Frosterpie's Caterpie Forest

Last time on The Adventures of Icy and Sara,
  Icy and the others rescued Pichu from Dark Suihou and boarded the ferry to take them to Hiland Island. Meanwhile, it looks like Team DarkPoké is up to no good searching for the next Ring of Destiny. But right now, a mysterious female trainer is fired up to battle Icy.

…And now, our adventure continues…

{ Opening theme plays: Higher and Higher }

  “I finally found you Icy,” the little girl said.
  “Uh, do I know you?” Icy asked.
  “No. That’s why I’ve tracked you down. I waited so long in the Viridian Forest to battle you, but you never returned. But now I’ve found you, and now I’m gonna win that gym badge.”
  “What?!? We can’t hold a gym battle here. We aren’t even in Kanto any more.”
  “But, grrrr. I don’t care. I, Kate, challenge you for honor then.”
  “Honor?”
  Sara walked up beside Icy. “Just battle her one round. She did go to a lot of trouble just to find you.”
  “Alright then. I accept your challenge.” Icy smiled. It had been a very long time since he last had a real pokémon battle. He floated back to the trainer box and his pokéballs floated around him.
  “Yay Icy! You’re so cool!” Sara cheered.
  Lewis had finished his battle in time to catch Icy’s opening. “What a show-off.”
  “No he isn’t,” Sara insisted.
  Kate nervously prepared to send out her pokémon. “You aren’t gonna scare me Icy.”
  “No? Ready to fight, come in sight. Icy calls…” He sent a pokéball into the field. “Buttercup! Shine!!!”
  “A butterfree huh? Wha? Kinda small isn’t it?”
  Buttercup quickly pouted and growled. It was ineffective as it was too cute sounding. “You’ll be sorry to underestimate her.”
  “No I won’t,” Kate said as she released her pokémon. “I call Togetic!” Togetic happily hovered above the field.
  “A Togetic? I’ve never seen one of those before,” Sara said. “It’s cute.” Togetic smiled.
  “Are you ready to battle Togetic?” It nodded. “Alright. Let’s give it our best!”
  “That won’t be enough. Buttercup, psybeam attack.” Buttercup flew close and fired its psybeam at Togetic.
  “Dodge it Togetic,” Kate shouted. Togetic gracefully hovered to the side, then flew up alongside Buttercup. “Now I got ya.”
  “Ohhh, Buttercup, beside you!” Buttercup saw Togetic and used her stun spore. Togetic had to back off. “Shew.”
  “No way. Hrrmm, I see why you are a gym leader. You fight well.”
  “So do you.” Icy brushed his hair back. “I guess I’ll have to play for real now.” He pointed forwards yelling, “Buttercup, hyper beam!”
  “H..H…HYPER BEAM?!?!?” Kate said in shock.
  Buttercup glowed as she gathered energy. “REEEEEE!!!!!” A burst of light blinded everyone followed by smoke. As the light dimmed and the smoke cleared, Buttercup was still floating above the field, but Togetic was clearly knocked out.
  “Buttercup is the winner. This match goes to Icy,” Lewis said. Buttercup flew into Icy’s open arms and snuggled up close.
  “Alright Buttercup. I knew you could still do it! Great work buddy.”
  “I… I can’t believe I lost. I trained so hard… every day…” Kate recalled her Togetic.
  “Kate. Training isn’t everything there is about pokémon. Battles like this will also help. I can tell you have no difficulty loving and caring for your pokémon. If you continue to work hard, you and your pokémon will continue to grow stronger. In any case, that was a fun battle. I hope our next battle will take place in the Viridian Forest. It’d be an honor to battle you again.”
  “Oh? You mean it? You’ll actually come back there!” Icy nodded. “YES! You better be there next time. I’ll find you no matter what!” Kate ran off and disappeared into the crowds. Icy and his friends all gathered together as the next trainers squared off.

=====

  “Weee, that was fun,” Icy said stretching his arms.
  “Icy!!! You are so cool!” Sara said with star-filled eyes.
  “Ya ya, but you never gave her a chance,” Lewis remarked.
  “Why avoid an opportunity to exploit an opponent’s weakness?” Willis asked.
  “Using hyper beam isn’t really an exploitation of weakness. That’s a really powerful attack. Not many pokémon can survive a direct hit from it.”
  “It’s still a cheap attack…” Lewis moaned.
  Trinity joined them again. “So? Cheap or not, in a pokémon battle, the object is to win.”
  “Hyper beam isn’t just another attack though. The pokémon could get seriously injured.”
  Icy broke in. “Ok ok, umm, let’s change the topic.” Sara nodded. “Shouldn’t we be arriving soon?”
  “Yea. I think I see the island coming up now,” Trinity said.

