Episode 3: Awkward Justice

Leaving Route 202 behind, the trio finally arrived at the massive city of Jubilife. The forest trees of the wilderness were replaced by tall buildings of civilization. For Wes, this was the first time he's actually seen a place such as this. In Orre, there were no sprawling cities. One may say there were merely small towns and settlements in an unforgiving frontier akin to the Old West. There also weren't buildings that cut the skyline (the only exception being Realgam Tower, which was located at the center or the region). Indeed this region was a full reversal of the land he's lived in. "Ladies, gentlemen, gaze your eyes on Jubilife City," Ridley said with his arms folded. "The biggest town in all of Sinnoh."

"Wow!" Rui said with a smile. "It's been so long since I've been in the city. I nearly forgot what it was like."

"Yeah, I know what you mean."

"It doesn't matter," Wes said. "Let's just get out of here and get to Oreburgh."

"Oh come on, Wes!" Ridley replied. "We can get to Oreburgh anytime we want. I wanna check out the sights."

"We don't have the time for sight-seeing."

"What do you mean no time? We have nothing but time, G!"

"How about we get to the Pokemon Center?" Rui suggested as she placed herself between the two trainers. "It's been a long walk. Let's heal our Pokemon and then talk about what to do next." Putting their argument aside, both trainers took the pig-tailed girl's advice and they headed for the center. With their Pokemon being healed, the three took their seats not far from the counter.

"I say we hit this city," Ridley said. "Jubilife is the home of Poketch Company, the guys in charge of Poketches."

"What's a Poketch?" Rui asked.

"It's like a watch, calculator, and Pokemon management system in one. Big gadget here in Sinnoh."

"Why should I care?" Wes asked. "I already have a PDA and it has everything I need."

"Oh great. A simple man," Ridley said as he looked at Wes from the corner of his eye. "It's all good. Still, I say we should stay here for a while. You know? To get a bite to eat and tour around. I hear this place is well known for its... flowers," Ridley said with a sly tone, a slick grin decorating his face.

"Right. So in other words, you want to waste time and try to hit on any single woman you can find."

"Why you gotta be a busta, man!?"

"But Ridley does have a point," Rui said.

"What do you mean, Rui?" Wes said as he faced his female cohort.

"Well it's been a whole day since we last ate. And I would like to see some of this city."

"See?" Ridley said to Wes triumphantly. "Majority rules, son. Two beats out one."

Wes only sighed in defeat. "Fine, but we'll only here for three hours. Then we leave for Oreburgh. Clear?"

"Yeah, sure," Ridley replied impassively, earning a glare from Wes.

With their Pokemon returned to their possession, the gang left the Center and started their trek around the city. As they left, they didn't notice a certain Rocket member who was watching them from a couple yards away, a book shielding his face as he sat casually at a nearby table.

The trio wandered around the large city, reaping its rewards. They ate at a popular restaurant (where Wes and Ridley fought about who would cover the tab. Separately, both trainers managed to acquire a good number of Pokedollars on their past journeys. In the end, though, it was Rui who would pay the bill). They also fought a few local trainers in the park (giving their Pokemon a little exercise in the process). After a couple hours of fun and entertainment, the group sat on one of the park's benches, drinking from soda cans that Ridley bought from a nearby vending machine. "I have to say, you two were fantastic," Rui said with a smile.

"Thanks," Wes said.

"Yeah, well you know," Ridley said humbly. "I didn't get the title 'Original Gangsta Tactical General' for a reason."

"Do you listen to what you say when you talk?" Wes asked as he shook his head. Ridley glared daggers at the Orre native, though the fellow trainer merely shrugged it off. Rui couldn't help but chuckle at their behavior. They were travelling together and had the same goals. Yet both trainers would still argue over the smallest things. Guess it was the result of male egos and conflicting personalities. "Anyway, we've been here long enough," he said. "It's time to leave this place behind and head to Oreburgh."

Rui sighed. "I guess we should," she said.

"Fine Dr. Killjoy." Ridley said cynically. "Let's get moving before he starts having a tantrum."

Just as the they were about to leave, the group was stopped by a call for help. "Hey, you three!" shouted the caller. "Wait!" Rushing toward them was a man in a dark blue dress suit. His hair was brown and receding.

