Black Arachnid

While traveling through a valley, the gang had come across a Donphan. Brock wanted to catch it since he noticed that it was a young one. But Ashlyn knew that it belong to a woman named Rochelle. However Tesla walked up to it and greeted it. The young Donphan easily got along with her. Tesla had said that it belonged to Rochelle. By sheer luck, Rochelle appeared in front of them, saying that she was looking for the young Donphan. As usual, Brock flirted with her and then noticed the gemstone necklace. He compliments it and she tells him that it's amberite. She told them that she trains her Donphan on how to find Amberite. Ashlyn asked if she could show them how. Rochelle didn't mind and she led them to a spot where she believed she could find it. Unfortunately, Team Rocket showed up and stole the young Donphan. But before they could get away, Heracross use Pin Missile to cut the rope and caught Donphan before it could fall to the ground. Then Tesla used Thunderbolt to send them flying. Rochelle was grateful to Ashlyn and her Pokémon for saving her young Donphan. Ashlyn simply said that it was her Pokémon who really deserve her thanks and that she was glad that Donphan was safe.

As a gift of thanks Rochelle had found a blue amberite which she said was very rare and she gave them to the gang. She had an extra piece and Ashlyn asked if she could have it. Rochelle had asked why and Ashlyn told her it would be a gift for her mom. Rochelle said it was alright. Then she brought them over to the artist who made Amberite into necklaces. Rochelle had thanked Ashlyn once more for saving her Donphan and Ashlyn had thanked her giving the Amberite. After that, the gang were back on the road to Violet City.

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When they arrived near a forest on the way to Violet City, which Ashlyn knew that it was inhabited by ghost Pokémon, they headed straight to a rental place where they can rent a Hoothoot for a guide and was lucky enough to get a Hoothoot. The strange part about the rental place was that it was run by Hagatha, who almost looks like Brutella. If Ashlyn had to guess, Hagatha was Brutella's cousin. Luckily Hoothoot was able to get them guide out of the forest with no problems. However they met Hagatha's twin sister, Nagatha when they got out. Ashlyn had to wonder if Brutella's family members all looked alike and had different personalities. Ashlyn had called Hagatha and told her that they got out of the woods unharmed. Then they headed towards Violet City.

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Halfway out of the forest, Ashlyn managed to find a Sentret. But the poor thing was sick. Ashlyn managed to help get it back to full health. Moved by her kindness, Sentret wanted to go with Ashlyn. She was able to capture it.

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After being the forest for so long, Ashlyn and her friends finally reached a city called Catallia City. Right now the gang were resting in the Pokémon center. Ashlyn and Brock were checking out Nurse Joy's Pokémon. Her Pokémon looked like a Chansey, but bigger and had a different hair style.

Ashlyn looked up the Pokémon on her phone:

[Blissey, the Happiness Pokémon. The evolved form of Chansey. This kind hearted Pokémon nurses sick Pokémon back to health. When it's senses someone sad with its fur, it will rush over, no matter how far and share it's Lucky Egg that brings a smile to everyone.]

"So that means your two Chansey's may evolve into Blissey, Brock." Ashlyn said.

Brock smiled, "Yeah."

Suddenly they heard a commotion outside.

"What's going on?" Misty asked.

They saw police cars driving down the street.

"Sounds like trouble." Ashlyn said.

Brock pointed to where the car was going, "Come on!" then he started following the car, "I bet that's Officer Jenny in that patrol car!"

Ashlyn and Misty had no other choice but to follow him. Suddenly he tripped over something and landed on his face.

"Well that was a short trip." Ashlyn teased.

Misty chuckled at that. Then Togepi started gazing at something and Misty looked down at Togepi.

"Togepi, what's wrong?" She asked.

Suddenly a green object with a happy face on appeared in front of them.

"Aw, that's so cute." Misty commented.

Unexpectedly, the happy face turned into a frown. Then legs came out from the sides. Misty screamed with all her might at the sight of it. Ashlyn knew that that Pokémon was a Spinarak.

"Sorry about that, Spinarak. Misty had a fear of bugs." Ashlyn apologized to the bug Pokémon.

"Spin Spinarak. (She didn't have to yell so loudly.)" Spinarak commented.

"Well, that's something we can't control." Ashlyn stated.

