They continued their travels to get through Mt. Moon and reach Cerulean City.

However, due to Nala's new size, Alex had to keep her in her pokéball, only taking her out for certain battles.

She felt it would be safer for the water Pokémon than making her slide across potentially sharp rocks or knock into something she shouldn't when reaching narrower places.

Now that Nala finally evolved, Alex decided to focus on the rest of her team so they didn't fall behind too much. She mostly wanted to work on Ken, knowing he may become a big part facing the Cerulean Gym.

Anytime Alex did use Nala in battle though, it was brief to chase away ornery Geodude.

The Gyarados though proved that while a sweetheart, she can be ferocious when needed. She demonstrated that ferocity towards a Team Rocket member when they bumped into him.

Ken and Hana made quick work of his Zubat and Ekans, but when he tried to intimidate the girl, Nala came out snarling, coiling herself around her trainer protectively.

"H-hey now, no need to get hostile," the Rocket stuttered as he backed away. "How about this, if I give you these, you'll leave me be?" He tossed Alex an ether and TM, Hana catching them with her psychic power. "I'm just here to find some fossils that's all, I won't cause any problems, I swear."

Taking an opportunity to flee, the Rocket did so with a yelp when Ken sent a warning shock at him when feeling he was to close while running by.

"Guess now we know why they're here," Alex sighed sadly.

She waited briefly to ensure he was gone before reaching the main floor again. She had Ken perched on her shoulder with Hana flying next to her on the opposite side.

~Alex, what are fossils?~ Ken asked curiously.

He watched as Nala beat up a hiker that challenged his trainer to a battle, having the serpent sent out instead of one of the others.

"They're the remains of living things that died a long ago. They can be people, plants, animals, or Pokémon," Alex answered after they won and traveled further.

~Why would they want remains?~ Hana asked, sounding disturbed by the notion.

"With Team Rocket, it would be to make a profit off them. While fossils are essentially dead things, they hold a lot of value."

~How?~ the electric type asked.

"They can teach us a lot about the past. Scientists collect them to study to know what our ancestors were like culturally and biologically."

~They can learn that?~

"Yeah, depending on what the fossil is, it can tell a lot. If they have the full skeleton of a Pokémon, they can learn not only what it might have looked like alive, but whether it was carnivorous or not. Pewter City actually has a museum showcasing some fossils they found here and a few other spots in Kanto."

~Wow…~ Ken awed, completely engrossed in what his trainer explained.

"I actually remember hearing on the news that some scientists might have developed a way to restore certain fossils back," Alex added.

~So they can bring back dead people and Pokémon?~

"Just Pokémon as far as I know."

~Wonder why?~ Hana mused.

"Maybe if we bump into a scientist that studies this sort of thing, we could ask?"

~Hey, if by some chance we find a fossil, could we bring it back? I think it would be really cool to see someone from a past life!~ Ken exclaimed.

"It would be cool, but you would need to be trained to find fossils. If you don't know where to look while in places like here, it could prove really dangerous. Even if we did, I'm sure it'll be really expensive to restore a fossil."

~Awww…~

"Doesn't mean we can't try if we get one," Alex reassured, scratching her Pikachu's ear.

~That would be great!~

As they climbed down a ladder to another level before finding another to climb back up, hoping the exit won't be too far. While supplies are going well, all could agree they were getting rather sick of traveling through this cave.

"Hold it, brat, this area's off limits!" a Rocket shouted as he called out his Raticate.

"Nala, take care of it!" Alex ordered as she threw the ball.

The serpentine beast came out, ensuring her trainer was protected behind her massive body before attacking the tanned rodent.

The Raticate attempted to bite her, however, her scales proved tougher, causing little harm to her hide as she shook it off. She returned the gesture with a bite of her own, managing not to bite down too hard, enough to knock it unconscious.

The Rocket panicked as he recalled his Pokémon, fleeing from the trainer and her Pokémon as the others came out growling.

~I thought the police were closing parts off?~ Ansen growled as he flew close to the others.

"They are, or should…" Alex answered, sounding unsure.

~You said these Team Rocket guys might be in the police… Maybe one of the officers is leading the good ones away from his friends?~ Lance suggested.

"I don't know, that could be true, but this is also a major route for trainers. If they were going to do that, they would have set up a sign or told me that they were."

~Whatever is going on, hopefully, we'll be out soon. If need be, you could contact the Cerulean City police to ask about what's going on,~ Sienna suggested.

"That sounds like a good plan," Alex smiled, though it quickly faded when a shrill cry was heard. "What was that?"

~Sounded like someone's in trouble,~ Hana whimpered, landing on the girl's head, body quivering.

~It sounds like it came from over there,~ Lance said, his ears honing in. ~Sounds like they're not alone…~

Before anyone could react, Ken suddenly leaped off Alex's shoulder and went running down to the source of the cry.

"Ken!" the girl cried as did others.

They went after him, chasing the golden colored mouse as he turned the corner, finding another member of Team Rocket trying to restrain a Clefairy.

"Pika!"

Ken lunged at the man, letting loose a light bolt of electricity to make him drop the frightened Pokémon. He jumped down to act as a shield, seeing the man pull out his whip.

