I've had a million and one things to handle in the past few months, but this question is bugging me the most. Ash is visiting this weekend with Brock, Max, May and her boyfriend Drew. I can't wait to see them, and meet May and Max and Drew, but something has unearthed itself from months of being buried.

I set up the gym as my sisters are still away. One more freaking month and they'll be home. Then I can leave this Hell-Hole.

A knock at the door snaps me back to my reality which doesn't involve murdering my sisters- what a shame.

I open the door to see a small, probably ten - he just got privileged to train pokemon - boy at my door. He has a backpack like Ash's, except yellow, and his hair, dirty blonde - dirty as in, not washed. He looks all scratched and raggedy. He looks up at me and grins shyly.

"Excuse me, I'm Jake, I've traveled all the way from Pewter City to come to the Cerulean City Gym. Are you the gym leader?"

"Yes, I am. Come right in, Jake,"

He pulls out a Pokeball. If he's a new trainer, hhe'll most likely use the pokemon he's had the longest- his starter.

Pewter City kid... rock types are common, and rock types are weak to water... strong against fire... plants... I can't remember... but I'll bet he has Squirtle. Stronger against rock, and he came here, to Cerulean City, the city FAMOUS for water pokemon.

"How many badges you got?" I say to the kid.

"Zero. But it's the third gym I've come to. I couldn't even beat Brock, and he's a rock pokemon trainer! I have a Squirtle! Wait, zero isn't a problem, right? You're not one of those gyms that require an 'x' amountnof badges, right?"

I shake my head and smile. "No. We welcome all trainers. So, since I'm the leader, I'll chose first and give you time to decide," if he only has Squirtle, he's in for another beating.

"Corsela, go!"

Jake's eyes widen as my Corsela appears in the water before him.

"Woah..."

I grin cockily. "Kid, you gonna battle? You can see all the pokemon after, if you like,"

"Oh, uh, yeah!" He mutters ssomething under his breath. Squirtle, I need your presence!"

A small, VERY small Squirtle stands in front of me on the small dock. He sees Corsela and hides in his shell.

"You go frist, kid,"

He looks at Squirtle nervously. "Squirtle, Hydro-Pump!"

The Squirtle does nothing.

"Uh..." Jake hums in confusion. "Excuse me, miss?"

"Yes?" I say. He seriously doesn't know that Squirtle can't use that move right now. That's just comedy gold.

"Can't Squirtles us Hydro-Pump?"

"Well, you see, your Squirtle isn't yet advanced enough, or in other words, hasn't been taught, or hasn't had a reason to use that attack. Some pokemon don't like to battle, so they don't. You sometimes have to teach them to like it. My friend Ash has a Pikachu that refuses to enter a Pokeball. Like my Togepi doesn't. See? All pokemon are different. So, in conclusion, I'd say your particular Squirtle, nis either shy, or doesn't like battling,"

He frowns. "If he won't battle then how do I get more pokemon? Did I get a dud?!"

I can't help but laugh at him. "Pokemon aren't duds. No matter what. And, I think I can help with that..."

I remove my shirt and jeans so I'm in my swimsuit- hey, I'm a WATER gym leader, I always have my swimsuit on. I dive into the water and toward Jake's Squirtle. I hoist myself up onto the miniature dock and rub Squirtle's shell.

"Hey, buddy. I'm Misty. I'm not going to hurt you, I promise,"

The Squirtle pokes his head out of his shell and looks at me. "Squirt... Squirtle..."

I pick him up and set him on his feet. He smiles and spits out a small fountain.

"Great! Now, your master is Jake, and I'm going to go over to my Corsela, and we'll battle. Sound good?"

He nods. "Squirtle!"