POKÉMON: CRYSTAL
(POCKET MONSTERS: HUNT FOR THE CRYSTAL MONSTERBALL!)

(Episode 4)
"Runaround Rivalry"
(Round 2! Beth vs. Annie!)

Written by TG

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Last Time on POKÉMON: CRYSTAL...

Our heroes met Professor Oak, and were invited to his Research Center in Dauphin City. There, they learned about the legendary artifact, the Pokéball Krystallos! So powerful, that in the wrong hands, it could spell doom. That's when Team Rocket strikes! The duo and their Pikachu, Pik, snatch the fragment of the Crystal Pokéball out of the heroes' hands. Without the map, though, Beth is sure the remaining fragments will be found by them first. That is, if they really are the only ones that have the map. Will Team Rocket be victorious? Find out...

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Geo nodded. "Very good."

Annie and Leigh were lightly soot-covered. Both smiled hopefully.

"You've earned your stay, for today." He set the piece of reddish crystal down in a frame of sorts, suspended with a small suction cup. The piece perfectly locked with another reddish piece already in the frame. "At no small price, I may add. The helicopter you crashed cost a pretty penny."

The Rockets sighed, and looked anxious.

"But that can be overlooked; as long as you keep delivering pieces."

Both lit up and nodded very quickly.

"You're dismissed. And for God's sake, take a bath!" He watched the two exit the small lab, and then looked over at the Pikachu sitting on the Laboratory table. "Still think they're worthless dolts?"

The Pikachu looked sideways at the human standing next to it. It lightly tapped a piece on its collar. "With their dubious family ties, would you?" croaked a synthesized voice.

"You choose them as your team-mates, Pik. You've shaped them into worthy successors." He walked to a inconspicuous door and opened a panel. After typing a combination, the door opened.

Pik hopped down and caught up to the dark-haired man. "I choose them as a personal favor to you, Geovassi."

The door closed behind them and the pair walked to a table with a computer console. Beside the computer console was a small device.

He bent down, "Did you get it?"

The Pikachu pulled one of the pieces from its collar off, and handed it to Geo. "Easy as swiping candy from a little kid."

Geo looked down at the piece, then carefully placed it into the small device on the table. The computer screen flickered on and started to display data. After a moment, a Team Rocket logo appeared on the screen. The logo was replaced by a window, displaying a part of a color picture. "Very good, Pik. Very good."

-=-=-=-=-

Oak sat back in his chair. He looked at the blank screen of the vidphone. Moments before, he had called Beth and Tim's parents.

Beth stood at the door, "What did they say, Professor?"

The Professor was startled momentarily. "I didn't see you there, Beth.. Where's Tim?"

Beth shrugged, "He's off wandering your ranch, looking at the Pokémon. Professor, what did my parents say?"

Oak sighed and got up slowly. "They were less than pleased..." He started walking, looking anxious.

"Why?" Beth followed the Professor as he made his way to a lab.

Oak turned around quickly, almost bumping into Beth. "Because they think you shouldn't be involved in this. They asked me to send you and Tim home. Your journeys are over."

Beth's face reddened. "WHAT!? Let me talk to them..." She started to turn around, but was stopped by the Professor.

Oak looked her straight in the eyes. "You'll only make things worse."

Beth's eyes filled with tears. "They won't even tell me themselves?"

The Professor spun around angrily and started back into the lab. He stopped for a moment and looked back at Beth, "From what your father told me, you didn't even want to go. You should be happy it's overwith."

Beth ran out of Center, wiping the unchecked tears from her eyes.

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Tim looked at the four small creatures as they stood around the pool of water. He amazed at how they seemed to speak to each other, and each made sure the other received water. It was a total change from his previous experiences with the creatures. Each little, yellow Pokémon appeared to have a personality, and none of them looked dangerous. One of the Pikachu noticed the little boy standing under the trees and moved towards him. It stopped a few meters from the boy, looking curious.

"Pika-chu?"

Tim pulled out an apple, and sliced a piece off. He got down on one knee, offering the slice to the electric rodent. "Here, you can have it.."

The Pikachu looked at the food, then at Tim. It edged closer, and reached out, taking the food from the human's hand. It leapt back to a few meters, and chewed on the apple slice.

"Timmy?"

The Pikachu stopped mid-bite, eyeing the young woman that was walking up behind the generous human.

Tim waved his hand back at Beth. "Shhh... They're very shy, you'll scare them."

The Pikachu watched for a moment more, before finishing the apple slice. It seemed to smile at Tim. "Pika..."

"It's important!"

Tim got up and spun around to yell at Beth, but stopped. "Beth, your eyes... What's wrong?"

Beth wiped away a stray tear. "We're gonna have to leave. Mom and Dad want us to come back home."

