“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 dark of nigh fell slowly over Beacon City. The dazzling rainbow lights lit up perfectly with the stars in the sky. The streets were loud and busy as the night-dwellers of Beacon City came out to have a good time. On the corner of one of the streets stood a purple building  alit by a duo of spotlights. Posted in one of the crystal-clear windows was a sign that read “Grand Opening”. Both adults and kids were filing through the sliding glass doors eagerly. The inside of the building was a beautiful blend of yellow and purple. It looked like a cross between an arcade and a casino—with the customers doing both! There were the slots, roulette tables, video games, and—best of all—food. The room took on a beach theme with some parts of the floor covered in sand and little palm trees embellished the indoor path. There was even an ocean setting near the west wall. High above the gigantic room hung a purple balcony. The one-way window surrounded the mid-section of the room, glaring off the bright lights above.

       However bright it was on the outside, the inside was scarcely lit by the light coming in from the window. The small balcony room made its presence to be like an office. A file cabinet and bookshelf  decorated one wall, while a few plants and a wastebasket littered the one parallel to it. A v-curved mahogany desk faced its back to the window. Yoshimari and Tsubimi stood on the jade carpeting with their arms folded. This time, they weren’t in their normal uniforms, but rather dressed in a table waiter’s outfit; their attire consisted of a white dress shirt covered with a red vest, black tires, and khaki pants. Miru sat at the office desk, staring out of the window. “I can’t say you two are actually failing me, but there does come a time where defeat becomes a little redundant.” He turned around to two standing before him, “The idea was to make Landon stronger, not unbeatable.” He said calmly. “We’re sorry, sir.” “He seems to find a way around our plans every time.” Yoshimari and Tsubimi dared to reply. “Well, just make sure that no one finds their way around this particular plan.” “What’s that, sir?” Miru reached underneath the drawer and withdrew a inactive snare triangle (the device from yesterday). “Let’s just say that our technology is in dire need of an upgrade.” “An upgrade?” Tsubimi blinked and Miru nodded. “As you know, the snare triangles are made for ensnaring Poke’mon that normally have a natural resistance to poke’balls. Unfortunately, it’s not a perfect design, but that’s where this game corner comes in.” Miru grinned, “Underneath the fun and games, you will find that a Team Darkhorn laboratory hard at work as we speak. Picture this,” Miru reached under the desk again and pulled out something that looked like a poke’ball. The only difference was that it was black and white with two yellow stripes running up the side. Miru juxtaposed the two items to examine them. “An ultra ball is designed to capture some of the toughest of Poke’mon and the snare triangle snares Poke’mon with EX powers.” He then pressed the two together, “Imagine combining the two to create the Snare ball—the ultimate tool for capturing EX Poke’mon. Of course, we had help from Orre Region technology. And with the game corner as a cover-up, no one will be the wiser to our most important scheme yet.” “But Miru, the snare triangles are powered by EX Poke’mon. to create a ball so powerful would require—”  “Lot’s of EX Poke’mon.” Tsubimi finished for her brother. From atop the desk, Miru pulled a small black remote with a single red button. “There’s more to this game corner than meets the eye. Right now, Exploud and Sneasle are powering up a prototype wave-maker. With a push of that button, every module in this building will emit a wave that hypnotizes humans and controls EX Poke’mon for a short time. Our goal is to draw the EX Poke’mon closer to the wave-maker so that we retain control over them.” Yoshimari and Tsubimi sweated anime style, stammering a bit. “If you don’t mind us asking, sir, but what’s keeping us from being hypnotized?” They asked together. “I don’t have you wearing those uniforms for nothing. Inside the vest is a scrambler circuit—as long as you wear them, the waves that induce hypnotism will be neutralized. That way, you can press the button and still keep your wits about you.” Miru tossed the remote carelessly and Yoshimari caught it with the tips of his fingers. With a bow, the two turned towards the door and left the room in the glass-sided corridors.

