The Journey's Just Begun
Chapter 2
The next morning I felt something small crawling over me as I slept. I wasn't really afraid of anything smaller than me, so I slowly opened my eyes to find a Caterpie crawling over my sleeping bag to get to wherever it was going to. It was doing me no harm, and I was too tired to dig through my bag for a Pokeball, so I didn't battle or capture it.
I looked up at the giant trees of Viridian Forest and sighed. Last night's food raid had been a small success. Viridian City had grown even larger than the last time I had visited, when I was eight years old. In a way, I was sort of glad. The more people, the less chance of me being noticed. Before leaving the forest, I'd put my hair up under a baseball cap (Dad's Pokemon cap would be a dead giveaway), and applied some light makeup to my face, using a flashlight and my compact's mirror. The makeup made me look at least 13 years old, and without my long blue hair showing or Bulbasaur walking around with me, I had a good chance of not being caught.
I'd found a small convenience shop that was open 24/7, and bought two pre- packaged sandwiches for me, and some Pokechow for Bulbasaur. While I was paying for the food, I saw the local newspaper and picked one up. Who should grace the cover but me, with the headline above my picture, reading "Pokemon Master Daughter Missing". Eep! The cashier didn't notice, but I pulled my hat further down my head, so much so that I could barely see as I walked out the door with my food, and the newspaper. I headed back to my little spot in the woods between Viridian City and Pallet. There, Bulbasaur feasted, while I rationed my sandwiches to make them last. I only ate half of one, and saved the rest for this morning's breakfast. I figured I'd have a less of a success rate if I went back into Viridian in daylight to get food.
I grabbed my watch, which was lying on the ground next to me. It was 5 a.m. and the sun was just starting to come up, meaning it was time for me to get going; I had to get through Viridian City, and the only way to do that, without getting caught, was to get through town before anyone woke up. Bulbasaur and I ate a quick breakfast, and then headed onto the city.
Luck was on my side this day. No one was up this early, not even the police. I walked through town as quickly as I could, and by 7 o' clock and three wrongs turns later, I had made it to the other side of the city, and at the road that led into the Viridian Forest. I touched one of the first trees there, and let out a sigh of relief.
Maybe running away was going to be harder than I thought...
I started walking into the forest, then released Bulbasaur. I'd need him in case a Pokemon decided to pop up and surprise me.
"Bulba-Bulbasaur?" (Where are we?) Bulbasaur asked as it materialized on the ground.
"In Viridian Forest. Why?"
"Bulba." (No reason.) Bulbasaur was nonchalant. "Bulba-Bulba-Bulbasaur..." (I just figured after that run-in with Team Rocket...)
"That I'd turn right around and go home." I was a bit smug. "Sorry, no dice there, Bulbasaur. I'm not going home until I prove to my parents that I am mature, and I'm not scared of clowns like that one last night who tried to rob me. Now what say you and I catch some Poke-friends and build up our team?"
Bulbasaur sighed, but agreed and we started walking again. About a minute later, Bulbasaur suddenly stopped. "Bulba!" (Arina!) "Bulbasaur-Bulb!" (I smell a Pokemon.)
I fished around in my pocket for a Pokeball, and after retrieving it, enlarged it. "All right Bulbasaur, time to catch a Pokemon."
Bulbasaur led me a little ways, and there was a Rattata, quietly sniffing around, looking for food.
"Ok, Bulbasaur, on three. One. . .two . . .thr-"
"Pika-Pi!" a voice yelled behind me and something about the size of a football jumped on my back, knocking me to the ground.
"Bulba-Bulba!" Bulbasaur cried, thinking I was in danger, jumped on top of whatever was on top of me. I quickly stood up, whatever was on my back fell to the ground.
"What in the blue blazes - PIKACHU?!" I cried as I turned to see my Dad's little electrical mouse standing there next to a somewhat dazed Bulbasaur.
