Poke-Odyssey 2001 chapter 9 The Croconaw Seeker Cameron and his friends were still on the road to Garlic Acres where the next Ryooku gym is located. As they were walking through the beautiful valley, they spotted a new kind of Pokemon sitting on the ground just minding its own business. "Look at that Pokemon", said Misty studying the little mouse with a long snout and little red dots on its blue back. "I've never seen that one before." "That looks like a Cyndaquil", said Tracey. "A very rare fire-type Pokemon." "Cyndaquil?" asked Cameron as he took out his Dex. "CYNDAQUIL: the fire mouse Pokemon", replied Dextra. "Cyndaquil is timid and always curls itself up in a tight ball if attacked." "Hey, that would be a neat Pokemon to own", said Ash as he took out a Pokeball. "Hold it a minute Ash Ketchum!" said Misty as she grabbed Ash's wrist. "Why should you be the one who gets to catch it?! What about me?" "But you carry water Pokemon around Mist", said Ash. "And Cyndaquil's a fire-type. It could get hurt if you let it play around with your water splashing types." "Not if I get it a bathing cap", said Misty. "Hey, I don't have a fire type on my team", said Cameron. "Maybe I should try catching it!" "But you already caught a Sudowoodo the other day Cameron", said Ash. "So it should be my turn to catch a Pokemon." "Actually, I'd like to catch it", said Tracey. "Cyndaquil's bright flame would be perfect when doing my watching at night or when traveling through dark caves." Everyone started having an argument until Reiko made a silent whistle so she wouldn't frighten away Cyndaquil, but get everyone's attention. "I suggest we be like the Spearow that likes collecting straws for its nest and draw straws ourselves", said Reiko as she took out a huge plastic straw, threw it in the air, and used her sword to cut it into 5 different sized pieces. Then she mixed them up. "Whoever draws the longest straw gets to catch the Cyndaquil", said Reiko as she extended the straws to Cameron. "Good idea my radiant one", smiled Cameron as he took the first straw but then frowned when he found it was a really short straw. "I am sorry Came-chan", said Reiko as she kissed Cameron on the cheek making him feel a little better. Everyone else took their straws and it turned out the one with the longest straw was none other than the main human star of Pokemon. "Hey, I got the longest straw!" shouted Ash as he happily danced around with glee while everyone looked at him funny. "I get to catch Cyndaquil!" "Well could you be a little quieter about it?" sighed Misty. "Or else you might frighten it away and we'll have to put up with your whiny depression!" "Oops, sorry Mist", said Ash blushing and then silently approached the Cyndaquil who had just turned around. "Quil?" it asked. "All right Cyndaquil", smiled Ash. "Prepare to enjoy your last minute of freedom battling my Muk!" And Ash released a big clump of purple ooze right in front of the shaking Cyndaquil. "MUK!" it roared. Everyone held their noses for Muk was incredibly stinky. "I thought Muk was back with Prof. Oak", said Cameron. "Back at the Cayenne Pokemon center, Ash called up Prof. Oak and asked him to transport over Muk since he no longer had his Pidgeot with him", explained Misty. "I just wished he would've picked a more sweet smelling Pokemon instead!" "He could've asked for a Tauros", said Cameron. "Eyeeew!" moaned Misty imaging the piles those Tauros leave behind. Almost smellier than Muk. "Okay Muk", said Ash. "Let's knock out that Cyndaquil with your poison gas." "MUK!" said Muk as it sprayed some green gas out from its mouth. "QUIL!" shouted Cyndaquil as it breathed fire at the gas causing it to explode in a big BOOM! "MUUUUK!" hollered Muk as it slithered around in circles with its gooey skin on fire causing it to glomp into Ash's arms. "Don't worry Muk", called out Ash who was crawling out of the ooze. "I'll help put your fi... ,fi, fi, FIRE!!!" he screamed when he realized he was on fire too. Both Ash and Muk were now running around in fiery circles. "Ash, you should've known that poison gas ignites fire types", groaned Misty. "Starmie, water gun now!" And she released her Starmie that sprayed some water on Ash and Muk putting out their flames. "Whew, thanks Mist", said Ash all wet, but no longer burning. "Muk!" said a thankful Muk as Ash pulled it back into its ball. "Uh oh, guys", said Cameron. "I don't think we've made that mouse our friend at all!" Everyone looked at the angry Cyndaquil. Red angry flames were spouting out from its back while its little closed eyes opened up with fiery rage. "CYNDAQUIL!" it growled cutely. Just then, a