Chapter 3: The Evolution Confusion and the ThunderStone Cave
It was a nice sunny day as the clouds glided softly through the sky. We find our heros in the middle of a large meadow just on the other side of Ecruteak City. They were attempting to do some mild training until they ran into a new opponent. With the incident of the boy behind them, Callista is excited as she begins her first real pokemon battle.
"My name is Hope from Violet City and I challange you to a battle." A cute little blonde hair girl announced as she prepared a pokeball.
"I'm Callista from Olivine City," Callista also grabbed a pokeball. "And I would love to battle you!"
Callista realized that she didn't sound as professional as Hope, but she didn't care. She was too excited about her first battle.
Ruby stepped up and whispered to Callista. "Now remember to take your time and try not to rush. A battle is easier won with a strong stragedy than with mere brute force."
Callista nodded without looking at Ruby. She was more focused on watching her opponent. Ruby stepped aside.
"Well, are you ready?" Hope called out.
"Ready!"
"Then what are we waiting for." Hope tosses her pokeball into the air and released a small blue mouse pokemon.
Ruby called to Callista. "That's a Marril its a water type!"
Callista tossed her pokeball into the air and released her Pichu.
"Pichu pichu pichu." Pichu was just as excited as Callista as it jumped up and down.
"Marril go, water gun!" Hope ordered.
Marril took a deep breath and released a small water gun attack. Pichu quickly dodged it.
"Pichu tackle!" Callista ordered as Pichu changed its footing to turn itself toward Marril and charged at the blue pokemon.
"Marril use your tackle too!" Hope called out as Marill charged at Pichu.
Pichu and Marril's attacks collided into each other and even though Pichu gave it all it had, Marril was obviously stronger and knocked Pichu back. Pichu quickly jumped back up onto its feet," Pichu!"
"Pichu, tackle again!" Callista called as Pichu charged at Marril.
As Pichu got close Hope called out a last minute attack. "Water gun."
Marril took a deep breath and shot out a small water gun striking Pichu and knocked it aside. Pichu tried to get up, but it couldn't and it collapsed back onto the ground.
"Pichu return," Callista called it back. She grabbed Chikorita's pokeball. "Okay, Chikorita it's all up to you. Go!" Callista released her Chikorita. Chikorita was set and ready for battle.
Hope saw the grass pokemon and decided to call her Marril back. "Marril return!"
Marril returned to its pokeball.
Hope reached for another. "Go Spearow!"
Spearow appeared from its pokeball.
Ruby shouted at Callista," Be careful. Grass types are really weak against air attacks."
Callista nodded again and called out an attack. "Chikorita vine whip!"
Chikorita obeyed and used vine whip to attempt to strike the Spearow.
"Spearow fly!" Spearow flew into the air. Hope waited until Spearow was almost right above Chikorita. "Now dive and use your wing attack!"
Spearow dove down toward Chikorita. Chikorita dodged the attack just in time.
"Do it again and don't miss it this time." Hope ordered as Spearow dove again.
"Chikorita use vine whip to grab it!" Callista ordered.
As Spearow flew closer, Chikorita used its vine whip and snagged the bird pokemon in mid air.
"Now toss it to the ground!"
Chikorita used all is strength and slammed Spearow as hard as it could on the ground.
Spearow tried desperately to get up.
"Chikorita quick, use tackle!" Callista ordered as Chikorita charged at the fallen pokemon and hit it with its tackle attack.
Spearow got tossed to its trainer feet. Hope tried to coach it back up but it was over and Spearow fainted.
It took a few seconds for it to sink in that Callista just won a pokemon battle. She jumped up for joy. "Alright, good job Chikorita!" Chikorita jumped into its trainer's arms and placed its head on her chest. "Chika chika."
Hope called her pokemon back, walked up to Callista and held out her hand. "Nice. Your a pretty good trainer."
Callista smiled and shook Hope's hand. "Your pokemon are awesome!"
Hope smiled. "Thanks. Well, I better get going I have some serious training to do."
Callista agreed as they all said good bye to each other.
As Ruby and Callista walked back towards Ecruteak City they discussed what to do next. With all the excitement of training and with the pokemon battle they both forgot that they haven't had a thing to eat all day. As their stomachs growled, Callista and Ruby decided to head back to the pokemon center.
Callista sat in the cafeteria at the last booth over by a window. While she waited for Ruby to come back with the food, she thought to herself, "That battle seemed a little bit too easy. I wonder if all of them are?" Callista stared out the window.
Ruby appeared with a tray full of food. She sat across from Callista and as she handed Callista hers Ruby saw the look on her face. "Is everything okay you look a little down. I mean come on, you just won a battle. I would think you would still be excited about it."
"I guess." Callista took her eyes off of the window and stared down at her hamburger and fries. She picked up a fry and dipped it in a small cup of ketchup.
"But?" Ruby asked, she wanted her to continue.
"But it seemed way too easy. Are all battles like that?" She ate the fry and looked up at Ruby.
"Well, it depends," Ruby started as she unwrapped her hamburger from the foil. "Some trainers are really really strong while some trainers are really weak and don't really know what they are doing." Ruby nibbled on a fry. "It varies. Like if you wanted to compete in the Johto League. Now there is some powerful trainers."
"Speaking of which," Callista started as she took a sip from her soft drink. "I think I decided what I would like to do next."
Ruby listened as she started eating.
"I want to try for a gym badge."
"So soon?" Ruby questioned.
"Well, I would like to at least try." Callista explained. "Like I said, this battle felt too easy."
Ruby thought about it. "Okay, if that's what you would like to do then we will go."
Callista smiled as they sat quietly during the rest of their lunch.
After lunch, while Callista and Ruby cleaned up their table, Nurse Joy walked up to them.
"I hope you enjoyed your lunch," Nurse Joy said to the duo. "Your pokemon are all rested and ready for you to pick up."
"Thank you Nurse Joy," Callista said.
"Your quite welcome," Nurse Joy added. "By the way, Professor Elm left a message for you just a short time ago. He wants you to call him back right away."
"I wonder what he wants?" Callista thought to herself.
"I wonder how her found you?" Ruby asked.
After Callista picked up her pokemon, Nurse Joy showed Callista where she could find the video phones so she could make her call. She dialed the number and while she waited for him to pick up she grew nervous. "I hope nothing is wrong," she thought as she tapped her fingers on the phone.
