Scene 60: Tyrogue the Troublemaker
Kari is surprised how quick a trip it is from Silver Town to Saffron City. She exits Route 8, catching a Pokéball in her hand just before it disappears. She's happy to have caught some new Pokémon along the way, including a Meowth and Growlithe.
Her neck is starting to ache as she stares up at all the tall buildings. She's amazed by the large city. As she's walking the streets, Kari notices a commotion up ahead. A shop owner comes running out of the store yelling and chasing after a Pokémon. Kari reacts quickly, pulling out her Pokédex to gather information. She's never seen a Tyrogue before. Kari overhears a couple of the crowd goers discussing the matter:
"So it's struck again, huh?" A man nearby turns to his wife. She nods, "That's the 4th time this week!" An older gentleman huffs, "Someone ought to do something about that troublemaker!" His friend pulls at his beard, "If it were my store, I'd be calling Officer Jenny, that's for sure." There's a little girl standing next to Kari who pulls at her mother's dress, "But I think that Pokémon is funny, Mama. It's just hungry, is all." Kari watches as the mom kneels to her daughter's level, "Even so, that doesn't make it ok to steal other people's food, Sweetie. That's a bad little, Tyrogue." Another mom standing near them nods in agreement, She clicks her tongue, "Running rampant throughout the city- breaking into stores and markets, stealing food and medicine- someone better do something soon before it gets worse, I say!"
Having heard enough, Kari pulls herself out of the crowd. Thinking about what she had just heard, she continues walking the streets, "I wonder why it's doing all those things, though… There must be a reason…"
The hot shower water hits Kari's face. She pulls her hair out of her face, sighing. The fresh feeling from a hot water sure felt nice. Dressed in her blue Vaporeon pajama pants and button-up shirt (the collar is the same shape as a Vaporeon's neck frills and the lining is the same dark blue seen on the Pokémon, the buttons a light yellow), Kari enters the Pokémon Center cafeteria for dinner.
Eevee is at his usual spot, perched atop Kari's left shoulder, as she piles food onto their plates. As they pass a window, Eevee notices something outside. He taps Kari's head and she turns to see what he's looking out. It's the Tyrogue from earlier! It's looking at something. Whatever it is, the Tyrogue seems to deem it appropriate, placing it in a satchel it's brought along and runs off, trying not to be seen. Kari and Eevee look at each other. She puts their plates aside and push the backdoor open to follow.
She's sure to follow closely so she doesn't lose it, but far enough so as not to spook the Wild Pokémon. After turning down several alleyways, over a couple of bridges, and finally an open backlot behind a tall building, they stop. Kari and Eevee wait in the shadows of the moonlight and watch.
Tyrogue opens its small satchel. He gives a mighty cry. Within minutes, several Wild city Pokémon appear: from Rattata and Meowth, to both male and female Nidoran, Pichu, and even some Kari hadn't seen before..! She has to use her Pokédex to name them all.
They all crowd around Tyrogue for the food, herbs, and medicine. While the others are eating Tyrogue approaches a small Pidgey. He sprays its wing with a Potion. As Tyrogue works on the injured wing Kari notices the kind smile on Tyrogue's face.
"So he's been stealing just to help all these wild Pokémon." She can't help but admire him. Kari puts a finger to her mouth, looking to Eevee, the two of them sneak away.
Back on the main road Kari is thinking out loud, "I wish there was something I could do to help all those poor Pokémon. They shouldn't have to scavenge for food like that." Eevee is walking beside her, thinking, too. They both sigh, "Well, now I'm depressed…" She stops, annoyed with herself. Why couldn't she think of anything? A florescent sign up ahead catches her eye. She blinks at the bright light, reading it, " 'Pokémon Adoption Agency'..? That's it!"
The next day, Kari somehow finds her way down to the right alley. She was sure to bring some snacks and food with her as a peace offering. Tyrogue is standing on the edge of the group of Pokémon, happy to watch them all playing without him. The sound of Kari's approaching footsteps catch their attention. Tyrogue speaks to them, telling them to scatter, but they're not quick enough. Before they can get away, a small human girl enters their clearing. Tyrogue and the other Pokémon are suddenly on guard.
Looking back at Eevee, he gives her a encouraging nod. Kari looks around at all the Pokémon, sure to wear a winning smile for them all to see. She steps forward. Without a word she places the bag of food on the ground. She takes a few steps back so as not to seem threatening. They're surprised with her actions. A couple of Pokémon move to smell the bag, but Tyrogue pushes them back- they ought not trust the human. Kari can understand where he's coming from.
