A PokéSeries #9
War of Wars
by Cyllya
"Part 2: Battles, Boulders, and Grief"
and
"Part 3: Pika-Prattle-Power and Bulbasaur's Flower"
Part 2: Battles, Boulders, and Grief
Chapter 10 (1)
Ash and Pikachu, along with Doduo and its exhausted master, arrived at the Viridian Pokémon Center in the middle of the night. Although she was polite, it was clear that Nurse Joy wasn't happy to see them so late. Chansey healed all of Ash's Pokémon, Doduo, and Jigglypuff. They stayed until morning.
"Rise and shine, Pikachu," Ash said.
"Pi-ka…" Pikachu yawned. Galacteon's Pokéball opened, revealing that Galacteon was healthy, refreshed, and rearing to go.
"Does Viridian City have a gym?" he asked.
"Pika-chu," Pikachu nodded.
"Though whether or not it's intact is beyond me," Ash said, "We'll go check it out."
"Bye," said Nurse Joy, who was a little more cheerful than the night before.
"See ya, thanks," Ash said.
They walked down to the gym and stopped at the sign that was in front of it.
"'Closed for repairs,'" Ash read, "Oh, well. Maybe someone replaced Tracey at the Pewter Gym."
"Pika," Pikachu said.
"Rock-types?" Galacteon asked, "You know, I think Bulbasaur could use some experience…"
"If you can beat a Pokémon type that you're weak against," Ash said, "That proves your pretty tough."
"I guess," Galacteon said.
"Pika-chu," Pikachu said.
"We'll head through the Viridian Forest," Ash said, "but we should go to the PokéMart first."
"It's just across the street," Galacteon turned to Pikachu, "I'll race ya!"
"Pika!" Pikachu jumped off Ash's hat and started racing Galacteon.
"Hey, look both ways!" Ash called and ran after them. They did as they were told before running across the crosswalk. Pikachu used Agility and reached the steps of the PokéMart about a half second before Galacteon.
"Cheater," Galacteon said, "I don't know an Agility technique."
"Pi-he-he," Pikachu giggled.
"Please don't run off like that guys!" Ash insisted as he ran up.
"Sorry," Galacteon said.
"Ka-chu," Pikachu's ears drooped.
They went into the PokéMart.
Chapter 11 (2)
Giovanni watched a large TV screen in his office. Persian was napping soundly nearby. There was a Pidgey on Giovanni's shoulder.
On the screen was an aerial view of Ash's most recent battle with Team Rocket.
"So unreliable," Giovanni muttered. He paused the part where Jigglypuff's Lunar Cannon attack was blowing everyone away. He rewound it to see Ninetails and Arbok latched on to Galacteon, then to see the two Charizards battling. He said, "I don't know what I'll do with them."
All six Team Rocket members were in the room with the long steel table. Jessie was eating potato chips. She had three Band-Aids on her face, and her arm was bandaged. James had a neck brace and wasn't doing anything in particular.
Flames and Butch, injured though they were, were playing chess. Flames was winning. Pyra was attempting to reapply her make-up with her left hand because her right arm was in a sling. Cassidie had a bandage around her head. She was reading a book. Meowth, Ninetails, and Raticate were playing "Go Fish" on the floor.
"Checkmate," Flames said triumphantly.
"Drat…" Butch said. He threw the little Ponyta-shaped knight figurine at Flames's forehead before scooting his chair over toward Cassidie, who looked frustrated. He asked, "What are you reading?"
"The Poklopedia," Cassidie said flatly.
"The what?" Butch asked.
"Bad name," Cassidie lifted the book's cover so Butch could see it, "It's a Pokémon encyclopedia. Like a really low-tech PokéDex."
"Oh."
"I was looking up Jigglypuff to see if I could find out what that attack was it used," Cassidie explained.
"Which one is it?" Butch asked.
"It's not listed," Cassidie said, "There's Sing, Pound, Double Slap, Disable, Metronome… The basics. But none of those are like that attack."
She closed the book in frustration.
"Can I barrow that?" James asked.
Cassidie wordlessly pushed the book across the table. James flipped through the pages.
"What are you looking for?" Jessie asked.
"Those little cat things," James answered quietly. After determining that that Pokémon wasn't in the book, he closed it and pushed it back to Cassidie, who had fallen asleep out of sheer boredom.
Although the lighting didn't differ, it was like a shadow had passed over the room. Everyone turned toward the end of the table. Giovanni stood there. Persian was sitting disdainfully near Meowth, Raticate, and Ninetails. Every so often, he'd use his tail to slap one of them in the back of the head and act like he hadn't done a thing.
"I'm very disappointed w—" Giovanni stopped and glared at Cassidie.
"Cassidie, wake up!" Butch shook her shoulder.
"Hmm?" Cassidie muttered. Persian was the first thing she saw. She abruptly sat up straight, straighten her hair a bit, and paid attention to what Giovanni was saying.
"As I was saying," Giovanni continued, "I'm very disappointed with you. The display that occurred last night was ridiculous!"
Everyone, even Persian, cringed as Giovanni yelled.
"I have not yet decided what I'll do in view of this failure," Giovanni said, "but I can guarantee that it isn't something you'll be happy with. I wanted to make sure that I'm not disturbed while considering."
"Yes, Sir," Jessie said quietly.
Giovanni walked out a lot louder than he had come in. He left the door open about two inches. For a few seconds, everyone stayed silent as they considered what had just been said.
"This is all you guy's faults," Cassidie directed her accusation to everyone except Raticate and Butch, "You're all crummy trainers."
"Like you should be talking!" James complained, "You couldn't beat that twerp either! And your Drowzee is… stupid!"
"Real mature," Butch said sarcastically.
"We'll see who has stupid Pokémon!" Cassidie exclaimed, "Who objects to a six-way Pokémon battle?"
"Well, I—" Pyra began. Everyone looked at her like she was an idiot. She said, "Never mind," and put the top back on her lipstick.
Persian silently slipped through the door without anyone noticing. He laid under the table. He wore a collar that had the Pidgey's camera.
Chapter 12 (3)
Ash, Pikachu, and Galacteon exited the PokéMart with a plastic bag full.
"We have Potions, Pokéballs, Antidotes, Paralysis Heals, and a couple of Super Potions for emergencies," Ash said, "That's all we need, right?"
"Pika," Pikachu nodded.
"Great," Ash said, "Let's go!"
Ash tied the bag to the exterior of his backpack, since there was no room inside it. They entered the Viridian Forest and walked along the trail. A Weedle wiggled across the trail. Ash looked over his shoulder again and sighed before he continued walking.
"What was that about?" Galacteon whispered to Pikachu.
"[He was expecting to hear Misty scream,]" Pikachu explained.
"Oh, yeah," Galacteon said.
"Excuse me?" someone called. Ash, Pikachu, and Galacteon turned to see a man walking toward them. He was really tall, but he didn't look much older than twenty.
"Yeah?" Ash asked.
"You're a Pokémon trainer, right?" the man asked.
"Yep," Ash said.
"Well, would you like a quick one-on-one?" the man requested.
"Sure," Ash said. He threw Bulbasaur's Pokéball, "Go, Bulbasaur!"
"Go, Growlithe!"
"Bulb-a!"
"GROWL!"
Bulbasaur looked nervous, but stayed confident. The Growlithe couldn't have looked tougher if it were and Arcanine. It growled ferociously and glared at Bulbasaur.
"Bulbasaur, use your Vine Whip to restrain Growlithe!" Ash ordered.
"Dodge it and use Flame Thrower, Growlithe!"
Bulbasaur's vines twisted in a futile attempt to wrap around the legs of the agile Growlithe, while Bulbasaur tried desperately to dodge the fire.
"He knew what I was going to do because he heard me order Bulbasaur," Ash thought, "Let's see him react to this…."
"Take down!" Growlithe's trainer ordered.
"Tackle!" Ash commanded, followed by, "Pika-pika-chu pi-KA!"
"Pika," Pikachu commented as Growlithe furiously charged toward Bulbasaur.
"I knew Ash learned to understand Pokémon speech," Galacteon said, "but I didn't know he could speak it too."
Bulbasaur lunged toward Growlithe.
"Pika! Pi-pika-chu pi-pi-ka-chu!" Ash said to Bulbasaur.
"Good strategy, but is that a legal move?" Galacteon questioned.
"Saur!" right when Growlithe and Bulbasaur were about to collide, head on, Bulbasaur jumped and soared over the startled Growlithe. He pivoted and used Vine Whip as Growlithe started to use Ember. One vine wrapped around Growlithe's muzzle. This stopped Growlithe's attack and made smoke come out its nose. Bulbasaur's vines lengthened and tied the thrashing Growlithe up.
"Grrr…" came Growlithe's muffled growl.
"Bulb-a-SAUR!" Bulbasaur cried. Two more vines appeared from under Bulbasaur's bulb and held Growlithe in the air. Soon the only part of Growlithe that could be seen was its nose, ears, eyes, and tail.
"Break free, Growlithe!" its trainer ordered.
"Pika! Pika-pika-chu-ka-chu!" Ash said.
Sun light was absorbed into Bulbasaur's bulb. Bulbasaur removed his vines all at once and shot Growlithe with Solar Beam. Growlithe fell. It was badly injured, but it was getting up.
"Bulb!" Bulbasaur used Tackle and knocked Growlithe out.
"Growlithe, return," its trainer recalled it.
"Great job, Bulbasaur!" Ash praised, hugging Bulbasaur.
"Pika!" Pikachu agreed.
