Questions and Answers:
Will you be continuing this story over into other arcs such as Johto etc?
Yes I intend to continue over several regions, though I am not yet sure how far as of yet.
Will you be following cannon or doing your own thing?
Probably a little bit of both, though there will be points in the fiction which will deviate from the anime as it will follow Ruby's POV
Will any of the main characters capture any legendary Pokémon?
Definitely not in the first arc, however in later works...who knows? Let me know what kind of legendary Pokémon you would like Ruby or others to catch and I will see if it is possible.
Will Ash be Ruby's love interest?
I am saying nothing as of yet ;)
Waking with a yawn I gradually opened my eyes, groaning slightly as I felt Pidgey pecking at me to wake me up. "Okay, I'm awake." I moaned, sitting up whilst still cocooned in my sleeping bag like a Caterpie. Quickly I glanced around the clearing but was glad to see that Charmander was still curled up on the other side of the fire, curled up sweetly into a tiny ball. He looked adorable.
"Well Pidgey, we'd better start thinking about building up our team soon if we're going to lose one of us soon." I murmured sleepily, stretching up my arms then wiggled out of my sleeping bag to roll it up and put it away.
I got breakfast going, some porridge with a sprinkling of sugar then fed Pidgey some of her favourite treats though she also went hunting herself and was quite happy to eat a few worms. "Charmander? You need to wake up now. We've got to get going again." In answer a tail whipped out and smacked me on top of my head. "Argh! That hurts!" I yelped, pouting as I drew back swiftly whilst clutching the top of my head. "I need to start wearing a helmet, I think." Shooting Charmander a look I put my hands on my hips. "Don't make me douse you with water, or get Pidgey to send a Gust at you."
Charmander yawned sleepily, ignoring my threats and I slumped instantly, groaning. "I am not carrying you if that's what you want." Still no answer. "Great." I searched around the clearing for a stick and found one only a few feet. It was also long, which was exactly what I needed.
Scooping it up I cautiously approached the sleeping Charmander, trying to be as quiet as possible as not to startle him. "Charmander? Wake up now." I cooed softly then began to prod Charmander in the side.
There was a low growl and his face frowned in irritation. "Wakey wakey!" Giving one last prod I finally got his attention. He opened his jaws and snapped them down on the stick, snapping it with one powerful bite and I yelped, dropping my instrument of torture and leaped back. "Okay! Sorry!" Groaning and rubbing my head I suddenly remembered that Charmander had a Pokéball. "I'm so dumb sometimes."
Picking it up from my belt I clicked the button. "Return Charmander." He was swallowed back into the ball just as Pidgey arrived back from her morning flight. "Feeling better?" I asked and she cooed at me cheerfully. "Great, let's get going then." I beamed then let her land on my shoulder before collecting the rest of my things together and setting off again.
I stopped at a stream to wash my face and refresh myself then continued on, though nothing really happened. A few times I came across a Pokémon which I recorded with Dexter but none of them were ones I particularly wanted to capture. They were mainly normal type Pokémon and if I was to become the greatest trainer of them all, I was going to need a team of strong, varied Pokémon types.
Pidgey was flying, so that ground was covered. I should probably get an electric and water type Pokémon as they cover quite a lot of ground for type advantages, however there was one other small problem. I would need to find a Pokémon to replace Charmander, as after I take him home then I would be without a fire type Pokémon.
With a sigh I looked up to the sky, seeing a flock of Pidgey overhead then smiled. "We'll make everything work out, Pidgey. You wait and see. Everything just needs to work out the way it chooses and we'll make the best of every situation that we can." Pidgey chirped in agreement then flew forwards, scouting the path ahead to check for danger.
Just ahead I could see Viridian City and a smile broke across my face. "Alright! Not bad timing hey guys? It's nearly dinner time, so let's go get some good food!" I began to run ahead, grinning happily then pranced into the city.
"Hold it!" I skidded to a halt, freezing in place. "Who are you and where are you going?" A stern female's voice demanded and I turned to face an officer with blue hair, her uniform the perfect image of pristine neatness. My mom would have approved.
