The Journey
An Other Trainer story by BenRG
Legal Disclaimer
Pokémon, the Pocket Monsters and all characters and institutions connected with them are the property of Nintendo Entertainment, Game Freak Software and 4Kids Entertainment. This is a non-profit work written for free distribution through the world-wide web. No infringement of any copyright or legal property intended.
Peter Croft is entirely my creation, as are all the other original characters in this story, for now.
Author's Notes
Some New Trainer stories are good, some are not so good and some are just dire. I've never tried this genre before, so I'm going to try it now. If this is bad, then say so for pity's sake and I'll stop!
Okay, usual warnings apply. I don't know the continuity or the moves very well, so I'll be faking it most of the time.
What I call a Super-type Pokéball is what is called a 'Great Ball' in the Pokémon games. I think that 'Great Ball' sound silly, so I'll use 'Super-ball.' Don't you like me casually ignoring the established facts of the games? Well, c'est la vie, my friends.
Text in Italics is thought or psychic communication.
Text in "Quotes and Italics" is speech from some kind of loudspeaker, phone, etc.
Censor: PG – Because Pokémon fight, and fights can be unpleasant things.
Continuity Note: This story starts six years after Ash Ketchum started his own Pokémon Journey.
Chapter 6 – For Real
"Route Two," Lia announced as she looked along the forest trail from Viridian City to Pewter City. "I guess that we are going to have to start earning our keep now, right Peter?"
Peter was just finishing packing up his camping gear. He looked up too and smiled slightly. Lia was still very nervous. For a rich girl who had been given everything she had wanted on demand up to recently, living out in the wild and trying to support herself was quite a new experience. Still, it was a good sign that, despite her understandable nervousness, she was still pushing ahead. "I guess," he replied at last, pushing his glasses up his nose. "Another day with more Pokémon to catch and more miles to walk."
"Pessimist," Lia responded with a teasing wink. "Look at it this way: Yet more friends to make and yet more new things to experience."
Peter cocked his head and considered that for a few moments. Yes, that was a far better way of looking at things than his summary. Peter took a long look around the forest clearing where they had spent the night. Although they were only a few miles outside of Viridian City, there was still a sense of unspoilt beauty and wildness about the place.
[You know, I'm looking forward to this,] Shadow said, grinning eagerly.
[Yeah! This is going to be fun,] Chikorita agreed.
"Peter?"
Peter blinked and turned from his consideration of the forest around him and looked at Lia in some surprise. "Huh?" he blurted. He shook his head and focussed on his friend. "What is it Lia?"
Lia had shouldered her backpack and was smiling at Peter in an infuriatingly patronising way. "Don't you think we should get going?" she asked gently.
Peter recovered well. He slung his pack to his shoulders and recalled Avia, Buck and Bugsy to their Pokéballs. "I was just going to say that," he said smoothly. "Come on, Lia." Lia grinned, but she didn't complain as she followed her friend out of the clearing and further north towards Pewter City.
As the morning progressed, the two friends and their Pokémon made good time. They crossed over the stone bridge over the River Viridian that took them officially out of the Viridian City area and into he wild. As they walked along 2, Peter pulled out his Pokédex and called up the file on Route 2.
"Route Two," the Pokédex intoned. "Route 2 is the primary route taken by Pokémon Trainers travelling between Viridian City and Pewter City. The landscape in this area is dominated by flat, rolling terrain covered by deciduous forests.
"Although a fairly unspoilt area, the close proximity of the Viridian City conurbation and the agricultural areas situated around nearby Route 16 and 17 mean that all but the smallest wild Pokémon cannot be found here. Amongst those Pokémon commonly encountered on Route 2 are Pidgey, Spearow, Rattata, Caterpie, Weedle and Nidoran.
"Route 2 boasts two locations of interest to the wandering Pokémon Trainer. The most important of these is the Viridian Forest Wildlife Trail approximately five miles north of Viridian City. Although technically a wildlife preserve, any Trainer who can present a valid Trainer's ID card at the entrance gates may capture any Pokémon within its' limits, including rarely-found electric-type Pokémon. The other point of interest is Diglett Cave, a large underground cave system that dominates this part of Kanto's geology. While the main axis of the cave between Pewter City and Vermilion City are both well explored and clearly marked for Trainers' use, other caves exist whose exits and conditions are unknown. Safety note: It is not recommended for Novices to explore Diglett Cave without highly-trained rock- or ground-type Pokémon such as Sandslash or Onyx."
"That Wildlife Trail sounds interesting," Lia said as soon as the Pokédex had finished its' recitation.
Peter nodded excitedly. "I bet that there's all kinds of rare Pokémon that you can capture in there!" He reached into his jacket and pulled out his map. "Okay," he said after looking at it for a few seconds. "According to this, the entrance to the Trail is just north of here and is well sign-posted. We should get there before noon."
"Great!" Lia said.
The promise of a destination filled with such potential gave a little extra boost to the two youngsters, and they increased their pace. They weren't so excited that they stopped looking around them, however. Shadow kept his nose to the trail, seeking interesting scents. Lia released her Pidgey, asking him to fly around the area and see if he could find anything interesting.
It wasn't too long before they did find something. [Lia! Come quickly!] Pidgey called out loudly. Everyone's heads snapped around as the flying-type came out of the woods to their right, looking extremely excited. [Lia, there is a stone lying on the ground,] Pidgey continued in an excited tone of voice. [It glows!]
Peter and Lia looked at each other, their faces alight with glee. "A glowing stone?" Peter asked rhetorically.
"That means an Evolution Stone," Lia responded with a wild grin.
With Pidgey in the lead, Peter, Lia and Shadow (Chikorita was resting in his Pokéball) barged into the forest towards the flying-type's discovery. It took a few minutes to cover the distance, and there was a horrible incident while they tried to get through some young and extremely tough saplings that blocked their way. However, in the end, they reached their goal.
The stone that Pidgey saw lay at the base of a tree, softly glowing with a rich pink-white light. "Woah!" Peter said. "What is that?"
Lia, feeling afraid for no reason that she could identify immediately, quietly walked up to the glowing stone and knelt before it. Not daring to touch it, she looked at the stone. It was a perfect sphere of crystal, glowing from within. As if in a dream she unholstered her Pokédex, pointed it at the stone and pressed the 'Scan' button.
"Moon Stone," her Pokédex announced. "The Moon Stone is a concentrated piece of Ley energy, part of the natural energy of the planet. This Evolution Stone induces evolution in normal- flying- and earth-type Pokémon."
"A Moon Stone," Lia said reverently. She reached out and touched the stone. While there was a strange vibration in the crystal, there were no ill effects that she could detect. "Cool," she said to herself. She picked up the stone, tossed it up into the air and caught it again. "This is great!" she said. "I'll need this to evolve my Clefairy into a Clefable!"
There was a slight pause. "You don't have a Clefairy," Peter said in his best reasonable tone of voice. "However, I do have an Eevee, who I could evolve into an Umbreon using that stone."
"I will have a Clefairy," Lia said firmly. "Besides, it would be cruel to evolve Shadow right now. He's not even reached Experience Level 10 yet."
"I don't want to do it now," Peter replied, rolling his eyes in vexation. "I'm just saying that…"
"I know what you're saying," Lia said. "Don't worry, Peter, just like you might want to evolve Shadow one day, I will have a Clefairy to evolve one day." The girl winked and slipped the stone into her jacket. Peter scowled.