"Saur," Bulbasaur said tiredly.
"Thanks for the battle, kid," the man said, "You have one heck of a Bulbasaur."
"Thanks," Ash said. The man jogged back toward Viridian, and Ash returned Bulbasaur. They continued on their way to Pewter City.
Chapter 14 (5)
"This'll be a two-on-two!" Cassidie said.
"Right," James agreed.
"Get 'em Drowzee!"
"Weezing, go!"
"Doesn't James know that Poison types are weak versus Psychics?" Meowth asked himself.
"It's not a very well known fact," Ninetails said, "It doesn't look like Cassidie knows."
"Drowzee!" Cassidie ordered, "Psywave!"
"Weezing! Smog attack!" James commanded.
"Wee-ee!" Weezing blew smoke in Drowzee's face, but was nearly knocked out by the Psywave.
"The next hit from Drowzee will knock out Weezing," James thought, "Weezing, Explosion!"
BOOM!
Weezing blew up. Both it and Drowzee were out cold. They were returned.
"Go, Victreebel!" James ordered.
"Then I choose…Vileplume!" Cassidie called.
James held Victreebel back when it tried to eat him and ordered it to use Wrap on Vileplume. It did as it was told, but it was injured by its opponent's Absorb first. Vileplume was trapped in Victreebel's "mouth" and couldn't get out or attack. After receiving a lot of damage, Vileplume escaped and used Thrash. Although it injured itself, and Victreebel kept hitting it with Vine Whip, Victreebel was the one who fainted.
"Hah! I win!" Cassidie declared.
James sighed and returned Victreebel. Jessie and Pyra started a battle.
Lickitung paralyzed Charmeleon in one Lick. Pyra recalled it and sent out Rapidash. Rapidash used Agility and wasn't hit by the tongue. Lickitung was Mega Kicked and Stomped until it fainted. Arbok wrapped around Rapidash's middle, where he couldn't be reached. Despite Rapidash jumping around crazily, it was squeezed until it fell. Arbok slithered off then Bit it. Rapidash was too weak to keep battling.
"Weakling," Jessie muttered.
"Like she should be talking…" Ninetails muttered.
"You mean Jessie?" Meowth asked. He got angry and unsheathed his claws, "Don't talk about my friends like that!"
Ninetails growled. The two of them started fighting. Their battle looked like a mini tornado. While they battled, Butch's Raticate and Flames's Charizard faced off.
Raticate jumped and used Hyper Fang on Charizard's neck. Charizard Slashed it away and tried Flame Thrower. Raticate kept dodging. Charizard was Bit in the tail, but its Fire Spin finished Raticate off. Butch sent out a Wartortle that finished Charizard off in one Bubble Beam.
The Pokémon that Flames sent out then was Feligiston. The cat's yellow eyes glowed as it dodged the attacks from Wartortle. It came up from behind and swatted Wartortle's head with it's tail. It wove through Wartortle's Bubble like a fiery snake, jumped up, and shot a Fire Blast at Wartortle. Wartortle, now fried, fell onto its back and spun a few times. Thus Flames was pronounced the winner.
Meowth and Ninetails were still battling when Flames, Jessie, and Cassidie healed their Pokémon.
Jessie versus Flames began with Arbok versus Feligiston. Jessie instructed Arbok to use Poison Sting instead of getting close to Feligiston's fur. After the third time Feligiston was knock back by Arbok's attack, it was poisoned. Arbok paralyzed it with Glare, and continued Poison Sting until its opponent couldn't fight. Flames's Arcanine took Arbok down with Dragon Rage. Despite its speed, it was still paralyzed and Body Slammed by Lickitung.
Now that Jessie had won, it was her against Cassidie. Lickitung had a tiny resistance to Psychic Pokémon, and it wasn't put to sleep by Drowzee's Hypnosis. It squeezed Drowzee with its tongue. Drowzee used Psybeam to knock Lickitung back. Repeated Lick attacks made Lickitung the victor. As Cassidie sent out her next Pokémon, she dug in her purse with her other hand.
Jessie laughed when she saw the new opponent. She demanded, "That's your Pokémon?!"
The two inch high little bird buzzed her wings angrily.
"Alajem," Cassidie said, still searching her purse, "Agility and Drill Peck."
Alajem buzzed and flew circles around Lickitung. She became circular green blurs. Lickitung got dizzy trying to watch her. Her beak spun like a drill as she dived at Lickitung. Lickitung was struck in the head. Its tongue made crazy loop-de-loops in a bootless attempt to use Lick on the little bird. As Alajem narrowly avoided being squeezed, the tongue got tied in a knot. Lickitung was tongue-tied.
"Mellow, Mellow," Cassidie said.
Alajem fluttered up to Lickitung, smiled, and blinked. Every human in the room, save Cassidie, seemed confused.
"Tongue…" Lickitung said. It slouched a little. Its tongue unknotted.
"Lickitung, Body Slam!" Jessie ordered.
"Lick-ee…" Lickitung just stood there calmly.
Alajem chirped and fluttered back up high.
"Nectar!" Cassidie called.
"Chirp!" chirped Alajem. She suck in a big breath as a slight glow was emitted from her throat. She pointed her beak at Lickitung and spit a narrow stream of brownish liquid.
"Lick-ee!" Lickitung cried as Alajem swooped around and continued the attack. "Tongue!" Lickitung became coated in the strong-smelling fluid. The impact of the nectar hitting Lickitung had done damage, but now the Pokémon was stuck in the goop. One more Drill Peck from Alajem finished Lickitung off. Cassidie stopped rummaging through her purse as she pulled out a fist-sized white stone that had a vague picture of a wing on it.
"Char-bock-er!" Arbok cried, materializing from its Pokéball.
"You're fast, Arbok," Jessie cried, "You can get that little chick with your Poison Sting!"
"Char!" Arbok shot its Poison Sting attack all over. Alajem narrowly dodged the bright blue needles. Arbok attempted Bite when Alajem came close, but the bird slipped through the side of Arbok's jaws before they closed. Arbok used Glare. Alajem got a shocked expression and froze. No longer flapping, she fell to the floor right in front of Cassidie.
Before Arbok could attack again, Cassidie knelt down and touched the white stone to Alajem. The bird glowed and took flight again. She grew slightly, and her tail became slightly longer than the rest of her body. She stop glowing and flew up high.
"Hey, that's cheating!" Jessie protested.
"First of all, I don't care," Cassidie said, "Second, no it's not. It's not against Pokémon League rules to have your Pokémon evolve in the middle of a match. Right, Alazure?"
The bird, now known as Alazure, chirped in agreement.
Jessie frowned, "Arbok, Glare!"
Alazure lifted her long tail in front of her face and blocked the attack. Her light blue throat glowed as her tail lowered. She abruptly pushed her wings forward and sent a beam of light—a Confuse Ray—at Arbok.
"Char!" Arbok thrashed around in circles and bit its own tail. After it was Drill Pecked by Alazure, Arbok shook its head and regained its senses. Alazure still dodged the Poison Sting, so when she was close again, Arbok tried Bite one more time. Once again, Alazure slipped through. This time, however, her longer tail was caught in Arbok's teeth.
Alazure fought to free herself. Her tiny wing delivered a feeble Wing Attack to Arbok's eye. Arbok dropped her, but started a Wrap attack before she could escape. Alazure was squeezed into unconsciousness.
"Great job, Arbok!" Jessie said, "Guess that proves size does matter!"
Meowth and Ninetails were still battling. Meowth was blackened, and Ninetails looked like he'd been thrown through a blender. As Cassidie grumbled and returned Alazure, the two of them ended up rolling over Persian's tail. Persian screeched painfully, alerting everyone of his presence.
"Purr-r-r-r…" Persian growled angrily. Meowth and Ninetails stopped battling. Persian lunged at them and used Pay Day. Coins flew from the jewel on Persian's head with such force that they knocked Meowth and Ninetails against the far wall. Seeing his revenge complete, Persian turned up his nose and walked arrogantly out of the room.
Chapter 15 (4)
The rest of the trip through the Viridian Forest was uneventful. The few battles versus wild Pokémon were won in one or two hits. Ash, Pikachu, and Galacteon entered Pewter City and headed for the Pokémon Center.
"Pika!" Pikachu wolfed an apple down in three bites.
"Well someone's got a bigger appetite than usual," Ash said seconds after Pikachu finished off two more apples.
"Pi-ka?"
"And you're still not eating as much as Galacteon," Ash added, seeing Galacteon scarf down PokéFood. Galacteon giggled and went back to his food.
After eating, Pikachu hopped over to the phones that lined the right wall of the center. He looked on a small piece of paper and dialed a phone. The receiving end of the phone rung. After a moment, an adult woman with short black hair answered the phone.
"Hello?" she asked.
"Pika!" Pikachu said, "Pi-Pika?"
"Huh?" the lady asked. A Vaporeon lifted its head into view.
"Pika-chu?" Pikachu asked.
The lady held the phone to Vaporeon, "Tell me what it's saying, Haze."
"Vay-Vaporeon," Haze, the Vaporeon, said.
"Pika," Pikachu said, "Pikachu?"
Haze said something to the lady, turned back to Pikachu, and said, "Vay-poor. Vay-eon. Vapor?"
"Chu," Pikachu said dispiritedly, "Pika-ka-Pikachu."
"Vapor," Haze said.
"Pika," Pikachu hung up.
"Misty, Togechikku, and Pika weren't there yet, huh?" Galacteon asked.
"Chu," Pikachu said sadly.
"Cheer up," Galacteon advised, "You'll be able to chat with 'em soon."