  The boat whistle blew as it docked by the port. “Hiland Island welcomes all guests to enjoy our special Pirate Island festival going on all this week. Please enjoy the festivities and your stay.” The people went on shore and towards the casino grounds.
  “Wow, it’s huge!” Willis remarked. The Hiland Island Casino was the largest casino in the world. It took up an entire island, transforming it into the greatest tourist attraction ever. Large buildings and replicas of famous landmarks filled the center of the island. Around the edges were hotels and marinas. The streets were perfect with extravagantly decorated street lamps and sign posts lining them. Icy and his friends couldn’t help but admire all the sights as they walked down the main strip.
  “This place is amazing.” Trinity pointed out a tall sculpture resembling a flame with spheres glowing at various levels. “That’s an exact replica of the Spectral League Cup!”
  “Yea, about a hundred times bigger!” Icy added.
  “It’ll be mine soon. You just wait and see,” Trinity smirked.
  As they walked, Sara pointed out another site. “Look, it’s the Lavender Town Tower,” she said. Sure enough, off to the left stood a perfect copy of the haunted tower. Screams echoed from within as the group kept their distance and moved on.
  “Let’s check out some of the casinos,” Lewis said.
  “Good idea. Everyone else wanna go?” Icy asked. They all nodded and the group headed towards the main casino area. Meanwhile, unbeknown to them, a tiny floating camera was watching their every move.

=====

  “You won’t believe this…” Willow said pulling Wisp aside.
  “Huh. No way. Those kids from the village. Icy was it?”
  “Yea. Geh?!?” The camera focused on Sara, and the cute, fuzzy, yellow Pichu riding on her shoulder. “Pichu?!?”
  “What? Pichu’s with them?”
  “Yes. No mistaking it. Look.” Willow pointed out the unique emerald gems which lined Pichu’s collar. “That’s the pichu we captured and was then stolen by Dark Suihou.”
  “So they managed to free her. Well, it’ll all be for nothing soon.”
  “Huh. Hey, the Pichu’s important, but what about our current mission?”
  Wisp sighed. “True. Either way, we should inform Willis of this development.”
  Willow nodded. A few men dressed as pirates approached them. “We’ve got company.”
  “I’ll handle it.” Wisp stepped forward to greet the men. “Arg. Are ye with polly?”
  “With Polly? Polly is my bird, still off searching for the cracker,” replied the one pirate.
  “In that case, we shall aid you in searching for its cracker,” Wisp grinned. The pirates grinned back and shook hands with Willow and Wisp.
  “No sign of the ring yet huh?”
  “No. It’s strange. Willis was positive it would be here.”
  “You don’t suppose they already found it?”
  “They?” Willow asked.
  “The casino. Something of that rarity might attract high rollers.”
  “Crap. We never anticipated them selling it. Nothing’s been said yet. But, we can’t let that ring become public knowledge. If word gets out, we’ll have to destroy any evidence.”
  The pirates nodded. “Aye aye.”
  “Keep searching. Find out if the casino managers have any info about a ring if possible.”
  “Yes sir.” The pirates ran off.
  “This all doesn’t feel right still. Now that brat Icy and his friends are here. They’re gonna recognize us for sure. What are we going to do?”
  “I’m up for a battle if you are,” Wisp replied.
  “Heh. I shoulda known better. Fine. We’ll fight if that happens. Oh.” Willow took out her communicator device which was flashing. “Message from Willis.”
  “What’s he say?”
  “Hmmm… Main objective is still to search for the ring. If we make contact with the Pichu, we are to capture it. He’d like the operation to remain as secretive as possible though.”
  “Guess that means starting a fight is out.”
  “Aww, and you were so worked up too…” Willow laughed.
  “His time will come.” Wisp checked his scanner. “Huh? Hey, something’s coming up on the scanner. This could be it.”
  “Let’s go.”

  Icy and his friends entered the casino’s main hallway. Greeters bowed to them as they entered. The walls were decorated in gold lining and classical artwork. Finally they came to the casino floor. Hundreds of guests were trying their luck at the slot machines while others played card games. Pokémon contests were also being held, as well as battles. “Wow! This is too cool!” Everyone ran off to different parts of the casino.
  Sara stayed with Icy, clinging to his arm as they walked. “Ehheh, Sara, you don’t hafta cling so tight.”
  Sara let go. “Oh, ehhehehe, I uh, I uh didn’t realize it hhehehe.” She blushed feeling like a little kid.
  “Hehe, it’s alright. C’mon, let’s see if we can win at the slots.”
  Trinity and Lewis went off to the Pokémon contests. Willis and Chronos tagged along to watch.
  “Pokémon contests are an interesting new way for trainers to raise their pokémon. I heard these contests have been around for a long time, but that recently, they’ve been organized and are gaining in popularity,” Lewis said.
  Trinity nodded, looking slightly bored. “Yes, yes teacher.”
  “…aww, cruel…” Lewis replied.
  Trinity giggled softly, blushing afterwards. “Actually, I almost wanted to do something like that.”
  “Really?” Lewis asked. “What made you change your mind?”
  “Oh nothing… It was just a phase. Our parents really admired a pokémon’s inner-beauty, and those contests were focused on that. But, I guess I’ve always just had a fighters’ spirit,” Trinity said smiling and throwing her fists jokingly.
  “Oh.”
  “Ahhhaha, I’m sorry,” Trinity laughed, “now I must be boring you.”
  “Ah, not at all. C’mon, let’s watch. You too Willis.”
  Willis looked up and nodded. Hearing things about their parents was hard on him, especially after all he’d done. Chronos flew up to his hands and smiled. “Bree” Willis smiled back and followed Lewis and Trinity.