       Miru slouched in his soft chair, scratching his cheek. His eyes wandered around the dark room in slight thought. With a sigh, he said, “How long do you plan on hiding up there?” He seemed to ask the air. From the ceiling, a shadow figure dropped to the carpet. She had long green hair and bright purple eyes. Her uniform was almost like the normal Team Darkhorn attire, except that hers was a black kimono outlined in brown. The sash she wore was tight enough to keep it up, but loose enough so it wouldn’t mask her khaki pants. “Listening in on me, first-class Yumi?” Miru said to her. “I don’t think that trusting those two is such a good idea. What makes you think they won’t mess this plan up?” The girl asked. “Yoshimari and Tsubimi are just starting to get used to this line of work; they need to be as good at other affairs as they are at treasure hunting. In any case, their job is only to keep Landon Himura away from our laboratory. Knowing him, he could be trouble.” “I still don’t trust them.” Yumi folded her arms. “Well, maybe that’s why I’m the one giving the orders and you’re the one who follows them. Unless you have to, don’t interfere!” Miru shot. Yumi clenched her teeth, but gave a respectful bow. “Yes, Mr. Miru; I shall return on supervising the EX project.” With that, she turned and left the room. Down in the game corner, Yoshimari was carrying circular trays in his hands, each hosting a meal or beverage. The alluring scent of food tempted him, but he forced himself to remain focused. He walked to one of the tales and sat a try of Hamburgers and French Fries in front of an adult couple. With a smile, Yoshimari walked away with the tray of drinks left. “It’s now time for round one to begin.” He secretly patted his pocket, which tripped the switch. If there wasn’t so much noise, one could hear a faint whistling sound from the invisible waves being produced.

 

                    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 25: “The Darkhorn Casino”

       “I guess we can stop here for tonight.” “Are you kidding? We have to stop for tonight.” Landon, May, and Zeru walked down the lit up streets of Beacon Town. Zeru was examining the clock on his poke’gear that read eight fifty-five. May held the Poke’mon egg gingerly in her arms. Sometimes, it would move around as if it were trying to break out. Even Phanpy kept a curious eye on it, but not so as to stray away from her trainer out of lack of paying attention. Vulpix was lounging over Landon’s left shoulder while Toya was on his right. On their trainer’s cheek was a cross-shaped bandage. Landon wasn’t really paying attention to his other two friends for he was nose-deep in a book on Poke’mon breeding and grooming. “Hmmmm….” He turned the page in interest. “Besides having a Poke’mon groomed to perfection, a contest Poke’mon must also be skilled in battle. Contest battles aren’t measured by a Poke’mon’s strength, but rather the beauty of the attack, strategy, and how well the contestant responds to its trainer.” Landon looked to his sleeping fox Poke’mon. She had beauty; skill was fine, and a good trainer-Poke’mon relationship. But then he looked to Toya; her cute appeal made her a tough contender, not to mention a strong battler. The only reason he wanted to use Vulpix was because of Toya’s feistiness towards strangers. “What’re you reading, Lan?” May took a peak at the book. “It’s <I style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Susie’s Amateur Guide to Poke’mon Contests. Since you’re entering the contest in Verdenturf Town, I thought I should too.” Landon told her. “I can’t wait till we get there; ever since we left Rustborro City, I’ve been practicing fro the contest. Just don’t be too sad when you lose to me.” May grinned and Landon smiled. Vulpix’s and Toya’s gentle snoring vibrations massaged his shoulders warmly as they walked. “You’ll have to be careful, May; Lan’s Poke’mon have tons of cute appeal.” Zeru warned his friend. Landon was about to dive back into his book when a sudden warm jolt shot through him. He stopped abruptly and his cheeks went a little pink. “Hey, Landon, what’s wrong?” May asked, she and Zeru stopping as well. Toya allowed one eye to open drowsily before shutting it again. Without looking, she curled up on top of her trainer’s head and snoozed away.

       Landon had to shut his book in order to keep a firm grip on it. Before them stood a lively marble fountain, bubbling with a rainbow of different-colored water. As beautiful as it was to look at, it paled in comparison to what Landon was blushing at. He could never forget that brown hair and yellow eyes, but most of all, his reoccurring dream replayed in his head; Latias’s human form was unmistakable to his memory. “Hmm?” She glanced to the side directly at him. “...Landon? Is that really you?” She actually spoke! Landon nodded sheepishly to her. A smile spread across Latias’s face and she jumped up blissfully. May and Zeru blinked as the girl clung to Landon’s arm like a magnet. “So, you mind telling us who your friend is?” Zeru asked, trying to squelch his laughter. “Oh, forgive me,” Latias jolted over to them, leaving Landon as quickly as she came to him, “Hi, My name is Lena.” She said, shaking their hands, “Landon and I met on the beach, but I’ve never met you before—he hasn’t ever mentioned you before.” “He hasn’t mentioned us?” “I wonder why?” May and Zeru grinned to each other and Laond wished they’d stop.

