's neck.
Looks like you lose.
Flame laughed out telepathically in her gender hiding voice. She was then tackled by the rest of the group, she playfully rolled over.
Jason allowed them to play for a while before breaking them up with a half lie about finding their cousin. They children whined and reluctantly gave up their wrestling with Legendaries and slowly parted. Jason recalled Sam and Flame, though not without a complaint from the female, then the trio went to the tower. A guard warned them that it was not safe to enter anymore since an earthquake made everything unstable. Jason asked where he could find information about Raikou, but the man shrugged him off and pointed him to the still standing tower. So that's where they went, and even in there, they were shrugged off. Jason grumbled as they went back outside.
"Curses... foiled again." Jason stated quietly, receiving a chuckle from the ever quiet Moon. "At least somebody knows the cliché. Alright gals, we're flying to Pallet Town. We'll just talk the expert of experts instead of wandering around without a clue.
"Wouldn't it be easier just to have Sam and Flame run us over?" Jason jumped as a little bug that hovered beside him spoke, he realized that it was Zoroark and Zorua hiding behind their illusions.
"Yes, but we are among the land where flying means that you are a top Trainer. I would rather scare other Trainers off that way and we won't get bothered in the air anyway."
"Fine."
"Clair, come on out."
"I need you Salamence."
Rex, join us.
The three Trainers tossed their balls and out came the flyers. They would follow the standards, but Zoroark insisted on flying on the larger of the three which meant that her son and her climbed onto Salamence behind Lisa. Then they took off leaving behind people who had gasped at the Pokèmon who were Trainers themselves. Land below, space above, nothing seemed better to Jason. Though the trip was remarkably short, he enjoyed the feeling of the icy winds against his skin. As soon as they landed, Jason saw what looked like a Pikachu carrying a red hat in its mouth. He smiled figuring that was the world famous rodent. The trio went to the lab after recalling their mounts and releasing one voice. They entered the lab and heard a weak voice call out to them.
"Sorry, the starters are not ready, and no, I do not have any Pikachus. So please-" An elderly man walked around a bookcase and started as he saw Jason and the two Pokèmon. "Oh, you are not here for starters. Are you?"
"No, I got my partner from Professor Jaclyn. Though my daughters and I-"
"Daughters? You must be from Samoah."
"Yes, I now live near the small town of Parzaa."
"Ah yes, been there. Is that Jovah still running the place? How is he?"
"Yes, and not well. Though I did help him a lot just by throwing in a bit too much Trainer talk with him. Rest and Recover did wonders but it did not fully help him."
"I see. Well, how may I help in you matters?"
"I seek the Legendary Raikou then the birds. I must ask for their help."
"Ah, yes, you must seek Trainer/Champion Red. He was here in his home a few hours ago, I don't know if he is still here, that boy cannot sit still for long. Though to get him to talk, you will have to battle him."
Sir, while he does that, is it alright if I stay and ask a few questions? Lisa pushed by Jason.
Oak smiled and offered his arm to her.
"Be good, Lisa." Jason walked out then walked around the town of ten actual houses and found the one that house Trainer Red.
With Grace and Moon at his side, and with Zoroark hiding among her illusions, they went up to the door and knocked. The sound echoed loudly within. Jason counted up to thirty seconds then knocked again. There was no sound from inside, but the crackling of an electric charge sounded behind them. Without thinking, Jason tossed Flame's ball behind him while Grace sent out Rex. They turned to face a young man, closing in on his twenties, and a battle hardened Pikachu. Neither moved when they saw the Entei. Jason smiled as he leaned on Flame's haunches.
"Grace, Moon would have been a better choice to send out. Rex is a Flying type and would seriously get hurt with electrical attacks, you should know that personally."
"You talk to that Plusle like it is a Trainer." The voice from the young man sounded like he had been gurgling rocks and acid. Jason looked closer and saw that there was the hint of illness in the man's gaze.
"She's my daughter, my youngest. My other is talking to Oak. He told us you could help us find the Raikou clan. Along with the other Legendaries. Mew finds me on her own though. Arceus... is, well, the master behind why I must find the Guardians of the Elements." Jason released Sam. He immediately eyed the Electric type and began to worry some."
"Hey, how ya doing?" Pikachu said, the high pitched tones only hurt the aged and experienced tone from him.
Sam only nodded.
"Yeah, I can tell you where to find them. But you have to win it from me."