  Willow followed Wisp as he glanced at the scanner. “It’s close.” Suddenly he stopped. “Hide!” He and Willow jumped onto the closest slot machines as Icy and Sara walked past.
  “It’s them.” Willow whispered.
  “Ya.”
  “We avoid for now?”
  “Correct.”
  “Let’s go.”
  They got up as Icy and Sara turned the corner. “That was close. I’m surprised he didn’t notice us.”
  “Don’t jinx us. Let’s just assume the Great Meowth is shining on us today.”
  “He’ll shine brighter if this scanner is truly picking up that ring… uh?!?”
  “Wisp?” She turned to face the direction Willow was facing. “Damnit!!!”

=====

  “And now, the appeals round will begin!” the judge announced. Among the contestants were a Sandshrew, a Venomoth, an Oddish, and a Caterpie.
  Trinity, Lewis, and Willis sat down next to each other. The coordinators gave commands to their pokémon. The sandshrew showed off its spectacular slashing attack. Its claws glistened under the stage lights.
  “Wow. That sandshrew is so well groomed,” Willis noted.
  “Are you into pokémon contests too Willis,” Lewis asked.
  “Maybe… I like all things dealing with pokémon.” He and Chronos continued to watch.
  Venomoth’s coordinator instructed it to use psybeam. The moth pokémon put on a dazzling display of color using its psybeam attack. The judge seemed a little confused afterwards, as did Oddish who was up next.
  Oddish’s coordinator tried to calm it down and finally Oddish used its pedal dance. Onlookers smiled and cheered as Oddish performed the captivating dance. Each delicate leaf on its head waved gently as it turned and moved. At the end, Oddish gave a short bow before returning to its coordinator’s side. She breathed a sigh of relief that the psybeam hadn’t ruined her pokémon’s chance to appeal.
  Caterpie was the last pokémon up. Its coordinator carried the cute, green suction-cup tipped pokémon out to the center of the stage and carefully placed it on the ground. “Ok Caterpie. String shot.” Like a fountain, Caterpie released silk from its mouth into the air. As it fell, the audience gazed in awe seeing the elegant patterns it created. The silk shimmered before falling to the stage. Caterpie murred cutely at the end of its performance gaining the affection of several members of the audience. Its coordinator gently scooped Caterpie into his arms and carried him back.
  The judge polled the panel and announced the results. “In 4th place, we have Oddish. In 3rd is Venomoth.” All eyes focused on Caterpie and Sandshrew. Caterpie cuddled against its coordinator while Sandshrew wiggled about, scratching behind his ears. “The winner of the contest is Caterpie! Congratulations too all of our contestants. Please be sure to visit your town’s pokémon contest hall to register for the Pokémon Contest Tour!”
  Trinity clapped and she, Lewis, and Willis went to find Icy and Sara. “I think Oddish really shoulda won. That dance was amazing.”
  Lewis struggled to find the right words. “Ya uhhh, ya, err, it um, was really something ehheheh.” Lewis cursed to himself for the fine answer.
  Trinity just smiled a giggled a little to herself. “Oh, I think I see Icy and Sara over there.” As they turned the corner, two men dressed as pirates ran into them. Trinity caught her balance as Lewis stepped up to them.
  “Hey watch it! You nearly tripped us!” he said angrily. Trinity tried to indicate she was alright.
  “Hey kid we didn’t mean any trouble. Just didn’t see you there. Please enjoy your stay.” They were about to continue on their way when Lewis began speaking again.
  “Do you work for this casino?”
  “No. We were hired for this week’s Pirate Festival. Sorry kid, but we are kinda in a hurry.” They ran off and Lewis turned to Trinity.
  “You ok?” he asked.
  “Yea. You didn’t need to be so rude like that,” Trinity said showing her disappointment.
  “Maybe… But, after that… Something’s not right here… We need to find Icy now ok.”
  “Hey. Were you even listening to me? I said, you gotta loosen up. I can take care of myself.” Trinity had barely finished her sentence when a very angry Umbreon stood growling at her. “Aghh, whose pokémon is this?” Umbreon slashed at her with its claws cutting Trinity’s right arm badly. “Owww…” she cried grabbing her arm. It stung as she tried to control the swelling. With a little effort, she managed to grab Sneasel’s pokéball and released her.
  Lewis stepped up as well. Willis remained in the back. “What the heck? I’ll teach you some manners.” Lewis’ eyes burned and his body took on a faint blue glow.
