FanFiction.Net - unleash your imagination|
Author of 19 Stories |
Another Encounter at Olivine City
Revision 2.0 (10/17/05): Well, the day after posting this for the first time, I do a quick revision on it. My dad read over it and noted that I really ought to change the ambiguities in this if it conflicts with my other stories. Which it did. So I went through this in about half an hour and patched up holes in the plot that directly conflicted with Bound to the Dragon’s Heart. Now I feel better about it. (grin)
Greetings, my loyal fans.
As some of you following Bound to the Dragon’s Heart may recall… I’ve repeatedly made reference to a previously-undisclosed event—when Alexander Tokaru met Samantha McPhoenix for the very first time, earning her grudging respect and leading into when the two meet a second time. I’ve said often that my dad has been writing that particular scene… and, well, here it is. A partial sequel to his previous fanfic, Encounter at Olivine City, and a prequel of sorts to Bound to the Dragon’s Heart.
Now before you read, I need to clarify several points. First of all, this is NOT written by me. It is written by my dad, the best dad ever. So please. NO FLAMES OR HARSH CRITICISM. There’s really no point, as I’m the one who’s going to be reading all the reviews anyways. I’m aware that this may be different from what you might be expecting from my fics, but keep in mind that I didn’t write this. It’s my dad’s fanfic, and he can take whatever creative licenses he pleases with my characters. I’ve given him that liberty. Direct any flames or harsh criticism towards his work, and you’ll be getting hell from me. Trust me. So please don’t. If you’re mad at MY stories, go write a harsh review there. But as this isn’t my story, all I ask is that you not do this. I would appreciate it.
Another thing. This does make reference to my earlier arc of works (Alternate Reality and Pokémon Neo, which yes, I’m still mulling over). It doesn’t necessarily mean that those stories tie in with my Pokémon Colosseum arc. It’s just a unique take on the way all my stories go together. Kinda cool, actually.
Oh yes… most importantly. This fic was completed some time after chapter 11 of Bound to the Dragon’s Heart was, so by that point, I was already well into my own storyline there. As you read, you’re going to find that the storylines don’t match up completely. But keep in mind that the two fics were written by two different people at two different times. I suppose I, being editor of this fic in the first place, could have easily rewritten a little to make this mesh with Bound to the Dragon’s Heart better. But I figured not only would that be way too hard… but I don’t like changing content of other people’s stories when I edit. I would hate for others to do that if they were editing MY works… so I don’t do it to others’ works. So keep that in mind as you read.
Without further ado, I sincerely hope you enjoy reading this fanfic!
He thought about who would take his place for many years. Two years ago, a Pokemon Grand Master from Viridian City named Jan McPhoenix had arrived to challenge the tower. After several setbacks, he had managed to stand victorious more often than not. His team, led by a very powerful Snorlax, won repeatedly. Yamamoto also liked Jan’s style, sense of humor, and dedication to his family and Pokemon. They had first respected each other as master and student, before becoming good friends. Jan also had a daughter, Samantha, who was a Grand Master and had a reputation as being one of greatest trainers seen in these parts in years. She was still a teen and her rise was most impressive. The members of the McPhoenix family were good friends of Pokemon indeed.
This day, Jan McPhoenix was to become the new Grand Master of the Olivine City Battle Tower. He was humbled and somewhat nervous on taking on this great responsibility. His wife, Helen, and daughters, Samantha and Nicole, were very supportive and proud. With them in his corner, he accepted this great honor.
The great hall in the Battle Tower was packed with hundreds of dignitaries and visitors. On the great stage the Date family stood with the McPhoenix family. The great career of Master Date was reviewed and honored. With great reverence the chained medallion of Clan Date was lowered from its place over the eternal flame. In its place the chained medallion of Clan McPhoenix was raised to applause. Grand Master Date then passed the Sword of the Tower to Jan and it was done. A new Grand Master of the Battle Tower had been inducted.
