The Incredible Poke-Odyssey (Rated PG)

[Cullen]

The Incredible Poke-Odyssey chapter 15

The Dark Ones Cometh!

Our heroes had arrived in Lavender Town and were resting up at the Pokemon center on a row of connected sofas. Stella was busy brushing her new Persian while Bill was hiding under a seat cushion. "I wish she just left that beast at Celadon", he kept mumbling to himself. "Oh look, a rare Mew Pokemon card!" he said as he found a card under the cushion with him. "Maybe that Persian fellow is a Godsend after all."

Jenny took out a road map so big that it covered all our heroes. "I probably should've bought the compact one instead" she sighed.

"So what's the quickest route to Cinnabar Island?" asked Cameron.

"I'd be lying if I said it was the quickest", said Jenny, "Now that we only have bikes, we have to go south out of Lavender Town, keep going south for many days until we get to Fuchsia City. Then a few more days until we reach the ocean. Then we have to somehow get a boat and sail many days until we get to Seafoam Island to stock up on supplies. Then after were so tired, exhausted, and time zoned out, we arrive at Cinnabar where our pyscho-island host Mewtwo might be expecting us."

"I can just count the minutes until we meet him", said Stella, "All six million of them!"

"Let's concentrate on getting out of this map first", said Brock while he and all the others were trying to get out of the tangled web of paper.

"It'll probably take months to get out of this mess of paper cuts!" whined Misty.

When they finally got themselves free from the map, Seymour then looked up and saw an old lady with a wooden cane walk into the center. "It's her!" he gasped.

"Do you know her?" asked Jenny hoping he didn't have a thing for older women.

"Every Pokemon lover knows her!" said Seymour excitedly, "That's Agatha! A member of the Elite Four!"

"I've heard of the Elite Four", said Stella, "They're the four most powerful Pokemon masters in the world."

"That's right", said Brock, "I've based my gym off of Bruno since he's the master of rock and fighting Pokemon."

"I always loved Lorelei", said Misty with stars in her eyes. "She knows how to handle water and ice Pokemon."

"My favorite is Lance", said Bill, "Rumor has it he actually has real live dragon Pokemon with him."

"I've always liked Agatha the best", said Seymour. "No one can master ghost and poison Pokemon like her and I heard she once dated the famous Prof. Oak. Oh, how I'd like to see her live one day."

"Uh, Seymour", said Cameron, "Agatha is in the same center we're in right now."

"Oh yeah", said Seymour while his glasses turned red with embarrassment.

"Why don't you go over and introduce yourself to her?" asked Jenny.

"Are you kidding?" gasped Seymour, "She's all powerful and too important for a lowly scientist like me to even speak to."

"She'll have to listen to the law like me", smiled Jenny, "Come on. I'll introduce you to her." And she grabbed Seymour's arm and dragged him over to where Agatha was while he was sweating like crazy.

"I don't think Agatha will be impressed with the puddle of sweat he'll be standing in", said Stella.

"I'd probably do the same thing if I met Bruno", said Brock.

"And I'd do the same if and when I actually find Ash", thought Cameron thinking about his hero.

"Here you go Miss Agatha", said Nurse Joy as she handed Agatha a Pokeball. "She's all nicely healed just for you."

"Thank you dear", said Agatha as she put the Pokeball back in her apron. When she turned around, she found a policewoman and a nervous guy in a labcoat in front of her. "What's wrong officer?" asked Agatha, "Is my Gastly covering up stop lights again?"

"Oh no", smiled Jenny, "It's just that Seymour here is a big fan of yours and he would so much love to meet you. Isn't that right Seymour?" asked Jenny while she put her arm around the shaking scientist.

"Does he talk or is his native language mime?" asked Agatha puzzled.

"Seymour, say something!" whispered Jenny.

"I, I don't know what to say to her", whispered Seymour nervously.

"Recite one of your poems", said Jenny, "That's how you impressed me", and she winked at him. Seymour, who suddenly developed a new found courage thanks to this wonderful woman in blue, approached Agatha and suddenly burst out a poem.

"There are a group of Elite trainers and they all equal four.
There'll never be another group like them, never more.
One deals with dragons and one trains ice.
And one handles muscle Pokemon extremely nice.
But the one called Agatha makes me feel proud and tall.
Though she deals with darkness, she still outshines them all."

Agatha stood there awestruck with her mouth wide open. "Uh, oh", thought Seymour, "I blew it big time!" But then Agatha's wide-open mouth became a sweet smile and she clapped her wrinkled hands.

"Bravisimo!" smiled Agatha, "That poem of yours really touched my heart. Actually it touched my pacemaker. But I still think it's great. Have you written it a long time ago?"

"Uh, actually no", said Seymour blushing, "I just thought it up right now!"

"Well, you did an exquisite job my boy", smiled Agatha, "Usually people don't like me cause I deal with ghosts and poison. It's an honor to have someone write a poem dedicated to me. Would you and your group over there like to come to my place for dinner?"

"M...me, have dinner with you?!" stuttered Seymour.

"But of course", smiled Agatha, "I insist that you, your friends, and your charming policegirlfriend here spend the evening with me."

"What do you say scienceboyfriend?" winked Jenny.

"We'd be honored!", shouted Seymour as he started doing double-back flips all over the center while everyone looked at him funny.

"I never knew I had that kind of affect on a person before", said Agatha.

"You should see how he acts when he's alone with me!" winked Jenny.

* * * * * *

Our heroes had followed Agatha to where she lived. Seymour was totally too excited to even speak knowing that he was a guest of the famous Agatha. But he managed to whisper to Jenny. "Thank's Jen!" While Jenny replied, "Anything for you my sci-guy!"

They had left the town and came to the front of Agatha's home. It was a huge tower that was very familiar to Cameron, Misty, and Brock. "That's, THAT'S!!!" shivered Misty.

"That's the tower we visited the last time we were in Lavender Town!" gasped Brock, "The one that was haunted by ghost Pokemon!"

"Oh, so you're familiar with this place?" said Agatha, "I must've been away on a tour when you all came here. My Gastly and Gengar told me about a group of youngsters who came to visit and how Haunter wanted to come with them. I hear Hauntie's living with Sabrina now and has made that poor lonely girl happy again. So I let that crazy nut stay with her."

Misty and Brock shivered at the thought of someone living in a place that's filled with ghosts.

"Well why are we standing around here for?" asked Agatha. "Come on inside everyone before my ghosts clean out my refrigerator!" and they all stepped inside while Agatha locked the door and lit a candle.

"Wouldn't it be easier if you had a light switch near your door?" asked Cameron.

"And take away this lovely spooky atmosphere?" laughed Agatha, "Don't make me laugh!"

Everyone followed Agatha up a path of twisty stairs while everyone looked nervously at their shadows. Misty who was at the end of the trail looked at her shadow that looked really fat and wide.

"Oh no!" she cried, "I'm a total blimp! How could this have happened?! WAAAAAH!" Just then her shadow started laughing out loud. "What's going on here?!" Misty cried nervously. The fat shadow suddenly sprouted out eyes and a toothy grin. It hugged Misty and started kissing her. "SOMEBODY DO SOMETHING!!" she screamed.

"Gengar, that's enough of that!" scolded Agatha. The shadow humbly let go of the shakened Misty, dusted her off with a whiskbroom, and let out an apologetic, "GAR" Cameron took out his Pokedex and aimed it at the shadow.

"GENGAR, the shadow Pokemon. The evolved form of Haunter", replied Dexeena. "Under a full moon, this Pokemon likes to mimic the shadows of people and laugh at their fright."

"No Gengar will laugh at anyone's fright when old Agatha's around!" said Agatha sternly. Gengar just bowed its head down in shame. "Please forgive me as well Misty", said Agatha in a now polite voice. "It's just that these ghost Pokemon can sometimes be so unpredictable."

"Oh, no problem", said Misty who was now feeling better. But then she became frightened again as she screamed when she looked down and saw Bill with a new head on his Rattata body. It was a huge black circle with huge eyes and fangs with vapor all around it.

"Hey, who turned out the lights?!" cried Bill as he ran around and hit the wall while the new head went right through it. Everyone looked at the dazed Bill who had his Rattata head back.

"Gastly, you get out here right now and apologize to this poor creature this instant!" scolded Agatha from the wall. "GASTLY!" sighed the huge black head as it materialized through the wall, helped Bill up and offered him some crackers and Brie.

"Uh, thank you good sir", replied Bill as he nervously took a cracker from the tray that Gastly seemed to be levitating for it had no hands. Cameron aimed his Pokedex at Gastly.

"GASTLY, the gas Pokemon", replied Dexeena, "Almost invisible, this gaseous Pokemon cloaks the target and puts it to sleep without notice." And sure enough they saw Bill sleeping peacefully after being exposed to Gastly's gas.

"Those guys sure know how to liven up this place", said Stella, "Even if they are dead." Gastly and Gengar started laughing while Gengar started to dribble Gastly around like a rubber ball.

"Shouldn't one of you be guarding the important you-know-what?" Agatha asked them. Gastly and Gengar suddenly stopped playing around and floated right through the ceiling. "Ghosts will be ghosts", sighed Agatha.

* * * * * *

Outside of the tower, Team Rocket were hiding behind a bush trying to figure some way to get in and capture our heroes. "Why are we just sitting around out here in the wind that is as cold as the blood of an Articuno?" asked Reiko impatiently, "Are we not going to go in?" She looked at Jessie and Meowth and they were holding each other shaking in fear. "I don't think it's really that cold", said Reiko, "Are my metaphors that powerful?"

"It's not that!" stuttered Jessie, "It's just that tower brings back haunting memories!"

"And haunted is the word for that joint!" cowered Meowth. "The last time we came here. Ghosts came and grabbed us and forced us to be their little playthings. I can still taste the tuna I threw up when we were forced to ride that spinning merry-go-round of theirs!"

"My", thought Reiko secretly worried that those ghosts would do the same thing to Cameron. " But we must go in there." "For Cameron's sake", she thought to herself. "I know, since ghost Pokemon are poison types, maybe Kadabra can take them on."

"Reiko! You're brilliant!" shouted Jessie as she hugged her, "I can always count on you when the chips are down! And it's a good thing I called up James the other day and had him transport this thing to me."
And she took out a Pokeball marked Kadabra on it.

* * * * * *

Our heroes just had a wonderful dinner prepared by Agatha and they were now talking about the quest they were on. "Oh dear", said Agatha, "The thought of poor Prof. Oak being trapped in that town for five years makes me sorry we ever broke up."

"But don't worry", said Brock, "As soon as we find our friend Ash and get ourselves a cavalry, we're gonna free the Professor and the entire town of Pallet."

"I wish I could let one of my ghosts join you on your quest", said Agatha, "But I'm afraid I need them both here for personal reasons."

"We wouldn't even think of asking you to give up one of your Pokemon", said Seymour, "I know how much you treasure the ones you own."

"Thank you Seymour", smiled Agatha, "And I got a darn fine collection too. I got my Gastly and Gengar along with my Arbok, Golbat, and Vileplume."

"Vileplume?" thought Cameron.

"What was in the ball that Nurse Joy gave you?" asked Misty.

"Oh, I almost forgot", said Agatha, "I'd better check and see how my little one is doing!" and she took out her Pokeball and released a squirrel like Pokemon with huge pointy ears that replied, "EEVEE!" Cameron took out his Pokedex again.

"EEVEE, the evolution Pokemon", replied Dexeena, "Its genetic code is irregular. It may mutate if it's exposed to radiation from elemental stones or from other powerful sources."

"Oh, it's so cute!" said Misty as she picked up Eevee while it licked her face.

"But Eevee is a normal type", said Seymour, "I thought you only owned ghost and poison types. If you don't mind me asking that is?"

"Oh, I don't mind at all", smiled Agatha as she scratched Eevee's head. "I found this Eevee injured by the side of a road today. So I took it to the Pokemon center to get it all healed, then went shopping for a while and came back for it. That's when I met all of you."

"Wow!" gasped Seymour, "Because of this Eevee I was able to meet my hero. I mean heroine."

"Miss. Agatha", said Cameron, "You said you owned a Vileplume right?"

"That's correct young man", said Agatha.

"Well, does your Vileplume ever tip over because of its huge petals?" asked Cameron.

"Why, do you own one too?", she asked while smiling.

"Sure do", said Cameron as he took out a Pokeball, "Come on out V. P." he said as he released his Vileplume who waved hi to everyone then toppled over until it was standing on its head.

"Ah, there's nothing more precious than the rise and falling of a fresh new Vileplume", smiled Agatha as she inhaled V. P.'s scent. "Don't worry Cameron. I know a way that'll get V. P. here back on its feet, er roots!"

* * * * * *

Agatha had brought out a huge beach ball and she told Cameron to make his Vileplume get on it. Cameron watched with frustration as Vileplume kept falling off the ball. "Just being on solid ground is tough enough for V. P." whined Cameron.

"Trust me", said Agatha, "Don't make it stop balancing itself." So Cameron sighed and put V. P. back on the ball, let go, and V. P. fell off again.

"That's just like how my father taught me how to walk", said Stella.

"Your dad made you balance yourself on a ball when you were a baby?" asked Brock.

"What do you expect?" smiled Stella "I got circus blood in me. I bleed cotton candy."

Pretty soon, V. P. had completely balanced itself on the ball like a professional. "All right Cameron", said Agatha, "Now tell V. P. to get off the ball and onto solid floor." Cameron did and sure enough, V. P. was standing perfectly straight on the floor.

"VILE!" it cried happily as it started dancing around without even stumbling once.

"It worked!" smiled Cameron as he hugged V. P. "You can walk properly again! Thank you Miss. Agatha!"

"My pleasure son", smiled Agatha. "Once a Vileplume masters the ball, standing on horizontal ground should be a cinch for it."

"It looks like someone else has caught the balancing craze as well", said Brock as he pointed to Psyduck who was also trying to balance himself on a ball but kept falling on his bill instead.

"PSY-YAI-YAI!" moaned Psyduck as he clutched the ball thinking it was his head.

"You don't even know how to have a headache properly!" sighed Misty.

"NOOO!" shouted Agatha as she snatched the huge ball away from Psyduck. "You keep your webbed hands off of this thing!" she shouted as she hugged the ball tightly. Cameron took a closer look at the ball. It was a Pokeball, except it was the size of a bowling ball and it was black with crossbones and a skull on it.

"Let me guess", said Stella, "That's the important you-know-what you were talking about."

"I was wrong when I said this was important", said Agatha nervously, "This is life crucial! This is the legendary Pandora Ball!"

"The Pandora Ball?!!" gasped Seymour and Bill together while shaking.

"What's a Pandora Ball?" asked Jenny.

"Every Pokemon researcher and lover knows about the Pandora Ball!" said Bill, "It strikes fear into all our hearts!"

"It contains a new species of Pokemon that should never be released into this world", said Seymour, "The dark Pokemon!" and a sting of sinister music started to play, mainly because Gengar was practicing the pipe organ across the room.

"Gengar, you're supposed to be guarding this ball!" shouted an angry Agatha. "Take this back to the room and don't keep your eyes off of it! You're just lucky that it was a simple Psyduck who doesn't know how to open it!"

"Even an Elite Four member thinks my Psyduck's a pain", sighed Misty.

"GENGAR!", sobbed Gengar as it took the ball from Agatha and went through the wall dropping the ball since it wasn't transparent like Gengar. It went through the doorway, picked up the ball, and left the room in a hurry.

"I knew I should've had that pipe organ dismantled!" said Agatha.

"Don't you think you were a little hard on Gengar?" asked Cameron.

"I had to be!" said Agatha, "Dark Pokemon are not something to take lightly!"

"What exactly is a dark Pokemon?" asked Misty.

"Gather around everyone and I'll tell you a scary tale", said Agatha as she got down on the floor while everyone joined her. "Many moons ago a young wizard wasn't satisfied with all magical Pokemon like Abras, Kadabras, and Alakazams he owned. He wanted to own and train a new race of Pokemon. Pokemon that would be strong against any type. One day he thumbed through his spellbook and discovered about the legend of the dark Pokemon. He eagerly wanted to bring them into this world and master them so he mixed potions, recited spells, and did a bunch of embarrassing dances until he finally did it! A portal from the underworld opened and the dark ones were released. But they were too powerful and evil for the wizard to control and they destroyed him and spread their wrath on every town and village. Luckily another wizard who was even more powerful than the last one managed to capture every last one of them and locked them all up inside the famous Pandora Ball. But unfortunately the wizard passed away shortly leaving his Pandora Ball unprotected. Ever since that day, my ancestors have been guarding it making sure those dark ones stay sealed forever."

"Wow!" said Seymour, "That's a pretty big responsibility for an important Pokemon master like yourself to carry."

"Hey, it beats playing bingo in a hot and stuffy parlor", smiled Agatha. "I just don't know what would happen to this world if the dark ones had been released."

"At least it'd be a good excuse to whack Psyduck for all eternity if that did happen", said Misty.

* * * * * *

In a room upstairs the tower, Team Rocket had teleported in thanks to their Kadabra. Jessie was wearing a pair of garlic earrings while Meowth was wearing a garlic bowtie. "I believe garlic only works against vampires", said Reiko.

"What vampires?" asked Meowth.

"We're just coming up with a new style of jewelry", said Jessie and then sniffed the strong garlic. "Maybe garlic is a bad idea", she said. Reiko looked at them funny while her mask hid her expressions.

"Hey, will you look at that?" said Meowth as he pointed to the huge black Pokeball.

"A Pokeball that size must contain the worlds' largest and most powerful Pokemon", said Jessie, "And as queen of Rocketville. It is my duty to claim it and open it!" But just as Jessie was about to approach it, a huge shadow covered up the ball.

"Meowth, move your furry behind!" shouted Jessie, "Your shadow's blocking my sight!"

"But my shadow's over here", said Meowth pointing to his cat-shaped shadow that was on the other side of the room.

"As well as mine", said Reiko pointing to her sexy shadow which made Meowth's shadow whistle at her while she kicked it off into the shadowy darkness. The real Meowth and Reiko looked puzzled for they did not do what those shadows just did.

"Well then whose shadow is this?" asked Jessie. The shadow replied by hugging her while giving her a big kiss.

"Yeeech! A Gengar!" shouted Jessie as she backed up to her teammates. "Now I'm gonna be exposed to its decay!" Gengar started to cry tears at the hurtful words Jessie just said. Then Gastly floated into the room and said something to Gengar that immediately cheered it up. Then both ghosts approached the trio while holding feathers.

"Uh, oh", cried Meowth, "The worst kind of attack of all! Tickle attacks!"

"An attack so horrific that the Pokemon League banned it!" said Reiko.

"Kadabra, use your psybeam on them before they make us happy!" shouted Jessie. Kadabra fired a psychic beam from his forehead at the two ghosts, but they just went right through the ceiling and floor causing the beam to hit a portrait of Prof. Oak.

"Did we get rid of them?" asked Meowth nervously. But then Gastly reappeared from the ceiling and Gengar came through the floor and started working their tickle magic on Jessie and Meowth.

"HA HA HA HA!" screamed Jessie, "These ghosts are making me waste my sinister laughs! HA HA HA!"

"HA HA HA HA!" laughed Meowth while Gastly tickled him. "Can't you just put us back on that merry-go-round?! HA HA HA!"

"Kingler, blizzard attack!" shouted Reiko's voice. Gastly and Gengar stopped their tickling and slowly turned around. Reiko's Kingler blasted a huge blizzard at the two ghosts freezing them into blocks of ice.

"Those ghosts are now toast!" laughed Meowth.

"I would definitely not call them toast", said Reiko.

"The only toast I want is to make a toast when we catch those rebels and find out what's in that ball!" said Jessie as they all approached the unprotected Pandora Ball. Eevee, who happened to pass by the doorway of that room, saw the two human girls and Meowth trying to pry open her master's ball while her ghostly friends were frozen stiff. Eevee immediately ran down the stairs to get our heroes.

"Okay Kingler", said Reiko, "Time to be like the Nutcracker Prince that knows how to punish stubborn nuts! Use your vicegrip to pry open this ball."

"King!" said Kingler as it clamped onto the ball with both claws and tried to pry it open.

"Hold it right there!" called out an old lady's voice. They turned around and saw Eevee who had brought along Agatha and our heroes. Agatha looked down on the ground and found her portrait of Prof. Oak with his head completely burned off. "How dare you burst into my home, hurt my poor ghosts, ruin my favorite picture, and try to open the most dangerous ball in the world!" she shouted.

"Uh, it's a living", said Meowth.

"Well you'll all be making your living stamping out license plates!" said Jenny as she took out her handcuffs.

"Well isn't this a delight!" smiled Jessie, "The rebels have decided to come right into our clutches. Kadabra, disable all of them!"

"KADABRA!" shouted Kadabra as its eyes glowed and Jenny along with our heroes suddenly found themselves paralyzed.

"Excellent", smiled Jessie, "Now to see what's inside this ball that's got all of you so worried!"

"You can't open that!" cried Seymour, "You'll release a great force or darkness and evil in the world if you do!"

"It can't be more eviler than me", said Jessie proudly, "I'll just overpower it like I did with James and this Meowth over here."

"Who says you overpowered me?!" shouted Meowth as he was about to scratch Jessie's face for the umpeenth time, but was stopped by Reiko's boot.

"She does", smiled Jessie as she looked down at Meowth who had a big dirty footprint on his face. Cameron wondered when Reiko would show her sweet side once again. He was hoping right now so she'd let them escape.

Just then, Kingler managed to crack open the Pandora Ball a little. "Excellent!" smiled Jessie evily, "Now to claim my treasure!" and she ran up to the ball and started to open it up very slowly.

"Oh no!" cried Agatha, "She's actually done it!" Just then, a huge black explosion burst out of the ball, knocking Jessie back into Meowth, Reiko, Kingler, and Kadabra and our heroes down on the floor freeing them from the disable attack, while Gastly and Gengar were shattered free from their icy prisons. When the blackness cleared, there they were. About 100 dark Pokemon had filled the room. They consisted of mean looking crows, red fiery dogs, and little gremlin like creatures. They were all looking mean eyed at Team Rocket.

"What have we unleashed?!" gasped Jessie while shaking.

"Congratulations, you just won the Nobel Prize", said Agatha, "The first prize in stupidity!"

"I don't like the looks of those Pokemon", said Cameron.

"And they don't like the looks of us either", said Agatha. "Hurry, we have to apprehend each one of them before they leave this tower! Gastly, Gengar, hypnotize them all to sleep!" Gastly and Gengar leapt in front of the dark ones and tried to use their hypnosis attacks, but it didn't effect the dark ones at all. The dogs then breathed fire at the two ghosts causing them to faint.

"Oh no!" cried Agatha, "I forgot. Dark Pokemon are immune to psychic attacks!" Then she took out two Pokeballs and pulled the two ghosts back in them. "I'm getting you two to the Pokemon center when all of this is over!"

"There ain't nothing more worse than a dog except a fire-breathing dog!" cried Meowth, "Lemme out of here!" and he started running full speed to the door. Just then, one of the crows disappeared then reappeared right in front of the shocked Meowth. It gave him a dark glare turning the poor cat black as coal and paralyzing him.

All of the dark ones started approaching everyone in the room ready to remove them from their sights. "Kadabra, psychic attack!" shouted Jessie, "Kingler, blizzard attack!" shouted Reiko. But those attacks were completely useless for the dark ones were completely immune to the pyschic attack and the dogs just melted the blizzard away with their flamethrowers. Then they all backed all our heroes and villains into a corner of the wall.

"Clefairy, Clefable, use your light screen to protect us!" shouted Seymour as he released the two cute little Pokemon. They raised their fingers and a flashing wall of light appeared protecting everyone while the dark ones ran away scared out the window.

"Thank you my friends", said Seymour as he hugged his two fairy Pokemon who both made a happy "Clef!"

Reiko then approached Meowth who was still black and lying on the floor and picked him up. "Meowth-san, are you all right?" asked Reiko. Meowth didn't say a word. It was like he was a lifeless lump of coal that was carved into a Meowth.

"It's the effect of the dark ones' black gaze", said Agatha as she sadly patted poor Meowth's head. But don't worry. A trip to the Pokemon center should have him up and causing trouble again. Right now, we have a bigger problem."

"We do?" asked Stella knowing what it was.

"We have to catch every single one of those dark Pokemon and put them back into that ball before Lavender Town and the whole world will be doomed!"

"What type of Pokemon are strong against dark Pokemon?" asked Brock.

"That is a big mystery", said Agatha, "We'll just have to try out all types and hope and pray one of our Pokemon will be able to do the job."

"Then let's get going", said Bill hoping his normal type attacks would handle the big scary dark ones.

"Let me come with you too", said Reiko.

"I think you've helped enough", said Jenny angrily.

"And why would you want to help us?" asked Misty, "You're on the enemy's side."

"It is true that I see you all as enemies", said Reiko, "But in my heart I never want to release any kind of evil into this world. This is mainly all my fault and I've already dishonored my true family too many times. But this goes far beyond any dishonorment. So please let me assist you. You have my ninja's honor."

Cameron could tell that Reiko was telling the truth by the look in her pretty eyes and she was really sorry about all this and for joining Team Rocket in the first place. "What do you say everyone?" asked Cameron, "We could use all the help we can get in saving the world."

Everyone gathered around in a huddle to discuss this, but Agatha completely broke it up. "If we stick around squabbling like this, we'll never catch them!" she shouted. "All right, little Miss. Ninja, I accept your help."

"Arigato", said Reiko as she bowed to Agatha, "I guarantee you will not regret this."

"What about Jessie?" asked Misty who pointed over to Jessie who was curled up in a corner shaking in fear.

"I suppose this was all too much for my fragile queen", said Reiko who let Jessie hold onto the motionless Meowth like a security blanket. Reiko then released her Tentacruel right next to Kadabra.

"Tentacruel and Kadabra", said Reiko, "I need you two to stay here and protect Queen Jessie and Meowth until we get back. Can you both handle the job?"

"Cruel!" said Tentacruel.

"Kadabra!" said Kadabra.

Reiko then followed our heroes out of the room while Tentacruel put its protective tendrils around Jessie who suddenly screamed.

* * * * * *

The first thing our heroes came across was a cornfield and there were the dark crows munching on every ear of corn while ripping off the scarecrow's limbs thinking it was a real human. Cameron aimed his Pokedex at the crows.

"MURKROW, the dark bird Pokemon", replied Dexeena, "No other data is given."

"If those Murkrows are bird types", said Brock, "Maybe an electric type will defeat them."

"Leave that to me and my Electabuzz", said Cameron as he released Buzz onto the ground who saluted Cameron and shouted, "BUZZ, EL, BUZZ!"

"At ease", said Cameron. "I need you to thunderbolt all those Murkrows so we can capture them."

"And be sure not to look any of them in the eyes", said Agatha.

"BUZZ, EL, BUZZ!" shouted Buzz who tried to shoot thunderbolts at the birds with his eyes closed. He was able to hit a few while the others easily dodged them. Then the Murkrows shot some dark energy at Buzz and he saw something frightening to him. A horde of giant unclean toilets started marching up to him each holding a scrubbing brush. "Lt. Surge says you were a bad soldier", said one of the toilets, "So it's clean up time for you for the next 1,000 years!"

"BUUUUUUZZZZ!" shouted Buzz who ran up to Cameron hugging him in fear.

"Buzz, what's the matter?" asked Cameron, "You were doing a great job so far."

"I'm afraid that looked like a nightmare attack", said Agatha, "Hardly any Pokemon is a match for that attack."

Buzz was holding onto Cameron fearing that his new sergeant would think that he's a wimp. Just then, Cameron had slipped out of Buzz's hug. He opened his eyes, looked up, and saw Cameron being carried away by the remaining Murkrows.

"CAMERON-SAN!!" cried Reiko as she and the others watched in fear as the Murkrows were about to tear Cameron's limbs off.

"AAAUGGGGH!!!" screamed Cameron in pain. Buzz, who suddenly developed a sparkling rage in his eyes at what those birds were doing to his sergeant, released a powerful thunderbolt shocking all the Murkrows unconscious while shocking Cameron as well. The Murkrows dropped Cameron while Reiko leapt up into the air and caught him. "Are you all right Cameron-san?" asked Reiko as everyone gathered around them.

"Reiko?" asked Cameron who found himself in the arms of a beautiful black-haired angel. "Am I in heaven?"

"No", smiled Reiko, "But your Electabuzz saved you from where those birds might've sent you." Cameron looked over at Buzz who was saluting strong and tall while tears ran down his fuzzy face.

"Thank you soldier", said Cameron.

Everyone looked at all the singed Murkrows on the ground. "They should use electric type Pokemon to guard cornfields instead of obviously lifeless scarecrows", said Stella.

Agatha just opened up the Pandora Ball and sucked every Murkrow back inside. She then looked at a little counter she had installed on the ball. "30 down, 70 to go", said Agatha. Just then, they heard some loud, "MOOOOOOOOOs!"

"I believe we might've found some more", said Brock as he was looking through his binoculars at a nearby cattle farm. Everyone rushed over to the farm and they saw a whole herd of Tauros being threatened by all those red dogs. They were spitting out embers ready to enjoy a nice helping of sirloin steaks.

"What are those things?" asked Cameron as he took out Dexeena once again.

"HOUNDOUR, the devil dog Pokemon", said Dexeena, "No other data given other than being a fire type."

"We have to stop them before those dogs get even redder from all that red meat!" said Jenny, "Growlithe, flamethrower now!"

"GROWWWL!" howled Growlithe as he breathed fire at all those fellow dogs while our heroes opened the gate letting all the Tauros stampede free. But the Houndours' flamethrowers were even stronger than Growlithe's and he ran back into Jenny's arms making an apologetic growl."

"It's not your fault Growlithe", said Jenny, "The police training manual didn't mention anything on how to handle dark Pokemon."

"Since those Houndours are also fire types, maybe water will defeat them", said Agatha.

"Yes, that's it!" smiled Misty. "Everyone release your water Pokemon!" Cameron released Slowpoke, Reiko released Kingler, Seymour released Wartortle, and Misty sent out her Seaking, Staryu, Starmie, and Seadra. Even Psyduck came out, even though Misty didn't call him out.

"Everyone use your water gun, bubble, bubblebeam, surf, and hydro pump attacks at the same time!" commanded Misty. Just as the Houndours were about to set fire to our heroes, all the water Pokemon blasted large amounts of H20 at the dogs soaking them completely. Only Psyduck was trying to squirt at Jenny's Growlithe thinking it was one of the dark dogs. "You dumb duck!" groaned Misty, "That's Jenny's Growlithe! You could get 10 to 20 for assaulting a police dog!" Misty pulled Psyduck back into his ball while Growlithe jumped into Jenny's arms.

Once all the Pokemon were out of water, the smoke cleared and all the Houndours were lying in a huge pile without their bright red colors. "If there's one thing I hate, it's cold hot dogs", said Cameron.

"Well it's time to put these little wiener dogs back into storage!" said Agatha as she opened the ball and sucked all the Houndours back in with the Murkrows.

"Now what's next?" asked Stella. Then they heard some human screams coming from a final direction.

"Oh no, not the town!" cried Agatha, "Let's go everyone!" and they all followed the speedy Agatha right into Lavender Town.

* * * * * *

When they got to the town, they found all the citizens being terrorized by all those gremlin looking Pokemon. They were stealing candy from stores, shredding up magazines from newsstands, licking stop signs like they were lollipops, and they were fury swiping any human that got in their way.

"I don't like the looks of whatever those things are", said Cameron as he took out Deexena once again. "SNEASEL, the dark Pokemon", replied Dexeena, "And guess what? No other data is given either! Boy, you sure are finding many interesting discoveries kiddo!" Cameron looked puzzled at Dexeena then put it back in his pocket.

"What kind of Pokemon you suppose would stop these guys?" asked Brock.

"I have no idea!" said Agatha.

"Maybe if we use a smokescreen attack, the Sneasels won't be able to see and they'll be easier to attack and capture", said Misty.

"That could work", said Seymour, "But what Pokemon can we use?"

"We'll use Seadra!" smiled Misty as she was about to release her sea horse, but instead Psyduck popped out in front of the danger as usual.

"Oh no!" cried Misty, "Why did you have to pick this time to be stupid?! I'm gonna miss you buddy!"

The Sneasels approached the poor duck ready to slash him to confetti. Psyduck became so frightened that he became confused and started unleashing his pay day attack all over the street. "At least he'll die a rich duck", sighed Misty.

Suddenly all the Sneasels looked green-eyed at all those coins and started scattering around picking every one of them up. "But of course", said Agatha, "Greed are those Sneasels' main weakness. Cameron, let's use our Vileplumes on them while they're distracted!"

"Gotcha!" smiled Cameron as he and Agatha released their Vileplumes who put all the Sneasels to sleep with their sleep powder. Psyduck fell asleep too since he was in the middle of their coin gathering. Then Misty came and took Psyduck out of the way while Agatha sucked all the Sneasels back into the Pandora Ball.

"Aw, Psyduck", smiled Misty, "You never cease to amaze me", and she gave Psyduck a kiss on the forehead while he slept happily. "Psy!" he snored.

"Did we get all of them?" Seymour asked Agatha.

"No, not all of them", said Agatha, "As I remember, there was one dark Pokemon that was supposed to be the strongest of them all." Suddenly, they heard a loud howl. Everyone turned around and looked in fear. It was a Houndour, except it was huge and it had horns and a devil's tail.

"Well I guess we don't have to worry about finding it", said Agatha nervously. Cameron aimed Dexeena at the dog hoping it wouldn't be the last time.

"HOUNDOOM, the evolved form of Houndour", said Dexeena, "Though no other data is given for this beast, I suggest you run, RUN LIKE HECK BEFORE THAT MONSTER SENDS YOU THERE!!!"

"Quick everyone!" cried Misty, "Release your water Pokemon again!!!" But when they did, they discovered that they had used up all their water just fighting all those Houndours earlier. All they could do was squirt out tiny droplets.

"This looks bad", said Brock.

"More like satanic!" said Stella. Houndoom suddenly opened its mouth and launched a huge firebolt at our heroes. Cameron quickly closed his eyes waiting for his fiery death, but instead he didn't feel a thing. But he did find himself, and everyone else trapped in a huge cage made of fire.

"What I wouldn't give for a fireproof mug to clink across these bars", said Misty nervously.

"Look!" cried Bill as they saw Houndoom howling a loud howl and opening up a fiery pit in the street.

"I believe it's going to take us all back home to its master", said a frightened Agatha.

"NOOOO!" cried everyone as they held each other in fear. Reiko clutched onto Cameron tightly. "Cameron-san", she said while shaking. "Before we experience our eternal torment, I just want you to know that I.... I.....I...."

Cameron stood there nervous and silently waiting to hear what Reiko had to say. Just then Bill called out, "LOOK AGAIN!" There was Eevee biting the back of Houndoom's neck while it was running around trying to shake her off.

"No Eevee!" cried Agatha, "Save yourself! You're no match for this evil!" But Eevee refused to let go. Unfortunately Houndoom started rolling around on the street squashing Eevee flat.

"NOOOO!" cried Agatha. Just as Houndoom was about to have an Eeveening meal, Eevee jumped up and started changing her shape.

"It looks like your Eevee's going to evolve", said Seymour.

"But there aren't even any evolution stones around here", said Agatha as she watched in horror at what her little Eevee had become. She was now black with gold rings all over her body. Cameron took out Dexeena again. (Boy, is he gonna need some batteries for that thing when this night is through!)

"UMBREON, the dark form of Eevee", said Dexeena, "Nobody knows how an Eevee becomes an Umbreon, but it looks like you've got one now. You lucky dogs!" But it wasn't lucky for one dog for Umbreon seemed like a powerful fighter. It charged, bit, and totally thrashed every part of Houndoom's body. Then Umbreon released a confuse ray at Houndoom causing it to dance around in confusion slowly approaching the pit it just made. It then fell right down causing the pit to close up and the fire cage that was around our heroes to disappear.

Then the sun came out and all the people came out of hiding. They all cheered and hugged each other happy that the nightmare was over. Agatha slowly walked over to her newly evolved Umbreon.

"Careful Miss. Agatha", said Seymour, "It's still a dark Pokemon." But Umbreon just jumped into Agatha's arms and started licking her face.

"Hey, it still has Eevee's personality!" smiled Stella.

"Aw, I don't care if you do have dark blood in you", smiled Agatha, "You're still my little angel!"

"UM", cooed Umbreon happily.

"Reiko", asked Cameron, "What was it you were going to tell me earlier?"

"Well, I...I..." said Reiko who no longer had her fear looked at everyone and said, "That dog is nothing compared to what you'll experience when you're all prisoners to Team Rocket!" and she started laughing out loud while throwing a smoke bomb on the street. Cameron felt a kiss on his cheek and when the smoke cleared, Reiko was gone.

"She must be going back to the tower to get her teammates", said Jenny, "I've got them now! Come on Growlithe!" and she and her dog sped off to the direction of the tower.

"Did we get every single last one of those dark Pokemon?" Brock asked Agatha. She checked her counter and it read only 92 were caught. "No", she said sadly, "I fear that a few of them must've left town and disappeared into the horizon."

"You mean those dark ones are now loose in this world?" gasped Misty, "What if they start breeding?!"

"Our only hope is if really great trainers out there will find them, catch them, and train them well", said Agatha.

"That would really be a challenge", said Stella.

"It looks like our world will never be the same again", said Bill.

"Please forgive me Miss. Agatha", pleaded Seymour, "If you hadn't met me, Team Rocket wouldn't've followed us and opened up that ball. I deserve to be ripped to shreds by your Umbreon."

"Umbreon" said Agatha as she whispered something in her huge ears. Seymour closed his eyes waiting for Umbreon's mauling, but instead Umbreon just kissed him.

"Don't feel guilty Seymour", smiled Agatha. "These things happen without expectation and it were those Rockets that caused all of this, not you. Besides, maybe it's destiny for dark Pokemon to be roaming around in this world. They might serve humanity some kind of purpose."

"Maybe I might even catch and master one of those dark Pokemon", smiled Cameron.

"Oh please", said Misty, "You're starting to sound just like Ash." "Oh how I miss him!" she whispered quickly. Then they saw a frustrated Jenny and Growlithe heading back to the group.

"Did you arrest them?" asked Seymour.

"No", grumbled Jenny, "Reiko's ninja like speed must've enabled her to grab Jessie and Meowth and leave. I must suggest that all police officers train in the ways of the ninja."

* * * * * *

Meanwhile, Reiko had left Lavender Town in the Rocket balloon with Jessie still shaking and Meowth still frozen black as coal from the Murkrow's black gaze. "Don't worry Meowth-san", she said, "Once we find a Pokemon Center, you'll be back to abnormal soon. And don't you worry too my queen", she said to Jessie, "You're far away from any darkness for now."

"Th...th....thank you Reiko", shivered Jessie as she went to sleep dreaming of things that made her happy. Raising taxes, ripping pants labels off of girls that were sexier than her and bonking James and Meowth on the heads. "Ah, the pleasant things in life!" she sighed.

TO BE CONTINUED

[Cullen]

The Incredible Poke-Odyssey chapter 16

The Great Slowbro Dispute

Jessie and Reiko were staring at what looked like a lump of coal carved into a cat sitting on the grass. "I can't believe that this used to be the Meowth that made my underling life and my royal life a living heck!" said Jessie.

"It's like the defective VCR remote that gets stuck on pause that forces you to unplug it", said Reiko feeling a little pity for the poor Meowth. "But that old lady said the effects of the dark gaze can be cured if we take him to the nearest Pokemon center."

"Yeah, but my beautiful face is on every wanted poster in every Pokemon center in this country", said Jessie, "It's such a curse to be so wanted!"

"But I don't think a lifeless Meowth would be any use to us on this team", said Reiko, "Unless we need a huge paperweight."

"I'll just have him sent back to the Pokemon center at the Rocketville palace", said Jessie, "Luckily for us, the Nurse Joy there is the black sheep of her family." And she released Kadabra from its Pokeball. "Kadabra", said Jessie, "I need you to teleport Meowth back to the palace so he can get treated. Also bring James here too. Team Rocket just wouldn't be the same unless we have 3 members."

"Kadabra!" replied Kadabra as it picked up the paralyzed Meowth by the tail and disappeared from the two Rocket girls' sights.

* * * * * *

James was in his room having his own private fashion show. He was trying on Jessie's dresses and walking around like he was in Paris. "Aren't I something you'd wanna take home to Mamma?" said James slyly as he admired himself in a sleeveless red gown with matching gloves and pearls. Just then, Kadabra materialized right in front of him.

"What is this, some kind of funhouse mirror?" asked James wondering when he grew such a large bushy mustache. "Kadabra!" said Kadabra as it grabbed James's bare shoulder and teleported away with him.

* * * * * *

James suddenly found himself in a grassy field along with Jessie and Reiko. "What on my queen's great throne are you doing in that dress?!" asked Reiko.

"That's my favorite red gown!" shouted Jessie with fire in her eyes. "What are you doing in it?!!!"

"Uh, I just wanted to be like you?" James said quickly while sweating all over her expensive dress.

"If you've stretched it out of shape, I'll...." Shouted Jessie ready to strangle James's delicate neck.

"Did I ever tell you that your eyes match the color of this dress?" said James trying to save his skin. "Or is it just because you're mad right now? Oh gee, I put my high heel in my mouth!" Jessie grabbed the bottom of the dress and yanked it off James's body. Then the girls became even more shocked when they saw James wearing nothing but high heels, a pink bra, and flowery panties. "Don't worry Jess", said James, "These undergarments are mine!"

* * * * * *

Meanwhile Cameron and friends were pedaling down a road enjoying a nice day in this animated world. Cameron thought he could hear the cute music they played in the Gameboy whenever his character got on a bicycle.

"Why do we always keep hearing this strange music every time we get on bikes?" asked Misty.

"You can hear it too?!" said Cameron surprised. Just then a figure that looked like a little boy was standing in the middle of the road. "Hey, get out of the way!" shouted Jenny, but the boy just wouldn't budge. Everyone was forced to swerve out of the way. Seymour crashed into Cameron and Brock, while Stella crashed into Jenny and Misty causing poor Bill to fly out of Misty's basket and hit a nearby tree.

"Could somebody get the license number of that boy's butt?" asked Bill all dazed.

Everyone pedaled back to the boy in a clump of body and bicycle parts while the background music was totally messed up as well. "Just what do you think you're doing?!" shouted Misty who was the first to crawl out of the pile. "Didn't you see us?! Why didn't you move out of the way?!!!"

The boy was an eight year old dressed in a blue suit with blue shorts and a red bow tie. He just turned his nose up at Misty and said, "Why didn't you all move out of my way?"

"Why you little..." grumbled Misty as she was about to dig out her large mallet from her tiny pocket until Brock and Cameron held her back. "Take it easy Misty", said Brock, "He's only a kid."

"Yes", said the boy, "Listen to the dorky looking guy with no eyeballs!"

"Why you little..." grumbled Brock as he pulled the mallet from Misty's pocket and was ready to turn the little smart-mouth into a pancake until Jenny stopped him.

"I should give you a ticket for obstructing a road", said Jenny as she took out a pad and pen, "What's your name and who are your parents?"

"Kingston Frederick Silph", said the boy proudly. Jenny quickly put away her pad and pen and said, "My apologies master Silph, I meant no disrespect."

"WHAAAT!" shouted Misty, "Are you gonna let some snot nosed brat tell MMMGGLPH!!!" Jenny had covered Misty's mouth and gathered all her friends around her while Kingston stood there smirking.

"What's wrong Jenny?" asked Cameron, "Is that little boy important?"

"You'd better believe it!" said Jenny nervously, "That there is the son of Mr. Silph!"

"Not thee Mr. Silph?!!" gasped Stella, "The richest and most powerful man in the world?!" Cameron remembered the Silph building from his game and how the Rockets took it over and made the supposedly richest and most powerful man in the world their hostage.

"And that boy is very powerful too", said Jenny, "If I upset him, I could lose my badge!"

"Well I certainly don't have a badge he can take away!" growled Misty as she was about to march over and slug the kid until Jenny stopped her.

"And if you upset him, he could get all your info from the net and do unpleasant things to you and your family", Jenny warned her, "People and even kids with money can do that!"

"Can you imagine if Team Rocket owned all that money?" thought Cameron imagining a huge electric wall surrounding the entire Earth.

"Uh, excuse me", said Kingston, "There's a rich and powerful boy here that no one's paying any attention to!" Everyone looked down at the boy who was looking very bratty. "I came out here to chase all you trespassers off of my property!"

"What property?" asked Stella, "All we see are trees and a dirt road.

Kingston just took out a cell-phone and dialed it. "Cedric", said Kingston, "Move the dwelling over to where I'm standing please." Suddenly, a huge mansion on wheels drove over the trees and stopped right in the middle of the road. The wheels folded up and the mansion just plopped down there. "There's nothing like blocking a simple road so you can have a new outlook through your bedroom window. Isn't that right Officer?" said Kingston with a smug look on his face.

"You're so right Master Silph", said Jenny trying to stay as pleasant as she can while deep inside she was bubbling like a volcano. "Well if you'll excuse us, we'll all be on our way."

"Not so fast!" said Kingston as he jumped in front of Cameron and on his toes. Cameron tried to hold in the pain without yelping. "You've got Pokeballs on your belt", said Kingston, "Anyone who dares trespass on my property must challenge me to a Pokemon battle. What do you say?"

"Sure, anything", said Cameron hoping that would get this little brat off his feet. Kingston rang a little bell and a butler suddenly sped out of the mansion holding a velvet pillow. On it were three Pokeballs covered with gold, silver, and bronze.

"Thank you Cedric", said Kingston as he took the gold ball from the pile. "Go Bellsprout!" he shouted as he released a tiny Venus-Fly trap with a yellow head and something around its neck that looked like a tiny crown.

"What's that thing around the Bellsprout's neck?" asked Seymour.

"It's my official King's Symbol to show that these Pokemon are my property!" said Kingston. "A labcoat wearing peon like yourself wouldn't know of such things." Seymour was about to blow his top along with the testtubes and beakers he had in his coat. "So are we gonna battle or are you just gonna gawk at my riches since you're obviously not gonna get any anytime soon you common loser?"

Cameron started to feel the rage too. "All right", he said angrily, "V. P, let's show this kid and his plant what this common loser can do!" He released his Vileplume who made a fighting "VILE!"

"You call that a plant?" scoffed Kingston, "My gardener eats Pokemon like that for breakfast. I should know, since he works for minimum wage. Bellsprout, razor leaf now!"

"Bell!" said Bellsprout as it started flinging razor sharp leaves at V. P. "Quick V. P." shouted Cameron, "Use your cut attack!"

"VILE!!" shouted V. P. as it started spinning around like a top shredding up the leaves with its huge petals. V. P. then started spinning right at Bellsprout ready to do the same thing to it. "BELLSPROUT!!!" cried Bellsprout as it ran around trying to escape the spinning red petals of doom.

"Bellsprout, return", said Kingston with a mean look on his face as he pulled Bellsprout back in its gold ball.

"I guess this means you'll think twice before bad mouthing another commoner again", said Cameron proudly as he patted his happy Vileplume while all his friends were smiling at Kingston's defeat.

"You were just lucky!" grumbled Kingston as he took the silver ball. "And I'm gonna prove to you that money and snobbish ways will always win! Go Shellder!" Out popped a cute little clam that also had Kingston's symbol stuck on its shell.

"A water type", said Cameron, "That should be easy for you V. P. Use your mega-drain!"

V. P. was about to suck the water out of Shellder's shell until Kingston shouted out, "Shellder, aurora beam now!" Shellder launched a cold multi-colored beam at V. P. causing it to shiver and faint.

"Oh no, V. P!" cried Cameron as he hugged his slightly frosted flower.

"Any Pokemon genius would know that Shellders also have ice attacks and it wouldn't be a good idea to send grass Pokemon against it!" laughed Kingston, "Maybe I should have you sent off to Oxford to get some brains. That is if I didn't hate charity! HA HA HA HA!"

"This kid is just as bad as Gary", thought Misty and then she thought about and missed the rivalry of Gary and Ash.

"Okay then, I choose you Slowie!" said Cameron as he released his Slowpoke.

"Uh, oh", said Seymour, "Sending a Slowpoke to battle a Shellder could lead to trouble!"

"That Slowpoke looks totally dim", laughed Kingston, "Must be related to you!"

"Yes, you could say that", said Cameron as he saw Slowie looking up at his mamma's face. "Okay Slowie", said Cameron, "How about giving that Shellder a tri-attack?"

"Slow", replied Slowie as he launched his triangle of energy at the unmoving clam.

"Shellder, withdraw now!" commanded Kingston. Shellder closed its shell tight and glowed. The speeding triangle suddenly bounced off of Shellder like a pea and struck back at Slowie knocking him over on his back.

"You all right Slowie?" asked Cameron. "Slowpoke!" replied Slowie who didn't feel any pain at all. That is until a few seconds later.

"Okay Shellder", said Kingston, "Finish that Slowpoke off with a clamp attack!"

"NO, DON'T USE CLAMP!!!" cried Seymour. But it was too late. Shellder had clamped on good and hard at Slowie's tail. Suddenly, both Slowie and Shellder started to merge together.

"Slowie, what's happening to you?!" cried Cameron. When the merging was completed, there was Slowie now standing on his hind legs with the Shellder stuck on his butt, only it was now spiral shaped instead of bivalve shaped. "Slowbro?" replied Slowie.

"Yes", sighed Seymour, "When a Shellder clamps onto a Slowpoke's tail, you've got an instant Slowbro."

"Cool!" smiled Kingston in a mean smile, "I got me a brand new Pokemon!" He said as he hugged the shell part of Slowbro.

"Wait a minute!" said Cameron angrily, "Slowie is my son, I mean Pokemon!"

"But Shellder here is mine!" said Kingston as he took out a stamp and stamped his trademark King's Symbol on Slowie's left bottom leg. "And this mark shows he's mine!"

"If your Shellder hadn't clamped onto my Slowpoke, this wouldn't've happened!" shouted Cameron.

"You were the one who was dumb enough to send a Slowpoke to battle my Shellder in the first place!" shouted Kingston as he clutched onto Slowie. "So whoever caused the blunder first should pay the price!"

"You're already rich, so you can afford paying for it!" shouted Cameron as he grabbed onto Slowie while Kingston clutched onto Shellder causing an all out tug-of-war while Slowie was completely clueless to what was going on. All that stretching felt kind of relaxing to him.

The two boys suddenly stopped when they heard Jenny blow her whistle. "All right you two", she shouted, "You must stop this before you tear that poor Slowbro apart! There must be some way we can settle this!" Just then, a huge white limo that was as long as three Onixes drove up. Out stepped a man in a business suit with a cell phone attached to his shoulder.

"Daddy!" cried Kingston as he hugged the man's leg crying, what was obviously fake tears.

"Hello son", said Mr. Silph as he patted his son's black hair, "Say, did you move our mansion to another location again? I like it!"

"That's not important right now Father!" said Kingston. "I need your help on getting these mean bullies off our property!"

"Oh really?" said Mr. Silph, "And just what have you all been doing to my poor little angel?"

"You mean poor little fallen angel", grumbled Misty.

"Mr. Silph", said Jenny while holding her badge, "Your son and my friend here have gotten themselves in an unusual predicament with their Shellder and Slowpoke and we need to find some way to dissolve this matter." And she pointed to the Slowbro who sat there looking dopey at the richest man in the world.

"I see", said Mr. Silph, "Kingston, tell your daddy how all of this happened."

"Well", said Kingston in pretend sobs, "I saw these poor citizens injured from a bad bicycle accident so I brought our mansion over here to help them out in any way I can. But that kid with the glasses sent his Slowpoke to attack me so I had no choice to send out Shellder to protect myself. That Slowpoke suddenly got his tail stuck in Shellder's unsuspecting mouth causing my poor little Pokemon to become this new type. And now they want to take away my poor Shellder. WAAAAAAH!!!"

"That's all a big lie!" shouted Cameron angrily, "He was the one that challenged me to a match and ordered his Shellder to clamp onto Slowie!"

"It's just like a big sweatshirt wearing bully to say such a thing!" cried Kingston, "Please don't let him take away my poor Shellder!"

"Don't worry son, I'll handle this", said Mr. Silph as he took out his checkbook, wrote out a check, and handed it to Cameron. "Here you go", he said, "Here's a check for 25 cents if you'll let my son keep this Slowbro and all you ruffians never set foot on my property again. Wherever Kingston decides to put it next time."

"No way!" shouted Cameron, "Slowie here is my friend and he'd be horribly devastated if he ever has to leave me! Isn't that right Slowie?"

"Slowbro?" said Slowie who still had no idea about the trouble he was in.

"I guess that shows how much he cares about you", laughed Kingston.

"I know how to settle this", said Mr. Silph. "You boys will have a one against one Pokemon match. And the winner gets to keep Slowbro. What do you say?"

"No way!" cried Kingston, "I don't want any of my other Pokemon to be infected like poor Shellder!"

"That won't happen if you use You Know Who!" smiled Mr. Silph winking at his son.

"I'm in", said Kingston in a now happy, nasty mood, "How about you geek?"

"You got it", said Cameron desperately wanting to win Slowie back from this mean brat.

"You have to win", Jenny whispered into Cameron's ear, "Slowie has Sabrina's special mindzero attack installed in his head. Without it, we won't be a match against Mewtwo!"

"And this time, try not to send out a Pokemon that might fuse with his", said Bill.

"No problem", said Cameron knowing the perfect Pokemon that hardly lets him down. "Sandy, I choose you!" and Sandy popped on the ground ready for battle.

"Is that your best Pokemon?" laughed Kingston as he took the bronze ball from the pillow Cedric was holding. "Let's see how it does against DITTO!" and he released a tiny lump of pink jelly that had Kingston's official King's Symbol on it as well!

"A Ditto?" asked Cameron as he took out his Pokedex.

"DITTO: The transforming Pokemon", replied Dexeena, "Capable of copying an enemy's genetic code to transform itself instantly into a duplicate of the enemy."

And Ditto demonstrated by transforming into an exact copy of Sandy. Only it still had its King's Symbol on its chest.

"You'd better watch yourself Sandy", Cameron whispered to him. "Not only does that Ditto look like you, it also now knows all of your very attacks."

"Shrew?" said Sandy nervously.

"Ditto, launch any attacks you now know at that mouse!" smiled Kingston. "SHREW!" said Ditto as it dug underground ready to attack Sandy from where he was standing.

"HA!", laughed Kingston, "It looks like your precious little Sandshrew's about to be done in by its own specialty attack! And there's no way it can strike back from up here!"

"I wouldn't count on it!" smiled Cameron, "Sandy, get 'em with swift attack!"