"Pika-Pika!" Pikachu jumped into my arms for a hug.
"But what are you doing here? You're supposed to be at Uncle Brock's till tomorrow."
"Pika-Pikachu-Pika-Pika-chu-ka!" (You weren't supposed to start your Pokemon training until I got back!)
I looked behind me; the Rattata was gone now. I sighed, "That's a long story." I held out a Pokeball past Pikachu. "Bulbasaur, return." Bulbasaur disappeared in a flash of red.
"Pika-Pikachu?" (Trouble at home again?)
I didn't answer, which Pikachu took to mean 'yes'. I sat down, leaning against a tree. "I had to get out of there, Pikachu. The tension is unbearable."
"Pikachu-chu-Pika." (Tell me everything.)
* * * *
"How could you have possibly not robbed that girl, Jonathan? She was a perfect target!"
Jonathan, in his Team Rocket Junior Member uniform, the black one with a red "R" on front, looked down at the ground. "I don't know Mom and Dad. I'm sorry." He looked at the ground, and then back at the two older members of Team Rocket on the videophone, his parents. He hadn't bothered to mention the embarrassment he'd suffered at the hands of that girl because she'd tricked him. "I just don't think I'm cut out for this lifestyle."
"That's no excuse." The red-haired woman crossed her arms at the chest and then angrily stabbed at the screen. Jonathan cringed. "Your father and I are professional Rockets. It's in your blood. Tomorrow you are going to get out there early and start taking the family business more seriously, after all, you're 15 now."
"Do you understand your mother young man?" his blue-haired father asked.
"Yes sir." The boy quietly said. "But I did find out what that girl's last name was. She said it was Ketchum."
Jonathan's parents looked at one another in shock, momentarily disbelieving what their son had said. Then his mother smiled, "Good work, Jonathan, sweetie. Keep monitoring this girl, and continue to get as many Pokemon as you can."
"Yes, Mom." Jonathan cringed. "Getting" Pokemon meant nothing more than stealing them.
"Good, we'll be checking on your progress by the end of the week."
The videophone winked out and Jonathan sighed. Two words expressed his attitude.
"Why me?"
* * * *
Jessie turned away from the videophone to look at her husband, James. "You don't think it's actually her. Not after what happened?"
"I doubt it would be anyone else." James answered, sniffing a rose, inhaling its beautiful aroma. "Jonathan gave us her description, and it would make sense if she was going on her Pokemon journey this year if she is ten." James smiled. "Her parents always were a bit thick. I can't believe they'd let her go anywhere without an escort after what happened eight years ago."
"It's what got Butch and Cassidy promoted. History repeats itself, and twerp-boy and his daughter are going to learn that Team Rocket always wins in the end!" Jessie cackled.
* * * *
"Pika-Pikachu-chu!" (You have to go home!)
My eyes flashed angrily at Pikachu. "Not a chance! I'm sick of being through weekly fights, and Mom not accepting my apology was the last straw. It'll be a million years until either of them starts acting mature, so until then, the open road is my home."
"Pika-Pika-Pika." Pikachus said despondently.
"I'm a lot more mature than the both of them put together. At least I can swallow my pride and apologize!"
"Pikachu-Pika-chu?" (So running away is your solution to everything?)
Who said I'm running away? I'm...just starting my training a little earlier than expected."
Pikachu fell over. "Chu!"
"Besides, with me gone, who's to stop them from getting a divorce?"
"Pikachu!" (Not funny!) Pikachu thundershocked me. "Pika-Pi-Pika-pi- Pika!" (Ash and Misty love each other!)
"Not from what I've seen recently. You remember Valentine's Day? They weren't even making eye contact with each other. It's a good thing you weren't there for their anniversary. Mom nearly killed Dad that night." Tears formed at the corners of my eyes.
Pikachu jumped into my lap and brushed one away. "Pikachu." He said quietly.