[Would you use that stone on me?] Shadow wanted to know. He didn't really know what he thought of evolution. His sire was a Flareon and his dam was an Espeon, but that didn't make him too eager to completely change his body just yet.
"Not for a while yet, Shadow," Peter replied, tickling the Eevee in reassurance. "I want you to learn lots of attacks and get stronger first."
[But you do want to evolve me eventually,] Shadow said, pursuing the subject.
"Eventually, yes," Peter said. He could see how uncertain his friend was and remembered what Gary Oak had said about evolving Pokémon. "Only when you're ready, though," he said. "I won't force this on you, Shadow."
Shadow looked at his Trainer levelly for a moment. [I believe you,] he said at last.
Peter eyed the Rattata carefully. "Okay," he said. "Hold steady Bugsy" Both his Caterpie and the opposing Rattata had landed one solid Tackle on the other. So far, the Battle seemed to be evenly matched. Peter wasn't about to take a chance with a hasty attack.
The young man standing not too far away from him, Joe Dalton of Vermilion City, grinned confidently. "Don't worry about that bug, Rattata, use Body Slam!"
"Rattata!" the normal-type shouted, jumping forward.
"Dodge!" Peter shouted. Bugsy jumped to the left, avoiding the charging Rattata. "That's great!" Peter said. "Now use String Shot! Aim low!"
Bugsy swung around and fired a string of sticky silk from his mouthparts. The jet of protein chains, proportionately tougher than steel, tangled the Rattata's legs and sent it tumbling onto its' face. Peter grinned in triumph, glad that the combination dodge-and-attack he had been practising with Bugsy was working out. "Yeah! Go Peter!" Lia shouted.
"Chiko-ri-ri, Chi-ri-ko! Ta-ri-kori!" [Keep going, Peter! You're winning!] Lia's Chikorita added, squeaking in excitement.
"Ow!" Joe said, grimacing. "Okay, Rattata, don't panic now, use Bite to get yourself out of that snare."
Peter wasn't about to give Joe's Pokémon the chance to escape however. "Use Stink Spray, Bugsy," Peter instructed. The Caterpie sprayed his foul-smelling pheromone over the Rattata, who began to writhe, rolling his eyes and unable to concentrate on anything except how horrible the spray smelt. He would recover enough to attack in a few seconds, Peter knew, but he wasn't going to give the other Pokémon a chance. "Now use Rollout!" Peter commanded.
[Yeah! Rock and Roll!] Bugsy hissed. The Caterpie rolled up into a wheel shape and rolled forward as fast as he could. The spinning bug-type shot towards Rattata and struck him hard, sending him flying. Bugsy struck Rattata another four times as he rolled past like a living high-speed tyre.
"Yes! You've done it!" Peter cried as the last attack slammed into the Rattata. The normal-type skidded to a halt at his Trainer's feet. He wasn't about to get up any time soon. "Great work, Bugsy!" Peter shouted. The Caterpie curled over to his Trainer as fast as he could. "You did great, pal!" Peter said. He hugged the bug-type, who cooed appreciatively. "You are the toughest bug of them all!"
[This goes without saying,] Bugsy said smugly.
Suddenly, the bug began to glow. "What the…?" Peter asked himself as Bugsy twisted in his arms and began to spray out silk as fast as he could, tying himself up in the process. The light grew brighter and brighter. Although it went against Peter's instincts to abandon a friend in distress, self-preservation insisted that he put Bugsy down before he was either burnt, cocooned or whatever. Bugsy disappeared in the light. After a moment, the light cleared to reveal a green-grey creature with a banana-shaped body and a blocky head with two eyes peering out. The creature had no limbs that he could see.
Peter, very surprised, pulled out his Pokédex, which identified it as a 'Metapod' the intermediate form between Caterpie and Butterfree. Bugsy had evolved. Peter sighed and shook his head. This shouldn't have come as a surprise. He had been training regularly with Bugsy since the moment he had captured the Caterpie. He was already at level-5 when they left Viridian City, and Peter suspected that teaching him the Rollout attack had probably raised his experience a lot. Caterpies evolved at only level-7, after all. He walked over to the Metapod and patted him awkwardly. "Well done, Bugsy," he said.
[Thanks, I think,] Bugsy replied. He felt very awkward in this current form. Peter laughed and recalled him to his Pokéball.
Joe, meanwhile, had fed his battered Rattata a standard potion and had recalled his dazed friend to his Pokéball. He had figured these two fresh kids would be an easy win for him before he reached Pallet Town and Route 21. However, things hadn't gone as he had planned. First the girl's Chikorita had suddenly learned Vine Whip and used them to pull his Diglett out of the ground and set it up for a knock-out use of Poison Powder. That had cost him a cool twenty Kanto Dollars. He had hoped to recover that against the boy's Caterpie, who should have been easy meat for his level-10 Rattata. So much for that idea! he thought unhappily.
"So, I think the amount you mentioned was K$20?" Peter said reasonably.
"Double or nothing," Joe said, determined to finish the day on top.
Peter hesitated for a moment. Joe had told him he had been on the roads for four months now. Who knows what high-level Pokémon he might have up his sleeve? However, Peter had his pride, and his confidence in his friends was newly enhanced by this latest victory. "Okay," he said at last. "Double or nothing it is, but this is as far as it goes, Joe. If you lose this one, you pay up."
Joe nodded and pulled out a Pokéball. "Okay, go Nidorino!" There was a flash of white light that resolved itself into a large rabbit-like creature with lilac fur. It also had a single horn on its forehead and two pairs of bony plates extending like saw blades from its' back. Peter recognised the second-level evolution of the poison/normal-type rodent family immediately.
Heck, that thing must be at least a level-22, Peter realised. It might even be as high as level-40! Although he was hesitant, he wasn't going to forfeit the match, and not just because of the money involved. Bugsy's victory and subsequent evolution had done much to boost Peter's confidence in his friends and his own abilities. "Okay, Shadow, I choose you!" he said. Shadow didn't even hesitate. He ran forwards to face off against Nidorino, who was actually slightly bigger than he was.
Joe sneered, his confidence restored by the opposition that Peter had offered. If this is the best he can do, then this won't take long, he told himself. "Don't bother with anything elaborate, Nidorino," Joe said calmly. "Use Poison Dart!"
"Dodge!" Peter shouted immediately. Shadow swerved and managed to avoid the poisonous darts that shot from Nidorino's forehead horn. Some, but not all. He took several hits to his haunches and yelped in pain. Peter winced. "Don't panic, Shadow," he said. "Get in as close as you can." Peter figured that the only way he had to beat the massive experience differential between Shadow and Nidorino would be for Shadow to get near to his opponent and use his superior speed and agility to his advantage.
Shadow ran right up to Nidoran who sneered at him. [Hold still, little one,] he said. [I'll make this as painless as I can!]
[You don't scare me,] Shadow responded confidently. [The bigger they are, the harder they fall!]
"Nidorino, use Poison Sting!" Joe commanded. Nidorino reared up onto his hind legs and prepared to drive his venom-laced horn into his opponent's body, a winning blow against opposition of this type.
