Chapter 8
The Missing Artifact and the Abused Pokemon
"Callista," Ruby shouted as she jumped up and down on Callista's bed. "Wake up, wake up, wake up!"
Callista's eyes opened as she tried to focus on Ruby. "What time is it?"
"It's eight o'clock and its time to go the museum." Ruby said, very excited. "I want to be the first to see the new fossil."
The day before Professor Elm told the girls about a new fossil that was discovered at the shore of Cianwood City. Both of the girls were really excited about seeing a real pokemon fossil and since the museum was barely two miles away from New Bark Town there was no way they were going to miss it.
After packing up there backpacks, the duo stepped out of the guest room and into a small hallway.
"So are you girls ready?" Elm asked as he saw the girls step into the laboratory.
"Yes," Ruby said as they walked up to Professor Elm.
"I want you to look at this really fast," Professor Elm turned and held out a small, thick book to the girls. "That there is a Kabuto. It's a prehistoric pokemon. The Dome fossil is said to be the remains of the Kabuto."
The pokemon looked like a large upside-down shell with little crab legs sticking out.
"Looks cool," Callista said, "We should really get going."
"Well, be careful girls and stay together. It is very dangerous out there for trainers," Elm said as he continued to walk the girls to the front door of the lab.
After saying goodbye to the professor the duo left New Bark Town and headed down the road towards the Museum.
It was quite a walk. Callista and Ruby, for no apparent reason, kept silent. They weren't mad at each other they just didn't have a whole lot to say. Especially since Callista was still half asleep. She woke up rather quickly when they finally made it to the museum only to see a swarm of people gathered around out front.
"Wow," Ruby said. "There must be a lot of people wanting to see this fossil."
However, when they got closer they realized the swarms of people were not there just to see the fossil. There were police cars and barriers put up at the front gate of the museum. Officer Jenny was there trying to hold back the crowd. Something had happened.
"Okay folks, shows over, nothing to see here," Officer Jenny shouted as she waved her hands motioning for people to leave.
"I wonder what happened," Callista said to Ruby as they ran up to the barriers.
Ruby waved to get Officer Jenny's attention.
"Hey, what happened?" Ruby asked her.
"The Dome fossil was stolen last night," Officer Jenny informed the girls.
"What?" Ruby exclaimed.
"How?" Callista asked.
"We don't really know. That's what we are trying to find out," Officer Jenny said. "But who ever did this did not leave much of a trail. We are starting to think it was an inside job. We have talked to everyone except the janitor, but he seemed to have disappeared. He isn't at his apartment or anywhere."
"That sounds a little suspicious," Callista said.
"Yes it does. That's why we have a man hunt going in order to track him down," Officer Jenny explained. "Hopefully we will be able to find him before sun down."
"Well, that's a bummer," Ruby said. "I really wanted to see the fossil."
"I'm really sorry kids," Officer Jenny. "Maybe if you come back tomorrow we will have it."
Ruby looked at Callista as Callista looked back at Ruby.
"I wish we could," Callista said. "But we need to get going. I wanted to leave right after we saw the fossil."
"We'll okay." Officer Jenny said.
"I hope you find it Officer Jenny," Ruby said as the two girl started to walk away from the museum.
Callista and Ruby decided to get going, but first Callista wanted to stop by the nearest Poke mart so she could call Professor Elm.
Callista and Ruby stared at Professor Elm as they talked on a video phone.
"Hmmm, that's a shame," Professor Elm said after Callista told him what happened. "It would have been a great opportunity for you girls so see a real pokemon fossil."
"Yeah, but Officer Jenny is hot on the trail and she should be able to find it," Callista said.
"I hope so," Professor Elm said. "It really is a shame to lose such a priceless artifact." Professor Elm decided to change the subject. "So now you two are on your way to Cherrygrove City?"
"Yes," Callista said. "I want to try for a gym badge."
"I hear the gym is pretty strong, but if you can beat the gym leader then you will receive a Poison badge."
"I really think I can do it."
"Well, good luck. Remember, I am rootin' for ya!" Professor Elm said as the screen on the video phone went black.
"So," Ruby began. "What do you want to do?"
Callista stood up from her seat and pondered. "I guess we should stalk up on antidotes. If I have to battle with poison pokemon I should have some ready just in case they get badly poisoned."
"Good idea. And we need food to last us until we get to the nearest place," Ruby pulled the map from her pocket as Callista shifted her back pack around on her shoulders. Ruby opened the map and looked at it. "Which is Cherrygrove City."
"Well, I would like to see if I can catch a few more pokemon before we get to the next gym," Callista replied. "I would feel a lot better if I had more that two."
"Okay well then how about this," Ruby started to suggest, "I'll go get the supplies and see if there is anything else we might need. And you can go search the surrounding area for some pokemon."
"Are you sure you wouldn't mind splitting up for a while?"
"Nah," Ruby shrugged it off. "There will be time where I won't be there by your side so you need to start learning to battle on your own. Some gym leaders don't like people coaching on the sidelines."
"Oh," Callista replied. "Then in that case I'll meet you back here in.....an hour or so?"
"Sounds great," Ruby replied. "Okay, I'll see you in an hour." Ruby waved and walked off.
"See ya." Callista said as she headed towards the outside of the town.
Despite all her talk about catching more pokemon, it did not take long for a battle hungry trainer to find her and challenge her to a pokemon battle.
The challenger was a very tall and handsome looking boy. Callista could not help, but stare. The boy's hair shimmered in the sun as he announced his challenge.
"My name is Ammaar," he announced. "I want to battle."
"I'm Callista from Olivine City and of course I accept your challenge." Callista said with pride. She was getting pretty good at introducing herself.
"How's a one on one battle sound?" Ammaar asked as he grabbed a pokeball.
"Sounds good to me," Callista replied.
"Then let's get started," Ammaar tossed the pokeball into the air. "Go Noctowl!"
A large brown bird appeared from its pokeball.
With Ruby gone, this was Callista's chance to battle without her. Callista scanned over her opponent, "Okay, a flying type. I should use Pikachu so I can have the advantage," she thought to herself as she grabbed Pikachu's pokeball.
"Pikachu, I choose you!" Callista tossed her pokeball into the air releasing her pokemon.
Pikachu appeared from its pokeball, "Pika pika."
Ammaar attacked first, "Noctowl hurry and use hypnosis."
A wave of Noctowl's hypnosis flooded the area.
"Pikachu shut your eyes," Callista ordered, "don't look at it."
Pikachu obeyed and shut its eye tightly. It waited patiently for the hypnosis to pass. When it did, Ammaar, again, wasted no time.
"Noctowl tackle it," Ammaar ordered as its pokemon dove toward Pikachu.
"Pikachu dodge it!"
But with its eyes still closed Pikachu could not move in time and was struck with Noctowl's tackle attack. Pikachu was tossed aside.
"I guess that wasn't too smart," Callista blurted out loud.
"You think?" Ammaar replied.
Pikachu got back up onto its feet.
"Now Noctowl, use hypnosis again!" Ammaar ordered.
"Use quick attack," Callista ordered.
"Pika!" Pikachu sped back and forth keeping Noctowl from being able to aim.
"Noctowl fly!"