Professor answered. "Hello?"
"Hello Professor Elm. It's me, Callista."
The video part of the phone switched on and she saw the Professor's face.
"Great to hear from you. I am so glad you got my message." The Professor smiled and waved.
"How did you find me?"
"Well, I knew that you would travel to the next closest city from Olivine so I sent messages to the centers of Ecruteak and, in case you decided to go the other way, to Cianwood." Professor Elm explained. "Anyway I needed to talk to you."
Callista nodded for him to continue.
"I was is such a hurry to get you started I never registered a storage box for you or any of the other trainers." Elm continued. "In fact, I'm surprise you haven't had any trouble with it yet."
"What kind of trouble?"
"Well, a storage box lets you send your pokemon to me so I can keep them here and take care of them for you." Elm explained, but Callista still didn't understand.
Ruby decided to help clear things up. "Every trainer is only allow to carry six pokemon in his or her party and all others are kept with the professor who gave you your pokedex. In your case, they would go to Professor Elm."
Callista nodded. "Oh, okay." She looked back at the Professor. "I haven't had any trouble yet. I only have two pokemon."
"Only two?" Professor Elm said. "That is probably why you haven't noticed. All the other trainers called to complain about not being able to catch more because there are no boxes."
Callista thought to herself. "That means everyone else has more than I do." She sighed and continued listening.
"So unfortunetly, I am going to need you to bring your pokedex to my main labratory so I can set it up for you. All the trainers are going to be here. Since this was all my fault I have already made arrangements for you to take the train down here."
"Just me?" Callista asked as she thought about Ruby.
"Yes, is there a problem?"
"Well, I am kind of traveling with a new friend. Her name is Ruby and she is kind of giving me a crash course in pokemon training." Callista explained. "She is the one that was talking a few minutes ago."
"Now that is wonderful. You have only been out there for a day and you already have a new friend," Elm said. "I'll arrange for Ruby to have a seat too."
"Great, thank you Professor."
"Anytime Callista," Now the train leaves from Goldenrod City to New Bark Town. It leaves tomorrow afternoon at 2pm. It's only about a hour and a half ride to get here so by the time you get here everyone else should be here too."
Callista and Professor Elm said good bye as Callista ended the call.
Callista and Ruby left the pokemon center a hour after the phone call and headed toward Goldenrod City. Ruby, with her nose in the map, was trying to decide what road to take to get to Goldrod City.
"Okay, if we take route 37 it will take us to the National Park and from there we take route 35. It should get us to Goldenrod City in no time." Ruby said as she put her map away.
"Will, we get there by tomorrow?"
"I hope so. We will have to have a pretty fast walking pace." Ruby said as they continued on.
It was late afternoon and the duo were still walking through route 37. Callista was surfing through the pokedex looking at all the different kind of pokemon as she named off ones she couldn't wait to catch.
"Squirtle.....Raichu.....Caterpie........Pidgeotto.......Charmeleon......," Callista stopped at the pokemon called Charmeleon and stared at it. Then she turned to Ruby with a very confused look. "Hey Ruby, I have another question for you."
"Yes?" Ruby replied as they continued to walk.
"Look at this one," Callista showed Ruby the picture of Charmeleon. "Is it just me or does this one look almost like your Charmander."
Ruby smiled and answered, "It does and that is because Charmeleon is the evolved form of Charmander."
"Meaning?"
"Okay, let me start from the top." Ruby begin Callista's second lesson in pokemon. "There are some types of pokemon that change form when they reach a certain level of experience and strength. Not all of them do though. My Charmander will eventually evolve into Charmeleon and then into a Charizard. Your Pichu would evolve into a Pikachu and then into a Raichu." Ruby explained. "Understand?"
"Yes," Callista said. "What about Chikorita? What would it evolve into?"
"I don't know." Ruby answered. "Look on your pokedex."
Callista pushed a few buttons and found the answers to her own question. "Bayleef and Meganium."
Satisfied with her answers Callista put her pokedex away.
After a few more hours they began to get discouraged. Ruby looked at her map again. "According to this we are about half way to National Park."
They signed in exhaustion and collapsed in the middle of the trail.
"I don't think I have walked so much in my life!" Callista said. "I think we can use some rest."
"I agree."
They called out their pokemon so they could all relax together. Chikorita and the other pokemon played together in the small patches of grass as Callista and Ruby worried about how they were going to get to Goldenrod City in time.
"I wish I had a flying pokemon." Ruby said to Callista. "They we could just fly there."
"We'll think of something." Callista reassured her.
Suddenly Chikorita came galloping up to Callista. "Chika chika!" Chikorita was jumping up and down, desperately trying to tell her something.
"What's the matter?" Callista tried to understand what Chikorita was trying to say.
Chikorita, frantically, ran in circles. "Chika chika!"
Callista and Ruby both stood up.
"Show me!" Callista said as Chikorita ran off into the woods.
They followed Chikorita through the trees until the trainers started hearing a strange noise.
"What is that?" Callista said.
"I don't know, lets check it out." Ruby said as they followed the noise deeper into the forest.
As they continued to follow the noise they found a small cave hidden in the trees. As they got closer they noticed a small little boy, sitting in front of the cave, crying to himself. He had short brown hair and dark black glasses that hid his brown eyes. His t-shirt and jeans were covered in dirt and mud and his face was stained with tears.
Callista stepped up to him. "Are you okay?"
The boy wiped a tear from his cheek and looked up at Callista. He stared for a moment and then suddenly grabbed a hold of her shirt and started crying again. "You gotta help me! You just gotta." He cried as Ruby caught up to them and saw the boy clinging to her friend.
"What is your problem?" Ruby said.
"It's my pokemon. It's gone," the boy cried out.
That sounded strangely familar to Callista and she wanted to know more. "Where is your pokemon?"
The boy looked up at both Callista and Ruby. "It's it's it it......." All the boy could do was whimper.
Ruby sat next to him and said, "Okay, calm down and tell us what happened."
His name was Timmy. His father was an Evolutionstone Trader and the cave right behind him was one of the spots where his father digs for his stones. This particular cave was full of thunder stones and since he had an Eevee he thought it would be cool to evolve it into a Jolteon. After asking for a stone from his father and after being denied, he decided to try to find one for himself. Taking with him only a flashlight, a map of the cave, and his father's prized Sandshrew he ventured into the cave looking for some. While they were deep inside the cave, they were both surprised by a huge swarm of Zubat that came right after them. As he ran toward the opening if the cave, the startled Sandshrew ran the opposite direction, deeper into the cave not knowing where it was going.
