A/N: I know this is short, but it's a complete thought. I don't usually add any fluff to extend a chapter to "conventional" length if it doesn't need that.
The real adventure didn't start until months later.
"C'mon," said Benny gruffly one morning. "We're leaving."
"Where are we going?" I asked curiously, leaving off my conversation with a nearby Metapod.
"I have an... appointment," he replied, and I knew I wouldn't be able to get a straight answer out of him until he chose to tell me. With a sigh, I followed him. He didn't offer to let me ride in my Pokeball.
Missy snorted and ran to catch up with Benny, her ponytail bouncing. I suppose one would call her his girlfriend, if such a thing were possible. Her sister, Jessie of Team Rocket, is kind and caring in comparison. Or, at least, so I've heard. I find Missy a lot like me. She's very loyal, and, also like me, she hates that mangy stray, that pitiful excuse for a Translator, Meowth. It think I may be almost as close to her as I am to Benny. One thing she knows, but Benny doesn't, is my true name. Benny doesn't believe a Pokemon can have a name other than "Ninetales" or "Squirtle", or something similar. Sometimes he's too stubborn for his own good.
"Oh, Benny, tell me where we're going!" Missy whined.
"We're going to see my uncle."
"Gee, how interesting," she remarked sarcastically.
It turned out to be a lot more interesting than she thought.
Naturally I was disbelieving when I suddenly figured out our destination. I stopped in my tracks.
"Not... no, it can't be...." I whispered.
Missy realized it too. "Benny, why are we going to the gym? I thought we were going to see your uncle."
"We are."
Right then and there I refused to budge. I had an awful feeling about this.
After a few yards, Benny finally noticed and grabbed me by one of my tails. There's nothing I hate more than being pulled by a tail, not even the feline abomination with a New York accent. But I put up with it, because he was my trainer, and we all have blind spots where trainers are concerned.
My blind spot would be put to the test.
Benny dragged me toward Viridian City Gym.
The guards let us pass without a second glance, and then we were in.
It was so dark and sinister, so unlike every gym we'd been to so far. It seemed as if shadow lurked in every corner, and not just shadow but evil too. Why were we here? Why did we have to go to a gym to see Benny's uncle?
No sooner had we come in than we were greeted by a servant-looking person whose face was in shadow. Just like the rest of this forsaken place.
The figure asked us if we would like a tour. Benny declined, but told me to go with Missy and the shadow servant. I did what I was told (somewhat dubiously) and obediently followed to guide around the labyrinth of hallways.
Finally we rejoined my trainer in the main room.
"Hi guys," Benny greeted us cheerfully.
So, naturally, it was a surprise when vines suddenly materialized out of thin air and bound Missy hand and foot. She had time for one inarticulate cry before she was gagged.
"Good job, Valdera," came a voice from a dark balcony.
"I see you've brought my prize, Benjamin," the voice continued.
Nobody, but nobody, called Benny that.
"I have, Uncle Giovanni, I have," replied Benny. "I've brought you your Translator Ninetales. She's all yours."