I sniffled and battled away my other tears away. "Come on, I still have a lot more Pokemon to catch." I picked up my bag at an odd angle and everything fell out. Pikachu helped me pick everything up, but when he saw the newspaper, he stopped and began to read. I tried to snatch it way, but he threatened to give me a good thunderbolt.
"Pika-Pika-pi-Pikachu!" (You have to go home now!) Pikachu pointed at my picture, and then swatted me on my head with his paw.
"You keep that up and I won't get you any ketchup when we get to Pewter City."
"Pika-Pikachu!" (You call that a threat?)
"More like a promise." my voice was filled with annoyance as we walked.
"Pika-Pika-Pika!" (Stop right there!)
"What's wrong?"
"Chu, Pika-Pika-cha-pi!" (I refuse to play a role in your running away!)
"Oh come on, Pikachu! We're friends, right?"
"Pika-pi-chu-ka-Pika-pi!" (Not if it means losing a friend with Ash!)
"He's not going to yell at you. Not if I kidnap you."
"Pika-Pikachu!" (You wouldn't dare!)
"No," I shook my head, "I wouldn't. But don't you see, Pikachu, if I go home now, Mom and Dad won't ever let me go on my journey. I want to show them that even responsible people make mistakes. I am sorry for what I said to Mom about Seel, but that doesn't mean I'm an idiot. I just made a mistake, like anyone else would."
"Pikachu..." (Maybe...)
"But I won't force you to stay. You can go home now, if you want."
Pikachu scratched his head and spoke then. "Pikachu-Pika-pi-pi-pika," (If I go home now, I'll get yelled at for leaving you.)
"The way it's looking, we're both meat on a stick later. Might as well enjoy our freedom now."
"Pika." Pikachu agreed, and then looked around as he sniffed the air. "Pika-Pi, Pikachu-Pi!" (Arina, I smell Pokemon nearby!)
I grabbed Bulbasaur's Pokeball in my pocket. "Just point in the direction." We headed left and came upon a couple of Weedle's duking it out. We watched them from behind a bush until the one closest to us looked like it was going to give.
"Bulbasaur!" I cried. "Get a Weedle for our group!"
"Bulbasaur!" Bulbasaur landed between the two Weedles and it only needed to growl at both of them before they fainted.
"Whoopee!" I shouted and threw my cap into the air. "Nice job, Bulbasaur! Return!"
"Pika-Pi!" (One's evolving!) Pikachu said as Bulbasaur went back into it's Pokeball. Sure enough, when I got my empty Pokeballs out, there was one Weedle and one Kakuna sitting on the grass.
"Wonderful! Weedle and Kakuna, welcome to Team 'Rina." Both disappeared into Pokeballs. "Not a bad day's work. So far I've got three different Pokemon."
"Pika-Pikachu..." Pikachu said as we started walking again.
"Why can't I catch more than six?" I asked, and then answered my own question. "Because if I catch more than six Pokemon, they'll go to Professor Oak, and then they'll know where I am after talking to those Pokemon."
"Pika-Pi-Pika-chu-Pi." (Not that that's a bad thing.) Pikachu said as he sat on my backpack.
"Very funny." I gave him a look of disapproval he didn't see, then looked at the path ahead. I saw a Pidgey swoop down then heard a faint crackle of electricity go off mingled with an animal's cry.
"That sounds like a Pikachu!" I cried and started running. Sure enough, when we reached the spot where the Pidgey had been, a baby Pikachu lay by the path, cut and bleeding. I looked above me. The Pidgey was circling above me and had now been joined by its feathered friend, a Spearow. They suddenly swooped down, heading straight toward the baby.
"Pikachu! Thundershock!"
Pikachu went to work while I turned to the baby, who was shaking uncontrollably. "It's ok," I murmured. "You'll be just fine." I pulled out a spray bottle of antiseptic and sprayed it's entire body with it. I heard several thumps on the ground and I knew Pikachu had done his job. I pulled out two more Pokeballs from my backpack. Instantly, the Spearow and Pidgey were caught. I was more worried about the baby, however.
