Author's Note: Yeah! Finally Chapter 3! I finished sooner than I expected!
^-~ everybody sweatdrops In this chapter Katie has to make a decision that
could completely change her life even more abruptly. Will she make the
right one?.
Chapter 3: Decisions.Decisions.
Blackness covered her sight. She could make out some shapes out of the blackness but her mind refused to work correctly. One of the shapes had some shape that she couldn't make out. A star shape? Or perhaps even a triangle shape.? She couldn't figure it out but that mysterious shape started to glow brighter and brighter until it filled her vision.
Katie slowly opened her eyes. Sunlight filled her face and she tried to adjust her eyesight. Finally she opened her eyes fully and was surprised that she wasn't at the Pokemon Center's cold lobby. Last time that she could remember, she blacked out in front of that doctor. But now she was in a bed. It wasn't one of those fancy ones, it was very much plain. The room's walls were white and there were very few pictures. Mainly about Pokemon. Where am I? she wanted to get up to take a look around but it was then she remembered all the injuries that she'd gotten. Not only that, but to her amazement, she had bandages around her head , some on her arm and hand. She was too weak too move now so she stayed in bed waiting, just waiting for something to happen. She was a bit nervous but also very grateful at the kind person who bandaged her up. Katie looked around the room a little since her neck was a bit sore and her head ached a lot. She noticed a particular picture on a wall. It's him! She couldn't believe it. Her idol was posing on that picture happily, his famous peace sign pose. She was about to get up to have a closer look when she was startled by a voice.
"I'm glad that you're feeling well". She turned around to see who it was, and was surprised that the voice came from."A women?!" she was even more startled that she fell off the bed, taking the blankets with her. "Yes that's what I am" the women said, who couldn't help but giggle a little. "Excuse me.but what is your name?" Katie said , still surprised by this. "Please.call me Joyce, Nurse Joyce". Nurse Joyce had pinkish hair tied into one loop. She had blue grayish eyes and pale skin. She wore a loose blue dress with a red cross on the upper part of the dress. She had also blue shoes that matched perfectly with her dress. Nurse Joyce looked at her. "How did you get so many injuries?" she asked with concern. Katie tried not to look at her and said. "It's a long story". She remembered then something so important about that memory that she wished she'd black out again for not remembering sooner.
"GROWLIE!"
She stood up but she was too weak to walk so she fell down to the floor again. "Are you ok little girl?" Nurse Joyce asked and putting her back to bed. "Could I ask what your name is?" she asked and sat on the edge of the bed. "My name's Katie and.where's my Growlithe?!". Nurse Joyce stared at her curiously. Katie then stopped to think about what she said and was starting to get worried. Opening your big mouth again.now she will bring me to the police or something worse! Great going.She started laughing nervously. "Uh.well.you see it isn't my Growlithe it's.think quick!. my father's.Yup! She faked a smile, maybe she would buy her act , find Growlithe and head towards the nearest gym. Nurse Joyce just stared at her quietly. "There is no need to hide anything", Katie didn't expect this at all and gaped at her. "Please, do not hide the fact that you're an aspiring trainer. I once had a Pokemon on my very own". Katie just gasped in and was wide-eyed, I don't believe it!. Nurse Joyce continued on "I also wanted to be a trainer too, I had my very own bulbasaur that I found very injured in the forest near my home". She paused for a moment, looking at the white walls as if they contained some fascinating secret written on them.
" I healed his injuries and we shared a very strong bond sharing everything with each other. One day I decided to run away from home and start my Pokemon journey.but.Nurse Joyce couldn't keep the tears coming out, but the tears won and she cried quietly. Katie patted her back. "What happened?" she said wondering what could've cause her so much pain. "My parents heard me escaping and took Bulbasaur away from me."
"What happened. to Bulbasaur?" she said quietly, afraid at what she might say.
Nurse Joyce stared at the white wall once more. Her tears fell down freely down her cheeks. "This is what happened."
*****
Joyce was crying her eyes out pleading for her dad to stop. She thought that she could become a Pokemon trainer even perhaps, a master but she was caught. All her dreams were now gone just like burnt wood as it turns to ashes. But the nightmare wasn't over.
"Daddy please! Don't hurt Bulbasaur!" she cried trying to get Bulbasaur from his clutches, Bulbasaur was trying to get free, but it just caused him to grasp harder onto his neck.
"YOU STAY QUIET BRAT!" he screamed with such fury, that made Joyce cry even harder. He was taking Bulbasaur to the place she feared. The shed.
"No Daddy! Stop you can't do this to him!" she grabbed one part of his shirt in a hopeless attempt to stop him. With such anger that couldn't be described he pushed Joyce off and she landed to the ground hard. Her father was in the shed now. As she got in and Joyce couldn't bear the sight she saw. On the ground was Bulbasaur, beaten up with a slash in his forehead were blood was coming down , Bulbasaur saw her and he could only manage to smile a bit , since he was too weak to move. Joyce was running toward him when his dad pushed her again towards the wall. "GET THE HELL OUT OF HERE! THIS BULBASAUR IS GETTIN' WHAT HE DESERVES!". He raised his rifle to Bulbasaur's level and he pointed it right towards his head.
"NOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!" she screamed sobbing uncontrollably
He pulled the trigger. Joyce let out an anguished cry as she scrambled out the door ignoring her father's angered shouts.