"What's wrong?" Rui asked with concern. "Are you okay?"

The man panted heavily, trying to catch his breath as he bent over. A moment passed before he stood back up. "You two... you're strong trainers, aren't you? Please, I need your help."

"Look, we spent enough time here as is," said Wes. "We have things to do."

"It's not for me," the man said. "It's for my son." The three were surprised by what the man said.

"Talk to us, man," Ridley said. "What's this about your kid?"

"You see... A couple of trainers appeared near the Trainer's School, where my son attends... They have him for ransom and will not stop until they get what they want?"

"And that would be?"

"They didn't say. All I know is that if they're not stopped... my son..." The man stopped in mid-sentence, trying not to think about the possibility of his child's fate. All he could do is clench his fists and grit his teeth. "I just need your help."

Wes turned his head to the side, eyeing the concerned parent. Though he was in a rush, leaving a kid as a hostage when their parent pleads for help would just be wrong. He turned around and took a couple of steps forward. "Where is the school," he said. The man turned to the Orre native, who stood and waited for his reply.

Quickly, he answered, "It's at the south of town not far from the Pokemon Center."

"Alright. We'll save your kid." With his mission in mind, Wes hurried to the destination. Ridley and Rui followed not far behind.

"So, home boy," Ridley began. "I thought you wanted to jet? What gives?"

"For one, he said that the trainers at that school were using strange Pokemon. There's a chance they might be Shadows. Secondly, anyone who uses a child for ransom are cowardly and weak. I won't stand by idly while something like this happens."

"Wes is right. These guys have to be stopped," Rui said in agreement.

"Aight," Ridley said. "Then let's mess up some chumps."


Inside the Trainer's School, two rogue trainers (both with rather muscular builds) were holding the students hostage. One of the teachers battled the foes earlier, but lost. Now she, and the other individuals were in the back. In their custody was a small boy at least ten years old with dark green hair wearing a blue button-up shirt and black shorts. "Heh heh…" chuckled one of the men who wore a green and white t-shirt. "This was too easy."

"You're right," agreed the other man wearing a dark blue shirt. "I thought we'd have it pretty tough trying to grab a kid in the middle of the day. This is like taking candy from a baby."

"And with that Pokemon that guy gave us, we're unstoppable."

"I will not let you get away," said the teacher as he began started to stand back up. "Not with one of my students."

"Well would you look at that, Jim," said the man in blue. "After getting creamed, he still thinks he can stop us."

"Look, we only came for the kid, teach," the other man said. "Stan and I already beat your Pokemon down. If you don't step back, then something might happen to you and this brat." Jim smiled as he lifted the young boy off the ground by the back of his shirt.

"Hey! Let go of me!" the kid shouted as he tried to struggle out of the man's grip.

"Landis…" the teacher said. He knew there was nothing he can do. He Pokemon were out of commission. As for hand-to-hand combat, he'd be outclassed and brutally beaten down to a pulp. He had no choice but to back away.

"Hahahahaha!" laughed Stan. "That's what I thought. Better stick to the books and your remaining students, Professor," he said in an insulting tongue. "We'll be going now with the brat."

"That's what you think!" a voice from the entrance said. The two men turned and saw Wes, Ridley, and Rui. "Now let the kid go!" Wes ordered.

"Well look what the Meowth dragged in," Jim said. "We got us a few snoops."

"What!?" Ridley replied. "Who you callin' a snoop?"

"Hold on!" Stan replied. "Those are the ones that one guy told us about."

"You mean the one from what's it called…? Team Rocket?" Jim asked.

"That's right. All we need to do is to grab these losers' Pokemon, then we'll be getting one giant of a bonus."

"You mean you two are working for Kawagata?" asked Wes.

"You guys are friggin' tools, man!" Ridley replied.

"Is that so?" Jim said as he held a pokeball in his hand. After you're knocked flat on your face, we'll see who's a tool! Go, Sudowoodo!" Upon throwing his orb, it opened in midair and released a creature that looked like a slender, small-legged tree with a forked "branch" on its head and long arms with three green balls at the ends of its fingers.

"Go, Swellow!" Released from Stan's pokeball was a large red and blue bird with two tail feathers and a crest of feathers that swept back on its head. The avian hovered in midair, squawking as it awaited to start of battle.