"Shrew!" shouted Sandy as he threw his swift stars down in the hole Ditto just made. They all heard a loud, "DITTTO!" and out popped the Ditto back to its jelly like self with little glowing stars stuck in it like a Jello-mold.

"Don't worry Ditto", said Kingston, "I've got something that should make you feel a whole lot better!" and he showed Ditto the front of a comic book that had the picture of a giant Japanese robot on it. Ditto suddenly transformed into a 12 foot tall robot with guns on its wrists. It said, "DITTO" in a computerized voice. Sandy looked terrified at his new opponent.

"Hey, that's not fair!" whined Cameron, "That isn't even a Pokemon Ditto transformed into!"

"According to the League rules, anything a Ditto transforms into is perfectly legal", said Mr. Silph.

"Thanks Daddy!" said Kingston with a mean victorious smile, "Ditto, finish him off!"

"DITTO!" said Ditto as it shot its wrist guns and laser eye beams at Sandy who was successfully dodging every blow. Everyone ducked out of the way as Ditto's blasts hit the limo as well as the entire west wing of the mansion.

"Oh dear", said Mr. Silph, "And I had this year's tax forms in that room. Oh well, there's always next year."

Cameron uncovered his eyes and found that Sandy was nowhere to be seen. "Sandy?!" cried Cameron. Everyone looked around for Cameron's missing Sandshrew. Even Ditto was looking around for its opponent. Cameron suddenly saw Sandy who was clinging onto Ditto's back.

"Shhhhh!" whispered Sandy as he smiled and placed a claw up to his lips. Cameron smiled as he saw Sandy spraying some sand into the open vents of Ditto's robot back. Suddenly Ditto started to blow fuses all over the place dancing around out of control. Sandy jumped off just in time as Ditto exploded leaving gobs of pink jelly covering the entire area. It was all over everyone.

"Yeeech!" said Stella, "Anyone got any peanut butter?" Then the jelly crawled off of everyone and reverted back to the tiny little Ditto who suddenly fainted.

"No Ditto!" cried Kingston. "You have to keep fighting! My reputation is at stake!"

Mr. Silph bent down and examined Ditto, "I'm sorry son", he said, "But this Ditto's out for the count. I guess that means this young man wins the Slowbro."

All of our heroes cheered for joy, especially Cameron who hugged Sandy for his biggest triumph of all and Slowie for he wasn't going to lose him after all.

"Best two out of three!" demanded Kingston in a rage. "I'm not gonna lose that Shellder of mine!"

"Sorry", said Cameron, "I would love to give you your Shellder back, but I don't know how."

Just then, a huge cage fell through the sky and landed on the entire group trapping them in.

"Kingston, did you order another girl scout trap in the mail again?" asked Mr. Silph.

"Uh oh", said Brock, "It's time to prepare for trouble again!"

"Hey, that's our line!" called out a familiar guy's voice as two familiar figures appeared from behind the damaged limo.

"Prepare for trouble!" said Jessie.

"And make it double!" said James.

Jessie: "To protect the world from devastation!"
James: "To unite all peoples within our nation!"
Jessie: "To denounce the evils of truth and love!"
James: "To extend our reach to the stars above!"
Jessie: "Queen Jessie!"
James: "King James!"
Jessie: "Team Rocket blast off at the speed of light!"
James: "Surrender now or prepare to fight!"
Reiko: "Like the arrow sign that points in the opposite direction of left, That's right!"

"Hey Reiko, our motto's long enough as it is", scolded James. Reiko just pointed her katana at James's neck.

"If my little intern likes to add her own ending, it's okay with me", said Jessie liking the way Reiko handles James's complaining.

"She may be vowed to serve Team Rocket, but she certainly won't let any of them walk all over her", thought Cameron.

"You can't do this to us!" shouted Mr. Silph, "Do you know who I am?!"

"Didn't I see your face on my Monopoly box?" asked James.

"No, I'm Mr. Silph!" he shouted. "And me and my son won't stand for being locked up in a cage on our property. Actually, this new property, but you get the idea!" and he blew a whistle and a bunch of security guards ran out of the mansion surrounding the Rockets.

"Weezing, haze attack!" said James as he released Weezing who sprayed a thick fog around the guards who couldn't see who they were supposed to arrest. Reiko easily disarmed them and then tied and gagged them.

"Excellent work Reiko", smiled Jessie as she patted Reiko's bowed head.

"What about me and Weezing?" asked James.

"Oh yeah", said Jessie, "Nice job too!" and without thinking she whacked James's head because that what she was used to doing to him.

"Please forgive me for this Cameron-san", Reiko whispered to Cameron through the bars.

"I understand Reiko", whispered Cameron back.

"What are you two whispering about?" demanded Kingston, "Don't tell me that this wacked-out criminal is your girlfriend?!"

Reiko angrily lifted Kingston up by the tie and replied, "Like the little Oddish that has not yet developed its bloom. Little rug rats like you shouldn't be thinking about sexes just yet!" and she threw Kingston on the ground causing him to run crying into his father's arms.

"My hero!" thought Cameron even if she was a villain right now.

"Just what were you talking to them about?" asked a suspicious James.

"Uh, I've just learned that this kid has loads of money, entertainment systems, and fun stuff stashed away inside that mansion", said Reiko, "Doesn't it just want to make you rob it like a schoolgirl?"

"Why yes it does!" smiled Jessie who eyed the huge joint with diamond shaped eyes. "I hear by give you permission to steal, plunder, and totally thrash this place in any way you feel!"

"Arigato, my queen", said Reiko as she did a huge back flip to the entrance of the mansion and rushed in. Mainly she wanted some time alone so she could figure out a plan to help Cameron.

"She might steal my Pokemon cards!" cried Kingston, "We've gotta stop her!"

"What do you mean we?" asked Misty.

"I wouldn't worry about all your stuff kid", said James.

"Yes", smiled Jessie evily, "Because you'll all be coming back to Rocketville with us along with all your valuable stuff! HA HA HA HA!" Just then, Jessie and James heard a loud "SLOWBRO!" They turned around and found Slowie standing there ready to defend his master. Whoever that might be in the future.

"How did Slowie get out there?" asked Cameron.

"The cage must've missed him when it dropped on all of us", said Brock.

"Well you may've escaped our little cage, but you'll never escape your natural Poke-trap!" smiled Jessie as she took out an empty Pokeball. Just then, Slowie started to take a deep breath and blasted out a huge blizzard at Team Rocket.

"Wow", gasped Cameron, "I don't remember teaching Slowie blizzard!"

"But I did teach my Shellder that trick", said Kingston.

"Amazing", said Seymour, "It seems that not only the Slowpoke and Shellder share bodies, but thoughts and attacks as well."

"Slowbro!" said Slowie as he and Shellder both winked.

* * * * * *

Reiko had just come out of the mansion with Tentacruel and Kingler following her. Their tendrils and claws were loaded with jewels, money, furniture, entertainment systems, and all sorts of other things from Kingston's room. She then saw Jessie and James frozen solid in blocks of ice. Reiko quickly ran up to them and asked Cameron. "What just happened to them?!"

"It was the work of Slowie here", said Cameron as he patted Slowie's head through the bars.

"And my Shellder too", said Kingston as he patted the Shellder part of Slowbro.

"Well I can't bring all of you, these stolen goods, and my two frozen monarchs back to Rocketville all on my own!" said Reiko, "I am not that resourceful! Tentracruel, Kingler, drop those goods."

Tentacruel and Kingler let all that valuable stuff drop onto the dirty ground. "My underwear better not be in that pile!" shouted Kingston.

"Relax kid", said Reiko, "I'm not that demented. Tentacruel, Kingler, pick up our frozen king and queen if you would." Tentacruel lifted up Jessie while Kingler picked up James. "Well you filthy rebels", she sneered, "It looks like I'll have to leave you right now. My king and queen need some serious defrosting." She said as she took out a bottle of extra spicy wasabi. "But like the junk food that always comes back to torment you, you haven't seen the last of Team Rocket! HA HA HA HA!" She threw a smoke bomb on the ground and everything went black. Cameron felt Reiko kiss his cheek and when the smoke cleared, Team Rocket was gone as usual.

"It looks like we're safe for now", said Stella.

"Yeah, but we're still locked in this cage!" whined Kingston, "I sure hope none of my even snootier friends see me like this!"

Cameron felt something tucked between his ear and glasses. It was the key to the cage. Reiko had tucked it in there during her little smoke bomb trick. "Arigato Reiko!" smiled Cameron as he unlocked the cage and everyone was set free.

"Maybe having a wacked-out criminal for a girlfriend's a good thing", said Kingston. Cameron was about to strangle that kid until Slowie tackled Cameron onto the ground and hugged him.

"Aw, thank you Slowie", smiled Cameron as he hugged him back. "No matter who owns you, I'll always be your mamma!"

"Mamma?!" asked Kingston surprised.

"Yes", explained Brock, "When that Slowpoke first hatched, Cameron was the first face he saw, so he thinks Cameron's his mother."

"I remember losing my mother when I was five", said Kingston with tears in his eyes. "It was the most saddest day of my life. Then one day, Daddy gave me my very first Pokemon. It was that Shellder. I could always talk to him whenever I had a bad day or whenever I was picked on by bigger even richer kids. Shellder was my best friend in the whole world." And he approached the Slowbro and hugged the Shellder part of it while his tears ran down the spiral shapes.

"Wow", thought Cameron, "This brat really does care for his Pokemon. If I could do the right thing, I'd let him have his Shellder back by giving him the whole Slowbro. But then poor Slowie would be terribly sad if he has to leave his mother, which I am not really. What a predicament!"

Misty looked into her backpack and said, "I think I have a way!" She pulled out the Waterstone that her sister gave her and approached Slowie. "I sure hope this works", she said as she placed the stone against the Shellder part. Suddenly, Shellder fell off of Slowie's bottom causing him to devolve back into a Slowpoke.

"Slowpoke?" he said looking up at Cameron.

"Yes", smiled Cameron with joy in his eyes, "You're back!"

"Shellder?!" cried Kingston for his Shellder didn't devolve back into his original shape, but a new one. He was bivalve shaped again, but was a lot bigger and stronger and spikes were sticking out of his shell. Cameron aimed his Pokedex at Kingston's new Pokemon.

"CLOYSTER, the evolved form of Shellder", replied Dexeena. "When attacked, it launches its horns in quick volleys. The Cloyster's innards have never been seen."

The Cloyster opened up his shell and Kingston saw his little black face smiling at him. "Cloy!" he said.

"Aw, Shellder. I mean Cloyster!" cried Kingston with tears. "I'm so glad I'm not gonna lose you!"

"Thank you Misty", said Cameron while holding Slowie, "But your sister gave you that stone so you could evolve a great Pokemon one day."

"I know", said Misty smiling. "But I remember how you tried to fight my sisters to save my honor. They would've never given me that stone if you hadn't did that. So you truly deserve that great Slowpoke of yours."

"Thanks Misty", said Cameron blushing while Slowie was wondering why his mamma looked all red in the face. "Maybe Mamma's finally getting her pink skin like me", he thought.

Kingston humbly approached the group and said, "Thank you", in a tearful voice. "I'm sorry for acting like such a brat and for getting all your bikes wrecked and for threatening to take your Slowpoke away. I think I know how I can make it up to all of you." He ran over to his father and asked, "Daddy, can I use this week's allowance for...." And he started whispering something.

* * * * * *

Our heroes were now back on the road in their new R. V.! Kingston and Mr. Silph were waving goodbye as they disappeared into the horizon. "You know son", smiled Mr. Silph, "That was a very nice thing you did by giving them that R.V. Maybe you're not really the brat my servants tell me you are."

"I wouldn't count on it", thought Kingston as thoughts of slingshots and spitballs danced around in his head.

* * * * * *

A few days later, our heroes were resting in a field next to a beautiful stream. Everyone had let all their Pokemon out to play. Sandy saw Slowie sitting on a rock with the King's Symbol still on his left bottom leg. "You still have that thing stamped on you?" asked Sandy. Slowie just let out a mournful sigh.

"Hey, don't worry Slowie" said Sandy, "If we let Cameron know about that mark. I'm sure he can get it off with some soap and, UGH, water!"

"It's not that Sandy", sighed Slowie, "It's just that I kind of liked being a Slowbro for a while. I got to stand on my hind legs, I learned a new blizzard attack, and having a Shellder attached to me made my butt feel smart."

"But at least you got changed back so you wouldn't have to leave your mamma", winked Sandy.

"Yeah, that's right!" smiled Slowie, "But I still wished I could've stayed my evolved form so I could be a better Pokemon to mamma!"

Psyduck was sitting in the shallow end of the stream listening to Sandy's and Slowie's conversation. "I don't like seeing my best friend, Slowie this way!" said Psyduck. "If there was some way I can make him evolve again, I'd do it for him. Think Psyduck think! Oh no, I'm getting a headache again. But wait, it's not in my head. It's my tail?!" Psyduck quickly jumped out of the water and found a wild Shellder clamped onto his tail. "My prayers have been answered!" smiled Psyduck as he pulled the Shellder off his tail and ran over to Slowie. "Hey Slowie", he quacked, "Look what I got for WHOOPS!!! PSY-YAI-YAI!!!" Psyduck had tripped on a tiny rock causing him to toss Shellder up into the air.

"What's that?" asked Slowie looking up in the sky.

"It's my gift to you", said Psyduck, "Quick, stick your tail up in the air!"

"Okay", said Slowie as he stuck his long tail straight up wondering what that thing falling from the sky was. However, the Shellder missed Slowie's tail and clamped onto his head.

"Uh, oh", said Psyduck, "Misty's probably gonna clobber me again for this!"

"Oh no, what's that dumb Psyduck done now?!" shouted Misty as she pointed to Slowie with a Shellder stuck on his head. Then they both started merging while Cameron and the others rushed over to them.

"Am I gonna get a Slowbro again?" asked Cameron. But Slowie didn't evolve into a Slowbro. Instead he was a new type of Pokemon. He was standing on his hind legs once again, but he had a frilly red and white collar around his neck and the Shellder on his head was now spiral shaped with spikes on it. Almost like a crown. "I've never seen a Pokemon like this before!" gasped Cameron as he took out his Pokedex.

"SLOWKING: An alternate evolution of Slowpoke", replied Dexeena. "It is said if a Shellder clamps onto the head of a royal Slowpoke, you suddenly get a rare Slowking."

"Wow!" smiled Cameron as he hugged his new Slowking, "I had no idea you had royal blood in you."

"I believe it all had something to do with that King's Symbol still stamped onto Slowie's leg", said Seymour. "Very interesting!"

"Congratulations your majesty", smiled Sandy bowing down to Slowie.

"Aw, please stop!" said Slowie blushing, "On second thought, do it a little more."

"Wow Psyduck", smiled Misty, "Just when I think you'll always be a menace to all life forms, you surprise me!"

"Slowking!" said Slowie saying thank you to his best friend for making his dream happen.

"Psyduck!" said Psyduck proudly bowing to Slowie. "Say", thought Psyduck, "Maybe I'll become a Psyking if a Shellder clamps onto my head! Then Misty'll have to bow to me for a change!" and Psyduck quickly dove into the stream hoping a Shellder would clamp onto his head. Then he remembered that he couldn't swim. "PSY-YAI-YAI-YAI-YAI!!!!" screamed Psyduck splashing around.

"Psyduck, you'll always be the king of fools!" sighed Misty as she stepped into the stream and fished him out.

TO BE CONTINUED

[Cullen]

The Incredible Poke-Odyssey chapter 17

Reiko's Reunion

Our heroes were now in Fuchsia. They had hid their new R.V. behind a cluster of trees and they were on their way to the Fuchsia gym so Cameron could compete for a SoulBadge and hopefully hide from Team Rocket for a while.

"So which way is it to the Fuchsia gym?" asked Bill.

"According to my map", said Jenny, "If we head south down that hill, we'll find the gym that's almost as big as one acre."

"And was it ever long too!" groaned Misty remembering all the twists, turns, and boobie traps that that particular gym had.

Well then lets get going!" smiled Cameron as he released Sandy, "Ready to win me another badge champ?" he asked.

"Shrew!" said Sandy ready to take on his next opponent. Just then, a little girl in a Japanese school uniform jumped out from a nearby bush. "That's a neat Sandshrew you have there", said the girl in a cute Japanese accent.

"Thank you", said Cameron as he and Sandy both bowed to the girl.

"But is it good against my Charmander?" smiled the girl as she released a cute little orange lizard with a flame on its tail. "CHAR!" it said.

"What do you say we have a battle?" asked the girl bowing to Cameron.

"How about it Sandy?" asked Cameron, "So you can warm up before our big match against the gym leader?"

"Shrew!" said Sandy as he jumped right in front of Charmander ready to put out its flame.

"Charmander, fire spin!" commanded the girl.

"CHAR!" shouted Charmander as it breathed fire and trapped Sandy in a red-hot tornado making him unable to escape or fight back.

"Quick Sandy, dig to freedom!" shouted Cameron. When the fire cleared, they found Sandy gone and a hole from where he was standing last.

"Uh oh!" said the girl.

"Char, char!" said Charmander knowing what was gonna happen next. Suddenly Sandy burst out of the ground from where Charmander was standing knocking the poor lizard on its head.

"Charrie!" cried the girl as she picked it up and rubbed its slightly bruised head.

"I'm sorry we had to do that to your Charmander", apologized Cameron.

"That's okay", said the girl bowing to him. "I'm going to make my Charmander stronger so in case we meet again, it'll be sure to beat your Sandshrew."

Sandy and Charmander both bowed to each other and then Charmander got back into the Pokeball the girl was holding out. She bowed goodbye to everyone and left. "Congratulations Sandy", smiled Cameron as he was about to pet him. But then stopped for Sandy was starting to glow. It looked like tiny little quills were sprouting out of his back. "Sandy, what's happening to you?!" gasped Cameron.

"I believe that Sandy is about to evolve", said Seymour taking out a pad and pencil so he can study the evolution of a Sandshrew.

"Yes, you might be now getting a Sandslash", said Bill who was also fascinated.

"A Sandslash?!" said Cameron excitedly as he took out his Pokedex and looked up Sandslash. On the screen appeared a mouse that looked almost like a Sandshrew. Except it was bigger with huge sharp claws and long brown quills sticking out of its back.

"SANDSLASH: The mouse Pokemon, the evolved form of Sandshrew", replied Dexeena, "Curls up into a spiny ball when threatened. It can roll while curled up to hunt for food."

"Cool!" smiled Cameron excitedly, "I can't wait to get me a Sandslash!"

"I didn't know you liked Sandslashes", said Misty.

"Back in my world, everyone on the net had a debate on which Pokemon was the Slash Master and most of them voted for Sandslash, including me!" smiled Cameron as he watched Sandy who was still glowing. "Go Sandy go!" shouted Cameron, "Let's see you work your Sandslash magic!"

All of a sudden, Sandy stopped glowing. He took a deep breath and sucked the tiny quill points back into his back. "Sandshrew!" said Sandy who was still the same Sandshrew he always was.

Cameron became shocked, "Why did you stop?" he demanded, "You were just about to become a more stronger, powerful Pokemon! Why did you do that to yourself, and to me too?"

"Shrew, shrew, Sandshrew!", said Sandy trying his best to explain why he didn't evolve.

"I can't understand a word you're saying", said Cameron very annoyed!

"Can you understand what he's saying Bill?" Stella asked him.

"What?" grumbled Bill, "You assume that I can speak the language of Sandshrew just because I have a rodent's body?!"

"But you did say you knew the Rattata language by heart", said Brock.

"Rattata yes, but Sandshrew's kind of a whole different language", said Bill. "Oh, all right. I'll find out what's up with Sandy!" Bill ran up to Sandy and tried his best to speak his language. When they were done, Bill approached Cameron while Sandy looked at his master hoping he'd understand.

"What did Sandy say?" asked Cameron.

"I'm not sure", said Bill, "It sounded something like my purple-striped suited cable guy is drinking a wine glass of dishwater." Everyone looked funny at Bill.

"At least I know that there was an "a" in his sentence", protested Bill.

Cameron then approached Sandy, "Come on Sandy", he said in a reasonable voice, "Why won't you evolve for me?"

"Sandshrew!" said Sandy who was now speaking in an annoyed voice and quickly turned his armored back on his master.

"Fine!" grumbled Cameron, "If you're gonna be like that, you can just get back in your Pokeball!" and he pulled out Sandy's ball and sucked him back in. "SHREW!!!" Sandy growled out loud just as soon as the ball closed up on him.

"Don't you think you were a little hard on Sandy?" asked Misty.

"It's just that when I played my Gameboy, all the Pokemon I owned were willing to evolve for me", said Cameron. "And I just don't see how Sandy can be a good Pokemon if he doesn't evolve."

"But remember Cameron", said Seymour, "This isn't your game. This is real life! Our world may not seem real to you, but you're now in our reality and you just can't treat Pokemon like computer chips in a game system."

"I remember when Ash's Bulbasaur was about to evovle, it stopped itself", said Brock, "Ash was able to respect Bulbasaur's wishes and Bulbasaur became one of the toughest Pokemon I've seen even if it was still in its first stage."

Cameron looked at Sandy's Pokeball and started to feel pretty small. He wanted to be like Ash and forcing a Pokemon to change itself if it doesn't want to was very un-Ashlike.

"Besides", continued Stella, "Wasn't it you who taught me that Pokemon should be loved, not mistreated?"

"You're all right", said Cameron with tears in his eyes. He opened up the ball and released Sandy. He was actually crying and his tears were hurting his sand-covered body. "Sandy, I'm sorry", cried Cameron as he lifted up his Sandshrew and cradled him like a baby. "I had no right to force you to become something you didn't want to be. I still don't know why you don't want to become a Sandslash, but I'm going to respect your wishes from now on. You can stay the cute little Sandshrew who rescued me from Team Rocket the very first day I came to this world. Can we still be friends?"

Sandy looked up at his sorry-filled master, then smiled and started licking his face showing that he was forgiven. "Aw, thank you Sandy!" smiled Cameron. "You're the best Pokemon and friend a kid could ask for!"

"Sandshrew!" said Sandy while winking at all of Cameron's friends who were smiling at the dynamic duo.

* * * * * *

Our heroes had finally reached the entrance of the Fuchsia gym. "Well, I guess we all should go in", said Jenny.

"Just watch out for any spinning walls, upside down rooms, and hidden Voltorbs", said Misty.

"And for any cute girls throwing metal stars", said Brock.

"Don't worry Brockie", smiled Stella, "If any cute girls go after you, I'll personally put 'em in their place!" and she took out her circus whip.

When they all stepped in, they found a hallway that was almost a mile long. "No doubt that there are invisible booby traps just waiting to eat our flesh", said Misty nervously.

"Leave everything to me", said Bill as he took one tiny crumb of cheese and threw it through the hallway. Suddenly, the walls started to spin around while metal stars, seltzer bottles, itching powder, and TVs showing the Teletubbies started to pop out all over the place. Soon all the chaos stopped while our heroes were still standing near the entrance unharmed.

"Now that I've taken care of all the booby traps, shall we proceed?" asked Bill. Everyone walked through the mess of liquid and weapons on the floor while Cameron noticed something on the wall. "Hey everyone, look at this." He called out. Everyone looked at the huge portrait that consisted of a man, a young lady, and an eight-year-old girl.

"I recognize that guy", said Misty, "That's Koga, the gym leader of this place."

"And that young lady is his little sister Aya", said Brock who was about to blush, but then stopped himself for Stella was still holding onto her whip.

"But that little girl looks so familiar", said Cameron studying the pretty face of the girl in the red kimono with a toy katana in her hand.

"Have you seen her on your TV show?" asked Misty.

"No", said Cameron, "But if she were a little older like 14, I could swear that she's....." But then the picture slid back and a huge rectangle-shaped hole in the wall appeared. Then a powerful vortex started to suck Cameron right into it.

"Hold on Cameron!" shouted Stella as she used her whip to snare Cameron's ankle, but unfortunately she got pulled in as well.

"STELLA!!!" shouted Brock as he grabbed onto his girlfriend while Misty grabbed onto Brock while Seymour grabbed onto Misty while Jenny grabbed onto Seymour while holding Bill in her other hand.

"Why are you holding onto me?" shouted Bill as they were being sucked in, "I'm supposed to be holding onto you!"

"Oops, sorry", said Jenny blushing while our seven friends plummeted out from a ceiling and onto a soft mattress.

"Could this thrill ride get any more scary?" moaned Seymour. Just then, two sets of swords held by two dark shadows suddenly surrounded our heroes.

"As an officer, I should outlaw this unsafe ride", thought Jenny.

"Those who enter the Fuchsia gym without knocking will feel the wrath of the ninja", said one of the shadows in a pretty female voice.

"Hold it sister", said the second in a male voice, "I believe the lady here is an Officer Jenny. The law has every right to come in here unannounced."

"Oh, very well", sighed the girl as she put away her sword and lit a Japanese lantern. There they saw Koga and Aya who were helping them off the mattress.

"Greetings officer", said Koga bowing to all of them. "Aya and I want to apologize for this most unpleasant way of meeting all of you. Are we in some kind of trouble?"

"Oh, none at all", smiled Jenny, "But you should really buy a burglar alarm for your gym instead of all those life threatening gadgets. The reason we're here is because my friend Cameron wants to challenge you for a SoulBadge."

"Hello young man", smiled Koga studying the blond-haired kid with glasses. "You know, that hat you're wearing reminds me of another boy I knew a while back. Isn't that right sister?"

"Yes indeed", smiled Aya. "You're talking about Ash Ketchum. The boy who saved our gym and Pokemon from those dishonorable Rockets."

"Oh, Ash!" thought Misty as she was about to go into tears again, but then stopped herself and smiled when the ninjas looked at her and Brock.

"And you're Brock", smiled Aya, "I remember the way you last looked at me all red and giddy."

"Oh yeah", whispered Brock who was about to do it again, but then remembered that Stella was a lot more dangerous than Aya.

"And you're Misty", smiled Koga, "The girl who owned that impressive Psyduck. Do you still want to trade him for my Venomoth?"

"Uh, no thanks", smiled Misty, "No matter what, I'd never want to give away Psyduck." Then Psyduck popped out of Misty's backpack and gave her a huge kiss on the face. "YEEECCH!!!" cried Misty, " Psyduck! Don't let me take back my last sentence!!!"

"Psyduck?" wondered Psyduck.

"On second thought", said Koga, "You keep him."

"Tell me", asked Aya, "Why isn't Ash here with you?"

Misty was about to break down until Brock got in her way and said, "Uh, he couldn't be with us right now. But Cameron here would really like to be a great Pokemon trainer like Ash. Can you help him out by letting him compete for a SoulBadge?"

"I'd be honored if I can battle you Mr. Koga", said Cameron as he bowed to him.

"My what a polite boy you are", said Koga, "But unfortunately, I cannot battle you."

"But why?" asked Cameron.

"Because I'm not the gym leader here anymore", said Koga, "I'm now a member of the Elite Four. Agatha is supposed to be retiring soon and she chose me to take her place as one of the Elite Ones."

"I do remember Agatha telling me that she was planning on retiring soon", said Seymour, "And she was going to find someone to pass on the mantle to. Congratulations Mr. Koga, I know she chose well."

"Arigato Mr. Scientist", said Koga, "I just received a visit from Agatha a couple of days ago. I plan on doing her proud."

"Congratulations Mr. Koga", said Cameron, "But I'd still would've liked to battle you for a SoulBadge."

"Why don't you ask the new Fuchsia gym leader?" smiled Koga.

"Who is he?" asked Cameron.

"You mean she!" said Aya as she leapt in front of Cameron with a katana, just like someone he knows. "Yes, while my dear brother goes off to become an Elite Pokemon master, I will take over his burdens and defeat and humiliate any trainer that dares to enter and take on the powers of the Fuchsia gym." And he pointed her katana at Cameron's chest.

"Please sister", scolded Koga, "I wish you wouldn't do that to every person who is younger and smaller than you. You remember what happened six years ago."

"Forgive me please", said Aya bowing her head down in shame.

"What did you exactly do six years ago?" asked Stella.

"Never mind about that now", said Aya now with a smile, "I have my very first battle as a gym leader to look forward to." And she grabbed Cameron's wrist and rushed him into another room while everyone followed them.

* * * * * *

Outside the gym, Team Rocket was studying the huge gym trying to figure out a way to get in. "Oh Cameron-san", Reiko mumbled in Japanese. "It's bad enough you had to come to Fuchsia, but did you also have to come to this gym?!"

"Those rebels must be in that gym", said Jessie, "They've already visited 5 so far. We've got them now!"

"But don't you remember that particular gym?" whined James, "It's filled with spinning rooms and explosives. I can feel those migraines coming back to me! Get them out of my head!"

"My pleasure James-san!" groaned Reiko as she bopped him on the head with her mallet.

"Thank you Reiko", said James smiling, or what little smile he had left since some of his teeth fell out.

"Your majesty", Reiko turned to Jessie, "Allow me and my Pokemon to go in there alone and take on all those rebels and the dangers of that gym. A ninja like me can dodge and fight anything that gym can throw at me."

"Are you sure about that?" asked Jessie, "What do you say James?"

"Sure, let her go alone", said James hoping he wouldn't have to go into that gym and also hoping he'd be far away from that harmful Reiko for a few minutes.

"I shall return", said Reiko as she rushed over to a bottom window of the gym and crawled in.

"Ah, it feels good for a change to have someone else do your dirty work for you", smiled Jessie as she pulled a deckchair out from nowhere and sat down in it.

"I though I was the one who always did your dirty work?" whined James, "Don't tell me I've been replaced?!"

"Here's some dirty work just for you!" grumbled Jessie as she rubbed a clump of dirt into James's face.

"You do still care about me!" said James in dirty tears.

* * * * * *

Our heroes were now in a large training room where Cameron was on one side and Aya was on the other. "We'll use 3 Pokemon each", said Aya, "No time limit. You release your Pokemon first."

"All right", said Cameron, "Buzz, I choose you!" and out popped Electabuzz who saluted Cameron as usual and let out his usual, "BUZZ, EL BUZZ!"

"Your Electabuzz sure looks disciplined", said Aya, "But is it good enough against Ekans?!" and she released a pink rattlesnake that hissed, "EKANS!!!"

"Electabuzz, use your thunderpunch!" commanded Cameron. Buzz balled up his fist that caused a lot of sparks to fly out and was about to strike the unmoving snake.

"Ekans, screech attack!" commanded Aya. Ekans let out a loud screeching noise that caused everyone in the room to cover their ears including Buzz. "All right Ekans", smiled Aya, "Get him with your wrap attack!" Ekans then coiled itself tightly around Buzz pinning his arms to his sides and started squeezing him very hard.

"BUZZZZZ!" gasped Buzz while sparks were shooting out of his antennas.

"Very nice sister", called out Koga, "I'm glad I have at least one sister here who can take care of this gym." And then he closed his eyes and went into a deep sad thought.

"Quick Buzz", shouted Cameron, "Use your flash attack!" Buzz concentrated and let loose a blinding flash in the entire room causing everyone to forget their sore ears and rub their eyes. Buzz was now free while Ekans was spread out on the floor blinded. "All right Buzz, finish it off with your strength!" smiled Cameron.

"BUZZ, EL BUZZ!" shouted Buzz as he grabbed both ends of Ekans and started to use it as a jump rope and a lasso. Aya became shocked when Buzz started tying up Ekans in knots. "Buzz truly is a boy scout", said Brock as he recognized some of the knots his brothers who were boy scouts used.

"GRRRR, you'll pay for that!" said Aya annoyed as she sucked Ekans back into its ball and pulled out another. "Go Grimer!" she shouted and released a huge clump of purple sludge that shouted "GRIME!"

"Grimer is pure liquid Buzz", said Cameron, "I bet you can finish it off with a thunderbolt attack!"

"BUZZ!" smiled Buzz as he started charging himself up. Just as he was about to launch his thunderbolt, Aya shouted out, "Grimer, minimize now!" Buzz released his powerful bolt, but it hit the nearby wall instead with Grimer nowhere to be found.

"Oh no!" gasped Cameron, "We killed your Grimer!"

"Relax young warrior", smiled Aya as she threw him a magnifying glass. "Grimer's very okay. He's just harder to hit now." Cameron looked through the glass and found a very microscopic Grimer waving at him.

"Oh good", said Cameron now relieved that Grimer was still alive, "And oh drat!" he groaned for he forgotten how annoying it was battling a minimized Pokemon.

"Grimer, body slam now!" commanded Aya. Buzz suddenly fell to the ground all paralyzed. "Buzz!" cried Cameron as he took the magnifying glass and found the tiny Grimer waving its slimy hands in victory.

"You may as well give up boy", scoffed Aya, "There is no way on Earth you can beat my tiny Grimer!"

"Oh yeah!" said Cameron as he pulled Buzz back into his ball and took out another ball. "Sandy, I choose you!" and Sandy popped out of the ball ready to show his master what a simple Sandshrew can do.

"Grimer, sludge attack!" commanded Aya. Grimer may be small, but his sludge attacks were still enormous. It was like an invisible man was throwing sludge at Sandy. But Sandy managed to dodge all of Grimer's pollution.

"All right Sandy, use your swift attack", smiled Cameron for he knew that no Pokemon can escape the very accurate swift attack no matter if they're up in the air, underground, or very tiny. Sandy threw all his swift stars at what looked like an empty spot on the floor. Aya took out her own magnifying glass and found Grimer splattered on the floor.

"I guess you win this round too", said Aya as she sucked Grimer back into its ball and then pulled out her final ball. "Let's see how your little Sandy does against his superior form. Go Sandslash!" and out popped a Sandslash that looked like the exact copy Cameron found in his Pokedex. It sharpened its huge claws and spread out its long quills ready to humiliate the tiny Sandshrew.

"A Sandslash?!" gasped Cameron, "Uh, oh." But Sandy just smiled and wiggled its finger at Cameron for he wanted to show his master that he didn't need to evolve into a Sandslash to be a great Pokemon. "All right Sandy", sighed Cameron, "Get 'em with your rock slide!"

"SHREW!" shouted Sandy as he started to make and throw some boulders at Sandslash. "Sandslash", smiled Aya, "Live up to your last name now!"

"SLASH!!!" shouted Sandslash as it slashed up all the boulders into tiny pebbles. "Now give that little pipsqueak your poison sting attack!" smiled Aya.

"SLASH!!" smiled Sandslash as it started shooting glowing needles from its quills trying to hit Sandy. But unfortunately, Sandy did get hit by one of them and fell to the ground all poisoned.

"Oh no, Sandy!" cried Cameron as he tried to suck Sandy back into his ball, but dodged the beam. "You can't seriously want to keep fighting?" cried Cameron, "You've just been poisoned! Let me send Zubat out. She's immune to poison attacks!"

"Sandshrew!" cried Sandy as he jumped back into the ring for he still wanted to battle and defeat his evolved form. "It's too bad your Sandshrew's not as disciplined as your Electabuzz", laughed Aya. "But I'll be glad to punish him for you. Sandslash, finish him off with your fury swipes!"

"SLASH!" shouted Sandslash as it was about to slice up the poor poisoned Sandy to pieces. But Sandy smiled and sprayed a box load of sand into Sandslash's eyes causing it to go blind. Then the small Sandshrew quickly knocked the large Sandslash onto the ground and started fury swiping its belly more than a hundred times. Then Sandslash fainted while Sandy jumped off and made his trademark victory sign at Cameron.

"Nice job Sandy!" said Cameron proudly then became worried when Sandy fainted for the poison had finally sunk in.

"Since all 3 of Aya's Pokemon have been defeated", said Koga, "I declare Cameron-san the winner!" and he approached both Sandy and Sandslash and fed them some revive potion. Sandy looked up at his smiling master and let out a soft, "Shrew?!"

"I'm so proud of you Sandy", smiled Cameron, "You've just proved to me that you don't have to be evolved to be a great Pokemon. I like you just the way you are."

"Shrew!" cried Sandy as he hugged his master.

"Don't you have something to give to our friend, sister?" Koga asked Aya.

"Oh yes", said Aya as she was about to approach Cameron. Just then, a cloud of smoke burst into the room. When the smoke disappeared, there was a ninja standing right in the center of the room.

"Reiko?" wondered Cameron for it looked like her body, but her head was covered with an even bigger mask with only her eyes showing. The ninja just said nothing. She threw some tiny bits of string at everyone trapping them in huge spider webs. But Koga and Aya managed to escape thanks to their swords.

"How dare you come in here and try to cause us all harm!" shouted Koga, "Prepare to feel the wrath of the Fuchsia ninjas!"

"Let me deal with her", said Aya, "After all, I am the one who'll be running this gym now."

"Very well", said Koga, "But be careful dear sister." Aya and the ninja started to have an awesome fight that could make Bruce Lee jealous. While the fight was going on, Sandy released all the other captives from their nets with his claws.

"Aren't you whipped yet?!" demanded a tired Aya. The ninja just silently knocked the sword out of Aya's hand and put her sword up to her sister's neck telling her to surrender.

"Venomoth, stun spore now!" shouted Koga as he released a huge purple moth that covered the ninja with a strange yellow powder. The ninja suddenly dropped her sword for she was completely paralyzed.

"Now we shall see who this scoundrel is", said Koga as he removed her mask. Everyone kind of expected who it was while Koga and Aya shouted, "REIKO?!!!"

"You two know her?" asked Cameron.

"Do we?!" stuttered Koga, "This is our long lost little sister!"

"The one who ran away six years ago just because I always seemed to be better than her at everything", said Aya.

"But like the fully evolved Venomoth that overtakes its lesser powerful Venonat sibling, I finally have defeated you dear sister", said Reiko.

"I see you still haven't stopped using those corny metaphors", said Aya.

"My metaphors are not corny!" shouted Reiko, "I use them to confuse and to strike fear into my enemies!" and she tried to attack Aya but couldn't for she was still stun spored.

"Well Little Miss Ninja", smiled Jenny with delight, "I finally got you where I want you!" and she snapped her cuffs on Reiko's wrists. "You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say..."

"Wait a minute Officer", interrupted Koga, "We don't want to press charges. She's our sister and all she did was bust in here and try to sustain us to show us all that she's just as good a ninja as all of us."

"Yes, that's right", said Aya, "I have to admit she beat me fair and square just now."

"Arigato brother and sister", said a tear-filled Reiko.

"But I'm still going to have to arrest her", said Jenny, "She is a member of the evil Team Rocket and she has caused us quite a lot of trouble on our journey."

"Reiko!" said Koga shocked, "You mean you ran away so you can join an evil organization like Team Rocket?! Did we really treat you that badly that you'd go and do such a thing?!"

"Please let me explain dear brother", sobbed Reiko, "If that's all right Officer Jenny."

"Very well", sighed Jenny remembering some of her own family that was imprisoned.

START OF FLASHBACK

An eight year old Reiko was sparing with Aya. They were trying to knock each other off a wooden beam with long staffs. It looked like Reiko was about to win until Aya called out, "Look, it's the Good Year Blimp!" and she pointed up in the sky. Reiko looked up which gave Aya the advantage. She knocked her little sister off the beam and she landed face down in the mud.

"Hey, that's not fair!" whined Reiko.

"It's your dumb fault for letting your guard down", snickered Aya. "Maybe that fertile mud will make your brain grow bigger. HA HA HA HA!"

"I have seen enough", said Koga sternly. Reiko felt happy for she thought her big brother was going to scold and punish Aya for what she did to her. "Aya, I've decided that you will be second in command of the Fuchsia Gym."

"Arigato my brother", said Aya bowing to him, "I promise that I will not fail you. Unlike some sisters who like keeping their heads in the clouds and sometimes the mud."

"WHAT?!!!" shouted Reiko, "But she was the one that cheated!!!"

"She used cunning youngest sister", said Koga, "You should've kept your focus which you need to work on. And besides, Aya has seniority over you. She will run the gym after me. Now come Aya, it is dinner time."

"Right away brother dear!" smiled Aya as she made a mean face at Reiko while Koga's back was turned. Reiko sadly followed them until Koga stopped her.

"Get yourself cleaned up first", he demanded as he pointed to the bathhouse. "Soiled hands along with a soiled body will unpurify your food along with your body and soul." Reiko sadly walked over to the bathhouse.

* * * * * *

That night when Koga and Aya were asleep, Reiko snuck out of the door wearing a small backpack. "Like the Magikarp that cannot evolve without a kind and caring trainer, I'll never become a great ninja with uncaring teachers like them. Farewell siblings, I'm off to make a name for myself and I won't acknowledge either of you when I become an all powerful ninja!" Then she went to the nearby lake, fished out a tiny Tentacool who would later become Tentacruel, and left her Fuchsia home ready to seek her fortune unknowing it would be a misfortunate one.

* * * * * *

A few months later, Reiko caught a Krabby, who would later become Kingler, by a riverside near Pallet Town. She planned on going to the Pallet Pokemon center to rest up, but became disappointed when she found out there was no Pokemon center there. She was about to leave when all of a sudden, a huge electric wall surrounded the town sealing her in along with all the townspeople. Reiko quickly hid in the sewers and watched above as hordes of Rockets started seizing the citizens and bringing them to meet their new rulers.

* * * * * *

The next few years were a nightmare for poor Reiko. She had to keep stealing to feed herself and her two Pokemon and she had to keep moving from hideout to hideout whenever the Rockets decided to tear down a building or house to build another factory. One day some Rocket thugs finally caught Reiko and were about to do some unpleasant things to her. But unfortunately for them, they had no idea that Reiko was a ninja and she was able to slam, kick, and stuff them into their own Pokeballs while their Pokemon ran away scared.

Suddenly, a huge limo zoomed up right next to her. A door opened and out popped Jessie wearing her royal attire. Jessie looked down at the 3 Pokeballs that were moaning in pain. Reiko looked at the very queen of this town in terror and was about to defend herself.

"Hey, take it easy kid", smiled Jessie in a sweet voice. "You've just defeated 3 of my toughest Rockets. I like your style. And I'd like to make you an offer that wouldn't be smart to refuse!"

"I'm listening", said Reiko in a cold, emotionless voice.

END OF FLASHBACK

"And so I joined Team Rocket and became Queen Jessie's favorite intern", said Reiko. "I didn't really have any other choice. If I was going to be stuck in that town forever, I may as well become an important person there. I understand if you both want to disown me forever", and she started sobbing.

Koga just went over and hugged his youngest sister lovingly. "No Reiko-san", he said sadly, "Mostly all of this was my fault too. I only used those harsh words so you would train yourself harder to become better and stronger. But I had no idea that it would all turn out this way."

"And please forgive me too Reiko-san", said Aya humbly, "I should've supported you and helped you with your training. But all I ever cared about was being the best. I never did think about how you'd feel."

"Can you please forgive the both of us?" they asked Reiko together.

Reiko sat there quietly for a minute with tears in her eyes and then whispered, "You're forgiven."

"Arigato, Reiko-san!" said both Koga and Aya as they hugged their long lost sister. Reiko wanted to hug them back too but she was still handcuffed to do so.

Cameron felt teary eyed seeing Reiko reunited with her family and hoping that he might be a part of it one day. Misty felt happy for her too, for she knew how it felt being mistreated by older siblings and being reunited with them with no longer any grudges.

"Say you'll rejoin our gym so we can be a happy family again", said Koga.

"I'm afraid I cannot", said Reiko sadly, "For I took a ninja's oath to serve Team Rocket. And you've always taught me that a true honorable ninja never breaks her oath."

"Yes, you are right", said Koga disappointedly, "Breaking a ninja's oath would bring great shame and dishonorment to you and your entire clan."

"Isn't there any kind of escape clause in this ninja's oath?" asked Cameron.

"The only way I can think of is if the entire organization of Team Rocket gets dismantled and disappears forever", said Koga.

"That is correct", said Aya, "If all the Rockets were suddenly put in jail, there'd be no more Team Rocket and you'd be free from serving them."

"Well Reiko", smiled Jenny, "If you agree to help us apprehend Jessie and James along with all the Rockets in Pallet Town, I'm sure I can convince the judge to let you off with a short jail sentence. What do you say?"

Reiko sat there quietly and was about to speak. Just then, two figures stumbled into the room covered with tar, feathers, mousetraps, bear-traps, and half their heads shaved.

"We could've waited just a few more hours for Reiko", whined James. "Just look at what's left of my gorgeous blue hair!"

"Your hair?!!" shouted Jessie, "Just look at mine! Whoever runs this gym is gonna be my personal shampoo slave for this!"

"And I believe I see them", said James, "And it looks like they've captured our all powerful intern too! Hee Hee Hee!"

"You two will pay for corrupting our poor little sister!" shouted Koga as he took out his sword.

"Reiko, you're this man's sister?" demanded Jessie.

"All ninjas from around the world are considered brothers and sisters", said Reiko, "I've never seen this man or this woman next to him before in my entire life!"

"Well I guess you won't mind if we take 'em prisoner then along with these rebels", smiled Jessie, "It's time to prepare for trouble!"

"And better make it double!" continued James.

"Reiko-san, why did you say that?" whispered both Koga and Aya while the two Rockets were saying their motto.

"I'm sorry my siblings", said Reiko, "But I cannot let them know who you're really are. For it would be very dangerous to all of us if they found out we're family!"

Jessie: "Team Rocket blast off at the speed of light!"
James: "Surrender now or prepare to fight!"

"LICKIE!!!" shouted Lickitung substituting for Meowth.

"Lickitung, bring Reiko back to her rightful family", commanded Jessie. Lickitung grabbed Reiko's cuffs with its long tongue, dragged her back to Team Rocket and snapped the cuffs off of her for the tongue is supposed to be the strongest muscle in the body.

"You sit right here and relax Reiko", smiled Jessie, "Your Queen and King will handle this."

"I certainly hope not", whispered Reiko in Japanese.

"You give her back or I'll have to teach you a very hard lesson", shouted Aya making a scary ninja pose.

"Do you think a ninja who dresses in pink is gonna frighten me?" laughed Jessie, "Lickitung, wrap her up in a nice wet package!" Lickitung launched its tongue at Aya, but she quickly pulled out two large chopsticks and started curling up Lickitung's tongue like a long wet noodle. Once she dragged Lickitung over to her, she kicked the poor pink Pokemon across the room and right into Jessie's stomach knocking her down and covering her with Poke-drool!

"Yeccch!" groaned Jessie as she put Lickitung back into its ball.

"At least Lickie's drool removed some of the tar and feather stains", said James.

"Yes, I must thank them in some way", said Jessie, "And I know how. By making their miserable lives end! Come on James, let's double team!"

"You got it Jess!" smiled James as he released his Weezing while an angry Jessie released her Arbok.

"I remember those two Pokemon", said Aya, "And I still have nightmares from the last time I saw them."

"WEEZ!!!" "BOOOK!" moaned the two Pokemon who just had their feelings hurt.

"Aw, Weezing", said James, "Don't feel that way. Let's just show them how wonderfully nightmarish you can be. Poison gas attack now!"

"WEEZING!!!" said Weezing as it sprayed its green gas all over the place. But Koga's Venomoth was able to absorb all the poison into its body for it was completely made of poison.

"Good work Venomoth!" said Koga, "Now let's finish it off with psybeam!" Venomoth complied by shooting a psychic beam at Weezing knocking the poor ball out cold. Just as Venomoth was about to make a proud hum, Arbok snuck up behind Venomoth and bit down hard on it.

"Venomoth!" cried Koga as he saw the fang marks on his poor Venomoth's wings.

"HA HA HA HA!" laughed Jessie as she patted her Arbok's head. "No Pokemon I know has the stealth and cunning of my Arbok!"

"How about my Sandslash?!" shouted Aya as she released her prickly rodent once again. "Sandslash, poison sting now!" she commanded. Sandslash fired its needles at Arbok which didn't seem to poison the big snake at all.

"Even a poison trainer like you should know that poison attacks can't hurt other poison Pokemon", laughed Jessie. "Arbok, show up that pincushion with a glare attack!" Arbok made a scary face at Sandslash causing it to stand there paralyzed in fear. "Now bite its cute unprotected underbelly!" said Jessie.

"Oh no, Sandslash!" cried Aya as Arbok showed its fangs ready to pounce on the defenseless mouse. Sandy who couldn't bear to see a fellow rodent harmed jumped out of Cameron's arms and tackled Arbok onto the floor.

"No Sandy!" cried Cameron, "That Arbok's too big and dangerous for you to take on!" But Sandy didn't listen. He was too busy holding onto the back of Arbok's neck with his mouth. But Arbok managed to whack Sandy away with its tail causing the poor mouse to fly across the room.

"Sandy!" shouted Cameron as he leapt up in the air and caught his friend. But unfortunately, Cameron landed right on top of the paralyzed Sandslash. Cameron yelled as he fell onto the floor with some long quills stuck in his chest.

"Cameron, are you all right?" asked a worried Misty along with all his worried friends.

"I think I now know why you don't want to become a Sandslash Sandy", moaned Cameron as the poison started sinking in. "SHREW!!!" cried Sandy.

"Cameron-san!" whispered Reiko while trying to hold her emotions so Team Rocket wouldn't see her breakdown.

"Oh dear, what have we done?!" gasped both Jessie and James, "We actually managed to do away with one of those rebels", said James.

"And doesn't it feel great?!" laughed Jessie out loud while James laughed back too. Sandy's eyes suddenly turned red with fire and launched himself at both Jessie and James scratching them like crazy.

"Arbok!" shouted Jessie, "Send this rat to the afterlife with your poison sting attack!

"AARRBBOOOK!" shouted Arbok as it spit out some its own glowing needles at Sandy. But Sandy managed to dodge out of the way causing the needles to hit Jessie and James making them fall down too. Then Sandy started fury swiping Arbok causing it to faint as well.

"It looks like they might be joining me in the afterlife", said Cameron who was still poisoned and then totally blacked out.

* * * * * *

Cameron soon awoke and found himself lying on a cot, with some white bandages wrapped around his torso. He sat up and gazed at a beautiful face sitting in a chair right next to him. "Reiko?" he asked groggily.

"Yes it is me Cameron-san", smiled Reiko as she placed her hand on his shoulder leaning him back down. "Like the Metapod that patiently awaits to become a Butterfree. You must rest as well." And she kissed him on the cheek.

"Thank you Reiko", smiled Cameron but then frowned, "You didn't take me back in Rocketville, did you?"

"No Cameron-san", said Reiko, "You're in my old bedroom in the Fuchsia gym. I removed all the quills from your chest and treated your wounds. Getting poisoned is very common here in this gym so we all had to learn how to treat each other whenever that happens."

"But where are Jessie and James?" asked Cameron.

"They're in another room", said Reiko, "We treated their wounds too but they're still unconscious. But truthfully, I was saving most of my prayers for you Cameron-san."

"Reiko", sighed Cameron as he sat up and looked into the red eyes of his beautiful nurse. Reiko looked lovingly into Cameron's green eyes as well. Just as they were about to do something, Seymour's voice called out. "Hey everyone, Cameron's awake!" All of his friends rushed in to check up on Cameron. Reiko quickly stood up and moved over to the side pretending that nothing was going on between the two of them.

"How is he sister?" asked Koga.

"I believe he will pull through", said Reiko, "He is strong like the skin of lava dwelling Rhydon."

"Are you feeling better Cameron?" asked Misty.

"Yes", said Stella, "That looked pretty painful, landing on a Sandslash like that."

"That's like having a witch doctor working his voodoo magic on you", said Bill.

"I think I'll survive", said Cameron.

"That's good to hear", said Brock, "And someone here is happy to hear that too." Brock stepped back and Sandy ran up to Cameron jumping onto his sore chest.

"Ooooh!" said Cameron in a little pain. Sandy just happily sat on his master's chest and started licking his face. "Oh Sandy", laughed Cameron as he hugged his Sandshrew. "Now I understand your feelings. If you became a Sandslash, you'd have all those poison quills too and we could never be this close again. I wouldn't want that. So please make us both happy and don't ever change on the outside and on the inside!"

"Sandshrew!" smiled Sandy as he gave Cameron another thankful slurp.

"I remember when my own Sandshrew became a Sandslash, I couldn't become close to him anymore", sighed Aya, "Except for a friendly hand and claw shake. You have a brave and noble Sandshrew Cameron-san and always stay friends with it. Also, I'd like to give you this."

Aya handed Cameron his shirt all sewn back up. But just as he was about to put it on, he found something pinned on the front. It was a badge shaped like a cracked pink heart. "A SoulBadge!" smiled Cameron.

"Yes Cameron-san", smiled Koga, "A SoulBadge for a boy with a kind soul. Reiko-san, you could learn a thing or two from this fine boy."

"I believe I already have", said Reiko winking at Cameron.

"I'm so glad you're okay Cameron and that you won yet another important badge", smiled Jenny, "But now it's time to take all the Rockets to the nearest jail."

"Even Reiko?" asked Cameron.

"I'm afraid so Cameron", said Jenny as she took out a pair of spare handcuffs and approached Reiko. "Now Reiko", she said calmly, "Like I said earlier, if you agree to help us apprehend the rest of the Rockets' I'll convince the judge to..."

"Let me off with a short jail sentence, I know!" sighed Reiko, "Sorry, but that cannot be right now!" and she quickly threw yet another smoke bomb into the room, kissed Cameron, and when the smoke was cleared, she was gone.

"I believe I taught her that smoke bomb move too well", said Koga sadly.

"I don't believe this!" shouted an angry Jenny, "I gotta stop her before she takes the Rocket King and Queen away with her!" and she quickly ran out of the room.

"So our sister's decided to stay with the evil ones", said Aya as she hugged her brother sadly.

"It looks like she left something for you", said Cameron as he found a note on his lap and handed it to Koga who read it out loud.

"Dear Siblings,

Though I truly enjoyed our reunion, but I still took an oath of loyalty to Team Rocket. Even if you send Jessie and James to jail, there are still over a hundred Rockets in Rocketville that I'm still obligated to serve. But do not worry, I believe that Team Rocket will be finished one day and I will be free and we will all be together once again. Until then, try not to be like the bacon that clogs your arteries black and follow the dark path I've been walking these past years.

Your youngest sibling, Reiko.

P.S. This is for you Cameron-san. XOXOXOXOX"

Everyone stood there silently thinking about the words Reiko just wrote. Just then a steamed Jenny burst into the room.

"Did she get away with Jessie and James?" Seymour asked her.

"Does this answer your question scienceman?!" grumbled Jenny as she pushed a button on her hat while a whistle popped out of it and blew out some raging steam.

* * * * * *

The next day, it was time for our heroes to say goodbye to Koga and Aya. "Cameron-san, I want to give you something that might help you on your quest", said Aya as she handed him a tiny little machine with a light on it. "This is an X-Speed device. Aim it at any of your Pokemon during a tough battle and it will become faster than lightning."

