Chapter 8: Bill's Lighthouse & Machop's Challenge

Gilbert, Yolanda and Sakura found themselves lost in a foggy forest on their way to Vermillion City. All their Pokémon were resting in their Pokéballs. They took a rest on a nearby boulder to rest their feet. As they rested, Yolanda looked at the map. "I'm afraid were completely lost, gang. Unless this fog lifts tomorrow, we'll never find our way to Vermillion City." She said. "Well, what do we do now? I don't want to be stuck sleeping on the hard ground again. I want a really soft bed to sleep in." Sakura said. Gilbert looked out into the fog. "I think we should keep going that way." He said, pointing out. "You sure?" Yolanda asked. "Positive. If we don't want to stay here for the night, we have to keep moving." Gilbert said.

They continued through the forest until they reached a clearing. As they passed through the clearing, they found themselves on a foggy beach. They were somewhat amazed by the beauty. "I've never been on a beach filled with fog before." Sakura said. "No doubt. This a very beautiful place." Yolanda said. "I knew we'd find something if we just kept going." Gilbert said. Just then, they saw a red light blinking in the fog. "What's that?" Yolanda asked. They walked closer to get a better look. Once they got close enough, they saw that it was a Staryu laying in the sand. "It's a Staryu." Sakura said. Gilbert brought out his Pokédex and scanned it.

Staryu, the Star Shape Pokémon. A Water-type. Its core shines in seven different colors. It can shoot jets of water from its five star-shaped points.

"Wow. That's quite the Pokémon." Yolanda said. "I wanna catch this one." Gilbert said. Just then, as he walked over to Staryu, he accidently stepped on one of its points. Staryu sprang up and splashed Gilbert with Water Gun out of anger. "Gilbert!" The girls cried. "Heyugh!" Staryu growled as it landed. Gilbert got ready to battle it. "Bulbasaur, I choose you!" He called as he tossed a Pokéball. "Bulbasaur!" Bulbasaur barked as he came out. Staryu and Bulbasaur glared at each other for a second. "Bulbasaur, Tackle it!" Gilbert called. Bulbasaur and Staryu charged towards each other and tackled each other hard. It looked like a stalemate, but Bulbasaur had the stronger Tackle. "Pokéball, go!" Gilbert called, throwing a Pokéball. The Pokéball hit Strayu and sucked it in. The Pokéball shook for a few minutes before it dinged. Gilbert walked over and picked up the Pokéball. "Awesome. I caught a Staryu!" He cheered. "Bulba!" Bulbasaur cheered. "Congratulations, Gilbert." Yolanda said. "You really caught this one." Sakura said.

Just then, they heard a haunting singing sound through the air. "What is that noise?" Gilbert asked. "I don't know. But it's really hauntingly beautiful." Sakura said. Just then, Yolanda saw a light in the fog. "Hey, I think I see something in the fog." She said. Gilbert and Sakura turned around and saw the light. "I think that's a lighthouse. Maybe we could stay there for the night." Sakura said. "Let's get moving. Before the fog thickens up any further." Gilbert said. The group headed up to the lighthouse and stopped at the door. "I wonder who lives here." Yolanda said. "Well, let's knock on the door and find out." Gilbert said. Suddenly, before anyone could knock on the door, the haunting singing started again. "Wow. This song is really haunting. Yet so sweet." Yolanda said. "But who's singing it?" Gilbert asked. Suddenly, Sakura shrieked. "It's coming from THAT!" She cried. Gilbert, Yolanda and Bulbasaur turned around to see a giant shadowy Pokémon approaching them. They all screamed at the giant. "Everyone inside!" Gilbert cried. The group rushed inside the lighthouse and shut the door behind them. "That was close." Sakura said. "At least we're safe in here." Yolanda said. "Bulba." Bulbasaur said.

