Morning arriving, the kids were up and dressed, going outside to eat breakfast.

"You have a really nice Gyarados," a man's voice beamed.

The kids looked up to see a young man with deep blue hair and handsome tan. His blue-green eyes practically sparkling in delight at the sight of Nala. He wore a pair of gym sweats and a t-shirt, both being different shades of blue.

"Th-thank you…" Alex stuttered out, not expecting someone to compliment Nala. Most people were either evading her or giving concerned looks seeing her out of her ball.

"You can call me Roku," he greeted, holding his hand out to the pair. "Are the others yours as well?"

"Yes, they are, and my name's Alex," she answered. "By any chance, are you the Cerulean Gym Leader?"

"That's right. I train water Pokémon, so it's always nice to see other trainers with water Pokémon of their own. But I don't often see such a healthy Gyarados, especially in the hands of a kid. You've got talent," he grinned as he walked over to Nala. "Do you mind?"

~I don't mind,~ Nala grinned brightly. ~He looks really nice.~

"It's okay. Nala's actually really gentle," Alex smiled, seeing the gym leader's eyes widen up at this.

"That's rare to hear. Most Gyarados are often ornery beasts. The few that are mellow are ones that have grown up with their trainers for years." As he talked, he was gently examining Nala, amazed how well behaved she is as she leaned down to his level so he could look at her teeth and gums without issue. "You've got her on a good diet I can see."

"Yes, I asked Nurse Joy about any stores that sell food for carnivorous Pokémon like Gyarados and picked some up."

"That's good to hear," the man hummed. "Since you've asked if I was a gym leader, I can only assume you're going to challenge my gym."

"Yes, it'll be my second one."

"Second? Okay, that's good to know. I'll make sure to put together a good team to give yours a good challenge," Roku promised as he stepped away from Nala. "Just know that even with an electric type, you aren't guaranteed to win. I'd suggest trying to get some grass types or work on what you have that have greater resistance to water."

"I will, thank you," Alex smiled.

"No problem, it's a gym leader's duty to help aspiring trainers grow," Roku smiled before turning to Chase. "What about you? Are you planning on challenging the gym too? I remember seeing you darting between Cerulean and Mt. Moon a few times."

"No, I'm not…" Chase answered softly. "I don't have any Pokémon…"

Immediately, the smile left his face upon hearing this, recognizing that tone. "I'm sorry, I didn't know…"

"It's okay," he reassured, wiping at his eyes when a few tears escaped. "Like you said, you didn't know."

"If you don't mind me asking, what happened to them?" Roku's bubbly feature immediately changed to something more somber as he sat with them.

"It was Team Rocket," Alex answered, seeing his eyes flash briefly with anger.

"Team Rocket, huh? Should have figured," the gym leader grumbled. "You two should be careful while you're here. We've been having some problems with Rockets the last few days. Mostly robberies, but better to be safe than sorry if one tried to ambush you kids."

"I never thought it was that bad," Alex commented.

"Where did you live before you started traveling?"

"Pallet Town."

"A small town, not really surprising. Team Rocket mostly targets towns and cities that seem important or have some value from museums to wealthy homes."

"Really?"

Roku nodded before continuing, "How much do you know about Team Rocket?"

"Just what I've heard on the news and the radio," Alex answered as Chase nodded.

"Then you understand how dangerous they can be."

"Yeah, we were lucky to chase them away when threatening us, me mostly."

"You were attacked by Rockets?"

"Mostly ran into them when I was traveling through Mt. Moon to get here."

"Did you inform the police?"

"I did…"

As Alex spoke with the gym leader, Chase adding his comments from his encounter, the Pokémon talked amongst themselves.

~That Roku guy looks really concerned for them,~ Lance said, looking to his friends.

~If Cerulean City is having a problem with Team Rocket, then he has reason to be concerned. It can't be good not only for the city but the gym having people like Team Rocket harassing people,~ Sienna said, giving her trainer a concerned look. ~I hope we don't encounter anymore. What happened in Mt. Moon was just awful…~

~Tell me about it, between what almost happened with Lizzy and the trauma Chase went through, I never want to see another Rocket again,~ Ken added sadly.