man with blonde hair wearing an explorer's suit jumped in front of the raging mouse. He picked up the fire-producing mouse with his bare hands. "What is he doing?!" gasped Ash. "Is this guy insane?!" cried Misty. "He's asking for some serious third degree burns!" thought Cameron. "Like the little gross piece of anatomy that you find in a lost and found box", thought Reiko. "Has this fool lost his mind?!" "I think I've seen this guy before", said Tracey. The Cyndaquil sprayed fire into the man's face, but he just shook it all off and smilingly stared lovingly at the frightened mouse with a charred face. "There's no need to be afraid of me little mate", he said in an Australian accent. "I just want to help you get home to your loving mother." And he put the Cyndaquil into an empty Pokeball and put it on his belt. "Aw, I was supposed to catch it", moaned Ash. "Oh, sorry mate", said the man as he took out a clean towel. "I didn't know you were watching me. Goodday to you all." And he wiped the char off his face until it was clean again. "Yes, I think I recognize you!" smiled Tracey. "I've seen you on TV a lot at the Pokemon centers. You're the Croconaw Seeker!" "Bingo!" smiled the man. "But please, my friends call me CS." "Croconaw Seeker?" asked Misty. "Aw, does that mean you don't want to be friends?" asked CS with a pretend pouty pace. "Oh, sorry", said Misty blushing. "It's just that I've never seen or heard about anyone like you." "Then you must be strangers in Ryooku", smiled CS. "It figures. My show only seems to air in this beautiful Pokemon filled country known as Ryooku, so tourists visiting here don't seem to know me." "But I have", said Tracey. "Guys, this is the famous Croconaw Seeker. He travels all over Ryooku searching for the most dangerous, deadliest Pokemon that could end up hurting people. He captures them, and takes them to secluded places where they won't be able to harm anyone." "You got that right mate!" smiled CS. "And I'd also like to introduce you to my little camera-croc, Croconaw. Come on out here my true blue friend." "Croconaw!" said a Pokemon who emerged from a nearby bush. It was a short blue crocodile with red hair on its head and holding a vid-camera. Cameron aimed his Dex at the Croconaw. "CROCONAW: the evolved form of Totodile", replied Dextra. "Croconaw opens its huge jaws wide open when attacking. If it loses any fangs while biting, they grow back quickly." "I've never met a Pokemon that can operate a camera before", said Cameron. "Yep, Croconaw and I are quite the team", said CS proudly. "I catch the Pokemon while he films me doing it." "But shouldn't Croconaw have been the one battling that Cyndaquil?" asked Ash. "Oh no", said CS. "Croconaw's just happy being an observer. Right Crockie?" "Croconaw" said Croconaw that almost sounded like. "Whatever!" "And besides", said CS. "This Cyndaquil's only a baby. I just had a report that a baby Cyndaquil had wandered away from its mother. And it's my job to take it back to her. Would you all like to come with me to watch an actual episode of mine being taped?" "Sure", said Tracey excited. "What do you say guys? Seeing the live Croconaw Seeker in person is a dream come true for a watcher like me." "That would sound like fun", said Cameron wondering how this happy, but a little insane, man would handle the mother of a fiery Cyndaquil. * * * * * * CS had led our heroes into a forest. "Okay this is the spot", he said, "Everyone get behind those bushes over there." And they did while peeking through the holes of the bushes. There they saw a pack of weasel-like Pokemon with fire sprouting from their heads and bottoms. Cameron took out his Dex and turned the volume on low so Dextra's voice wouldn't frighten them. "QUILAVA: the volcano Pokemon. The evolved form of Cyndaquil", replied Dextra. "This hot-headed Pokemon is fully covered by nonflammable fur. Quilava can withstand any kind of fire attack." "One of these Quilavas is this Cyndaquil's mother", whispered CS. "And I'm about to reunite them." "Are you gonna have Croconaw help you out?" asked Misty. "Those Quilavas look like they have very explosive tempers." "He always does", smiled CS. "By taping me in action. Ready to roll 'em Crockie?" "Naw!" sighed Croconaw as he aimed his camera at the Quilavas while CS jumped out right in front of the surprised creatures. "He's gonna get burned again!" gasped Ash. Sure enough, the Quilavas started looking angrily at the strange human. They started forming large fiery rings over their heads. "My mates watching at home and those who are around me this minute", said CS happily. "You're about to witness an actual