Later that night, when most everyone had departed, the McPhoenix family took a walk through the Battle Tower. They would keep their house in Viridian City, of course, and Jan would commute as needed. He had many thoughts and ideas on what would be the next step in the history of the tower. The family looked at the eternal flame and their clan’s medallion above it. Jan still wore the Sword of the Tower and the ceremonial robes. “We’re still supposed to meet at the Olivine City Gym, as Jasmine is hosting a great fireworks display tonight,” smiled Jan. “Is everyone ready?”
“Sure!” said Samantha and Nicole. They headed down to the lower levels, before Samantha spoke up again.
“I’ll be right down; I’ve got to get something from my room,” she said. They all had quarters in the tower now.
“Ok, we’ll see you in the courtyard,” said Jan.
Samantha returned to her room and gathered a few items. As she and her Pikachu named Joey came out, she heard a muffled sound from the floor above. “Pika?” said Joey. He heard it too. Samantha nodded and they quietly went up the stairs. They crept to the great hall doors, which stood open, and peered in. They just caught a glimpse of a shadow pass before the eternal flame. Someone was in the great hall!
“All went well because of you, Jeeves,” smiled Jan. “Your organizational skills are second to none, my friend.”
“Just so,” sniffed Jeeves with a slight smile.
Helen’s Mr. Mime stood nearby, wearing an apron. “You did great too, Mr. Mime,” Helen smiled, giving her Pokemon friend a hug.
“Mr. Mime!” he replied.
Just then Jan sensed something in the wind, as did the Psychic-type Mr. Mime. They quickly turned, to see three young men coming out of the bushes and foliage that surrounded Battle Tower. They all wore crimson colored clothing with matching capes and scarves wrapped over their faces and hats. The obvious leader in the middle also had a black stripe across his chest. Jan stepped forward. “I remember you three trouble makers. You’re Rufus Monroe, right? And you guys are the Cardinal Collectors, right? What do you want?”
“It’s ROGER!” yelled the leader. “And we are the CRIMSON Collectors! Get it right!”
“Whatever,” replied Jan. “I just remember your manners are poor. You’re trespassing. Get off my property now.”
“I don’t think so, Grand Master,” he sneered. “Last time we met, you ruined my plans, got my friends here, Glargle and Boris, thrown in jail, and embarrassed me in the eyes of my cousin, the great Rich Monroe! Now I will pay you back by defeating you and embarrassing you on your special day!” With that the young man broke into laughter, as did his two partners.
“Aiyah,” grumbled Jan, as he rolled his eyes.
“Would you like me to take care of these ruffians, Master Jan?” asked Jeeves, stepping forward.
“Stay out of this old man!” yelped Roger.
Glargle stepped forward and yelled, “Go, Raticate!”
Boris also stepped forward. “Go, Granbull!”
“Go, Omanyte!” ordered Roger. In three flashes, their Pokemon stood ready for battle.
“Your manners are lacking, Ralph Monroe,” stated Jeeves dryly. “Time to take out the trash.”
“It’s ROGER!” yowled the unstable young man.
“Whatever…” replied Jan, Helen, Nicole and Jeeves in unison. Even Mr. Mime said, “Mr. Mime!”
After a moment, a young man stepped into the firelight and slightly from out from the shadows. He looked to be about 18 years old. His hair was a spiky aqua green and ended in a long ponytail in the back. He was well dressed in blue and green with brown boots and gloves. An intriguing figure for sure. He smiled broadly and said in a smooth voice, “Do I look like a tourist?”
Samantha arched an eyebrow at the stranger. Joey stood up tall. Who was this guy? “That would depend on where you’re from,” replied Samantha. “Step out where I can see you.”
The young man chuckled. “Now you sure do sound like a confident sort. Not only pretty, but confident. I like that in a lass.” He remained in the shadows.
“Hm…” replied Samantha. “Why are you in the shadows?”
Joey said, “Pika, pik pika,” which meant, “This guy is trouble,” when the youth stepped out into more light, smiling even more.