"Also take this", said Koga as he handed Cameron another device that looked like the first one. "This is an X-Defend device. If it looks like one of your Pokemon is about to encounter a tough opponent, aim it at your Pokemon and it will become heavily guarded."

"Thank you both", said Cameron. "I just wish that Reiko was still here with you."

"Yes, it is sad about what had happened to our sister", said Aya, "But she is a strong warrior and I believe in all the heavens that she will make it out okay in the end."

"And maybe someone like you can turn her around as well", said Koga winking at him. For he knew that his youngest sister seemed to have a thing for this kind blond-haired kid. Maybe he might even become a member of their Fuchsia gym family too.

"Arigato", said Cameron bowing to both of them as he and his friends walked away from the gym while waving goodbye to the siblings of Reiko.

* * * * * *

Meanwhile Jessie and James suddenly woke up. They found their torsos covered with bandages and they were looking up in a cloudy sky. "Have we actually made it to Heaven?" asked James.

"I hope not!" groaned Jessie, "I hate dressing in white. Send me down and dress me up in red hot leather!"

"No my queen, you and James-san are not deceased", said Reiko who was sitting across from them. Jessie and James got up and found themselves floating in their balloon.

"We're back in the sky?" asked James, "But what happened to the rebels?"

"They managed to escape while you were poisoned", said Reiko, "I had no time to apprehend them. The welfare of my two monarchs needed to come first."

"Well don't worry kid", smiled Jessie, "We'll get them another day. Team Rocket will not rest until those freedom loving rebels are gone from this Earth forever!"

"That's reassuring", said Reiko who was secretly hoping that all of Team Rocket would finally be put to rest permanently one day."

TO BE CONTINUED

[Cullen]

The Incredible Poke-Odyssey chapter 18

So Safari

Our heroes were now waiting in a line at the Safari Zone. A fun park where you can catch and take home all the wild Pokemon you want. "I've always wanted to visit the Safari Zone", said Stella, "I've heard they have all sorts of rare untamed Pokemon that'd be perfect for any circus."

"And we could use some more Pokemon if we want to take on Team Rocket and Mewtwo", said Jenny.

"I just hope that warden has gotten over his gun kick", said Brock.

"Gun kick?" asked Cameron.

"Yes", replied Misty, "The warden here's an old triggerhappy cowboy. He almost tried to shoot Ash in the head. Didn't you see that in your cartoon show?"

"Actually no", said Cameron, "They never aired the Safari Zone episode in the U.S. for some reason. I believe it was because the censors were afraid that kids might want to imitate that warden and carry guns around too."

"Wow", said Bill, "I never knew TV could corrupt young minds like that."

"Which is why someone invented V-chips", said Seymour. "To block out anything that might be dirty or violent so kids won't try and copy any of that."

"That sure would make my job easier", said Jenny for she and her family were constantly tired of all these dirty minded crooks carrying guns.

"I believe parents should just sit down with their kids in front of their favorite shows and point out what's wrong and that they shouldn't do that", said Brock, "That's how I did it with my siblings and they all turned out great."

"If only my parents had taught my sisters the same thing while they were watching Melrose Place", sighed Misty.

"Group No. 23, you may now enter the Safari Zone", called out a pretty western accented voice from a speaker above.

"That's us", said Jenny as she and the others stepped through the door. They all came inside a big room that looked like a sheriff's station and found no one in.

"I wonder where the warden is?" asked Seymour. Suddenly a huge lasso burst out of the darkness and snagged Seymour. Then a sexy figure jumped out, tied up Seymour and brought him close to her. It was a young lady with brown hair done in pigtails and she was wearing a cowboy hat and an old sheriff's suit.

"Howdy partner!" said the woman screaming into Seymour's face, "Catastrophe June's the name. You're awfully cute, you know that?"

"Uh, thank you", said a nervous tied up Seymour.

"I think I'll mark my brand on you and make you my man!" smiled June. Seymour was about to faint, until an annoyed Jenny pulled him away from the woman.

"Hold it Miss Catastrophe June", said Jenny as she held out her badge. "If you want to mark this man, you'll have to go through me first!"

"Oops, sorry officer", said June who was now calm. "And sorry to you too cutie pie!" she said as she turned to a traumatized Seymour and went over and untied him. "I just like to add a little Tex-Mex spice to this world of Pokemon rounding."

"No problem", stuttered Seymour as he pulled out his inhaler. And for the first time, Brock didn't go ga-ga for this particular kind of woman. "Uh, you wouldn't be related to the warden whom we met five years ago. Would you?" he asked.

"You mean my grampaw?" asked June who showed them a picture of the old man with his little Dratini.

"You're her grampaw, I mean grandpa?!" asked Misty.

"That's correct youngin", smiled June, "But unfortunately he passed away a couple of years ago." She now said sadly, "He went to that big old Safari Zone in the sky."

"We're sorry to hear that ma'am", said Brock.

But then she smiled again. "But that's all water under the bridge. Now I've taken over the family business and I'm the new warden of the Safari Zone."

"You don't carry any guns around, do you?" asked Brock nervously.

"Of course not", smiled June, "I'm more civilized than Grampaw." And she pulled out a mini crossbow and shot Cameron's hat off making it hit the wall. "Crossbows are more suited for a refined woman like me! Sorry, about that kid", said June as she went and got the hat, ruffled Cameron's hair and slammed it back on.

"No problem", said Cameron straightening out Ash's hat.

"Gee, you sure are a cute little buckaroo", smiled June as she pinched Cameron's cheeks very hard. "Have you come here to catch some cute little wild Safari Pokemon?"

"Yes we have", said Cameron whose cheeks were now numb, "If that's all right."

"Why sure it is", winked June, "Just as long as you pay $500 for you and your entire group."

"Guys", Cameron whispered to the group, "I don't have 500 bucks!"

"Sure you do", said Jenny, "Just check your Pokedex and push the green button with a dollar sign on it. Cameron complied and on Dexeena's screen, the number $23,523 appeared.

"I have that much?!" gasped Cameron, "But how did I and where do I get it?!"

"Every time you win a Pokemon battle, you earn currency", said Seymour, "Your Pokedex knows when you've won a battle and it automatically takes whatever currency from your opponent's Pokedex and transports it to yours."

"Wow, just like in my Gameboy!" smiled Cameron who just realized he had more money than he ever did in his lifetime.

"Just give your Pokedex to June and she'll subtract $500 from it and we can all have a rockin' fun time in the Safari Zone", said Misty.

"What'da'ya'mean by rock?!" grumbled June as she pointed her crossbow at Misty's forehead for this western girl obviously didn't go for rock and roll. Misty just stood there silently sweating.

June had put Cameron's Pokedex into a credit card like machine, pushed a button, and handed it back to Cameron. When he checked his account, the number now said $23,023. Then June handed each member of the group, except for Bill, a box that contained a fishing pole, Pokemon food, rocks, and about 30 Pokeballs that were green with a letter S on each one of them.

"All right partners, here are the rules", said June as she pointed to a huge map on the wall. "Don't just memorize them, LEARN THEM!!! If you want to leave this fun place alive!" Everyone stood there silent with their ears wide open.

"Rule 1", said June, "Whenever you see a Pokemon in your sights, you can throw one of those special Safari Balls at it. You can either distract it buy throwing food, or weaken it by throwing rocks at it. But you may not use your own Pokemon to battle and weaken it. There are hidden sensors all over the Zone and if you even try to touch your Pokeballs, you'll get a nasty shock."

Cameron quickly frowned for he never had to experience electric shocks when playing in the Safari Zone on his Gameboy. Except that time he tried to play it with wet hands.

"Rule 2", continued June, "You can only spend one full hour in the Safari Zone. When your time is up I'll come by on my trusty jeep and round you all up."

"I just hope she doesn't lasso us while she's driving", thought Seymour nervously.

"And rule 3", said June, "You can explore any area in the Zone, except two places. First is this lake on the east. That's the home of Grampaw's pet Dragonair and her baby Dratini. They're off limits to the public."

"I remember Dragonair and Dratini", said Misty, "How are they doing these days?"

"Well, Dragonair still a little sad about losing Grampaw", said June, "But she's doing fine and little Dratini's doesn't remember him too much so its pretty happy as a Cloyster."

Cameron really wished he could've seen the Safari Zone episode so he could have the full picture of everything that happened with Ash and the Dratini.

"And the second place that's off limits is this forest on the northwest side of the Zone", said June as she pointed to the map. "That there's the Unruly Zone."

"Why do you call it the Unruly Zone?" asked Stella.

"Because that's where we keep our unruly Pokemon", said June in a not so cheery voice, "Pokemon that have been known to KILL people!" Everyone gulped when they heard that four-letter word.

"You mean you have mad killer Pokemon in your zone?!" gasped Misty.

"Relax little lady", smiled June, "They're kept behind a barbed fence. I'd never let any unruly Pokemon run around free in the Zone. I monitor the Zone all the time and if it looks like a Pokemon's about to give a customer trouble, I rush right on out there and apprehend them with my lasso, tie 'em up, and drag 'em off to the Unruly Zone."

"You mean the Pokemon right?" asked Jenny, "Not the customers."

June just smiled at Jenny's wisecrack and continued, "Other than that, go out there and have fun with your roundups!" and she pushed a button on her desk and huge doors on the left side of the wall opened revealing the wonders of the Safari Zone. Our heroes stepped outside and marveled at the beautiful green grass and blue lakes and all the Pokemon roaming around free.

"All right everyone", said Jenny, "Let's all separate and do our best to catch some really strong powerful Pokemon."

"This is going to be fun!" said Cameron excitedly wondering what his sixth and final Pokemon will be.

"Remember Cameron", said Brock, "Professor Oak said he doesn't have his Pokeball transporter with him so the one Pokemon you catch here will be your last for now."

"That's okay", said Cameron, "I already got a great team of five with me and whatever Pokemon I catch I'm sure will be a welcome member to my team." And off they went in different directions.

Cameron heard something moving from a nearby bush. He slowly approached it and out jumped a huge stag beetle with giant jaws on its head.

"Wow! A Pinsir!" smiled Cameron, "A bug type will be great on my team!" and he took out his first Safari Ball and threw it at the bug sucking it in. Cameron watched as the ball started to shake around, but then it burst to pieces and Pinsir ran away into a small forest. Cameron started to run after it but found Jenny in the forest instead holding a Safari Ball.

"I did it!" smiled Jenny, "I caught Pinsir!" Cameron frowned on the inside, but was happy on the outside that Jenny had another Pokemon to keep her Growlithe company. Then he heard a loud snoring noise. Cameron followed the noise and found a small little rhino sleeping peacefully.

"A Rhyhorn!" smiled Cameron, "And it's sleeping too. That should be an easy catch." Cameron took out another ball and threw it at Rhyhorn sucking it in as well. But Rhyhorn managed to escape from that ball as well and started to gallop away, right into Brock's path. Brock threw his ball at Rhyhorn and caught it.

"Yes!" shouted Brock, "I caught Rhyhorn!" and he walked off. Cameron frowned again. He had forgotten how frustrating it was having certain Safari Pokemon run away from you in the game. As Cameron continued walking, he hid behind a rock and saw a small two-headed bird.

"A Doduo!" said Cameron as he was about to bring out another ball, but then looked into his box. He took out a piece of Pokemon food and threw it at the Doduo hoping that would distract it. And sure enough it did. Both heads were arguing and fighting over the food trying to pull it away from each other.

"I don't why they're fighting over it", thought Cameron, "Whatever head eats it will end up in the same stomach." And he took out a ball and threw it at Doduo sucking it in as well. But Doduo broke out and ran away like the others. And it ran into the path of yet another friend. "Oh happy days!" said Seymour as he danced around happily, "I caught Doduo!"

"I'm so happy for you", whispered Cameron sarcastically.

On the other side of the Zone, Team Rocket's balloon had landed right next to a huge lake. "There it is Reiko", smiled Jessie evily, "The famous lake that contains the legendary Dratini. The one Pokemon that's missing from our great Poke-collection."

"But like the toothfairy that replaces infant teeth with currency, I always thought Dratinti's were make believe", said Reiko.

"Oh no, they're real", said Jessie, "And I remember I saw a cute little Dratini pop its head out of the lake. That sure was a delight for me."

"But not for me if you remember!" grumbled James remembering the time he and Meowth went underwater in diving suits to find that Dratini. Jessie was so impressed when the Dratini popped its head out, she had stepped on the air pump causing both James and Meowth to almost die from lack of air.

"When are you gonna let that go?!" growled Jessie as she whacked James on the head with her fan, "I've mistreated you thousands of times in many ways! That was minor compared to when I forced you to marry that mad woman Jessiebell!"

"Maybe I should've stayed with Jessiebell instead", thought James, "She handles her whip more gentler than Jessie's fan."

"Well anyway", continued Jessie, "Dratinis have been known to have a large varieties of attacks and powers. If we can just catch it and control it, we'll have those rebels done in for sure! Isn't that right Reiko?!"

"You are correct my Queen", said Reiko trying to hide her feelings for Cameron, "Oh Cameron-san", thought Reiko, "Being a Rocket would've been much easier for me if you hadn't dropped from the sky."

"Okay James", said Jessie, "Release the vacuum!"

"Right away Jess!" smiled James as he pushed a button and a huge vacuum tube emerged from the balloon and started to suck the lake dry. Suddenly, something started to shoot out of the water. It was a long blue serpent with wings on her ears. She started to look angrily at the three humans who were trying to take away her watery home. "DRAAAAG!!!" she growled.

"I can't believe it!" said Jessie excitedly, "That cute little Dratini had evolved into a Dragonair!"

"But I don't think its gonna act so cute right now!" said James as he nervously looked into the Dragonair's angry eyes.

"But it will be thanks to this!" smiled Jessie as she took out a bazooka and shot a multi-colored collar out of it. The collar quickly clamped around Dragonair's neck and she suddenly floated there quietly.

"What did you do to it my Queen?" asked Reiko.

"I just snapped on a control collar", smiled Jessie, "Now this marvelous creature will do our bidding with no free will of its own. Watch." And she took out a tiny radio and spoke into it. "Dragonair", she commanded, "Fly around in a figure 8 form!" Dragonair nodded her emotionless head and started to fly around shaping her long body into a number 8.

"Now spell Queen Jessie!" she commanded. Dragonair then used her body to form those words in cursive.

"That looks quite painful", said Reiko.

"Don't worry about that", smiled Jessie, "Its too mesmerized to feel any kind of pain."

"Ooooooh! Let me try!" smiled James as he yanked the radio away from Jessie and spoke into it. "Dragonair!" he commanded, "Spell, The Suave and Mighty King James!" Dragonair suddenly twisted herself around but became a huge blue pretzel instead.

"That was too much for it to spell you twit!" grumbled Jessie as she whacked him with her fan and took the radio away from him. "Dragonair, straighten yourself out would you?" she asked. Dragonair complied and undid her pretzel form. Just then, a small arrow hit their balloon popping it and sending it plopping into what was left of the lake.

"Just what are you sidewinders doing to my poor little Dragonair?" shouted June who had just drove up in her jeep while holding her crossbow.

"So the Safari Zone has a new warden", said James, "And one with great legs too!"

"Why thank you", said June blushing as she lifted up her left boot. "But that still doesn't pardon you from what you're doing! Draggie, take care of them with hyper beam!" But Dragonair just floated there ignoring June's commands.

"Draggie, what's wrong?" asked June, "Those rustlers are gonna take you away if you don't attack back!"

"Sorry little miss sagebrush", said Jessie evily, "But Draggies now our noble steed! Draggie, zap her with thunder wave!" Draggie sent a thunder wave at June completely paralyzing her. Jessie and James were too busy laughing to notice a tiny baby Pokemon bobbing its head out of the water watching its mother attack their poor master.

Reiko suddenly saw someone way out in the distance. She took out her binoculars and saw who it was. "Cameron-san!" she gasped.

"What's wrong Reiko?" asked Jessie, "Have you spotted something or someone interesting?"

"I have!" said Reiko trying to think up something fast, "It could be one of the warden's deputies. I'd better go and apprehend him before he brings back help. If I can have your permission that is."

"But of course my dear", smiled Jessie, "Go off and cause all the misery and torment to your heart's desire!"

"Arigato my Queen", said Reiko as she did a huge back flip out of the balloon and rushed off.

"I have to warn Cameron-san!" said Reiko running as fast as she could. "If that Dragonair gets a hold of him, he's done for!"

Meanwhile, Cameron was still having no luck at catching his sixth Pokemon and he only had 1 Safari Ball left. "I gotta make this last one count", he said with determination. Just then a huge bunny-like Pokemon with large eyes suddenly came his way. "A Wigglytuff", said Cameron really determined to catch this one. He threw a rock at Wigglytuff hoping that would weaken it, but Wigglytuff managed to whack it away with a doubleslap sending it right onto Cameron's head. As he lied there on the ground with a bump on his head, he could hear Stella's voice shout out, "All right! I caught Wigglytuff!"

A frustrated Cameron decided he should try fishing in the nearby lake hoping he could at least catch something powerless like a Magikarp. And sure enough, Cameron did catch something. It was a tiny black frog with cute hind legs, a long tail, and a swirl on its stomach. "A Poliwag!" smiled Cameron, "This should be easy to catch", and just as he was about to throw a ball at it, Poliwag squirted water into Cameron's face knocking him onto the ground. Poliwag then dove into the lake and swam to the other side where Misty was waiting there to catch it.

"Yes!" shouted Misty, "I caught Poliwag!!! Oh, hi Cameron!" said Misty as she saw Cameron on the other side and started waving to him. "Having fun?!"

"Oh, I'm having a ball", said Cameron with a huge false smile. "I'll have my sixth Pokemon soon enough!"

"Good luck", smiled Misty as she walked away. Cameron sighed as he sat down on a nearby rock to do some thinking. Then he saw a Rattata walking up to him.

"Well, this is my last chance", sighed Cameron as he was about to throw his last ball until the Rattata called out, "How many times do I have to tell you people that I'm nobody's Pokemon?!!"

"Oh, sorry Bill", said Cameron who now knew who it was. "It's just that I'm having the worst luck here while everyone else is stocking up on new Pokemon!"

"Welcome to the club", said Bill, "Can you believe I wasn't given any Safari Balls just because I'm now a Pokemon? I could at least have one so I can catch me something small like a Caterpie so I can play the superior being with it."

Cameron smiled a little and then noticed a huge forest that was blocked off with a barbed fence. "That must be the Unruly Zone June had talked about", said Cameron.

"The place where she keeps her killer Pokemon", said Bill fascinated. "I bet I could slip under this fence and study how vicious and deadly these types of Pokemon are."

"You're not actually gonna do that are you?!" gasped Cameron.

"Of course not", laughed Bill, "I didn't get my Pokemon researcher's degree by being stupid." Just then a long pink tail with a rattle slowly snuck out from under the fence. It grabbed Bill's tail and started dragging him in.

"What's going on?!" cried Bill, "Cameron, HELP!!" but then disappeared from under the fence and into the darkness.

"Oh no, BILL!" cried Cameron, "I've gotta do something! But I don't have any way to get through these barbed wires!"

"You got me!" called out a Japanese accented voice. Cameron turned around and found Reiko smiling at him while leaning on her sword like a cane.

"Reiko!" said Cameron nervously, "Bill's just been abducted by an unruly Pokemon! Can you help me save him?!"

"Anything for you Cameron-san", said Reiko as he used her sword to cut through the fence leaving it open for them to pass through.

"We'd better be careful Reiko", whispered Cameron, "There are supposed to be lots of killer Pokemon roaming around free in this forest and we won't be able to use our own Pokemon to battle them either."

"But like the Pinsir that loses its jaws for life but still relies on its front claws for slash attacks, I believe a skilled ninja like me will be able to handle any killer Pokemon", said Reiko proudly.

"Look over there", said Cameron as he dragged Reiko over to a huge tree and they hid behind it. They saw an Ekans, a Scyther, and a Ninetales gathered around a table shaped stone getting ready for a feast. Ninetales was breathing fire under the stone table, Ekans was shaking salt on the food, and Scyther was wearing a tall Japanese chef's hat and was sharpening up its huge claws ready to do some slicing and dicing. Cameron suddenly saw what the main course was. "BILL!!" he shouted.

Sure enough, it was Bill. They had him tied to the table with a plastic apple stuffed in his mouth. He was shaking and sweating nervously hoping that sweat would ruin the taste of diced Rattata. Just then, all three of the killer Pokemon heard Cameron shout out Bill's name. They looked up and saw the two teenage humans.

"Oops, my bad!" said Cameron realizing he just sealed his and Reiko's fates.

"And I thought I was the bad one here", said Reiko as she saw the three running, flying, and slithering up to them. Reiko tried to pull out her Pokeballs but got a nasty electric shock causing her to yelp. "What just happened?!" she demanded.

"Oh great", moaned Cameron, "June would have to put sensors in this part of the zone as well!"

Reiko took out her twin katanas and tried to defend herself against Scyther's sharp as steel claws. It was pretty tough for her for this huge mantis had the skills of a ninja as well.

Ninetales started shooting embers from his mouth ready to make Cameron feel the burn. Cameron quickly pulled out his water bottle and started squirting water at the huge fox making it back away for fiery Ninetales were truly weak against water. "H20", he smiled, "How I love those 3 little digits right now!" Just as Cameron thought he had Ninetales beat, he suddenly dropped his bottle for something had coiled itself around his torso. Cameron looked in fear into the scary eyes of Ekans while it tasted Cameron's face with its long forked tongue.

"Cameron-san!" cried Reiko who wanted to help him, but couldn't for she was still battling Scyther. That distraction gave Scyther the advantage to knock away Reiko's katanas and use one claw to pin her to a tree making her unable to move her arms.

Just as Ekans was about to constrict Cameron, Scyther was about to slash up Reiko, and Ninetales was about to roast the still restrained Bill. A loud trumpeting sound was heard. The three killer Pokemon suddenly shook in fear as they let go of their prey and ran off into a darker part of the forest.

"Are you all right Cameron-san?" asked Reiko.

"I'm fine", said Cameron as he went over and untied Bill, "How about you Bill?" he asked.

Bill finally managed to bite through the huge apple and replied, "I'm okay, except that I'll now have the taste of plastic apple in my gums and I hate apples! Even artificial ones!"

"What do you suppose made those three scoundrels run off like that?" asked Reiko. And suddenly she found out what it was. A new kind of Pokemon Cameron had never seen before had charged out of the darkness. It looked like a small elephant with sharp tusks and skin that looked like rubber.

"What is that thing?!" asked Cameron as he aimed his Pokedex at it.

"DONPHAN, the armor Pokemon", replied Dexeena, "Since this is a newly discovered Pokemon, I cannot give you any other data on it. I hope we can still be friends though."

"Wow!" said Cameron amazed, "I wonder if this is one of the new Pokemon that'll appear in those Gold and Silver games I keep hearing about?"

Reiko had no idea what Cameron had said, but got herself ready to attack as the Donphan slowly walked over to them wondering what it was gonna do.

"Maybe I can frighten it away with my leer attack", said Bill as he leapt in front of Donphan and pulled his eyelids back trying to make a scary face.

"HA!" laughed Reiko, "There's no way that kind of attack will frighten away a big Pokemon like that." But she was wrong. Donphan stood on its hind legs in fear and started trumpeting a loud, "PPHHHAAAAANNN!" It then galloped away making loud stomping noises causing Cameron, Reiko, and Bill to fall down. "Then again, what do I know about the fears of Pokemon?" said Reiko.

"Never underestimate Bill power!" smiled Bill proudly.

"I always thought the stories about elephants being scared of mice were just myths" thought Cameron but then remembered that this was a Donphan and a Rattata. They watched as Donphan ran across something black and then stopped. "PPPHHHAAAANNNN!" it trumpeted as it looked like it was sinking in that black stuff.

"I must've scared it into a tar pit", said Bill.

"Good", said Reiko, "That gives us a chance to escape. Come on Cameron-san." And she tried to drag Cameron away but he just stood there.

"We just can't leave that poor Donphan in that sticky situation", said Cameron, "We shouldn't've been in the Unruly Zone to begin with and I can't let it pay for my disobedience."

"But that's supposed to be a killer Pokemon!" said Reiko, "What if we save it and it starts attacking us?"

"I don't think it tried to attack us", said Cameron, "I believe it was just wanted to take a closer look at us."

"And I was the one that frightened the poor thing away", said Bill, "We should help it, after all it did save us from those three hungry barbarians."

"Very well", sighed Reiko as she, Cameron, and Bill ran over to the pit where all they could see were Donphan's trunk. Cameron grabbed onto the trunk while Reiko grabbed onto Cameron while Bill grabbed onto Reiko's pants leg trying to pull Donphan out of the pit. But the tar was too strong and the more they pulled, the deeper Donphan started to sink.

"My ninja strength seems to be failing me!" said Reiko, "I must remember to punish myself for slacking."

"Maybe strength isn't what we need for this", said Cameron as he looked at his Pokebelt. He quickly touched a Pokeball and got a huge electric shock. But no matter how painful it seemed, he wouldn't let go of his Pokeball. He managed to yank it off his belt and release a Pokemon. Then the shocking stopped while Cameron fell to his knees.

"Cameron-san! Are you all right?!" asked a worried Reiko. "Why did you do that to yourself? That seemed extremely painful!"

"It was", said Cameron in deep breaths, "But there are some things you just gotta do in the name of Pokedom.

"I agree", said Bill thankful that he and Reiko went into these dangerous woods to rescue him. They all looked at the Pokemon that Cameron had released. It was Slowking.

"Slowie", said Cameron, "I need you to use your psychic powers to save that sinking Pokemon over there. Can you help it?"

"Slow", said Slowie in a big dopey smile as he started glowing a bright color and Donphan was immediately lifted out of the pit and onto the safe green grass. It seemed okay except that it was covered from head to toe with gooey black tar.

"Thank you Slowie", said Cameron, "Can you also wash it clean?" Slowie squirted water all over Donphan until it was as clean as a shiny rubber tire. Then Donphan slowly walked over to Cameron and wrapped its trunk around his waist.

"Uh oh", said Reiko as she was about to pull out her sword until Bill called out, "Wait Reiko, I don't think Donphan's going to hurt Cameron." She looked up and smiled as Donphan was hugging Cameron gratefully while little pink hearts floated all around them.

"Your very welcome", smiled Cameron as he patted Donphan's rubbery head. "You don't seem like an unruly killer Pokemon at all. In fact, I don't even know why June put you in this place. But would you like to join my group and be with other friendly Pokemon?"

"Phan!" trumpeted Donphan while smiling. Cameron smiled as he took out his last Safari Ball and sucked the huge pachyderm in. "All right!" he shouted proudly, "I now have Donphan. My six Pokemon team is finally complete!"
"Congratulations Cameron." said Bill. "I'd congratulate your Donphan too but it might run away again if I did that."

"You definitely earned it Cameron-san", smiled Reiko as she went over and kissed Cameron on the cheek again while he turned a bright red.

"Thank you Reiko." said Cameron in a goofy smile. "And don't worry. I won't tell Jessie and James what you did for me and Bill."

"Oh no, I forgot!" gasped Reiko, "Jessie and James have just captured and taken control of a Dragonair and they're planning on using it against you and your friends! You have to find your comrades and get them all out of here fast!"

"Will you be coming with us?" asked Cameron.

"No, I'd better stay here and patch up the fence I just tore apart", said Reiko, "Now go! Before those Rockets find you!" and she karate chopped the stone table in two telling him to obey her.

"Uh, okay!" said Cameron in a shocked voice, "Thank you for warning us!" and he gave Reiko a quick kiss on her cheek and he and Bill ran out of the Unruly Zone. Reiko just stood there in a wonderful trance at what Cameron just did to her. Just as the same Scyther was about to sneak up behind her. But luckily, Reiko was able to turn around and happily kick it back into the darkness "Ah, the magic of love!" she sighed as she skipped out of the zone, took out her katanas and used them as knitting needles to patch up the barbed wire fence.

Meanwhile, our heroes had gathered at the same spot where they all separated from and were telling each other what they caught. "All I caught was a Poliwag", said Misty.

"I caught me a Wigglytuff and a Tauros", said Stella.

"I got a Doduo and a Paras", said Seymour happily.

"I got a rock!" said a discouraged Brock. Everyone looked at him funny but then Brock just smiled and said, "Just kidding! I got me a Rhyhorn!" and everyone laughed.

"I got me a Pinsir, a Cubone, a Nidorino, and a Nidorina", smiled Jenny, "But I might have to get the Nido's fixed if they want to live together with me."

Just then Cameron and Bill ran up to the group completely out of breath. "Hey guys", smiled Misty, "What's wrong. Been chased by a tiny little Dratini?"

"It's much worse than that!" panted Cameron, "We've gotta get out of the Zone fast!"

"But we still got ten minutes left here", said Seymour. "There's still plenty of time to catch some more Pokemon."

"Yes, please stay!" called out Jessie's voice. "We would love to do some more catching."

"And all of you look like fine catches to us", said James as a smoke bomb landed and when it cleared. Jessie and James were now standing in front of them saying their motto as usual.

Jessie: "Team Rocket blasting off at the speed of light!"
James: "Surrender now or prepare to fight!"

"DRAGONAIR!" said Draggie who suddenly plopped down right behind Jessie and James. Cameron took out his Pokedex again and aimed it at the serpent.

"DRAGONAIR, the dragon Pokemon. The evolved form of Dratini", replied Dexeena. "A mystical Pokemon that exudes a gentle aura. Has the ability to change climate conditions."

"Well well", smiled Jessie, "We originally came here to catch this Dragonair."

"But we'd have no idea that we'd be catching some rebels as well", continued James.

"Hey, what are you guys doing with the Safari Zone's Dragonair?!" demanded Brock.

"With the help of this radio in my hand at that cute but uncomfortable collar around Draggie's neck. This beast has become our loyal servant. And we'll show you'll just how loyal it is. Draggie! Use thunder wave on them like you did to your former master!"

"DRAAGGG!" shouted Draggie as she released her thunder wave on our heroes making them completely paralyzed so they couldn't run away or fight back.

"Nice work Draggie!" smiled James, "Now we'll be able to take them back to Rocketville with no resistance at all. And I truly hate resistance. It's a hard word to spell!"

"I gotta do something!" thought Cameron as he tried to move but couldn't. He tried hard and he was able to put one finger up to a certain green Safari Ball on his belt. And the electric sensors didn't shock him for he was already thunder waved. Out popped Donphan ready to defend his new master.

"What kind of Pokemon is that?" asked Jessie.

"I think I saw something like that after I came back drunk from the Rocketville bar one time", said James, "Only it was pink."

"Well whatever it is, it's definitely missing from our collection!" smiled Jessie, "Draggie, thunder wave that Pokemon as well!" Draggie sent out yet another thunder wave attack, but it didn't effect Donphan one bit.

"It must be its rubber skin that makes Donphan immune to electric attacks", smiled Cameron, "Okay Donphan, use your uh, eh, well, Gee, I don't know what attacks you have."

But Donphan knew. It quickly spun around and changed itself into a huge rubber tire. It then sped at high speed getting ready to squish Draggie flat. But Draggie quickly flew up in the air out of Donphan's path and it ran over Jessie instead. "Wow", said Cameron, "Donphan would be useful if a 4x4 ever has a flat tire."

"Jessie, speak to me" cried James as he peeled Jessie off the grass like a sticker in an album. "This is one way to keep my trim figure!" said Jessie in a flat voice.

James quickly rolled up Jessie like a scroll and watched as the huge rubber tire kept leaping up and slamming into Draggie countless times. James found the radio that Jessie had dropped before she got squashed and picked it up. "Come on Draggie!" said James, "Don't let that third wheel defeat you. Strike back with your slam attack!"

"DRAAAGGGG!" shouted Draggie as she slammed her strong tail right onto Donphan's head causing it to fall on its back knocked out with a huge rubber bump on its head.

"DONPHAN!" cried Cameron.

"So much for your last minute guest rescuer!" laughed James. But then another guest rescuer suddenly leapt into the picture. It was a smaller version of a Dragonair. It looked at the huge serpent and went, "Dratini?"

"Oooooh, a Dragonair and a little Dratini as well!" smiled James.

"You mean my Dragonair and Dratini you varmint!" called out a voice. It was June. She was now free from the thunder wave effects and she had her crossbow ready with an extremely itchy trigger finger.

"Oh, hi there", said James, "I see you've brought me yet another rare Pokemon as a gift. And I know just how to thank you too. Draggie, blow this cowchick away with your hyper beam!"

Just as Draggie was about to take a deep breath, Dratini flew up in front of her shouting, "Dratini, tini, tini, tini!" with tears in its eyes. Draggie suddenly stopped for she knew who this Dratini was. It was Draggie's baby. "DRAGONAIR!" she cried as she gushed out tears causing the collar around her neck to short circuit and crumble off.

"What do you think you're doing?!" demanded James through the radio. "We're giving you the opportunity to become a mean lean death machine and you're throwing it all away over parenthood! I demand you to attack something!" Then both Dratini and Dragonair looked fire-eyed at James.

"Uh, you're free from that collar now!" said James nervously, "So you don't have to attack if you don't want to!" and he ran away carrying the flattened Jessie with him.

"How about showing us that beautiful hyper beam of yours Draggie?" smiled June. Draggie smiled as she charged herself up and let loose a powerful beam blasting it at Jessie and James sending them flying into the sky.

"Look's like Team Rocket's blasting off again!" they shouted as they flew up higher and higher until they landed safely into the floating balloon that Reiko had just repaired.

"My Queen", said Reiko as she saw the flattened Jessie, "What has happened to you?!"

"She's feeling a little tired right now", said James, "Do we have an air pump on this balloon somewhere?"

"Just this one", said Reiko pointing to an air tank, "But I don't think it would be wise to use this one."

"But remember Reiko", said James as he took it and put the tube into Jessie's mouth. "I'm older than you so I know what's wise and what's not." And he turned the valve pumping air into Jessie making her unflat. But unfortunately, James put too much air and Jessie started blowing up like a blimp, even bigger than the balloon they were riding in. She quickly grabbed onto one of the ropes so she wouldn't float away.

"James you idiot!" she shouted in a squeaky voice, "You've filled me up with helium! I look like something that came from Macy's!!!"

"Oh dear", said James nervously and then looked at the huge Meowth shaped balloon above and the blown up Jessie behind him. "This balloon team is missing one member!" said James as he started pumping himself up with helium and floated right next to Jessie with a big smile. "Don't I come up with great ideas Jess?" he said in a squeaky voice also. Jessie just punched him but got her fist caught for it went deep down into James's face.

"Like the older man who thinks he has wisdom in him", sighed Reiko, "He realizes he's just a windbag with nothing but hot air in his head."

June had just refilled the lake and smiled as she watched Draggie and her baby slither back into their watery home. Then she saw our heroes watching Cameron put a large bandage on Donphan's head. "There you go Donnie", he smiled. "I'll always be there for you like you were for me."

"Phan!" smiled Donnie as he hugged Cameron extremely tight with his trunk.

"Can you love me a little less sometimes?" asked a blue-colored Cameron. Donnie complied and loosened his grip.

"That sure is a cool Donphan you now own Cameron", said Misty.

"I've never seen a Pokemon quite like it", said Brock.

"I've heard about Donphans from my old colleagues", said Seymour, "But I'd never thought I'd see one myself."

"I'd bet a Donphan would be a great addition to my circus", said Stella imagining herself putting her head under a Donphan's huge foot and then squashing it flat. Stella immediately popped her thought bubble and shook some sense into her head.

"I recognize that Pokemon", said June in a serious voice. "It started a ruckus all over the zone the other day! I had to capture it and take it to the Unruly Zone. You didn't go in there after I specifically ordered you not to, did you?!" she asked as she pointed her crossbow up to Cameron's head.

"I had to!" said Cameron nervously, "Bill was in trouble and I had to save him."

"He's right", said Bill as he jumped in front of June. "Then that Donphan came and saved us all from a bunch of savage killer Pokemon. I don't think he's really a killer at all."

June slowly approached Donnie and he looked at June with warm friendly eyes. She smiled as she stroked Donnie's trunk. "I guess you're a pretty decent Pokemon after all", she said, "But I still don't know why you caused all that confusion in the Rattata village."

"I think I know why", said Cameron, "Donnie seems to have a fear of Rattata's. He only caused that confusion because he was scared."

"Is that so?" asked June.

"And I'll prove it", said Bill as he jumped in front of Donnie and said, "How do you do Donnie?"

"PPPHHHAAANNNN!" cried Donnie as he jumped into Cameron's arms causing him to fall down.

"Hey, take it easy big guy", said Bill as he handed Donnie a peanut. Donnie slowly took it from Bill and munched on it happily. He then picked up Bill and started hugging him tightly.

"Okay, I'm glad you've gotten over your fear of me!" said Bill who was turning from purple to blue.

"I guess you were right", smiled June, "Okie dokie Cameron. Donphan is yours to keep."

"Thank you", said Cameron happily gasping for air for Donnie was still sitting on him. Donnie smiled as he kissed his new master on the cheek with his trunk while everyone laughed.

TO BE CONTINUED

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

Well, Cameron finally has a six Pokemon team. But will this good team be able to stand up against the bad Rocket team? Stay tuned for the next chapter to find out!

[Cullen]

The Incredible Poke-Odyssey chapter 18

So Safari

Our heroes were now waiting in a line at the Safari Zone. A fun park where you can catch and take home all the wild Pokemon you want. "I've always wanted to visit the Safari Zone", said Stella, "I've heard they have all sorts of rare untamed Pokemon that'd be perfect for any circus."

"And we could use some more Pokemon if we want to take on Team Rocket and Mewtwo", said Jenny.

"I just hope that warden has gotten over his gun kick", said Brock.

"Gun kick?" asked Cameron.

"Yes", replied Misty, "The warden here's an old triggerhappy cowboy. He almost tried to shoot Ash in the head. Didn't you see that in your cartoon show?"

"Actually no", said Cameron, "They never aired the Safari Zone episode in the U.S. for some reason. I believe it was because the censors were afraid that kids might want to imitate that warden and carry guns around too."

"Wow", said Bill, "I never knew TV could corrupt young minds like that."

"Which is why someone invented V-chips", said Seymour. "To block out anything that might be dirty or violent so kids won't try and copy any of that."

"That sure would make my job easier", said Jenny for she and her family were constantly tired of all these dirty minded crooks carrying guns.

"I believe parents should just sit down with their kids in front of their favorite shows and point out what's wrong and that they shouldn't do that", said Brock, "That's how I did it with my siblings and they all turned out great."

"If only my parents had taught my sisters the same thing while they were watching Melrose Place", sighed Misty.

"Group No. 23, you may now enter the Safari Zone", called out a pretty western accented voice from a speaker above.

"That's us", said Jenny as she and the others stepped through the door. They all came inside a big room that looked like a sheriff's station and found no one in.

"I wonder where the warden is?" asked Seymour. Suddenly a huge lasso burst out of the darkness and snagged Seymour. Then a sexy figure jumped out, tied up Seymour and brought him close to her. It was a young lady with brown hair done in pigtails and she was wearing a cowboy hat and an old sheriff's suit.

"Howdy partner!" said the woman screaming into Seymour's face, "Catastrophe June's the name. You're awfully cute, you know that?"

"Uh, thank you", said a nervous tied up Seymour.

"I think I'll mark my brand on you and make you my man!" smiled June. Seymour was about to faint, until an annoyed Jenny pulled him away from the woman.

"Hold it Miss Catastrophe June", said Jenny as she held out her badge. "If you want to mark this man, you'll have to go through me first!"

"Oops, sorry officer", said June who was now calm. "And sorry to you too cutie pie!" she said as she turned to a traumatized Seymour and went over and untied him. "I just like to add a little Tex-Mex spice to this world of Pokemon rounding."

"No problem", stuttered Seymour as he pulled out his inhaler. And for the first time, Brock didn't go ga-ga for this particular kind of woman. "Uh, you wouldn't be related to the warden whom we met five years ago. Would you?" he asked.

"You mean my grampaw?" asked June who showed them a picture of the old man with his little Dratini.

"You're her grampaw, I mean grandpa?!" asked Misty.

"That's correct youngin", smiled June, "But unfortunately he passed away a couple of years ago." She now said sadly, "He went to that big old Safari Zone in the sky."

"We're sorry to hear that ma'am", said Brock.

But then she smiled again. "But that's all water under the bridge. Now I've taken over the family business and I'm the new warden of the Safari Zone."

"You don't carry any guns around, do you?" asked Brock nervously.

"Of course not", smiled June, "I'm more civilized than Grampaw." And she pulled out a mini crossbow and shot Cameron's hat off making it hit the wall. "Crossbows are more suited for a refined woman like me! Sorry, about that kid", said June as she went and got the hat, ruffled Cameron's hair and slammed it back on.

"No problem", said Cameron straightening out Ash's hat.

"Gee, you sure are a cute little buckaroo", smiled June as she pinched Cameron's cheeks very hard. "Have you come here to catch some cute little wild Safari Pokemon?"

"Yes we have", said Cameron whose cheeks were now numb, "If that's all right."

"Why sure it is", winked June, "Just as long as you pay $500 for you and your entire group."

"Guys", Cameron whispered to the group, "I don't have 500 bucks!"

"Sure you do", said Jenny, "Just check your Pokedex and push the green button with a dollar sign on it. Cameron complied and on Dexeena's screen, the number $23,523 appeared.

"I have that much?!" gasped Cameron, "But how did I and where do I get it?!"

"Every time you win a Pokemon battle, you earn currency", said Seymour, "Your Pokedex knows when you've won a battle and it automatically takes whatever currency from your opponent's Pokedex and transports it to yours."

"Wow, just like in my Gameboy!" smiled Cameron who just realized he had more money than he ever did in his lifetime.

"Just give your Pokedex to June and she'll subtract $500 from it and we can all have a rockin' fun time in the Safari Zone", said Misty.

"What'da'ya'mean by rock?!" grumbled June as she pointed her crossbow at Misty's forehead for this western girl obviously didn't go for rock and roll. Misty just stood there silently sweating.

* * * * * *

June had put Cameron's Pokedex into a credit card like machine, pushed a button, and handed it back to Cameron. When he checked his account, the number now said $23,023. Then June handed each member of the group, except for Bill, a box that contained a fishing pole, Pokemon food, rocks, and about 30 Pokeballs that were green with a letter S on each one of them.

"All right partners, here are the rules", said June as she pointed to a huge map on the wall. "Don't just memorize them, LEARN THEM!!! If you want to leave this fun place alive!" Everyone stood there silent with their ears wide open.

"Rule 1", said June, "Whenever you see a Pokemon in your sights, you can throw one of those special Safari Balls at it. You can either distract it buy throwing food, or weaken it by throwing rocks at it. But you may not use your own Pokemon to battle and weaken it. There are hidden sensors all over the Zone and if you even try to touch your Pokeballs, you'll get a nasty shock."

Cameron quickly frowned for he never had to experience electric shocks when playing in the Safari Zone on his Gameboy. Except that time he tried to play it with wet hands.

"Rule 2", continued June, "You can only spend one full hour in the Safari Zone. When your time is up I'll come by on my trusty jeep and round you all up."

"I just hope she doesn't lasso us while she's driving", thought Seymour nervously.

"And rule 3", said June, "You can explore any area in the Zone, except two places. First is this lake on the east. That's the home of Grampaw's pet Dragonair and her baby Dratini. They're off limits to the public."

"I remember Dragonair and Dratini", said Misty, "How are they doing these days?"

"Well, Dragonair still a little sad about losing Grampaw", said June, "But she's doing fine and little Dratini's doesn't remember him too much so its pretty happy as a Cloyster."

Cameron really wished he could've seen the Safari Zone episode so he could have the full picture of everything that happened with Ash and the Dratini.

"And the second place that's off limits is this forest on the northwest side of the Zone", said June as she pointed to the map. "That there's the Unruly Zone."

"Why do you call it the Unruly Zone?" asked Stella.

"Because that's where we keep our unruly Pokemon", said June in a not so cheery voice, "Pokemon that have been known to KILL people!" Everyone gulped when they heard that four-letter word.

"You mean you have mad killer Pokemon in your zone?!" gasped Misty.

"Relax little lady", smiled June, "They're kept behind a barbed fence. I'd never let any unruly Pokemon run around free in the Zone. I monitor the Zone all the time and if it looks like a Pokemon's about to give a customer trouble, I rush right on out there and apprehend them with my lasso, tie 'em up, and drag 'em off to the Unruly Zone."

"You mean the Pokemon right?" asked Jenny, "Not the customers."

June just smiled at Jenny's wisecrack and continued, "Other than that, go out there and have fun with your roundups!" and she pushed a button on her desk and huge doors on the left side of the wall opened revealing the wonders of the Safari Zone. Our heroes stepped outside and marveled at the beautiful green grass and blue lakes and all the Pokemon roaming around free.

"All right everyone", said Jenny, "Let's all separate and do our best to catch some really strong powerful Pokemon."

"This is going to be fun!" said Cameron excitedly wondering what his sixth and final Pokemon will be.

"Remember Cameron", said Brock, "Professor Oak said he doesn't have his Pokeball transporter with him so the one Pokemon you catch here will be your last for now."

"That's okay", said Cameron, "I already got a great team of five with me and whatever Pokemon I catch I'm sure will be a welcome member to my team." And off they went in different directions.

Cameron heard something moving from a nearby bush. He slowly approached it and out jumped a huge stag beetle with giant jaws on its head.

"Wow! A Pinsir!" smiled Cameron, "A bug type will be great on my team!" and he took out his first Safari Ball and threw it at the bug sucking it in. Cameron watched as the ball started to shake around, but then it burst to pieces and Pinsir ran away into a small forest. Cameron started to run after it but found Jenny in the forest instead holding a Safari Ball.

"I did it!" smiled Jenny, "I caught Pinsir!" Cameron frowned on the inside, but was happy on the outside that Jenny had another Pokemon to keep her Growlithe company. Then he heard a loud snoring noise. Cameron followed the noise and found a small little rhino sleeping peacefully.

"A Rhyhorn!" smiled Cameron, "And it's sleeping too. That should be an easy catch." Cameron took out another ball and threw it at Rhyhorn sucking it in as well. But Rhyhorn managed to escape from that ball as well and started to gallop away, right into Brock's path. Brock threw his ball at Rhyhorn and caught it.

"Yes!" shouted Brock, "I caught Rhyhorn!" and he walked off. Cameron frowned again. He had forgotten how frustrating it was having certain Safari Pokemon run away from you in the game. As Cameron continued walking, he hid behind a rock and saw a small two-headed bird.

"A Doduo!" said Cameron as he was about to bring out another ball, but then looked into his box. He took out a piece of Pokemon food and threw it at the Doduo hoping that would distract it. And sure enough it did. Both heads were arguing and fighting over the food trying to pull it away from each other.

"I don't why they're fighting over it", thought Cameron, "Whatever head eats it will end up in the same stomach." And he took out a ball and threw it at Doduo sucking it in as well. But Doduo broke out and ran away like the others. And it ran into the path of yet another friend. "Oh happy days!" said Seymour as he danced around happily, "I caught Doduo!"

"I'm so happy for you", whispered Cameron sarcastically.

* * * * * *

On the other side of the Zone, Team Rocket's balloon had landed right next to a huge lake. "There it is Reiko", smiled Jessie evily, "The famous lake that contains the legendary Dratini. The one Pokemon that's missing from our great Poke-collection."

"But like the toothfairy that replaces infant teeth with currency, I always thought Dratinti's were make believe", said Reiko.

"Oh no, they're real", said Jessie, "And I remember I saw a cute little Dratini pop its head out of the lake. That sure was a delight for me."

"But not for me if you remember!" grumbled James remembering the time he and Meowth went underwater in diving suits to find that Dratini. Jessie was so impressed when the Dratini popped its head out, she had stepped on the air pump causing both James and Meowth to almost die from lack of air.

"When are you gonna let that go?!" growled Jessie as she whacked James on the head with her fan, "I've mistreated you thousands of times in many ways! That was minor compared to when I forced you to marry that mad woman Jessiebell!"

"Maybe I should've stayed with Jessiebell instead", thought James, "She handles her whip more gentler than Jessie's fan."

"Well anyway", continued Jessie, "Dratinis have been known to have a large varieties of attacks and powers. If we can just catch it and control it, we'll have those rebels done in for sure! Isn't that right Reiko?!"

"You are correct my Queen", said Reiko trying to hide her feelings for Cameron, "Oh Cameron-san", thought Reiko, "Being a Rocket would've been much easier for me if you hadn't dropped from the sky."

"Okay James", said Jessie, "Release the vacuum!"

"Right away Jess!" smiled James as he pushed a button and a huge vacuum tube emerged from the balloon and started to suck the lake dry. Suddenly, something started to shoot out of the water. It was a long blue serpent with wings on her ears. She started to look angrily at the three humans who were trying to take away her watery home. "DRAAAAG!!!" she growled.

"I can't believe it!" said Jessie excitedly, "That cute little Dratini had evolved into a Dragonair!"

"But I don't think its gonna act so cute right now!" said James as he nervously looked into the Dragonair's angry eyes.

"But it will be thanks to this!" smiled Jessie as she took out a bazooka and shot a multi-colored collar out of it. The collar quickly clamped around Dragonair's neck and she suddenly floated there quietly.

"What did you do to it my Queen?" asked Reiko.

"I just snapped on a control collar", smiled Jessie, "Now this marvelous creature will do our bidding with no free will of its own. Watch." And she took out a tiny radio and spoke into it. "Dragonair", she commanded, "Fly around in a figure 8 form!" Dragonair nodded her emotionless head and started to fly around shaping her long body into a number 8.

"Now spell Queen Jessie!" she commanded. Dragonair then used her body to form those words in cursive.

"That looks quite painful", said Reiko.

"Don't worry about that", smiled Jessie, "Its too mesmerized to feel any kind of pain."

"Ooooooh! Let me try!" smiled James as he yanked the radio away from Jessie and spoke into it. "Dragonair!" he commanded, "Spell, The Suave and Mighty King James!" Dragonair suddenly twisted herself around but became a huge blue pretzel instead.

"That was too much for it to spell you twit!" grumbled Jessie as she whacked him with her fan and took the radio away from him. "Dragonair, straighten yourself out would you?" she asked. Dragonair complied and undid her pretzel form. Just then, a small arrow hit their balloon popping it and sending it plopping into what was left of the lake.

"Just what are you sidewinders doing to my poor little Dragonair?" shouted June who had just drove up in her jeep while holding her crossbow.

"So the Safari Zone has a new warden", said James, "And one with great legs too!"

"Why thank you", said June blushing as she lifted up her left boot. "But that still doesn't pardon you from what you're doing! Draggie, take care of them with hyper beam!" But Dragonair just floated there ignoring June's commands.

"Draggie, what's wrong?" asked June, "Those rustlers are gonna take you away if you don't attack back!"

"Sorry little miss sagebrush", said Jessie evily, "But Draggies now our noble steed! Draggie, zap her with thunder wave!" Draggie sent a thunder wave at June completely paralyzing her. Jessie and James were too busy laughing to notice a tiny baby Pokemon bobbing its head out of the water watching its mother attack their poor master.

Reiko suddenly saw someone way out in the distance. She took out her binoculars and saw who it was. "Cameron-san!" she gasped.

"What's wrong Reiko?" asked Jessie, "Have you spotted something or someone interesting?"

"I have!" said Reiko trying to think up something fast, "It could be one of the warden's deputies. I'd better go and apprehend him before he brings back help. If I can have your permission that is."

"But of course my dear", smiled Jessie, "Go off and cause all the misery and torment to your heart's desire!"

"Arigato my Queen", said Reiko as she did a huge back flip out of the balloon and rushed off.

"I have to warn Cameron-san!" said Reiko running as fast as she could. "If that Dragonair gets a hold of him, he's done for!"

* * * * * *

Meanwhile, Cameron was still having no luck at catching his sixth Pokemon and he only had 1 Safari Ball left. "I gotta make this last one count", he said with determination. Just then a huge bunny-like Pokemon with large eyes suddenly came his way. "A Wigglytuff", said Cameron really determined to catch this one. He threw a rock at Wigglytuff hoping that would weaken it, but Wigglytuff managed to whack it away with a doubleslap sending it right onto Cameron's head. As he lied there on the ground with a bump on his head, he could hear Stella's voice shout out, "All right! I caught Wigglytuff!"

A frustrated Cameron decided he should try fishing in the nearby lake hoping he could at least catch something powerless like a Magikarp. And sure enough, Cameron did catch something. It was a tiny black frog with cute hind legs, a long tail, and a swirl on its stomach. "A Poliwag!" smiled Cameron, "This should be easy to catch", and just as he was about to throw a ball at it, Poliwag squirted water into Cameron's face knocking him onto the ground. Poliwag then dove into the lake and swam to the other side where Misty was waiting there to catch it.

"Yes!" shouted Misty, "I caught Poliwag!!! Oh, hi Cameron!" said Misty as she saw Cameron on the other side and started waving to him. "Having fun?!"

"Oh, I'm having a ball", said Cameron with a huge false smile. "I'll have my sixth Pokemon soon enough!"

"Good luck", smiled Misty as she walked away. Cameron sighed as he sat down on a nearby rock to do some thinking. Then he saw a Rattata walking up to him.

"Well, this is my last chance", sighed Cameron as he was about to throw his last ball until the Rattata called out, "How many times do I have to tell you people that I'm nobody's Pokemon?!!"

"Oh, sorry Bill", said Cameron who now knew who it was. "It's just that I'm having the worst luck here while everyone else is stocking up on new Pokemon!"

"Welcome to the club", said Bill, "Can you believe I wasn't given any Safari Balls just because I'm now a Pokemon? I could at least have one so I can catch me something small like a Caterpie so I can play the superior being with it."

Cameron smiled a little and then noticed a huge forest that was blocked off with a barbed fence. "That must be the Unruly Zone June had talked about", said Cameron.

"The place where she keeps her killer Pokemon", said Bill fascinated. "I bet I could slip under this fence and study how vicious and deadly these types of Pokemon are."

"You're not actually gonna do that are you?!" gasped Cameron.

"Of course not", laughed Bill, "I didn't get my Pokemon researcher's degree by being stupid." Just then a long pink tail with a rattle slowly snuck out from under the fence. It grabbed Bill's tail and started dragging him in.

"What's going on?!" cried Bill, "Cameron, HELP!!" but then disappeared from under the fence and into the darkness.

"Oh no, BILL!" cried Cameron, "I've gotta do something! But I don't have any way to get through these barbed wires!"

