Gathering their things up, the three of them headed outside and went straight to the bridge, Azure leading the way. As they drew near, walking along the side of the river, a couple of people ran past them, shoving them aside.
"Out of the way, brats!" one of them snapped.
Alex yelped as she tumbled backward, falling onto the grass with a grunt. Azure and Chase had the same thing happen; the three noticing their bags had spilled open.
"Hey! Watch where you're going!" Azure shouted, waving a fist at their retreating backs.
"They're not worth it," Chase said, stopping the younger boy. "Let's just pick our stuff up."
The brunet pouted as he did so, seeing Alex doing the same before patting the ground frantically, muttering softly to herself.
"Alex?" he asked, running over to her. Chase joined him, seeing how upset the girl looked.
"I'm missing a TM I got from Flint," Alex said, looking for it still.
"What was it?"
"Bide. I was thinking of asking Nala if she wanted to learn it."
"We'll look around for it," Chase reassured. "It couldn't have gone far."
She nodded, the three picking the rest of their stuff up before focusing on the missing disk.
Looking around for several minutes, they couldn't find it, the three suspecting it might have fallen down into the water.
"Oh no…" Alex whimpered softly.
"As long as it's in its case, it should be fine," Azure said worriedly. "Maybe we could have our Pokémon look for it?" He threw his pokéball, calling Squirtle out.
The girl nodded, grabbing Nala's ball, calling her out as well.
"Whoa…" the brunet stared at the massive beast. Focusing back on the task, he turned to his Pokémon. "I need you to dive into the water and look for a TM; we think it fell in there."
"Squirtle!" the turtle nodded, diving straight in.
"Nala, help him out as well," Alex begged.
~We'll do our best,~ Nala nodded, diving in as well.
Almost fifteen minutes passed before both resurfaced, Squirtle sitting on Nala's head. He hopped off to rejoin his trainer. Both wore defeated looks.
~We couldn't find it, I'm sorry,~ the serpent-like Pokémon apologized.
"It's not your fault. I must not have tightened the straps on my bag," Alex said, petting her Pokémon. "You and Squirtle did your best."
"It wasn't your fault either, it was those guys who pushed us!" Azure exclaimed. "If I find them…"
"Azure, don't start a fight. It isn't worth it," the girl begged. "If they're trainers, we don't know how strong they could be."
The brunet glared at the ground, his Pokémon pawing at his pant leg worriedly. Taking a breath, he held it before exhaling, looking a little calmer.
"Let's just get going," he said, recalling his starter.
Alex nodded, knowing he was still upset, though so was she, but she didn't want to start trouble unnecessarily.
"Alex, hold up," Chase started, fishing through his bag. "I know this is out of the blue, but I have a couple of TMs. You can have them."
"But are you sure?"
"Yeah, they were part of some promotional event going on at a store. My Pokémon wouldn't have been able to learn this one. And I hadn't really decided whether to teach Voltorb this one or not." He grew quiet at the last part before forcing a smile on his face. "I'm sure you'll have better use for them."
Feeling a sense of déjà vu, Alex accepted them with a small smile. "Thank you, Chase. I'll be sure to put them to good use."
Putting them away, making sure her bag was well secured, she recalled Nala, the three making their way towards the bridge.
When they got to it, however, they stopped. Azure let out a groan. "You've got to be kidding me."
"You again?" one of the two who knocked into Alex yawned.
"You should apologize, you made my friend lose her TM!" the brunet demanded.
"Not my problem," the man shrugged, the boy growling.
"Azure, let's just get going," Alex whispered, grabbing his arm. She started to guide him to the entrance of the bridge only for the man to step in between.
"Sorry, kiddies, the bridge is closed," the guy sneered.
"That can't be true, it can't be closed," the brunet gaped. "This is a major route for people. You can't just block it!"
"Yeah, we can. We're holding a contest."
"That's no excuse. What if there was an emergency?"
The man shrugged again, "Look, if you want to cross, you have to battle your way." He emphasized his statement by tossing a ball out, releasing a Growlithe.
"You know what, fine!" Azure snapped as he called Squirtle back out.
"Azure, don't! Maybe it's legit and they have permission?" Alex tried reasoning. "We could go to the Pokémon Center and ask the nurse or find an officer to see if they know about it."
"No, Alex, I'm sick and tired of telling the adults around here and watching nothing get done," the brunet spat.
"Azure…"
"Rules are simple, beat five trainers and you win a prize at the end," the trainer said as he whistled for another to come over. "So it's the three of you?"
"I don't have any Pokémon," Chase responded nervously.
"Seriously?" the trainer blinked before shaking his head. "Whatever, you, you're a trainer or are you just a whiny little bitch?"