“I must have got separated from the rest of my group during the tours after the ceremony,” he explained. “Just thought I’d look around. Congratulations to you and your father, Samantha McPhoenix. Pretty, confident, a Pokémon Grand Master, and a powerful clan. You’re a girl after my own heart.”
Samantha was just thinking how to reply to the flirting young man when she looked up and gasped. The Medallion of the McPhoenix Clan was no longer hanging from the ceiling! She looked at the youth and for the first time noticed a sword hung from his side. A thief?
The young man followed her eyes and shrugged. “Hey, no hard feelings. It’s just business. I do think you’re cute though.” He waved his hand and stepped into the shadows. “You’re not going anywhere, thief!” called Samantha.
The youth turned back towards her and placed his hand on his heart. “You cut me to the quick, young lady. I am no common thief. I am an entrepreneur.”
Joey stepped forward crackling energy. “Pik pika-chu!” he proclaimed.
The intruder sighed and then a Pokéball flash lit up the room. A powerful black Persian stood before Samantha and Joey. “Persian, Slash attack!” he commanded in a calm voice.
Samantha immediately countered with, “Quick Attack, Joey!” The mouse Pokemon rocketed forward, slamming into the startled Persian. It yowled and then slashed Joey before he could jump back. “Thunderbolt!” ordered Samantha, and with a flash and bang, Joey delivered an attack that shook the tower.
The intruder threw up his hands over his face and eyes when the electric attack was delivered. He didn’t want to admit it, but this young McPhoenix WAS good. That flash was sure to bring unwanted attention. He had to make his exit. He called out “Payday!” to his Persian, who slammed into Joey. Coins flew about from this unique attack.
Samantha arched an eyebrow. “Why would he use that attack?” she wondered. But she soon saw that the young man had more in his repertoire, as his left hand flashed and a dagger flew up. “What are you…?” started Samantha, and then she saw the giant drapery cut loose from their bindings. With a whoosh and a thump, the thick and heavy ceremonial curtains fell on her and Joey, covering them in smothering embrace.
The young “entrepreneur” recalled his Persian and saluted the struggling duo. “The coins are for the Medallion. No hard feelings, sweetheart. It’s just business.” With that he darted toward the window.
“Go!” she said sharply. “We’ll take care of these three!”
Jan looked at his family, then back at the tower, and then at the Crimson Collectors with their Raticate, Granbull, and Omanyte before them. “Remember, he has that Shadowcat!” he growled.
“We can handle these three! Go to the tower, Samantha must be in trouble!” responded his wife.
Mr. Mime stepped forward with a stern look on his face said, “Mr. Mime!” as he faced the Crimson Collectors.
“Sprout, I choose you!” called Nicole as her Weepinbell appeared.
“Go sir!” Jeeves called to Jan. “Come forth, Crawdaunt!” His ruffian Pokemon appeared, clacking its pinchers. With a nod Jan ran toward the Battle Tower.
Roger Monroe looked with dismay as the Battle Tower Grand Master turned and ran away. “Coward!” he howled. “You flee from my presence?”
“Actually, you’re not worth his time,” stated Jeeves. “But we shall make time for you, young bratling. Crawdaunt, Crabhammer attack!” The large crayfish landed a crushing attack on the blocking Granbull. Then all six Pokemon began a battle that raged all about the courtyard.
The Grand Master threw a Pokeball out the window and yelled, “Go Firestorm!” As her Charizard appeared with a mighty roar, she leaped out of the window and landed on his back. “Hunt!” she cried, as her mighty flying lizard Pokemon flew into the sky. The thief was heading for the beach front and they were going to catch him.
As he surfed toward the sub, he looked over his shoulder and saw the Charizard racing toward him with a roar. He hadn’t planned on encountering her this night. Why did she have to upset his plans? Time was money, and her persistence was going to cut into both. He gave a half-smile and whispered, “I do like your style though.” He then leaped on the sub and scrambled up and into the conning tower. “Dive!” he ordered as he slammed shut the scuttle. A horn began sounding as the crew, comprised of Team Rocket members, swung into action. The vessel began its plunge into the ocean.