Noctowl bolted into the sky, dodging Pikachu's quick attack.
"Wing attack!" Ammaar ordered as the Noctowl dove toward the Pikachu.
"Pikachu, thunder shock!" Callista called out as Pikachu charged up its electricity and released a strong thunder shock at Noctowl.
Noctowl tried to pull up and dodge, but Pikachu's attack was so swift it struck Noctowl with a mighty blow. Noctowl fell to the ground and crashed into the grass. With tiny bolts of electricity still running around its body, Noctowl forced itself up onto its feet.
"That's it Noctowl," Ammaar cheered. "Show them how tough you are!"
Noctowl ruffled its feathers and shook off the remainder of the electricity.
"Quick attack!" Callista ordered once she realized Noctowl was on the ground.
"Fly up!"
Noctowl hesitated for an instant as it was still recovering from the last attack. This gave Pikachu the chance to strike again. Before Noctowl rose more than two feet from the ground, Pikachu crashed into it with a quick attack and knocked it back down onto the ground.
"That's it," Callista said. "Keep it close to the ground!"
Pikachu hopped back from the Noctowl to give itself some room and waited, on all fours, for the Noctowl to make a move.
Noctowl twitched a little before it was able to get back up onto its feet. Ammaar watched his pokemon and tried to decide if it was still capable to battle. Noctowl seemed determined to win so he decided to continue the match.
"Noctowl try hypnosis again!"
Another wave of Noctowl's hypnosis began to flood the area.
"Pikachu look away," Callista shouted as Pikachu turned its head toward Callista and away from the Noctowl. "Get ready," Callista said as Pikachu prepared itself.
Ammaar tried to use this to his advantage again. "Noctowl hurry and tackle it!"
Noctowl lifted itself into the air and bolted toward the Pikachu.
"Pikachu use agility and move to the left!"
Without turning its head, Pikachu speed out of the way of Noctowl's attack and began circling the pokemon hoping to confuse it. Noctowl tried to focus on the Pikachu, but the mouse pokemon was too quick.
Ammaar was too afraid about Noctowl not being able to dodge whatever Callista had in mind so he decided to make a retreat. "Noctowl fly high into the sky and hurry!"
"Attack again Pikachu!" Callista shouted.
Pikachu used its quick attack again and slammed into the Noctowl before it could even take off.
Ammaar gasped, "Noctowl no!"
"Now finish it with a thunderbolt!" Callista shouted as Pikachu leaped into the air and released an immense thunderbolt attack toward the Noctowl and striking it with a powerful blow.
With tiny bolts of electricity running around its body, Noctowl tried to get up, but it quickly collapsed onto the ground. The battle was over and Callista was victorious.
"Yes, good job Pikachu!" Callista cheered as Pikachu galloped to its trainer and jumped into her arms. She gave it a big hug and kiss. "You were great!"
Ammaar ran to his pokemon and cradled it in his arms. "You were awesome Noctowl," Ammaar took out Noctowl's pokeball and pointed it at the fainted pokemon. "You deserve a long rest."
Ammaar called his pokemon back into the pokeball. He looked over at Callista as she placed Pikachu back onto the ground. He stepped over to her and held out his hand.
"You are a lot stronger than you look," Ammaar said as he shook her hand.
Callista wasn't sure if she should take that as a compliment or an insult. She decided to take it as a compliment and replied, "Thanks, so were you."
"So where are you headed next," Ammaar asked. "Back to town?"
"Actually, I'm going to try to catch some more pokemon," Callista answered. "But all there seems to be is meadow."
Ammaar nodded. "This place is almost nothing but meadow," Ammaar said. "It's great for catching ground pokemon. There are a few Diglett holes so there should be some Diglett around here somewhere." Ammaar explained, he was babbling. He was saying anything now, anything to keep the conversation going. "But there is a small patch of forest over there to the right side of the town. The town's mayor was able to save that much from being torn down for the wildlife," Ammaar said as Callista glanced over to see what he was talking about. "But mostly there are only ground and bird pokemon in this area."
"I am not looking for any particular kind."
"Well, some people like certain types," Ammaar kept talking. "I like bird pokemon they are really....."
Before he could continue, she spoke up with a good excuse to leave, "You know I really don't want to keep you from doing what you need to do so I'll just be on my way,"
"But....."
"Maybe I'll see you around," Callista said as she started to back away towards the trees. "Maybe we will see each other at the Johto league. Bye bye."
Callista waved and walked off.
"Bye," Ammaar called after her, turned and then headed back to the town.
Callista walked away towards the small patch of woods as fast as she could. She was very anxious to catch a new pokemon. She desperately wanted to try to catch up to her rivals and she knew she would not stand a chance against a real life gym leader with only two pokemon. As she entered the woods she immediately found a small purple and green pokemon scamper right across her path. It kind of looked like a radish. The pokemon stopped and looked up at her when it saw her approach. Callista couldn't believe her luck. Not only did she easily win a battle by herself, but a new pokemon seemed to just appear out of nowhere just for her to catch. Callista slowly reached for her pokedex and pointed it at the pokemon.
Pokedex: "Oddish the weed pokemon. This pokemon is usually a very calm unless it feels threatened."
"It's so cute," Callista thought to herself. "I just have to catch it!"
Callista reached for a pokeball and called out a pokemon as she tossed the ball into the air. "Chikorita go!"
Chikorita appeared from its pokeball, "Chika chika."
"Okay, are you ready Chikorita?"
"Chika!"
Oddish just continued to stare. It did not know what was going on.
"Chikorita, tackle attack now," Callista ordered as her pokemon charged at the little pokemon.
Oddish panicked when it saw the approaching Chikorita and completely froze giving Chikorita the opportunity to strike first. Chikorita slammed into the Oddish with all of its power tossing the small pokemon off of its feet. Oddish leaped onto its feet almost instantly and charged at Chikorita striking back with its own tackle attack. Oddish was a lot weaker than Chikorita so its tackle attack was not as damaging, but it was able to knock Chikorita aside.
"Chikorita," Callista ordered again," use your razor leaf!"
Chikorita whipped its leaf around and released sever razor leaves straight toward the Oddish. Oddish saw the attack and started spinning around releasing its little pink leaves toward Chikorita's attack. The pink little leaves collided with Chikorita's razor leaf completely stopping both attacks.
"What was that?" Callista said as she pointed her pokedex at the Oddish as it continued to spin.
Pokedex: "Petal dance, one of Oddish's most powerful attacks. The more it spins and releases its petals the harder it is to stop."
Again, Oddish released more petals toward the Chikorita. These seemed a bit stronger than the last attack.
"Razor leaf!"
Chikorita released several more razor leaves to stop the attack once again.
"This pokemon isn't going to stop unless we find some way to call it down," Callista said. "Try stopping it with your vine whip!"
Chikorita obeyed and stretched out its vine whip around the attacking Oddish and tightened its grip. Chikorita pulled with all of its might, but the Oddish's spinning was so strong and fast that it started to pull the Chikorita even closer to it.
"Oh no!" Callista said as she noticed what was happening. "Let go of it quick!"
Chikorita let go just as the Oddish released some more petals.
"Razor leaf and hurry!"