flame wheel attack. Let's see if it'll do any damage to me." "I can't look!" cried Misty while closing her eyes shut. "QUIL!" shouted the Quilavas as they released their rings. "Is it over?" asked Misty as she opened one eye. To her surprise and everyone else's, CS was treating those fiery rings like hula-hoops not getting himself burned at all. "Remember, I am a professional seeker", said CS. "Please do not try this at home. Unless someone out there wants to follow in my footsteps!" "He'll probably lose those feet if he keeps this up", said Ash. "Does he put his life in danger like this all the time?" Cameron asked Tracey. "That's why people like him so much", said Tracey. "He's trained himself to handle any kind of danger, attack, and maneuver so he won't ever get hurt." And he started making sketches of the fearless Croconaw Seeker in action. "Just like a well trained ninja", said Reiko. Once the flame wheels dissolved, CS just stood there proudly smiling at the surprised Quilavas. "Quil, quil, quil?" they all muttered wondering why this human doesn't flee in terror. "Okay mates", said CS. "Now that you've had your fun with me, I was wondering if I can ask you lovely Quilavas a question. Is one of you the proud mother of this fine young nipper?" And he released Cyndaquil right in front of the pack. "QUIL!" cried one of the Quilavas happily. "QUIL!" cried Cyndaquil as it ran into its mother's arms while tears plopped onto their bodies and turned to steam from their flames. "My pleasure my flaming friends", smiled CS as he waved goodbye to the happy pack that waved goodbye back to him. * * * * * * "That was really awesome", said Cameron walking next to CS. "And you didn't even get your clothes burned neither." "It's all in the line of work mate", smiled CS. "I've been handling Quilavas since I was a little kneehigh." "I really want to be the world's greatest Pokemon master more than anything", said Ash. "But I wouldn't have the nerve to do what you just did." "There's nothing to really be afraid of", said CS. "Pokemon are usually more scared of you than you are of them. Which is why you have to handle them with care and not hurt them to show that you want to be their friend." "Just like when I first met Pikachu", said Ash remembering how Pikachu didn't like him at first. But when Ash protected him from a flock of mad Spearows, Pikachu started to trust his master and start to love him. "Ah, here we are", smiled CS as he approached a huge tree on top of a hill looking down at a small village. "Why are we stopping here?" asked Reiko. "This tree right here is my next mission", said CS. Everyone looked at the tree and found it was an ordinary tree with pinecones hanging from it. "But I don't see any Pokemon in that tree", said Ash. "Just some pinecones." "That's what they want us to think", said CS. "These are actually Pinecos in disguise." "Pinecos?" asked Cameron as he looked at the pinecones. He suddenly saw a few of the cones with eyes staring funny at the humans. "Living pinecones!" gasped Cameron as he took out his Dex. "PINECO: the bagworm Pokemon", replied Dextra. "Pineco likes to make its shell thicker by adding layers of heavy tree bark. The additional weight doesn't bother it. But watch out. If you get too close to it, it'll explode!" "You mean those little cones could blow up if we get near them?" asked Misty. "Right!" said CS. "I just had a report that a swarm of Pinecos have made their home in this tree. And the kids from this village like to play near it a lot. That could cause a lot of self-destruction hurting the poor kids along with the timid Pinecos. You all stay back here, I'll take care of this", and he slowly approached the tree while Croconaw started to film him. "First he plays with fire, now he's gonna play with explosives?!" gasped Misty. "Don't worry Misty", said Tracey as he took out his sketchbook. "I've seen this guy on TV many times. He always seems to come out okay in the end." "In case he doesn't for once, let's all remember him the way he is", said Ash putting his cap over his heart and bowing his head. CS started to climb up the tree and sat himself down on a branch surrounded by nervous Pinecos. "Goodday all you beautiful coneheads!" he smiled while waving at them. "Can I be your friend?" "PINECO!" shouted all the Pinecos as a huge explosion came out from the tree. Smoke started surrounding the top while unconscious Pinecos started falling out of the tree onto a huge pile on the ground. "OH NO!" cried Misty. "Why did he have to finally get himself killed when we met him?!" "No, look!" said Cameron. "He's alive!" Sure enough, everyone sighed of