*****
"As I saw Bulbasaur's life-less form lying there I cried as I never cried before. I ran away and started a new life. Even when my father ordered me to stop I kept on running. I haven't seen him since and I don't intend to see him again soon.The worst thing is was how he smiled just after he pulled the trigger".
Katie was stunned. Beyond stunned she couldn't imagine someone killing a Pokemon then enjoying it. Her story was so sad.She was getting teary-eyed and tried to ignore the tears coming out of her eyes. Nurse Joyce was now calming down but she was still crying silently. "But.how did you became a nurse?" Katie said breaking the silence. "Well.it's a bit of a long story but to make it short I'll say I'm a nurse for humans. Katie smacked her fore head as a "duh" sign. I should've known! For a moment there I thought she could be a Pokemon nurse an- her thoughts were interrupted by Nurse Joyce "I'm also a Pokemon Nurse but I treat them in secret". Katie was amazed at that and just remained quiet looking at the white walls.
Silence passed between them, for some minutes. I just can't believe it.She's a Pokemon Nurse! But how can she be, if she's hiding out. Another question also filled her head. Anyway.where the heck am I?! Breaking the silence that had taken over the room, she decided to ask her.
"Nurse Joyce exactly were are we? And.where's my Growlithe? I really want to see him please."she said quietly. Nurse Joyce turned to face her. Her face was serious, Katie started to get nervous again, but Joyce broke her serious aspect and smiled. "I'll bring him to you, please wait." She stood up and left the room. After a few minutes Nurse Joyce carried Growlie into her arms. Growlie opened his eyes and seeing his trainer went into a happy frenzy. He jumped from her arms and landed onto the bed. He started licking her face happily. "Growlie I'm so happy to see you! I'm so glad to see you're ok!" Growlie put one of his paws onto her bandaged shoulder. Katie cringed. Growlie seeing her trainer cringe in pain took his paw off her shoulder. He gave her a quizzical look, but also full of concern. Katie gave him an assuring smile. "It's Ok Growlie. I'm gonna be fine. Don't worry." Growlie nuzzled her cheek with his snout in response. Then, he curled up in a ball and surprisingly, went to sleep.
Katie petted Growlie's fur. She then looked up to see Nurse Joyce looking down at her. She gave one of her pleasant smiles. "He seems to be alright now! The poor little guy couldn't even move when I first saw him. I'm glad he's much better now." Katie didn't take her eyes from Growlie's sleeping form. There was a comfortable silence that filled the room. It was quiet for a few more minutes until Katie broke the silence.
"We've gotta go now."
Nurse Joyce's eyes shot wide open. "Oh, you can't leave in this state! You must stay at least three more days to recover!" Katie got up from bed ignoring Joyce's pleas. Growlie has a rather rough awakening, crashing on the floor with some blankets on his head. He poked his nose out of the blankets and stared at her trainer curiously. Katie's eyes were filled with determination and started walking out the door. "I must go now Joyce. Thank you so much for taking care of us. I don't know how I can ever repay you, but I have to continue my journey right away." Nurse Joyce smiled a bit. "I understand." Katie walked slowly towards Growlie and picked him up. Then she turned towards the door, but Joyce took a gentle hold of her arm. "Before you go, I'd like you to meet someone. She would be of great help and maybe some of your questions would be answered. She is on Street Gade, turn left and she will find you" Katie nodded. She walked down a hallway that would lead to the stairs and up the front door. "I will, and goodbye." She smiled and left the place quietly. Joyce looked sadly and waved a little even if Katie wasn't looking.
"Good luck."
*****************
"Let's see. Gade Street, Gade.hmm.Gladilyn.nah.."
Katie had been walking on the lonely streets for an hour and a half searching all over for this unknown street. She didn't want to take directions in case if people got more suspicious than they were already. She was getting more and more worried. The Gade Street wasn't anywhere and they were getting to another creepy neighborhood. Even in worse state than the other one earlier. In frustration she sat on the floor and covered her face with her hands. "I'm such a failure, I can't even find a simple street.How will I suppose to find my way through forests?!" Growlie started poking her head with his snout. "Oh Growlie, my loyal friend. Always being at my side, even if I'm such a loser. I really appreciate it. But you must understand that it's no use and won't make things better. She started to cry silently while Growlie was still poking her head but was now whimpering. "It's no use Growlie! I thank you from the bottom of my heart but like I said, it's no use." Growlie acted as if he hadn't heard her and was actually scratching her arms a bit.
"Growl, Growlitheeeeeee!"
Katie uncovered her eyes and started to get annoyed. "What is it?!" He pointed his nose in a street sign Gade Street. Growlie gave her a "I-told- you-so" look and started running left towards a dark alley.
"Where are you going?!" she said but ran after him to see what he was up to. The dark alley had a dead end and there was no Growlie in sight. "Growlie where are you?? This is no time to play hide and seek!" but she was starting to get scared and worried and was searching at the trash can lids even though it was useless. Katie leaned against a graffiti covered wall, out of hope. She was staring at the dirty streets littered with garbage, when she felt a hand cover her mouth. Katie tried to scream as loud as she could but the hand closed around her mouth tighter. The hand pulled Katie towards the wall and she struggled harder. This is it.but instead of being smashed towards the wall or some other gruesome death she was standing on the other side of the wall. "Welcome child," a gruff voice said. Katie turned around to be faced by a small old, witch like woman who seemed to be 900 years old.
"AHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!" she screamed in fear.
Katie tried to get back out the way she came in. She even tried to break down the wall while the old lady got ten times bigger than her.
"Calm down you insolent brat!!!!!" That quieted down Katie a bit, mostly out of fear though. She sat on the floor and staring up was cute Growlie. "Where were you?? I was scared something bad happened to you!." He licked her face a bit and then jumped out of her arms. She was a bit startled by this but she let it pass.
"Now, enough with the foolishness and follow me." Katie didn't trust this old lady but decided to follow. Besides, what does she want with me in the first place. The old lady led them down a dark halfway. Spices and potions were racked in old shelves. Katie was getting even more freaked out but she still followed her. The old lady went down the creaky stairs leading to a small room with one big round table. Strange fumes filled the room and Katie couldn't breathe well, but also made her very sleepy.
"Sit." The woman said. Katie did so.
"You must be wondering why I brought you here." Katie nodded. "A friend of mine, Joyce, sent you here. I assure you I will do you no harm. So this was the person Joyce was telling me to meet. Good thing I don't have to bust out now. She laughed a bit at that, but quieted down when she saw the woman's serious face.
"I see you have a Growlithe with you." With that, she picked him from under the table and inspected him, as if to find something. She put him down and Growlie went back to slumber land.
"So Joyce was right." Katie didn't know still what she wanted from her and why Joyce sent her to this place. "Right about what?" The old lady gave her a serious look.
"About you being a Pokemon trainer, its been so long since a woman ever trained Pokemon." She was a bit surprised by this statement. "You mean there were other woman Pokemon trainers before me?" She asked quietly. "Yes there was, about 900 years ago before.evil took over." The woman had a sad expression on her face and Katie curiously asked with a hint of fear. "E- evil?"
"Yes, evil. Some kind of very powerful evil took over this land, and still we are not safe." Katie was starting to get scared. "W-what kind of evil?" The woman continued. "An evil so powerful that had ruled this land for over 900 years. An evil so powerful that can change any form it wants. An evil so powerful that makes everybody scared to death, that is what kind of evil that.thing is" The two remained quiet for a bit when the old lady spoke up. "Do you know how all of this happened?" Katie shook her head. "Very few know, everyone who told the story died and its followers never told anyone about it." She paused a bit then continued. "900 years ago, the land of Hinti was just created. Its citizens were worry free and each family had dreams of its own. Pokemon were treated equally and yes, woman also trained them too. Pokemon and humans breathed the same air. Shared everything with humans. Human and Pokemon had a strong bond with each other. But one day, one dark night, something terrible happened that changed all that. The dark sky had somehow turned an eerie red and the crops died, the rivers dried up and the temperature dropped dramatically. The Pokemon loyal to their human companions stayed by their side resisting the urge to flee. All this.evil concentrated on some place. But this didn't mean that it was over it had just begun. The first few months many people died. Pokemon also. No one knew how but later they did. Mother nature had been poisoned in every way possible. Soon, followers of this great evil gave orders to the people. One of this orders was to kill any woman in sight and those who didn't do it will have the same fate as their women." Katie couldn't contain the gasp that came from her throat. "As a result of this many men decided to die, preferring death than a life without their loved ones. But there were cowardly men who did as they were told and slaughtered their wives and children." The old lady wiped a tear from her eye. "But then very few humans were left and the great evil decided not to kill the woman but to torture them. This evil told the whole land of Hinti that woman were a disgrace to every living thing, that they deserved to be treated like trash because that was the only way to be safe from these creatures. And that there only purpose was to give life to another being, and if they couldn't give life then they should deserve to die. The few men that were left believed its words. Woman weren't allowed to train Pokemon and they were treated as inferiors, some worked as slaves, others sickeningly tortured but they were always outcasts in this cruel land." The old lady stopped for a bit and looked deeply into Katie's eyes." And it had been for 900 years."
Katie couldn't believe it. This story.she couldn't quite describe it filled her with such sorrow and rage.But there was something more that the old woman wasn't saying. "But.what do I have to do with anything?" The old woman instead of looking startled or at a loss of words spoke . "You.you are much different, from the moment I saw you." Katie was a bit confused. "How.different?" The old woman continued. "You are the very first one to have.enough courage and luck to train Pokemon, of course there was Joyce but.as I imagine, she told you her story." She nodded. "But there is something else, you.have the necklace." Katie inspected her heart shaped necklace around her neck. "What about it? It was given to me by someone very special but it still is a plain necklace." The old woman faced Katie as if she were slapped on the face. "Do you know how special that necklace is??!!" Katie shook her head. The old woman sighed. "I guess its not your fault, you don't know but I will tell you anyway." Katie waited for her to speak again. "That necklace that you have around your neck is.our only hope." Katie eyes grew wide open but remained quiet. "Your loved one didn't tell you how he got that necklace for you, didn't he?" Katie nodded again. "That necklace was created a couple of years after the great evil took over. It was made by a man who loved her wife very much. He didn't treat her wife as the other men. He was truly in love with her. He put small crystals around the necklace. Each little crystal represented virtues: Courage, Hope, Wisdom, Strength, Determination, Friendship, and in the middle Love. His wife loved it and they remained together for more happy years. But it was soon to end when the followers arrested this man and.killed him." The old lady paused for a bit then continued again. "The woman heartbroken, sobbed near a bridge were the soldiers captured her. One of them took the necklace and decided to keep it for himself but to his astonishment it turned to rock right in front of his very eyes. The soldier threw the necklace over the bridge while the woman shrieked and cried her eyes out. She died heartbroken on the clutches of the soldiers, which they decided to throw her body over the bridge also. And the necklace was never seen again nor was another love as strong as the one they had."