"You got me!" called out a Japanese accented voice. Cameron turned around and found Reiko smiling at him while leaning on her sword like a cane.

"Reiko!" said Cameron nervously, "Bill's just been abducted by an unruly Pokemon! Can you help me save him?!"

"Anything for you Cameron-san", said Reiko as he used her sword to cut through the fence leaving it open for them to pass through.

"We'd better be careful Reiko", whispered Cameron, "There are supposed to be lots of killer Pokemon roaming around free in this forest and we won't be able to use our own Pokemon to battle them either."

"But like the Pinsir that loses its jaws for life but still relies on its front claws for slash attacks, I believe a skilled ninja like me will be able to handle any killer Pokemon", said Reiko proudly.

"Look over there", said Cameron as he dragged Reiko over to a huge tree and they hid behind it. They saw an Ekans, a Scyther, and a Ninetales gathered around a table shaped stone getting ready for a feast. Ninetales was breathing fire under the stone table, Ekans was shaking salt on the food, and Scyther was wearing a tall Japanese chef's hat and was sharpening up its huge claws ready to do some slicing and dicing. Cameron suddenly saw what the main course was. "BILL!!" he shouted.

Sure enough, it was Bill. They had him tied to the table with a plastic apple stuffed in his mouth. He was shaking and sweating nervously hoping that sweat would ruin the taste of diced Rattata. Just then, all three of the killer Pokemon heard Cameron shout out Bill's name. They looked up and saw the two teenage humans.

"Oops, my bad!" said Cameron realizing he just sealed his and Reiko's fates.

"And I thought I was the bad one here", said Reiko as she saw the three running, flying, and slithering up to them. Reiko tried to pull out her Pokeballs but got a nasty electric shock causing her to yelp. "What just happened?!" she demanded.

"Oh great", moaned Cameron, "June would have to put sensors in this part of the zone as well!"

Reiko took out her twin katanas and tried to defend herself against Scyther's sharp as steel claws. It was pretty tough for her for this huge mantis had the skills of a ninja as well.

Ninetales started shooting embers from his mouth ready to make Cameron feel the burn. Cameron quickly pulled out his water bottle and started squirting water at the huge fox making it back away for fiery Ninetales were truly weak against water. "H20", he smiled, "How I love those 3 little digits right now!" Just as Cameron thought he had Ninetales beat, he suddenly dropped his bottle for something had coiled itself around his torso. Cameron looked in fear into the scary eyes of Ekans while it tasted Cameron's face with its long forked tongue.

"Cameron-san!" cried Reiko who wanted to help him, but couldn't for she was still battling Scyther. That distraction gave Scyther the advantage to knock away Reiko's katanas and use one claw to pin her to a tree making her unable to move her arms.

Just as Ekans was about to constrict Cameron, Scyther was about to slash up Reiko, and Ninetales was about to roast the still restrained Bill. A loud trumpeting sound was heard. The three killer Pokemon suddenly shook in fear as they let go of their prey and ran off into a darker part of the forest.

"Are you all right Cameron-san?" asked Reiko.

"I'm fine", said Cameron as he went over and untied Bill, "How about you Bill?" he asked.

Bill finally managed to bite through the huge apple and replied, "I'm okay, except that I'll now have the taste of plastic apple in my gums and I hate apples! Even artificial ones!"

"What do you suppose made those three scoundrels run off like that?" asked Reiko. And suddenly she found out what it was. A new kind of Pokemon Cameron had never seen before had charged out of the darkness. It looked like a small elephant with sharp tusks and skin that looked like rubber.

"What is that thing?!" asked Cameron as he aimed his Pokedex at it.

"DONPHAN, the armor Pokemon", replied Dexeena, "Since this is a newly discovered Pokemon, I cannot give you any other data on it. I hope we can still be friends though."

"Wow!" said Cameron amazed, "I wonder if this is one of the new Pokemon that'll appear in those Gold and Silver games I keep hearing about?"

Reiko had no idea what Cameron had said, but got herself ready to attack as the Donphan slowly walked over to them wondering what it was gonna do.

"Maybe I can frighten it away with my leer attack", said Bill as he leapt in front of Donphan and pulled his eyelids back trying to make a scary face.

"HA!" laughed Reiko, "There's no way that kind of attack will frighten away a big Pokemon like that." But she was wrong. Donphan stood on its hind legs in fear and started trumpeting a loud, "PPHHHAAAAANNN!" It then galloped away making loud stomping noises causing Cameron, Reiko, and Bill to fall down. "Then again, what do I know about the fears of Pokemon?" said Reiko.

"Never underestimate Bill power!" smiled Bill proudly.

"I always thought the stories about elephants being scared of mice were just myths" thought Cameron but then remembered that this was a Donphan and a Rattata. They watched as Donphan ran across something black and then stopped. "PPPHHHAAAANNNN!" it trumpeted as it looked like it was sinking in that black stuff.

"I must've scared it into a tar pit", said Bill.

"Good", said Reiko, "That gives us a chance to escape. Come on Cameron-san." And she tried to drag Cameron away but he just stood there.

"We just can't leave that poor Donphan in that sticky situation", said Cameron, "We shouldn't've been in the Unruly Zone to begin with and I can't let it pay for my disobedience."

"But that's supposed to be a killer Pokemon!" said Reiko, "What if we save it and it starts attacking us?"

"I don't think it tried to attack us", said Cameron, "I believe it was just wanted to take a closer look at us."

"And I was the one that frightened the poor thing away", said Bill, "We should help it, after all it did save us from those three hungry barbarians."

"Very well", sighed Reiko as she, Cameron, and Bill ran over to the pit where all they could see were Donphan's trunk. Cameron grabbed onto the trunk while Reiko grabbed onto Cameron while Bill grabbed onto Reiko's pants leg trying to pull Donphan out of the pit. But the tar was too strong and the more they pulled, the deeper Donphan started to sink.

"My ninja strength seems to be failing me!" said Reiko, "I must remember to punish myself for slacking."

"Maybe strength isn't what we need for this", said Cameron as he looked at his Pokebelt. He quickly touched a Pokeball and got a huge electric shock. But no matter how painful it seemed, he wouldn't let go of his Pokeball. He managed to yank it off his belt and release a Pokemon. Then the shocking stopped while Cameron fell to his knees.

"Cameron-san! Are you all right?!" asked a worried Reiko. "Why did you do that to yourself? That seemed extremely painful!"

"It was", said Cameron in deep breaths, "But there are some things you just gotta do in the name of Pokedom.

"I agree", said Bill thankful that he and Reiko went into these dangerous woods to rescue him. They all looked at the Pokemon that Cameron had released. It was Slowking.

"Slowie", said Cameron, "I need you to use your psychic powers to save that sinking Pokemon over there. Can you help it?"

"Slow", said Slowie in a big dopey smile as he started glowing a bright color and Donphan was immediately lifted out of the pit and onto the safe green grass. It seemed okay except that it was covered from head to toe with gooey black tar.

"Thank you Slowie", said Cameron, "Can you also wash it clean?" Slowie squirted water all over Donphan until it was as clean as a shiny rubber tire. Then Donphan slowly walked over to Cameron and wrapped its trunk around his waist.

"Uh oh", said Reiko as she was about to pull out her sword until Bill called out, "Wait Reiko, I don't think Donphan's going to hurt Cameron." She looked up and smiled as Donphan was hugging Cameron gratefully while little pink hearts floated all around them.

"Your very welcome", smiled Cameron as he patted Donphan's rubbery head. "You don't seem like an unruly killer Pokemon at all. In fact, I don't even know why June put you in this place. But would you like to join my group and be with other friendly Pokemon?"

"Phan!" trumpeted Donphan while smiling. Cameron smiled as he took out his last Safari Ball and sucked the huge pachyderm in. "All right!" he shouted proudly, "I now have Donphan. My six Pokemon team is finally complete!"
"Congratulations Cameron." said Bill. "I'd congratulate your Donphan too but it might run away again if I did that."

"You definitely earned it Cameron-san", smiled Reiko as she went over and kissed Cameron on the cheek again while he turned a bright red.

"Thank you Reiko." said Cameron in a goofy smile. "And don't worry. I won't tell Jessie and James what you did for me and Bill."

"Oh no, I forgot!" gasped Reiko, "Jessie and James have just captured and taken control of a Dragonair and they're planning on using it against you and your friends! You have to find your comrades and get them all out of here fast!"

"Will you be coming with us?" asked Cameron.

"No, I'd better stay here and patch up the fence I just tore apart", said Reiko, "Now go! Before those Rockets find you!" and she karate chopped the stone table in two telling him to obey her.

"Uh, okay!" said Cameron in a shocked voice, "Thank you for warning us!" and he gave Reiko a quick kiss on her cheek and he and Bill ran out of the Unruly Zone. Reiko just stood there in a wonderful trance at what Cameron just did to her. Just as the same Scyther was about to sneak up behind her. But luckily, Reiko was able to turn around and happily kick it back into the darkness "Ah, the magic of love!" she sighed as she skipped out of the zone, took out her katanas and used them as knitting needles to patch up the barbed wire fence.

* * * * * *

Meanwhile, our heroes had gathered at the same spot where they all separated from and were telling each other what they caught. "All I caught was a Poliwag", said Misty.

"I caught me a Wigglytuff and a Tauros", said Stella.

"I got a Doduo and a Paras", said Seymour happily.

"I got a rock!" said a discouraged Brock. Everyone looked at him funny but then Brock just smiled and said, "Just kidding! I got me a Rhyhorn!" and everyone laughed.

"I got me a Pinsir, a Cubone, a Nidorino, and a Nidorina", smiled Jenny, "But I might have to get the Nido's fixed if they want to live together with me."

Just then Cameron and Bill ran up to the group completely out of breath. "Hey guys", smiled Misty, "What's wrong. Been chased by a tiny little Dratini?"

"It's much worse than that!" panted Cameron, "We've gotta get out of the Zone fast!"

"But we still got ten minutes left here", said Seymour. "There's still plenty of time to catch some more Pokemon."

"Yes, please stay!" called out Jessie's voice. "We would love to do some more catching."

"And all of you look like fine catches to us", said James as a smoke bomb landed and when it cleared. Jessie and James were now standing in front of them saying their motto as usual.

Jessie: "Team Rocket blasting off at the speed of light!"
James: "Surrender now or prepare to fight!"

"DRAGONAIR!" said Draggie who suddenly plopped down right behind Jessie and James. Cameron took out his Pokedex again and aimed it at the serpent.

"DRAGONAIR, the dragon Pokemon. The evolved form of Dratini", replied Dexeena. "A mystical Pokemon that exudes a gentle aura. Has the ability to change climate conditions."

"Well well", smiled Jessie, "We originally came here to catch this Dragonair."

"But we'd have no idea that we'd be catching some rebels as well", continued James.

"Hey, what are you guys doing with the Safari Zone's Dragonair?!" demanded Brock.

"With the help of this radio in my hand at that cute but uncomfortable collar around Draggie's neck. This beast has become our loyal servant. And we'll show you'll just how loyal it is. Draggie! Use thunder wave on them like you did to your former master!"

"DRAAGGG!" shouted Draggie as she released her thunder wave on our heroes making them completely paralyzed so they couldn't run away or fight back.

"Nice work Draggie!" smiled James, "Now we'll be able to take them back to Rocketville with no resistance at all. And I truly hate resistance. It's a hard word to spell!"

"I gotta do something!" thought Cameron as he tried to move but couldn't. He tried hard and he was able to put one finger up to a certain green Safari Ball on his belt. And the electric sensors didn't shock him for he was already thunder waved. Out popped Donphan ready to defend his new master.

"What kind of Pokemon is that?" asked Jessie.

"I think I saw something like that after I came back drunk from the Rocketville bar one time", said James, "Only it was pink."

"Well whatever it is, it's definitely missing from our collection!" smiled Jessie, "Draggie, thunder wave that Pokemon as well!" Draggie sent out yet another thunder wave attack, but it didn't effect Donphan one bit.

"It must be its rubber skin that makes Donphan immune to electric attacks", smiled Cameron, "Okay Donphan, use your uh, eh, well, Gee, I don't know what attacks you have."

But Donphan knew. It quickly spun around and changed itself into a huge rubber tire. It then sped at high speed getting ready to squish Draggie flat. But Draggie quickly flew up in the air out of Donphan's path and it ran over Jessie instead. "Wow", said Cameron, "Donphan would be useful if a 4x4 ever has a flat tire."

"Jessie, speak to me" cried James as he peeled Jessie off the grass like a sticker in an album. "This is one way to keep my trim figure!" said Jessie in a flat voice.

James quickly rolled up Jessie like a scroll and watched as the huge rubber tire kept leaping up and slamming into Draggie countless times. James found the radio that Jessie had dropped before she got squashed and picked it up. "Come on Draggie!" said James, "Don't let that third wheel defeat you. Strike back with your slam attack!"

"DRAAAGGGG!" shouted Draggie as she slammed her strong tail right onto Donphan's head causing it to fall on its back knocked out with a huge rubber bump on its head.

"DONPHAN!" cried Cameron.

"So much for your last minute guest rescuer!" laughed James. But then another guest rescuer suddenly leapt into the picture. It was a smaller version of a Dragonair. It looked at the huge serpent and went, "Dratini?"

"Oooooh, a Dragonair and a little Dratini as well!" smiled James.

"You mean my Dragonair and Dratini you varmint!" called out a voice. It was June. She was now free from the thunder wave effects and she had her crossbow ready with an extremely itchy trigger finger.

"Oh, hi there", said James, "I see you've brought me yet another rare Pokemon as a gift. And I know just how to thank you too. Draggie, blow this cowchick away with your hyper beam!"

Just as Draggie was about to take a deep breath, Dratini flew up in front of her shouting, "Dratini, tini, tini, tini!" with tears in its eyes. Draggie suddenly stopped for she knew who this Dratini was. It was Draggie's baby. "DRAGONAIR!" she cried as she gushed out tears causing the collar around her neck to short circuit and crumble off.

"What do you think you're doing?!" demanded James through the radio. "We're giving you the opportunity to become a mean lean death machine and you're throwing it all away over parenthood! I demand you to attack something!" Then both Dratini and Dragonair looked fire-eyed at James.

"Uh, you're free from that collar now!" said James nervously, "So you don't have to attack if you don't want to!" and he ran away carrying the flattened Jessie with him.

"How about showing us that beautiful hyper beam of yours Draggie?" smiled June. Draggie smiled as she charged herself up and let loose a powerful beam blasting it at Jessie and James sending them flying into the sky.

"Look's like Team Rocket's blasting off again!" they shouted as they flew up higher and higher until they landed safely into the floating balloon that Reiko had just repaired.

"My Queen", said Reiko as she saw the flattened Jessie, "What has happened to you?!"

"She's feeling a little tired right now", said James, "Do we have an air pump on this balloon somewhere?"

"Just this one", said Reiko pointing to an air tank, "But I don't think it would be wise to use this one."

"But remember Reiko", said James as he took it and put the tube into Jessie's mouth. "I'm older than you so I know what's wise and what's not." And he turned the valve pumping air into Jessie making her unflat. But unfortunately, James put too much air and Jessie started blowing up like a blimp, even bigger than the balloon they were riding in. She quickly grabbed onto one of the ropes so she wouldn't float away.

"James you idiot!" she shouted in a squeaky voice, "You've filled me up with helium! I look like something that came from Macy's!!!"

"Oh dear", said James nervously and then looked at the huge Meowth shaped balloon above and the blown up Jessie behind him. "This balloon team is missing one member!" said James as he started pumping himself up with helium and floated right next to Jessie with a big smile. "Don't I come up with great ideas Jess?" he said in a squeaky voice also. Jessie just punched him but got her fist caught for it went deep down into James's face.

"Like the older man who thinks he has wisdom in him", sighed Reiko, "He realizes he's just a windbag with nothing but hot air in his head."

* * * * * *

June had just refilled the lake and smiled as she watched Draggie and her baby slither back into their watery home. Then she saw our heroes watching Cameron put a large bandage on Donphan's head. "There you go Donnie", he smiled. "I'll always be there for you like you were for me."

"Phan!" smiled Donnie as he hugged Cameron extremely tight with his trunk.

"Can you love me a little less sometimes?" asked a blue-colored Cameron. Donnie complied and loosened his grip.

"That sure is a cool Donphan you now own Cameron", said Misty.

"I've never seen a Pokemon quite like it", said Brock.

"I've heard about Donphans from my old colleagues", said Seymour, "But I'd never thought I'd see one myself."

"I'd bet a Donphan would be a great addition to my circus", said Stella imagining herself putting her head under a Donphan's huge foot and then squashing it flat. Stella immediately popped her thought bubble and shook some sense into her head.

"I recognize that Pokemon", said June in a serious voice. "It started a ruckus all over the zone the other day! I had to capture it and take it to the Unruly Zone. You didn't go in there after I specifically ordered you not to, did you?!" she asked as she pointed her crossbow up to Cameron's head.

"I had to!" said Cameron nervously, "Bill was in trouble and I had to save him."

"He's right", said Bill as he jumped in front of June. "Then that Donphan came and saved us all from a bunch of savage killer Pokemon. I don't think he's really a killer at all."

June slowly approached Donnie and he looked at June with warm friendly eyes. She smiled as she stroked Donnie's trunk. "I guess you're a pretty decent Pokemon after all", she said, "But I still don't know why you caused all that confusion in the Rattata village."

"I think I know why", said Cameron, "Donnie seems to have a fear of Rattata's. He only caused that confusion because he was scared."

"Is that so?" asked June.

"And I'll prove it", said Bill as he jumped in front of Donnie and said, "How do you do Donnie?"

"PPPHHHAAANNNN!" cried Donnie as he jumped into Cameron's arms causing him to fall down.

"Hey, take it easy big guy", said Bill as he handed Donnie a peanut. Donnie slowly took it from Bill and munched on it happily. He then picked up Bill and started hugging him tightly.

"Okay, I'm glad you've gotten over your fear of me!" said Bill who was turning from purple to blue.

"I guess you were right", smiled June, "Okie dokie Cameron. Donphan is yours to keep."

"Thank you", said Cameron happily gasping for air for Donnie was still sitting on him. Donnie smiled as he kissed his new master on the cheek with his trunk while everyone laughed.

TO BE CONTINUED

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

Well, Cameron finally has a six Pokemon team. But will this good team be able to stand up against the bad Rocket team? Stay tuned for the next chapter to find out!

[Cullen]

The Incredible Poke-Odyssey chapter 19

Poke-Karaoke

Our heroes were driving their RV through an open countryside. Everyone just loved the RV that was given to them by the not-so-bad Kingston Silph. Jenny was driving while the others were doing fun stuff in great luxury. Jenny looked at the control panel and noticed that the power level was almost low.

"That's odd", she said, "It seemed to be very high this morning. I wonder what's causing the power to suddenly drop?"

Cameron was using the microwave to pop some popcorn for him and Sandy, Misty was using her hot comb to get her one pigtail just perfect, Brock and Stella were watching the semi-blockbuster hit, Pokemon in Love, on their big screen TV. Bill was mixing a variety of cheeses and crackers in a food processor, and Seymour was in the kitchen trying to make a romantic lunch for his beloved Jenny. Suddenly, the motor stopped and all the power went out in the RV making everything dark.

"Hey, what happened?" asked Cameron.

"I believe this is what I call a blackout", said Seymour.

"No, this can't be happening!" wailed Misty. "I haven't completed fixing up my hair! Now I'll look hideous!"

"Relax Misty", said Bill, "I don't think anyone will be looking at you in this darkness."

"And we were just about to watch the juiciest part of the movie too!" whined Stella.

"Maybe we can make our own juicy movie", said Brock, "And this darkness is the perfect mood for it!"

"All right!" called out an angry Jenny, "Which one of you has wasted all the power?! Somebody answer me or I'll.. sniff, sniff. Hey, is that enchiladas stuffed with wild cherries I smell?"

"Uh, yes it is", said Seymour nervously, "It is our all time favorite food. Isn't it?"

"Yes, that's it Seymour", whispered Misty, "Put Jenny in a good mood so you can take all the blame."

"Well, it was sweet of you to make my favorite meal for me", said Jenny, "But next time, don't use so much power when making it in an RV. Okay my special scientist?" and she kissed him.

Seymour started to blush incredibly making his red face light up the room, but then said, "Wait a minute. I don't think I felt your kiss."

"But I did!" moaned Misty as she started to wipe her lips clean.

"Let's all sit down to a nice cherry enchilada lunch and then we'll try to fix the power", said Jenny now happy. Everyone found the table and sat down. Most of them were thankful that they didn't have to look at the gross combination of food Seymour made. But then Seymour lit some candles to make it romantic for him and Jenny while everyone secretly groaned now that they had to look at what they're eating.

* * * * * *

After everyone, except Seymour and Jenny, were over their queasiness, they all stepped out of the RV to get it fixed. Jenny popped open the hood and took out some jumper cables. "If only a passing car would come by here, we can ask the driver to pull over and help us charge up our RV", said Jenny.

Everyone looked down the road and found no cars coming at all. "Traffic jams never come when you really need them", sighed Stella.

"Wait a minute", said Cameron, "We don't need another car. We got our own power source right here!" and he released Electabuzz. "Buzz, we need some of your power to charge up our RV", said Cameron, "Can you spare some please?"

"BUZZ, EL BUZZ!" said Buzz while saluting which meant yes. Jenny hooked the cables to Buzz's antennas and hooked them to the engine. "Okay Buzz", said Jenny, "Let loose your juice!"

"BUUUUZZZZZ!" said Buzz as he let his electricity flow through the cables and into the engine. "I think it's working!" smiled Jenny as she watched the lights on the engine starting to charge up. Just then, sparks started to fly out of the engine while water burst out of the radiator like a fountain and the headlights started to burst.

"That's enough Buzz!" shouted Cameron, "You're giving it too much power! Stop please! That's an order!" But Buzz wasn't listening for he was too busy concentrating on his power trip. Nuts and bolts started popping out of the engine while the windshield wipers were dancing like crazy.

"We gotta do something!" cried Seymour, "Before Buzz blows up the RV along with himself!"

"V.P., I choose you!" shouted Cameron as he released his Vileplume. "Quick V.P." shouted Cameron. "Put Buzz to sleep before it's too late!"

"VILE!" shouted V.P. as it saw the damage its teammate was doing. It quickly covered Buzz with sleep powder making him lie down and start snoozing while the electric power ceased.

"That was a brilliant idea Electric boy", grumbled Misty. "And why don't you have your Donphan just sit on top of the RV too so he can crush us to death?!"

"I'm sorry everyone", sighed Cameron as he pulled the sleeping Buzz back into his ball.

"Hey, don't feel bad Cameron", said Brock, "At least you tried to think of something."

"Now the next thing we have to think about is where to get ourselves another vehicle", said Jenny. "This thing has gone to RV Heaven."

"Hey, look at this!" said Cameron as he saw a flyer stuck to a tree.

"Pokemon Karaoke contest happening today at the Crimson Cafe in Crimson City. If your Pokemon is a great singer or can play a cool instrument, please enter and let it perform. First prize is a brand new RV."

"So are you saying that we should let one of our Pokemon get on stage and do a musical number hoping that one will be the winner?" asked Misty.

"That's a great idea!" smiled Stella with stars in her eyes. "I get to be part of the theater once again!"

"Let's each enter one Pokemon", said Brock, "That way we'll have a seven way chance of winning."

"I was quite the karaoke singer during my younger days", said Bill. "I think I'll enter myself."

"Perhaps the world's only singing Rattata would make you the winner", said Seymour.

"I think I'll enter my Seadra", said Misty, "I've heard they know the song of the sirens."

"I wonder which Pokemon should I enter?" said Cameron. "Sandy, can you carry a good tune?"

"Shrew, Shrew Sandshrew, SHHHHRRRREEEEWWWW!!!" Sandy sang out loud while everyone covered their ears.

"Uh, that was a nice try Sandy", said an almost deaf Cameron, "But I bet if you keep practicing for a while, you'll be even better."

"Shrew!" said Sandy agreeing with Cameron for he didn't like the sound of his Sandshrew singing either.

Just then, Cameron heard some really cool trumpet playing from one of his Pokeballs. He took the green one and out popped Donphan happily trumpeting a wonderful tune. "Why Donnie", smiled Cameron, "That was beautiful. You should play in a high school marching band!"

"Phan!" said Donnie while blushing and curling up his trunk.

"Or better yet, you could enter him in the Karaoke contest", said Brock.

"You think I should?" asked Cameron.

"Yes, you should", said Seymour who went into poem mode.

"Oh, there's nothing like the sound of a Donphan's nose.
No other sound on Earth can ever come close.
With a toot and a trumpet and that's strong and loud.
You've got a Pokemon that'll make the music world proud.
So Cameron, enter your Donphan and then you'll realize,
With him on your side, you're sure to win the prize!"

"Okay Seymour, you talked, er, poetried me into it", smiled Cameron for he couldn't say no to a guy who just made a strange poem about him and his Pokemon.

"PHHAAAANNN!" trumpeted an eager Donnie.

* * * * * *

In another part of the forest, we see Team Rocket's balloon totally destroyed and hanging from a tall tree while Team Rocket were on the ground with three human shaped holes in the grass for that was where they've landed. "Of all the stupid things you ever done, you've just had to push yourself to the limit!" screamed Jessie as she was strangling James.

"Hey, I thought taking a shortcut through the world's tallest cactus farm was a good idea", said James gasping for breath while Jessie was strangling him even harder.

"Uh, my Queen", said Reiko stepping between them, "I really hate to interrupt your stress relieving, but shouldn't we try to fix our balloon so we can get back into the sky?"

"Yes, you're right", said Jessie as she dropped James onto the ground and straightened out her gloves and then looked at the balloon. "But you're also wrong. That balloon is totally 100% damaged for us to fix. I'll just phone Meowth and have him send us another balloon." And she took out her portable vidphone and dialed the number to the Rocketville Palace.

"Hello Meowth", said Jessie but got no response and no picture. "Meowth, why aren't you answering me?! Are you even there?! ANSWER ME NOW!!!"

"Please calm down my Queen", said Reiko, "Maybe Meowth's on the litter box right now and he can't come to the phone."

* * * * * *

But what they didn't know was that Meowth was too busy to answer the phone. In fact, he had the receiver off the hook. He was too busy throwing the wildest Pokemon party ever. He had released all the Rocket owned Pokemon from their balls and they were all shouting, singing, dancing, eating, drinking, and making a huge mess in the throne room. Meowth was wearing a pair of white briefs and was dancing around in his litter box playing a huge powerful electric guitar.

"Ah, this is the life", shouted Meowth, "I should get Jessie and James out of the palace more often!" and he left his box and jumped into an indoor swimming pool filled with milk.

* * * * * *

"I'm gonna skin that cat if we ever do get back to the palace!" grumbled Jessie as she cracked the phone in two with her bare hand.

"I guess this means we'll have to go on foot after those rebels", whined James, "Why did I have to bring my new designer shoes with me?! They'll be ruined!"

Reiko smiled on the inside for she now had hopes that they'd never be able to catch Cameron while on foot. "Wait a minute, what's that?" asked Jessie as she saw a flyer on one of the trees. She ripped it off and read it out loud. "Pokemon Karaoke contest happening today at the Crimson Cafe in Crimson City. If your Pokemon is a great singer or can play a cool instrument, please enter and let it perform. First prize is a brand new RV."

"James", smiled Jessie, "Are you thinking what I'm thinking?"

"I think so Jess", said James as he took the flyer and made it into a paper hat and put it on his head. "Aren't I loaded with talent?" he said proudly. An annoyed Jessie just whacked James with her fan causing the hat to go flat along with his head.

"I believe her royal highness is suggesting that we enter this Karaoke contest and try to win that RV so we can have a vehicle again", said Reiko emotionlessly.

"That is correct my smart little ninja", smiled Jessie. "And I've got just the Pokemon to enter. A Pokemon who can pitch out really big notes with its world's biggest tongue!" and she released her Lickitung. "Go on Lickie", smiled Jessie, "Let loose your golden voice"

"LICCCKKKIIIIEEEE!!!!" screeched Lickitung while its tongue started curling up in horrible knots while Team Rocket fell to the floor all curled up in knots too cringing at the horrible sound.

"I think your Lickitung's a little flat", cried James.

"No, you're the one who'll be flat if you insult my poor Lickitung like that again!" growled Jessie as she got up and took a can of gold paint out from the balloon. "Here Lickie", smiled Jessie, "Stick your tongue into this gold paint, but don't swallow it."

"Lickie!" said Lickitung as it dipped its tongue into the gold paint and then brought it out all pretty and golden. "There we go", smiled Jessie, "Now try singing with that golden tongue of yours."

"Lick, lick, lickie, lick, lick, lick, lick, lick!" sang Lickitung singing a song from the opera Carmen in its Lickitung language. "It's so beautiful!" cried James with tears in his eyes.

"Very wise my Queen", said Reiko.

"Thank you", smiled Jessie as she hugged Lickitung, "You'll knock 'em dead for sure, isn't that right Lickie!"

"Lickie!" shouted Lickitung as it gave Jessie a grateful slurp knocking her down and getting gold paint on her face.

"Hey Jessie", asked James, "Since when did you get gold teeth?"

* * * * * *

Our heroes were now in the Crimson Cafe sitting at a table right at the very front of the stage. There were almost a hundred people there seated at tables. "It looks like everyone wants to win an RV here", said Cameron while holding Sandy in his lap.

"Let's just hope at least one of our Pokemon will be able to win", said Jenny.

"Which one of your Pokemon will you be entering Jen?" asked Seymour.

"You'll see", Jenny smiled as she winked at Seymour.

Just then, two people dressed in 70's style clothes suddenly stepped onto the stage. One was a girl with long blonde hair with flowers in it and the other was a guy with blue hair and a beard and wearing sunglasses. "Hello all you groovy people out there", said the girl in a mellow voice.

"Welcome to the Pokemon Karaoke contest at the Crimson Cafe all you hip dudes", said the guy whose voice sounded like a frog. Cameron wondered where he heard that voice before.

"As you swingers have already heard", said the girl, "The winner of this way out contest will win a brand new RV" and the curtain opened and revealed the object the girl was talking about. The RV looked almost like the one Kingston gave our heroes, only it was bigger and shinier.

"Our first swinging act will be a group of singing Pidgeys", said the guy looking at the sheet that all the contestants had signed. A man at one of the tables stood up and released six Pokeballs. Out came six Pidgeys that flew up on stage and started chirping the tune of Rockin' Robins.

Our heroes watched as different Pokemon sang and performed for them in a lot of weird but interesting ways. They saw a Seel blowing four horns of different lengths playing When the Saints Come Marcing In. They saw a Dugtrio with each of its three heads wearing bow ties and black wigs and singing like The 3 Tenors in a loud varieties of Trio Trio Trios. They even saw a Hitmonchan and a Hitmonlee doing their version of the musical Stomp buy kicking and punching a bunch of pots, pans, and metal cans around.

"Wasn't that something?" said the guy, "Next we have a Cubone that's gonna play for you a song from his head."

"That's me", said Jenny as she released her Cubone. "All right Cubone", smiled Jenny, "Just play like you normally do for me."

"Cubone", said Cubone as it walked up on stage.

"I didn't now you had a musical Cubone", said Seymour.

"I didn't know until last night", smiled Jenny, "I was outside the RV while you were all asleep taking care and getting to know all of my new Pokemon. That's when Cubone started playing music for me."

"Does it sing or play a musical instrument?" asked Cameron.

"You'll see", winked Jenny. Then Cubone took out two small bones and started beating its skull shaped helmet making a cool melody of click-
clacking sounds.

"That's so beautiful Jen", smiled Seymour.

"But doesn't that hurt Cubone?" asked Cameron.

"At first I thought it did", said Jenny, "But when I tried to take the bones away from Cubone. It started crying. So I gave them back to it and it started to happily make music again."

"I guess music can take away your misery and pain sometimes", said Cameron as he watched Cubone beat its head even harder while still looking happy.

Next, Brock released his Graveler and Onix on stage. Onix laid itself flat on the stage while Graveler started to roll around on its rocky bumpy coils creating a whole new neat sound.

"Wow, that's amazing Brock!" said Stella. "You've given a new meaning to the words rock and roll!"

"Thanks Babe", said Brock blushing.

Next, Stella's Persian was on stage sitting on a huge fence meowing a moonlight song while holding a bottle of milk.

"If only I had some shoes with me", thought Bill wishing he could throw them at that cat.

Then Seymour released his Doduo on stage and both heads started chirping a beautiful love song.

"Why that sounds like my all time favorite love song!" said Jenny delighted.

"I was hoping you'd like it", said Seymour shyly brushing his hair back. Just then, one of the Doduo heads started to squawk out a wrong note. The other head got mad and started squawking angrily at its partner. Then the Doduo started to have a wrestling match with itself.

"Yeah, this is way better than karaoke!" shouted a guy in the audience who was obviously a wrestling fan. An embarrassed Seymour just sucked Doduo back into its ball and hung his head down in shame while Jenny patted his arm. "It was a nice in the beginning", she whispered to Seymour and then kissed him.

"Thanks Jen", said Seymour feeling a little better.

"Don't worry Seymour", said Misty, "My Seadra is sure to win this contest for you and all of us."

"And now", said the girl as she and the guy pushed out a small tank. "Next we'll be hearing a Seadra sing its famous song of the sirens."

"Okay Seadra, you're on!" said Misty. But instead, Psyduck popped out of Misty's backpack and just floated there in the tank.

"This Seadra looks more like a Psyduck to me", said the girl, "Let's just hope it can sing much better than it looks."

"Psyduck!" shouted Misty, "I wanted Seadra to perform, not you!"

"Psyduck?" asked the duck while scratching his head.

"As long as you're up there, just sing something", sighed Misty. Psyduck started to think for a moment and was about to open his bill. Just then he realized that he was in a tank of water and couldn't swim.

"PSY-YAI-YAI-YAI-YAI-YAI-YAI-YAI-YAI-YAI!" shouted Psyduck as he was splashing around in a panic. Misty was imagining the booby-prize trophy they were gonna hand her until they heard the crowd cheering and clapping. They actually thought Psyduck was singing a new kind of song.

"That's a great song your Psyduck's singing", said a lady at a table right next to theirs. "What do you call it?"

"I call it No-Brainer", sighed Misty while smiling and thinking about her unpredictable Psyduck.

Then Bill came on stage wearing an old sea captain's uniform. He was proudly standing on stage singing a collection of songs from Gilbert and Sullivan.

"He's not actually doing this is he?" said Stella while our heroes were shocked as well. Even the audience couldn't believe that they were actually hearing a Rattata singing in human English.

"I've got this contest in the bag", thought Bill while continuing singing.

"Hey!" shouted a fat man from a table in the middle. "No Pokemon can sing in English! I bet its just trained to lip sync whenever a tape recorder's playing! BOOOO!" Everyone agreed and started booing and throwing tomatoes and cheese at Bill.

"Poor Bill", said Cameron, "Besides being changed into a Rattata, this must be the second worst day of his life!"

"I wouldn't say that", smiled Bill as he was back with the group eating a delicious stack of tomato slices and cheese. "I may not win an RV, but I did come out a winner in the end in my eyes and my tastebuds too. BURP!!!"
"All right Donnie, you're up", said Cameron the minute the hosts announced Donphan's name. Donnie appeared on the stage and he started trumpeting the tune of The Baby Elephant Walk while marching around. Everyone sat there silently smiling and clapping along while Sandy was snapping its claws to the beat.

"That Donphan sure is something, isn't it Butch?", said the girl host from backstage.

"You said it Cass", said the guy, "But wait till they all get a blast from our main star!" and they looked into a dressing room where a round figure was at a mirror making itself beautiful. "Jiggly", it sang.

* * * * * *

Team Rocket had entered the cafe wearing brown trenchcoats, hats, and sunglasses. "I don't know why we have to wear these things", whined James, "They completely hide my figure."

"Haven't you forgotten that our faces are on every wanted poster in every building?" said Jessie, "They even have them here!"

James looked up at the bulletin board and found a wanted poster with him and Jessie on them. "They still can't get my good side!" he sighed.

"There's an empty table right there in the back", said Reiko, "Let's be like the Growlithes that mark their territory so no one else will dare claim it."

"Uh, sure. Whatever you say my dear", said Jessie who was starting to find her favorite intern's metaphors kind of annoying. They approached the very back table with no idea that the rebels were way over at the front table. As the Rockets sat down, they watched a huge Snorlax sleeping while snoring the tune of Mr. Sandman.

"I wonder how its master taught it to sing while it is sleeping?" asked Reiko.

"Maybe it listens to subliminal message tapes while its sleeping", said James, "That's how my parents got me to love and respect roses instead of stomping all over them", and he took out one of his trademark roses and sniffed it.

"Well, however that Snorlax learned to sing, my Lickitung'll stomp its dreams flat!" smiled Jessie as she polished her Pokeball.

"Next we have 3 groovy last minute entries", said the girl host, "First up is a Lickitung that'll tickle you with its golden tongue!"

"A Lickitung?!" gasped Cameron, "Could it be? No, I'd better not worry about it right now. I bet there're a lot of trainers in this world that own Lickitungs besides Jessie." Lickitung suddenly materialized onto the stage, stuck out its long golden tongue, and started to sing its beautiful opera song.

"I've never seen a Lickitung with a golden tongue that can sing beautiful operettas", said Bill.

"Neither have I", said Seymour as he adjusted his glasses. "That looks like gold paint on that poor Lickitung's tongue."

"Who would do such a cruel thing to their Pokemon?" asked Misty.

"I probably know who", whispered Cameron, "And I sure hope she isn't here in this cafe !"

While Team Rocket was happily listening to Lickitung's singing. Lickitung suddenly spotted a man sitting at a table eating Buffalo wings. It quickly stuck out its long tongue and scooped up all the wings from the basket.

"No Lickie!" grumbled Jessie. "This is no time to be eating, you have a song to finish!"

"And besides", said James, "They're not boneless! You could choke!" But Lickie didn't choke, instead its mouth caught on fire for that man ordered his wings ultra-HOT! Lickie ran around the cafe spouting fire while everyone laughed. Jessie took a huge pitcher of cola and dumped it into Lickie's mouth the minute it came to their table.

"Lickie!" said Lickie and showed its gratitude by uncurling its tongue and giving Jessie the bones letting them drop all wet and slobbery onto her hand.

"Ugggh, your welcome", said a disappointed Jessie as she stuffed the bones into James's pocket while he wasn't looking.

"Don't worry my fellow Rockets", said James proudly, "My Weezing's up next. Its powerful windpipes are sure to win us that RV!"

"So much for that supposedly cool Lickitung", said the guy host, "Next we have a way out Weezing who's gonna sing for us something good, hopefully." And Weezing materialized on stage floating around in a pink dress and ribbons on both of its heads and lipstick on both of its mouths.

"A Lickitung and a Weezing?!" Cameron whispered to everyone. "You know what that means?!"

"Team Rocket definitely must be here", said Jenny seriously.

"Who else but James would dress up a Pokemon in pink", said Misty.

"Should we escape before they spot us?" asked Bill.

"But I have a feeling we just might win that RV" said Stella, "Please, let's all stay just in case we actually win it. And if we do, we can easily escape from Team Rocket in our new RV!"

"What do you say everyone?" Brock asked the group.

"Oh okay", sighed everyone while Stella smiled.

"But let's just keep our heads down so that Team Rocket won't spot us", said Jenny as she took off her police hat and made Cameron take off his hat too.

"Look, Weezing's about to sing", said Seymour. But when Weezing opened up its mouths, instead of sweet notes, out came smelly smog. Everyone in the room started coughing while the guy host came out with a fire extinguisher and filled up Weezing with extinguishing cream until it looked like a huge rotten Twinkie.

"Weezing, return", said a disappointed James as he sucked the poor Weezing back into its ball.

"James, I thought you said your Weezing could sing beautifully?!" shouted an angry Jessie.

"It can!" whined James, "If you can overlook the smog spewing." Jessie just whacked James's head until it went straight down his trenchcoat. James unbuttoned his coat and said, "This is a whole new perspective for me!"

"Reiko, it's up to you to save the day", said Jessie, "Yeccch, I can't believe a powerful villain like me said those 3 horrid words! Save the Day! Yecch, I said it again!"

"Relax my Queen", smiled Reiko as she waited for her announcement and sent her Pokemon on stage. It was Kingler. It was wearing a Spanish hat with a rose in its mouth. And it was snapping both its claws like castanets to a beautiful Spanish song.

"Reiko sure is a talented trainer", smiled Cameron who was enjoying Kingler's performance while trying to keep a low profile as well. When Kingler was done, everyone started applauding and shouting, " OLE!" Kingler blushed while bowing, even Reiko couldn't help doing the same thing.

"Way to go Reiko", said James.

"You're sure to win us that RV!" smiled Jessie. "That way, we'll have room for all those rebels when we take them back as our prisoners!"

"Thank you your majesty", said Reiko smiling but wishing that she wouldn't win it.

"Didn't we have such a great hip show?" asked the girl host, "But before we announce the winner, we have yet another last minute entry!"

"So put your swinging hands together for our final act", said the guy, "The soft and soothing tones of Jigglypuff!"

"Jigglypuff?" thought Cameron. "I wondered if Jigglypuff would show up in our adventure."

"JIGGLYPUFF?!!" cried Misty and Brock while holding each other in fear.

"JIGGLYPUFF?!!" cried Jessie and James doing the same thing with Reiko wondering why they were both so nervous.

Out came a cute little pink balloon like Pokemon with huge friendly eyes. "Aw, it's so cute", smiled Stella, "Why are you both so afraid of it?"

"You don't understand", said Brock while shaking, "That Jigglypuff's big trouble!"

"Yeah!" shouted Misty, "We've gotta get out of here fast!" But it was too late. Just as Misty and Brock were about to get up. Jigglypuff had taken out her trusty microphone and started singing her beautiful and relaxing song.

"Jigglypuff, Jig-gl-yyyyy-puff, Jigglypuff, Jig-gl-yyyy", sang Jigglypuff happily. Cameron looked around as saw all his friends about to fall asleep.

"This sure brings back some sweet memories", yawned Misty as she and the others fell right asleep. Cameron looked around and saw the entire audience dropping their heads down on the tables one by one, even Sandy fell asleep in his arms.

Jessie and James leapt out of their seats dragging Reiko with them and started to head on out the door. "Why are we leaving?" she asked while yawning. "That music isn't bad, it's kind of relaxing. YAWN!!!" and she fell right to sleep while Jessie and James fell asleep too before they could reach the door.

Jigglypuff saw the entire audience had fallen asleep during her singing and became very angry. She took apart her mike revealing a magic marker. She then hopped over to each table and started scribbling funny designs on everyone's faces. "Just like on the TV show", thought Cameron while smiling a little. He then realized that he didn't fall asleep at all. "Hmmm", thought Cameron, "Maybe after watching Jigglypuff sing so many times in the cartoon, I've become immune to her sleep effects." He predicted as he watched Jiggly continuing with her scribbling.

"Here's something I bet Jigglypuff longs to hear", thought Cameron as he started clapping his hands. "Bravo Jigglypuff!" shouted Cameron. "You're an excellent singer!"

Jiggly looked up surprised at the first person who didn't fall asleep during her singing. "JIGGLY!!" cried Jiggly with a smile on her face and tears in her eyes as she bounced of a table and into Cameron's arms hugging him gratefully.

"You deserve it", smiled Cameron happy that he made one of his favorite character's day. Just then, they saw two shadows approaching. Cameron and Jiggly hid underneath a table and saw it was the two hosts.

"Excellent", said the guy who took some earplugs out of his ears, "They're out like burned Magnemites!"

"And now we get to steal some musically talented Pokemon", said the girl taking out her earplugs too, "We're sure to get on Letterman tonight with an all Pokemon band!"

"But first let's get out of these dumb retro get-ups", said the guy as they both removed their host clothes revealing Rocket uniforms. The girl fixed her blonde hair into two long pigtails and the guy removed his fake beard. Cameron suddenly recognized the two.

"Butch and Cassidy!" gasped Cameron. "I remember those two from that breeding center episode! They tried to open up a phoney breeding center so they could steal Pokemon for Giovanni and make Jessie and James look bad!"

"Jiggly?" asked Jiggly wondering what Cameron was talking about.

"Come on Butch, let's bag some Pokeballs before they awaken", smiled Cassidy as they both took out some large sacks and started stealing all the Pokeballs from the sleeping audience along with the Pokemon that were out of their balls.

"Hey Cass, come over here!" said Butch as he pointed to the figures of Jessie, James, and Reiko sleeping on the floor.

"It's my old nemesis Jessie along with that stupid partner of hers", said Cassidy.

"The last I heard of them, they took over some town and made themselves the rulers", said Butch. "I wonder why they'd be hanging out in a dump like this?"

"Who cares?" said Cassidy evily, "But I've got a great idea. Let's bump them off and disguise ourselves as them. Then we can head back to their kingdom and become the new King and Queen!"

"Great idea Cass", smiled Butch, "But what should we do with this cute chick that's hanging out with them?" he asked as he gazed at the sleeping Reiko with lusty eyes.

"Just do whatever you want with her", said Cassidy knowing that Butch would do just that.

"It'll be my pleasure, believe me!" said Butch with drool in his mouth. He undid Reiko's trenchcoat and was about to undo more of her clothing until a voice shouted out. "YOU LEAVE HER ALONE!!!"

Butch and Cassidy looked up and found an angry Cameron standing there. And boy was he mad. "It's bad enough you were gonna steal everyone's Pokemon, but I won't stand here and let you take advantage of this poor sleeping girl!"

The two Rockets were surprised that this boy hadn't fallen asleep like the rest of them. "Why didn't Jigglypuff's singing knock you out?!" demanded Butch.

"Well it's a good thing it didn't", smiled Cassidy, "Because we now get the pleasure of giving this kid trouble!"

"Double Trouble that is", said Butch.

Cassidy: "To infect the world with devastation!"
Butch: "To blight all peoples within our nation!"
Cassidy: "To denounce the goodness of truth and love!"
Butch: "To extend our wrath to the stars above!"
Cassidy: "Cassidy!"
Butch: "Butch!"
Cassidy: "Team Rocket circling the Earth both day and night!"
Butch: "Surrender now or you'll surely lose the fight!"

"RATICATE!" said a huge round rat that jumped right in between them.

"So this whole Karaoke contest was nothing but a trick to steal Pokemon, wasn't it?" demanded Cameron.

"You're one bright boy", smiled Cassidy. "And we owe all our success to all you gullible trainers and to our even dumber Jigglypuff!"

"Yeah!" said Butch, "When we first heard about that Jigglypuff, we knew it had the power to put people to sleep with its singing. So we set up this little Karaoke contest and invited it to be the final act so it can sing everyone to sleep and we come in and start poaching Pokemon! What a little airhead that Jigglypuff was!"

"JIGGLY!" grumbled Jiggly listening to the conversation from under a table.

"Well, I'm not gonna let you take all these innocent people's Pokemon as long as my Pokemon and I are still awake!" shouted Cameron as he released a Pokeball. "Sandy, I choose you!" and out popped Sandy still asleep from Jiggly's singing. "Uh oh!" said Cameron nervously.

"What was that you were saying about your Pokemon being still awake?" cackled Cassidy. "Raticate, hyper fang now!"

"RATICATE!!!" shouted Raticate as it opened its huge mouth ready to put a painful bite on the sleeping Sandy. Cameron quickly pulled Sandy back into his ball just in time and then released another Pokemon. Raticate suddenly broke its fangs for it tried to bite onto the tough hard skin of Donphan.

"RAATTT!" cried Raticate as it was holding its broken fangs in its hands. Donnie took one look at the Raticate and he screamed and jumped into Cameron's arms squashing him onto the floor.

"Will you look at that?" laughed Butch, "The big bulky longnose is scared of a small little rodent! What a joke!"

"And Raticate's defenseless too!" laughed Cassidy also. Then stopped and looked at her poor hurt Raticate and pulled it back into its ball. "Don't worry Rattie", she said soothingly, "A little crazy glue will fix your teeth right up. As soon as we teach this brat and his fraidy Pokemon some manners!"

Donphan, who no longer saw the scary Raticate got off of Cameron, helped him up with his trunk, and jumped right in front of Butch and Cassidy ready to defend his master.

"And I got just the Pokemon", smiled Butch, "Go Drowzee!" and he released a Pokemon that looked like a small tapir with a sleepy look on its face.

"A Drowzee?!" gasped Cameron as he aimed his Pokedex at it.

"DROWZEE, the hypnosis Pokemon", replied Dexeena, "Puts enemies to sleep and eats their dreams. Occasionally gets sick from eating bad dreams."

"I remember how tough Drowzee's were in my game", Cameron whispered to Donnie, "Maybe we can knock Drowzee out before it uses its psychic powers. Give it your tackle attack!"

"PHAN!" said Donnie as it stampeded over to the sleepy Drowzee.

"Drowzee, give it your hypnosis attack", said Butch. Before Donnie could lay an inch on Drowzee, its eyes started to glow and Donnie was immediately put to sleep.

"No Donnie!" cried Cameron as he saw his Donphan snoring while a bubble formed in his trunk.

"Nice work Drowzee!" smiled Butch, "No one can get past your evil eyes!"

"Drowzee!" said Drowzee as it yawned proudly.

"All right then, I choose you Buzz!" said Cameron as he released Buzz.

"Quick Buzz, use your flash attack to blind Drowzee!" commanded Cameron.

"BUZZZZZ" said Buzz while saluting, but Buzz's flash attack wasn't fast enough for Drowzee managed to put him to sleep too. Cameron desperately sent out Vileplume, then Zubat, and finally Slowking. But Drowzee managed to put them all to sleep. There was just no stopping this sleepytime foe.

"Looks like its lights out for you too kid!" laughed Butch. "Drowzee, give all these sleeping beauties your dream eater attack."

"Drowzee!" said Drowzee as it released some funky waves at all of Cameron's sleeping Pokemon. They all got up and approached Cameron and it looked like they were getting ready to attack him.

"Guys, what are you doing?!" cried Cameron as Slowking started squirting water at him while Buzz was shooting thundershocks. "It's me, Cameron. I'm your trainer, sergeant, friend, and Mamma!"

"Mamma?!" wondered Cassidy.

"Save your breath brat!" laughed Butch, "Cause once a Drowzee eats your dreams, it'll have you under its control. Just like your loving Pokemon over here."

"I can't wait to see the looks on these poor Pokemon's faces when they find out that they've killed their beloved master!" laughed Cassidy.

Cameron backed up in a corner as his own Pokemon slowly moved in for the kill. He wanted to release Sandy, but he was afraid Drowzee would put him under its control too and he couldn't bear to see that happen. Just then Jigglypuff jumped right in front of Cameron and used her disable attack on the Pokemon making them completely paralyzed.

"Thank you Jiggly", smiled Cameron as he took out his Pokeballs and sucked all his Pokemon back in.

"Jigglypuff", said Jiggly bowing to him. Just then she was grabbed by the curly hair by an angry Cassidy. "Just what do you think you're doing you stupid puffball?!" she shouted.

"Yeah, you're supposed to be on our side!" shouted Butch as he grabbed her by the feet. But Jiggly started puffing up like a balloon and started body slamming the two Rockets until they hit the floor.

"You'll pay for that!" shouted Butch, "Drowzee, give it your poison gas attack!"

"Drowzee!" said Drowzee as it opened its mouth and sprayed poison gas at Jiggly and Cameron. But Jiggly raised her hands up and created a glass box around them protecting them from the gas.

"Nice reflect attack", smiled Cameron while Jiggly blushed.

"That little glass house won't protect you from Drowzee's ultimate attack!" shouted Butch, "Give 'em your metronome now!"

"Drowzee", said Drowzee as it started to wiggle its fingers around. "Wait a minute Butch", said Cassidy, "What if Drowzee ends up launching a weak attack like tail whip"

"Don't worry Cass", smiled Butch, "I've trained this Drowzee to only metronome up powerful non-wussy attacks. Just you wait and see!"

"Did you hear that Jiggly?" said Cameron, "Can you increase your reflect attack so Drowzee can't harm us?"

"Jigglypuff!" said Jiggly as she started wiggling her hands as hard as she could creating an even bigger glass house that looked really fancy.

"Wow", said Cameron impressed, "Not only are you a great singer and sketcher, but you're talented in all kinds of arts!"

"Jiggly", said Jiggly blushing ever redder than before.

"Too bad Drowzee's gonna destroy your masterpiece", laughed Butch, "Because here comes its attack!" But unfortunately for the Rockets, Drowzee released an explosion attack. The huge boom caused an entire wall of the cafe to go down while Cameron and Jiggly were protected in their glass house.

"Jiggly", said Jiggly pointing to the open sky. Cameron looked up and saw Butch, Cassidy, and Drowzee flying up in the air and dropping the sacks of stolen Pokemon at his feet.

"Oh sure", shouted Cassidy, "You would have to teach Drowzee to metronome an explosion attack! The most dangerous attack that could wipe out itself and its trainer! What do you have to say for yourself?!"

"I always wondered what it's like whenever I see Jessie and James fly up in the air like this", said a dazed Butch.

"Looks like this Team Rocket's blasting off for the first time!" they both shouted as they flew off into the sky and landed through the roof of a local jail.

* * * * * *

When everyone in the cafe had awoken, Cameron explained to them all that this contest was all a hoax to steal their Pokemon. "I remember Cassidy and Butch!" growled Misty remembering how they mistreated her Psyduck when she left him at that fake breeding center of theirs. "Just wait till I get my hands on them!"

"Wait a minute", he soon realized, "I have to see if all my Pokemon are free from Drowzee's control!" and he nervously took all of his Pokeballs and released his six Pokemon.

"Are you all still my friend?" asked Cameron. And they all replied by smiling, running over to him, and hugging every part of his body shouting "SHREW, VILE, BAT, SLOW, BUZZ, PHAAAANNN!"

"Thank you my friends!" smiled a teary Cameron as he hugged his Pokemon back. Everyone in the room started to cheer for Cameron and his Pokemon family for saving their Pokemon from Team Rocket.

Stella then saw the RV still standing on the stage. "That reminds me", she said, "Who's supposed to win that RV?"

Brock got on stage and touched the RV and it collapsed on the floor. "It's nothing but a cardboard cut-out!" he said disgusted. Everyone moaned and complained and were about to leave. Until a voice called out, "Cheer up everyone!"

There stood a chubby man with a white shirt, red vest, black bow tie, and a brown mustache. "I'm the owner of the Crimson Cafe. First of all, I want to apologize to all of you for letting those horrible Rockets trick me into having a fake contest and a fake prize here. And since I'm the owner, I want to declare who I think is the winner." And he approached Donphan.

