Season 01

Episode 01

Fire, Water, Grass.

Officer Jenny walked from the kitchen, through the living room and knocked on a door at the bottom of the stairs. She was closely followed by her Growlithe.

'Crystal. Are you ready yet? I'm making breakfast.' she called out.

'I'll be there in a moment mom.' a female voice responded.

'OK dear.' she walked back to the kitchen with Growlithe following.

Officer Jenny was laying plates laden with fruit pancakes on the dining table when an Arcanine strolled into the kitchen carrying a young woman sat sidesaddle on his back. She was wearing a blue shirt with red outline and red trousers with blue outlines.

'Ooh. Pancakes. Thanks mom.' Crystal smiled when she saw the food.

Officer Jenny walked over to her. After giving Arcanine a quick scratch on the top of the head she lifted Crystal off his back. Carrying Crystal in her arms, she went and placed her in a chair at the table. 'I really need to figure out how make it easier for you to sit at the table.'

Crystal had a quick drink. 'I've been thinking about that as well.' she scratched Arcanine's head as he sat next to her. 'As you and Arcanine have limits to how much you can help me, I was thinking that perhaps I could train other types of Pokemon to help me out.'

Officer Jenny was just placing bowls of Pokemon food down for Growlithe and Arcanine when she froze for a moment. She finished placing the bowls down and told the Pokemon they can eat. 'What makes you say that dear?'

'Think about it mom.' Crystal cut up some pancake. 'The Police train Pokemon to catch criminals. Pokemon are trained to help in Pokemon Centres. The same with Firefighters. Why not train Pokemon to provide support for the Disabled?'

'You have a good point. I can go out and catch some Pokemon for you.'

'Well, the thing is mom. I really want to go out and travel. I don't want to be stuck round here not doing much.' Crystal ate some more. 'If I travel, I can catch my own Pokemon and train them. Think about it. If I can't train them on how to deal with disabled people like myself, then it wouldn't be a challenge. You taught me in Police training to push myself. To gain experience. To overcome obstacles.'

Officer Jenny looked at her daughter. 'I understand dear. We can nip over and visit Professor Oak to see what he thinks to your idea. I'm pretty sure he can figure something out to get you started.' she had a drink. 'I will give him a call after breakfast to let him know that we will be stopping by today.'

Crystal finished her food. With Arcanine's help she clambered down to the floor where she then climbed onto his back. First pulled herself over him so her head is on one-side and her legs on the other. She then pulled herself round bit by bit until she was sidesaddle again. After finally sitting upright she gripped his mane with one hand and his lower back with the other as she cannot with her legs.

'To the sofa please Arcanine.' Arcanine gave a happy growl and headed into the living room leaving Officer Jenny to clean up the washing.

When they got to the sofa Arcanine stood along the front of the furniture. Crystal simply leaned towards the sofa and flopped onto it. Arcanine watched as she pulled herself into a more comfortable position. He then picked up the remote and handed it to Crystal before laying in front of the sofa. She turned the TV on and almost immediately it was showing a Contest battle.

It wasn't long till Officer Jenny came into the room. She stepped in front of the VidPhone behind the sofa where she called Professor Oak's lab. Growlithe ever by her side.

A young man answered the Phone. 'Hello. This is Professor Oak's Lab. Oh. Morning Officer Jenny. Is there a problem?'

'Good morning Tracey. There's no problem. I'm just calling to say that Crystal and I will be coming for a visit shortly. Unless you're too busy for visitors?'

'No. No. There's no problem Officer. I will let the Professor know that you will be coming. We'll look forwards to your visit.'

'That is good to hear Tracey. We'll see you shortly then. Bye.'

'Take care. Bye.'

Officer Jenny ended the call. 'Well, that's the courtesy call taken care of.' she leaned over the back of the sofa and kissed Crystal on the head. 'Do you need a moment before we get going?'

'Nah. I'm fine.' she turned the TV off. 'Let's go. The sooner the better.'

Officer Jenny moved round the sofa and lifted Crystal onto Arcanine. Growlithe simply watched. 'Well then, let's go. Come on Growlithe.' Growlithe barked in acknowledgement.

They all left the house with Officer Jenny locking up after them. She walked past her motorbike as they could see the Professor's Lab down the road. It was only a fifteen minute walk. When they arrived they found Professor Oak waiting for them at the top of the stairs.

'Tracey told me that you will be coming for a visit. So what can I do for you Officer Jenny?'

'Well, we came to talk to you about crystal.' Officer Jenny replied.

