I'm finally getting serious about this. You're likely to see a chapter every week if nothing comes up and I don't get writer's block very often. Let's begin!

2: Showdown! Pokémon Center!

Satoshi and Hogoki have finally arrived in Viridian City after a rough start to their journey. Unfortunately they have been held up by a local officer who is watching for Pokémon thieves...

"C'mon, miss, we've gotta go through for just a little while!"

"I'm sorry, but without any identification-"

"We know, we won't be able to pass... Though my friend's Pikachu isn't gonna make it if we don't get help for it by evening!"

"I wish I could help, but I can't let you pass without ID."

"We'd love to give it, but we just got here from Pallet Town and-"

"You know, you're the fifth and sixth persons I've seen from Pallet Town today."

"You mean Shigeru's already been here?!"

"Yes, I remember a boy around your age with that name passing."

"If he's passed then we need to go too!"

"...Say, what's that in your pocket?"

"Huh? You mean this?"

"Yes, this! This is perfect.. a Pokédex! This should solve our problem..."

"I am a Pokédex, programmed by Professor Oak for Satoshi of Pallet Town. My purpose is to provide Satoshi with Pokémon information. I cannot be replaced if lost."

"Finally... Now, what of yours?"

"I am a Pokédex, programmed by Professor Oak for Hogoki of Pallet Town. My purpose is to provide Hogoki with Pokémon information. I cannot be replaced if lost."

"It seems you're who you say you are."

"Great! So... can we pass now?"

"Of course. In fact, I'll help you with getting treatment for your Pikachu! My motorbike should get you there in minutes... but it can only hold two."

"...Satoshi, you go. I can get there on foot and see ya a little after you arrive."

"Of course, thanks! Just don't get lost!"

"I'll... try not to."

With that, Satoshi with Pikachu in tow went to the Pokémon Center by motorbike, and Hogoki attempted to follow on foot... before he spotted a Pokémon gym nearby.

"Maybe I should try challenging that..." His hopes were dampened by a passerby.

"If you're interested in challenging the Viridian Gym, the gym leader's out. He's been gone for months even."

"Months?! Oh, great... I guess I can challenge it later then."

Then he headed to the Pokémon Center again, this time hoping to arrive quickly... Meanwhile...

"A wanted poster... How flattering."

"Flattering?! This poster makes me look terrible..."

"Then you should be happy. The photographer captured the real you."

"Exactly."

"We'll show those bumpkins."

"The people of Viridian City will be sorry they ever saw this face!"

"We're all sorry ta see it. Stay focused, we're here ta nab us some rare and exotic Pokémon. So don't forget it, meow."

"Absolutely."

"But of course!"

"Then the cats'll play while the mice stay away!"

"You got it!"

Back with Hogoki... He's finally arrived at the Pokémon Center, only to encounter an angry girl yelling at Satoshi about a bicycle.

"I don't need your help, and you're gonna pay for what you did to my bike!"

"I'll make up for it! I promise I will, really, but I can't pay you back until-"

"I don't need any of your lame excuses! I just need a new bike right now!"

"It's my Pikachu... My Pikachu's not doing so well..."

"...Is it very serious?"

"I think so... and there's nothing I can do about it right now." Then the nurse finally arrived after Satoshi finished speaking. "How's my Pikachu?!"

"Your Pikachu's resting... You're lucky you got it here so quickly. The procedure went well and it should be fine."

"Thanks to the Pokémon Center."

"Yes, thanks so much!"

"Now, your Pokémon needs a good rest in the recovery room... You should go in with it, Satoshi."

"Thanks... Listen, I'm sorry about your bike, but I'm gonna need some time to make things right."

Why does Hogoki seem to recognize this girl from somewhere? He doesn't seem to know her name, though...

Wait, why did the roof explode?!

"What the?! ...Wh... Who are you?"

Ditto finally chimed in after some time.

"(Not these guys...)"

"If you ask simple questions like those to us..."

"The world's compassion is all you'll hear back!"

"To protect the world from devastation!"

"To preserve the world's peaceful sensation!"

"To stand by the evils of love and truth!"

"We're lovely villains, charming to the root!"

"Musashi!"

"Kojirō!"

"Team Rocket blasts off at the speed of light!"

"With the white hole we shall make, the future is bright!"

"Meowth, dat's right!"

"...Are those guys serious?"

"I don't get it..."

"We're here for the Pokémon!"

"You're not getting ours!"

"We're not interested in purple blobs and electric rats."

"We only seek rare and valuable Pokémon."

"You're wasting your time. This place only holds weak and injured Pokémon..."

"That might be true, but there might be a treasure or two in the trash!"

"You're starting to bug me..."

"Same with me."

"How cute... The boys are bugged."

"Then how abouts we squash 'em?!"

After a lot of battling between the pair from Team Rocket and the group of Satoshi, Hogoki, and the girl who is revealed to be named "Misty", Satoshi managed to put a quick end to their antics by sending a powerful Thundershock to them, making their Koffing's gases explode and thus sending them flying.

"Great... A cat losing to a mouse."

"Dat's no ordinary Pikachu, no siree..."

"It's certainly a rarity. The perfect prize, even!"

"Maybe we'll catch it someday..."

"Ya never know."

Back with Satoshi's group. They're now in the Viridian Forest, when Misty lets out a loud scream.

"What's wrong?"

"L-Look over there..."

"A Caterpie... So cool, a bug Pokémon!"

"Even if it's a Pokémon, bugs are disgusting... C'mon, d-do something already!"

"Stand back, then. This'll be a piece of cake! Poké Ball... go!"

Will Satoshi capture the Caterpie? What is Team Rocket planning? Will Misty ever get a new bicycle? How does Hogoki know Misty, anyway? You'll likely find out in the next chapter of their journey!

NEXT EPISODE:

Satoshi and his friends have finally set off on the right foot this time! They'll soon encounter a new friend, who will aid them against Team Rocket in their return to obtain Satoshi's Pikachu. Some of Hogoki's past might be revealed soon as well... what might it be?

"Misty, huh... Got a feeling I know ya from somewhere."

"You seem a little familiar too, now that you mention it."

Coming soon, on Pokémon:

#3: "Gotta Catch 'em All!"

Until then, everyone... you get Pokémon, too! Ya hear me?!