"Cameron", he said, "Not only did you try to save all my loyal customers' Pokemon, but your Donphan sure can play a mean nose. It reminds me of my days as a blues singer. And I want to declare you and your Donphan the winner, what do you say everyone?"

"AYE!!!" agreed everyone in the cafe while both Cameron and Donnie blushed.

"I'm sorry that I can't give you an RV" said the owner, "But I'd like to reward you and your friends a slightly used orange van with only 180,000 miles on it. It's the least I can offer you. What do you say?"

"Thank you sir", said Cameron and then he turned to his friends. "Sorry I couldn't win you a new RV", he said, "But I hope another van is just as good."

"Hey, no problem", smiled Brock, "We don't care what we have just as long as we get back on the road."

"Speak for yourself", thought Misty wondering where she could plug a hot comb in a van.

"Say, where is Jigglypuff?" asked Bill looking around the place.

"And what happened to Jessie, James, and Reiko?" wondered Cameron who found them gone as well.

* * * * * *

Later that night, Jessie, James, and Reiko had taken refuge in a flophouse in another nearby town. They had just scrubbed off Jigglypuff's artwork from their faces and were getting into their beds.

"I thought I'd never had to scrub hard this perfect face again", wailed Jessie looking at her red scrubbed face in the mirror."

"You were right my Queen", said Reiko, "That Jigglypuff was dangerous. I am grateful we woke up and got out of that cafe before it started singing again."

"But now we don't have an RV to go after those rebels", sighed James.

"Don't worry James", said Jessie, "I'll call up Meowth again tomorrow. And he'd better answer this time if he values all of his nine precious lives! Right now let's all just get some sleep."

"But I don't feel the tiniest bit sleepy", whined James, "If only someone here could sing me to sleep." Then James had his wish come true for Jigglypuff stepped in and sang her soothing song putting him, Jessie, and Reiko to sleep.

Jigglypuff had accepted a job at the flophouse putting wide-awake customers to sleep. She didn't mind that her singing kept putting people to sleep anymore. She was just happy that one person had stayed awake through her whole song. "Jiggly!" sighed Jiggly as she took out her marker and started scribbling Cameron's name all over the Rockets' faces.

TO BE CONTINUED

[Cullen]

The Incredible Poke-Odyssey chapter 20

Taken For Granite

Today we find Team Rocket out in the middle of a vast desert. They had finished digging a big pothole in the middle of a paved road. "Forgive me for asking this my Queen", said Reiko, "But do you really believe that an ordinary pothole in the road will stop those rebels?"

"It will if we add one special ingredient", said Jessie. "James, put in the ingredient."

"One pinch of oregano should do the trick", smiled James while dressed as Julia Child and speaking in her voice, "And a pinch of nutmeg would do just nice too." And he started pouring spices into the hole.

"I meant the ingredient that hurts people!" grumbled Jessie as she whacked James on the head with a hot spatula.

"Oops, sorry Jess", said a red-faced James as he put a small land mine into the hole and sprinkled some extra nutmeg into it just to give it spice. Then he took a bag of cement and poured it over the hole and smoothed it evenly. Then he started to write his name in it with his finger. "Oooooh", he said very pleased, "I wonder if I can mail this off to The Chinese Theater in Disneyworld?!"

An angry Jessie just grabbed James by the hair and used his face to even out the mess he just made on the pavement. "I wonder if cement does wonders on the skin?" said James as he took out his mirror.

Jessie was about to open up her mouth but then realized that insulting James will never make him smarter no matter how many times she tries.

"Did you just put a land mine in the road?" asked Reiko.

"You are correct my dear", smiled Jessie evily. "A source just told me that our little rebel friends will be driving an orange van down this road in a few minutes. And once their tires run over this spot of pavement, BOOM!!! No more rebels!"

"Doesn't it make you feel all bad and tingly inside?" said James with dark stars in his eyes.

"Come on everyone", said Jessie, "Let's get behind that huge boulder and watch the fun when it happens."

"Oh no!" thought Reiko fearing that this'll definitely be the last of Cameron. Capturing him was one thing, but killing him she just couldn't be a part of. While Jessie and James headed over to the boulder, Reiko took one of her metal stars and secretly threw it at where the mine was buried.

"KABOOOOOM!!!" went a loud sound.

"What was that?!" said both Jessie and James surprised while holding each other.

"Congratulations my Queen", said Reiko as she pointed to the huge hole in the road. "The rebels' van just drove past here and over your mine. Like the Poliwag that loses its tail forever when it evolves. Our enemies are definitely done in for good!"

"That's funny", said James while scratching his head. "I didn't hear any kind of motor vehicle coming this way."

"Who cares", smiled Jessie, "I'm just glad those bothersome rebels are out of my hair forever. Come on, let's see if there's anything left of them." And she and James approached the hole. Reiko smiled for maybe now Jessie and James would give up the hunt for Cameron and return back to Rocketville.

"That sure looks like a deep hole", said Jessie, "I wonder how far they went?"

"Uh, I think we're about to find out!" cried James as he pointed to the road. Little cracks suddenly started to form around the sides of the road until they got bigger and bigger and started to form around their feet.

"May I suggest we be like the wingless Dodrio and RUN FOR OUR LIVES!!!!" shouted Reiko.

"Yes, I give us all permission!!" shouted a panicked Jessie as she, James and Reiko ran like crazy down the road while those huge cracks started chasing after them. But they weren't fast enough and the cracks suddenly tore the road apart sending Team Rocket falling down a huge black pit.

"Looks like Team Rocket's tumbling down again!!!" they all shouted as they disappeared into the darkness.

* * * * * *

The cracks started to head into the opposite direction of the road right into the path of an orange van with Officer Jenny at the wheel as usual. "We're sure lucky your Donphan won us this van Cameron", said Brock, "Otherwise, we'd be walking to Cinnabar Island the rest of the way."

"Thanks", said Cameron, "But I don't think we'd be able to walk to an island. Unless we had diving suits."

"And there's no way this van can travel under water", said Misty. "Unless it's actually a built in submarine."

"How long will it be until we reach Cinnabar Jen?" asked Seymour.

"Well", said Jenny, "If we just follow this road for about a few minutes, we should come to the sea where Cinnabar Island lies."

"Is it me or does this road looked kind of cracked?" asked Cameron as he looked out the side window.

"It looks okay to me", said Stella as she looked out the back window.

"I think you should look out the front window", said Seymour as he pointed to the huge crack that was crawling around like a snake opening up the road.

"Quick Jenny!" cried Bill. "Turn this van around!"

"You don't have to tell me twice!" shouted Jenny as she started to make a sharp turn in the opposite direction but was too late. The road opened up and the van and its passengers started to fall down the same darkness like Team Rocket did.

"AAAAAAHHH!" screamed everyone as the van kept falling. Cameron hoped and prayed that a cartoon miracle would come along and save them at the last minute while Misty pulled out a piece of paper and started writing her will. "To my sisters, I leave, uh, I leave. Well I can't really leave you anything cause you've always taken everything I've owned! So Goodbye! AAAAAHHHH!"

"Wigglytuff, I choose you!" shouted Stella as she released her Wigglytuff and pushed her out the window putting her underneath the falling van.

"I thought you were over mistreating your Pokemon?!" shouted Cameron, "Now you're gonna make that poor Wigglytuff break our fall?! That won't even help us at all!"

"Just watch", shouted Stella, "Wiggles, show this doubter what you can do!"

"WIGGLY!" shouted Wiggles as she took a deep breath and started blowing up like a huge balloon. Everyone became surprised at the now gigantic Wigglytuff gently floating down onto the ground while the van landed safely on her soft stomach.

"That was amazing Stella", said Brock.

"Thank you Brockie", smiled Stella winking at him and then turned to Cameron. "Don't you have something to say to me?"

"Oh yes, I'm sorry", said Cameron, "I guess you and Wiggles knew what you were doing after all."

"Think nothing of it", smiled Stella.

"WIGGLYTUFF!" said Wiggles in a not so tiny voice anymore and put her huge face in front of the windshield and made a goofy smile.

* * * * * *

Once they got the van off of Wiggles's stomach. Wiggles shrunk back down to her normal size and hugged Stella happily. "Thank you for saving us Wiggles", smiled Stella.

"Wiggly!" said Wiggles in her cute voice again.

"And thanks for saving the van too", said Jenny, "But I don't know how we're going to get it out of this pit."

"More importantly", said Misty, "How are we going to get out?!"

"Yes", said Seymour as he looked up to the blue sky that looked very far away. "By my calculations, this pit looks like its 30 feet deep."

"Can you calculate a way to get us out?" asked Bill.

"Maybe our flying Pokemon can fly us all out of here", said Cameron, "I got my Zubat."

"And I got my Golbat", said Brock, "Let's try it out!"

So Cameron and Brock released their bats and grabbed onto their talons. Both Zubat and Golbat were trying their best to fly the two boys out of the pit, but with no luck.

"It's no use", sighed Brock, "Neither Zubat nor Golbat are strong enough to carry humans."

"Zubaaaat!" wailed Zubat as she started crying tears for she knew she let her master down.

"It's okay Zubat", said Cameron as he cradled her. "I should never have asked you to do such a hard task." He knew that neither Zubats nor Golbats could fly people to different towns in his Gameboy, and he was hoping it would've been different in this world. But it wasn't. Zubat just flew out of Cameron's arms and hid somewhere in the darkness.

"Zubat, where are you going?!" cried Cameron.

"Just let her be alone for a while", said Brock, "She just needs some time to think."

"Right now we should be thinking too", said Misty, "Thinking about how to get out of this ugly pit!"

"I wouldn't say its ugly Misty", said Brock, "This place has got lots of pretty rocks of every shape and size."

"Yes, they do look beautiful", said Misty who was now seeing the pit clearly. Everyone became awestruck at all the rocks and boulders of every shape, size and color and how they sparkled beautifully.

"I know", said Cameron, "Maybe we can stack all these rocks together so we can climb out of this pit."

"That's a good idea Cameron", said Jenny, "What do you think everyone?"

"Yeah!" smiled Brock, "And lets use all of our Pokemon to help us!" and Brock quickly released Graveler, Onix, Golbat, Rhyhorn, and Vulpix.

The others followed and released all the Pokemon they had with them. Then they all started gathering rocks and boulders and putting them in a big pile. The big Pokemon were carrying and pushing all the big boulders while the smaller ones were carrying the smaller rocks. "That's it guys", smiled Bill as he was carrying a few pebbles with him. "Every little bit helps."

* * * * * *

In another part of the pit, Reiko managed to fall safely down using her Tentacruel as a parachute. But Jessie and James weren't so lucky. When Reiko landed, she found her king and queen lying on the ground badly damaged. "Oh my dear parents' grave!" she gasped. "If only it was me who suffered that bad fall instead of you!"

"I can arrange that!" moaned James who wanted to trip Reiko and make her fall but couldn't move his broken leg.

"I have to get you both back to Rocketville to get treated fast!" said Reiko as she reached into Jessie's pocket and pulled out a Pokeball.

"But those rebels are still on the loose", moaned Jessie. "I just hate the thought of them being free!"

"Relax my queen", said Reiko, "I'll continue the mission alone while you two recover. It's what all of your subjects would want. At least your evil subjects." Then she released Jessie's Kadabra. "Kadabra", said Reiko. "I need you to make yet another ambulance trip. Send the king and queen back to the Rocketville infirmary. You know where it is."

"Kadabra!" nodded Kadabra as it approached Jessie and James. Jessie looked over and saw a mysterious red stone right next to her. She managed to pick it up and her leather glove suddenly turned into a stone glove.

"What in the world is this?" asked a shocked Jessie just as Kadabra teleported out of sight taking her and James with it.

"Team Rocket is too evil even for this deadly rose", said Reiko thinking about how they planned on killing Cameron with that mine in the road. "Ninja's oath or not, I just cannot serve them anymore!" and she took out her Tentacruel and ordered it to carry her out of the pit. Tentacruel replied by lifting Reiko onto its back and using its other tendrils to climb the long rocky wall.

* * * * * *

Sandy was busy using his rock slide technique to create more boulders to add to the pile while Cameron was giving him a thumbs up for his excellent work. But unfortunately, Misty's Psyduck wasn't doing so good. He had a huge rock stuck in his bill and he ran over to Misty begging her to get it out.

"Psyduck!" groaned Misty as she managed to yank out the rock. "Why do you always stick things in your stupid bill?!"

"Did you just call me stupid?" asked Bill.

"No Bill, I was just talking about my stupid Psyduck", groaned Misty, "There is no way on Earth I'll ever understand the way he thinks. If he does think at all!"

"Then why do you have him out helping us?" asked Bill.

"Because he's the only Pokemon I've got that has hands", said Misty. "All my other water Pokemon wouldn't be of much help down here. Unless...." And she stared at a wall made of connected stones and had an idea.

"Seaking, I choose you", said Misty as she released her Seaking who was flopping around. She then picked it up and put it against the wall. "Seaking, I need you to use your horn drill to make us more rocks."

"Seaking", replied Seaking as it started spinning its horn around boring into the wall creating more rocks for piling.

Graveler had emerged from the darkness with a huge pile of unusual stones in its arms. "Nice work Graveler", smiled Brock. But then Graveler suddenly dropped all the stones and started to glow brightly while changing its shape.

"Brock, what's happening to Graveler?" asked Stella.

"It looks like its evolving", gasped Brock. And sure enough, Graveler did evolve. It was now bigger with a sphere shaped stone body with tiny arms and legs and a head sticking out of it.

"Graveler, you've become a Golem!" said Brock surprised and happy. Cameron took out his Pokedex and aimed it at the new Pokemon.

"GOLEM, The megaton Pokemon. The evolved form of Graveler", replied Dexeena. "Its boulder-like body is extremely hard and can easily withstand dynamite blasts without damage."

"Wow!" smiled Brock as he hugged Golem. "I've always dreamed about having a Golem. And that day has finally come! Thank you Lord!"

"GOLEM!" said Golem while smiling.

"But I thought Gravelers can only evolve into Golems if you transfer their Pokeballs through a cable link", said Jenny.

"Maybe these weird looking stones helped it evolve", said Cameron as he pointed to the huge pile of stones Golem brought them. They were all red with a gray snake shape carved into each one. Cameron was about to pick one up until Seymour stopped him.

"Don't touch it!" cried Seymour. "If these are what I think they are, you'd be in a big stew if you touch them. Stone stew that is!" and he took out a pair of metal tongs and picked up one of the stones. The metal tongs suddenly changed into stone tongs to everyone's surprise except Seymour's.

"Just as I thought", said Seymour. "These are the supposedly extinct Medusa Stones!"

"Medusa Stones?!" asked everyone at once.

"I've heard of Medusa Stones", said Bill, "They're one of the rarest of the evolution stones. But disappeared millions of years ago. They're supposed to help certain rock Pokemon evolve to the next level."

"Like my Golem here", said Brock.

"Not to mention metal tongs", said Stella.

"You mean to say if I had touched those stones, I'd become a lifeless statue?!" gasped Cameron nervously.

"I wouldn't really say that", said Seymour, "Something much worse which I'd rather not talk about. Hurry everyone, we've gotta get these Medusa Stones buried before someone or something else touches them!" And he took a huge shovel out of his labcoat and started burying all those stones faster than the speed of light.

"I'm surprised he can work so fast", said Bill.

"I'm even more surprised he can pull large long items out of that labcoat of his", said Stella.

"There we go", said Seymour as he patted the spot where he buried the stones with his shovel. "No innocent soul will ever be bothered by those stones again."

"Hey guys, look at all the stones my Seaking dug up", called out Misty as she came running up to the group with a huge pile of stones in her hands. "Say, where did that Golem come from?" asked Misty for she was too busy making stones to know about the discovery and banishment of the Medusa Stones.

Just as they were about to speak, Misty put down her stones and gazed happily at a certain one on the top. "Oooooh! Look at this one!" she smiled as she hugged it to her face. "It's all red and sparkly and it looks like a little Ekans has been carved into it."

"NO MISTY, PUT THAT DOWN QUICK!!!" they all shouted at once in a panic. "What's your problem?" asked Misty all curious. "You act like this stone might mutate me into something, uh something, uh, uh, DUH!!" said Misty in a now dopey voice. She suddenly started to glow very brightly and it looked like she was growing and bulking up.

"What's happening to Misty?!" gasped Cameron.

"The thing I hoped wouldn't happen", said Seymour quietly. Misty was now a huge 8 foot rock girl with gray granite skin, granite hair, huge muscular granite arms. Even her clothes were made of stone.

"She's become a mutant Misty monster!" gasped Stella.

"Misty monster?" asked Misty in a huge dopey voice. "Misty not monster. Misty's feelings hurt. Misty smash mean lady!" and she made a huge rocky fist and was about to pound the frightened Stella until Brock yanked her out of the way. Misty slammed her hand on the ground causing everyone around her to fall down.

"Misty, what are you doing?!" cried Brock. "Stella's your friend! She didn't mean to say that to you!"

"Yes Misty", said a shakened Stella, "I'm truly sorry!"

"You side with mean lady?" asked Misty. "Misty MAD!!! Misty smash everything!!!" and she grabbed the van with her huge stone hands, crumpled it up into a big ball and threw it at Cameron, Seymour, Jenny, and Bill who quickly moved out of the way.

"Quick Onix!" cried Brock, "Bind her now!" Onix quickly coiled itself around Misty so she couldn't move her arms. She stood there bound while growling angrily.

"What's happened to you Misty?" asked Cameron.

"This is what I hoped wouldn't happen", moaned Seymour, "Every part of Misty's outside may be big and strong, but her brain stayed the same size. And in that huge body, her brain is now the size of a walnut! She doesn't know what's happening or who her friends or enemies are!"

"Is there any way we can change her back?" asked Jenny.

"I have no idea!" cried Seymour. "I'll need some time to study Misty and figure out a solution."

"But I don't think Onix can hold her that long!" said Brock and he was right. Misty managed to break free from Onix's grip and she started swinging the huge python around like a bullwhip. She then let go and Onix went flying into the crushed van damaging it even more.

"Why do we keep having bad luck with vehicles?!" moaned Jenny.

"Oh no, Onix!" cried Brock as he sucked it back into its ball. "Go Grav..., I mean Golem. Knock her out with a take down attack!"

"GOLEM!" said Golem as it curled up and started rolling at Misty. But Misty managed to catch Golem and started bouncing it around like a ball.

"This fun!" said Misty with a rocky smile. Then threw Golem like a bowling ball into the huge rock pile everyone had made. Everyone ducked in cover as all the big and little stones started flying around the place while a few bounced off of Misty's body. "That tickle!" she laughed.

"Quick V.P", called out Cameron. "Use your sleep powder on her now!"

"VILE!" said V.P. as it was about to spray its sleep powder until Misty smooshed it into a flat plant.

"V.P!" cried Cameron as he peeled the Vileplume from the ground and snapped it like a towel back into shape.

"If only her sisters could see her now", thought Brock, "They'd think twice before they start to pick on her! That's it! Maybe water attacks will tire her out."

"Good idea", said Seymour, "Then I can examine her and figure out a cure for her. Wartortle, use your water gun on her now!"

"You too Slowie", said Cameron. Both Slowie and Wartortle gathered around Misty and started squirting water all over her. "Misty hate water!" she said while cringing. "At least Misty think so." Then started to get up again.

"Quick you guys, you've gotta assist your fellow water Pokemon", said Bill to Misty's Staryu, Starmie, and Poliwag. But the three Pokemon backed away shaking their heads and appendages no.

"I know Misty's your master", said Bill, "But she really needs your help. And the only way to help her is with water power. You've got to do it if you want your beloved Misty back!"

The three Pokemon agreed and jumped right next to Slowie and Wartortle and started using their water gun attacks too. And five water guns seemed to work. Misty got down on her arms and knees all weakened with wetness.

"Psyduck?" said Psyduck who now just noticed the change in his master.

"Psyduck?" asked Misty who just got up and stared at the duck.

"Psy", said Psyduck.

"Psy?" asked Misty.

"Psy", said Psyduck again.

"Psy!" said Misty now with a smile on her face. "Misty like duckie!" And she plopped down onto the ground and had a delightful conversation with Psyduck speaking only in Psys.

"I guess they now have a better understanding for each other now that Misty's brain is the same size as her Psyduck's." Said Brock.

"And Psyduck seems to be a lot happier too", said Cameron who was actually seeing the headache-filled duck smile.

"Now we have to figure out how change Misty back to her normal self", said Seymour as he took out a microscope and studied Misty's stone back. Misty was too busy talking with Psyduck to notice what Seymour was doing.

"Oh dear", sighed Seymour, "Oh me, oh my, oh goodness!"

"Those 4 Oh phrases don't sound very good to me", said Bill.

"I'm afraid not", said Seymour, "I've never seen anything like this. It looks like Misty is now made of ten layers of pure granite. I don't see any way we can break through all that stone to get our Misty back."

"Could things possibly get any worse?!" whined Stella. And sure enough Stella just had to say those words. Something started to burst out from where Seymour had buried all those Medusa Stones. There in front of our heroes were four new Pokemon. The first two consisted of snails. One small and the other large with huge spikes on its shell. Cameron aimed his Pokedex at the snails.

"OMANYTE AND ITS EVOLVED FORM OMASTAR", said Dexeena, "These two mollusk Pokemon have been reported extinct for millions of years. But it looks like those reports are wrong now!"

The last two consisted of a flat shellfish and a tall shellfish with long sharp claws. Cameron activated his Pokedex again.

"KABUTO AND ITS EVOVLED FORM KABUTOPS", said Dexeena. "These two shellfish Pokemon have also been reported extinct. Boy, is my creator gonna have a field day if he sees these babies!"

"If those Pokemon are supposed to be extinct, how can they be standing here in our views right now?" asked Brock.

"I think I know", said Bill. "Seymour must've buried those Medusa Stones right over a bunch of buried Pokemon fossils. And being exposed to those stones must've revived them!"

"Why didn't I think of that?" said Seymour bowing his head down in shame.

"Why don't you think of a way to protect us?" shouted Stella as the four angry Pokemon started to charge right at our heroes. Kabutops tried to slash up Stella but Brock pulled her out of the way just as Kabutops slashed a stalagmite in two.

Kabuto suddenly pounced onto Bill and started absorbing his energy. "No please!" cried Bill. "I've already been stuck in a Kabuto costume once. I don't need this again!" But then Sandy appeared and threw a rock at Kabuto knocking it off of Bill.

"Shrew?" asked Sandy as he helped up Bill.

"Yes Sandy, I'm fine", said Bill. "Thank you."

"If I remember, these four Pokemon are part water type", said Cameron. "Buzz, give those guys your thunderbolt attack!"

"BUZZ, EL, BUZZ!" shouted Buzz as he launched his thunderbolt at the Omanyte and Omastar. But the electricity didn't damage the snails one bit.

"What just happened?!" gasped Cameron, "They're supposed to be electrified since they're water types!"

"But they're also rock types too", said Brock. "And this is the desert. They probably don't have any water in their bodies!" Then the snails started to blast themselves at Cameron, Brock, and Buzz like cannonballs.

"Look out guys! That's a spike cannon attack!" shouted Brock as he and the others quickly leapt out of the way.

Misty and Psyduck were too busy playing pat-a-cake to notice the battle going on. But their game got interrupted when Omanyte knocked Psyduck into a stone wall.

"PSY-YAI-YAI!" cried a hurt Psyduck. Misty looked sad at the poor Psyduck and then growled angrily. The four new Pokemon stopped battling and looked surprised at the giant stone girl.

"You hurt nice duckie!" growled Misty. "Now Misty will hurt you!!!" And she picked up some huge boulders and started throwing them non-stop at the four making them hit the wall.

"It looks like Misty just leaned rock throw", said Bill.

"She'd definitely be great if we want to enter her in a gym match", said Brock. They looked at the four Pokemon who were totally too weak to fight.

"Quick guys, let's catch them before they attack again", said Jenny as she took out an empty Pokeball and caught Kabutops. Stella then caught Kabuto, Seymour caught Omastar, and finally Brock finally caught Omanyte.

"All right!" shouted all four of our heroes at once as they held up their balls. "We caught Omanyte, Omastar, Kabuto, and Kabutops!!!"

"I guess everyone does want to be like Ash", thought Cameron.

"You okay nice duckie?" asked Misty as she picked up her bruised Psyduck. But his headache was now worse than ever. And when a Psyduck's headache reaches its highest. It lashes out uncontrollable psychic attacks.

"PSY-YAI-YAI-YAI-YAI!!" shouted Psyduck as he released his confusion attack at Misty. Misty started flying all over the place bouncing off walls and the ground while everyone tried to hide somewhere. Misty's rocky skin started to crumble as Psyduck's power continued. And finally Misty zoomed out of the pit and into outer space just missing a tiny Russian satellite that contained a skeleton of a Growlithe.

Then Misty started soaring back down to earth like a meteor back into the pit smashing into the ground. Our heroes gathered around Misty who was now a pile of smashed rocks.

"No, Misty!!!" gasped Brock.

"This can't be!" said Cameron with tears in his eyes while everyone sadly stared at the rubble that used to be their friend. Psyduck started gushing tears out of his eyes because he killed his beloved master.

"Psyduck, will you keep that racket down?!" called out a muffled voice from the rubble. "I don't need another headache from you!" Everyone quickly dug through the rocks and found Misty who was back to her normal human self.

"Misty, you're alive and back to normal!" cried Cameron happily. Everyone started cheering as well.

"You guys won't believe the dream I just had", said Misty groggily. "I dreamt that I understood my Psyduck and we became best friends. Can you imagine such a myth?"

Everyone just started laughing, even Psyduck, while Misty was curiously scratching her head only to find a piece of stone hair.

* * * * * *

"You mean to say I was a big stone monster?!" said Misty shocked as she clutched her head in disbelief.

"That's right", said Brock. "And you gave us all quite a workout."

"Not to mention our new van", said Jenny as she pointed to the crushed van.

"Did I do that?" asked Misty. "I.. I'm so sorry. I don't know why I did that!"

"It wasn't your fault Misty", said Cameron. "You just didn't know what you were doing. We all probably would've done the same thing if we became rock monsters."

"And it's probably just as well", said Jenny. "I don't think we could've gotten that huge van out of this deep pit."

"But we still have to get out of this pit ourselves", said Stella.

"I guess we'd better start gathering up more rocks", said Brock. "Let's start regathering everyone." And all our heroes and their Pokemon started gathering up the rocks so they could rebuild their pile to freedom.

Poor Zubat who was still feeling down saw a Medusa Stone lying on the ground and did some thinking.

"Hey look", said Cameron as he pointed to the stone. "There's one of those Medusa Stones just lying here in the open."

"Keep it away from me!" cried Misty as she jumped into Cameron's arms. "KEEP IT AWAY!!!"

"I'd better get it out of the way", said Seymour as he took out his stone tongs. But before he could pick it up, Zubat zoomed out of the darkness and touched the stone with her wing.

"Zubat, what are you doing?!" shouted Camreon. "Don't touch that thing! Get away from it!" But it was too late. Zubat started glowing and then grew very fast. Her blue skin suddenly turned into gray rocky skin, her wings became extremely long, her talons huge and strong, her mouth changed into a big toothy snout and a stone pointed tail appeared in the back. Everyone stood back as they saw the gigantic new Pokemon extend her stone wings and called out a loud, "AERO!" Cameron took out his Pokedex again.

"AERODACTYL, an extinct flying Pokemon", replied Dexeena. "A ferocious prehistoric Pokemon that goes for the enemy's throat with its saw-like fangs. Archaeologists believe that when a flying Pokemon is exposed to a Medusa Stone, they immediately evolve into an Aerodactyl."

"It looks like we might be in trouble again", said Bill nervously. Aerodactyl slowly approached the nervous Cameron.

"Quick Golem", said Brock as he was about to release his Pokeball. "Use your..."

"No wait Brock", said Stella. "Look at that." And they were all surprised, yet happy at what they saw. Aerodactyl was cuddling her huge rocky head up to Cameron's chest while Cameron patted her snout.

"That Aerodactyl still has Zubat's personality", said Bill.

"But why didn't her brain get small when she got that huge body?" asked Jenny.

"I believe Zubat must have a larger brain than Misty's", said Seymour.

"WHAT!!!" shouted Misty as she stomped her foot down on Seymour's.

"OW!" hollered Seymour as he jumped up and down on one foot. "Then again, maybe not." Then he took off his shoe and saw his red sore foot. "Are you sure you still don't have a stone foot Misty?"

Then Aerodactyl crouched down and wanted Cameron and friends to get on her back. "Zu.., I mean, Aerodactyl!" said Cameron. "You mean you turned yourself into a huge flying Pokemon so you could save us from this pit?"

"AERO!" said Aerodactyl proudly as she winked at Cameron.

"Thank you my friend", said Cameron with a tear in his eye. "I'm glad your brain and your heart are still the same inside that new body of yours."

Everyone got on Aerodactyl's back and then she spread her wings and started to fly up, up, and up until they were out of the pit and into the sky. They all cheered as Cameron hugged the neck of his old Pokemon who was now in a new body.

"Can you take us all south to Cinnabar Island Aero?" asked Cameron.

"Aero!" smiled Aero as she flew at full speed while everyone held on tight.

* * * * * *

Reiko had managed to climb out of that pit and was now sitting on some grass near an ocean. "I just can't go back to Rocketville", she thought. "I have to find Cameron-san. He might know how to help me. But I don't know where to find him."

Just then, she saw something huge flying in the sky. She took out her binoculars and became surprised when she saw it was an Aerodactyl. And became even more surprised when she found the rebels riding on its back.

"Like the shows in Broadway that can leave you speechless, My Cameron-
san never ceases to amaze me!" smiled Reiko as she watched them all fly over the sea. She then released her Kingler into the water, got on its back, and ordered it to follow the flying friends.

TO BE CONTINUED

AUTHOR'S NOTES:

Just for the record. Here's what all of the Pokemon our heroes and villains own so far.

CAMERON: Sandshrew, Vileplume, Slowking, Electabuzz, Donphan, and Aerodactyl.

MISTY: Staryu, Starmie, Seaking, Seadra, Psyduck, Poliwag, and Togepi who is back with Mrs. Ketchum.

BROCK: Golem, Onix, Golbat, Vulpix, Rhyhorn, and Omanyte.

STELLA: Tangela, Persian, Wigglytuff, Tauros, and Kabuto.

JENNY: Growlithe, Pinsir, Cubone, Nidorino, Nidorina, and Kabutops.

SEYMOUR: Clefairy, Clefable, Wartortle, Doduo, Paras, and Omastar.

BILL: Once owned a Rattata but now is fused with it.

JESSIE: Arbok, Lickitung, and Kadabra.

JAMES: Weezing and Victreebel.

REIKO: Tentacruel and Kingler.

See ya' soon with another chapter!

[Cullen]

The Incredible Poke-Odyssey chapter 21

INNdescribable Fun

In our last chapter, Cameron and friends fell down a deep pit, found some rare evolution stones called Medusa Stones, Zubat touched one of them and mutated into an huge Aerodactyl that allowed our heroes to fly over the ocean on their way to Cinnabar Island.

As they were flying, Cameron looked down and saw an island filled with hotels, funparks, and lots and lots of tourists. "Hey, is that Cinnabar down there?" he asked.

"No, I don't think so", said Jenny as she took out her map. "That looks like Seafoam Island to me."

"But it can't be", said Misty. "Seafoam Island is supposed to be deserted with only a few Pokemon roaming around."

"Not any more", explained Seymour. "About five years ago, the volcano on Cinnabar Island erupted causing all its citizens to vacate and move on out to Seafoam Island. Everyone knows about that."

"Not everyone", said Stella. "We've been stuck behind an electric wall for five years to know what's been going on in the outside world."

"Things sure have changed over the years", sighed Brock. "I don't even know who the hottest supermodels of today are!!!"

Stella was about to whack Brock but instead just kissed him. "If you'd like", she whispered in his ear, "I can be your private supermodel once we stop and rest somewhere." Brock started turning red, took out his canteen and poured it over his head to cool down. But however, some of the water got on Aerodactyl's back causing her to make a loud, "AERO!" and swerve to the side. Everyone quickly held on tight in a panic as Aero straightened herself out again.

"Careful Brock!" cried Misty. "This is not a Zubat we're riding on anymore. This is a stone skinned Aerodactyl. You of all people should know that water weakens rock Pokemon!"

"Oops, sorry Aero", said an embarrassed Brock as he took out some potion and applied it to Aero's wet spot.

"Are you all right now Aero?" Cameron asked his friend. "AERO!" said Aero in a tired voice. Cameron crawled up closer to her head and found her eyes looking pretty bloodshot.

"It looks like Aero needs some rest", said Cameron.

"I agree", said Bill. "We've been up in the air for over 8 hours."

"We should land on Seafoam to rest up", said Jenny. "We'll need to build up our strength when the time comes for us to face Mewtwo." Everyone sat there silently realizing that they were very close to one of their most important and probably most dangerous goals.

"Aero, take us down", said Cameron. "AERO!" said Aero as she flew down to the shore of Seafoam. When everyone got off of Aero's back. All sorts of tourists and local people in swimsuits and Hawaiian shirts quickly gathered around the group.

"Is that what I think it is?" gasped an old woman while pointing her wrinkly finger at the huge flying Pokemon.

"It is!" said the woman's husband. "It's an Aerodactyl! They haven't been around since prehistoric times. You should know about that Martha, you were there." Martha just bopped her husband with a huge mallet while his false teeth popped out of his mouth.

"Where do these ladies keep getting these mallets?" wondered Cameron.

Pretty soon, all of the tourists were marveling at the Aerodactyl while taking pictures of it with their flash cameras. All those blinding flashes started to annoy Aero while she covered her eyes with her wings. It also annoyed our heroes too.

"Hey mommy!" said a little boy. "Can I crawl into its mouth and play with its tongue?"

"Only if you want to take another bath tonight", said the mother while the flashes continued.

"Please, stop it everyone!" cried Cameron. "Can't you see you're frightening my Aerodactyl?"

"All right, move along people", said Jenny while jumping from one crowd to another like a grasshopper waving her arms like crazy. Just then Aero spread her wings and made a loud screeching noise. That caused everyone to run like crazy leaving our heroes alone.

"You okay Aero?" asked Cameron as he stroked her snout. "Aero!" replied Aero in a soft hoarse voice.

"You go ahead and rest now", said Cameron as he sucked Aero back into her Pokeball.

"Hold on a minute you people", called out an old man's voice. They turned around and found an old man with long blond hair who looked very familiar. "Was that an Aerodactyl I just saw with you?" he asked.

"Yes it is", said Cameron.

"You don't want to take a picture of it?" asked Jenny.

"Oh no", said the man. "I was just curious. It's just I've been on this Pokemon filled Earth for a long time and I've thought I've seen the rarest Pokemon in the world. But that marvelous flying stone creature really takes the carrot cake."

"Carrot cake?!" asked Bill. "Yech, I hate carrot cake. Give me cheese cake anyday!"

"And a talking Rattata too!" gasped the man as he picked up Bill and started playing with his face. "Are you people from Ripley's Believe it or Not?"

"I'll do something you won't believe if you don't put me down!" said an annoyed Bill. He jumped out of the man's hands, bounced off his head, and landed on the beach. Bill then felt something on his hind feet.

"AAAH! Some new kind of Pokemon's eating my feet!" cried Bill in a panic. "Get it off! Get it off! GET IT OFF!!"

"Relax you little pipsqueak", smiled the man. "It's only my wig!" and he bent down, yanked the wig off from Bill and dusted the sand off of it. Cameron, Misty, and Brock saw the bald man's head and they suddenly knew who this man was.

"Hey, you're Blaine", smiled Brock. "The Cinnabar Island gym leader!"

"Oh, so you've found me out", said Blaine as he put his wig back on. "I knew I should've put crazy glue on this thing."

"Blaine, don't you remember us?" asked Misty. "I'm Misty and this is Brock. Five years ago, we were your guests at your Big Riddle Inn in Cinnabar."

"Yes, it's all coming back to me", said Blaine. "There were three of you that day. You've solved every riddle I threw at you until you found my inn and my secretly hidden gym. That Ash kid was a pretty amazing trainer. Say, where is Ash?"

Misty was about to tear up again, but then stopped herself. "Hey, I think I'm getting better at this", she thought and then said. "He's not here with us right now. It's just me, Brock, and some new friends with us."

"Well, welcome to Seafoam Island everyone", smiled Blaine. "Would you all care to stay at my hotel, The Even Bigger Riddle Inn?"

"What happened to your first Inn?" asked Brock.

"Alas, it's gone forever", sighed Blaine. "Ever since the volcano on Cinnabar erupted, I was forced to abandon it. Ash is now spread all over every inch of Cinnabar Island."

"Someone splattered Ash all over the island?!" asked a shocked Misty imagining the bloody mess her friend was. She started crying out tears while our heroes pulled out their umbrellas.

"I think he's talking about the ash from the volcano", Cameron whispered into Misty's ear.

"Oops, sorry!" said Misty who suddenly stopped crying.

"Don't worry about me Misty", smiled Blaine as he handed her a Riddle Inn hanky. "Time heals all wounds and I've gotten over the loss of my first inn. Luckily, I had very good insurance and I was able to build me a bigger and better inn here on Seafoam", and he pointed east to the huge building with neon lights.

"That sure is beautiful", said Stella with neon stars in her eyes.

"And yes, there's an entire shopping mall inside the inn", said Blaine knowing the certain look on a young girl's eyes.

"But your old inn was near the volcano", said Misty. "How did you ever escape the eruption?"

"That was quite a story", said Blaine while going into a flashback. "I was sitting by the side of the volcano taking care of all my Pokemon getting them ready in case I might get some more customers and maybe some more challengers. Just then, I heard a loud boom. The volcano was about to erupt! I had no idea why it was doing this, but I had no time to think about that now. I found me and my Pokeballs about to fall into the piping hot lava. Just then, I was suddenly rescued by a huge flying Pokemon. It took me and my Pokemon away from my dear home of Cinnabar where I watched people fleeing the island in panic on ships, crafts, yachts, and on their water and flying Pokemon. Then the flying Pokemon brought me safely to the deserted island of Seafoam. I decided that this is where I'll start over with my new inn and gym. And five years later, the once empty Seafoam Island is now the hottest tourist trap in the world. And it doesn't even have a volcano!"

"That sure is a pretty amazing story", said Brock. "And you were lucky that flying Pokemon came along. I would've liked to see that."

"Yes, so would I", said Bill.

"Hmmm, maybe you will one day", said Blaine. "That's why I became so intrigued by your Aerodactyl, boy. In fact, I'd like you all to stay at my inn as long as you want free of charge. An Aerodactyl trainer is one of a kind in my book." And he winked at Cameron.

"Thank you", said Cameron blushing.

"We appreciate your offer", said Jenny. "We all need to rest up after all the journeying we've done. And we've got even bigger ones in the future too."

"And is it okay if I can challenge you for a VolcanoBadge while we're here?" asked Cameron.

"Only if you can find my newly hidden gym", laughed Blaine with a sneaky smile.

"You're gonna give us some riddles, aren't you?" asked Misty.

"I don't call my place a riddle inn for nothing", said Blaine. "And here it is. My gym is located where you find an apple you never eat. To go there, just remove the thing that always stops!"

"Got all that", said Seymour as he typed it into a mini-computer.

"And I'm gonna have to ask you to put that thing away", said Blaine. "Puzzle solving devices are against the rules at the Riddle Inn." And he took out a small device, pointed it at Seymour's computer, and erased the words he just typed up.

"Other than that, do what ever you can to enjoy your stay at the Even Bigger Riddle Inn", smiled Blaine. "Just don't try to steal the bathroom towels when you leave."

As they all followed Blaine to his inn, a huge Kingler had washed up on shore the minute they left. And on it was a beautiful female ninja wringing out her black braid in back. (WOW! TRY SAYING THAT FIVE TIMES FAST!) She saw the huge inn they were all headed to and started to smile.

"Like the Diglett that enjoys abandoned subways with discarded food samples. I believe that I'm going to enjoy this place", smiled Reiko as she pulled a black swimsuit out from nowhere.

* * * * * *

That evening, our heroes were just having the time of their lives at Blaine's inn. Stella was dragging Brock all over the indoor mall buying up clothes and handing them to Brock so he could carry them. "I've heard this could happen when you finally get a girlfriend, but I never believed those stories were true", thought Brock as he tried to catch up with Stella while balancing all the boxes and bags he was carrying.

* * * * * *

Seymour, dressed in a black tux and Jenny dressed in a blue spaghetti strap gown with a police badge were at a fancy table about to have a romantic dinner. They looked at their menus and discovered all the food items were in riddles.

"What exactly is a What Came First Sandwich?" Seymour asked the waiter.

"This is a riddle inn", said the waiter in a snooty French accent. "Figure it out for yourself!"

"I hope it's not an egg sandwich", thought Seymour, "I break out in hives when I eat an egg!" Jenny just secretly giggled for Seymour looked cute when he sweats.

* * * * * *

Misty was lying on a deck chair in her red bikini and sunglasses under a huge sunlamp. She suddenly felt a tap on her bare arm. She looked down and found Psyduck smiling at her while holding a Hungry-Hungry Hypnos board game.

"No Psyduck, I'm not in the mood to play with you right now", sighed Misty. "Why don't you go and play with your little Pokepals. I've got five years of tanning to make up for!"

"Psy", sighed Psyduck as he left Misty while dragging the game behind him. "She was a lot nicer when she was all big and rocky." He thought.

Psyduck had pushed open a small door and joined all the other Pokemon who were playing in a huge indoor playground made just for Pokemon. Some were sliding down Onix's back. Donphan was in the pool squirting water on all the water Pokemon, while the others were having fun on the huge jungle gym. Especially Buzz who had just completed 2,000 chin ups.

"Hey Golem, how about giving me a push please?" called out Bill who was sitting on a swing.

"Golem", said Golem as he gave Bill a big hard push. The swing went spinning around like crazy until it got tangled up at the top bar. Golem looked up and found Bill gone. "Could those stories about Pokemon swinging over the bar be true?" wondered Golem.

"A little help here?" called out Bill's voice. Golem looked around for him unknowing that Bill was stuck between two stones in Golem's rocky back.

Sandy was in the sandbox making a sculpture of a female Sandshrew. He looked at it with sly eyes and said. "Sandshreeeew!" in a sexy voice. The statue just fell to pieces in response to Sandy's pick up line. "Shrew", grumbled Sandy snapping his claws. He then looked out the outside window and found Cameron wearing multi-colored Bermuda shorts and holding a towel in his hand. Sandy stepped outside and approached his master wondering what he was gonna do.

"Hi Sandy", smiled Cameron. "Having fun so far?"

"Shrew", smiled Sandy.

"I'm just going off to relax in the hot tub over there", said Cameron. "Would you like to join me?"

"Shrew, shrew!" said Sandy shaking his head no.

"Oh yeah, I forgot", said Cameron blushing. "You and water are not really the best of friends. Sorry Sandy."

"Shrew", smiled Sandy showing that Cameron was forgiven and then went back to the playground to continue playing with his Pokefriends.

* * * * * *

Cameron just loved the feel of the warm bubbles dancing around in the hot tub he was sitting in. And it felt even relaxing as he stared up at the starlit night sky. "I think I'm gonna love living in this world from now on", he sighed. But then he frowned when the thought of Mewtwo entered his head and wondered if his new life might end the minute they come face to face with that monster.

"I'd better get my mind off of that right now", said Cameron while shaking his head. "I'm here to relax. I'll just think about Blaine's riddle. Let's see. His gym is located where you find an apple you never eat. Could that be The Big Apple? That can't be. I bet New York's miles away from Seafoam and I wonder if New York even exists in this world. And to go to this gym, I have to find the thing that always stops. Do I have to remove a nearby stop sign from a road? No, Jenny would not like that. She'd probably have me thrown in jail along with Blaine for giving me that idea. Ow, brain strain!" and he took off his glasses and started rubbing his head and his eyes.

Cameron then saw a blurry sexy figure standing at the edge of the tub. He quickly put on his glasses and saw it was Reiko dressed in a black bikini. "Is there room in this tub for one more?" she smiled while bowing to him. Cameron became a little nervous for she looked like she was bowing a little too low for him.

"Are Jessie and James here with you?" he asked.

"No, they're back at the palace recovering from a bad fall", said Reiko as she stepped into the tub and sat down in front of Cameron. "And I told them that I'd continue the mission all alone."

"So do you think you can possibly capture all of us at the same time?" asked Cameron, "Not that I'm doubting your ninja skills."

"No, I do not want to do that", said Reiko seriously. "Oh Cameron-san. Like the Venomoth that gets mesmerized by a brand new light bulb. I have truly seen the light. I now see how evil and unremorseful Team Rocket can be. I want to be on your side Cameron-san." And she slowly clasped onto his wet wrinkly hand.

"You really mean that?" asked Cameron with a smile. "Wow, I'm really glad you're gonna be on our side now. I can't wait to tell the others."

"No, you cannot do that", said Reiko seriously. "Officer Jenny is sure to handcuff me and send me to the nearest jail after all those times I escaped her wrath. I'll help you, but I need to stay out of the others' sights for a while."

"I'm sure if I reason with Jenny, you can join our group without getting cuffed at all", said Cameron. Just as Reiko was about to speak, she noticed the scar marks on Cameron's chest from that Sandslash incident back at her old home.

"Those scars!" said Reiko as she placed her fingers on his chest. "This is my fault you have them. If I hadn't brought those Rockets into my own family's gym, this wouldn't've happened to you." And a tear ran down her face.

"Please don't blame yourself Reiko", said Cameron wiping away her tear with his wet finger. "You were the one who treated my wounds. And I kind of wished I was awake when you did." And he winked at her.

"Cameron-san", sighed Reiko as the two gazed at each other while they felt the water getting even hotter. Just as their lips were about to touch, a voice called out. "Hey Cameron!"

"Officer Jenny?" asked Cameron as he turned around and found Jenny in her strapless blue and white striped swimsuit standing at the edge of the tub. He then turned around and found Reiko gone.

"Mind if I join you?" asked Jenny as she stepped into the tub with him.

"Uh, sure, go right ahead", said Cameron trying to maintain a smile and was thankful that Reiko was gone just in time. "She sure is a quick ninja", he thought. "Why aren't you with Seymour?" he then asked Jenny.

"Seymour's sleeping peacefully right now." Said Jenny. "He put his brain through a mighty workout trying to figure out every riddle in this inn. You should've seen the trouble he went through just trying to figure out the clue to get the men's room door open. I put him to bed and decided to spend the rest of the night relaxing under the stars."

"You really do take good care of Seymour, don't you?" smiled Cameron.

"Yes, I've never met a guy like him before", sighed Jenny. "You'll know what that's like one day too."

"I think I already have", sighed Cameron.

"You're not thinking about that dishonest Rocket Reiko are you?" she said sternly. "Listen Cameron, I know Reiko does seem to care about you a lot. But I suggest it's not a good idea to have a romantic relationship with a criminal. After all, she seems to be more loyal to Team Rocket than she is to you."

"But suppose if Reiko wanted to change and join with us?" asked Cameron. "Would that be okay with you?"

"Cameron, please understand that once I find that Rocket girl in my presence, I'm going to have to cuff her. After all, she did ruin my original van, tried to help Team Rocket capture us, take Brock's family hostage, and try to take hostage an entire ferry. No matter what, it's my duty to arrest all Rockets, even Reiko. I'm sorry Cameron."

Cameron suddenly saw a large bubble emerge from the little bubbles. He pretended to drop his glasses and ducked his head into the water. There he found Reiko under the water holding her breath like crazy. And it looked like she was about to croak if Jenny didn't leave soon.

Cameron pulled his head out of the water and tried to maintain a smile at Jenny who had no idea that her arrestee was in the same tub with them. Cameron tried to think of something fast and was thankful he found something. "Uh, Jenny", asked Cameron, "Isn't that your badge pinned to your bathing suit?"

"Why yes it is" said Jenny as she took off the badge and tried to dry it off with a towel. "I just can't seem to stop pinning this thing no matter where I go or what I wear. Thank you for pointing that out to me Cameron. If this badge had rusted in the water, the head Jenny would take it away from me for good. I'd better go put this back in my room. Be right back." And Jenny got out of the tub, dried herself off and left.

"Okay Reiko, she's gone", said Cameron as he pulled her arm bringing her up to the surface. Reiko was breathing like crazy while clutching her chest. "Are you all right Reiko?" he asked her.

"But of course", said Reiko proudly. "I was imagining myself like the Vaporeon that uses acid armor to blend in with clear blue water. Now I think I had better leave before Officer Jenny finds me and goes back for her badge." She was about to step out of the tub, until she felt something caught her toe. She managed to yank it out and found out it was the stopper. Suddenly, all the water started going down the drain leaving only Cameron and Reiko standing there high and dry.

"That's a pretty fast drain", said Cameron. "Blaine must use a powerful detergent in his pools." Suddenly the tub floor started to slowly split open. Reiko grabbed Cameron's shoulders and quickly pulled him out of the tub. There they saw a stone stairway leading down somewhere.

"To go to the gym, you first have to find the thing that always stops", said Cameron as he saw the stopper still stuck on Reiko's toe. "Reiko! You did it!" smiled Cameron as he hugged her and gave her a kiss on the cheek.

"I do not know what kind of damage I just did", said Reiko puzzled.
"But can you tell me so I can do it again?"

"Hey Cameron, are you still there?" called out Jenny's voice.

"Uh, oh", said Reiko, "That's my cue to depart." And she kissed Cameron and did a huge flip over a nearby wall.

"What in the world just happened to the tub?!" gasped Jenny as she gazed at the hot tub that was now replaced by a stairway. Cameron just smiled as he looked down and saw the stopper that his little ninja pulled and helped him solve part of Blaine's riddle.

* * * * * *

Cameron and Jenny quickly got dressed and gathered all their friends and Pokemon to show them the huge stairway that could lead to Blaine's hidden gym. "I never would've expected to find something like this in a hotel hot tub", said Seymour who was now feeling a lot better after a good sleep.

"Do you think it could lead to Blaine's gym?" asked Stella.

"Only one way to find out", said Brock. "Come on everyone and you can lead Cameron since you found it." And Cameron lead the way while his other six friends followed him down.

"You don't think these stairs could lead us to another volcano like last time?" asked Misty.

"Probably not", said Brock. "These stairs look like they're leading straight down."

"You don't suppose we're all going to the center of the Earth, do you?" asked Stella.

"Nyahhh, that can't possibly happen", laughed Bill.

Cameron suddenly remembered the first part of Blaine's riddle. "The gym is located where you find an apple you never eat. And no one eats apple cores. Could that mean the Earth's core?"

* * * * * *

They seemed to have walked down for quite a few hours until finally they came to a huge metal door. "Just like in Blaine's old volcano gym", said Brock.

Cameron felt the door and it seemed pretty hot. "I'm not sure if I'm gonna like what's behind this door", he thought.

"And I don't think we should open this door", said Jenny. "There might be a fire behind it waiting to come out and fry us."

"No problem", said Misty as she released all six of her water Pokemon. "All right guys" she said. "We're gonna open this door and I need all of you to spray your water guns if a fire does charge out of it." All of Misty's Pokemon nodded as Cameron opened the door. Luckily for them, there was no fire in front of the door. "Looks like you guys didn't have to waste any of your water", smiled Misty but then frowned for Psyduck was squirting his water all over the place like a fountain.

Our heroes stepped through the door and they were surprised to find where they were. They were in a huge blazing inferno with red stone walls. They looked below a ledge and found a pool of molten lava with a huge stone slab that was as big as a gym floor.

"I can't believe it!" gasped Bill. "We are in the Earth's core!"

Cameron suddenly became nervous. He was hoping that they all didn't go to the bad place. Suddenly, a burst of smoke appeared from the ledge on the other side of the lava and there appeared a devil with a red face and horns, pointy ears, a red tuxedo with a forked tail while holding a pitchfork.

"Welcome to your eternal torment you seven new arrivals!" said the devil in a creepy voice. Everyone held each other in fear. "PSYKE!" said the demon as he pulled off his mask. Everyone became relieved that it was really Blaine all along. "Sorry about that", he laughed. "It's just that I'll always be a joker at heart."

"Are we actually in the Earth's core?" asked Cameron.

"So you've solved my riddle, eh?" smiled Blaine. "But don't worry. This isn't the real Earth's core. No one can survive the intense heat down there. This is just a little underground inferno I had constructed. And yes, that's real lava down there. Just something to make the gym matches here more gripping. Now who wants to battle me for a VolcanoBadge? 3 Pokemon each, no time limit?"

"I would", said Cameron as he stepped up to the ledge, but not too far.

"You'd better be careful Cameron", said Brock. "Battling on a sea of lava could mean serious burns for your Pokemon."

"Not to mention less Pokemon", said Misty.

"All right Cameron", said Blaine as he took out his first Pokeball. "I'll start out with Rapidash!" and he released his first Pokemon on the stone floor. It was a unicorn with a mane and tail made out of pure fire.

"Slowking, I choose you", said Cameron as he released Slowie onto the other side of the floor.

"So, another kid thinks he can stop my fire types with a water type", laughed Blaine. "Rapidash, give him your stomp attack!"

"Slowie, use your water gun!" commanded Cameron. Slowie was about to take a deep breath and release his water gun, but he wasn't fast enough against the speedy Rapidash. The huge horse managed to stomp poor Slowie flat into his Shellder crown. "SLOWIE!" cried Cameron as he saw his Slowking who was nothing but a crown and two cute feet dancing around.

"That wasn't really smart sending the world's slowest Pokemon to battle the world's fastest", scoffed Blaine. "Maybe I should have Rapidash stomp some sense into you instead. HA HA HA!"

Cameron quickly sucked Slowie back into his ball and said. "I'm sorry Slowie, but my next Pokemon will avenge you though. Donphan, I choose you!" and his huge elephant suddenly landed with a thud on the stone floor almost causing Rapidash to lose its balance.

"Breaking out the heavy artillery, eh?" smiled Blaine. "Not that I don't blame you though. Rapidash, give it your ember attack!" Rapidash started waving its fiery tail around sending little embers onto Donnie's tough hard skin.

"Quick Donnie! Stop, drop, and roll!" commanded Cameron. Donnie then rolled up into his tire form and started rolling around the floor putting out the fire on his skin along with the natural fire on Rapidash's body. Donnie then started rolling non-stop all over Rapidash until it looked like a horse skin rug.

"Nothing puts out a fire like the classic stop, drop, and roll method", smiled Cameron. Blaine sourly pulled the flattened Rapidash back into its ball and then pulled out another one.