"Oh, I'm Ruby. Ruby Bates." I informed her. "I'm a Pokémon Trainer heading towards Pewter City to get my fist badge but I was hoping to stop here for the night, or catch a bus to the next city." Smiling nervously I clasped my hands behind my back as the officer looked at my curiously.
"Hmm, do you have identification?"
"Identification? No I don't, I'm just a kid who only got their licence yesterday. Please, I haven't done anything wrong!" I began to plead, worried that she thought I was some criminal or something.
"That's what they all say." She told me, placing her hands on her hips. "Do you have a Pokédex at all?" Nodding my head I pulled it out to show her whereby she then began to press some buttons.
"I'm Dexter. A Pokédex programme by Professor Oak for Pokémon Trainer Ruby Bates of the town of Pallet. My function is to provide Ruby with information and advice regarding Pokémon and their training. If lost or stolen I cannot be replaced." I blinked in surprise.
"Dexter is my identification?" I questioned and the officer smiled at me with a nod.
"Uh huh, see? It has your picture too. Aren't you pretty?" I blushed and scuffed a stone with my shoe.
"Thank you ma'am." Just then I heard a flap of wings and Pidgey landed on my shoulder with a soft cry.
"Pidgey!" I laughed.
"Hi! Did you find any big worms?" Pidgey nodded her head and I giggled. "Well I hope you didn't bring any back for me this time."
"Is that your Pokémon?" The officer asked and I nodded.
"Yeah! Pidgey has been in my family for years but mom insisted I take her with me on my journey, to keep me extra safe though Professor Oak gave me a starter Pokémon anyway. I chose a Charmander, you know." Instantly my smile dropped and I looked down. "Though he doesn't want to stay with me. He wants to go home so I'm taking him back to Cinnabar Island where the other fire Pokémon live to try and find his family."
"Aw that's so sad yet so good of you." The officer said to me. "I'm Officer Jenny, it's nice to meet you Ruby. I'm sorry about the rude interrogation but you see, we've been having a problem with Pokémon thieves lately. We've been on the lookout for any suspicious strangers for a while now." She smiled at me. "But you seem like a good kid, so I'll let you be on your way. The Pokémon Centre is just up ahead, just a few minutes down the road. You should rest your Pokémon there so that they're ready for the next part of your journey."
"Gee, thanks!" I smiled, stroking Pidgey's head. "Come on Pidgey, I'll race you!" I called then ran off but turned to wave back at Officer Jenny. "Goodbye! Thanks again!"
"Just be careful!" She yelled after me. "And don't break any laws!" I giggled then ran on, Pidgey flying slowly overhead as to not make me feel bad for pitifully losing to her speed. The Pokémon Centre was hardly difficult to find, seeing as it was so large I could hardly miss it.
I walked in through the double doors to see a pretty pink haired nurse sitting at the desk, typing away at her computer but upon seeing me she smiled. "Good afternoon! How can I help you?"
"Hello, my name's Ruby. I was wondering if you could just heal up my Pokémon for me and possibly spare a room for the night, please? We've had a long couple of days and we had a fight with another trainer, though my Charmander was the one who took most of the hits."
"Of course! If you would just hand over your Pokémon then I'll be glad to heal them for you." She nodded to me, standing up and pulled out a tray for me to put my Pokémon on. I picked up Pidgey's Pokéball then directed it towards her.
"Come on Pidgey, you deserve some proper rest. Return." Pidgey flapped her wings then flew into the jet of red light, allowing herself to be withdrawn into her Pokéball.
"Thank you, we'll have them healed in no time." The nurse assured me. "You have nothing to worry about. My name is Nurse Joy, please, make yourself at home whilst you wait."
"Thank you." I smiled then walked over to a table where there were some biscuits and a few magazines so I selected one of the treats then began to flick through my favourite Pokémon magazine.
Time flew away and before I knew it, it was dark and I was hungry so I ate some sandwiches then looked around. Without warning the doors flew open and a motorcycle came skidding inside, trailing smoke as it burned against the ground.