"...so you see," Timmy concluded. "My father's Sandshrew is somewhere inside that cave."
"Have you gone in to try to find it?" Ruby asked.
"I can't. After a few feet the cave gets pitch black and is impossible to see."
Callista asked, "What about your flashlight?"
"I....I accidentally dropped it and the map inside the cave when the Zubat attacked." Timmy looked down at his feet.
"I wish we could help." Ruby said as she stood up and went back to Callista who was still standing in front of the boy.
"Why can't we?" Callista asked.
"Because we have a tight deadline to follow." Ruby answered. "Remember? Professor Elm? Goldenrod? We need to get there as soon as we can."
"But." For a few moments Callista felt a small connection with Timmy's problem with one she has had. "I want to stay and help."
"What about..." Ruby started, but Callista interupted.
"Remember how I felt when I lost Chikorita?" Callista said.
Ruby remembered.
"This is no different." Callista held out her hand and helped the boy to his feet. "I'll help you find your Sandshrew." Callista looked over at Ruby, who still seemed like she didn't want to help, and lead the boy back to the entrance of the cave.
As they got there Callista looked in. It was extremely dark and she could hardly see a thing. She thought to herself, "I wonder how we are going to be able to see?"
The boy looked at Callista, "Do you have a light?"
Callista shook her head no, but Ruby's voice came up from right behind. "But I do."
Callista looked behind her and saw Ruby holding a pokeball. She called out her Charmander. "We can use Charmander's tail flame to light up the cave enough to see." She looked at Timmy. "Do you think you could remember how to get to the place where you ran into the Zubat?"
Timmy nodded and the trio ventured into the cave with Charmander leading the way.
The cave seemed to go on forever. They turned many corners and passed a few dead ends until they finally came to the place where Timmy last saw the Sandshrew. Timmy picked up the map and the flashlight off the ground and then he pointed deeper into the cave. "I think it went that way."
They continued on until they found a fork in the cave. Ruby took Charmander and went to the left as Timmy and Callista went to the right.
Timmy was calling for the Sandshrew as they went even deeper. "Sandshrew! Sandshrew can you hear me?" But it seemed hopeless to Timmy. How will they ever find Sandshrew in this dark.
Callista tried to destract Timmy like Ruby did with her when they were looking for Chikorita. "So your dad is a Evolution Stone Trader, huh." Callista said. "Let me guess, the stones can evolve pokemon into other pokemon."
"Yes, thats right. It's a really important business that he is in. Everyone wants to evolve their pokemon. My father and his assistant...what's his name....oh yeah...Mr. Maven makes a fortune on this cave." Timmy quickly changed the subject back. "We better find it soon look," Timmy held up the flashlight as the light was getting dimmer and dimmer."The batteries as running out."
"Then lets not waste anymore time." Callista released Chikorita and Pichu. "These guys will add a few extra eyes in our search."
"Great!"
"Let's keep going." Callista said as they went in even deeper.
Its been almost a twenty minute since they have separated, Charmander and Ruby were not having any luck at all. In fact, they ran straight into a dead end. "I guess we better go back and join the others.
"Char char." Charmander replied.
"Oh no," Timmy gasped as they watched the flashlight flicker a few times and then completely turn off. Standing in complete darkness, Timmy flicked the switch on and off a few times hoping the light would turn on again. "No no no no!"
"Chikorita? Pichu? Are you guys okay?" Callista called out, hoping they were still there.
"Chika Chika Ri"
"Chu"
They both answered and Callista signed in relief.
"Now what are we going to do?" Timmy sighed.
"Pi Pi chu." Pichu's tiny voice called to its master.
"Not now Pichu." Callista said.
"Piiiiiicccchhhuuuu!"
A small yellow glow began to appear.
"Not, now Pichu!" Callista said.
"Piiiicchhhhhuuuuuu!" The glow got a bit brighter.
"Pichu not right no...........," Callista turned toward the sound of Pichu's voice and stopped suddenly when she saw a ball of yellow glowing light reflect off of Pichu. "Pichu are you okay?"
"Pichu," Pichu nodded yes.
"Are you doing that?"
Pichu nodded again.
"Wow, I didn't know you could do that." Callista reached for her pokedex and pointed it at the pokemon.
Pokedex: "Flash, one of Pichu's defense attacks. It causes a blinding flash of light that confuses the opposing pokemon letting Pichu attack at will."
With the little glow that was coming off of Pichu, Callista and Timmy were able to see a few feet in front of them. Chikorita was just sitting straight ahead by the wall waiting for Callista to get it.
"If Pichu can keep up this light we might still be able to find Sandshrew."
"Great," Timmy answered, "Let's go!"
Callista and Timmy walked a little bit deeper into the cave using Pichu as light when they discovered another small light a little bit ahead of them slipping around a corner of the cave. "What is that?" Callista whispered.
"I don't know it shouldn't be there." Timmy replied.
They snuck up to the curve and peered around the corner.
They saw a bunch of digging tools and there were many lamps lighting up the area. There was a dark figure digging in the dirt on the floor of the cave. "They gotta be here somewhere!" The figure said, angerly. He turned toward Timmy and Callista and his face lit up in the light.
Timmy gasped. "That's my father's assistant! What is he doing here?" Timmy looked past him and saw his Sandshrew in a small wooden crate. "Sandshrew!" Timmy shouted as he dashed out in plain sight and tried to get to Sandshrew.
Mr. Maven turned again just in time to see Timmy reveal himself. "Hey! what are you doing here?"
"Give me that Sandshrew! Oh, my dad is going to be so angry when he finds out you were in here without permission."
"I don't think so." Mr. Maven advanced on the boy. "Not if I deal with you first!"
Callista stepped into action. "Chikorita, stop him with vine whip!"
"Chika!" Chikorita used its vine whip and wrapped around Mr. Maven's arms to imobileize him in his tracks and used the other vine to trip him off his feet.
"Now what are you doing in here?" Timmy asked.
"It's it obvious?" Mr. Maven grinned. "This place was loaded with stones until I decided to do my own digging. Now your father can't seem to find any. If he doesn't find them soon his business will crumble leaving me with all the thunderstones which I will sell and keep all the money to myself."
