PkmnUCB: Chapter 4

The small vessel pulled into the huge port of Castelia City just as the sun began to set. Masha and Chip thanked Captain Pop before getting off the ship and watched as the vessel departed and sailed across the ocean, back in the direction of Virbank.

“Hey Masha look at that,” Chip commented, pointing to the other side of the port, where a large frigate was docked, “I didn’t think they even made ships like that anymore.”

Masha looked at the frigate, agreeing with Chip. “It must be very old,” she said, shuddering slightly as she felt a cold rush of air, “Hey does it feel colder to you?”

“Well it is the end of autumn,” Chip explained, “so it’s bound to be colder. Anyway, I’m going to go see if I can find those Plasma grunts before it gets totally dark. I trust you know your way around the city?”

“Yeah go on Chip, but try not to stay out too late. Wondering around the city at night is dangerous.” Masha warned and he left. She headed for the Pokemon center to get a room for the night.

The next morning, Masha wondered around   the city, seeing what had changed in the past two years. The streets were still as confusing to her as ever and she almost got lost. After getting used to the big city once again, Masha headed for the gym.  She made her way through the crowded streets until she could see the building. She quickened her step but as she neared she noticed that the gym was dark and that Clyde was standing outside by the door.

“Hey Clyde,” Masha walked up to the other man, nodding in the direction of the gym, “What’s up with the gym?”

“Ah Masha, I was wondering when you’d come by,” Clyde said, “Burgh wasn’t here when I arrived either. I have no idea where he is and the gym is locked up tight.”

Masha sighed in frustration. “Ugh, I bet he got art blocked again and went off somewhere to get rid of it.” She huffed, running a hand through her hair, “I might as well start looking for him.”

“I might be able to help you with that.” A voice called from across the street. Masha and Clyde watched as Iris ran up to them. She looked slightly older but wore the same grin as Masha remembered.

“Iris, it’s been a while. Nice to see you again,” Masha greeted, extending her hand as the purple haired girl stopped in front of her.

“Wow Masha!” Iris beamed, taking Masha’s hand in a firm grip, “It has been ages since we last talked. Did you hear about Bianca and Cheren?”

“Yeah I’ve met both of them already,” Masha answered, looking up and down the streets for any sign of Burgh, “You said you could help in locating Burgh?”

“Oh yeah,” Iris grinned pulling Masha down the street toward the port, “Come on it’s this way.”

With little choice in the matter, Masha allowed Iris to pull her back toward the port. The two traveled alongside the ports, passing the Pokemon center, and finally stopped at one of the docks, Thumb Pier Masha thought it was called. Out on the dock Masha looked around hopefully but there was no sign of Burgh. She turned to Iris, “Iris Burgh’s not here.”

“That’s because he doesn’t hang out here,” Iris said before pointing to a small walk way on the side of the dock. Masha knew enough about big cities to know where it led.

“The sewers?” She asked, wrinkling her nose in disgust.

“Yep, Burgh often goes in to get motivation these days,” Iris explained, “He’s probably in there.”

“Yeah, probably,” Masha sighed, still feeling disgusted.  She shook her head and was about to head into the sewers when she noticed Chip approaching.

“Man I have checked this whole city and haven’t found a thing,” Chip was grumbling as he walked up.

“Have you checked the sewers?” Iris asked. Chip paused and then grinned. “I’m so stupid,” he said, just a little too happily, “I should’ve checked the sewer first because where else would dirty rats like Plasma hide? Gee thanks lady,” he smiled at Iris before running straight for the opening of the sewers, calling back over his shoulder, “Come on Masha!”

“Chip!” Masha called after him but he had already disappeared into the opening. “Arceus damnit Chip,” she swore under her breath and she entered the sewers after the young trainer. She found him at the bottom of the staircase that led back up to the docks. “Chip you shouldn’t go running off like that,” she scolded, stopping beside him, “There is no telling what’s down here and if Plasma is here then they out number you.”

