Our next gym battle is in Azalea Town so that's where we were headed. Only thing was Ash stopped every time there was a trainer to battle them. So far he'd won every single battle, but this one right now looked pretty tough. He was using Chikorita against a Ratticate, only thing was he wasn't doing too well. Ratticate had landed some impressive hits on Chikorita and she was beginning to tire out.
"Chikorita! Are you alright?" Chikorita bounced back up, stubborn as ever. "Great, use Tackle attack!"
"Stop it with your Quick Attack Ratticate!" The boy countered and Chikorita got another taste of full muscle power. She bounced on the ground, landing with a thud and Ash stared at her with worry before shaking his head.
"Good job Chikorita but I think you've had enough for today so return!" Obstinately Chikorita got back to her feet and sprang forwards.
"Chika!"
"Hey…didn't you hear me? Brock hummed slightly, fingers cupping his chin in thought as he, Misty and I observed the battle.
"Chikorita's taken a lot of attacks and it's got to be exhausted. Why would it want to go on?" He asked in confusion as Misty watched with worry.
"I don't know but Ash better call it back quick!" It's because she's stubborn and wants to prove herself to Ash, she doesn't want to let him down and that's why she's not backing out.
"Chika!" Chikorita called as she whipped her head around and shot a Razor Leaf at Ratticate, sending it flying backwards but now you could see that the damage has been done and she was gasping for breath, barely able to stand.
"Nice Razor Leaf, good aim! But now I'm replacing you with Pikachu." I saw her eyes shoot wide open and I gave a soft sigh. Bad choice of words Ash. "Chikorita, return!" Ash called as he held out her Pokéball but she darted away before he could capture her. "Chikorita I said return!" I tried again but Chikorita continued to dart out of the way. "Stop it Chikorita!"
It was beginning to grow dark and I heard the kid's mom call out that it was dinner time so he returned his Ratticate but Ash didn't seem to be finished. "Hey what are you doing? We're in a battle here, you can't just leave!"
"Sorry but it's late! And I can't wait all night for you to get your Chikorita to listen." He answered before running off. The kid had a point. Ash growled then turned on Chikorita, blaming her for the incomplete battle. "Chikorita we would have won for sure if you'd have just listened to me." With that he finally caught her again, putting her back in the Pokéball for some time out. "What's with you?" He sighed, looking at the Pokéball before clipping it onto his belt.
"Come on, let's head to the Pokémon Centre." Brock suggested. "Our Pokémon could do with the rest and so could we." Ash turned around, still looking a little lost.
"I just don't get it. Why wouldn't Chikorita listen to me?"
"Because she's not used to being told what to do." I answered him with a shrug. "She's used to doing her own thing and Chikorita is one of the most stubborn Pokémon I've ever seen. It'll be okay though, Chikorita will grow out of it the more you two train together." I assured him then took a step back to turn around. "Come on, how about I cook dinner for today? I think Brock could do with a rest as much as the rest of us."
"Sounds good to me." Brock agreed so we headed on back to the Pokémon Centre. The moment we got inside Brock raced over to Nurse Joy and fell down on one knee, taking her hand as he flamboyantly began to proclaim his love for her. "Oh Nurse Joy! Never have I seen a woman with fairer a face, thou art the most beautiful of them all and most perfect of all jewels and thy heart beat-eth only for you…" Misty grabbed Brock's ear and easily dragged him back across the freshly polished floor.
"And thou art the most dumbest of them all!" She told him and I giggled as I turned to Nurse Joy.
"Hey Nurse Joy, I was wondering if you would mind taking care of our Pokémon for us. They're all pretty tired."
"Of course!" She smiled warmly as Ash joined me. "I'd be happy to. I'll take good care of them whilst you all settle yourselves here."
"Thanks Nurse Joy." We chorused then left our Pokémon in her care. Whilst Brock was recovering from his most recent of heartaches Ash and I called Professor Oak to tell him the good news. The phone rang a couple of times before his face appeared on the screen.
"Good to see you again you two, how's the journey going?" He asked and Ash ploughed on ahead of me.
"It's going great professor!" He exclaimed then pulled back his jacket to reveal his first badge. "I already won a Zephyr badge at the Violet City gym." Professor Oak smiled and nodded his head.
"Well congratulations, that's quite an accomplishment. How about you Ruby? How did you do?" I gave a sigh, pretending to be put out before opening my jacket and giving a proud smile and a wink.
"Nailed it!"
"Well done both of you." Professor Oak chuckled. "Just don't forget to deliver the G-S ball in all your excitement. It's very important that you get it to Kurt." Ash nodded his head reassuringly.
"Don't worry professor, I won't forget that." Suddenly a big gloopy mess came on screen, giving Professor Oak a big hug as he beamed happily.