"Prepare yourselves!" Wes shouted. "Shinx, let's go!" The Orre trainer tossed his pokeball forward, unleashing the electric kitten. Upon release, Shinx squealed with anticipation.

"Yo, I got your back! Grovyle, show 'em how we take care of business!" As soon as it was released, Grovyle entered a battle pose, ready to fight the enemy.

"Sudowoodo, use Low Kick on the little pussycat!" ordered Jim. The enemy charged toward two Pokemon. Readying its foot for a powerful strike, Sudowoodo was ready to attack.

"You think that'll stop us?" Wes replied.

"You wish," Ridley added. "Grovyle, slash that wannabe tree with Leaf Blade!" On command, Grovyle intercepted the immitation Pokemon with a powerful strike from its arm leaves. Sudowoodo was knocked back from the attack.

"Swellow, use Wing Attack!" With its wings glowing brightly, Swellow flew towards the Grass-type Pokemon.

Unable to react, the tree gecko was hit by the enemy's wings, throwing it back a few feet away. "Grovyle!" its trainer shouted.

"Shinx, use Spark on Swellow!" As instructed, the small beast charged forward at the bird. With its body covered in electric current, Shinx threw its body at the enemy Pokemon, shocking the foe in the back in the process. Swellow was knocked to the ground by the attack, but quickly returned to its four-toed feet, squawking in anger.

"That jolt won't save you!" Stan replied. "Now Swellow, use Peck!" The bird began hopping toward the smaller Pokemon.

At the same time, Sudowoodo returned to its feet. "Sudowoodo!" Jim called out to his Pokemon. "Help Swellow by using Faint Attack!" With its orders issued, the tree-like Pokemon hurried to Swellow's aid.

Now both Pokemon were towering over Shinx, ready to use their attacks in hopes of defeating the target. Even so, Shinx held its ground, baring its teeth to it's opponents. However, Wes only smiled as he thought, "They fell for it."

"Yo, Grovyle!" Ridley called. "Pop these fools wit' a Bullet Seed!" Firing from the side, Grovyle unleashed a storm of plant matter which pelted the enemy Pokemon without mercy. Sudowoodo fell to the ground, KO'd by the super-effective move while Swellow hurried out of the attack's path by trying to take to the air.

Seeing their chance to finish the foe, Wes called out, "Shinx! Counterattack with Bite!" Quickly, Shinx sunk its teeth into Swellow's wing, which grounded the bird and caused it to screech in pain. Still in its mouth, the small cat then tossed it to where its comrade laid. The match was over with both the enemy's Pokemon down for the count.

"No way!" Jim replied in total shock of his fallen Pokemon.

"My Swellow!" Stan shouted. "But your Grovyle couldn't battle!"

"You underestimated me, son!" replied Ridley. "Wes and I knew you'd toss ol' G out the way and go after Shinx. Ain't that right?"

The ex-Snaggem member gave a nod. "When you sent both of your Pokemon after Shinx, you placed yourselves in our trap. After Grovyle's Bullet Seed injured both of your Pokemon, Shinx was able to finish your team with little difficulty."

"Amazing…" the teacher thought as he and his students watched in amazement. "They managed to stay a step ahead. I had never seen a double battle where two trainers actually planned ahead as they fought."

"Pfft," Jim scoffed as he and his comrade recalled their fainted Pokemon. "Lucky break. But your luck's about to run out. Go Kirlia!" Released from Jim's Pokeball was a small Pokemon that had the shape of a small ballet dancer. Its body was green and white with large red eyes.

"Kricketune, let's go!" From Stan's pokeball was a large red cricket with mustache like feelers at the tip of its mouth. The bug was armed with a long claw on each limb.

After examining the new Pokemon on the field, Rui's body tensed instantly. Her eyes were fixed on Kirlia as a dark aura seen only by her engulfed the psychic type. "Wes," she called. "That Kirlia's a Shadow Pokemon."

"Really?" Wes said. Rui responded to her comrade with a nod. "Alright, we'll handle it. Ridley…"

"I heard you," Ridley said. Both combatants returned their Pokemon to their pokeballs in unison. Then they sent out their Umbreon and Charmeleon. Both the fire-type and dark-type creatures eyed the competition down, ready to do battle. "We got the advantage, yo!"

