Pokémon Adventures: GAMER PATH

Chapter 123: Time Travel Pokémon

~Third POV~

[Johto Region, Next Day – Morning, Ilex Forest]

A Farfetch'd is seen cutting firewood for the Charcoal Kiln worker. He congratulates his Pokémon on its work, "Cut! Great job, Farfetch'd! I'll be able to make lots of charcoal real soon!"

*Ss…*

That was when an eerie mist flooded through the area. The worker comments nervously, "The mist again… it comes in so often these days. Better get home before… W… What? Farfetch's?!"

Before he can leave, he realizes that Farfetch'd has run off yet again. The worker calls out to his Pokémon, then a voice from within the forest startles him, "… Leave… this… forest… leave… this… forest…"

He instantly becomes clammy with fear, unsure of what he has heard. The voice repeats its warning, prompting the worker to scream, "YAAAA!!!"

/////

[Johto Region, Later, Ilex Forest – Shrine]

*Pip*

Gold and Aibo arrive at the entrance to Ilex Forest, commenting as he brings Exbo out and examines his Rotom Phone, "So this is the Ilex Forest. Looks like Silver's leading us right through it. But man, is that creepy looking…"

*Tm*

Gold comments that the forest is creepy-looking, but states that if they follow the path, they will not encounter danger. He berates Silver for not thanking him for his help, commenting that he needs to find out who Silver really is.

However, as Gold is lost in thought, his Pokégear notifies him that there is no data in his present location. Gold apologizes to his Pokémon sheepishly, "W-What do you know? No Map! Guess we better just keep goin' straight!'

After confirming that they are indeed lost, Gold's Pokémon stare at him intently. However, Gold wonders examining the forest, 'I've never known that thing to lose reception. Can't help feeling… there's something weird about this forest… huh?!'

*Trip*

*FWOMP*

As Gold is walking blindly through the forest, he trips over the body of an unconscious Farfetch'd. Similarly, Exbo and Aibo trip over the body of the worker.

*FWOMP*

Gold tries desperately to get the boy's attention, but realizes that he is in poor condition, "Hey, what's wrong?! You okay?! … I guess not."

He resolves to carry the injured worker on his back as he skates through the labyrinthine forest. He looks back at the injured Farfetch'd, commenting that its injuries are not of the normal kind, and even its leek got destroyed by whatever attacked them.

Gold wonders whether the assailant used teeth or knives in his attacks, as a cold chill runs down his spine. He is instantly snapped out of his thoughts by this and proceeds to leave the nearby area.

However, his Pokémon slowly become adversely affected by an ominous presence, before Gold realizes the worker and his Farfetch'd are possessed. He throws them to the ground as a Gastly appears around the possessed duo.

Gold concludes that it was the Gastly that was the cause of all this chaos, as Farfetch'd is commanded to attack it. In turn, Gold retaliates by sending out Aibo, who is swiftly defeated. Gold realizes that they cannot win while the two are possessed and begins to flee.

As Gold runs, he seeks refuge behind the Ilex Forest shrine, as the possessed worker and Farfetch'd search for them nearby. Gold states that he could win easily if it were a regular Pokémon battle, but since they are possessed by Gastly, there is little he can do. He notices Polibo walking behind the Gastly and runs out of the clearing to rescue it.

Gold calls out to his Pokémon, and catches it just in time as a possessed Ariados, Houndour, and Delibird surround him. The Houndour lunges at Gold with Bite, which is deflected by Exbo's Smokescreen.

However, as Gold is preoccupied, Polibo is incapacitated by Gastly. Gold calls out to Exbo, only to see him faint at the hands of Houndour. He does the same with Sunbo, telling her to use Growth before she is knocked out by Ariados.

Gold's attention is then diverted to Aibo getting attacked by Delibird, and he wonders why these Pokémon are faster than his own. He then realizes his disadvantage and notices a figure lurking in the thick mist.

Gold attacks with Exbo's Ember attack, which is countered by Houndour's Flamethrower. As Exbo falls unconscious to the ground, a mysterious figure emerges from the mist.

The figure reveals himself to be the Masked Man as he tells Gold in a cold tone, "Stay… away… stay away… from this forest."

Gold realizes that the mysterious figure is the leader of the mutated Pokémon. Gold carefully analyzes the situation, gazing at his Pokémon fist clenched, 'This must be the guy who jumped us… what does he mean, stay away from this forest? The only thing I know for sure is… he's one high-level trainer! Seriously creepy mask too. I could just skip out now… but I'd have to leave them behind. I've got no choice…'

Gold states that fighting him in his current state will not be an easy feat, but neither will be getting the injured out of the area. He apologizes to the Masked Man in a false defeated tone, "I'll never beat him. All I can do now is… save myself. And if you believe that – "

*TMM*

Just as Gold proclaims that his idle threats will not stop him. Gold sends Aibo hurtling at the figure, telling the Pokémon in a determined tone, "You don't know me very well! Aibo!! Pull off his mask!"

*Rip*

*Riprip*

As Aibo repeatedly pummels the Masked Man, ripping his clothing in the process, Gold uses this temporary window to attempt an escape with the injured worker. However, Gold finds himself surrounded by the four mutated Pokémon, as the Masked Man scolds Gold sternly, "Heheheh… shall we get to work then? You'll do what he did… keep intruders out of this forest."

Gold realizes that the Masked Man was responsible for the brainwashing of the worker and his Pokémon as he yelled angrily, "So I was right! You used Gastly to control this guy and his Farfetch'd! I don't know what you're up to here, but I don't like it! Who are you to decide who comes into this forest and who doesn't?! What gives you the right to take control of another trainer's Pokémon?! Not to mention taking control of their brain!!"