Roger’s eyes were bugged out and he was trembling with anger. All these Psychic Pokemon, and they were unable to collect even one! But he would soon change that. With a cry of joy bordering on madness, he yelled “Go, Shadowstrike!”
The great clone, Shadowcat, created by his cousin, Rich Monroe, flashed before them. It was a Dark/Psychic-type nightmare. The giant black cat, as large as a full-grown male lion, glared at those before him. Its eyes glowed red with malevolence and intelligence. His giant razor-sharp claws dripped with a black ichor. Nicole had seen it before during an earlier encounter with the Crimson Collectors on the beaches of Olivine City. “It’s a Dark/Psychic-type!” she yelped. “Be careful!”
Jeeves stepped forward. “Crawdaunt! Crabhammer attack, now!”
“Toxic!” yelled Jeeves in response. Crawdaunt instantly obeyed, and Shadowcat was covered with a glob of poison.
“What!” yelled the leader of the Crimson Collectors in frustration. “Psybeam attack, now!” The Shadowcat hissed and unleashed a huge psychic blast against Crawdaunt. Despite Crawdaunt’s resistance to Psychic attacks, the force of the attack was still enough to knock him out!
Mr. Mime and Hypno ran forward, but the clone responded with lightning speed and slashed Mr. Mime, sending him flying backwards with a startled “Mime!” on his lips. Nicole’s Hypno delivered a Headbutt to the huge cat, but it seemed to do little damage.
“Crunch attack!” called the ever more confident villain. Hypno tried to jump out of the way but was devastated by the attack and flew back, landing on top of Mr. Mime. Boris and Glargle recalled their knocked out Pokemon and stepped back to watch their leader at work.
Roger smiled, but then frowned as he saw his Shadowcat stagger from the burning poison of Crawdaunt’s Toxic attack. Crawdaunt, Mr. Mime, and Hypno were all recalled with a flash. Then Jeeves, Helen, and Nicole stepped forward again, yelling, “Go Pokeball!” Three flashes lit up the night, and a Corphish, Clefairy, and Skarmory appeared, ready for battle.
“We shall see who outlasts who,” Jeeves commented dryly.
Samantha and Joey stepped forward in the cramped and dimly lit control room. “Give me the medallion,” Samantha demanded.
Alexander deftly stepped away. A half-dozen sailors, all wearing Team Rocket uniforms, appeared from the shadows and frowned at the teen. “Alas, I cannot,” replied Alexander.
Samantha stepped forward angrily, but was blocked by two sailors. “Give it to me and return me to Olivine City now, or…”
“Or what?” smirked Alexander. “Have your electric mouse stand down. If we battle in here, we all drown. Face it, you’ve lost. You’ve got bigger worries now, sweetie.” With that, the thief flashed the medallion, winked at the simmering Pokemon Master, and disappeared down a passageway.
Four sailors stepped forward, armed with clubs. They did not look above using them to subdue Samantha or Joey. “Get into the brig and you won’t get hurt,” sneered a Rocket submariner. “Resist and we are going to have to get rough.” The other sailors broke into evil laughter. Samantha thought of her options and knew she was outmatched, for now.
Suddenly a tall man with jet gray hair stepped forward. He also wore a Rocket uniform, but was clearly of high rank. “I am Captain Zaros,” he said to Samantha. “We wish you no harm. It is unfortunate you boarded my vessel uninvited. Go to the brig now and we will release you both, unharmed, at the first opportunity. Resist, and I will let my First Mate, Brutus, take matters into his own hands.” Samantha held her head high and gave a slight nod. With that she followed the sailors to a small cell. They laughed as they locked her in.
“Don’t try nothing funny!” threatened the First Mate. The Pokemon Master turned her back on him and scratched Joey’s head. A dozen plans raced through her mind.
