A messenger quickly rode into Pallet Town, grumbling to himself.
"Why I 'ave to deliver the stinking message, nobody knows. Ain't there the internet? The Professor can't be so crazy as to not understand the internet. It's basic, really. Instant communication and whatnot. 'Sides, whole country's having problems. So why...do...I..." The messenger's voice trailed off. "Holy shit."
The town that was facing him was no more than charred cinders, with a few flames still leaping about between the buildings.
"Oh, man. Not the professor. He was one o' the most insightful o' the bunch. Now what are we going t' do? We'll never figure out what's going on here. Dammit!"
He turned around to leave, only to be stopped by a cry.
"Wait!"
Startled, he turned around again. A younger woman was limping toward him, dragging an old man along. For some reason, he was babbling incessantly.
"Wait a moment. Who're you? Who's that old geezer? Wait...Holy shit. Is that th' professor? He really is crazy, then. Used to be the best chance outta all of 'em. Now what're we s'pposed t' do? I mean--"
"Bring Oak to a hospital. See what he can tell you. I barely understand what happened, so I'll be no help. Just leave me here."
The messenger shrugged. "If that's whatcha want, then okay." He then grabbed the professor, jumped on the horse and started away.
"Wait!" Jenny cried out.
The messenger halted. "Well, come on then." Jenny limped over and joined the messenger on the horse, and they galloped away, leaving the few fires remaining to smolder.
-- -- --
"So, what happen'd?" The messenger asked.
"I don't really know. I was listening to the professor babble, when all of a sudden everything was on fire. I mean, everything! Things in the freezer caught on fire instantly. It was like we were in hell. I just...everything's..." Jenny lost her composure for a moment, then regained it. "I don't know. See if the professor can tell you."
"Professor?"
The professor looked up wearily. "Hello there, Henry. Where's my tea? I really do think I need some tea, especially since that nasty Entei burnt down my house. Would you happen to have any chives? I want a--"
Oak was abruptly cut off by Jenny. "That was Entei? How do you know that?"
"My dear Henry, it wasn't hard. All you had to do was look out the window."
Jenny thought back. He had, indeed, been looking out the window.
"Why did Entei attack, sir?"
"Good lord, Henry, you don't have to be so uptight with your own father. Anyhow, I guess it was mad because the Toxifreeze died. I dunno. Something like that, anyhow."
"Toxifreeze?"
"My, Henry, you have a lot of questions, don't you? Truth be told..." he frowned. "I don't remember. Had something to do with Brock, though...Who's Brock again? Brock...Brock..who is Brock...Jenny!"
Jenny was instantly alert. "Yes, professor?"
"I'm sorry. My memory's faded a little bit with time. Brock went back in time to...um...what was it now? I think it had something to do with some Pokemon. Toxifreeze, it was called. But why did he need to--?" Brock slumped. "I'm sorry. I just don't remember. My body is sore. I feel burned everywhere. I'm just tired."
"Dontcha worry a bit, professor. We've reached Viridian City, and you can rest real soon."
"Oh...okay." The professor looked relieved, and not another word was spoken as they headed for the medical center.
-- -- --
Author's Note: I am always open to any reviews that you care to give, and knowing if I'm doing something wrong will strengthen the story. Thanks. Also, sorry for taking so long to post. Schoolwork was killing me.