Tim shrugged, looking back at the Pikachu, who was watching the two chatting humans. "They probably just want to give us some better Pokémon."

She shook her head, more tears coming. "No..."

Tim turned back, confused. "What do you mean, 'No'?"

"We're going home for good."

Tim looked back at the Pikachu. "I'm not going."

"You have to go... You don't want Dad to come here and get us, do you?"

Tim spun around and started walking back to the Research Center. "He'll have to drag me kicking and screaming."

Beth ran to catch up, a small smile forming.

-=-=-=-=-

Professor Oak stood at the doorway as Tim and Beth walked up. He looked at the two and put both his hands out. "Before you rush off, at least give me time to explain."

Both children stopped and looked up at the researcher. Beth pointed at him. "Why should we listen to you?"

Tim nodded in agreement.

The Professor looked around, then opened the door. "Let's go somewhere more private." He lead the pair to a small waiting area.

Beth and Tim sat down and folded their arms.

Oak sat down and sighed. "You two are in the dark about a great many things. I guess your parents wanted to shelter you from their prior lives; probably hoping you wouldn't have to deal with some of the things they've had to."

Beth looked at Oak shiftily. "What do you mean by prior lives?"

Oak looked down and clasped his hands together nervously. "You know that both your parents were Pokémon Trainers when they were young. They had alot of run-ins with other trainers. They also had to deal with a group of Pokémon thieves."

Tim lit up. "You mean the thieves that stole the piece of that Pokéball?"

Beth elbowed him. "Team Rocket..."

Oak nodded. "But not those two. This Team Rocket group was much older, and this was when your parents were young. Your father had some powerful Pokémon in those days. You two are just not equipped or ready for this."

Beth stood up angrily. "How do you know what we're ready for?"

Oak put up his hands to calm Beth down. "These are your parents' feelings. They had time to catch Pokémon before they had to start battling this group. Now that Team Rocket has a piece of the Pokéball Krystallos, I need prepared trainers to find the remaining pieces before they do."

An assistant knocked on the door and opened it. "Professor, an emergency call just got put in from the South Terreth Pokémon Center. They've got a situation."

Oak looked at the children. "It looks like I might just need an extra pair of hands. Even unprepared ones."

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Annie sat at the edge of a bed, looking down at a photograph. She examined the lines on the woman's face, the way her hair had a beautiful flip. She hid the photo under the pillow when she heard someone approaching.

"Annie, you in there?" Leigh appeared at the door. "Grab your Pokémon, we're going."

Annie looked up, "Where?"

"I intercepted a distress call from a Pokémon Center in the southern part of the forest. Let's go there and see if we can steal some more Pokémon."

Annie got up from the bed and stalked over to Leigh. "The Boss told us no more Pokémon Center thefts!"

"But Annie.. this one's in big trouble.. If we pretend we're there to help, we can make off with alot of Pokémon before anybody realizes it. There's no risks involved!"

Annie folded her arms, looking sideways at Leigh. "Well... let's tell the Boss and Pik that we're going to catch Pokémon in the forest.. I don't want to get in trouble again."

Leigh got excited, "That sentiment's doubled!"

-=-=-=-=-

The large, green bus barreled down the roadway through the southern Terreth Forest. Inside, the bus seats had been removed, and large stretchers hung from the interior walls. Directly behind the driver and the normal entrance were two bench seats. Beth looked forward at the assistant driving, then across from her at the Professor, who shrugged. Beside her sat Tim, and beside the Professor sat another assistant.

The bus crested a small hill and the Pokémon Center came into view a few kilometers away. It was a two-story wooden structure, with a large, red "P" hung on its front. Nothing appeared out of the ordinary, until the bus got closer. The southeastern part of the building sagged, and the ground near it appeared lower. Outside the Center, two police jeeps from nearby Ferros Beach were parked, lights flashing.

The bus slid to a stop. Professor Oak and the assistant next to him leapt up. Oak reached under his seat and pulled out a large steel suitcase. "Let's go, time is short."

An hour before, Nurse Joy had told the Professor via radio of a sinkhole's appearance directly behind the Pokémon Center. The sinkhole had already gobbled up the Center's floor where its power supply and emergency generators were located. Unable to run the equipment necessary to transport Pokéballs, and a quickly-tiring Jolteon the only source of electricity to power emergency life support, Joy used a portable radio to send out a call for help.

Officer Jenny ran out and shook the Professor's hand. "I'm glad you're here, Professor. You're the only one close enough with the resources to transport sick & injured Pokémon this far from Ferros Beach. I'm grateful you and your assistants got here this fast."

Oak nodded. "We must hurry, no doubt this Center won't be standing very long. Beth, Tim -- please start helping Joy load the full Pokéballs onto the bus."