"I'm not here to hurt you. I just wanted to talk." She tells them about her idea. About following Tyrogue last night and finding their home. She wanted to help them and when she least expected it, the perfect idea jumped out at her…
{{ On her return trip to the Pokémon Center Kari had come across a Pokémon Adoption Agency. Curious, she'd gone to speak with the couple that ran the the place. They were young and happy to explain what they did at their facility and to hear her out. Normally, they were given Pokémon Eggs to raise by Trainers, like at a DayCare. They've bred their own Pokémon in the past and even accepted strays if a someone brought one in. Kari told them about the Pokémon in the alleyway and the dilemma she was facing. The boyfriend with curly brown hair and freckles scratched his chin, he knew there were city-dwelling Pokémon but didn't realize there were so many of them. His girlfriend put a hand on his shoulder, speaking to him. They both nodded- they'd be more than happy to take them in with the hopes of giving them all a new home. Kari is elated. }}
Kari looks around at all the Pokémon around her, keeping her smile, "So, you see? If you were to go to the Adoption Agency, you wouldn't have to struggle to find meals. It's dangerous out here, I just want to make sure you all are ok and taken care of… And… you could meet a family and have a real home! So, what do you say?" The Pokémon looked at one another. Some were clearly a little curious, others hesitant. Tyrogue glared at the girl. He didn't seem to trust her at all. Kari noticed. Her shoulders slumped, "Well, like I said, I just came here today to talk to you." She made to leave, stopping at the mouth of the alley and turning back, "I'll be back tomorrow with more food- maybe you'll have a decision for me by then?" They all watch her go.
After she's gone the Pokémon swarm in on the pile of food. Tyrogue doesn't partake. His eyes are still turned towards the alley where Kari had come from, annoyed and a little… intrigued…
That night, Kari lies awake in bed thinking about the Wild Pokémon from the alleyway. She was listening to the window being hit with water. Rain was falling outside. She stared out the window, "I hope they're all alright."
With the help of a small Chikorita and her vines, Tyrogue manages to pull a long plank of wood over the small opening. He pats her on the back, thanking Chikorita for the help as she runs under the cover. He's sure to pull the flap tightly to help keep the cold out. Before the rain had hit they all worked together to build a temporary shelter. It was made out of various objects that had been left out in the alleys: tarps, torn clothing and linens, cardboard and pieces of wood or metal. It wasn't the best but at least it was keeping them dry. He was happy with the end result, but as he looked around he realized something... These Pokémon deserved better. He didn't want his friends to stuck out in the cold, shivering together in tight huddles. He grimaced at the thought. He wasn't sure if he could trust the strange human girl, but he wondered…
The following morning, Kari kept to her promise. She loaded up a bag of goodies from the cafeteria and ran out the sliding door. As Nurse Joy and Chansey walked by with a shopping bag of supplies they both followed Kari with their eyes as she disappeared down the street towards the allies. Joy looked to Chansey, "I wonder what's got her all riled up this early in the morning?" Chansey…
Kari was excited to see the Pokémon again this morning. She hoped they would have an answer for her and she hoped it would be a yes. As she neared the final corner she came to an abrupt halt. What were those terrible sounds? She furrowed her eyebrows, looking down at Eevee. He had a small cooler-pouch on his back to hold drinks. Vee- Eevee..? Kari shook her head and shrugged as a response to his question. They didn't know what could have made that sound. They jumped. There it was again..! She furrowed her eyebrows. She didn't know what was making that sound, but it couldn't be good. And it was coming from the alleyway where those Pokémon lived. They picked up their pace.
Upon entering the clearing Kari sees two boys standing there. One had a bat and the other a piece of rope. The boy with the bat hit a pipe, a resounding CLANG echoing off the buildings. Kari and Eevee flinch at the sudden high-pitched sound. Kari looks around at the scene before them.
These boys were bullying the Pokémon..! They spoke terrible words, yelled at them, threatened to hurt them and all the while they were laughing. Kari felt sick to her stomach. She could see the terrified faces on the Pokémon. They didn't know what to do or how to defend themselves, they were so little compared to them..!
One of the boys took a step forward, Tyrogue jumped between him and his friends. Kari took another look at him and gasped. He had bruises on him! Had these boys actually hurt Tyrogue!? The two boys sneered at the Pokémon's bold move, "So you think you can take us on?" The boy with the bat hit the pipe again. The other Pokémon cowered.
They both pulled out a Pokéball and summoned their own Pokémon. Kari checked their info on Dex: one was a Poliwhirl and the other wasn't in Dex's database. Annoyed, Kari stuffed the Pokédex back in her pocket. The boy holding the rope patted the Pokémon on the head, "Let's show that wimpy Pokémon a thing or two, aye, Mightyena?" Aroo!
Poliwhirl and Mightyena jumped forward for the attack- Tyrogue held his ground. He shut his eyes out of fear… But nothing happened… The plopping sound of a water drop caught Tyrogue's attention. He squinted his eyes open just enough, barely making out a figure in front of him. His eyes flew open when he realized what it was… And that hadn't been a drop of water…
When she had seen the two large Pokémon readying their attacks, Kari's body reacted on its own. Her feet moved quickly, crossing the alley in a split second and jumping forward to protect Tyrogue and the other Pokémon. She and Eevee had arrived just in-time to stop their attacks. Tyrogue looked up in shock at the girl. He noticed immediately the trail of blood falling down her arm. She winced at the pain, but when she turned to look back at Tyrogue… she was actually smiling..!