~We can hope, but it'll be better for all of us if we simply train harder to protect both of them,~ Ansen stated. ~ I doubt it'll be the last we see of them judging the way people talk about them. Better we're prepared to face them than be taken by surprise.~

~I hate to say it, but you're right,~ the fire type sighed. ~I just don't want Alex or any of us to get hurt.~

~None of us do, so like Ansen said, we'll trainer harder,~ Lance reassured.

"I better get back at the gym," Roku said suddenly as he stood up. "Alex, whenever you're ready, just swing by. I'll be ready."

"Okay, thank you again for the advice," the girl smiled as she and Chase waved him off. She turned towards her Pokémon, "When you guys are ready, how about we start training and look for some grass types?"

~Sure thing!~ Nala and Hana giggled.

~Sounds good, but have you thought about who you're storing?~ Sienna asked with mild concern.

As if on cue, Chase spoke, "Have you thought about who you'll switch out?"

"Oh… Right, well I'm not sure. I mean, don't think it would be for a very long time, at least until Roku's beaten."

~Why not decide that until after you've caught some? We don't even know if we'll find a good grass type to join,~ Ansen suggested.

"I guess I'll know if I find a grass type that wants to join me," Alex laughed nervously as she collected her trash.

Sienna was already helping her, impressing Chase with how bonded Alex is with her Pokémon. Even the way they seem to communicate is astounding, rarely seeing that level of closeness even with experienced trainers.

When they started to head out, Chase told her he was going to be heading to the police station. The officers still had some questions to ask him when he was in better shape to talk as well as find out if they had found his Pokémon. Alex offered to go with him, but he assured her that he would fine. Bidding her farewell, he told her that they could meet up later at the Pokémon Center, the girl reluctantly agreeing.

After a few hours had passed, Chase returned, finding Alex was having lunch outside with some of her Pokémon, Nala specifically. Seeing others were missing, he suspected they were either getting treated or might have been sent home or wherever to make room.

"So, how'd it go?" he asked. He had quickly grabbed something to eat inside before joining her.

"Training went pretty good. But it looks like my team's pretty strong for the route between Mt. Moon and here. Most of the Pokémon weren't interested sparring with them."

"Did you catch anything new?"

"No, I couldn't find any grass types or any Pokémon that looked like it wanted to go with me," Alex answered. Earlier, they had scoured the area but were told by some of the local wild Pokémon that grass Pokémon didn't live there. they would have to cross the bridge in the northern part of Cerulean City to find any. So they aborted that mission and tried finding someone at least, but no one was.

Alex had made a note on a scrap of paper, later purchasing a journal to mark down all the areas she fails to catch something. She figured it would be easier than trying to remember them all or having her Pokémon remember.

"That sucks, so you're going to look elsewhere?"

"I'm going to try a little later north, past the bridge. There might be some there."

"I wouldn't be surprised with the small rivers and ponds around. Hey, I know this might be a crazy idea, but you should think about getting a psychic Pokémon."

"A psychic Pokémon? I can find one around here?"

"I heard there are Abra that live not far from here, it couldn't hurt."

"But why?"

"Psychic Pokémon are not only pretty strong, but fast. Plus, Koga specializes using poison type Pokémon, so if you train one now, you would be set for his gym."

"How do you know that?"

"Koga and my dad have been friends since they were kids."

"That's so cool. And you said he helps at the Safari Zone, right?"

"Yeah, he comes from a ninja clan, so he has all sorts of skills and such to make tracking and safely trapping Pokémon if a pokéball won't work or can't be used."

"Do you think he'll use his ninja skills at the gym?"

"Maybe, but he'd still make it fair I'm sure. He's not the cheating type. I'd be happy to show you the way when reaching there."

"That'd be great, thank you, Chase."

"It's no problem," he grinned, unable to hide the faint blush that formed.

"So if I decided to try and get an Abra or any psychic type, who should I send home so I can train them?"

"I can't say right now since Fuchsia City is still pretty far. But, if they hadn't been swapped out already, I suggest switching Ken or Nala before facing Koga. No offense to Nala, but Gyarados can sometimes be pretty slow reacting to speedy attacks. Unless she's really sturdy to take several hard hits, she would get knocked out in an instant. It would be the same for Ken if you were to evolve him with a thunder stone, giving him more bulk."