“Sorry,” Chip apologized, though Masha could tell that he took no notice of what she had just said. “Anyway,” he went on, “since you’re here let’s look around.”

“Gotcha,” Masha nodded before catching movement out of the corner of her eye. She looked to see a small Zubat flying about, “but first,” she pulled up a pokeball, “I’m gonna get me another Pokemon.” Masha released Kimbrel and initiated battle with the wild Zubat. Moments later she had a new teammate, Mariska the female Zubat.

“Why did you do that? Zubat are useless.” Chip commented as Masha retrieved the pokeball off of the dirty sewer floor.

“No Pokemon is useless Chip,” Masha said, giving Chip a hard stare, “Part of being a trainer is learning to love all Pokemon. Mariska here is going to be a big help to us,” she released the newly caught Zubat, “Hello Mariska, welcome to my team.”

<“Hello new Master,”> Mariska said happily as she landed on Masha’s shoulder.

“You haven’t noticed anything strange going on down here in the past few days have you?” Masha asked, receiving a confusing glance from Chip. She had forgotten to inform him that she could understand her Pokemon.

<“Actually I have,> Mariska explained, pointing deeper into the sewers, <“a group of people have been sneaking around down here. They have captured some of the Pokemon as well, though I don’t know what for. They actually came in here not too long ago and they haven’t come back out yet.”>
“Thank you Mariska,” Masha smiled then turned to Chip, “Looks like Plasma is down here after all.”

“Did you just talk to that Zubat?” Chip questioned, looking a bit less convinced.

“Her name is Mariska.” Masha corrected him, “And yes I did. I can understand my Pokemon.” She pulled the ancient necklace from under her shirt where Chip could see it, “This enables me to communicate with them. It’s some sort of mystical artifact that I obtained. Now let’s go find Team Plasma.”

Mariska led the two trainers deeper into the sewers. After a while, Masha was beginning to doubt that any living thing, besides various wild Zubat, Rattata, and Grimer that they had encountered was down here. She was about to suggest that they return to the dock s when she heard faint voices. She signaled to Chip and the two quietly approached the next bend. Masha pressed herself against the wall and peaked around the wall and sure enough, two Plasma grunts were stationed in front of a large hole in the sewer wall.

“That’s them alright,” Masha whispered quietly, “But we don’t want to just rus-” She was cut off as Chip pushed by her and into the hall yelling.

“I’ve finally found you Plasma scum!”

Masha sighed in defeat and joined Chip. The Plasma grunts looked shocked that they’d been discovered so quickly.

“How’d you find us?” One of the grunts demanded to know.

“It was easy,” Masha answered, “what better place for thieving rats such as yourselves than a sewer?”

“Hey! We aren’t thieves!” The other grunt growled, sounding offended.

“Sure you aren’t,” Chip shot back, “You’re a bunch of Pokemon thieves.”

“We won’t stand for this!” The grunts yelled pulling pokeballs from their belts.

“Go Dewott!” Chip called, releasing his Pokemon.

“Mariska,” Masha said. Mariska flew forward ready to battle.        

“Scraggy! Sandile!” the two grunts called, releasing their Pokemon respectfully.

Masha and Chip exchanged and quick glance then launched their attacks. “Dewott,” Chip called out first, “use Razor Shell on Sandile!”

“Mariska quick use Wing Attack on Scraggy!” Masha ordered. Being the two faster and stronger Pokemon, Dewott and Mariska quickly defeated the two Pokemon.

“Tch, we lost again,” one of the grunts said in disbelief as he and his partner recalled their Pokemon.

“Never mind that. We’ve got to get out of here.” The other grunt murmured hastily.
“You aren’t going anywhere until you tell me where my Kyurem is.” Masha informed the two as she and Chip blocked their only was out.