"So you think you can outclever the riddlemaster, eh?" said Blaine now smiling. "Let's see how your Donphan does against Magmar!" and he released a dwarf like Pokemon that was made of fire and lava. "MAGMAR", it said in a hot steamy voice.

"That's Blaine's strongest Pokemon." Said Misty. "I was sure he'd save that one for last."

"Unless he has a Pokemon even stronger than Magmar saved up", said Brock.

"Donnie, use your tusk attack!" commanded Cameron. Donnie trumpeted and started to charge at the fiery beast.

"Magmar, smog attack now!" said Blaine. Magmar sprayed a huge smog cloud at the charging Donphan. Donnie suddenly stopped and started coughing for its long trunk was very sensitive to smog.

"Okay Magmar, give it your flamethrower attack!" said Blaine. Magmar took a deep breath and started spraying out a powerful jet of fire at Donnie pushing him right off the floor and into the hot lava below.

"No, Donnie!" cried Cameron as he carelessly leaned over, but was caught by Brock just in time. Everyone silently looked down into the sea of lava wondering if the tough Donnie was tough enough to handle this much hotness. Suddenly a burst of lava shot out and Donnie landed back on the floor with an even louder thud causing Magmar to almost fall down.

"All right Donnie!" said a relieved Cameron.

"So your Donphan is tough against the hottest elements", said Blaine. "Let's see if it can handle my hot heavy hitter. Magmar, fire punch now!"

"MAGMAR!" said Magmar as it made a huge fiery fist and was getting ready to give Donnie a black-charred eye.

"Donnie, finish it off with your earthquake attack!" said Cameron. Donnie trumpeted real loud and started stomping down many times causing the stone floor to crumble apart. Magmar stopped as the floor suddenly collapsed into the lava causing poor Magmar to hit its head against a floating slab of rock. When the smoke cleared. They found an unconscious Magmar floating stomach up on the lava while Donnie was standing on what was left of the floor trumpeting proudly.

"That's showing 'em Donnie", said Cameron proudly.

"I guess it's time I release my secret weapon", said Blaine as he called back Magmar and released his final Pokemon. Everyone was surprised when they saw what it was. It was a huge orange dragon with very large wings that allowed it to hover over the lava. Cameron quickly aimed his Pokedex at the magnificent looking beast.

"DRAGONITE: The evolved form of Dragonair", replied Dexeena. "A rarely seen marine Pokemon. Its intelligence is said to match that of humans."

"I can't believe it", gasped Bill. "IT'S YOU!!!" Bill started flashbacking six years ago when he, Ash, Misty, and Brock were at his lighthouse. They discovered the shadow of a huge never before seen Pokemon coming their way. Just as they were about to find out what it was, Team Rocket started firing missiles at the mysterious creature chasing it away. "I thought I'd never see you again my mysterious friend." Whispered Bill.

"That's right folks", said Blaine proudly. "This Dragonite was the same flying Pokemon that saved me from that erupting volcano. Now its my most strongest champion."

"Okay Donnie", said Cameron, "Use your... uh, oh!" Cameron suddenly realized that when Donnie made the stone floor crumble, all that was left of it was a tiny slab that was barely big enough to support Donnie which meant he couldn't move around to battle.

"Looks like you put your Pokemon in a tight corner", laughed Blaine. "Dragonite, show 'em your dragonrage attack!"

"DRAAAAGGGG!" howled Dragonite as it summoned a huge typhoon causing Donnie to get sucked in and twirled all over the place while hitting the walls.

"Donnie return!" shouted Cameron as he tried to pull Donnie back in, but couldn't for the Pokeball's beam kept missing Donnie. It took him a whole minute but Cameron finally managed to catch Donnie while Dragonite ceased its dragonrage.

"You got one Pokemon left to use", laughed Blaine. "It better be your best one!"

"Aerodactyl, I choose you!" said a very determined Cameron and Aero appeared hovering right in front of Dragonite.

"Excellent", smiled Blaine. "A battle between two rare Pokemon. I just hope Dragonite won't make your Aerodactyl too extinct. Dragonite, hydro pump now!" Dragonite started squirting out a powerful bolt of water at the Aerodactyl.

"Aero, fly now!" shouted Cameron. Aero flew very fast and high up so that the hydro pump couldn't touch her.

"All right Dragonite", said Blaine. "Use your fire blast now!" Dragonite started to breathe out a huge clump of fire at Aero.

"Quick Aero", said Cameron. "Blow it away with a whirlwind!" Aero quickly flapped her wings hard and fast sending the fire right into Dragonite's face causing it to roar and rub its eyes. "Now finish it off with hyper beam", commanded Cameron. "AERO!" shouted Aero as she started to charge herself up.

"Quick Dragonite!" shouted a now nervous Blaine. "Use your hyper beam before that bird uses its!"

"DRAGG!" said Dragonite as it finished rubbing its eyes and charged itself up as well. Both Aero and Dragonite had launched their hyper beams at the same time causing quite a scene. Both beams were trying hard to push at each other while sparks were flying all over the place.

"This is amazing", gasped Seymour as he took out a pad and pencil. "I'm witnessing an actual hyper beam collision. For years us scientists have been pondering what would happen if two hyper beams collide!"

And the result was a big explosion that caused both Pokemon to get blown back. Aero landed on the same ledge our heroes were on. "Aero, are you all right?" asked Cameron.

"Aero!" said Aero with a big toothy smile showing that she was a little battered but still awake.

But Dragonite wasn't looking so hot. It landed out cold on the opposite side of the ledge where Blaine was. In fact it landed right on top of Blaine. He managed to crawl out from under Dragonite's scaly body and dusted himself off. "Well Cameron", he said, "It looks like you've managed to beat my 3 best Pokemon. Congratulations. Let's all head back to the surface so we can get our Pokemon healed by Nurse Joy and my back healed by my chiropractor. Oooh!"

* * * * * *

Our heroes were now in the Riddle Inn Pokemon center where Nurse Joy was healing all the Pokemon that fought hard today. Joy had to get about 15 stretchers to support Aero. "Wow, I bet I'm the first Joy in my family to actually treat an Aerodactyl." Said Joy as she fed Aero some vitamins. "I wonder if I can get a picture of me next to her."

Blaine had approached Cameron and smiled at him. "Are you going to present me with a badge for beating you?" asked Cameron.

"But first, you'll have to answer me one last riddle", smiled Blaine. "What would you do if I just decide to give you no badge?"

"No badge?!!" gasped Cameron disappointed. "But I beat all your Pokemon fair and square, I deserve that VolcanoBadge. Wait a minute. Would you give me it if I added the letters V-O-L-C and A to no badge?"

"Bingo!" laughed Blaine as he handed Cameron a badge that was in the shape of fire. "Congratulations you little smarty-pants. The VolcanoBadge is yours."

"Thank you", smiled Cameron as he showed his seventh badge to his friends. "Look everyone. I won a VolcanoBadge!"

"Yes, you and your remarkable Aerodactyl truly earned it", said Blaine. "I also have something for Aero as well. I've noticed that you don't have a fire Pokemon on your team, so I'd like you to program this into her head." And he handed Cameron a small device that said TM 38.

"TM 38?" said Cameron excitedly. "I've heard of this. This is fire blast! Thank you Blaine. This'll be so cool!"

"You mean hot don't you?" Blaine corrected him. As soon as Aero was 100 percent healed, Cameron took her outside and aimed the fire blast device onto her head.

"Do you know how to use fire blast now Aero?" Cameron asked her.

"AERO!" said Aero as she saw the same group of tourists coming up to take some more annoying pictures of her. Aero just smiled and breathed a clump of fire at all the tourists chasing them away.

"You really shouldn't've done that to those people", scolded Cameron. "But I'm kind of glad you did though. They were annoying."

"Aero!" said Aero winking.

* * * * * *

The next day, our heroes were back on Aero's back ready to take off for Cinnabar Island. "So you're actually going to Cinnabar, aren't you?" asked Blaine.

"Yes", said Jenny. "We're on a mission and we have to get there no matter what cost."

"Well I hope my fire blast TM will come in handy there", said Blaine.

"Thanks again", said Cameron, "And thank you for showing us all a great time in you inn."

"And when and if I become human again", said Bill. "Can I come back to study your Dragonite? I'd like to get know my old friend better as a human."

"Sure you can", smiled Blaine. "My Dragonite will still be here. They've been known to live for 1000 years."

"Let's just hope it wasn't Dragonite's 999th birthday this year", said Stella.

"So long everyone", smiled Blaine as he waved goodbye to the group who were flying away on Aero while waving back to him.

* * * * * *

Reiko was quickly following our heroes surfing on Tentacruel's back. "I'm just grateful that Jessie, James, and Meowth hasn't found out I helped them along the way." She sighed.

* * * * * *

Back at the Rocketville Palace, Meowth was watching a huge monitor and found something extremely shocking. "Wait'll Queen Jessie finds out the truth about her so-called bootlicker!" he snickered.

TO BE CONTINUED

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

Well it looks like Cameron now has 7 badges and they're all on their way non-stop to Cinnabar to face the mysterious Mewtwo. Will they defeat him and get Ash back? And what did Meowth discover on that monitor of his? Stay tuned to find out?

[Cullen]

The Incredible Poke-Odyssey chapter 22

The Meeting of the Mind

"What is it Meowth?" moaned Jessie as she entered a room covered with bandages while leaning on a crutch.

"Yeah, I was in the middle of a wonderful dream where I wasn't hurt", whined James who was also covered with bandages and was in a wheelchair with an IV tube in his mouth.

"James!" groaned Jessie. "You're supposed to stick that thing in your arm. Not your mouth!"

"I can't help it", smiled James, "This stuff tastes like ginger ale!" and he started to happily slurp it some more.

"What is it you want to show us Meowth?" groaned Jessie. "We want to get back to our beds soon so we can recover and become feared tyrants once again."

"It's about your little so-called loyal intern Reiko", smiled Meowth.

"What are you saying?!" said Jessie in an angry voice. "Reiko would never betray little old me! I've trained her too well."

"You don't believe me, eh?" smiled Meowth. "Then I can't wait to see the look on your face when I show you this video!"

"How could you've taped Reiko's every move?" asked James.

"I just placed a hidden micro-camera on her boot when you and I were traveling with her Jimmy", smiled Meowth. "I figured that that hot little Japanese tamale would be trouble."

"Prepare for troub... No, wait. We actually don't have time for that", said Jessie. "Just show us this tape and I can prove to you that our trustworthy Reiko has been doing her job so I can rub it in your fur-
shedding face."

"Okie-dokie", said Meowth as he popped the tape into the monitor and played it. First they saw Meowth in a huge golden circle with MEOWTH in big gold letters underneath him. He was trying to roar like a lion, but all he could do were squeaky Meowths. "Meeeeowth, uh, Meowww, uh, er, Roarmeowth! Oh, just start the film already!" he grumbled.

Meowth had fast fowarded the parts when he and his teammates were spending time with Reiko and slowed it down to the times when she wasn't with them. First they saw Reiko and her encounter with Cameron alone on Machoke Island where the Machokes took them prisoner and it looked like they were having a romantic moment in their cell. Then they saw where Team Rocket had captured the rebels in the Celadon game center and Reiko went over to the tied up Cameron and secretly kissed him. Then they saw scenes where Reiko was helping our heroes catch all those dark Pokemon, helping them escape the cage they dropped on them by sticking a key into Cameron's glasses. They even saw where Reiko was passionately treating Cameron's injuries at the Fuchsia gym and how she saved him from those killer Pokemon in the Safari Zone.

"You mean Reiko's fallen for that four-eyed twerp?" gasped James.

"No, I refuse to believe that!" grumbled Jessie who was turning red in the face, even redder than her hair. "I am much more important to her than that scrawny little brat!"

"Well then get set for the grand finale!" smiled Meowth as he fast fowarded to where Reiko secretly threw one of her metal stars at the land mine they had buried for our heroes causing them all to fall to their doom.

"It's Reiko's fault we look like this", whined James as he looked at his bandaged self. "Jessie, what do you think of this? Jessie?!" Jessie didn't say a thing. She was boiling mad. In fact, she became so enraged that she pumped herself up and broke free from her bandages making her 100 percent healed.

"Wow", said Meowth. "I knew she'd be mad, but not mad enough to make herself heal real fast."

"Where is she headed now?" asked Jessie in a quiet voice.

"Cinnabar Island", said Meowth nervously.

"Come on James", she grumbled. "We've got a little traitor to set straight!"

"But I'm not fully healed yet!" whined James. Jessie just silently pinched the side of James's neck and he yelped and immediately jumped out of his wheelchair all healed as well.

"Happy now?!" grumbled Jessie.

"I'm all better", said James. "But what did you just do to me?"

"We've got a mission", said Jessie, "There's no time to explain how I did it."

"Mainly because the writer doesn't know either", laughed Meowth.

* * * * * *

Aerodactyl had finally flown our heroes to Cinnabar Island. "Well here it is everyone", said Jenny quietly. "Cinnabar Island. The place where Mewtwo is supposedly residing."

"Uh, huh", said everyone for none of them had said a word throughout their whole flight from Seafoam to Cinnabar. They were thinking about the dangers that lie waiting for them the minute they come face to psychic face with Mewtwo. They all looked at the huge island. It had a large volcano and every inch of the surface was covered with ash. Just like Blaine had said.

"I don't see how someone like Mewtwo would want to live in a place like this", said Stella. "There's not one sign of any place that's livable."

"Look down there", said Cameron as he pointed to what looked like a mansion. It was the only spot on the island that wasn't covered with ash.

"That must be Mewtwo's hideout", said Brock. "Sabrina said that Mewtwo hides out in an abandoned mansion on Cinnabar."

"It must've used its psychic powers to protect itself and the mansion from that erupting volcano", said Seymour. "Very fascinating!"

"Though I find all Pokemon in the world delightful and want to get to know each and every one of them", said Bill. "I believe that Mewtwo will be my only exception."

"Well, we'd better land so we can defeat this monster and save Ash", said Jenny. "Cameron, have Aero take us down."

"You heard her Aero", smiled Cameron as he patted his Pokemon's head. "Take us down in front of that mansion over there."

"Aero!" said Aero as she started to come in for a landing.

"Hold on Ash", whispered Misty. "Your friends are on the way to save you!"

* * * * * *

Cameron had pulled Aero back into her ball and now our heroes were slowly walking up to the huge spooky mansion. "You got Slowking with you all ready?" Jenny asked Cameron.

"Right here." said Cameron holding Slowie's Pokeball in his right hand. "I sure hope your new mindzero attack will help us defeat Mewtwo, Slowie. Whatever that thing does."

"That was awfully nice of Sabrina to program it into Slowie's head", said Seymour. "I just can't wait to see what it does!" and he excitedly took out his pad and pencil ready to jot down the secret power of mindzero.

"I wonder if it'll turn Mewtwo into a doll", wondered Misty nervously. "Including everyone who's around it!"

Soon they all had passed the front step and were standing in front of the huge door with a golden knocker that was being held in the mouth of a golden Zubat. "Do you think we should knock?" asked Cameron.

"No, I think we should just sneak in quietly", whispered Jenny. "We officers normally don't like breaking and entering, but I think it'd be safer if Mewtwo didn't know we'd be approaching him."

"Uh, I think we're a little too late, cause I already knocked!" said Stella sheepishly.

"WHAAAT!" shouted everyone. But no one could hear each other's screams cause a loud booming voice came from the door. "WHO JUST KNOCKED ON MY KNOCKER?!" it shouted.

"Uh, it was me", said Stella nervously.

"I'm Officer Jenny from the Pallet police", said Jenny. "We believe this mansion might be the home of the dangerous Pokemon Mewtwo. Would you know anything about it?"

"Hmmmm", said the voice that became much quieter. "I believe I can help you vict..., I mean, fine people out. Please step inside." The door suddenly flew open and our heroes stepped inside. Then the front door closed itself.

* * * * * *

Reiko had just set foot on the island right after our heroes had entered the mansion. She looked at all the ash that surrounded the entire place except for the area around the mansion. "This looks like a lot of trouble!" she said.

"Did you say trouble?!" called out a familiar angry voice.

"Queen Jessie?" asked Reiko surprised.

"And your king makes us double!" said another familiar voice. Then a smokebomb went off and Reiko saw two familiar figures standing in the darkness.

Jessie: "To protect ourselves from rotten traitors!"
James: "To punish those who are monarch haters!"
Jessie: "To denounce the evils of turncoat rats!"
James: "To extend our fists to ungrateful brats!"
Jessie: "Queen Jessie!"
James: "King James!"
Jessie: "Royal Rockets blasting off from our cozy castle!"
James: "Just to do away with you mutinous hassle!"

"LICKIE!" shouted Lickitung as it stuck its long tongue out from the smoke and quickly tied up Reiko. When the smoke cleared, she saw her King and Queen all healed and looking very angry.

"Uh, greetings my loyal monarchs", said Reiko calmly. "I am so glad to see you're looking all better again."

"Can the sucking up Reiko!" shouted Jessie. "It just hurts me to know that all that shameless groveling you've done was all insincere!"

"I just knew you were trouble from the very beginning", shouted James,

"Oh Reiko", wailed Jessie, "Why did you have to go and do this?! And over a blonde haired little twerp too! I'd thought you'd at least have better taste than that! If it were Mel Gibson I could understand, but some little bony runt named Cameron Fusterman?!"

"Do not call Cameron-san that!" shouted an angry tear-filled Reiko. "He wasn't the one who forced me to love and worship him and to agree with everything he says! Like you made me to. All this time I've been doing your evil and demeaning deeds because I felt like I had no future, no purpose in my life. All that changed when I met that wonderful boy. I now want to donate my life to helping Cameron-san and his friends!"

"And just what about your so-called ninja's oath?!" said Jessie angrily. "Don't tell me you're gonna actually break it and disgrace your family's honor forever?!"

"I've already disgraced my family by running away and joining the likes of you in the first place!" scowled Reiko. "Just this once, I'm going to forget my ninja's honor and do what's right in my heart!"

"That was so beautiful!" whined James while blowing into a hanky. "Did you know that was the first time you said something long and heartfelt without using one of your corny metaphors?"

"Well you won't be saying any more metaphors when I get through with you!" shouted Jessie. "But I'll lessen the tortures I have planned for you if you'll tell me where the rebels are heading right now."

"Never!" shouted Reiko. "I will no longer do anything that'll lead you to the destruction of Cameron-san. That is my new ninja's oath. And I do not plan on breaking this one!"

"I see", said Jessie calmly. "I guess this means we get to go back to our cozy palace where James and I get to sit on comfy beds while we put you on an uncomfy iron maiden."

"Since when did we get robot maids?" asked James. "Will they be sassy like the one on the Jetsons?" Jessie just silently bonked James with her mallet.

Reiko just smiled down at the Lickitung that had her wrapped up wet and tight. She managed to pull a metal star out of her pocket and stuck it on the tongue. Lickie yelped and let go of Reiko causing her to land on the sand. "Kingler, I choose you!" shouted Reiko as she released her Kingler who sharpened its claws ready to defend its beloved master.

"Lickie, how could you let her do this to you?" shouted Jessie as she quickly applied a bandage to Lickie's boo-boo. "Now get it with your lick attack!"

"Lickie!" shouted an angry Lickie as it fired its tongue at Kingler. "Kingler, vicegrip now!" shouted Reiko. Kingler had quickly grabbed onto Lickie's tongue while Lickie was trying its best to pull it out of the huge crab's grip.

"Quick Lick", smiled Jessie. "Show that crab your new thunderbolt attack!"

"Thunderbolt?!" gasped Reiko. Lickie started to charge itself up and sent a current of electricity through its tongue and right into Kingler's wet body causing it to let go and faint.

"Kingler!" cried Reiko as she pulled her poor electrified Kingler back into its Pokeball.

"Score one for the tongue!" smiled Jessie and James as they danced around while holding paper fans with Rs on them.

"Tentacruel, I choose you this time!" shouted a desperate Reiko. "Tentacruel!" said the huge squid.

"Lickie, give it another thunderbolt!" commanded Jessie.

"Quick Tentacruel, create a barrier!" commanded Reiko.

Lickitung released a thunderbolt at Reiko and Tentacruel, but it didn't affect them for Tentacruel had created an invisible barrier protecting them from the bolt.

"Okay Tentacruel, use your acid attack", said Reiko. Tentacruel fired some acid at Lickitung who managed to step out of the way.

"Oh thank badness", said Jessie relieved that her Lickitung didn't get hit. But unfortunately Lickie eyed the puddle of acid on the ground and thought it was dark chocolate. It started slurping it up and then fell to the ground holding its stomach making groaning noises.

"Lickie, return", moaned Jessie as she pulled her poisoned Pokemon back into its ball. "I bet that was even harder on its poor huge tastebuds." She sighed.

"My turn up to bat", smiled James as he took out a Pokeball. "Go Victreebel!"

"No, wait!" shouted Jessie as she tackled James onto the ground while holding his wrist. "Haven't you learned from these past five years that your Victreebel always tries to eat you whenever you release it?!"

"But not today", smiled James. "I just mixed some Pokemon repel potion in with my hair gel so Vic won't dare try to eat its beloved master. Watch!" and he released his Victreebel. The huge plant was about to chomp on James until it sniffed his smiling face and then backed away from the repel potion that only a Pokemon can't stand.

"See, what did I tell you?" said James proudly. "Uh, Jessie?" asked James. He opened his eyes and found his Victreebel chomping on Jessie's head instead.

"Get me out of this smelly fly trap!" shouted Jessie from inside the plant's mouth. "Oops, sorry Jessie", said James as he quickly yanked Victreebel off of Jessie's head and sat it in front of Reiko and Tentacruel.

"Okay Victreebel, use your razor leaf on that kid and her squid", said James. Victreebel made a loud scream and started firing razor sharp leaves at the barrier Tentacruel had just created. Reiko and Tentacruel were still protected, but it looked like the barrier was cracking. "Now finish it off with a solarbeam!" said James. Victreebel started gathering sunlight into its huge body.

"Uh, oh", gasped Reiko. "Quick Tentacruel, return!" But it was too late. Before she could recall her Tentacruel, Victreebel had fired a powerful golden beam destroying the barrier and knocking Tentacruel out cold.

"Tentacruel!" cried Reiko as she quickly pulled Tentacruel back in its ball as well. "It looks like you're all out of usable Pokemon", laughed James. "Now it's time for you to black out! Victreebel, would you do the honor?"

Just as Reiko was about to launch a flying kick at Team Rocket, Victreebel sprayed its sleep powder at Reiko causing her to fall onto the sand ready to meet the sandman. "I am sorry Cameron-san", she yawned. "I don't think I will be protecting you any more", and she fell right asleep.

"Nice work James", smiled Jessie evily. "Now let's take her back to the palace so we can do some painful interrogation on her!"

"Say Jessie", asked James. "You don't suppose Reiko had followed those rebels to that old mansion right over there?"

"Nonsense", said Jessie. "That's what she'd want us to think. There's no way those rebels would hide out in such an obvious place." Then she released Kadabra from her Pokeball. "Kadabra", she commanded. "Next stop, the Rocketville Palace."

"Kadabra!" said Kadabra as it teleported away taking Jessie, James, and the sleeping Reiko with it.

* * * * * *

Our heroes found themselves inside the mansion next to a huge stairway that lead upstairs. "I'm so glad to have company." Said the mysterious voice. "I sure hope you'll stay for a long long while. I insist!"

"Who are you?" asked Brock.

"And where are you?" asked Cameron.

"I like to call myself the World's Greatest Pokemon Master", said the voice. "And as for where I am. I'm up on the top floor. Won't you please come on up so I can get a closer look at you?"

"Why don't you come down here?" asked Jenny.

"Because I don't really like leaving the comforts of my safe room", said the voice. "I'm sort of a shut-in."

"How can you become the World's Greatest Pokemon Master if you can't leave your room and collect Pokemon?" asked Misty.

"I have my methods", said the voice. "Now you've all come here to meet Mewtwo, right?"

"Yes, that's right", said Jenny. "Is Mewtwo in this mansion with you?"

"But of course", said the voice. "And he would very much love to meet all of you. Please come upstairs and I'll introduce you to him."

Our heroes did as they were told and walked up the stairway. "I just wonder who our host is?" whispered Cameron.

"I'm wondering how he could tame such a powerful Pokemon like Mewtwo", whispered Bill.

When they got to the top of the stairs, they came across a huge door. Jenny pushed it open and they all stepped inside. There, they found themselves in a huge boiler room. "What are we doing here?" asked Misty. "I thought this door would take us to a much more fancier room."

"Oh, I forgot to tell you", said the voice. "I don't just let anyone see Mewtwo. Only the cream of the crop Pokemon masters are worthy of seeing his powerful beauty. First you must defeat each of my minions." And suddenly the boiler started spraying out fire and out flew a gigantic bird made of hot orange flames.

"I can't believe it!" gasped Seymour. "It's Moltres! One of the three legendary birds!"

"Wow!" gasped Cameron as he aimed his Pokedex at the huge fiery bird.

"MOLTRES", replied Dexeena. "Known as the legendary bird of fire. Every flap of its wings creates a dazzling flash of flames."

"Uh, I think I left the headlights on my limburger outside", said Bill nervously. "Be right back." But Moltres started its fire spin attack trapping our heroes in a huge wall of fire. Bill quickly jumped back to the group. "Oh gee", he said while breathing hard. "I'm glad I got out of that unburned." But then they all pointed to Bill's whisker that was on fire. "YIPE! He shouted. "Quick, someone spit on me! PLEASE!" Psyduck quickly jumped out of Misty's backpack and squirted a tiny bit of water on Bill. "Thanks Psyduck", said Bill wringing out his wet whisker.

"Psy", smiled Psyduck not realizing the huge wall of fire that surrounded everyone.

"Slowie, I choose y...." , but Misty grabbed Cameron's wrist before he could release his Slowking.

"No Cameron", she said. "You need to save Slowie's energy for when we face Mewtwo. I'll handle this since my Pokemon can take out any flame." And she released Staryu, Starmie, Seaking, Seadra, and Poliwag who put out the entire firewall with their water gun attacks. "Nice work everyone", said Misty. "Now put out that bird's fire!" All of Misty's Pokemon started squirting at Moltres, but it didn't affect it one bit. All the water just turned to steam the minute it touched Moltres's fiery skin.

"That's impossible!" gasped Misty. "Water types always beat fire types!"

"Moltres is no ordinary fire type", said Seymour. "In fact Moltres is no ordinary Pokemon at all!" Then Moltres flew up to the ceiling and started glowing a bright color.

"Uh oh", said Seymour. "It looks like Moltres's getting ready for a sky attack! A very painful flying attack!"

"Rock types are strong against flying attacks", said Brock. "Maybe our newly caught water and rock type combinations can defeat it."

"That could work", said Seymour as he, Brock, Stella, and Jenny released their Omanyte, Omastar, Kabuto, and Kabutops. "Omanyte, Omastar! Withdraw now!" commanded both Brock and Seymour.

"Kabuto, Kabutops. Harden yourselves!" commanded Jenny and Stella. All four Pokemon started to concentrate and suddenly made their rocky bodies a lot bigger and tougher.

Then Moltres started to swoop down at our heroes. But Brock and Seymour had ordered their Omanyte and Omastar to use spike cannon knocking Moltres sharply in the stomach causing it to fall right on its back.

"Let's get it while it's weakened!" said Jenny.

"Right", said Stella as they commanded their Kabuto and Kabutops to use hydro pump to put out the weakened Moltres's flame until it was just an unconscious charred bird.

"Yes, we did it!" cried Jenny and Stella as they high-fived each other. Brock and Seymour did the same thing.

"Congratulations", said the voice. "You've actually managed to defeat my first minion. Now lets see how you do against number two." And another door opened up leading them to another room.

The room they were in now was a game room. It was full of old pinball machines along with classic arcade games like Pac-Pikachu, Mankey Kong, and Poliwagger. "Wow!" smiled Seymour. "I haven't seen any of these games in years! They bring back wonderful memories!"

"Ah, a fan of the golden age of video arcades", said the voice. "Do you remember this one?" and a door opened and a lot of smoke appeared and out slid a video game that put Seymour in a hypnotic trance.

"Dragonite's Lair!" whispered Seymour. "A game that's so elegant and fair. I spent many hours controlling that knight. Mastering the secrets and making him fight. I thought I would see that glorious game no more. But now it's back. The game I adore!" and he slowly approached the game with a quarter in his hand.

"Can you imagine being obsessed with a video game?" said Stella.

"I know how that feels", said Cameron for that's how he got into this world in the first place. Just as Seymour had put his hand on the joystick. A bolt of electricity went soaring into his body. He screamed and got thrown back.

"Seymour, are you all right?!" asked Jenny as she ran up to him with his hair all sticking up like Albert Einstein. He took out a mirror and looked at himself.

"So that's why Mr. Einstein wears his hair like that", he said while smiling.

Suddenly all the games started shooting out electricity. Everyone backed into a wall while they watched the electric bolts take the form of something. It was another large bird with a long beak and wings made of lightning bolts. "ZAPDOS!" whispered Bill. Cameron took out his Pokedex again.

"ZAPDOS", replied Dexeena. "A legendary bird Pokemon that is said to appear from clouds while dropping enormous lightning bolts." And Zapdos demonstrated by shooting bolts at all seven of our heroes.

"Sandy, I choose you!" shouted Cameron as he was about to throw his Pokeball but stopped for he became paralyzed. Sandy did manage to come out of his ball only to find Cameron and his friends all paralyzed stiff. He then looked up and saw Zapdos spinning its beak around preparing for a drill peck attack.

"Oh no", gasped Cameron. "What have I done?! Sandy's gonna become Swiss cheese thanks to me! Quick Sandy! Run away now!"

"Shrew!" shouted Sandy for he had no desire to abandon his beloved master. He was about to use his rock slide attack on Zapdos, then smiled and had a neat idea. He disappeared off screen and came back on screen in a toga and headband. He put a tiny pebble in a sling and hurled it into Zapdos's forehead causing it to fall down unconscious.

"Wow!" smiled Cameron. "Reading those Bible stories to you every night sure paid off. Thank you Sandy and thank you Lord!"

"Sandshrew!" smiled Sandy as he reached into Cameron's backpack and sprayed paralyze heal potion on everybody.

"So your Pokemon are both strong and clever", said the voice. "So far you've defeated two of my minions, but once you take on my third and last one. You will truly be worthy of battling Mewtwo." And yet another door opened and our heroes slowly stepped through that one as well.

This time they found themselves in a huge kitchen. "I wonder where the last minion will pop up?" said Brock.

"I don't know about all of you, but I could use a nice drink", said Misty and she was about to open a large refrigerator.

"No Misty, don't!" cried Cameron as he held the fridge door shut. "I have a feeling that the last minion will be waiting in there!" For he had a pretty good idea on who the last Pokemon might be.

"Well at least let me get a glass of water from this faucet over there", said Misty as she picked up a nearby cup and filled it with water.

"Happy now?" asked Brock.

"No not yet", said Misty. "I like my water with plenty of ice", and she placed the cup under an ice dispenser which happened to be attached to the same refrigerator she was about to open.

"No Misty, don't!" cried everyone.

"Hey, I'm not opening the fridge", protested Misty. "I'm just using the ice dispenser. I definitely don't think a huge scary Pokemon will come out of that tiny square shaped hole." Suddenly, the dispenser exploded and tons of ice cubes started bouncing off Misty's head.

"AAAAAH!" screamed Misty. "Do something please before I get an ice cube headache!" and then even more cubes started shooting out of the fridge causing everyone to slip and fall onto the floor. And when the machine finally stopped. Everyone found themselves standing waists high in a pile of frozen ice cubes.

"I wish I wore a long pants uniform instead of the skirt today", said Jenny freezing.

"At least only half of you is cold", cried Bill who just swam up to the surface with blue fur. Everyone looked annoyed at Misty.

"Uh, at least I didn't open that fridge door", said Misty while twiddling her thumbs. Just then, all the ice cubes started to float up in the air and they formed into yet another large bird that was made of ice.

"And so it begins", said Cameron as he aimed his Pokedex at the Pokemon he was expecting to see.

"ARTICUNO", replied Dexeena. "A legendary bird Pokemon that is said to appear to doomed people who are lost in icy mountains."

"Well why couldn't it have stayed in the mountains?" said Stella nervously while holding onto Brock who was smiling. Then Articuno started to blow a huge blizzard at our heroes making them shiver.

"Growlithe, I choose you!" shouted Jenny.

"And I choose you Vulpix!" shouted Brock as the dog and the fox appeared in front of Articuno.

"Use your flamethrower attacks now!" shouted both Jenny and Brock. Growlithe and Vulpix complied by breathing large amounts of fire at the blizzard Articuno was blowing. It shortened it a little, but not too much.

"Vulpix and Growlithe can't keep this up much longer", said Brock. "We need a stronger fire type!"

"Cameron, doesn't your Aerodactyl now know fire blast?" Misty asked him.

"Yes, that's right", said Cameron. "Aero, I choose you!" And he released his Aerodactyl who was hovering right in front of Articuno.

"CUNO!" shouted the bird as it stopped its blizzard and flew right at the big stone flyer.

"Okay Aero, give it your fire blast!" shouted Cameron. Aero blasted her fire at Articuno, but it just sped out of the way causing the fire to hit a nearby wall. Then Articuno started appearing and disappearing from Aero's sides pecking her to death.

"What's it doing to Aero?!" cried Cameron.

"That must be Articuno's agility", said Seymour. "I'm afraid Aero won't be fast enough to defeat it!" Aero fell to the floor all tired and beaten. Then Articuno started preparing itself for a frosty ice beam attack.

"I gotta do something", gasped Cameron. "I think I know!" He quickly reached into his backpack and pulled out the X-Defend device that Koga had given him.

"Here you go Aero", called out Cameron as he aimed the device's light at his Aerodactyl just as Articuno released its ice beam. The beam hit Aero, but it didn't freeze her one bit. "Cuno!" gasped Articuno nervously.

"There you go Aero", shouted Cameron. "You'll be harder to damage now that I've increased your defense. Now try out your fire blast again!" Aero smiled as she blasted another clump of fire from her mouth and this time it did hit Articuno.

"CUNO!!!" screamed Articuno as it melted and fell to the ground like a blueberry slushee.

"AERO!" shouted Aero as she spread her wings long and proud while everybody cheered.

"I couldn't've said it better myself Aero", said Cameron with pride also.

"Congratulations", said the voice. "You've actually defeated all 3 of my minions. Usually most trainers don't make it past Moltres. I am truly honored to have a group of worthy Pokemon trainers in my home. I am proud to say that you're ready to take on Mewtwo!" and the final door opened and they all walked through.

The final room they were in was very fancy. It was a den with beautiful furniture, a big screen TV, a bookshelf filled with books and a nice warm fire in the fireplace.

"Wow", said Misty, Stella, and Jenny with stars in their eyes imagining the den they'd like to have once they're married.

"You like my humble little pad?" asked the voice who was behind the huge red chair. "I'm touched. Actually I can't take all the credit. The original owners of this mansion probably decorated it themselves. I'm glad I spared this place when I caused that volcano to erupt five years ago."

"You caused the volcano to erupt?!" gasped Brock. "How could you do such a thing?!"

"Simple question", said the voice. "It was there! I hope that clears it up."

"Just exactly who are you?!" demanded Jenny. "And how could you've recruited the all powerful legendary birds?"

"And where is Mewtwo?!" demanded Misty. "We need him to get a good friend of ours back!"

"You want Mewtwo?" asked the voice. "Your last wish is my command!" And the chair turned around and everyone's jaws dropped when they saw their host. It was Mewtwo himself wearing a red housecoat while smoking a pipe. He got out of his chair and slowly levitated himself to our heroes looking down at them.

"Y...You're our host?!" gasped Cameron.

"I'm full of surprises, aren't I?" smiled Mewtwo who didn't move his lips when he talked. He was speaking to them telepathically. "I just love it when Pokemon trainers come to challenge me. That way, when they lose, I add them to my fine collection."

"What do you want with trainers?" asked Brock.

"I want their skills, strength, and intellegence", smiled Mewtwo. "Once I have all the world's greatest Pokemon masters in my power. I will become the world's most powerful creature on Earth. People and Pokemon alike will bow down to me, serve me, and dance for me in demeaning little outfits! Doesn't that just sound delicious?! HA HA HA HA!"

"Well we're not going to let you do this you monster!" shouted Misty. "We came here to free our friend Ash Ketchum and we won't rest until we defeat you and make you release him!"

"Hmmm, Ash Ketchum", said Mewtwo while putting a finger up to his lips. "That name does ring a bell. Maybe he's in the back of my mind somewhere. Just trying one pathetic scheme after another to escape. But I'll make you a deal. If one of your best Pokemon can defeat me in a match, I'll let this Ash loose along with all my other victims."

"And what if we lose?" asked Brock.

"Then you'll all be joining him in my little prison forever", laughed Mewtwo. "What do you say? Either way you'll be reunited with your friend."

Everyone huddled together and discussed while Mewtwo just stood there admiring the mounted human heads over his wall. "Okay Mewtwo, you've got a deal", said Cameron with a determined look. "And I'm going to challenge you!"

"Ah, so it seems the youngest cub of the pack wants to challenge me", smiled Mewtwo. "Let's just see how talented you really are."

"Please win Cameron", Misty whispered into Ash's ear. "For ours and Ash's sake."

"Don't worry Misty", said Cameron. "I got my secret weapon right here. Slowie, I choose you!" And Slowking appeared right in front of the unimpressed Mewtwo.

"You're sending a simple minded Slowking to battle me?" laughed Mewtwo out loud. "This battle should be over soon enough. Go ahead boy and call out the first attack."

"Okay Slowie", commanded Cameron. "Show him the mighty power of mindzero!"

"Slow?" asked Slowking as he scratched his crown while question marks surrounded it.

"Slowie, I said use your mindzero attack!" cried Cameron. "Don't you remember Sabrina programming it into you?!"

"Slow?" asked Slowking as the question marks completely covered him.

"I can't believe it!" gasped Seymour. "That mindzero doesn't seem to do anything!"

"Maybe that attack doesn't exist!" said Misty nervously. "Maybe Sabrina made it up just to fool us and trap us!"

"Is this the best your mighty king can do?" said Mewtwo disappointedly as he gave a psychic flick with his finger knocking Slowking over causing him to roll right into Cameron knocking him down.

"Slowie", cried Cameron. "I'm sorry!"

"Slow", said a sad Slowie who in the first time didn't feel clueless about the agony of defeat.

"It looks like I win", said Mewtwo with evil glowing eyes. "And now may I introduce you all to your permanent home!"

"Everyone scram!" cried Bill as he and the six humans started to run for their lives then realized that they were running in mid air. They were all trapped in Mewtwo's mindjail beam.

"NOOOOO!" they all shouted as they shrunk down and got pulled into Mewtwo's evil mind.

* * * * * *

When our heroes awoke, they found themselves in a brand new world. "Where are we?" asked Cameron who found himself lying on what looked like a soft pink gooey mattress.

"I believe we're all in Mewtwo's mind!" gasped Seymour. Everyone looked in panic at the nightmarish scenery of the huge walls and ceiling made of brain cells and the red roots sticking out from the floor like evil trees.

"This can't be!" cried Brock.

"It's so gross!" whined Stella.

"I've always wanted to enter the mind of a Pokemon", said Bill. "But not like this! No wait. I'm already sharing the brain of my Rattata. So never mind what I said."

"So this is the place Ash has been living all these years", whispered Misty. "I hope he's still alive!"

"Don't worry Misty, we'll find him", said Cameron.

"And we also have to find a way out of this brain", said Jenny.

"And to fight off any invaders", said Bill.

"What invaders?" asked Jenny.

"Those coming right at us!" cried Bill as he pointed to the tiny little dots at the far distance that suddenly turned out to be miniature Mewtwos with razor sharp teeth.

"What are those things?!" gasped Stella.

"Those must be Mewtwo's mind minions", said Seymour with his knees shaking. "I believe that they're gonna feast on our bodies so only our thoughts, skills, and intellects will be left so that Mewtwo can absorb them into his own brain!"

"NO!" cried Misty. "I want to keep my intellect along with my body as well!"

"Clefairy, Clefable! Use your light screen to protect us!" cried Seymour as he released his two fairy Pokemon who created their light dome around our heroes. The Mini-Mewtwos tried to chomp through the light screen like mad but with no luck.

"Nice work Seymour", said Jenny. "That should keep us safe for now."

"Thank you", said Seymour. "But I'm afraid Clefairy and Clefable can't keep this screen up for long."

"Fairy, Fable!" said both Clefairy and Clefable trying really hard to protect their friends.

Just then they heard a voice call out. "Charizard, use your flamethrower attack!" A huge flying lizard flew out of the darkness and burned up half the Mewtwos turning them into black dust.

"That Charizard!" gasped Misty. "Could it be?" The surviving Mewtwos stopped biting at the light screen and stared angrily at Charizard and the shadows standing at the distance. They were in the shapes of giant Pokemon while the final shadow was in the shape of a teenage boy. The Mewtwos suddenly stopped attacking our heroes and started flying towards the shadows. Then both Clefairy and Clefable undid their light screen and fainted from exhaustion.

"Nice work you two", said Seymour as he pulled them back in their balls.

Just as the Mewtwo's were about to attack the shadows, the first shadow stepped out of the darkness and revealed itself as a huge tortoise with cannons on its shell. "Blastoise, use hydro pump now!" commanded the stranger. "BLASTOISE!" yelled Blastoise as it gushed out powerful jets of water at some of the Mewtwo's completely dampening them. Then another flock of Mini-Mewtwos came attacking.

"You're up next Venusaur", said the stranger. "Get 'em with your sleep powder!" "SAUR!" said the huge lizard with a giant flower on its back as it sprayed some pollen all over the Mewtwos putting them to sleep right next to the dampened ones.

"Okay Pidgeot, blow them away with a whirlwind!" commanded the stranger. The giant pigeon cooed as it flapped its wings hard blowing away the weakened Mini-Mewtwos to another part of the brain.

"Great job you guys!" said the stranger proudly as he recalled all four of his Pokemon back in their Pokeballs.

"That guy is amazing!" said Stella.

"He's got the same group of Pokemon Ash has" said Brock. "Only they're fully evolved!"

"I think I know who that is", thought Cameron smiling. Then the stranger stepped out of the shadows and approached our heroes.

"Hi guys", said the teen. "I just knew you'd find me one day."

"ASH!!!" cried Misty who got down on her knees in joy.

TO BE CONTINUED!

AUTHOR'S NOTES:

Well it finally happened. Our heroes have finally found their long lost friend only to be sent to the same trap he's been in for five years. Will they all escape Mewtwo's mad mind? And what will happen to poor Reiko who's now in the clutches of Jessie and James? And why didn't Slowking's mindzero attack work? For the answers to these and many more questions, stay tuned.

[Cullen]

The Incredible Poke-Odyssey chapter 23

How Ash Survived

Our heroes looked awestruck at the new 16 year old Ash who was slowly approaching them, especially a drooling Misty. Surviving five long years in Mewtwo's evil mind certainly had changed him. He was very tall and had huge muscles. His black hair was very shaggy and was done in a long ponytail in the back. He had a very handsome face and he was wearing a black tank top and faded blue jeans along with his Pokebelt and he had a large leather wristband on his right wrist that had all eight gym badges sewn to it.

He finally approached the group looking really tough and fierce. Misty, Brock, and Stella stood there nervously for they remembered the last time they saw him, they put him in a Mr. Mime suit and got him captured by Team Rocket. Ash reached out his arms and the three closed their eyes just waiting for the pain they knew they deserved. But instead, Ash was hugging them happily. Misty, Brock, and Stella became surprised, yet relieved.

"Misty, Brock, Stella!" cried Ash happily. "I thought I'd never see you guys again! I'm so glad you're here!" They all noticed that Ash was no longer speaking in that Rudolph sounding 10 year old voice, but in a deep sexy teenage voice like Jason Priestly or Luke Perry.

"Hey Brock", he said while shaking his hand tightly. "Have you been breeding any new Pokemon these past five years?"

"Uh, yes", said Brock confused but still smiling.

"And Stella", smiled Ash. "I hope that Team Rocket didn't completely ruin your show when they busted in and took me away."

"Uh, no. We made out the best we could", said Stella who also smiling while trying to keep back her tears.

"And Misty!" gasped Ash as he looked at how tall and sexy she became over the years. "Misty, Misty, Misty."

"Yes, yes, yes?!" asked Misty nervously.

"Uh, well", stuttered Ash. "I haven't forgotten that I owe you a bike. I'll try to get you one as soon as I can. Even if I have to make one by hand."

"Uh, thank you", said Misty secretly disappointed. For she really didn't care about that bike anymore. She was hoping that he'd say something else to her.

"And you must be the Pallet Jenny!" smiled Ash as he stared at the policewomen right behind the three.

"Why yes", said Jenny surprised. "How could you tell? I thought all Jennies looked alike to everyone."

"It says so on your name tag", smiled Ash.

"Oh yes", said Jenny blushing.

"I bet you do a fine job protecting my hometown and all my friends and mother", smiled Ash.

"Yeah, heh heh", said Jenny twiddling her thumbs.

"And I remember you", smiled Ash looking at the scientist. "You're Seymour Scientist. Are you still coming up with those neat poems?"

"I do my best, just put me to the test. I will not rest till I'm out of zest." Said Seymour sputtering out any words he could think of even though he was trapped in a scary mind.

"And just who owns this neat little Rattata?" smiled Ash as he bent down and petted the Rattata that looked a little annoyed.

"How many times do I have to tell people that I'm nobody's Pokemon?!" shouted Bill causing Ash to get thrown back.

"That Rattata talks!" said Ash shocked. "I thought Meowth was the only talking Pokemon."

"Please forgive me Ash", said the Rattata humbly. "I don't know if you remember me, but I'm Bill. You and your friends once visited me."

"I remember you Bill", said Ash. "You got stuck in that Kabuto costume. This new Rattata costume you're wearing is very realistic. How are you able to squeeze into such a small thing?"

"I'll tell you soon", said Bill. "When I'm in a better mood. Which'll be when I get my DNA chamber back"

Ash had no idea what Bill meant about that, but then he saw a new face with the group. He approached the boy who was smiling excitedly at him. "Hi", said Ash. "I don't think I've ever seen you before. But that hat you're wearing I recognize."

"Oh yes", said Cameron as he took off the hat and handed it back to Ash. "Here you go", he whispered. "Your mother asked me to return this to you."

A tear formed in Ash's eye as he took the hat and placed it back on his head. "Good ol' Mom", he sighed. "Thanks kid."

"Your welcome", said Cameron excitedly. "My name is Cameron Fusterman and you're my hero."

"I'm someone's hero?" asked Ash surprised.

"Yes", whispered Cameron. "I want to become the world's greatest Pokemon master like you."

Ash started blushing uncontrollably. "Uh, thanks for the vote of confidence kid", he stuttered. "But I don't really think of myself as the world's greatest Pokemon master. If I could only get out of this lame brain, I could work on that."

"We're sorry Ash", sighed Misty. "We tried to form a rescue party, but it sort of blew up in our faces."

"I'm just sorry that you all became Mewtwo's victims", said Ash. "Let's all go to a safer place before Mewtwo starts creating more mind minions. Follow me everyone."

"Where are we going?" asked Brock.

"To New Pallet", smiled Ash. Everyone became confused as they followed Ash to dead end. He lifted up one of the brain cells and revealed a secret entrance. "Ladies first", he said to Misty.

"Uh, no thanks", said Misty nervously. "Stella, Jenny, you both are much more lady like than me. You go first."

"Thanks a lot", grumbled Stella as she stepped through.

"A policewoman's work is never done", sighed Jenny as she stepped through also.

When all of our friends had stepped through the entrance. They found themselves in what looked like a small village. There were tiny little houses with people waving hello to them. And a sign that said, WELCOME TO NEW PALLET. POPULATION, 23. "Yep", said Ash proudly. "I named this place after my old hometown."

"Hi Ash", said a red headed teenage guy who approached the group. "I see you found us some more citizens to add to our growing town. Welcome to New Pallet everyone."

"Guys, this is my friend Ryan", said Ash. "He was the third victim of Mewtwo's mindjail beam. Now he's my second in command here."

"Yep", said Ryan. "Five years ago I heard about a mysterious powerful Pokemon that lived in a mansion on the now deserted Cinnabar Island. Being a Pokemon trainer like Ash, I wanted to try and capture it. Unfortunately, it captured me instead. I would've been lost forever in this evil mind until Ash came and took me to this safe place."

"You mean Mewtwo doesn't know you're all here?" asked Cameron.

"That's right", smiled Ash. "You see, this part of the brain is where some of Mewtwo's lost memories wind up. I stumbled onto it the first day I came here. Mewtwo must've passed by a village one day and completely forgotten all about it. Ever since then, I've been going out on patrol every day looking for more victims of the dreaded mindjail beam and bringing them back here in this safe haven from Mewtwo's minions."

"Wow!" gasped Misty. "You've truly become a rebel hero."

"Uh, thanks Misty", said Ash blushing.

"Where did you get those cool clothes?" asked Stella.

"We get them from Lulu over there", smiled Ash pointing to the woman sitting on her porch surrounded by 3 Weedles and 3 Beedrills. "Lulu and her Pokemon are talented tailors. How about showing them Lulu?"

"You heard the man guys", smiled Lulu. The Weedles nodded and started shooting out colored silk that the Beedrills gathered up with their needled front ends. Our heroes became amazed as they watched the Beedrills knit something up quickly. It was 3 T-shirts that had pictures of a Bulbasaur, Chamander, and Squirtle on them.

"How about that?!" said Brock amazed. "Beedrills that know how to knit."

"What do you all do for food?" asked Jenny.

"Luckily, Mewtwo thinks of food a lot", smiled Ash. "And he usually gets a craving right around 5:30." And he looked at his watch. "Get ready everybody!" he shouted out to all the villagers. They all rushed into their houses, came back out with forks and pots and gathered around a huge X that was in the center of the village.

"Counting down", said both Ash and Ryan. "5, 4, 3, 2, 1!" and suddenly something started to fall from the brain cell filled sky. It was a huge clump of spaghetti and meatballs. It landed splat right onto the X while sauce splattered on everyone while they all cheered.

"Dinner is served", smiled Ash. "And you're in luck on your first day here. Mewtwo's thinking about spaghetti!"

"Amazing", said Seymour while polishing the sauce from his glasses.

"What a neat way to get a meal", smiled Cameron also polishing his glasses.

"You won't be saying that on Mondays", said Ryan. "Those days Mewtwo gets a craving for, YECCCHH! Tuna Casserole!"

Bill took a huge bite of the spaghetti and said. "This is cold! Does Mewtwo always like his food cold?"

"He just doesn't think about warming up his food thoughts", smiled Ash. "But I know how to fix that", and he released his Charizard right in front of the spaghetti. "Okay Charizard", he commanded. "How about warming up our dinner?"

"CHAR!" smiled Charizard as it breathed a small fire not burning the spaghetti, but making it warm and ready to eat. All the villagers started scooping the spaghetti into their pots and taking it back to their homes.

"Nice work Charizard", smiled Ash as he fed him a meatball. "You earned it."

"Char!" smiled Charizard as it slurped Ash's face leaving a spaghetti stain on his face.

"Wow", said Misty. "In the old days, your Charizard never liked nor listened to you. Now it seems like you're both friends again."

"Well, we all suffered traumatizing and painful experiences in this evil brain for the past five years." Said Ash. "So me and my Pokemon were forced to work together as a team and eventually, Charizard learned to respect me. Right Charry?"

"Char!" smiled Charizard as it gave Ash a small hot foot.

"Ow, ow, ow, ow!" said Ash jumping up and down putting his foot out. "Tell me, how do you like this, eh?" Then he grabbed Charizard by the horns and tossed him on the ground. Our heroes became worried, but then saw Ash and Charizard laughing out loud while hugging each other.

"I guess boys will be boys", smiled Bill.

"CHOW TIME!!!" shouted a voice. They all turned around and saw a crazy man running like mad to the spaghetti pile and sticking his face into it like a gopher.

"Must you always embarrass me like that in front of newcomers?" sighed Ash as he pulled the man's head out of the spaghetti. Cameron suddenly recognized the man.

"Giovanni?!" asked Cameron. Sure enough it was Giovanni with a sauce stained face. He wasn't the same business suit wearing mob boss. He was dressed only in a white undershirt with yellow and white striped boxer shorts. He had let his hair grow long and was wearing his necktie like a headband.

"Hi babe!" he said looking crazy-eyed at Misty. "I'm Gio, New Pallet's hottest bachelor. Wanna give me a welcome kiss?" and he grabbed Misty's arms and moved his garlic smelling lips to hers.

"No, don't!" pleaded Misty trying to push him away with her foot but couldn't. Then Ash grabbed Gio by the shirt and threw him onto the ground.

"Do something like that again, and it's no bedtime stories for a week!" scolded Ash.

"No, I wanna find out if the 3 Snorlaxes find Goldilocks in Baby's bed!" cried Gio. "Okay, I'll be a good boy!" and he sat on the ground while folding his hands like an angel.

"Are you okay Misty?" asked Ash as he touched Misty's shoulders checking her out.

"Yeah, I'm fine", she whispered, "Thank you." Then both Ash and Misty looked at each other secretly blushing.

"I can't believe that this was the same Giovanni who was the all mighty, intimidating boss of Team Rocket", said Cameron looking at Gio who was busy cutting his toenail with his teeth.

"I guess being trapped inside his own Pokemon really drove him mad", sighed Ash. "We've all been trying to snap him out of it but with no success. At least he keeps things lively around here."

"Say, have any of you new guys seen a Persian?" asked Gio. Stella took out a Pokeball and remembered that the Persian she now owned was actually Giovanni's. She was about to reunite them until Gio spoke out. "I just love Persians. Especially with ketchup." Stella then put the ball back in her pocket realizing that it may not be a good idea to reunite them.

Ash had gathered up a large amount of spaghetti and invited our heroes back to his house for dinner. His house was located around the edge of New Pallet and it looked almost like his Mom's old house. He opened the door and let everyone inside.

"Where's all your furniture?" asked Misty. Sure enough, the entire house was empty, except for a sleeping bag and pictures on the floor that consisted of Ash with his friends and Mom, and one with him and Pikachu.

"I guess Mewtwo didn't have any memories of the insides of these houses", said Ash. "So that means no furniture. But that's okay. That means there's more room for me and my Pokemon." He smiled as he released Charizard, Blastoise, Venusaur, and Pidgeot who were all ready for some dinner as well.