Chikorita quickly spun its leaf around and released sever all razor leaves just in time to stop the attack before it reached Chikorita. This petal dance attack seemed a lot stronger than the first two. This pokemon had to be stopped.
"We have to figure out how to stop this pokemon," Callista told Chikorita. "Use your razor leaf attack!"
Chikorita released several more razor leaves and again they were blocked by another one of Oddish's petal dance attacks. Just as Callista was about to give up and try to run away from the attacking pokemon Chikorita decided to try to attack on its own. Without Callista's permission, Chikorita dashed toward the Oddish.
"Hey, what are you doing?" Callista asked.
Just as Chikorita drew closer, Oddish tried to attack again, but this time instead of Chikorita using its razor leaf to block the Chikorita jumped to the side narrowly missing the attack and slid around to the other side of the Oddish. Chikorita raised its leaf in the air and begin waving it from side to side as little puffs of sparkling pink smoke appeared. The smoke continued to grow as it surrounded the Oddish and to Callista's surprise the Oddish seemed to be calming down.
"What is that," Callista said as she pulled out her pokedex and pointed it at Chikorita.
Pokedex: "Sweet Scent, one of Chikorita's many attacks. This sweet smell has the power to calm down other pokemon and humans with just a single sniff."
"I didn't know you can do that," Callista said as Chikorita answered with a nod.
Callista sniffed the air and smelled the beautiful scent that came off of her pokemon. Callista watched as the Oddish's attack came to a stop. The Oddish seemed so peaceful and calm that Callista almost didn't want to catch it, but her desire for more pokemon was too strong and she grabbed an empty pokeball.
"Good job Chikorita," Callista said as she aimed the pokeball, "I'll take it from here. Go poke......"
"Rowwwwwwwwww."
Before she could throw the pokeball, a far off sound stopped her in her tracks.
"What was that?" Callista asked as she took her thoughts off of the Oddish and to whatever was making that noise.
"Rowwwwwwwwww."
Callista listened.
"Rowwwwwwwwww."
"What it that?" Then Callista remembered the Oddish," Oh no!"
Callista turned just in time so see the Oddish run away and disappear into the bushes.
"Ah man," Callista was so close to catching another pokemon she was a little disappointed in herself. She called back her pokemon," Chikorita, return!"
"Rowwwwwwwwww."
Callista was getting curious about where the noise was coming from. She just had to find out. She started to follow the sound the best she could as she made her way through the trees.
"Rowwwwwwwwww."
"Rowwwwwwwwww."
Callista began to hear it a lot clearer now. She must be getting closer.
"Rowwwwwwwwww."
Callista continued to follow the sound until she came upon a small clear area. There was a rustic cabin, which looked like it was barely holding itself together, a big black pickup truck and a bunch of trash and garbage scattered around the bare grassless ground.
In the yard tied up next to an old dying tree, sat a small orange pokemon. Callista pulled out her pokedex and pointed it at the pokemon.
Pokedex: "Growlithe the puppy pokemon. This pokemon is very protective and loyal pokemon that scares off threats with barks and bites."
"Wow," Callista said to herself. "A Growlithe."
This Growlithe did not look like it was in very good condition. Its fur was filthy and scruffy and its body was small and thin. This pokemon was obviously neglected and rarely fed. Just as she was about to come out of hiding and go to the pokemon someone appeared from the cabin. He was a large scary looking old man dressed in muddy overalls, no shirt, and no shoes. The man came storming out of the cabin and headed straight for his rundown truck. The Growlithe started barking at him, begging for food, but the man just ignored the pokemon's cries and drove away towards the town. This was Callista's chance to move in and have a better look. Her first stop was to check on the weak pokemon. Growlithe immediately began growling at the intruder.
"It's okay little guy," Callista spoke softly and slowly stepped up to Growlithe. "I won't hurt you."
The pokemon continued to growl and let out a loud bark.
Callista reached into the small pocket of her back pack and pulled out a clear baggy full of pokemon treats. "Hey, I have a little something for you."
Callista poured some kibble looking pieces into her hand and held it out to the Growlithe. Growlithe continued to growl until it caught the scent of the food. Immediately the pokemon stopped growling and began panting in joy.
"Good boy," Callista said as she let the Growlithe eat the food from her hand. When it was done she poured a bit more and let the Growlithe eat it.
Licking its muzzle, the Growlithe enjoyed its little treat and begin to see the young girl as a friend and not a threat.
"I wish I can stay here with you a bit longer, but I have to hurry before your master comes back," Callista said as she patted the Growlithe on the head and walked away towards the cabin.
The Growlithe just whimpered and watched her leave.
Callista walked up to a window and peered inside.
"Apparently this guy doesn't know how to clean up after himself," Callista said to herself in disgust as she saw all the garbage and broken furniture. As she continued to look inside the cabin, something caught her eye. A large rock looking thing that was placed on a table near the window. It was right next to a bed. "Hey, that kind of looks like...," Callista began saying as she crept over to the door of the cabin. The door wasn't locked and was practically left wide open so Callista was able to walk right in. She went straight for the table by the window and picked up the rock. Callista held it up to the light and saw markings all over it. She looked more closely and saw that it was in the shape of the pokemon that she saw earlier. "What was it called again? Kabuto. That's what it was." Callista smiled at her discovery. "This is the fossil from the museum," Callista said out loud. She glanced back at the table and saw a small shiny card. Callista took a closer look at it and read: Nosawa Museum Pass
Employee: Albert Ricardo
Janitor
"It was the Janitor!" Callista said in astonishment. Suddenly she heard Growlithe barking outside again following a loud clang coming from a car door.
Callista gasped. "Oh no! He's back!"
Callista looked around trying to find a place to hide. She really didn't have time to be picky so Callista slid underneath the bed and crawled as far back as she possibly could. Just as she was out of sight the man barged back into his cabin and threw a large sack onto the kitchen table. He pulled food out of the bag and began making his dinner. Smelling the cooking food, the Growlithe barked and barked. Hoping to get a little from its master.
"Shut up you little monster!" He screamed back at it. "You keep that up and you won't be getting any scraps tonight at all!"
"What a horrid old man," Callista thought to herself as she watched Albert sit down and eat his food.
After a long meal, Albert got up and lay down on the bed. Callista held her breath as the bed molded to his chubby body, almost crushing her. He tossed and turned several times before he finally fell asleep and began snoring. "This is my chance to get out of here," Callista thought to herself as she slowly began crawling out from under the bed. Every time the guy moved or snored Callista froze. It took her a while to get from under the bed and close to the door. Callista grabbed the door handle and, very slowly and gently, pushed the door open. The door creaked and squeaked as she stared at Albert making sure he stayed asleep. Just as she was about to make a clean escape, with the fossil in hand, Growlithe started barking at the human leaving the cabin. Still hoping for some food.
"Growl growl," Growlithe barked as it saw Callista emerge from the cabin.
"Shhhhh," Callista tried to quiet the pokemon down, but it was too late.
Albert opened his eyes just in time to see Callista race out the door
"What are you doing here?" Albert shouted as he quickly got up out of bed and followed the girl out into the yard. Growlithe barked as it saw Callista running through the yard towards the town. Albert jumped into his truck, started it and speed away towards the direction Callista ran off to.