“Shadow Ball!” yelled Roger. The clone responded quickly, and the black orb smashed into Corphish.
Then, Clefairy began singing a beautiful melody. It was a mesmerizing song and all action came to a halt as the little pink fairy weaved her magic. Roger was nearly overcome as well, but he quickly shook his head and slapped himself. His anger rose as he saw Shadowstrike shudder and shake as Toxic continued its work.
“Do something!” he growled, turning to his subordinates. But he saw both Boris and Glargle with mouths wide open lying curled on the ground, snoring loudly. “Fools!” roared the Crimson Collector leader. With a deft motion he hurled several smoke bombs at his foes. As the thick smoke billowed about he thrust a potion into Shadowstrike’s mouth and leaped onto its back. “Go!” he ordered. The huge cat, though weak, still had the strength to bound away, up and over the wall, and into the night.
Helen, Nicole, and Jeeves looked about as the smoke cleared. “At least we caught these two fiends, my lady,” stated Jeeves, stepping forward to take care of the sleeping Boris and Glargle. Helen nodded and absently hugged her friend Clefairy. Her eyes were fixed south, towards the sea.
Footsteps and the jangle of keys sounded and the door swung open. The hulking First Mate, Brutus, displayed a mocking smile, which revealed several missing and rotting teeth. His sour breath wafted forward as he patted his club in his left hand. “Ride’s over, missy. Out! Now!”
Joey glowered, obviously wanting to attack this man who dared speak to his trainer in such a way. Samantha knew that would be a bad idea, though. “No,” she said softly to Joey.
“Are you talking to me?” roared Brutus stepping forward and pushing the teen back. Her cell phone clattered to the floor. Joey leaped forward, crackling with energy, and cried, “PIKA!”
The cruel villain raised his club to strike, but Samantha yelled, “No, Joey!” and grabbed her friend’s tail, pulling him back. “I was talking to him, not you!” she shouted at Brutus.
The First Mate eyed Joey for several seconds and then lowered his club. “Good fer you!” he laughed. With that he brought his heel down, smashing the phone. “Go! Now!” he ordered.
Tyson nodded and grinned at Alexander. “Well done. I'm impressed. This will look wonderful in Giovanni’s private gallery.” Tyson scooped up the medallion and wound the chain around his wrist admiringly, the medallion centered lightly in his palm. “Perhaps we can do business again sometime soon.”
“Perhaps so,” responded Alexander. “I am curious, what is to be done with the McPhoenix girl?”
Tyson looked up with a bit of annoyance. “That’s none your concern. She has caused Team Rocket much angst. I’ll have to ensure that she does not do that again. You are free to go now.”
“There is the matter of my pay, sir,” responded Alexander in an even tone.
Tyson nodded again, and one of the Rocket members waiting nearby produced a small leather bag, throwing it onto the table. The size of the bag and the sound of it striking the wood told Alexander immediately that it was not the full sum that he had been promised. He opened it and looked at the gold coins. “This is not the amount we agreed upon, Tyson, sir.”
Captain Zaros and Tyson fixed glares at the teen. “What, are you still here?” Tyson asked irritably.
“It is not the amount we agreed upon,” repeated the teenage thief.
“Ah, yes. Of course not. I had to deduct half because of your bringing the McPhoenix girl into this. It will cost the team at least that much to clear this all up. You know her Pop is going to turn the continent upside down looking for her. Since you’ve caused me such inconvenience, be glad I am paying you anything at all. Now get out,” growled Tyson.
Alexander bowed his head. “You are quite right, sir, and I apologize for my bumbling. I am but young and still learning. Please forgive me.” With that he extended his hand to Tyson. The Team Rocket executive frowned impatiently. “Yeah, yeah… just get out,” he growled as they shook hands. Alexander whirled and quickly marched out of the cave as Captain Zaros and Tyson’s laughter rang in his ears.
