[Pokémon] Brewing A Storm and Black Night Clouds

General Information

Brewing A Storm, Black Night Clouds, and On the Wind's Surface is a three part fan fiction . The story follows a trainer by the name of Josh Surge, son of Lt. Surge of Vermilion City. It starts by him catching his first pokemon at the Power Plant. Though the story starts off rather light hearted, it evolves into something deeper when things aren't as good as they seemed on the surface. Blood has been poured against the white sands of innocence. Trainers no longer just use their pokemon to just obtain gym badges but to obtain what they truly desire in life. Crime has sky rocketed in each region of the world. The society of Pokemon is nothing like people had expected. A Mafia by the name Kanto Killers as well as the newly reinstated Team Rocket is running wild. Not to mention the increasing numbers of lone wolves. Under it all is a single project. P.E.T. Pokemon Eclipse Theory.

With tough times comes even tougher justice. The International Police has broken up into several different departments across the world to protect the security of the Pokemon World. But even these are not enough. The scarcity of members is become evident and many do not wish that they are doing their job enough. So even with a shining pathway to tranquility, the world continues to blacken into the darkness of nigh. Can a person bring justice to a land scarred by the flames of crime?


Rating

The rating of the fan fiction is actually teen. It's kind of darker than a normal pokemon fan fiction. It does have cussing (to some degree) and violence. It does get pretty bad in Black Night Clouds but not so much in Brewing A Storm. But do not believe that this story does not have an humor in it. I put comic relief as much as I can when I see fit to relax the reader from the dire situations. Just because it is dark doesn't mean people cannot have a bit of humor in their lives. Some parts leans towards [M] so I will tell you what those chapters are when I get to them in Black Night Clouds. On the Wind's Surface is going to be board and rather lenghty. XP

Warning : Please read the stories in order or confusion will occur. The symptoms of confusion is a 50% chance of hitting yourself and being completely bewildered on the storyline. You have been warned.

Comments

Please review. Feel free to review after any of the chapters. Thanks for the help. Keep me motivated! Positive and negative comments are accepted (though I long prefer positive, I take the good with the bad). All constructive criticism will be accepted in stride. So give it all you have when you are reviewing.

Recent Updates: 4-7-2010

I'M BACK! Sorry for the wait guys. New chapter is up. Hope ya like it.

Prologue: Current in the Air

The walk through the underground path was like no other Josh had experienced. It was long and agonizing, it was like the small tunnel was getting longer and longer the more that he walked. Perhaps time had stood still for a while as he walked through this space for the rest of his eternity. The dim lights of the path to create a path on its own as it futilely shimmered upon the mustard colored tiles. Josh was currently looking down, viewing the long red, blue, and yellow streak that too stretch out infinitely into the space ahead. It was like torture as the excitement was swelling in his stomach. The length of the tunnel was equal to that of Josh's anticipation seemingly.

On any other day, it would have been a quick walk for Joshua. As soon as he entered, he would exited in what felt like seconds later. But today was like no other day; he was going to the Power Plant on his own for the first time. Every other time, he would be with his dad as he searched the area for a legendary electric pokemon. Josh would be forced to wait near the water, while several Pokemon the scurried in and out of the grass most of them his dad's favorite as well as his own, electric. He never had a pokeball on him, so he could only watch them. Even if he did, he wouldn't have caught one because it would have lead to a scolding by his father.

But now, Joshua is sixteen year old teenager and his father was powerless to stop him now by his own words. "When you turn sixteen, I'll take you to the Power Plant and you will catch one of those pokemon." He remembered the exact wording and often told himself in the morning and night that this day would come. Now it was the day.

"Excited," his dad's deepen voice spoke suddenly breaking the silence.

"Of course," Josh said gazing up to the person beside him.

Not many people had to glance down towards him. He was one the tallest, if not the tallest man in the Kanto Region. His dad had spiky deep blonde hair, sharp blue eyes, and tan colored skin. The man's face was clean cut but still appeared to be rather rough and dangerous. His eyes always appeared to be calculating as though he was thinking of war tactics as he walked. He was a well built man from his days in the military. But, the most defining feature was that broad smile that reached across his entire length of his face. The smile and the calculating eyes often lead people to a paradox if he was a kind person or not. The thing that could be answered was that he is Lt. Surge of the Vermilion gym and the father of Joshua Thor Surge.

Josh shared many of the features as his father. He inherited the bleach blonde hair but wore it shorter than even his dad (it was a military shaved cut). Along with the hue of his hair color, his eyes reflected that of his dad but with a bit more of green from his mother that he couldn't remember. He obviously inherited the height as well, he was almost to his upper portion of his dad's arm and that was an impressive feat in itself.

They were dressed similar, this wasn't coordinated however since Josh wasn't in the military yet. The two were wearing a short-shelved camouflage shirt with pants of the same pattern. Josh however was wearing shorts while his dad was wearing long pants. Josh was wearing a turquoise colored pattern while his father was the standard green. The both of them wore gloves while sunglasses was left for just Lt. Surge alone.

"What pokemon are you looking for, son?" Surge spoke trying to start conversation.

"I haven't decided. There are many pokemon at the Power Plant."

"You are bounded to see the one that you like. Just hope it's enough to get you started. I wasn't about to let start you off with a weak pokemon from the Professor like those other kids."

"Sure, dad…"

Lt. Surge quickly assumed that to be an agreement to his statement. He assumed most of the things that Josh said to be in complete consignment with himself. Though Josh never verbally disagreed with his father, he never agreed to all of the things that he said either. Who would have the nerve to be subordinate to a former commander? Josh would kept him silent and let the assumption flying through his father's head.

Surge glanced at his son who seemed to be contemplating on the question he asked earlier. They could always could read each other like books but this time it seemed like ink was spewed all over the pages. Was it something that he said? It as possible. He never really noticed the difference between wording things. So perhaps he said something that was a bit offensive. Surge was always a hard nose, straight forward, and ridiculously strict commander. This made talking with is son difficult. He often wished that his wife was here. She could relate to him better.

"I don't mean what I said. I was just..."

"Being you," Josh said sharply staring at his dad from the corner of his eye.

"I guess that's true," Lt. Surge's voice became amused, the exact opposite reaction Josh wanted. "But, I'm just looking out for the best interest."

Josh just gave that smile. That smile when he had nothing to say. It was his choice what pokemon would be his in the end. No matter how big or how small that it was going to be. It was going to be his, no matter what. He probably couldn't understand him. His mind had always been locked on the idea that his son is going to be a carbon copy. Though they had many of the same interest, they were not the same person. Surge would have to realize that one way or another.

They stopped at the stairwell leading to the small route to Cerulean City. Excitement had flashed on Josh's face as he quickly took the first step before Surge could even react. Surge's smile seemed to pose a certain conflict as pushed his sunglasses on his eyes. He watched his son ascend the stairs. He felt like he was ascending more than just those slate colored stairs. It was the day the Surge subconsciously dreaded. The day that Josh would come face to face with the world ahead him. He could only hope that Josh could pick a pokemon that could actual protect him and become strong enough to be with the gym leader. Surge wanted him to be the successor and bearer of the Vermillion Gym and Thunder Badge respectively. But things never went as planned. Surge was one to attest to that fact. Things hardly went to plan where he had come from--war.

Surge ascended the stairs as well. Things felt different, it was a certain static in the air that he didn't like.

Chapter 1: Spark of the Flames

The time was here. Josh had finally made it to the Power Plant, around it really. The workers there would not allow him inside due to the high voltages but there were plenty of electric Pokemon around to get by. But yet, Josh hasn't found the right one. From those he have seen, which was not much either wasn't an electric pokemon like he wish such as Grimers or wasn't the electric pokemon that he wanted such Pikachus, Magnemites, and Voltorbs.

Josh had learned to be careful. He was attacked earlier by a Voltorb, which used "Self-Destruct" when it was spooked, that forced Josh to jump backwards to avoid the blast radius. He was one of the lucky ones. Many beginner trainers were seriously injured or even killed by wild pokemon without protection of a pokemon. That is why many new trainer traveled to Pallet Town to obtain their starter Pokemon to provide protection. This luxury was something that Josh did not have so remained on the outside of the grass trying to find this ideal pokemon. Though it has been hours, he hadn't flinched. He just held on to the red and white ball as hard as he could. At times, Josh thought the pokeball was going to crack due to the pressure that he was applying. But I hadn't yet, perhaps that was good sign.

Like a hawk, he watched. Nothing left his sight. From a polar ends of a Magnetmite, squared tail of a Pikachu, purple slime of a Grimer, he had seen it all. But none of those pokemon even gave a glance at him. "Maybe I'm being to a bit too picky?" Josh thought. Josh contemplated that thought. Was he being too picky or just particular? "Maybe a magnemite..." Josh thought trying to convince himself that was the pokemon that he wanted as his first.

No matter how hard that he tried, he couldn't convince himself. He knew there was another pokemon out there. It was like something was telling him, not to throw it yet because something else is meant for you. Josh was one to listen to his conscience. It normally would lead him in the right direction. Should he listen to it this time?

After another full hour, Josh stretched himself on the patches of light green grass bordering the taller grass. Josh knew even the lighter grass wasn't safe but it was just easier to avoid pokemon that way. Yet, he just stretched himself like it wasn't a hazard at all. He was used to danger anyway. His dad is slightly paranoid due to his times at war so he would normally install traps in the gym. Josh in turn had to either avoid the traps or activate them. Each of which he had done many times. This destroyed many of fears that Josh would encounter since his life was on the line every time that he entered his dad's gym.

Josh pressed the back of his hand against his forehead as he lied. He realized that his right hand was still clutching the pokeball and half way became numb due to hold it for so long. He glanced at the pokeball for a little while. Why was it empty? Why was he so cautious in making his first pokemon choice? Perhaps that its the same cautious nature that gives his dad the impulses put traps in his gym was inherited as well. Josh cringed at the though of that. They were alike on many different levels: emotional, spiritual, and physical. Josh often wondered what he had inherited from his mother. He sighed at the thought.

Josh sat up and gazed into the grass once more. It was there that he noticed a bit different. It wasn't like any other pokemon that he had seen in the hours. Only seeing only a glance of its small, yellow and black striped arms, he knew it was different. Josh stood up.

He slowly maneuvered his body to view the pokemon within the grass. From his new angle, he could see the pokemon clearly. It was a round yellow pokemon. Its arms were short but appeared they were a bit bulkier compared to smaller pokemon. The yellow creature had two black stripes around its arms as well as one black stripe around it stomach stopping in the middle. At where the two ends of the one stripe of the stomach ended was a thunderbolt. The defining feature of this small creature was two small horns that appeared to be prongs of a plug.

The small creature looked over its shoulder. Its small dot of a pupil stared sharply into Josh's eyes. It had an unmistakable flame in its eyes. It stopped moving. Examining Josh like Josh was examining it. The both of them were calculating each other movements. "This one is just like me. It's an Elekid."

Josh heart pounded in his chest. He wished he could appease this Elekid by ripping his heart to give it to him. "Should I just throw this?" Josh said pressing the button of the ball causing it to expand. "But maybe, I can wear it out."
Josh seemed more pleased with that than actually throwing the ball or ripping his heart out.

The small Elekid took small steps forwards while Josh took larger ones. The Elekid stopped itself for walking and began to charge electricity. It wanted to fight now as though it too had a plan for Josh. It suddenly disappeared from where it was standing to close the gap between Josh and itself. It suddenly charged its hand with electricity and shot a smaller bolt of lightning from its fist.

Josh side stepped it quickly. The Elekid actually packed a punch with its electricity especially for just a Thundershock. Josh quickly measured the the distance between the two of them. The Elekid seemed to do the same but acted on it by throwing several lightning bolts this time instead of just one. Josh managed to dodge them with evasion maneuvers managing to close the gap. The Elekid looked a bit surprised at Josh's agility and prepared itself for another thundershock but realized that it was quickly out of power. It seemed clinched it teeth and cursing itself for its own feebleness. It suddenly performed another quick attack trying to create distance.

Josh just closed his eyes for a moment. Josh knew the distance of that quick attack despite only seeing it once. That was one of Josh's innate skills that he learned living in Vermilion Gym. He had to remember the distance between each pole within the gym because of the discharge. In result, distancing something by the **** of the eye was something he was good at. He planned to throw it ahead to catch the Elekid to catch it in the middle of the next quick attack. He opened his eyes and threw the pokeball. The pokeball was launched ahead of his opponent and opened. The Elekid was soon enveloped in white light, entering into the pokeball. But the battle wasn't over yet the button was still red. The pokeball shook several times, swaying back and forth. At last, the creature finally succumbed to being caught allowing the pokeball's button stopped glowing red.

Josh smiled. He walked up to the crimson and white ball to pick it up. He looked at it for moment. He was more than proud but was impressed as well. This Elekid was just like him. It had a strategy coming into battle and used performed it to perfection.

"I'll name you when we get back. You must be tired," Josh said.


"It's a male. It seems pretty uninjured. Did you weaken it?"

"I managed to wear it down. It is my first pokemon."

"Wow. That's impressive. I'm surprised that I'm not treating your injuries. But, you are the son of the "Lightning American" So being careful is part of your nature."

The young nurse tapped her nails against the heal chamber. Her pink hair, in two distinctive loops, bounced up and down as she worked behind the counter. She had fair colored skin as well as blue eyes. She was one of many of the same features, almost like clones. However, this was Nurse Joy of Cerulean City and obviously she was thinking about something other than Josh's pokemon. Her eyes had revealed that much.

"Nurse Joy. Is something wrong?" Josh found himself asking.

"Oh it's nothing."

That was obviously a lie. Josh could see from behind the counter that she was fumbling with many objects that he knew she was accustomed to holding. Something was worrying her. Was it about his pokemon? Or was it something more?

"It's not about your pokemon. He is perfectly fine," she said staring off into the small television on the other side of the room. "Its just these attacks that have me bothered."

"Attacks?" Josh cocked his head in confusion.

"It's nothing for you to worry about. It's not like you're going too far away...." the nurse faded off. "So what you are going to name it?" she said conveniently stopping the conversation at its root.

"Volt. I want him name, Volt," Josh said smiling.

"Well, tell him that," Nurse Joy said also giving a smile.

Nurse Joy grabbed the pokeball from the small healing chamber and placed it on the counter. Josh picked it up and then thought about it. This would be the first time that he and Volt would meet without being enemies. Josh had prepared himself for the worst cast possible, that being that it probably hated him for taking it away from its home.

He gave a slight toss. The pokeball bounced on the ground and opened. The small pokemon appeared from the dim white light. Volt the Elekid gazed up to its new master.

Josh approached the creature and placed his hand between the two plug-like horns on his hand expecting to be shocked. Instead it just stared at Josh, a bit confused on his courage to actually place his hand there of all places. It seemed to be pleased all of a sudden. Though it appeared to not trust him entirely but it wasn't complete disdain. That was a good start. Josh had read many people hated their trainers in the beginning. He hoped that he wasn't going to have to deal with that.

"Do you like the name, Volt?" Josh asked.

It nodded it head a bit before saying its name in a low tone. It appeared to want something else added to it. Like a title. Josh smiled. It was just like him, always wanting something more. It was just so adamant.

"Sergeant Volt?"

It was suddenly pleased a lot more than it previously was. From this excitement, the Elekid began to admit static forcing Josh to quickly take back his hand. It gave a resemblance of a light laughter as Josh check his hands.

"You two will make good friends," Nurse Joy proclaimed.

"Yes we will. Right, Sergeant." Volt nodded his head in agreement.

"You must have really impressed him out there."

Josh picked the pokeball from the ground and closed it. He wanted to have Volt walked around with him a bit more to understand his character. But that planned quickly changed when Lt. Surge entered the Pokemon Center. Josh found himself quickly returning Volt to his pokeball before his dad could get a clear view through those opaque glass doors. Josh quickly shot up to his feet when his dad entered.

Lt. Surge quickly glanced over the area. This was an habit of his. Anything could be a threat and he was going to be the first to see it when it happened even if it was a Pokemon Center. During this initial scan, he found his son. It was only when he scanned back over when he approached him.

"Josh," the man's gruff voice spoke towards Josh at full force.

"Sir," Josh responded.

"Did you find one?" Surge spoke with taking his sunglasses off to polish them.

"Yes. Sir," Josh remained concise.

"But, Matis, I would advise Josh's pokemon to get some more rest before coming out again," Joy suddenly interrupted.

Anyone who spoke Lt. Surge's first name knew him well. He never revealed that information to anyone excluding medical professionals who wouldn't dare to call him by his first name anyway. Yet the Nurse Joy of both Cerulean and Vermilion could speak his name and without getting the blue eyed death stare. The same stare that Josh was holding off right now.

Nurse Joy of Cerulean knew his name and personality well. She nursed him back to health in the war. She knew that he could be both paranoid and caring at the same time. She knew that inner soldier that cares for the protection but that same inner soldier was the person who couldn't stand not evolved pokemon.

"I'm glad that you caught one, son," Lt. Surge said obviously with a piece of candy in his mouth.

"I am too, sir," Josh trying to keep the conversation short.

"We are heading home. Get ready."

"Please give it the chance to rest," Nurse Joy giving a wink towards Josh.

"I will."

Lt. Surge gave a sharp turn towards the door. Josh knew this is going to be a problem. His dad probably read through Nurse Joy's bluff. He had interrogated people in the past so he knew the differences between a lying face and a truthful one no matter how hard they tried to mask it. Josh was no exception to this rule.

Josh followed his father out of the door but not before nodding towards Nurse Joy for the temporary buffer. She sighed and waved goodbye as Josh followed closely behind his dad. She knew it will probably be a long day for Josh.

I. love. the. story.

Really great job, I think the best part about it is the realism of the dialogue. It seems like some real character emotions. The only negative I could think of is that it get's a bit repetitive in some parts, but that's just really minor.

Keep it up, and I'll keep reading!

-Alex...

Alex7 said:

I. love. the. story.

Really great job, I think the best part about it is the realism of the dialogue. It seems like some real character emotions. The only negative I could think of is that it get's a bit repetitive in some parts, but that's just really minor.

Keep it up, and I'll keep reading!

-Alex...

Click to expand...

Thanks. It does get a bit repetitive at parts so I have been proofreading the entire thing to add variety. Thanks. Dialogue has been my best asset really. :P It's a time I can show my character's personality.

Thanks for responding. :)

Chapter 2: Over Protection, Under Control

"What is it?" Surge's voice thundered.

Josh couldn't hold off his father's glares any longer. His stare was like he was piercing into his very heart to find a piece of information that he wanted. Josh had managed to hold him off until they got the Vermilion Gym but this was breaking point. Surge's face had harden; like it had be pressured like coal to create a blood-filled diamond.

Lt. Surge struck the switch to activate the lights of the gym. Josh felt as though the light just merge together to form one heated spotlight. Perspiration broke on Josh's brow though the the gym itself was still cold and slightly darker than it normally was. This felt like an interrogation room and Josh was the witness.

Surge walked through the gym, but stopped at two silver poles. Apparently he forgot to inactivate his traps when he last exited the gym so he would have to do it manually. There were several long silver poles throughout the gym, when an intruder would step between them it would activate a large lightning bolt. It was unknown to Josh if these lightning bolts actually killed someone before but they have done damage to him once or twice before. He wanted to run in between them to get away from his father right now. He quickly written it off as a stupid idea.

Surge quickly jumped onto one of the poles and leaped his way to the other side of the gym to inactivate all of the poles. Of course, he didn't step off of the last pole. He flipped off it to his chair on the other side of the gym. He stared at his son from afar. Josh really didn't want to tell him now especially after he pulled something like that.

"Show me now, son."

"Okay…" Josh's voice lost all of its power.

A person really couldn't argue with a former commanding officer nevertheless with a person that was just inactivated traps in his own gym. He was already in a bad mood; Josh could see it within his father general facial expressions. Did he already know?

Josh quickly took the pokeball from his pocket, expanded it, and tossed it. The pokeball opened revealing Volt. He looked around to collect its thoughts but quickly ran to Josh's side when it observed Surge's obviously angered face.

"It's an Elekid, huh?" Surge said calmly, his face was within an odd discord with his voice.

"Y-yes sir," Josh could feel how this conversation was going. He hated it already.

"You know what I am going to say then."

"Evolve it?" Josh said grabbing at the last piece of air he could muster from his lungs.

"I have Rare Candies in the back."

"But dad..." wanted to say but knew that it wasn't going to come out. He foresaw that he was going to say it. He pressured all of his trainers in the gym to do it when they caught a pokemon why would he be any different? Josh couldn't put himself to do it. It was like forcing his pokemon to skip its entire childhood to become an adult. That wasn't the way that Josh wanted Volt to take.

"i can't Dad."

"You will!" Surge suddenly snapped.

"Why?"

Surge paused for a moment. His anger was flustering. He couldn't put his anger into words. The fact is, he wanted his son's protection over anything. Small pokemon couldn't protect anything, Surge found that the hard way especially with an Elekid of all things.

Surge couldn't help but remember in his times at war. That raid. It was that horrific day. When they raided the town, there was something that hurt him more than anything. Out of all the dead bodies that he saw, it was that one that bothered him. The enemy had attacked a small hut with only a child and his pokemon left inside. The pokemon, an Elekid like the one that stood before him now, was being held hostage along with the child. The Elekid tried to fight off the enemy but before Surge had the time to jump in both the kid and his young pokemon was dead. It tried and failed to protect its trainer. Small pokemon wasn't strong enough to protect its master nor itself.

"Small pokemon can't protect anyone, son!" Surge shouted as flashes of the mangled body of the Elekid and its trainer flashed in his mind.

"But, all pokemon starts off small."

"That doesn't mean they have to stay that way! They die if not protected. There are people out there that are dangerous and you need all the help that you need in life!"

"Not every place is war, dad!" Josh found himself shouting.

"Not every place but everybody is one! Now, evolve it. That's an ORDER!"

"You're my dad not my commanding officer. You never could understand the difference."

Volt stared up to his master. Small drops of water fell from Josh's eyes on to its head. It quickly registered in his mind that its master was somehow hurt by this other person and took its ground in front of Josh.

"No...Volt..." Josh spoke calmly.

Josh quickly scooped his Elekid up and ran out of the gym. Surge clinched his teeth as his watched his son silently cry. He hadn't seen him cry since they discussed about his wife. But he knew it was for the best and he was going to stand his ground. He was right, Josh was wrong. He knew that from experience and he wasn't about to break.



"He never could understand me..."

Volt responded with a buzz between the openings in his horns. It couldn't help to feel a bit concerned for its new master, so it lunged at his leg grabbing it tightly. Josh looked down to him and smiled through the silent tears. Josh couldn't understand why it trusted him so much.

"T-thanks, Volt."

More than ever, Josh wanted to leave this town. If he had entered back into that gym, he would have to evolve it. That was the simple fact that even he couldn't ignore. Even if it meant running away, he wasn't going to evolve Volt. Josh of all people should know that a childhood should be one of memories. His dad couldn't understand it since he never had a great childhood himself, he went into the war when he was eighteen.

Josh opened the door to their house. Aside from popular relief, the gym leaders do have homes other than the gym. Josh entered the home and proceeded upstairs to his room.

It was a smaller room decorated as expected of a son of a war leader. The walls were a deep green color with matching striped bedspread. The walls was decorated with several knives and guns were polished and in working condition to the respective weaponry. Josh figured that he would at least take one knife and one pistol. He grabbed a small silver pistol as well as a sliver blade with a black hilt from the wall.
He then approached the small desk on the north side of the wall right beside the window. Upon it was a small silver laptop. He unplugged it from it charger and wrapped it around his arm to coil it. He then scooped the laptop itself up.

Volt watched as Josh prepared all of these things, slightly confused what was going on. After a few more minutes of being utterly bewildered, Volt took a spot on a small stool beside Josh's bed. It swung its legs as it watched.

Josh proceeded to closet, then the cherry wood colored drawer, and finally ended it back in the middle of the room. He gazed up into the ceiling and sighed. He was really going through with this. But what was it right? Josh glanced over to his Elekid would found itself playing with the bedspread. He knew then, it was the right decision.
Josh found the knife leather sheath as well as the pistol holder and placed the weapons within their storage. He then placed them within a large black storage bag.

"Well. Time to get some food too," Josh said staring down at Volt who appeared to be hungry.

Josh felt his stomach growl slightly as well. It was a good idea to get some food.



"So he's planning to leave..." Surge spoke as he looked through his binoculars.

"Rai...?" a small but low sounding animal spoke.

"I shouldn't stop him. He needs to get away from this city and explore anyway."

Lt. Surge was obviously concerned considering he was using binoculars to view his son packing. Surge's Raichu was standing right beside him, he too with a pair of binoculars pointing at the home across from the Gym. The large orange mouse with yellow checks shared glances with its master several times.

"I'm worried. You know that. Stop staring at me!"

"Rai.." the Raichu nodded its head.

"But the world isn't as well as this town. The six regions; Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, Sinnoh, Firore, and Almia are corrupted with criminals, thieves, murderers. The Pokemon world isn't sunshine and daisies."

Raichu placed down its binoculars and tapped Lt. Surge on his shoulder. Surge looked towards his Raichu and was met by a punch. Surge glared at his Raichu after recuperating silently cursed on his way.

"Bastard, why did you do that for?"

Silence filled the void between the two creatures. They seemed to be reading each other's mind during that time. Surge at times seemed to be arguing with his eyebrow movement and facial motions. He finally gave up and sighed realizing that what he's Raichu had implied was right.

"Fine! You're right! I think he know that," Surge shouted grabbing his blonde hair.

Pleased at the fact, the Raichu took its binoculars and glared back out of the window. Surge clinched his teeth, obviously still concerned. Josh might not understand completely what this world is coming to but he will not conform to the things but fight against it. This was his journey like the war was his. He just wished that he picked a better time than these times.