Katie was far too stunned to respond. ".Until now." The old lady got up from her chair and walked upstairs. Katie, perplexed, got up too and followed the old lady again. She was walking down the hallway again. The old woman went into an old fashioned kitchen and poured some water into a rusty tea kettle. She pulled a box of matches from her black, dirty, old cloak, and proceeded to light the stove. Soon, the kettle was boiling and she took it and served herself a cup of tea. She sipped silently while Katie just stared at her. Why is she acting so calmly after telling me such horrible tale! she thought.
"Tea?" the old lady said, holding her kettle up.
Katie was a bit startled to hear her speak ."No thanks" she said politely. She pulled open a cabinet full of potions and herbs and pulled out a very small key. She closed the cabinet and got up and went up the creaky steps again. Who is this woman? What is with her going up and down? Maybe you act all weird and strange when you get older.She chuckled silently at her thought but was silenced by the old lady who stared at her warningly. They were finally up the stairs, and the old lady kept on walking towards an old door. She pulled out the small key and put it in the tiny keyhole. There was a small click and she turned the dusty doorknob and creaked the door open. The room was dark but Katie could make out some shapes in the darkness. She was starting to get nervous and a bit scared. The old lady closed the door with a bang and Katie jumped in surprise. The old lady lit up a candle and smiled.
"Do not be frightened child." There was a rotting wooden shelf and she took something from it. "These are for you". Katie saw what was in the palm of her hand and gasped in surprise. There, in her outstretched hand were 6 pokeballs. "They will help you in your journey. But use them wisely because you cannot carry more than 6 pokeballs at a time and if you catch more than that it will simply dissapear." Katie gave her an award winning grin. "Thank you so much uhh.umm.what is your name?" The old lady wrinkled her nose in annoyance. "My name is not important to you now.but if you must call me something then call me Kaun."
"Kaun.?" she repeated slowly. The name seemed familiar to her but I never heard the name before but it seems as I heard the name from somewhere. Kaun interrupted her thoughts again. "Back on the matter of things.I must tell you what your purpose is." Katie faced her in curiosity. "You.with this necklace of yours." She placed a crooked finger under her necklace. "Must save us." Katie wanted to run when those words were out of Kaun's mouth. "OH no ,no, no, no, no! You must be mistaken! I'm just a normal girl. You can have this beautiful necklace if you want to! So I'll see you around Bye!". With that she ran toward the door and tried to turn on the knob but to her horror it was locked. Kaun sighed in dissapointment. "You're the only one who can save us all yet you only care for yourself. Not thinking on the many people who will be saved. Peace is something that we did not have for many years and yet.you have the chance to make a difference. But.it is your choice. Go. Go out that door and become the Pokemon Trainer and may I wish you luck or you can let me explain what is your purpose and.perhaps.save everything that the evil has taken from us." Katie was filled with guilt at Kaun's words and faced her with a determined look.
"I will stay and hear my purpose on this land." The old woman gave her a big smile, but turned serious again. "With this necklace of your.you must travel all over Hinti and go to the many scattered temples that remain and capture each Legendary, who represent each virtue in your necklace." She stated. I.capturing.a legendary!? She screamed at herself in her head. "But how?! I'm just a rookie trainer who just started 6 days ago and now you're telling me to capture Legendary Pokemon!?" she screamed. "Yes." She replied simply. Katie stared at her in disbelief. "But not with pokeballs no.with your necklace.the necklace.and you possess a power which will allow you to capture the Legendary Pokemon. And if you do.you will battle the evil itself." Katie was frightened but she did not show it. "This.this is my purpose.I may not come out alive from it but that's a risk I'm willing to take. For everybody that I had hold dear" she proclaimed bravely. The old lady smiled one more time and the next thing Katie knew she was back outside on the dark, smelly, trash littered alley.
"Huh.what just happened Growlie" she questioned her Pokemon.
Growlie was just as confused as her "Growlithe."
"Well we better go now then." she said slowly. Was it all a dream, a vision? What was it really? But it was to real yes it was real and I will save Hinti! For everybody that lives here no more torture will go on! Prepare yourself.evil 'cause Katie is gonna kick your ass! She laughed at this and started running out of the city towards the green valleys, Growlie hot on her heels. Once she was out of town she simled at the vast green areas and the perfectly blue sky. The Perfect scenery for the beginning of the greatest journey. I promised you Kevin that I would continue the dream that you did not fulfill. But now I will fulfill it another way. Saving everybody on this land. I'm especially doing this for you, Kevin. I hope you are proud of me. And with that she ran towards the vast valleys to her unknown adventure.
******
Behind some trees lurked Kaun watching Katie run with Growlie silently.
"I'm sure he is Katie. I'm sure he is." And with that she disappeared in the shadows.