"You can't do that. I won't let you." Timmy said.
"Well, unfortunately there is nothing you can do to stop me!" Mr. Maven looked behind him. "Get them!"
A Houndour leaped out from the darkness and attacked.
"Pichu! I choose you!" Callista ordered as her Pichu stopped using Flash and jumped into action. "Electric attack!"
Pichu charged up an attack and released it on the Houndour. Houndour shook it off like if it was nothing.
"Pichu use your tackle attack!"
"Houndour use flame thrower!"
Houndour used its flamethrower before Pichu could even attack. The flames burned Pichu's fur.
"Pichu no!" Pichu got tossed aside. Callista ran to get Pichu. She held it in her arms.
Mr. Maven broke free from Chikorita's vine whip. "You see. There is nothing you can do to stop me."
There was a banging sound coming from behind Mr. Maven as Timmy saw the Sandshrew attempt to break through the crate. Callista called her Chikorita over to her.
"Chikorita use your vine whip!"
Chikorita used it's vinewhip to try to hit Houndour, but Houndour was too quick and leaped out of the way.
"Flamethrower!" Mr. Maven ordered as the Houndour used another flamethrower and struck Chikorita with a mighty blow.
"Chikorita return!" Callista called her pokemon back as she continued to hold Pichu in her arms. "You won't stand a chance against a fire pokemon." Callista said to her Chikorita as she put the pokeball away with the grass pokemon inside.
"Now Houndour, finish them off!" Mr. Maven called out as Houndour attacked once again.
With one desperate blow, Sandshrew broke through the crate and dove into the floor of the cave.
As Houndour grew closer, the ground shook under it's feet. Suddenly, the ground collapes under the attacking pokemon. Houndour lost it's footing and tripped over all the loose rocks and dirt.
"Houndour get back up!"
Houndour got back up on its feet as Sandshrew took its place with Timmy.
"Houndour use your bite attack!"
"Sandshrew defense curl!" Timmy called as Sandshrew shrunk into a tight little ball.
Houndour tried to dig its teeth into the ball of Sandshrew, but Sandshrew's skin was too tough.
"Sandshrew use roll out!"
Still in its ball, Sandshrew used rollout and struck the Houndour in the face. Houndour was tossed aside, but was able to keep its balance and land on its feet. Sandshrew straightened itself out.
"Now use your scratch attack!"
"Big mistake." Mr. Maven grinned. "Houndour use fury attack!"
Houndour's attack over powered Sandshrew's scratch attack and tosses Sandshrew off it's feet.
Timmy and Callista went to Sandshrew. "Sandshrew are you okay?"
Pichu regained consiouness and saw what was going on.
"Houndour finish them off!"
Houndour leaped unto action.
Pichu wiggled out of Callista's arms. "Pichu?"
Pichu charged up all the electricity it had and released a powerful thunderbolt attack. A huge burst of light lit the whole room of the cave as the thunderbolt struck the Houndour with a strong blow. Houndour was thrown into the wall of the cave and onto the ground.
"I can't believe it!" Mr. Maven shouted.
Pichu, who was completely out of breath, was very angry. Callista watched as her Pichu could barely even stand. The little mouse was wobbly and had a hard time keeping its balance, but it refused to let anything happen to its trainer.
Houndour managed to get back onto its feet. "Houndour attack!"
Houndour attacked the weak Pichu.
"Pichu no!" Callista screamed.
"Pi pi chu." Pichu grew even angrier.
Before Houndour could attack another huge flash of light lit the cave once again stopping the pokemon in its tracks. But this time it was not an electric attack. It was coming from Pichu itself. The light covered the little pokemon as the Pichu's figure seemed to grow.
"What's happening?" Callista wondered as the light continued to change the bright figure.
As the light faded away, Callista saw a different pokemon standing in Pichu's place. It looked like Pichu, but was much bigger. It had a long tail and longer ears.
Callista gasped as she figured out what happened. "My Pichu just evolved into Pikachu!"
"Pika pika!" Pikachu was set an ready to go.
"Houndour attack now!"
Houndour tried to attack again.
"Pikachu," Callsita called. "Use your thunderbolt!"
Pikachu charged up the attack and released it. The attack not only struck the Houndour, but it also struck the master too! Both of them crashed into the wall of the cave knocking both of them unconsious.
Callista released Chikorita again and used it's vinewhip to tie up the two bad guys.
"I'll go get help," Timmy said as he grabbed one of the lamps and headed back through the cave.
It took quite some time for Timmy to return, but he didn't return alone. Officer Jenny arrived with him and arrested Mr. Maven. The sky was already dark as Callista, Timmy, Officer Jenny and Mr. Maven (who was in handcuffs) exited the cave Ruby was outside waiting for them. Callista couldn't wait to tell Ruby about her new Pikachu. By looking at the sky the duo assumed it was getting pretty late, but they still stayed to make sure everything was okay.
Timmy's father was called by Officer Jenny and had to come pick him up. While they were waiting for his father Timmy talked with the two girls.
"Thanks you guys. I couldn't have done it without you." Timmy said as he saw his father pull up in his blue pickup truck.
"No sweat." Ruby said.
"We were glad to help." Callista replied as Timmy's father approached them.
"Timothy!" His father did not sound pleased. "What did I tell you about going in that cave alone?"
"I'm sorry father."
"Well since you did catch Mr. Maven trying to put my out of business I guess I won't go too hard on you." His father said. "But you are most definetly grounded until further notice."
He turned to Callista and Ruby. "And as for you two," he started. "Thank you for helping my boy."
"No problem," Ruby and Callista both said at the same time. They smiled at each other.
"Is there anything I can do for you two?"
"Not really," Callista said. "We have to get going, we have a deadline to catch."
"Yeah," Ruby said. "We need to get to National Park before sun up to stay on schedule."
"Hey, that gives me an idea." His father said. "How about my son and I give you a lift to National Park. It would take us only a half an hour to get there.
"Would you?" Callista said as Timmy's father nodded. "Thank you so much!"
"Not only will I take you but," Timmy's father opened the front door of his truck and pulled out a shiny yellow stone, "I also want you to have this."
He gave the stone to Callista.
"A thunderstone!" Callista took it and held it in her hand. "Wow thank you."
"Well we better get going," Father said as he got into the divers side of his truck.
The duo called back all of their pokemon and hopped into the back of the truck. Officer Jenny waved goodbye to them as they drove away toward National Park.