Upon seeing Ridley's Charmeleon, Stan cracked a smile as he tapped Jim's arm. "Hey Stan," said the enemy. "Do you see what I see?"

"Hell yes," Jim smirked. "With that gold firefly and the kid, we'll be making a killing. Now Kirlia, Confusion!" On command, Kirlia's two head crests began to glow light blue. As it did, Charmeleon's body was wrapped in said color's glow and was floating in the air immobilized.

"Umbreon! Save Charmeleon with Faint Attack!" Sprinting toward the psychic-type dancer, Umbreon was ready to attack. Unfortunately, Kricketune slowly hovered in its path as it fluttered its wings to stay airborne.

"Now who has the advantage!" replied Stan. "Kricketune, use Fury Cutter!" Quickly, the insect attacked the black fox with its long claw. Umbreon was struck by the blow and slid back. Just as it recovered, the body of a certain fire-type crashed to the ground hard from a Confusion.

Both trainers of the wounded Pokemon greeted their teeth. "That Confusion was pretty strong," Ridley thought. "Better come up with a plan fast else a major headache 'll be the least of Charmeleon's worries."

"Kricketune's attack was super-effective," Wes thought. "It's a good thing that was only the first-time attack and that Umbreon doesn't go down so easily." Both Pokemon quickly returned to their feet, ready to try again. "Okay Umbreon. Hit Kricketune with Confuse Ray!" With the gold rings on its body turning a bright yellow, the eevee-lution fired a pink beam from its eyes like a laser. The stream managed to hit Kricketune and the enemy was having problems focusing.

"Now to make it harder for you chumps!" Ridley replied. "Charmeleon! Smokescreen!" As ordered, the fire-type shiny expelled a cloud of smoke on the opponent's side of the field. Both Kirlia and Kricketune were looking in all directions for their opponent.

"This smoke, man!" Stan replied. "It's so thick! I can't see!"

"Kirlia, use Magical Leaf!" Jim commanded the psychic. The enemy Pokemon's fired a barrage of leaves at the targets. The attack, strong as it may be, missed as both Umbreon and Charmeleon used the smoke as cover.

"Ha!" Ridley gloated. "Can't hit what you can't see!"

"Umbreon, strike now with Bite!" Wes replied. With its fangs bared, the dark-type latched on to Kirlia by the arm before spinning it in its jaws. It then released the ballerina-like foe and it flew to Kricketune's direction. Before it can react, its partners body had already collided with it's own.

"Gyuuuuh!" Jim replied as he stepped back in shock. "Kirlia!"

"Kricketune, get Kirlia off and use Fury Cutter!" Stan shouted. The bug-type Pokemon threw it's smaller ally off and rushed to Umbreon. Umbreon braced itself for the attack. However, instead of striking the moonlight Pokemon, the confused creature passed the target and found itself in a nearby corner, attacking only empty air before accidentally slashing itself with its claw.

Umbreon and even Wes couldn't believe what they saw. "That's the saddest thing I've seem in a while," Wes said as a sweatdrop hung from the side of both his and his Pokemon's heads.

"This is so embarrassing…" Stan replied as he covered his eyes and shook his head.

"Looks like your bug be buggin' out," Ridley said. "How about a Flamethrower to make it all better?" Jumping from the black shroud, Charmeleon fired a powerful stream of flame at the enemy insect, engulfing the creature. Once the attack was over, Kricketune stood like an ash-covered statue before falling on its back and rocking back and forth.

"Kricketune, return!" Stan said reluctantly as his fainted Pokemon with transferred back to its Pokeball. "You better use that move on 'em, Jim."

"I know what you mean," Jim said.

"Tight!" Ridley replied. "Now we're down to the last Poke."

"Be careful," Wes warned. "This isn't just any Kirlia, remember? Stay alert."

"I know. I know," Ridley replied. "Charmeleon, time to go Captain Falcon on this fool with Fire Punch!" The fire-type charged at Kirlia. With its right hand wrapped in flames, Charmeleon was ready to strike the foe with a burning blow.

"Like that's gonna happen!" Jim said. "Kirlia, use Shadow Blitz now!" With its aura becoming visible, Kirlia attacked Charmeleon with a strong tackle. Though it seemed like a light, Charmeleon was still pushed back by the attack which managed to interrupt it's own.