The two grunts glanced at one another before they charged the two trainers. Masha and Chip stood their ground but at the last second both grunts changed direction and charged directly at Masha. Chip pulled her out of the way and the two grunts fled.

“Those dirty rats,” Masha spat as she watched them disappear.

“There could more grunts hiding somewhere in the sewer. We should go look.” Chip suggested.

“That’s not necessary.”

Masha and Chip turned just as Burgh, Castelia City’s gym leader, appeared around a corner. He made his way to the two and stood in front of them.

“There are no other Plasma grunts in the sewers, I checked it out.” Burgh explained, “You see I’ve been keeping my eyes on Team Plasma ever since what happened two years ago. And seeing you here now Masha,” he nodded to her, “I am convinced that Team Plasma is up to no good once again. Let’s return to the dock for now though, the sewers are not the ideal place to discuss this.”

“Yeah I’m going to head out and see if I can locate those grunts again,” Chip said as he walked away, “Take care Masha.”

“Be careful!” Masha called after him and he waved a hand back at her.

Burgh came up beside her and placed a hand on her shoulder. The two were about to leave when they heard a noise from the whole in the sewer wall.

“What was that?” Masha asked before a man came through the opening.

This man wore a lab coat and glasses. He had a very interested look on his face. “You there!” He called, looking directly at Masha, “The way you battled Team Plasma was simply astounding. I was watching from the Relic entrance. The way you brought out your Pokemon’s power was an excellent demonstration of battling.” The mysterious man walked past Burgh and Masha, heading for the exit still mumbling to himself.

“Who was that?” Burgh questioned when the man disappeared.

“No idea,” Masha answered, “I’ve never seen him before. Let’s just get out of here before anything else happens.

The two leave the sewers and return to the entrance of Burgh’s gym. Masha tells Burgh about what happened in Nuvema Town then explained that she is tracking down Team Plasma to get Kyurem back.

“Oh! That is just horrible,” Burgh exclaimed after she finished explaining, “I knew Team Plasma would be up to no good.”

“It is horrible,” Masha agreed.

“I guess that means that you’re challenging the gym leaders for extra training is that right?” Burgh asked, although he looked as though he already knew the answer.

“Cheren called you didn’t he?” Masha asked and when Burgh nodded she cursed him even more.

“I’ll be in the gym,” Burgh informed her, “You should go rest your Pokemon at the Pokemon Center and then return. I wouldn’t want to fight you when your Pokemon could be tired.” With that said he disappeared into the gym.

Masha quickly visited the Pokemon Center then headed back to the gym. She released Horuseus and Kimbrel. “Alright boys,” she told them, “let’s heat things up.”