Whooo!! Chapter finished! =) Hoped you liked this chapter and don't forget to review!!! See you soon peeps! ~SilverFeather~
Chapter 3: Decisions.Decisions.
Blackness covered her sight. She could make out some shapes out of the blackness but her mind refused to work correctly. One of the shapes had some shape that she couldn't make out. A star shape? Or perhaps even a triangle shape.? She couldn't figure it out but that mysterious shape started to glow brighter and brighter until it filled her vision.
Katie slowly opened her eyes. Sunlight filled her face and she tried to adjust her eyesight. Finally she opened her eyes fully and was surprised that she wasn't at the Pokemon Center's cold lobby. Last time that she could remember, she blacked out in front of that doctor. But now she was in a bed. It wasn't one of those fancy ones, it was very much plain. The room's walls were white and there were very few pictures. Mainly about Pokemon. Where am I? she wanted to get up to take a look around but it was then she remembered all the injuries that she'd gotten. Not only that, but to her amazement, she had bandages around her head , some on her arm and hand. She was too weak too move now so she stayed in bed waiting, just waiting for something to happen. She was a bit nervous but also very grateful at the kind person who bandaged her up. Katie looked around the room a little since her neck was a bit sore and her head ached a lot. She noticed a particular picture on a wall. It's him! She couldn't believe it. Her idol was posing on that picture happily, his famous peace sign pose. She was about to get up to have a closer look when she was startled by a voice.
"I'm glad that you're feeling well". She turned around to see who it was, and was surprised that the voice came from."A women?!" she was even more startled that she fell off the bed, taking the blankets with her. "Yes that's what I am" the women said, who couldn't help but giggle a little. "Excuse me.but what is your name?" Katie said , still surprised by this. "Please.call me Joyce, Nurse Joyce". Nurse Joyce had pinkish hair tied into one loop. She had blue grayish eyes and pale skin. She wore a loose blue dress with a red cross on the upper part of the dress. She had also blue shoes that matched perfectly with her dress. Nurse Joyce looked at her. "How did you get so many injuries?" she asked with concern. Katie tried not to look at her and said. "It's a long story". She remembered then something so important about that memory that she wished she'd black out again for not remembering sooner.
"GROWLIE!"
She stood up but she was too weak to walk so she fell down to the floor again. "Are you ok little girl?" Nurse Joyce asked and putting her back to bed. "Could I ask what your name is?" she asked and sat on the edge of the bed. "My name's Katie and.where's my Growlithe?!". Nurse Joyce stared at her curiously. Katie then stopped to think about what she said and was starting to get worried. Opening your big mouth again.now she will bring me to the police or something worse! Great going.She started laughing nervously. "Uh.well.you see it isn't my Growlithe it's.think quick!. my father's.Yup! She faked a smile, maybe she would buy her act , find Growlithe and head towards the nearest gym. Nurse Joyce just stared at her quietly. "There is no need to hide anything", Katie didn't expect this at all and gaped at her. "Please, do not hide the fact that you're an aspiring trainer. I once had a Pokemon on my very own". Katie just gasped in and was wide-eyed, I don't believe it!. Nurse Joyce continued on "I also wanted to be a trainer too, I had my very own bulbasaur that I found very injured in the forest near my home". She paused for a moment, looking at the white walls as if they contained some fascinating secret written on them.
" I healed his injuries and we shared a very strong bond sharing everything with each other. One day I decided to run away from home and start my Pokemon journey.but.Nurse Joyce couldn't keep the tears coming out, but the tears won and she cried quietly. Katie patted her back. "What happened?" she said wondering what could've cause her so much pain. "My parents heard me escaping and took Bulbasaur away from me."
"What happened. to Bulbasaur?" she said quietly, afraid at what she might say.
Nurse Joyce stared at the white wall once more. Her tears fell down freely down her cheeks. "This is what happened."
*****
Joyce was crying her eyes out pleading for her dad to stop. She thought that she could become a Pokemon trainer even perhaps, a master but she was caught. All her dreams were now gone just like burnt wood as it turns to ashes. But the nightmare wasn't over.
"Daddy please! Don't hurt Bulbasaur!" she cried trying to get Bulbasaur from his clutches, Bulbasaur was trying to get free, but it just caused him to grasp harder onto his neck.
"YOU STAY QUIET BRAT!" he screamed with such fury, that made Joyce cry even harder. He was taking Bulbasaur to the place she feared. The shed.
"No Daddy! Stop you can't do this to him!" she grabbed one part of his shirt in a hopeless attempt to stop him. With such anger that couldn't be described he pushed Joyce off and she landed to the ground hard. Her father was in the shed now. As she got in and Joyce couldn't bear the sight she saw. On the ground was Bulbasaur, beaten up with a slash in his forehead were blood was coming down , Bulbasaur saw her and he could only manage to smile a bit , since he was too weak to move. Joyce was running toward him when his dad pushed her again towards the wall. "GET THE HELL OUT OF HERE! THIS BULBASAUR IS GETTIN' WHAT HE DESERVES!". He raised his rifle to Bulbasaur's level and he pointed it right towards his head.
"NOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!" she screamed sobbing uncontrollably
He pulled the trigger. Joyce let out an anguished cry as she scrambled out the door ignoring her father's angered shouts.
