After an unintentional hiatus for over a year, The Heimlich Saga has returned. Hopefully I'll have multiple chapters down within the next few weeks. Unless real life intervenes. Without further ado I present after multiple rewrites, Chapter 2.


(Arlen: 32 years later)

A Spearow soared through the skies of Arlen, passing over the town's various businesses and residents. Once it flew by the Arlen water tower it began to fly lower until it landed on the branch of a large tree. Laying down on the grass under the tree and watching the Spearow was Bobby Hill, he smiled as the Spearow made its way further down the branch towards some small berries. He then held out his hand and threw an imaginary Pokéball at the Tiny Bird Pokémon.

"1….2….3," Bobby whispered to himself, "Gotcha."

"Bobby!" A voice called out scaring the Spearow away

Bobby sat up and greeted his friends Joseph Gribble and Connie Souphanousinphone.

"All excited about the big day next week, dude?" Joseph asked in a much calmer voice

The big day as Joseph put it was when three of them along with several other teens from Arlen will embark on their Pokémon journeys. Ever since the league closed decades ago trainers from their region would travel to partake in the Unova League. Bobby and his friends on the other hand had honestly thought about traveling to the Alola Region to take on the Island Challenge. Their plans changed when they announced the revival of the Heimlich league over a year and a half ago. The residents of the region were overjoyed, especially during the last month when experienced trainers from all over the Heimlich Region gathered and competed with the hope of becoming the first champion in thirty years.

"I can't believe how fast that day is approaching," Connie said, "seems like just yesterday everyone had signed up and began battling for the title of Champion."

"It was incredible, dude" Joseph agreed, "best part is the new champ is from Arlen."

"Actually, Greg Stokes is from North Arlen." Bobby said

While it would have been great if the new champion to be from Arlen; Bobby himself had rooted for Greg Stokes, a veteran trainer from North Arlen. Growing up Bobby had watched Greg on TV ss he battled in different Pokémon Tournaments all over the world. He was amazed by the bond between Greg and his team as they not only battled their hearts out but would put on one hell of a show. These matches fueled Bobby's passion to become a trainer himself with the hope of one day battling Greg in a battle that the Heimlich Region would never forget.

"I hope I get Charmander." Joseph said

"Good luck with that," Connie mocked, "Charmander is always the first one gone."

"No fair, I wanted to soar through the skies on the back of a Charizard."

"You could always go surfing on the back of a Blastoise." Bobby suggested hoping this would cheer up Joseph

"Sorry, but Squirtle is always the second Pokémon chosen." Connie stated

Bobby sighed; "Look, I know all three of us has a Pokémon we have our hearts set on, but we have to face the reality that we might not get them next week."

"Charmander will no doubt be gone by the time I get there," Joseph admitted while gently kicking the grass, " I'll be really disappointed if I don't get something that breathes fire."

"Actually, for our safety those Pokémon only know two Normal-Type moves," Connie pointed out, "usually there moves like Tackle, Leer, Tail Whip, Scratch, or Growl."

"Maybe we don't need the Pokédex when we've got Connie." Bobby joked

"Shut up."

(Strickland Propane)

Hank was out on the sales floor finishing his presentation of the new Vogner grill to his co-workers.

"I'm happy to say that this once Unova exclusive grill will be used by people who are truly know a thing or two about grilling," Hank proudly stated as he rubbed the hood of the grill, "unlike those hippies in Castelia City."

The ending of the presentation concluded with a casual applause from his co-workers who broke away to resume their daily work. Hank gently moved the grill over to the others that were out on display in the room.

"Thank god you'll be grilling meat and not tofu." Hank thought as he wiped the chrome handle

A loud whack filled the room as the handle of the door to Buck Strickland's office swung opened and hit the wall. Everyone then saw Buck storm out spewing out language that would make a sailor faint. Hank realized where Buck was going as he headed towards the main entrance.

"That no good rotten Mudbray." Buck hollered as he opened the door

Reacting quickly; Hank ordered Jo Jack and Enrique to grab Buck. Minutes later after spouting out vulgarities Buck had managed to calm down. Buck went on to explain about his call to Ted Wasonasong with the hope that Strickland Propane would be one of the many sponsors of Ted's son Chane.