It was a nice sunny day as the clouds glided softly through the sky. We find our heros in the middle of a large meadow just on the other side of Ecruteak City. They were attempting to do some mild training until they ran into a new opponent. With the incident of the boy behind them, Callista is excited as she begins her first real pokemon battle.
"My name is Hope from Violet City and I challange you to a battle." A cute little blonde hair girl announced as she prepared a pokeball.
"I'm Callista from Olivine City," Callista also grabbed a pokeball. "And I would love to battle you!"
Callista realized that she didn't sound as professional as Hope, but she didn't care. She was too excited about her first battle.
Ruby stepped up and whispered to Callista. "Now remember to take your time and try not to rush. A battle is easier won with a strong stragedy than with mere brute force."
Callista nodded without looking at Ruby. She was more focused on watching her opponent. Ruby stepped aside.
"Well, are you ready?" Hope called out.
"Ready!"
"Then what are we waiting for." Hope tosses her pokeball into the air and released a small blue mouse pokemon.
Ruby called to Callista. "That's a Marril its a water type!"
Callista tossed her pokeball into the air and released her Pichu.
"Pichu pichu pichu." Pichu was just as excited as Callista as it jumped up and down.
"Marril go, water gun!" Hope ordered.
Marril took a deep breath and released a small water gun attack. Pichu quickly dodged it.
"Pichu tackle!" Callista ordered as Pichu changed its footing to turn itself toward Marril and charged at the blue pokemon.
"Marril use your tackle too!" Hope called out as Marill charged at Pichu.
Pichu and Marril's attacks collided into each other and even though Pichu gave it all it had, Marril was obviously stronger and knocked Pichu back. Pichu quickly jumped back up onto its feet," Pichu!"
"Pichu, tackle again!" Callista called as Pichu charged at Marril.
As Pichu got close Hope called out a last minute attack. "Water gun."
Marril took a deep breath and shot out a small water gun striking Pichu and knocked it aside. Pichu tried to get up, but it couldn't and it collapsed back onto the ground.
"Pichu return," Callista called it back. She grabbed Chikorita's pokeball. "Okay, Chikorita it's all up to you. Go!" Callista released her Chikorita. Chikorita was set and ready for battle.
Hope saw the grass pokemon and decided to call her Marril back. "Marril return!"
Marril returned to its pokeball.
Hope reached for another. "Go Spearow!"
Spearow appeared from its pokeball.
Ruby shouted at Callista," Be careful. Grass types are really weak against air attacks."
Callista nodded again and called out an attack. "Chikorita vine whip!"
Chikorita obeyed and used vine whip to attempt to strike the Spearow.
"Spearow fly!" Spearow flew into the air. Hope waited until Spearow was almost right above Chikorita. "Now dive and use your wing attack!"
Spearow dove down toward Chikorita. Chikorita dodged the attack just in time.
"Do it again and don't miss it this time." Hope ordered as Spearow dove again.
"Chikorita use vine whip to grab it!" Callista ordered.
As Spearow flew closer, Chikorita used its vine whip and snagged the bird pokemon in mid air.
"Now toss it to the ground!"
Chikorita used all is strength and slammed Spearow as hard as it could on the ground.
Spearow tried desperately to get up.
"Chikorita quick, use tackle!" Callista ordered as Chikorita charged at the fallen pokemon and hit it with its tackle attack.
Spearow got tossed to its trainer feet. Hope tried to coach it back up but it was over and Spearow fainted.
It took a few seconds for it to sink in that Callista just won a pokemon battle. She jumped up for joy. "Alright, good job Chikorita!" Chikorita jumped into its trainer's arms and placed its head on her chest. "Chika chika."
Hope called her pokemon back, walked up to Callista and held out her hand. "Nice. Your a pretty good trainer."
Callista smiled and shook Hope's hand. "Your pokemon are awesome!"
Hope smiled. "Thanks. Well, I better get going I have some serious training to do."
Callista agreed as they all said good bye to each other.
As Ruby and Callista walked back towards Ecruteak City they discussed what to do next. With all the excitement of training and with the pokemon battle they both forgot that they haven't had a thing to eat all day. As their stomachs growled, Callista and Ruby decided to head back to the pokemon center.
Callista sat in the cafeteria at the last booth over by a window. While she waited for Ruby to come back with the food, she thought to herself, "That battle seemed a little bit too easy. I wonder if all of them are?" Callista stared out the window.
Ruby appeared with a tray full of food. She sat across from Callista and as she handed Callista hers Ruby saw the look on her face. "Is everything okay you look a little down. I mean come on, you just won a battle. I would think you would still be excited about it."
"I guess." Callista took her eyes off of the window and stared down at her hamburger and fries. She picked up a fry and dipped it in a small cup of ketchup.
"But?" Ruby asked, she wanted her to continue.
"But it seemed way too easy. Are all battles like that?" She ate the fry and looked up at Ruby.
"Well, it depends," Ruby started as she unwrapped her hamburger from the foil. "Some trainers are really really strong while some trainers are really weak and don't really know what they are doing." Ruby nibbled on a fry. "It varies. Like if you wanted to compete in the Johto League. Now there is some powerful trainers."
"Speaking of which," Callista started as she took a sip from her soft drink. "I think I decided what I would like to do next."
Ruby listened as she started eating.
"I want to try for a gym badge."
"So soon?" Ruby questioned.
"Well, I would like to at least try." Callista explained. "Like I said, this battle felt too easy."
Ruby thought about it. "Okay, if that's what you would like to do then we will go."
Callista smiled as they sat quietly during the rest of their lunch.
After lunch, while Callista and Ruby cleaned up their table, Nurse Joy walked up to them.
"I hope you enjoyed your lunch," Nurse Joy said to the duo. "Your pokemon are all rested and ready for you to pick up."
"Thank you Nurse Joy," Callista said.
"Your quite welcome," Nurse Joy added. "By the way, Professor Elm left a message for you just a short time ago. He wants you to call him back right away."
"I wonder what he wants?" Callista thought to herself.
"I wonder how her found you?" Ruby asked.
After Callista picked up her pokemon, Nurse Joy showed Callista where she could find the video phones so she could make her call. She dialed the number and while she waited for him to pick up she grew nervous. "I hope nothing is wrong," she thought as she tapped her fingers on the phone.
Professor answered. "Hello?"