The path came to an end on an outcropping that faced the north. A well-hidden cave, concealed with vines, suddenly came into view. Several Wingulls screeched and flew away. The front of the cave had iron bars installed. So, Team Rocket had a cell in this forlorn place! The Rocket Grunt pulled out a large key and opened the iron gate with a rusted screech. Brutus smiled and said “In ya go. Hope you enjoy the view.”
His smile disappeared quickly as six Wingulls flew into his face, screeching and flapping their wings. Brutus stumbled back, throwing up his arms to protect his eyes yelping “What the..?” The Team Rocket Grunt stood mouth wide-open, too shocked at what he saw to act.
Joey leaped forward. Samantha held up her arms and the Mouse Pokemon delivered a Mega Punch to her handcuffs, snapping them off her wrists. The Wingulls screeched in delight and wheeled up and away. Brutus put down his arms and looked before him. Samantha McPhoenix adjusted her pink sunglasses and smoothed her hair with a casual air. Joey stepped forward, eyebrows knitted, crackling with energy. The teen waved her left index finger at the cruel mariner and said, “You were saying…?”
Brutus looked stunned for a moment but the bully quickly recovered when he saw his Team Rocket partner step up next to him. They had the teen and her Pikachu backed against the cave. “I’m looking forward to this!” crowed Brutus. “Go Vigoroth!” With a flash the Wild Monkey Pokemon appeared, ready for a fight. The Grunt yelled, “Go Tentacool!” and the Jellyfish Pokemon came out. “Now I’ll show you what Brutus does to stow-aways!” growled the maniacal First Mate.
Jan let out a loud, sharp whistle. He leaped onto Zapdos’ back, holding his tracking device before him, eyes glued to the screen. As the sonar sound continued he nodded and yelled, “It’s time to hunt!” Zapdos screamed and Firestorm roared, as the trio raced off to the east.
A look of panic came over Brutus’ face, but it quickly changed to an evil smile when the young thief, Alexander, suddenly appeared above the cave entrance. He swung down a vine and tossed out his Pokéball, which flashed into an Espeon. “Looks like I’m just in time,” stated the youth, with a crooked and confident smile.
“That you are, Alexander my boy!” roared Brutus with glee. “Let’s take that Nidoking down first!” His Vigoroth roared and raced forward.
Alexander stepped back and shrugged. “Whatever makes you think I’m here to help you?” With that he made a motion with his right hand. His Espeon leaped forward and blasted Tentacool with an enormous Psychic attack. The Water/Poison-type spun away and was knocked out! In a blink of an eye, Alexander had his sword drawn and the tip was at the throat of the stunned Rocket grunt. “Recall your Pokemon and step back, now,” he ordered. When this was done he looked at the shocked Brutus and mildly-surprised Samantha and stated, “This is between you two.”
“You won’t get away with this treachery…!” Brutus howled, but his sentence was cut off by Samantha commanding, “Heishin! Double Kick!” Instantly Vigoroth felt the brunt of these attacks and roared with pain. Brutus stammered and started to call out a Slash attack, but Samantha was faster and commanded, “Body Slam, Heishin!” With a roar Nidoking picked the Vigoroth up over its head and slammed him to the rocky ground!
Brutus yelped at this savage attack, but once again, before he could even speak, Samantha called out, “Joey! Thunderbolt!” With a cry of “PI-KA-CHUUUU!” Joey delivered a devastating Thunderbolt that knocked Vigoroth out, knocked Brutus down, and threw great chunks of earth and rocks into the air. With a look of triumph Samantha looked down at the evil First Mate. “Looks like you’re defeated.”
But the First Mate surprised her by jumping up, yelling “Never!” He threw a Pokeball out that flashed into a Mankey. “Karate Chop!” screamed Brutus, and with great speed, the Pig Monkey Pokemon delivered several chops to Heishin’s midsection. The giant Nidoking merely roared in delight at having another foe to face. “Double Kick!” nodded Samantha. “Show him how it’s done!” Heishin delivered several brutal kicks that knocked Mankey back several yards. “Finish him, Joey!” ordered Samantha with calm conviction. Joey called out “PIKA!” in response and delivered a Mega Punch that knocked Mankey out.