They left the Center and headed to the gym. It looked just like it had last time. Ash opened the door and stuck his head in.
"Hello?" Ash asked. His eyes adjusted to the dim lights.
"Yes?" a man, whom Ash recognized as Tracey's father, walked greeted him.
"Hi, nice to see you," Ash said, "I need a badge, so I challenge you to a match."
"How'd you know I was the gym leader?" Tracey's father asked.
"You have a Pokémon League name badge on your shirt," Ash pointed out.
"Oh, yeah…" The tag had a Boulder Badge attached to the corner with the words: "POKÉMON LEAGUE: Flint, Leader of the Pewter Gym."
"How about that battle?" Ash asked, walking in completely. Galacteon and Pikachu followed shyly behind him.
"Oh, yes," Flint said, "We'll have a four-on-four and—"
"Daddy, Daddy! I ripped my skirt again!"
Flint fell over in nihilism.
"Pika," Pikachu commented as a girl ran up.
"Wear shorts until Daddy's battle is over, Suzy," Flint said, getting up.
"Okay," Suzy said somberly and walked out of the room.
Flint led Ash to the battling area.
"It looks a little different than before…." Ash said, referring to the arena.
"I took out the tile and floor boards and brought in some real boulders," Flint said, "It has a nicer effect than the ceramic rocks you saw last time."
"Oh," Ash said.
"So let's battle!" Flint jumped onto the slight rise where the gym leader was supposed to sit, "Go get 'em, Rhyhorn!"
Ash said, "Go, Squirtle! Bubble!"
"Squirtle!" Squirtle cried. He sucked in a big breath and exhaled about twenty bubbles at Rhyhorn. The bubbles blew up on contact with Rhyhorn's face. Rhyhorn shook its head hurtfully.
"Horn Attack!" Flint ordered.
"Rrroww!" Rhyhorn roared. It charged at Squirtle.
"Withdraw!" Ash called.
"Squirt!" Squirtle retreated into his shell seconds before being hit in the belly by the charging Rhyhorn. Squirtle, still withdrawn, got knocked off the ground, ricocheted off the wall, and came flying back. He hit Rhyhorn in the face, bounced back, popped out of his shell, and landed softly on one of the boulders.
"Great job, Squirtle," Ash praised, "Now finish—"
Ash stopped in mid-sentence as Squirtle jumped up and hit Rhyhorn with a huge blast of water. The stream of liquid was bigger around than Squirtle.
"Woah!" Ash cried, "Is that—?!"
"—the Hydro Pump attack?!" Galacteon finished.
"[From Squirtle?!]" Pikachu demanded.
The attack propelled Rhyhorn against the wall. It was unconscious. Squirtle gasped for breath; he seemed exhausted. The next Pokémon that Flint chose was Graveler.
"Squirt…" Squirtle moaned. He tried to use Water Gun, but was all out of water.
"Return, Squirtle," Ash said, "Go, Bulbasaur!"
"Saur!" Bulbasaur cried.
"Rock Throw!" Flint ordered Graveler. Bulbasaur narrowly dodged each of the thrown rocks.
"Do a Vine Whip!" Ash ordered.
"Defense Curl!" Flint cried.
"Graveler," Graveler curled up and seemed unharmed by the attack.
"Razor Leaf," Ash said.
"Bulb-a!" Bulbasaur exclaimed, shooting leaves out from beneath his bulb. The leaves hit and knocked out Graveler. Bulbasaur looked proud. A few seconds later, Bulbasaur looked sick.
"What's wrong, Bulbasaur?" Ash asked.
"Bulb," Bulbasaur attempted to look at full health.
"Great, you can do it," Ash said.
"Saur," Bulbasaur smiled.
Flint's next Pokémon trumpeted.
"What's that?" Ash wondered and held up his PokéDex, "I think we've fought this before…"
"Donfan," Dexter said, "This Pokémon has been only recently discovered. It is of the Rock variety."
"Watch out for its Tackle, Bulbasaur!" Ash ordered, "Use Razor Leaf!"
"Bah!" Bulbasaur shot leaves at Donfan, but it curled up and roll at Bulbasaur. The motion knocked the leaves harmlessly aside. Donfan hit Bulbasaur and knocked him into the air. Bulbasaur landed unconscious.
"Bulbasaur, return," Ash said, "Go get it, Galacteon!"
"Heya!" Galacteon jumped in to face Donfan, who was now uncurled. Donfan curled up again and continued its Tackle. Galacteon jumped out of the way several times.
"Swift!" Ash called.
Galacteon used the Swift attack and made stars whirl at Donfan. The stars knock it back and sent it rolling the other way. It rolled up a curved boulder and flew into the air. It landed on Galacteon's back.
"Gah!" Galacteon yelled as Donfan squashed him, bounced back, and stood ready.
"Take Down, now!" Flint ordered. Donfan rushed at Galacteon, who dodged. Donfan circled back around and rushed at Galacteon again. At the very last possible second, Galacteon jumped. Donfan slammed face-first into the wall and bounced back dizzily. Galacteon landed on it and jumped away. Galacteon fired a Moonbeam at it and knocked it out.
"Way to go, Galacteon!" Ash said.
"Go, Rhydon!" Flint ordered, throwing the Pokéball containing Rhydon.
Galacteon stood ready. He dodged most of Rhydon's Fury Attack, but was hit on the last jab. Rhyhorn then attempted a Horn Drill, but it didn't work. Galacteon charged up and did Lunar Hoop. The hoop encircled and trapped Rhydon. After a minute or so, the hoop vanished and dropped Rhydon. Rhydon was weak, but still ready to battle. Galacteon seemed surprised.
"One more Horn Drill, Rhydon!" Flint ordered. Rhydon's horn spun and hit Galacteon. Galacteon was sent sprawling.
"Galacteon, return!" Ash said, recalling Galacteon with his Pokéball, "You can beat that thing, Pikachu!"
"Pika!" Pikachu jumped into battle and began circling Rhydon with Agility. Rhydon got dizzy and failed at a Fury Attack.
"Use Thunderbolt and aim for the horn!" Ash commanded.
"Pika…CHU!" Pikachu aimed all the electric energy of a Thunderbolt at Rhyhorn's horn. It was the only part of Rhydon that conducted electricity. Rhyhorn got fried.
"You win," Flint admitted and recalled Rhydon. He walked over to Ash and presented him with a Boulder Badge.
"Alright!" Ash exclaimed, "Pikachu, we're well on our way to a Pokémon League rematch!"
"Pika!" Pikachu said happily.
"Thanks," Ash said to Flint. He and Pikachu walked outside, where Ash's new Boulder Badge glittered in the sunlight.
"Pikachu Pika?" Pikachu asked.
"Yep," Ash said, "We'll head to the Pokémon Center before we leave."
"Chu," Pikachu said.
Chapter 16 (5)
Back at T.R. Headquarters, Giovanni and Persian watched what Persian had videotaped.
"So, Pyra, James, and Butch are crummy trainers…" Giovanni mumbled, "We've been having some financial problems lately… Salaries are taking up way too much of Team Rocket's budget."
~~~
James and Pyra were called to Giovanni's office. They entered timidly and stood on the other side of his desk. Giovanni didn't even bother to look at them.
"This we'll be easier for all of us if we get it over with," Giovanni said, "You're lousy, useless, and incompetent. Your Pokémon are weaklings, and your salaries are wasting Team Rocket's money. Your both fired!"
"WHAT!" Pyra demanded.
"You heard me," Giovanni said, "Get out!"
"But…" James stuttered.
"I said OUT!" Giovanni yelled.
"Purr-r-r-r-shin!" Persian leaped over the desk and Slashed at them. They ran out the door of the office.
"Fired?" James whimpered, once safe outside.
"Don't pout; it probably makes him happier," Pyra advised.
"We ought to call the cops and tell them about the whole Team Rocket organization!" James thought, "Where the headquarters are, who Giovanni is…"
"You do that," Pyra said, "Just don't tell them about Flames, Ninetails, or me. I hope you feel you've gotten your revenge when you, Jessie, Cassidie, and Butch are in jail along with Giovanni. Your Pokémon will stay with you since you get a few years in prison at max. For all the trouble Giovanni's caused, he'll get about 50 years. That means his Pokémon, including Meowth, will probably go to the pound… or maybe a Pokémon reserve."
"Oh, you're right…" James admitted.
"I'm gonna see if I can get lucky in Vegas," Pyra said, "See ya, cry baby."
"But—" James stopped for lack of anything to say. Pyra took the elevator down the building, so James walked slowly down the stairs.
~~~
As they were told to do, the others came into the office.
"Pyra and James are fired, and I won't rehire them, so don't bother trying to persuade me," Giovanni said quickly, "I was hoping to spread each of your strong points out in the team. So as of today, Jessie and Butch are partners."
"WHAT?!" Jessie, Butch, and Cassidie cried.
"Cassidie and Flames are partners as well," Giovanni said.
"Oh," Cassidie groaned.
"Meowth will be working with Jessie and Butch," Giovanni continued, "and Ninetails will be working with Cassidie and Flames."
Meowth and Ninetails stopped crying and sniffled. They were upset about James and Pyra.
"You're dismissed," Giovanni said, "Go catch something, or whatever. I'll tell you when your have an assignment."
"Yes, sir," everyone said sadly. They walked, head down, out of the room.
As they left Flames said, "You're really upset, aren't you?" to Cassidie.
"What makes you think that?" Cassidie said, entering the hallway.