-=-=-=-=-

A few moments later, a police car drove up. The two occupants got out and walked up to the entrance. The woman turned to her partner, "Act normal."

As they entered, Beth bumped into them, dumping an armful of Pokéballs. "I'm sorry, it was my..." She looked at the two police officers. Something about them seemed familiar. The male officer bent down and started picking up Pokéballs. "Uh, thanks... Do I know you two?"

The female officer smiled. "We're from Dauphin City, you've probably seen us around." She walked past Beth, her male counterpart handing several Pokéballs to young lady.

The pair walked into Center's main storage. Several shelves still held Pokéballs. The female officer elbowed her male counterpart when he started fidgeting.

Nurse Joy noticed the pair and walked up to them. "Oh, you must be reinforcements..." She looked at their jackets. "...from Dauphin City." She pointed to a row of Pokéballs. "You can grab those."

Both officers nodded and scooped up the Pokéballs. They walked out of the Center, passing Beth.

Beth looked at Tim, who was coming out with an armful of Pokéballs. "Do you know who those two are?"

Tim started to shrug, but almost lost his cargo. "They just showed up. Beth, why are they putting the Pokéballs into the back of their car?"

Beth turned around. The two officers were setting the Pokéballs into the trunk, smiling.

As the Professor guided several stretchers to the back of the bus, he noticed the children. He walked over. "What's wrong?" Then he noticed the police car. "That's strange, I didn't know Dauphin City was sending any help..."

Beth looked up at the Professor. "I've got a bad feeling.."

Annie started to close the trunk, then noticed the Professor and the children. "It looks like we might have to make a run for it..." Both Rockets walked around to the car doors.

Officer Jenny and two deputies ran out of the side entrance to the bus. She stopped and pointed at police car. "Stop right there!"

Beth grabbed a Pokéball from Tim's arms and threw it.

"Grav-ler."

Leigh panicked. "Annie..."

"I see it!" Annie slammed her foot on the accelerator.

Beth pointed at the car, starting to speed toward her. "Graveler, stop that car!"

"Grav-lerrr.." It leapt forward, landing on and smashing in the front of the car. The airbags exploded as the car's entire front end slammed into the road.

Both wearily got out. Annie was shaking her head, while Leigh was throwing off his police jacket. "And maaake it double.."

"We haven't got time for this.." growled Annie, shaking away the shock of the crash. "Blastoise, go!" She threw a Pokéball onto the roof of the car.

Blastoise raised its arms, and yawned as its twin cannons popped out. "Blaaaassstttoooiii.."

Annie pointed at the Graveler, "Blastoise, hydro pump!"

The Graveler leapt backwards, but was knocked to the ground by twin blasts of water.

"Graveler, return!" Beth put the Pokéball down.

Tim looked up at Beth, "Shouldn't we be throwing everything at them?"

Beth shook her head, "This is between me and her. Stay out of it."

Leigh looked over at Annie, who nodded. "She's mine!"

He quickly ran to the open trunk and grabbed up the Pokéballs.

Jenny started to move towards Team Rocket, but Oak stopped her. "Let them battle... I didn't bring any Pokémon with me, and I imagine you didn't either.."

Beth pulled another Pokéball from Tim's arms and threw it.

"Ivy.."

Leigh looked worried, "Annie..."

Annie looked over her shoulder. "Shut up, Leigh!"

Beth looked down at Tim. "What's Ivysaur's attacks?"

Tim shrugged. "It's a grass-type, I think..."

Beth lit up, "I remember now.. Ivysaur, use your razor leaf attack!"

Annie furrowed her brow, "Blastoise, hydro pump!"

The Ivysaur sent a half-dozen spinning leaves at the Blastoise. The huge turtle moved to use its water cannons, but was thrown back by the attack.

Leigh started to run, but was smashed to the ground by the Blastoise, dropping the Pokéballs everywhere..

Annie growled, "You idiot, pick them up! Blastoise, get up! Body slam!"

The Blastoise slowly rose and ran at the Ivysaur.

Beth grinned. "Ivysaur, use your spores!"

"Ivy!" It sent out a spray of spores, causing Blastoise to stop its charge.

Annie growled as the Blastoise rubbed at the spores. "Let's see your Ivysaur stand against this.. Blastoise, ice beam!"

Beth's grin disappeared, "Damn... Ivysaur... Use your speed to dodge it!"

The Ivysaur dived to the side as twin beams shot out.

Leigh ran up to stand next to Annie. "Got the Pokéballs.." He sniffed, "I smell something.."

Annie turned to Leigh, "Will you shut up for.."

Beth pointed at the Blastoise, "Ivysaur, vine whip!"

The Blastoise reeled back, but remained standing from the vine whips.

Leigh shook his head, "But it smells like.."

Beth yelled, "Now while its off-balance, tackle attack!"