relief when CS dropped down from the tree unharmed and smiling, but completely covered with soot. "Why do you poor Pinecos have to be so anti-social to us nice humans all the time?" Sighed CS as he took out a Pokeball the size of a bowling ball and sucked all the Pinecos in. "That was incredible!" said Tracey as he finished his sketches of the awesome scene. "And you're not the slightest bit hurt!" "Do you have some kind of endure power like the Donphans have?" asked Reiko. "Aw, those Pinecos really didn't hurt me", smiled CS. "I've been blown up by those beauties half my life. And it always clears up my sinuses." "What are you going to do with all those Pinecos now that you've caught them?" asked Cameron. "I'll be taking them to a special wildlife preserve where they'll be able to find a nice tree where no one will ever disturb them again", said CS proudly. "Now if you'll excuse me. I need to wash off all this soot in a nearby lake." "But I see a Pokemon center in that village", said Ash. "They have showers there you can use." "But does a shower have fresh air, a beautiful countryside view, and lovely green moss floating on top of the water?" asked CS as he headed off for a huge lake that was on the other side of the hill. "Bathing with green moss?!" asked Misty. "Eyeeww! That could definitely turn you green on the inside as well as the outside!" * * * * * * Our heroes were sitting on rocks keeping an eye on CS's equipment while he was bathing in the lake singing, Waltzing Matilda. "I wonder who this Matilda is?" asked Misty. "Is she his girlfriend?" "I don't know", said Tracey. "But he seems to like to sing that a lot on his show." "I know that song", said Cameron. "Waltzing Matilda is a song from Australia." "What is Australia Came-chan?" asked Reiko. "You've never heard of Australia?" asked Cameron. "The Land Down Under? The Outback? Shrimp on the barbie?" "You mean this Australia is underground?" asked Reiko puzzled. "Sounds like a dirty place." "And outback where?" asked Ash. "Outside our backyards?" "What are shrimp?" asked Misty. "And why would you want to put something like that on a Barbie doll?" "Oh yes", said Cameron. "Australia probably doesn't exist in this world. I almost keep forgetting that I'm in a whole new world." "And you're very welcome in it my Came-chan", said Reiko as she kissed her blushing boyfriend. Just then, they saw a pebble roll by his feet. They all turned around and found a discouraged Croconaw sitting on a log throwing pebbles around. "CROC!" he said in a mournful voice. "Croconaw never seems to be happy", said Cameron. "I noticed that he always holds that camera with a grim face." "Pikachu", said Ash. "Why don't you go talk to Croconaw and see what's eating him?" "Pika!" said Pikachu as he walked over to Croconaw. "I hope that croc doesn't eat him though", thought Cameron as they watched Pikachu having a conversation with Croconaw while tears started forming in the croc's eyes and not because they were regular Croconaw tears. "Did you find out what's wrong with Croconaw?" asked Ash when Pikachu returned to him. "Pika, pi, chu, Pikachu, pika, pi", explained Pikachu while Ash listened for he had finally mastered the art of understanding Pika-talk. "What did Pikachu say?" asked Misty. "Well, it turns out that Croconaw is really unhappy being a camera-croc", said Ash. "He wants to battle wild and dangerous Pokemon like all Pokemon should. But instead, his master's the one who's taking on these Pokemon while Croconaw just operates the camera like a human." "Gee, I guess that can be frustrating to some Pokemon", said Misty. "I agree", said Tracey. "Some Pokemon are peace loving and don't like to battle at all, but certain trainers force them to fight anyway. But this poor Croconaw seems to have the opposite problem." "That is correct", said Reiko. "This Croconaw looks like he is a warrior at heart, but his master will not seem to let him become one. Just like the Officer Jenny who wants to go out and bust crime, but ends up becoming a desk jockey instead." "Maybe we can talk to CS and tell him how his Croconaw feels", said Cameron. "Did somebody call my name, or at least my initials", smiled CS as he appeared all nice and squeaky clean. "Well, no time to dilly-dally around here. We got one last mission for the day. Right Crockie?" "Naw!" said Croconaw pretending to smile as he and the others helped gather up the equipment. * * * * * * As they walked down a path, Cameron walked over to CS. "Uh, CS", asked Cameron. "There's something I'd like to talk to you about." "Sure go ahead mate", said CS. "My ears are open like a Wigglytuff." "It's