"Spin Spinarak Spina? (Did you understand me?)" Spinarak asked.

"Yes, I did." Ashlyn replied.

"Spinarak." Spinarak said with awe.

"If you don't mind, could you tell us what's happening here?" Ashlyn asked.

"Spinarak Spin Spin Rak. Spina. (My partner can tell you everything. Follow me.)" Spinarak came off its string and jumped onto another one. Then gestured the gang to follow it.

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The gang followed Spinarak and came up to a house. The police were there and Officer Jenny was observing some bottle caps that were on the ground. The gang ran up to Officer Jenny.

"What's going on?" Ashlyn asked.

"A burglary happened here and this is the third house this week that has been robbed." Officer Jenny answered.

"So who's the thief that has been stealing things?" Ashlyn asked, already knew that it was Team Rocket behind it all.

"We don't know who it is, but whoever it is, he's imitating the Black Arachnid." Officer Jenny replied.

"Black Arachnid? Isn't he the famous cat burglar, who lived here 100 years ago?" Brock questioned.

Just then Officer Jenny noticed Tesla and Togepi, "Oh hang on a minute, are you three Ashlyn, Misty, and Brock?"

"Yes we are." Ashlyn confirmed.

"But how do you know our names?" Misty asked.

"You see, I just got a letter from my sister in New Bark Town. She told me how you three helped her crack a Pokémon Burglary case." Officer Jenny explained.

"Oh she means that time when we rescued the Totodile." Ashlyn remembered.

Tesla nodded, "Rai."

Brock saluted in front of Officer Jenny, "That's us! We're professional burglary investigators at your service!"

"What's that mean?" Misty asked.

"It means that he'll do anything to impress her." Ashlyn stated, amused.

Tesla smiled, "Raichu."

"Yeah no kidding." Misty deadpanned.

Then a Spinarak appeared in front of them.

"A b-bug!" Misty stuttered.

Officer Jenny held her arm out to Spinarak who climbed onto it, "It's just a Spinarak." It climbed onto her shoulder, "This one's the cutest one on the force."

"A Spinarak huh." Ashlyn took out her phone and scanned the Pokémon.

[Spinarak, the String Spit Pokémon. Spinarak can climb any surface easily and shoot a strong web from both the front and back of its body. It's prey is caught and held tight in its web.]

"Is there a reason why you use Spinarak instead of Growlithe for police work?" Ashlyn asked.

"It's a long standing tradition in Catallia City to use Spinarak on the force instead. As a matter of fact, it all started with the original Black Arachnid. The Black Arachnid was a criminal master mind who is famous for his stealthiness, as he was for his stealing. His quick sneaky movements made it hard to tell him from the Meowth who is his partner in crime and earn him the nickname the Cat Burglar." Officer Jenny explained, "Whenever it looks like they are close to being captured Meowth would use Pay Day to scare the police off. The one day they met their match... Officer Jenny, my ancestor from eight generations ago and her loyal Spinarak. They waited patiently until the thieves tried to flee the scene, in their latest crime, then using Spinarak's beautiful webs stopped them in their tracks. That wrapped up the case once and for all."

Officer Jenny led them through the halls of the station.

"You know, this Spinarak is a descendant from the same one that helped my ancestor all those years ago." Officer Jenny gestured to the Spinarak on her back.

"Spin Spinarak." Spinarak smiled.

"Wow, that's amazing." Ashlyn smiled.

"I guess it runs in the family." Brock commented.

Officer Jenny led them to an office that had the other officers and Spinarak's with them which made Misty scream with fright.

"This place is crawling with Spinarak." Misty paled.

"So does every other Jenny have a Spinarak for a partner?" Ashlyn asked.

Officer Jenny smiled, "Why yes, all of the Jennys have close relationships with their Spinarak as their most value partners."

Brock blushed dazedly, "I wish I was a Spinarak."

"Huh?" Officer Jenny blinked in confusion.

Misty grabbed his ear and pulled him away, "Then you would have six left feet."

"Officer Jenny, would it be alright if we could help you catch the thief?" Ashlyn requested.

"That would be great." Officer Jenny accepted.

Just then a police officer gave a report to Officer Jenny. Apparently someone had received a warning from the Black Arachnid that he would come to steal from his house next, at midnight tonight.

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Officer Jenny and the gang went to the house, where the Black Arachnid said he would strike next. The owner was an old man who was already in tears.