"Don't you dare call her that!" the younger boy snarled, clenching his fists.
Not wanting her friend to get hurt, Alex decided battling would be their best option. If she left Azure alone, who knows what could happen.
"I'll battle," she said. She threw a couple of balls, releasing Ken and Nala.
"What the hell? You've got a freaking Gyarados?" the man gaped as the Pokémon stared down at them.
"Nala, Ken, we're in a competition. If we win, we'll get a prize, what do you think?"
~Sounds like it could be fun,~ Nala grinned, unknowingly scaring the guy who had been taunting the kids.
~What's wrong with Azure?~ Ken asked, noting how upset he looked.
"These guys said some mean things to us," she answered quietly, seeing her Pokémon not look too thrilled.
Another trainer joined, calling out his Caterpie.
"Let's start," the bug trainer grinned, not as easily intimidated by the Gyarados.
"Ken, Thunder Shock!"
"Squirtle, Water Gun!"
Instantly the opposing Pokémon were knocked out, leaving their opponents to return them and send another out. The man called out a Drowzee while the bug trainer brought out a Weedle.
Like before, Squirtle and Ken knocked them out, though the Weedle tried poisoning the electric mouse. Thankfully it hadn't stung him hard enough to inject the poison.
"Looks like you move on," the guy said as he and the other stepped aside for them to walk through. Nala swam at the side of the bridge, her head kept low so she could talk when needed or listen to her trainer.
The second pair of trainers that were fought was just as easy, though the female trainer's Nidoran poisoned Nala. Alex was thankful that she had stocked up as she pulled out an antidote, curing her Pokémon.
For the third pair, Nala easily knocked the Ekans and Zubat out before they could do any real damage while Ken took out the Rattata. Azure's Squirtle and Abra knocked the other trainer's Pidgey and Paras out with little difficulty. The psychic was mostly teleporting around to annoy her opponent before it tripped and fell in the water, ending the battle.
The fourth pair called out their Pokémon, revealing to be a Pidgey and Nidoran for one, the other owning a Vulpix and Oddish. Nala again took out her opponents with no issue while Azure had Squirtle take out the fire type, his Rattata taking out the Oddish.
The fifth pair of trainers, one called out a Mankey while the other brought out a Spearow. Nala and Squirtle once more took them out with relative ease, though with how speedy they were, had trouble catching them first to attack. Thankfully, their trainers were able to guide them to their targets, Nala specifically given her large size.
"So we beat you guys, where's the host of this event?" Azure demanded.
"That would be me, is there a problem?" a young man asked as he walked up to them.
"Yeah, aside some of them rude, why are you using this bridge for your contest? Don't you know people have to cross it? What if there was an emergency?"
"Well, if there was an emergency, we'd move out of the way. As for the rudeness, I'll be sure to talk with them to ensure it doesn't happen again. How about we have a seat and chat a bit?" He gestured to a tent set up not far from the bridge, walking towards it. "I can also get your prizes for winning."
As they followed him inside, they took their seats, watching as he fetched a pot of tea and carried a tray for it, some cups and what looked like sugar and cream. There was also a small box that he added.
He set them down, opening the box, revealing two golden spheres.
"These are your prizes," the man stated, handing them over to two. "Now, is there any preference for tea?"
Before any could speak, a loud noise could be heard from the back of the tent.
"What was that?" Chase asked.
"N-nothing…"
Alex lets out a terrified gasp, jumping to her feet.
"He's part of Team Rocket!" she said, the boys immediately joining her.
"Now kiddo, no need to make such accusations," the man said, looking more nervous.
"I'm not making an accusation! You're stealing Pokémon, that's why you did the contest!" the girl shouted. Tears had formed as she could hear the frightened whimpers behind those curtains begging for help.
Azure immediately pulled out a pokéball, ready to call out his Abra to teleport them.
"I don't think so," the man said, several Rockets stepping out from behind the curtain. "Whatever you've got, you won't be fast enough to stop us from restraining you."
"Dammit…" the brunet cursed softly.
"You two match the description of some kids who meddled in our plans in Mt. Moon, specifically the girl."
Alex felt her blood run cold, her body trembling. Her mind was whirling as the Rockets began to draw near.
"S-stay back!" Azure threatened.
"We need something to distract them," Chase growled.
A thought forming, Alex grabbed two pokéballs, throwing them in the air before anyone could stop her.
"Nala! Hana! Help us!"
With a flash of light, the tent was torn apart as a large sea serpent ripped through the fabric, eyes widening as she took in the scene.
~Alex!~ Nala roared. She glared at the Rockets threatening her trainer and friends.
~Team Rocket!~ Hana gasped.