"Shadow, hold fast!" Peter commanded. Shadow shot his Trainer a disbelieving look, but did as he was instructed. At the very last moment, just as Nidorino dropped down to attack, Peter shouted out another command. "Left!" Shadow leapt to one side and Nidorino's horn stabbed the earth with a loud 'thump.' Such a violent missed attack was embarrassing and possibly damaging too. Peter was ready to take advantage. "Now use Sand Attack!" Shadow leapt around and began to kick sand in Nidorino's face. The poison/normal-type yelped in pain and surprise. "Okay, and now use Tackle!" Shadow hit the side of Nidorino's head and sent him sprawling onto the ground.
"Ouch, back off Nidorino," Joe said with a grimace. "Use Toxic!" As Peter watched, Nidorino's fur began to glisten with secretions and wisps of vapour began to drift from his hide.
Peter didn't know what that was, and he wasn't about to wait to find out. "Use Tackle again," he ordered. Shadow charged and the impact sent his opponent sprawling again. However, this time Shadow looked as hurt as his opponent. He staggered away and stood for a moment, shaking his head. "Shadow, are you okay?" Peter asked in concern.
[I… don't know,] the Eevee said. [I feel sick all of a sudden.]
Joe grinned slightly. "Okay, Nidorino," he said, "move a little closer to that Eevee."
Peter could only stare in surprise at what happened next. As the Nidorino moved closer to Shadow, the Eevee moved back, trembling even harder than before. Peter shook his head and tried to work out what was happening. Joe ordered a 'Toxic' attack, whatever that is. Peter considered the problem for a moment. Until he had it figured out, he had to keep Shadow away from whatever Nidorino was doing to make him sick. "Shadow, start dodging around," he ordered.
"Get him, Nidorino," Joe responded. "Don't let him get away!"
Peter suddenly realised what was happening. Toxic had to be some kind of area affect poison-type attack. Just getting close to a Pokémon using this attack must weaken an attacker. This left Shadow at a real disadvantage, as all his current attacks were normal-type ones, requiring physical contact. Peter considered the problem and decided that the only solution was to finish this quickly. The question was how? All Joe had to do was keep Nidorino close to Shadow, but not too close.
"Nidorino, use Horn Attack!" Joe ordered.
"Right!" Peter responded. Shadow dodged the attack, but was weakened further by the toxic emanations from the poison type. "Use Sand Attack!" Another impromptu sand blasting drove Nidorino back a few paces.
Shadow turned around, although he looked a lot weaker and seemed to be having trouble focussing his eyes. Suddenly, he started making a deep growling noise in his throat. Peter frowned and touched the centre of his chest. He could feel Shadow's growl through the whole of his body. Nidorino shook his head and took several steps backwards, shaking his head and seeming unable to concentrate on anything.
Peter looked at Lia. His friend looked as confused as he felt. She the palm of her hand pressed to her forehead and her eyes were a bit glassy. Chikorita seemed frozen to the spot. Peter pulled out his Pokédex and opened it. "Dexter, what is that noise Shadow is making?" he asked.
"Growl: A sonic-type attack," the Pokédex reported. "Pokémon learn Growl when they can add an infrasonic element to their natural growl sound that induces panic and paralysis in other Pokémon. When a Pokémon uses Growl, there is a 2-in-3 chance that its' opponent will be paralysed and unable to attack or dodge for up to 10 seconds following the cessation of the attack.
"Eevee learns Growl at Experience Level 8."
"Snap out of it Nidorino!" Joe called desperately. "Come on, it's only Growl! You've beaten this before!" Unfortunately for Joe, his Pokémon wasn't in a fit state to listen to him. It could only stare at Shadow in terror.
Peter knew that this was his moment. He had to use this advantage and he had to use it right now. Unfortunately, doing so would inevitably hurt Shadow, but being defeated would hurt more. "Okay, Shadow, use the combination attack I taught you," Peter instructed.
Shadow immediately launched himself forwards and Tackled Nidorino on the side of his body. The poison-type fell on his side. Although Shadow wasn't using Growl anymore, he was still too stunned by the combination of the sonic attack and the sudden impact to respond when Shadow used Bite Toss. Although Nidorino was quite big, Shadow was able to toss him (although he had to throw himself on his back to do so). The poison-type hit the ground with a loud grunt of pain.
"Now use Pound!" Peter commanded. Shadow jumped forwards and drove his feet into Nidorino's exposed belly, making it cry out in pain. "Okay, Shadow, back off!" Peter instructed. Shadow complied immediately. The combination of prolonged proximity to Nidorino and biting the damned thing looked like it had wiped a round 50% off of his health level. He was trembling and little flecks of foam were visible at the edges of his mouth. "Shadow, I know you hurt," Peter called, "but you are doing great! You are so brave and strong! I'm proud of you. Just keep going for a little longer and we will win this thing, you'll see! I believe in you!"
[I… I won't… let you down… Peter…] Shadow growled, trying to focus his eyes on Nidorino, who was struggling fitfully to get to his feet.
After a few moments, Nidorino managed to stagger to his feet. If Shadow was weak, Nidorino obviously had very little left to give. "Use Horn attack, Nidorino!" Joe called. "Come on, you can win! He's only and Eevee!" Nidorino growled and charged forwards at Shadow. However, his charge wasn't very steady and he kept on staggering and swerving from side to side.
"Okay, Shadow," Peter called. "I need you to give me one last Tackle! You can do it!" Shadow jumped forward and knocked Nidorino's legs out from underneath him. The poison-type rolled over and over for several yards before ending up on his back, his eyes crossed over.
"Nidorino… get up…" Joe called hopelessly. "Aw… NUTS!" The boy immediately recalled his beaten poison-type.
"Shadow, you did it!" Peter shouted, running over to his friend. He engulfed the Eevee in a hug. The normal-type was clearly suffering. He was feverish and was trembling. His eyes were unfocussed and he didn't seem to really see Peter. He literally fell into his Trainer's arms, as if his legs could not support him any longer.
[Did… did I… beat him…?] the Eevee murmured.
"Yeah, you beat him. You did just great, Shadow." Peter suddenly felt very afraid for his clearly weakened friend. "Hold on pal," he said. "I'll stop you hurting and help you get strong again. Just try to hold on." Peter raised his Pokédex and did a statistic scan. Shadow's health was hovering at 15% and he had a high level of toxins in his blood according to the blinking red message on the screen.
Peter almost panicked, but he remembered what happened when Lia's Chikorita beat Buck. The Rattata had been suffering just like this. It was merely an effect of the poison-type attacks. He had cured Buck, and that meant that he could cure Shadow. Peter ran over to his pack and pulled a dose of General Antidote and a bottle of Standard Potion out of his medical kit. He used the disposable hypodermic to inject the antidote into the scruff of Shadow's neck and then poured the potion down the Eevee's throat.
"Peter! Is Shadow going to be okay?" Lia asked, running over. Peter watched the Pokédex's screen. As he watched, the blinking red warning that his Pokémon had been poisoned suddenly disappeared and the Eevee's health rose steadily to about 95%.
"I… I think so," Peter said after a moment. "Now the antidote has neutralised Nidorino's poisons, he should heal quickly." He stroked Shadow's flanks and was relieved to see that the Eevee's eyes were focussed and he clearly recognised his Trainer again. "You did great, buddy," Peter assured the Eevee. "I'm so proud of you. How do you feel?"
[Tired, sick and hungry,] Shadow replied quietly. [I think I'll be okay, though.]
Peter nodded thankfully. "You bet you will," he replied. "I'll make sure of that. I think you should rest in your Pokéball now, though."