"As you can see, your Muk is as affectionate and playful as ever, especially around dinner time!" Professor Oak joked before he was flattened by Ash's Muk. "Stop it Muk! That tickles!" He laughed so I called out as loud as I dared, not wanting to disturb anyone in the centre.
"Professor? How is the egg doing?" I asked, itching to know if it's alright. Somehow Professor Oak managed to untangle himself from Muk and he stood back up again.
"I'm glad you asked Ruby. It's been doing alright but not as well as I had hoped. I've been thinking about sending it to a specialised egg care nursery. Maybe they'll be able to nurture it better than I could here."
"No!" Instantly I yelled, causing silence to spread across the centre so I blushed and lowered my voice back down. "No professor you can't. It won't survive that way." I said to him. "It needs me to be there for it, it trusts me." I explained then looked around the screen. "Could you bring it to the monitor for me? Maybe if I just spoke then it'll start to pick up again."
"Good idea. I thought you might be reluctant to let it go Ruby." He said, walking off screen before returning with the egg. I smiled at it.
"Whilst I remember professor, there have been really weird things going on." I said, glancing to Ash but he was now distracted by someone else's Pokémon. "You see, twice now I've connected with the emotions of other Pokémon without meaning to and once, when I was meditating with all my Pokémon, I saw a really strange sort of vision." I began but Professor Oak's expression grew a little serious.
"Ruby, I thought we agreed not to try and go into this gift of yours." Professor Oak said to me sternly. "It could be dangerous and until I can find out for you exactly what it is then you must not do anything to try and tamper with it." I sighed, knowing when I was beat so I nodded my head.
"I know and I'm sorry, I didn't mean to do it, it just happened." I said so he nodded his head, once again smiling softly and relaxed.
"I understand. Don't worry Ruby, I'll make sure I take good care of the egg. I've even being playing music to it and it seems to respond a little, but not nearly as much as when you play."
"Thanks professor. We'll call you next time we have some news." I said to him with a smile. "Say hi to Tracey for us! I hope you're remembering to eat and sleep!"
"Of course I am, goodbye Ruby and good luck with your next gym battle." He said before cutting the call. I turned around and smiled to find the second half of the Pokémon eating their dinner and enjoying it immensely. Since Onix and Charizard were too big to be let out within the Pokémon Centre, we had eaten dinner before we'd gone inside with them and some of the other Pokémon so they didn't feel lonely.
Eevee and Dratini lifted their heads, nearly finished with their food but they smiled as I approached, letting me sit with them so I could rub their heads and shower them with cuddles. "Looks like everybody's enjoying their dinner." Ash noted with a smile before noticing one Pokémon was missing. "Huh? Hey Chikorita! Why don't you go eat with the other Pokémon?" Ash suggested but Chikorita ignored him.
Pikachu got up and picked out one of the biggest chunks of his food he could find then carried it over to Chikorita, putting it down on the ground then smiled at her. "Pika!" Chikorita glared then smacked the offering away with her leaf, turning her nose up and away as Pikachu leaped back.
"That wasn't nice." Ash said as we joined him to see what was going on.
"I wonder why Chikorita's been acting so nasty." Brock said as Misty stepped forwards too
"Chikorita's been in such a bad mood lately that we should start calling it Krabby." I sighed, tilting my head to the side slightly before looking down at Eevee and Dratini.
"What do you think guys? Are you thinking what I'm thinking?" I asked and they both nodded their heads sadly. I'm thinking Chikorita is still upset about that battle.
"Pokémon behaviour is clearly driven by psychology." A familiar voice asked and we turned around to find Nurse Joy, only it wasn't Nurse Joy. She wasn't wearing her usual dress, after all. She wore a lab coat, glasses, a smart black pencil skirt and a blouse as well as her nurse cap on her head. "Does that Chikorita belong to you?" She asked Ash who blinked in surprise.
"Uh…yes ma'am."
"And what's your name?"
"My name is Ash Ketchum." He told her and Misty gave a little smile.
"And my name's Misty, and I bet your name is Nurse Joy, isn't it?"
"Correct." Nurse Joy nodded, pushing her glasses further up her nose. "And I have a degree in Pokémon psychology from Celadon University. I provide innovative counselling techniques and new Pokémon therapy." Ash started forwards with deep interest.
"You mean there's a new Pokémon called therapy?!" Both Misty and I shot him a look before she glanced at me.
"Ruby, would you mind doing the honours?" She asked and I cracked my knuckles.
"With pleasure." I reached out a hand and smacked Ash on the back of his head. "Great answer genius." I told him as he yelled and clutched the back of his head.
"Hey! What was that for?!"
"Therapy isn't a new Pokémon, it's what helps you with your psychological problems." Misty explained to him but now he didn't look all that interested.
"Oh, is that all?" Suddenly Brock sprang up with that dopey grin on his face, leaping for Nurse Joy.