Both Brutus and the Rocket grunt stood with eyes bugged out, mouths agape. The ferocity and power displayed had stunned them. Alexander sheathed his sword, recalled Espeon, and gave a small “golf” applause, before bowing low to Samantha.
Upon hearing Alexander’s light clapping, Brutus snapped out of his shock and began reaching for his club on his belt. “Thunder Wave!” ordered the McPhoenix Grand Master. Joey quickly leaped forward and delivered this attack to the Rocket duo. Brutus and the grunt were soon on the ground, paralyzed by the electrical attack.
Samantha stepped forward, but kept one eye on Alexander. “Heishin, put them all in the cell.” Her gigantic Nidoking quickly had Brutus, the Rocket grunt, Vigoroth and Mankey locked up. He handed the key to Samantha, who had entered a stare-down with Alexander. It was the thief that looked away first.
“I am most impressed,” smiled Alexander. “You are one I won’t forget.”
Samantha kept her hard look at Alexander. His disarming smile and charm weren’t going to help him now. “You had better come up with something better than that after all I’ve gone through,” she replied harshly. “Otherwise my Nidoking might just leave a big spot of aqua-green goo on this cliff.” Alexander gave an uncertain chuckle in response. Samantha softened her look and continued. “But that will be easy compared to what my Dad will do if he knows what you’ve done.” At that, Heishin and Joey stepped forward, ready to pounce on command.
Alexander chuckled again, getting some of his confidence back when he saw the opening Samantha had offered him. “Quite right,” he nodded. With a flash of his hand he produced the Medallion of Clan McPhoenix. “I would suppose Team Rocket will be missing this by now. And I’m sure Giovanni will be most displeased when he finds out his attempted theft of your family didn’t go according to plan.” With a deft flick of his wrist the medallion flew into Samantha’s waiting hands.
“Giovanni was directly behind all of this?” asked Samantha.
“Hey, I wasn’t doing it for my health,” replied Alexander. “For me it was just business. No hard feelings. Though, I think I will be a little more discerning on who my clientele are in the future…”
Samantha looked at the medallion in her hand with a smile. “Good idea. And you also might want to stay away from Olivine City and my family for good.”
“Olivine City, yes,” smiled the teen. “But you, young lady, I won’t promise.” The flirting thief bowed low. Heishin growled, ready to punt him over the ledge and into the sea.
The Grand Master gave a slight smile, but continued to sound severe. “Be on your way, Alexander,” replied Samantha. “Now.”
The thief winced slightly, knowing that she now knew his name, but nodded and turned away. Within moments, he had taken off and disappeared from sight.
Samantha held the medallion close and looked to where Alexander had just been standing. “Thanks,” she whispered.
Zapdos screamed happily and landed beside Firestorm, who was hugging the teen in his huge arms, wings fanning in excitement. Jan jumped off Zapdos and raced toward his daughter. “Outta the way, you big lug!” he bellowed at Firestorm, who growled and shot a fireball at the arriving father. Jan fell to the ground face-first and with little grace to avoid the blast.
Joey walked up with a small “Pika?” and offered him a small hand. Jan smiled and hugged the Electric Pokémon. “Good to see you Joey!” he said, rising and dusting himself off. He then went over and hugged his daughter.
“I was a little worried,” he told her smoothly. The two laughed as his casual words. Then a great look of concern washed over Jan’s face. “…Are you ok?”
“I’m fine, Dad,” Samantha assured. “It was a tough go, but Joey took good care of me.” She winked at Joey who said, “Pika! Pika!” Jan was about to say something more, but Samantha quickly cut him off. “Really! I’m fine. Everything is ok.”
Jan closed his eyes for a moment and nodded. He trusted his daughter. If she said she was ok, it must be so. He hugged her again and said, “Tell me what happened. Who is responsible for this?”