Although Shadow didn't like it, he realised that he did need rest right now. He looked at his Pokéball unsteadily and then looked into his Trainer's eyes. Seeing the love and concern there, he nodded his agreement. Peter recalled Shadow to his Pokéball, knowing that his starter Pokémon would appreciate a long rest.
"I'm glad he'll be okay," Lia said, touching her friend on the shoulder. Peter covered her hand with his own and looked up at her, nodding in thanks.
After a moment, Peter stood up and walked over to Joe, who was tending to Nidorino. "Okay, Joe, I won it," he announced.
The other boy scowled. "I would really like to know how you did that," he said bitterly. "That Toxic attack should have beaten your Eevee all by itself!"
"Tough," Lia said. "You played dirty, my friend, so don't come crying to us that it blew up in your face!"
Joe was about to take umbrage at Lia's accusation. Lia looked ready to use the magical word 'cheat.' Peter felt warm that she was so worried for Shadow's sake, but he wasn't about to let his hot-tempered friend start a fight. "Lia," Peter interrupted in a quiet, firm tone of voice. "It was a fair move. Shadow was never in any real danger." I hope, Peter added silently. Lia closed her eyes and drew in a deep breath to try to calm herself down. "Now, I think it was double or nothing," Peter continued to Joe in a more normal tone." Joe sighed and reached inside his jacket.
Some time later, and with Peter's wallet heavier by K$40, the two youngsters were on the way again. Soon, they found something of interest.
"I wonder who dropped this," Peter said, looking at the hypodermic syringe in the black medical pouch with a silver caduceus emblem embroidered on it. It was a dose of HP-Up potion, formulated to boost a Pokémon's base health and its' resistance to injury.
"I don't know," Lia said, peering at the medical item in fascination. "Whoever it is, though, must miss it. They cost about K$100 at most Pokémarts!"
Peter looked at Shadow, who he had released from his ball so he could eat his lunch. Although Peter was still worried about his friend, Dexter's statistic scan showed no hint of poison still in the Eevee's system and his health remained stable at 95% of its' maximum level.
Peter was feeling a bit guilty now about continuing the battle after seeing what Joe had selected. Money was money, and he could always make up the difference later. However, Shadow was his friend, and he could have been seriously hurt fighting Joe's behemoth. Although Dexter had confirmed that the Eevee had reached Experience Level 8, Peter wasn't about to hurry him into battle any time soon. He was realistic enough to know that Shadow had only won against Nidorino because of luck and a little overconfidence on Joe's part.
Peter and Lia were currently resting and eating their lunch just outside the southern entrance gate to the Viridian Forest Wildlife Trail. They were in a small picnic area near a visitor's car park. A small ticket office was attached to the gate, and there were public restrooms and a few vending machines by a gift shop. After walking through a virtually wild wood for the last day, coming across a tourist stop was something of a shock.
Peter was watching Shadow carefully as the Eevee ate a Pokémeal. He seemed to be back to his old self after the hard-fought battle and he insisted that he was well enough to walk with his friends again. [Peter, it is rude to stare,] he suddenly announced in an amused voice.
"Hey, I'm sorry for being worried about you," Peter said quietly, looking away.
Shadow laughed. [It was a battle, Peter,] he said. [In battle, Pokémon get hurt. You have tended to me to the best of your abilities and I am feeling better now. That speaks well of you. What I really appreciate, however, was your belief and your firm and unyielding directions in battle. It is good to know that you can rely on your Trainer to lead you to a victory.]
Peter smiled in embarrassment. "I guess that shows me," he said. Lia giggled slightly.
The Park Ranger looked at Peter and Lia's ID badges one last time before handing them back to the two Novices. "So, you two kids have just started your journey have you?" she asked.
Peter peered at the woman. She had dark hair which was shaded almost blue and a long, honest face. Both features reminded him of someone. "That's right, Ranger Jenny," Peter replied. The woman's face did not flicker and Peter congratulated himself on recognising yet another cousin or some other relation of the policewoman from Pallet Town.
"All right, just remember one thing," Jenny said. "No tearing around and causing havoc. You are allowed to capture wild Pokémon here, but I don't want you causing a disturbance. This is still a wildlife preserve even though the League worked out a special arrangement for you Pokémon Trainers. Got that?"
Peter and Lia both nodded, wearing their best eager-yet-innocent-pre-teen expressions. Jenny wasn't fooled for a second. She laughed. "Okay, enjoy your time in Viridian Forest," she said."
From the bushes, two black-clad figures watched through binoculars as Peter and Lia walked out of the gatehouse and into the forest trail. "Well, well, look who it is!" the man said. "Still going blithely on their way."
"No reason for them to worry," the woman replied. "They are Trainers in an enclosed area that has its' own police force." She laughed. "It will be good to re-introduce ourselves!"
"That's right," the man said. "The time has come to teach those two brats that there is nowhere you can hide from the vengeance of Team Rocket! Right Kelly?"
Kelly rolled her eyes and lowered her binoculars. "You are too melodramatic for my tastes, Ned," she replied. She immediately edited her thug of a partner from her awareness and began to think up a plan to capture the two Novices responsible for their recent humiliation.
Peter and Lia were enjoying the walk through the peaceful wildlife trail. The sun was warm and the carefully tended flora leant the place a sense of security and comfort that they appreciated. They had stood in amazement, watching several dozen young Rattata playing in a clearing and they had watched a pair of Pidgeys chattering about something. Lia had picked several dozen flowers and made herself a simple floral crown that she had placed on her head. Peter thought that looked silly, but his experience with Katie told him that girls tended to think differently than boys about such things, so he kept his peace.
There was a lot of stuff that had been dropped in the forest by people who had come through before. They had both found bottles of Standard Restore-HP Potion. They had also found someone's medical pack, which they had decided to hand in at the northern entrance gates when they reached there sometime tomorrow.
"Hey, what's this?" Peter asked, spying something in the long grass. He ran over with Shadow dancing at his side, looking healthy and content. Peter picked up the grey-and-white Super-type Pokéball. "It's a Super-ball," he said.
"What's in it?" Lia asked excitedly. Her excitement was understandable, as the Super-type was used to capture tougher Pokémon. It was most frequently used to capture psychic-types and powerful elemental types, so finding one was a major discovery.
Peter checked the ball's sides and frowned. "There's no trainer's ID serial number and all the status lights are off," Peter announced. "It must be empty, but I couldn't tell you who dropped it and why." Peter hefted the ball in his left hand for a moment. He pressed the 'minimise' button twice and the ball shrank to its' 'storage' size. He squeezed the ball and it immediately expanded to its' operating size. Peter shrugged and minimised the ball again. He slipped it into his pouch. "It works just fine. Someone must have thrown it without setting it to capture," he suggested. "Well, their loss is my gain."
"Welcome to my world, Peter," Lia said with a laugh.
Peter, Lia, Chikorita and Shadow were still enjoying their walk when Shadow froze. [There are several Pokémon ahead!] he hissed.
Peter and Lia immediately tensed and looked at each other. They silently reached an agreement and sneaked forwards. They had reached a bend in the forest trail and had to push through several tough bushes to continue in the direction from which Shadow had detected sounds.
They looked into a picturesque forest glade filled with grass and flowers. Two creatures, yellow rodent-like animals with jagged tails, prehensile ears and black stripes across their backs, were moving around the glade, occasionally chewing on a leaf or a flower.
"Are they what I think they are?" Lia asked, her eyes alight with anticipation. Peter waved at her to be silent and pulled out his Pokédex. He pointed the device at the two Pokémon and pressed 'scan.'