"Pika-Pika-Pikachu?" Pikachu asked about the baby.
"This little one needs help, Pikachu, more than I can give it here. We'll have to take it to a Pokemon Center." I rocked back on my heels, feeling defeated. "I might as well give up the chase at Pewter City. I probably wouldn't get past Uncle Brock anyway."
I picked up Spearow and Pidgey's Pokeballs and put them in my backpack as Pikachu agreed with me. He climbed onto my backpack again as I began to run. We weren't even a quarter of the way through the forest when, without looking where I was going, I tripped over a large tree root. I fell at an odd angle, my feet going one way, the rest of me going another. I felt a sharp stab of pain in my left ankle and tried hard not to scream.
"Pikachu!" Pikachu ran up beside me as I tried to stand. I immediately collapsed after putting weight on my left foot.
"Pikachu," I said, "Get this little one to the Pokemon Center and get help. I don't care who it is! Just get it! I'll be fine here."
"Pika!" Pikachu took the baby and ran off. "Pika! Pikachu!" (I'll be back soon!)
Now I was alone. The forest was awfully quiet, except for the occasional call of a Pokemon in the distance. Then I saw it - another Rattata, just like the one I had tried to capture before. I rummaged around my backpack quietly, keeping my gaze on the Rattata.
"Time to battle. Weedle, I choose you!" Those words rolled over my tongue so nicely... "Weedle, string shot now!"
Weedle was a good aim. The Rattata didn't have a chance to jump away before getting hit with the sticky webbing. "You're mine, Rattata! Pokeball, go!" Rattata disappeared into the Pokeball, and for a few seconds it rocked around before finally giving in. I crawled over to it, and although happy to have a new Pokemon, all I worried about now was that poor baby Pikachu and if I had been in time to save it...
End Chapter 2
Chapter 2
The next morning I felt something small crawling over me as I slept. I wasn't really afraid of anything smaller than me, so I slowly opened my eyes to find a Caterpie crawling over my sleeping bag to get to wherever it was going to. It was doing me no harm, and I was too tired to dig through my bag for a Pokeball, so I didn't battle or capture it.
I looked up at the giant trees of Viridian Forest and sighed. Last night's food raid had been a small success. Viridian City had grown even larger than the last time I had visited, when I was eight years old. In a way, I was sort of glad. The more people, the less chance of me being noticed. Before leaving the forest, I'd put my hair up under a baseball cap (Dad's Pokemon cap would be a dead giveaway), and applied some light makeup to my face, using a flashlight and my compact's mirror. The makeup made me look at least 13 years old, and without my long blue hair showing or Bulbasaur walking around with me, I had a good chance of not being caught.
I'd found a small convenience shop that was open 24/7, and bought two pre- packaged sandwiches for me, and some Pokechow for Bulbasaur. While I was paying for the food, I saw the local newspaper and picked one up. Who should grace the cover but me, with the headline above my picture, reading "Pokemon Master Daughter Missing". Eep! The cashier didn't notice, but I pulled my hat further down my head, so much so that I could barely see as I walked out the door with my food, and the newspaper. I headed back to my little spot in the woods between Viridian City and Pallet. There, Bulbasaur feasted, while I rationed my sandwiches to make them last. I only ate half of one, and saved the rest for this morning's breakfast. I figured I'd have a less of a success rate if I went back into Viridian in daylight to get food.
I grabbed my watch, which was lying on the ground next to me. It was 5 a.m. and the sun was just starting to come up, meaning it was time for me to get going; I had to get through Viridian City, and the only way to do that, without getting caught, was to get through town before anyone woke up. Bulbasaur and I ate a quick breakfast, and then headed onto the city.
