Lance and the Red Gyarados

The gang were now getting close to Mahogany Town where Ashlyn will get her seventh badge at the Mahogany Gym. Only problem they had was that they were a little bit lost.

"Can't believe we're lost again." Misty complained.

"I blame myself for that. I thought I was reading the map okay." Brock admitted.

Suddenly Tesla and Togepi chirped weakly.

"Tesla, are you okay?" Ashlyn asked.

"Togepi, what's wrong?" Misty asked.

Brock checked Tesla and Togepi all over, "That's strange. Tesla and Togepi don't have a fever or anything."

Just then Volkner saw some wild grass and bug Pokémon and they all looked sick.

"There's something weird going on around here and I don't like it." He said.

Ashlyn, Brock, and Misty didn't like it either.

Suddenly a roaring noise was heard not far from where the gang was standing.

"What was that?" Brock asked.

"That sounded like a Gyarados and a very angry one too." Ashlyn replied.

"We better see what's going on. There might be trouble about." Brock decided.

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The gang came to a huge lake, and then suddenly a red Gyarados burst out of the lake. The gang got scared by that.

"A shiny Gyarados!" Misty gasped.

Gyarados began swaying about in the lake.

"I think that Gyarados is sick too." Brock observed.

"You're right Brock," Ashlyn agreed, "and it seems to be in terrible pain too. We should go and get some help."

The gang were about to leave, but then three men came up to them.

"You kids aren't going anywhere," One of the men said, who seemed to be the leader, "especially you have seen the red Gyarados."

"Team Rocket!" Ashlyn shouted, noticing the R sign on the men's vests.

She noticed that the leader was Tyson. She absolutely hated this guy.

"Since you kids also know who we are, it's all more the reason to not let you kids go." Tyson said as he took out a Pokéball, "Go Fearow!"

"Fearow!" Fearow appeared.

Ashlyn took out a Pokéball, "Ampharos, let's go!"

"Amp!" Ampharos appeared.

But as soon as Ampharos came out of her Pokéball, she started to feel sick too. Ashlyn quickly returned her Pokémon. This gave Tyson a chance to attack the gang with Fearow.

"Fearow, use Drill Peck!" Tyson ordered.

But then, at that moment the Fearow was struck by a Thunder Wave attack. A man, with red hair, was riding a Dragonite appeared in front of the gang. Ashlyn knew that the man was Lance of the Elite Four.

"You kids get away from here." Lance ordered.

The gang did as they were told and started to run away into the forest.

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At that time, the gang had now stopped running, and then Lance and his Dragonite showed up.

"Thanks for helping us back there." Brock thanked Lance.

At that moment, Tesla and Togepi stopped feeling sick, which made Ashlyn and Misty relieved.

"Thank goodness you're okay, Tesla." Ashlyn pet her electric type.

"Rai~" Tesla smiled.

Misty held Togepi close to her, "You're alright now."

"Toge Toge!" Togepi chirped.

"Wait a minute, you look familiar." Brock observed.

"Hey, are you Lance from the Elite Four?" Volkner questioned.

"Yes, I am." Lance confirmed.

"Nice to meet you, I'm Ashlyn Ketchum."

"Volkner."

"I'm Misty."

"And I'm Brock."

"It's a pleasure. But what are you kids doing here in the forest?" Lance asked.

"I'm afraid we got lost on our way to to Mahogany Town. But then we heard the red Gyarados in the lake." Ashlyn explained.

"That red Gyarados is the reason why I'm here. The truth is I'm a member of the organization called the Pokémon G-men." Lance said.

"I've heard of that organization," Ashlyn said, "the members patrol around the whole Pokémon world, arresting those who abuse Pokémon and arrest those who capture Pokémon to use in evil ways. As the matter of fact, I'm actually glad that a member of that organization is here. I mean I don't know if you already know this, but Team Rocket have been making moves here in Johto lately."

"I do know that Ashlyn and that's why I'm here. There have been reports that Team Rocket has been doing some experiment here at Lake of Rage." Lance stated.

"What kind of experiments?" Ashlyn asked, worried and angry.

"I don't know, but it has something to do with that red Gyarados." Lance replied.

"Is there anything we can do to help?" Brock asked.

"No, you kids continue on to Mahogany Town," Lance ordered, "because of Team Rocket, this forest has become too dangerous for you to be here. You leave this to me."

He gave the kids directions and began to walk away.

"Lance wait!" Ashlyn called out.

Lance stopped in his steps.

"I know that we're not members of G-men. But whenever we hear that Team Rocket is doing something evil towards Pokémon, we want to stop them. We can't just ignore of what's happening to those Pokémon. We will never forget what Giovanni has done to so many innocent Pokémon." Ashlyn said, remembering how Mewtwo was so close to death at Mt. Quena and how Giovanni didn't really care whether Mewtwo would live or not. Not to mention the Iron-Masked Marauder who used Dark balls to control Pokémon and how Dr. Namba was going to try and steal Lugia.