"Hello Professor Elm. It's me, Callista."
The video part of the phone switched on and she saw the Professor's face.
"Great to hear from you. I am so glad you got my message." The Professor smiled and waved.
"How did you find me?"
"Well, I knew that you would travel to the next closest city from Olivine so I sent messages to the centers of Ecruteak and, in case you decided to go the other way, to Cianwood." Professor Elm explained. "Anyway I needed to talk to you."
Callista nodded for him to continue.
"I was is such a hurry to get you started I never registered a storage box for you or any of the other trainers." Elm continued. "In fact, I'm surprise you haven't had any trouble with it yet."
"What kind of trouble?"
"Well, a storage box lets you send your pokemon to me so I can keep them here and take care of them for you." Elm explained, but Callista still didn't understand.
Ruby decided to help clear things up. "Every trainer is only allow to carry six pokemon in his or her party and all others are kept with the professor who gave you your pokedex. In your case, they would go to Professor Elm."
Callista nodded. "Oh, okay." She looked back at the Professor. "I haven't had any trouble yet. I only have two pokemon."
"Only two?" Professor Elm said. "That is probably why you haven't noticed. All the other trainers called to complain about not being able to catch more because there are no boxes."
Callista thought to herself. "That means everyone else has more than I do." She sighed and continued listening.
"So unfortunetly, I am going to need you to bring your pokedex to my main labratory so I can set it up for you. All the trainers are going to be here. Since this was all my fault I have already made arrangements for you to take the train down here."
"Just me?" Callista asked as she thought about Ruby.
"Yes, is there a problem?"
"Well, I am kind of traveling with a new friend. Her name is Ruby and she is kind of giving me a crash course in pokemon training." Callista explained. "She is the one that was talking a few minutes ago."
"Now that is wonderful. You have only been out there for a day and you already have a new friend," Elm said. "I'll arrange for Ruby to have a seat too."
"Great, thank you Professor."
"Anytime Callista," Now the train leaves from Goldenrod City to New Bark Town. It leaves tomorrow afternoon at 2pm. It's only about a hour and a half ride to get here so by the time you get here everyone else should be here too."
Callista and Professor Elm said good bye as Callista ended the call.
Callista and Ruby left the pokemon center a hour after the phone call and headed toward Goldenrod City. Ruby, with her nose in the map, was trying to decide what road to take to get to Goldrod City.
"Okay, if we take route 37 it will take us to the National Park and from there we take route 35. It should get us to Goldenrod City in no time." Ruby said as she put her map away.
"Will, we get there by tomorrow?"
"I hope so. We will have to have a pretty fast walking pace." Ruby said as they continued on.
It was late afternoon and the duo were still walking through route 37. Callista was surfing through the pokedex looking at all the different kind of pokemon as she named off ones she couldn't wait to catch.
"Squirtle.....Raichu.....Caterpie........Pidgeotto.......Charmeleon......," Callista stopped at the pokemon called Charmeleon and stared at it. Then she turned to Ruby with a very confused look. "Hey Ruby, I have another question for you."
"Yes?" Ruby replied as they continued to walk.
"Look at this one," Callista showed Ruby the picture of Charmeleon. "Is it just me or does this one look almost like your Charmander."
Ruby smiled and answered, "It does and that is because Charmeleon is the evolved form of Charmander."
"Meaning?"
"Okay, let me start from the top." Ruby begin Callista's second lesson in pokemon. "There are some types of pokemon that change form when they reach a certain level of experience and strength. Not all of them do though. My Charmander will eventually evolve into Charmeleon and then into a Charizard. Your Pichu would evolve into a Pikachu and then into a Raichu." Ruby explained. "Understand?"
"Yes," Callista said. "What about Chikorita? What would it evolve into?"
"I don't know." Ruby answered. "Look on your pokedex."
Callista pushed a few buttons and found the answers to her own question. "Bayleef and Meganium."
Satisfied with her answers Callista put her pokedex away.
After a few more hours they began to get discouraged. Ruby looked at her map again. "According to this we are about half way to National Park."
They signed in exhaustion and collapsed in the middle of the trail.
"I don't think I have walked so much in my life!" Callista said. "I think we can use some rest."
"I agree."
They called out their pokemon so they could all relax together. Chikorita and the other pokemon played together in the small patches of grass as Callista and Ruby worried about how they were going to get to Goldenrod City in time.
"I wish I had a flying pokemon." Ruby said to Callista. "They we could just fly there."
"We'll think of something." Callista reassured her.
Suddenly Chikorita came galloping up to Callista. "Chika chika!" Chikorita was jumping up and down, desperately trying to tell her something.
"What's the matter?" Callista tried to understand what Chikorita was trying to say.
Chikorita, frantically, ran in circles. "Chika chika!"
Callista and Ruby both stood up.
"Show me!" Callista said as Chikorita ran off into the woods.
They followed Chikorita through the trees until the trainers started hearing a strange noise.
"What is that?" Callista said.
"I don't know, lets check it out." Ruby said as they followed the noise deeper into the forest.
As they continued to follow the noise they found a small cave hidden in the trees. As they got closer they noticed a small little boy, sitting in front of the cave, crying to himself. He had short brown hair and dark black glasses that hid his brown eyes. His t-shirt and jeans were covered in dirt and mud and his face was stained with tears.
Callista stepped up to him. "Are you okay?"
The boy wiped a tear from his cheek and looked up at Callista. He stared for a moment and then suddenly grabbed a hold of her shirt and started crying again. "You gotta help me! You just gotta." He cried as Ruby caught up to them and saw the boy clinging to her friend.
"What is your problem?" Ruby said.
"It's my pokemon. It's gone," the boy cried out.
That sounded strangely familar to Callista and she wanted to know more. "Where is your pokemon?"
The boy looked up at both Callista and Ruby. "It's it's it it......." All the boy could do was whimper.
Ruby sat next to him and said, "Okay, calm down and tell us what happened."
His name was Timmy. His father was an Evolutionstone Trader and the cave right behind him was one of the spots where his father digs for his stones. This particular cave was full of thunder stones and since he had an Eevee he thought it would be cool to evolve it into a Jolteon. After asking for a stone from his father and after being denied, he decided to try to find one for himself. Taking with him only a flashlight, a map of the cave, and his father's prized Sandshrew he ventured into the cave looking for some. While they were deep inside the cave, they were both surprised by a huge swarm of Zubat that came right after them. As he ran toward the opening if the cave, the startled Sandshrew ran the opposite direction, deeper into the cave not knowing where it was going.