The doors to the Castelia Gym swung open and Masha walked in with her two Pokemon on either side of her.   She smiled when she noticed the silk hanging around the gym and headed for a giant silk cocoon.

~~~~~~~
“Ember!” Masha called and Horuseus let lose a spout of flames from his mouth. The flames hit Burgh’s Leavanny and instantly KO’d it.

“Wonderful! Simply wonderful!” Burgh rejoiced as he recalled his fainted Pokemon, “You have not lost any of your battling spirit from two years ago!” He held out the Insect Badge before shaking hands with Masha, “This badge proves that you have beaten me, as you know. I wish you luck in tracking down Team Plasma and the same as two years ago, if you need me then call.”

“Thank you Burgh and I will.” Masha turned and left the gym. She healed at the Pokemon Center before heading north toward the desert on Route 4.  

Masha walked down Castelia Street, passing the Game Freak building and out onto the east side of Castelia’s Central Plaza. The Plaza was fairly empty with the exception of a few people. Masha started across the Plaza, heading for the gate that would take her to Route 4. She was passing the large fountain in the center of the Plaza when someone called out to her.

“Oh! It’s you again!” She turned to see the guy that had appeared in the Castelia Sewers leaning against the fountain. She stopped, trying the fight back the bad feeling that started to swirl in the pit of her stomach. The man pushed himself off the fountain and walked toward her.

“If it’s not an inconvenience,” he spoke, a small friendly smile on his face, “may I have a look at your Pokemon?”

“Uh…” Masha hesitated. Her mind screamed at her. She knew nothing about this man. Why would she show him her Pokemon?
“I only wish to take a look,” the man reassured her as if he could sense the uneasiness that she felt, “It’s for science.”

After a few moments of thinking it over, Masha gave in. She didn’t want to be delayed any longer. She couldn’t afford to. “Alright,” she grabbed Kimbrel’s pokeball and released the Pignite.

The man bent down and observed Kimbrel closely. He straightened after finishing his observations. A look of pure interest was plastered on his face. “How interesting! Your Pignite seems to show a lot more self-confidence that any other I have observed. And to think that you are a Trainer with only three badges. At your level, I’m not sure how you are doing it, but you are bringing out the power of your Pokemon.”

Masha watched the man murmur out loud to seemingly himself. She was debating about slipping away while he was distracted when he suddenly turned to her.

“Oh! Excuse me!” He bowed to her, “I am a scientist. My name is Colress. I am researching a Trainer’s potential to bring out their Pokemon’s true power. Unlike Team Plasma, who want to liberate Pokemon from humans, I believe that humans should stay with Pokemon and bring out their hidden potential.” He paused as if he remembered something, “Now that I think about it, I never asked your name.”

“It’s Masha,” the answer slipped from Masha’s lips before she could stop it.

“Masha,” Colress repeated in an interested tone, “I’ll remember that name. Well then, I must be going. Masha, I hope to see you again sometime.”

Colress passed Masha and disappeared down one of the streets that lead back to the docks. Masha shook her head before heading to Route 4. She had relatively little difficulty in the desert since it was one of the things that she knew had not changed in two years. She battled all the trainers and trained in the Desert Resort before heading to the gateway that led to Nimbasa City. The sun was sinking below the horizon when Masha waked up the stairs that led to Nimbasa. She had always admired the electrifying energy that Nimbasa gave off. She wondered if it was because of the amusement park. She stopped a slight movement caught her eye. She turned and watched the Ferris Wheel slowly spin in the darkening sky. Seeing the Ferris Wheel brought up a memory from two years ago.

-flashback-
Masha sat opposite of the mysterious trainer known only as N as the Ferris Wheel slowly lifted them into the sky. N had told her that the Team Plasma grunts she was after had ducked into the amusement park. Masha followed N and the two searched but came up empty handed. That was when N suggested that they ride the Ferris Wheel in order to see if they could spot the grunts. In that moment, Masha agreed but now as she sat across from him in the small space, she was having second thoughts. She decided to try and ignore the man by scanning the park below for any signs of Team Plasma.

“I love Ferris Wheels,” N spoke suddenly, in a soft voice that drew Masha’s attention from her task, “The circular motion. The mechanics. They’re like a collection of elegant formulas.” It was obvious that he was trying to relieve some of the tension that surrounded them in the small area.

Despite her uneasiness, Masha allowed a small smile to play on her lips. “Elegant formulas,” she repeated, looking out the window of the Ferris Wheel at the setting sun, “You have an interesting way of seeing things.”  

The two sat in a comfortable silence as the Ferris Wheel rose higher. Suddenly the box they were in came to a stop as the ride stopped to allow passengers in a box below off. Their box was at the highest point on the Ferris wheel. Dying rays of light from the setting sun spilled into the box, illuminating both Masha and N in soft orange light. N’s calm demeanor shifted then and became very serious. He leaned forward in the seat and brought his hands together as he propped his elbows on his knees.

“I must tell you this now,” he paused, making sure he had Masha’s full attention, “I am the king of Team Plasma.”

The tension, that had almost evaporated, crackled in the small space of the box. Masha and N locked gazes as shocked and angered brown eyes met calm green ones.

“You’re the king of Team Plasma?” Masha repeated in disbelief. N nodded.

“Ghetsis asked me to work with him to save Pokemon,” N explained, “Those Team Plasma grunts you were after are under my protection. That is why I asked you to ride the Ferris Wheel with me,” Masha cursed her stupidity and reached for Hiro’s pokeball. N’s hand shot out and seized her wrist, “I will not battle you. I know that you are quite strong. But I have a future that I must change. For that future, I’ll defeat the Champion and become the strongest trainer! I’ll make all trainers release their Pokemon. No one will stop me!”

“So you came here to warn me to stay out of your way is that it?” Masha pulled her wrist from N’s grip and glared at him. “I will stop you from liberating Pokemon,” she promised boldly.

“Just try,” N smirked at her, “If you want to remain with your Pokemon, your only hope is to collect all the gym badges and challenge the Pokemon League!” the door to the Ferris Wheel slid open. Masha had been too distracted to notice that the ride was over. N stood and placed a hand on the side of the door as he stepped out. He paused and looked back at Masha, “Try and stop me at the League, I dare you! However, if your connection with your Pokemon is not strong enough then you will never be able to defeat me.” With that he walked away.  

-end flashback-

A tug on Masha’s pants pulled her form her thoughts. Kimbrel and the others had broken out of their pokeballs. Night has fallen over the city.

<“Master, can we go to the Pokemon Center now?”> Verlander asked, folding her front arms together. She evolved into a Leavanny while training in the desert.

< “Yes can we? I’m tired and sand blasted,”> Mariska added, landing on top of Kimbrel’s head. She too had evolved into a Golbat in the desert.

Masha nodded and led her little group of five to the Pokemon Center. While waiting for Nurse Joy to heal her Pokemon, Masha allowed her thoughts to drift off once more. She wondered where N was. What was he doing? Did he know what Team Plasma was doing? More importantly, what was Plasma doing? What were they planning? She shook her head to clear it. ‘Patience,’ she told herself. Eventually she would figure out what Plasma was planning and she would stop them.

A door behind the counter slid open and Nurse Joy, accompanied by her Audino, reappeared with a tray that had Masha’s pokeballs on it.

“They’re healed up and ready for bed,” she announced cheerfully as she set the tray down, “and here is the key to your room.”

Masha took her pokeballs and the key. After thanking Joy, she went to her room, a small square space with only one bed and dresser. Masha released her Pokemon after she got ready for bed. “Alright everyone,” she said as she pulled the covers over her body, “get a good night rest because tomorrow we’re facing Elesa.”