about..." said Cameron but CS stopped him. "Wait a minute mate, please hold that thought!" said CS as he pointed to something on the road. It was a Kangaskhan taking care of a baby in her pouch. "That's a Kangaskhan and her baby", said Tracey. "But I thought those kind of Pokemon are only found in Kanto." "It's a bloody mystery to me!" said CS. "But however they got here, I have to return them back to their rightful home before they frighten any other travelers along with themselves." "Oh no", said the Kangaskhan baby as it jumped out of its mother's pouch. "You'll be the frightened ones once we catch you!" "Blighters! A talking Kangaskhan?!" gasped CS. "How very fascinating!" "There's an explanation for that you funny talking human!" said the baby as it took off its Kangaskhan costume and showed everyone his true evil self. "It's really a talking Meowth!" gasped CS again. "Quick Croconaw, you've got to film this for my viewers! They'll be talking about this for years!" "NAW!" grumbled Croconaw as he operated his camera. "You mean I'm gonna be on TV?" said Meowth with stars in his single eye while he combed his hair with a fishbone. "Be sure to get my good side!" "I'll smack your good side if you don't get your head out of the clouds and trap those twerps!" said the mother Kangaskhan in Jessie's voice. "Oh, all right" sighed Meowth as he took out a remote control and pushed the button that caused our heroes to fall into a hidden pit. Only CS and Croconaw managed to jump out of the way. "What kind of Kangaskhan would teach its young to be a troublemaker?!" demanded CS. "One who loves to make trouble", said Jessie's voice. "And make that double", said James's voice as the Kangaskhan undid a zipper on its chest and revealed itself to be Jessie who was sitting on James's shoulders. Then they said their usual motto while Meowth ended it with his usual, "That's right!" "You were right Jessie", laughed James. "Those twerps wouldn't be able to resist going near a rare Pokemon such as a Kangaskhan." "Which enabled them to fall right into our little pouch prison!" laughed Jessie evily. "Team Rocket", said CS while calmly smiling, "I have heard of you three. You cause more chaos than a Houndoom choking on angel-food cake." "Listen you cute, but funny accented man", said Jessie. "We have no quarrel with you, just those punks in that pit!" "So we're gonna give you a little break", said James. "You and your camera hugging croc can skip away all healthy and happy and let us get to our task of tormenting some twerps!" "Sorry mates, but I can't let you do that!" said CS while making a battle pose. "I think he wants to do it the hard way", said Meowth. "Just remember, we gave you a chance!" said Jessie as she released her Arbok right in front of the unafraid man. "Let's see how your short little Croconaw does against my economy sized Arbok!" "CROCONAW!" said Croconaw eagerly waiting for his first battle. "Oh no, my little buddy's an observer, not a fighter", said CS. "I'll be taking on your adorable little Arbok." "Naw!" groaned Croconaw as he snapped his fingers. "WHAAATT?!" gasped all three Rockets together. "He's not serious is he?!" cried Misty from the pit. "Taking on fiery rodents and exploding pinecones is one thing. But this, THIS IS AN ARBOK FOR PETE'S SAKE!!!" "I'm afraid not", said Tracey knowing the Croconaw Seeker too well from his shows. "You're joking, aren't you?" laughed Jessie. "You want to battle my Arbok single handed?" "Not really battle", said CS. "I just want to get to know it better." And he started scratching the surprised cobra's chin while the Rocket's jaws dropped to the ground. "What are you doing Arbok?!" shouted Jessie. "Can't you see that guy's making a fool of you?! Show 'em up with your bite attack!" "AAARRBBOOK!" hissed Arbok as it tried to snap at CS but kept leaping out of the way. Then he grabbed the tip of Arbok's tail and started stroking it. "My, you've got such a beautiful Arbok", smiled CS as he studied Arbok's tail while it was staring angrily at this strange human. "And just look how strong these coils are. I bet you could squish my guts out if given the chance!" "This guy can't be for real!" gasped James. "I can't believe I'm meeting a human who's even dumber than you two!" gasped Meowth. "Quick CS!" cried Cameron. "Grab Arbok's neck before it bites you!" "No, no! You should never do that to an Arbok!" said CS. "That could really hurt it. If you're gonna handle a splendid snake like Arbok, you should pick it up by the tail so it'll trust you more." "I'll show you how trusting my Arbok can be!" shouted an annoyed Jessie. "Arbok, squeeze that screwball to