 

       As much as he liked her, Landon felt numb walking down the street next to Latias. May it was because he hadn’t been around her as long as he had been with May and Zeru. In any case, he didn’t really like the feeling. “Landon, I thought you forgot about me.” Latias thought-spoke to him. “Why would I forget you?” Landon asked in his mind. “Well, I did leave in an awful hurry last time we met. I didn’t even expect to be here, let alone meet you again.” “Latias…it’s impossible for me to forget you.” Landon blushed; he didn’t mean for it to come out like it sounded. “Thanks a bunch, Landon. The reason why I’m here is because there’s something wrong with this town.” Latias’s expression went from blissfully happy to totally serious. “Something wrong?” Landon blinked. “I can sense that something bad is happening to the Poke’mon around here. I don’t know what I can do, but I have to try and do something for them.” “I’ll help,” Landon clenched his fists and grinned, “It’s not only my job to save Poke’mon from being misused, but it’s like—in some weir way—they’re a part of me.” Latias smiled sweetly at him. She knew she could count on him to help her out anytime. “Ooooh-la-la!” “Yeah, what’s this?” Landon’s and Latias’s cheeks reddened as May and Zeru popped up behind them from out of nowhere, taunting them. Landon’s body temperature rose and his heart drummed against his ribs. All Latias could do was smile. “C’mon, guys; cut it out.” Landon told them, “In any case, shouldn’t we be looking for the Poke’mon Center?” “Poke’mon Center? You kids aren’t thinking of sleep already, are you?” They came to a stop when two guys came up to them. They were wearing the game corner uniforms and, while one had very short black hair, the other had spiky long hair. “This is Beacon town—nobody sleeps here, not even the kids.” They said. Zeru folded his arms and frowned, “Then what’re we supposed to do? Keep walking until we drop to sleep somewhere on the sidewalk?” “You could try the Beacon game corner.” The guy in the red hair pointed to the purple building at the end of the block. Landon blinked at the spotlights flashing across the yellow windows. “There’s only one problem.” May turned out her pockets with one hand. “As you can see, we’re flat broke.” “Is that so? Well, I think these will help you.” The one with the short hair reached into his pocket and pulled out four cylindrical cases. “Coin cases for the lot of you.” “For free?” Landon raised an eyebrow. “Yeah—a prize for coming to our grand opening.” The two took a respectful bow. Landon took the cases and said, “Thanks,” “No problem,” The two ran off, grinning. “So how about it? We can stay up for this, can’t we?” Landon turned to his friends. “Of course I can.” Zeru flashed a thumbs up. “Sure,” “Why not?” Latias and May looked to each other and nodded in agreement. Landon gave an excited smile and darted across the sidewalk with his friends following. Vulpix and Toya bounced lightly from their trainer’s running movements, causing them both to stir. “…Vulpix?” Vulpix opened an eye.

 

       The inside of the Beacon game corner was bright and loud. To prevent from getting lot, Phanpy clambered up to Zeru’s shoulder. The four friends walked through the loud and busy people, admiring the games. Not surprisingly, Toya and Vulpix caught the scent of food and their eyes widened. “Whoa—they’ve got twenty different flavors of ice-cream!” he exclaimed. “I’ll use the prize money we won from that contest.” “Mudkip!” Landon dashed off towards the ice cream stand and Latias trailed behind him. “But, Landon, that’s our emergency money!” May shouted. “And this is an emergency!” Landon shouted back. May hit her head, growling, “That boy!” “Relax, May, and let’s just have some fun.” Zeru patted her on the back.

 