Surge grabbed towards the remote control and turned it on. The images flashed causing Surge to sit up. It was yet another death, this time and visiting executive of the Devon Corporation from the Hoenn region. That was the second death in the week and really didn't settle well with Surge's paranoia at all.

"Damn it. I can't let him leave! I'm so PARANOID!" Surge shouted allowing almost everyone that was present in the gym to hear it.

His Raichu rolled its eyes but crunching its fist. It walked over to its master once again. Surge sighed and waved his hand telling the Raichu another punch wasn't necessary. Surge just turned the television off before he could see anything else about the story. It would bother him more than he already was. He ended just looking out the window as his son prepared himself to leave. He sighed like any father would; maybe this was a lesson for him too.


"Are you ready to go, Volt?

Volt nodded his head in confirmation. Josh had prepared himself to at least make it to Saffron City. He hadn't decided how he was going to make a living while he was out there. He never found gaining Gym Badge real appealing. Maybe just traveling would be enough while training Volt as well. Other than that, he did not know what he was going to do.

"Sir Surge!" a gentleman cried out.

Josh turned around to see a lean man from the general direction of the gym. Josh quickly assumed it to be one of the trainers from the Gym. "Tucker, maybe?" It appeared to be him. He had the graying black hair, brown tuxedo, brown hat, as well as the flamboyant mustache.

The man appeared to be running but didn't have the speed of a running pace. It was more like a jog really. Nevertheless, the older gentlemen made it to Josh. He was panting but obviously he was fine.

"Tucker, what are you doing here?" Josh asked.

"T-the..." Tucker took some more time to breathe. "The Lieutenant wanted to give you this for your journey."

"Isn't he upset that I'm not coming...wait," Josh looked towards Tucker in confusion. "How does he know that I'm leaving?"

Josh glared up the highest window of the Gym to see a pair of binoculars glaring down at him. He rolled his eyes in disgust. "Should have known..." Josh exclaimed loudly in his head. Tucker waited for Josh to finish the rest of his previous sentence.

"Isn't he angry that I'm RUNNING AWAY?" Josh said shouting slowly for his dad could read his lips properly.

"Of course he is. He's contemplating out loud again about should he actually let you go through with this."

For a commanding officer, Surge was indecisive. He couldn't help but think twice about ever action that he made when it came to Josh. But this time more than ever since his son's life was the life in danger. It was like one of the many war commands that Surge had to give. Josh just gave sigh thinking about his dad pacing the gym.

"But he does know that you probably need to leave here..." Tucker spoke clearly without a pant interrupting him this time.

"That's good."

Tucker poured out all the contents in his pockets and placed it within Josh's palms. Josh looked over the assortment of items within the palm of his hand. It consisted of a five pokeballs, some money, and a mysterious red device. Josh placed the pokeball and the money in his pocket but he stared at the small device for a bit longer. It was a Pokedex. But how did his dad get it?

"It's your dad's. He never really used it because he was drafted in the war before he could actually start his journey. It's practically empty but the scanner function is broken beyond repair. But perhaps it could be of some use somehow."

"Tell dad thanks," Josh said. "But I would have long preferred that he came down here and talked to me personally."

"He's a confusing individual," Tucker quickly said in defensive, obviously disgust was written on Josh's fast.

"Tell me about it," Josh agreed.

"But he cares for you. See you with an Elekid probably worried him."

"One day. I'll bring home an Electivire. But on his time, not mine."

"That's good," Tucker spoke stroking his mustache in the process.

"Well. I'm off."

Josh adjusted his back pack. He looked towards Volt who appeared to be a little tired from walking. It stared at the pokeball on Josh's belt and then pointed. Josh accommodated this by returning him to the pokeball.

"It will grow strong and so will you, Josh. Come back safely."

"I will. But tell dad; DO NOT send a search party. I know he has "friends" in every branch of the POCE."

"He will not call the Peacekeepers Organization of Commanding Elites. I won't let him do that," Tucker giving a reassuring smile out of that.

"You don't know him like I do. Keep an eye on him for me, Tucker."

"I will."

Tucker wrapped his frail arms around Josh's neck. Josh returned the hug. Tucker was like an uncle to him. He has been working at the gym for years so he watched Josh grow up. It was hard for him to see Josh leave but he was leaving now. He knew it was probably harder for Surge. Tucker released his grip on Josh and Josh did the same.

"Be careful."

"Remember, careful is in my blood."

"Ha ha. That's right you're a Surge. You should know how to be careful."

Josh turned towards the exit leading to Route 6. He could feel his stomach curl slightly. Josh felt nervous but he knew his father wasn't going to go back on his word. It was here, he was going to start his journey.A road had painted itself in front of him with many possibilities. Where that road lead, he couldn't predict.

Chapter 3: Martyrs and Might

Route 6 wasn't a tough road for Volt. For an Elekid, it handled Bellsprouts superbly despite the grass type pokemon's ability to transfer the electricity through its roots. Amongst the Bellsprouts, Volt had fought several Pidgeys, Ratattas, and Meowths. It even disposed of a Pidgetto after working hard to defeat it. Volt had a spirit of a warrior within such a small body. It was however bleeding slightly from Gust followed by a Tackle but, it struck back hard with a Thundershock. But even as the victor, a large gash was seen above Volt's eye and trailed down to below it. Luckily its eye wasn't hurt too badly for it not to see from it.

"We need to make it, Saffron City. Do you think you can make it?" Josh spoke to Volt who touched the blood dripping from its eye.

He nodded its head. It was tough, indeed. It hardly even appeared to be in pain though obvious it was. How was it so determined? Was it listening to what Surge was saying about small pokemon? Was it trying to make a point?

Volt smiled slightly as the blood poured from its wound. Josh quickly took a small cloth from his pack to clean the wound slightly. Before he could finish Josh heard a slight ruffle in the grass. Josh looked over his shoulder to see a Mankey now lunging at him. Josh managed to dodge it but before he could order the Volt to do anything, the Mankey was engulfed in flames. Josh quickly searched for the source of this flame. He managed to catch a glimpse of a red bird. As soon as Josh approached it, it was gone.

Josh began to tend to the small Mankey, previously the assailant, now the victim. Its breathing had began to slow but managed to stop the flames by rolling itself in the mud. The burns were severe and it needed to go to the Pokemon Center now above anything. Josh scooped up the Mankey, holding it tightly to his chest.

"We have to get to Saffron fast before this Mankey dies."

Volt seemed to agree by taking his space in front of Josh though its own blood stained the very blades of grass that it stood on. Josh quickly ran onto the dirt path and began sprinting as fast as he could. Volt cleared the way of any pokemon that could get in his way by scaring them off with Thundershocks paving a safer path for his trainer. When Josh got to the small building at the end of the road, he was slightly exhausted but knew he had to make it a bit longer to get to the Pokemon Center.


"It is a gamble if we can save it or not. Did you do this?"

"No I didn't. I would never hurt a pokemon to this extreme."

"These are flame burns. So I guess that you are not the perpetrator. Besides if you were, there would be an entering and exiting point from the lightning."

This scene felt like Déjà vu to Josh. He sat within the silk red chair as Volt was being treated by Nurse Joy's Chansey for his wound on its left eye. The Nurse had told Josh that the pokemon would recover but he probably never would get rid of that scar of his eye. It would lead to some discoloration of that eye, but nothing that would harm the pokemon from seeing the things in front of him. Josh knew that Volt would be okay, however the pokemon that he was worried about was the Mankey. It was in horrible shape when Josh had finally got it to the Pokemon Center. The Mankey's white body was covered in repulsive black scars as well as blood filled blisters. Nurse Joy of Saffron was forced to gain some assistance from the Nurse Joy from Celedon to find a way to heal its wounds.

The Chansey handed Josh back Volt's pokeball with its normal jovial smile written across its face. Josh gladly took the ball and placed it back on a latch on his belt. The Chansey nodded when the deed was finish and progress back up to the counter leaving Josh alone to again think about the Mankey. Josh dug his elbow into the arm of the red chair, looking down into his own reflection in the off-white tile.

"Today has been so horrible…" Nurse Joy looked into the white ceiling watching the fan perform its normal rounds.

"W-what's wrong with today?" Josh spoke.

"This isn't the first charred pokemon that we have had today. There were a Ratatta, another Mankey, and a Bellsprout. Only this Mankey has a chance to survive. The others were dead before we got the chance to try to recover them. Oh dear and above that..."

There was an above that. Three pokemon were dead from burns and the other on was on critical condition. How could it get any worse than that? A person was on the loose that killed people and left their body to decompose into the earth. What could be higher than a person killing pokemon for amusement? "Unless…" Josh came to the conclusion.

"Above that, another executive of the Silph Corporation has been given a death threat."

Josh's heart stopped. Was someone going to be killed? Not that the pokemon being dead was enough, a murder was planned to happen in this very town. Josh felt his stomach quiver from the fear that swelled within it. Who was doing this? Why were they doing this?

While Josh was pondered these questions, a young man entered the Pokemon Center. He scrolled up the counter observing everything around him. He seemed to be pleased by the general layout of the Pokemon Center. He placed his hand on the counter and flashed a smile towards the woman. Nurse Joy still hadn't acknowledged him so the man took it in his own hands.

"Ah-em," the young man suddenly coughed to obtain the grasp on Joy's attention.

"Sorry. I'm a bit out of it."

"You're not allowed to be out of it. You're a nurse. You need to be into it," the young man said waving his finger from side to side.

"Forgive me...." she said as she took in his face then squealed loudly when it processed. "You're Gabriel "Redheart" Kirk."

"Oh, Kanto people know about Contest. That's pleasant."

"Who wouldn't know you? You're an amazing coordinator," the Nurse Joy had increased to a normal fan to a fan girl in seconds. Nurse Joys were widely known to be fans of contest, no matter what region the inhabited.

"Oh. It's not like my ego needs to be fed anymore than it already has," the young man named Gabriel spoke.

"What do you need?" Nurse Joy spoke merrily.

"Zuri needs rest. She's been at it all day."

"Is this Zuri the Combusken? Aww, she is just beautiful when she's in contest," Fan Girl Joy kicked into overdrive.

"She knows and I know. I don't win contest with just a pretty face…" Gabriel paused that wasn't entirely true. "Well...it helps," he admitted.

"That's right. Would you mind waiting for a little while longer? I'm in a bit of a coil right now."

"Oh that's fine. It's not like I have anything better to do."

The young man walked over to where Josh was sitting and took the seat right beside him. He appeared to be rather young despite his height. His face was young with no trace of aging. Around his checks and across the bridge of his nose were freckles that made him off to be innocent yet charming. He had long blonde hair that covered one of his eyes. It was tied into a ponytail by a line of feathers and a red hair band. He placed his hand on his small face showing that he had black painted nails with small skulls and roses on each finger. His blue eyes darted over to Josh who was still kind of staring behind the counter as well as glancing at Gabriel at the same time.

"Hm, you look familiar," Gabriel said staring the conversation with his smooth voice.

"Everyone says that. I'm Lt. Surge's son, Josh Surge."

"Oh! I heard about your Dad. Great man, I've heard."

"Yeah…He is..." Josh tried to keep his voice from fading into the recesses of the conversation. Gabriel quickly caught on.

"Hm...That's interesting. So what are you doing here? You don't look much like a badge collector."

"I'm trying to find a purpose while getting Volt stronger. Badge collecting isn't topping my list," Josh knew too much about gyms to travel to go see them.

"Ah I see. You don't want to follow in the footsteps of your father. I know that can be…" Gabriel flicked his hair from his face. "Difficult."

"What are you doing here? I thought you were some Coordinator. Kanto doesn't have things like that."

"I'm business trip. I'm just killing some time until my next contest, which is not until months from now," he dreaded the word months. Master rank contest were few and in between thus he had nothing to do but train during those times.

Once Josh got a good look at him, he did look like he was a Coordinator. Like all the coordinators on television, he was dressed unusual. He was wearing a long red jacket which sleeves ending at his fingertips. He wore long red pants that hid his feet with a large yellow belt to keep it up. He wore black gloves which with his long black nails made it seem like he had talons hidden with his sleeves. If Josh didn't hear his voice, he would have thought him to be a female.

"I have an idea. I think you look tough enough to join the KRPD."

"KRPD?" Josh questioned.

"Kanto Region Police Department, get with the program," Gabriel said. "They are part of the Interpol of the Six Regions. They are kind of like Rangers but more of a SWAT team kind of thing. They protect the regions from bad people that abuse pokemon or hurt people. You can still capture pokemon yet you protect the weak and innocent of the world. Simple."

"You think I can make it."

"After that performance with saving that Mankey, I think you can handle it," the thought that Gabriel knew of the Mankey did not even cross Josh's mind.

"You know a lot about KRPD. You work with them?" Josh found himself asking.

"I run into them all the time. They are nice people."

"Gabriel! Your pokemon is ready!" Nurse Joy shouted.

"I guess that is the cue for me to leave. Remember; try for KRPD. I'm sure that we will meet again some time. Bon voyage..."


Gabriel stood up and approached the desk. He quickly picked up the orange and red ball that stood on the desk. "It must be a custom made ball or something," Josh told himself as Gabriel polished it off. Gabriel gave a glance towards Josh for a minute as though he just remembered something. He snapped his finger when the idea came to his mind.

"There's a police department on the north end of this town matter a fact. Go get them."

"Thanks man. Good luck on your contest," Josh spoke thanking him.

"Merci. But I don't use things like luck," he shrugged his shoulders. "Well, I have to be going. I have things to do, people to see. Au Revoir."

"See ya."

Gabriel disappeared out of the Pokemon Center like he came, leaving once to think about that Mankey actually going through this KPRD headquarters. "I'm probably not going to make it. What purpose would I have? I couldn't..."

The thought halted as soon as the two Nurse Joys from Celadon and Vermillion walked into the room with morbid expression penciled over their normal jovial ones. Tears streamed down one of the nurse's face (which one it was Josh did not know) whilst the other seemed to be more quickly upset over the matter at hand. Josh found himself standing up to approach the two ladies.

"Its condition suddenly turned to worst....and it passed..." the Nurse Joy tears were flowing as she spoke. It was hard enough to hear the news but to hear it through sobs made it worst. A part of Josh's soul hardened.

"We tried. I'm sorry. You did good bringing it here," the other Joy remained optimistic about the situation.

"But I didn't save it. It's still dead."

"I-" the optimistic Joy was shot down by pessimism leaving her lost without words to say.

What could she say? You will save the next one. She hoped it wouldn't be a next time. But this boy, any other person would have left the Mankey to continue their training. Morals were like a lost art now, only a few practiced it. But yet this child was so determined to save this pokemon's life. Nurse Joy had long thought that almost everyone had lost their principles in this moral-deteriorating world. She was happy to see that she was wrong now. She watched the general passion for justice flower in the eyes of Josh.

Josh's teeth gnashed against each other, grinding them like an axe being sharpened against a stone. "Who would do that even when it came to pokemon?" Any person that knew pokemon wouldn't order a pokemon to attack at full strength. Training was meant to just gently faint the pokemon for they can later recover in no more than five minutes max. Training wasn't meant to create pathways of death to make your pokemon stronger. Not meant to pave a pathway in blood. What was this world coming to?

"You seemed angered," said the green-eyed Nurse Joy spoke.

"Who would do this?"

"This is not the first….nor the last…" Nurse Joy sighed a moment. "I don't know."

"You should head back to Celadon, sister," the Nurse Joy with amber colored eyes spoke this time.

"I will. I'm sorry I couldn't help."

Josh made a mental note that the Nurse Joy from Celadon had green colored eyes as she walked off. But she stopped at the door to view, Josh for a couple of moments. She truly loved trainers who actually had a set of morals. Though there were few, they were like a precious gem to her. She couldn't bring herself to leave without a word of encouragement for the young child. It would be a shame to both her and him.

"Change this world, Josh."

The Nurse Joy left before Josh could say anything else leaving Josh with her sister from Saffron. "Change this world?" Josh pondered as the woman's white apron drifted out of the door along with her body. "How can I change the world?"

The Nurse Joy with amber colored eyes released all the stress that was building in her chest with one exhale. It had been a bad day for her. It was a bad day for Josh as well. It was there when Josh figured that this might be the feeling of seeing causality on the battlefield. He never wanted to see that again.

"Nurse Joy," Josh spoke sternly.

"Yes," she said waking form her self-induced trance.

"Where is the police headquarters?"

"Um...it's the building beside where the Fighting Dojo is. Why?" the Nurse said pressing her fingertips on her cheek.

"I think I just found my calling..."

Josh stood up. Whoever commented this crime was never going to get away with anything else like it. He wanted to stop anyone that was like him or her that could bring his or her self to the point to kill pokemon, discarding them like toys. He hated them already. He knew that this was the right decision. It was meant for him to do. He was going to rid this plague of crime that poisoned the world, causing it to die along with innocence creatures that inhabited it. That was his goal and he was going to achieve it.
Nurse Joy folded her arms as she looked into the flames that consumed Josh's eyes. Like her sister, she had realized the difference in how the world used to be and how it was now. It was rare that someone wanted to do something productive instead of just aimless doing whatever they wished with Pokemon at their side. Justice was nothing more than and crumbling word of consonants and vowels. It was a shame. She was going to do all she could do to help this young man.

"Chansey," Nurse Joy beckoned.

The Chansey that Josh had seen earlier suddenly manifested out of nowhere behind the desk. It happily sung and raised it hand like it knew what Nurse Joy was about to ask. It's egg-like body moved in wave like motions performing some sort of a "happy dance" for the job that it was about to be given.

"Take care of any patients while I show this young man to the KRPD center," Nurse Joy sweetly commanded.

The Chansey stretched its arm out happily and quickly began working on various tasks behind the desk. Nurse Joy slipped from behind it grabbing her white leather purse on her way. She quickly checked the charts and other things before approaching Josh. She nodded her head and exited. Josh followed not so far behind.


In Silph Co

"Who's there?"

He interlacing his fingers nervously together he waited. Maybe it was some Pidgey or Spearow that accidentally knocked window. That had to be it. No one could get to the window of the Silph Building without being seen nevertheless get through the window without gunned down by the security. Then why was he on edge?

Seth Martin of the Silph Corporation has been drenched in sweat since he had received a message on his desk that he was going to die today at 12:00 P.M. At first, he wouldn't have believed it. He would have just flicked his brown hair aimlessly from his face and continued to his business. However he knew that the same murderer most likely killed someone from the Devon Corporation in Hoenn made him think more and more about it. He knew Mr. Devon well, he wasn't a careless individual. So how was he killed so easily?

He took the normal measures that anyone else would have taken. He stationed so much security around the building that even a fly couldn't be seen without noted by someone else. It was tight no one could get in or out. It was the best course of action. He had planned an escape, but the fact of him being in broad daylight with the killer most likely being in the city was unsettling as well. He opted out of leaving the building, feeling that he would be safe if he was in a highly secured area. But he couldn't shake of this feeling, this feeling of futility and helplessness that he had been soaking in along with his own sweat. What did he do to deserve this fate?

Martin's suit was now abhorrently sticking to his skin. He could feel his hands were quivering from all of the fear that was building up. It was 11:58. "Are these the last two minutes of his life?" He stared off into the sky. Was he going to ascend to the clouds today?

"Why hello..."

Martin was suddenly seized by a small arm around his neck. He stole a glimpse of the blonde locks of this person's hair that fell in front of his face. The person wrapped his small arm tighter around Mr. Martin's thick neck. He was surprisingly strong. No matter how hard Martin tried to pry this man's arms from his neck, he was still ciphering air from his throat. He maneuvered in his chair just trying to escape the grasp of the grip. But the lost of air and energy made it harder and harder to do so.

"W-who are you," Martin said trying to grasp for air as he talked.

"Just a man trying to have fun as all…"

Martin glared at the small red button on his desk. That crimson dot was his savior. As planned, if the assassin would have gotten in without notice somehow, he was to activate that small button. He reached toward it but was stopped by a small bird's talon around his wrist. The bird sudden grabbed Martin's wrist, crushing the carpals within them as he did so. They made a sick crunching sound.

"Do I have to keep on saying this to everybody that I kill? Do not call anyone," the man said waving his fingertips from side to side in front of the executive's face with each word of the last sentence.

Martin could feel his heart beating harder and harder. He never had seen a pokemon's eyes like this before. It was cold, empty, showing no ounce of mercy in its eyes. The bird would have been beautiful in any other occasion. It had a clean yellow upper body and orange lower body. It had large white talons that were clutched on Martin's wrest as well as brown talons as its feet. But those cold red eyes, it was like staring into the blood of your own veins.

"Looks like you've met, Zuri. Beautiful isn't she."

"Why are you doing this?"

"It seemed fun. Too bad it wasn't."

The assassin grabbed Martin's face suddenly with his free hand and forced his face to meet his. Martin gasped (or more like attempted to) from the sight that he saw. His assassin was no other than the famous coordinator, Gabriel Kirk. Gabriel stared within Martin's brown eyes studying them for fear. Though they were basically bulging out of his head from Gabriel's tight grasp, Gabriel found a sense of awkward beauty in them. He always thought a person's eyes always looked their best just before they died. This was no different.

"I'm pretty disappointed here. I expected better. Oh well," Gabriel said pressing his fingertips against Martin's nose.

"Why did we not...know..."

"Because I'm famous and I will NEVER doing anything like THAT. There are plenty trainers with fire pokemon. No one would suspect me. Besides, would someone really suspect an assassin show his face television? Come on, really."

"Even if you kill me, the security camera has caught your face. You won't last long."

"What security camera, Zuri?" Gabriel tapped on his face with his nails. "Did you see some security camera's when you came here?"

"-ken..." the Combusken shook its head.

"Oh that's right!" Gabriel snapped his fingers. "We disabled them before we got in here. Oh my god, I'm just so forgetful. Well, I'm well over time, Mr. Martin. I promised to kill you at noon and now its ten minutes after. Urgh, I'm so late." Gabriel's hand suddenly ignited into dark purple flames. "Now you die," Gabriel finished making a sweeping motion with the flames.

Mr. Martin's screamed echoed to the streets below, flames had enveloped the office.

Alex7 said:

Aww! Damnit, you beat me to the 3rd chapter! : D

You were certainly right, the action picked up at this point.

Keep it up fo' sho' :P

-Alex...

Click to expand...

Told you. ha ha ha.
I'll keep it up. :p
Can't wait for your 3rd chapter.

Chapter 4: Son of the Vermilion Strike Your Lightning

"You found the right place, Mr. Josh Surge!"

"Really, I didn't think it would be this...small."

"Ha ha. We get that all the time. But I'm surprised someone of your age wants to join the force..." the receptionist stopped for a moment to think about her own age and the way he was dressed. "Well. I'm in the force and I'm here. You're a military son as well. You'll be fine."

The receptionist brushed hair light brown hair from her face. It was tied in a bun but her bangs were long enough obscure her vision. She seemed to be the same age as Josh, about sixteen or seventeen. Her green eyes were fixed to the papers in her hand but obviously she was still paying attention to Josh who calmly waited over the white desk. The woman pushed up her glasses before handing Josh the necessary paperwork.

"I can sign these...I'm not quite eighteen yet."

"I don't see why not. We are short people here."

When Josh thought about it, he hadn't seen many people here. It was almost barren in the entrance hallway. The black tiles and white furniture made the room look even large. I guess that is the appeal they wanted since the building itself was small. In the middle of the large room was a glass table and chairs, in which Josh was sitting at reading until the lady had called him up.

Josh quickly read over the paper work which consisted of him filling out tons of personal information. If his dad would have seen him doing this, he would have quite possibly asked why many of these questions were even up here. But he wasn't, so Josh did not worry about it. He stroked the black pen aimlessly through question to question, answering them as best as he could. It was only a couple of things that he couldn't answer and one was his mother's name. He couldn't remember it even though his dad had told him when he was five and again at six years ago. He felt bad not knowing the woman's name. It held painful memories.

He passed the assortment of yellow and white papers to the receptionist who quickly glanced over them. Josh was honestly surprised that the young lady could read his handwriting. That was an accomplishment that only his dad could accomplish aside from reading his own.

"Wow. This is a pretty masculine handwriting..." she said deciphering the words while putting it into the computer.


"You can read it though..."
"I've seen worst...." she paused thinking it was an insult. "I'm—"

"Nah. It's fine. At least you could read it."

"Why is your mother's name blank..." she paused again realizing that might have been another incorrect thing. She stood there embarrassed.

"Because I can't answer it...." Josh said taking up the pause chain soon after it.

"I'm sorry. I lost my mom at an early age to the Unown Virus in Soloceon Town. I know how it is not to know her."

She looked towards him for a little while to soak up what he just said as well as what she said. She assumed that this was inappropriate question and lowered her head slightly as she typed on the small desktop computer on her desk. After a few moments of silence, Josh smiled.

"Its fine ma'am, you wouldn't have known. I'm sorry about your mom."

"It can't be helped. How is your dad as a dad?" the woman smiled.

"My dad is a good single father. Strict...." he paused for a moment to look at his pokeball. "But he is good dad."

This made Josh think about his statement when he stormed out of the gym. He felt bad for saying that now. He obviously did know the difference between being a commanding officer and being a father. Now that he thought about it, he was immature back there. He sighed.

"If you need any information, please call my dad. I want him to know that I made it here safely."

"Yes sir..." the lady said with a smile. "Please proceed to the lounge to meet all of the officers."

"Alright," Josh nodded. Josh began to go but noticed that he had no clue where the lounge was at.

"Go down that hallway and it should be the fourth door on the right."

"Thank you..." Josh paused for a moment realizing that he didn't know the woman's name.

"Katrine, Katrine Black. My dad is the Chief here."

"Okay, Katrine. Hopefully I get to stay here."

"Don't worry. You'll make it."

Josh nodded his head and headed in the generally direction as the tan girl pointed. She watched him down the hallway and began working on the phone call to speak with Josh's dad.