"I guess that makes sense. I'll have to think about it and explain it to them should that time come."

"That doesn't mean you can't use them still. So long as you have a good team, you can switch them around as needed."

"That's true," Alex nodded, looking at her Pokémon as most made similar comments to show they understood. "Okay, once I get the others back, I'll head out to find myself an Abra!"

"If you'd like, I could go with you," Chase offered.

"Are you sure?"

"I don't want to sit around doing nothing. I've told the police everything I knew. Unless they find the Rocket who killed my Pokémon, I really have nothing to do."

Once the rest of her team returned, Alex recalled most of them save for Hana and Ken, the latter riding on her shoulder. With a bridge, she wasn't sure how much space it gave or how much weight it can hold, so having Nala out was risky. Then again, there was water, so she could have her swim alongside.

As they got closer, a young boy came running towards them, a huge grin on his face. "Alex!" he shouted as he stopped in front of them. "Oh wow, I can't believe you got here. I already got my badge. Roku was really awesome to battle, you should have seen it!" He was talking so quickly and excitedly, Alex couldn't hold back the smile. She was happy to see him not only safe but in a far better mood than back at the Viridian Forest.

"That's awesome. I'm training to battle Roku as well.'

"So you beat Flint?"

"Yup," she grinned, pulling out her badge case, showing the grey pin.

"That's great; I was worried since you didn't have any type advantages. Guess I was wrong, huh?"

"It wasn't easy, Flint was tough and I'm sure Roku will be just as tough if not tougher to beat."

"I can assure you, he's tough. His Horsea and Cloyster were really strong. I don't know if you'll fight them or not, but if you do, watch out if they go underwater."

"I'll keep it in mind. Hopefully, I'll find a grass type so Ken doesn't have to do all the fighting."

"That's a good idea," Azure nodded before taking notice of Chase. "Who's this?"

"Oh, this is Chase, we met back at Mt. Moon," Alex introduced. "We're going to be traveling together so we can get to Lavender Town."

"Lavender Town? How come?"

"My…my Pokémon recently died. Alex was nice enough to act as an escort since she's likely going to pass through," Chase explained.

"Oh… I'm sorry for your loss…" Azure said quietly, his happy demeanor disappearing.

"Thanks," he said with a sad smile.

"Are you going to try and catch a Pokémon with Alex's help?"

"I don't know, I don't think I'm ready to take in a new Pokémon right now…"

"I guess that makes sense, sorry for asking."

"It's fine, if I find a Pokémon that interests me, I might try to get it. Until then, I'll just help Alex with any advice that might help."

"Were you a trainer for a while? Did you challenge gyms?"

"Yes and no. I wasn't interested in gym battles, but I've been a trainer for about four years, so I've done some traveling. I'm thinking about doing volunteer work if not applying for a job at the Safari Zone with my dad if not the zoo with my mom."

"They work there?"

"Yeah."

"That's really cool; it must be a lot of fun."

"So long as the Pokémon are kept civil," Chase chuckled, glad they got out of that depressing talk.

"Hey Alex, I know this might be stupid to ask, but think we could have a battle? I trained a whole lot so we'd be more on your level. Is that okay?"

"Sure thing, let's just move out of the way in case there's traffic."

"Right."

"I'll act as referee."

Both nodded as they found a free spot to hold their battle, Chase standing on the sidelines to do his part.

"Pidgeotto, go!"

"Let's go, Ken!"

"Quick Attack!"

"Thunder Shock!"

The avian dove at the mouse with insane speed, the shiny having no time to dodge, forced to take the hit. However, being hit made the electric shock hurt more than making it stretch.

With Pidgeotto slightly dazed, it left him open when he made another dive for Ken, getting shocked just as he crashed into him.

"Ken! Pidgeotto!" both cried out as they ran to their Pokémon.

~I'm okay,~ Ken reassured as he got up. ~Little winded, but still good to go.~

"That's a relief, what about Pidgeotto?"