"You all ok?" It took a moment for Tyrogue to respond. He nodded. Kari turned back, glaring at the boys, "Well that's good, then." She shoved at Mightyena, throwing off its Bite Attack. The Poliwhirl, having been slammed into the makeshift rain shelter from Eevee's Tackle Attack had just gotten back to its feet. Kari faced the two bullies, her fists clenched. The cut in her arm didn't even seem to faze her.
"You should be ashamed of yourselves! Picking on poor defenseless Pokémon!" The boys looked at each other, their Pokémon doing the same. They all laughed at her. [ "Rotten teenage boys!" ] The boy holding the bat leaned it against his shoulder, giving the little girl a look, "Whatchu gonna do about it?" The light of a Pokéball brightened the alley. Kari's very own Poliwhirl stood amongst them, now. He flexed at the sight of his opponents. The boys sneered, they figured this wanna-be baby Trainer would be easy prey. The Pokémon glared at one another as well. Kari looked at her friends, a dark gleam in her eyes, "Let's show them what we plan to do about it…"
It only took a few minutes for Kari and her Team to finish them off. The two bullies were running from the alley, their Pokémon in their arms- KO'd. Kari has her hands on her hips as she watches them go, "For a pair of tough-looking boys, they sure were weak." Eevee. Poli…
The Wild Pokémon suddenly burst into cheers at their hero's victory. Kari and the others are surprised at their reaction. They all crowd around. Kari's all smiles, laughing, "I'm just glad you guys are alright!" Tyrogue finally steps forward and right up to Kari. They all stop to watch. Kari meets his eyes. Without saying a word he pulls out a handkerchief from his satchel and wraps up the cut on Kari's forearm. Kari blushes a little at the gesture, "That's very kind of you." He finishes up the wrapping with his eyes closed, but when he's finished Kari's surprised to see him smiling. A real, genuine smile..! He offers his hand. Kari's glad. She takes his hand and the others are cheering once more. And as Tyrogue looks around at them all- his friends and this girl… Perhaps he could trust this human…
That afternoon, Kari walks all the stray alley Pokémon through the streets of the city and to the Adoption Agency. Some of the Saffron City locals stop to stare as if it's some kind of parade, or something. When Kari pushes the door open the Wild Pokémon all crowd inside the lobby area. The young couple Kari had spoken to previously are a bit overwhelmed..! They hadn't expected this girl to bring in so many, but, as they had said before, they were happy to register them in the system and prepare them for future adoptions.
The rest of the day is spent washing up all the Pokémon and checking their nourishments. The boyfriend commends Tyrogue on how well he'd been taking care of them all, "And to think you did it all on your own out there. Nice job!" He pats the Pokémon's shoulder. Tyrogue turns away, bashfully. Kari giggles to herself, realizing how shy he actually was.
Kari puts the finishing touches on a brand new sign for the window: "All Stray Pokémon Welcome." They hoped the other Pokémon living on the streets will be willing to help themselves just as these ones had.
Thanks to Kari's PokéParade through the streets, several of the Pokémon are adopted that same day! Without meaning to, Kari and the Pokémon had done their own kind of advertising and many families that had been passing by wanted to see what was going on. One by one Kari watches as the alley-Pokémon are taken off to live with a new family. Tyrogue is standing nearby, a strong look of pride in his eyes. He knew this was where his friends belonged.
One of the owners walks up to them. She turns to Tyrogue asking for more information so she could fill out adoption papers. Tyrogue hesitates to answer. Kari puts a hand on his shoulder, "Go on." Kari smiles at him, "Don't you want to live with a happy family?" Tyrogue looks back at Kari. He makes a serious face that neither of them understand. Tyrogue pushes Kari's hand off his shoulder. Something seems to be on his mind.
After a moment, he makes his decision. Tyrogue stands and looks at Kari, placing his own hand on her shoulder. In that moment, Kari understood. She nods, "I see." Kari looks up at the girlfriend, "Actually, Ma'am, this Tyrogue already has an owner." A look passes between Kari and the Pokémon. Seeing this, the lady nods and leaves. And just like that, Kari has herself a new trusted friend.
{{Current Team: Eevee, Sandshrew, Poliwhirl, Bulbasaur, Magnemite, Gastly}}
Total Pokémon: Eevee, *Pidgeot*, *Raticate*, *Butterfree*, *Beedrill*, Ceffairy, Spearow, Ekans, Sandshrew, Goldeen, Poliwhirl, Jolteon, Drowzee, Horsea, Tentacool, Magikarp, Psyduck, Slowpoke, Magnemite, Voltorb, Zapdos, Elekid, Gastly, Meowth, Growlithe, Tyrogue…