The hallway was a bit longer than he expected. When Katrine said four doors down, he thought it would be a little shorter than this. The reason why the hallway was so lengthy was a showcase displaying various pictures on the side. These pictures were of past Chiefs of the Police Squad of Kanto, several of them having the last name as Katrine. Josh quickly assumed that to be a family tradition to take on the Police Squad making him wonder if Katrine was tough enough to uphold the legacy.

Josh found the door after walking for what appeared to be quite some time. The white walls were becoming a blur to him so he was more than happy to have actually made it here. He glanced at the black label on the door to make sure it was the place that he was looking for. "LOUNGE" was craved and traced with gold paint within the small black plastic plate. Josh quickly assumed that it would be more appropriate to knock on the door than barging in.

"Come in," a voice shouted from the other side.

Josh quickly obeyed and entered the area. It was smaller than most lounges. The lounge like the rest of the rooms that Josh had seen so far only considered of whites. There were three chairs; two sofas and a recliner forming something like a double sided "L". In the middle of the furniture was a long black table. On the west wall was a vending machine for both snack and sodas while the east wall was relatively blank aside from artificial plant. Only three people were inside; two men and one woman.

The first man, who was reclining in the black chair, was a younger man in his early thirties. He had deep blonde hair similar to the color that Josh had achieved but it little darker due to some brown. He was a darker skinned man, probably from a warm climate or region. His facial features seemed to be young; perfect white smile, trimmed bread, and slicked back hair. The only thing that was different about the man was that his right eye was covered with black eye patch.

The next was the woman who was seating in a black long sofa that stretched across the length of the wall. She was a thin lady and appeared to be in her twenties. She had short red hair against her pale skin. She was wearing deep red lips stick but it appeared to be rather professional. Her dazzling tangerine color eyes flashed as she smirked.

The last person was a decent size gentleman, only slightly shorter than Josh's dad. Out of the three of them, he appeared to be the oldest from Josh's assessment and also appeared to be like the pictures that he saw outside. He had light brown hair that was tied loosely in a makeshift ponytail. Unlike the first man, his beard wasn't trimmed at all, almost appearing to have a light brown mane around his chin. His skin was the medium between the other gentlemen and the pale lady coming off as a light bronze color. His black eyes were gazing off into the ceiling obviously not into reality all that well. But the clue that tipped Josh off that he wasn't into it because he was lying on the table.

The blonde haired man gazed over to Josh and smiled suddenly at the new face while the lady observed him closely. The man on the table didn't observe him at all.

"A new guy?" the blonde hair man voice sounding light but rather strong.

"Want to be..." Josh timidly spoke.

"Ah. Then you come here for a test," the man said sitting up in his chair.

"Excuse me? I was just..."

"Obviously, Katrine didn't tell you. Hey, Wayne!" shouted the man.

"W-what..." mumbled the man on the table.

"There's a new recruit here..." the man continued.

"W-what?" the man named Wayne repeated acting like he didn't hear anything or maybe he didn't hear him at all.

"He's totally wasted..." the woman said calmly running her fingertips through her hair.

"Figures..." the man spoke glimpsing over to the brown bottle beside the table. "I'll guess I'll be the one testing your strength. Nick Guerrero," the man said stretching his hand towards Josh.

"Josh Surge from Vermillion," Josh took the hand shake.

"You Surge's son?" Nick asked.

"You know him."

"We've met. Introduce yourself, Naomi," Nick looked to the girl.

"I'm Naomi Cordell from Olivine City. It is a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Surge."

A sudden laughter from the man on the table interrupted the conversation. It was obvious that he was over the legal limit of drinking in probably several different worlds. Naomi just sighed while Nick gave himself a face palm.

"Wayne. You shouldn't do this every time that you're stressed about something," Nick gave his thoughts.

"What are you talking about?" Wayne hiccupped. "I'm just fine..."

"He reminds me of my nephew when he is like this," Naomi said shaking her head.

"You're out of control...." Nick said giving a slight sigh. "You're the Chief of Police drinking like some thug at a bar. I know a guy likes to have fun but this is over the top."

"Then dig a hole...." Wayne said hiccupping and rolling over.

Naomi busted out in a sudden laughter leaving Nick laughing a tad too.

Nick quickly regain his composure while Naomi continued to chuckle underneath her breath. He quickly took a small pokeball from his side and expanded it.

"The test is a battle. But not just a normal battle but you'll see it when was get it started."

"Alright," Josh said nodding.

"The test ends when a pokemon is either fainted or when either of..." Nick wanted to say us three but obviously Wayne was in the condition to judge. "When Naomi and I think we have seen enough."

"Don't worry. If we need to break a tie, we will think of some random want to break it like flip a coin," Naomi added.

"Fantastic. If they don't agree, it's going to a coin toss. What kind of Police Department is this?" Josh thought to himself.

"Ready."

"We are doing it here?"

"You have to battle everywhere and anywhere when you are stopping crime sir. So bring out your pokemon."

"Okay...."

Josh quickly grabbed the pokeball from his side and threw it. Volt suddenly appeared on the white tile of the lounge now with the wound on its eye healed from the Pidgetto attack. It was only a scar now. But now it could be seen that his left eye was coming off to be clear instead of black now.

"Wow. How did it get that scar?"

"He got it from a Pidgetto's talon. It was pretty bad."

"Woah. We have something in common," Nick said bringing up his eye patch to show his heavy burned eye. "Mine is from a Charmeleon," he placed it back.

"An Elekid..." Wayne suddenly spoke. "It's..."

"Don't even joke. You came here with a Magby remember!" Naomi shouted.

"You came here with a Staryu..." Wayne retaliated with his slurring voice.

"What do you think is worst?"

"Naomi. Drop it! Geez guys, I'm trying to talk?"

"Sorry, Nick. But you have to be this tall to talk..." Wayne said making stretching his hand to his chest.

Nick gritted his teeth angrily. He was a short individual; Josh literally was several inches taller than he was.

Nick ran up to the table and kicked it over. It surprisingly flipped over despite Wayne' massive size. Wayne landed face first on the tile while the table landed on his back. He was okay however because he was still breathing but he remained on the ground. Josh quickly decided his drunken state had numbed all the pain. These people were real unique.

"Okay. Now that is done," Nick smiled. "Let me reveal my poke, eh?"

Nick glanced over his belt of pokemon that was on his waist. It was full at eight compared to a normal trainer six due to their lives being on the line. Nick looked over the red tops several times before deciding the first one. He snagged the pokeball from his waist and threw it to the ground.

From the pokeball appeared a small bug creature that appeared to cicada. The bug creature had deep red eyes, a yellow top, black bottom, as well as red and white wings. On the bottom of its body, it had two claws that appeared to be blades.

"Meet Speedy the Ninjask."

"Aren't you being a bit overconfident? I have the type advantage," Josh pointed out.

"He's not being overconfident although he can be..." Naomi shrugged.

"Naomi, stay out of this. Let's begin."

"Special rule..." Naomi reminded Nick.

"Oh that's right. Unlike a normally battle, attacking the trainer is allowed. It shows how tough you are..."

"Woah. What?'

"Let me explain..." Naomi intervened again.

"I'm quite able to explain, NAOMI," Nick shouted her name.

"You can't explain well," Naomi said completely ignoring Nick's request. "In the field, criminals aren't going allow you to call out your commands safely especially when they are dangerous enough to kill the trainer. I'm sure your Dad would tell you that if you were on the battlefield."

"It's not like a normal battle. It's a fight for your life," Nick added.

Josh clutched the palms of his hand. Nick and Naomi were right. It wasn't like a pokemon battle. It wasn't a constructed fight. Any criminal organization wants to trainer dead than just faint their pokemon. But for some reason, he wasn't scared. It felt more like a thrill that any person's fear. Besides, justice never lost to evil.

"Can we start or do you want to quit?" Nick said smiling.

"I'm ready. Volt and I are a team..." Josh said staring down at Volt, he nodded.

"Than let's start this thing, Ring the bell!"

"Such a wrestling fan..." Naomi whispered from her breath.

Nick pointed his finger towards the Josh and Ninjask suddenly disappeared. Before Josh knew it, the Ninjask was in his face about to perform a Slash. It halted by Volt Thundershock that streamed across Josh's face. It was quickly dodged by Speedy and followed by an Aerial Ace to Volt's face forcing him to hit the wall.

"Nick is not even calling out attacks yet this Ninjask is performing beautifully," Josh thought to himself. "Volt. Thundershock. Halt then my left."

The Ninjask suddenly appeared on Josh's right and tried attack him with another Slash attack. Josh managed to dodge the attack while forcing the Ninjask on his left. Volt fired the thundershock to Josh's left where the Ninjask was now positioned. Though a nicely calculated attack, the attack failed due to Ninjask escaping through speed alone. It appeared beside Nick's side buzzing lightly.

"It's faster than before."

"Looks like you understand Speed Boost..." Nick exclaimed watching Josh's eyes calculating. "But you can't read them."

"It's impressive that he dodged a Slash..." Naomi added.

"So that thing gets faster during stationary moments. Hm...if I can't attack it directly, I have to do something else. I'll better predict its movement at one speed and keep its speed by forcing to move all the time. Sounds good..." Josh thought it out for a couple more moments. "Volt, Thundershock then Quick Attack."

Volt nodded before performing the Thundershock. The Ninjask quickly assessed the attack and disappeared. Volt decreased the distance between the two. It followed up with another Thundershock trying to hit it with a close range one, but it dodged it. Volt began to get frustrated, a trait that his trainer felt as well.

"Got it, it's moving about three quick attacks." "Thundershock, Quick Attack three times, than another one."

"Nice predictions..." Nick smirked. "But you're not protecting yourself."

Volt performed the Thundershock forcing Speed quickly appeared toward Josh with a swifter Fury Cutter. Josh just found himself smiling. He knew that he was going to do that. That's why he stepped back enough for a space between the Volt and himself would increase to about three quick attacks as well. Volt stopped the attack with a Thundershock forcing the Ninjask to form a substitute to avoid the attack.

"It's so quick...But...." Josh quickly grabbed at another strategy.

Volt quickly grasped Josh's idea and performed a Thundershock towards Nick to force Speedy back into action. It quickly protected its trainer with a green shield, a Protect. Speedy quickly tried to attack with another Slash attack but towards Volt this time creating an opening for Josh. Josh quickly ran up to Nick and tried to punch him but he effortless dodged it. Nick countered with a powerful drop kick to his Josh's chest.

Josh skidded across the floor before hitting the wall. Josh could feel a bit of blood trickle from his mouth. "Shouldn't have tried that," Josh state bluntly. The stinging in his chest began turn to a bumping. Nick was incredible powerful for such a small man. He could easily collapsed Josh's chest with that. Volt quickly went to his trainer's side.

"That ends it..." Nick said getting himself off the ground from the drop kick.

"That hurt..." Josh tried to get his breath back into his lungs while getting to his feet.

"Naomi. Let's discuss."

"I WANT TO TALK TOO!!!" Wayne suddenly proclaimed from underneath the table where he had slept.

Nick returned Speedy back to his pokeball and sat beside Naomi. He tried to put his arm around her but failed miserably by Naomi avoiding his arm entirely. Nick quickly withdrew his arm before Naomi could actually crush it with her back. From that moment on were just whispers aside from Wayne's random shouts of things irrelevant to the rest of the conversation (such as derogatory statements about Naomi etc.). After a few moments of discussing, Nick was standing once again.

"We came to a conclusion..."

Josh's heart stopped. He though it would have stopped long ago from the dropkick but it official stopped for a moment now. They could have least asked him to exit the room to make it seem like they were making a decision but obviously they weren't of people of order despite being a people of justice.

"You're in," Nick said with his patented smile.

Josh exhaled a sigh of relief as did Volt. Josh quickly grabbed Volt from the ground and began swinging him around. After becoming dizzy, he fell to the ground along with Volt.

"Ha ha. He'll fit right in."

Chapter 5: Celadon Eclipse

"I'm assuming that this place doesn't have a dress code?"

"Nah. We have to stay as casual as possible for we can easily investigate."

"I think you are too lazy to make one."

"True. I wouldn't expect anything less than that from Wayne."

Josh really could have made the assessment when he entered into the Lounge yesterday. The closest person that looked like an officer here was Naomi and even that was a bit far off. For example; Nick was dressed lightly in just a pair of black wind pants with a green stripe down the side, black tank top, and black boots. So from what Josh could tell he didn't have to worry about a uniform. That pleased him because he liked camouflage.

"Can you tell me a bit more about Wayne?" Josh asked.

"Wayne Black and his family are from Solaceon City. He's a great Chief but tends to get stressed out easily. Sorry that you had to see him on one of his drunken states."

"It doesn't bother me..." Josh lied a bit, it did bother him a bit but it couldn't be help.

"Really, it bothers me," Nick spoke.

"Okay it does. An authority figure shouldn't drink."

"But he has a reason....this is the first mission he can't solve."

"What mission?" Josh paused. "Do you mean the planned murder?"

"More like committed murder. The person is dead now."

'What? How?"

"The man was killed by arson," Nick took a breath in.

"So they burned his office."

"No, they burned his face off his skull."

Josh collected that thought for some moments. That was a gruesome way to die; it reminded Josh of the Mankey's condition. Were they connected somehow? Josh quickly discarded it since it problem was a loose string within a pool of metal chains.

"It was two different charred marks. One was obviously pokemon-related while the other...not so much. "

"Then by matches or something else..." that was the logical thing to say. But however it was incorrect.

"I'm going to have to get out of that habit of thinking inside the box. Think like a soldier. I know you can," Nick said flicking Josh's forehead.

"Is there any other way a person could burn things?"

"Didn't you wonder how Speedy was using attacks without me saying a thing," Nick said looking over his shoulder.

"Instinct," Josh asked.

"Inside the box," Nick answered.

"Training," Josh asked again.

"More inside the box," Nick rolled his eyes.

"Reading its thoughts!" shouted Josh out of frustration.

"That was just like your dad," Nick said laughing. "Yes."

"You're a psychic."

"Do I look psychic?"

"No..." Josh blandly answered.

Josh couldn't help but feel a little angry. Dragging people on was one of his pet peeves and Nick was basically dragging him through the mud like a fish onto marshland shores. He then saw a red device on the end of Nick's belt. It appeared to be a Pokedex at first but then again, it didn't. Josh tried to get a better look at it.

"What's that?" Josh asked.

"Your answer...." Nick replied.

"You mean you're communicating with pokemon."

"Actually we are communicating with each other using the Pokevoyace."

"Pokevoyace?"

"Pokevoyace is a play on the word Clairvoyance. Clairvoyance is the ability to communicate or gain information from things other than the human senses. It's a better way to communicate with pokemon. You understand their feeling as well as hear their "voice"."

Josh stopped walking through the dim hallway and blinked several in confusion. It was definitely a possibility considering many Psychic pokemon could talk to their trainer using their telepathy as well as someone pokemon such a Lapras and legendaries that could do it even though they are not psychic. But to create a machine that could do this, Josh thought was completely impossible. Technology had advanced more than he had thought.

"Many gym leaders already possess the skill to communicate with pokemon. Sabrina of Saffron City, Erika of Celadon City, Misty of Cerulean City, and of course Lt. Surge of Vermilion City possesses this ability. So I'm guessing you have it to, you just need some training wheels."

"Are you pulling my leg?" Josh finally asked.

"No I'm not."

Nick stuffed his hand in his pocket and continued up the hallway. Josh followed behind him still contemplating the concept of the Pokevoyace. Nick glanced from the corner his eye to see that Josh had stopped for a moment. He looked at his pokeball for a moment before seeing that Nick had to stop.

"Don't worry. You'll enjoy what your pokemon has to say. I would love to discuss more but we need to get briefed."

"Will Wayne be okay briefing? I mean he did kind of gulp down...quite a bit of alcohol," Josh stated it downplaying it a bit.

"He had briefed with a hangover before so I won't take it from him. We'll be okay."

Nick cursed underneath his breath about Wayne's drinking habits before continuing up the hallway. Josh smirked. Nick was obviously a caring individual and didn't want to see Wayne drink himself to death. "Oh. He'll stop drinking while I'm here." Josh exclaimed in his head. With that in mind, he followed Nick into the Conference Room.


Meanwhile...
Celadon City, Midnight

"Did you finish the mission?"

"Name the last time that I haven't finished the mission," Gabriel smiled at the lack of a response. "How's the Ranger life? Being the protector the entire universe and what not."

"I protect pokemon and people in trouble."

"Whatever. Oh, I made a new friend today. Or maybe an enemy," Gabriel put his fingertip to his chin.

"What did you do this time?"

"I recommended this fellow for the KRPD. I found him interesting..."

"Gabriel. You shouldn't be recommending people to the organization that's out to kill you."

"Don't you mean us, Jiro?"

"I don't do that stuff anymore."

"Unless you have to, right."

Gabriel looked at the larger man beside him smirking. He's was trying so hard to turn over a new leaf in his life for his little sister. It almost made Gabriel throw up in his mouth a little. But he was proud of his brute of a friend.

Jiro Shiba, hailing from Haruba Village in Almia, was a former assassin. He was often partnered with Gabriel of stealthier missions but quit being a full-time assassin for his little sister's sake. He couldn't stand the blood on his hands that Gabriel often dipped his hands to for sheer pleasure. Now Jiro would only accept mission that involved a crime lord or someone was harmful to the rest of the world. That he could stand.

Jiro stood at about six feet with some to spare. Jiro was a bit chunky for his age, about two hundred or more pounds. He had darker color skin, mainly from living in the desert, and short black smoothed hair. His eye color was a lighter red to orange color, no one knew how his eyes had made to that hue but it did. His face was clean cut but his eyebrows were slightly on the bushy side. The ridge of his eyebrow formed an overcast shadow over his eyes making him to appear to be rather threatening. Though he appeared to be intimidating he was nothing more than a gentle giant under the impression of a merciless killer.

"Why are you here for Gabriel? Are you after someone here as well," Jiro slow but clear voice spoke.

"Hm...no. I just plan to talk with someone here."

"Erika?"

"You're as intelligent as usual Jiro."

"Don't hurt her," Jiro eyebrows sulked slightly.

"I'm paying a visit, Jiro. Don't you have some RANGER things to attend to?"

"I'm on vacation, remember. You are just trying to get me out of the way for you can have no conscience."

"I have no conscience anyway. It's not like I'm going to kill her or anything," Gabriel voice became a little hollow when he said the word kill. Jiro's eyes narrowed.

"You sound utterly unconvincing."

"I do. I've been practicing that all day and you still saw through it," Gabriel snapped his finger loudly. "Anyway, I'm sure that Wayne and his new toy is going to be coming here next."

"How did you know?"

Gabriel put the tip of his finger into mouth and smirked. If he told Jiro that he left a list of the places he was going to attack, he would be furious and a furious Jiro destroys things like building or his face. So he was going to omit this conversation. He filled the conversation with Gabriel smile. They were never convincing enough for Jiro.

"How do they know?" Jiro eyes sharpened.

"Lucky guess, I presume," Gabriel said with a straight face.

Jiro glared at him for a couple more moments and then sighed. He could never read if Gabriel was lying or not unless it was something dealing with him. Gabriel could keep that smile on his face and people would think that he was contemplating about nature or something like solving world peace (his favorite lie). But in the crown of the head laced with blonde was a man thinking of his next victim, his next source of fun.

"Actually," Gabriel sudden snapped the silence. "You know what. I don't want to hurt her. I just want to bring so attention to myself. I know that he passed that test...."
"Who are you talking about?" Jiro roared slightly.

Gabriel stopped by the small lake in the middle of the town and gazed at his reflection. He then took a seat on the pale white pavement. He brushed his hand from side to side in the water looking at Poliwags and Magikarp slowly swimming under the glassy surface. He watched his head move from side to side in the fragmented reflection. Gabriel finally decided that he would tell Jiro who exactly he was talking about.

"Josh Surge. Son of Lt. Surge..." Gabriel voice was colder like it was bringing up a bad memory.

"You still haven't let that go have you," Jiro's stoic voice picked up emotion like magnet picking up metal.

"The way the hurt a person the most is through the people they care about."

Gabriel stood up and looked to the gym to his south. From what he could make out, the lights were still on. He would have to cut through the trail of trees to get to the gym and its surrounding buildings but nevertheless, he would make it to the gym. A wicked expression crawled upon his innocent appearing face. Things of evil crossed his mind. Jiro could feel it.

"Go to bed, Jiro. I'll see you in the morning."

"Don't do anything that you will regret..." Jiro said turning towards the Pokemon Center.

"Name one thing that will," Gabriel's voice was a low growling now. It resembled that of a Mightyena after it's pray.

Jiro remained silent. He couldn't answer that because it didn't exist. He just continued to walk towards the Pokemon Center. Hopefully, he wouldn't hear about a murder tomorrow morning. He always hated when he was this.


Back at Saffron City, KRPD Center

"So the next town is Celadon. It's not too far from here. But do you think that he would attack two in less than a day span?"

"It wouldn't surprise me. Whoever he is, he's a bold one. It's better to catch him in the act."

Wayne was much more an enjoyable person when he wasn't on the floor. He could think straight and hold conversation like an intelligent person could. It was obvious that he was the Chief of Police compared to what Josh saw earlier yesterday. Though he had the appearance of a complete brute, the man had a mind on his shoulder. He was headstrong and concise yet he was rather humorous and jolly.

"So tell me, Josh. Can you go tonight?"

"I'm not tired. So sure..."

"I wasn't going to ask if you were tired or not," Wanye smirked and pulled his black cowboy hat over his eyes. "I was going to ask if you are ready for something like this."

Josh never really contemplated that until Wayne spoke it out of his thin lips. Was he ready? Of course he was, it was his job now. But what exactly was he going to be ready for? Was the person a serial killer or more?

Wanye stared for a couple of moments expecting an answer. With a lack of one, Wayne pushed the paperwork of the background of the case towards Josh. Josh skimmed over the yellowed pieces of paper before actually picking them up in his hands. Of course, the culprit's information wasn't filled out. No one had even witnessed the deaths. But his series of crimes was listed and was almost over two pages long. Murder by arson and murder by stabbing were the two main categories but there was so many people. The most recent being "Murder by Arson – Seth Martin, Executive of Silph Corporation". Josh gritted his teeth slightly before placing the papers back on the desk for Wayne could scoop them all up effortlessly. He tapped them on his metal desk before placing them back in the manila folder. He pushed it aside.

"Do you understand? I was just showing you the person that we are up against...."

"Then why did you mention it."

"Because I'm sending you on a mission to protect Erika of Celadon Gym, That's why. This person obviously uses a fire type pokemon and since Erika is the only viable person in Celadon, it is likely she is the target. That's why I 'm sending you and Naomi."

"Naomi's a water specialist?"

"Good observation."

"Then why me, Electric isn't going to do much damage to Fire type."

"I'm thinking that the culprit might have another pokemon. Electric is our best bet since it only has one weakness. Of course, Nick could go but…he's is going to have to leave somewhere else after you two."

"Volt isn't that strong yet," Josh shoulders lowered.

"He needs the experience. Fight all pokemon on Route 7 even though it is a short route," Wayne proclaimed.

"Hm. Okay."

The door suddenly opened allowing the moonlight to pour. From the shadows came Naomi dressed in a black pair of slacks, white button up shirt, and a red tie. Naomi took a gander at Josh before taking his side. She stuffed her hands in her pocket while she viewed Wayne. Wayne was obviously embarrassed about what he said earlier since the man's face flushed into a pool of whites. He gulped loudly.

"Naomi," Wayne smiled.

"Are you going to make another remark about my..."

"Uh...no. I'm sober now," Wayne said. His face once lost of color was now red as a beet.

"Anyway, I believe that we should get going now. Rayne felt a bad aura coming from Celadon."

"Naomi will train your pokemon as well, Josh. Just make it time before things heat up," Wayne remarked.

"Was that a pun?" Naomi asked.

"It wasn't meant to be?" Wayne said questioning where the pun was in the first place.

"Never mind, we will be going."

"Then move."

Josh stood up and took Naomi's side. She nodded and they left out of the door together. The source of light from the hallway was no longer there leaving the room to be rather dark and grim.

Nick, who had been silent throughout the entire briefing, was sitting in a small red chair in the corner of the dark office. He sighed heavily before standing up to actually view Wayne face to face.

"Something wrong...Nick," Wayne said suddenly standing from his chair as well.

"Josh and Volt are strong. But not strong enough, this person..."

"Is an animal? Do you think I know that?"

Wayne walked up to the window and laced his finger together behind his back. He gazed up to the moon which seemed to be fading into the blackness of the night sky. Though it poured light into the area, it couldn't stop all the darkness that surrounded. Wayne grabbed the collar of his trench coat.

"You'll try to teach him something...that....life isn't..."

"He knows that. But he has to see it for himself."

"So you don't expect him to win if Naomi isn't there."

"I don't them to win. This man is cunning. I'm expecting someone to see him."

"Did you tell Naomi?"

"Yes. I did. She is ordered to battle at the best of her capability but retreat with Erika if something were to arise."

"What about Josh?"

"I just hope he lives…"

"You know. This is a cruel way to introduce you."

"It makes them strong. This is my burden if I have to bear it."

Nick sighed. Wayne didn't think about the consequences that this could bring about. This could hurt Josh's morale more than anything but it could also make stronger. It was a gamble for both Volt and Josh. He just hoped that the coin flip would at least give a positive outcome.


Celadon Gym, Midnight

"Rosemary...."

"Yes. Erika."

"I feel something is astray. Vileploom feels something…"

Erika brushed hair midnight blue hair from her face as she stared out of the window. She pressed her hand against the reflection in the mirror trailing her fingertips from the underneath her green eyes to end of her reflection's cheek. The cold glass of the window made her feel uneasy. Tonight was supposed to be a warmer night yet this window was freezing. An omen perhaps, goose bumps was trailing up her light skin. She never felt a wind like this before.

"Your tea is done mistress..." a woman's light voice rained in Erika's ear.

"I'm delighted to hear that, Rosemary. Put it on the table."