"Nala, keep them away from us, Hana go get the police!" Alex ordered. She could see the butterfly look concerned, but obeyed as she flew off.
"Stop that bug!" the apparent leader ordered.
Immediately, a flock of Zubat flew after Hana, the bug type letting out a frightened shriek as she was surrounded.
"Hana!"
~Leave her alone!~ Nala snarled, whipping her tail at the bats, sending most into the ground or water. ~Hurry, Hana!~
She said nothing as she flew as fast as her wings allowed.
"We need to get out of here before that Butterfree comes back with police," one of the Rockets said worriedly.
"Not until I take care of unfinished business," the leader spat as he pulled out a gun. "Say night-night kiddies."
Before he could pull the trigger, Nala took a deep inhale, spewing out a large volume of water, spraying the man and anyone else, including any Pokémon they had out. The force was enough to knock them back, the gun washed from their possession most of the Pokémon knocked unconscious.
"Nala…" Alex awed, having never seen her friend look so serious.
~I won't let anyone hurt my friends!~ the Gyarados growled dangerously, using her natural intimidation to scare most into submission.
With the opening they have, she called out the rest of her Pokémon to help as Azure did the same.
~Team Rocket again?~ Sienna gasped, looking around for everyone. ~Where's Hana?~
"She went to get the police," Alex reassured. The fire type was relieved to hear that.
As if on cue, the butterfly flew back as police sirens were heard.
"You're kidding me," the leader groaned. He pulled out a pokéball, surprising the group with an Abra, ordering it to use Teleport.
In an instant, he was gone, leaving the rest, including whatever Pokémon they were gathering behind.
"Dammit, he's gone!" Azure shouted, stomping his foot on the ground.
As the cruisers and vans pulled up, police poured out. They quickly collected up the remaining Rockets and trainers on the bridge.
Many wild Pokémon scattered from the area, scared of the commotion. They hid in the shadows, watching warily of what was taking place. They watched as the trapped Pokémon were rescued, many being loaded into the vans.
Amongst them, a particular Pokémon watched from the trees, fascinated by what was taking place.
Once more, the kids found themselves at the police station, the police chief sitting with them after they were done giving their statements.
"You three were very lucky not to have gotten hurt," he said. "But you need to know that Team Rocket can't be dealt with by kids. Leave it to the police. I don't want to have to read your names in the obituary because of them."
"Maybe if you did your job to stop them, we wouldn't have fought them!" Azure growled, earning a glare from the older man.
"We didn't even know the whole thing was being operated by Team Rocket," Chase said in hopes of lessening whatever lecture they were going to get.
"The trainers on the bridge said it was a contest," Alex added.
"This is why kids shouldn't be trainers," the chief grumbled, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Just be lucky that Butterfree got one of our officer's attention when it did."
"What about the Pokémon that were being captured by Team Rocket? Are they going to be okay?"
"They're at the Pokémon Center to get treated. Once they're cleared, they'll be released back into the wild."
Alex felt relief hearing that, having been worried based on how they sounded and how chaotic things had gotten.
The police chief talked with them, mainly scolding them for battling Team Rocket despite their protests that they weren't given much of a choice under the circumstances.
By the time they were free, Azure was fuming, hands shoved in his pockets, gritting his teeth as he thought of the chief's words.
"Resign? He thinks it's best we resign?" the boy growled. "What kind of answer is that?"
"Azure…" Alex started.
"What?" the boy snapped, startling her. "We've been working too damn hard to just give up. What if Team Rocket finds out where we live? What if they decided we're still a threat and try to attack us at our houses? I refuse to put my parents in danger! You don't want to put your parents in danger either, right?"
"No, I don't, but Azure you need to calm down and think more rationally. Team Rocket isn't a group to mess with. They aren't petty thieves. They're a gang that could and would kill anyone who opposes them."
"Then what should we do? Give up?"
"Guys…" Chase started, seeing how quickly it's escalating.
"I…I don't know…"
"Well, I for one am not giving up being a trainer!" Azure exclaimed. "I'll get stronger and stronger so they can't ever touch me. I'll get strong enough where I can get rid of them for good! Then no one has to be afraid ever again!"
"Azure, that's crazy. Even if you did train that much, it's impossible…"
"Not if train the right Pokémon. If you're too much of a coward, then maybe you should give up!" Azure yelled, immediately turning around and storming off.
"Azure, wait!" Alex shouted, ready to go after him.
"Give him some space, this has been a rollercoaster of a day," Chase said, placing a hand on her shoulder, stopping her. "I'm sure he'll regret what he said once he's cooled off. But if you keep after him, he may lose it and do something you'll both regret."