"Because you're—"
"Don't even say it!" Cassidie snapped. She wiped her right eye; "I just have something in my eye."
"But…" Flames leaned to get a better view of her left eye, but she turned away.
She sniffled, "I have something in that eye too…."
"I'm kinda upset that Pyra got fired…" Flames admitted, "but I don't mind working with you; you're cute!"
Cassidie frowned, and a vein bulged on her forehead. She intertwined her fingers and used both hands to hit Flames hard in the back of his head. Because he was now unconscious, she grabbed his wrist and dragged her new partner down the hall.
~~~
When no one was paying attention, Jessie slipped out the back door of the building and headed to the Meowth-shaped balloon that was in the back parking lot. James was next to it and was getting his stuff out.
"Hi, Jessie," James said.
"I… I heard you got fired," Jessie said.
"Mmm-hmm," James nodded.
Jessie's lip trembled as she said, "I didn't think I'd get this emotional, but…" Jessie burst into tears, "…I'm gonna miss you!"
"Don't cry, Jessie," James condoled, "We may not be able to work together, but we can still be friends…."
Jessie's eyes slowed their emission of tears, "I guess you're right, but still…" The two of them hugged each other.
"Hey, maybe you two shouldn't ever tease Ash and Misty again."
Jessie and James, still hugging, turned to see Meowth standing behind Jessie.
"That's not funny, Meowth," James said.
"Nope, just logical," Meowth said. He got a little more sincere, "I just wanted to tell you that…Jessie isn't the only one who's gonna miss you…"
They all started crying again as Jessie and Meowth hugged James.
"I just wish I had some men's clothes…" James broke away from the group hug and lifted a suitcase and a pink two-two from the balloon.
"Just wear the most casual dress you can find, along with the matching wig and shoes," Jessie said, "and head down to the department store."
"Yep," Meowth said. James finish packing his clothes and other stuff.
"Well, I gotta go," he said and hugged them each again and walked off as the sun set.
"Bye!" Jessie called, "We'll see ya around!"
As James walked backward and waved, one more tear rolled out of Jessie's eye.
Chapter 16 (5)
Ash and Pikachu entered the Pokémon Center as it started getting dark.
"Back all ready?" Nurse Joy asked, taking Pikachu and Ash's Pokéballs, "Did you win?"
"Yep," Ash said proudly.
Nurse Joy began treating Ash's Pokémon. After a minute or so, she frowned.
"Is there something wrong?" Ash asked.
"Maybe…" Joy said. She opened one of Ash's Pokéballs. Bulbasaur sat on the counter and looked nauseous.
"Bulb…" Bulbasaur moaned, "Bulb-a, bulb-a-saur…"
"Chan-see!" Chansey waddled over with a stethoscope on. She put the end of it on Bulbasaur's bulb.
"What's wrong Chansey?" Joy asked.
"Chan-see. Chansey-Chan-see! See-Chansey!"
"Bulb!" Bulbasaur exclaimed.
"Oh, my…" Joy said.
"How come you can't tell what's wrong?" Ash asked.
Joy looked surprised; "You understood what Chansey said?"
"Yeah," Ash said, "She said that She doesn't know what's wrong. Isn't there a way to tell?"
"We're trying," Joy explained, "This has never happened."
"Bulbasaur…" Ash murmured.
"Saur…" Bulbasaur sniffled.
Chapter 17 (6)
"The opening in the top of its bulb is bigger than it should be," Joy said. The opening was about quarter-sized.
"I've never noticed a real opening there before," Ash noted.
"Most of the time, you shouldn't see it," Joy said, "Has anyone been messing with Bulbasaur's bulb?"
"I don't think so," Ash said, "It usually stays in its Pokéball."
"Hmm," Joy shined a light through the opening.
"Saur?" Bulbasaur questioned.
"What's it look like in there?" Ash asked.
"Like the inside of a partially opened flower," Joy described. She let Ash look inside.
"Saur…?" Bulbasaur asked a bit more anxiously than before.
"It's okay," Joy patted his head, "I'd say… that Bulbasaur is going to evolve soon!"
"Bah!" Bulbasaur's eyes bugged out.
"But I don't think Bulbasaur wants to evolve," Ash said.
"Hmm," Joy thought, "I've never heard of a plant Pokémon that didn't evolve sooner or later."
"I don't care if Bulbasaur evolves or not," Ash said, "I just want it to be happy."
"I can see what level it's at," Joy said. She picked Bulbasaur up and carried it into the next room. Ash followed. There was a large silver machine in the room.
"I saw one of those at Bill's house," Ash said.
"Bill who?" Joy asked.
"The Pokémon Researcher that lives in a lighthouse," Ash said.
"Oh," Joy said, "Scientists are trying to improve this machine enough to make it part of a trainer's PokéDex."
"This thing measures a Pokémon's experience level?" Ash asked, "That'd be nice to have."
"Okay," Joy placed Bulbasaur on the machine and plugged it in. After a few seconds of flashing, the machine revealed Bulbasaur's level as 67.
"Is that high?" Ash asked.
"Definitely," Joy said, "That's so high for a Bulbasaur, that maybe this gadget is broken."
"Chansey?" Chansey came in.
"I remember that Chansey was level 26," Joy said. She handed Bulbasaur to Ash and put Chansey on the machine. She was at level 26. She looked at Bulbasaur and seemed a little jealous.
"It's okay," Joy assured Chansey, "You don't battle; you're a nurse."
"Chansey!" Chansey, seeming a little more upbeat, hopped back to the floor.
"If Bulbasaur's that strong, it could have already evolved into Venusaur," Joy explained, "Pokémon don't usually have to evolve once they're adults, but plants have to grow. If Bulbasaur doesn't get better, it may have to evolve."
Ash sighed. Bulbasaur pouted.
"Whether it evolves or not," Joy said, "make sure it gets lots of sun and lots of water… If it absolutely has to evolve, please, let it."
"Okay," Ash said. They went back to the waiting room and decided to stay at the Center for the night because it was already dark.
Ash stretched out on four of the chairs. Pikachu laid on his chest. Bulbasaur curled up them.
I hope Bulbasaur will be okay… Ash thought while he tried to sleep.
Part 3: Pika-prattle-power and Bulbasaur's Flower
Chapter 18 (1)
Ash and his Pokémon got up the next morning, said goodbye to Nurse joy and Chansey, and left the Pewter Pokémon Center. Galacteon came out of his Pokéball and was filled in on the situation by Pikachu.
"I remember Nurse Joy saying that Bulbasaur needed lots of sunlight," Ash said, looking at Bulbasaur, "and we have to get to Cerulean City by way of Route 4. We're on Route 3. We have to go through Mt. Moon to get to Route 4, but I doubt that there's any sunlight in there."
"Do we have to go over it?" Galacteon asked.
"I don't know," Ash said and took out his map, "I think that Route 3 goes northeast and Route 4 heads southeast. So we should be able to get to the middle of Route 4 by going straight east." He pointed.
"That's north," Galacteon pointed out.
"Oh," Ash said, "Anyway, there's no route there. I'm not even sure there are any little trails."
"[Wouldn't be dangerous?]" Bulbasaur asked.
"It's dangerous to do the opposite of what Nurse Joy says too," Ash pointed out, "Plus since you're sick, I don't think it's a good idea to try to climb over Mt. Moon."
"[Good point,]" Bulbasaur sighed.
"[What's the terrain like?]" Pikachu asked.
"Remember that it may be poorly charted," Galacteon said.
"It looks like there's a forest at first," Ash said, "Then it thins out about a third of the way to Route 4. Then it stops completely about halfway there. Then it's grassland."
"[Great,]" Pikachu said.
"Let's go!" Ash said, then hesitated. He looked at Galacteon.
"East is to your left," Galacteon said.
"Great," Ash turned left and started walking. Pikachu, Galacteon, and Bulbasaur followed. The wide dirt trail of Route 3 was left behind. It was only a few feet before the forest started. The trees seemed to rise up like claws. Ash gulped.
"Pika…?" Pikachu quivered.
"It's okay," Ash insisted, "Let's go!" He walked under the first layer of trees and everything got darker, "Is the forest this thick, or is it nighttime already?"
"It's thick," Galacteon said worryingly.
"Oh-oh-oh!"
"What was that?!" Ash demanded.
"Pi. Ka-chu…" Pikachu murmured.
"Pik's right," Galacteon said, "We should just try and get through here as fast as possible."
"Right," Ash said, "We shouldn't waste our energy, so just walk really fast." They walked as fast as possible.
"Oh-Ota!" they heard.
"I think—" Galacteon stopped and whipped his head around.
"What?" Ash asked.
"I think that there's something in that bush," Galacteon said.
A Hoohoo flew out of the bush and disappeared into the trees.
"Just a Hoohoo," Ash said, "That's good."
"I was about to say that this place is getting way too creepy," Galacteon said, "Maybe we should stop walking and—"
Some more bushes rustled. A black four-legged creature stepped out. It was about Galacteon's size, but to the wandering group, it looked a lot bigger than it was.
"—RUN!" Galacteon finished a bit more loudly than he'd first intended.
"Right!" Ash cried. They bolted eastward through the trees. The big black Pokémon looked confused and made no attempt to follow them. It went back into the bushes.
Ash and his Pokémon were still running through trees that were about two feet apart. Pikachu, being a forest Pokémon, seemed to be the only one who had it easy. Galacteon moved along fairly well because of his good dark-vision. The two of them had to keep waiting for Ash and Bulbasaur.
"Let's…stop…and rest… a minute," Ash gasped. He stopped and put his hands on his knees for balance. His Pokémon ran up to him.