Azure was looking the knocked out Pokémon, giving her a sheepish grin.

"He's good, just out cold."

Relieved, they returned to their spots, Azure recalling his Pokémon before sending his next one out, revealing to be an Abra.

"You caught an Abra?" Alex awed.

"Yeah, found her after my battle with Roku," Azure grinned. "Are you going to get one?"

"If I'm lucky," she grinned back. "Ken, are you still up for battling?"

~You bet I am!~ the Pokémon smiled as he charged himself up, sparks dancing off his form.

~So this is the human he's always talking about?~ the psychic mused. ~Pass, I have no attacks to use anyway.~

Ken blinked as she pretended to fall over and proceeded to sleep. He turned to her, Alex unable to help snicker, especially with Azure's surprised expression.

"Not again… Come on, you can't get stronger if you sleep!" the boy whined as he recalled the psychic type.

"Probably doesn't help that she doesn't know any attacks," Alex giggled.

"Oh… Forgot about that, guess she said something about it?"

"Yeah," she grinned, unaware that Chase overheard, seeing his confused expression. "Oh, right…"

"Is something wrong?" Azure asked, looking between the two. "Didn't you tell him that you can understand Pokémon?"

"Alex, what's he talking about?"

Alex gave a nervous smiled as she looked away, "I wasn't sure how you'd react, especially after what happened with your Pokémon. But yes, I can understand what Pokémon say. I know it sounds crazy, but it's true."

"I…" Chase started before Azure interrupted.

"It is true! She isn't one to lie about something like that," he pouted.

"It's really hard to believe though. There's never been anything about someone capable of understanding Pokémon," Chase said, uncertain if he could believe them.

"We're telling you the truth," Azure stated. "Alex proved it to me and my dad believes her."

"Okay, let's say I do believe you. How did it happen? How long have you been able to understand Pokémon?"

"We aren't really sure," Alex started, her foot digging a small hole in the dirt. "It hasn't been for very long. It started back in Viridian Forest before I fought Flint. We were being harassed by a trainer and Ken panicked and accidentally shocked all of us. When I woke up, I found I could understand him, Sienna, every Pokémon, trained and wild."

"That's pretty hard to believe…"

"I told you, Alex doesn't make stuff like that up to trick people," Azure repeated. "I trust her and she's even proven it. I even helped her find out ways to tell people and Pokémon apart when talking. Plus, my dad believes her."

"But how does an electric shock rewire a brain though?"

"We don't know if Ken was the sole cause if at all. Professor Oak told us there were some old tales about Viridian Forest, so something there could have caused it. We honestly don't know."

"But why you and not both of you?"

"Again, we don't know. If Ken was the cause, then that could've been because I was holding him, so got most of the shock," Alex answered. "If you don't believe me, or want to travel with me, I'll understand. It can't be easy to believe something like this, I'd have trouble believing it if the roles were reversed."

"Why don't we prove it?" Azure suggested. "Chase, say something to our Pokémon, or even a wild Pokémon and Alex can translate it back. That has to prove something!"

"Azure, we don't have to make it this big of a deal," Alex said.

"But…"

"You don't have to prove anything," Chase said. He still looked uncertain of their words, still taking it all in. "I'm not saying I believe you, but I'm willing to try. If you're telling the truth, I'll see it for myself."

Azure was about to say something before Alex cut him off. "I'm sorry for not saying something sooner. I didn't think it would have been appropriate to bring it up after you lost your Pokémon. whether you believe me or not, I hope you'll forgive me at least."

"I understand. I mean, it can't be easy right?"

"Yeah, I mean, I didn't really think much about it before, but that was when it was just me and my Pokémon, maybe even Azure if we wanted to travel together. But since we were going to, I got worried since I enjoy talking with my Pokémon. I know trainers talk to their Pokémon, but not the way I do where I actually understand them."

Alex could feel tears forming, Ken running over, hopping up onto her shoulders, nuzzling against her face. The electric mouse gave Chase a small glare before turning back to his trainer, pawing at her face in an attempt to wipe away the tears.

~Are you going to be okay?~ Ken asked.