Officer Jenny planted her foot down and I leaped up, looking with confusion as a boy jumped out, cradling a Pokémon in his arms. "We have a driveway you know."
"It's a Pokémon emergency!" Officer Jenny argued, her face stern and serious as the boy stepped forwards with worry and deep concern as I made my way down to see closer.
"Please help it!" Wait a moment, I know that boy, it's Ash Ketchum! Although I've only seen him around school and never really talked to him, we were always at Professor Oak's summer camps trying our best to be the best, though Gary would always beat us somehow.
"Looks like a Pikachu. We'll do what we can." Nurse Joy said then turned to her computer. "I need a stretcher for a small electric Pokémon, STAT!" In less than no time two Chansey came calmly forwards pushing the stretcher, wearing sweet little nurse hats and bright smiles. Ash handed the Pikachu over to Nurse Joy and she carefully set it on the stretcher. "It'll be okay." She said confidently. "Rush this Pokémon to the critical care unit." Oh that poor Pokémon, I hope he'll be okay.
Firmly nodding their head the two Chansey wheeled the Pikachu away with a soft murmur. "Chansey…"
"Hey Ash?" I took this moment to speak up and both Ash and Officer Jenny looked at me.
"Oh Ruby! I'm glad you found the Pokémon Centre nice and easy." Jenny smiled at me and I gave her a brief smile too before looking at Ash who blinked.
"Oh uh, hi Ruby."
"Hey, was that your Pokémon Professor Oak gave you?" I questioned and Ash instantly hung his head, his cap hiding his face from view.
"Yeah, but we got attacked by a swarm of Spearow! We both got pretty beat up but then Pikachu used the last of its strength to protect me. It's all my fault he's like this and now he's in critical care!" I reached out and touched his shoulder with a comforting smile.
"It's okay, Nurse Joy knows what she's doing, your Pikachu is in the best place it could be for great care and rest." Ash looked up a little hopefully so I smiled a little further then let go. We looked to Nurse Joy who was pulling on some operation gloves.
"We'll begin the treatment right away." She informed us all.
"Uh…" Ash started, taking a step forwards but Nurse Joy merely looked at him.
"Who are you?" Officer Jenny was the one to answer, her warm smile soothing everyone's concerns for a moment.
"His name is Ash. He's the Pokémon's trainer." Quickly Ash spoke out.
"If there's anything I can do, please just tell me!" Wow, it looks like he really cares about his Pokémon despite only having it for such a short amount of time. Their bond must be really strong.
"You can be more responsible." Nurse Joy told him sternly with a stern face.
"Huh?"
"If you want to become a Pokémon trainer young man, you don't let your Pokémon battle until it's in this condition!"
"But you don't know what happened!" Ash tried to explain but Nurse Joy placed her hands on her hips and gave him a look of disapproval.
"What's past is past. Now we have to heal your Pikachu." Ash hung his head for a moment and stepped back before summoning the courage to look Nurse Joy in the eye once more.
"What can I do?" He pressed so Nurse Joy exhaled then softened her features, giving Ash a smile.
"Just leave everything to me." Ash looked down at his feet once more, feeling ashamed so I stepped closer and took off the blanket I had wrapped around me and placed it around his shoulders to offer him some warmth.
"It's in your hands." Officer Jenny said as she saluted. "I know you'll give the Pokémon excellent care." Nurse Joy beamed sweetly.
"You got it here just in time!"
"That's my job!" Officer Jenny trilled brightly then blinked, her face falling guiltily. "Oh my goodness! I left my motorcycle parked at the front desk!" Nurse Joy chuckled.
"Next time use the driveway." She reminded gently then waved as Officer Jenny walked off with a quiet laugh. "Ash?" We both looked to Nurse Joy who turned to head to the critical care unit. "You'll have to go to the waiting room."
"Can't I…?" But Nurse Joy had already stepped through into the critical care unit and the doors slid shut behind her, a bright red cross painted on their front.