       May and Zeru watched a group of adults play a few games of roulette. Of course, they knew they couldn’t play, but they found it interesting when the occasional player would guess the right number. “Okay, Elgin, you wanna’ keep goin’?” The suited director asked a tourist. “Yeah, let’s go!” The small white ball clicked as it bounced around the spinning wheel. “I call five.” The tourist voice rang. The wheel slowed down, making the numbers along the side more visible. With a final bounce, the ball fell into the purple groove marked with the number twelve. “Oooohaa!” Everyone moaned, but May and Zeru had to suppress their laughter. Landon and Latias sat on a bench by the wall with the simulation of crashing open waves. Landon’s, Vulpix’s, and Toya’s ice cream consisted of three different scoops while Latias only had one. “Oh, yum!” “Mudkip-mudkip!” “Vulpix!” The tree started sucking the ice-cream down in a swift, but neat way. Latias took her time and didn’t act as if her food would sprout legs and run. The simulation of the ocean was made to be so real, that she could feel specks of water fly onto her legs. To be honest, she was kind of sad and happy at the same time. Latias felt like a Cinderella; after she figured out what was going on, she’d have to leave Landon again. This time, it could be for good. “Is there something wrong, Latias?” Landon gave her a worried look. He didn’t hesitate to say her true name since nobody would hear it over the fun they were having. “If I can help, I will.” “I know, but it’s nothing.” Latias smiled falsely. Landon could feel something was wrong, but decide to finish his ice cream rather to pry it out of her.

       “Okay, everything is just about ready for this round.” Yoshimari had a white apron about his waist as he carried trays in his hands. Tsubimi was clear on the other side of the game corner, setting a plate of French Fries on a table. A part from working the plan, the job allowed the two to make some money in the side. “Excuse me, sir; my latte’?” A lady in a sunflower dress waved from a table. “Right,” Yoshimari nodded to her and started for the table from which his customer beckoned. As he walked, he gave a slight frown; from the corner of his eye, he caught a glimpse of Landon and Latias. “Darn it! How’d he get all the way over here?” Yoshimari thought to himself, “It’s as if Himura is following us or something.” As he continued across the carpet, he let his eyes wander around. If Landon was around, the other two losers were bound to be somewhere near. “Here you go, ma’am.” Yoshimari set the tray hosting a foamy latte’ in a glass onto the table. “Thank you, young man.” The lady brushed the bangs of her blond hair from her face and started to sip her drink. “No problem,” Yoshimari presented his customer with a smile. When he walked away, however, his frown returned. “Hey, Tsubi, we have some unwanted guests here.” He spoke into his collar and Tsubimi’s projected his voice through an earphone in her left ear. “I can’t worry about that now—I still have three orders on my hands.” Tsubimi balanced two trays on one hand while her other held another tray steady. “Not even about the losers?” “They’re here?” She nearly tripped and had trouble regaining her equilibrium. “Yeah, unfortunately,” Yoshimari answered. “If your hands are free, you should trip the switch before Himura finds out what we’re up to.” Tsubimi suggested and, even though he couldn’t see her, Yoshimari nodded. With a tap of his pocket with his free hand, the button blinked a flashing red. He machines throughout the entire building started to vibrate with invisible waves, whistling light enough so that only a sensitive ear could hear. “Huh?” Latias, Toya, and Vulpix sat up stiffly. Their eyes trembled slightly from a sudden shock. “Are you oka—” a sharp and swift shock shot through Landon’s body. His ice cream, as well as his friends’, clattered to the ground from their grip. Landon tried to move his hand, but it wouldn’t budge. His eyes lost their lively sapphire coloring and turned into a dull blue. Latias’s eyes shocked out of their own electric goldenrod into a flat yellow. The last thing they could remember was trying to glance at each other before their minds went blank. Soon, the waves got to all of the customers in the building. But instead of being affected in the same manner as Landon, the other humans dropped to the ground in a soundless sleep. May’s fall was comforted by Zeru, for he had attempted to catch her before he zoomed off himself. Unbeknownst to anyone, Landon’s Crystal Bell was vibrating slightly. “Whew!” Yoshimari wiped the sweat form his forehead. “Good job, Yoshimari—not even Landon could stay awake through that.” Tsubimi came over and patted her brother on the back. “Yeah, now let’s grab his EX Poke’mon and any others that may be in here.” Yoshimari slapped his pocket, again swatting the button. The four remaining poke’balls on Landon’s belt shot open and released all of his Poke’mon onto the carpet. Just like their trainer, they had a blank look in their eyes. Treecko, Torchic, and Dratini were released from their poke’balls in the same way. There were a few more bursting sounds as other trainers’ poke’balls opened. “Miru,” Yoshimari spoke into his collar, but on another frequency. “They’re ready,” “Good,” Miru’s voice sounded into his earpiece.

 

Fast Fact Quiz: In what ways does this episode resemble the classical story Cinderella? If you can’t guess, find out at the end of this Chapter!

 



THIS IS THE END OF EPISODE 25, PART 1