"When I saw that red Gyarados and all of the Pokémon in the forest, I could already feel their pain. We will not abandon them!" She continued.

Lance stared at Ashlyn and could see the determination and deep compassion in her eyes. He remembered someone who has the same eyes as her.

Lance walked over to her, "I know you want to help, but this is something that only a G-Member can do." He put his hands on her shoulders, "Please head on towards Mahogany Town. Leave this situation to me. That's final my order."

Ashlyn clenched her fists and unclenched them when she sighed, "Alright."

Just when he was about to leave, "But could you tell us when the red Gyarados is safe? That's all I wish to know."

"I will." Lance promised and then he and his Dragonite left.

Reluctantly, the gang continued to Mahogany Town.

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Even though Ashlyn wanted to go and help Lance, she knew that he wouldn't really need them since he has his Dragonite with him. Not to mention that they would just get in his way and they would instantly get caught if they get outnumbered. Also Team Rocket's machine would effect their Pokémon. So she knew that the odds were against them.

"You're bummed about that Gyarados, aren't you?" Misty asked.

Ashlyn nodded, "Yeah."

"Do you think we should go back and help Lance?" Brock questioned.

"As much I want us to, but we'll only get in Lance's way," Ashlyn stated, "Not to mention those Team Rocket members are smarter and tougher than the trio we always come across."

"True." Misty agreed.

"Besides, I have a feeling that Lance can handle himself since he probably has more experience than us." Ashlyn stated.

"I see your point." Volkner agreed.

"Raichu." Tesla agreed as well.

Ashlyn sighed once more, "Let's keep going." She began to walk ahead.

Volkner, Brock, and Misty glanced at one another. They knew that Ashlyn really wanted to go back and help Lance, but as Ashlyn pointed out earlier; the odds were against them.

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The gang were half to Mahogany Town when Ashlyn suddenly felt a heart beat nearby. Then she heard a roar with it. Volkner, Brock and Misty stopped when Ashlyn was behind them.

"Ashlyn, what's wrong?" Volkner asked.

"Gyarados." Ashlyn replied, "It's nearby."

"What? Are you sure?" Brock questioned.

Ashlyn pointed to her left, "That way."

They ran towards that direction and saw a group of Team Rocket members holding onto the net that has the Red Gyarados in it.

"We got to help it." Ashlyn said.

"Right." Misty said.

The gang quickly got their Pokémon ready to fight. Then they came out of the bushes.

"Leave that Gyarados alone!" Ashlyn sent out Tesla, "Tesla, use Swift!"

Tesla summoned a bunch of stars from her tail that cut Gyarados free from the net.

"You brats!" Member one gritted his teeth.

"We'll show you not to mess with Team Rocket!" Member two declared angrily.

But at that moment, the Red Gyarados woke up and sent the grunts flying with Hyper Beam. As soon as the grunts were gone, the Red Gyarados continued swimming down the river and kept on firing Hydro Pump.

"Gyarados is really angry." Ashlyn said.

"It's because of Team Rocket. Whatever they did to it, it must have made it go into a state of rage." Brock stated.

"What should we do?" Misty asked.

"We follow it." Ashlyn replied and took out a Pokéball, "Go Rory!"

Rory roared as he appeared.

"Rory, go after that Red Gyarados!" Ashlyn ordered.

Rory nodded and went after the Red Gyarados as the gang after him.

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The Red Gyarados continued swimming towards Mahogany Town. Ashlyn ordered her shiny Gyarados to stop the Red Gyarados in its tracks with Dragon Rage.

"Rory don't let that Red Gyarados near the town!" Ashlyn ordered.

Ashlyn's Gyarados roared to get the Red Gyarados's attention. The Red Gyarados roared back and started to chase him.

"Good, now lure the Red Gyarados away from Mahogany Town." Ashlyn directed.

Ashlyn's shiny Gyarados lured the Red Gyarados back upstream.

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Once Rory led the Red Gyarados away from Mahogany Town, Rory stopped and the red Gyarados stared angrily at him. The gang stopped as well.

"Now what?" Brock asked.

Ashlyn took out her flute and started playing Oración on it. The Red Gyarados turned to Ashlyn when it heard the song. Unknown to Ashlyn, a blue glow outlined her shape. Volkner, Brock and Misty gasped quietly at the sight. Once the song ended, the blue glow disappeared. The Red Gyarados stared at Ashlyn who stared back at it. The Red Gyarados lowered its head and looked into Ashlyn's eyes. There it saw the girl's compassion and bravery. Ashlyn held her hand up and the Red Gyarados pushed its snout onto her hand as it growled softly.

"I'm sorry." Ashlyn apologized, "I'm so sorry that I didn't stop them from doing this to you, Gyarados."

The Red Gyarados could hear the pain in Ashlyn's voice. Somehow it knew that Ashlyn wanted to help it, but couldn't. So it nudged her cheek and growled soothingly.