"It's dreadful, he's bragging about already!" The old man said, tearfully, "He's after my trophy." He showed them a silver trophy that had pictures of some Pokémon on it with Dragonair in the shape of the handle, "The letter says that he'll strike at midnight!"

"I should have expected this. The original Black Arachnid sent letters too." Officer Jenny stated.

"He's pretty sure of himself, isn't he?" Brock commented.

"There's no way we're going let this copycat get away with this." Ashlyn declared.

Officer Jenny nodded, "Right. Don't worry sir, we will catch that criminal tonight." She assured the old man.

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That night everyone got ready for the Black Arachnid. Officer Jenny's Spinarak set up its sticky web traps. Ashlyn sent out Heracross, Sentret, Lurantis, Cedar, Alakazam, and Shiny Carbink. Misty sent out her Gloom and two Poliwhirl's and Brock sent out his Victreebel, Graveler, and Golbat.

"Okay now we wait till midnight." Officer Jenny said.

It wasn't easy for the gang to stay awake all through the night.

"Oh man," Ashlyn yawned, "I am so going to bed when this is finished."

"So am I." Misty agreed.

When midnight stroke, there was no sign of the Black Arachnid yet.

"Do you think we can go to bed now?" Misty asked.

"It could be trick." Ashlyn replied.

"I'm awake, I'm awake," Brock said, staggering to his feet, "I'm awake, I'm standing up...." He collapsed to the ground on his side. "Ahhh! But my legs are asleep!"

"Do you think that he was bluffing about this stunt tonight?" Ashlyn asked.

"He could have been." Officer Jenny replied.

Suddenly the doors opened and the old man appeared.

"Ah, my trophy's safe and there's no sign of the thief!" He let out a sigh of relief.

"Didn't I tell you that everything would be alright?" Officer Jenny asked.

"I'm most grateful to you! Please accept this meal as a small token of my appreciation and esteem. Jiggs!" The old man clapped.

Then two servants rolled in two carts full of wonderful food that you can only find in a fancy restaurant.

"Wow! Thank you. This looks delicious." Ashlyn smiled.

Tesla nodded, "Raichu!"

Misty nodded, "Yeah."

"That's very nice! But the cart is on my hand!" Brock cried.

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After the very fulfilling meal, Officer Jenny and the gang were satisficed.

"So would you all like some dessert?" The old man asked.

"Yes we would." Misty replied.

Suddenly the lights went out. Then colored lights beamed everywhere.

"Pay day! Pay day!" A familiar voice yelled.

"Don't tell me..." Ashlyn trailed off.

Bottle caps fall from the ceiling, before a skylight opened and a familiar trio, disguised as The Black Arachnid, drop to the floor.

"Cat burglars!" The old man gasped.

"Police!" Officer Jenny shouted, "You're under arrest!"

"How did they get in!" Misty yelled.

"Check your eyes," Jessie laughed, grabbing The Dragonair Trophy, "And prepare for trouble!"

"We've got the prize, so make it double!" James added.

"Team Rocket!" The gang gasped.

"To protect the world from it's own greed."

"To steal all the treasure that they don't need."

"To work every heist like there are none other!"

"And to split the spoils with one another!"

"Jessie!" Jessie pulled off her mask.

"James!" James removed his own.

"Thieves return under cover of night!"

"Surrender now or prepare to fight!"

"Meowth! That's right!" Meowth laughed, then spotted the remnants of the meal, "Ahhhh! This isn't a stake-out! It's a pig-out!"

"Where are your manners?! Aren't you going to offer us anything!" Jessie snapped.

"Talk about rude!" James snapped.

"As if we would give any to you!" Ashlyn exclaimed.

"How did you guys get in here?" Misty demanded.

"If you must know, we've been hiding out in the attic, all day. Well...at least since we left the letter." James said.

"In other words, we outwitted you again." Jessie stated.

"I didn't think you would be able to get past Spinarak's webs and our Pokémon." Officer Jenny said.

"So why didn't you come at midnight? Did you forget to set your alarm or something?" Ashlyn asked.

"We fell asleep." Meowth admitted.

"Typical as always." Ashlyn deadpanned.

Misty and Brock nodded, "Yeah."

"Rai Rai." Tesla said.

"Togeprii." Togepi said.

