Author's Note

This chapter features some familiar and despicable characters.

8. Captives in the Temple of Alph

The girls soon study a map of their present location. They continue their travels to Azalea Town for Apple Bloom's second gym battle.

"We'll need to make our way to areas of the Union Cave to reach Azalea Town." Apple Bloom said.

"I'm weary about this cave." Sweetie Belle said with worry.

"Why is that?"

"There are stories that there are entrances to a place called the Temple of Alph."

"Never heard of it." Scootaloo told her.

"It's where Pokémon called Unown live."

"Unown?" Apple Bloom gasped. "I heard of them. They're known as the Symbol Pokémon."

This got Scootaloo worried. "Let's hope we don't run into those guys."

After the girls packed their stuff, they made their way to a cave entrance. They explore the cave and see some flying creatures all around. They looked like bats. Apple Bloom pulled out her Pokédex. Zubat, the Bat Pokémon. Even with no eyes, these Pokémon can still find their way around using sonar.

Just then, they were approached by a black skinned woman with greasy blue hair. She wore a dark green gown. She looks at the trio.

"You young fools!" The woman said. "You dare to enter these caves? I do not appreciate uninvited guests!"

Sweetie Belle got scared when she saw this woman. "Oh no! It's Lady Chrysalis!"

"Chrysalis?" Scootaloo gasped. "I heard of her. She's the leader of a gang of hoodlums called the Changelings!"

"So, you heard of me." The woman named Chrysalis said. "My changelings and I arrived to take control of Johto. We shall succeed where Team Rocket failed in Kanto!"

This got Apple Bloom upset. "There's no way we're going to let you get away with that!"

The three girls put down their backpacks and prepared their Poké Balls. But, Chrysalis has a surprise for them. "You won't battle me, young ones. Come out, Spinarak. And, use String Shot!"

A green spider popped out and fired it's silk on the girls. They soon found themselves wrapped in strong silk. Soon, a group of hooded people came out. They were wearing robes the same color as Queen Chrysalis.

"This is where your journey ends." Chrysalis said. She then turns to her soldiers. "Take them away!"

Minutes later, the girls find themselves in another chamber. Their hands were tied behind their backs, their ankles were tied together, and their mouths were wrapped by strong cloth. Their backpacks and Pokémon belts were put against the wall opposite the girls.

"This will hold you for a while." Chrysalis said to them. "By the time you find a way to free yourselves, my Changelings and I will be long gone."

She closes the door, trapping the trio. As they struggle to free themselves, the girls realized that these knots are too complicated. Things look bleak until the door opened again. In comes a black skinned person in a gray robe. The trio were scared as the mysterious stranger approaches them.

"Do not panic." The stranger said in a scraggy male voice. "I'm here to help you. Hold still while I undo those bonds."

Minutes later, the girls were no longer bound and gagged.

"Thanks for your help, sir." Apple Bloom said gratefully.

"Yeah." Scootaloo added. "That was the longest I've ever been quiet."

Suddenly, they were surrounded by black creatures, each with one eye and look like letters of the alphabet.

"Those must be the Unown." Sweetie realized.

Apple Bloom reached into her pocket and felt something. "Good. They didn't take away my Pokédex."

Her faithful tool gave her some information. Unown, the Symbol Pokémon. These Pokémon come in different shapes to represent writing.

"These Unown do not harm those who have kindness in their hearts." The stranger said.

Sever of these creatures lined up to form words. First, they spell 'YOU KIND'. Then, they lead the girls to a passage while spelling 'EXIT'. Grabbing their stuff, the girls follow the stranger out of the chamber. Soon, everybody find themselves back in the Union cave.

"So, Thorax." Apple Bloom said. "You were in line to become the Changeling Leader."

"That's correct." The young man, Thorax, replied. "The Changelings have always had black skin, and are weary around outsiders. We like to keep to ourselves."

"Then, why did they throw us in that Temple?" Scootaloo asked.

"Well, among the Changelings, Chrysalis wanted them to strike against you humans. Using a magic pearl she crafted, she cast a spell on them. She first ordered them to cast me out. I am determine to fight Chrysalis and take that pearl away. Through the pearl, I can free the Changelings from her dark spell."

"We wish you luck then." Sweetie Belle said happily.

Soon, the group find themselves out of the cave as Thorax gave them some directions. "Go down Route 33 and you'll reach Azalea Town."

"Okay, Thorax." Apple Bloom said as she shook Thorax's hand in friendship. "Good luck on your mission."

"Thank you."

Thorax soon left the area on his quest. But, just as he left, Chrysalis arrived.

"I should've known that Thorax was still around." Chrysalis said angrily. "At least I'll still capture you!"

Apple Bloom used her Pokédex to study the green spider on the Changeling's shoulder.

Spinarak, the String Spit Pokémon. The Pokédex said. The silk from this Pokémon is strong enough to reinforce fishing nets.

Apple Bloom decided to fight this woman. "Let's go, Cyndaquil!"

When Cyndaquil came out, Chrysalis got concerned.

"Uh oh." Chrysalis said with worry. "Fire Pokémon are powerful against bug types like Spinarak. I think I better head back to my brethren for now."

After recalling her Spinarak, Chrysalis ran away. "We'll meet again!"

Feeling relief, the trio of girls continued their travels to Azalea Town for Apple Bloom's Gym battle. Meanwhile, Rumble exited a cave in Kanto and soon saw a small town.

"Going through Mt. Moon wasn't easy." Rumble said to himself. "But, it was worth it. There's Cerulean City down there. Time for gym battle two!"

End of Chapter 8

APPLE BLOOM
Cyndaquil
Pidgey
Sentret
Mareep

SWEETIE BELLE
Totodile
Weedle

SCOOTALOO
Chikorita
Bellsprout
Wooper