"I think Gyarados is saying that you don't have to apologize, Ashlyn." Volkner said.

"Really?" Ashlyn asked.

The Red Gyarados growled happily as it nudged her side. Ashlyn smiled and hugged the Red Gyarados's head. Volkner, Brock, Misty, and Tesla watched Ashlyn hug the shiny Gyarados.

"Gyarr. (Don't leave me out.)" Rory growled.

Ashlyn and the Red Gyarados turned to Rory who looked slightly jealous. The two looked at each other and chuckled. Rory lowered himself in front of his trainer. She went over and hugged her shiny Gyarados.

"Gyarr? (What its like having a trainer?)" Red Gyarados asked.

"Huh?/Rai/Gyarra?" Ashlyn, Tesla, and Rory blinked.

"Gyara. (I want to know what having a trainer is like.)" Red Gyarados said.

"Rai Raichu Rai. (Having a trainer is like having a good friend bring out the best in you.)" Tesla replied.

"Gyar Gyara Gyarrr. (We look out for one another and fight together.)" Rory added.

The Red Gyarados stared at Ashlyn and her Pokémon.

At that moment, they heard the sound of wings nearby. Everybody looked up and saw Lance on his Dragonite.

"Lance." Ashlyn said as Dragonite landed on the ground.

"I see that you were able to calm Gyarados down, Ashlyn." Lance complimented as he walked over to them.

The Red Gyarados started growling. Ashlyn petted its head.

"It's okay. Lance is a friend." Ashlyn comforted the shiny atrocious Pokémon.

Somehow that seem to have calm him down. He purred at Ashlyn's touch.

"Did you take care of Team Rocket?" Ashlyn asked.

Lance nodded, "Yes, we captured all of the members including the scientist in charge. But unfortunately three had escaped."

"Did they have a Meowth with them?" Misty asked.

"Uh yeah. Why do you ask?" Lance pondered.

"Those three are always able to escape from anything." Ashlyn responded.

"We'll probably end up seeing them again soon." Volkner stated.

Ashlyn sighed, "Yeah."

"So what's going to happen to Gyarados? He can't stay here." Misty pointed out.

"Yeah, someone will try and come after him." Brock added.

Ashlyn pondered for a second and then an idea hit her.

"How about Lance becomes Gyarados's trainer?" Ashlyn asked.

Everyone turned to Ashlyn. She turned to the Red Gyarados.

"Gyarados, I know that you're angry at what Team Rocket has done to you. But you're not the only one. If you go with Lance, you'll be able to fight against any Team Rocket member who wishes to harm another Pokémon," She paused, "But also, I know that he'll take very good care of you."

The Red Gyarados glanced at Lance for a moment, "Gyarr. (Bring him closer.)" He requested.

Ashlyn walked over to Lance and gently grabbed his hand. Then she led him over to the front of the Red Gyarados. Lance and the Red Gyarados stared at each other. For some strange reason, neither felt intimidated by the other. What they saw was respect, compassion, and strength.

"Gyarr. (I will join him on his team.)" Red Gyarados decided, "Gyara Gyarrr. (As long as we fight and defeat those who wish to harm innocent Pokémon.)"

Ashlyn smiled and turned to Lance, "He says he'll join you as long you two fight and defeat those who wish to harm innocent Pokémon." She translated.

Lance nodded, "Don't worry, Gyarados. We'll fight against those kinds of people." He promised.

The Red Gyarados nodded, "Gyarr. (Very well.)"

Lance took out a Pokéball and tapped it gently on Gyarados's snout. Gyarados was soon sucked into the Pokéball. The Pokéball wiggled for a second and then dinged.

"Take good care of Gyarados, Lance." Ashlyn requested.

"I will. I know that we'll become good friends." Lance promised.

The gang knew that Lance was just the man to take care of the Red Gyarados.

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After Tyson and his men were arrested, Officer Jenny thanked Lance and the gang for their help, and then she left to continue her investigation. Lance and the gang said to goodbye to each other, and then Lance rode away on his Dragonite back to the Pokémon G-men headquarters. And the gang went onto Mahogany Town.

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Pokémon Caught: Heracross (M), Furret (F), Stantler (F), Meganium (F), Typhlosion (M), Togetic (F), Feraligatr (M), Steelix (M), Ampharos (F), Girafarig (F), Misdreavus (F), Inteleon (M), Rillaboom (M), Shiny Greninja (Genji)(M), Shiny Chestnaught (Cybele)(F), Kommo-o (M), Goodra (Nessy)(F), Meowstic (Orin)(M), Meowstic (Bella)(F), Thievul (F), Gothitelle (F), Rapidash (F), Houndoom (M), Shiny Noctowl (M), Zeraora (Raiden)(M), Alolan Raichu (Nariko)(F), Marshadow (M), Murkrow (M), Elekid (F), Celebi (Moriko)(F), Shiny Corsola (Coraline)(F), Ho-Oh (Aveline)(F), Phanpy (Tantor)(M)