Growlithe barked and whined as it tugged and pulled at its chain. "Growl growl." The nail holding the chain in place started to wiggle and move around in the dirt. "Growl growl."
Callista ran from the truck as the truck got closer and closer. There was no way Callista would be able to out run this guy. She stopped, turned toward him and pulled out a pokeball.
"Chikorita I choose you!" Callista called as her Chikorita appeared from its pokeball. "Use your razor leaf on the tires."
Chikorita release several razor leaves and sliced through the first two tires on the truck causing it to come to a screeching halt. The dirty old man got out of his truck.
"So you want to fight huh," Albert said as he picked up a large bat from the back of his truck. "I'll give you a fight."
Albert advanced toward the girl and her pokemon as they slowly backed up.
"Chikorita, use razor leaf," Callista order as Chikorita launched more attacks.
Albert used his bat and blocked each one of the leaves. "Do you have anymore tricks you want to show me?"
Seeing Callista with no where left to run, Albert raised his bat as high as he could and just as he was about to wield it a big orange creature bolted by and grabbed the bat from his hand.
"Grow grrrrrr," a big orange ball of fur leaped out of the trees and tackled the old man to the ground. Growlithe jumped off of its master and limped over to Callista's side.
"Wow, thanks Growlithe," Callista said as she patted the pokemon on the head.
Growlithe growled as Albert got up from the ground and shook off all the dirt. He looked very surprised at what his pokemon just did. "You're my pokemon. Get back to the house now you little flea bag," he shouted.
The shouting just made Growlithe even angrier. "Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr," Growlithe growled.
"Looks like I'll just have to finish you off as well," he snarled as Albert raised the bat once again.
"Groww roowww," Growlithe barked trying to scare off Albert.
"Growlithe look out!" Callista shouted as she saw Albert swing the bat down.
It was too late. The bat struck the snarling pokemon in its side. Growlithe let out a loud yelp as the force of the blow tossed the pokemon off of its feet.
"Stop it!" Callista shouted as she grabbed a pokeball and tossed it into the air. "Pikachu, I choose you!"
Pikachu leaped out of its pokeball and prepared itself to attack.
"Take one more step and I'll have Pikachu zap you with its strongest attacks!" Callista threatened as saw the Growlithe twitching at the corner of her eyes.
"You think that little runt is going to stop me," Albert said as he started to advance on the girl.
"Pikachu, thundershock!" Callista ordered as Pikachu charged up its electricity and released a small thunder shock attack into the old man. Albert screamed as the electricity raced through his body. When Pikachu stopped, Albert collapsed onto his knees.
"You lil' brat!" Albert said as he lifted the bat once again and got back up onto his feet.
Pikachu charged up some more electricity.
He advanced even closer. "I'll take care of all of you lil' pests!"
The screeching of sirens broke up the fight as Officer Jenny arrived, riding to the scene with Ruby sitting right behind her. "Hold it right there," Officer Jenny said as the motorcycle skidded to a stop. She got off her motorcycle. "You're under arrest for pokemon abuse."
Ruby went up to Callista and the others. "Are you okay?"
"Yes. But how did you guys know about the Growlithe?" Callista asked Ruby.
"I finished with the shopping right away so I decided to see how you were doing. When I finally caught up to you I saw you running through the forest and so I followed you to the cabin. I saw the condition the pokemon was in. Then I saw you go in to the cabin and when the man came back I was worried he was going to hurt you go I ran to get Officer Jenny. What were you doing in there anyway?"
"I was trying to get this," Callista said as she held up the fossil and tossed it to Officer Jenny.
Officer Jenny caught it and studied the rock. "Hey, this is the missing Dome Fossil from the museum," she said as she looked at Callista. "Where did you ever find it?"
Callista pointed to the man. "He stole it. I found it in his cabin when I was trying to check on the Growlithe."
"Looks like you're going to be put away for quite sometime now that we can add robbery to your record," Officer Jenny said as she put handcuffs on Albert.
Officer Jenny put him on the motorcycle and then turned to the girls. "Are you two going to okay by yourselves?"
"Of course," Callista replied. "We'll meet you there!"
Jenny nodded and then carried the criminal away towards the police center in Nosawa.
"Well," Ruby said, "we better get this pokemon to a Pokemon Center."
Ruby reached toward Growlithe as the Growlithe backed up away from her and hid behind Callista.
"Hey, what's wrong?" Ruby asked the pokemon.
"Don't forget Ruby this pokemon has had a tough time," Callista knelt down and scratched Growlithe behind the ears. She turned to Growlithe. "Growlithe don't worry. We will take good care of you."
Growlithe wagged its tail in joy as Callista attempted to pick up the big puppy. With Ruby's help, Callista carried the pokemon back to Nosawa with Chikorita and Pikachu close behind.
Back at the Pokemon Center, Callista and Ruby anxiously wait for Nurse Joy to finish with Growlithe. While they waited Callista was surfing through her pokedex trying to study attack that her pokemon could eventually use. She typed in the letters P I K A C H U and pressed search. A small list of attacks appeared on the screen.
"Hey Ruby listen to this. Once Pikachu reaches the proper level it will be able to use Thunder Wave, Zap Cannon, Swift, Double Team and even Iron Tail."
"Wow those are some pretty advanced attacks," Ruby replied, "You know I wouldn't doubt that your Pikachu might be able to use Swift pretty soon. It's getting really strong the more you battle with it."
"You really think so?"
"Sure," Ruby winked, "Pikachu is awesome. Soon your Chikorita might even be able to use solar beam. That's a really high level attack there."
"Solar Beam, huh. It sure sounds strong."
'Bing'
The girls turned their heads just in time to see Nurse Joy finally emerge from the treatment room. They leaped up from the bench and raced to Nurse Joy.
"How is Growlithe doing?" Callista asked, extremely worried.
"Growlithe will be fine," Nurse Joy said as Ruby and Callista jump up for joy.
"I am taking Growlithe to the recovery room," the Nurse said as her Chancey wheeled Growlithe into another part of the Pokemon Center. "It's still very weak. I am afraid it will be unable to use any of its fire attacks until it heals. The poor little thing was beaten very badly and all of its fire starters inside its body were damaged. It's going to take some time to get its full strength back."
"Can I see it?" Callista asked as Nurse Joy began walking away.
"Sure," Nurse Joy smiled as she turned back to them. "Just be very quiet and gentle. Growlithe has been through a lot."
Callista and Ruby quietly stepped into a small white room and Callista went over to the bed Growlithe was sleeping on. Growlithe's legs were almost completely covered in bandages along with its neck and back. Ruby stayed by the door as Callista sat on the bed next to Growlithe. She gently stroked Growlithe's fur. Growlithe opened its eyes and saw Callista's smiling face.
"Hey there little guy," Callista whispered to as she kissed it on the nose. "Everything will be okay. You'll be up and around in no time."
With a big yawn and a giant stretch, Growlithe leaned up to Callista and rested its head on Callista's leg. Within an instant, Growlithe was sound asleep again.
Ruby grinned and leaned up against the door, "Looks like we are not leaving anytime soon."
Callista sighed with a smile and continued to stroke Growlithe's fur. Something told her this was a start of a great new friendship.