"...so you see," Timmy concluded. "My father's Sandshrew is somewhere inside that cave."
"Have you gone in to try to find it?" Ruby asked.
"I can't. After a few feet the cave gets pitch black and is impossible to see."
Callista asked, "What about your flashlight?"
"I....I accidentally dropped it and the map inside the cave when the Zubat attacked." Timmy looked down at his feet.
"I wish we could help." Ruby said as she stood up and went back to Callista who was still standing in front of the boy.
"Why can't we?" Callista asked.
"Because we have a tight deadline to follow." Ruby answered. "Remember? Professor Elm? Goldenrod? We need to get there as soon as we can."
"But." For a few moments Callista felt a small connection with Timmy's problem with one she has had. "I want to stay and help."
"What about..." Ruby started, but Callista interupted.
"Remember how I felt when I lost Chikorita?" Callista said.
Ruby remembered.
"This is no different." Callista held out her hand and helped the boy to his feet. "I'll help you find your Sandshrew." Callista looked over at Ruby, who still seemed like she didn't want to help, and lead the boy back to the entrance of the cave.
As they got there Callista looked in. It was extremely dark and she could hardly see a thing. She thought to herself, "I wonder how we are going to be able to see?"
The boy looked at Callista, "Do you have a light?"
Callista shook her head no, but Ruby's voice came up from right behind. "But I do."
Callista looked behind her and saw Ruby holding a pokeball. She called out her Charmander. "We can use Charmander's tail flame to light up the cave enough to see." She looked at Timmy. "Do you think you could remember how to get to the place where you ran into the Zubat?"
Timmy nodded and the trio ventured into the cave with Charmander leading the way.
The cave seemed to go on forever. They turned many corners and passed a few dead ends until they finally came to the place where Timmy last saw the Sandshrew. Timmy picked up the map and the flashlight off the ground and then he pointed deeper into the cave. "I think it went that way."
They continued on until they found a fork in the cave. Ruby took Charmander and went to the left as Timmy and Callista went to the right.
Timmy was calling for the Sandshrew as they went even deeper. "Sandshrew! Sandshrew can you hear me?" But it seemed hopeless to Timmy. How will they ever find Sandshrew in this dark.
Callista tried to destract Timmy like Ruby did with her when they were looking for Chikorita. "So your dad is a Evolution Stone Trader, huh." Callista said. "Let me guess, the stones can evolve pokemon into other pokemon."
"Yes, thats right. It's a really important business that he is in. Everyone wants to evolve their pokemon. My father and his assistant...what's his name....oh yeah...Mr. Maven makes a fortune on this cave." Timmy quickly changed the subject back. "We better find it soon look," Timmy held up the flashlight as the light was getting dimmer and dimmer."The batteries as running out."
"Then lets not waste anymore time." Callista released Chikorita and Pichu. "These guys will add a few extra eyes in our search."
"Great!"
"Let's keep going." Callista said as they went in even deeper.
Its been almost a twenty minute since they have separated, Charmander and Ruby were not having any luck at all. In fact, they ran straight into a dead end. "I guess we better go back and join the others.
"Char char." Charmander replied.
"Oh no," Timmy gasped as they watched the flashlight flicker a few times and then completely turn off. Standing in complete darkness, Timmy flicked the switch on and off a few times hoping the light would turn on again. "No no no no!"
"Chikorita? Pichu? Are you guys okay?" Callista called out, hoping they were still there.
"Chika Chika Ri"
"Chu"
They both answered and Callista signed in relief.
"Now what are we going to do?" Timmy sighed.
"Pi Pi chu." Pichu's tiny voice called to its master.
"Not now Pichu." Callista said.
"Piiiiiicccchhhuuuu!"
A small yellow glow began to appear.
"Not, now Pichu!" Callista said.
"Piiiicchhhhhuuuuuu!" The glow got a bit brighter.
"Pichu not right no...........," Callista turned toward the sound of Pichu's voice and stopped suddenly when she saw a ball of yellow glowing light reflect off of Pichu. "Pichu are you okay?"
"Pichu," Pichu nodded yes.
"Are you doing that?"
Pichu nodded again.
"Wow, I didn't know you could do that." Callista reached for her pokedex and pointed it at the pokemon.
Pokedex: "Flash, one of Pichu's defense attacks. It causes a blinding flash of light that confuses the opposing pokemon letting Pichu attack at will."
With the little glow that was coming off of Pichu, Callista and Timmy were able to see a few feet in front of them. Chikorita was just sitting straight ahead by the wall waiting for Callista to get it.
"If Pichu can keep up this light we might still be able to find Sandshrew."
"Great," Timmy answered, "Let's go!"
Callista and Timmy walked a little bit deeper into the cave using Pichu as light when they discovered another small light a little bit ahead of them slipping around a corner of the cave. "What is that?" Callista whispered.
"I don't know it shouldn't be there." Timmy replied.
They snuck up to the curve and peered around the corner.
They saw a bunch of digging tools and there were many lamps lighting up the area. There was a dark figure digging in the dirt on the floor of the cave. "They gotta be here somewhere!" The figure said, angerly. He turned toward Timmy and Callista and his face lit up in the light.
Timmy gasped. "That's my father's assistant! What is he doing here?" Timmy looked past him and saw his Sandshrew in a small wooden crate. "Sandshrew!" Timmy shouted as he dashed out in plain sight and tried to get to Sandshrew.
Mr. Maven turned again just in time to see Timmy reveal himself. "Hey! what are you doing here?"
"Give me that Sandshrew! Oh, my dad is going to be so angry when he finds out you were in here without permission."
"I don't think so." Mr. Maven advanced on the boy. "Not if I deal with you first!"
Callista stepped into action. "Chikorita, stop him with vine whip!"
"Chika!" Chikorita used its vine whip and wrapped around Mr. Maven's arms to imobileize him in his tracks and used the other vine to trip him off his feet.
"Now what are you doing in here?" Timmy asked.
"It's it obvious?" Mr. Maven grinned. "This place was loaded with stones until I decided to do my own digging. Now your father can't seem to find any. If he doesn't find them soon his business will crumble leaving me with all the thunderstones which I will sell and keep all the money to myself."
"You can't do that. I won't let you." Timmy said.