"Ah, visitors. Welcome to my lighthouse." A voice said. The group screamed as they jolted around. Standing in front of them, was what appeared to be a giant Kabuto. "A giant Kabuto! As if things couldn't get worse already!" Yolanda cried. "No. I'm not a Kabuto. My name is Bill, a Pokémon researcher." The 'Kabuto' said. "Wait a minute. Are you human?" Gilbert asked. "Yes. You see, I'm stuck in this costume. If you would be so kind, could you press the button under my right arm?" 'Kabuto' asked. Gilbert walked up to the 'Kabuto' and spotted the button. He pressed it and the Kabuto costume came apart, revealing Bill. "Thank you. I've been stuck in that costume for an hour." Bill said. "What were you doing in that costume?" Sakura asked. "It's part of my research. You see, I intended to understand what it's like to be a Pokémon by dressing up as one." Bill explained. "Interesting idea." Yolanda said. "Though it seemed like just yesterday that a certain trainer helped me out of the same predicament just a couple years ago." Bill said. "Let me guess. A kid wearing a Pokémon League Expo hat with a Pikachu?" Gilbert guessed. "Yes, indeed." Bill said. "He must mean…" Yolanda started to say. "Ash." Sakura finished. "Yes. He was quite the trainer, very caring towards Pokémon. Even to the 5 Eevees I gave him." Bill said. "He has 5 Eevees?!" Gilbert asked in shock. "Actually, they were evolved. I know this. He told me personally." Sakura said.

Later, Bill led the group towards the top of the lighthouse. "So, you 3 are no doubt aware of the many Pokémon that roam our world. That there are more than 150 species than we researchers originally thought." He explained. "Yes. There are Pokémon that were discovered in the other known regions. Some are even different from their original species." Yolanda said. "We're ones to talk. We each got different Pokémon from at least 3 regions." Sakura said. "Speaking of different, I heard earlier that you've met my friend outside." Bill said. "Uh, you mean that giant Pokémon that had that haunting singing?" Gilbert asked, fearfully. "Do not fear, my friends. He is harmless unless provoked." Bill said as he led the group to the top. Just then, they were greeted by the giant Pokémon singing its haunting song again. Gilbert, Yolanda and Sakura held each other in fear as Bulbasaur hid behind their legs. "It's quite alright. Meet Dragonite." Bill introduced. Dragonite revealed itself in the lighthouse's light. Gilbert, Yolanda and Sakura were surprised by Dragonite's giant size. "You were right, Yolanda. Some Pokémon can be different from their original species." Gilbert said. "Indeed. You see, Dragonite and I are quite good friends. And I hope to remain that way forever." Bill said. Dragonite cooed as Bill petted him.

The group stayed in the lighthouse for the remainder of the night. The next morning, the fog cleared up and the group prepared to leave. "Thank you for letting us stay here, Bill." Sakura said. "But of course. My lighthouse is always welcome to distant travelers." Bill said. "Um, Bill? There's something I need to tell you about." Gilbert said. "What is it?" Bill asked. "There was this Pokémon we rescued from a poacher the other day and we didn't know what it was. The Pokédex couldn't even find any data on it. And the day after, before it left, it gave me a kiss." Gilbert explained. "Hmm. Fascinating. Have you told anyone else about this?" Bill asked. "Just Professor Oak. We called him and told him about it when we got to the next town." Yolanda said. "He told us that he'd contact his fellow professors and find out what he could with their help." Sakura said. "And I will do what I can to aid them. I will find out what I can and contact Professor Oak to contact you." Bill said. "Thank you, Bill. Well, we better be off then." Gilbert said. "Take care, Bill. You too, Dragonite." Yolanda said. "Bye for now." Sakura said. "Bulbasaur." Bulbasaur said. "Farewell, my friends." Bill said. Dragonite waved goodbye as the group left.

A while later, the group found themselves back in the forest. "Well, now that the fog is all cleared up, the next route to Vermillion City should be straight ahead." Yolanda said. "That's great news. At least we'll be able to see where we're going now." Sakura said. Suddenly, there was a loud shout in the forest, startling the group. "What was that?" Yolanda asked. "Bulba!" Bulbasaur barked, taking off towards the sound. "Bulbasaur, wait up!" Gilbert called as he, Yolanda and Sakura followed.