"Pokémon #025 – Pikachu, an electric-type Pokémon," Dexter reported. "Pikachu is a small rodent-like animal capable of delivering powerful electric shocks from two bio-electric glands on its' cheeks. Pikachus are smart, aggressive and typically very independent, making them difficult to train. However, they are also loyal, powerful and friendly, making them ideal for Trainers willing to make a long-term investment in training a Pokémon.
"At experience level 48, or upon the application of a Thunder Stone, Pikachu evolves into Raichu."
Both young Novices looked at each other in excitement. "Pikachus," Peter said with a grin.
"Well, no time like the present," Lia said. She began to crawl through the bushes towards the Pikachus with Chikorita in tow. Peter thought about protesting for a moment, but then decided that his friend was right. There was no time like the present. Who knew when a chance like this could come up again?
Peter had learnt that Lia preferred the simple tactic of smashing right through the centre and damn the consequences. The first hint of trouble that the two Pikachus has was when Chikorita knocked one of them flying with a Tackle attack.
The two electric-types were pretty startled to say the least. "Okay, Chikorita, use Vine Whip!" Lia ordered. Chikorita reached out and struck the nearest Pikachu, throwing it on its' back. The other glared at the Plant-type and jumped forward a few paces, sparks of electricity beginning to flash around its' cheek pads.
"Pika… CHUUU!" It shouted. There was a blue-white flash and, with a cry of surprise, Chikorita was blown onto his side by a Thunder-shock attack.
Peter winced. He pulled a Pokéball off his belt and threw it forwards. "Go Buck!" he ordered. His Rattata materialised in the middle of the glade. "Use Fearsome Face," Peter ordered. Buck rushed forward and snarled at the second Pikachu, who reared back in surprise. "Now use Tackle!" The impact knocked the Pikachu on its' rump.
On the other side of the glade, Chikorita had bound the other Pikachu in his vine whips. There was another blue-white flash as the electric-type used another Thunder attack on its' tormentor. "Use Poison Powder!" Lia called out.
[Right!] Chikorita called. He and the Pikachu both disappeared in a grey-white cloud of poisonous spores. When they cleared, the Pikachu was staggering about, clearly very weak.
Meanwhile, Buck had driven the Pikachu back several yards with a relentless hail of Tackles. It suddenly responded with a Thunder attack that knocked the Rattata back several feet. "Don't panic, Buck," Peter said. "Use Tackle again!" Once again, the impact knocked the Pikachu onto its' backside. "Now use Pound!" The impact knocked the breath from the electric-type's body. "Great work!" Peter shouted. He pulled a Pokéball from his pouch and threw it at the Pikachu, which was lying on its back, struggling rather weakly.
The ball struck the creature on the chest and split open, sucking in the Pikachu in the form of a flash of light. Simultaneously, Lia made her own captures. There was a long silence in the glade. "We caught Pikachus!" Lia shouted. Peter cheered too. The two youngsters picked up their Pokéballs, linked arms and danced a wild jig of glee. "Wow, that wasn't as nearly as hard as I thought!" Lia added in a breathless tone of voice.
After treating Buck and Chikorita's electrical burns and giving them a potion each to boost their strength, the time came for a difficult introduction. Neither Trainer had yet tried to convince as wilful a creature as a Pikachu to join them. Additionally, in the wild, Pichus evolve into Pikachus at Experience Level 12, so these little electric-types would already be the highest-level Pokémon either one of them had tried to convince to obey them.
"Uh… you first," Lia said.
Peter swallowed and pressed the 'release' pad on his Pokéball. Pikachu materialised right in front of him. The little electric-type still looked a bit woozy from his capture. He stared up at Peter angrily. "Pi-pi-chu-chupi-ka, Pikachu-chu-pi-pi!"
Peter looked at Shadow. He got the impression of anger and a demand in the Pikachu's squeaky voice, but he didn't yet have any clear impression of what the Pokémon was saying. [She wants to know who in the name of Zapdos you are and demands that you release her immediately,] Shadow explained.
She's mad all right, Peter concluded, mentally noting that the Pikachu was a female, according to Shadow. He knelt in front of Pikachu and looked at her thoughtfully. Pikachu looked back resentfully and very angrily. "Hello, Pikachu," Peter said at last. "My name is Peter, and I want to be your Trainer."
Peter didn't need Shadow's services as a translator for what Pikachu said next. The sound of disgust and disbelief in her response made it clear that she was saying something like: [You are what? In your dreams, human!] She also obviously repeated her demand to be released immediately. Then she fired off a Thunder-shock attack that blew Peter back a few feet.
Peter lay on his back and smouldered for a while. While that was nothing near what he expected a Pikachu's maximum-power attack would be like, it had certainly made her feelings plain. Shadow and Lia's faces appeared in his field of vision. [Are you okay, Peter?] Shadow asked, looking at the electric-type angrily.
"Are you okay, Peter?" Lia asked, breathless and a little afraid.
"I'll be okay," Peter said. He got up again, as if the electric attack hadn't even happened and returned to kneeling in front of Pikachu. "Aren't you even a little curious as to what I have to offer?" Peter asked with a little sly smile. Pikachu frowned and did not reply. She was obviously impressed by Peter's response to her angry attack. "You are already pretty strong, Pikachu, as Buck, my Rattata, would be glad to testify!" Was it Peter's imagination or did Pikachu look smug? "But I want you to be stronger. I want to teach you how to fight and teach you how to use your powers in ways you just couldn't imagine just yet."
Pikachu cocked her head curiously. "Chu-ka-pi-chu-chu-Pikachu?"
[She wants to know what is in it for you,] Shadow explained.
Peter laughed. "That's a good question, Pikachu," Peter replied. "I'm a Pokémon Trainer. That means I train Pokémon to fight in competitive battles. I won't lie to you, Pikachu. I will ask you to fight other Pokémon on my behalf. However, I will never put you in danger. I will never make you fight a battle that I don't believe that you can win."
Pikachu shot Peter a calm and measuring gaze. "Pikachu-chu-pi-pi-ka-pi?"
[She wants to know if this means that she is your slave,] Shadow translated.
"Of course not!" Peter said immediately. "Pikachu, you have my promise that I will never force you to do anything that you don't want. I will never hurt you or beat you. I promise that I will care for you if you are ever hurt in a battle. I will feed you and care for you. I will let you have as much time out of your Pokéball as you like. If you want to do something, I will let you do it." Peter laughed slightly. "Within reason, of course."
Pikachu smiled too. "Pi-pi-pikachu-chu-chu-ka-pi-pi-ka-chu?" she asked, her expression thoughtful.
[She wants to know how you will react if she asked to be released,] Shadow explained.
Lia gasped slightly and waited to see how Peter would react. Peter drew in a deep breath. "I'll make a deal with you, Pikachu," Peter said. "Let me train you. Let me teach you how to fight and how to beat your enemies in battle. If at the end of that time you think I am cruel or if you don't want to stay with me… I'll let you go. If not… If you want to stay, then I would be proud if you would let me be your friend."
Pikachu looked very shocked at hearing that. She took a few hesitant steps forward and said something else. [She wants to have your promise,] Shadow said. He turned to Pikachu and offered his own testimony before Peter had the chance to formulate a reply. [My little sister, I have known Peter for only a short time, but in that time I have come to trust him. He always keeps his promise. He cares for all of his Pokémon. Frankly, he cares for us more than he frequently cares for himself.]