"It's okay Ash, your Pikachu will be fine now." I assured him. "Remember Nurse Joy said you got it here in time, so try not to worry." Putting my arm around him I smiled. "I'll get you some hot chocolate and something to eat, you look terrible!" In answer his stomach growled.
"Yeah, I guess that would be nice." He muttered despondently, still hanging his head. "I just hope Pikachu will be okay."
"It'll all be fine. You wait and see." Smiling confidently I sat him down then went over to a hot station and bought him some hot chocolate. I also pulled out some readymade food from my backpack and let him pick at it though I think he was really too nervous to eat.
I sat with him, not really knowing what to say. At eight the clock cooed as the Pidgey sprang in and out of its little house, signalling the hour and I yawned, feeling quite tired but I decided to stay up, because there was no way I could sleep without knowing how Pikachu was. The poor little guy.
"You know, I think I'll call home and let my mom know where I am." Ash said and I leaped up.
"Oh! That's a great idea. I completely forgot to call my family." I laughed guiltily. "Oops, silly me. I'd forget my head if it wasn't screwed on tight." I shook my head then went over to one of the phone stations to type in my home phone number.
I listened to it ring before finally my dad picked up. "Hello? This is William Bates speaking."
"Hi dad!" I called down the phone and instantly there was a scramble.
"Hi honey!" Dad laughed. "How are you? Where are you?"
"Honey are you hurt? Do you need us to come and get you?" Mom instantly took over, probably having just snatched the phone from my dad and I giggled as the screen filled with their faces practically pressed to the lens.
"I'm fine mom, honest! Not a scratch or bruise." A slight lie but she didn't need to know that. I was covered in a few scratches and bruises from falling over but nothing was serious, so it was fine. "I'm at Vermilion City Pokémon Centre and I'm going to stay here the night before going on to Pewter City tomorrow, so everything's great! I even won my first battle, thanks to Pidgey of course." I grinned and dad forced his hand against mom's face to take over the screen.
"That's great honey, we're so proud of you." He smiled lovingly and I couldn't help but grin back but then mom shoved him out the way.
"Are you remembering to wash your face in the mornings? And is there somewhere you can wash your clothes because I cannot stand the thought of you wearing the same set of clothes for more than two days in a row!" I laughed again.
"There's everything I need right here mom, so don't worry. My clothes are already washed, dried and packed again." I assured her then shifted in my seat to get comfier. "I'm making sure that I eat and brush my teeth, my shoes are perfectly intact and I'm getting plenty of sleep." I listened all the next questions she was likely to ask me before she could go off in a long list of demands.
"That's brilliant sweetie, I'm glad you're taking care of yourself." Dad said, pushing mom out the way again. "Don't forget to stock up on supplies before you leave in the morning, it's important that you consider your health and wellbeing as much as your Pokémon's." He told me diplomatically and I nodded my head.
"I'll make sure I restock, don't worry." I nodded then blinked as mom practically barrelled him into the ground to stand in view of the camera.
"Honey, are you remembering to train your Pokémon against other Pokémon to make them stronger? It's something your father never did which is why he always lost his battles." Mom said and dad lifted him off the ground with a crestfallen expression.
"Hey! I did not lose every battle. Only most of them." I giggled as mom blew him a kiss and he instantly sobered.
"Yes mom, but not all the time. Like you said, it's also important that you pace your Pokémon so that they will still have the strength to battle other trainers and keep you safe whilst in the wild." I lifted my finger to recite her perfectly. "I've got everything under control, so don't worry." I smiled to them. "I miss you."
"We miss you too honey." Dad answered but mom pressed a hand into his face and pushed him back, taking up the entire screen as she leaned forwards.
"Are you homesick? Do you want to come home? You are looking rather pale, honey, maybe you should let us pick you up then you can start your journey again perhaps when you're a little older." I groaned, face falling as my head slumped lower into my shoulders.
"No mom, I'm perfectly fine. I have to do this on my own so I can find out who I really am. It's all great."