"PI!" called out a cute little voice from the sleeping bag. "Yes, it's dinner time little buddy", smiled Ash. "Come on out and dig in." And out crawled what looked like a purple Eevee with a jewel on its head.

"What a cutie!" smiled Misty as she picked up the new Pokemon while Cameron aimed his Pokedex at it.

"ESPEON, the psychic form of Eevee", replied Dexeena. "Nobody knows for sure how an Eevee becomes an Espeon.

"It's just like how that Eevee in Lavender Town became an Umbreon", said Cameron.

"Exactly", said Dexeena. Cameron looked puzzled at his Pokedex wondering if it was actually alive.

"I've heard about Espeons", said Bill. "I just never thought I'd actually see one."

"He was an Eevee when I first found him a couple of years ago while scouting around this brain", said Ash. "He must've crossed Mewtwo's path one day and got mindjailed. I took him back with me and we became friends. Then sometime later, he suddenly evolved into this new Pokemon."

"I believe Eevee was exposed to all this psychic energy in Mewtwo's mind forcing his molecules to evolve him into an Espeon", said Seymour as he took out his pad and pencil. "Very fascinating."

Our heroes had let out all their Pokemon so they could join Ash and his Pokemon for their first meal in Mewtwo's mind prison. Cameron was plopping little bits of spaghetti and meatballs into Aero's Pokeball for he knew Aero was too big to fit into Ash's house and he also remembered that Ash had a frightening experience with an Aerodactyl in a certain episode.

While they were eating, Ash was looking through the Pokemon anime album that Cameron had given him. "I can't believe that I'm a cartoon hero in another world", Ash said as he was reading about the time he and Pikachu battled Lt. Surge. "That Lt. Surge was one tough gym leader."

"I'll say", said Cameron. "Right Sandy?"

"Shrew!" said Sandy with a sauce stained smile.

"You and your Sandshrew sure seem like a great team Cameron", said Ash. "Was he your very first Pokemon?"

"Yes he was", said Cameron remembering the day he first got transported into the Pokemon world, got captured by Team Rocket and how Sandy popped up and freed him. "Ever since that day, we've became quite a team along with my other team of great Pokemon. Right guys?!"

"Vile, Slow, Phan, BUZZ EL BUZZ!" said all of Cameron's Pokemon while busy eating.

"They all look great", said Ash. "And by the looks of them, I'll bet they've won lots of tough battles."

"Yes", smiled Cameron. "So far they've earned me 7 gym badges. All I need is the EarthBadge and I'll have them all."

"Congratulations, but I'm afraid you may not be able to get that last one", said Ash. "Old Gio was the EarthBadge gym leader and you saw the condition he's in now. I don't think you'll be getting a battle out of him."

"But I see an EarthBadge sewn to your wristband", said Cameron. "So you must've gotten it back from him somehow."

"Gio became so depressed and grieved after being imprisoned here that he gave me back the EarthBadge", said Ash. "Yes, here I am. Ash Ketchum. Winner of all 8 gym badges, but with no way to compete in the Pokemon League games."

Cameron and the others became silent thinking about the life Ash had to live. "But don't worry", he smiled. "I've learned to make the best of it. And helping other trainers who got caught by Mewtwo gives me a purpose in my life. And I'm so happy to see you all again. But I'm sorry that you might be spending the rest of your lives here though."

Brock stood up mumbling madly while tears poured out of his closed eyes. "Brock, what's wrong?" asked Stella.

"Please don't feel sad Brock", said Ash. "We'll all help you make the best of things here."

"It's not that!" shouted Brock. "Ash, I want you to hit me!"

"Hit you?!" gasped Ash while everyone gasped as well.

"HIT ME!!!" cried Brock as he pointed at his guilty face. "I was the one that put you in that Mr. Mime costume and got you kidnapped by Team Rocket in the first place! It's my fault you're living this jailed life! So don't pretend you're glad to see me! Hit me and give me what I deserve!!!" and Brock closed his eyes, (If they weren't closed already!)

Instead of a hit, Brock felt a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Brock", said Ash calmly. "I don't want to hit you. You're one of my best friends and nothing'll ever change that."

"What?!" asked Brock. "You're not one bit mad at what I've done to you?"

"I admit, at first I blamed you the first few days I was trapped here", explained Ash. "But then I soon realized that blaming someone never solves anything. So I decided to dedicate my life to taking care of Gio and all my other new friends here. To tell you the truth, I was hoping that none of you would come and find me. That way Mewtwo wouldn't be able to catch any of you as well."

"Well I'm sorry I let you down again Ash", whined Brock. "For now we've all been caught."

"If you really want to make it up to me, you can stop blaming yourself", said Ash. "I understand you did all of this just to impress a girl like Stella. And it looks like it worked. You sly dog you!" He said while winking and nudging Brock's arm.

"Thank you Ash", said Brock while hugging his friend. "I now can get on with my life knowing that you've forgiven me and we're friends again." Everyone smiled at the touching scene, except for Stella.

"It wasn't really Brock's fault Ash", said Stella sadly. "I started this whole mess by mistreating my Mr. Mime in the first place. Then when you put on that Mr. Mime suit, I whipped you, yelled at you, and got you captured by Team Rocket when I stopped you from speaking out. I'm the one that deserves to get hit!"

"No, don't you say that either", said Ash. "Like I said, I no longer have any grudges. Besides it was a good thing you trained me to be a Mr. Mime. Those acrobat skills you put me through gave me the strength and agility to defend myself against Mewtwo's mind minions. I just hoped you learned to treat your original Mr. Mime better after that."

"Oh, Mr. Mime!" cried Stella as she covered her face to hide her sadness.

"Did something happen to Mr. Mime?" asked Ash.

"He and her other circus Pokemon were stolen by Team Rocket the day you disappeared", said Brock.

"That's terrible", said Ash. "But didn't Pikachu try to shock those Rockets to death? Come to think about it, where's Pikachu? Why didn't you bring him along with you? He's not...not....."

"Sit down Ash", said Misty. "There are a few things we want to fill you on." So Ash sat down while his friends told him the story on how Team Rocket took away Pikachu, imprisoned Pallet Town and enslaved all the people causing his friends and his own mother to hide out in the sewers. As they slowly told Ash the story, they could see Ash's smile turn into a frown while his teeth were showing. His eyebrows dropped down making his angry look, and veins started to form on his head.

"THEY DID ALL THAT?!!!" growled Ash he started bulking up with rage just like Goku does on Dragonball Z. "Oh, those ?#$!& Rockets! It was bad enough when they chased us all over the world trying to nab my poor Pikachu and when they finally do, they capture my town and hurt all the people I love! That does it! I've gotta get out of this blasted brain NOW!!!" And he stormed out the door and started pounding on the brain cell ground. "Let me out of this brain you stupid Mewtwo!" he screamed. "You hear me! I'm gonna kill you from the inside if you don't let me out!" All the villagers rushed outside and watched their leader with question marks over their heads.

"Ash, what are you doing?!" cried Ryan. "Mewtwo's minions are sure to find us if you keep causing all this commotion."

"I don't care!" shouted Ash. "I just want out of this brain!"

"Cool", called out Gio. "Some of me is rubbing off of him!" and he started pounding on the ground as well while the villagers tried to hold him down while Brock and Jenny tried to restrain Ash.

"Ash, calm down!" said Jenny.

"I want my Pikachu and my Mamma!" cried Ash as more of his friends tried to restrain him. Cameron was watching the whole thing from the house feeling sorry for his hero. He looked down at his Pokemon and spoke to Slowking.

"Oh, Slowie", sighed Cameron. "If only your mindzero attack did work. I just don't understand what happened. Have you learned so many new attacks that you've forgotten mindzero? Or has evolving into a Slowking altered your memories making you forget mindzero?

"Slowking?" asked Slowie as the word mindzero started dancing around in his head. Suddenly Slowie started to grow brightly. Cameron stared with his mouth wide open as Slowie started to levitate right in front of him. "Slow!" said Slowie as it started to release a strange white energy that suddenly started to make the entire house disappear leaving him, Cameron, and the rest of his Pokemon standing in total whiteness.

"Say Ash", called out Lulu. "I think your house is disappearing!" Ash suddenly stopped pounding the ground as he and the others looked up and saw the white shadow that seemed to eat up the entire scenery. Suddenly, the entire village was getting erased leaving only the people and their Pokemon.

"Cameron, what is that Pokemon of yours doing?!" shouted Ash.

"I think he's using mindzero", said Cameron.

"So that's what it does", said Seymour jotting everything down on his notepad.

"It's eating our sanctuary!" shouted Gio in a panic. "No, this can't happen! I wanted to eat it!" The entire village gathered around and held each other tightly as they watched New Pallet vanish leaving them in total whiteness.

* * * * * *

Mewtwo was laid back in his chair letting his delicious spaghetti dinner digest when he suddenly felt a strange headache. "Whoah! Ice cream headache coming on", he said while clutching his head. "Wait a minute", he said. "I don't like ice cream. What's going on?!" Suddenly, his headache started to get worse like something was eating away at every thought and memory.

"Whatever it is you're all doing in there, STOP IT!" shouted Mewtwo. "I MEAN IT!" Then Mewtwo started running around the room clutching his head while screaming in pain.

"I can't take it!" he shouted. "Get out of my head this instant!" And he released a psychic beam and all of his captives were released onto the floor. Then Mewtwo fainted.

"I can't believe it", Ash said while slowly smiling. "We're all out! We're free!"

"It finally happened!" cheered Ryan and Lulu while they were dancing around. "WE"RE FREE!" All the villagers cheered as well for the miracle they thought would never happened just happened.

"Way to go Slowie!" shouted Cameron as he hugged his happy Slowking who was still clueless at what he did but was happy anyway.

"Wow, Sabrina's mindzero attack did work after all", said Misty. "I'm sorry I insulted her."

"It appears that mindzero could only work from the inside of Mewtwo's brain", said Seymour.

"So Slowie couldn't use it when we were outside", said Brock.

"Which means we all had to get ourselves captured to defeat Mewtwo", said Bill.

"Who cares", shouted Stella. "We're all free! And that awful Mewtwo is no more!"

"I wouldn't count on that!" said an angry voice. Everyone turned around and saw an enraged Mewtwo levitating with glowing red eyes.

"Everyone run for it!" shouted Jenny as they all headed for the door until Mewtwo psychically shut it.

"Oh, please don't leave now!" shouted Mewtwo. "I would so love to get revenge on all of you!"

"There's no way you're gonna pull us back into your fat head!" shouted Ash.

"And have you do that same painful thing to me again?" asked Mewtwo. "I don't think so! I'm just gonna destroy all of you right here and now!" and he started shooting psychic energy out of his eyes getting ready to hit everyone. Espeon suddenly jumped in front of Mewtwo and formed a reflect dome protecting everyone from the attacks.

"My little Espeon", said Ash. "You musn't do this! You'll waste all your energy trying to protect us all from that monster!"

"No, let your little bunny keep protecting you", said Mewtwo. "It'll be a fun challenge for me to destroy this pathetic shield to show that there's no protection from me!" And he started firing his psychic blasts once again trying to break the dome.

"PSYDUCK!" quacked out a voice from behind Mewtwo causing him to stop his attacks. There was Psyduck putting up his claws ready to defend his beloved Misty and friends.

"Psyduck, how did you get over there?!" shouted Misty from inside the dome. "And how did you get out of your Pokeball for that matter?"

"So this silly little quack is your last minute savior, eh?" laughed Mewtwo. "All right Psyduck, give me your best shot."

"Psy?" thought Psyduck trying to think of an attack and then thought of one. He turned around and used tail whip. But it didn't do anything except make Mewtwo laugh.

"That's not gonna defeat the world's dangerous Pokemon Psyduck!" shouted Misty. "Use something like hydro pump!"

"Psy", said Psyduck as he squirted a tiny bit of water onto Mewtwo's toe. "Thank you my dear duck", he smiled. "That certainly cooled down the hangnail I had pulled out this morning. Let me give you a reward." And he shot a tiny blast of psychic energy at Psyduck knocking him into the wall.

"Oh no, Psyduck!" cried Misty who tried to run to him but crashed into Espeon's reflect dome.

"And now for some duck soup", laughed Mewtwo as he slowly approached Psyduck. But all the psychic energy that hit Psyduck started to effect him wildly. An angry Psyduck stood up and started to change.

"I don't believe it", gasped Brock. "Your Psyduck is evolving!"

"You mean finally?!" gasped Misty. And sure enough, Psyduck was now a brand new duck. He was as tall as Misty, had blue skin, a crown shaped head with a jewel on it and he had long arms with sharp webbed hands. He let out a loud, "GOL!" Both Ash and Cameron aimed their Pokedexes at the new duck.

"GOLDUCK, the evolved form of Psyduck", said both Dexter and Dexeena. "Often seen swimming elegantly in lake shores, it is often mistaken for the Japanese monster, Kappa."

"Amazing", said an awestruck Ash. "Your Pokedex is a female while mine's a male!"

"You're still clueless as ever Ash", sighed Misty as she gazed at her new Golduck.

"Ha!" scoffed Mewtwo. "Do you actually think this new blue you can defeat me?! We'll just see." And he started to launch another psychic blast at Golduck. But Golduck just smiled and released a powerful confusion attack sending the psychic blast back at Mewtwo hurling him into the fireplace.

"HOT, HOT, HOT, HOT!" shouted Mewtwo as he ran around trying to put out the fire on his butt. "Why you foolish little bird!" he shouted angrily. "Now feel the extent of my full power!" And he was about to charge himself up until he curiously saw the jewel on Golduck's forehead glowing brightly.

"But first, I think I'll relieve you of that pretty jewel", said Mewtwo as he was about to rip it off Golduck's head. Suddenly, a powerful beam shot out from the jewel hitting Mewtwo in the face and knocking him into a bookshelf causing it to smash and knocking Mewtwo out completely.

"That's a full hyper beam attack!" shouted Seymour. "I never knew that duck had it in him."

"But of course", smiled Misty. "After all, I am his trainer."

"Well why did it take so many years to get him to evolve then?" smiled Ash. Misty just slyly bopped him on the head. "Oh how I missed doing that to him", she sighed.

Espeon saw that the danger was over and undid his reflect power. "Nice work Espeon", smiled Ash as he picked up the tired Pokemon and patted his head.

"And you too Golduck!" shouted Misty as she ran up to her new duck. "GOL!" cried Golduck happily then tripped, fell on his head, and started holding it in pain. "PSY-YAI-YAI!" he cried in his old Psyduck voice.

"You may look strong and pretty on the outside, but on the inside you're still my favorite headache", sighed Misty as she kissed the top of Golduck's bill. "Gol!" he said while blushing.

"Is Mewtwo out for the count?" asked Cameron pointing to the book buried Mewtwo. Ash cautiously approached the unconscious monster and checked him over.

"It looks like he broke his neck when he hit that bookshelf", said Ash. "Ladies and Gentlemen, the nightmare know as Mewtwo is no more."

"HOORAY!" shouted the entire group while they all cheered again. Normally, most of the trainers would never cheer when someone dies, but in Mewtwo's case, they made a happy exception.

* * * * * *

Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres suddenly woke up and wondered where they were. Now that Mewtwo was dead, his power over the birds had disappeared. All 3 of them quickly flew out of the mansion and flew off to their secretly hidden homes.

* * * * * *

Everyone had stepped outside of the mansion gazing at the blue sky, the blue sea, and smelling the fresh air. "I'd never thought I'd see the blue sky and sea again", said Ash. "They remind me of the color of your eyes Misty."

"Oh, that's so sweet Ash", cried Misty as she gave him a kiss.

"You, you kissed me!" said Ash surprised. "I thought that would be the last thing you'd ever do to me in our entire lives."

"Hey, it's a day for miracles", smiled Misty. "But don't forget, you still owe me a bike though!"

"Hmmm, the day of miracles isn't over yet", smiled Ash. They looked into each other's eyes and were about to kiss again, until Brock draped his arms over both of them.

"It's so great to have this old trio reunited!" he said happily.

"Yeah, sure it is", said both Ash and Misty smiling and blushing.

"How about us?!" called out Bill who was with Cameron, Stella, Seymour, and Jenny. "Can your trio become an eightsome?" and they all rushed over to the three friends and gave each other a group hug.

"This is the happiest day of my life!" said Ash with tears in his eyes. "Except for hearing about Team Rocket and learning about what they did to all the people I love! How I want to get even with them!"

"Well then why don't we all go back to Pallet and defeat them once and for all?" asked Cameron.

"We can do that?!" smiled Ash. "Then let's get going!"

"We can't", said Jenny. "We still haven't found a cavalry yet."

"Ash", called out Ryan who was with Lulu and all the other freed trainers. "You've helped us all survive these past five years and now we want to help you. We'll all be your cavalry and help you defeat this Team Rocket that's caused you all this pain."

"You guys would really do that for me?!" asked Ash.

"But of course", smiled Lulu. "After battling Mewtwo's mind minions for years, our Pokemon have gotten pretty strong. Strong enough to take down a few Rockets, right Beeswax?"

"BZZZZZ!" said a Beedrill who was hovering next to Lulu.

"Thank you my friends", smiled Ash. "I'll never forget any of you."

"Now how about leading the way Ash?" said Ryan as he saluted him.

"You got it", said Ash proudly as he released his Pidgeot. Ryan also took out a Pokeball and released a Lapras into the water. Then Ryan helped Lulu onto Lapras's armored back and got on as well. Everyone also released their flying and water Pokemon and got on their backs ready to follow their leader Ash. And finally Cameron released Aero while his friends got on her back.

"That's, that's an Aerodactyl, isn't it?!" said Ash nervously.

"Oh, I'm sorry Ash", said Cameron. "I know about the scary experience you had with an Aerodactyl once. But this is a different one. She was once a friendly Zubat who suddenly mutated into the same friendly Aerodactyl. Show him you're friendly Aero."

"AERO!" cawed Aero as she slurped Ash with her huge tongue. "Ha, Ha, Okay I believe you!" he laughed. "You are a friendly Aerodactyl", and he petted Aero's snout.

"You wanna ride with us Ash?" asked Misty. "There's plenty of room."

"No thanks", said Ash. "I'd prefer riding my Pidgeot. But you're welcome to ride with me Misty. How about it Pidgeot?" Pidgeot smiled and cooed at Misty wanting her to get on.

"I hope you don't mind Cameron", said Misty as she got off of Aero's back.

"No, not at all", smiled Cameron. "How about you Aero?"

"Aero!" smiled Aero for she and Cameron knew why Misty wanted to ride on Pidgeot. Ash helped Misty on to Pidgeot's back and got on behind her circling his muscular arms around her waist. Misty blushed as Ash commanded Pidgeot to fly them north to Pallet Town. Cameron and the others followed after them on Aero while all the other trainers and their Pokemon flew and swam after them on their way to free their leader's home town.

* * * * * *

Back at the mansion, Gio secretly crawled out from under a chair and saw the dead body of Mewtwo on the floor. He said nothing. He just took out a Pokeball and sucked Mewtwo's body into it. Then Gio ran out of the mansion, released his Kangaskhan into the water and jumped into her pouch. "Use your surf power K.K." commanded Gio happily.

"KHAN!" said Kangaskhan as she twirled her long tail like a boat motor and surfed off using her big feet like water skis.

"Wait for your beloved village idiot!" called out Gio as he tried to catch up with the group.

* * * * * *

Back at Rocketville, Meowth was having a fun time interrogating poor Reiko. He had corks in his ears while scratching his nails on a chalkboard. Reiko, who was tied tight to a chair, flinched in pain at the horrible screeching noises. "Are you now gonna tell us where those rebels went to or am I gonna have to hurt this poor chalkboard some more?" shouted Meowth.

"NO!" shouted Reiko with tears in her eyes. "Like the PLEASE STAND BY logo that cuts off the sound from your favorite TV show. You will never get me to talk!"

"I couldn't hear what you just said, but it sounded like a no to me!" laughed Meowth as he started scratching some more.

"I must be strong!" thought Reiko through the sadistic torture. "And you must be strong too Cameron-san. Wherever you are!" Little did she know was that her favorite guy would be coming back to her.

* * * * * *

Meanwhile in a control room, Jessie and James were back in their royal clothes and were monitoring the sewers. Jessie kept turning the dial and discovered something interesting in the southern section. It was a group of people who looked like hidden rebels to her. "I think we've hit the jackpot my dear James", smiled Jessie evily.

"I did too", smiled James. "I found a magical sewer filled with brownies floating in a sea of lemonade. Can we go there and collect some?!"

Jessie just groaned and walked over to her collection of mallets.

TO BE CONTINUED

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

Well, Ash is finally free and is reunited with our heroes. But can he and his new friends free Pallet Town and defeat the Rockets before they do anything even worse? Stay tuned.

[Cullen]

The Incredible Poke-Odyssey chapter 24

Wall Fall Down

Cameron and his friends had finally freed Ash from the evil Mewtwo and they were taking him and his loyal followers back to his home town of Pallet to free it from Team Rocket once and for all. When they finally got there, Ash became shocked and hurt at the sight he saw. A giant electric wall was surrounding his dear hometown.

"I can't believe Jessie and James could do this!" moaned Ash.

"We couldn't believe it either", said Brock. "I guess you never know what evil can be capable of sometimes."

"I tell you", shouted Ash. "If those rotten jerks have harmed a hair on my Mom and Pikachu, I'll..." and he started to charge at the wall until Misty tackled him.

"No Ash!" she cried. "You'll become dead if you set one finger on that wall!"

"Who cares!" cried Ash. "At least I'll be dead and inside the town. Let me through! Let me through!" Misty quickly calmed Ash down by slapping him hard.

"Thanks Misty", said Ash embarrassed. "I needed that."

"Anytime", smiled Misty.

"I guess this is the time your Electabuzz is supposed to save the day Cameron", said Bill.

"That's right", said Cameron as he took out Buzz's ball. "The Vermilion soldier said that Buzz would be able to take down that wall."

"But what about all those bad Growlithes and Arcanines that are always guarding that wall?" said Stella. "If we take it away, they're sure to attack us."

"Not unless we get 'em with an army of water Pokemon", said Misty as she released Staryu, Starmie, Seaking, Seadra, Poliwag, and her newly evolved Golduck. Cameron released Slowking, Ash his Blastoise, Brock his Omanyte, Stella her Kabuto, Jenny her Kabutops, Seymour his Wartortle and Omastar, and all of the other members of Ash's cavalry had released their water Pokemon as well. Including Ash's second in command Ryan who just released his Lapras.

"And now to release Buzz", said Cameron as he took another ball from his belt.

"Wait Cameron", said Seymour. "Before you release Buzz, I have something I want to say to Jenny."

"What is it Seymour?" she asked.

"Just in case we don't make it, I want you to hear this poem I wrote especially for you", said Seymour shyly blushing.

"Oh really?" smiled Jenny who was also blushing as Seymour started his poem.

"There are ladies called Jennies who are long arms of the law.
They're pretty, tough as nails and are quick on the draw.
They protect our hometowns from evil and fear.
We are so thankful to have them near.
But the Pallet Town Jenny I think is the best of course.
She's the most special one they've got on the force.
She's brave, strong, lovely, and smart.
Though she's no thief, she's already stolen my heart."

"Oh Seymour!" cried Jenny with tears in her eyes. "Oh will you look at what you did to me?! You've made an officer of the law cry!"

"Uh, sorry Jenny", said Seymour nervously.

"Don't be my sweet scientist", smiled a tear filled Jenny and started reciting her own poem.

"I use to be serious, no-nonsense and gruff.
I had no time for that mushy romance stuff.
Until the day I met you my funny science man.
You've touched me in ways no other man can.
You like what I like and you want to please me.
You show me neat things and never ever tease me.
Now I can release the girl that's hidden under this blue.
I can just be a civilian whenever I'm near you."

"Jenny, I.. I don't know what to say!" said Seymour with tears of joy in his eyes as well.

"You have the right to remain silent", smiled Jenny as she silenced him by kissing him long and good. Everyone stood there smiling at the happy sight.

"Don't we all have an electric wall to take down?!" said Jenny as she broke off the kiss and stared angrily at all the spectators.

"Oh yes", said Cameron blushing as he released his Electabuzz. "Buzz, can you help us remove this huge wall?"

"BUZZZZZZZ!" whispered Buzz as he gazed at the huge 80 foot wall made of delicious electricity. He slowly started to approach the wall.

"No Buzz, you can't touch it!" cried Cameron as he tried to hold him back. Buzz just gave his master a tiny zap knocking him down. Then Buzz took a deep breath and started to suck up some of the electricity that was radiating from the wall.

"There's no way a little guy like him can eat that whole wall", said Misty.

"Then why is that wall suddenly shrinking?" asked Brock as he pointed to the top. Sure enough the wall started to shrink, then grow back a little, and then shrink some more. Everyone became amazed at the big appetite that little Electabuzz had.

"Wow!" said Cameron as he got back up. "I wonder how many times a day Lt. Surge fed it?!"

"He probably rarely fed it", said Seymour. "That's why Buzz's hunger is so large."

"I wonder if Pikachu could get that ability", said Ash. "Don't worry Pikachu, I'll soon be on my way to you." He thought as he watched the wall shrink some more.

* * * * * *

Back at the palace, Jessie and James were still mercilessly torturing poor Reiko and having a good time with her. They were laughing evily while Reiko was laughing too. Mainly because they had her shackled to a tickle bed. Electronic feather dusters were tickling under her arms, robot hands were pinching her knees and little Growlithe's were slurping her bare feet.

"Don't you just hate us?!" James snickered.

"Now are you going to tell us where your little boytoy and his band of rebels are?" demanded Jessie.

"HA HA HEE HEE HEE!" laughed Reiko. "NO! I still will not betray Cameron-san! HA HA HA!"

"If only you were still loyal like this to me", sighed Jessie. "Oh well!"

She touched the dial on the bed and was about to increase the tickle power to sudden death until Meowth called out. "Hey guys, I'd think you'd better come look at this!"

"What is it Meowth?" said Jessie annoyed. "Can't you see I'm about to end someone's life through wonderful laughter?!"

"I think you should look at this Jess", said James as he pointed to the monitor Meowth was near. Jessie approached it and saw a disturbing scene. Their beautiful electric wall they were so proud of was shrinking rapidly.

"MY WALL!" screamed Jessie. "What's happening to it?! Who is responsible?!"

"Guess who", said Meowth as he aimed the cursor at a kid and enlarged the picture.

"FUSTERMAN!!" growled Jessie as she saw her little nemesis with his trusty Electabuzz who was sucking up the huge wall.

"Cameron-san?!" cried Reiko who was finally able to open her eyes after all that painful tickling and saw the joyous sight on the monitor.

"I can't believe this!" shouted Jessie. "That little twerp's even worse than that first twerp!"

"Speaking of that first twerp", said James. "Check out that guy who's next to him." They looked and saw a teen with black hair and a very familiar looking hat. Jessie enlarged the picture again until all you could see was the teen's face.

"KETCHUM!!" growled Jessie in an ever bigger growl.

"Wow, he's certainly grown up over the years", said James. "He look's so different."

"I can't tell", said Meowth. "All you humans look the same to me."

"Who cares what he looks like or how old he is now!" shouted Jessie. "Just look at the muscles on that former twerp! No doubt he's gonna bust in here and take back his Pikachu! We've gotta stop all of them!" and she quickly turned on the intercom.

"Listen up every last one of you Rockets!" she shouted. "We've got some unwelcome intruders who're about to break into our town and take it away from us. So I want all of you to take out any dirty rebel you first see and I don't mean take them out on dates either! Now get out there and defend your beloved monarchs!"

* * * * * *

Meanwhile, the electric wall was finally no more. Cameron looked down at his Electabuzz who had an extremely bloated stomach and a big staticky smile on his face.

"Nice work Buzz", praised Cameron. "But are you all right?" Buzz replied with a shocking belch that caused Cameron's hair to stick up.

"So this is what those rotten Rockets did to my town", said Ash quietly as he stared at his once beautiful town which was now covered with smog, no green grass or trees, and most of the familiar houses replaced with ugly factories.

"We're sorry this happened Ash", said Misty hugging his arm. "It was a nightmare for all of us too."

"Well I'm here to wake everyone up from this nightmare!" growled Ash as he started slamming his fist into his hand many times. "Come my loyal followers. Let's win back my town!"

"Which may not be as easy as it sounds", said Bill as he hid behind Cameron's legs and pointed to the town. Everyone looked in fear at what they saw. A whole pack of Growlithes and Arcanines were charging while breathing out fire.

"Just as I predicted", said Stella while hiding behind her Kabuto.

"Which is why we got water power on our side", smiled Misty. "Right guys?" All the water Pokemon that had just been released complied by using their water gun, bubble, bubblebeam, surf, waterfall, and hydro pump attacks at the charging dogs. They were able to take out the small Growlithes but the giant sized Arcanines were another story. The Arcanines had used their fire blast attacks to turn all the water attacks into steam.

"Surfs up dudes!" called out a voice. Everyone immediately got out of the way for a huge wave started coming their way. And riding on top of it was Lapras and on top of Lapras was Ryan.

"That's the biggest surf attack I've ever seen!" said Bill amazed. And it was true. That huge wave splashed on all those giant dogs putting out their fiery breath and knocking them out. Ryan and Lapras smiled as they watched all their friends holding up cards that say 10 and 9.5 on them.

* * * * * *

Misty and Brock were now leading our heroes to an open manhole cover. "Will this hole lead us to my Mom?" asked Ash.

"Yes Ash", said Brock. "Over the years your Mom, Prof. Oak, Misty, Stella and I have started an underground resistance force where we help out poor citizens who've been tormented by Rockets."

"Oh how I'd like to break each and every one of those Rockets' necks!" grumbled Ash.

"Well it looks like you'll get your chance right now", said Cameron as he pointed to the army of Rockets that suddenly appeared right in front of them.

"Greetings all you happy little rebels", said the Rocket leader. "We'd really love it if you'd surrender so we won't have to beat you all up and sweat like crazy." And they all pulled out their guns, clubs, and crossbows.

"Bring it on!" shouted Ash. "I'll take on all of you all by myself!"

"WHAT?!!!" shouted Misty.

"That should be interesting", smiled the leader.

"No Ash!" called out Lulu who jumped right in front of him. "Let me and my darlings handle them!" and she released her 3 Weedles right in front of the army who just laughed out loud.

"Can you believe this?!" laughed the leader. "This girl has nothing but 3 little Weedles who're gonna defeat all 100 of us. What're they gonna do, cute us to death?!"

"Weedle, give 'em your string shot", smiled Lulu. The Weedles complied by firing large amounts of silk at the army. Suddenly, they immediately stopped laughing for they were trapped in a ball of silk that was strong as steel.

"Nice work you guys", smiled Lulu as she put down her arm and let her Weedles crawl up it and cuddle it.

"Bleahhh!" groaned Misty as she saw those bugs on Lulu's arm. "Though I'm grateful for what those Weedles did, I still hate bugs!"

"I hope you don't mind that I defeated those Rockets for you Ash", said Lulu.

"No, not at all", smiled Ash. "You probably saved me from getting seriously beat up."

"Allow me to remove that ball of trouble", smiled Ryan.

"Be my guest pal", smiled Ash.

"Hitmonchan, mega punch now!" commanded Ryan as he released a Pokemon with huge boxing gloves. It made a glowing fist and socked the ball of tangled up Rockets out of sight.

"Nice work H.C.", smiled Ryan as he raised its arm up in victory.

"CHAN!" said H.C." proudly.

* * * * * *

When they all got down into the sewers and came to their secret camp. They found that it was empty. Not a human nor Pokemon was in sight. "Where is everyone?!" asked Cameron.

"Mom, where are you?" called out Ash.

"Prof. Oak?" asked Brock.

"Girls?" asked Stella calling out for her circus staff.

"Togepi?" stuttered Misty nervously. "PI!" called out a sad little voice. Misty quickly turned around and found her Togepi slowly walking up to its mother with tears in its eyes.

"Oh Togepi!" cried Misty as she was about to pick up her egg until her Pokeballs started flickering.

"Misty", said Brock. "You can only carry six Pokemon with you. You'll have to send one of your Pokemon back to your special storage place if you want to get back Togepi."

"Oh yes, that's right", said Misty as she collected her balls. "My storage place is back at the Cerulean gym but which Pokemon should I send back?" Then Staryu popped out of its ball and spoke to Misty in its Staryu language.

"You'll volunteer to go back Staryu?" asked Misty. "HA!" replied Staryu with a smile. Although no one could see it since it didn't have a face.

"Thank you my dear Staryu", said Misty as she hugged Staryu, put it back into its ball, pushed the button on the ball and it teleported away. Then Misty picked up Togepi and hugged it tightly.

"Misty, I think you'd better go easy on Togepi unless you want to crack it and end up with egg on your face", said Ash.

"Oops, sorry Togepi", said Misty blushing while Togepi cooed happily. It had been many months since she left her Togepi behind and now she was reunited with it at last. "Togepi, you've been living down here all alone?" asked Misty worriedly. "What happened to Mrs. Ketchum and the others?"

"Pi", cried Togepi as it jumped out of Misty's arms and wanted everyone to follow it. Togepi had led them to another part of the sewers where they found a teenage boy lying on the ground all beaten up and depressed.

"Gary?" gasped Ash as he went over and helped him up.

"Loser boy, uh, I mean Ash! Is that you?" asked Gary in a weak voice.

"Why you little.." grumbled Ash as he was about to strangle his long lost rival until Misty stopped him.

"It's great to see you again Ash", said Gary as Cameron and Brock helped him back onto his feet. "And I'm sorry I called you the L word just now. It was just an old reflex. You're not the loser. I am!" and he started to cry.

"This is certainly a side of you I've never seen before", said Ash as he handed Gary a tissue.

"It's true!" sobbed Gary as he blew his nose. "Just today those Rockets had finally found our hidden base and they came and apprehended all the rebels, even poor Grandpa! I tried to stop them, but those Rockets' great number of Pokemon were no match against mine! I became so shattered that I took Togepi and ran away into the darkness where the Rockets couldn't find us! I failed you Grandpa! Please forgive me!"

"Hey, don't worry about it Gary", said Ash. "You did all you could do. At least you've managed to escape so you could tell us what's going on."

"And you've protected my Togepi as well", smiled Misty. "Thank you Gary and Togepi thanks you too."

"Pi", smiled Togepi as it blew a kiss to the now smiling Gary.

"Thank's guys", said Gary sobbing. "Ash, you truly are a great guy. I'm just sorry to tell you that those Rockets even took your Mom too."

"MOM!" cried Ash. "No, who knows what those devils are doing to her right now! Come on everyone, let's storm their castle!"

"But we just can't come charging at that impenetrable fortress without a plan of action", said Jenny. "No doubt that they'll shoot us with everything they've got the minute we set foot on their so-called royal welcome mat!"

"If only we have some way to get in there undetected", said Brock. "Like teleporting."

"Gary, you have an Alakazam, don't you?" asked Cameron. "Maybe it can teleport us all into the castle."

"Didn't you ever think that if I had an Alakazam, I could teleport us all out of this trapped town?!" cried out Gary. I've taught my Alakazam so many powerful attacks that I made it forget its own original teleportation powers. What a dummy I am!"

"Wait a minute", smiled Seymour. "I just remembered. I think I may have something that might help." And he reached into his labcoat and pulled out a TM that read TM 30.

"That's a teleport TM", said Cameron amazed.

"Exactly", smiled Seymour. "This'll help your Alakazam relearn teleport so we can get into the palace."

"What do you say Gary?" asked Ash. "Teleport may not do any damage to enemies, but at least we'll be able to get in and save your Grandpa."

"Okay", smiled Gary as he released Alakazam. "Zammy", he said. "You're about to learn teleport again. But in order to do this, I'm gonna have to remove your confusion attack. Is that okay with you?"

"KAZAM!" replied Zammy while clanking the two spoons it was holding together.

* * * * * *

A few minutes later, somewhere in the Rocketville palace, a whole crowd of rebels had materialized magically. "Great job Zammy", smiled Gary as he pulled the proud Alakazam back into its Pokeball.

"We'd better be on our guard and be extra quiet everyone", whispered Jenny. "You never know where a Rocket will pop out in this huge place."

"We should know it's huge", moaned Stella. "We were forced to build it." Remembering that first horrible day when all the citizens were forced to build the entire palace like slaves.

"Don't look now", whispered Bill. "But I've spotted two Rockets around the corner."

The Rockets known as Knuckles and Bruiser were guarding a whole wall of locked doors. Actually Knuckles was playing with a paddleball while Bruiser was reading an anime version of Penthouse. "Oh, doesn't that catgirl look good when she's licking her fur?" said Brusier while drooling.

"Probably", said Knuckles who was concentrating on his paddleball. "Hey, I think I'm finally about to reach a thousand on this thing! 994, 995, 996...." Just then a cloud of blue pollen covered the two thugs making them sleepy. "998, YAWN!, 999, ZZZZZZZ!" snored Knuckles as he dropped the paddleball and fell asleep in his chair.

"Aw shoot", yawned Bruiser. "You almost made it. Well there's always next guard duty." And he went right to sleep too.

"Nice work VP", said Cameron as he patted his blushing Vileplume. Then our heroes rushed over to the sleeping Rockets and gazed at the hallway of many doors.

"Just look at all these locked doors", said Cameron. "And it looks like we'll need some kind of card key to open all of them."

"And I think I've found one", said Jenny as she handcuffed the sleeping Rockets and pulled out Knuckles's card key. Jenny approached the first door, slid the card key through it, and cautiously opened the door. To her delight, she saw about 20 girls that looked like her wearing ragged old police uniforms and eating bland prison food.

"Pallet Jenny?" asked one of the Jennies who had gray hair instead of blue. She was definitely the eldest of the Jennies.

"MOM!" cried Pallet Jenny as she hugged the woman tightly.

"Oh my child", cried The Elder Jenny. "I knew you'd find a way to get to us. We all never doubted you for a second these past five years. Isn't that right my children?"

"YEAH!" cried all the Jennies as they all got together and hugged a tear filled Pallet Jenny.

Once all the hugs were done, Pallet Jenny then put the card key through the rest of the doors and released all the imprisoned rebels. Stella was happy to be reunited with her circus staff, but as for Gary's cheerleading squad, that was a different story.

"Gary, Gary, that cowardly wreck. When trouble comes, he runs like heck!" grumbled the girls as they looked angrily at the red headed teen for deserting them when they got captured.

"Yes, you're right", moaned Gary as he hung his head down in shame. "I'm a flop as a rebel leader and even something unmentionable as a Pokemon master and friend."

"Oh Gary!" cried Prof. Oak happily as he walked out of his cell and hugged his grandson. "You've finally learned some humility! I couldn't be happier!"

"Grandpa", said Gary surprised. "You're not disappointed that I couldn't defeat the Rockets and I ran away and abandoned all of you?"

"You were no match for that strong horde of Rockets", smiled Prof. Oak. "I was just happy knowing that you and Togepi have gotten away safely. I'm very proud of you Grandson."

"Thanks Gramps", said Gary with happy tears. As they hugged. Prof. Oak looked at the other teen that was smiling at them.

"Ash, is that you?!" the Professor gasped as he saw how much that little boy who left Pallet many years ago had grown.

"Hi Professor", smiled Ash. "It's good to see you again."

"And it's really great to see you alive and looking well", smiled the Prof. "And I'm sure someone else here will be happy to see you too. Oh, Mrs. Ketchum!"

"Mom?" asked Ash nervously. Out of another open door stepped Mrs. Ketchum with sadness in her eyes.

"Ash?" she asked. "OH, ASH!" she screamed as she hugged her long lost son as tight as she could.

"OH MOM!" cried Ash who hugged her tight as well. Then released each other so they could get some air.

"Mom, I thought I'd never see you again!" cried Ash. "Did those mean Rockets hurt you? If they did, I'll...."

"Will you excuse me please?" cried Mrs. Ketchum as she ran back into her cell. Everyone became puzzled while Ash stepped in as well.

Ash found his Mom on the stone floor crying her eyes out. "Please don't cry Mom", said Ash as he placed his hands on her shoulders. "Everything'll be all right. I'm home now."

"It's not that!" sobbed Mrs. Ketchum, "It's just that I can't face you anymore. I don't deserve to be a mother at all!"

"Don't say that Mom", pleaded Ash. "You're the best Mom in the entire world."

"No I'm not!" cried Mrs. Ketchum. "The day you were captured by Team Rocket, I told your friends not to worry about it. I invited them home for lunch thinking Team Rocket would either let you go or you could get out of it yourself. What a horrible mistake I made! I should've gone with them to help free you. And now it's over five years and just look what happened. I'm a terrible mother!" and she started crying again.

"Please Mom", smiled Ash while wiping her tears away, "I want you to stop blaming yourself. After all, I guess it was kind of my fault too. All my life, I asked you to stop babying me and fussing over me all the time. I guess you finally gave me my request. But that's all in the past. I'm back here with you and I get to tell you how much I love you!" and he kissed his Mom.

"Oh Ash!" cried Mrs. Ketchum as she hugged her boy. "I'm never going to let you go again!"

"Thanks Mom", said Ash gasping for air. "But could you just let me loose a little right now?" Mrs. Ketchum blushed and released her son from her powerful hug.

"My little boy has really grown up!" smiled Mrs. Ketchum. "And just look at you. You should be wearing a warm shirt over that tank top. You might catch a flu bug! And that ponytail! Don't they have barbers at wherever you've been all this time?! And have you also been changing your you-know-whats? I hope you haven't been wearing the same ones all these years!"

"Aw, Mom", laughed Ash while everyone laughed as well. "If only Pikachu could see us now. That's right, we've gotta find Pikachu!"

"And my Mr. Mime!" said Stella.

"And my Clefairy family!" said Seymour. "Where could they be?"

"They might be right behind that huge door", said Mrs. Ketchum. "While I was in my cell, I saw those awful Rockets take the rebel's Pokemon through it. And I saw tons of Pokemon locked in cages before the door closed."

"There's only one way to find out", said Jenny as she took the Rockets' card key and slid it through. The door opened and sure enough, there were tons of Pokemon locked in cages of all sizes either in groups or in solitary. They were all the Pokemon that the Rockets had taken from the citizens and the captured rebels. All the rebels saw the Pokemon they recognized and they opened the cages and released them.

Seymour then grew tears at the sight he saw. A whole family of Clefairies and Clefables locked up in one big cage. "My family!" cried Seymour as he released his own Clefairy and Clefable from their Pokeballs and they ran up and unlocked the cage. All the Clefairies and Clefables cheered as they hugged the long lost members of their clan. Even their adopted member as they piled on top of Seymour while he was laughing happily.

"Is this young man your boyfriend Jenny?" The Elder Jenny asked her daughter while smiling. Pallet Jenny just shyly nodded.

Stella looked around all the cages desperately trying to find her Mr. Mime, until one of her circus girls called out. "Hey Stella, over here!" Stella rushed over to where her girls were and found that they had released a Ponyta, Rapidash, Machoke, Dodrio, and six little Exeggcutes.

"It's all the Pokemon from my circus!" cried Stella as she hugged each and every one of them. "But where's Mr. Mime?" and she looked around in panic.

Ash was also storming around the cages trying to find his Pikachu but with no luck. Suddenly, he heard a familiar sound. "KRAB, KRAB!" it said. Ash turned around and smiled as he saw a cute little crab locked in a small cage. "Krabby!" he cried as he released it. "It's so good to see you again!"

"KRABBY!" it wailed as it patted Ash on the shoulder with its claw.

"MUK!" called out another familiar voice. Ash turned around again and found a huge pile of living sludge sealed up in a glass cage.

"Muk! Is that you?!" smiled Ash as he put Krabby down and opened Muk's cage. Ash was preparing to hug his Muk not caring how slimy and smelly it was. But instead it slithered past Ash and tackled Prof. Oak for it missed its caretaker very much.

"Yes, I'm glad to see you too Muk!" groaned the Professor as he tried to climb out of the messy muck. "It's a good thing I lived in the sewers for five years, because your smell doesn't bother me anymore!"

"MUK!" laughed Muk as it kept hugging the Professor almost breaking his back. Ash smiled at the loving but yucky scene until he heard a bunch of loud MOOOS! He turned around and found another memorable group of Pokemon that he once caught in the Safari Zone and sent back to Prof. Oak.

"Hey all you Tauros!" smiled Ash as he saw over 20 of them locked in the huge cage. "You should all be roaming free in wide open spaces. Not in a cramped cage indoors!" and he quickly released them and then noticed something on all the Tauros's butts. They had the letter R branded on all of them.

"OH! Those Rockets!" shouted Ash thinking of 1001 uses for two dead Rockets and a dead Meowth.

Cameron went around freeing every imprisoned Pokemon he saw until he came across a huge tank that contained two very familiar Pokemon. "Tentacruel and Kingler?" asked Cameron. "But why aren't you with Reiko?"

Tentacruel and Kingler started to wail very loudly while their tears floated around in the water. Cameron quickly undid the latch on the tank door and the two Pokemon climbed out telling Cameron their sad story about their beloved master in their own languages.

"I can't understand what you're both saying", said Cameron nervously. "But I just know that something terrible has happened to Reiko! Did the Rockets find out she wanted to defect?!" Tentacruel and Kingler nodded a sad yes.

"Oh no!" cried Cameron. "Who knows what they'll do to her!" and he ran up to the group and told them the news.

"This is terrible!" said Misty. "If the Rockets like to mistreat innocent civilians, who knows what they could do to a traitor!"

"Not only that!" cried Ash. "I can't find Pikachu anywhere in this room! What have they done to my Pikachu?!!!"

"Ash, calm down", said Misty. "Pikachu must be around here somewhere. Jessie and James were after him for many years so someone valuable as him must be hidden in a special place."

"And what about my Mr. Mime!" cried Stella. "Did they put him in a special place too? Or since he was so disobedient, did those Rockets k.. k.... Kill him?!!"

"No, don't say that Stella", said Brock holding her tight. "You believed for five long years that your Mime would be all right, so don't lose that hope now!"

"All right, thank you Brock", said Stella wiping the tears from her eyes.

"And we have to find my DNA chamber too!" said Bill. "It may not be alive, but it's important to me and to my Rattata too!"

"And don't forget all the Clefairies and Clefables' Moonstones", added Seymour.

"And Reiko", said Cameron. "We gotta find her before it might be too late!"

"All right everyone", said Pallet Jenny. "It looks like we'll have to search this entire palace until we find all of our treasures along with apprehending the Rocket Trio. But first, we have to get all these people and their Pokemon out of here."

"I'll lead everyone out of the palace", said The Elder Jenny. "While you and your little squadron continue with your own missions."

"Thank you Mother", said Pallet Jenny as she gathered around Ash, Misty, Brock, Stella, Seymour, Bill, and Cameron.

"Let all my Tauros lead the way", said Ash. "In case any Rockets jump out in front of you."

"Thank you young citizen", said The Elder Jenny as she saluted him and the group he was with.

"Good luck honey", said Mrs. Ketchum as she kissed Ash. "Stay safe."

"I will Mom", smiled Ash kissing her back. "Don't worry."

Then all the Tauros started to charge out of the hallway while the Jennies, Gary, Prof. Oak, Mrs. Ketchum, Ash's squadron, and the rest of the rebels and their Pokemon followed behind them.

"All right, there's no time to lose", said Ash in a serious voice. "We gotta turn this rotten palace from top to bottom until we find our loved ones!"

"Maybe you two can help us", said Cameron as he looked at Tentacruel and Kingler. The two Pokemon nodded, headed over to the other side of the hallway and waved at our heroes wanting them to follow.

* * * * * *

Meowth had just stepped out of the little kitten's room using James's boxer shorts to wipe his hands. "I wondered what humans used these things for", he said as he tossed them on the floor leaving dirty paw prints on the bottoms. Just then, he saw a small dustcloud coming from the hallway. "Is that maid service?" Meowth wondered. But it wasn't "MEOWTH!!" cried Meowth as he dropped his jaw at what he saw. A whole herd of Tauros were charging right at him. He tried to get out of the way but the Tauros trampled over the poor cat. Then a group of people trampled over him as well. And finally a whole bunch of Pokemon. When Meowth got up, he was completely covered with footprints, pawprints, horseshoe prints, fin prints, and all sorts of other prints. Including sludge prints from Muk. He became shocked again at what he saw. That charging mob had busted down the front doors of the palace. "Jessie'll probably blame me for this", Meowth said worried as he ran to find her and James.

The now insane Giovanni found the palace doors open once the chaos had cleared. He quickly stepped in and ran through the hallway. "I hope I can find my dear ex-employes", he giggled. "And I hoped I'm dressed properly too." And he tucked his undershirt tail into his underpants.

* * * * * *

Tentacrurel and Kingler had led our heroes to another big door with a metal sign next to it. Cameron read it out loud. "Caution. In this room is the source of our valued electric wall. Only professional Rocket scientists (NO PUN INTENDED) are allowed in this room. If you're a Rocket with a low I.Q, get the BLANK away from it! And if you're a rebel spy, please forget you ever read this."

"Jessie, James, and Meowth definitely must've wrote this", sighed Misty.

"Let's see if this thing will work again", said Jenny as she slipped the card key through the door, but it still stayed locked. "I guess the Rocket that owned this key was one of the low I.Q. ones", she sighed.

"Can you use crabhammer to knock it down Kingler?" asked Cameron.

"KING!" smiled Kingler as it started shaking its huge claw around and then whacked at the steel door causing it to fall on the floor.

"Nice job Kingler", smiled Cameron. "Reiko would be proud of you." "KING!" said Kingler smiling while blushing.

As they all walked into the room, Cameron looked down at the metal door and asked. "Is anyone under there?" For he knew that usually sometimes happens in cartoons. He looked up and joined everyone at an amazing sight, especially for Seymour and Bill. It was Bill's DNA chamber being powered by a big pile of Moonstones.

"So this is what those awful Rockets have been using the Clefairy Clan's sacred Moonstones for", said Seymour sadly. "To power up the DNA chamber to create that electric wall. Oh, the humanity!"

"But my DNA chamber's only function is to combine two life forms into one", said Bill. "How did they ever make it into an electric wall generator?"

"Maybe we'll find out when we look at what's behind these two doors", said Brock as he pushed the button to chamber 1. The door slid open and out stumbled a jester-like Pokemon who fell to the floor and made a mournful, "MIME!"

"MR. MIME!" cried Stella as she ran over and hugged her long lost Pokemon to death. "Oh Mr. Mime!" she cried. "It must've been terrible for you being trapped in that cramped chamber for over 5 years! And I know how clausterphobic you get too!"

"Mime?" asked Mr. Mime. Seymour went over and examined Mr. Mime thoroughly. "I'm afraid he doesn't remember a thing Stella", explained Seymour.

"What do you mean?" asked Stella.

"It's seems like Mr. Mime was put in suspended animation these past five years making him unaged. And releasing him from the chamber woke him up."

"Oh Mr. Mime!" cried Stella again. "I'm sorry for all those times I whipped you, yelled at you, and trained you many hours of the night when I still had my circus! Losing you for 5 and a half long years really taught me a lesson. Can you ever forgive me and accept me as your master again?!"

"Mime, mime!" smiled Mr. Mime as he wiped the tears from Stella's eyes and gave her a kiss on the cheek.

"Thank you Mr. Mime", cried Stella with joy. "And to show you that I'll keep my promise..." She took out her whip and a pair of clippers, cut the whip into tiny harmless pieces and threw them out the nearby window. Mr. Mime became so happy that he started doing a happy mime dance.

Our heroes smiled as they watched Stella and Mr. Mime hug each other happily. Everyone except Ash though. "I just wish I could do the same thing to my Pikachu!" he sighed. "We've gotta find him now!"

"Isn't it obvious my still clueless-as-usual friend?" smiled Misty as she pushed the button on chamber 2. The door opened and there sitting in the darkness was Ash's long lost best friend.

"PIKACHU!" cried Ash in his deep teenage voice as he picked up Pikachu who looked like he was asleep.

"Pika?" asked Pikachu as he woke up from his 5 and a half year long sleep and looked at the strange teenage boy who was holding him. "Hi Pikachu", he said with tears in his eyes.

"PIKACHU!" cried Pikachu in fear as he thundershocked the teen causing Ash to drop him onto the floor and then run into a corner shaking.

"Pikachu, it's me Ash", he pleaded. "I may look different to you, but I am still your master and best friend. Just in an older body. Please Pikachu! You've got to recognize me! I've missed you for 5 and a half long years!"

"Pika, Pi?" said Pikachu as he cautiously looked into the familiar eyes of the stranger. He slowly approached Ash and gave him a little sniff. "PIKACHU!" shouted a happy Pikachu as he jumped back into Ash's hands and thundershocked him. This time as a sign of affection.

"Oh, how I missed your shocking ways", cried Ash as he hugged Pikachu for many minutes. "Pika, Pi!" cried Pikachu for the dynamic duo had finally been reunited.

"Now things'll definitely be like the show once again", thought Cameron now that he saw Ash and his Pikachu back together again.

"I told you Pikachu was probably in that chamber", said Misty also smiling with joy.

"Yes, it looks like Pikachu's been in suspended animation also", said Seymour as he studied Pikachu. "He hasn't aged a bit either."

"How could those #$!% Rockets put Pikachu in that horrible contraption?!" cried Ash.

"Hey, I invented that contraption!" protested Bill. "And the Rockets were the ones that made it horrible!" He leapt up onto the control panel and studied it. "It seems like those Rockets had programmed my invention to harness Pikachu's electricity and Mr. Mime's barrier power to create that electric wall!"

"I can't believe those fiends would use my poor Mime for an evil scheme to harm an entire innocent town", moaned Stella.

"It's okay babe", said Brock massaging her shoulders. "You're reunited with your Mime and that's all that matters right now."

"Thank you Brock", sighed Stella as she hugged her Mr. Mime along with her boyfriend.

"There we go", said Bill as he finished making some adjustments on the control panel, jumped off of it and stepped into chamber 1. "I need one of you to close this chamber door and activate the big red button on the control panel. That way I can become human again at last. Who would like to do the honor?"

"Why don't you do it Cameron?" asked Brock. "It's because of you we've all gotten this far."

"Okay", said Cameron blushing as he closed the chamber that Bill was in and pushed the red button. Suddenly, lights started flashing all over the machine while sparks started to fly out of it like mad. "I bet Buzz would love this sight", thought Cameron but then remembered that Buzz had way too much to eat today. An entire electric wall was about a year of square meals.

Once the sparks had stopped, Cameron opened the door to chamber 1. Everyone waited for the humanized Bill to come out. But instead, more smoke came out and the same Rattata form crawled out of it all dizzy and drowsy. "Oh no, it didn't work", cried Misty as she picked up the rat. "I'm sorry Bill."