Pikachu gave Shadow a look that seemed to imply that she didn't want the Eevee's opinion. She looked at Peter again. "You have my promise, Pikachu," Peter said.
Pikachu grinned and jumped forward to touch her nose to the tip of Peter's outstretched hand. What she said next came through to Peter loud and clear. [Mister, you've got yourself a deal!]
"You've convinced him to stay?" Lia asked hesitantly.
"I've convinced her to give me a chance," Peter explained. "I get to train her and she will stay with me if she is satisfied that I am a good Trainer." Peter shrugged when he thought about that. "When you think about it, that is more or less the deal I've made with all of my Pokémon." Pikachu's ears pricked up at hearing that.
"Well, what do you think I should say to my Pikachu, then?" Lia asked.
Peter thought about that. He was just about to reply when Pikachu tugged on the legs of his pants excitedly. "Pichu-pi! Pi-pi-chu-kachu-pika-pika!"
Peter didn't get all of that, although he immediately realised that 'Pichu-pi' was 'Peter.'
[If Lia will make the same promise that you have made,] Shadow explained, [then Pikachu says that she will convince her friend to give Lia the same chance she has given you.]
Peter turned to Lia and passed that message on. Lia seemed surprised, but was willing to make the promise. When Lia released her Pikachu, the conversation between the two electric-types was brief and to the point. As it turned out, the other Pikachu (he was a male) had always wanted to travel and see new places. He was very excited at the thought of going on a Journey with Lia. He didn't need any special promises from Lia to agree to stay with her. Peter felt that his own Pikachu had expected this. She seemed slightly… rueful, as if she was used to her friend being like this.
Peter and Lia spent a little time healing their Pikachus after the capture battle and feeding them a Pokémeal. "Okay, would you like a nickname, Pikachu?" Peter asked as his Pikachu finished off her food bar.
Pikachu gave her new Trainer a level look. [A nickname?]
"Yeah, it seems silly just calling you 'Pikachu' all the time," Peter said. "I would like to give you a special name that describes you to anyone who meets you." Pikachu didn't reply at first, but she didn't seem particularly offended by the idea. "How about Shock Dance? As you are an electric type and you are so agile…"
[Shock Dance…] Pikachu said thoughtfully. [No. It is too long-winded and makes me sound like some kind of folk dance. No, I like the thought of being called 'Shock.' It is clear and to the point. Besides, it serves as a fine warning to those who would oppose me.]
Maybe there was meant to be a threat in that last statement, but Peter ignored it. He laughed and shook Shock's paw, making her give him a confused look. "Okay, Shock it is!" he said. He reached forward and tickled the Pikachu in between her ears. She closed her eyes and involuntarily purred a little at the good sensation.
[Pleased to meet you, Shock,] Shadow added.
[Why do you tolerate this, Shadow?] Shock wanted to know. [The notion is something I would expect from a Pichu!]
[He is only a child in human terms,] the Eevee reminded the Pikachu. [I would have it no other way, for he is still innocent. Regard this as a sign of his determination to win your friendship.]
[How strange that he should care about such things,] Shock commented thoughtfully. None of this fitted in with the horror stories that her sire and dam had told her of the fierce and violent humans known as 'Trainers' who kidnapped Pokémon and forced them to fight endless battles for their diabolical amusement. She hadn't expected one to be so… caring.
Peter and Lia were soon involved in the 'Training' aspect of training. They had, after all, promised Shock, and Lia's Pikachu (who had enthusiastically embraced the nickname 'Spark'), to train them to be strong and powerful fighters.
Peter quickly established that Shock already knew Tackle, Slap and Thunder-shock. His Pokédex reported that the Pikachu's experience level was 12, and she confirmed that she had only just evolved from a Pichu in the last few months. Peter immediately commenced teaching her new attacks. He started with two simple normal-type attacks, Pound and Tail Whip, and then tried to teach her the more difficult Quick Attack. Peter thought she did very well at learning the fast moves required, so he consulted the Pokédex as to how to teach elemental attacks, the most difficult attacks of all to teach.
The Pokédex recommended teaching the Pokémon to recognise the sensations of an attack and encouraging them to change the sensation.
With a little bit of work, therefore, Peter and Lia set about teaching Thunder-wave and Thunder Wall. The former was a slow-moving wave of electricity that caused a little bit of damage but, most importantly, also held an agile Pokémon immobile for a few seconds. The latter was a pure defensive move that could deflect or stop incoming attacks.
They managed Thunder-wave quite well, but Thunder Wall seemed a bit beyond both Pikachus at the moment. Peter imagined that they would have to wait until their experience level had increased a bit before they could learn that skill.
"Do you think we could teach them Growl?" Lia asked.
"I don't know," Peter admitted. "I still haven't figured out how Shadow learnt that one yet!"
Meanwhile, Shock and Spark were showing off their new abilities. They both used a simultaneous Thunder-wave attack, which combined mid air and interacted, throwing off little lightning bolts. Peter smelt ozone and all the hairs on his body stood up to attention. Every metal fitting on his clothes sparked with electricity. "Woah! Watch out, guys!" Peter said. Shock and Spark gave the humans a funny look, not understanding what the problem was.
"You two will have to be careful," Lia said. "As you learn more and more powerful attacks, you will have to learn to control them or you might inadvertently hurt someone."
Spark looked penitent, but Shock looked haughty. [Don't blame me if you can't control what you create in us,] she snorted.
Peter interpreted Shock's words as playful (when they were, in fact, an expression of scorn). "I think I can control you, Shock," he said, and suddenly charged the cute electric rodent. He ignored a light Thunder-shock, grabbed the little creature and began to tickle her mercilessly. She began to giggle in her native tongue and fired off another shock, this one a bit stronger due to her excitement. Peter fell over this time and the world went away for a second. When Peter came to, Shock was standing on his chest looking worried.
[Are… are you okay?] she asked quietly.
"I'm fine, Shock," Peter replied. "You caught me by surprise, that's all." To Peter's surprise, the Pikachu was crying! "Hey, what's wrong? You aren't hurt are you?"
[Yes I am! Inside! I attack you and your first concern is me,] Shock replied, sounding very distressed. [All you want is to be my friend and to fight alongside me! You are kind and caring and how have I repaid this? In anger and suspicion! I'm sorry, Peter.]
"Hey, you don't have anything to be sorry about," Peter said, stroking Shock's cheek. "I am asking you to change your whole life for me, so you have a right to be uncertain. You are learning to control your powers well, and I'm looking forward to working with you."
[Thank you,] Shock said quietly. It was strange, Shock later recalled, but at that moment, she was so concerned for Peter's heath and so ashamed at what she saw was her ingratitude for the human's kindness, that she forgot all about being captured and taken from her home. She realised that, at that point, Peter had stopped being just her captor and Trainer and had started on the road to being her friend.
After a while, the two Novices decided to move on. Spark was glad to rest in his Pokéball, but Shock didn't look too happy when Peter took hers off of his belt. "Don't you want to go inside?" Peter asked. Shock shook her head firmly. "Okay, you can ride on my shoulder then."
Shock was surprised by that offer. She sniffed at Peter's outstretched left hand for a moment. Then she slowly clambered his left arm and settled on his left shoulder. "All set?" Peter asked. She nodded. "Okay, then, let's go," he said.