The porcelain tea cup was set beside Erika upon a small tea plate. The scent of the mint was delightful; Rosemary almost didn't want to set it down. Rosemary took one more smell of the tea before it was seized by Erika's delicate hands.

Rosemary Kimura was a maid at Erika's gym but she had a history all in her own. She was a former Ranger from Fiore but now she was just a trainer. She was often complimented for rose red hair which fell to her shoulders then to her back. It was currently in a ponytail. She would often accent her hair with various flowers that she found in the garden or on Routes, today's was purple.

Like Erika, she had green eyes but appeared to be teal instead of the emerald green eyes that Erika was blessed with. Her skin was fairly lighter but did possess some color due to her enjoying the outside more than the inside. Her faces were like that of an elves; pointed chin, slightly slanted almond eyes, and rather small ears. She wore no makeup beside that slightly shaded lip gloss. Her cheeks were naturally rosy which played with her name quite nicely though she preferred the name Romy to anyone besides Erika.

Romy was Erika's top maid and right hand woman when it came to trainer times. She was the only person who didn't use Grass pokemon in the gym aside from one pokemon out of the three that she had possessed. She would go anywhere that Erika had gone and was her protection if thing were to go wrong. This was her job and she loved it.

"Rosemary. Do feel that in the air..."

"Feel what, mistress," Romy spoke completely confused.

"I feel like..."

Erika finished her tea and placed it back on the table. She then looked up and then stood up. She quietly counted out second from her lips leaving Romy a bit confused in what was going on. Erika quickly dodged an oncoming aerial attack by rolling effortlessly out of the way.

"Stun Spore..." Erika said as fragments of dust flew into the air.

From what was thought to be the spotted flowed within the Garden, yellow spores exited from the dark opening in its head. Stun Spores sprayed the air. A paralyzed Combusken gritted his teeth as it kneeled to the ground in pain.

"Who are you?" Erika said calmly closing her eyes.

"Gabriel..." he walked through the smoke. "Gabriel 'Redheart' Kirk."

"Do not under estimate me, Gabriel. I am the leader of this gym and I am something not to be taken lightly."

Gabriel walked beside Zuri to spray it with a "paralyze heal" to loosen its limbs. He then glared at Erika for a couple of moment to allow that soak in for a while. She was living up to the hype. Out of all the gym leaders, he thought that Erika was the daydreaming and peace-consumed freak. She rather focused she was serious. Gabriel found that to be of very interesting trait in her.

"Can we talk this out?" Gabriel said soothingly.

"You lost all talking when you attacked me with your Combusken. Prepare for battle," Erika said opening her eyes.

"Don't you mean prepare for a fight? Flamethrower, Zuri."

"Bellossom, Leaf Blade."

Before Zuri could execute the order, Gabriel was forced to step back for a moment to avoid a threatening slash from a nonthreatening source. The small flower creature almost sliced his neck with the blades of what appeared to be its yellow and green skirt. Two red flowers could be seen from its green body, on its face as a sadden expression on the missed attack. It fell to the ground softly before quickly fleeing to larger flower beside Erika that was still in the ground.

"How irritating, a two on one. That's not very gym leader like."

"I fear that you have a fire pokemon that I cannot play fair especially when my life is at state. Bellossom, Vileplume, Double Poison Powder."

"Let me heat things up."

Purple spores stormed into the area in which Gabriel and Zuri was standing. Gabriel snapped his fingers allowing purple flames to emit from his hands. He swirled his hands around both him and his Pokemon to create a tornado and burned all of the flower's spores from the area. Erika showed an ounce of concern.

"Like I said before, Flamethrower," Gabriel pointed to the three bodies ahead of him.

From the purple flames shot a powerful stream of orange fire heading towards Erika and her two pokemon. The Vileplume finally emerged from the ground and formed a large Substitute to protect both its trainer and its friend. The substitute was easily destroyed by the flames but the three was safe.

Vileplume's dark purple body seemed to go up and down from exhaustion. Its beady red eyes looked at Erika. Erika knew that move took a lot of a pokemon, but what else could she do both Vileplume and Bellossom were in a disadvantage.

"Erika..."

"Yes..." Erika's head turn towards Romy.

"Let me handle this."

Romy stood in front of Erika and her party. She knew that this man was more than dangerous. She knew his face. It was the same Gabriel that wins contest after contest with his beautiful style and passive nature. But the look in his eyes was like none that she had ever seen before. A killer lived within those eyes.

"You ready, Zirk!"

Romy threw her pokeball quickly from her hand. The pokeball crashed into the ground and opened showing a four legged pokemon. It had a purple body with dark purple spots. It appeared to rabbit like since its ears was larger with a teal blue inside. Its teeth were sharpened and it had a large horn in the middle of its forehead.

"A Nidorino? How ugly..." Gabriel spat.

"Say that after your precious Combusken is on the floor."

"Trash talking? You're a bit over your head..."

The Combuksen attacked with no warning with a powerful Blaze Kick sending the Zirk the Nidorino flying. When it hit the ground and dug its claws in the ground to stop further distance from its trainer. It quickly ran back only to be first kicked into the air and then kicked back to ground by a powerful Double Kick. Gabriel just watched on with a smile while Romy hand quivered seeing Zirk receiving damage so much damaged.

"Zirk, Poison Sting," Romy gave a panicking command.

"What a weak move."

Zirk's horn turned a deep purple before it charged towards its target. The Combusken effortlessly dodged the attack but the Nidorino continued to charge towards Gabriel, he just smirked. Gabriel too, effortlessly dodged the attack but attacked with kick aided with a stream of purple flames to knock it back into the air.

"Zuri. Aerial Ace..."

"This...can't be...happening..." Romy choked.

But yet it was. Zuri had followed the attack with a powerful slash in the air causing Zirk to fall to the ground bleeding. Romy ran to her Nidorino and managed to catch it. It was in pain but was still alive. She clutched to her chest. Zirk had never lost in such a way. Who was this man? She feared for what was to happen next. She wanted to cry.

"I see the strongest person here is the Gym Leader and she is at a disadvantage."

"How dare you attack a pokemon with your own body?"

"It attacked me. Rules don't apply to fights young darling."

Gabriel moved his hair from his face as he approached Erika. Erika glared up to him preparing herself to attack with yet another pokemon from her arsenal but Gabriel had grabbed her hand to prevent her from throwing it. Vileplume and Bellossom prepared themselves to attack but Erika shook her head. It was too dangerous with that Combusken around.

"Now...tell me...are you scared?" Gabriel's hand was engulfed in flames. The flames burnt in his emerald eyes yet Erika wasn't even panicking.

"No...I'm not."

"Even if I burn the entire gym with everyone in it, you would die a horrible death…"

"You're a monster..." Erika said calmly.

"Stop right there!"

Just as he imagined, they came. Gabriel turned his attention towards the door to see Josh and Naomi each with their pokemon already chosen and out of their pokeball. Josh of course with Volt the Elekid while Naomi was assisted by a double purple starfish with a red core. It was a Starmie. The starfish quickly flashed its red light before performing a powerful Hydro Pump towards Zuri's way. Zuri barely dodged but it did force Gabriel to release Erika's hand.

"Josh..."

"Gabriel....it was you...." Josh eyes narrowed.

"I'm surprised you didn't figure it out at the Pokemon Center especially when I said that I saw you try to save that Mankey. People can't take a clue," Gabriel shook his head.
"You're the killer of those pokemon and the man at Silph Corporation."

"Killer is such a bad word. It has no finesse, no charm, nothing. Wording would be appreciated."

"No need talking to the enemy, Josh. Attack..."

"I want to talk with Josh. So...everyone butt out," Gabriel's voice changed once again to the demons.

As soon as Naomi was about to execute an attack, she was trapped with a tower of flames reaching to the ceiling but not quite. The fire was something that Naomi had never experienced before. It was like a cold fire. It produced minimum heat but it wasn't warm at all. She came to the conclusion that her Starmie's surf might be enough to douse the flames.

"Surf, Rayne."

The Starmie did as it was commanded and formed a tidal wave from its body. But the water evaporated as soon as they hit the purple flames. This wasn't a pokemon's flame, it was much intense. Naomi looked at the purple flame kindle in front of her. Was this even a flame at all to not be extinguished by water?

"Now we are all alone, Josh..."

Josh realized that he was the only person that wasn't engulfed by the large towers of flame. What did he want? Was he looking for a fight? Gabriel. He had the name of an angel, sins of devil. What kind of monster was he?

"Why are you doing this Gabriel? I thought you loved pokemon."

"I know you are everything I don't like, Josh Surge. You're pokemon trainer, you're a warrior, you're son of a gym leader, and you use disdainful pokemon. But it is one thing that I like. You sound interesting."

"This is not about interesting things, Gabriel. You kill people. I won't allow you to do anything."

"Life is about interesting things. Life is stage. You are always pleasing a crowd or keeping them interested. But unlike most I am the audience and the performer. I want things that will keep me pleased. You seemed like the next valuable target."

"So you were playing me..." Josh breathing became harder with anger.

"Are you going to avenge those fifty people that I have killed and thousands of pokemon? Or are you just going to play dead allow me to escape?"

Josh didn't respond but Volt did with a Thundershock toward Zuri. Zuri blocked it with the back of its hand barely recognizing that Volt had done an attack in the first place. Volt quickly ran up to his opponent and tried to give it a Low Kick but was easily jumped over Combusken who followed up with Blaze Kick. Volt was sent flying into the shrubs of the gym.

"This is obviously a mismatch. Return Zuri. You've had enough fun for today," Gabriel returned Zuri back to his pokeball.

"You think this is done!" shouted Josh.

"OH. I know it's not. Rainey, it's your turn."

Gabriel threw a blue and white pokeball from his belt on to the ground revealing a pink eel like creature. Its body glimmered like a precious stone as it exited the white light of pokeball. On the sides of it were two purple seashells that dangled from its body. On the top of its head was a long antenna that seemed to reach the entire length of its body. It beautiful but the look in its eyes gave the look of narcissism just like its master.

"Meet Rainey the Gorebyss..."

"You're really cocky enough to use a water pokemon against Volt."

"You're the one being cocky. You need a lot more to defeat me child. This is a treat for me."

"Volt. Show him your new move. Shock Wave..."

From the bushes of the garden a powerful waves of electricity headed towards the Gorebyss. The Gorebyss wrapped its body to avoid the attacks before launching an Ice Beam towards the general direction.

"Quick Attack, Shock Wave!"

"Amnesia...Water Pulse...." Gabriel spoke in retort.

As Volt closed in for the attack with Quick Attack, the scales on the Gorebyss began to glow a pink aura. Volt shot another wave of electricity, but this time the Gorebyss took it head on without problem. It was hardly affected. It responded with a powerful ring of water that sent Volt flying once more but this time knocking the Elekid out. It fainted.

"Just one Water Pulse, imagine if I used Surf...."

"You...."

Rainey suddenly wrapped itself around Josh's neck. It constricted harder and harder until Josh barely had any breathe left in his throat. Josh tried to pull it off but it did not budge. This monster was going to kill him.

Gabriel walked over to Josh and grabbed his blonde hair that he could. He forced Josh to look up and gazed at him. Josh was losing consciousness but he was still glaring Gabriel. Gabriel just smirked as he slapped him. He was enjoying the sound that Josh was making trying to get air to his trachea. He was trying to yelp but the air wasn't coming. Gabriel hunched over to view Josh who was now to his knees.

"You lost...it pains me to see that this Elekid had found such a weak trainer. Unlucky for it, it would have been better off in the wild."

Josh fell to the ground and the Gorebyss released its grip on Josh's neck. Gabriel gave a smirk. He liked that look in Josh's eyes as he was losing consciousness. He was now unconscious like his pokemon. Gabriel looked back and forth at the trainer, then the pokemon, then back at the trainer. He laughed and returned Rainey back to his pokeball. He exited the gym before snapping his fingers to release the flame towers on Erika, Naomi, and Romy.

"He might just be interesting...but not now."

Gabriel entered the darkness of the night with a smile on his face. He tossed his pokeball into the air and back down. If that doesn't give him something to fight for, he didn't know what would. It was nice to have a rival.

Chapter 6: Monsters and Angels

"That wasn't the way to get the man into reality, sir."

"I know. I know. I struggled with that myself."

"Then why did you allow him to go?"

"Nick it was simple. He needed motivation."

"Why did you say that?"

"He won't even tell us the person's name. He wants this person to himself."

"Did Naomi get a glance?"

"Glance is all she got. She didn't get a name. Obviously she was trapped within flames before finding Josh unconscious."

"I was at least hoping to get information out of this."

"Well, it backfired!"

Naomi clutched her hand as she watched Nick and Wayne argue. It wasn't often that they did, they agree on most things. She felt guilty that it had happened; she hadn't seen Josh all day since. On his first mission nevertheless, yes, Erika was okay but that defeat was nothing that he was used to. A child is always taught that evil will never be victorious over good. But in the real world, things never had a story book ending.

"Josh will recover."

"That's if we can find him," Naomi said staring at the ceiling fan.

"He's in the building."

Katrine, the receptionist and Wayne's daughter, entered the room. Concern was washed over her face. She knew exactly where Josh had been the entire day since he had woken up. She promised not to tell anyone. Of course he was depressed and didn't want anyone to talk to him. Volt hasn't woken up from it unconscious state, that did not help his mood any.

"How is Volt doing?"

"He's unconscious at the moment..." Katrine said looking down at the floor.

"Reality slapped him hard in the face. Did he not think the he wasn't going to be beat...?"


"That's not why he is depressed, dad...." Katrine clutched her shoulder as she spoke.

"See you don't even understand," Nick spoke chastising Wayne more.

"He felt like that was his chance to change the world and he failed..."

Wayne touched the bottom of the beer bottle. He sighed before taking his hand away. Why would he be drinking at a time like this? One of his newest officers just was defeated effortlessly, morale broken. He gambled and lost. Maybe he should stop doing both.

"I'm going to go see him. No one follow me..." Katrine spoke.

Katrine left leaving the people in the room to be enveloped in silence and in guilt.


Within the hallway, Katrine noticed a new person. She appeared to be someone from a more elegant background than herself. Her red hair swinging back and forth as she walked. She was dress in an elaborate lace white dress with a short purple jacket over it. She wore long white boots with black straps on them. The woman wore a red flower in her hair.

"Who are you?" Katrine asked.

"Rosemary Kimura. Just call me Romy. I'm looking for Josh to give him this Old Amber as thanks from Erika."

"I'm...I'll hold it for him."

"Okay."

Romy pulled out a tightly wrapped stone from her large bag. It appeared to be an amber color. It appeared to be not very valuable but very rare. Katrine was impressed that someone in Celadon would have found something like this. They were only found at Mount Moon so Katrine found the opportunity to ask. But before she could it was answered.

"Erika found it when she went to Mount Moon on day. She had kept it ever since. But she figures that this is going to be in better hands if it was with Josh."

"This can be transformed into an Aerodactyl, correct."

"It would be a good addition to his team," Romy said delighted.

"That if we can get him back to his feet."

Romy recollected what had happened last night. Josh was unconscious when the flames subsided along with his pokemon. She had to bring both Volt and her pokemon, Zirk to the Pokemon Center while Naomi took Josh here. She expected him to be upset not depressed. She didn't exactly win last night either. She was absolutely demolished. At least Erika was alive, that was what really mattered.

"I didn't win either, yesterday. But, Erika is safe at her gym taking challengers. That is something to be happy about."

"But Josh suffered a big loss. Volt hasn't awoken up yet..."

"He's not dead though!" Romy shouted.

"It's the thought...of losing doesn't settle well in his head."

"Why?"

"I can't tell..."

Katrine's mind wondered back to the conversation that she had had with Lt. Surge on the phone while she was trying to get information on Josh. It was a tough discussion to listen to.


Flashback conversation with Katrine and Lt.Surge

"Mr. Surge..."

"Yes."

"I'm here to talk about your son."

"Don't tell me that he's dead."

"No no. He's just fine. We just need some information. He wants to join the Kanto Region Police Department."

"W-what, really?"

"Yes. He's such a good fellow. We are kind of short here."

"That's good. I'm glad he's okay. What do you need?"

"Let's start with his mother's name."

"...Yuki Surge....."

"What happened...?

"She's dead. She died protecting Josh when he was just a child by Team Rocket."

"Oh...I'm sorry."

"Ever since I've told him, he promised not to lose anyone again or lose to anybody with no morals."

"....because he couldn't protect his mom."



The water dripped down his face. He did not know where the tears ended or where they began. He just knew that he was crying. The rain from the shower continued to wash over him as he just sat under the head. Clothes still on, head against the wall, and tears fall from his face. His fist was balled and slamming against the tiles of the white wall. He was depressed. His soul shattered into fragments that he couldn't piece back together. He couldn't even look into his reflection in the water that pooled on top of the tiles.

Josh found himself looking at his bare feet as he sat. Running was something that he was always good at. He ran as his mother was protecting him, he ran away from his dad. When he couldn't run, he failed. Just like the failure. The water was a cold and empty. Josh had lost all feeling his fingertips as well as he feet but the feeling of his heart was numb as well. He did not know that he was crying. He couldn't force himself to think.

Josh rammed his head into the wall over and over again trying to create a thought in his head. It wasn't working. He felt like an empty marionette being dangled from a string as his master looked at him fall into the backdrop.

Thoughts entered his exited his mind involuntary was ones that he didn't want to think about. Those venomous thoughts seemed to pile in his head: the thoughts of the death of his mother, the thoughts of the battle, and the thoughts of those people and pokemon that Gabriel killed. Hunting him down was a road, but was it the road that he was going to take?

"Josh..." a voice rung into the air.

Josh's empty eyes glared over his shoulder to view Katrine and another girl. The other girl he did not recognize, she appeared to be someone that has seen him. He didn't register who it was or nor did he care. His heart had emptied into a pool of blood that had settled into his heart. Josh just acknowledged the women with a colorless stare from his eyes.

"Josh you have to stop now. It's over..." Katrine lightly spoke.

"Josh...." Romy spoke.

Romy extended her hand to feel the water that rained down from the shower. It was ice cold. It was like thawed icicles dripping from the heat of the sun. Romy had never seen any person this seriously upset before. It was kind infuriating.

Romy reached over to Josh and pulled him out of the shower quickly. His clothes were drenched and his skin felt like it was frozen. But his eyes were colder than his skin. A sudden anger swelled in Romy's chest and before she knew it her fist was connected with Josh's. His face hit the ground under the water.

"Who are you to hit me in such a fashion?" Josh spoke but the water mad his voice echo, configuring his voice like an artificial protocol.

"I am Rosemary," Romy started timidly but her facial expression change when Josh's brought his head up.

Water dripped from his hair and his eyes were even icier than before. It was like they were contemplating death itself. This look infuriated Romy more than she already was. She hated that look. It made people look like beast, not pokemon, beast. Like the uncontrollable monsters locked in a bipedal body and flesh.

"I might not know you but you need to get out of this mess!" Romy shouted.


"....You're right. You don't know me."

"That's all you heard."

This time the grab from the water wasn't a gentle tug, it was like she was seizing him from the depths of darkness. She pulled him from the ground and slammed him against the wall as hard as she could. Romy then raised her fist and was about to punch him as hard as she could but found her stopped as soon as the fist turned his cheek. His eyes were still staring at her while hers was more of a glare.

"People shouldn't act like monsters. You will be no different than he if you act like this..."

Romy threw him to the ground before she could get another glance at his eyes. Romy quickly grabbed Katrine on her way out but stopped at the door.

"Let the monster stay in its cage for a little longer."

With that statement, Josh turned off the shower head allowing only the drops from his drenched clothes to be heard. He did feel like a monster. Telling him that didn't make him feel better, but being compared to Gabriel was over the top. A monster was compliment. Josh looked at his hand for a couple of moments, a crackling of lightning linked between his fingers. It hurt slightly because his hand was drenched. He face showed emotion for the first time of the day. Volt was trying to reach him.

"Volt...I'm coming..."

Josh grabbed the towel from the shelf and wrapped it around his neck. He felt cold now. He smiled for a while as he grabbed the dog tag from his neck and stared at this. The tag itself had been the only thing that reminded him of his mom while the chain itself reminded him of his dad. "I'm not going it up. Volt I'm coming..."




"It's not waking...I don't understand."

Naomi tapped her hand against her waist as she observed the small yellow body on the bed. It was breathing, its pulse was steady, and she could even hear some whispers from the small one's mouth. But it hasn't woken up since. They used everything that they could. They even took him to the Pokemon Center and used the heal chambers there. Yet, Volt wasn't waking.

"Come on. Wake..." Naomi said trying the shake the creature to awakening it.

"He won't wake...without me..."

Josh's bare feet could be heard on the hardwood floors of the infirmary. It was obvious that he had been running since the soles of his feet trickled blood. Only the sharp rocks of the walkway could have done that and while running, it must have hurt. Naomi could see that his clothes were wet as well causing him to shiver in what felt to be warm air to her.

Josh hardly acknowledged Naomi's existence, he just walked pass her and pressed his hand on Volt's chest. A current of electricity flowed from Josh's palm into Volt's body. The flow of electricity kept constant until Volt eyes opened. Josh smiled and looked at his hand; they were burned slightly from the electricity. Josh pulled up his arm to see the rest of his arm was covered in burns to. The pain was unbearable but seeing Volt okay made him feel a bit better about them.

"Did you think about taking those clothes off before you did that?" Naomi shouted.

"I wasn't thinking..." Josh said clutching his right arm were electricity once surged.

"Let me get a tourniquet for that...I'm surprised that you developed a Trainer Skill so early."

Volt sat up and Josh rubbed it between the horns of his head. Volt was obviously a little tired but it was aware that Josh was the one rubbing its head. Its face was serene until it saw that his master's arm was bleeding. All alarms within the pokemon's head went off at once, causing it to charge electricity.

"This was of my own stupidity...don't worry about it, Volt."

"That's for sure," Naomi said as she placed a bottom of rubbing alcohol on the table as well as the bandages.

Naomi seized Josh's burnt arm and began rubbing an alcohol to it. Josh's facial expression burst into one of anguish with the stinging of the anesthetic. She rubbed in circular motions to soothe the pain a bit but in the end, it still stung like a beast.

"You'll get him next time..."

"Did you tell them yet? That it is Gabriel Kirk..."

"No I haven't."

"Why not?"

"Because that is your fight..." Naomi spoke with a smile as she picked up the white bandages.

"What's a Trainer Skill?"

"A Trainer Skill is a skill the trainer can use to protect themselves created by the bond between the pokemon and tamer. The skill somewhat mimics the pokemon's ability. That's why Gabriel can create flames."

'So that Combusken was his first pokemon....it is probably..."

"No. Pokemon has the ability to be good or evil just like trainer. Not all pokemon are good, Josh. That Combusken or Torchic for the matter was probably just as violent in the wild as it is now," Naomi said as she finished the wrapping of the arm now just tightening.

"I guess you have a point..."

"Oh. Have you heard? A new girl is becoming part of the KRPD. Her name is Rosemary Kimura..." Naomi wasn't quite sure of the name because her voice swayed a bit.

"Who?"

It then struck him. That was the girl that was trying to wake him out of his "state". "What a first impression..." Josh thought to himself. "I have to apologize and I have to apologize now."

Josh grabbed Volt from the bed and placed him on his neck. It was surprised at first but soon decided that it was nice being on its master shoulders and reclined. Josh dashed out of the door.

"Remember to change clothes and clean your feet. You are still bleeding..."

Josh shot a thumb up as he dashed away. Naomi just smiled and folded her arms. She never seen anything like that kid before and she doubted that she will ever seen anything like him again.

Chapter 7: Shedding Moonlight

"Hello. I'm Rosemary Kimura from Celadon..."

The sentence was stopped with a burst through the door. Romy looked from the corner of her eye to view the blonde hair kid, dressed all out in gray and black camouflage with an Elekid on his shoulder, enter into the room. She made a makeshift smile. "It's that monster from the showers. What is he doing here?" Romy kind of glanced over to him for a couple of moments as he took a seat on into one of the stained brown chairs. She had to admit, he was kind of attractive when he wasn't being emo but that didn't stop him from being a monster.

"You were saying..." Wayne suddenly snapped her back into reality.

"Sorry. I thought I saw a monster or something enter the room," Romy paused staring at Josh who looked dumbfounded from that remark. "Like I was saying, I'm Rosemary Kimura from Celadon. I prefer the name Romy though. I'm an understudy of Erika. She advised me I should explore my horizon a bit more and urged me to assist the fine people who saved her."

"Really now, that's sweet of her," Wayne spoke.

Wayne saying the word "sweet' did not settle well in Josh's nor Nick's head. With his rugged cowboy voice, the word 'sweet' sounded like a claws of a Sneasel against a black board. Nick just stroked his chin while Josh observed Romy a bit more. She looked like a sweet girl but obviously that first impression was a killer.

"Is there any missions that I can assist with?" Romy said crossing her arms and bowing, generally like a maid.

"No bowing please..." Wayne stretched please like a rubber band.

"You're not one for honorifics either?" Romy asked quickly straightening her stance.

"Please don't call me sir or gentlemen or anything of that nature," Wayne almost sounded like he was begging. Wayne's father was pretty bad on being referred to by honorifics thus Wayne himself disdained them entirely.

"YES SIR!" Nick shouted all of a sudden causing Wayne to cringe.

"Anyway, I have a mission for the both of you."

"Both of us..." Romy eyes dashed towards Josh for a moment.

"Josh."

Josh stood up and approached the desk. He took his seat beside Romy and they shared a look, more so a glare on Romy's half. Josh heart skipped a beat. It was like she wanted to take that same heart that just missed that beat and throw it against the wall. Josh took Volt from his shoulders and placed him on his lap to assure some protection. Volt just gave a look of confusion.

"New recruits, Josh Surge and Romy Kimura, the both of you are to head to Pewter City. There is supposed to be some Team Rocket activity going."

"With him?!?" Romy shouted.