"Why the hell would you want to sponsor that guy's son?" Hank asked

"He's the former champion," Buck said, "that means his son is surely to make it to the league, so I thought that would be good for business if we were to back a guaranteed champion but-."

"Thatherton is sponsoring Ted's son." Hank guessed based on Buck's vulgar outburst

"That man's always trying to outdo me."

"I remember last year's Grill Extravaganza when he got those creepy looking dancing Marowak from Alola." Jo Jack stated

"Which I would've outdone if Hank didn't whine about hiring that lovely fashion model gym leader from Unova."

"She's a gym leader who specializes in Electric types, sir," Hank pointed out, "I simply felt that fact along with her outfits, would have been inappropriate since we sell you know…propane." ."

Buck stood up; "Enrique, Jo Jack, Donna, you're all fired."

The trio gasped in shock and once again Hank stepped in.

"Sir, you can't prematurely fire people every time Thatherton beats you to something."

"Might as well get layoffs out of the way, Ol' Top," Buck said in a defeated tone, "everyone will be buying from Thatherton when Ted's boy becomes champion."

The truth was that Buck had a point. Their sales had only just recovered from the creepy dancing Marowak performance last year. Hank personally knew firsthand how good a trainer Ted Wasonasong was and if Chane's skills were anywhere close, then Strickland may in fact never financially recover. That is when he realized something.

"You know, Buck, my son Bobby is also going to be competing in the Heimlich League this year."

A glimmer of hope appeared in Buck's eyes; "You serious, Hank?"

"Yes, I'm sure Bobby and maybe some of his classmates would be honored if we sponsored them."

"How many kids?"

"I don't know the exact number but- "

"Doesn't matter," The now hopeful Buck interrupted, "why only a bet on one Ponyta when we can place bets on all of them."

"I guess that's one way to- "

"Hot Damn; Then it's settled, Ol' Top, you talk to your boy and get as many kids as you can to sign up for Team Strickland."

Buck walked joyfully back to his office singing a folksy tune as everyone except Hank and Jo Jack went back to work.

"Do I still have a job, Honey?" Jo Jack inquired

(The Hill Residence: Later that night)

The Hills were sitting at their table in the kitchen each enjoying a plate of Peggy's signature Spa-Peggy and meatballs. Hank waited until they were halfway through dinner before he told them of his idea of his boss sponsoring Bobby and his friends.

"Are you sure it's okay to have someone like Buck Strickland sponsoring children?" Peggy said before taking a bite of garlic bread

"I understand where you're coming from, Peg," Hank said, "given Buck's past actions and what not, but I talked to some other businesses, and they are also interested in sponsoring Bobby and his friends."

"I'm surprised Ted hasn't already gotten half of Arlen sponsoring Chane."

"Ted being a stuck-up jerk might have something to do with it."

"Amen to that," Peggy agreed, "at least Greg Stokes is a champion with actual class."

Hank rolled his eyes; "He wasn't like that when I knew him."

"You knew Greg Stokes." Bobby asked shocked by this information

Bobby had asked his dad in the past about his time as a trainer. They were usually stories about him along with Dale, Bill, Boomhauer, and a girl named Kayla getting into odd situations as they traveled across Heimlich. The one of a younger Bill Dauterive getting stuck in a hole like a cartoon Teddiursa while trying to capture a Sandshrew was Bobby's personal favorite. However, the fact that his dad knew the newly crowned Heimlich League champion was something that should have known about before tonight.

"Yep, he was my main rival aside from the guys and Kayla of course," Hank said, "he lost to Ted in the round before me."

"So, if he had beaten Ted Wasonasong then he would've been champion instead," Bobby figured, "then the Heimlich League would never have shut down."

"First off, the league might have still closed down," Hank stated, "secondly; I would've beaten him in the finals."

"I don't know, dad, his team is pretty strong," Bobby pointed out, "they gave Alder, the former champion of Unova some trouble."

"That was only after he traveled to other regions," Hank pointed out, "back then his team was no better than my own."