"That's the spirit Ruby!" Dad cheered. "Now you go get some rest. We love you so much and we're both very proud of you. Aren't we my dear?" Dad looked to mom and she sighed sadly.
"Of course honey, we're extremely proud of how grown up you're being. I'm sorry I worry so much, I just miss my baby girl so much already." I smiled and nodded my head.
"I understand mom. It's okay. Goodnight, I love you both!" I waved at them and blew a kiss which mom pretended to catch.
"We love you too!" Reaching out I cut the call then sighed, leaning back in the chair whilst rubbing my head.
"Wow, and I thought my mom worried." Ash said to me and I laughed shyly.
"Yeah, that's my mom. She used to make me wear a helmet when I went out to play in the garden in case something would fall out of the sky and land on my head." Standing up I looked towards the doors where Pikachu had been taken away through. "Any news?"
"No." He sighed sadly, lowering his head again.
"Now I've got you!" A voice yelled and I turned my head to stare at a red headed girl carrying a completely demolished bike on her back, glaring angrily at Ash. She wore tiny shorts and a cream crop top with suspenders, a really cool outfit if you ask me. Makes my shirt and shorts look just tacky. "I knew I'd find you here!" She accused, breathing heavily.
"Hey what happened to your bike?" Ash asked, pointing at it as he stood rooted to the spot.
"What happened to my bike?" She repeated in disbelief. "You happened to my bike you little loser!" She snapped, pointing to the melted tyres and crumbled frame, every inch of it blackened and crispy.
"You did that? Wow, I'm impressed." I said to Ash though I probably did not help the girl's temper.
"It's not funny!" I gave a little shrug then lifted my hands with a guilty laugh.
"Sorry." She stepped closer to Ash, focusing her unbridled fury on him as she continued on her rampage.
"This is all that's left after you stole it to save your Pokémon! Now I can see why your Pokémon is in the…woah-woah-WOAH!" She began to wobble, the weight of her bike pulling her backwards despite it being a complete wreck.
"Watch out!" I called and dove forwards, trying to steady her but the girl fell backwards and squashed me beneath her, forcing the air from my lungs. "Ow." I pouted, flinching as I felt her elbow dig into my back. "That hurt."
"Oh! Let me help you!" Ash ran forwards and tried to offer a hand to the redhead but she slapped his hand away, still flattened on top of me.
"I don't need your help! And you're going to pay for what you did to my bike!" She sprang to her feet then stopped. "Huh?" Hearing my groaning on the ground she turned and looked at me. "Oh I'm sorry! I didn't see you down there."
"What, you thought the floor just happened to be softer than usual?" I questioned as she helped me up then began to ask if I was okay. "I'm fine, I'm fine, just going to be a little more bruised than before." I smiled at her. "I'm Ruby! It's nice to meet you, and this is Ash. We're both from Pallet Town." She gave me a smile.
"Hi, I'm Misty." But then her face darkened and she clenched her fists, turning a threatening look to Ash. "I mean what I said! You're going to get me a new bike or else I'm going to make you pay dearly for destroying it!"
"I'll make up for it, I promise I will, really!" Ash answered then nervously looked back towards the critical care unit. "But I can't do anything about your bike until…"
"Ugh! I don't want any of your lame excuses kid, I just want a new bike right now!" Wow, Misty can be scary. She even rivalled my mom and that's saying something.
"It's my Pikachu. My Pikachu's not too good." He murmured softly whilst looking at his face and Misty instantly relaxed and showed a little sympathy, blinking at him. We all looked to the bright red light that sat on wall above the double doors.
"Is it very serious?" Misty asked in a tiny, caring voice.
"I think so. And there's nothing I can do to help now." I rubbed Ash's arm in a comforting way. I knew what it felt like to be so useless in such a situation. I remember Pidgey once getting seriously hurt after a fight with some Rattata who were threatening some young kids and I'd foolishly sent her in alone instead of running to get help. She handled them all pretty well but took a big beating herself. I'd waited for ages in the Pokémon Centre hoping and praying that she would be alright but felt so completely useless as I couldn't do anything to help.