"Team Rocket...." Josh eyes narrowed and he clutched Volt suddenly cause him to give a spark of electricity to stop the suffocation.

"Something wrong...?" Wayne pondered.

"Nothing, nothing is wrong. I'm willing to go."

"Good good."

Romy crossed her arms as she viewed Josh a bit more. She knew something was up because a glimmer of the coldness was back in his eyes. But this time was for a more subtle reason. She couldn't read it totally.

"Team Rocket, eh? I assume I can work with him if they are involved."

"I'm definitely going..." Josh reassured both himself and Wayne.

"It settled. Be sure to strengthen your pokemon on the way there."

"Affirmative," Josh said almost doing a salute but stopped himself in the process.

Romy did a double take hearing the word affirmative. He was obviously a military son to use a word like that. She just presumed that he liked camouflage and combat boots. Many males did. To tell the truth, she never really caught his name. The only really reason that she knew it because she talked with Katrine.

"What's your full name?" Romy asked suddenly demanding it out of Josh.

"Josh Surge. Why?"

"Oh....OH! Lt. Surge's son, no wonder you looked familiar."

"You know my dad?"

"He's a jerk some time. He thinks Erika's grass pokemon are too weak for battle."

"Sounds like my dad. But he is far from a jerk. Do you use grass pokemon?"

"I have one. But I prefer Dark and Poison types more," Romy shook her head rapidly realizing that they were having casual conversation. "But that's NOT THE POINT. Your dad can be such a jerk and obviously you can be one too."

If Josh didn't know that first impressions left a lasting one, he did now. This girl obviously disliked him because he transforms into this robotic emotionless person when he is upset. It also deducted like eight point from his resume for being the son of the person that called her gym leader weak. "This is going to go swell..." Josh thought to himself.

"Josh. Rosemary brought a gift from Erika which can be used at Pewter City as well. Katrine is holding to it so please pick it up on the way out."

"Okay," Josh said nodding towards Wayne. "Thanks for bringing it, Rosemary."

"Call me ROMY. R.O.M.Y!"

There goes another eight points. Where was he now, about 76 on her general grade of him? This wasn't going to go well at all.

Romy suddenly stood up. She quickly headed towards the door and slammed it. Josh looked over his shoulder for a moment before turning back to Wayne.

"What did you do to her?!? Are you some kind of womanizer?" Wanye closed one eye and opened up the other really wide as he said his statement.

"That's calling the kettle black," Nick remarked took the seat that Romy once occupied.

"Hey hey. What was that supposed to mean?"

"Like it sounded, that's why you don't have a girlfriend now...." Nick said shrugging.

"And do YOU have ONE?" Wayne retorted.

"At least I'm HOT on the MARKET!" Nick remarked.

The bickering continued back and forth so Josh took this opportunity to leave. It was going to be a long day of bickering anyway so he might have well started on a good one with silence to himself.


"Here's the Old Amber that your Rosemary brought. Remember in Pewter City there is scientist from Cinnabar Island stationed there they can resurrect pokemon. An Aerodactyl would be nice addition to your team."

"Yeah it will. I kind of like them anyway."

"Good. Keep it safe. I tucked it pretty tightly in additional wrappings so be careful."

"No problem, I can hold onto it."

"By the way, your Pokevoyace should be done by time you get back."

"I wasn't aware that I was getting a Pokevoyace?" Josh kind of acted like he knew what it was capable of besides that brief mentioning by Nick.

"You will be briefed on it along with Romy when you two return. All officers have one. But I have something to ask you. Do you have a pokedex?"

"Not a working one..." Josh stated.

"That's good enough. Nick can fix it."

Josh pulled the small red device from his bag and placed on the desk. Katrine grabbed it and slipped it underneath her desk for future storage. Josh nodded and prepared himself out.

Romy entered the room, this time in a more fitting clothing for traveling; a white blouse with denim shorts and tennis shoes. She still had a different flower on her head this time; the flower was an indescribable mixture of various exotic colors.

"Romy. Are you ready?"

"I presume that I am since I'm dressed..."

Josh faced contorted in a fashion that Katrine did not think that could. Katrine laughed lightly as Josh gave a look towards Romy. She was obviously still upset at him for a reason that remained anonymous.

"Romy if we are going to work together, we are going to have to talk."

"Working together doesn't mean being best friends."

"Okay. Maybe we got off on the wrong foot...definitely got off on the wrong foot. But I feel like we can become friends..."

"Let's go to Pewter City."

Romy quickly exited the building without resuming the conversation. Josh's shoulders sulked a bit before exiting the door as well. Perhaps he should talk to his dad about this.

In Pewter City

"It looks like we have a bit trouble on our hands."

"Trouble, what do you mean by trouble?

"Yes. I feel a presence, a strong one coming this way."

"Are they KRPD agents?"

"I cannot tell by the signature alone. But they are differently a lighter one."

A small boy and a teen sat upon the purple roof of the Pewter Museum of Science. The difference between the two boys was obviously there but the similarities were there as well. The both of them seemed to be calculating plans with their features both appearing to be emotionless while they did so.

The smaller boy, to be no older than twelve, appeared to have redefined silver constructed into a ring to create his iris. His skin was white as a dove's wing as so was his short hair. His build was small, appearing to be frail like a new born. His face was that as a child but his eyes was a seldom as any adult. His face showed nothing of a kindred spirit, only expression that was attainable by chiseling it in concrete.

The teen seemed a bit livelier than the boy beside him. His eyes were a sharp dark brown, almost a thick maple syrup color. His medium length hair was of a mixture between ripe strawberry and sunlight in its purest form. He was built strong like a fortress but was of relatively slimmer stature. He appeared much older than the other younger gentlemen due to the slight trace of facial hair on his chin as well as he lively features.

"Brother..." the younger person spoke.

"Yes. Gray..."

"I believe they are currently not a threat," the child name Gray spoke.

"How can you be sure? They have strong traces of will power."

Gray clutched the small stuffed Teddiursa toy as he looked to his older brother. He turned away in disgust before looking into the sky. Gray began playing with his messy white hair before speaking.

"Willpower doesn't equal battle prowess. You should know that."

"I presume that you are correct. You have defeated every Johto Gym Leader when you were five with just your logic alone..." the older brother trailed off. "But I feel like something is astray with the two people coming here."

"You don't expect us to leave, Dusk. We are under strict order not to," Gray said still not amused.

"I know..." Dusk turn his head away.

"Team Rocket cannot be defeated by children..."

Gray pulled this black scarf that was clutched tightly to his neck. On the side of it was a Celtic red R. He was dressed all in white other than this scarf so it stood out more against his flushed skin. Dusk was wearing all black with a white scarf with the same Celtic R on it as well. They were both part of Team Rocket.

"Understanding logic in its purest form is the correct way to battle. We will fight them at Mt. Moon."

Gray stood up before Dusk could say anything more. He just held tightly to his Teddiursa stuffed animal and jumped off the building. Dusk found himself smiling.

"That child is more than dangerous...better back him when they get here."

Route 4 to Mount Moon

"Thunder Punch, Volt!"

"Giga Drain, Marigold!"

The Spearow and the Sandshrew went down effortlessly as the two pokemon finished their attacks. Though Rosemary and Josh was as distant as the sea and the summit of a mountain, they made a good team when they actually worked together. Josh had to admit for a Roselia, it was tough as bricks.

Marigold was what was known as a shiny pokemon. It had a different color scheme (though not all pokemon had the same color scheme shiny pokemon had a signature one) as normal Roselia does and it looked absolutely stunning when it battled. It had a golden yellow body with a lime green leaves on its shoulder and torso. It had real thin arms that exploded into different color flowers; her right being a purple flower whiles her left being a black. Josh could never see the color of its eyes since its eyes were always closed like it was in meditation.

"Marigold is really impressive..." Josh said giving a compliment.

"Yes. She is. I'm surprised that you are impressed with a Grass pokemon."

"What my dad said isn't exactly what I say..."

"You two are cut from the same mold..." Romy said almost implying something else was astray in the conversation.

Josh took a while to soak that undiscovered fact in. What did she mean when she said that? Cut from the same mold. Was something in his dad's past that Romy knew about?

"Do you know something about my dad?" Josh asked without thinking.

Romy shot a glare before moving on with Marigold. Josh looked down to Volt who seemed to be still impressed with the Roselia performance. Josh rubbed Volt and gave a notion for them to continue through the route.

Josh and Romy stopped when the saw an opening with cliffs. It was the entrance to Mount Moon. It almost came too quick for Josh's taste; he wanted to know more about dad that he didn't know.

"Prepare. You take any flying pokemon such as Zubat. I'll take ground and rock types."

"Volt knows low kick. He's is about level 28 now."

"I don't care if it is over 9000. Marigold will dispose of them easier. Remember Team Rocket activity. It's like you're with..." Romy stopped her sentence.

"Like I with...them?" Josh said piecing the puzzle together.

"That came out wrong. Let's go..." Romy said almost sounding like she was apologizing for it.

They entered the same way that they traveled on the Route like business partners not friends. Speaking only involved calling out strings of attacks or telling each other to watch out for the things lurking in the darkness of Mount Moon. It would have helped if one of their pokemon knew Flash but that couldn't be helped so they had to use Josh's flashlight to guide the way through the pitch black caves of Mount Moon.

They walked slowly through the cave even though they wanted to walk faster to avoid wasting time. The caves were too tricky to be making careless movements so Romy and Josh remained close. It was hard enough to fight off the pokemon in the dark so they wasn't about to lose each other in the process. Marigold and Volt kept close beside each other and quickly taking out any pokemon standing in their way.

After what seemed to be hours wondering in the cave fighting Zubat after Zubat, Geodude after Geodude, they stumbled over the glimmer of light that poured from the exit. Both seemed to be overly ecstatic in finding the exit, rushed towards it. They were stopped by an odd force which caused Josh bounced back oddly against what appeared to be just air. Romy tapped on it. It was a steady Reflect.

"Ah ah...so you two are the two presences I've been feeling..."

Emerging from the darkness a man appeared. He looked different than any person that Josh had encountered especially on the route. He didn't appear to be just a trainer; he appeared to be rather dangerous almost like someone that he fought. Even with his strawberry blonde hair, his eyes showed no mercy even with a smile plastered on his face. The teenager positioned himself in front of the partners, pulling out a pokeball on his way.

"My name is Troy Creek. But you may address me as Dusk."

"Why are you here? Do you want a battle?" Josh asked.

"Battle? I'm presuming that is what I want. But that is not the only thing that I'm here for. What's your business in Pewter City?"

"I've heard that there is some Team Rocket activity," Josh said before actually
staring at the R on the man's white scarf. "You're Team Rocket."

"No. We are Team Rocket..." a more soothing voice echoed into the air.

From behind a man grasped tightly on Romy's arm. The smaller gentlemen were dressed more sophisticated than the man who introduced himself as Dusk. A white button up shirt, a pair of white slacks, and a black scarf defined the rather small child. He appeared to be years younger than both Romy and Josh but he obviously was just as intelligent as either of him.

"My name is Nigel Creek. I prefer the name Gray," the younger male spoke.

"Who are the both of you?" Romy shouted yanking herself away from the child's cold hands.

"We are part of Team Rocket. I assume you didn't hear my brother the first time," Gray said coldly.

"You mean that crime organization that steals pokemon to sell them on the black market for money."

"Don't you think that we are a bit beyond just stealing pokemon?" Dusk interrupted.

"That is all people know about us, Dusk. Obviously they are KRPD, so don't ruin their parade..." Gray paused for a moment to stare at Josh for a moment. "You have a familiar face..."

"Familiar face," Josh questioned.

"Like an old boss of ours. That does not matter right now though," Gray shook his head while staring at one of the stalagmites.

"What do you mean!?!" Josh suddenly shouted.

"Defeat us in a battle and I'll maybe speak," Gray proposed.

"No bro. I'll take them both," Dusk proclaimed.

"Fine if you beat him. You'll find out what I mean. I'll just observe."

Gray stepped away from the battlefield and positioned himself near the end of the wall. Gray clutched tightly to a battered Teddiursa plush as he prepared himself to observe the upcoming battle. Josh focused himself towards Dusk and Romy did the same but kept a close eye on Gray as well. It was something about that child came off to be capricious, vile, and repulsive.

"Prepare for a fight..."

"Volt..."

"Marigold..."

"Handle them. Terror and Gaze," Dusk said pulling out a two black pokeballs.

"Nicknames are pointless," Gray remarked as he placed a lollipop with his mouth.

Dusk's black pokeball hit the ground and two pokemon emerge. The first being a one eyed monster that appeared to be a mummy and a ghost fused into one while the other was a cat-like ghost with light blue gems for its eyes. The two pokemon bowed as soon as the exited their pokeball to respect their master before turning towards their opponent.

"Using a Dusclops and Sableye, a two rather sluggish pokemon against two speed pokemon, if this plan isn't obvious I don't know what to think of these people," Gray said giving another remark.

"Shut up. It's not that obvious!" Dusk shouted a rebuttal.

"Finish this. I have better things to do..." Gray said bringing the Teddiursa plush to his mouth.

"Alright then. Terror! Trick Room!"

The time on the room seemingly slowed to a crawl. Drops of condensation dripping from the stalactites seemed to move to a crawl and the Zubats seemed to have lost all of their previous speed, frozen in the stream of the air. The humans seemed relatively unaffected but it was pretty hard to breathe. Gray however did not even seem to notice the change. He just tugged tightly on that Teddiursa, analyzing both sides like a machine scanning for malicious viruses.

"This is a favorable match up...for now..." Gray concluded his analytical gazing to a more relaxed one.

"What is this?" Josh said looking down at Volt who seemed to be having a problem moving.

"Trick Room..." Romy said in surprise. "Of course you haven't seen it. You haven't experienced many ghost type pokemon. We are disadvantage as long as Trick Room is active."

"What is it exactly?"

"Let me show you. Gaze. Shadow Claw."

Within an instant, the Sableye attacked both Marigold and Volt before they even had time to move. It was like it was moving at the speed of light. Josh looked over to the Zubats the struggled to fly and quickly deduced what was happening.

"That move speeds up slow pokemon while slowing down fast ones."

"This is correct," Gray responded.

"Hey hey! No telling the enemy what is correct or not!' Dusk shouted towards Gray.

"It was a simple deduction. I had to give an answer. That's plainly rude. It's not like they can do anything about it. Right, Dusk?" Gray said now playing with the stick of the lollipop he so easily consumed.

"You're right."

Josh clinched his teeth. If was true he had no counter for it. More than likely that Dusclops had the ability to attack too. Josh figured scenarios in his head as Romy just complied attacks in her head. Romy was the first to create a sound attack pattern.

"Magic Leaf..." Romy shouted.

A flurry of multi-colored leaves flew into the air slowly. The attack was normally a fast one but was now was slowed. It was effortlessly dodged by the Sableye but the attack hit the Dusclops directly. It was move that could never miss. Josh smirked.

"Shock Wave, Volt!" Josh added.
"No, Shadow Punch, Terror. Shadow Claw, Gaze."

The Dusclops even with the sharpened leaves in its body dashed towards Volt with the Sableye and attack together. Without Josh telling him, Volt Quick Attack through the Sableye's body for the two could attack other. Gaze's Shadow Claw hit Terror for a critical hitting damage. Volt counterattacked with a Shockwave to hurt the Sableye for some damage.

"So both the pokemon and the trainer's have a strategy. Hit with moves that can't miss. That was smart of the Elekid to actually use quick attack to go through the Sable to get behind him. With Quick Attack's priority, it was unaffected by Trick Room's ability. Very impressive adversaries..." Gray thought to himself keeping himself secluded within the stalagmites of the ground.

"Damn...." Dusk cursed slightly to himself.

"Quick Attack, Volt."

"Got it. Stun Spore, Marigold."

Volt dashed away before the Roselia's spores hit the injured Sableye and Dusclops. Being so small, Dusk did not notice the Roselia had even moved with the aid of its trainer. He clinched his teeth as the room suddenly regained speed.

"Trick Room is over..." Gray stated. "So is his advantage with his pokemon paralyzed."

"Ah....Ice Punch, Terror! Faint Attack, Gaze. "

With the last of its energy the Dusclops launched a sudden attack towards Roselia. The Sableye disappeared to attack the Roselia as well. It would be an instant K.O if they were to hit. The Dusclop's arms suddenly detached from its body to head towards Marigold and Romy. Josh dashed in front of the attack to protect the two and braced himself for an attack. But before Josh knew it, a pokemon blocked the both attacks with his bare hands launching a powerful shock wave as a counter attack. The attack was so powerful that it K.Oed the Dusclops and the Sableye at the same time.

"W-what?"

The Pokemon looked back and smirked. It was a slightly humanoid feline like creature that stood to about Josh's chest. It had yellow fur with jagged black thunderbolt stripes. Its arms were almost the length of its body and its hands appeared to be human-like with the entire five fingers. Its feet had two sharp claws in the front and one in the back, similar to that of a bird's talon. On top of its head it had appeared to be two rounded antennae. Its large tail slammed into the ground.

"Volt?"

"He evolved...into an Electabuzz..." Romy said in surprise.

Dusk quickly returned his two fainted pokemon and turned his back. Gray roared into laughter before accompanying his brother near the exit of Mount Moon.

"Congratulations on the Electabuzz. What was it, Volt? Very nicely planned by the both of you," Gray said speaking between biting his nails.

"You will stop causing trouble in Pewter Town?" Romy asked.

"Of course, but believe I never got to catch your names."

"Rosemary Kimura..." Romy was the first to state her name.

"Joshua Surge."

"S-surge. That's surprising. No wonder you had such a familiar face and with an Electabuzz at that. That's bringing back memories," Gray said scratching his head.

"What are you saying?"

"Your dad, Matis Surge used to be a big leader in Team Rocket knows it or not. He used to use the St. Anne to transport Pokemon illegally across the seas to sell them off. Voltorbs and Electrodes for explosions on building he didn't deem fit. Of course, I'll think you'll remember mostly his searches for Zapdos. When he found it and all...and tired to destroy Team Rocket's adversaries with the power of electricity strapped to his body..."
Gray smiled evil with the impending nature of his Josh's expressions.

"STOP IT WITH THE LIES!" shouted Josh suddenly. "HOW DARE YOU?"

"Why take my word for it? It was Rosemary's dad who was forced to sail that St. Anne."

Josh turned to Romy for answers. Romy turned away before she could look at his eyes. She knew it was true. The reason why she couldn't stand those eyes was because, it was those same icy blue eyes that force her dad to sail ships with illegally capture pokemon. That was the same reason why her Dad and her Mom split up. She was lucky enough to even get the job at the gym.

"I'm sorry. Josh..."

"That's shedding light in your dad's life, eh?" Dusk mocked.

"Well I guess this is our time to leave. Tell your dad that he is surely missed," Gray noted.

"I think you've said enough, brother," Dusk said.

"I believe so too. We will be leaving now."

Volt grabbed Josh's shoulder from the back as tears of anger dripped from his face. Romy folded her arms and returned Marigold to her pokeball. She felt horrible now, for condemning Josh for his dads' actions in the past. She exited Mount Moon as Volt held closely to Josh's, not letting him go.

Chapter 8: Fossilized Flames

"That's interesting news, Jiro. How did you obtain it?"

"You told me to keep a watch on him so I did."

"You're as stealthy as ever. I don't know why you would quit a job that you are so talented in.

"I thank you for your compliment. However, I am good at the job I currently hold as well."

"I presume that you are right. But Josh shouldn't be meddling in the affairs of Team Rocket."

"He defeated Dusk one of the raising commanders of Team Rocket."

"Did I even fight the same Josh?"

This was an amusing time for Gabriel. He didn't expect Josh to be strong enough to defeat a Team Rocket commander, especially after he himself destroyed him effortlessly. But that was never something to take account for. Gabriel knew for a fact that Gray was much more of the battle than his older brother. He was an interesting fellow that could provide future entertainment. But alas, the missions for assassinations were piling up and he hardly had the time for toying with Josh.

Gabriel poured him another glass of sparkling water before enjoying his freshly prepare meal, consisting of an exotic fish, vegetables, and a sort of red dipping sauce made of Cheri Berry and spices. He cut the fish a bit before motioning Jiro to sit down in the across from him. It was then when Jiro noticed another seat was vacant prepared for a second guest. It was a tradition of him to talk things over with his clients personally before doing the missions. It was in a secluded balcony seat so no one in the restaurant could hear the plans. Privacy was the best policy.

"Why bring up the gym leader thing again?" Jiro stated. "They are only trainers…."

"Ah," Gabriel spoke as he stuck the fork into a severed portion of the fish violently. "They are not good people, Jiro."

"You're far from a good person yourself," Jiro stated pure fact.

"Vrai," Gabriel said as he dipped the fish into the mysterious sauce before eating it.

"That is something personal that you cannot carry against them."

"Personal?" Gabriel said after he swallowed another portion of the fish. "Perhaps is it personal."

Before Jiro could ask another question, a cloaked person entered into the balcony area. The person observed the small gray balcony for a moment and then gazed off into the crawling vines and assortment of flowers that spiraled up the columns. It could be seen that the person was observing the view quite nicely. The air was brisk enough and it held some sort of mysterious charm to it. It was something about the crackling white paint of the balcony as well as the tiled floor that had them intrigued.

After marveling at the beauty of all, the person took the seat beside Jiro. The person's folded their arms before staring blankly into Gabriel who was continuing with his meal quietly.

"Take your cloak off. You don't have to be mysterious....unless you're not going to pay. Then I just have to track you down some other way."

"Yes yes," a feminine voice suddenly spoke.

The lady took her hood off allowing her curled ginger colored hair to fall in front of her face. Her hair was in two different pigtails each curling the exact same way. Her eyes couldn't be seen due to her bangs making her appear to be fun and dangerous, much in the same way that Gabriel is viewed. She had light colored skin, almost a deep honey color. She was thin and appeared to be rather frail.

"I'm here to put out a hit..." the word hit did not match her rather fun voice.

"Hit is such a bad word..." Gabriel said wetting his throat with sip of his water.

"What word should I be looking for then?" the woman asked politely.

"Don't worry about it, carry on," Gabriel insisted as he took a bite of the untouched asparagus.

"It's this lady by the name of Rosemary Kimura..." the woman slid a piece of paper. Gabriel did not even glance at it.

"Rosemary Kimura? You mean that lady from Celadon Gym," he stared at the woman inside of looking at the picture. "You should have put that "request" in earlier. It would have been much easier. May I ask why?"

"...Uh..." the woman hesitated.

"I'm not going to lower the quality of my skills just because it's something completely absurd. She could have tripped you in the hallway for all I care. I'm just nosy," Gabriel responded.

"She took my place at Erika's gym forcing me to move back home with my parents...." the lady sneered at the sheer thought of Rosemary.

"She took your job," Gabriel nodded his head before bursting out into a fit of laughter. "Obviously you weren't doing it right. You need more job security."

"You find that amusing!" the woman voice hardly sounded threatening.

"I find many things amusing. Complaining is one..." Gabriel finished the asparagus and moved on the fish once again.

"Just get the job done," she said futilely trying to be tough.

"I can't do it right. Geez..." Gabriel spoke once more. "I have OTHER more IMPORTANT people to dispose of first. But don't worry. I'll do this job...what's your name. I just slipped my mind."

"Fleurette Bard. You can call me Fleur for short. Here's the down payment."

"Down payment sounds like you're paying for a car…"

Fleur quickly ignored Gabriel witty comment and placed down a stack of cash for the payment. Gabriel seemed to count it visually before finally finished his meal. After the meal, he counted it physically. He seemed to be pleased with the result.

"Okay, Fleur. Please join me for dinner."

"If you insist..." Fleur said as she looked behind her.

"No worries. Have you meant my silent friend over here, Jiro Shiba."

Fleur hadn't really noticed him. It was like he had mixed in with the blackness of the night sky somehow even though he was he was obvious a light skinned larger person. He had been quietly observing the conversation the entire time. This man disturbed her slightly but she had to admit that she didn't hated Gabriel at all. So extended her hand and the man took it with a smile.

"Such a nice smile...." she remarked.

"Thank you..." Jiro said blushing slightly.

"Hey dear, order anything you like," Gabriel said with stride.

"My pleasure," Fleur spoke quickly withdrawing her hand from Jiro's.

Gabriel fixed his hair in amusement. He knew that this girl was probably not his type of lady even though she was stunning gorgeous. Jiro had that ability to read killer intent and this girl was crawling with it. It surprised him on occasions that they were even friends. But other external factors played into that. Thinking about that actually made Gabriel a bit indecisive of how Jiro was feeling now. He knew one thing; Jiro liked the attention it was written on his chunky face.

"So how are you going to find, Rosemary," Fleur's voice became sharp and focused.

"No need to get so stern. I have some business to attend to at Cinnabar Island first. That's a bit out of the target's range."

"What? I'm so going with you if you are going to postpone my job like this!" Fleur forced herself on the party of two.

"Really, I enjoy groups. Are you coming, Jiro? I know it's not your thing. But I presume there are some helpless pokemon that needs your help at Cinnabar Island."

'"Tell me, why would you say such things?" Jiro sudden proclaimed coming out of his normal stoic voice.

"My target there is pokemon scientist that has been doing studies for the Pokemon Eclipse Theory. Of course that that's not P.E.T's main base but they do pokemon experiment's there," Gabriel said with a smirk.

"I'm coming too," Jiro said in a roar.

"Then you get to draw circles to convey your FRIENDSHIP towards them. Still don't know how that works but whatever..." Gabriel said.

"Then it's settled. Off to Cinnabar Island," Fleur's tone of voice was equal to a school child screaming "field trip!".

"As soon as I finish my sparkling water," Gabriel spoke.

Gabriel must admit, he proud of himself. He managed to bring Jiro along though it was complete truth of P.E.T project going on there. Mentioning it would instantly anger Jiro. That's why playing games with people are so fun. You get what you need while keeping your motives unclear. Good or bad purpose, Gabriel would take the job. He could hardly care less about saving the pokemon there. But he knew that Jiro cares about pokemon and hates criminal who abuse them.