Gold states that the figure's actions are despicable and resolves to make him pay for severely injuring his comrades.

The Masked Man and Gold stare at each other for several moments, as he commends Gold on his show of bravery he saying, "Hahahaha! Brave kid, aren't you? Most people just run as fast as they can. To show my respect… here's a little gift."

*Fmp*

The Masked Man then states that Gold deserves a present, as Delibird hands him a gift-wrapped box, to which Gold utters, "Huh?!"

*BOOOOM*

The present, which promptly explodes in his face. Gold instantly realizes that they have been tricked, as the Masked Man ordered, "Gastly Shadow Ball! Houndour Iron Tail!"

*ZP*

*TMM*

Gastly and Houndour attack Gold's Polibo and Sunbo. This sends Gold hurtling to the ground, who promptly calls to Exbo for assistance, "Okay, Exbo… It's all on you!"

*Pooof*

The Masked Man laughs, explaining that he fell for his "jack-in-the-box" surprise, preparing to ask him how it felt, "What's wrong, boy? You seem like the type who likes surprises! … Huh?! What!!"

However, Gold is nowhere to be found, and the Masked Man postulates that he used his Cyndaquil's Smokescreen attack to escape. As he looks down at the unconscious body of the worker, the figure realizes that Gold wants them to chase after him.

However, the figure is undaunted and wonders whether they are seeking refuge in the trees. The figure uses his Ariados to illuminate the surrounding area, as Gold realizes that he is done for.

Gold wonders why someone so powerful is lurking around in Ilex Forest, as a sudden noise alerts him to the situation taking place. He realizes that the figure is using his Houndour to uproot the trees with Headbutt. Gold tries to think of something before they are found, as their tree begins to topple to the ground.

*Sssss*

*Kiiii*

Suddenly, a light illuminating from the Ilex Forest shrine catches the Masked Man's attention. This prompts him to order his Pokémon in a serious tone, "Light from the shrine?! Forget the boy for now! We can't let this chance slip away!"

*VMM*

However, his Pokémon are caught off guard by a falling object resembling Gold. However, the figure is surprised when it turns out to just be Gold's jacket stuffed with leaves. The real Gold emerges from the bushes behind the figure, attempting to use Sunbo's Mega Drain on Ariados.

Meanwhile, as the Masked Man was distracted by Gold Azure slowly appeared with a grin, having Misdreavus and Gengar with him. He was hiding thanks to their illusions as he saw the shrine open as he smirked, thinking, 'Perfect. With the Masked Man distracted by Gold, I have my window of opportunity present.'

*Krack*

The Shrine of Ilex Forest opened to reveal a new figure coming out. The Time Traveling Pokémon Celebi.

Celebi is a green, fairy-like Pokémon. It has round, toeless feet, three-fingered hands, and clear wings on its back. It has a round head that comes to a curved point. It has large baby-blue eyes with thick black rings around them, and a pair of green antennae with blue tips.

Celebi turns to see the Masked Man battling Gold. But in that moment, Azure tossed the GS Ball, alerting it.

*Bonk*

Bonking it on the head, Celebi's eyes widened as the golden ray from the GS Ball encased it, forcing it inside. Celebi tried to time travel, but its eyes widened, and it couldn't escape as it was now captured inside.

It tried to escape, wiggling once. Riggling twice…

*Riggle*

*Niggle*

… it desperately moved a third time. Till…

*BON*

The clicking sound of its capture meant a complete success. Instantly, it was sent to Azure's Box as he smirked happily, 'Bingo. And that's how you capture a Legendary or, I suppose, Mythical Pokémon.'

Gengar and Misdreavus, keeping the illusions up, saw the battle between Gold and the Masked Man concluding. Ariados intercepts this attack by firing spiderwebs from its back, proceeding to bind Gold.

Due to Gold's intervention, the light from the shrine fades away, as the figure states in a defeated tone, "The shrine is… dark again. Another chance lost… because of that fool. Once again… we wait."

As the Masked Man prepares to leave, a bound Gold tells the Masked Man to take off his mask and fight him fairly in a defiant tone, "What's the big idea?! You can't just bail in the middle of a battle! I demand you come back!"

The Masked Man merely laughs, stating a fact much to Gold's chagrin, hearing his arrogant words, "Look, I don't mind fighting kids… but you're not nearly as good as that last punk I fought. The one with the Croconaw."

Later, Gold gets Aibo to pull apart the webs binding him. He thanks Aibo for freeing him, explaining that they need to get everyone out of the forest as soon as possible. Gold notices his Pokémon cowering and realizes that they were frightened of the figure's mask.

He reassures them, proclaiming that the figure will not get away with his plans. This statement makes Gold's Pokémon instantly cheer up, as they emerge from the forest undaunted. As Gold carries the unconscious worker, he hopes that this statement will come true.

*Tmp*

Stepping out from the shadows, holding the GS Ball Azure, smirked as he looked at Celebi's shocked expression, "Hello, Celebi, nice meeting ya. Bet you didn't expect this now, did ya, time traveler?"

However, he blinked, seeing Celebi's state. Inside the GS Ball, Celebi was glaring at him, fuming with rage. Azure was confused as he brought Celebi out.

*Pop*

A flash of white light, and Celebi appeared, still looking furious. Just as Azure was about to speak, he noticed something on Celebi's head…

The smooth, onion-shaped crest now had a glaring bump on it. Azure blinked, realizing why Celebi was fuming angrily as he might've thrown the GS Ball a bit harder than necessary as he coughed into his hand, saying, "Ahem… sorry?"

/////

A/N: Reach the goal of 250PS to get a Bonus Chapter!