Annie sniffed, then looked over at her Blastoise, "Gasoline.. wait.."

The Ivysaur leapt forward, smashing against the Blastoise. It landed on the car, causing it to crumple.

Annie pointed her Pokéball at Blastoise, "Quick, Blast-"

*BA-BOOM* The car exploded, throwing the children to the ground.

Professor Oak and Officer Jenny ran up to the children, pulling them back from the flames. Oak grabbed the Pokéball and recalled Ivysaur, which was lying on its side, singed.

Beth coughed and looked around, "Where's Team Rocket?" She then closed her eyes..

-=-=-=-=-

"They're coming around, Professor." Joy smiled down at Beth.

Beth got up from the cot, looking around the moving bus, "Where...?"

Joy pushed Beth back down, "You're on the bus, we're on our way to Ferros Beach.. You took a nasty bump from a piece of that exploding car.."

Beth pushed her hand away, "Where's Tim!?"

Joy checked the bandage on the girl's head, "He's in the front of the bus, he's not hurt.."

Professor Oak walked back to Beth's stretcher. "I never imagined I'd be transporting humans instead of Pokémon.. You got quite a nasty bump on the head there, Beth. Your father's going to be quite irate with me."

Beth got up slowly. "What happened to Team Rocket, Professor? And what about the Ivysaur?"

Oak nodded to Joy, then turned back to Beth. "I'm guessing they blasting off, or something to that effect... The Ivysaur is safe."

Beth nodded, and laid back down.

-=-=-=-=-

It had been just over a day since the South Terreth Pokémon Center collapsed into the earth. After dropping off the most of the injured Pokémon, and some of the Pokéballs, the Professor returned to Dauphin City.

Tim petted the Pikachu, which smiled at him.

Beth turned to Professor Oak. "So our parents still want us back home?"

He nodded. "But I think you'll be able to talk them into going looking for the Pokéball Krystallos."

Tim looked back at Oak. "What do you mean?"

Oak pulled out the glass tube. "I'm giving you a translated copy of the map." He handed the tube to a stunned Beth.

Beth looked at the tube in her hands, then back up at Professor Oak. "But I thought you agreed with our parents?"

"When your father started out on his Pokémon journey, I thought he shouldn't go. He knew almost nothing about Pokémon except what he had heard in school. But he had something, a spark, a drive.. He overcame his short-comings, and became a great Pokémon Master. Once he gets over his fatherly concerns, he'll recognize the drive you and Tim have as well."

Beth looked down at the tube. "What about being unprepared?" She looked back up at Oak.

"Well, after the destruction of the South Terreth Pokémon Center, we've got alot of extra Pokémon. And I don't have enough land or time to tend to them all. So I'd like you and Tim to each take a Pokémon with you, so you can take care of it."

Tim looked back down at the Pikachu. "Can I have this Pikachu?"

The Pikachu looked up at Tim, then leapt up into his arms.

Oak nodded. "I think the Pikachu has chosen you.. A very good thing, seeing that Pikachu are normally very shy and temperamental."

Beth tapped the glass tube. "Um, what about that Ivysaur..."

The Professor pondered for a moment. "Yes, I think that one has healed.." He pulled out a Pokéball and tossed it to Beth.

Beth looked down at the Pokéball, then smiled at the Professor. "You knew I was going to ask.."

He nodded. "Seeing how good you worked with that Ivysaur, I believe you would be a good trainer for it. And since you're going to be traveling through the Terreth Forest, you'll probably be better able to capture Pokémon."

Beth looked down at the Pokéball and the glass tube holding the map. "Now we're ready..."

-=-=-=-=-

Leigh wiped his brow. "It's been hours since I ate, let's stop..."

Annie yelled back at Leigh, "Shut up! We can't stop! It took us forever to get this thing aloft!" She steered the two-person glider a little left, more to the northwest.

Leigh looked along the line connecting a bird to the glider, "I think my Pidgey is getting tired..."

Annie growled. "I said shut up, I'm trying to steer us..."

Leigh sighed. "Looks like Team Rocket is gliding off again.."

-=-=-=-=-

Next Time on POKÉMON: CRYSTAL...

The children go home, but not gladly. Meanwhile, they make a stop in the Terreth Forest. Tim fights his first wild Pokémon. Beth makes a passionate argument for their hunt for the Pokéball Krystallos. A dangerous accident may spell doom for both children. It's a dangerous time, on Episode 5 of POKÉMON CRYSTAL...

"Dangerous Pursuits"

Beth: "This is getting bad for our health.."
Tim: "Since when did fighting Team Rocket get healthy?"

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Pokémon and certain characters are , ®, or © Nintendo and are used without permission.
"Pokémon: Crystal" serial fanfiction & concept © 2000 Brightblade Productions