“Hello and welcome to the wide world of Poke’mon”. Just a little disclaimer here: while Poke’mon, Ruroni Kenshin, and their characters aren’t copyrighted to me, characters such as “Landon” and “Zeru” are. In this story, you’ll join our young hero, Landon, in his epic and unusual journey in the world of Poke’mon. Equipped with a magical bell, he and his friends must stare down the face of evil, win every challenge, make new friends, and claw their way to the top. But can they stop the ultimate evil that threatens their world? There are many twists and surprises, so you have to keep reading if you really want to “Catch ‘em all!” in:

 

                                     
Poke’mon X

 

      
The lobby building of cycling road was loud and full of busy people. The sun shone through the windows onto the polished orange-tiled floor. The rolling of different kinds of bikes crossed in and out of the lobby building like busy insects. Landon handed her three white cards. The woman smiled and took them over the counter. “Three bike voucher for three bikes? Okay, your rental bicycles will be at the east desk.” She said. “Excuse me,” May stepped up. The egg they had received from the Trick Master was clutched closely in her arms. “Could I please get a bike with a basket? I don’t want anything to happen to my egg.” She asked. “Sure thing; just let me fill this special request form for you.” The desk clerk reached behind the desk and pulled up a pink sheet, starting to scribble on it. “I see you’re no amateur when it comes to raising Poke’mon eggs.” Zeru complimented. “Oh, I’m no expert either. I’m just doing the best I can.” May pulled an eyeglass cloth she borrowed from Landon out her pocket and started to polish the egg. As if it were responding to her kindness, the spots on the egg glowed dimly. “I’m glad we found Cycling Circuit. I rather ride a bike than walk all the way to Circuit Town.” Landon grinned and held up the Japanese “V” for victory, “Good thing we scored those bike vouchers.” “Mudkip,” Toya nodded. “Us taking the Cycling Circuit won’t only be easier to us, but will save us a lot more traveling time as well.” Zeru told them. The desk clerk handed back the pink slip of paper, smiling politely. “Thank you, Miss.” May took up the paper. With that, the group started through the crowd towards the eastern desk. (Well, it seems that our heroes are sti8ll on the road towards Mauville City. They have stopped to take a short cut through Circuit Town, a place they can reach through Cycling Road. What kind of trouble and adventure will our heroes get into today?)

 

                   
Theme Song: Pocket Monsters X(treme)

Running at

The speed of sound

What adventures can be found?

Traveling the world all around

As fate just spins it upside-down

Little monsters

Everywhere

Find a new one and I’m there

Victory is just for fun

<There’s no stoppin’ till I’m number one



Crys-tal,

Clear, and Shadow

Three lights—

That fight the way

Protect those legendary

Is my destiny!



Poke’mon X

(Poke’mon X)

Leading the way

Is my sweet victory

Poke’mon X

(Poke’mon X)

A mystery

Behind each one we see



Poke’—mon X

(Ex—Ex)

This journey I’ll run

Has only begun!!


 

                   
Episode 22: “A Fraud for A Victory”