*****
"As I saw Bulbasaur's life-less form lying there I cried as I never cried before. I ran away and started a new life. Even when my father ordered me to stop I kept on running. I haven't seen him since and I don't intend to see him again soon.The worst thing is was how he smiled just after he pulled the trigger".
Katie was stunned. Beyond stunned she couldn't imagine someone killing a Pokemon then enjoying it. Her story was so sad.She was getting teary-eyed and tried to ignore the tears coming out of her eyes. Nurse Joyce was now calming down but she was still crying silently. "But.how did you became a nurse?" Katie said breaking the silence. "Well.it's a bit of a long story but to make it short I'll say I'm a nurse for humans. Katie smacked her fore head as a "duh" sign. I should've known! For a moment there I thought she could be a Pokemon nurse an- her thoughts were interrupted by Nurse Joyce "I'm also a Pokemon Nurse but I treat them in secret". Katie was amazed at that and just remained quiet looking at the white walls.
Silence passed between them, for some minutes. I just can't believe it.She's a Pokemon Nurse! But how can she be, if she's hiding out. Another question also filled her head. Anyway.where the heck am I?! Breaking the silence that had taken over the room, she decided to ask her.
"Nurse Joyce exactly were are we? And.where's my Growlithe? I really want to see him please."she said quietly. Nurse Joyce turned to face her. Her face was serious, Katie started to get nervous again, but Joyce broke her serious aspect and smiled. "I'll bring him to you, please wait." She stood up and left the room. After a few minutes Nurse Joyce carried Growlie into her arms. Growlie opened his eyes and seeing his trainer went into a happy frenzy. He jumped from her arms and landed onto the bed. He started licking her face happily. "Growlie I'm so happy to see you! I'm so glad to see you're ok!" Growlie put one of his paws onto her bandaged shoulder. Katie cringed. Growlie seeing her trainer cringe in pain took his paw off her shoulder. He gave her a quizzical look, but also full of concern. Katie gave him an assuring smile. "It's Ok Growlie. I'm gonna be fine. Don't worry." Growlie nuzzled her cheek with his snout in response. Then, he curled up in a ball and surprisingly, went to sleep.
Katie petted Growlie's fur. She then looked up to see Nurse Joyce looking down at her. She gave one of her pleasant smiles. "He seems to be alright now! The poor little guy couldn't even move when I first saw him. I'm glad he's much better now." Katie didn't take her eyes from Growlie's sleeping form. There was a comfortable silence that filled the room. It was quiet for a few more minutes until Katie broke the silence.
"We've gotta go now."
Nurse Joyce's eyes shot wide open. "Oh, you can't leave in this state! You must stay at least three more days to recover!" Katie got up from bed ignoring Joyce's pleas. Growlie has a rather rough awakening, crashing on the floor with some blankets on his head. He poked his nose out of the blankets and stared at her trainer curiously. Katie's eyes were filled with determination and started walking out the door. "I must go now Joyce. Thank you so much for taking care of us. I don't know how I can ever repay you, but I have to continue my journey right away." Nurse Joyce smiled a bit. "I understand." Katie walked slowly towards Growlie and picked him up. Then she turned towards the door, but Joyce took a gentle hold of her arm. "Before you go, I'd like you to meet someone. She would be of great help and maybe some of your questions would be answered. She is on Street Gade, turn left and she will find you" Katie nodded. She walked down a hallway that would lead to the stairs and up the front door. "I will, and goodbye." She smiled and left the place quietly. Joyce looked sadly and waved a little even if Katie wasn't looking.
"Good luck."
*****************
"Let's see. Gade Street, Gade.hmm.Gladilyn.nah.."
Katie had been walking on the lonely streets for an hour and a half searching all over for this unknown street. She didn't want to take directions in case if people got more suspicious than they were already. She was getting more and more worried. The Gade Street wasn't anywhere and they were getting to another creepy neighborhood. Even in worse state than the other one earlier. In frustration she sat on the floor and covered her face with her hands. "I'm such a failure, I can't even find a simple street.How will I suppose to find my way through forests?!" Growlie started poking her head with his snout. "Oh Growlie, my loyal friend. Always being at my side, even if I'm such a loser. I really appreciate it. But you must understand that it's no use and won't make things better. She started to cry silently while Growlie was still poking her head but was now whimpering. "It's no use Growlie! I thank you from the bottom of my heart but like I said, it's no use." Growlie acted as if he hadn't heard her and was actually scratching her arms a bit.
"Growl, Growlitheeeeeee!"
Katie uncovered her eyes and started to get annoyed. "What is it?!" He pointed his nose in a street sign Gade Street. Growlie gave her a "I-told- you-so" look and started running left towards a dark alley.
"Where are you going?!" she said but ran after him to see what he was up to. The dark alley had a dead end and there was no Growlie in sight. "Growlie where are you?? This is no time to play hide and seek!" but she was starting to get scared and worried and was searching at the trash can lids even though it was useless. Katie leaned against a graffiti covered wall, out of hope. She was staring at the dirty streets littered with garbage, when she felt a hand cover her mouth. Katie tried to scream as loud as she could but the hand closed around her mouth tighter. The hand pulled Katie towards the wall and she struggled harder. This is it.but instead of being smashed towards the wall or some other gruesome death she was standing on the other side of the wall. "Welcome child," a gruff voice said. Katie turned around to be faced by a small old, witch like woman who seemed to be 900 years old.
"AHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!" she screamed in fear.
Katie tried to get back out the way she came in. She even tried to break down the wall while the old lady got ten times bigger than her.
"Calm down you insolent brat!!!!!" That quieted down Katie a bit, mostly out of fear though. She sat on the floor and staring up was cute Growlie. "Where were you?? I was scared something bad happened to you!." He licked her face a bit and then jumped out of her arms. She was a bit startled by this but she let it pass.
"Now, enough with the foolishness and follow me." Katie didn't trust this old lady but decided to follow. Besides, what does she want with me in the first place. The old lady led them down a dark halfway. Spices and potions were racked in old shelves. Katie was getting even more freaked out but she still followed her. The old lady went down the creaky stairs leading to a small room with one big round table. Strange fumes filled the room and Katie couldn't breathe well, but also made her very sleepy.
"Sit." The woman said. Katie did so.
"You must be wondering why I brought you here." Katie nodded. "A friend of mine, Joyce, sent you here. I assure you I will do you no harm. So this was the person Joyce was telling me to meet. Good thing I don't have to bust out now. She laughed a bit at that, but quieted down when she saw the woman's serious face.
"I see you have a Growlithe with you." With that, she picked him from under the table and inspected him, as if to find something. She put him down and Growlie went back to slumber land.
"So Joyce was right." Katie didn't know still what she wanted from her and why Joyce sent her to this place. "Right about what?" The old lady gave her a serious look.
"About you being a Pokemon trainer, its been so long since a woman ever trained Pokemon." She was a bit surprised by this statement. "You mean there were other woman Pokemon trainers before me?" She asked quietly. "Yes there was, about 900 years ago before.evil took over." The woman had a sad expression on her face and Katie curiously asked with a hint of fear. "E- evil?"
"Yes, evil. Some kind of very powerful evil took over this land, and still we are not safe." Katie was starting to get scared. "W-what kind of evil?" The woman continued. "An evil so powerful that had ruled this land for over 900 years. An evil so powerful that can change any form it wants. An evil so powerful that makes everybody scared to death, that is what kind of evil that.thing is" The two remained quiet for a bit when the old lady spoke up. "Do you know how all of this happened?" Katie shook her head. "Very few know, everyone who told the story died and its followers never told anyone about it." She paused a bit then continued. "900 years ago, the land of Hinti was just created. Its citizens were worry free and each family had dreams of its own. Pokemon were treated equally and yes, woman also trained them too. Pokemon and humans breathed the same air. Shared everything with humans. Human and Pokemon had a strong bond with each other. But one day, one dark night, something terrible happened that changed all that. The dark sky had somehow turned an eerie red and the crops died, the rivers dried up and the temperature dropped dramatically. The Pokemon loyal to their human companions stayed by their side resisting the urge to flee. All this.evil concentrated on some place. But this didn't mean that it was over it had just begun. The first few months many people died. Pokemon also. No one knew how but later they did. Mother nature had been poisoned in every way possible. Soon, followers of this great evil gave orders to the people. One of this orders was to kill any woman in sight and those who didn't do it will have the same fate as their women." Katie couldn't contain the gasp that came from her throat. "As a result of this many men decided to die, preferring death than a life without their loved ones. But there were cowardly men who did as they were told and slaughtered their wives and children." The old lady wiped a tear from her eye. "But then very few humans were left and the great evil decided not to kill the woman but to torture them. This evil told the whole land of Hinti that woman were a disgrace to every living thing, that they deserved to be treated like trash because that was the only way to be safe from these creatures. And that there only purpose was to give life to another being, and if they couldn't give life then they should deserve to die. The few men that were left believed its words. Woman weren't allowed to train Pokemon and they were treated as inferiors, some worked as slaves, others sickeningly tortured but they were always outcasts in this cruel land." The old lady stopped for a bit and looked deeply into Katie's eyes." And it had been for 900 years."
Katie couldn't believe it. This story.she couldn't quite describe it filled her with such sorrow and rage.But there was something more that the old woman wasn't saying. "But.what do I have to do with anything?" The old woman instead of looking startled or at a loss of words spoke . "You.you are much different, from the moment I saw you." Katie was a bit confused. "How.different?" The old woman continued. "You are the very first one to have.enough courage and luck to train Pokemon, of course there was Joyce but.as I imagine, she told you her story." She nodded. "But there is something else, you.have the necklace." Katie inspected her heart shaped necklace around her neck. "What about it? It was given to me by someone very special but it still is a plain necklace." The old woman faced Katie as if she were slapped on the face. "Do you know how special that necklace is??!!" Katie shook her head. The old woman sighed. "I guess its not your fault, you don't know but I will tell you anyway." Katie waited for her to speak again. "That necklace that you have around your neck is.our only hope." Katie eyes grew wide open but remained quiet. "Your loved one didn't tell you how he got that necklace for you, didn't he?" Katie nodded again. "That necklace was created a couple of years after the great evil took over. It was made by a man who loved her wife very much. He didn't treat her wife as the other men. He was truly in love with her. He put small crystals around the necklace. Each little crystal represented virtues: Courage, Hope, Wisdom, Strength, Determination, Friendship, and in the middle Love. His wife loved it and they remained together for more happy years. But it was soon to end when the followers arrested this man and.killed him." The old lady paused for a bit then continued again. "The woman heartbroken, sobbed near a bridge were the soldiers captured her. One of them took the necklace and decided to keep it for himself but to his astonishment it turned to rock right in front of his very eyes. The soldier threw the necklace over the bridge while the woman shrieked and cried her eyes out. She died heartbroken on the clutches of the soldiers, which they decided to throw her body over the bridge also. And the necklace was never seen again nor was another love as strong as the one they had."