"I don't know what you're trying to pull you rat, but you're going to pay," he threatened, aiming to strike them.

"Ken!" Alex shouted.

"So this thing's yours?" the Rocket smirked. "Call it off, I found that Clefairy first."

"In your dreams!"

The others stood back as Ken quickly dispatched the Rattata and Zubat that were sent out, throwing one good jolt of electricity at the Rocket when he tried using his whip.

Seeing the other Pokémon snarling, ready to attack, the Rocket fled, running past Alex, yelping when Ansen made a dive for his head to ensure he kept running.

Once certain he was gone, Alex went over to the frightened Pokémon as Ken ran to its side as well.

"Are you okay?" she asked, kneeling down while taking her bag off. "Did he hurt you at all?"

~Don't hurt me!~ the Clefairy cried out, running behind Ken.

~It's okay, Alex won't hurt you,~ the electric mouse comforted, patting her on the arm.

~Is she your trainer?~

~Yeah, she's really nice and takes great care of us. Oh, and she can understand us, so that makes her extra special.~

~She can understand us?~

"I can, so if there's any place that's hurting or if you're confused about anything, let me know so I can try to help."

~I'm okay, that man mostly surprised me when he grabbed me like that,~ the Clefairy said, feeling a little better.

"I'm glad we could get here sooner, though I think Ken's the real hero," Alex smiled, patting her Pokémon on the head.

~I don't think I could be one, I mean…~ the Pikachu sputtered, feeling his face grow hot with embarrassment.

~Well I'm really glad you saved me. I don't know how to repay you.~

"It was no trouble at all. Do you need any help getting back to your friends?"

~I'll be fine, but…~ The pink Pokémon paused, looking at Ken with a shy smile. ~If it's alright with you, could I join your team? I don't know if I'll be a very good fighter, but I want to try and help if I can.~

"I don't mind, what about you guys?"

~Sure, we have a full team now, but we can always do with more friends!~ Hana laughed.

~She's right, plus you won't be alone. Alex caught a Jigglypuff not that long ago, so he's back at her home. Plus, her mother and her Pokémon will be there to help take care of you and Max,~ Sienna explained, seeing her face light up.

~Really? So I won't be locked up?~

Alex shook her head, "My mom will let you wander around the house and explore. And I'm sure her Pokémon will help show you around as they are for Max I'm certain."

~Alright, I'll do my best should you ever need me!~ the Clefairy beamed.

"Okay then," Alex smiled as she pulled out a pokéball. "What do you think about being called Lizzy?"

~It sounds pretty,~ the Pokémon beamed.

"Then welcome to the team, Lizzy."

With a flash of red, the pink Pokémon was quickly swallowed up by the ball, wiggling a little in the girl's hand before it stilled. Once it had, the ball was quickly transferred back to her home as Max's ball had done.

~Not exactly what I was planning for our deal, but I suppose it works,~ Ansen commented as Alex checked everyone over for injuries before they continued.

~I've heard Clefairy could be surprisingly strong if raised right back where I came from,~ Sienna said with a smile. ~Even if it turns out Lizzy isn't a fighter, she could still be a great support for all of us.~

"Her and Max both," Alex grinned.

They continued making progress deeper in the cave, finding a sign that told them the exit was not too far, exciting them.

They were anticipating not having to travel in the cavern, putting the mountain behind and the troubles it held.

Nearing the exit, Alex stopped as did her Pokémon, hearing arguing in the distance.

~Now what?~ Ansen growled, hating that they couldn't catch a break.

Careful not to make too much noise, they crept closer, peeking around a corner. They saw another Rocket as well as a boy about Alex's age. They were arguing, though the younger boy was clearly at a disadvantage.

"Hand them over, kid," he asked, his free hand held out, the other holding a knife. "You've got no reason to keep them."

"I won't let you take them! I found these with help from my Pokémon!" the teen shouted, his voice trembling with fear.

"Which I took care of easily in case you've forgotten."

Alex let her eyes follow where the Rocket gestured, her blood running cold when seeing several Pokémon lying not far. None of them were moving, a metallic looking one cracked almost completely in half.

The boy was shaking, his face bruised from possible punches, but he refused to budge and relinquish whatever it was he had.

"You'll pay for what you did," he growled, fighting back tears.

"I tried to reason, but you brats are simply too stubborn," the Rocket chuckled as he went to lunge at the boy. "Get ready to join the afterlife with your pathetic Pokémon, brat!"

"We have to do something! He's going to kill him," Alex whimpered.

Blood boiling, Ansen charged with an angry screech, attacking the Rocket, knocking him away from the boy. He watched where the knife went, not wanting to hit with that.

"Dammit, where the hell did you come from?" the Rocket snarled, waving his knife around frantically.

"Ansen, be careful!" Alex shouted as she and the others ran from their hiding place.

~Hana, give me a hand. Get rid of his knife!~ the avian ordered.

The butterfly was surprised, unsure what he meant before remembering her psychic abilities. Eyes glowing, she forced the knife out of the Rocket's hand, sending it flying into a wall.

~It's gone!~ she exclaimed.