death with your wrap attack!" "ARBOK!" hissed Arbok as it coiled itself around CS tightly. "Aw, this feels so cozy!" smiled CS as he pulled out one arm and started stroking Arbok's scary looking hood. "You're just an affectionate little nipper aren't you?" "Arbok", hissed Arbok calmly for it seemed to like being stroked in a place no one would have the nerve to touch. Arbok uncoiled itself from CS and plopped down onto the ground all happy and peaceful. "WHAT?!" gasped Jessie as she recalled her happy Arbok. "How dare you tame my evil little Arbok. Do you know how long it took me to make it fierce and unfriendly?!!" "Don't worry Jess", said James. "Let's see how this nutcase enjoys my Weezing!" and he released Weezing right in front of CS. "What a cute looking Weezing you've got there", said CS while pinching both of Weezing's cheeks causing both faces to blush. "He thinks Weezing is cute?!!" thought Misty from the pit. "Don't just float there like a red balloon!" shouted James. "Give that guy your smog attack!" "WEEZING!" said Weezing as it coughed out smog all over the place causing it and CS to get surrounded in darkness. "Just you wait guys", snickered James. "Ol' Weezy will have him crying out in pain!" But when the smog cleared, they found CS unharmed while bouncing Weezing around like a beach ball. "Weezing!" it said in a happy playful voice. "You truly are a nice Weezing", smiled CS. "You just need a breath mint." And he took out two mints and plopped each one into Weezing's twin mouths. "Hey! You're supposed to be crying out in pain!" shouted James. "Not playing around with my Weezing!" "You should really play with it more often mate", said CS. "It'll become a better Pokemon if you do!" and he tossed Weezing back to James causing him to get knocked onto the ground. "I really had oodles of fun playing with your Pokemon, but I really need to help my friends right now", said CS as he reached for his backpack. But instead felt something furry and pointy eared. The thing then jumped off of CS's back and ran over to Jessie and James. "Hey guys, look what I found in his backpack!" said Meowth as he was holding an economy-sized Pokeball. "NO!" said CS. "You must not open that ball!" "Why, is your missing brain inside it?" laughed Meowth as he was about to open it. "Yes, do it Meowth!" laughed Jessie. "A Pokeball this big must contain something big and scary that we can easily corrupt!" "Don't say I didn't warn you!" Sighed CS as he took out some ropes and he and Croconaw went over to help free their friends from the pit. When Meowth had opened the ball, the Rockets became disappointed when they found out what was in it. "Aw, it's only a bunch of pinecones!" groaned Meowth. "This guy's even loonier that I thought!" growled Jessie. "Putting dirty pinecones in a powerful Pokeball like this!" "Yeah, let's give them all back to him!" shouted James as he and the others grabbed some cones and were about to throw them at the back-turned man and his Croconaw. Suddenly, James's cone let out an annoyed, "Pineco!" "Pineco?" gasped James as he looked at his cone and found two cute little angry eyes staring at him. "Uh guys", said James nervously. "I think my cone has a mind of its own. How about yours?" Jessie and Meowth suddenly looked at their cones and found eyes on theirs too. "PINECO!" shouted the rest of the Pinecos as they bounced out of the ball and started glowing a bright color. "I have this feeling we're gonna be blasting off again!" said Meowth as he nervously clutched onto Jessie and James who were clutched onto each other as well. Sure enough, all the Pinecos exploded sending Team Rocket blasting off once again. Once CS had helped all of our heroes out of the pit, he picked up the huge ball and sucked all the unconscious Pinecoes back in. Then he looked up and saw Team Rocket disappear into the sky. "Nice folks", he said while smiling. "They certainly gave us quite a bit of fun havoc for us, huh Crockie?" "NAW!" moaned Croconaw for he was still mad that CS wouldn't let him battle once again. * * * * * * Our heroes were continuing following CS to his final mission for the day. Cameron looked down at the bummed Croconaw and approached CS. "You know CS", said Cameron. "I think your Croconaw really wants to engage in a Pokemon battle sometime soon." "What ever gave you such a silly idea like that?" laughed CS. "Croconaw's hunky-dory just operating a vid-camera. You should feel honored Crockie. Not many Pokemon have that kind of talent." "Naw!" growled Croconaw at what his master had said. "What?" asked CS puzzled, "I said that as a compliment." "My Pikachu spoke to your