"Rattata!" said the Rattata in a squeaky voice. Misty became surprised and then looked into its red eyes. The natural eye-color all Rattatas are supposed to have.

"You're not Bill", said Misty.

"No Bill's suffocating in this chamber right now!" called out Bill's voice from chamber 2. "And is it just me or has this chamber suddenly gotten cramped?!" Cameron quickly approached chamber 2, pushed the button and the door slid open. Out came more smoke along with a dark green-haired man wearing a fancy suit.

"Bill?" asked everyone.

"I can't believe it!" smiled a tear filled Bill as he looked at his furless human hands. "I got 10 digits again!" He quickly pulled off his shoes and counted his toes. "And the same goes for my toes! And I got a smooth bottom again!" he said as he felt no tail on his butt. "YAHOO! HOORAY! GRAY SKIES ARE GONNA CLEAR UP!!!" he sang as he danced around like crazy while everyone smiled. "I'm no longer in that horrible Rattata's body!"

"RATTATA!" shouted the angry Rattata who leapt out of Misty's arms and shook its fist at Bill.

"Oh sorry Rattie", said Bill blushing as he picked it up. "I didn't mean you were horrible, I meant the horrible experience of what we both went through. I bet it was a nightmare for you having me be the dominant brain of your own body. I'm just glad you're safe and we're finally separated but still together again."

"Rattata!" cried Rattie for it was just happy to be its own Pokemon again.

"Congratulations Bill", said Cameron. "We're all so happy for you."

"AYE!" they all smiled at once.

"Thank you my friends", said Bill. "I'm just glad we're all reunited with the people, Pokemon, and the things we love."

"Not quite yet", said Cameron. "We still haven't found Reiko!"

"CRUEL, KING!" agreed both Tentacruel and Kingler.

"You're right", said Jenny. "And the Rocket Trio is still loose somewhere in this palace. Who knows what they're planning?!"

"Well then let's get searching for them!" shouted Ash. "I bet you'd love to shock them to death Pikachu."

"PIKACHU!" growled Pikachu as he made a tough-guy face, charged himself up, and sped out of the room while everyone followed.

When everyone had left the room, Giovanni had come in. He saw the DNA chamber that was left on my mistake. Gio took out a Pokeball while making the biggest sinister smile in cartoon history.

* * * * * *

Our heroes were now running all over the place trying to find the Rocket Trio. "Now where would 3 fake monarchs hang out in a place like this?" asked Stella.

"Cameron, you fell into Meowth's bedroom when you first came to our world", said Brock. "Maybe you might know where it is."

"I can't really remember", said Cameron. "I was too scared being wrapped up in Arbok's coils to notice where I was being taken." Just then, a strange looking vacuum tube started to drop down from the ceiling. Everyone stopped in fright as the large tube started sniffing our heroes.

"What is that thing?!" cried Misty who just jumped into Ash's arms.

Ash just blushed but then came back down to Earth. "I don't know, but it's messing with the wrong guys. Pikachu, take care of that worm with a thunderbolt!"

"PIKACHU!" shouted Pikachu as he sent a current of electricity through the tube but didn't affect it at all.

"That tube's made of rubber Ash!" said Seymour nervously. "Electricity can't affect it!"

Then the tube stopped as it sniffed Cameron. It made a great big smile and started up its vacuum power sucking the boy into it. "CAMERON!" our heroes all shouted as the tube slid back up the ceiling.

Cameron then found himself sliding down and getting pulled up through all sorts of crazy glass tubes until he finally landed on what looked like a gym floor. He found his glasses lying on the floor and put them on.

"It's amazing", he thought. "Ever since I got here, I've been falling on my face, getting beaten up, and drowning to death and my glasses still remain unbroken. Maybe it's a cartoon thing." He then looked around and saw that he was in a huge gym where a smoke bomb went off and 3 figures were standing in the darkness. When they cleared, Cameron saw a very unwelcome sight.

"Welcome to Troubleland!" called out Jessie.

"Make it Doubleland!" called out James.

Jessie: "To protect our kingdom from twerpy boys!"
James: "To silence them from their rebellious noise!"
Jessie: "To denounce the evils of freedom and peace!"
James: "To keep our crowns and this palace's lease!"
Jessie: "Queen Jessie!"
James: "King James!"
Jessie: "Roayl Rockets blasting off at the speed of light, light, light!"
James: "Don't bother surrendering, cause we're challenging you to a fight!"

"That's right!" shouted Meowth as he appeared in a referee's uniform and whistle.

"What have you done to Reiko?!" shouted Cameron angrily.

"You'll find out when we feel like showing you", laughed Jessie wickedly. "So we meet again, you bothersome little twerp. And we saw how you brought back the original twerp too!"

"You've really made our happy life of tyranny a living heck!" said Meowth.

"Well anyway", said Jessie. "We brought you here alone to make you a little proposition."

"What kind?" asked Cameron.

"We've noticed while you were traveling, you were making stops at Pokemon gyms collecting badges", said James.

"And we just know you would love to get your boney little fingers on this!" smiled Jessie as she held up a badge that was in the shape of a green leaf.

"An EarthBadge!" gasped Cameron.

"It has a brain" said Meowth with a pretend surprised look.

"Yes Mr. Fusterman", said Jessie evily. "We managed to save up an extra EarthBadge just before our old Viridian Gym exploded and we haven't found anyone worthy enough to give it to. But that all has changed since we met you."

"Yes", said James. "You've certainly made our dull lives of ruling very exciting. Painful, but still exciting. And we're gonna let you have it!"

"Really?" said Cameron not liking where all this might lead.

"All you have to do is beat us in a 6 against 6 Pokemon match and the badge is yours and we'll leave this town forever!" said Jessie.

"But if you lose, you'll have to join Team Rocket and become our new personal intern", said Meowth. "And my litter box hasn't been changed in over 10 months!"

"And this will be the uniform you'll wear from now on!" laughed James as he held up a black tutu with an R on it.

Cameron gulped and said. "What if I refuse?"

"I was hoping you'd ask that", laughed Jessie as she pressed a button on a remote and the wall on the left slide slid open. Cameron became shocked and frightened at what he saw. It was the world's largest paper shredder and hanging above it from a hook was Reiko tied up and gagged.

"REIKO!" cried Cameron.

"MGMLFL!" mumbled Reiko.

"That's right twerp", laughed Jessie. "One of the first rules of being our intern is to never doublecross us. Just like poor misguided Reiko up there."

"Now we'll have to terminate her employment form along with her", said James as he started up the shredder, threw Reiko's form in there while poor Reiko herself was being lowered down slowly into the spinning blades.

"NO STOP!" pleaded Cameron. "Okay, I'll battle you! Just don't hurt her!"

"MRGLMF!" mumbled Reiko with tears in her eyes at what Cameron was about to go through.

"Excellent", smiled Jessie evily. "Now get up on that podium over there and we'll begin what might be the most crucial battle in your entire insignificant life!"

Cameron slowly walked up onto the huge podium on one side while the trio went to their podium on the other side. Reiko was mumbling like crazy begging Cameron not to do this.

"I'm sorry Reiko", said Cameron sadly. "I just can't let you die. But I am gonna win this one for you!"

"GMDLMKMS", mumbled Reiko which meant, "Good luck Cameron-san!"

TO BE CONTINUED

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

Uh oh! It looks like this is no mere Gameboy battle for Cameron. This time it's a life or death battle! Who will win, but most importantly, who will survive?! Stay tuned to find out. It's gonna be big!

[Cullen]

The Incredible Poke-Odyssey chapter 25 part 1

The Conclusion

Cameron was standing on a tall podium overlooking a huge gym floor while on the other side, were Jessie, James, and Meowth standing on their own podium as well. They were about to have a huge Pokemon match so Cameron could win an EarthBadge and to save Reiko, who was bound and gagged, from being torn to bloody bits by a giant paper shredder. Cameron could feel the sweat pouring from his head and down to his shoes.

"We'll have a 6 against 6 match, no time limit", said Meowth who blew his whistle while in a referee's uniform. Let the bloodfest begin!"

"All right, ladies first", smiled Jessie as she took out a Pokeball.

"Jessie", asked James. "Where is this lady? And is there room on this podium for four of us?"

"GRRRRR!" growled Jessie as she whacked James on the head with a mallet. James picked up the mallet and saw his face print on it from all the times Jessie used it on him.

"I guess you earned some retirement Mr. Mallet", said a dazed James.

"All right kid, no more stalling", shouted Jessie. "I choose you Kadabra!" and she released the first Pokemon of the match that made out a loud, "KADABRA!"

"I know what'll be good against Kadabra", said Cameron. "Another psychic type. Slowie, I choose you!" and he released Slowking right in front of Kadabra. Slowie turned around and waved at his Mamma. "No Slowie, pay attention!" commanded Cameron.

"Kadabra, use your psybeam on that little dunce while its back is turned", commanded Jessie.

"Slow?" asked Slowie as he turned around and suddenly got hit by a psychic beam that Kadabra had released.

"SLOWIE!" cried Cameron. "Quick, use your blizzard attack!"

"Kadabra, start teleporting!" commanded Jessie.

"SLOW!" called out Slowie as he blasted an icy blizzard all over the place, but Kadabra just kept teleporting out of the way. Slowie was just no match against Kadabra in the speed dept. Cameron then remembered something in his backpack. He reached in and pulled out the X-Speed device that Aya had given him. "Here Slowie, this should help you!" called out Cameron as he aimed the device's beam at his Slowking.

"SLOWKING!" shouted Slowie as he felt an incredible burst of speed surge through his pink body. He was finally able to hit Kadabra freezing it in a block of ice. "MGMLLF!" cried Reiko in what sounded like a happy mumble.

"You can thank your sister for giving me this device", Cameron smiled.

"This wasn't supposed to happen!" growled Jessie as she pulled the frozen Kadabra back into its ball.

"Who'd ever thought that kid would have a bag of tricks?" grumbled Meowth.

"Well it's my turn now", smiled James as he sprayed some Pokemon repel potion on his head.

"If you're gonna release who I think, you'd better spray me as well!" ordered an annoyed Jessie.

"What's with the hairspray?" wondered Meowth as he watched James spray his queen.

"And now it's time to earn your fertilizer Victreebel!" smiled James as he released his plant. But instead, it started to eat up Meowth.

"HEY!" he mumbled from inside Victreebel's mouth. "Why didn't you spray me too?!"

"You never asked us", sighed James as he pulled Meowth free.

"I think you might prefer a delicious water-type Pokemon like him", smiled James as he threw Victreebel right onto Slowie's head.

"Oh no!" gasped Cameron.

"Oh yes!" giggled James. "Now use your mega drain on that so-called king!"

"BEL!" cried Victreebel as it lifted Slowie up and started sucking him dry.

"NO!" cried Cameron. "Slowie, return!" He shouted as he pulled the drained Slowie back into its ball. Just then, he saw Reiko being lowered just a little into the shredder. "What are you doing?!" Cameron cried. "The match isn't over yet!"

"Oh, I forgot to tell you", smiled Jessie. "Every time one of your Pokemon loses, Little Miss Ninja up there will get lowered inch by inch. And when your sixth Pokemon loses, well.... Let's say we'll lose one ex-intern and gain a new intern, which'll be you!"

"MNGLMLF!" cried Reiko in fear of dying but in more fear of Cameron's future.

An angry and determined Cameron then reached for his next Pokeball. "VP, I choose you next!" he shouted and released Vileplume right in front of Victreebel.

"Oooooh, Victreebel Vs. Vileplume!" smiled James. "Or better yet. VVV. Okay Vic, prune that posey with razor leaf! Victreebel complied by shooting out razor sharp leaves at VP making it cry out in pain.

"VP, use your cut attack!" shouted Cameron. VP started spinning around like a buzzsaw ready to show Victreebel who was the top plant in this battle. Victreebel screamed as it started hopping away from the spinning little shredder. Victreebel jumped right on top of James's head wanting him to protect it.

"NO VICKIE!" cried James as he tried to pull it off his head. "I got repel potion on me!" Victreebel took one whiff of James and totally fainted.

"It's time I give this brat a severe tongue lashing!" shouted Jessie angrily. "Lickitung, you're up next!" and out popped Lickitung who had its tongue sticking out ready to humiliate the smiling plant.

"VP, sleep powder!" commanded Cameron.

"Lickie, supersonic!" commanded Jessie.

"LICKIE!" shouted Lickie as it released sonic waves at VP causing it to stumble around all confused. It tried to release its sleep powder, but it fell over and the powder landed on VP putting itself to sleep.

"No, VP!" cried Cameron as he saw VP sleeping while Reiko got lowered some more. He sucked the sleeping Vileplume back into its Pokeball.

"You got only 4 left kid!" said Meowth. "You better do some thinking or is that too much of a chore for you?! HA HA HA!"

"Let's see how you can handle military power!" said Cameron. "Buzz, you're up next!" And out popped Electabuzz who was looking healthier after his huge electric wall meal. He saluted Cameron and let out a, "BUZZ EL BUZZ!"

"Let's see if I can remove those stripes from your little private", laughed Jessie. "Lickie, use your wrap attack!" Lickie complied by shooting out its tongue completely tying up and squeezing Buzz to death.

"OH NO!" gasped Cameron thinking about the gross situation Buzz was in. Being wrapped up in that wet, slobbery tongue. "Wet? That's it!" smiled Cameron. "Buzz, send Mr. Lickitung a little thundershock through that tongue of his, won't you?" Buzz smiled and winked at his master. He charged himself up a little and that tiny thundershock caused Lickie to yelp and let go of Buzz. Lickie started to rub its singed tongue back to health.

"Lickitung, don't let that dim bulb defeat you like that!" shouted Jessie. "Show 'em your own thunderbolt attack!" "LICKIE!" shouted Lickitung as it shot a thunderbolt at Buzz causing him to flinch a little.

"Buzz, show it you're the real master of electric types", said Cameron. "Strike back with your thunderbolt!" Buzz released a thunderbolt causing it to push back at Lickie's bolt. The two bolts started to push at each other for a half a minute, but Buzz being a pure electric type and had just filled up on a giant electric wall had a much stronger bolt. He sent it back to Lickie causing it to shout, "LICKIE!" and faint. Buzz just proudly saluted his master once again. "Nice work Private", said Cameron proudly.

"This can't be!" shouted Jessie as she sucked Lickie back into its ball.

"I'm up to bat next Jess", said James. "Let's see if that Buzzbrain is a match against Weezing!" and he released the two-headed ball of gas into the ring.

"Okay Buzz, give it, or is it them?, your thunderpunch attack!" commanded Cameron wondering if Weezings had two brains. Buzz made a sparkling fist and was about to punch Weezing's lights out.

"Weezing, sludge attack!" commanded James. Weezing shot a ball of sludge into Buzz's face causing him to go blind and end up missing his target. "Now finish it off with a tackle attack!" smiled James. And that's what Weezing did.

"Poor Buzz", cried Cameron as he pulled back the defeated Buzz. "And poor Reiko too!" gasped Cameron as he saw Reiko get lowered a bit more.

"Just three more loses and you're gonna lose that girl", laughed Meowth.

"All right, Donnie, I choose you!" said Cameron as he released his Donphan who made a loud trumpeting sound.

"Weezing", commanded James as he and his teammates were holding their ears. "Silence that beast with a hyper beam. "WEEZING!" shouted Weezing as it opened its main mouth and shot out a powerful beam at Donnie.

"Oh no! Donnie's toast for sure!" cried Cameron as he covered his eyes for he knew hyper beam is the worlds' most dangerous attack. One strike and the victim's finished. Cameron peeked a little and he was surprised at what he saw. Weezing was still spewing out its hyper beam but Donnie was just standing there unharmed and still looking tough. "What's that Donphan made of?" wondered Cameron as he aimed his Pokedex at Donnie.

"Endure", replied Dexeena. "When a Pokemon calls on the power of endure, it can withstand even the most power attacks including hyper beam."

Cameron then remembered all the times when Donnie was in battle. Most of the attacks that were launched at Donnie never seemed to harm him. Even when he fell into that lava pit in Blaine's gym, Donnie didn't even have a mark. "Wow, what a great power to have", smiled Cameron as he watched Weezing run out of hyper beam energy. "Okay Donnie, finish it off with a tusk attack!" commanded Cameron. Donnie trumpeted and started charging at the tired Weezing.

"Why didn't hyper beam work?!" gasped James. "I definitely must get the money back for that TM."

"Never mind that now!" shouted Meowth. "Do something before that jumbo creams your Weezing!"

"Oh right", said James. "Weezing, poison gas attack!" But Weezing was still charging itself up from that powerful attack so it couldn't use poison gas. Then Donnie punctured Weezing with his sharp tusk.

"WEEEZZZIINNG!" cried Weezing as it popped and started flying all over the place like a balloon. It landed right at James's feet all flat and deflated.

"Don't worry Weezing", said James as he pulled it back into its ball. "I know the name of a good tire repairman."

"I guess its time for the brains of the group to step back in!" said Jessie.

"Does that make me the brawn?" asked James.

"You wish!" grumbled Jessie as she released her Arbok.

"Okay Donnie, use your rollout attack", commanded Cameron. Donnie rolled up into his tire form and was about to squish Arbok into a snake skin rug.

"Quick Arbok, leap out of the way!" commanded Jessie. "ARBOK!" said Arbok as it curled up like a spring and bounced right out of the way of the approaching tire. "No give it your fissure attack!" smiled Jessie evily. Arbok then landed sharply on the floor sending a current of power right towards Donnie. The floor exploded and Donnie went flying up in the air and then landed on the floor knocking him out. Then Reiko's rope got lowered once again.

"This is bad!" cried Cameron as he watched as his Pokemon got hurt one by one while Reiko's life was on the line. "Those guys leave me no choice. Aero, finish off that snake!" And out popped the huge Aerodactyl that made Arbok look like a tiny worm.

"Is that what I think it is?!" gasped James.

"An Aerodactyl!" said Meowth shaking. "Haven't those things died out yet?!"

"Don't worry boys", said Jessie. "It'll be an honor to make this one extinct! Arbok, poison sting attack!" Arbok fired its glowing needles at Aero, but they didn't seem to affect her one bit for she had skin made of stone.

"That Medusa Stone you touched certainly was a Godsend", smiled Cameron while Aero smiled back at him.

"It's just a shame that its nostrils aren't protected", laughed Jessie. "Arbok, use your toxic attack!" "ARBOK!" shouted Arbok as it shot a green toxic cloud out of its mouth.

"Quick Aero, fire blast now!" shouted Cameron. "AERO!" shouted Aero as she blasted her fire right at the approaching toxic before it could leave Arbok's mouth. It made such a huge explosion causing Arbok to get thrown back and knocked out.

"No, Arbok!" shouted Jessie as she called it back.

"It looks like you guys only have one Pokemon left", said Meowth. "And this one better be good for our sakes."

"You mean for your sake", said Jessie as she grabbed the cat and threw him onto the gym floor.

"They're sending Meowth to battle Aero?!" wondered Cameron. "I didn't think they were this dumb."

"Are you crazy?!" screamed Meowth. "I'm no match against that rocky horror!"

"Relax my dear Meowth", smiled Jessie. "I got just the prescription you'll need." And she pulled out a pair of stone tongs that was holding a very familiar stone.

"A Medusa Stone!" gasped Cameron along with Aero.

"Here, catch!" called out Jessie as she dropped the stone into Meowth's paws.

"Ooooh! Neat!" smiled Meowth as he started playing with it like a ball of yarn. Suddenly, Meowth stopped playing for he found his paws turning to stone. "What did you do to me Jess?!" cried Meowth as he saw his soft fur turning to hard stone. Then he started growing and growing until he was a 30 foot tall stone Meowth.

"Wow, a concrete kitty!" whispered James.

"This is better I ever imagined", giggled Jessie. "What do you think of your new form Meowth?"

"Meowth? Uh, Meowth?" said the stone Meowth as he tried to lick himself with his stone tongue, for his body may be big, but his brain was now small.

"Maybe this wasn't such a brilliant idea", said James. The Stone Meowth looked over and saw the tied up girl hanging over a shredder. He smiled as he ran over to her and started swatting her like a cat's string toy.

"REIKO!" cried Cameron.

"MGLMKF!" mumbled Reiko while being gently swatted around by Meowth's stone paws.

"What were you saying about this not being a brilliant idea James?" Jessie asked while smiling wickedly.

"Aero, take down now!" shouted Cameron. Aero flew as fast as she could at Stone Meowth knocking him back onto the gym floor while Reiko sighed of relief.

"Quick Meowth!" shouted James. "Use some kind of attack on that bird! Like a hairball or something!"

"MEOWTH!" said Meowth as he made some hacking noises and suddenly spat out 5 hairballs that were actually large boulders. They all hit Aero causing her to scream and fall onto the floor.

"Nice job Stone Meowth!" called out James. "Now give it your fury swipes!" Meowth complied by slashing his stone claws at the poor fainted Aero causing little pebbles to fall out of her skin.

"NO!" cried Cameron as he watched his Aerodactyl faint and then saw that Reiko was just one inch away from the shredder of death. Her feet were almost touching the spinning blades.

"You've got one Pokemon left to use twerp", laughed Jessie. "And I bet you're gonna use that small-fry Sandshrew of yours. Am I right?"

"Well, bring 'em out!" laughed James. "I bet Meowth hungers for a dirtball in his new form!"

Cameron looked at the Pokeball that contained his best friend. "I don't know what to do Sandy", he said. "I can't send you to battle that huge monster, you could get eaten or even worse. But if I give up, Reiko will die. I just don't know what to do!" Just then the Pokeball popped open and Sandy came out and hugged his master's leg letting out a comforting, "Shrew!"

"What's that Sandy?" asked Cameron as he saw Sandy pointing to the Stone Meowth while making a fist. "You want to fight? But you're a mouse and he's a giant stone cat, that's not very good odds unless you're a smart-alec mouse like Jerry."

"SHREW!" shouted Sandy as he leapt onto the gym floor not wanting any more arguments. "Good luck Sandy", said Cameron nervously.

"So the little pipsqueak wants to be the last minute savior", laughed Jessie. "It'll be a shame to stomp this little mouse's brave, yet stupid spirit. Right Meowth?"

"MEOWTH!" said Meowth as he quickly slammed his stone paw right over Sandy extremely hard.

"SANDY!" cried Cameron in grief. Meowth lifted up his paw and saw a hole in the floor with no sign of the Sandshrew. "MEOWTH?" said Meowth as he scratched his stone head while little stone question marks formed around him.

Cameron wondered if Sandy had used a quick dig attack to escape Meowth's paw. And sure enough, he did for Sandy had busted out from the floor right behind Meowth and landed right on top of his head.

"All right Sandy!" smiled Cameron with relief. But then became surprised at what Sandy was doing. He was beating up Meowth's head non-stop while bits of rocks were flying out like he was being demolished by a jackhammer. "I've never seen you use that kind of attack before", said Cameron as he took out his Pokedex again.

"Rock Smash", replied Dexeena. "A new attack that is very useful for fighting rock-type Pokemon or for removing giant boulders that are blocking your path."

"That's it Sandy!" smiled Cameron excitedly. "Keep on smashing him until he's his old mangy self again!"

"SHREW!" said Sandy as he continued with his smashing while Meowth moaned in pain.

"Meowth, you blockhead!" shouted Jessie. "What kind of cat are you, letting a little rodent like that getting the best of you?

"Yes!" shouted James. "You're disgracing all Meowthkind everywhere! Maybe we should get a Persian to the job better!"

"MEOWTH!" growled Meowth at what he just heard. He swatted the Sandshrew off of his head and felt his scalp that felt all chipped and bumpy.

"SANDY!" cried Cameron as he saw his Sandshrew about to hit the nearby wall. But Sandy just curled up like a ball and started bouncing all over the place like a piece of Flubber.

"Meowth?" said Meowth as he saw the ball zooming right towards his face. Sandy then uncurled and made a huge fist socking Meowth right straight in the eye. Cameron, Reiko, Jessie, and James stood silent at what was now happening. The big stone Meowth started to crumble and crack and finally collapsed into a big pile of rubble.

"SANDY!" cried Cameron as he quickly got down from the podium and rushed over to his Sandshrew who was lying on the pile of rocks panting hard, but smiling. "Sandy, you did it!" he sighed happily. "You've defeated Team Rocket's last and toughest Pokemon."

"SHREW!" smiled Sandy as he gave his master his trademark victory sign with his claw.

"Meowth!" cried both Jessie and James as they started to dig through the rubble to find the core of their ex-stone champion. There they found the original small furry Meowth with a rock stuck in his right eye. "Meowth, are you all right?" asked James.

"I think so", said Meowth. "Except that I think I have something in my eye. Can you pull it out?" James pulled the rock out of Meowth's eye, but then he and Jessie became horrified at the sight they just saw and quickly covered their mouths.

"What? What is it?" asked Meowth. He realized that he could only see out of one eye. He felt his right eye and found out that it was just an empty socket. "MY EYE!" he screamed. "MY EYE, AYE AYE AYE!!!"

"Meowth relax", pleaded Jessie as she inserted the rock back in Meowth's socket.

"How can I relax now that I lost one of my pupils?!" cried Meowth.

"Since when did you become a schoolteacher?" asked James.

Meowth just angrily scratched James's face for that dumb remark. "Watch it buster, or I'll make you just like me!" growled Meowth. "This is all your fault you rotten rodent!" he shouted while pointing a claw at Sandy and Cameron. "You and that crummy trainer of yours! Now I'm gonna make you pay!" and he took out a remote and was about to drop Reiko into the shredder.

"No you can't!" pleaded Cameron. "We beat you fair and square! That was the deal!"

"When it comes to beautiful Meowth's eyes, all deals are off!" shouted Meowth as he pushed the button and Reiko started to drop.

"NO REIKO!" cried Cameron. Just then, Reiko found herself hovering over the shredder and floating into Cameron arms. Cameron and Reiko turned around and saw it was Ash' Espeon who had just used his psychic powers to save Reiko.

"Nice work Espeon", called out Ash's voice. Cameron turned around and smiled as he saw Ash along with Misty, Brock, Stella, Seymour, and Bill along with Ryan, Lulu, Gary, and Prof. Oak.

"Thank you", said Cameron as he untied Reiko.

"Yes, Arigato", said Reiko humbly.

"Don't thank me", said Ash. "Thank Espeon over here."

"PI!" said Espeon proudly.

"I think it's time to blast off again!" said Jessie and James nervously as they grabbed a grieving Meowth and started to head off to their secret escape hatch. But couldn't for Espeon had used his psychic powers to bring the trio back and dropped them right in front of a boiling mad Ash.

"Uh, hi Ash!" said Jessie nervously. "Long time no see?"

"You've been certainly drinking your milk haven't you?" said James looking in fear at the muscles on the former twerp.

Ash just silently grabbed Jessie and James by the throats and lifted them up. "Ever since I first met you two scumbags, you've given us lots of grief during our Pokemon journey. But doing all this to my town and the people I love is very unforgivable!"

"You're not gonna kill us are you?" whimpered Jessie and James in fear.

"I won't kill you because it's ungentlemen to kill a lady!" Ash growled at Jessie and released her. "And I won't kill you James because like I said, it's ungentlemen to kill a lady!" And he threw him on the floor along with Meowth.

"Thank you!" said Jessie and James sweating of relief.

"But that doesn't count for me!" smiled Reiko as she gave her ex-queen a flying kick in the face causing her to lose a tooth and to fall on the floor. Then Reiko tackled James slamming his face onto the floor causing his nose to bleed. The former rulers of Rocketville looked at each other with a missing tooth, broken nose, and a rock for an eye feeling the greatest humility they've ever known in their lives.

Jenny walked proudly over to the defeated Rockets and said. "You three are under arrest for Pokemon stealing, town imprisoning, trying to capture a police officer and her company, and for attempted murder! You three will definitely get life for this!"

"And allow me to put them in jail for you officer", said a familiar voice. Everyone looked in fear at what they saw. A familiar scary shadow started to emerge from the darkness and connected to the shadow was an old enemy.

"MEWTWO?!" screamed everybody.

"But I thought you were dead!" gasped Misty as she held her Togepi tightly.

"Yes, the first Mewtwo is dead", smiled Mewtwo. "But it's a good thing I saved his body."

Ash suddenly recognized Mewtwo's new voice. "GIOVANNI!" he gasped.

"Aw, you gave me away", groaned Gio. "And I was saving that for a surprise! Oh well. And I want to thank you Bill."

"Thank me?" asked Bill nervously.

"Yes", smiled Gio evily. "For creating such a marvelous DNA chamber and for leaving it abandoned and left on. If you've only kept some of your smarts today, I wouldn't be in this wonderful destructive new body!"

"Oh dear!" said Bill while sweatdropping heavily on his Rattata.

Gio then looked at Jessie, James, and Meowth with a big scary smile. "So this is what you three little fools have been doing since I fired you." He laughed. "I'm glad to see you've made a tyrannical name for yourselves these past five and a half years. I'm very proud of you."

"You are Boss?" gasped the trio at once.

"Please, call me Gio", he laughed. "You don't work for me anymore. In fact, how you like to be partners with me in my new organization?"

"Really?" asked Jessie, James, and Meowth now smiling. Jessie hid her mouth with her hand because she now had an ugly bloody smile without her tooth.

"You mean we can be a foursome?" smiled James.

"And I can be your top cat once again?" asked Meowth while a tear ran out of the rock which was now his eye.

"Actually, I was thinking about a onesome", laughed Gio loud and hard. The trio didn't like the way he was laughing at all. Then Gio shot out Mewtwo's infamous mindjail beam at the trio causing them to scream, shrink down, and get sucked inside Gio's brain. Our heroes turned white at what they just saw.

"Perfect!" laughed Gio evily while sending surges of power through his stubby fingers. "Now that I have their conquering skills inside my head, I'll be able to conquer this entire planet! All people and Pokemon will have to bow down to me if they don't want their races to become extinct! HA HA HA HA HA!"

"Giovanni, you sick psycho!" shouted Ash. "We took care of you these past five years and this is how you repay us?!"

"Ungrateful, aren't I?" smiled Gio. "While I was a prisoner in the original Mewtwo's mind, I felt I had no hope, so I decided to just go mad. But now that I actually have control of the power of Mewtwo, I can go back to being myself. And my first task is to get rid of you Ash Ketchum!" And he charged up his hands and sent a psychic blast right at Ash knocking him into the wall.

"NO ASH!" cried Misty as she and the others ran to him. Gio just smiled and shot some more blasts at everyone.

"HA HA HA HA HA!" laughed Gio knowing that nobody can stop him now. Just then he heard a loud "SHREW!" Gio curiously looked down and saw a tiny Sandshrew wanting to battle him.

"You think someone like you can stop someone like me?" laughed Gio. "Sure, you may've defeated a big stone kitty, but you're looking at the worlds' most powerful Pokemon. I should know, I designed this body myself. And let me show you its features!" and he started throwing swift stars at Sandy hitting him like crazy.

"SANDY!" cried Cameron who was lying on the floor after being psyched out by Gio.

"PIKA, PI!" cried Pikachu as he stood beside Sandy and started to release a thunderbolt. But Gio had just created a barrier protecting himself from the electricity.

"Don't you get it you brainless little rodents?" laughed Gio. "This isn't like David and Goliath. I am the mighty Gio-Mewtwo, and no force on this planet can stop me!" and he fired more psychic blasts at Pikachu and Sandy who were trying to leap out of the way.

"PIKACHU!" cried the beat up Ash with tears in his eyes. "SANDY!" cried Cameron who did the same thing. Suddenly, both Ash and Cameron levitated from the floor and stood right behind their Pokemon. Gio stopped attacking for he was curious at what those two boys were doing, and so were all our heroes who managed to stand up as well. A glowing surge of energy started to leave Ash's and Cameron's bodies and they went right into Pikachu's and Sandy's. The two Pokemon suddenly felt the large amount of power and fired a powerful thunderbolt and a blinding sandstorm at Gio causing him to scream in pain.

"What's happening to them?!" gasped Misty as they all saw the two boys still giving their energy to their Pokemon who were still lashing out their electricity and sandstorm.

"I've heard about this", said Seymour. "It is said that if a Pokemon is ever in the most dangerous encounter of its life and its master really loves and cares for it, the master will magically transfer a hidden power into his or her Pokemon making it unstoppable with unlimited fighting power."

"Cameron-san really does care for his Sandshrew", thought Reiko as she watched silently while Cameron was making that cute glow. She also noticed that Gio was desperately increasing his barrier power trying to protect himself from the two powerful attacks. "Like the two Beedrills that try to make the worlds' largest hive by themselves, that is very difficult. We need more Pokemon to help those two brave ones." Just then she felt a tendril on her shoulder. Reiko turned around and smiled to see her beloved Tentacruel and Kingler. "Oh, my babies", smiled Reiko as she hugged them. "I am so glad to see that you're both safe. But now I must ask you to do me a favor."

"CRUEL, KING", said the two Pokemon ready to serve their loving master.

"I need you to use every ounce of your power to defeat that monster", said Reiko. "Those two may not be able to do it alone.

"CRUEL!" said Tentacruel as it released its acid attack on Gio. "KING!" said Kingler as it blew a blizzard right at Gio while Pikachu and Sandy continued with their attacks. Everyone became amazed that this Rocket girl was helping them.

"Why are you all standing around like a bunch of Pokemon that've been paralyzed by stun spore?" demanded Reiko. "Lend a Pokemon to these brave heroes!" Everyone nodded their heads and released a Pokemon.

"Golduck, hydro pump!" commanded Misty.

"Golem, rock slide!" commanded Brock.

"Growlithe, flamethrower!" commanded Jenny.

"Doduo, whirlwind!" commanded Seymour.

Stella was about to release her Tangela, until her Mr. Mime jumped into the action. "Mime?" asked Stella. "But you can't fight now. After what you've been through!"

"MR. MIME!" shouted Mr. Mime as he released his psywave attack at Gio. "Still as stubborn as usual", said Stella while smiling.

Bill's Rattata then jumped out its master's arms and joined in the battle using its swift attack. "I never knew my Rattata had that attack", said Bill amazed. "I could've have fun with that!"

"Shall we join in the fight Grandson?" Prof. Oak asked Gary as he put a comforting hand on his shoulder. Gary, who no longer felt grievous after what happened said. "Let's do it Gramps!" and they each released one Pokemon.

"Magnemite, sonicboom!" commanded the Professor.

"Venusaur, solarbeam!" commanded Gary as their attacks joined in with the others.

Ryan and Lulu definitely wanted to be rid of that horrible beast forever. They've been waiting five and a half long years for this day. Then Ryan released his Hitmonchan and Lulu one of her Beedrills.

"HC, comet punch!" commanded Ryan.

"Beeswax, pin missile!" commanded Lulu. And the energy blows from HC's fists and the pins from Beeswax's stingers joined in with all the other countless attacks.

"You really think you can all stop me?!" shouted Gio as he kept increasing his barrier power but couldn't attack back. "Keep it up! You'll all conk out from exhaustion soon and then I'll be here to clean up the mess, which'll be all of you! HA HA HA HA HA!"

* * * * * *

Outside, all the rebels and the citizens saw and heard the fireworks that were going on at the top of the palace. The giant Meowth head that was on the top, started to crumble and crack causing its right eye to fall off making it match the original Meowth that posed for it. "Oh Ash!" cried Mrs. Ketchum desperately hoping that her baby would come out of this alive.

* * * * * *

As the Pokemon kept launching their attacks, two figures had suddenly teleported into the room. It was Sabrina along with Agatha. "It looks like we got here at just the right time", said Sabrina.

"But I thought you were scared of Mewtwo", asked Agatha.

"But this isn't the same Mewtwo", said Sabrina. "It's a corporate Rocket bully in Mewtwo's clothing and I'm gonna defeat it once and for all!" and she released her Haunter who no longer had any fear of Mewtwo either. "Haunter, nightshade attack!" commanded Sabrina as Haunter blasted its shadow at Gio.

"Count me in as well!" said Agatha as she released her Umbreon and studied Gio's face. "Perfect!" she smiled. "That monster has its eyes closed. Umbreon, give it your nightmare attack!"

"UM!" cried Umbreon as it released a dark energy at Gio. Gio tried his best to build up more barriers but the oncoming powers of ground, electric, poison, ice, water, rock, fire, flying, psychic, normal, steel, grass, fighting, bug, ghost, and darkness were completely draining Gio's power.

"At least there's no dragon type here", Gio thought but he spoke too soon. A huge Dragonite had burst through the ceiling and on its back was Blaine.

"I got your psychic message Sabrina", said Blaine, "Dragonite and I are here to lend a hand and claw. Or better yet, a mouth! Give it your dragonbreath, Dragonite!"

"DRAAGG!" shouted Dragonite as it fired hot breaths of fire at Gio. That did it. The combined attacks of every known type of Pokemon along with the power that Ash and Cameron were feeding into their own Pokemon were just too much for Gio. He made a loud howl and the entire room exploded. But luckily no one got killed for Sabrina had used her psychic powers to protect everyone.

"Is it over?" asked Brock as he looked around.

"Does all that answer your question?" asked Stella as she pointed to all the white and purple ooze all over the place showing them that Gio-Mewtwo was no more. And where he was standing were Jessie, James, and Meowth on the floor shaking frantically.

"We did it Ash!" cried Misty happily. "Actually, you and Cameron started it all! You're both heroes! Uh, Ash? ASH!!!" cried Misty as she saw Ash lying on the floor unconscious while a tear filled Reiko was holding an unconscious Cameron in her arms.

"NO ASH!" cried Misty as she ran over and hugged her long lost love. Everyone became sad and silent as they saw the two heroes who had just given up their lives lying there motionless. Sandy desperately tried licking the life back into Cameron and it seemed to work. "Sandy, we did it!" smiled Cameron as he opened his eyes. "After this, I'll never look at my Gameboy the same again!"

"SANDSHREW!" cried Sandy as he started slurping Cameron some more.

"CAMERON-SAN!" cried Reiko as she hugged him tightly with all her ninja strength.

"Uh, Reiko!" gasped Cameron while his eyes grew even bigger than his glasses. "I'm okay now. You can stop killing me now!"

"Oops, sorry Cameron-san", said Reiko blushing as she gave him a long good kiss."

"Oh Ash!" cried Misty who couldn't seem to wake him up at all.

"PIKACHU!" cried Pikachu hoping that his old shocking method that usually woke Ash up in the past still worked. He fired a thunderbolt at Ash along with Misty who was still holding him.

"AAAAAH! PIKACHU!" screamed Misty. "Why are you doing this? Are you trying to send me into the afterlife so I can join my Ash?"

"It must've worked, cause I think I'm in Heaven", mumbled Ash's voice who just opened his eyes at a most beautiful sight.

"ASH!" cried Misty as she hugged her guy while giving him a big kiss.

"PIKA, PI!" cried Pikachu while letting loose happy thundershocks. Our heroes became extremely happy at the sight they were seeing and applauded for the two heroes of the day. Suddenly they saw some of Mewtwo's leftover ooze starting to bubble and take a new form.

"Oh no, he's coming back to take revenge on us!" thought Cameron remembering how that usually happened on Dragonball Z.

"Relax my friends", called out a cute little voice. "The ooze suddenly formed into a smaller version of Mewtwo. "I am here to help you", it said.

"I can't believe it!" gasped Sabrina, Seymour, and Bill. "IT'S MEW!"

"Mew?!" gasped both Ash and Cameron as they both took out their Pokedex's.

"MEW", replied both Dexter and Dexeena. "A mythical Pokemon of South America which has been thought extinct. A growing number of people have seen it recently.

"I can't believe we're actually face to face with the legendary Mew!" gasped Seymour while polishing his glasses to the extreme so he could get a better view of it.

"It's not dangerous, is it?!" asked Stella nervously.

"Of course not", said Bill. "Those who have said they've seen it said that Mew is a friendly fun loving Pokemon who wants to make people happy."

"That is correct", said Mew as it flew around happily making figure- eights in the air. "And I want to thank you all for freeing me from that evil prison called Mewtwo."

"You mean you've been a victim of the mindjail beam too?" asked Ash. "How come we've never seen you all these years?"

"A long time ago I was captured by an evil man named Giovanni", explained Mew. "He and his scientists ejected me with all sorts of horrible chemicals which forced me to develop into the beast known as Mewtwo along with making my mind evil and twisted. But now that you've destroyed Mewtwo, you've set my hidden innocent-self free. And I know the perfect way to repay all of you."

Before anyone could say a word, Mew suddenly flew around the town and started to cover everything up with some kind of pink psychic dust. Suddenly a miracle happened. All of the damage and suffering that Team Rocket had caused was all erased. The smog disappeared showing off the sun and blue sky, the trees got back their leaves and the grounds got back their grass and flowers, the factories suddenly disappeared and were replaced by all the houses that the citizens had lost over the years. And finally the palace they were all in got replaced by the original town hall that the Rockets had demolished to make room for their palace.

"It's a miracle!" smiled Ash as he and the others looked out the window and saw Pallet Town restored back to its beautiful, peaceful stage while all the citizens were dancing and cheering with joy. Even Mrs. Ketchum who just saw her boy looking out the window and happily blew him a kiss. Then our heroes released all their Pokemon so they could see the miracle that just happened and they started dancing and cheering as well. Then Ash and Misty kissed, Brock kissed Stella, Seymour kissed Jenny, Ryan kissed Lulu, and even Bill kissed his Rattata!

Then Bill approached Blaine and his Dragonite and stared awestruck at the huge dragon. "Hello Mr. Dragonite", Bill stuttered. "It's me Bill. I don't know if you remember me, but I own a lighthouse on a beach near Vermilion City. I kept dreaming I'd meet you one day and it finally happened!" and he bowed down to him.

"DRAG!" cooed Dragonite as it gave Bill a gentle slurp for he did recognize the friendly looking guy in that lighthouse a long time ago.

"Why don't you keep him?" asked Blaine.

"You're giving your Dragonite to me?!" gasped Bill.

"Of course", smiled Blaine. "You were the first to discover it before me so you should be its trainer. And besides, I'm a fire Pokemon trainer, not a dragon trainer. What do you say Dragonite? I think this guy would treat you better than I could."

"DRAGONITE!" smiled Dragonite as it slurped Blaine and then picked up Bill and started hugging its new master affectionately.

"Thank you", smiled Bill with tears while Dragonite still hugged him like crazy.

Prof Oak and Gary hugged each other and then Gary silently approached Ash. Ash stood there silently wondering what his old rival was gonna say or do. Gary smiled and extended his hand to him. "Put it there Pokemon master!" he said.

"Thanks old friend", said Ash. Prof. Oak smiled knowing that his grandson had made friends again with Ash just like when they were babies. "Hello Samuel Oak", said an old lady's voice. Prof. Oak turned around and blushed at who he just saw.

"Agatha?!" he gasped happily.

"It's been a long time Samuel", smiled Agatha. "And I see you still got your hair."

"And I see you've still got your, uh... uh... wrinkles!" said Prof. Oak. "No wait, that wasn't right. I'm sorry!" he stuttered.

"Aw, you're still the same old kook I remember", laughed Agatha as she went over and kissed him on the cheek.

Cameron looked into Reiko's red eyes and were about to kiss each other. "Oh, wait Cameron-san, I almost forgot", said Reiko as she pinned the EarthBadge on Cameron's shirt. "When I kicked her royal vileness, Jessie across the room, she had dropped the EarthBadge. So I present it to you Cameron-san. You truly are the worlds' greatest Pokemon master in my eyes!" And then she removed Cameron's glasses and looked into his handsome green eyes. Then they kissed lovingly while Sandy made a happy claw's up at his master.

"Cameron", said Mew as he suddenly appeared right between him and Reiko. "I also want to give you something."

"What is it?" asked Cameron.

"A message from Heaven", said Mew as he suddenly vanished and a man in a white suit appeared. Cameron immediately recognized the man. "Hi Son", he said.

"DAD!" cried Cameron as he was about to hug his late father but then went right through him.

"Sorry son", said Mr. Fusterman. "But I am a ghost now, but don't worry. You'll be hugging me again soon. But not too soon though. I want you to live out your new life here till you're old and gray."

"I'm sorry about what happened to you", said Cameron. "I saw the car accident."

"I know you did", said Mr. Fusterman. "I've been watching you throughout your Pokemon journey. You know, at first I thought this Pokemon stuff was just another fad that you might outgrow someday and you'll end up looking back at all the Pokemon merchandise you've wasted your allowance on. I was totally surprised when I found out that this Pokemon world was actually real and you were now a part of it. And you've really handled yourself great here. I'm very proud of you son."

"Thank you Dad", said Cameron with a tear in his eye. "So you don't mind if I stay in this world from now on?"

"Of course not", laughed Mr. Fusterman. "I have learned about that nasty future back in the real world where you die at 31 and I'm happy for this world you're in and the new family you've made. Just always treat them right, eat your vegetables, read your bible every night and pray, and always think of your old man wherever you're on any future Pokemon journeys. I love you son!"

"And I love you Dad!" smiled Cameron with tears in his eyes while everyone smiled at the magical sight. Then Cameron slowly watched his Dad fade away.

"Reiko, please take good care of my son", said Mr. Fusterman as he totally disappeared out of everyone's sight.

"I will sir", whispered Reiko smiling and then stared at the boy who totally changed her life for the good.

[Cullen]

The Incredible Poke-Odyssey chapter 25 part 2

EPILOGUE

All the Rockets were sent to jails across the country. Jessie and James were sentenced to life in an island prison somewhere in the east. It showed an image of them breaking rocks with sledgehammers. Actually Jessie was using a toothpick to break the rocks for the guards took away her sledgehammer when she kept bopping James with it.

Unfortunately poor Reiko had to go to juvenile hall for the crimes she committed, but she knew she deserved it though. Luckily, Pallet Jenny convinced the judge to shorten her sentence to a few years for the help she gave them against the Rockets and Cameron promised Reiko that he'd visit her whenever he could. And Reiko's Tentacruel and Kingler were transported over to the Fuchsia gym where they would be in the care of Reiko's siblings until her sentence was done.

Meowth, along with the Rockets' Pokemon were going to be transported to different gym leaders all over the world so they could get the proper love and guidance they never had. Meowth with an eye-patch was too busy dazed from everything that happened that day to realize what was going to happen to him.

Ryan suddenly saw the Victreebel that one of the Jennies had confiscated from James and ran up to it. Victreebel looked at Ryan and instead of chomping on him, it hugged Ryan lovingly with its large leaves. For Victreebel was once the Weepinbell that Ryan owned many years ago. One day it got injured so Ryan had to send it to the Pokemon center to get Weepinbell healed. But however, the Rocket trio had robbed that center and James claimed Ryan's Weepinbell for himself, which soon later evolved into Victreebel. Vic truly missed Ryan and did not like James as its new master. Whenever it had the chance, Vic would try to gobble up James hoping that would force him to release it. Now that Vic was reunited with its original loving master, it could be a happy innocent Pokemon once again.

Seymour had given the Clefairy Clan back their Moonstones and he escorted them all back to Mt. Moon so they could live happy peaceful lives once again.

Jenny had made Cameron an official citizen of Pallet Town and appointed herself as his legal guardian. She even gave him a special room in her police station home.

* * * * * *

A month later, all of the citizens and the heroes had gathered into the town hall for a freedom banquet. Everyone was talking while eating deliciously prepared food made by Mrs. Ketchum and the moms of Pallet Town.

Ash and Misty were at a table making googly eyes at each other while kissing every few minutes. Pikachu and Togepi watched them from under the table.

"Why is mommy acting funny in front of that guy?" asked Togepi.

"You'll know when you're older", whispered Pikachu.

"I am older!" protested Togepi. "I'm six fingers old!"

"Pika, pi!" laughed Pikachu.

Brock had invited his entire family over where they watched Stella and her circus staff of people and Pokemon perform for them. Brock was happy that Stella was nicer to her old Pokemon along with her new Pokemon as well. "She could make a great mother one day", he thought while smiling.

Seymour saw Jenny talking to someone and nervously approached her. "Officer Jenny", he asked while holding out a ring. "Will you marry me?" Jenny just angrily scowled at him and hit him with a huge salami that was on the table and left. Seymour became confused and crushed, but was helped up by another Jenny. The Pallet Jenny.

"Hi Seymour", she smiled at him. "I see you've met my cousin, the Neon Town Jenny. Please forgive her. She tends to be cranky all the time. Hey, is that an engagement ring?!" she smiled as she picked up the ring that was by Seymour's feet. "Yes, I'll marry you!" she cried happily before Seymour could even say a word. He just smiled on the inside but then realized that he'd have to study all of his future in-laws for they all looked like his Jenny and they had the same name as hers. But it was worth it spending the rest of his life with his favorite Jenny.

Bill was there too, and he had a Nurse Joy holding onto his arm. During the journey, Bill was treated by the Celadon City Joy and had fallen in love with her. Now that he was human again, he could truly start dating her.

Gary had won the love of at least one of his cheerleaders when she heard how he had helped defeat Gio-Mewtwo. And since then, he treated this girl with respect, which he never really did with his other girls.

The crowd suddenly quieted down when Prof, Oak tapped his glass and stood up. "May I have your attention please?" he called out. "For over five and a half years, we the innocent citizens of Pallet Town fell under the dark tyranny of the evil Team Rocket. We had all been tormented and pushed around by those awful Rockets. But luckily, some of us, including myself, hid out in the sewers and started an underground rebellion where we helped out the poor citizens. And I just want to propose a toast to all the brave and loyal members of the Pallet Rebellion."

Everyone cheered as they all tapped their glasses together while Agatha kissed the Professor on the cheek.

"I also want to give a special thanks to two special people", continued the Professor. "At first I built a device that would teleport a hero back home, but instead I brought back a different hero. He led 3 of our rebels along with 3 other brave and true friends to far away places where he got help from gym leaders and brought back our own hometown hero. Then they returned and freed us all from Team Rocket along with destroying a deadly monster that may've conquered the entire world. So I want to put this statue in the middle of our town to honor two great guys and their Pokemon!"

And a sheet was pulled off a huge monument. Everyone applauded when they saw what it was. It was a huge pedestal that read, "HEROES". Standing on it were statues of Ash and Cameron and by their feet were statues of Pikachu and Sandy. "PIKA!" said Pikachu with stars in his eyes. "SHREW!" said Sandy with also the same feelings. Ash and Cameron stood there blushing while Brock and Misty urged them to go up and make some speeches.

"I don't know what to say", said Ash blushing. "First of all, I'm so happy to be back home with my wonderful mother along with all my friends, especially my girlfriend Misty and my best friend Pikachu. And I want you to know that the Indigo Pokemon League games will be starting in a few months and I'll be leaving Pallet once again to compete in the Indigo League and I'm gonna try to bring home the trophy for all you good people of Pallet."

Everyone cheered and applauded for Ash. "I'm so proud of you honey!" called out Mrs. Ketchum with tears in her eyes.

"You're not the only one", sighed Misty with stars in her eyes.

"And Cameron", continued Ash. "I'd like you to train with me and compete in the League too. That way in case I lose, you can win the trophy for both of us and for Pallet as well."

"You can be sure I will Ash", said Cameron proudly.

"Now it's time for your speech Cameron", called out Brock.

"Well, uh..." stuttered Cameron. "I'm not really good with speeches and I don't really consider myself the hero type either. But I'm proud to now be a citizen of your wonderful town and to be with all you welcoming and caring people and Pokemon, Especially you Sandy. Being sent here was the best thing that ever happened to me in my entire life. And I will be grateful for it every day!

Everyone applauded while Cameron and Ash went back to their seats. "Will you excuse me please?" Cameron asked his friends. "There's something I need to do in another room." And he went to the kitchen.

"You sly Growlithe you!" winked Ash for he knew where he was going.

"SHHHUH-REW!" smiled Sandy slyly.

"Can you give me just a few minutes please?" Cameron asked an Officer Jenny. She smiled for Pallet Jenny had told her about him and the prisoner that was on work detail in the kitchen. She left Cameron alone and he approached the pretty girl in blue jeans and a prison shirt mopping the floor. Reiko smiled with delight as she dropped her mop and ran over to her guy, but slipped on the suds. Luckily she landed safely in Cameron's arms.

"Oh my radiant Reiko", he sighed. "Like the Slowpoke that takes its time while the whole world is rushing. You should learn to take things easy as well." And he slowly walked her over to a part of the floor that hadn't been waxed yet.

"Oh Cameron-chan!" sighed Reiko as she hugged him. "I have been taking my time. In fact, I am serving lots of time. I just wish it could go by a bit faster."

"Actually, I was hoping this moment of time would go slow for us", said Cameron as he took a portable CD player from his tuxedo jacket and played a bunch of slow dance songs. "Care to dance my graceful little ninja?" he asked while taking Reiko's hand and kissing it.

"But Cameron-san", she said while looking at her uniform. "I'm not properly dressed!"

"That's okay", he smiled as he took off his jacket and tuxedoed shirt revealing a white T-shirt with a Pokeball on it. "Neither am I!" Reiko just laughed quietly as they danced to the wonderful music and it did feel like time had stopped just for them. Mainly because Sabrina had used her powers to freeze time for a while just for them.

"Good luck in your new life my friendly alien!" smiled Sabrina.

THE END

AUTHOR'S FINAL NOTES:

Well, that's the end of the Incredible Poke-Odyssey and I want to thank everyone who made this adventure possible.

The fans at the Pokemon Fanfic Mailing List who e-mailed me wonderful compliments and kept encouraging me to keep writing it.

Friends like Bellossom Boy, Ben Hertzog, Gundam_Wildfire X, and Emmanuel Jones for giving me ideas throughout the story's construction.

Sandra Chan, Misty X, McWizard X, Mega Raichu, and Zeth Raltier for posting my fanfic on their websites. And Serebii.net for letting me post on this site as well.

Nintendo, Game Freak, 4Kids Entertainment, and Kids' WB for introducing us all to the wonderful world of Pokemon.

And to God for giving me a wonderful gift called imagination. I thank my Heavenly Father every day for it.

Thank you all for letting me share this story with you. It was worth a whole year of typing it.

[mattman324]

Wow. I've been a closet reader since... chapter 3 or 4 was posted here, and it REALLY impressed me. At first, I thought "Oh, this is just one of those n00bs running around", but as I read the story, it grew on me.

This really deserves to be in the fanfiction archive.

[Cullen]

Originally Posted by mattman324

Wow. I've been a closet reader since... chapter 3 or 4 was posted here, and it REALLY impressed me. At first, I thought "Oh, this is just one of those n00bs running around", but as I read the story, it grew on me.

This really deserves to be in the fanfiction archive.

Thank you for the kind words about my Poke-Odyssey fanfic. I'm glad you liked it. I remember writing it back in the year 2000 and I thought I'd might share it with the good people on this site.