"I think that that big black think is gone," Galacteon said.
"Great; we lost it," Ash said.
"Pi?" Pikachu's ears twitched.
"What is it, Pikachu?" Ash asked.
"Pika?" Pikachu wondered. He seemed confused.
"Bulb-a," Bulbasaur said.
"I hope—" Ash was interrupted by a loud high-pitched screech.
"Pika?!" Pikachu cried.
"What was that?" Galacteon demanded.
"It sounded like something screamed…" Ash whimpered.
Chapter 19 (2)
James, who now wore sneakers, blue jeans, and a red T-shirt and carried a suit case, got off a large boat that had come to an island. The first thing that he and the boat's other passengers saw was a big jade-green sign with fancy gold letters that said, "Welcome to Jade Island." There were more professional words written smaller below the welcome that said the population, size, and founding date of Jade City.
"Well, they're sure nice here," James thought, "but I still wish that I could have stowed away on that ferry instead of having to spend so much money on it. It's not like I'm getting paid now." He sighed, "If I can catch some of the Pokémon that live on this island and give them to Giovanni, maybe I can get my job back…."
He walked around the streets of the quaint little town until his legs got tired. He sat on a bench outside of a large building and a Pokémon Center.
"I miss having an aerial view," James thought, "How should I go about catching Pokémon?"
"Excuse me?"
"Huh?" James turned to see a woman standing behind him. She had glasses, a lab coat, and dark red hair that was pulled up. She looked about forty or so.
"Are you here for a Pokémon?" she asked.
"I- I guess," James said.
"You guess?" the lady asked, "That's new. Are you here to start Pokémon training? The little kids are just leaving, and all the teenagers shouldn't be here for another hour. Are you just early? I can give you your Pokémon now if you'd like."
This kook's going to give me a Pokémon? James thought; he said, "Yeah, I'm early. I was hoping to beat the crowd. I'm kinda shy."
"Okay, that's fine. I can have you all set and ready to go before the others get here," she said, "Oh, sorry. Where are my manners? If you don't already know, I'm Professor Rose."
"Nice to meet you," James said and shook her hand, "I'm James."
"Come with me, James," Prof. Rose led him into the large building. It appeared to be a lab. They entered a room with four Pokéballs on a round table. They were spread out evenly and had a lot of extra space between them.
"What are these?" James asked.
"These are the Pokémon you can choose from," Prof. Rose said. She tapped them one at a time as she said their names and the Pokémon came out, "There's Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle, and Chicorita. You can have one, but choose carefully. A trainer's first Pokémon is very important."
She doesn't know that I already have three, and I don't plan to tell her, James thought, Which one of these is best? Squirtle can swim. Grass types are very useful. Charmander evolves to Charizard eventually. Though I already have Victreebel, so I should get Squirtle or Charmander.
"Tough choice, huh?" Prof. Rose asked.
"You don't have a Pikachu?" James asked.
Prof. Rose seemed surprised, "Well, I have one I can give you, but she's just a baby. Electric types are hard to train."
"But I know a kid who had a Pikachu for his first Pokémon," James said, "They're best friends, and that Pikachu is powerful."
"Well," Prof. Rose said, "If you're sure a Pikachu is what you want, come with me."
"Great," James smiled. He followed Prof. Rose to another room. There was a short fence around something that was like a very large indoor flowerbed. About thirty feet on all sides, the "flowerbed" contained mostly grass. Yet it had three bushes, some randomly placed daisies, one small tree, a big basket full of apples, and some Pokémon. Most of the Pokémon were very small. There were Pichus, Buubiis, Piis, Purpurins, an Oddish, two Weedles, three Caterpies, and a fluffy Pidgey. The only full-sized Pokémon was a single Wigglytuff that was the height of the fence.
"Wig!" the Wigglytuff greeted.
"Hello, Wigglytuff," Prof. Rose said. She examined the pen, "Where's the Pikachu?"
"Wiggle…" Wigglytuff walked over to the tree and kicked it.
"Pika!" a small Pikachu came falling out of the tree. Wigglytuff caught it and carried it to Prof. Rose.
"Here's a Pikachu for you," Prof. Rose said, "Are you sure it's what you want?"
"Yes," James carefully took the Pikachu from Prof. Rose.
"Chu?" went the Pikachu's tiny voice.
James smiled and said, "It's absolutely perfect…"
"What's your last name?" Prof. Rose asked, "I can make you a PokéDex."
"Kojiro," James said, distracted by examining the Pikachu. He slapped himself on the forehead and thought, I shouldn't have given her my real last name!
"Pi-Pikachu?" the Pikachu questioned.
"Smile," Prof. Rose held up a Polaroid and took a picture of James. He was smiling awkwardly because he wasn't really ready for the picture. After a few minutes of fiddling around with a PokéDex that was in several pieces, Prof. Rose put it together and handed it to James.
"Thanks," James said.
"No problem," Prof. Rose said, "Since the newspaper people wanted to know, if you don't mind me asking, why didn't you become a trainer when you were younger? It would have been easier."
"Back then… I wasn't really into Pokémon," James stuttered.
"Pi-ka," the Pikachu said.
"Here's a Pokéball for your little mouse," Prof. Rose said, giving him six Pokéballs, "and some spares. Have a nice journey."
"Goodbye, thank you," James said.
"Call me occasionally," Prof. Rose said.
"Wigglytuff!" Wigglytuff said.
"Pi-ka-pika," said the Pikachu.
Chapter 20 (3)
"It sounded like something screamed…" Ash whimpered.
The scream occurred a few more times, each one louder than the last. They seemed to be coming from different directions. Out of the shadows of the trees came five Victreebels. They surrounded Ash and the Pokémon. The screams had been their screechy voices.
"Victreebels!" Galacteon cried, "Is this a bad thing?"
"Victreebel, a flycatcher Pokémon," Dexter said, "It evolves from Weepinbell. Scientists believe that they have large colonies deep within forests—"
"Without doubt," Galacteon muttered.
"—of course, no one has ever returned from there," Dexter finished as more Victreebels arrived.
"Pika!" Pikachu cried.
"Does that answer your question?" Ash asked Galacteon.
"Yeah, I'd say this is in the "bad things" category," Galacteon agreed.
"[Do you think they're hungry?]" Pikachu questioned.
"[Maybe…]" Bulbasaur said.
"Stay calm," Ash said, "They look intelligent. I'm sure we talk about this. The PokéDex said it was a flycatcher. Maybe it only eats flies."
"[They look intelligent to you?]" Pikachu asked.
"Quiet!" Ash snapped.
"Think of the all the flies that a Pokémon that big would have to eat," Galacteon said, "It seems unlikely that that would be their only source of protein."
"Good point," Ash said, "Are they going to attack?"
"Could be," Galacteon said, "but they haven't yet."
A Victreebel screeched and used Vine Whip. It missed his paws by about an inch.
"Pika-pi?" Pikachu asked.
"Lunar and Electric are all weak versus Grass…" Ash thought, "Bulbasaur, go! Razor Leaf!"
"Saur!" Bulbasaur jumped forward and shot his leaves at the closest Victreebel. It looked weaker, but it and the others attacked at once. Bulbasaur Tackled the one he'd attack before and knocked it out. He began the same technique one the others.
"Bulbasaur, look out!" Ash cried as a large Victreebel came up behind Bulbasaur. It used Wrap, and Ash was forced to use his Pokéball to return Bulbasaur.
"I can get it!" Galacteon said.
"Hit it with Slash!" Ash ordered.
"Heya!" Galacteon ran up and sliced at the biggest Victreebel with his star-blade. He jumped out of the way to avoid its attack, but another Victreebel knocked him out with Razor Leaf. Ash, trying to guard his other Pokémon, got scratched up by the leaves as well.
Ash said, "Pikachu, Thunder!"
"Pi…ka…" Pikachu jumped out and charged up, "CHU!"
Several Victreebels were fried, along with Ash. Pikachu used Thunder as much as possible and knocked many Victreebels out. One of the Victreebels used Wrap on Ash. Pikachu used Thunderbolt to fry it, and Ash pushed it away. He began to use Thunder Shock when he was low on electricity. Along with a shriek, the biggest Victreebel sprayed Pikachu with Sleep Powder.
Pikachu fell over and went to sleep. Ash, still blackened, picked Pikachu up and fiddled with the buttons on his PokéDex.
"Go, Muk!" Ash called, throwing the newly appearing Pokéball.
"MUK!" Muk cried after appearing.
"Muk, Body Slam!" Ash commanded, "Aim for the big one!"
"Muk," Muk squashed the biggest Victreebel, but it managed to throw him off.
"Sludge!" Ash cried.
"M-Muk!" Muk said. He shot sludge at the eyes of the Victreebel. It fell over and didn't get up. All of the others looked surprised. They ran off.
"Way to go, Muk!" Ash praised, "That big one must have been their leader and—"
"MUK!" Muk tried to hug Ash, but knocked him over and squished him.
"Hey, hey! Cut it out!" Ash laughed. He returned Muk to his Pokéball. Carrying Pikachu, he hurried out of the forest. Despite looking like he'd been shoved throw a garbage disposal, he ran as far as he could go: to the eastern edge of the woodland. He stood against one of the scattered trees and gasped for breath.
"Pi…ka…" Pikachu mumbled quietly, still sleeping.
"It's okay, Pikachu," Ash said, mostly trying to assure himself. The remaining path east appeared to be marshlands, despite the map saying grasslands. Ash started walking again. Before he'd taken three steps, he stumbled and fell to his knees. He got halfway up before hearing a screech and a snap. Something struck his arm and sent him sprawling. Pikachu rolled away unharmed.