Croconaw earlier", said Ash. "He's kind of tired of you having all the fun taking on these dangerous Pokemon." "Yes", said Tracey. "He's a Pokemon too and some Pokemon feel that they're weak and useless if you don't let them battle." "Crockie!" said CS concerned. "I never knew you felt this way!" "Naw!" said Croconaw with tears. "I'll tell you what mate", smiled CS. "Next time we come across something small, like a Caterpie or a Metapod or even a Magikarp, I'll let you battle that. What do you say?" "Naw!" said Croconaw. He was a little disappointed that his master was only going to let him battle small, harmless Pokemon, but at least he'd be getting a little action. "Why don't you let Croconaw take on the next Pokemon you're gonna be facing?" asked Misty. "Oh no Misty", said CS. "This kind of Pokemon is too much for someone like him. Probably a little too much for me too. And it should be right inside this cave." And he led them all to a huge scary cave. "What, what's in there?" asked Misty shaking a little. "I had a report that a giant sized Ariados has taken refuge in that cave", said CS. "Folks from the nearby town could just wander in and fall into its web, and if it ever has kids. Let's just say it won't make the town at all jolly." "What's a Ariados?" asked Cameron as he typed up the name in his Dex. A huge orange spider with a horn on its head appeared on the screen. "ARIADOS: the long leg Pokemon. The evolved form of Spinarak", replied Dextra. "Ariados spins strong string not only from its rear, but also from its mouth. It is hard to tell which end is which." "A bug?" said Misty shaking even more. "Please tell me that they're the small variety." "Normally Ariados weigh about 74 pounds", explained CS. "But this particular one we're going after is about 400 pounds. Truly a wondrous sight! I can't wait to show you all", and he was about to lead them into the cave. "Uh, if you don't mind, I think I'd rather stay out here with Togepi", said Misty with a pretend smile. "I don't want it getting frightened by that Ariados." "Okay, sure, I understand", said Ash winking for he knew about his girlfriend's never ending fear of bugs. The others followed CS into the cave while Misty waited by a rock feeling relieved. "Toge, Toge!" whined Togepi wanting to go in too. "Sorry Togepi", said Misty. "But I don't want you playing with any dangerous bugs. Even tiny little bugs, like the ones crawling on my shoes down there. CRAWLING ON MY SHOES?!!" She looked down and found some little Spinaraks using the laces of her shoes like driveways. "AAAAAAHH!" screamed Misty as she shook her feet around shaking the bugs off and stormed into the cave while clutching onto Togepi who was happy that it was going into the cave. * * * * * * Our heroes and CS were now standing near the edge of a cliff overlooking something dark and creepy. "Talk about a huge website!" said Cameron gazing at the huge spider's web that was as big as a trampoline. "I wonder how many bytes it took to make that web", said Ash. "Probably all the bites it took Ariados to eat the prey it catches in it", said Tracey making a sketch of the huge web. "Like the grandma that sits for countless hours on a rocking chair knitting sweaters, That's probably how long it took this Ariados to make it", said Reiko amazed. "Pika, Shrew, Growwl!" said Pikachu, Sandy, and Growlithe all amazed and yet nervous about this huge web they could accidentally fall in. "You're not gonna jump into that web to catch it are you?" asked Ash. "Oh no, I'm not that daft!" smiled CS. "I'm just gonna throw this Master Ball at Ariados the minute it comes into my view. It'll catch that mighty bug with just one quick lock. Then I'm gonna take it to a secluded valley where it can live in peace with a bunch of other bugs." "Either that or eat them!" wondered Cameron. "Ari!, Ari!" said a creepy voice coming from the darkness. "Ah, here it comes", smiled CS as he got his Master Ball ready. "Okay Croconaw, you know what to do!" "NAW!" groaned Croconaw as he was about to throw down his camera in protest. But before he could do that, he heard a girl scream. "Misty?" asked Ash as he saw his girlfriend running in fear not caring what or whom she bumps into. And unfortunately, she bumped into everyone except Croconaw causing them all to fall into the sticky web. "Naw?" asked Croconaw as he looked down and found the humans and Pokemon struggling to get free, but couldn't for their arms and legs were completely stuck. "I've always wondered what it was like for a bug to be caught in a web", cried Cameron. "But I hoped I'd never have to experience it!" "Sorry guys", said Misty