The Missing Artifact and the Abused Pokemon
"Callista," Ruby shouted as she jumped up and down on Callista's bed. "Wake up, wake up, wake up!"
Callista's eyes opened as she tried to focus on Ruby. "What time is it?"
"It's eight o'clock and its time to go the museum." Ruby said, very excited. "I want to be the first to see the new fossil."
The day before Professor Elm told the girls about a new fossil that was discovered at the shore of Cianwood City. Both of the girls were really excited about seeing a real pokemon fossil and since the museum was barely two miles away from New Bark Town there was no way they were going to miss it.
After packing up there backpacks, the duo stepped out of the guest room and into a small hallway.
"So are you girls ready?" Elm asked as he saw the girls step into the laboratory.
"Yes," Ruby said as they walked up to Professor Elm.
"I want you to look at this really fast," Professor Elm turned and held out a small, thick book to the girls. "That there is a Kabuto. It's a prehistoric pokemon. The Dome fossil is said to be the remains of the Kabuto."
The pokemon looked like a large upside-down shell with little crab legs sticking out.
"Looks cool," Callista said, "We should really get going."
"Well, be careful girls and stay together. It is very dangerous out there for trainers," Elm said as he continued to walk the girls to the front door of the lab.
After saying goodbye to the professor the duo left New Bark Town and headed down the road towards the Museum.
It was quite a walk. Callista and Ruby, for no apparent reason, kept silent. They weren't mad at each other they just didn't have a whole lot to say. Especially since Callista was still half asleep. She woke up rather quickly when they finally made it to the museum only to see a swarm of people gathered around out front.
"Wow," Ruby said. "There must be a lot of people wanting to see this fossil."
However, when they got closer they realized the swarms of people were not there just to see the fossil. There were police cars and barriers put up at the front gate of the museum. Officer Jenny was there trying to hold back the crowd. Something had happened.
"Okay folks, shows over, nothing to see here," Officer Jenny shouted as she waved her hands motioning for people to leave.
"I wonder what happened," Callista said to Ruby as they ran up to the barriers.
Ruby waved to get Officer Jenny's attention.
"Hey, what happened?" Ruby asked her.
"The Dome fossil was stolen last night," Officer Jenny informed the girls.
"What?" Ruby exclaimed.
"How?" Callista asked.
"We don't really know. That's what we are trying to find out," Officer Jenny said. "But who ever did this did not leave much of a trail. We are starting to think it was an inside job. We have talked to everyone except the janitor, but he seemed to have disappeared. He isn't at his apartment or anywhere."
"That sounds a little suspicious," Callista said.
"Yes it does. That's why we have a man hunt going in order to track him down," Officer Jenny explained. "Hopefully we will be able to find him before sun down."
"Well, that's a bummer," Ruby said. "I really wanted to see the fossil."
"I'm really sorry kids," Officer Jenny. "Maybe if you come back tomorrow we will have it."
Ruby looked at Callista as Callista looked back at Ruby.
"I wish we could," Callista said. "But we need to get going. I wanted to leave right after we saw the fossil."
"We'll okay." Officer Jenny said.
"I hope you find it Officer Jenny," Ruby said as the two girl started to walk away from the museum.
Callista and Ruby decided to get going, but first Callista wanted to stop by the nearest Poke mart so she could call Professor Elm.
Callista and Ruby stared at Professor Elm as they talked on a video phone.
"Hmmm, that's a shame," Professor Elm said after Callista told him what happened. "It would have been a great opportunity for you girls so see a real pokemon fossil."
"Yeah, but Officer Jenny is hot on the trail and she should be able to find it," Callista said.
"I hope so," Professor Elm said. "It really is a shame to lose such a priceless artifact." Professor Elm decided to change the subject. "So now you two are on your way to Cherrygrove City?"
"Yes," Callista said. "I want to try for a gym badge."
"I hear the gym is pretty strong, but if you can beat the gym leader then you will receive a Poison badge."
"I really think I can do it."
"Well, good luck. Remember, I am rootin' for ya!" Professor Elm said as the screen on the video phone went black.
"So," Ruby began. "What do you want to do?"
Callista stood up from her seat and pondered. "I guess we should stalk up on antidotes. If I have to battle with poison pokemon I should have some ready just in case they get badly poisoned."
"Good idea. And we need food to last us until we get to the nearest place," Ruby pulled the map from her pocket as Callista shifted her back pack around on her shoulders. Ruby opened the map and looked at it. "Which is Cherrygrove City."
"Well, I would like to see if I can catch a few more pokemon before we get to the next gym," Callista replied. "I would feel a lot better if I had more that two."
"Okay well then how about this," Ruby started to suggest, "I'll go get the supplies and see if there is anything else we might need. And you can go search the surrounding area for some pokemon."
"Are you sure you wouldn't mind splitting up for a while?"
"Nah," Ruby shrugged it off. "There will be time where I won't be there by your side so you need to start learning to battle on your own. Some gym leaders don't like people coaching on the sidelines."
"Oh," Callista replied. "Then in that case I'll meet you back here in.....an hour or so?"
"Sounds great," Ruby replied. "Okay, I'll see you in an hour." Ruby waved and walked off.
"See ya." Callista said as she headed towards the outside of the town.
Despite all her talk about catching more pokemon, it did not take long for a battle hungry trainer to find her and challenge her to a pokemon battle.
The challenger was a very tall and handsome looking boy. Callista could not help, but stare. The boy's hair shimmered in the sun as he announced his challenge.
"My name is Ammaar," he announced. "I want to battle."
"I'm Callista from Olivine City and of course I accept your challenge." Callista said with pride. She was getting pretty good at introducing herself.
"How's a one on one battle sound?" Ammaar asked as he grabbed a pokeball.
"Sounds good to me," Callista replied.
"Then let's get started," Ammaar tossed the pokeball into the air. "Go Noctowl!"
A large brown bird appeared from its pokeball.
With Ruby gone, this was Callista's chance to battle without her. Callista scanned over her opponent, "Okay, a flying type. I should use Pikachu so I can have the advantage," she thought to herself as she grabbed Pikachu's pokeball.
"Pikachu, I choose you!" Callista tossed her pokeball into the air releasing her pokemon.
Pikachu appeared from its pokeball, "Pika pika."
Ammaar attacked first, "Noctowl hurry and use hypnosis."
A wave of Noctowl's hypnosis flooded the area.
"Pikachu shut your eyes," Callista ordered, "don't look at it."
Pikachu obeyed and shut its eye tightly. It waited patiently for the hypnosis to pass. When it did, Ammaar, again, wasted no time.
"Noctowl tackle it," Ammaar ordered as its pokemon dove toward Pikachu.
"Pikachu dodge it!"
But with its eyes still closed Pikachu could not move in time and was struck with Noctowl's tackle attack. Pikachu was tossed aside.
"I guess that wasn't too smart," Callista blurted out loud.
"You think?" Ammaar replied.
Pikachu got back up onto its feet.
"Now Noctowl, use hypnosis again!" Ammaar ordered.
"Use quick attack," Callista ordered.
"Pika!" Pikachu sped back and forth keeping Noctowl from being able to aim.
"Noctowl fly!"