"Call your crazy bird off!" the Rocket shouted desperately. He threw his arms up in an attempt to protect his face from the sharp talons.

Alex was frozen, having never seen her Pokémon so angry, but knew she couldn't let him continue.

"Ansen, that's enough, don't kill him. Just make him leave!"

With a huff, the bird backed off from scratching the man, instead chose to flap his wings hard, to send sand and debris. Sienna joined his side, flecks of ember escaping her muzzle, lips pulled back to show all of her fangs.

~You heard her, leave!~ the fire type snarled.

She knew the man wouldn't understand her, but her roaring would scare him enough. What helped was Lance and Ken growling by her side, Nala even coming out with a fierce roar, adding to the intimidation.

With a terrified scream, the Rocket managed to turn tail and run, knowing he was more than outmatched.

"Is he gone?" Alex asked nervously as things began to quiet down.

~I don't smell him anymore,~ Sienna growled softly. ~We should be okay for now.~

Relieved to hear that, Alex turned to the boy, seeing he had gone over to his deceased Pokémon. Any tears he was hiding before were now falling freely.

She walked over, unsure what to say to make it better.

"Thank you…" he said quietly. "If you hadn't come around, I would be dead."

"I'm sorry we didn't get here sooner. If we had, maybe we could have saved them."

"It happened so fast, that guy had really strong Pokémon. I should have just given him the fossils, but we worked so hard to find one, let alone two."

He let out a choked sob, bringing his hand to cover his mouth as he tried to get some semblance of control.

"Team Rocket is really bad and unpredictable," Alex said, placing her hand on the boy's back, rubbing it gently.

"I guess that's true, but it seems so unfair they had to die so horribly. Grimer… Koffing… Voltorb… I've had them all since I was really young…"

"We should get out of here so we can get the police," she said softly, knowing the idea of leaving might not be that pleasing to him.

"But what about them?" he asked, knowing it was regarding the bodies.

~We could ask some Pokémon around here to keep them safe until authorities arrive,~ Sienna offered, walking over to place a comforting paw on her trainer.

Nodding, Alex turned to the boy, "Maybe we could ask some of the Pokémon that live here? They could keep their bodies safe until the police show up."

"I guess…"

Turning to her starter, she gave her a nod to go find someone to help, the fire type getting a couple others to come help. The only ones to stay and guard the kids were Ansen and Nala.

After a few minutes, they returned with a small cluster of Geodude following, the fire type informing they would be happy to help.

~Told us what had happened. Those blasted humans in black really have no heart,~ one of the Geodude grumbled as he gave the bodies a pitiful look.

"Looks like these Geodude want to help," Alex said, the boy having to agree.

"It feels wrong leaving them though," the boy sniffed as they started to pack their things, his mostly.

He picked up a couple of strange looking rocks, placing them in his bag as he followed her and her Pokémon towards the exit.

"If we want to make Team Rocket pay, we need to tell the police. They'll not only help catch them, but they'll be able to get your Pokémon so they can be given a proper burial."

"You're right," the boy nodded as they found the ladder leading them to the exit. "I don't know how I can ever thank you for helping me."

"You don't have to, I would hope someone would do the same if something like that ever happened," she said, feeling her stomach knot at the thought.

Seeing a wild Pokémon getting killed didn't have the same effect as it did seeing someone else's Pokémon die. It made her feel sick; knowing the boy following her must be feeling much worse. They were not only his Pokémon but with how much he's grieving, likely his best friends, family even.

She wasn't sure how she'll react should she ever lose a Pokémon. She's had close calls but never lost her team.

When they reached the exit and were outside, Alex's mind was briefly distracted by the warm sun, her Pokémon looking so much better. Ansen and Hana flew higher, Ken unable to resist rolling in the grass. Sienna and Lance were looking far more relaxed as they walked together. Even calling Nala out so she could stretch herself, the draconic serpent seemed happier to be back outside where there was far more space.

"You've raised really good Pokémon," the boy commented, a small smile forming. His eyes were red from crying, but between being outside and seeing the Pokémon more relaxed seemed to help.

"Thanks, I try really hard to take care of them so they can be happy," Alex answered with a small smile. "After what happened in there, it's nice to be outside."

"Yeah…"

Both were silent the rest of the way as they followed a path leading to Cerulean City, Alex returning most of her Pokémon as they neared. She mostly wanted to put Nala in her ball, knowing a Gyarados randomly entering a city might cause problems.

They immediately made their way to the Pokémon Center, knowing any injuries they and the Pokémon got needed treating.

"Hello, how may I help you?" the nurse asked happily, though quickly faded seeing their deshelled appearances. "Is everything alright?"

"We need to speak with an officer," Alex said as she handed her Pokémon over. "We were attacked by Team Rocket."

Alex - Pokémon 8 - Badges 1 - Deaths 0

Team:

Sienna - Charmander - Charmeleon

Ansen - Pidgey - Pidgeotto

Lance - Nidoran M. - Nidorino

Hana - Caterpie - Metapod - Butterfree

Ken - Pikachu

Nala - Magikarp - Gyarados

Home:

Maxwell - Jigglypuff

Lizzy - Clefairy

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