With Shadow at his side and Shock on his shoulder, Peter walked off. Lia took a long look at the three of them together and laughed gently in amazement. "Now that is a cute sight," she said quietly with a strange smile. "I wonder if I'll ever figure out how he did that?" Then she ran off to catch up with them.
Ranger Jenny was going through the mounds of paperwork that formed most of her day's duties when the intruder alarm for the perimeter fence sounded loudly. Cursing angrily, she jumped from her desk, pulled her M-50 rifle from its' locker and ran to her jeep.
When she arrived at the sector of the fence where whatever it was had tripped the alarm, she found nothing of particular interest. There was no sign of anyone having cut through the fence or even climbed it. Any lingering suspicions she might have had about the possible cause of the alarm were settled when she saw a Vulpix with it's orange mane caught in the fence.
"Vul-ul-pix-piiix," the fire-type whined pitifully.
Jenny sighed and knelt beside it. "Take it easy, little one," she said with her best reassuring smile. She used her knife to cut through the fur that it had somehow got caught in the chain links and stood back to watch it go. "Damn alarms have a hair trigger," she muttered as she walked back to her jeep.
Because she left so quickly, Jenny did not see the Vulpix recalled into its' Pokéball. Nor did she see the purple-haired man and blonde woman in black paramilitary uniforms who moved away, keeping in the shadows until the forest swallowed them up.
A little later, Lia and Peter were walking deeper into the forest wildlife trail. Shadow and Chikorita were still at their Trainer's side. Shock was sitting on Peter's shoulder and was looking a bit smug at having a human to carry her around.
Having captured Pikachus had done a lot for their confidence and both of them were on an adrenaline high, ready for almost anything. Lia proved her confidence by capturing a Spearow only a few minutes after they set off. Peter congratulated her; Spearows were notorious for their bad temper and were difficult to catch. This made Lia's already extremely high morale jump up several more notches.
The two friends and their Pokémon were walking through an open area surrounded by trees when they saw another opportunity. "Hey, look at that!" Peter blurted as both humans and all three Pokémon froze in surprise. There were about a dozen rabbit-like creatures moving around the glade. Two or three of them were a lilac colour, and the others were a deep indigo shade. They all had small single horns on their foreheads and pairs of bony spines extending from their backs.
"This must be our lucky day!" Lia blurted in surprise. "Two different kinds of high-potential Pokémon in just one afternoon!"
Peter pulled his Pokédex off of its' belt loop and scanned their finds. "Pokémon #029 and #032 – Nidoran, a poison-type Pokémon," Dexter reported. "Nidoran was the first Pokémon to have its' gender defined before Professor Madeline Ivy of Valencia Island successfully developed a non-invasive gender test for Pokémon. As both genders have markedly different appearances and evolutionary paths, they have always been classified separately.
"Nidoran is a rabbit-like rodent, common to all forested areas of Kanto and Johto. They are renowned for their loyalty to their Trainers and their determination in battle. Although they do not develop particularly powerful attacks until after they evolve to their second level forms, they are nonetheless effective fighters in the hands of competent trainers.
"At experience level 22, male Nidorans evolve into Nidorino, while female Nidorans evolve into Nidorina at the same experience level. These Pokémon then evolve again at Experience Level 44 or upon application of a Moon Stone. Nidorino evolves into Nidoking, while Nidorina evolves into Nidoqueen."
"Okay," Peter said, "let's do it."
"You got it," Lia said. She drew a Pokéball and prepared to release her choice.
[Are you sure about this?] Shock suddenly whispered into Peter's ear. Peter turned his head to look at his electric-type questioningly. [The Long-Ears are quite stupid creatures,] the Pikachu continued. [I don't think that they would be of any use to you.]
"You never know, Shock," Peter replied with a smile. "Everyone has a potential that they can realise with effort. Part of being a Trainer is helping Pokémon realise their potential." Shock sighed, but didn't seem inclined to pursue her objection.
Lia threw her Pokéball and released Spark. "Hold Spark back for a moment," Peter advised. "I've got an idea. Shadow, I chose you!" Lia nodded, willing to let Peter lead off if he had a plan. Shadow loped forward towards the Nidorans, who reacted fearfully when they saw the evolving fox. The sight of a predator made them move closer together for mutual protection. "Okay, Shadow, use Growl," Peter ordered.
Shadow began to use the new attack he had only learnt this day. The Nidorans were all affected one way or another by the sonic-type attack. Most ran, but a few froze to the spot. "Nice job, Peter, and you too, Shadow!" Lia crowed. "Okay, Spark, use Thunder-shock on the nearest Nidoran!" Lia's electric-type jumped forward a few paces and then fired a blue-white storm of electricity. A blue-coloured Nidoran, one of the females, fell onto its' side with a squeak of surprise.
"Okay Shadow, use the combination attack!" Peter ordered. Shadow charged forward as he had been commanded and Tackled one of the male Nidorans. Before the poison-type had a chance to react, Shadow turned and used Bite Toss, throwing him over a shoulder and across the glade. "Great, now use Pound!" Peter cried. Shadow did as he was commanded and the impact stunned the male Nidoran, who could only thrash helplessly for a moment.
Peter pulled out a standard-type Pokéball, set it to capture and threw it at the male Nidoran. The ball acted exactly as advertised and Peter had caught a sixth Pokémon. Lia had Spark follow up his Thunder-shock with a pair of Slap attacks, which knocked the female Nidoran onto her rump. Lia pulled out an unassigned Pokéball and also made a capture.
Both the youngsters cheered and ran forwards to collect their captures and congratulate their friends on their quick and decisive victories. [They're getting cocky,] was Shock's opinion, delivered in a whisper to Chikorita.
[They have a right to be,] Shadow stated fiercely from where he was being hugged tightly by his Trainer. Shock grimaced; she had forgotten how acute an Eevee's sense of hearing was. [They are skilled and have great potential,] Shadow continued firmly. Shock nodded and tried to hide her cynical expression during what was supposed to be a time of joy.
The two Novices that Peter and Lia encountered soon afterwards were named Paul Darrow and Janet Chapel. They were both from Cinnabar Island and were heading north to Pewter City too. Feeling confident, Peter and Lia accepted their challenge to a two-on-two battle.
Paul decided to try out Lia. She demonstrated that she wasn't to be taken lightly by knocking his Butterfree out with her new Spearow. Then she used Chikorita to deal out a similar fate to the boy's Squirtle.
Peter found himself facing off against Janet. Her first selection was a Rattata, who Peter expected was probably around level-8, a bit like his own Buck. On a whim, Peter decided to try out his new Nidoran, who he had named Thumper. Unfortunately, a level-2 fresh capture is hard pressed to beat a trained Pokémon. Peter revised his estimate of Rattata's experience level up to at least level-13 when it used Hyper Fang to knock Thumper down. Peter recalled his new Pokémon before it was seriously hurt.
"Okay, Shock, this is your moment," he said. Shock was surprised and gave Peter a slightly accusing look. However, she didn't hesitate, rather she jumped from his shoulder and landed just a few feet in front of Rattata.
"Don't hesitate, Rattata," Janet called, "use Quick Attack!"
"RAT-AT-AT!" Rattata squeaked as he charged forwards. The sudden attack took Shock by surprise and the impact knocked her on her behind. Rattata swung around and immediately followed up with a further tackle, making Shock squeak in pain and fear.
[Peter, he's too fast!] she cried out.