"Well, copy-cat burglars need their catnaps too." Meowth chuckled and then grinned, "Now, enough chat, Payday!"

"Please don't make me throw them." James pleaded.

Knowing that the trio will use James's bottle caps as a distraction, Ashlyn tried to think of what to do. Unexpectedly, Ashlyn's eyes glowed blue and an outline of blue appeared on the trophy. Then the trophy was snatched from Jessie's hands and placed in Ashlyn's. Jessie blinked at the absence of the trophy while Officer Jenny and the others blinked at the action. Then they turned to Team Rocket with angry expressions.

"Uh, well, we better get going!" Meowth whimpered.

The trio quickly got onto their ropes and went into the ceiling.

"Come on, after them!" Ashlyn ordered.

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The gang quickly got outside and saw Team Rocket's balloon coming out of the roof.

"I can't believe we didn't get that trophy." James whined.

"We'll get the next one for sure!" Jessie growled.

"It would have been the puurrfect crime." Meowth tried to joke.

Suddenly the balloon stopped.

"Why aren't we going anywhere?" Jessie asked.

"Hey! What's the hold up with this hold-up!" Meowth cried.

"This is a drag! We're caught in a net." James panicked.

"It's a drag-net!" Meowth gasped.

"Alright! Spinarak got Team Rocket in its web. Now let's send them off." Ashlyn decided.

Her Pokémon stepped up.

"Okay then, Lurantis use Razor Leaf on their basket!"

Lurantis used her Razor Leaf which cut the bottom of the basket, causing all the goods that Team Rocket had stolen to fall out. Team Rocket had no other choice but to hold onto the bars and edges of their basket in order to prevent themselves from falling.

"Oh no! Our goods!" Meowth cried out.

"Quick, Alakazam use Psychic to catch those items!" Alakazam's eyes glowed blue and stopped the items from hitting the ground. Then he moved them over to the gang and Officer Jenny who caught them in their hands.

"Now Alakazam, use Psybeam! Carbink, Ancient Power! Tesla, Thunder Shock!" Ashlyn ordered.

The three attacks hit Team Rocket, causing their balloon to explode and sent them flying into the sky.

"Oh no! Our treasure!" Jessie exclaimed.

James's bottle caps fell out of his hands, "Ah! There goes the rest of my collection!" He cried out.

"Our hordes overboard." Meowth laughed nervously.

"Don't laugh!" Jessie and James snapped.

"LOOKS LIKE TEAM ROCKET'S BLASTING OFF AGAIN!" They screamed as they disappeared into the night sky.

Ashlyn turned to the old man and handed the trophy to him, "Here you go sir."

The old man gently took it from her and held it close, "Thank you, young lady."

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The next afternoon, the gang got ready to leave Catallia City. They had a long sleep in as they were up till midnight last night, and now they were all refreshed and ready to go.

Before they left, Officer Jenny spoke with the gang.

"Everything that was stolen is now back in the hands of its rightful owners. I can't thank you kids enough for all your help." she said.

Brock held her hand, "We're so glad that we could be of service to you, Officer Jenny. If you ever need professional help in the future, we hope that you'll think of us first." He said, "In fact, you should give me your phone number."

Misty grabbed his ear which made him let go of Officer Jenny's hand.

"Believe me, she's got your number." Misty said.

"I know one thing for sure, you won't be forgotten for what you did in Catallia City." Officer Jenny assured them.

"Spinarak." Spinarak smiled.

"Thank you, Officer Jenny." Ashlyn thanked her.

"I wish you the best of luck on the rest of your journey." Officer Jenny wished.

"Thanks." Misty said.

Officer Jenny smiled as she waved to the gang as they left the city. The gang waved back.

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The gang was lucky to get the job done. Good thing it was only Team Rocket who were a bunch of amateurs. Even though it was a detour, they were glad to have helped. And so, Ashlyn and her friends are back on the road to Violet City.

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Pokémon on hand: Raichu (Tesla)(F), Type: Null (Talos)(Genderless), Lugia (Poseidon)(M), Heracross (M), Sentret (F), Shiny Carbink (F), Lurantis (F), Alakazam (M), Bulbasaur (Cedar)(M)

*Marshadow is hiding in Ashlyn's shadow

Pokémon Caught: Heracross (M), Sentret (F)