"Cheers," Gabriel said tapping the glass and finishing all the contents in one swoop.

It was going to be a good next day. Gabriel smirked as he looked into the starry night sky.


The night had been too long for Josh. He tried time and time to piece those thoughts in his head together about his dad and Team Rocket. He wouldn't have believed it if Romy wasn't so broken by the revelation as well. He couldn't even close his eyes without imagining his dad misusing pokemon in some vile twisted way. He would be crying right now if he wasn't too angry to. The only thing that kept him sane was that Volt was an Electabuzz now.

Josh found himself shooting glares at Romy who dodged them like liquid swerving through cracks. She was now the one on defensive not Josh. Though she had to admit it, she deserved it; she still couldn't face Josh forcing her to lay with her back towards him to fall asleep. But even then, it felt like he was taking a knife with his glare and corkscrewing it in her back. She couldn't go through with the torture of Josh's eyes. She turned on her back.

"Josh..." Romy said staring into the night sky.

"Yeah..." his voice was back to that synthetic one like when he was in the shower.

"I'm sorry for not telling you about your dad."

"Why are you sorry for?" Josh eyes darted towards Romy who seemed to be sucked in by its gaze to actually look at his face. "You're not the one that I'm mad at."

"You're mad at your dad. I didn't mean to judge you by..."

"It's not about you judging me. People judge people all the time. Judging is a fact of nature. I thought I judged right when I thought of my dad was a good person."

"HE IS a good person. It's just he made some BAD mistakes."

"I'll speak with him..."

"No, speak with him now."

Romy pulled a small cell phone from her pocket. It appeared to be a pokeball at first since it had a red and white color scheme but Josh quickly registered as a phone when he saw the numbered buttons. He grabbed the phone and began calling home. Romy watch on as Josh stood up.

"Vermilion Gym. Lt. Surge speaking..." it was unusual for him to pick of the phone.

"It's your son..." Josh sharply stated.

"JOSH! How have you been?"

"Volt evolved...." Josh stated.

"That's great!" Surge sounded genuinely happy. "But that isn't why you called. I can tell by your voice."

"You were part of Team Rocket....a commander."

If Josh was staring at his dad right now, Surge would have probably died. Josh's voice had reached an all time cold. The summit of Snowpoint couldn't reach the frozen voice that slithered through his lips when he said the words. Awkward silence flowed between the phones, only the sound of breathing filled the void. Lt. Surge could be heard scrambling verbally to get his thoughts together.

"Yes. I was a former commander of Team Rocket after the war. I guess we need to talk about this when you get back home..." Lt. Surge said sighing afterwards.

"It figures it was true. We will talk dad. Goodbye."

Before he could tell his son goodbye, Josh hung up. He passed the phone back to Romy who seemed surprised on how Josh handled the situation. He must have had his dad on a high pedestal since he was a war hero. Yet he threw this wrench in his life. That wrench being his former affiliation with Team Rocket. Josh's stomach churned at that fact. He felt as though he was going to vomit at any time. He wanted to regurgitate his lungs through his mouth right now.

"Get some sleep, Romy. I'll see you in the morning," Josh spat out the sentences like they were just futile words to fill in empty space.

Romy wanted to but she couldn't. She would have gladly gone to sleep if she couldn't feel the aura pulsing from Josh's thought. Romy could imagine flower welting from the darkness that protruded from Josh's inner thought. Thus, sleeping was impossible. It would probably cause nightmares if she did.

"People are people...Josh. He changed because of you. He changed to make your future better. He changed because..."

"Loves me..." Josh finished the sentence. The idea was sent rocketing into his head. He felt horrible now. His dad was the only family that he had and he was pushing him away. "Pass me the phone."

Romy smiled as she flipped open the phone and pressed redial. She tossed the phone to Josh and Josh pressed the phone to his ear. The phone was picked up soon after.

"Hello," a voice spoke. It wasn't Lt. Surge.

"Tucker, is that you?" Josh proclaimed. "What are you doing at my house?" Josh asked.

"Your dad invited me over. Well more like begged for me to come. He's bit in an emotional bind."

"My dad is in an emotional bind? Like upset...?" Josh's images of his dad even upset were hard for Josh to stomach.

"He's punching through walls and doors alike. What did you say?"

"Get him on the phone, PLEASE," Josh spoke now worried not for just his dad for anybody in the general perimeter. When he was upset, he lashed out on the world.

"Okay wait a moment. I'll get him."

Romy stared at Josh for a moment a bit confused. Lt. Surge being upset was something that she couldn't wrap her mind around either. Though she had to admit, the punching down walls and doors was kind of intimidating. Josh pressed his hand against the speaking portion of the phone.

"He must think I hate him..."Josh said feeling worst than before.

"He must adore you for him to break down like that...." Romy said also feeling bad for Lt. Surge while feeling oddly afraid of him at the same time.

After a couple of minutes of waiting the phone was picked up by another person. This person waited for a couple of minutes but was pressured by a person in the back area to speak. His heavy breathing made the words hard to come out. The man on the other end finally brought himself to speak.

"Yeah...Surge speaking..." Surge's voice has lost all of its sternness becoming low to the ground.

"It's Josh, dad. Sorry about just that. I was a bit angry," even Josh hadn't seen Surge's voice that low. He surprised he could form a sentence with his dad like that.

"I'm surprised that you are even talking with me. I forced you to run away then you find out I was some creep in Team Rocket. You hate me because I'm nothing more than a failure. If she was here, maybe I could be half that father that you want me to be..."

"Dad, you're a great father. I should have told you how I felt before just running off. I'll visit as soon as I'm done at Pewter City."

"Okay..." his voice was still low but was regaining his normal toughness. "I'll be expecting you, son," his voice hardened obviously trying to regain all manhood back.

"I'll see you soon, dad," Josh laughed amusingly.

"Be safe. Love you."

"I love you too dad. You can get away from the phone now.

The click of the phone ended the conversation followed by the sound of the ringer. He was obviously holding back tears when he said I love you. Behind that tough exterior, Surge was a caring father. Josh couldn't wish for any other. Though they had their normal fights, they were there for each other. They shared a bond that could be broken easily no matter what made each of them who they were.

"Are you done now?" Romy said looking at her phone.

"Oh yeah, I feel much better." Josh tossed the phone over as he said it.

Josh walked over to his green sleeping bag and slipped within it. He felt a bit more serene than he did before. He closed his eyes and controlled his breathing. The sounds of the wind and the singing of crickets lured began to lure him asleep.

"Good night...Josh..." Romy said looking over her shoulder. The same lullaby did it to her as well.


Pewter City

"An Old Amber!" the scientist pressed his glasses to his face and managed to stroke the hairs of his greasy goatee at the same time.

"I doubt you have seen many. But you seem a bit overly impressed with this one," Josh spoke crossing his arms.

"It's just…" the scientist mouth was basically watering. "This one is in such good shape. It'll be done within the hour."

"Great great," Josh couldn't help but smile.

The greasy haired scientist sprinted off into this lab. Josh took this time to observe the exhibits at the Pewter Museum. The one that he found particularly interesting was the Aerodactyl exhibit. They were normally extinct pokemon being only found in the prehistoric times of the Kanto Region. However modern science had allowed the race of pokemon to be resurrected as long as the trainer found an Old Amber. Though rare to find, Old Ambers normally had a DNA signature within them to reconstruct the pokemon back to life. Aerodactyls were rare mainly for the fact that their DNA was in cased within the sap of a tree rather than a fossil. Erika had given him one that was fully intact compared to many that could be cracked. Josh found himself more than grateful.

"So what are you going to name it?" Romy said suddenly appearing in the museum.

"Don't know, have to see it first," Josh had pondered that thought. "I thought you hated museums," Josh said trying to keep his voice down.

"I did. But seeing an Aerodactyl come back to life is a very interesting concept."

Josh just shook his head and walked around the museum a bit more. He could see his reflection in the brown tile, it was kept real clean. It was worth the fifty dollars to get in here. It was a good thing that he caught the scientist in time. He was about to head back to Cinnabar Island today at noon before he got a good glimpse at the Old Amber that Josh had possess. He scurried off to his back room and from then on Josh had heard only buzzes and switches.

The museum itself had many different exhibits than just the Aerodactyl one that was just the one that Josh found most interesting. There were ones of Omanyte, Kabuto, Omanstar, and Kabutops exhibits as well. But none of them was comparable to the one that Josh was gazing at now. Josh began reading the plate.

"A Rock and Flying type from the prehistoric ages. It attacks the enemy's throat using serrated saw-like fangs. Its wings allowed it to glide fearlessly through the sky while giving it a weapon of choice that can cut through steel."

"What a scary pokemon..." Romy said shocked at the facts.

"It sounds really cool!" Josh said looking at the exhibit again.

"Isn't' an Electabuzz scary enough for you?"

"Ha. Volt won't hurt anyone, Romy. Besides, you have a Ninorino that can shoot POISON."

"Zirk is well trained!" Romy proclaimed.

"Volt is too!" Josh said proudly.

"You think you can handle an Aerodactyl?" Romy said waiting for his answered.

"Watch...me..." Josh spelled it out.

An unexpected cry rained through the museum. Josh checked his watch; it hadn't even been five minutes. Could the Aerodactyl be finished this quickly? Josh quickly dashed towards the lab in the back of the museum to find that black hair scientist on the ground, shivering from fear. The creature glared at the scientist from the corner of its red eye.

"Whoa....that is such a cool Aerodactyl..."

"Are they even that color normally?"

"Volt's left eye is discolored finding trademark pokemon is my thing."

"That happened by accident…." Romy said keeping her breathing low.

"Not really. Volt started the fight with the Pidgetto."

"FOCUS ON THE AERODACTYL PLEASE!"

"Oh yeah..."

The creature that they were looking at was in fact an Aerodactyl. However, its skin was black while the inside of its wings were gray. Its eyes were a charred vermilion color, which felt like it could soak into your skin when you came in contact with him. The pterodactyl was larger than most Aerodactyl, stretching about two inches more than a normal one according to the exhibit. It was a dangerous foe with blood on its mind. From the back of its throat, it sent out a horrifying cry.

"Looks like I need your help, Volt."

The Aerodactyl sent out another horrid screech before diving towards the scientist. Josh threw the pokeball at the scientist feet. Volt came lunging out of the pokeball, grabbing the Aerodactyl by the mouth. Volt looked at Josh from the corner of its silver eye and gave a half smile. The scar and the discoloration of his left eye had become more evident since his evolution. It made it look awesome, along with the fact it was holding an Aerodactyl's mouth with just power alone.

"Okay Sergeant, Thunderpunch."

Volt did what it was said and performed a powerful Thunderpunch to the Aerodactyl's face. It flew backwards within a stream of electricity and hit the wall. But it was far from done and suddenly gained attacked with a glowing silver wing attack. The attack struck Volt but it managed to keeps ground due to the two trainers' right behind him. Volt managed to grab the Aerodactyl's tail before it got to Josh and Romy.

"Good Job, Volt. Shock Wave it!" Josh ordered.

Volt nodded and sent a stream of electricity down the Aerodactyl's devil like tail. The Aerodactyl crashed into the ground, growling slightly underneath its breathing. Josh approached it and ordering Volt to lower its guard with a notion alone. Volt quickly took Josh's side as insurance, straightening its back like a soldier.

Josh knelled down towards the Aerodactyl. Josh put his hand towards the Aerodactyl's head leaving Romy to worry that he might just lose that hand in the process. Josh began petting the Aerodactyl. Though it was uncomfortable and resisted the petting even though its body relaxed. Josh then pulled an empty pokeball from his side and tossed it towards the Aerodactyl. The white light consumed it and entered into the ball. After three dings, it was caught. Josh just smiled.

"Looks like I just caught an Aerodactyl. And someone said I couldn't handle it..." Josh said glancing towards Romy who just rolled her eyes.

"It's only because Volt is so awesome," Romy said petting Volt who nodded whilst still keeping position.

"He is. Let me go see if that scientist guy is okay."

Josh walked over to the scientists who appeared to be still begging for his life. Josh kicked him several times lightly before giving him a swift one to flip him over. That was the first time that Romy had no doubts that this was Lt. Surge's kid.

"Stop being a coward. The Aerodactyl is safely in my possession."

The scientist sprung up from the ground as though the powerful blow to his stomach never happened. He looked at Josh then Romy and shook his head as though he was the hero in the situation. He stood proudly as he put his fist to his hips.

"There is nothing to fear children. The Aerodactyl is safely in control."

"No. You were crying like some kid...but I do thank you for pokemon."

The statement confirmed in Romy's mind that this was indeed Lt. Surge child, only he will use kid when talking to a full out adult if they did something cowardly. She sighed. But she had to admit, the scientist with his superiority complex voice tone was kind annoying.

"No problem..." he was about to say children but was shot down by Josh's glare. "No problem, trainers," he rephrased. "At any rate, it is a male Aerodactyl so keep it safe," the scientist sophisticated voice thundered.

"Okay. Thanks."

The black haired scientist pushed his black frame glass upon his thin face. Before Josh knew it, he could only see the tail ends of the white lab coat disappear out of the door. Josh smirked and returned Volt to his pokeball only after patting him on his head for a good job.

"Well. I'm glad that is over..." Josh said smile staring at the pokeball containing his new pokemon.

"You are so your dad's son...." Romy remarked. "Anyway, give a nickname to the caught Aerodactyl?"

"I think Blacktooth sounds cool. Yeah. I'll name him, Blacktooth," Josh decided to himself.

"That's fine with me. You guys and your masculine names for your pokemon."

"We are heading back to Saffron then?"

"I guess we are," Josh paused taking in a new idea. "We can FLY on Blacktooth now!" Josh exclaimed suddenly.

"W-what? Flying on an Aerodactyl that you just caught, isn't that a bit crazy."

"Maybe it is," Josh paused again and Romy seemed to relax. "But that's not going to stop me. We will go after it is done healing at the Pokemon Center. People do it all the time," Josh said with a very adventurous smile.

"O-okay, why not?" Romy said finally coming to her senses.

It was the most sensible way to get back to Saffron City in a hurry and it did sound awesome once she thought it over. She nodded her head, much to Josh's surprise and they headed outside to the city.

This is an update.
I'm really glad that I have so many viewer. Please if you have the chance, please review.
The story deepens further from chapter 10 down. So be prepared.

I should tell you right now that this part as well as other parts of my story is a strongly based of the Pokemon Special Manga. I will tell you any information that you need. Thanks. Here is Chapter 9. The climax is getting close guys so review!

Chapter 9: Triads of Tyranny

"Great job taking down Team Rocket," Wanye said.

"It was only two of them. Both by the code names of Dusk and Gray, Gray did not fight us," Josh answered.

"Gray and Dusk, you say. They are the prodigy and the seeker of Team Rocket respectively. The both of you are lucky that Gray didn't battle. He's a genius in battling with steel types. We haven't had anyone to beat him in battle yet," Wayne exclaimed.

"Hm...He probably didn't see us as an interest to fight. Perhaps now, he does," Josh said kind of proud of that statement.

"You two great job on your first mission together. You seem to enjoy the mission as well as Josh gaining his second pokemon. By the way, your dad called wondering if you were home yet"

Josh was utterly amused that his dad was this anxious to see him come back. He's only been gone a month or so and practically going to be waiting at the door for him. "That man..." Josh sighed. Josh was anxious to see him but he also had questions in mind about the Team Rocket debacle. It held a residence in his mind even though he forgave him.

"He stated that he has a present for you too. A friend from Hoenn caught something for you at Surge's request. It's a pokemon obviously. I can't say which one though," Wayne said looking at the notepad on his desk.

"Did you really have to write it down to remember it?" Romy suddenly proclaimed.

"Yeah...?" Wayne said surprised that someone actually caught him glancing at the notes.

"That's good. It was probably Drake who caught it for me. He was a friend of my dad's from the Navy. Though they argue which of the POCE is better, they are close friends almost a grandfather figure to me."

"Drake, like the Drake hailing from the Elite Four in the Hoenn Region," Romy stated. "That's so cool. He's like the master of the rarest type in the world. You know someone like that."

"Yeah, he visits all the time..." Josh said almost in and a slow, disorientated tone.

Josh never took into account that Drake was part of the Elite Four nevertheless the best out of all four of them in Hoenn. He was a tall man but not nearly as tall as Surge. He had a lighter skin completion with a build that surprisingly looked very sickly. His ribs were visible like they were perched upon his insides like a hawk. His eyes were sharp like any dragon's eyes; it was like glaring upon a compressed black hole. His key feature was his long gray mustache that seemingly leaped across the upper portion of his lips. He always wore tattered blue jeans, boots, his long ripped trench coat, and his POCE Navy hat. Drake was an unforgettable person.

"I'm heading home guys. Don't worry I'll come back," Josh said nodding his head.

"Romy, you should head back to Celadon too. Erika has been wondering where you have been?"

Romy looked away. Josh was sure that she said that Erika urged her to go. After a staring match, consisted of Josh being the player shooting the glares and Romy evading them, Josh finally had the nerve to ask about it.

"I thought Erika asked you to join us?"

"True...I did say that..." Romy paused for a second. "I lied. I can't face her. Especially after I almost failed to protect the gym…"

Josh and Romy had so many things in common that virtually unbelievable. Though it was more visible that Josh was upset, Romy suffered from the same problems as he. When they were disappointed in themselves, they could not face the people that were involved as a self persecution. Josh could sympathize with her about that. While Josh would lash out on the world, Romy would lash out on herself. Despite her tough girl persona, she was very much human and soft as well.

"Do you want to come with me to Vermilion? You are my partner..." Josh was about to withdraw that statement from sounding like they were going out but Romy just smiled.

"Yes we are. Crime fighter partner," Romy exclaimed although she was holding back a smile doing so.

"Y-you want to come. Especially after my dad, I mean…" if this statement was football, Josh would have fumbled or thrown an interception.

"I guess it will be nice..." Romy contemplated on seeing Lt. Surge in person again.

"Don't worry. He'll be nice," Josh wasn't quite sure of that statement but however he said it.

"Be back by tomorrow. I'm going to try to find another mission for the both of you."

"Where's Nick?" Josh said finally thinking about the emptiness in the hallway upon walking.

"Nick is with one of our veteran members, Justice at Cinnabar Island. He's not one to stay around for long, so you haven't seen him."

"Whew...." Josh exhaled.

"What?" Wayne exclaimed.

"I thought it was only the six of us," as stupid as that sounded, quite honestly that's all he saw.

"Yeah....the rest is stationed throughout Kanto. It's not a lot of members trust me," Wayne reassured.

"Well. That's good. I'm heading home now."

"Have a safe trip!"

Josh nodded and prepared himself to actually head out. The thought had crossed his mind to let his pokemon out of their pokeballs, so he did. Blacktooh and Volt appeared before him as soon as the pokeballs hit the ground. Volt quickly took Josh's side while Blacktooth just sharply glare at Josh before folding its wings. It still didn't trust its new trainer entirely which made the ride here a bit of a rocky one. There were times that he thought was going to fall off and crash his head on a spiky rock somewhere. There were also times that he had the thought that Blacktooth was actually trying to kick him off of his back. The Aerodactyl was a tough one, but it seemed to have gained a little respect from both its trainer and Romy for surviving the flight here.

Josh offered his arm for the Aerodactyl could roost but it declined the request. Volt shrugged his shoulders and continued up the hallway too. Josh followed them.

"Looks like that Aerodactyl is a bit emo..." Romy said running up to Josh from behind.

"He's new to this trainer thing. Not all pokemon is going to be like "I LOVE YOU MAN" kind of pokemon. They are wild."

"You have point," Romy said running fingers through her hair, flicking it to the side.

"Are you prepared to meet my dad? Last time, you didn't get a good impression of him," Josh knew this more than often happened with the people that his dad comes in contact with.

"I know that you two are similar. Loud, arrogant, and crude explains the Surge family that I have met," Romy said with a smirk.

"Are you calling me loud, arrogant, and crude?" Josh said offended.

"I'm just calling you arrogant and crude. Can be loud though…"

Josh smiled broadly. There was honestly nothing else that he could do at that time. He didn't want her point to be proven so he remained silent. Romy had achieved what she wanted, so she flicked her hair in accomplishment.

They walked to the outside of the KRPD headquarters. It was a surprisingly warmer day than normal in the Kanto region. The sunlight shimmered brightly, sending rainbow colored reflections of light from the Silph Corporation's windows throughout the city limits. Upon the yellow and brown bricks of the road, the light exposed many of the shimmering sediments, allowing the road to sparkle as they walk. They call the road behind the Silph Corporation, Main Street, mainly because there were three buildings that attracted many of the tourists. The police department was technically on the far east of town, followed by the Fighting Dojo in the middle, and the Sabrina's psychic gym being on the far west. The city was often sprawling with businessmen, trainer, and tourist like. Today was no different.

"Romy send out your pokemon," Josh suggested. "It would make it easier for me to keep in contact with you."

"They do need some air," Romy grabbed the three balls from her side.

She threw the all three of them in the air sending three pokemon from their Pokemon. Zirk the Ninorino and Marigold the Roselia was the two that Josh recognized. The third was a mammal like creature with blue skin and white fur. Upon its head was a sickle like horn and its tail appeared to be almost like a bat's tail. The creature eyes was very dark red but it appeared to be rather calm than dangerous. The pokemon brushed its head against Romy's leg and gave the same treatment to Josh before returning back to its master.

"Meet Kain the Absol," Romy said as she brushed the velvet like fur of the creature.

"He seems quite friendly," Josh said. The creature looked as though it would be more threatening than collected.

"Normally, he doesn't attract to people like that."

"And you call me arrogant and crude," Josh said puffing out his chest

"You just show evidence of being all those things..."

"Who have I lived with for sixteen of my years?!?" shouted Josh.

"There's loud," Romy pointed out. "You did pose a good point there."

"Where do you think Gabriel run off to?"

"Gabriel..." his name made her spine tingle. It wasn't a good feeling.

"I am sure that we will find them."

"How can you be so sure? I mean he evaded the police this long," Romy's voice seemed to lower.

"I'm more than sure that we will find him. He didn't kill me for a reason, so I am going to be the one that stopped him. He is going to wish that he killed me that day."

"I assumed that you are right."

"Wait! I have something for the both of you!" shouted another voice from a distance.

Josh and Romy as well as the rest of the company with the exception from Blacktooth turned. Katrine was seen swerving through the traffic of Saffron City with two different colored devices in her hand. From a distance it gave the impression of being a PokeGear from the Johto Region. When Katrine handed the green and the red device to Josh and Romy respectively it appeared to much more advance. The device had a clear LCD screen that was framed within a painted metal. Though light device seemed to be rather tough across the face of it. Overall, it appeared to be something akin to a miniaturized computer.

Katrine, Josh, and Romy as well as the pokemon moved to the other side of the road to allow the traffic move more clearly as the obtain these devices.

"Here's your Pokevoyace," Katrine said proudly ordaining them owners of the gadgets.

"Wow. Thanks, Katrine!" Romy said staring at the small devices.

"Okay. What exactly are these things capable of? Nick mentioned that it could understand feeling to hear the pokemon's voice..." Josh was completely unsure in what he was saying.

"The Pokevoyace is a communication device only to be used in the Law Enforcement or the POCE branches of the military. You can't read ALL pokemons' thoughts only those you have a unique bond with. Any pokemon that you caught really..."

Josh's eyes looked at Volt and then at Blacktooth. Romy did the same for Marigold, Zirk, and Kain. Both of them suddenly grabbed the Pokevoyances from Katrine's loose grip. The both of them hunted for the power button. Romy was the one to find it first. She pressed the button causing the screen to light up. An Abra walked across the screen as it loaded before turning to this fairly bright menu screen. Marigold, Kain, Zirk appeared on her screen as two small miniature versions of themselves. Romy found this very charming. The loading screen was a bit different for Josh being a Drowzee instead of Abra. In the end the he found himself at a screen as well with his two pokemon.

"These are the pokemon you can feel the emotion of right now," Katrine went on to explain. "Sabrina, the Gym Leader here, assisted by the Silph Corporation in making this product to react with a trainer in their pokemon. It uses some of the metal found in a "Twisted Spoon" and "Mind Plate" compressed together to make a metal known as "Psychothium." Psychothium in fact helps the thoughts to be successful transferred to each while the Pokevoyace itself translates the words for the Pokemon and Human speech as well as vice-versa."

"So how do we…uh…work this thing," Josh asked. He understood the background, but particulars with technology weren't his strong point.

"How do we speak with them is what he is trying to say," Romy translating Josh's idiocy.

"You just think about it...." Katrine's voice peaked happily.

"You act like that was self-explanatory," Josh said looking at Katrine.

"That was what I was talking about!" Romy exclaimed towards Josh.

"What?"

"Whatever, continue Katrine," Romy gave a hand motion for her to continue.

"Anyway, concentrate on your pokemon and their feelings. If they want to open up to you, then they will. Just close your eyes close your eyes and think about them. It is that easy. Unless you want me to get into how the concentrations resonate with each other," Katrine said swinging her arms. She knew quite a lot about this and she evidently eager to share.

"Uh can we pass?" Josh asked.

"Sure. Just concentrate. I know you are eager."

"Right," Josh and Romy said before doing as they were commanded.

Josh closed his eyes instantly to feel the world around him. His heart was pounding harder and harder waiting to hear something. Josh felt a presence within the dark world behind his close eyes. He couldn't pin point it until he felt the urge to actually speak within his head. It was like someone nudging your shoulder to get your attention. If Josh could turn his head to view the other presence, he would.

"Hello?"

"Please to speak with you at last...Josh," a gallant voice spoke.

"Volt..." Josh thought.

"Yes it is I. Nice that this thing works. I was a bit skeptical."

"I can't believe your voice is a so deep. How do you know...?"