~~~~~~
The next morning found Masha standing in front of the old Nimbasa Gym. ‘If Elesa is still the same,’ She thought to herself as she gazed up at the gym turned roller coaster ride, ‘she’ll be using an Emolga. Kimbrel is going to have to take it out, heh good thing he’s learned Rollout.’

Masha walked through the door and was greeted with the same sight as two years ago. The gym was the same design, purple glass floors and the same roller coaster paths. Masha smirked to herself as she headed to a platform just as a roller coaster pulled up, this would be easy.

~~~~~~~~
“Oh hey!” A young blond haired girl greeted as Masha stepped out onto the final platform where Elesa should have been. The girl smiled, “Are you looking for the gym leader perhaps?”

Masha nodded, a look of confusion crossing her face, “I am, where is she?”

“She built a new gym just on the other side of the Ferris Wheel,” the girl explained, “She was in here not too long ago but you’ve missed her.”

“What?” Masha exclaimed. The girl apologized and Masha left the old gym and headed to where the new one stood. As she drew closer, she could hear the faint thumping of music and as she rounded the Ferris Wheel base she knew that she was at the right place. A huge billboard with Elesa’s picture on it stood beside the gym.

“Flashy Elesa,” Masha murmured to herself as she opened the door and made her way in, cringing as more loud music reached her heard. She was greeted with a large crowd of people and one single cat walk leading to a huge stage. All eyes turned to Masha as she entered and the crowd instantly started to cheer and mumble.

“Is that Masha?!” “Whoa it can’t be!” “Is she going to challenge the gym leader?”

Masha climbed the stair and stood on the blacked out cat walk. As she took a step, a spot light flashed on and a model approached her.

“If you want to fight Elesa,” the model explained as she did a quick dance move, “You’ll have to defeat three of us on the cat walk to proceed.”

Masha pulled a pokeball from her belt. Three gym trainers later, Masha was standing on the big stage facing Elesa.

“Why Masha what a surprise,” Elesa smiled, “Burgh said that you would be coming so I have prepared for our battle,” She threw the nice coat she had on to the side, “Welcome to the main stage! As before my beloved Pokemon and yours shall compete to see whose star shines brightest!” she pulled out a pokeball and released her ever annoying Emolga to start.

“Kimbrel!” Masha called releasing the Pignite.