"My name is Brock and I need you badly! For psychological counselling I mean." He added quickly and all our faces dropped in shame. "You see I have this feeling that's kind of hard to describe like, um, my heart's filled with emptiness."
"I'm sorry." Nurse Joy said to him. "But I'm afraid I only deal with Pokémon." But Brock wouldn't give up, he merely leaned closer and beamed brighter.
"But you would find me much more interesting that a Pokémon." I sighed.
"Misty, please do the honours." Misty nodded her head and grabbed Brock's ear tightly, forcing him to lean back this way as she frowned with ridicule.
"I wouldn't bet on it." Nurse Joy stepped towards Ash and smiled to him.
"I have an idea Ash. Why don't you and your Pokémon join me for a counselling session?" She suggested. Hey that's not a bad idea! However Ash remained as dense as ever.
"But I don't have a problem." I'm not so sure about that Ash. I'm pretty sure the cobwebs are getting pretty thick inside that head of yours.
"Maybe, but I'm going to need your help to explore the issues which may be causing your Chikorita's behaviour." Ash agreed, after I kicked him quickly in the leg to make him think quickly so we all went into Nurse Joy's office where Ash gently set Chikorita down, who had since fallen asleep due to exhaustion.
Ash explained through the events of the day which had led to Chikorita's behaviour and Nurse Joy took down notes as Misty, Brock and I sat and listened with curiosity. "Interesting." Nurse Joy said after she was done reviewing her notes. "You say Chikorita's refusal to return occurred when battling another trainer and his Ratticate earlier this evening?" Ash nodded his head.
"That's right. Chikorita took a lot of damage and it had taken a lot of damage so I wanted it to return and take a rest, but Chikorita wouldn't let Pikachu take over." Instantly Nurse Joy's eyes flashed with realisation as she inched forwards a little.
"I think I know the problem. Chikorita was suffering from envy." Nurse Joy told us but Ash growled impatiently.
"Not envy! I said we were battling with a Ratticate!" And for that, I whacked him on the back of his head again. "Stop that!"
"I will when you stop saying dumb things, genius." I said to him sharply. "Envy means jealousy. Chikorita was jealous!" Ash turned around and just looked at us blankly.
"Jealous of what?" Brock began to whine, biting into a handkerchief as he spoke in fast, jumbled words.
"Why do we have to talk about Chikorita? When is Nurse Joy going to concentrate on me?" He complained but Misty just shot him a look.
"One mental case at a time Brock." She said as Ash turned back to Nurse Joy.
"I give Chikorita plenty of attention Nurse Joy, why would it be jealous?" He questioned so Nurse Joy explained it to him.
"You wanted to substitute Pikachu when Chikorita felt it was on the verge of winning a battle for you. So it's understandable that Chikorita feels that you trust and care more for Pikachu, and it's jealous." Ash started back in shock before sighing and looking down at his Pokémon.
"Poor Chikorita."
"Don't worry Ash. I think we can work through it." Nurse Joy assured him, standing up. "Just follow me." She led us out of her office and down the hall where she opened a set of double doors to reveal a large oasis like garden. Chikorita took one sniff then leaped out of Ash's arms to explore.
"Why did we bring Chikorita here?" Ash asked.
"Chikorita is a grass type Pokémon so it needs lots of plants so it can be calmed and comfortable." She told him but then Brock ruined the mood by going all goofy again.
"I'm calmed when I'm around Nurse Joy, so I guess that must make me her type!" Misty's hand slipped forwards and grabbed his ear to yank him back into sense.
"Can it Casanova!" Nurse Joy turned back to Ash and smiled.
"Why don't you try to get Chikorita to return to its Pokéball now?" She suggested so he picked up her Pokéball and called her back. This time she returned without a fuss so Ash turned back to Nurse Joy.
"Do you really think this psychology stuff will help my Chikorita?" He asked with worry but Nurse Joy reassured him with confidence.
"Yes I do. The new Pokémon therapies are quite effective, but I think it's best if your Chikorita stays in the greenhouse tonight." I for one wasn't sure this was a good idea. Chikorita was very sensitive about Ash and if it's attention it wants, then she'll find a way to get it.
"Nurse Joy?" I questioned as she took Ash's Pokéball. "Not that I'm trying to undermine you, but don't you think it would be better for Ash and Chikorita to just spend time together alone?" I suggested then looked at Ash. "I mean, the way he got Chikorita to trust him in the first place was by rescuing her from a blizzard, and all she wants is to be Ash's favourite so I have a feeling she'll try something to get it." I said then looked back to her. "I know I don't have a degree in anything and I'm only a kid, but I am good with interpreting a Pokémon's feelings, and I'm sure that all Chikorita needs is some one on one time with Ash so that he can let her know how much he appreciates her."