  “Ha ha ha ha haa…” A cloud of smoke filled the casino. After it dissipated, pirates were positioned everywhere, each carrying pokéballs and muskets. “This little party is now over.”
  Icy and Sara were only a few feet away from Lewis, but a pirate kept his musket well trained on them. “Uh uh uh. You kids aren’t interfering with our plans today.”
  Wisp walked up to the casino manager who was holding a copperish ring. “I believe that belongs to me.” Icy snapped to attention and focused on the ring. Wisp forced it from the manager’s hands and walked back to Willow.
  “Thank you all for coming to the Hiland Island Casino to witness another triumph for Team DarkPoke. Unfortunately for you, it will be the last time you see us.”
  Lewis was fuming. “Oh no you don’t.” He gathered more energy and focused it on Wisp. “AGHHH!!” he shouted releasing a massive psychic attack from his own energy. Wisp’s eyes widened as it came hurtling towards him.
  Suddenly, a protection sphere formed around Wisp negating the attack. Lewis panted slightly as he looked in disbelief. Behind Wisp stood Dark Suihou, staring at Lewis with cold eyes. Its body glowed red and slowed faded down. “Suuiiuu…”
  “Dark Suihou…” Lewis mumbled.
  “This is too much. Let’s just get out of here,” Willis begged. Trinity kneeled behind Sneasel, tending her wound. Lewis stood beside her as well.
  “No way. I’ll stop them here.”
  “No Lewis!” Icy shouted. It was too late.
  “Grrr, take this!” Lewis summoned all his energy and fired it at Willow and Wisp. Again, Dark Suihou glowed and all the pirates, including Willow and Wisp had vanished. The energy ball ripped down the hallway, throwing several people into the air before slamming into wall. Instantly, an explosion rocked the entire island causing everyone to stumble and fall.
  Willis’ Celebi created a protect shield around Willis, Lewis and Trinity as more explosions rang out. Fires started on one end of the casino.
  From a distance, the two agents laughed and dropped several small explosives onto the casino roof. “This ought to be a blast hahahaha!” Within minutes, the entire building was ablaze with people rushing out every exit seeking safety.
  “Let’s make sure nothing survives.” Willow motioned to the pilot to turn and they soon could see the ferry which was docked. People were already crowding on board. “Such a pity…” she said and clinched the trigger of the rocket launcher. The missile ripped through the ferry’s hull and exploded. The ship began sinking in seconds while burning boards floated atop the water.
  Icy and Sara joined Lewis and the others inside the protect sphere. “I’ll help you Chronos,” he said strengthening the barrier. Suihou stood next to Trinity as well as Lewis now. It shivered as it watched the helicopter fly off into the sky. Dark Suihou glared back as long as he could see Suihou.
  “We gotta get off this island now,” Lewis said. Icy nodded and used his telekinesis to allow them to float across the bay to the mainland.
  Emergency helicopters flew over and fought the fire but the numerous explosions had claimed several lives and smoke took care of the rest before the fire was under control.

=====

  Icy and Lewis panted as the protection spell broke and Chronos returned to Willis. “Lewis… what were you thinking???” Icy said.
  “I… I don’t know…”
  “You weren’t,” Trinity stated sharply. She whined softly and held her arm again. Lewis tried to help her but she turned away. “I told you I can take care of myself. You need to control yourself.”
  “Trinity, I’m sorry… I…” Lewis paused. “I really messed up back there…”
  “Tell that to all those who are trapped over there.” Suihou glowed a soft blue and began healing Trinity’s arm.
  “We can’t blame ourselves completely for that… Team DarkPoke planned this entire thing from the start… And now they’ve got four of the rings…”
  “One more to go right?” Sara asked.
  “Yea…”
  In the distance, a shadowy figure laughed sinisterly. “Whaa haa haa haa haaaa!!! Your time will come Icy. The frozen diamond who thaws the key. You should never have moved from your grave…” The figure vanished.

Meanwhile, in the sphere office…
  “Target located… Ring signature found in sector J33. No movement in sector.”
  Willis smirked as his Houndour growled. “The final ring is mine! Haa haa haaa haaa haaaaa!!!”

  Could this be it for our heroes? Team DarkPoke only has one more ring to find! Can Icy and his friends stop them and protect Pichu and Frosterpie? Find out on the next Icy & Sara.