       Landon rolled the two-wheeled vehicle onto the floor gleefully—it had been a while since he had ridden a bike. Even for a rental, it was in exceptional shape. The wheels had plenty of air; the handle bars and breaks were in perfect condition; and the blue paint wasn’t scratched in the slightest. “Wow, this bike is practically brand-spankin’ new!” Landon marveled. Zeru’s rental bicycle was green in color and May’s was red with a woven basket in the front. Landon glanced around at the busy gathering of people. Most of them had numbered tags across the front of their gray hoodies. Some were prepping their bikes while others stretched out their bodies. Landon scratched his head and blinked. “Is it me, or is there a reason why everyone is dressed alike?” He asked. “Yah, I’ve been wondering the same thing.” May gently set the Poke’mon egg into the bicycle basket. “Haven’t you heard?” One of the uniformed bikers walked up to them. She had her brown hair tied in a bun and a pair of black sunglasses on her face. “No, I haven’t heard.” Landon said. “Everyone here is participating in the bike-a-thon to raise money for the Circuit Town Poke’mon Center. But the real reason everyone is here is something much less selfless.” The girl tilted her sunglasses, “The real reason is the chance to race against the great Seiji Chance.” “Huh!” BANG!! Landon and Zeru took the shock kind of weird and crashed to the ground anime style. They shot up and dashed to the girl. “Dah! What are you two, some kind of freaks?” She asked, taken aback. “Did you say—” “Seiji Chance?!” They bugged her. “Not to be out of loop or anything, but who is this Seiji Chance guy you’re talking about?” May blinked. Maybe it was something of obsession or boredom, but she couldn’t stop polishing the Poke’mon egg. There was a dead silence as Landon and Zeru stared at her. “…guy? Try Woman!!” They corrected, “and she’s one of the best samurai actresses in the world! She’s played in all of my favorite films like ‘Samurai Storm’ and ‘Dragon’s Sword’—” “—And—my personal favorite—‘Blade to Fist’! She’s awesome!” The two exclaimed. “Not to mention,” Landon ran his hand through his hair, “She’s a wicked samurai as well as a skilled Poke’mon Trainer.” He said. May started to sweat anime style. “Well, in that case, why don’t you register to race?” “May, you’re brilliant!” Landon ran up to her and shook her hand wildly. “And since it was your idea, you can sign up with me.” He started to pull her towards the center counter. May fumbled with the egg swiftly, barely catching it with the tips of her fingers. She drew it in close to her in a paternal sigh of relief. “Lan, you goof! How am I supposed to race when I have an egg to watch?” Her eyes narrowed a bit. “Relax; I’m sure Zeru wouldn’t mind.” Landon assured her. May glanced up at the ceiling too go into a minute of thought. Immediately, the image of Zeru in a chef’s hat and apron appeared in her head. He stood over a hot stove with the Poke’mon egg in a pan. “Ahhh!! I don’t think so!” May started to resist Landon’s pull, “Zeru’s not going anywhere near this egg!” Landon fought over her and reached the service desk in the middle of the room.

 

May stood next to her bicycle with her arms folded around her Poke’mon egg. Her left eyebrow twitched angrily and the temple of her forehead drummed. She was wearing a pair of white shorts and a white shirt with the number fourty-three stamped on the front. Landon was sporting the same kind of shirt, but was wearing pants instead of shorts. He and Zeru walked up to her, grinning. “C’mon, May, it’s not gonna’ be that bad.” But May turned her gaze away, “I’m not talking to you, Himura.” She said. “Oh, I’m not going to eat your egg. Not even I would do something that bad to you, May.” Zeru tried to persuade her. May still refused to let their moves sway her. Zeru reached into his pocket and pulled out five minimized poke’balls. They weren’t his as one was a Luxury’ball, another was blue, and the others were marked with stickers. Toya clambered up to Zeru’s shoulder opposite of the one Phanpy was on. “The rules state that the contestants aren’t allowed to bring any Poke’mon, except for Seiji Chance, of course. If Landon trusts me with his Poke’mon, you can trust me too.” May let out a sigh and turned back to the boys. “I trust you; I just want you to be careful.” She said. “Don’t worry,” Landon flashed a thumbs-up. “Hey, it’s her! Seiji Chance is here!” Someone behind them suddenly shouted. At that, Zeru and Landon averted their gazed towards the front door. The people in the Cycling Road lobby started flocking towards the main entrance like a group of insects in a loud hustle and bustle. Landn and Zeru joined the rush, leaving May behind by the rental desk. “Huh,” She let out an annoyed sigh, “Stupid boys,”