While Hank did not mind Bobby idolizing Greg Stokes; it was that fact that his own son jumped to the conclusion that Greg would have beaten him all those years ago that got to him. Peggy could tell that Hank was starting to get upset, so she decided to change the subject.

"Bobby, honey, why don't you talk to Joseph and Connie along with some of your classmates to see if they'll sign up for Team Strickland." Peggy suggested

"Sure, mom, I'll talk to them tomorrow." Bobby agreed before finishing his dinner

Hank gave Peggy a small smile then resumed eating.

(Arlen Park)

Joseph and Connie were sitting at a picnic table enjoying an early lunch while watching the ending of a Pokémon battle between two random trainers. One of the random trainers had called for their Starmie to attack the opposing Exploud with a Hydro Pump that knocked out the previously weakened Normal-Type. With the battle officially over the two trainers left while the two future trainers continued their lunch.

"What's taking Bobby so long," Joseph asked, "he told us to meet him here like an hour ago."

Bobby had called them last night to inform them of his father's idea of them to form a team which Strickland Propane would sponsor.

"Who knows," Connie said, "I only hope he doesn't do this next week when we get our starters."

Her parents were not exactly thrilled with the idea of their daughter being on a team with "hillbillies;" especially with Khan's near toxic admiration towards Ted and Chane Wasonasong. So, it came to Connie as a shock when they told her this morning that she could join the team. They then bluntly told her that her being on a team with lesser trainers will only make her look better.

"I bet you anything that he'll be the first one in line when we get our starters." Joseph challenged

Connie was about to accept that bet when she saw Bobby approaching on his bike. Skidding to a sudden stop just a few feet from his friends; Bobby parked his bike and place it next to his friends.'

"I know I'm late," Bobby said as he ran up to his friends, "it took me longer than it should to write down a list of people to join the team."

He reached into his backpack, took out the list then handed it to Connie. Joseph peered over her shoulder as they both glanced over the list of names Bobby had written down.

"Randy Miller," Connie said reading off the name, "we rarely talk to him."

"Yeah, dude," Joseph agreed, "and I wouldn't be comfortable with my ex-girlfriend being on the team."

"I know we're not on these people's list when they invite people to parties," Bobby tried to explain the logic behind the listed names, "I also know that they despise Chane Wasonasong too."

Neither Connie nor Joseph argued with anything Bobby had said, despite being the son of the former champion, Chane was a jerk. He used his father's status to obtain a small entourage while bullying those he considered to be beneath him. Bobby hoped that Chane's negative reputation would have the potential teammates overlooking his lack of popularity and join Team Strickland.

"Look, Bobby," Connie said as she handed him back the list, "maybe we should brainstorm and try to figure out who else could be on our team."

"There were other people I considered asking but those people are either going to Unova or Alola." Bobby pointed out as he sat down next to Joseph

Connie could tell by his slouching posture that something was on his mind.

"Bobby, I'm sure your dad won't mind if it's just the three of us on the team." Connie said hoping to cheer him up

"Normally I would accept that, but this team is too important to my dad to half-ass it." Bobby stated

Joseph and Connie exchanged looks while having a pseudo-telepathic conversation. They both got up from their seats and stood in front of Bobby causing him to look up at them.

"Joseph and I will try our best to recruit as many inspiring trainers as we can to join Team Strickland." Connie declared

Bobby smiled; "Thanks, how about we each take a couple names off the list and meet back here tomorrow afternoon?"

"Sounds good." Connie said

The three of each picked three names of the list then went off on their bikes to recruit new teammates.

In the driveway of the Hill residents stood Hank, Dale, Bill, and Boomhauer as they examined the engine of Hank's truck.

"It could be the starter motor." Bill guessed

"No, I fixed that three years ago." Hank said

"It sure isn't the dang ol' spark plugs." Boomhauer chimed in

"Maybe there's nothing wrong at all," Dale speculated, "perhaps the automotive industry had utilized acoustic-hypnosis to make us think there is something wrong with your engine, so we'll have no choice but to buy their overpriced parts."