"Umbreon, another Confuse Ray!" Quickly, Umbreon fired its ray at the Kirlia. Like its partner before it, it was also confused as it had trouble keeping on its toes (literally).

"Jim, your Kirlia…" Stan replied.

"Grrr… Kirlia! Shadow Blitz on Umbreon!" Countering the move, Kirlia ran toward the dark-type with the telltale aura surrounding it's body.

However, before the attack hit, Charmeleon intercepted the foe. "Charmeleon! Use Fire Punch!" Ridley replied. With its fist blanketed in fire once more, the shiny struck the enemy right under the jaw. Kirlia sailed a few feet from the attack before it landed hard on the floor.

"Good job, Ridley!" Rui congratulated. "Wes, Kirlia's weak!"

"I got it!" With his snag machine-adorned hand, Wes grabbed an empty Pokeball from his belt. At that moment, the machine began to activate and the ball started to glow in the wearer's palm as it was being converted into a snag ball.

"What the-?" Ridley said with a cock-eyed glance.

"Snag ball! Go!" Wes hurled the sphere at Kirlia almost as if he were catching a normal wild Pokemon. Once the ball bounced off its head, Kirlia was vacuumed inside before it closed and dropped to the surface. The ball started to rattle as the light began blinking. After a few seconds, the ball's glow ceased and its rattling stopped. Jim's Kirlia was now captured. "Heh, it's over," Wes said with a smile.

"Oh no!" Jim replied. "My Kirlia!"

"Are my eyes deceiving me?" the teacher said as he and his students sat silently. They weren't the only ones who were confused. Ridley was also skeptical at what just transpired. After all, he was traveling with someone who had snagged another trainer's Pokemon. Of course, from where he's standing, the owner deserved it.

"You better give us back Kirlia, brat!" Stan hissed.

"You're joking?" Wes replied. "I won't give it back to you so you can use it to put everyone in danger again. I swear, I will restore it and all the other Shadow Pokemon out there!"

"Damn you!" Jim shouted as he and Stan charged toward Wes. Both he and Ridley were prepared to defend themselves. That was before the class door slammed open yet again.

"Freeze!" a woman ordered. Wes, Rui, and Ridley turned and saw a woman clad in a blue police uniform and hat with very short shorts. Her gun was drawn and a tiger-stripped dog known as a Growlithe was at her side. "Put your hands up where I can see them!" All five people placed there hands over their heads in a sign of surrender.

"Wait, Officer Jenny," the school teacher replied. "The only ones who are guilty are the two big men. The young men and lady were the ones who stopped them from taking Landis."

"Is this true?" Officer Jenny asked.

"It is, ma'am," Landis answered. "Those two were trying hold me for ransom and then steal their Pokemon."

"Hey, it's not like that…" Stan said with a smile.

"Yeah, Officer. It's all a big misunderstanding," Jim said.

"You two are under arrest for attempting kidnapping and attempted Pokemon larceny!" Officer Jenny said as she handcuffed both criminals. Growlithe stood in front of the goons to keep them from escaping.

"Aw, come on!" shouted Stan.

"Damn it!" Jim yelled. He then turned to Wes and Ridley and replied, "You two are gonna get it, you hear? The next we see you, we'll get our revenge!"

"Just try it. And when you do, we'll pimp-smack you losers so hard, yo' momma, yo' aunt, and yo' grandma will feel the sting!" Ridley replied.

With their wrists cuffed, Jenny pushed the trainers out of the room. "Thanks, you two," the officer said. "You managed to save the day. If it weren't for you, who knows what would have happened."

"It was nothing, ma'am," Wes said. "We just didn't want to see them get away with such a despicable act."

"Fo' real," Ridley said. "Them fools were nothing but punks that needed to get roughed up."

Officer Jenny nodded again. With that said, Jenny left the building with her men in toe. She tossed them in her police car and drove back to the station.

"Way to go, you guys!" Rui said. "We managed to stop them and save Kirlia."

"Thanks," Wes said.

"No sweat," Ridley replied.

"Class, due to the events of today, you all get out early. Your homework will be on status treatment products and their effects on Pokemon." Seeming as if it was a regular school day, the children in the room left, patting their heroes and giving thanks on their way out. "You two really saved us from the worse case scenario. I tried to stop them, but their Pokemon were too strong. If anything happened to the children, I don't know what I would do."