"Ma-CHOP!" A wild Machop shouted as it hit a Ratatta with Karate Chop. Ratatta took off, afraid of Machop. "Bulba!" Bulbasaur barked, getting Machop's attention. "A Machop." Yolanda said. Gilbert brought out his Pokédex and scanned Machop.

Machop, the Superpower Pokémon. A Fighting-type. Its body is built entirely out of pure muscle that never tires. They have enough muscle to throw 100 average-sized people.

"Chop! Chop! Machop!" Machop exclaimed. "What's Machop saying?" Sakura asked. "I think that Machop is looking to fight." Gilbert said. "It makes sense. Machop are always looking to battle tough opponents in order to get stronger." Yolanda said. "Sounds like my kind of Pokémon. Machop will be perfect for upcoming gym battles. I'll battle it and capture it." Gilbert said. "Ma…Chop!" Machop exclaimed, getting ready to fight. "You ready, Bulbasaur?" Gilbert asked. "Bulba!" Bulbasaur barked. "Alright! Use Vine Whip!" Gilbert called. "Bulba!" Bulbasaur unleashed his vines and sent them towards Machop. But Machop swatted the vines away and charged in. Its arms glowed and crossed across each other. "Look out! That's Cross Chop!" Yolanda exclaimed. "Bulbasaur, dodge it, quick!" Gilbert called. Bulbasaur leapt back before Machop could hit him. "Now, Razor Leaf!" Gilbert called. "Bulba!" Bulbasaur fired razor sharp leaves from his bulb and hit Machop with them. But Machop was barely phased. "Wow. Machop's pretty tough." Sakura said. "Fighting-type Pokémon usually are tough." Yolanda said.

"Bulbasaur, let's try a new move. Use Petal Dance!" Gilbert called. "Bulba!" Bulbasaur fired several pink petals from his bulb. "Machop!" Machop charged towards the petals. "Ma…Chop!" Machop chopped through the petals with Karate Chop. "It chopped right through the attack!" Sakura exclaimed in shock. "Ma…" Machop drew its fist back as it glowed red. "Look out! That's Machop's Dynamic Punch!" Yolanda exclaimed. "Quick, Bulbasaur, use Power Whip!" Gilbert called. "Bulba…" Bulbasaur brought out its vines as they glowed pink. Both Pokémon charged towards each other and collided their attacks. They started trying to push each other back. Just then, Bulbasaur moved one of his vines and smacked Machop in the head, dealing a lot of damage. "Alright, Bulbasaur!" Gilbert cheered. "Way to go!" The girls cheered.

But Machop got back up, determined to win. "That Machop just won't give up." Sakura said with worry. "But taking those direct hits from Razor Leaf and Power Whip can't be good for it." Yolanda said. "That's it. I'm gonna capture it before it hurts itself." Gilbert said, grabbing a Pokéball from his belt. "Ma…!" Machop exclaimed as it leapt up and readied a Karate Chop. "Pokéball go!" Gilbert called, tossing the Pokéball at Machop. It hit Machop and sucked it in. As the Pokéball landed, it jittered for a bit for it went ding. Bulbasaur sighed with relief as Gilbert picked up the Pokéball. "Wow. Second catch this week." Sakura said. "Yeah. I just caught a Machop." Gilbert said. Just then, the Pokéball started to glow before it disappeared. "What happened?" Sakura asked. "I think Machop's Pokéball was transported. But that would only happen if Gilbert already has 6 Pokémon in his current party." Yolanda said. Gilbert counted the Pokémon he captured before Machop. "You're right. The Staryu I captured yesterday was my sixth capture before Machop." He said. "And that means Machop has been transported to Professor Oak's lab." Sakura said. "Well, let's hope Professor Oak can help Machop recover from that whole battle." Yolanda said. "Yeah. Because I have a feeling that I might need Machop for any upcoming battles." Gilbert said. With that, the group continued their journey to Vermillion City.

Major Events:

Gilbert, Yolanda and Sakura meet Bill and Dragonite

Gilbert catches a Staryu and a Machop