Ash got to a kneeling position to face the attacker: one more Victreebel. He ducked to dodge the next Vine Whip.
"Pika-Pikachu, pika," Ash said, "[We're all friends here, right?]"
The Victreebel looked confused, but it hit Ash again. Ash was thrown into a tree trunk. He stumbled up again and was hit by Victreebel's Stun Spore. Paralyzed, he fell down onto the pine needles.
"I can't move," Ash moaned.
Up in a tree, an Ootachi watch the event. Several Otachi were with it. They were confused by Ash's Pokémon speech. Any human that could do that was worth saving.
"Ootachi!" Ootachi leaped from the tree and stood between the Victreebel and Ash. Victreebel had been trying to eat him and was annoyed by Ootachi's arrival. It screeched at the opposition. At Ootachi's command, the Otachi jumped down and surrounded Ash. Ash was too dizzy to tell what was happening.
"Ootachi!" Ootachi scorned, "Ta-chi, Ootachi. Chi, chi!"
"Chi!" the Otachi group said.
After a moment of consideration, Victreebel hopped away angrily. Ootachi smiled, turned around, and poked at Ash's head. Seeing that Ash, who was face down on the dirt, didn't move, Ootachi said something to one of the Otachi.
Otachi bounded away.
Chapter 21 (4)
James was exploring the prairie area around the edges of Jade City. Kitsy was on his head. Weezing and Victreebel followed behind him. He carried the Pikachu in one hand and his suit case in the other.
"Maybe I should give you a nickname," James said to the Pikachu, "That way I don't get you mixed up with the twerp's Pikachu."
"Pi-ka," the Pikachu said.
"I'll have to think about that one," James said.
"Cha…" the Pikachu yawned.
"Wee-ee," Weezing said.
"Fine, we'll rest," James accepted. They all sat on the grass.
"Chu. Pika-pika?" the Pikachu poked curiously at the suitcase.
"I'm only lugging that thing around until I get a backpack," James said.
"Pi," the Pikachu opened the suitcase by accident. She looked at the stuff inside. The first things that she started examining were a cheap-looking CD player and a CD.
"That's just some crummy Christmas music," James explained, "Do you want to listen to it? Maybe if I get my job back, I can buy some more CDs, because that's the only one I have."
"Chu?"
"Here," James put the CD in the CD player and pushed, "PLAY."
"¯ Rudolf, the red nosed reindeer!¯ "
"PIKA!" cried the alarmed Pikachu. After calming down, she poked at the CD player and accidentally changed the track.
"¯ Silent night…¯ "
"Chu…" the Pikachu muttered bitterly. She pushed the button to change the track again.
"¯ Jingle bells! Jingle bells! Jingle all the way!¯ "
"Pika-chu!" the Pikachu said happily. She did her best to sing along, "Pika Chu! Pika Chu! Pika pi ka Chu!"
"M-mew!" Kitsy said happily.
When "Jingle Bells" was over, the CD player played "Jingle Bell Rock." All four Pokémon seemed to like the song, but the Pikachu looked frustrated when "Frosty, the Snowman" began playing.
"I guess you only like songs with jingle bells," James said, "Maybe we can call you Jingle Bells, or just Bell."
"Chu," the Pikachu said disapprovingly.
"Okay," James said.
"Wee-ee," Weezing said.
"So no one likes it?" James thought, "Oh, well."
"Mew?" Kitsy climbed onto the CD player and accidentally turned it off.
The Pikachu seemed happy. She sang, "¯ Pika-pika pi ka Pika Pi-ka-chu!¯ "
"What song is that?" James wondered. The Pikachu repeated it. James realized, "Oh, ¯ everybody needs a little KFC!¯ "
"Pika!" the Pikachu said.
"Where'd you hear that?" James asked, "You like advertisement jingles?"
"Pi," she said, not really answering the question.
"Jingles?" James wondered.
"Pika!" the Pikachu said happily.
"You're Jingles?" James asked.
She considered, then jumped up and down saying, "Pika! Pika! Pika! CHU!"
"Mew-mew! MEW!" Kitsy said.
"Pi-KA!" Jingles said.
"Great," James said, "Why don't we find a battle for you?"
"Chu!" Jingles agreed. James packed the CD and CD player back into the suitcase and started looking around the field for Pokémon. He saw something brown moving in the distance.
"There's something!" he said. They got closer to the Pokémon and found that it was an Eevee, "Jingles, go!"
"Pika-PIKA!" Jingles jumped over to the Eevee, who seemed a little confused.
"Thunderbolt!" James ordered.
"Chu?" Jingles questioned.
"Okay, Thunder Shock," James accepted.
"Pika-CHU!" Jingles fried the Eevee fairly well. Though weakened, it Tackled her. She used Thunder Shock again.
"Eh-wee…" moaned the now-feeble Eevee. James threw a Pokéball at it. The Eevee was sucked into the Pokéball. The Pokéball wobbled a few seconds and stayed still.
"Alright!" James called.
"Pika-pika!" Jingles exclaimed, "Pika, chu!"
"Good job, Jingles," James said.
"Pi-ka-chu!" Jingles said happily.
"Let's go find some more Pokémon," James said.
"Pika!" Jingles agreed. They searched around and found a Mankey. Jingles battled it, and James caught it. "Ka-chu!" Jingles said.
"Way to go!" James said.
A Sandshrew was next. Jingles's Thunder Shock didn't work on it, and she wasn't fast enough to successfully use Quick Attack. The Sandshrew's Slash knocked her out.
"Cha!" Jingles moaned.
"You little rat!" James exclaimed to the Sandshrew as he returned Jingles to her Pokéball, "Go, Kitsy!"
"M-Mew-mew!" Kitsy mewed. She jumped over to Sandshrew.
"Kitsy, use…uh…" James stuttered, "any attack you know!"
"Mew?" Kitsy wondered. She was hit by Sandshrew. "MEW!"
"Are you okay?" James picked her up.
"Mew?" Kitsy regained her senses. She sniffled and broke into tears, "ME-E-E-E-E-E-E-E-W!"
"Ahh!" James cried, alarmed by her outburst, "Return, Kitsy. Victreebel, Vine Whip that thing!"
Victreebel screeched and whipped the Sandshrew. James caught it.
Chapter 22 (5)
"O-TA-chi!" the Otachi hopped back over to Ash, Pikachu, Ootachi, and the other Otachi. It carried a large dark-green leaf that had jagged edges. It gave the leaf to Ootachi.
"Chi-chi," Ootachi thanked. He and some of the Otachi rolled Ash over. Ash was still dizzy and half-conscious. He blinked and tried to focus his vision, but everything looked blurry. Ootachi covered his mouth up to make him breathe through his nose, then waved the leaf in his face.
"Hey!" Ash turned his head away from Ootachi and struggled to sit up, "That stinks."
"Ooh?" Ootachi wondered.
"Pi-ka…?" Pikachu started to wake up.
"Pikachu?" Ash wondered.
"Pika-pi!" Pikachu jumped into Ash's lap.
"Ta-chi?" Ootachi questioned. He circled Ash and seemed to be examining him.
"Chu?" Pikachu wondered.
"Oo-ta?" Ootachi seemed confused, "Ta-chi?"
"Uh, thanks for your help," Ash said.
"Chi…" Ootachi drooped and looked disappointed.
"What's wrong?" Ash asked.
"Ooh…."
"[What's wrong?]" Ash repeated in Pikachu language.
"Oota-CHI!" Ootachi instantly cheered up and hugged Ash's arm.
"Uh, [Nice to meet you too,]" Ash said, not knowing what else to say.
"Otachi!" the group of Otachi began jumping up and down excitedly.
"[Maybe they're exited by a human that can speak Pokémon,]" Pikachu suggested.
"Guess so," Ash said.
Ootachi and the Otachi used rocks to crunch up leaves and berries. They used that, which was now a liquid, to heal all of Ash's Pokémon.
"[Thanks for your help,]" Ash said, "[We'll see you around.]"
"Oo-TA-chi!" Ootachi said.
"Bye-bye!" Galacteon said.
"Pika-chu!"
"Bulb-a!"
Ash and his Pokémon continued on their way. They trudged through the puddles of the marsh until they found a small relatively dry hill to spend the night on.
"My fur is getting muddy," Galacteon said bitterly.
"Sorry," Ash said, "This is the least muddy place there is."
Less than three seconds after that was said, it started raining.
"Pika…" Pikachu muttered angrily.
"It's just water," Ash said miserably, "Try to go to sleep."
"Fine," Galacteon said. He sighed.
"Squirt!" Squirtle proceeded in spitting out more water.
"Hope you get well soon, Bulbasaur," Ash said.
"Saur," Bulbasaur said.
Later everyone managed to sleep. The rain slowed to a slight sprinkle, then stopped completely. Pikachu rolled around a lot in his sleep and became coated with mud. The rain made Bulbasaur's bulb wiggle oddly.
The sun rose and the clouds cleared. The sun made Bulbasaur's bulb wiggle more. Bulbasaur stirred a little and continued sleeping. The bulb glowed. Later Bulbasaur was the first to awaken.
"BULBASAUR!" Bulbasaur cried, alarmed.
"Chu?" Pikachu woke up. He looked at Bulbasaur and gasped, "Pi-ka-chu!"
Chapter 23 (6)
James returned Weezing and Victreebel and carried Jingles to the Pokémon Center.