The two boys forced their way through the crowd of bikers, often pushing and sometimes being polite about it. The eagerness of meeting their favorite samurai movie actress rose the closer they got to the door. Once they got in the front, they let out a gasp; the lady had long black hair that reached down to the end of her back neatly. Her eyes were amber in color and her skin was as smooth as a baby’s. Just like the other female contestants, she was wearing a pair of white shorts and shirt. At her side was a sheathed sword that she probably wore to show off. Seiji ran her hand through her hair and smiled sweetly. “Whaaaa!!” The crowd, which consisted mostly of boys, echoed. Landon and Zeru were the only ones who didn’t ogre out of a physical attraction; they already had a crush on a couple others. “Please, no pictures or autographs—I’m not looking my best right now.” Seiji said without opening her eyes. “Awwww…”Some people from the crowd let out a disappointed wail and lowered their cameras, pens, or pencils. “…I’m gonna go.” Landon started to step forward. “Lan, what’re you doing?” Zeru hissed. Landon glanced back and grinned, “I’m going to challenge her to a fight. I’ve wanted to face off with Seiji ever since I saw her first movie.” He pushed his way into the circle of space Seiji was standing in. “Hey, what is this?!” “Get out of there, kid!” Immediately, the crowd went into a fit, whereas some people even attempted to grab him. “Huh?” May stood on tip-toe to see over the crowd. “Lan, what are you doing?” She asked herself. “Alright, kid, we’re taking you out right now.” Landon’s eyebrows twitched as someone’s hand reach towards him. WHOOSH-SMACK!! “Huh?” The big man blinked. Seiji caught his arm by the wrist and shook her head. “Now, now; there’s no need for that.” She said. The man started to blush and drew his arm back. Seiji’s eyes wandered from him to Landon. He sweated anime style as she examined him closely. <I style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">“I really wish she’d stop staring at me.” He thought. Seiji’s eyes drifted from Landon’s face to the sword at his belt. “Hmmm….judging by that sword, you must be a die-hard fan of mine.” She said. “Uh…yeah!” Landon smiled. “I’ve seen all of your movies, Ms. Chance! Every time I watch you, it makes me want to show off my skills as a samurai-in-training even more.” He grasped the hilt of the sakaba-tou and grinned, “Ms. Chance, I challenge you to a one-point sword bout!” At first, there was an amazed gasp from the surrounding crowd at his words. Seiji didn’t look fazed by him, but also didn’t say anything as well.

 “….huha….!” Someone snorted and started a sudden chain-reaction of laughter in the ranks. “Ahahahahaha!” They all laughed so hard that tears came to their eyes. Landon’s eyes wandered around nat them as he blushed with embarrassment. “That’s a funny joke, kid.” “Ooch!” Someone slapped him on the back and he staggered a bit. “He’s got some nerve challenging the great Seiji Chance!” “Yeah, I hope he wasn’t serious.” Some others stated, May ran up to Zeru’s side, still clutching the Poke’mon egg. “That’s not funny!” “Yeah, stop laughing, or am I gonna’ have to get rough?” Zeru started to pop his knuckles. “Okay, you guys; knock it off.” Seiji said and the crowd fell silent in an instant. She then knelt down to Landon’s level and put a hand on his shoulder. “Are you serious, little boy?” “I’m not that little and yes, I am.” Landon told her. “Then fine, but only because you’re such a huge fan of mine.” Seiji took a few steps back from him and drew her sword the sun glared off the high-polished metal brightly. Everyone in the crowd acted like they had never seen a sword before as they gazed in amazement. Seiji flipped the sword over so that the dull side was facing her opponent. “I’m ready when you are…erm—” “I’m Landon—my name is Landon Himura.” Landon said, taking up the battou-jitsu stance. “Himura….” Seiji’s eyes flickered in an expression of thought. She looked as if she were trying to remember something about his name. Landon stood silently and unmoving, but his nerves were kind of jumpy. After all, it’s not everyday someone gets to square off with a movie star. He didn’t care if he won or lost; he was just glad to be able to step in the same ring as Seiji. The crowd instinctively backed up to give them more room. Even though they knew Seji was going to win, they gave the match all of their attention and interest. “Ms. Chance, not to be over confident, but I would be honored if you attacked first.” Landon smiled. “Alright,” Seiji said without objection. “Watch and learn!” She kicked off the ground and went soaring into the air with her sword raised. Landon grasped the hilt of the sakaba-tou with his right hand, moving slightly. His eyes analyzed Seiji’s movements and he drew his sword. SHHIIINGGG-CLANG! The tow swords clanked together. “Not bad at all.” Seiji grinned. “Thanks, but you haven’t seen my best.” Landon responded. They pushed away from their stalemate forcefully. Without much rest time, Seiji willed her body back on the offensive. Landon bounced backwards, swaying his body from a fury of swings. <I style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">“This kid is good….really good.”  Seiji thought to herself as she tried to land a ht on him. CLANG! Landon held up the sakaba-tou and blocked the attack. In a brief moment, his eyes went back into their analyzing expression; he gave his sword a mighty swing and sent Seiji’s soaring through the air. The lady and the crowd gave a shocked expression as it clanged to the ground. “…Hm?” Landon blinked in a little surprise. “Alright, Landon! Whooohooo!” May and Zeru cheered through the silence. Seiji’s eyes were open wide—she just lost to a kid; an amateur! “Did he really beat her?” A particularly round person stated. Seiji cleared her throat hastily and stood up straight. “Wow, kid; you saw the opening I left you.” She smiled and winked at him. “I’d have to say I’m impressed—not many people can see that.” “Is she serious?” May and Zeru clenched their fists, their temple beating anime style. “She lost because she didn’t know what the heck she was doing!” Zeru shouted, but the crowds’ loud voices started up again. Seiji shook Landon’s hand in respect. “You are very skilled. I’m glad we got a chance to fight each other. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to get ready for the race.” She picked up her sword and stared away towards the front door. Like something of the Bible, the crowd parted to two sides and let her out of the Cycling Road lobby. “Wow….I just fought with Seiji Chance…and that was so cool!” Landon thrust his fist into the air. “C’mon, Lan, we need to get ready for the race.” May told him.