"Don't worry, Shock," Peter called. "You can win this if you focus. Jump back! Now, use Thunder Wall!" Shock leapt back as commanded, avoiding the second part of Rattata's Quick Attack. Then she unleashed the new trick that Peter had taught her earlier that day.
"What the…?" Janet blurted as the massive crackling wall of electrical charge blazed from Shock's cheek pads, freezing Rattata in mid-air as he charged towards the Pikachu.
"Great job, Shock," Peter said. "Didn't I tell you that you could handle him? Now use Tackle!" Shock charged and knocked the Rattata from the electrical wall. "Okay! Now use Thunder-shock!" Peter ordered. The electrical discharge flashed from Shock's cheek-pads and consumed the Rattata, making it thrash and squeal.
"Oh no!" Janet groaned. She immediately recalled Rattata before he could be knocked out by a follow-up attack. "Okay, Peter," she continued, scowling at her peer in annoyance. "You've asked for it, now you'll get it! Go Bulbasaur!" She released what was obviously her starting Pokémon, the reptile with the symbiotic plant on its' back. "Bulbasaur, use Razor Leaf!" A hail of razor-sharp leaves flashed towards the startled Shock. Peter yelled at her to dodge, but she was just a split second too slow.
Peter winced when he heard her cry of pain. "Shock!" he called. "I know you're hurt, but I believe in you. I know that you can win, but you must obey my commands as quickly as you can, got that?" Shock looked at him thoughtfully, but nodded in agreement.
"Use Tackle, Bulbasaur," Janet ordered. Once again, Peter ordered Shock to dodge and she complied immediately this time. Bulbasaur shot past her and skidded to a halt.
"Thunder-shock!" Peter cried. The blue-white electrical pulse flashed over Bulbasaur, making it roar in pain. "Great shot!" Peter said. "Now use Quick Attack!" Shock shot forwards and struck Bulbasaur over the nose. She dropped to the ground, turned around and immediately leapt back towards the Bulbasaur, Tackling it again.
"Bulbasaur back off!" Janet ordered. Bulbasaur took a few steps back. He and Shock faced each other warily. "Now, use Vine Whip!" Two vines snaked from Bulbasaur's back and lashed towards Shock.
Peter had been thinking on how to beat Vine Whip ever since Lia's Chikorita learnt the attack. He thought he had it figured out. "Shock, run forwards!" Shock thought that was a bad idea, so she dodged to the left and was immediately snared. "Ouch! Shock, I said forwards," Peter said as the vine whips wrapped around the electric-type and lifted her from the ground.
[Have you got… ugh… any more clever ideas?] Shock groaned and Bulbasaur began to squeeze.
"Shock, I want you to release your electricity from your body in every direction," Peter ordered. "Don't try to aim, just let it go."
Shock wound her eyes around to look at her Trainer. [What… what good is… that supposed… to do?] she growled around the pain.
"Please, Shock! Just trust me and do it!" Peter pleaded.
"I think you need to train your Pikachu a bit more, Peter," Janet laughed a little scornfully.
"Shock…" Peter said, acting as if Janet hadn't said anything. "I told you I'd help you. Have I lied so far? Trust me, please!" Shock looked levelly at Peter for a moment, wincing with pain. Then, realising that she didn't have any reason to mistrust him, she did as he ordered. The electricity flowed from her body and down the Vine Whips into Bulbasaur. The plant-type shrieked in pain and released the electric-type immediately. Shock landed on all fours, hurt but still able to fight. "Great!" Peter said. "One more Thunder-shock, Shock!" The Pikachu responded immediately and Bulbasaur was knocked down for the count.
"What…? Oh no! How is this possible?" Janet gasped. She scowled and recalled her beaten Pokémon. "Okay, you win," she said resentfully. She reached inside her jacket for her purse. She also decided that she would never underestimate another Trainer again.
Meanwhile, Peter had run over to Shock and had swept her up into his arms. With Shadow jumping around him, barking excitedly, he was dancing in glee, hugging a very embarrassed Shock and congratulating her loudly for her bravery and power.
Evening turned into night. Peter and Lia made their camp by a stand of trees. They spent some time tending to their Pokémon's battle wounds and ensuring that everything was arranged comfortably. After they had eaten their evening meal, the two young humans settled down to sleep; they were very tired.
[Peter?] Shock called as Peter settled down in his sleeping bag.
"Yeah, Shock?"
[I… want to apologise for not being quicker to obey you during that battle earlier today,] the Pikachu announced. Peter was about to tell her she didn't have anything to be sorry about, but she interrupted him. [Please listen, Peter. I should have trusted you, but I didn't. I forgot your promise to help make me a winner and I thought I could do everything myself.]
"No one can do everything themselves," Peter responded, feeling more and more sleepy.
[I know that now,] Shock said quietly. [You are keeping your promise to help me become strong and formidable in battle. Now I have to make my own promise: I promise to be a good Pokémon and obey you quickly and without question. I did not think that I could learn anything from a human, or feel anything but fear and contempt for you, but I was wrong about that too. I think that the next few years are going to force me to revise many more of my illusions.]
Peter laughed. "That's called 'growing up,' Shock," he said. "I'm told it happens to all of us."
[Maybe,] Shock replied. Her voice sounded amused.
"Will you two pipe down," Lia said querulously from her side of the darkened camp. "Some of us are trying to sleep!"
Peter and Shock both apologised to the girl. Peter settled down into his sleeping bag. Just before he fell asleep, leaning against Shadow's warm body, he felt something crawl into his sleeping bag and tuck itself against the small of his back. "Goodnight Shock," he said quietly with a slight smile, and surrendered to the darkness.
Peter felt Shadow nudge his side. [You'd better get up, Peter,] the Eevee said.
Peter yawned. "What is it, Shadow?" he asked. He rose slightly and immediately realised that he and Lia were not alone in the campsite. There were several figures surrounding them, although he couldn't see them clearly without his glasses. "What the…?" Peter blurted. He jumped into a sitting position, feeling suddenly afraid.
[Don't make any sudden moves!] Shadow snapped. [Take everything nice and slow.]
Peter swallowed and slowly reached towards his pack. He pulled out his glasses and put them on. He then gaped in surprise at what he could now see. There were about two dozen Pikachus and four or five Raichus standing around him and Lia, all looking very upset. "What the…?" Peter said for the second time today. "What is this, Shadow?"
[I'm not sure,] Shadow replied nervously, looking around at the angry electric-types.
Shock crawled out of the sleeping bag and peered around at the morning visitors in surprise. [Oops,] she said.
"Do you know them, Shock?" Peter asked. The Pikachu did not immediately reply.
"Raichu-rai!" one of the Raichus shouted and skipped forward. "Rai-ai-chu-chu-ra-chu-rai-rai-riachu!"
Shock walked forward to stand in front of the Raichu, looking like a child who had been caught with her hand in the cookie jar. Peter was concerned and a little afraid. Frankly, he didn't like the odds. "Be careful, Shock," Peter warned. "Do you know what the want?"
[Um… yes, I do,] Shock said at last. She turned back to the Raichu. [Hi, Mom,] she said. [Listen, this isn't what it looks like, okay? I have a really good explanation for all of this.]
Peter was amazed at hearing Shock call the Raichu 'Mom.' He didn't understand everything the larger electric rodent said, but he bet it was something like 'You had better have a good explanation, young lady!'
Peter looked at Lia in surprise and amazement. They had no idea what was going to happen next.
To be continued…