~~~~~~~~~~
“Oh no! You are not using Volt Switch again! Kimbrel take that Emolga down with Rollout!” Masha yelled. Kimbrel acted quickly, despite the electricity sparking over his body, and hit the Emolga with the move. The Emolga went down hard.

“Well done!” Elesa smiled, recalling her Pokemon, “Once again your sweet fighting style has swept he off my feet. Take the Bolt Badge for you have deserved it.”

The crowd cheered as Masha left the gym. She headed to the center and healed before making her way to the gate that lead to Route 5 and the Driftveil Drawbridge. She was crossing the small bridge in front of the Big Stadium when she spotted Chip facing off against four Plasma grunts. He spotted her and called out.

“Hey Masha! Come back me up!” Masha made her way over reluctantly and stood by Chip as he turned his attention back to the grunts, “Alright you Pokemon thieves, what are you up to?”

“We aren’t thieves,” one of the grunts growled in annoyance, “Stop bothering us. We aren’t doing anything.”

As much as Masha despised Plasma at this point, a small part of her actually agreed with the grunt. They really weren’t doing anything suspicious, yet. That still didn’t stop Chip though since he pulled a pokeball from his belt.

“Oh so you want a battle huh? Fine.” The grunts said and he three companions reached for their own pokeballs. Masha and Chip quickly defeated the grunts.

“Tch,” the lead grunt recalled his fallen Pokemon, “that’s fine. We’ll leave for now but I warn both of you. Team Plasma is searching for something and once we find it, we’ll be unstoppable.” The grunts quickly made themselves scarce, leaving Masha and Chip to think over the new piece of information.

“Chip,” Masha turned to the boy, ready to give him a scolding for facing the four grunts at once but something in his eyes stopped her.

“We can’t let those Pokemon thieves go through with their plan,” He said in a low angry voice. He was trembling with rage.
Masha sighed and placed her hand on Chip’s trembling shoulder. Very carefully she asked, “What did Team Plasma do to you to cause,” she waved her hand at him, “this pent up rage?”

Chip took a deep breath to calm himself before he explained. “To me they have done nothing,” he stared into the distance, “but five years ago Team Plasma stole my little sister’s Purrloin. It had been given to her as a present.” He paused and swallowed, “I was only a little kid, I couldn’t do anything,” he gave Masha a determined look, “I promised that I would do whatever it takes to get my sister’s Purrloin back. That’s why I must get stronger! That’s why I will pursue Team Plasma!” He clenched his fists and gave Masha a pleading look, “Masha I know you’re going after your Kyurem but would you please help me find my sister’s Purrloin as well?”

Something inside of Masha shattered. She looked him in the eyes and nodded. “Of course I will I wouldn’t be much of a Champion if I didn’t now would I?”

After thanking her, Chip left in search of those Plasma grunts. Masha headed for the Driftveil Drawbridge and her next destination: Driftveil City. She hoped that she could find out some more information from Clay, the Driftveil City gym leader.