'Hmm. That's interesting. So what is it that you want to talk about?' he knelt down in front of Arcanine and scratched his chin resulting in getting a lick on the face.

'May we talk where it is more comfortable Proffessor?'

'Of course. Follow me.' he led them inside.

They were halfway across the entrance hall when Crystal tapped Arcanine on the neck and he stopped. It was Growlithe that noticed they had stopped and barked to get Officer Jenny's attention.

'What's the matter dear?' she looked over where Crystal was looking.

There were three Pokemon. A Bulbasaur, Charmander and a Squirtle. Charmander and Squirtle were happily playing around while Bulbasaur was laid there watching them pile on each other.

'Professor, do you mind if we talk while I play with them?' Crystal smiled at him.

'Of course. I don't see why not.' he replied.

'Down we go Arcanine.' Arcanine gently laid down so Crystal didn't have far to go when she slid off him. She pulled herself into a sitting position with her back resting against Arcanine.

'Charmander, Squirtle, Bulbasaur. There is someone here that would like to say hello.' the Professor called out to them. They ran over. 'This is Crystal. Come and say hello but be gentle please. She cannot use her legs.'

They walked closer too Crystal.

'Hello there. Nice to meet you.' she smiled.

They responded happily.

'These Pokemon are the starters for new trainers Crystal.'

'Of course. Each trainer gets to pick one of them.' she stroked Bulbasaur on the head.

The Professor pulled up a couple of chairs which he and Officer Jenny sat on. Growlithe sat next to Jenny. 'So. What is it that you wanted to talk to me about?'

Crystal was scratching Charmander's chin which he liked. 'The thing is Proffessor, I want to travel the World and train Pokemon for disability support.' Crystal spoke up.

'I see. That sounds very interesting.' he thought for a moment. 'I don't think I have heard of this being done before. It would certainly be interesting to do a study on it. Of course, you would need a lot of preparation and plans.'

'That is very true Proffessor. I won't let her leave unless I am quite satisfied that she's prepared. That's why we came to see you Professor. To see what you can think of.' Officer Jenny spoke up.

'I understand Officer Jenny. This will take a bit of thinking.'

Bulbasaur was nosing at Crystal's legs.

'As you can see Charmander, Squirtle and Bulbasaur. I cannot walk at all. My legs are paralysed.' Crystal told them. 'Because of this it takes a lot of effort to for me to do simple things. Watch as I climb onto Arcanine's back.'

She turned herself round and dragged herself up onto his back. Then with care, and Arcanine staying very still, she turned round and sat on his back. After finally getting herself comfortable she sat up while holding his mane.

'With the help of Arcanine, I can move around. We've learned to trust each other and know how to move about like this.' she patted his head and he walked around. 'He can even run with me on his back, but we won't do that in here. My friend here is even able to carry certain things for me, but sadly he has his limits.' Arcanine gave a saddened growl. 'Down we go boy.' Arcanine laid down and she slid off. She gestured to the starter Pokemon to come closer.

'As you can see, it can be quite difficult for me. I also don't want to be stuck in one place. I want to go out and travel. While doing so, I want to befriend and teaching Pokemon of my disability and how they can help me. When you join a new trainer, you will travel with them. See the sights, make new Pokemon friends. Some trainers would battle Gym leaders for the tournament. Maybe even Contest battles.'

'I know someone who was a Gym leader but decided to travel and become a Pokemon Breeder. Eventually he became a Pokemon Doctor. The Police train Pokemon in Law Enforcement just like Growlithe here. There is even a Squirtle that I know that helps an Officer Jenny as a Firefighter. Nurse Joys' team up with Pokemon to help care for Pokemon and Travellers." Professor Oak chimed in.

'Exactly.' Crystal sat Squiertle on her lap and hugged him. 'I want to create a whole new field of raising Pokemon so they can help people like myself.' she looked at Professor Oak. 'I have some ideas that I want to run by you Professor."

'Of course.' he replied.

'For starters I will need some means of carrying supplies without over burdening either myself or Arcanine. We would also need to travel light.'

'I also want her to travel with a means of communication and maps.' Officer Jenny spoke up.

'Of course. To be well prepared in the basics. This wouldn't be a simple pack and go for your travels.' Professor Oak replied.

'Perhaps Nurse Joy over in Viridian City can help?' Tracey had just walked in. 'There may also be someone else stopping at the Pokemon Centre that may have some advice.'

