I'm just like the rest of you. I want to own Pokémon, but I don't. At least I can say this story is mine.

Chapter 4: Unexpected Help

The four Pokémon continued on their way through Viridian Forest. Ziggy was carrying Angel, whose wing was still burned too badly for her to fly. Neo was carrying Sasha, still suffering from the effects of the Seviper's poison. However, the battle against Team Rocket had tired out both Neo and Ziggy and it was becoming more and more difficult for them to continue on while carrying their friends.

Ziggy: Neo, do you think we could stop for a while?

Neo: We can't stop yet, Ziggy. We need to get out of here and find Sasha and Angel some help.

Angel: While I appreciate the concern, Neo, it won't do any good for the two of you to wear yourselves out like this.

Neo: But...

Angel: Think about it. If Team Rocket comes and attacks us again you two will be too tired to fight back and then we'll all be captured.

Despite his urge to go on, Neo had to admit that Angel had a good point.

Neo: Alright, we'll stop here.

Angel crawled off of Ziggy's back while Neo gently put Sasha down on the ground. He stared at her. She was still alive, but for how long he didn't know. With no idea how powerful the poison was Neo didn't know if she had a few minutes, a few hours or what.

Neo: Sasha...

Ziggy and Angel both felt bad for them. Neither one deserved to suffer like this.

Angel: I hate seeing them like this. I wish there was something we could do.

Looking around, Ziggy spotted some berries in a tree. Almost immediately, his demeanor changed from gloomy to optimistic.

Ziggy: Maybe there is. Look up there.

Angel looked up and saw the berries Ziggy spotted.

Angel: Are those...Lum Berries?

Ziggy: They are.

Angel: Those can cure just about anything, right?

Ziggy: And I'm almost positive that they can help us now.

Even though they were wild Pokémon, they were very wise when it came to the various berries growing in the forest and their different healing properties. Realizing that Lum Berries could help aid in Sasha's condition, Ziggy ran to the tree. He stood at the base and fired off a Pin Missile attack, knocking a few to the ground. He grabbed one and brought it over to Neo.

Ziggy: Here.

Neo: A Lum Berry?

Ziggy: It should help with the poison.

Neo: But that guy said that there's no cure other than that vile he had.

Ziggy: It might not cure her, but it should slow it down.

Neo: Okay then. I'll try.

Neo picked Sasha up into a sitting position. He took the berry and held it in front of her.

Neo: Sasha, try eating this.

Sasha: What...what is...it?

Neo: It's a Lum Berry. It should help with the poison.

Sasha: I...I'll...t...try...

While still holding the berry, Neo helped Sasha as she took a bite. She swallowed it with a bit of difficulty.

Neo: That's good. Can you manage another?

Sasha: I...I...don't...think...I...can...

Before she could finish, Sasha passed out.

Neo: Sasha? Sasha!

Neo was almost in a panic. He picked Sasha up and moved her to his back.

Neo: Come on! We have to get moving now!

Ziggy: Wait a minute! We haven't even decided where we're going.

Neo: Right now I don't care! I just want to get help for Sasha!

Ziggy and Angel knew how much Neo cared for Sasha and how nothing they would say was going to change his mind. After Angel climbed back on Ziggy, the Pokémon continued on through Viridian Forest.

In the northern part of Viridian Forest, a trainer was making his way through. The trainer, named Chad, was a red-headed boy wearing a red shirt and a black vest with black jeans. An accomplished Pokémon trainer, he was on his way to visit a friend. However, he was currently lost inside the forest.

Chad: Oh boy. This could take a while.

Looking around, everything seemed to look the same to him. Without a map to guide him, he thought he would stuck here for hours before finding his way out. Then, an idea came to him.

Chad: Man, am I dumb! I have a Salamence! I could just fly out of here!

Chad removed a Poké ball from his belt and was about to release the Pokémon inside when he heard voices up ahead. Thinking it was some trainers he ran ahead, looking to get some battling in. However, what he found was Neo and the others still trying to decide where to go.

Ziggy: Those are our two best choices right now. So, which is it going to be.

Neo: They're both about the same distance apart, but Viridian is a bit bigger than Pewter.

Angel: So that's where we're going, right?

Neo: I guess.

Chad was amazed to find talking Pokémon. Never in his years of traveling had he come across something like this. He moved closer, trying to stay out of sight, but the snapping of a twig he stepped on alerted them to his presence.

Neo: Who's there! Show yourself!

Chad: Darn. Busted.

Realizing he could get out of this one, Chad stepped into the open, hands in the air. However, Neo still acted extremely cautious.

Neo: Who are you!

Chad: Relax. I'm not here to hurt you.

Neo: We'll see. Now, answer my question.

Chad: My name is Chad. I'm just your average Pokémon trainer.

Neo: Trainer, huh? So, you're here to pick up the scraps left behind by that other group!

Chad: Other group?

Ziggy: They called themselves Team Rocket.

Chad: Team Rocket was here!