Noctowl bolted into the sky, dodging Pikachu's quick attack.
"Wing attack!" Ammaar ordered as the Noctowl dove toward the Pikachu.
"Pikachu, thunder shock!" Callista called out as Pikachu charged up its electricity and released a strong thunder shock at Noctowl.
Noctowl tried to pull up and dodge, but Pikachu's attack was so swift it struck Noctowl with a mighty blow. Noctowl fell to the ground and crashed into the grass. With tiny bolts of electricity still running around its body, Noctowl forced itself up onto its feet.
"That's it Noctowl," Ammaar cheered. "Show them how tough you are!"
Noctowl ruffled its feathers and shook off the remainder of the electricity.
"Quick attack!" Callista ordered once she realized Noctowl was on the ground.
"Fly up!"
Noctowl hesitated for an instant as it was still recovering from the last attack. This gave Pikachu the chance to strike again. Before Noctowl rose more than two feet from the ground, Pikachu crashed into it with a quick attack and knocked it back down onto the ground.
"That's it," Callista said. "Keep it close to the ground!"
Pikachu hopped back from the Noctowl to give itself some room and waited, on all fours, for the Noctowl to make a move.
Noctowl twitched a little before it was able to get back up onto its feet. Ammaar watched his pokemon and tried to decide if it was still capable to battle. Noctowl seemed determined to win so he decided to continue the match.
"Noctowl try hypnosis again!"
Another wave of Noctowl's hypnosis began to flood the area.
"Pikachu look away," Callista shouted as Pikachu turned its head toward Callista and away from the Noctowl. "Get ready," Callista said as Pikachu prepared itself.
Ammaar tried to use this to his advantage again. "Noctowl hurry and tackle it!"
Noctowl lifted itself into the air and bolted toward the Pikachu.
"Pikachu use agility and move to the left!"
Without turning its head, Pikachu speed out of the way of Noctowl's attack and began circling the pokemon hoping to confuse it. Noctowl tried to focus on the Pikachu, but the mouse pokemon was too quick.
Ammaar was too afraid about Noctowl not being able to dodge whatever Callista had in mind so he decided to make a retreat. "Noctowl fly high into the sky and hurry!"
"Attack again Pikachu!" Callista shouted.
Pikachu used its quick attack again and slammed into the Noctowl before it could even take off.
Ammaar gasped, "Noctowl no!"
"Now finish it with a thunderbolt!" Callista shouted as Pikachu leaped into the air and released an immense thunderbolt attack toward the Noctowl and striking it with a powerful blow.
With tiny bolts of electricity running around its body, Noctowl tried to get up, but it quickly collapsed onto the ground. The battle was over and Callista was victorious.
"Yes, good job Pikachu!" Callista cheered as Pikachu galloped to its trainer and jumped into her arms. She gave it a big hug and kiss. "You were great!"
Ammaar ran to his pokemon and cradled it in his arms. "You were awesome Noctowl," Ammaar took out Noctowl's pokeball and pointed it at the fainted pokemon. "You deserve a long rest."
Ammaar called his pokemon back into the pokeball. He looked over at Callista as she placed Pikachu back onto the ground. He stepped over to her and held out his hand.
"You are a lot stronger than you look," Ammaar said as he shook her hand.
Callista wasn't sure if she should take that as a compliment or an insult. She decided to take it as a compliment and replied, "Thanks, so were you."
"So where are you headed next," Ammaar asked. "Back to town?"
"Actually, I'm going to try to catch some more pokemon," Callista answered. "But all there seems to be is meadow."
Ammaar nodded. "This place is almost nothing but meadow," Ammaar said. "It's great for catching ground pokemon. There are a few Diglett holes so there should be some Diglett around here somewhere." Ammaar explained, he was babbling. He was saying anything now, anything to keep the conversation going. "But there is a small patch of forest over there to the right side of the town. The town's mayor was able to save that much from being torn down for the wildlife," Ammaar said as Callista glanced over to see what he was talking about. "But mostly there are only ground and bird pokemon in this area."
"I am not looking for any particular kind."
"Well, some people like certain types," Ammaar kept talking. "I like bird pokemon they are really....."
Before he could continue, she spoke up with a good excuse to leave, "You know I really don't want to keep you from doing what you need to do so I'll just be on my way,"
"But....."
"Maybe I'll see you around," Callista said as she started to back away towards the trees. "Maybe we will see each other at the Johto league. Bye bye."
Callista waved and walked off.
"Bye," Ammaar called after her, turned and then headed back to the town.
Callista walked away towards the small patch of woods as fast as she could. She was very anxious to catch a new pokemon. She desperately wanted to try to catch up to her rivals and she knew she would not stand a chance against a real life gym leader with only two pokemon. As she entered the woods she immediately found a small purple and green pokemon scamper right across her path. It kind of looked like a radish. The pokemon stopped and looked up at her when it saw her approach. Callista couldn't believe her luck. Not only did she easily win a battle by herself, but a new pokemon seemed to just appear out of nowhere just for her to catch. Callista slowly reached for her pokedex and pointed it at the pokemon.
Pokedex: "Oddish the weed pokemon. This pokemon is usually a very calm unless it feels threatened."
"It's so cute," Callista thought to herself. "I just have to catch it!"
Callista reached for a pokeball and called out a pokemon as she tossed the ball into the air. "Chikorita go!"
Chikorita appeared from its pokeball, "Chika chika."
"Okay, are you ready Chikorita?"
"Chika!"
Oddish just continued to stare. It did not know what was going on.
"Chikorita, tackle attack now," Callista ordered as her pokemon charged at the little pokemon.
Oddish panicked when it saw the approaching Chikorita and completely froze giving Chikorita the opportunity to strike first. Chikorita slammed into the Oddish with all of its power tossing the small pokemon off of its feet. Oddish leaped onto its feet almost instantly and charged at Chikorita striking back with its own tackle attack. Oddish was a lot weaker than Chikorita so its tackle attack was not as damaging, but it was able to knock Chikorita aside.
"Chikorita," Callista ordered again," use your razor leaf!"
Chikorita whipped its leaf around and released sever razor leaves straight toward the Oddish. Oddish saw the attack and started spinning around releasing its little pink leaves toward Chikorita's attack. The pink little leaves collided with Chikorita's razor leaf completely stopping both attacks.
"What was that?" Callista said as she pointed her pokedex at the Oddish as it continued to spin.
Pokedex: "Petal dance, one of Oddish's most powerful attacks. The more it spins and releases its petals the harder it is to stop."
Again, Oddish released more petals toward the Chikorita. These seemed a bit stronger than the last attack.
"Razor leaf!"
Chikorita released several more razor leaves to stop the attack once again.
"This pokemon isn't going to stop unless we find some way to call it down," Callista said. "Try stopping it with your vine whip!"
Chikorita obeyed and stretched out its vine whip around the attacking Oddish and tightened its grip. Chikorita pulled with all of its might, but the Oddish's spinning was so strong and fast that it started to pull the Chikorita even closer to it.
"Oh no!" Callista said as she noticed what was happening. "Let go of it quick!"
Chikorita let go just as the Oddish released some more petals.
"Razor leaf and hurry!"