Katie was far too stunned to respond. ".Until now." The old lady got up from her chair and walked upstairs. Katie, perplexed, got up too and followed the old lady again. She was walking down the hallway again. The old woman went into an old fashioned kitchen and poured some water into a rusty tea kettle. She pulled a box of matches from her black, dirty, old cloak, and proceeded to light the stove. Soon, the kettle was boiling and she took it and served herself a cup of tea. She sipped silently while Katie just stared at her. Why is she acting so calmly after telling me such horrible tale! she thought.
"Tea?" the old lady said, holding her kettle up.
Katie was a bit startled to hear her speak ."No thanks" she said politely. She pulled open a cabinet full of potions and herbs and pulled out a very small key. She closed the cabinet and got up and went up the creaky steps again. Who is this woman? What is with her going up and down? Maybe you act all weird and strange when you get older.She chuckled silently at her thought but was silenced by the old lady who stared at her warningly. They were finally up the stairs, and the old lady kept on walking towards an old door. She pulled out the small key and put it in the tiny keyhole. There was a small click and she turned the dusty doorknob and creaked the door open. The room was dark but Katie could make out some shapes in the darkness. She was starting to get nervous and a bit scared. The old lady closed the door with a bang and Katie jumped in surprise. The old lady lit up a candle and smiled.
"Do not be frightened child." There was a rotting wooden shelf and she took something from it. "These are for you". Katie saw what was in the palm of her hand and gasped in surprise. There, in her outstretched hand were 6 pokeballs. "They will help you in your journey. But use them wisely because you cannot carry more than 6 pokeballs at a time and if you catch more than that it will simply dissapear." Katie gave her an award winning grin. "Thank you so much uhh.umm.what is your name?" The old lady wrinkled her nose in annoyance. "My name is not important to you now.but if you must call me something then call me Kaun."
"Kaun.?" she repeated slowly. The name seemed familiar to her but I never heard the name before but it seems as I heard the name from somewhere. Kaun interrupted her thoughts again. "Back on the matter of things.I must tell you what your purpose is." Katie faced her in curiosity. "You.with this necklace of yours." She placed a crooked finger under her necklace. "Must save us." Katie wanted to run when those words were out of Kaun's mouth. "OH no ,no, no, no, no! You must be mistaken! I'm just a normal girl. You can have this beautiful necklace if you want to! So I'll see you around Bye!". With that she ran toward the door and tried to turn on the knob but to her horror it was locked. Kaun sighed in dissapointment. "You're the only one who can save us all yet you only care for yourself. Not thinking on the many people who will be saved. Peace is something that we did not have for many years and yet.you have the chance to make a difference. But.it is your choice. Go. Go out that door and become the Pokemon Trainer and may I wish you luck or you can let me explain what is your purpose and.perhaps.save everything that the evil has taken from us." Katie was filled with guilt at Kaun's words and faced her with a determined look.
"I will stay and hear my purpose on this land." The old woman gave her a big smile, but turned serious again. "With this necklace of your.you must travel all over Hinti and go to the many scattered temples that remain and capture each Legendary, who represent each virtue in your necklace." She stated. I.capturing.a legendary!? She screamed at herself in her head. "But how?! I'm just a rookie trainer who just started 6 days ago and now you're telling me to capture Legendary Pokemon!?" she screamed. "Yes." She replied simply. Katie stared at her in disbelief. "But not with pokeballs no.with your necklace.the necklace.and you possess a power which will allow you to capture the Legendary Pokemon. And if you do.you will battle the evil itself." Katie was frightened but she did not show it. "This.this is my purpose.I may not come out alive from it but that's a risk I'm willing to take. For everybody that I had hold dear" she proclaimed bravely. The old lady smiled one more time and the next thing Katie knew she was back outside on the dark, smelly, trash littered alley.
"Huh.what just happened Growlie" she questioned her Pokemon.
Growlie was just as confused as her "Growlithe."
"Well we better go now then." she said slowly. Was it all a dream, a vision? What was it really? But it was to real yes it was real and I will save Hinti! For everybody that lives here no more torture will go on! Prepare yourself.evil 'cause Katie is gonna kick your ass! She laughed at this and started running out of the city towards the green valleys, Growlie hot on her heels. Once she was out of town she simled at the vast green areas and the perfectly blue sky. The Perfect scenery for the beginning of the greatest journey. I promised you Kevin that I would continue the dream that you did not fulfill. But now I will fulfill it another way. Saving everybody on this land. I'm especially doing this for you, Kevin. I hope you are proud of me. And with that she ran towards the vast valleys to her unknown adventure.
******
Behind some trees lurked Kaun watching Katie run with Growlie silently.
"I'm sure he is Katie. I'm sure he is." And with that she disappeared in the shadows.
Whooo!! Chapter finished! =) Hoped you liked this chapter and don't forget to review!!! See you soon peeps! ~SilverFeather~