Suddenly the light went off and we all gasped, watching as the doors opened to reveal Nurse Joy, Chansey and Pikachu still on his stretcher, either asleep or unconscious with a band around his head and a light bulb, signalling his electricity levels. "Oh!" Ash raced forwards with us two close behind. "Pikachu are you alright?" He called out but Pikachu gave no sign of hearing him.
"Your Pikachu is resting. It's a good thing you got it here so fast, the procedure went well and it should be fine." Nurse Joy informed and we all let out a collective sigh of relief.
"Thanks to the Pokémon Centre." Misty put in then looked to Ash who had a wide, relieved smile on his face.
"Yes, thank you so much." He looked down at Pikachu, which looked like a yellow rodent really but it looked adorable to me.
"Now all your Pokémon needs is a good rest in the recovery room. You should go in with it Ash." Nurse Joy said to the boy next to me who beamed and nodded his head.
"Thanks." He then looked to Misty, an apologetic look on his features and I rolled my eyes with a shake of my head. "Listen, I'm sorry about your bike, but I'm going to need some time to make things right." But her rage escalated and she leaned into Ash's face, eyes becoming dark and stormy.
"No way! I fell for that last time." She snapped at him, frightening the lights out of Ash and I giggled. This was too funny. "Well, you should take care of Pikachu now and we'll settle up later."
"Uh…okay." Ash answered nervously, carefully watching Misty to see if she would go off in a rage again. Suddenly the room was filled with sirens and I squeaked, my clenched fists jumping to my mouth and I nibbled on my knuckles nervously.
"Your attention please!" Officer Jenny's voice called out and we all looked to the speakers up on the ceiling, shaped like three Pokéballs. "Our Viridian City radar sensors have detected an air craft belonging to a gang of Pokémon thieves. If you have a Pokémon in your possession, then exercise extreme caution!"
"Pokémon thieves!" I yelped. "They can't have my Pokémon, I'd rather throw myself into a lake of Gyarados than let them take my Pokémon!" Misty shivered.
"Gyarados scare me." She whined and I shivered too. On second thoughts, maybe a lake of Magikarp would be a better idea. Suddenly there was a smash and we all gasped and looked up to see two Pokéballs come crashing through the glass pane on the roof and land on the ground.
The lids popped open and suddenly we were faced with an Ekans and Koffing. "Agh! It's an Ekans!" I yelped. "Ekans scare me more than a rabid Ratticate!" Leaping backwards I sucked in a deep breath, staring as the snake Pokémon hissed at us.
"Koffing!" The round, gas emitting Pokémon grunted then floated through the air, using its Smog attack to fill the room with a dark smoke that irritated my throat and caused me to cough along with everyone else.
"What are-who are they?" Ash asked as he leaned over Pikachu, preparing to protect the Pokémon from anyone and anything.
"Don't be frightened, little boy." A woman's voice said and I peered through smog to see two shapes beginning to form. One was a woman, with long hair that curved backwards and the other a man with slightly longer hair than what was usual for a guy.
"Allow us to introduce ourselves." The man spoke and slowly I began to see their faces. The woman was admittedly quite pretty, though there was a malicious look about her that I did not like. She wore large green earrings and her pink lipstick was only a few shades brighter than her hair.
"To protect the world from devastation." She began to recite and I blinked before looking to the man who spoke next. His hair was a purplish blue colour and his eyes were green but he also held a rose in his hand, which was quite odd.
"To unite all people within our nation."
"To denounce the evils of truth and love." The woman continued and finally I could see them clearly. I scrutinised their outfits, quietly thinking how unattractive they were. The woman wore a short white crop top with a black band underneath as well as a dangerously short skirt, black gloves that reached past her elbows to the sleeves of her uniform top, which also had a large red 'R' with a split up the centre. The man was similarly styled though he wore longer white trousers and his shirts was longer, though there was still a split and he wore black underneath.
"To extend our reach to the stars above." He continued, holding the soft rose petals to his face as the smog continued to clear. My hand instantly went for Pidgey's Pokéball but my eyes widened when I realised that she wasn't there.