 

       Seiji ran her hand through her black hair as she walked along the outside of the dome-shaped building. She looked out in the distance at the rather long suspension bridge that snaked over the large lake. In less than thirty minutes, she would be zipping across that road in a race to show off her skills. “Too bad I’m not getting paid for this. But I guess I have to do this to win points with the public.” “Money is no object, right?” A voice sounded behind her back. “Who’s there?” Seiji wheeled around dangerously. “If it’s money you want, it’s a done deal.” She blinked at the two cloaked figures standing before her. “Hey, I know who you are—those cloaks can only mean you two work for Team Darkhorn!” She exclaimed. “You’re smart for an actress,” Tsubimi smiled. She and Yoshimari stood by the bushes with their arms folded. Seiji’s frown turned into an arrogant smile and brushed her hair. “So, the infamous Team Darkhorn has risen up to stalking movie stars now?” “Not likely,” Yoshimari stepped up. “We actually have a favor to ask of you, one that involves money if you play your cards right.” He said. “…keep talking,” Seiji said in interest. Yoshimari and Tsubimi looked at each other and grinned. “I see we have your attention—that’s a good thing. Our job for you is simple,” Tsubimi held up her finger, “We just want you to make sure that a black-haired kid named Landon Himura doesn’t win.” “Landon Himura!” Seiji’s mind wandered back to the bout between her and Landon, “That boy….Himura handed me a humiliating defeat that could’ve cost me my career if I hadn’t faked it.” Her eyes trembled angrily. “So, do you think you can do it?” Tsubimi asked her. “How much money are we talking about?” At that, Tsubimi snapped her fingers and reached into her pocket. It wasn’t long before she withdrew a roll of green dollar bills. “This should be more than enough.” She handed it to Seiji, who unfolded and counted the money. Her face gained a wider, greedier grin with each dollar she flipped. It was obvious what her weak point was. “Don’t worry, Team Darkhorn; I’ll make Himura pay. He’ll be lucky if he even gets past the starting line.” She said. “Good; we’ll be waiting to hear the good news.” Team Darkhorn bowed respectively before turning away. They waited till they were far enough on the trail so that they could talk without anyone could overhear. “Tsubimi, do you really think that woman can get Landon out of our hair?” Yoshimari asked. “Not really; just hired her to tire Landon out. Besides,” Tsubimi held up a dollar bill, “I hope she likes fake money.” The two grinned at her genius.


 

Fast Fact Quiz: What is Zeru’s favorite Seiji Chance movie? If you can’t guess, find out at the end of this Chapter!


THIS IS THE END OF EPISODE 2, PART 1