Luck was on my side this day. No one was up this early, not even the police. I walked through town as quickly as I could, and by 7 o' clock and three wrongs turns later, I had made it to the other side of the city, and at the road that led into the Viridian Forest. I touched one of the first trees there, and let out a sigh of relief.
Maybe running away was going to be harder than I thought...
I started walking into the forest, then released Bulbasaur. I'd need him in case a Pokemon decided to pop up and surprise me.
"Bulba-Bulbasaur?" (Where are we?) Bulbasaur asked as it materialized on the ground.
"In Viridian Forest. Why?"
"Bulba." (No reason.) Bulbasaur was nonchalant. "Bulba-Bulba-Bulbasaur..." (I just figured after that run-in with Team Rocket...)
"That I'd turn right around and go home." I was a bit smug. "Sorry, no dice there, Bulbasaur. I'm not going home until I prove to my parents that I am mature, and I'm not scared of clowns like that one last night who tried to rob me. Now what say you and I catch some Poke-friends and build up our team?"
Bulbasaur sighed, but agreed and we started walking again. About a minute later, Bulbasaur suddenly stopped. "Bulba!" (Arina!) "Bulbasaur-Bulb!" (I smell a Pokemon.)
I fished around in my pocket for a Pokeball, and after retrieving it, enlarged it. "All right Bulbasaur, time to catch a Pokemon."
Bulbasaur led me a little ways, and there was a Rattata, quietly sniffing around, looking for food.
"Ok, Bulbasaur, on three. One. . .two . . .thr-"
"Pika-Pi!" a voice yelled behind me and something about the size of a football jumped on my back, knocking me to the ground.
"Bulba-Bulba!" Bulbasaur cried, thinking I was in danger, jumped on top of whatever was on top of me. I quickly stood up, whatever was on my back fell to the ground.
"What in the blue blazes - PIKACHU?!" I cried as I turned to see my Dad's little electrical mouse standing there next to a somewhat dazed Bulbasaur.
"Pika-Pika!" Pikachu jumped into my arms for a hug.
"But what are you doing here? You're supposed to be at Uncle Brock's till tomorrow."
"Pika-Pikachu-Pika-Pika-chu-ka!" (You weren't supposed to start your Pokemon training until I got back!)
I looked behind me; the Rattata was gone now. I sighed, "That's a long story." I held out a Pokeball past Pikachu. "Bulbasaur, return." Bulbasaur disappeared in a flash of red.
"Pika-Pikachu?" (Trouble at home again?)
I didn't answer, which Pikachu took to mean 'yes'. I sat down, leaning against a tree. "I had to get out of there, Pikachu. The tension is unbearable."
"Pikachu-chu-Pika." (Tell me everything.)
* * * *
"How could you have possibly not robbed that girl, Jonathan? She was a perfect target!"
Jonathan, in his Team Rocket Junior Member uniform, the black one with a red "R" on front, looked down at the ground. "I don't know Mom and Dad. I'm sorry." He looked at the ground, and then back at the two older members of Team Rocket on the videophone, his parents. He hadn't bothered to mention the embarrassment he'd suffered at the hands of that girl because she'd tricked him. "I just don't think I'm cut out for this lifestyle."
"That's no excuse." The red-haired woman crossed her arms at the chest and then angrily stabbed at the screen. Jonathan cringed. "Your father and I are professional Rockets. It's in your blood. Tomorrow you are going to get out there early and start taking the family business more seriously, after all, you're 15 now."
"Do you understand your mother young man?" his blue-haired father asked.
"Yes sir." The boy quietly said. "But I did find out what that girl's last name was. She said it was Ketchum."
Jonathan's parents looked at one another in shock, momentarily disbelieving what their son had said. Then his mother smiled, "Good work, Jonathan, sweetie. Keep monitoring this girl, and continue to get as many Pokemon as you can."
"Yes, Mom." Jonathan cringed. "Getting" Pokemon meant nothing more than stealing them.