"I guess…"
The next couple days had been awkward, not helping that Azure had left since the argument, leaving the girl saddened they couldn't make up.
Hearing what happened, Roku visited them, his wife, Kasumi, joining as well. She brought with them a basket filled with baked goods. She felt that they could use a pleasant treat after dealing with so much stress.
"I'm glad that you two are safe," Roku said as they ate outside. Alex's Pokémon sat outside, some eating the treats, others poking or studying them.
"Thank you…" Alex answered as she bit into the muffin.
"Are you okay, sweetie?" Kasumi asked worriedly.
"It was just really scary. I know there would be bad people in the world, but encountering members of Team Rocket multiple times in Mt. Moon, then across the bridge. Maybe the police chief is right…"
"Hold up, what did the chief say?" the gym leader asked.
"He suggested that Alex and Azure should resign," Chase answered in her place, the girl nodding sadly.
"Bastard!" Roku growled, punching the ground.
"Honey, language!" Kasumi scolded.
"Sorry, but what the hell kind of answer is that?" he retorted angrily. "Team Rocket wouldn't take pity on her if she turned her license in. They would just see her as an easy target. So long as she remains a trainer, she'll be safer. Same with Azure, especially as Oak's son!"
"But what if the chief was right?" Alex asked, startled by how angry the man got.
"No. He isn't," the gym leader said flatly. "He thinks it's a good idea, but it isn't. I haven't had personal dealings with Team Rocket, but I know others who have and it's not pretty. I don't want to scare you, but Team Rocket doesn't mess around. If they find someone a threat, you can be certain they'll eliminate them as quickly as they can. They don't care who you are or what age you are. Trust me; you would be a lot safer staying a trainer than retiring early."
"But I don't want anyone to get hurt," she whimpered, tears forming.
"Then keep training. You have talent, serious talent. People have trouble taming a Gyarados at times. Even dragon masters have it tough. It took me years to get mine under control and he was wild when I caught him. I never got to raise him as a Magikarp."
"I…" Alex started before Roku held his hand up, stopping her.
"Trust me, okay. I expect to see you in my gym soon. You'll see it in our battle that you're more than capable of continuing."
Recalling how similar this seemed when she and Flint talked and had their battle, she couldn't help but smile.
"Okay then, I'll do my best."
"Atta girl."
After talking some more, Roku and Kasumi left for the gym, leaving Alex and Chase to their thoughts.
"You okay?" Chase asked.
"Yeah, it's funny though… The way Roku talked to me was similar to how I talked with Flint when he was upset," Alex laughed a little.
"You don't have to push yourself to prove anything."
"I know, but I was serious. I don't want anyone to get hurt. I don't want to endanger people I care for. I don't want to endanger the Pokémon I've been raising. Maybe…maybe Azure is right about training really hard? Maybe it won't be enough to stop Team Rocket, but if Sienna and the others are really strong, we won't have to worry about being bothered by even their stronger members."
"I suppose that's true. Like Roku said, you're safer staying a trainer, especially if Team Rocket's got their eye on you."
"Yeah…"
~Good that she isn't giving up,~ Ansen said, having listened to the conversation. ~Too bad I can't peck this police chief's eyes out for making her doubt.~
~Nice to hear you care about her,~ Sienna smiled.
~I just want to get stronger. If she gives up, I'll be stuck at her house or released back to the wild or whatever it is their alphas might do,~ the avian grumbled, feathers fluffing in aggravation.
~Whatever you say,~ the fire type chuckled.
"Come on guys, we're going to go find an Abra!" Alex called, waving towards the two. The rest have either been recalled or joined her side.
The pair followed as they left town, crossing the bridge with no issues, reaching the spot known for the psychic Pokémon.
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
Had trouble trying to find a better way to handle the Nugget Bridge event, but I think it went well. It was actually something my mom helped me figure out since I don't know who are major Pokémaniacs, or close ones at least.
Regarding the TM, I thought I had it in my bag/PC until I went to get it and realized I didn't have it. No one in the team learned it, same with those in the box, so deduced I must have accidentally tossed it or sold it. So I came up with this idea in hopes of remedying it than leaving it forgotten.
And for Roku, having fun with him since it's easier to develop his character than using someone who's already present like Misty, especially if using the anime than games or whatnot.
As for Roku and Kasumi being related to Misty and her sisters, not sure if I will or not. Her parents are never mentioned or shown far as I know. So I may later make them their parents or possibly an aunt and uncle.
Also, who could that Pokemon eyeing the Nugget Bridge battle so excitedly?
Also, I would like to thank, PinkTheDinosaur on Deviantart for helping me with some edits on this chapter.
If you enjoyed this, please leave a review and any helpful critique that may better improve the writing.