'That's a good idea Tracey. I can get in touch with her and see what she thinks. Please excuse me.' with that he left. Crystal started playing with the starter Pokemon again. Tracey pulled out his sketch pad and started drawing her and the Pokemon. Professor Oak soon returned. 'Nurse Joy is very interested in helping but she asks that you go and see her.'

'I can take you tomorrow Crystal. It would be quicker on my bike.' she stroked Arcanine's head. 'Sorry boy. That would mean that you will have to go into your ball.' Arcanine licked her hand.

'On your travels, you wouldn't mind calling me. I would like to do a book on your experiences for the Pokemon Centre. That way, they can provide services for other trainers that want to do what you're doing.'

'That sounds great Professor. I don't mind at all.'

'Before you leave tomorrow, I will get you a Pokedex and some Pokeballs for your journey.'

'Well, we should be going then. We will need to take this opportunity to prepare some things for tomorrow.' Officer Jenny spoke up.

'OK mum.' Crystal spoke up. 'I'm sorry guys. Time for me to go.' Crystal stroked the starter Pokemon.

The Pokemon looked saddened. Suddenly Bulbasaur spoke to the other two. All three had a conversation between them before running to a desk at the end of the room where a tray sat holding three Pokeballs. Charmander climbed onto the desk and sniffed the balls. He then dropped two down to the others before grabbing the last one and jumping down with it. While this happened, everyone was watching them in mild surprise. Bulbasaur grabbed his ball in his mouth while the other two simply picked theirs up. They ran over to Crystal and placed the balls on her legs.

She picked a ball up. 'What is this guys? Are you saying that you want to come with me?'

They spoke up in unison.

'Char.'

'Bulba.'

'Squirtle.'

'What do you think Professor?'

'Well, this is a little unusual. Three starter Pokemon choosing the same trainer. However, they appear to have chosen you Crystal. This means that if I was to hand them over to another trainer, they wouldn't be too happy. I guess they're now your Pokemon.'

'Won't this cause you problems Professor?' Officer Jenny spoke up.

'Not really. We'll just get us some replacements. I'll have to apologise to the trainers who were to come and choose one of them, but they will hopefully understand when I explain what happened.'

'So Charmander, Squirtle, Bulbasaur. It seems that we will be travelling with each other.' Crystal spoke to them which resulted in them cheering.

The next morning came with everyone happily eating breakfast before they packed Crystal's rucksack. Charmander, Squirtle and Bulbasuar were running around grabbing items for Crystal, who in turn put them in her bag. When she had filled her bag she climbed onto Arcanine.

'OK guys. Pass me my bag please.'

Charmander and Squirtle picked up the bag and handed it up to her. She carefully swung it over her shoulders.

'Well then. Time to go. You can stay out of your balls until we reach mum's bike.' the Pokemon responded happily but Arcanine grumbled. 'Don't worry Arcanine. I know you don't like going into your Pokeball.' Crystal saw the curious looks on Charmander, Squirtle and Bulbasaur. 'Don't worry. Arcanine isn't afraid of being inside his ball. He just doesn't like leaving my side.' the Pokemon smiled. 'Mum! We're ready!'

Officer Jenny came out of the kitchen. 'Good. Shall we go then?'

'Of course mum.'

They all left the house. Officer Jenny locked up the house and they headed to the bike. Crystal took her rucksack off which her mum placed on the ground next to the bike. She then lifted Crystal off of Arcanine and sat her in the side-car of her bike and placed the rucksack on her lap.

'OK guys. Time to go into your balls.' Crystal spoke to her Pokemon. Charmander, Squirtle and Bulbasaur happily went in. Arcanine gave a her certain look. 'Don't give me that look. You know that you won't be able to keep pace with the bike and since you evolved you're too big to sit on my lap.' Arcanine bowed his head. 'That's a good boy.' he went into his ball.

Officer Jenny put her Growlithe into his ball before climbing onto the bike. 'Let's go then.'

She pulled away from the house and headed down the road at a steady pace in the direction of Professor Oak's lab. They spotted Professor Oak standing by the road and they pulled alongside him.

'Morning Professor.' both Crystal and Jenny spoke up.

'Good morning.' he replied.

'Were you waiting for us Professor?' Officer Jenny asked.

'Yes. I was waiting. Yesterday I completely forgot to give you these Crystal.' he offered her a Pokedex and a bunch of Pokeballs.

'Oh. Thank you Professor.' Crystal pocketed the Pokedex and placed the balls in a side pocket of the rucksack.

'I got in touch with Nurse Joy in Viridian City. By the time you arrive, she will have thought of some things to help you.'