Nurse Joy thought about it for a moment, humming quietly but then Ash spoke up. "Yeah! That's a great idea! I could stay here in the greenhouse tonight with Chikorita and we'll just have a talk about things. I'm sure I can get her to move past this, I know I can!"
"Well…it is encouraged to have the Pokémon's trainer involved with the counselling in all ways possible, so I guess it might be an idea." Nurse Joy said before smiling. "Alright. I think we should give it a try." I turned to Ash and held out my hands, letting him hand over all his Pokémon to me.
"Don't worry, we'll take good care of them." I promised him. "You and Chikorita just take things slow and steady, but please Ash, don't be a bonehead and try to be sensitive to Chikorita's feelings." I told him, unslinging my bag then pulled out a thick envelope and handed it to him. "These might help, they're photos of all of us since we got here in Johto I printed off today. There's a few of you and Chikorita together so maybe they'll come in handy."
"Thanks Ruby, you're the greatest." He said, taking them carefully from me before kneeling down to face Pikachu. "You'll be okay buddy for one night without me, won't you?"
"Pika!" Pikachu assured him before climbing up onto my shoulder, making me smile as he waved at Ash. "Pika Pikachu."
"Well, now that's settled, I think we should all have a nice long rest." Nurse Joy said. "Feel free to close the windows, it might get a little draughty tonight." She said as she herded us out of the greenhouse. "Goodnight!"
"Goodnight Ash!" We all called before the doors were shut behind us.
"Do you think they're going to be okay?" Misty worried but Brock nodded his head.
"They'll be fine. Chikorita likes Ash so much I doubt it could stay angry at him for long." This was try. I guess only the morning will tell. We went to our dorms and tonight Pikachu slept on my bed, curled up with me and I assured him that everything would be fine and that none of this was his fault.
We slept through until the morning where we got up, dressed and instantly went down to the greenhouse, almost unsure whether or not to open the door. "Go on Brock." Misty ushered and he looked at us.
"Why do I have to open it?"
"Because you're the oldest." I answered simply. "Plus we're girls. Men are supposed to open the door for girls all the time." Defeated by my wit Brock turned and reached out to open the door whilst I held Pikachu in my arms nervously, waiting to see if Ash had been cut into ribbons or was still in one piece.
Suddenly the door was pushed open from the other side and Ash emerged, smiling proudly. "Well?" We all asked. "How did it go?" He laughed then stepped back to reveal a very happy looking Chikorita.
"Great! We're best buddies again, right Chikorita?"
"Chika!" She agreed, rubbing her head into his leg and he smiled before handing back my photos.
"They really helped Ruby, thank you. Chikorita especially liked the ones on the top." He told me so I pulled them from the envelope and took a look, Brock and Misty crowding around my shoulders.
"How about we go back inside and take a look at all of them?" I suggested. "The greenhouse looks much warmer than this corridor."
"Pika Pika!" Pikachu agreed, jumping from my shoulder to Ash's. Chikorita blinked up at Ash, a moment of hurt flashing through her eyes but he turned a smile down to her.
"Come on Chikorita, the other shoulder is just for you." He told her and her face lit up with joy.
"Chika!" She sprang up and nuzzled into Ash's face as he laughed and turned to head back into the greenhouse. I spread out the photos and together we looked over them all, picking out our favourites. Chikorita chose the one where she was kissing Ash's face when she first joined our group and I'll admit, it was an adorable photo.
Misty chose her favourite to be the one where she was playing with all her water Pokémon and they had been splashing in a lake, the droplets all catching the light and the high definition of my camera caught each sparkle to perfection. "These are all amazing Ruby, I just can't decide!" Brock said, looking over them all.
"Well I have my favourite and its right here!" He declared and I looked with a smile to see a photo of Ash sitting on the ground surrounded by his Pokémon, Chikorita sitting on his head with a bright smile and Pikachu settled in his lap.
Pikachu's favourite was a close up of himself, swallowing the entire picture with a cheeky grin and I guessed it must have been one Ash took when they had been messing around with my camera. "Pikachu!"
"You look great Pikachu." I told him with a smile then looked down to the photos spread around me. There were so many to choose from I couldn't even decide. There the ones from my flights in the sky with Pidgeotto and Charizard, the ones were I played with Eevee and Dratini, captured when one of the others had got a hold of my camera, there was even the ones I had taken of Team Rocket covered in snow from our sneak attack back at the mountain lodge. "Well, you guys are free to take your favourites." I told them with a chuckle. "I've got them all saved on memory stick so I can always just print more."
"Thanks Ruby! What do you think Chikorita, shall we keep this one of you and me?" He asked and Chikorita nodded her head, lifting up the photo with her vines to give it to him. He selected a few more, including Pikachu's favourite before tucking them safely away, though I had already snapped up some more photos of us all looking at the photos and comparing with one another. It was definitely a good start to the day, I just hope everything got better from then on.