Samantha pointed her right thumb at the cell that held Brutus and his defeated allies. “They were a big part of it.” She then displayed the Medallion of Clan McPhoenix. “But I still managed to get this back.”
Jan smiled and nodded. “Well done. I’m very proud of you.” With that he took the medallion from her hands and looked at it for a moment. He then put it around her neck and fastened it. “I want you to wear it from now on. If you want to display it in the Tower, that is your choice, but it is yours.”
Samantha smiled, hugged her dad, and said, “Thanks.” She then saw the fire come back into the eyes of the Grand Master of the Olivine City Battle Tower.
“THEY are responsible!” he growled. Samantha knew he meant Team Rocket when he said “THEY.”
“Actually… they are just underlings. Giovanni was behind it all,” replied Sam.
“GIOVANNI?” thundered Jan. He then composed himself and winked at his daughter. “Time for some payback.” He turned and leaped upon his waiting Zapdos. “Coming?”
Samantha smiled at Joey, and they jumped onto Firestorm. “We wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
But before Tyson could continue his frustrated tirade, another Team Rocket member ran into the cave. “Sir, lookouts report police boats on the western horizon! They also report a Zapdos and Charizard heading our way!”
“What? It has to be that McPhoenix looking for his daughter! How could he have found us so fast?” sputtered Tyson, his face red with rage. “Impossible!”
Just then they saw Jan fly on his Zapdos past the secret cave entrance. Behind them came the Charizard, with the McPhoenix teen on its back! Tyson had only a moment to gape at the Grand Masters soaring past before Jan McPhoenix flew toward Giovanni’s personal helicopter as it sat on its landing pad, trusted to Tyson and his group personally by the crime leader himself. The pilot and crew ran in all directions at his approach.
“Thunder, Zapdos!” Jan commanded. With a scream the legendary Pokemon called down an enormous bolt of lightning that struck the helicopter and blew it up. A huge ball of fire erupted with a large plume of smoke as thousands of pieces of the helicopter flew every which way.
Tyson stood in stunned horror, watching as the pieces of Giovanni’s helicopter scatter and smolder. He clenched his fist and gave an enraged growl as he turned to the Rocket grunts gawking stupidly at the inferno. “We will take the secret passage to the submarine. Radio Captain Zaros to have the STEALTH ready to depart, now! We’re pulling out!”
“Uh, yes sir!” the Rocket grunts saluted, quickly jumping to attention.
With that they headed down the secret tunnel. The McPhoenix family may have won today… but Team Rocket would have its revenge on them someday. They would see.
Jan stood back and gave an icy stare at the handcuffed First Mate Brutus as he was escorted to a boat. Brutus stared back with a look of pure rage. Thinking of Sam’s description on how Brutus had treated her while she had been captured, Jan began walking toward the criminal. Officer Jenny quickly grabbed his arm to stop him. “He will answer for his crimes,” she assured. Jan nodded, and then walked over to his Cloyster sitting in the shallow surf nearby.
Jan pulled out his tracking device and turned the volume up slightly. It softly chimed out its sonar sound. Sam and Joey came up beside him, both looking slightly confused at the device he held.
“Cloyster planted a tracking device on their sub,” Jan explained. “This isn’t over.”
Sam nodded. “We can track them down at our convenience and when they least expect it. For now, I think we should head back to Olivine City and make sure everything is all right. I am sure Jasmine and the whole town is waiting for that firework display, after all. It’ll probably be a day late as it is, with all that’s happened.”
Jan nodded. “You’re right, of course. Another day for Team Rocket, then…” He recalled Cloyster and leapt on Zapdos’ back. Sam and Joey boarded Firestorm. With a wave goodbye to Officer Jenny, they took to the skies once more. This encounter was over… but they knew there would be another one some day soon.
The very... um... interesting names of the two Crimson Collector members is part of an inside joke my family and I have. Don't even ask...
Please review and tell us what you thought (but please no flames!). Until next time… see ya!
-Samantha McPhoenix
:
:
:
:
