by MTSowbug, IcyPikachu, and Tauras

    Recently Phoo has come to Saffron City. He is now searching for Icy, who, unknown to Phoo, is now in Lavender Town.
Spectrum Way
    Phoo hid in the shadows of the tall buildings, heading towards a old mental signal which he felt might be of Icy. Evading people left and right, Phoo scurried onwards. “Hmm... this mental feeling... it is different... not quite what I would expect. But I assume... that the great power source in Saffron is what is... distorting it,” Phoo thought, to himself.
    After a long walk, Phoo reached the house in which he felt the strange mental signal coming from. He felt no major activity inside the building, so he entered the one-story residential house through a crack under the door. The inside of the house was lightly furnished. Phoo searched around.
    Several minutes had passed, and Phoo had searched the house. It had appeared to be empty. “Hmm... this house... there is some signal about it... but absolutely nothing here...” Phoo thought, as he continued to search. After a while, Phoo found a stairwell, which apparently led upwards. The house was eerily quiet as Phoo crawled up the stairs.
    Phoo reached the top of the stairwell, and came out onto the roof, where it seemed like there was still nothing. Phoo looked around himself, then noticed something spectacular only about 30 yards above his head. Up in the sky loomed a glowing, rainbow set of colors, which spiraled into the sky.
    Phoo was mesmerized at the great shape in the air. “Spectrum Way... invisible to humans, but visible to those from my plane... the source of energy in this world. The house... must have been... I must have been picking up signals from this place. Icy isn’t here... but maybe if I...” Phoo stopped, in recall of a previous memory.

*** Flashback, about a year ago, in a peaceful meadow outside of a log cabin ***

    Phoo meditated in silence. The birds were chirping, and Phoo’s pokemon had gone off adventuring. As Phoo concentrated, the voice of Foomyama spoke into his mind.
    Foomyama communicated to Phoo, in a fashion such as this. (of course, the enlightened tones of the great Foomyama could not be written here) “Phoo! Of course you know that Spectrum Way is the center of the great nexus of energy throughout the lower world. You know this means that from this central point in the nexus, you could travel anywhere.”
    “Yes.”
    “But only once, when you reach the summit. You also know that climbing Spectrum Way would require incredible effort, the likes of which almost none are capable of. The Spectrum Way locks on to your mind, your energy. If you start climbing it, you must reach the top or... perish trying.”
    “Indeed. But why would I ever need to go there?”
    “I believe... you might need to in your future. It... it will be necessary, I am now certain of it, Phoo. It will be hard, and the strain may affect you forever. But if the apex is reached, a realm of wisdom and understanding will come to ye...”

*** End flashback. Back to present ***

    “Yes... if I go to the top... I could reach Icy... if I can...” Phoo thought. “I... I must. I will.” And with that, Phoo shimmered with light, and teleported to the base of the great Spectrum Way. “This is it...” Phoo thought, as he watched the great road spiral above him.
    Phoo put his claw onto the first colorful step of Spectrum Way. Instantaneously, Phoo’s entire body was glued to the first step. Phoo found it almost impossible to move, and he had to use all his energy to get to the next step. The top loomed about a mile above. Phoo tried to sigh in exasperation, but couldn’t, as his thoughts were drowned out in Spectrum Way’s power.

*** Minutes later, but it seemed like hours ***

    Phoo had, with the power of his mind, actually ascended halfway up the great Spectrum Way. His concentration was starting to waver, but Phoo didn’t think about that. He couldn’t. The power of where he was didn’t allow him to. Energy bombarded Phoo’s mind and will, but Phoo repelled it as best he could. His mind slowly cramped under the severe pressure.

*** Hours later, but it seemed like eternities ***

    Phoo had almost reached the top. His mind was crumbling, and he had no idea where he was going, except up. Phoo had no idea how close he was to the edge of the road.  His legs dangled off the edge, and Phoo had no idea what was about to happen.
    In a second, Phoo’s body fell off of Spectrum Way.  He tumbled and tumbled downwards towards Saffron city below.  Phoo could do nothing as he plummeted towards the blunt edges of the buildings far below.  Phoo was increasing velocity when...
    Phoo started to feel some force, some energy, moving about him.   He started to shake and pulsate in a way he had never felt before, and then... he blacked out.

*** An unknown amount of time later ***

    Phoo slowly returned to his senses.  His eyes opened, and he saw himself high up in the sky, floating there.  Looking about himself, he noticed a rainbow of colors completely enveloping him.  A strange surge of energy started flowing into his mind.  With one thought, Phoo exclaimed, “Hmm!” Phoo had reached the top of Spectrum Way.
    The wealth of energy filled Phoo’s mind.  He felt a greater sense of understanding, a greater sense of enlightenment.  It slowly went on for moments, and Phoo glowed a translucent color.  For the most brief of a moment, he felt a fleeting oneness with the great Foomyama himself.
    Then, as if a computer prompt were asking it, a new, alien thought entered his mind.  “Where?” it simply asked.  Phoo understood, and blanked his mind to one thought.  Fuzzy, warping sounds could be heard, and the sky flashed an aurora of colors.  Suddenly, a boom of sound, and Phoo found himself in a different space.

*** An unknown place, an unknown time ***

    Phoo looked about him.  He was in a town that rotted of the dead.  It reeked of negative energy.  “Hmm!  Is this... the town of Lavender? Negative placeholder of Saffron?  Hmm... maybe...” just then, Phoo saw Clan Caterpie only about 15 yards ahead of him.  Phoo rushed over to the one he was looking for, Icy.  “So I guess Spectrum Way does its trick after all...” Phoo thought, as he looked up to the sky.
    Phoo snuck up behind Icy when he was somewhat separated from the rest of the group.  Phoo reached out, and tapped him with his claw.  Icy turned around slowly, then noticed Phoo.  Of course, being surprised to see a giant cockroach behind him, Icy gasped.  Phoo took a deep breath, and spoke aloud, “Greetings, Icy.  Remember... me?  Phoo?  We met several times in... umm... ah, yes.  Celadon.  I’m back.”
    “Phoo huh...  Hello.  What brings you to Lavender Town.  Are you getting your Pokemon renamed too?” Icy asked.
    Phoo was a little disturbed at the prospect.  “Hmm?   They... allow you to merely change a pokemon’s name down here?  Hmm... that is different.  Not naming out of incredible respect or honor?  A simple name changer?  Hmm... ... ... ah well.  No... I am not here to change... my fellows’ names,” Phoo said aloud.
    “Ok.  Well then,” Icy stopped mid-sentence.   He had never formally introduced the others.  “I’m sorry, Phoo, this is InsaneLlama, and he is Tauras.  Team Rocket had just stolen two of his pokemon, you better be careful around here.  They are actually getting good...”
    Phoo blinked, and stared at the thought.  “Team... Rocket... rockets... ...” Phoo thought, to himself.  Trying to pull away from that horrible memory, Phoo attempted to change the subject.  Aloud, he spoke, “Ah... hmm... Tauras... I don’t remember him.  But all is... well, as they may say. You may or may not know why I am here...”  Phoo gathered up his thoughts, and determined what to say.  “What... you may find important now... is that I... well... hmm... have important matters.  In retrospect... yes... ... yes.  I am sure, now.  Due to... hmm... important matters... ... ... I need to travel with you.”  Phoo gasped momentarily, exhausted at speaking so many words audibly.
    Icy tried to make sense of everything Phoo was telling him.   “Ok. Ummm...  So basically you want to be part of our group?”
    Phoo thought about this comment, then chuckled as well as a cockroach could chuckle.  He said aloud, “Hmm... yes!  In a simplistic manner... or an objective manner, for that, I want... must join your group.  Your... your kind is one of... a few words, is it not?  But now that cordialities have been exchanged, yes, methinks we... shall need to be in point.  Simply, yes. I wish to join your... group.”  Phoo took another breath.  Speaking aloud in English was exhausting for him.
    “Great!” Icy replied.  “We are headed for Cinnabar Island, but I think we are making a stop at Grandpa Canyon on the way, right Tauras?”
    “Yeah.  I heard there’s gonna be a big digging expedition there soon!”
    “So Phoo,” Icy said, turning his attention back to the cockroach, “do you have any pokemon?”
    Phoo pondered at the mention of this Grandpa Canyon he had never heard of before, but let it pass.  He diverted his attention to answering the other question.  Gathering his breath, Phoo stated, “Yes... I do have... pokemon.   I am assuming you would like me to elaborate.  Well, my five... umm... well... four comrades in arms could be considered pokemon.  You... would probably like to see them, I feel.  It is.. quite obvious from your... thoughts.  Excuse me...” Phoo took another breath, and continued, “Well... Aurelia, Lickitung, Porygon... umm... (he said the name carefully, trying to pronounce it correctly) Farfetch’d, Kr... hmm... never mind...  Come out now, you are wanted!”
    There was a shimmering flash of light, and in an instant, four pokemon appeared, side-by-side, behind Phoo.  From left to right, there was a Chansey, a Lickitung, a Farfetch’d, and a Porygon.
    “Cool, a Porygon!” Icy said upon seeing Phoo’s Porygon.   It shined almost as much as his own which he sent out.  Nurse Joy was getting worried there would be a battle but noticed it was only Icy and his friends and that they wouldn’t break the rules.  She went back to helping sick pokemon.  “I have a Porygon too.  Let me show you the rest of my group.”  Icy couldn’t help but snicker as he called out each of his pokemon.  “Go, Hocus, Windstorm, Leafy, Pin, Moni, Michelle, Sunshine, Lilly, Wiggler, Suctioncup, Sandy, Dill, Verde, Buggy, Static, Neptune, Cy..., oops, you’re already out, uhh, Buttercup, Hyper, Vapor!”   All of Icy’s pokemon appeared either on him or around him.  His ten cite little Caterpie crawled around him then inspected Phoo.  Phoo was slightly nervous for a second, but Icy reassured him it was ok.  “What do you think of my team?”
    Phoo paused, and looked around at the plethora of pokemon.   Phoo had never seen someone who had more than five pokemon, ever.  It was a completely new experience to see so many.  To himself, Phoo thought, “Hmm... but I wonder if... hmm... are they all taken care of?  How can one devote the hours of attention and caring each one needs...?  Either this Icy is one of the greatest beings imaginable, or Icy was... no... it couldn’t be.  How could Icy ever short handle them?”
    Just then, Phoo looked upwards, and noticed that he was in what was called a pokemon center.  Phoo was very nervous, just now realizing the hordes of people in the area.  Aloud, he said, to Icy, “Hmm... err... let us move outside this building... if you do not mind?  It... is... hmm... may we just leave it at that?  Hmm, yes.  Let us go outside.”  And they did.  Phoo and Icy stepped outside of the pokemon center, while Insanellama and Tauras looked on from inside.
    Attempting to restart a plausible conversation, Phoo spoke, “So... what are the abilities of your... pokemon?  What are their talents?”
    “Well, I programmed Cyber here to be able to transform into vehicles like cars, planes, or ships.  Uhhh...  My Caterpies are just adorable. Hyper..., let’s just say he can pack a fearsome punch.  I should know...” Hyper giggled to itself.  Icy continued, “I’m not sure what Vapor can do yet, I just caught him.  Buttercup is very talented with psychic attacks and its small size helps her in battle.  Hocus is very intelligent, that’s why he has almost learned all the attacks a Kadabra would have learned by now. He is one of my closest friends.  He was also my first pokemon.  The others are just regular pokemon, they don’t really have any notable talents, for say...”  Icy decided to stop there thinking he was getting very boastful and would rather be modest.  He figured now was a good time to find out the true reason for Phoo seeking him out.  “Phoo, why have you been following us for all this time?”  Icy waited for Phoo’s response.
    Phoo was surprised, and not quite ready to answer this question, so he obviously bumbled at it.  Stuttering as he talked, Phoo said, “Hmm... hmm... well... my reasons, you ask?  That... that... is something... hmm...” Phoo looked around to make sure no one was looking at them, then continued. “Well... I have my reasons.  May it just be said that you are very special, Icy, and we need you.  Yes... we need you to help us.  And... being sent by them... I am here to help you help us.”  Phoo looked around, very nervously, making sure no one was watching.  Lickitung started rambling off some sort of song, out of boredom.
    Phoo relaxed a little, and continued to speak.  “Hmm... well... you are Icy, the former human.  You have knowledge of both sides of intelligence down here... yes, you are the one who can help us.  I need to... hmm... as I said before, help you help us.  Maybe at another time... if it is so meant to be... you will learn more...”
    Completely devoid of any knowledge of what Phoo and Icy were talking about, Lickitung started to play with Icy’s Caterpie.  Aurelia watched lovingly, and Porygon was fervishly recording the conversation in his memory.   Farfetch’d sat there, blankly.
    Icy was very confused now as to what Phoo meant.  “What do you mean ‘we’?  I don’t see anyone else.”  Icy didn’t know what Phoo’s secret mission was, but he was certain it involved him.  Meanwhile, his Caterpie had just about covered all of Phoo’s Lickitung’s body...
    Phoo replied, “You do not understand ‘we?’  Hmm... well... of course! Of course you wouldn’t!  Hmm... I was too assuming that everyone would know... hmm.  Well... let... me just say that I... have affiliates.  I have no more to say of that matter.”
    Meanwhile, as the heated conversation continued, Lickitung started to romp around in a close by park with the Caterpie.  They started to play tag, and Lickitung generated a mild Petal Dance out of sheer joy.  Golden petals and leafs fluttered down out of the sky as Lickitung frolicked about.  The Caterpie jumped through the crimson petals, making a shower of color rain down everywhere.  In a word, there was utter bliss.
    “Who are these affiliates of yours?  Are they friendly?   And why do you want me?”  Icy was becoming somewhat cautious, and it showed.
    Meanwhile, Buttercup went over to play with Lickitung and the Caterpies. Leafy also joined them.  She wandered around and started walking towards a nearby lake to catch a drink.  Verde and Moni joined her.  The other 8 Caterpie continued their game with Lickitung.  Hyper and Cyber began playing with Phoo’s Porygon.
    Back in the Pokecenter, InsaneLlama and Tauras sat down to a fairly sized lunch.  Icy’s other pokemon stayed with them as they ate.
    Phoo sighed, and took a deep breath, for all the verbal communication was tiresome for him.  As Phoo stretched his vocal cords, he looked over to his Porygon.  The so-called “Hyper” and “Cyber” were attempting to play with him.  Phoo’s Porygon was trying to store away as much information as it could on the new topic “Fun.”  Aurelia bounded over towards all the Caterpie, as she could no longer not take part in jolliness.   Farfetch’d was acting fairly strangely, and started digging a small pit in a nearby pile of dirt.
    Phoo had regained his breath, and continued to speak.   “Hmm... words, words.  Words can communicate so little.  You ask if my... ‘affiliates’ are friendly?  I believe... in the terms of the word ‘friendly’... it would depend.  Generally... hmm... towards you?  Yes... of course they would act... positively towards you.  Good natured may be more of the word we are looking for.”
    Phoo continued, “And you ask... why do I want you?  The same reason I am wanted... for the prospect of peace on our horizon.  Maybe you will understand later... words are so cumbersome...”
    Completely unknowing of the conversation between Phoo and Icy, Leafy looked up from her drink and noticed a very rambunctious Lickitung bounding towards her.  In a magnificent leap, Lickitung jumped over Leafy and landed in the lake, then dived under the water.  Leafy looked out over the edge to see where Lickitung went, only to be splashed by him as he cannonballed through the water.  Meanwhile Porygon was trying to absorb as much sensory input as possible.
    Some Lavender citizens were starting to turn their heads and watch.
    After finishing a fairly large lunch Tauras decided to try to catch another pokemon, TR had taken most of his.  Icy and Phoo were having a pretty long conversation, so Tauras quietly walked out of the Pokécenter, and into the forest.   Jolt and H20 followed him.  After a while of searching he found a Butterfree.   “Butterfree, your mine!  Jolt, use your Thunder attack!” said Tauras.  Jolt began to glow, and fired a huge blast of electricity at the Butterfree.   It was startled, but not injured.
    Butterfree replied with a Psybeam.  Jolt was sent rolling.   He got back up, and charged at the Butterfree, all that was seen was a yellow flash.  “FREEEEE” screamed the Butterfree as it was struck by Jolt.   It became very angry, and used Psychic on Jolt.  Jolt fell down, injured.   “H20, use your Blizzard attack!” said Tauras.  H20 held his hands into the air, bladed pieces of ice began to fly down at Butterfree.  2 of the pieces of ice pinned the Butterfree to the ground.  Tauras threw a pokeball.  It wiggled 3 times, then stopped.  “YES!” yelled Tauras with glee.  He healed Jolt and Butterfree with Hyper Potions.  “Well, I’m out of potions, lets go buy some more supplies” said Tauras.  They walked to the Pokémart, and Tauras bought some Carbos, Protein, Iron, Calcium, a few Hyper potions, and a Water Stone.   He began to search for an Eevee or Staryu. Tauras’s old Gengar, who was currently with Mr. Fuji cloaked, and began to follow Tauras.  He returned to his pokeball, inside of Tauras’s backpack.  Tauras didn’t notice what had happened, so was unaware that he had gotten his Gengar back.  “I sure hope I can find an Eevee, so I can evolve it into a Vaporeon” said Tauras.

To Be Continued…

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