Chikorita quickly spun its leaf around and released sever all razor leaves just in time to stop the attack before it reached Chikorita. This petal dance attack seemed a lot stronger than the first two. This pokemon had to be stopped.
"We have to figure out how to stop this pokemon," Callista told Chikorita. "Use your razor leaf attack!"
Chikorita released several more razor leaves and again they were blocked by another one of Oddish's petal dance attacks. Just as Callista was about to give up and try to run away from the attacking pokemon Chikorita decided to try to attack on its own. Without Callista's permission, Chikorita dashed toward the Oddish.
"Hey, what are you doing?" Callista asked.
Just as Chikorita drew closer, Oddish tried to attack again, but this time instead of Chikorita using its razor leaf to block the Chikorita jumped to the side narrowly missing the attack and slid around to the other side of the Oddish. Chikorita raised its leaf in the air and begin waving it from side to side as little puffs of sparkling pink smoke appeared. The smoke continued to grow as it surrounded the Oddish and to Callista's surprise the Oddish seemed to be calming down.
"What is that," Callista said as she pulled out her pokedex and pointed it at Chikorita.
Pokedex: "Sweet Scent, one of Chikorita's many attacks. This sweet smell has the power to calm down other pokemon and humans with just a single sniff."
"I didn't know you can do that," Callista said as Chikorita answered with a nod.
Callista sniffed the air and smelled the beautiful scent that came off of her pokemon. Callista watched as the Oddish's attack came to a stop. The Oddish seemed so peaceful and calm that Callista almost didn't want to catch it, but her desire for more pokemon was too strong and she grabbed an empty pokeball.
"Good job Chikorita," Callista said as she aimed the pokeball, "I'll take it from here. Go poke......"
"Rowwwwwwwwww."
Before she could throw the pokeball, a far off sound stopped her in her tracks.
"What was that?" Callista asked as she took her thoughts off of the Oddish and to whatever was making that noise.
"Rowwwwwwwwww."
Callista listened.
"Rowwwwwwwwww."
"What it that?" Then Callista remembered the Oddish," Oh no!"
Callista turned just in time so see the Oddish run away and disappear into the bushes.
"Ah man," Callista was so close to catching another pokemon she was a little disappointed in herself. She called back her pokemon," Chikorita, return!"
"Rowwwwwwwwww."
Callista was getting curious about where the noise was coming from. She just had to find out. She started to follow the sound the best she could as she made her way through the trees.
"Rowwwwwwwwww."
"Rowwwwwwwwww."
Callista began to hear it a lot clearer now. She must be getting closer.
"Rowwwwwwwwww."
Callista continued to follow the sound until she came upon a small clear area. There was a rustic cabin, which looked like it was barely holding itself together, a big black pickup truck and a bunch of trash and garbage scattered around the bare grassless ground.
In the yard tied up next to an old dying tree, sat a small orange pokemon. Callista pulled out her pokedex and pointed it at the pokemon.
Pokedex: "Growlithe the puppy pokemon. This pokemon is very protective and loyal pokemon that scares off threats with barks and bites."
"Wow," Callista said to herself. "A Growlithe."
This Growlithe did not look like it was in very good condition. Its fur was filthy and scruffy and its body was small and thin. This pokemon was obviously neglected and rarely fed. Just as she was about to come out of hiding and go to the pokemon someone appeared from the cabin. He was a large scary looking old man dressed in muddy overalls, no shirt, and no shoes. The man came storming out of the cabin and headed straight for his rundown truck. The Growlithe started barking at him, begging for food, but the man just ignored the pokemon's cries and drove away towards the town. This was Callista's chance to move in and have a better look. Her first stop was to check on the weak pokemon. Growlithe immediately began growling at the intruder.
"It's okay little guy," Callista spoke softly and slowly stepped up to Growlithe. "I won't hurt you."
The pokemon continued to growl and let out a loud bark.
Callista reached into the small pocket of her back pack and pulled out a clear baggy full of pokemon treats. "Hey, I have a little something for you."
Callista poured some kibble looking pieces into her hand and held it out to the Growlithe. Growlithe continued to growl until it caught the scent of the food. Immediately the pokemon stopped growling and began panting in joy.
"Good boy," Callista said as she let the Growlithe eat the food from her hand. When it was done she poured a bit more and let the Growlithe eat it.
Licking its muzzle, the Growlithe enjoyed its little treat and begin to see the young girl as a friend and not a threat.
"I wish I can stay here with you a bit longer, but I have to hurry before your master comes back," Callista said as she patted the Growlithe on the head and walked away towards the cabin.
The Growlithe just whimpered and watched her leave.
Callista walked up to a window and peered inside.
"Apparently this guy doesn't know how to clean up after himself," Callista said to herself in disgust as she saw all the garbage and broken furniture. As she continued to look inside the cabin, something caught her eye. A large rock looking thing that was placed on a table near the window. It was right next to a bed. "Hey, that kind of looks like...," Callista began saying as she crept over to the door of the cabin. The door wasn't locked and was practically left wide open so Callista was able to walk right in. She went straight for the table by the window and picked up the rock. Callista held it up to the light and saw markings all over it. She looked more closely and saw that it was in the shape of the pokemon that she saw earlier. "What was it called again? Kabuto. That's what it was." Callista smiled at her discovery. "This is the fossil from the museum," Callista said out loud. She glanced back at the table and saw a small shiny card. Callista took a closer look at it and read: Nosawa Museum Pass
Employee: Albert Ricardo
Janitor
"It was the Janitor!" Callista said in astonishment. Suddenly she heard Growlithe barking outside again following a loud clang coming from a car door.
Callista gasped. "Oh no! He's back!"
Callista looked around trying to find a place to hide. She really didn't have time to be picky so Callista slid underneath the bed and crawled as far back as she possibly could. Just as she was out of sight the man barged back into his cabin and threw a large sack onto the kitchen table. He pulled food out of the bag and began making his dinner. Smelling the cooking food, the Growlithe barked and barked. Hoping to get a little from its master.
"Shut up you little monster!" He screamed back at it. "You keep that up and you won't be getting any scraps tonight at all!"
"What a horrid old man," Callista thought to herself as she watched Albert sit down and eat his food.
After a long meal, Albert got up and lay down on the bed. Callista held her breath as the bed molded to his chubby body, almost crushing her. He tossed and turned several times before he finally fell asleep and began snoring. "This is my chance to get out of here," Callista thought to herself as she slowly began crawling out from under the bed. Every time the guy moved or snored Callista froze. It took her a while to get from under the bed and close to the door. Callista grabbed the door handle and, very slowly and gently, pushed the door open. The door creaked and squeaked as she stared at Albert making sure he stayed asleep. Just as she was about to make a clean escape, with the fossil in hand, Growlithe started barking at the human leaving the cabin. Still hoping for some food.
"Growl growl," Growlithe barked as it saw Callista emerge from the cabin.
"Shhhhh," Callista tried to quiet the pokemon down, but it was too late.
Albert opened his eyes just in time to see Callista race out the door
"What are you doing here?" Albert shouted as he quickly got up out of bed and followed the girl out into the yard. Growlithe barked as it saw Callista running through the yard towards the town. Albert jumped into his truck, started it and speed away towards the direction Callista ran off to.