"Well, unfortunately there is nothing you can do to stop me!" Mr. Maven looked behind him. "Get them!"
A Houndour leaped out from the darkness and attacked.
"Pichu! I choose you!" Callista ordered as her Pichu stopped using Flash and jumped into action. "Electric attack!"
Pichu charged up an attack and released it on the Houndour. Houndour shook it off like if it was nothing.
"Pichu use your tackle attack!"
"Houndour use flame thrower!"
Houndour used its flamethrower before Pichu could even attack. The flames burned Pichu's fur.
"Pichu no!" Pichu got tossed aside. Callista ran to get Pichu. She held it in her arms.
Mr. Maven broke free from Chikorita's vine whip. "You see. There is nothing you can do to stop me."
There was a banging sound coming from behind Mr. Maven as Timmy saw the Sandshrew attempt to break through the crate. Callista called her Chikorita over to her.
"Chikorita use your vine whip!"
Chikorita used it's vinewhip to try to hit Houndour, but Houndour was too quick and leaped out of the way.
"Flamethrower!" Mr. Maven ordered as the Houndour used another flamethrower and struck Chikorita with a mighty blow.
"Chikorita return!" Callista called her pokemon back as she continued to hold Pichu in her arms. "You won't stand a chance against a fire pokemon." Callista said to her Chikorita as she put the pokeball away with the grass pokemon inside.
"Now Houndour, finish them off!" Mr. Maven called out as Houndour attacked once again.
With one desperate blow, Sandshrew broke through the crate and dove into the floor of the cave.
As Houndour grew closer, the ground shook under it's feet. Suddenly, the ground collapes under the attacking pokemon. Houndour lost it's footing and tripped over all the loose rocks and dirt.
"Houndour get back up!"
Houndour got back up on its feet as Sandshrew took its place with Timmy.
"Houndour use your bite attack!"
"Sandshrew defense curl!" Timmy called as Sandshrew shrunk into a tight little ball.
Houndour tried to dig its teeth into the ball of Sandshrew, but Sandshrew's skin was too tough.
"Sandshrew use roll out!"
Still in its ball, Sandshrew used rollout and struck the Houndour in the face. Houndour was tossed aside, but was able to keep its balance and land on its feet. Sandshrew straightened itself out.
"Now use your scratch attack!"
"Big mistake." Mr. Maven grinned. "Houndour use fury attack!"
Houndour's attack over powered Sandshrew's scratch attack and tosses Sandshrew off it's feet.
Timmy and Callista went to Sandshrew. "Sandshrew are you okay?"
Pichu regained consiouness and saw what was going on.
"Houndour finish them off!"
Houndour leaped unto action.
Pichu wiggled out of Callista's arms. "Pichu?"
Pichu charged up all the electricity it had and released a powerful thunderbolt attack. A huge burst of light lit the whole room of the cave as the thunderbolt struck the Houndour with a strong blow. Houndour was thrown into the wall of the cave and onto the ground.
"I can't believe it!" Mr. Maven shouted.
Pichu, who was completely out of breath, was very angry. Callista watched as her Pichu could barely even stand. The little mouse was wobbly and had a hard time keeping its balance, but it refused to let anything happen to its trainer.
Houndour managed to get back onto its feet. "Houndour attack!"
Houndour attacked the weak Pichu.
"Pichu no!" Callista screamed.
"Pi pi chu." Pichu grew even angrier.
Before Houndour could attack another huge flash of light lit the cave once again stopping the pokemon in its tracks. But this time it was not an electric attack. It was coming from Pichu itself. The light covered the little pokemon as the Pichu's figure seemed to grow.
"What's happening?" Callista wondered as the light continued to change the bright figure.
As the light faded away, Callista saw a different pokemon standing in Pichu's place. It looked like Pichu, but was much bigger. It had a long tail and longer ears.
Callista gasped as she figured out what happened. "My Pichu just evolved into Pikachu!"
"Pika pika!" Pikachu was set an ready to go.
"Houndour attack now!"
Houndour tried to attack again.
"Pikachu," Callsita called. "Use your thunderbolt!"
Pikachu charged up the attack and released it. The attack not only struck the Houndour, but it also struck the master too! Both of them crashed into the wall of the cave knocking both of them unconsious.
Callista released Chikorita again and used it's vinewhip to tie up the two bad guys.
"I'll go get help," Timmy said as he grabbed one of the lamps and headed back through the cave.
It took quite some time for Timmy to return, but he didn't return alone. Officer Jenny arrived with him and arrested Mr. Maven. The sky was already dark as Callista, Timmy, Officer Jenny and Mr. Maven (who was in handcuffs) exited the cave Ruby was outside waiting for them. Callista couldn't wait to tell Ruby about her new Pikachu. By looking at the sky the duo assumed it was getting pretty late, but they still stayed to make sure everything was okay.
Timmy's father was called by Officer Jenny and had to come pick him up. While they were waiting for his father Timmy talked with the two girls.
"Thanks you guys. I couldn't have done it without you." Timmy said as he saw his father pull up in his blue pickup truck.
"No sweat." Ruby said.
"We were glad to help." Callista replied as Timmy's father approached them.
"Timothy!" His father did not sound pleased. "What did I tell you about going in that cave alone?"
"I'm sorry father."
"Well since you did catch Mr. Maven trying to put my out of business I guess I won't go too hard on you." His father said. "But you are most definetly grounded until further notice."
He turned to Callista and Ruby. "And as for you two," he started. "Thank you for helping my boy."
"No problem," Ruby and Callista both said at the same time. They smiled at each other.
"Is there anything I can do for you two?"
"Not really," Callista said. "We have to get going, we have a deadline to catch."
"Yeah," Ruby said. "We need to get to National Park before sun up to stay on schedule."
"Hey, that gives me an idea." His father said. "How about my son and I give you a lift to National Park. It would take us only a half an hour to get there.
"Would you?" Callista said as Timmy's father nodded. "Thank you so much!"
"Not only will I take you but," Timmy's father opened the front door of his truck and pulled out a shiny yellow stone, "I also want you to have this."
He gave the stone to Callista.
"A thunderstone!" Callista took it and held it in her hand. "Wow thank you."
"Well we better get going," Father said as he got into the divers side of his truck.
The duo called back all of their pokemon and hopped into the back of the truck. Officer Jenny waved goodbye to them as they drove away toward National Park.