'Thank you Professor. Bye.' Officer Jenny replied.

'Bye Professor.' Crystal spoke up.

'Bye. Safe journey.'

Jenny revved the bike and they moved off. It was a peaceful but uneventful ride. It wasn't long until they arrived in Viridian City. As they rode along the Police Station came into view. The local Officer Jenny was stood outside talking to male Officer. She noticed Jenny and Crystal riding heading in their direction and waved them down. She then dismissed the male Officer who went into the building.

Jenny pulled up in front of the Police Station. Both Jennys' saluted each other.

'Good morning. What brings you to Viridian City from Pallet Town?' the Viridian Officer greeted them.

'Good morning. We are heading to the Pokemon Centre. Crystal here is heading out on her own journey.'

The Viridian Jenny looked surprised and spoke to Crystal. 'Are you sure Crystal? With your disability and all?'

'I am certain. I don't want to be stuck around Pallet Town. If I was able to pass the training course I would have been assigned to a town or city somewhere. So I decided to travel and train Pokemon in the ways of medical support for people like me. Professor Oak is excited about this.' Crystal smiled.

'Of course Crystal. It's a good idea. I'm just concerned that's all.'

'You're not the only one.' Crystal's mum spoke up.

'Of course. Now then. I'm about to do my patrols. How about I escort you to the Pokemon Centre?'

'That is up to you Officer Jenny.' Crystal's mum replied.

'Very well. I will be your escort until we reach the Pokemon Centre.' she saluted and climbed onto her bike which didn't have a side-car.

The Pokemon Centre was only a handful of streets away when they arrived. It was easy to spot the building, with its light-blue half dome shape and a red sphere in the middle with the entrance sticking out the front.

'Well then. I will now leave you. Take care.' the Viridian Jenny saluted.

'Thank you.' Crystal's mum responded with a salute. The Viridian Jenny rode off.

Crystal released her Pokemon from their balls and they were happy to see her. 'Well then guys. We're here.'

Jenny came round and placed the rucksack on the ground before lifting and placing Crystal on Arcanine. She shouldered the rucksack herself and they headed inside.

Nurse Joy was at the counter handing over a Trainer's Pokemon. 'Thank you. Take care now.' she then saw the group heading over to the counter. 'Good morning.'

'Good morning Nurse Joy.' both Crystal and her mum replied.

'Professor Oak said that you were expecting us." Officer Jenny spoke up.

'Of course. Shall we have a seat over their.' she gestured to a table by a window. 'Chansey, would you care to go and grab that package we put together last night.' Chansey happily responded and left into the back area.

At the table, Jenny had sat Crystal down before sitting next to her. Nurse Joy sat opposite them. Arcanine laid next to Jenny while Charmander, Squirtle and Bulbasaur simply watched in hopes of learning something.

'Crystal. It is a wonderful idea that you have chosen to travel and raise Pokemon to help you with your disability. In our job we have Pokemon to help us care for other Pokemon. The Police have Pokemon to help catch bad people. I could go on. However, training Pokemon to help the disabled is something new. So far, there is no literature on it. It doesn't mean that someone somewhere is doing the same as you for one disability or another. For you to take this challenge, and for Professor Oak to do a study on it may just help many more people. I would be proud to help you the best that I can.' Chansey arrived carrying a wrapped parcel and passed it to Nurse Joy. 'Thank you Chansey.' she handed it over to Crystal. 'This is for you.'

'For me? Thank you.' Crystal replied and opened the parcel. Inside were four pieces of material. Each one had a medical symbol and the words "Disability Support" on them. 'Thank you, But what are they for?'

'I will show you.' she stood and knelt in front of the Pokemon. 'OK guys, oh, and girl. Sorry Bulbasaur. These are for your Pokemon.' She placed a Bandanna around Arcanine and Bulbasaur's necks and on the left arms of Charmander and Squirtle. 'With these, people can see at a glance that they are there to help you.' she returned to her seat.

'So, it's like wearing a badge.' Jenny spoke up.

'Something like that, yes.'

'Thank you Nurse Joy.' Crystal leaned over to look at her Pokemon. 'So, are you happy? Say thank you to Nurse Joy and Chansey.'

The Pokemon were certainly happy and thanked them. Arcanine licked them. Squirtle and Charmander hugged them while Bulbasaur used one of her vines to shake hands with a smile.

'Oh yes. Before I forget.' Nurse Joy spoke up. 'There is someone that I would like you to meet.' she glanced at the clock. 'However, she appears to be late.'