"Good, we'll be checking on your progress by the end of the week."
The videophone winked out and Jonathan sighed. Two words expressed his attitude.
"Why me?"
* * * *
Jessie turned away from the videophone to look at her husband, James. "You don't think it's actually her. Not after what happened?"
"I doubt it would be anyone else." James answered, sniffing a rose, inhaling its beautiful aroma. "Jonathan gave us her description, and it would make sense if she was going on her Pokemon journey this year if she is ten." James smiled. "Her parents always were a bit thick. I can't believe they'd let her go anywhere without an escort after what happened eight years ago."
"It's what got Butch and Cassidy promoted. History repeats itself, and twerp-boy and his daughter are going to learn that Team Rocket always wins in the end!" Jessie cackled.
* * * *
"Pika-Pikachu-chu!" (You have to go home!)
My eyes flashed angrily at Pikachu. "Not a chance! I'm sick of being through weekly fights, and Mom not accepting my apology was the last straw. It'll be a million years until either of them starts acting mature, so until then, the open road is my home."
"Pika-Pika-Pika." Pikachus said despondently.
"I'm a lot more mature than the both of them put together. At least I can swallow my pride and apologize!"
"Pikachu-Pika-chu?" (So running away is your solution to everything?)
Who said I'm running away? I'm...just starting my training a little earlier than expected."
Pikachu fell over. "Chu!"
"Besides, with me gone, who's to stop them from getting a divorce?"
"Pikachu!" (Not funny!) Pikachu thundershocked me. "Pika-Pi-Pika-pi- Pika!" (Ash and Misty love each other!)
"Not from what I've seen recently. You remember Valentine's Day? They weren't even making eye contact with each other. It's a good thing you weren't there for their anniversary. Mom nearly killed Dad that night." Tears formed at the corners of my eyes.
Pikachu jumped into my lap and brushed one away. "Pikachu." He said quietly.
I sniffled and battled away my other tears away. "Come on, I still have a lot more Pokemon to catch." I picked up my bag at an odd angle and everything fell out. Pikachu helped me pick everything up, but when he saw the newspaper, he stopped and began to read. I tried to snatch it way, but he threatened to give me a good thunderbolt.
"Pika-Pika-pi-Pikachu!" (You have to go home now!) Pikachu pointed at my picture, and then swatted me on my head with his paw.
"You keep that up and I won't get you any ketchup when we get to Pewter City."
"Pika-Pikachu!" (You call that a threat?)
"More like a promise." my voice was filled with annoyance as we walked.
"Pika-Pika-Pika!" (Stop right there!)
"What's wrong?"
"Chu, Pika-Pika-cha-pi!" (I refuse to play a role in your running away!)
"Oh come on, Pikachu! We're friends, right?"
"Pika-pi-chu-ka-Pika-pi!" (Not if it means losing a friend with Ash!)
"He's not going to yell at you. Not if I kidnap you."
"Pika-Pikachu!" (You wouldn't dare!)
"No," I shook my head, "I wouldn't. But don't you see, Pikachu, if I go home now, Mom and Dad won't ever let me go on my journey. I want to show them that even responsible people make mistakes. I am sorry for what I said to Mom about Seel, but that doesn't mean I'm an idiot. I just made a mistake, like anyone else would."
"Pikachu..." (Maybe...)
"But I won't force you to stay. You can go home now, if you want."
Pikachu scratched his head and spoke then. "Pikachu-Pika-pi-pi-pika," (If I go home now, I'll get yelled at for leaving you.)
"The way it's looking, we're both meat on a stick later. Might as well enjoy our freedom now."
"Pika." Pikachu agreed, and then looked around as he sniffed the air. "Pika-Pi, Pikachu-Pi!" (Arina, I smell Pokemon nearby!)