"Good as new!" Nurse Joy said, "Young Pokémon like this should be brought to the Pokémon Center a little more often."
"Okay, thank you," James said. He let Jingles out to walk around. When they walked outside, a little boy ran by. He dropped a thin paperback book but didn't notice. James ignored the fact and started back toward the prairie, but Jingles picked up the book and flipped through its pages as she walked. It was titled Tongue Twisters.
"Pika-pika pika pika pika pika," she said, "Pi-cur Piker pika-pika pi-cull pi-cur."
"What are you doing?" James asked.
"Pi-cur Pie…per p-pick-ta… pick-a pi-cull… p-peeper," Jingles stuttered.
James shrugged.
"Peek-tour Pie-per pick-ta pack-a pi-cull peeper," Jingles continued, "Peek-t-err…Peter…Peter Piper picked ta pack of pickle pep-pepper-Th-Shh-Ss…"
"What?!" James exclaimed, stopping and turning to Jingles.
"If-f Peter Piper picked a pack of pickle peppers," Jingles read, "W-w-where's the pack of pickle peppers Peter Piper picked?"
"You can talk?!" James asked.
"T-t-talk?" Jingles wondered, "Pika-pika-talk?"
"Wow," James thought, "Don't put too much intelligence into that though. Make sure you can still learn attacks normally."
"Learn attack," Jingles said, "O-okay. Chu?"
"Great," James said, "You up for another battle?"
"Hey, you're a trainer?"
"Yes," James looked up and saw a tall snobby-looking guy.
"How 'bout a battle?" the guy asked snidely, "Your little baby Pikachu versus my Pikachu?"
"Pika!" Jingles said, "N-not b-b-b-bay-b-by…."
"I accept your challenge," James said. They went out into the field to battle. James ordered, "Jingles, go!"
"M-me go!" Jingles leaped forward and stood battle-ready.
"Go, Shocker!" the guy ordered and threw a Pokéball.
"Pika-chu…" Shocker, the Pikachu, said. It looked like it had been in a lot of battles. This was because it looked a little injured, not because it looked experienced.
"Jingles, Thunder Shock," James said.
"Shock!" Jingles jumped toward Shocker.
"Shocker, Thunderbolt!" the guy ordered. Shocker stumbled and tried to attack, but only a few sparks flew. Jingles ran up and shocked Shocker with as much electricity as she could muster.
"Cha…!" Shocker squealed. He fell over and twitched.
"Get up, you weakling!" the guy ordered.
"Pi…" Shocker stood up shakily. Jingles pushed on his nose and he fell back over.
"Guess I win," James said.
"Shocker, you idiot!" the guy yelled. He kicked him.
"Cha…!" Shocker shrieked in pain.
"You can't win anything!" the guy yelled at Shocker, "Stay out my sight, you runt!"
"Pi…ka…chu?" Shocker questioned weakly as the guy stormed off.
"H-hurt?" Jingles stuttered.
"Maybe it's not weak," James said, "Maybe it's just been in too many battles and hasn't had any rest."
"Pokémon Cent-t-err?" Jingles asked.
"I guess," James picked up Shocker. They carried him to the Pokémon Center.
Nurse Joy looked surprised. She demanded, "What happened to that poor Pikachu?"
"It lost a battle," James said, "So its trainer kicked it and left it in the field."
"The poor thing…" Joy said. She took Shocker and carried it into another room. A few minutes later, she came out. Shocker looked healthy, but tired. Joy sat him on the countertop.
"Chu…" he said tiredly.
"Pi-ka?" Jingles asked.
"Ka-chu," Shocker said.
Jingles paused thoughtfully, then held up her book and exclaimed, "Pickle!"
"Pi-ka?!" Shocker demanded, "Pee-ka…pee-cull…Pick-cull…pickle?"
"Pack of pickle peppers?" Jingles said.
"Pick-pack o' pickle Peep-pep-earth, peppers," Shocker stuttered.
"Peter Piper picked a pack of pickle peppers," Jingles said skillfully.
Shocker repeated it haltingly.
"Where's that pack of pickle peppers Peter Piper picked?"
"Oo-woo-WA-who, Where-Th where's…" Shocker said, "the pack of pickle peppers Peter Piper picked."
"Pi-KA!" Jingles said happily. She flipped through the book and read, "'She shells she shells… She sells sea sells…She sells seashells b-b-by the she shore…sea sore…seashore!"
"Shh," Shocker put his paws on his head, symbolizing exasperation.
"Pi-hee-hee-hee!" Jingles giggled.
"Those two are becoming friends fast," Joy said.
"Uh-huh," James commented.
"Maybe you should keep this Pikachu," Joy said.
"Sure!" James said. He tossed an empty Pokéball at Shocker. The Pikachu went in without resistance. He came back out once he was officially caught.
"Pika!" he said.
"B-b-battle!" Jingles suggested enthusiastically.
"Okay," James said, "If you insist…"
Chapter 24 (7)
"BULBASAUR!" Bulbasaur cried, alarmed.
"Chu?" Pikachu woke up. He looked at Bulbasaur and gasped, "Pi-ka-chu!"
"Huh?! What?!" Galacteon woke up startled. He looked at Bulbasaur, squeaked in surprised, then pushed on Ash's shoulder.
Ash stirred and rolled over.
"Pika-CHU!" Pikachu woke Ash up with Thunder Shock.
"What's wrong?!" Ash demanded. He looked at Bulbasaur and gaped. He got up and circled the Pokémon. He was trying to make sure it was really Bulbasaur…
"Bulb-A-saur?" Bulbasaur questioned almost desperately. His bulb had opened into a flower. It had light-yellow petals and three red fuzzy things poking up in the center. There were smooth-edged leaves that curved to a soft point sticking out from beneath the flower.
"Did Bulbasaur evolve?" Galacteon asked.
"Squirtle?" Squirtle wondered.
"Are you still Bulbasaur?" Ash asked.
"Bulbasaur," Bulbasaur said.
"Sounds like Bulbasaur," Ash took out his PokéDex and held it up to Bulbasaur.
"Bulbasaur, the Seed Pokémon," it said. It showed a picture of a Bulbasaur that had a bulb.
"Still a Bulbasaur," Ash said.
"Bulb…" Bulbasaur looked sadly at the flower.
"We need to keep heading to the Pokémon Center," Ash said, "Nurse Joy can check you out."
"Pokémon Center?" said a high-pitched voice.
"Jigglypuff?" Ash turned and saw Doduo and Jigglypuff.
"You're rushing to the Pokémon Center because his bulb bloomed?" Jigglypuff asked, "I've seen that before. It's nothing unusual."
"It's not?" Ash asked.
"Bulbasaur is part plant," Jigglypuff explained, "That thing would have to grow sooner or later. Most of the time, Bulbasaurs evolve and their bulb grows, but if they don't evolve, then only their bulb grows."
"How do you know this?" Ash asked.
"I do more travelling than even you!" Jigglypuff said, "I can go places that the wild Pokémon don't welcome big clumsy humans. I learn these things."
"Are you positive that this flower is safe?" Ash asked.
"Yeah, but…."
"But…?"
"Most humans have never seen a Bulbasaur with a flower," Jigglypuff explained, "You might want to watch out for Team Rocket just a teeny-weeny bit more than usual. Other than that, don't worry. Most people will be impressed."
"Bulb…" Bulbasaur mumbled.
"Don't be upset Bulbasaur," Ash said, "You get to impress people."
"[What if someone makes fun of you for having a weird Pokémon?]" Bulbasaur asked.
"That means they're confused or jealous," Jigglypuff said.
Bulbasaur still looked upset.
"We should keep heading to Cerulean anyway," Ash said.
"Yep!" Galacteon agreed.
"Suit yourselves," Jigglypuff said, "but I have an appointment. Jig-LEE-puff!"
Ash sighed as Doduo ran off.
"Pi-ka…" Pikachu said.
"She's one weird Jigglypuff…" Galacteon commented.
"No kidding," Ash said, "Let's get going."
They packed up their stuff and continued through the marsh. The ground got so muddy that their feet or paws sank into it. Pikachu had it fairly easy, but Galacteon was in mud up to his knees. He had to walk slow because he needed to lift his legs high with each step.
"Stupid mud…" Galacteon muttered to himself.
"Woah!" Ash exclaimed as he took a few for steps and sank into the mud up to mid-thigh.
"Bah…" Bulbasaur said. He lifted Ash out of the mud with Vine Whip.
"Thanks Bulbasaur," Ash said, "I'm glad you can still use your attacks."
"Bulb-a," Bulbasaur said. The group continued until the mud and cattails were replaced by dry soil and short grass. The grass disappeared for a few feet in front of them and longer than their vision range on each side.
"This must be Route 4," Galacteon said.
"Yep," Ash agreed.
"Pika!" Pikachu pointed to something on the left.
"It's a sign," Ash said when they walked up to it. He read, "'To Cerulean City.'"
"Pika-pika-chu!" Pikachu said happily. Bulbasaur shook his flower uncomfortably.
"Seems like your problem is getting worse," Ash said.
"Hey, look at that," Galacteon said with his head turned up. There was something brown moving through the air.
"[Doduo,]" Pikachu asked, "[Is it Jigglypuff's?]"
"Hey, Jigglypuff!" Galacteon called, "Whatcha doing up there?!"
"Puff?" Jigglypuff looked down from Doduo's back; "[They're still hanging around here?]"
"Do!" Doduo landed.
"Can you people move any slower?!" Jigglypuff demanded.