Acoustic what?" Bill asked confused by the term Dale had used

"It means that its Dale's brain is missing a few parts." Hank explained as he closed the hood of his truck

They were about to head over to their usual spot in the alley when they noticed a taxi coming down the road going past Khan's house. The taxi came to a stop right in front of Hank's driveway; the guys watched as the passenger gave the driver some money before getting out. The taxi drove off leaving the passenger, a woman, standing in the middle of the alley.

"Hey, guys, it's been a while." The woman spoke up

The guys stared at her; the woman pushed a strand of her chestnut hair behind her ear before walking up to them.

"I haven't changed that much in ten years, have I?"

Hank then recognized the woman.

"Kayla Mulberry?" Hank inquired as he walked up to her

"Good to see you too, Hank." Kayla said as she held out her hand which Hank grabbed and shook

The guys' confused expressions changed to ones of joy as they walked up and greeted her.

"What brings you back to Arlen?" Hank asked

"Yeah, when we last saw you, you said you loved living in Unova." Dale recalled

Kayla smiled; "I did say that, however, I am glad to say that I'm, at least for now, back in Arlen for good."

"So, do you have a place to live?"

"I've moved into my dad's old place next to his lab."

The guys exchanged looks at the mention of Kayla's father. Leland Mulberry was Arlen's local Pokémon Professor; he along with two other professors in the Heimlich Region gave out Starters to trainers on their first day of their journeys. Leland was beloved by everyone in Arlen, so when he passed away in his sleep ten years ago it felt like the town had lost its heart.

"What are you going to do with the lab," Bill asked, "I hate to see the place where the best years of my life began go to waste."

"Don't worry Bill," Kayla comforted, "I won't let it go to waste."

"You're not going to turn it into some swank Castelia City-like hippy coffee shop, are you?" Dale wondered

Kayla laughed; "Arceus, no, I'm going to use it as my lab?"

"What!?"

"I spent the last ten years studying, getting various degrees, and working with some of the top Pokémon experts in the world."

"I guess makes you the new Professor Mulberry." Hank said

The little reunion between the old friends ended when Bobby, Connie, and Joseph rode up on their bikes.

"Dad, good news," Bobby announced ignoring the woman standing in front of him, "we got Mike Soto and Randy Miller to join Team Strickland."

"That is good news," Hank commented, "I'll call Buck later and tell him."

"Actually, Joseph and I recruited Mike and Randy," Connie corrected, "Bobby has yet to recruit anyone."

"I recruited you and Joseph." Bobby stated

"We're your friends, asking us to join you on a team is the equivalent of asking us if we wanted to go get ice cream."

"It's not like I didn't try to recruit anybody," Bobby said defensively, "everyone I ask was either not going to go on a journey or had made plans to travel to Unova or Alola."

Hank could tell this argument had to potential to get heated, so he decided to change the subject.

"Bobby, this is Professor Kayla Mulberry." Hank introduced Bobby to his old friend

Bobby got off his bike and walked up to Kayla.

"Nice to meet you, Professor Mulberry." Bobby greeted

"Nice seeing you again, Bobby." Kayla said

"Have we-?"

"Sort of, you were three or four when I was last in Arlen," she informed, "it's understandable it you don't remember me."

"Well, my dad has mentioned you a few times."

Bobby introduced Kayla to Connie and Joseph who were delighted to meet her. Kayla then explained to them the same thing she had told the guys before they showed up.

"We're all excited to start our journey next week." Connie stated

"I'm glad to hear that," Kayla said, "I hope the others are as eager as you when I meet them."

"Any chance we can pick our starters right now?" Joseph asked hoping to get Charmander before someone else does

"Sorry, you'll have to wait until next week like everyone else."

Bobby chuckled at his best friend's terrible attempt to obtain his starter early; though at least Joseph knew which starter he wanted, as for himself, he had yet to make that decision.

"You know, Peggy was planning on making her famous pork chops tonight after she gets home," Hank informed, "but I'm sure I could convince her that it would be better if we all went out and eat."

"Is Goobersmooches still open?" Kayla asked

"Yep, and thanks to me, its buffet is no longer a death trap."

"Sounds good."