"Did not expect anything different. Oh, here comes Lisa."
They waited for the Lucario femme to join them.
"Would you care to test my girls as well? They have yet tried their skills as a Trainer."
"I would be happy to, one on one?"
"Sure, I'll let you choose my battler. Only fair for me, I like a challenge."
"Suicune."
Sam backed up a step then looked at Jason desperately. "No."
"Too bad, Sam, you need the exercise and I am confident in your skills."
"You can understand us?" Pikachu asked as he poised himself for battle.
"Yep, I can understand Pokè. I have Moon there to thank for that. Zoroark, where are you and your son?"
A paw on his shoulder and a shimmer of light revealed the Zor family.
"Flame, Return. Sam, Hydro Pump." Sam thoughtlessly attacked the Pikachu as his mate returned to her ball. The Pikachu took the hit then shook off the water.
"Volt Tackle."
"Dodge then strike with Aurora Beam."
Pikachu zoomed passed the Suicune and took the strike up the tail.
"Thunderbolt while you recover."
"Dodge with Blizzard."
Before the rat could even release the attack, the area became shrouded in a snowstorm. Sam quietly moved to the Pikachu as the Thunderbolt struck his previous location.
"Ice Fang!"
The Blizzard faded away as the Pikachu was captured within Sam's mouth and quickly froze. Sam went over to the Trainer and gently laid the Pikachu down at his feet.
"Pikachu? Huh, you beat him. I'm impressed."
"Lisa, you're up."
"Serperior, it's your turn!."
"Grass type starter, high level of experience, and a tendency to squeeze its prey to death." Zoroark stated as Lisa took Jason's spot.
Salamence, your field! She sent out the dragon and already was concocting a strategy to win.
"Let's start with Gastro Acid."
A stream of yellow-green liquid sprayed from the grass snake and hit Salamence in the face. He wiped it off as if it were nothing.
Right, Dragon Claw then take to the air. Lisa crossed her arms, she felt like she was the one that was supposed to be there not the dragon.
The dragon went in for the strike. The attack missed but he did not stop to look why.
"Good work, Sunny Day." Red moved about to avoid getting dust in his eyes.
Why, thank you for that. Salamence, use Flamethrower on your way down.
"Coil up as tight as you can, hide!"
"Bye, bye, snaky." Lisa chuckled then stepped back. Maximum flame, burn the grass!
The yard suddenly became a fire field as the dragon blasted it from above. The snake sprang from its coil and soared up at the dragon as it hissed quietly.
"Aerial Ace."
"Wow." Jason muttered as he watched the battle, he noticed that Lisa was fidgeting and yet strangely focused at the same time.
Recover from it and smack it back down with Heat Wave!
Red's jaw dropped, he knew that this battle was over. A bright ball of red came from the dragon then a sudden gust of intense heat. The snake dropped and did not move. Red recalled his Pokèmon with a sigh.
"Right, Grace here has our young, Rex and Moon are her fighters. So, do you have any freshly hatched you want to use?"
"Actually yes, that is why we came back home. Deino, let's go."
Grace jumped onto Lisa's head then tossed out Mickey's ball. Jason gasped then stood firm, it had to be done eventually.
Mickey, it's time to play. Sing for the girl. Moon shifted uneasily beside Lisa as she watched this. Mostly mirroring Jason's emotions.
The Azurill started to sing a lullaby for the dragoness, the little one felt over and started to snore. Red grumbled.
All right, sugar, now use Ice Beam like your mommy does. Freeze that beauty!
"For a deaf girl, she sure does have a lot to say." Zoroark muttered into Jason's ear, he agreed.
Keep it up... Good, now finish this off with Body Slam! And make it hurt!
Mickey used his tail to bounce into the air then came down hard onto Deino's head. A cloud of dust obscured the scene. As the dust settled, Mickey waddled out just as happy as he could be. The dust settled and the Deino's head was in a hole. She pulled out and growled.
"About time, Thunder Fang."
Jason had to admit that the dragoness was quick on her feet. She struck Mickey on the back of the head surging electricity through him. He screamed.
Secret Power. Hurry up!
Mickey glowed brightly then started to kick the living daylights out of the dragoness. She grunted with each kick then collapsed. Mickey huffed then smiled.
"WIN!" He shouted, Red jumped.
"Your Azurill just... talked."
"Yeah, it's in his blood. Great work, son." Jason said as Grace recalled him. "Now, about those Legendaries..."