"I will be," she sniffled, wiping her eyes dry. He nuzzled again, licking her cheek gently. "Thanks, Ken." Turning back to Azure, seeing his concerned face, she gave him a small smile. "Why don't we continue our battle? We can talk about this later?"

"Alex? Are you sure?" the boy asked.

She nodded, the brunet relenting as he grabbed another ball, calling out his Rattata. She called Hana out, the butterfly noting her trainer's distress, fussing over her.

"I'll be okay, we'll talk later? We've got a battle to win," Alex said.

"Ree…" Hana whined softly.

Chase watched their interactions, seeing she was right about her interaction with her Pokémon different from other trainers. She was holding an actual conversation with them, making him feel guilty. What if she really is telling the truth? Her and Azure both? Hopefully, they could try and patch things up after the battle. He wouldn't want things to become strained between them, especially if they planned to travel together still.

"Keep your distance with Confusion!"

Chase looked up, watching as the purple rat tried smacking Hana with its tail to weaken her defenses, but she dodged it. Her body glowed, specifically around the eyes, having her lift the rodent up and tossing him hard enough to wind him. The Rattata, however, proved tougher as he was back on his feet, ready for more. Without a command, the butterfly chose to dive in for a surprise Tackle, the assault taking the rat off guard long enough to be knocked out.

"Great job, Hana," Alex laughed as her Pokémon flew to her arms.

"Man, who knew Butterfree could be so tough?" Azure grinned as he pulled out his last Pokémon, Squirtle appearing.

"Come on out, Ansen!"

"He looks a lot stronger and angrier."

"He is stronger. And he always looks like that."

"Pidgeo!" the bird huffed, glaring at his trainer, saying something Chase obviously couldn't understand.

"I'll explain later, okay?" Alex reassured, the bird grumbling as he eyed the turtle.

Immediately, both trainers shouted orders to their Pokémon. Squirtle trying to lower Ansen's defenses, the bird keeping his distance with gusts of wind before a particularly strong one sent the turtle airborne. As a result, however, the turtle managed to surprise the bird when he rebounded with Tail Whip.

~So, how are things with your trainer and teammates?~ Squirtle asked as they fought.

~They're interesting, and it seems to help with Alex being able to understand us.~

~I'm really jealous. I wish Azure could understand us. Might make training a little easier, especially with Abra and slowing Rattata down.~

~How are they slowing your team down?~

~Abra just sleeps instead of trains and Rattata trains too hard to the point of exhaustion. Azure keeps having to take him to the Pokémon Center more times than he trains the rest of us.~

~Wonder why…~

~It might have to do with Team Rocket…~

Both Alex and Ansen faltered hearing this, surprised looks on their faces.

"Is something wrong?" Azure asked, concern showing.

"Azure… Did you…did you have a run-in with Team Rocket?" Alex asked worriedly.

He gave her a surprised look, realizing the Pokémon must have mentioned the villainous group during the battle. Even Chase's eyes widened hearing this, looking at the surprised looks on the Pokémon's faces.

"Y-yeah, but it wasn't too bad though. They didn't know who I was when I was forced to fight a couple, but I mostly sneaked past them."

"Did you tell the police?" Alex asked.

"Of course I did. I called Pewter City Police since Mt. Moon is in their jurisdiction."

"We need to talk to the police right now."


Alex - Pokémon 8 - Badges 1 - Deaths 0

Team:

Sienna - Charmander - Charmeleon

Ansen - Pidgey - Pidgeotto

Lance - Nidoran M. - Nidorino

Hana - Caterpie - Metapod - Butterfree

Ken - Pikachu

Nala - Magikarp - Gyarados


Home:

Maxwell - Jigglypuff

Lizzy - Clefairy


I had some fun with coming up with the idea for the battle with Azure's Abra given it can't use attacks. I mean, given Alex's nature, she wouldn't battle a Pokémon that can't fight if she can help it.

As for Azure, he's still a kid and a newbie/rookie, he's not going to remember every detail about all the Pokémon. Mistakes happen, we've seen it a lot in the anime and I'm sure in the manga as well. Even we as players when we got the games, especially our first games.

If you enjoyed this, please leave a review and any helpful critique that may better improve the writing.