"Human speech," Volt finished Josh's thought. "Were you listening to that woman's speech at all? This thing can translate all 493 known species of my race. Besides, I hear you speak it and I've lived near a power plant most of my life. It's kind of hard not to understand the patterns," Volt gave a warm laughter at his trainer.

Josh knew he was smiling if he opened his eyes. He never expected voice inner voice to be so soothing yet triumphant. It was like the greatest soldier of all time combined with the temperament of monk. Josh wished that his voice was like Volt's inner one.

"I honestly expected your voice to be gruffer...." Josh exclaimed.

"Well. I hear your voice all the time. So I have no complaints." Josh couldn't help but laugh at Volt's statement.

"Do you need anything?"

"No, I do not. But remember, Josh. I'm still your pokemon. I serve you..." Volt paused. "I feel that you better try to contact Blacktooth."

"Alright but one question," Josh was almost hesitating.

"Anything, master," Volt answered

"Why did you trust me?"

"Your eyes master. A pokemon can tell all about a trainer by looking into their eyes. I chose not to break out of that pokeball...well honestly I couldn't break out even if I tried. But still, you are a great trainer. You're calculating, smart, and headstrong. I like that."

"Do you like your name?"

"I thought one question was all that you wanted master," his voice sounded sarcastically amused. He laughed warmly before speaking again. "It's a fitting name. It suits me well."

"You're amazing."

"Ah. As are you, master. Now move along. You need Blacktooth to trust you," Volt spoke proudly.

"Yes. Promise that you'll talk to me again."

"It needs no promise to what is edged in stone, master."

Josh focused his mind on Blacktooth for a moment. He could feel the glimmer of disdain in the pokemon's body. It was then, he knew it was him. Josh heart felt like it was bleeding from the inside out now. He could feel the pokemon waiting for him to speak. It was like a dark cloud was over his head, storming torrential rains to drown him. This pokemon was darkness, it was death.

"Speak before I end up seizing throat with my teeth... "Blacktooth's voice was milky, slow, and sadistic.

"Blacktooth..."

"That's the foolish name that you gave me."

"You don't like it?"

"Do I have a choice? Like when captured me," Blacktooth voice hardened with the word capture.

"I can release you go if you want."

"What would be the meaning of that? To appease my inner needs? Like all trainers what to do, huh. You will give me that painfully obvious tale about how a trainer and a pokemon should love each other and become friends. You are nothing more than a liar. All humans are. They try to appease their pokemon just to get what they want. If that is a championship, a ribbon, merchandise, or food," Blacktooth's voice sharpened to the word food leaving Josh breath in lightly. "Nevertheless, speak."

"You're obviously unhappy," Josh summed up his monologue into three words.

"I'm unhappy? Perhaps I am. But, what if want to stick around for a while, human? Get to know you. Is that what the humans say? Just to prove that you are like any other human. When that time comes…I'll make you regret catching me."

"I can release you," Josh repeated.

"And where would I go, human? Live out in the wild with the rest of my race. Wait. I remember. NO OTHER ONE IS ALIVE. Even if they were, they will be with trainers. So I'm back to square one. Are you happy now?"

"Not exactly, but you can trust me. Trust me just once. I'm not going to make a fool out of you."

"Are you trying to negotiate....what was it, Josh? Negotiate away because I have no choice."

"You're not a slave to me. You always have a choice."

"Nice saying..." he laughed coldly. " But remember. Choices aren't always one leading in the right and one leading to the wrong."

"So you're staying...." Josh remarked.

"Staying? Sure I presume I am. Just remember, "master" that I can kill..."

"Anything can, Blacktooth," Josh's voice turned to that of a murderer himself.

"So you have killer intent too? You might be more interesting than I thought."

The connection was suddenly cut like it had been snipped by scissors. Blacktooth had nothing more to say to Josh and Josh likewise. It felt more like creating a ceasefire more than a friendship. But at least Blacktooth was listening. That was the first steps.

Josh finally opened his eyes. He wanted to talk to Volt once more but he knew that it would be better if they actually got to Vermilion City first. Josh found himself being stared at by both Katrine and Romy. Josh wondered how long have they been there just standing there. It was kind of creepy but Josh found no need tell them that. Instead he had something more important to say.

"THAT WAS AWESOME!" Josh shouted, leaving the rest of the Main Street staring at him like he was some mad man. He retreated to the shadows.

"I know, right!" Romy excited but in a lower tone.

"Oh my goodness, you two," Katrine said as though the Pokevoyace was a normal thing.

"I'll tell you all about it on Route 6, Romy."

"I have a lot to tell you too, Josh. It was so exciting."

"Remember. Charge the Pokevoyace at any Poke Center when you can," Katrine turning back towards the headquarters.

"No problem."

With that in mind, Josh and Romy headed off to Vermilion City. Katrine looked over her shoulder as the two trainers shared conversation. It was good to see them talk.


Cinnabar Island Laboratories

"Looks like the police are here..." Jiro said as he sat within the window pane.

"We better get out of here!" Fleur said looking among the bodies that skewed across the blue tiled floor.

"No no no. I think I'll be the one to handle this. Just promise that you two can get away. Meet me at the boat."

"Gabriel. Two Interpol police members is way above your head," Jiro's voice was unchanged.

"Over my head…" Gabriel paused. He couldn't believe he just said that. "I think not. Let me handle them. You two just skedaddle away. Oh, by the way, Fleur. You have blood all over your neck. Treat Nosferasu a treat somewhere else."

Fleur surprisingly just glance over her shoulder as the purple bat with a set of four wings sipped away at her blood. She just pet the bat happily as the bat drank its meal from the girl's neck. Its red iris of its eyes shined the same color as the blood it was drinking. She returned the Crobat to his pokeball before wiping the remaining blood from her neck with a small white handkerchief from her purse. Jiro eyed her gawkily; he didn't know what exactly to say to something like that.

"Jiro, Let us go if he thinks he can handle the Interpol," Fleur said delicately almost mockingly.

"I'm more than sure I can handle them both. Come on. What you saw was against straggly scientist? I was just playing with them," Gabriel put his hand on his face and tapped it.

Fleur was stunned at that statement. The fact that scientist wasn't exactly the greatest battlers with their Kadabras, did not downplay the fact that he was fighting at a type disadvantage. "What kind of monster was this Gabriel person any way?" Fleur stated. It was something about him. Something about when he flicked that platinum blonde hair as he fought. He was enjoying killing these men. It was filling the thirst in his eyes.

"Why didn't you use your other pokemon?" Fleur asked.

"Rainey against generic Kadabras," Gabriel seemed genuinely appalled by the statement. "Please, Fleur, keep you insults to yourself. You were working at a disadvantage too you know."

"Demetrio doesn't like close space nor does Alexia. So, Nosferasu was my only choice. Besides, he knows Dark Pulse," Fleur said 'Dark Pulse' like it was saying 'unicorn'.

"I guess that makes sense," Gabriel had to admit Dark Pulse with Nasty Plot was dastardly combination. "But don't question my motives again. I'm one for the challenge and the challenge was to be Psychic types with a Fighting type. Simple as pie," Gabriel paused. "Well I don't make pie but whatever. It's easy. Just leave now. I will handle the two goon of the KRPD."

Jiro grabbed Fleur from the ground and placed her upon his back. He leaped out of the two story window of the science lab and proceeded to the boat towards the bay area. Gabriel had to admit, for a man well over the two-hundred pound mark, he was like a ninja. Gabriel only could imagine Fleur's reactions. It was sad that he would have to contemplate on something more important that moment.

The door was forced open showing Gabriel in the room with a blood pouring down the slicked floors. Gabriel studied the two officers to find that neither of them was Josh. He found himself subconsciously disappointed at the revelation. However, he did recognize one of however, Nick Guerrero. Gabriel remembered him from a press conference on television one time in which he told the public about the wild arson on the loose. He despised him for making him look like a sadist. The other man, Gabriel had not recognized.

The man was of a sickly white completion like no sun could have ever reached it. He had short shaved hair with a receding hair line. He was smaller man though his body seemed rather toned for a man his age. His eyes, a cold dark color, mixed between the black of a midnight sky and a blue of the deep sea. Around his chin was a scruffy graying beard that interceded with his cheeks. He was dress simply in a long black shirt and black jeans. Gabriel found him unsightly.

"Who are you?" Gabriel pointed towards the newer (or previously unseen) officer.

"Are you the one that did this?"

"I didn't do ALL of this. But I did most. So what's your name?" Gabriel acted as that was just something you can casually enter into a conversation.

"You're Gabriel Kirk, the famous Coordinator for the Hoenn Region, correct. That's a surprising, don't you say?" the bearded man continued to talk.

"That is correct. But since you know that information, I can't let either of you live. So one last time what is your name, sir?" Gabriel eyes flashed with devilish intentions.

"For you, my name is Justice…" Justice bowed.

"Justice, do not him lightly. We have to handle them together. Naomi couldn't douse his flames," Nick finally spoke.

"See how he handles this. Uriel! You have been chosen...." Justice said.

A black ball released from the man's cold hands and slammed into the ground. From the unique black smoke that emitted from the pokeball came a charcoal black dog. The black dog appeared to have had skeletons all over its body; thin bones on its back, skull around the neck, white rings around its legs, and white horns. Its devil tail wrapped around its masters leg and stood proudly waiting its command.

"A Houndoom," Gabriel stared at the dog for a couple more moments. "Don't you think that you're overconfident? I have the type advantage..."

"You destroy Kadabras with Combusken. Do not be pompous enough to think that I cannot do the same," Justice spoke.

"I presume this is a thing of skill," Gabriel took this time to catch his breath. "Nick," he began. "You've been uniquely quiet. Does a Skitty have your tongue?"

"There is nothing to say. I'm going to stop you here," Nick kept his statement short.

"Then throw out your pokemon, tough guy," Gabriel said hunching and taunting Nick with his finger.

"Jolty...you're in."

Nick threw his pokeball into the air and a pokemon lunged from it to the ground. It was another dog-like creature but this one appeared to be much smaller than the Houndoom. Its body was covered with spiky yellow fur aside from the spiky white collar. It had sharp black eyes that looked up at his master. It felt unsure for some reason. Like something was bothering it.

"Jolty...something wrong," Nick asked.

"It knows it going to lose, today," Gabriel said pulling two of his pokeball from his side.

"Do you think we are going to give you a chance to throw your pokeball? Uriel, Flamethrower."

But before the flames ever reached close to Gabriel, the long body of Rainy the Gorebyss blocked the attack. Uriel was quickly counterattacked by Fire Punch but the flames were quickly absorbed by Uriel's Flash Fire. Zuri jumped backward when she found that it had that ability; it quickly struck back with a Dark Pulse sending Zuri reeling. Zuri was virtually unharmed, but the attack was only to show that in fact it could attack as well.

"Very nice, your Houndoom has Flash Fire. That's all I needed to know..." Gabriel said flicking his hair.

"To know that your pokemon can take Dark Pulses is a good hint as well."

"But can your Gorebyss take a Thunderbolt?" Nick asked pointing to the Gorebyss.

The Jolteon quickly closed in and stuck a powerful thunderbolt towards Gabriel and Rainy who was still wrapped are his trainer. Gabriel dodged the attack along with Rainy. In response, Rainy performed a powerful ice beam. The attack wasn't aimed at Jolty at all but was aimed at Nick who had to avoid it by rolling out of the way.

"An eye for an eye..." Gabriel shrugged.

"Touché..." Justice was the one that said it even though he wasn't the one that was attacked.

"Honestly guys. I do have boat to catch. So I can't play for so long. Zuri, Brick Break. Gorebyss, Water Pulse.

"Uriel, Hidden Power Ice!"

"Thunderbolt, Jolty."

Gabriel's two pokemon lunged into action. Uriel and Jolty performed the two attacks together while Gabriel put his creativity to good use. Rainy had shot the rings of water into something similar to a geyser to get Zuri higher to avoid the attacks instead of Rainy attacking himself. Zuri dived down to Uriel to strike him with a powerful descending chop. Though the attack was a super-effective strike, the dark pokemon kept his stance strongly. The frustration was settling in Gabriel's face. His normally passive expression had changed to complete anger.

"I'm sorry I can't have this anymore..." the frustration had leaked into Gabriel's voice now.

Gabriel's himself lunged towards Nick within a blindly speed. He suddenly appeared behind him and whispered a set of words with his ear.

"I'm done playing….die…" Gabriel's voice turned to that a demon.

"Damn it…" Nick whispered lowly.

Before Nick could react, Gabriel had stabbed him in the back with his claw like nails induced with flames. Nick looked down for a couple of moments to realize that blood with dripped from his stomach. He suddenly felt weaker and it began to burn. Gabriel removed his hand before the man fell to the ground in his own pool of blood. His entire forearm was covered in warm blood. He just watched maliciously smirking, licking the man's blood from his fingertips.

Justice quickly withdrew Uriel from the battle to tend to his partner's body. He was in pretty bad shape now. Justice clinched his teeth as he looked at Nick's breathing became harder and harder trying to gain air. Gabriel shrugged before dashing towards the window.

"Well well. Two interpol was a bit too much for me. Too bad I couldn't have taken a better way out," Gabriel's voice was back to his normal carefree one.

"I will get you."

"No. No. No. I don't think so, Mr. Justice. Tell Josh that was a gift."

Justice quickly began calling the paramedics allowing Gabriel to get away. Nick's life was more important than capturing Gabriel at the time. At least they knew it was Gabriel now. He began working the best that he could with his bloodied patient laying motionless on the ground.

"Dad I'm home!"

Before Josh could even knock, his dad flung the door open of the gym. He observed Josh then observed Romy. The thought of them possibly being a couple (even though they weren't) never crossed his mind. People often assumed when he and Yuki, Josh's mom, were going out when they first was seen together. So, he never assumed others to be. But the fact that he did marry that woman that he considered his "partner" was kept close in his mind as well.

"Is this your partner?" Surge asked staring at the young lady.

"I am. Rosemary Kimura. But you can call me, Romy."

"Okay, Romy," Surge said her name with an exclusive charm. "Come in. Josh, I'm cutting your hair, it's becoming long." In fact, Josh's hair had become rather shaggy in just a month or so. Romy kind of liked it but it was obvious that Josh didn't like it. It obscured his vision.

Surge examined Romy once more. He was impressed with the young lady. Not many of people had a strong stance like she did. It was very womanly and it doubled as one of strength. He felt like she would be a perfect match for Josh if he actually knew how to pursue a lady. But her face was striking familiar, though. The last name felt familiar as well. Like distant memory, Surge quickly shoved the thought aside.

Surge disappeared into the gym which allowed Romy and Josh to follow. The traps was thankfully inactivate because that would have left an impression that Josh didn't want. To Romy, it just looked like Surge had many silver poles concreted into the ground. Josh gave a breath of relief.

Josh had noticed that his dad was less than his normal self. He was rather withdrawn than normal. The volume of his voice was low to the ground and he couldn't maintain eye contact, something that he preached about. His stance was that of Josh's when he was upset. His shoulders were slumping ever so slightly. Josh knew something was wrong.

"Did something happen?" Josh asked.

"No..." Surge caught himself lying. "Sabrina came just before you did. I'm still a bit reeling."

"Why Sabrina," Josh asked.

"Her along with Koga from Fuchsia City were part of the Rocket Triad. That was including me of course."

Josh took a while to process that. So they were the three top members of Team Rocket. Josh's heart wrenched leaving him to close his eyes. Surge was obviously upset about this too since his cold blue eyes became warmer. This conversation couldn't be avoided any more. The invisible fissure had become noticeable and it was time to mend it.

"Why were you with Team Rocket?"

"It was my mistake. I couldn't fill the violent void that consumed my body after the war so I went to Giovanni. I became a monster until your mom came in my life to change my life. Unfortunately…she paid that price…not me. "

"I-"

Josh could understand. Postwar trauma was something that was common, the traps was contest to this fact. Josh just smiled it off. What his dad saw in the battlefield was things that he couldn't shake off. Violence was all he knew at the time and joining Team Rocket would have been a way to get rid of the pain. Josh knew that was the truth because he had seen his dad wake up in the middle of his nights in a cold sweat.

"I understand, dad. It's nothing for you to worry about. I'm not mad at you."

"You're the greatest son a man could have," Surge said holding back tears.

"You're crying...with guest around," Josh smirked.

Surge quickly shook off the tears before they could form and escaped to the other side of the gym to the bathroom. Josh went to the chair on the other side of the gym, which his dad normally sits at, and sat in it. It was a comfortable seat since Surge had to sit until a trainer would challenge him.

"Hey dad," Josh sounded.

"Yeah!" he responded.

"Want to see Volt and Blacktooth?"

"Hell. Sure."

Surge quickly entered back into the main room with the black clippers and a black and yellow towel in hand. Josh quickly grabbed the two pokeballs from his side and threw them. Volt and Blacktooth appeared before Josh. Volt eyed Surge a bit before closing its eyes in amusement. Surge was surprised seeing the Electabuzz so strong and with a battle scar at that.

Blacktooth withdrew itself to studying Lt. Surge from a distance. For some reason, it felt the bloodlust radiating from Lt. Surge.

"I guess an apology is in order, Volt," Surge said looking the Electabuzz, kneeling down. "You are doing a great job protecting my son, as an Elekid and an Electabuzz. I have a present for you."

Surge placed the towel and the clippers on the floor and pulled out a dog tag necklace from his pocket. He placed it around Volt's neck and it gazed at it. He seemed to enjoy the memento since it toyed with it between his claws before giving a smile of its own.

"You remind me much of my Electabuzz before I released it back into the wild. I thank you."

Volt nodded his head, he seemed to like Surge a lot compared to the last time where he tried to fight him. Surge hugged the Electabuzz tightly before picking the haircutting items back up. He proceeded to the chair that Josh was sitting at and flipped it over causing Josh to slam on the ground. Romy's eyes widened. "Is this child abuse?" Josh got up quickly and kicked his dad in the knees. "I guess not...." Romy finished the thought. Surge put the chair back on all fours and Josh sat cross-legged by his dad's feet.

Surge placed the towel around his son's neck before plugging the clippers into the wall.

"May I recommend something, Josh?" Romy said suddenly.

"Sure," what exactly Romy was going to recommend had him puzzled.

"How about military style mohawk?" she threw it out there.

"Hm..." Surge stroked his chin. "I like the sound of that.

"Where is my opinion? It's my hair!" Josh shouted. "Okay. Okay. I'll try it."

Before Josh could hardly finish his sentence, Surge was well on his way to create a mohawk for Josh. He saw threads of his blonde hair fall in front of his face. Surge was a beast with clippers, so Josh found himself worried at first. But as quickly as he started it, it was done. Surge wiped the hair from his pants before standing up. Surge took the black towel, amazingly keeping all the hair that the towel caught intact. Surge disposed of the hair and came back with a mirror.

Josh liked the hair cut a lot after seeing it. The slicked blonde mohawk made him look rather different. He seemed to be a little older with it. Besides, anything was better than the mop of blonde that he had on his head before.

"How do you like it?" Josh asked Romy.

'F-fine. Just fine..."

Josh didn't notice it but Surge did. The girl was beet red. She wouldn't have recommended it she didn't like it. Josh was just obscenely oblivious. Surge wouldn't have recognized himself if he wasn't married before. He just laughed it off.

"Hey, Josh!" Surge said suddenly making Romy turn even redder. "Don't worry, it's not about you Romy." She sighed in relief leaving Josh confused on the transaction. "Drake left a present for you at my request."

Surge placed a steel blue pokeball in Josh's face leaving Josh to just look at it. Out of nowhere he snatched it. It was obviously a Hoenn pokemon but which one. It wasn't something that would grow up to be a weak pokemon. That just wasn't Drake kind of thing. He tames Dragon pokemon so weakness was completely out of the question. Josh couldn't wait so he threw the pokeball.

Romy gasped from seeing the pokemon but Josh didn't know exactly what to think of the small thing. It was steel type obviously by its steel blue body. It had a long body and appeared to be something of dumbbell. The only real defining feature of this pokemon was that it had a one large red eye. Josh wondered what it was for a couple moments while Romy walked around it envious.

"It's a BELDUM!" Romy shouted all of a sudden.

"Beldum?" Josh knew then that pokemon from other regions wasn't exactly his strong point.

"Beldum is a psychic and steel type pokemon. Beldum uses magnetism by the magnetic waves coursing through its body like blood. He can communicate using these magnetism charges."

"Wow....kind of like dad's Magneton?"

"Just like my Magneton son. He told me that he brought it to Sinnoh first to teach it Zen Headbutt, Iron Head, and Iron Defense because Beldum's movepool isn't greatest at this level."

"Hm.. .Interesting. I'm naming Bradley," Josh named it out of the blue.

"Why?" Romy asked slightly confused.

"It's a tank name from the American Army," Surge explained.

"Looks like Surges know their wars," Romy said shrugging.

Bradley the Beldum looked at Volt and Blacktooth for a while. It seemed to be trusting of Volt but the complete opposite of Blacktooth. Josh was slightly amused at the glares this Beldum was giving Blacktooth. It was a very animated steel pokemon. Josh enjoyed having a party of pokemon. It brought flavor to his life.

The inside of Josh's pocket began to rumble. Puzzled in what exactly could be vibrating in his pocket, he took it out. It was the Pokevoyace but it was ringing like a telephone. Did Katrine forget to tell him that it doubled as a phone too? Josh grabbed it and stared it for some time.

"Press Talk, son," Surge said with a look of sarcasm written on his face.

Josh saw the green button with the word talk spewed across it—Josh gave himself a face palm. He pressed the button and put the device to his ear. He was met by a somber voice on the other side of the line; it was almost like the person's was crying. It was Katrine.

"Katrine," Josh questioned the voice on the other end.

"Josh! Oh thank heavens you figured it out!"

"Uh...do I look that incompetent with technology?" Josh asked himself before speaking; he thought he had least looked compatible. "What's wrong?"

"Nick is in the hospital. He's in critical condition. I don't know what's going to happen to him."

"Katrine, calm yourself."

"O-okay," Katrine's voice was becoming broken with her sobbing.

"Where is he?"

"They are transferring him now from Cinnabar Island's hospital to Celadon. You can meet us there."

"Got it."

Josh pressed the red button on the side and stuffed the Pokevoyace back into his pocket. Romy and Surge as well as many of the pokemon waited for his response. But Josh had fallen silent. Josh felt something astray even more than Nick being in the hospital. He could feel something astray about the entire thing. It made him angry in a way that hasn't been. He could feel it bloom like a flowers within the springtime.

"Nick....is in the hospital...." Josh's voice, it was a unique blend of hot and cold—lukewarm.

"W-what?" Romy clutched her shoulder.

"He's in bad shape apparently. They are taking him to Celadon hospital...."

"Son. Go now. You obvious are caring for this person...." Surge knew this by the invisible ink that dripped from his son's face.

"I'm going. Blacktooth."

Blacktooth's sharp eyes darted towards Josh. Josh shot an "I will kill you right now" glare back and Blacktooth withdrew his. It almost like he feared Josh for a moment there. Josh returned both Volt and Bradley to their pokeballs and swung the door of the Gym open. Both Romy and Surge turned towards each other; they never felt a wind like that before. It felt like an evil just broke through, searching for blood. "My god…." Romy thought. She followed him out of the gym.

Chapter 10: What's More Than a Monster?

"He's in critical condition right now. We are not accepting visitors."

"Will he...survive?"

"It's a slight chance that he will. We will do what we can."

The nurse was as concise as possible. She disappeared back where she had came leaving Josh empty within the waiting room. More than anything, he hated this. Patiently waiting for the nurse to come back to give him the progress they have been making. They kept telling him time and time again that he was helpless in the sweetest of ways. "There was nothing you could." "I'm sorry about your friend." "If he doesn't make it, there is grief consulting provided" These thoughts was subtlety brainwashing him. His hands felt cold as thought they were going to fall off the limb that provided them support. Only the warmth of Romy's hand kept him from feeling powerless or rather soulless.

"Mr. Josh Surge. You have visitor," another nurse popped her head in before leaving quickly.

Josh didn't want to leave Romy since he had felt like anything less than human if he did. Romy hadn't noticed they were holding hands until Josh pulled his hand away and stood up. She blushed slightly even though her eyes were filling with tears of worry. Josh walked slowly towards the doors and flung it open to view the rest of the dull white hallways of Celadon. They were just like the bland white walls of the waiting room. All of it disgusted him at the moment.

Within the hallway was the lady dubbed as his visitor. The young lady had dark blue hair to the length of her back; her bangs cut perfectly to the middle of her forehead. She was a rather medium sized lady with a childish appearing face but very womanly body. Her red eyes glimmered mischievously as she walked under the bright lights of the hospital. It was like no other person saw her. They walked past her like she was just a normal occurrence. The girl obviously something more than just "normal", she couldn't fit into that mold even if she melted herself into.

She glanced towards Josh for a while and noticed his expressions on his face. She kept her seldom expression and closed her eyes. Josh's chin was forced up by a mysterious force. He found himself looking directly in the crimson glare of eyes. Josh too had no expression. The girl was impressed but it wasn't visible on her face.

"You're Josh Surge...correct?" her voice reminded him of his own. It felt like it wasn't even hers. Like another woman was speaking from this lips of this woman. But indeed, it was this woman speaking.

"I am," Josh's voice remained frigid.

"I'm Sabrina from Saffron City Gym..." the woman said extending her hand.

"You know your name. You know my dad," Josh said glaring at the woman taking her hand loosely.

"Actually, I didn't know Surge had a son until recently. But on to what I came here for," Sabrina said pulling her hand away easily from the grip that Josh had applied.

"You came to speak to me about something...Sabrina. You teamed with my father long ago in Team Rocket. What do you have to say?"

"That is correct. But that is not what I came to speak about," Sabrina paused for a moment. "It's about the visions I have had since you walked through my city."

"What of your visions?" Josh's face hardened more than it already was. It could have cracked.