"Jessie!"
"James." They introduced and I began to slowly frown at them. These people were weird, who in heck are they?
"Team Rocket blast off at the speed of light!" Oh, that explains it.
"Surrender now or prepare to fight." James finished in a calmer tone than Jessie, both of them smirking sickeningly.
"Meowth! That's right." A little Meowth finished, jumped down from the roof to land between the two with his shiny amulet glinting at the centre of his brow. Wait, did that Meowth just talk?
"What are you talking about?" Ash asked worriedly, keeping a hold onto Pikachu's recovery bed.
"He just doesn't get it, does he?" Jessie smirked whilst looking menacingly at the four of us and I shall admit, I was more than happy to shrink back behind Misty. That girl was probably the only thing in this room more frightening than those two Team Rocket members.
"How can I? You're not making any sense." Ash retorted simply as James stepped forwards to Jessie's side.
"We're here for the Pokémon." He revealed and I gasped, fists jumping to my mouth as my knees began to tremble and buckle.
"You're not getting Pikachu!" Ash suddenly found his mettle and somehow that gave me courage too, because I stepped forwards and held out my fist to them.
"Or any of my Pokémon. You dare touch one Pokéball and you'll have me to deal with!" Jessie laughed.
"Pikachu? We're not interested in your precious electric rat, or your whimpering Pokémon little girl." I growled under my breath. Maybe I should introduce them to Charmander? Then they'll be sorry they called him a wimp.
"We seek only rare and valuable Pokémon." James continued, still holding his rose.
"You're wasting your time." Nurse Joy told them bravely. "This is a centre for weak and injured Pokémon." Jessie cocked an eyebrow and let her smirk grow a little, which chilled me to the bone.
"Well that may be so, but I wouldn't be at all surprised if we find a few Pokémon gems among all the junk." Shaking off my chill I stepped forwards and held up my hands, trying to play for a little time to come up with a plan.
"Hold it! Everyone stop where they are, don't move, don't blink, don't even breath, I have some important questions to ask." Waving my hands I looked at Jessie and James who were looking at me with surprise, their mouths hanging slightly open. "First," Looking down with a deep sigh, pulling on a serious face I began to form the question. I sprang back into position, one hand on my waist whilst frowning at them. "Why are you wearing peas on your ears and why do you have a rose? They're both totally last season and where did you get those boots? Because they seriously look like they need to be replaced and when was the last time you two had a bath? Or is that just your Koffing that stinks because seriously, that is some serious odour right there." I pinched my nose together and pretended to retch.
"How dare you! These earrings belonged to my friend who stole them from a friend who swiped them from a stall!" I arched an unimpressed eyebrow.
"Figures. They're quite lame and tacky."
"Urgh!" Jessie growled deeply, eyes blazing in anger. "You little twerp! You'll pay for that!" She threatened so I merely yawned, keeping up my false bravado as long as I could.
"Sure, you do that. I'll just be waiting for the next century to roll around because by that time, maybe you'd have caught up with fashion and I'll be more willing to let myself be seen in public with you." Steam practically blew out of Jessie's ears as she snarled in rage, James clutching his heart as he flung a dramatic arm over his eyes.
"The wound, it has been cut deep into my soul!"
"Pull it together you clowns and let's get those Pokémon!" Meowth snapped then swiped his claws, leaving several light scratches across both Jessie and James's faces and they yelped from the sting.
"You're starting to bug me." Ash growled and I sucked in a deep breath to boost my confidence.
"Isn't that cute?" Jessie retorted and Ash glared at her with irritation as I slowly began to inch closer to the others again.
"The boy's bugged." James agreed.
"Meowth! Then let's squash him!" Meowth suggested.
"Koffing, attack!"
"Ekans, go!" All courage then disappeared.
"ARGH! GET IT AWAY!" Spinning around I shoved everyone forwards, pelting away as Koffing spread more of his Smog attack and I heard Ekans hiss somewhere within it. "Let's go, let's go!" I chorused, causing everyone to yell as I pushed the recovery bed with everyone else practically on it.