Growlithe barked and whined as it tugged and pulled at its chain. "Growl growl." The nail holding the chain in place started to wiggle and move around in the dirt. "Growl growl."
Callista ran from the truck as the truck got closer and closer. There was no way Callista would be able to out run this guy. She stopped, turned toward him and pulled out a pokeball.
"Chikorita I choose you!" Callista called as her Chikorita appeared from its pokeball. "Use your razor leaf on the tires."
Chikorita release several razor leaves and sliced through the first two tires on the truck causing it to come to a screeching halt. The dirty old man got out of his truck.
"So you want to fight huh," Albert said as he picked up a large bat from the back of his truck. "I'll give you a fight."
Albert advanced toward the girl and her pokemon as they slowly backed up.
"Chikorita, use razor leaf," Callista order as Chikorita launched more attacks.
Albert used his bat and blocked each one of the leaves. "Do you have anymore tricks you want to show me?"
Seeing Callista with no where left to run, Albert raised his bat as high as he could and just as he was about to wield it a big orange creature bolted by and grabbed the bat from his hand.
"Grow grrrrrr," a big orange ball of fur leaped out of the trees and tackled the old man to the ground. Growlithe jumped off of its master and limped over to Callista's side.
"Wow, thanks Growlithe," Callista said as she patted the pokemon on the head.
Growlithe growled as Albert got up from the ground and shook off all the dirt. He looked very surprised at what his pokemon just did. "You're my pokemon. Get back to the house now you little flea bag," he shouted.
The shouting just made Growlithe even angrier. "Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr," Growlithe growled.
"Looks like I'll just have to finish you off as well," he snarled as Albert raised the bat once again.
"Groww roowww," Growlithe barked trying to scare off Albert.
"Growlithe look out!" Callista shouted as she saw Albert swing the bat down.
It was too late. The bat struck the snarling pokemon in its side. Growlithe let out a loud yelp as the force of the blow tossed the pokemon off of its feet.
"Stop it!" Callista shouted as she grabbed a pokeball and tossed it into the air. "Pikachu, I choose you!"
Pikachu leaped out of its pokeball and prepared itself to attack.
"Take one more step and I'll have Pikachu zap you with its strongest attacks!" Callista threatened as saw the Growlithe twitching at the corner of her eyes.
"You think that little runt is going to stop me," Albert said as he started to advance on the girl.
"Pikachu, thundershock!" Callista ordered as Pikachu charged up its electricity and released a small thunder shock attack into the old man. Albert screamed as the electricity raced through his body. When Pikachu stopped, Albert collapsed onto his knees.
"You lil' brat!" Albert said as he lifted the bat once again and got back up onto his feet.
Pikachu charged up some more electricity.
He advanced even closer. "I'll take care of all of you lil' pests!"
The screeching of sirens broke up the fight as Officer Jenny arrived, riding to the scene with Ruby sitting right behind her. "Hold it right there," Officer Jenny said as the motorcycle skidded to a stop. She got off her motorcycle. "You're under arrest for pokemon abuse."
Ruby went up to Callista and the others. "Are you okay?"
"Yes. But how did you guys know about the Growlithe?" Callista asked Ruby.
"I finished with the shopping right away so I decided to see how you were doing. When I finally caught up to you I saw you running through the forest and so I followed you to the cabin. I saw the condition the pokemon was in. Then I saw you go in to the cabin and when the man came back I was worried he was going to hurt you go I ran to get Officer Jenny. What were you doing in there anyway?"
"I was trying to get this," Callista said as she held up the fossil and tossed it to Officer Jenny.
Officer Jenny caught it and studied the rock. "Hey, this is the missing Dome Fossil from the museum," she said as she looked at Callista. "Where did you ever find it?"
Callista pointed to the man. "He stole it. I found it in his cabin when I was trying to check on the Growlithe."
"Looks like you're going to be put away for quite sometime now that we can add robbery to your record," Officer Jenny said as she put handcuffs on Albert.
Officer Jenny put him on the motorcycle and then turned to the girls. "Are you two going to okay by yourselves?"
"Of course," Callista replied. "We'll meet you there!"
Jenny nodded and then carried the criminal away towards the police center in Nosawa.
"Well," Ruby said, "we better get this pokemon to a Pokemon Center."
Ruby reached toward Growlithe as the Growlithe backed up away from her and hid behind Callista.
"Hey, what's wrong?" Ruby asked the pokemon.
"Don't forget Ruby this pokemon has had a tough time," Callista knelt down and scratched Growlithe behind the ears. She turned to Growlithe. "Growlithe don't worry. We will take good care of you."
Growlithe wagged its tail in joy as Callista attempted to pick up the big puppy. With Ruby's help, Callista carried the pokemon back to Nosawa with Chikorita and Pikachu close behind.
Back at the Pokemon Center, Callista and Ruby anxiously wait for Nurse Joy to finish with Growlithe. While they waited Callista was surfing through her pokedex trying to study attack that her pokemon could eventually use. She typed in the letters P I K A C H U and pressed search. A small list of attacks appeared on the screen.
"Hey Ruby listen to this. Once Pikachu reaches the proper level it will be able to use Thunder Wave, Zap Cannon, Swift, Double Team and even Iron Tail."
"Wow those are some pretty advanced attacks," Ruby replied, "You know I wouldn't doubt that your Pikachu might be able to use Swift pretty soon. It's getting really strong the more you battle with it."
"You really think so?"
"Sure," Ruby winked, "Pikachu is awesome. Soon your Chikorita might even be able to use solar beam. That's a really high level attack there."
"Solar Beam, huh. It sure sounds strong."
'Bing'
The girls turned their heads just in time to see Nurse Joy finally emerge from the treatment room. They leaped up from the bench and raced to Nurse Joy.
"How is Growlithe doing?" Callista asked, extremely worried.
"Growlithe will be fine," Nurse Joy said as Ruby and Callista jump up for joy.
"I am taking Growlithe to the recovery room," the Nurse said as her Chancey wheeled Growlithe into another part of the Pokemon Center. "It's still very weak. I am afraid it will be unable to use any of its fire attacks until it heals. The poor little thing was beaten very badly and all of its fire starters inside its body were damaged. It's going to take some time to get its full strength back."
"Can I see it?" Callista asked as Nurse Joy began walking away.
"Sure," Nurse Joy smiled as she turned back to them. "Just be very quiet and gentle. Growlithe has been through a lot."
Callista and Ruby quietly stepped into a small white room and Callista went over to the bed Growlithe was sleeping on. Growlithe's legs were almost completely covered in bandages along with its neck and back. Ruby stayed by the door as Callista sat on the bed next to Growlithe. She gently stroked Growlithe's fur. Growlithe opened its eyes and saw Callista's smiling face.
"Hey there little guy," Callista whispered to as she kissed it on the nose. "Everything will be okay. You'll be up and around in no time."
With a big yawn and a giant stretch, Growlithe leaned up to Callista and rested its head on Callista's leg. Within an instant, Growlithe was sound asleep again.
Ruby grinned and leaned up against the door, "Looks like we are not leaving anytime soon."
Callista sighed with a smile and continued to stroke Growlithe's fur. Something told her this was a start of a great new friendship.