"I wanted to tell you. It was Gabriel who did this to Nick...."

"What!?! You knew Gabriel was on this killing spree! You didn't tell anyone!" Josh was shouting now.

"Neither did you," her point was clear. "They know now. But they won't interfere. They don't want to cause a scene due to Gabriel being of significant value. It's going to take a move by you to stop him..."

"Where is he?" Josh lowly.

Josh suddenly grabbed towards the girl. He couldn't get a good grasp on her before Sabrina suddenly teleported behind him to push him down. Josh's anger was obviously swelling beyond his normal bounds since the look of his eyes showed intentions that he wouldn't even think about. Sabrina sighed, thinking twice about telling him the information that he wanted to hear. She was never one to think twice about anything. It showed weakness.

Sabrina pulled out a pokeball and threw it to a ground. A human-like creature with the appearance to of somewhat fox-like appeared from the pokeball. It appeared to have a long mustache like fur around its mouth that fell around the mid-portion of its slender body. In each hand, the creature held a silver spoon. It twirled these spoons waiting for its master order.

"Alakazam. Reflect and Light Screen."
"Yes, Sabrina..." an echoing voice replied.

After a moment of whispering from the creature, the Alakazam formed a powerful invisible barrier on hallway. This was obviously to keep the people out as well as pokemon trying to break in for no good reason. But it held a reason as well; no one outside of the double layered barrier could hear the sounds of their voices. Even if was just beyond the dark blue door of the waiting room. Josh prepared himself for battle by taking out his pokeball but they were quickly taken from his hand and belt by the telekinetic powers of Sabrina. They floated by her and were placed on the ground at her feet. Josh tried to stand up but was forced down again by Sabrina's telekinetic powers.

"We came here to talk," the echoing voice spoke again lingering in the air.

"Tell me where he is!" Josh was now roaring.

"He's heading towards Seafoam Island. You should meet him there. I've foreseen it," Sabrina eyes showed that she wasn't lying.

"Then let me out!"

"Josh, patience!" the Alakazam's telepathic voice thundered from the disrespect he was giving his trainer. "There is one thing that my master wants to tell you. More important than the location of that of child," Alakazam downplayed the severity of Gabriel. Josh found that as a joke in itself.

"Alakazam is correct. I do have one thing left to tell you."

Josh fell silent and patiently watched as she struggled with herself to tell it behind her own stone blockades in her mind. He was annoyed by it. If she had the nerve to keep him her, locked in the invisible shackles of her powers, she shouldn't be conflicted to tell him anything. Of course, Sabrina read those thoughts formed a rather reluctant face. At the end, this statement couldn't be avoided. It needed to be said.

"To beat a monster, one must become a larger one..." Sabrina said as she turned towards the hallway.

"Good luck defeating him, Son of Surge...." the Alakazam said while breaking the barriers, making a glass shattered sound as they crumbled to the ground.

"That's all!"

"Meet him at Seafoam Island..."

Sabrina with her Alakazam disappeared into thin air after walking halfway down the hallway. Josh picked his three pokeball up off of the ground and glanced towards the elevator. It would be the better choice for him not to rely on the help of Romy. Anyone could be in danger with Gabriel. He had no choice but to leave her here. It wasn't a fact of trust. It was the fact of protection.

He thought twice about it almost conflicted. He didn't want her involved in this fight, it was his. Though it could be viewed as selfishness, Josh wanted Gabriel all to himself. He wanted that carry that burden of a lost life.

Instead of going down the elevator, he wanted to take the more direct approach. Any second could prove viable to catching Gabriel. His head turned to the windows. They were locked by some sort of contraption. Josh tampered with these locks in the window for a moment and flung the largest one opened. He pulled out his pokeball and threw it out of the window. Blacktooth quickly emerged from it and hovered in the air. Josh jumped out of the window and Blacktooth caught him, remembering those eyes from before. He closed his eyes trying to connect to his pokemon.

"Do you think this is the right thing, master?" Volt's voice suddenly interceded.

"It's for the protection of the world, Volt. I must."

"I get that master...but...I believe."

"Let the kid do what he wants, Volt," Blacktooth quickly taking Josh's side for the reason that violence was involved.

"I'm just saying that Bradley does not have the ability to even communicate with Josh yet! Get your priority straight, Blacktooth. This is about our master. How can you say something as foolish as that?

"I'm not using Bradley in battle," Josh thundered suddenly. "Blacktooth and Volt, we are going to train on the island until he arrives."

"Why are you so adamant in defeating this man, Josh?" Volt inquired.

"HE CANNOT GET AWAY WITH THIS VOLT. Everyone is letting him get away to avoid controversy."

"This kid has connections. Gabriel is the son of the President of the Hoenn region. I heard Naomi and Nick talk about it when I was in comatose," Volt exclaimed. "Getting him her, might cause an all out war between Kanto and Hoenn!"

"I don't care if he is the President of the United States. I'm going to hurt him for trying to kill Nick."

"Do you as you wish master," Volt conceded.

"This kid got guts," Blacktooth thought proudly. "I might him a lot more than I thought I would."

Josh flipped himself on the back side of Blacktooth's back which allowed Blacktooth to pick up speed. Josh picked up his Pokevoyace and strolled to find a map of the region. Once he found the map, he found the place that he was looking for. He placed the device within Blacktooth's face. The winged creature nodded its head following with its eyes the hightlighted route that the Pokevoyace had provided.

"I'll give any further direction, Blacktooth."

"I never thought I'll be saying this. But let's get this kid, Josh Surge."

"Where has Josh been?" Romy tapped against the surface of the table before her.

Over an hour had passed within the white prison of the waiting room. Romy had browsed over the several of piles of magazines trying to past the time. But instead, it only worsened the apprehension. Romy just sat within the room waiting for Josh to come bursting back through the room. He hadn't. She was sure that Josh would come back to at least get the progress of Nick until the hospital closed or allowed visitor, either one that came first. But his sudden disappearance irked Romy. "Where did Josh go?"

Romy opened the door to view the hallway. She looked for the first doctor or nurse that could have seen Josh. The first person to fit this rather vague criterion was a light haired nurse. Romy approached her.

"Miss," Romy caught the woman's attention.

"How my I help you," the woman straighten her stance.

"Have you seen a young man," Romy went on to describe Josh's blond hair, blue camouflage, bluish-green eyes.

"Matter of fact," she kept that "matter of fact tone" as she thought. "He might have been the person's that exited out of the window. Does he have an Aerodactyl?" the nurse went on to ask.

"Yes, w-where was he headed?" Romy asked panicking.

"Don't know…"

With that said the nurse disappeared with this slightly helpful and not so helpful information conveyed. Romy clutched her hand tightly. She didn't know when or where to go looking for Josh but she felt something was wrong. Was he looking for the person who harmed Nick? Did he know? Where would he have gone? With that she thought she should at least return back to the waiting room.

Against the blue door of the waiting room, she was meant with a torn piece of folding white paper. She picked it from the ground and opened it. She skimmed the letter over then read it over again to reassure herself that what the paper said was true. Her heart jumped out of her chest as she read it for a third time. Romy crumpled it within her pocket as she sprung into action. She began dashing down the hallway as quickly as she could.

"No. No. No. No. This can't be happening. You can't handle him by yourself now. You just can't!"

Romy ran through the hallway as quickly as she ever thought she could have run before. Swerving through doctors, patients, nurses, and visitors alike she pushed through the crowd. It was only when she made it to the elevator, she stopped running. As quickly as she entered, she closed the elevator door to avoid any unnecessary interruptions. She quickly pressed the "down" button as rapidly as she could. Though it flashed, the elevator wasn't moving. But after a while, it slowly descended.

While standing in the blue carpeted and silver walled elevator, she was forced to think again. The elevator seemed like a crawl to her. She wouldn't have cared if it was light speed right now. She wanted to press the "1st floor" button so many times to increase the speed somehow. But she resisted the urge somehow and waited while the music of the elevator fluttered in the background.

When the elevator finally hit the first floor and the silver doors opened, Romy jetted from it. Despite the large group of people waiting, she ran through them like they were ghost waiting to board the train to their final destination. She headed for the glass door and flung them open almost hitting an elderly gentleman on her way. She apologized but kept running down the road.

Running through the residential area of Celadon City, she kept hope in her mind that someone at her home could help her. Her heart was ready to give way from the pain and her breathing was becoming tenser as she ran. She stopped at the drive way of a medium sized teal colored home. She knocked on the red mahogany door several times forcing the inhabitants to open it. A medium sized, older gentlemen with hair peppered gray hair stared at her for a couple of moment. His thin face lit up seeing that it was Romy but his blue eyes turned sour when he saw that his daughter panting.

"Sweety, why were you running?"

"Sorry dad can't explain. Where's are my brothers?

"Actually, they are both here. Why?" the older man's feature progressed into further confusion.

"I'll talk about it later, dad."

"Okay dear. They are upstairs."

Romy's dad, Leonard, knelled down and kissed his only daughter on the cheek. She returned with a quick hug before entering into the house. She dashed up the white carpeted stairs and dashed into the first room she came across. Luckily, both Kael and Logan were in Kael's room so talking to both of them at once would be easier. She stopped to take a breather while her two older brothers took the time to reconfigure what was happening.

Kael, the oldest brother with spiky black hair looked at his sister as she panted. He maneuvered his slightly larger body from the bed and quickly knelt to his sister's height. His hazel eyes met towards his sister's teal ones as he pressed his larger fingertip upward to bring his sister's chin up as she rapidly increased and decreased her breathing. He was indeed fairly large since he could do this kneeling; standing at least seven foot and indeed he looked threatening. He wore a black skull shirt, torn blue jeans, spiked bracelets, and tattoos all over his body; he indeed lived up to being a pretty intimidating individual. He sat Indian style to talk with his sister properly.

"Sis, what's wrong," Kael voice thundered, he couldn't help it.

"Kael. Can I borrow a flying pokemon from either you or Logan?"

"Sure sis. But...I kind of don't have one. You know growth spurt and all. I'll have to find a Lugia to fly me anywhere. Ask Logan."

"Ha ha..." Romy laughed briefly. It was true.

"Logan probably has one.....LOGAN!" Kael roared.

Another male appeared from behind Kael's larger body. He was significantly smaller than his older brother, only taller than Romy by a couple of inches or so. He had smoothed blonde and black hair now, but originally it was a rust red color like Romy's. His eye color was pure blue like his dad. The first thing people will probably notice about him though was his cocky smile. He was dressed in a red t-thirst, blue pair of shorts, and high-cut black and red sneakers.

"Hey. Sis, what do you need?" Logan looked at his sister.

"She needs a flying pokemon!" Kael said standing up to tower over him to increase the intimidation factor.

"Dude. I'm going to need it. It's going to be a tournament soon and..."

Kael basically gave something equal to a human snarl. Kael shoved Logan into the door and pressed him against it. A small ghost appeared beside Kael as he did it. It appeared to be a small grim reaper looking creature with a skull for a face, a black cloth-like body, and a pair of white bones on its back. Its single red eye glared at Logan as well.

"You will let our sister borrow your Noctowl. Got it..." Kael waved his finger as he did the small ghost creature.

"How about let her borrow, Skulker?" Logan said trying to change the subject.

"I have before. She needed his guidance at night…" Kael digressed. "But that's not the point."

"How about you evolve it?"

"NO. Skulker is going to stay a Duskull. Got it! But that's not the subject you con-artist. Let my sister borrow your Noctowl!" Kael's voice rumbled the house when he yelled. Imagine what he fist could do.

"But--"

"Skulker. Do it."

If you could see a Duskull smile, it probably would be right now. It nodded it head at its master command and began spinning its head around. This caused Logan to cringe like nothing Romy had ever seen before. He tried to close his eyes but Kael will slam him against the wall forcing them back open again. He submitted quickly to this form of torture handing the pokeball containing the Noctowl to Kael. Kael snapped his finger allowing the Duskull to stop. Skulker busted out in a scary laughter and so did Kael which was madly similar. He released his brother and handed his sister the pokeball.

"Thanks big bro," Romy said.

"Anytime," Kael said reaching down to hug his sister. They embraced.

"You too, Logan," Romy remarked.

"Whatever," Logan said quickly resuming to the video game that was paused to get his mind of the Duskull's tactics.

Romy smiled at her oldest brother Kael before going back down the stairs. Her dad was still standing in the doorway preparing for her to leave. Leonard gave a slight smile.

"Bye dad," Romy said reaching to her dad's height to receive a hug.

"Okay, be safe," Leonard said providing the hug.

Leonard kissed her on both sides of her cheeks before Romy scurried off. She threw the pokeball into the air and the Noctowl emerged from it. It was larger than most Noctowl's. Logan found it on one of his ranger missions, so it was his partner pokemon. Romy knew to be very careful with this Noctowl for that sheer fact.

The large brown feathered owl stretched it wings before keeping a stronger flight. Romy grabbed onto the talons of the Noctowl. The owl flew higher into the air as Romy pulled the crinkled white paper. She read over the inked written on the paper. "Seafoam Island…" she whispered to herself.
Seafoam Islands, Noon

Nothing could stand in his way as he plowed through Dewgong, Golbats, Weezings, and Zubats like they were inanimate. Volt and Blacktooth worked as well as Bradley who was forced to combat weaker enemies. Bradley wouldn't be able to battle so Josh just used him for supporting the rest of the team. Even he used his electricity from his trainer skill a couple of times to protect himself since all three of his pokemon were busy training.

It was pretty cold within Seafoam Island caves. It was rumored to be the roosting place of Articuno so ice was expected to be here. Josh was used to it though. He never took warm showers to wake him up, always cold, so he never got sick. But now more than ever, the frigidness never effected him. He was working on pure adrenaline training these pokemon for the war ahead.

"I feel a disturbance in static current…a boat perhaps," Volt mentioned.

Before they started to train, Josh had ordered Volt to create a static web using the power of his "Shock Wave" at a more controlled pattern. The Shock Wave would ride the waves of the water as well as the air for complete surveillance. Even Volt had not believed that it would work, but yet he could sense almost anything in the area. Josh had named the skill "Mantra" since it transformed lightning into something of omnipresence.

Josh quickly returned Bradley to his pokeball. He made his way back through the cave effortlessly with Blacktooth and Volt not too far behind. He didn't enter too far in the cave but just enough to see the icicles on the walls. He was back outside in the warmer more tropical climate of the Seafoam Island. He waited on the beach barefoot as the boat sailed towards his way.

From a distance, he could see the three people on the boat. Two he didn't recognize while the other he did. The one he did though, mattered greatly. It was Gabriel. They shared a glance from the distance. Gabriel himself seemed amused at Josh's glare. It had changed greatly since there last encounter. For some reason it reminded him of his own. The same glare he had to look in the mirror every day. Gabriel wanted to see how it was when life was fading from it. He couldn't pass up this chance.

"Jiro…dock it," Gabriel spoke lightly.

Jiro maneuvered the ship for docking at Gabriel's command. Jiro was surprisingly good at controlling the ship and managed to get it close enough to the beach for he could launch the bridge to the sand. He did so and all three got off the boat one after another, Gabriel being last.

"Ah...Interpol again..." Jiro said staring at Josh.

"How could you tell?" Fleur's voice seemed flirtation and light. "He's looks pretty normal to me, despite kind of cute too."

"He's definitely Interpol because I recommend him in Saffron City's Pokemon Center. Remember? Joshua," Gabriel almost mocked.

"You HURT Nick, monster!"

"My my. All of this undeserved anger, may I defend myself," Gabriel asked. "He attacked me first!"

"Bastard!"

Gabriel seemed to be utterly amused at the flame that was in Josh's eyes. Gabriel found this to be a game and Josh was playing it real well. Gabriel just shrugged at his success of actually baiting his rival to fight again, though he initially didn't plan for this to happen this early. But the entertainment was here. It was something that he couldn't just give up on a whim.

"So what are you plan on doing with that Aerodactyl and Electabuzz? Are you going to fight me?"

"But...my mission," Fleur said sadly.

"Don't worry, love. Romy is bound to come running. I've heard they have been traveling together," Gabriel said directing that comment more towards Josh. "I'm going to enjoy mutilating that smooth body of hers. I hope her blood is just as red as her hair or her cheeks. Or maybe I want to watch her teal eyes fall into blackness? Or--"

"Stop it now! You are after Romy just like you were after Nick" Josh shouted.

"I wasn't AFTER Nick fore say. But yeah, I'm out to kill Ms. Kimura."

"Not if I defeat you first," Josh's voice showed hate. Not just hate, contempt of Gabriel's existence.

"Try and stop me," Gabriel said bluntly.

"Be careful, Gabriel. You're underestimating him because you beat him before," Jiro stated.

"I don't underestimate anyone, Jiro," Gabriel shrugged his shoulders."Coordinators cannot afford to underestimate even the most unlikely opponent."

"Get 'em!" Fleur said jumping up and down.

Gabriel flicked his hair and pulled out two pokeballs. The first slammed into the ground revealing Zuri. Flashes of the first fight emerged in Josh's thoughts. The second ball struck into the ground revealing Rainey. Josh touched his neck when Rainey finished showing off from its pokeball. Fleur seemed to be amazed at Rainey's beauty and touched it. But she quickly backed away when Volt shot a full-fledge thunderbolt from his hands. Rainey dodged it but barely, Fleur dodged it effortless.

"That guy tried to kill me," Fleur laughed after she said it.

"The both of you stay of this," Josh noted.

"My word is my bond. I will not interfere," Jiro spoke.

"I guess I won't either," Fleur said playing with the locks of her hair.

"See you don't have things to worry about. It's just me and you, Monsieur."

"Then let's began and stop talking..." Josh spoke sharply.

"Well said."

"You won't win..." Josh grumbled.

Blacktooth went directly for Rainey despite the type disadvantage while Volt faced off with Zuri. Zuri and Volt exchanged punches without the command of their trainers until Volt got the upper hand with a powerful thunderpunch. Zuri flipped backwards impressed.

Blacktooth had progress his fight with Rainey by trying to aim for head with a Bite. Rainey managed to avoid this and hit him with an Aqua Tail, but not before Blacktooth could hit a Wing Attack too. It surprisingly hurt both despite the super effective hit towards Blacktooth.

The four pokemon ceased seeing the attacks were not being called out by their trainer. Even with Josh's ability with the Pokevoyace, he wasn't conveying messages. The trainer was just staring at each other blankly. They absorb each other thoughts through eye contract and body motions. Though Gabriel gave minimum of both, Josh gave a lot more. Josh's body was jittery with anger.

"What's wrong," Gabriel stated pointing out Josh's anger directly.

"Fight for real...Gabriel...." Josh was shaking by now.

"What do you mean?"

"Fight like a fighter not like a coordinator showing off in front of his fans," Josh's eyes trailed to both Jiro and Fleur.

"Ha ha. I've been caught. I fought like this the last time we fought. You didn't seem to notice," Gabriel stepped forwards with a purple flame burning within his palm. "Looks like I have to be even more serious."

"Then prepare for the law..." Josh stepped up as well, lightning crackled down his right arm.

"This is unfortunate. Power on both ends..." Jiro stated.

"These boys are out for blood," Fleur said happily.

"Funny that you say that..." Jiro glanced over at Fleur.

"Blacktooth, Volt..." Josh started.

"Zuri, Rainey..." Gabriel stared.

"Thunderbolt! Ancient Power!" "Flamethrower! Water Pulse!

The four attacks spewed out suddenly from each pokemon creating a large tornado of elements. Since the power of all the attacks combined were the same, none of them connected but negated blasting both parties back. Both Gabriel and Josh managed to land on their feet. They observed each other for a moment. The tension of the battle rose to another level. The stability of the air seemed to be rather unbalanced now.

"This is what hatred is made of," Gabriel stated suddenly.

"Keep feeding yourself that hatred. You will lose to me."

"Not with that attitude, sir. Not with that attitude at all."

"You will see. Volt use Quick Attack to a Shockwave. Follow up with an Ancient Power, Aerodactyl..."

Volt performed a Quick Attack in the air and rained shockwave on both of the pokemon. It hit both of Gabriel's pokemon and followed by Ancient Power struck them hard. Zuri remained standing while Rainey was sent into the water. Gabriel clinched his teeth but he kept his rather performer like coolness. Stage fright was something that he never had, he always impressed people.

"Aqua Ring, Rainey. Zuri, Double Kick- Mega Kick."

"Don't allow it. Thunderbolt the water, Volt…" Josh stared at Volt who seemed to be reluctant at the command. "Kill it if you must."

"Now is that nice," Gabriel stated. He felt the venom dripping from Josh's lips.

Rainey remained in the water for some time to get its health back. Volt obeyed his master's command and dashed to the water. His progress was blocked by Zuri who kicked Volt up in the air twice before kicking him back down with a glowing kick. Volt slammed into the ground giving Rainey enough time to jump out of the water. To Rainey's dismay, it was caught in mid air by the jaws of the Aerodactyl.

"Thunder Fang, Blacktooth!" Josh cried out with a sick amusement his voice. He wanted to see the blood of the Gorebyss in water.

"Don't allow that. Surf, Rainey!"

"Let me assist," Josh said suddenly bringing his lightning into play.

As in desperation, the eel suddenly performed Surf to try to slip out of the grip of Aerodactyl. However, Josh shot a stream of lightning through Rainey's Surf, dispersing it completely. Blacktooth continued with the command to crunch into the Gorebyss' skin. The attack failed when the Blacktooth's jaw was crushed beneath the powerful blow of a kick. Josh's eyes widened and his anger suddenly erupted. Zuri looked back when it was done viewing the human that gave that unsightly roar anger. It was now a Blaziken.

Zuri's long white hair reached to his back and like its master it covered her left eye. Her torso was red while yellow legs that feathered out to appear to be long pants also like her master. Her fist were exposed talons while around her wrist were rings that could be ignited with flames, a dark red color.

"Hm...It appears like that just finished the deal, Joshua. It's over now. I admit....that you had me. But now advantage...." Both Volt and Blacktooth was dispatched easily with two powerful uppercuts by the lightning fast Blaziken. "Lost."

With the word lost, Josh went into pure rage. Lightning began to strike everywhere leaving Gabriel to just laugh. Gabriel appeared behind Josh. His hand was ignited with the red flames as an alternative to his purple. Gabriel's eyes were now all black with red pupils. Before Josh could react, he was struck in the stomach by the same blow that Gabriel's had given to Nick. Blood poured from the open wound leaving Josh to still view the forearm that pierced through his chest.

"Game over, rival. You couldn't stop me if you tried," Gabriel's said staring down at Josh condescendingly. "Thanks for the experience."

Those minutes of falling felt like no other to Josh. He just drifted to the ground within the twilight of consciousness and unconsciousness. He could watch Gabriel's feet walk away from him. Even in this view, he could feel him looking down at him like he was some kind of mangled trash. Josh felt his blood giving warmth to his cold body. He tried to move his arm only for it to splash against the liquid from his own body. Gabriel looked into his eyes. It was like a death he had never seen before. He loved it.

"Petal Dance!"

An array of pink flowers fell from the sky forcing Gabriel to dodge. The petals sent a lengthy gash down the side of Gabriel's arm leaving Gabriel to step back for a couple moments. Though the attack was powerful, it only rendered Gabriel from making a further approach to Josh. The producer of this attack, a Roselia, came down from the flight of a Noctowl as did her trainer, Romy. Gabriel just stared in amusement before returning his pokemon back to their pokeballs with his mobile arm. Fleur eyed Romy delectably as though she was a meal. She pulled out a small paper fan to mask the smile crawling up her face.

"Are you going to get her?" Fleur stated.

"Not in the mood. I got what I wanted. No need fighting two battles today. Zuri and Rainey are pretty weak right now," Gabriel eyes turned back to normal. The wound on his arms began healing almost instantly.

"I'll take her then!" Fleur shouted.

"Fleur, we are done here..." Gabriel said intimidating her with his red flames.

Fleur stepped back to avoid the whip of flame that Gabriel invoked from his hands. She hastily boarded back to the boat. But not before sharing a glare with Romy. She smirked and continued on. Jiro followed looking over his shoulder towards Gabriel. He hated this.

"Why was 'he' here?" Jiro thought to himself.

"Don't worry. You will get your chance, Romy, "Gabriel said pointing to Romy.

Romy paid this no mind and began tending to her friend's injuries. From what she could see, it appeared to be life threatening. She quickly assessed the situation before thinking of a solution. It was the one that was written in the letter. She prayed that it would at least give him enough time to make it to the hospital.

"Aromatherapy, Marigold!"

Marigold began waving her flower over Josh's body several times. The wound began to close enough to stop any more blood lost. It was enough to prolong him from dying. Romy was just so pleased that it worked. She hadn't realized that she was in tear until the hit against Josh's motionless body. She brought Josh to herself, even though some of the blood dripped upon her own skin and clothes. She truly did not want to lose him. She pulled the note from her pocket and silently thanked the person.

"Save Josh. You are his only chance to survive the flames. Seafoam Island. If you care about him, make flowers bloom...
R.E.S "

She clutched the paper tightly before calling the Fuchsia City Hospital. She held tighter to Josh. For a wind that carried the sweet smells of the seas, darkness had taken its home in it as well.

Synthrâx said:

I had some catching up to do XD

It's getting better and better as the plot develops, so be sure to keep it going (: Oh and try to put spaces in between each quote the character says, it makes the dialogue a lot easier to read in my opinion.

Good luck!

-Syn...

Click to expand...

Okay. I'll do that as soon as I have the time. :P Thanks a lot.
Edit: all done.

Added a new promotional signature section of my fan fiction. On a side note, I am slowly but surely revamping the chapters if need to.

To all viewers: If you catch some sentences that doesn't make sense or grammar problems. Please do NOT hesitate to point them out. There are times that I finish the thought in my head but do not finish the thought when I'm typing. If it is too many problems, just tell me where in the chapters that they are and I will do them personally with my personal consultant (a friend of mine from my high school). I want to make the best reading for you all.