Peggy arrived home half hour later and after greeting Kayla then complaining about Hank throwing off her dinner cycle, agreed to go out to Goobersmooches. The group sat at one of the longer tables in the middle of the restaurant; each of them either getting the buffet or ordered of the menu, which Kayla did the latter for as she explained, "Really missed a great juicy all meat Arlen burger."

"Not surprising that the burgers in Castelia are bland." Hank commented as he cut into his steak

"Some are pretty decent, but there was this one burger I had shortly after moving to Castelia that tasted so freaking incredible that if I were to describe it, you'd have to cover your kid's ears." Kayla informed

"That sounds like one hell of a burger," Bill said, "what is the place called?"

"A bit embarrassing, but I don't recall the name or location of the restaurant."

"Just my luck."

Peggy who had been quiet during the meal decided to speak up.

"So, Kayla, you've been friends with Hank and the guys for years and yet you didn't bother to tell them that you were coming back to town as the new hotshot Pokémon Professor."

"Peggy!" Hank called out

Kayla placed her burger down on her plate; she then looked across the table at Peggy.

"I was wanting to surprise my friends," Kayla explained, "besides the President of the Heimlich Pokémon League should've sent a letter to the families of the inspiring trainers about Arlen getting a new professor."

"Corky Raywood is an idiot," Dale stated, "still can't believe they reinstated that moron."

"Actually, it was his son Pierce that got elected president of the league," Peggy corrected, "it was all over the news, hell, you even went on one of your little misinformed conspiracy rantings."

Dale chose to finish his meal than waste his time by arguing with Peggy. This silence gave Bobby a chance to try to subtlety get more information about the Starters from Kayla.

"How many Starters will there be for my friends and I to choose from exactly?" Bobby asked

"Well considering the larger number of beginning trainers this year, each professor will have up to eighteen Starters available."

"EIGHTEEN?!" Bobby and his friends shouted

"That's dang ol' twice the number from when we were starting out." Boomhauer commented

"Choosing between nine was difficult but eighteen, that's almost impossible." Hank said

He remembered being nervous as he stood in Leland Mulberry's lab trying to decide between the last three available starters. Bill had chosen Bulbasaur, Boomhauer picked Charmander, Dale took Squirtle, and Kayla had just taken Chikorita. This left only Cyndaquil, Totodile, and Mudkip as two other trainers had already taken Treecko and Torchic. Hank quickly passed on Totodile due to the terrifying experiences he had with his father's Feraligatr and Mudkip seemed too silly looking to him, meaning that Cyndaquil was the best choice. His friends complimented him on his decision and within a few hours they were off on their journey.

"Exactly what Regions are these Starters coming from?" Bill asked

"Kanto, Johto, and Hoenn obviously," Kayla answered, "plus Sinnoh, Unova, and Kalos."

"Why not Alola since half the trainers from Heimlich go there anyway?" Dale inquired

"Because Professor Pine in McMaynerberry was able to convince his old classmate to send those Starters to him."

"He's going to giving away twenty-four starters?!" a shocked Connie said

"Twelve actually, his group of trainers is smaller, so he's giving away the Kanto, Hoenn, Unova, and Alola starters."

"Greg Stokes got his Starter in McMaynerberry," Bobby pointed out, "I'm surprised Professor Pine didn't want to give away the same Starter the Champion picked."

"Rumor has it that Ted Wassonasong used his status as ex-champion to force Greg to give Chane the same Starter." Dale informed

"I wish I would get it instead of Chane." Bobby said with resentment

Hank glanced down at his partially empty plate and jabbed his fork at the last piece of his steak while everyone began talking about Greg Stokes. The meal officially ended half hour later and everyone said their goodbyes and headed home.


Again dear readers I thank you for your patience. As mentioned above I've spent a long time writing different version of this chapter. I also said in the last chapter (if you barely remember it I wouldn't blame you.) this is a story I've been wanting to write for years. Plus if you couldn't tell by the cover art I've chosen (spoiler) Turtwig as Bobby's starter and also chosen several Pokemon for his team, I'll just have to see where my muse takes it. P.S. While I'm planning for this to be mostly a Bobby focused story; I've been thinking about having some Oliver Queen-like flashback chapters of Hank and his friends during their journey through the Heimlich region. Let me know what you think of that idea. Thank You