feeling very ashamed. "I was too scared to think about what I was doing!" "And I fear it's about to get even more fearful!" gasped Reiko as she pointed her toe at what was coming out from the darkness. It was the giant Ariados with poisonous saliva drooling out of its mouth. "ARI!" it said with hungry eyes. "AAAAAH!" screamed Misty while Togepi just bounced itself happily on the web without a care in the world. "Quick CS! Do something!" "It's a funny thing", said CS who couldn't move his arms and legs. "I've never been in a situation like this before. It should be interesting. What am I saying?! I now actually have this fear of dying!!!" "Quick Pikachu!" cried Ash. "Use your thunder attack on that..." "No, stop Ash!" shouted Tracey. "If Pikachu shocks that Ariados, it'll send currents though this web shocking us all as well!" "Sandy!" called out Cameron. "Can you blow it away with a sandstorm?" "Shrew!" mumbled Sandy for he had curled himself up the minute he fell off the cliff. Now he was stuck on the web unable to uncurl himself and unable to launch any attacks. "Growlithe!" pleaded Reiko. "You must use your flamethrower to defeat that bug!" "GMRLMR!" mumbled Growlithe for some of the web had tangled itself around Growlithe's mouth so it couldn't open it up to breathe any fire. Everyone tried to reach for their Pokeballs but couldn't move their arms to do so. "I guess this is it guys" said Ash nervously. "And I guess The Croconaw Seeker Show is permanently off the air!" said CS sadly as the Ariados was about to go for him first. Suddenly a loud, "CROCONAW!" was heard and something blue had jumped onto Ariados knocking it off the web and onto the ground. "Croconaw?" gasped CS as he and the others looked down and saw Croconaw getting ready to battle the huge Ariados. "ARI!" hissed Ariados as it started firing poison needles from its horn. "Not the poison sting!" cried CS. "Crockie won't be able to handle that!" "NAW!" shouted Croconaw as he fired his water gun washing away the flying needles as well as soaking Ariados to death. "Wow, I never knew your Croconaw had that kind of power", said Cameron. "Neither did I", said CS. "Maybe he is more than just a camera-croc." The angry Ariados shook itself dry and started to fire a sticky string at Croconaw. But he easily snapped it to pieces with his strong jaws. "Quick CS!" shouted Tracey. "Tell Croconaw to use his rage attack!" "Well all right", said CS who had never ordered his Croconaw to use an attack in his entire life before. "Crockie, be a good mate and use that rage attack you Croconaws are famous for!" "NAW!" said Croconaw happily as he started snapping, scratching, and slamming into Ariados forcing it against a wall. Then Croconaw made a glowing blue fist and punched Ariados in the stomach freezing it in a block of ice. "Your Croconaw also knows ice punch?" asked Cameron. "I guess it does", said CS impressed. "Way to go my little snapper!" "NAW!" said Croconaw blushing. Then he went up and snapped everyone free from the web. Then CS took his Master Ball and threw it at the frozen Ariados trapping it in. "You were totally awesome Crockie", smiled CS as he hugged his Croconaw. "I can truly see now that you are ready to take on big Pokemon just like your master. And starting now, we're gonna take turns taking on these beautiful, but fierce Pokemon and I'll film you in action." "Naw?" cried Croconaw wondering if his master really meant it. "Yep!" smiled CS. "Not only that, I'm changing the title of my show. It'll now be called The Croconaw Seeker and his Croconaw!" "Croconaw!" said Croconaw happily. "Oh, all right", said CS. "It'll be called Croconaw and his Croconaw Seeker. What do you say my true blue mate?" "CROCONAW!" smiled Croconaw with tears in his eyes as he hugged CS. "I only wish there was someone who just filmed you in action", said CS. "Naw!" smiled Croconaw as he pointed to the camera that was stuck on the cliff set on auto-pilot. "You truly are a clever croc!" smiled CS as he hugged his partner again. * * * * * * As everyone left the cave, it was time to say goodbye to The Croconaw Seeker and his now happy Croconaw. Our heroes waved goodbye to the pair as they watched them head off into the sunset. "I can't wait to see how his next show will turn out", said Tracey excited. "We can watch it knowing that we've made a Seeker and his mate happy!" "Maybe we can catch it on TV at the next Pokemon center", said Cameron. "Shall we head off to Garlic Acres everyone?" "YEAH!" they all shouted as they headed north to Garlic Acres where the next Pokemon gym is located and maybe a Pokemon center with a TV in it. TO BE CONTINUED