"It's cool," Ridley said. "Like my man said, we just couldn't leave things like they were."

"Still, there's no way I can thank you enough… Wait a minute…" The teacher turned around and went to his desk. Digging in his drawers, the teacher pulled out a light blue stone. "Here, take this," he said. "I'm sure it will be useful to you on your journey."

"What is it?" Rui asked. "I've never seen anything like it."

"It's a Dawn Stone. A rare evolutionary stone found only in Sinnoh."

"Are you sure we can have this?" Wes asked.

"Please take it," the teacher said. "You deserve it."

"Aight. If you insist," Ridley said as he took the rock and placed it in the bag.

"I must say, you two are rather strong for such young trainers. Of course, I never imagined I would see anyone steal a Pokemon to stop a rogue trainer. It's somewhat puzzling."

"Look, we can explain," Wes began.

However, the teacher rose his hand and shook his head. "You don't need to explain. I can see that you three are not the villains and I heard what you said during the battle. Whatever's going on in Sinnoh, I know I can trust that you will be the one's making sure nothing serious happens."

"You got that right, teach!" Ridley said. "That's why we're here."

"Are you sure you want to stay around?" Wes said. "You just saw me steal a trainer's Pokemon. Wouldn't it be safer if you continued on your own?"

"And miss all the fun? Hell no!" Ridley replied. "'Sides, even if I wanted to, I've become an accomplice as soon as you snagged Kirlia. Guess that means I'm in it for the long haul."

"Ridley…" Rui said with a smile.

Ridley smirked. "You can count on it."

"Thank you for the stone," Rui said to the teacher as she bowed her head. "I'm happy we were able to help."

"You're welcome," the teacher responded. "And I wish you good luck on your journey."

The trio left the classroom and headed back north. Lurking behind a bush near the front window was Kawagata. He glared at the group, especially at Wes' Snag Machine. "So he was able to steal Kirlia with that device. It appears that single Snag Machine would pose a grave hassle to our plans." He stepped out of his hiding spot and folded his arms. "I must report back to Team Galaxy headquarters and investigate this matter closely." With his resolve in mind, the Rocket member hurried to the exit.


At the center of the city, the gang met up with Landis and his father. "I would like to thank you for saving my son," the parent said. "I knew asking you three to help was a good decision."

"It was our pleasure, sir," Rui said.

"You two are so strong!" Landis shouted ecstatically. "You should have seen it dad! Wes and Ridley beat those two guys so bad, they were crying afterwards!"

"Is that so?" Landis' father asked as he affectionately ruffled his son's hair. He then turned to the heroes. "To show you my appreciation, I would like to give you all something."

"Are you sure?" Wes asked.

"Of course. As President of the Poketch Company, I would like to give you these." Digging into his pocket, the President held out his hand. Resting on the palm were three shiny new Poketches in red, blue, and pink.

"Man, these things are so dope," Ridley said as he took the red watch. Rui took the pink watch while Wes was handed the blue. Ridley started pressing the buttons on his Poketch, sifting through the options. "Whoa! It's even got the alarm clock setting!"

"These Poketches are the newest models straight from the assembly line. They have a couple of options most others haven't been installed with yet. It's my way of thanks."

"No prob, Mister Pres," Ridley said.

"Thank you, Mr. President," Rui said.

"I guess we'll be going now," Wes said. He then kneeled down to Landis' level. "You be a good kid. Listen to your dad and stay in school. Alright?"

"You bet, Wes!" Landis replied with a wide smile.

Standing back up, the ex-Snaggem member returned to his feet and walked to the exit. "Come on, you two," he said.

"Right," Rui said as she and Ridley followed Wes. "Good bye!" she called, waving her hand.

"Come back anytime!" Landis called. We might have another option to install in your Poketch!"

"Fo' real?" Ridley said. "Then we'll be back later on! Aight?"

"Take care of yourselves!" Landis' father said. "I wish you a good journey."

"We will!" Ridley replied. Wes only rose his arm and waved his hand. With their day in Jubilife coming to a close, the two were now heading west to Route 203 and the Oreburgh Gate. The first Sinnoh badge was close at hand and neither Wes or Ridley could wait for their upcoming battle.