I grabbed Bulbasaur's Pokeball in my pocket. "Just point in the direction." We headed left and came upon a couple of Weedle's duking it out. We watched them from behind a bush until the one closest to us looked like it was going to give.
"Bulbasaur!" I cried. "Get a Weedle for our group!"
"Bulbasaur!" Bulbasaur landed between the two Weedles and it only needed to growl at both of them before they fainted.
"Whoopee!" I shouted and threw my cap into the air. "Nice job, Bulbasaur! Return!"
"Pika-Pi!" (One's evolving!) Pikachu said as Bulbasaur went back into it's Pokeball. Sure enough, when I got my empty Pokeballs out, there was one Weedle and one Kakuna sitting on the grass.
"Wonderful! Weedle and Kakuna, welcome to Team 'Rina." Both disappeared into Pokeballs. "Not a bad day's work. So far I've got three different Pokemon."
"Pika-Pikachu..." Pikachu said as we started walking again.
"Why can't I catch more than six?" I asked, and then answered my own question. "Because if I catch more than six Pokemon, they'll go to Professor Oak, and then they'll know where I am after talking to those Pokemon."
"Pika-Pi-Pika-chu-Pi." (Not that that's a bad thing.) Pikachu said as he sat on my backpack.
"Very funny." I gave him a look of disapproval he didn't see, then looked at the path ahead. I saw a Pidgey swoop down then heard a faint crackle of electricity go off mingled with an animal's cry.
"That sounds like a Pikachu!" I cried and started running. Sure enough, when we reached the spot where the Pidgey had been, a baby Pikachu lay by the path, cut and bleeding. I looked above me. The Pidgey was circling above me and had now been joined by its feathered friend, a Spearow. They suddenly swooped down, heading straight toward the baby.
"Pikachu! Thundershock!"
Pikachu went to work while I turned to the baby, who was shaking uncontrollably. "It's ok," I murmured. "You'll be just fine." I pulled out a spray bottle of antiseptic and sprayed it's entire body with it. I heard several thumps on the ground and I knew Pikachu had done his job. I pulled out two more Pokeballs from my backpack. Instantly, the Spearow and Pidgey were caught. I was more worried about the baby, however.
"Pika-Pika-Pikachu?" Pikachu asked about the baby.
"This little one needs help, Pikachu, more than I can give it here. We'll have to take it to a Pokemon Center." I rocked back on my heels, feeling defeated. "I might as well give up the chase at Pewter City. I probably wouldn't get past Uncle Brock anyway."
I picked up Spearow and Pidgey's Pokeballs and put them in my backpack as Pikachu agreed with me. He climbed onto my backpack again as I began to run. We weren't even a quarter of the way through the forest when, without looking where I was going, I tripped over a large tree root. I fell at an odd angle, my feet going one way, the rest of me going another. I felt a sharp stab of pain in my left ankle and tried hard not to scream.
"Pikachu!" Pikachu ran up beside me as I tried to stand. I immediately collapsed after putting weight on my left foot.
"Pikachu," I said, "Get this little one to the Pokemon Center and get help. I don't care who it is! Just get it! I'll be fine here."
"Pika!" Pikachu took the baby and ran off. "Pika! Pikachu!" (I'll be back soon!)
Now I was alone. The forest was awfully quiet, except for the occasional call of a Pokemon in the distance. Then I saw it - another Rattata, just like the one I had tried to capture before. I rummaged around my backpack quietly, keeping my gaze on the Rattata.
"Time to battle. Weedle, I choose you!" Those words rolled over my tongue so nicely... "Weedle, string shot now!"
Weedle was a good aim. The Rattata didn't have a chance to jump away before getting hit with the sticky webbing. "You're mine, Rattata! Pokeball, go!" Rattata disappeared into the Pokeball, and for a few seconds it rocked around before finally giving in. I crawled over to it, and although happy to have a new Pokemon, all I worried about now was that poor baby Pikachu and if I had been in time to save it...
End Chapter 2