'Who is this person?' Crystal asked.

Nurse Joy was about to answer when the main door opened and a Ponyta walked in. It had a saddle and saddle bags on its back. A Jigglypuff ran out in front and started looking around.

'Heather! Over here!' Nurse Joy called out.

Jigglypuff turned to face them and ran over before jumping into Chansey's arms. A young woman Crystal's age poked her head round Ponyta. 'There you are Nurse Joy.' she walked over to them, closely followed by Ponyta.

'You're late Heather. Did something happen?' Nurse Joy asked her.

'Late? I'm not late am I?' she looked at her watch and then the clock on the wall. 'Oh. My watch is slow. Maybe the battery is fading.'

'Crystal. Officer Jenny. I would like you to meet Heather.'

'Hello Heather.' Crystal waved and smiled at her while Officer Jenny saluted.

'Hello.' Heather smiled.

'I asked Heather to come talk with us as I believe she can give you some advice.' Nurse joy spoke up. 'If you will excuse me, I have some duties to attend to. I will be back shortly.' with that she left with Chansey.

Heather sat down. 'Well, Nurse Joy asked me to come and talk to you but she didn't explain why. She was in a bit of a hurry last night. As a Pokemon Breeder about to set out on her journey, I will give you as much advice as I can. So, how can I help?'

'I will leave you two alone. I think I will ask Nurse Joy to give Growlithe a checkup.' with that Jenny walked away.

'I decided that I want to travel and raise Pokemon to help me with my disability.'

'Disability?' Heather looked surprised. 'If you don't mind me asking, but what sort of disability?'

'Both of my legs are paralysed.'

'Oh my. Were you born that way?'

'Sadly no. I was training to be part of the Police Force with Growlithe as my partner. There was an accident and was never able to use my legs again. Since then, Growlithe refused to leave my side. Mum eventually offered him a Fire Stone in the hopes that as an Arcanine he would be better able to help me. I wouldn't have minded him staying as a Growlithe, but it was his choice to accept the Fire Stone.'

'What about Charmander, Squirtle and Bulbasaur?'

'I met them at Professor Oak's lab. I showed them about my disability and to our surprise they wanted to come with me.'

Heather picked Squirtle up and sat him on her lap. 'So you decided to help Crystal. That's sweet of you.' Heather noticed the bandanna's. 'I see. These to let people know that they're here to help you.'

'Nurse Joy made them last night.'

'That would explain why she was rushing during the call last night.'

'Sorry about that.'

'Nothing to be sorry about. So, what advice would you like from me?'

'That's the thing. I am not sure.'

'Fair enough. How about I ask some questions.'

'Sure.'

'How do you move about? Say for example, to get from here to the main counter over there? Or perhaps to get from here to a shop down the road?'

'I will show you.' Crystal edged her way over to Arcanine and climbed onto his back side-saddle like she usually does. Arcanine then walked around the main entrance before returning to Heather. 'That is how we do it.'

'That is great.' Heather seemed happy. 'For such a bond of trust for each other for that to work. However, I see a problem.'

'What problem?'

'What you just did is great for short to medium distances, but it won't work well for long distances. With respect to Arcanine, he won't have the strength to handle it.' Heather went over to Ponyta. 'What you need is a Pokemon built for that sort of task. For example, Ponyta here is built for short to long distance. He is able to carry items in these saddle bags.'

'I think I see where you're getting at. With a saddle I would be able to ride a Pokemon just like you have a saddle on Ponyta.'

'You would need to find a suitable Pokemon that would be able to carry you with a saddle and saddle-bags. To top it off, for your condition, you would most likely need to get them custom made.'

'What sort of places would make saddles?'

'Just about any farm would do it. You could also put in a request at a Pokemon Centre.' Heather stroked Ponyta's head. 'I know.' she turned to Crystal. 'If you don't mind, why don't we travel together?'

'I wouldn't mind the company, but why?'

'Think about it. We could help each other. For one thing, I'm a pretty good cook. Also, as a breeder I can help care for the Pokemons' health amongst other things.'

'True, we could help each other. However, I'm not too sure how I could help you though.'

'Something will eventually come up. But just being a travelling companion would be more than enough.'

'That sounds like a great idea.' Nurse Joy was walking over to them with Jenny at her side.

'I would certainly be happier if someone was with Crystal.' Jenny spoke up.

'Well that's settled then. I'll be travelling with you.' Heather offered a handshake to Crystal.

'Thanks.'