Chad knew all about Team Rocket. Even though he had spent the past few years traveling in Johto and Hoenn, he had encountered them many times. Mostly it was to stop them from stealing Pokémon, but there were few times when he put an end to some kind of world-domination scheme of theirs. Unfortunately, many times he left with his Pokémon badly injured. But they would always jump at whatever chance they got to fight the evil organization. From the condition of the Pokémon in front of him, it was clear that this was their doing.

Chad: Tell me, how long ago were they here?

Neo: You mean you're not with them.

Chad: Never! I have too much respect for Pokémon to be associated with the likes of them.

As Chad spoke, Neo searched his eyes. He saw that this person, Chad as he was called, spoke the truth about him not being part of Team Rocket. His tension eased as he approached the trainer.

Neo: I can see now that you speak the truth. I'm sorry for being suspicious earlier.

Chad: It's alright. Now, how long ago was Team Rocket here?

Neo: It's been a few minutes, maybe close to half an hour.

Chad: I see. Then there's no way they'd still be around.

A cry of pain brought everyone's attention to Sasha. Neo immediately rushed to her side, concern written all over his face.

Neo: Sasha!

Sasha: It...hurts...so...much... Neo...

Neo: Hold on! Sasha!

Chad: What happened to her!

Ziggy: Team Rocket used a Seviper with some new kind of poison. They tried to get Neo with it, but Sasha took the hit instead and now we have no idea how long she has to live.

Angel: We were on our way to Viridian City to get her help.

Chad listened, never once taking his eyes off the two Pikachu. Even though Sasha was the one in pain from the poison it seemed like Neo was suffering just as much as she was. Already angry because he couldn't stop Team Rocket's latest injustice, he was determined to at least help these Pokémon.

Chad: You said you were going to Viridian, right?

Neo: Yeah. Why?

Chad: If you want I can take you somewhere else.

Ziggy: Where would that be.

Chad: I was on my way to meet a friend of mine in Pallet Town. He'll be able to help you a lot better than anyone in Viridian could.

Angel: Pallet Town...you're talking about Professor Oak, aren't you?

Chad: How did you know?

Angel: We've heard a few trainers speak of him on their way through here.

Chad: Then I'm sure you've heard of his reputation.

Neo: We've heard that he's the best around. But can he really help Sasha?

Chad: I'm sure he can. Do you want me to take you to him?

Neo: If he can help then yes.

Chad nodded and took out a Poké ball.

Chad: Out you come, Salamence!

He threw the Poké ball, releasing the large blue dragon it held inside.

Chad: Salamence, we need to get these Pokémon to Professor Oak's lab fast.

Salamence roared in compliance. Chad helped the four Pokémon onto it's back, being extra careful with Sasha. He then climbed on himself.

Chad: To Pallet Town, quickly!

With a mighty roar, the dragon Pokémon took to the skies and headed for Pallet Town. Neo looked at Sasha.

Neo: Don't worry, Sasha. We're going to get you help. Please hang on a bit longer.

Elsewhere in the forest, one of the grunts from Team Rocket was watching Chad and the Pokémon fly off towards Pallet Town. In one hand he held a Poké ball containing the Seviper used to attack Neo and the others. In the other was a phone. He was currently speaking to the head of Team Rocket.

Grunt: Yes sir. I can confirm that the Pokémon have escaped.

Leader: So you let them escape.

Grunt: Sir, I can confirm that two of them were badly burned and one of the Pikachu, the female I believe, was poisoned by the Seviper Agent Zack had with him.

Leader: And where is Agent Zack right now?

Grunt: He was killed when he was inadvertently struck by the Seviper's Poison Tail.

Leader: Why didn't he use the antidote?

Grunt: He chose to die rather than give the Pokémon a chance to aid their fallen friend.

Leader: I knew that fool's pride would be the death of him.

Grunt: While those did escape, we did manage to capture three others. A Beedrill, a Linoone and a Pidgeotto.

Leader: I suppose that will have to do. Send those three Pokémon to me. Then take the Seviper to Blackthorn for detoxification.

Grunt: Yes sir!

The grunt hung up and took out a Poké ball. He threw it, releasing a large brown bird with a long neck and long, slender beak. The grunt climbed on its back.

Grunt: Now, Fearow! Take me to Viridian!

The Fearow cawed as it took off towards Viridian City.

In his secret office, the leader of Team Rocket sat in his chair behind his desk. The only thing that was visible was his orange business suit. His face was hidden by the shadows. Next to him was a large cream-colored cat Pokémon. He stroked the top of its head.

Leader: It won't be long now, my Persian. I'll soon have more loyal Pokémon to add to my growing Team Rocket empire.

The Persian let out a loud meow as the leader thought about his eventual conquest of the Pokémon world.

In an unexpected twist, Neo and the others found help in the form of a kind Pokémon trainer named Chad. But as fast as his Salamence is, can he get them to Pallet Town in time to save Sasha's life? And what of their friends Buzz, Bandit and Skye? What will happen to them when Team Rocket's leader gets his hands on them? Find out next time in Battle for Life and Love!