Afterwards, the trio exited the premises. Taki then suggested that all three of them go and visit the Celebi statue. Around it, numerous villagers and festival-goers gathered. Some placed floral wreaths while others simply offered thanks. A sense of peace filled the air and washed over the trio.

"It's so nice here," said Louis. "I could stay here for a few days."

"But…" interjected Totodile. "...we're still on an important mission."

"Yeah, you're right," replied Louis.

Suddenly, rapid, deep drumming percussed its way through the streets, breaking the silence. The crowd around the statue turned to meet the musicians, several of which began to pass the group.

The inspiring rhythm fortified the trio's resolve.

"Let's get going," said Taki.

Before leaving, an oddity within the musicians drew Louis' attention. They were playing taiko drums, and Louis realised that one of the musicians was...a Machamp. It was using all four of its arms in order to play the instrument. A look of awe spread around Louis' face.

"Whoa," he whispered, freezing in place, staring.

"Come on, we gotta go," said Taki.

Soon, the village shrunk into the distance. The trio passed through more plains and long grass. The occasional tree dotted the landscape, and Louis took one last look at the village.

'Asagao Village, I'll come back one day,' he thought.

After about an hour, Totodile began to slow down, its steps getting smaller and smaller. Taki and Louis shifted their heads to the little Pokémon.

"Do you need a break, Totodile?" offered Louis.

"Please," responded Totodile, nodding rapidly.

The group sat on some tall, soft grass and stretched their legs. Louis took off one of his shoes and rubbed his foot, easing a knot out of his muscle. Taki made an inventory check of their supplies.

"Two days of rice left," she said.

Some out of place, harsh voices floated along the wind and met the trio's ears, shattering the idyllic peace.

"Oh great, what now?" groaned Totodile.

Louis put his shoe back on and stood. The voices arguing continued, while getting closer.

"I'll check it out," said Louis. "You two wait here."

"Louis, we're not separating," replied Taki, who then rose to her feet and picked up Totodile.

"We're coming with you," she continued.

Totodile started to doze off in Taki's arms. Approaching footsteps, now audible, grew louder. Quickly, the party hid beneath the tall grass. Long golden hair shone through the grass into their view.

"Give me a hand with this Magikarp, Bill!" A familiar voice ordered.

"For the last time, it's BUTCH!" another voice shouted.

A dawn of realisation flowed through Taki and Louis.

'*sigh* Team Rocket?' thought Louis.

"Do we really have to go through this again?" whispered Taki.

Louis peered out of the long grass and saw that the girl named Cassidy was carrying a Magikarp, which was flopping and flailing in her arms. Louis grew annoyed with Team Rocket and their schemes, so much so that inside...he was furiously bubbling.

As soon as Team Rocket were close enough, Louis sprung out of the tall grass.

"What the hell are you doing with that Pokémon?!" he growled.

In a panic, Cassidy dropped the Magikarp.

"Hey! What's the big idea?!" she exclaimed.

As she said that, Louis started walking towards the flailing fish Pokémon. Taki and Totodile joined Louis by his side.

"Oh no you don't!" bellowed Butch. "That Pokémon is ours now!"

With these words, the small thread of patience within the boy snapped. Louis sprinted towards both Team Rocket members, where he shoved both of them aside, causing the pair to land roughly on the ground.

"Taki!" called Louis, pointing at the Magikarp.

With that, Taki scooped up the Pokémon from the ground and ran towards Louis, with Totodile following suit.

"STAY AWAY FROM US!" shouted Louis.

Taki caught up to Louis, now staring at the fish with worry.

"I don't think it's gonna make it, we're too far away from water," said Louis.

"Not on my watch!" she exclaimed.

Thanks for reading. Is there something you enjoyed? Can you guess what happens next? Or...what do you hope to see in future chapters? If so, go ahead and leave a review explaining any of these reasons. (Please don't leave hurtful reviews)

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