"Your Doduo can fly so don't give us a hard time," Ash said.
Jigglypuff looked worryingly at Bulbasaur. She sighed, "If you need lift, I suppose we could help you out. But you'll owe me."
"Sure!" Ash said, "but how can you help? Your Pokémon can't carry me."
"In an emergency, sacrifices can be made," Jigglypuff said. She rummaged through the small paper bag on Doduo's back. She took out a piece of candy that had a blue wrapper with yellow triangles.
"How is a piece of candy going to help?" Ash said as Jigglypuff unwrapped the candy.
"Saying the least, it's rare," she winked, broke the little pink candy in half, and gave one half to each of Doduo's heads. Doduo ate the halves. After a moment it began to glow. It got taller, grew an extra head, and stopped glowing. Jigglypuff said, "Wanna make a bet about my Pokémon not being able to carry you?"
"How'd you make it evolve like that?" Ash said, marveling at the Dodrio.
Jigglypuff shrugged, "Hop on, you dolt." She sat on top of Dodrio's center head.
"I miss the good ol' when you didn't know how to talk," Ash said. He got onto Dodrio's back. Bulbasaur sat on his lap and used Vine Whip to make sure Squirtle, who was sitting behind Ash, didn't fall off. Pikachu sat on Ash's head.
"Can you move along side us, Galacteon?" Ash asked.
"Yep," Galacteon nodded.
"Good luck…" Jigglypuff said.
Galacteon frowned. He glowed as he used Focus Energy several times.
"PUFF!" Jigglypuff cried.
"DO!" Dodrio squawked.
"Woah!" Ash screamed in surprise as the bird got its speed up to about 50 mph in the first few steps.
"Hang on tight!" Jigglypuff said.
Chapter 25 (8)
With Galacteon right behind, Dodrio sped toward the Pokémon Center in Cerulean. It moved so fast that a gust of wind was right behind it. This surprised the Cerulean citizens. As they ran past Officer Jenny, her hat was blown off.
"Hey! Get back here!" she cried, "I need to give you speeding ticket!"
"JIGGLY!" Jigglypuff ordered after a few minutes.
"DO!" Dodrio came to a stop so abruptly that all of its riders, save Jigglypuff, were hurled forward by its momentum. They "flew" into the door of the Pokémon Center. The doors were knocked open, and Ash rolled across the tile.
"Weren't in a hurry were ya?" a snide voice asked.
Ash looked up and saw a way-too-familiar face: Gary's.
"Pika…Chu…" Pikachu said, rubbing his head.
"What's going on out here?" Nurse Joy came in from another room. She looked surprised to see Bulbasaur. Dodrio with Jigglypuff walked in.
"What's that thing?" Gary pointed to Bulbasaur.
"Go away; I'm busy," Ash said simply. He got up and handed Bulbasaur to Joy. He said, "Something's wrong with Bulbasaur Can you help it?"
"I'll do my best!" Joy said, taking Bulbasaur, "Now what happened to you?"
"Saur!" Bulbasaur moaned, looking at his flower.
"Oh, wait," Joy, who was now soaked, recalled, "my cousin called and told me about you. Chanseys?!"
"Chansey!" a pair Chanseys came up.
"Go run a scan on Bulbasaur," Joy ordered.
"Chansey!" one Chansey took Bulbasuar and headed into another room.
"Clean up the mess that our visitors made," Joy said to the other Chansey.
"Huh? Oh…sorry…" Ash apologized, seeing the mud that he and his Pokémon had tracked onto the tile. Chansey left and returned with a mop.
"Oh, Prof. Oak wanted you to call him," Joy said to Ash.
"Okay, thanks," Ash said. As Chansey finished mopping, she insisted on wiping off the bottoms of Ash's shoes. When she was done, Ash walked over to the phones to call the Professor.
"Hi, Ash! You got my message!" Prof. Oak said, "I was j—what happened to you?"
Ash could understand why Prof. Oak had asked that. He was wet, muddy, scraped up, and had slightly tattered clothes.
"The carnivorous plants, high voltage, and the mud kinda added up," Ash explained.
"Oh…well your mother told me that you left," Prof. Oak said, "and I was wondering how you're doing so far."
"Not so great," Ash said. Galacteon walked in panting. He was still covered in mud, so he made muddy paw prints on the tile as he walked over to Ash.
"Chan-see!" Chansey, the one that had both the mop and an angry look, stepped in front of him.
"Huh?" Galacteon questioned.
"Chan! See! Chan! See! Chan! See! Chan! SEE!" Chansey cried as she beat Galacteon up with Double Slap. She went over and cleaned up his mess.
"What's wrong?" Prof. Oak asked.
Ash said, "My Pokémon and I were nearly eaten by Victreebels, something…unusual… has happened to Bulbasaur, I got a ride to the Pokémon Center from a Dodrio and a talking Jigglypuff, and—"
"Ooh! Look at the pretty stars!" Galacteon said dizzily.
"—and Galacteon was just battered by a Chansey…" Ash ended.
"Oh," Prof. Oak said, lacking words, "How many badges do you have?"
"One," Ash said.
"I think Gary has three now," Prof. Oak said, "Is he still at that Pokémon Center?"
"Yeah," Ash said.
"Can I talk to him?" Prof. Oak asked.
"Gary?" Ash asked. He gave the phone to him and went to Bulbasaur's room to see how he was doing.
"Bulb-a-saur," Bulbasaur said from frustration. He was turning his head in all directions, trying to get a better look at the thing on his back.
"We'll find you a mirror sometime," Ash said, "Are you feeling okay."
"Saur," Bulbasaur nodded.
"That's good," Ash said.
"See! Chansey!" the Chansey said as Joy walked in.
"Let's see," Joy said. She took Chansey's clipboard. After reading it, she looked sad.
"What? What's wrong?" Ash demanded.
"I-I don't know," Joy said sadly. "There doesn't seem to be anything wrong…."
"Bulb-a…" Bulbasaur cried worryingly.
"Don't worry, buddy," Ash said, trying to comfort his Pokémon, "You remember what Jigglypuff said."
"Saur…" Bulbasaur laid down and started crying slightly. Ash kneeled down and patted his head. He eyes got teary, but he tried not to cry. He carried Bulbasaur into the waiting room.
"That's not something to get all emotional about," Gary said laughingly, having gotten off the phone, "Just catch another Grass type and release that one."
"BULBASAUR!" Bulbasaur cried, bursting out in tears.
"…and you call me stupid," Ash said to Gary.
"I'd say that thing's just a big baby," Gary said.
"Shut up, Gary," Ash said.
"Why should I?" Gary said snidely, "You're just upset because you train a bunch of freaks-of-nature."
"My Pokémon aren't freaks!" Ash said, standing up.
"Judging by the look of that one," Gary indicated Bulbasaur, "you're too optimistic."
"Bulb," Bulbasaur murmured.
"Pika…" Pikachu's cheeks flashed.
"I wouldn't…." Galacteon said.
Gary rattled on about flowers, babies, and lack of evolution. Just when Galacteon began to look so angry that Pikachu thought that he wouldn't stop him from attacking Gary, the Star Pokémon's expression changed. It was surprise with a trace of fear.
"Hit the deck," he whispered to Pikachu. He dragged him beneath the chairs that the people in the waiting room sat on. Dodrio and Jigglypuff stepped out the main door, but kept looking inside. The four Chanseys that were in the room moved behind the counter. Joy, who was at the computer, glanced at Ash and Gary every now and then. She sighed.
"Shut up, Gary," Ash repeated angrily. He didn't make eye contact. Joy ducked out of sight.
"And one more thing," Gary said scornfully.
"I SAID 'SHUT UP!'" Ash screamed. Out of pure anger, he punched Gary in the face. Gary stumbled back, put his hand over his face, and fell onto his butt. Dodrio and Jigglypuff came back in.
"Pi Pika-pi!" Pikachu cheer quietly.
Chapter 26 (9)
"Raichu!" a Chansey carrying a Raichu came in from another room as Gary, who still had his hand over his nose and mouth, sat up.
"Your Raichu is fully recharged," Joy said hastily, coming around from behind the counter, "So now you don't need to be here right now." She shoved Raichu into his arms, helped him up, and started shooing him toward the door. "You're welcome back anytime your Pokémon need help, but they don't right now, so bye-bye." She pushed him out the door. "Hope to see you again!" she closed the door and sighed.
"Pika?" Pikachu said upon seeing the angry look Joy gave Ash. Ash looked a bit nervous.
"I'd kick you out too if your Bulbasaur wasn't in a mysterious medical condition," Joy said, going over and poking him in the chest as she scolded him, "I'm not saying I blame you, but this is a place of HEALING! Not fighting!"
"Yes, ma'am," Ash stammered.
"I knew she wouldn't blame you," Jigglypuff said as Joy went back to her computer, "Some people should be socked in the face every now and then. It might boost his morality."
"Uh, whatever," Ash said.
"Aren't you cute?" she patted Bulbasaur's head as she passed. Bulbasaur blushed.
"Your flower's not so bad now, huh?" Galacteon said.
"Pi-hee-hee-hee!" Pikachu laughed.
Jigglypuff thought to herself, "Bulbasaur finally believes what I said. Guess all's well that ends well."
~~~
Back on Jade Island, James watched his two Pikachus corner and easily beat Slowpoke before he caught it.
"What a day," James thought, "Two Pikachus, a Mankey, a Sandshrew, an Eevee, and a Slowpoke all caught. Now I just gotta use these Pokémon to help Jessie and Meowth out. Now all I need is a Shelder…"