Just as we raced around the corner Ekans shot out of the Smog and I yelped in fear, hearing as it smashed into the computer and blew it up, completely demolishing it. Nurse Joy managed to leap off the bed and led the way, taking us into the Pokéball holding facility to hide from Team Rockat's Pokémon. Not a moment after the doors had slid shut I heard the Pokémon go past, the hiss of Ekans making me tingle nervously all over. I always hated snakes.
The lights flickered overhead, hissing slightly before going out completely. "Hey, the lights!" Misty noted and I instantly nibbled on my knuckles.
"They must have cut the power." Nurse Joy explained but then smiled. "But we've got our own Pika-Power source!" Suddenly the lights flickered back on again and I gasped, looking up and around before I spotted where the source of electricity was coming from.
A ring of Pikachu were running on a turbine, their electricity sparking from their cheeks which then shot up into a large disk which then fed the Pokémon Centre its electricity. "Wow look at all the Pikachu!" Misty exclaimed as she pressed her face up against the glass.
"Oh they're so cute! I totally want one." I giggled as we both watched them run, listening to their sweet calls as they encouraged one another on. Suddenly the computer flashed on and an electronic voice began to speak.
"A crisis situation has arisen. Initiating emergency Pokéball transport sequence."
"We have to save those Pokéballs!" Nurse Joy said to us all and I watched as a claw picked up a Pokéball then carefully carried it over to a bowl topped device which began to tunnel the Pokéballs towards another machine which shot out bright jets of white light until the entire Pokéball vanished.
"Woah…" I breathed, impressed already.
"This is the Viridian City Pokémon Centre. We have an emergency situation. Transporting Pokéballs!" Nurse Joy said aloud into the microphone and she was swiftly answered.
"This is the Pewter City Pokémon Centre." The woman's voice replied so I turned and continued to watch the transaction, holding a hand to my pounding heart. Looking over to Pikachu I felt sorry for the little critter. He still looked in bad shape, it'll be a while before he would be able to leave here.
Just as I was starting to get my hearteat under control again, black smog started to pour in through the cracks in the doors and I gasped, stumbling backwards. "Hey, guys?" I pointed and everyone spun around in time to see the doors burst open and Koffing came floating inside. "Koffing!" He smashed clumsily into one of the cases and it shattered upon impact, scattering Pokéballs everywhere.
"Get those Pokéballs!" Nurse Joy commanded and I instantly flustered to get them off the ground.
"Right, this is war!" Misty declared and I yelped, almost dropping those that were in my arms. "Don't just hold them, throw them!"
"Right! Pokéball, here we go!" Ash yelled as he flung the ball forwards. I stepped back and began to feed the Pokéballs through into the transmitter, helping to get a few more to safety. The Pokémon appeared from the Pokéball and when I saw it, my heart leaped for joy.
"Pidgey!" I called but then frowned. "Wait, you're not my Pidgey." It was the wrong colour. This Pidgey had darker feathers to my Pidgey. Also, the moment Ekans appeared in front of it, the Pidgey screeched in terror and hurriedly flew away.
"That thing can't beat us." Jessie crowed as she and James stood at the door, standing sideways on with stylish poses. I'm really starting to dislike those guys.
"No? Well try this one!" Ash returned then flung another Pokéball. "Pokéball, here we go!" This time, however, when the lid sprung open it revealed to already be empty. "Uh…empty?"
"We're never going to beat them that way." Clenching my fists I jumped forwards, standing in front of the others.
"Alright, I've had enough of you all." I growled then turned back to Ash. "You get Pikachu out of here to safety, Nurse Joy, save the rest of those Pokéballs. Misty? Get a Pokémon from somewhere. You and I are going to take on these dumb grunts."
"Dumb grunts? Who do you think you are twerp?" Jessie demanded but I merely smirked, my confidence doubling as I pressed my fingers to my lips then blew as hard as I could. A loud, shrill whistle shot out from my mouth and Team Rocket flinched, clapping hands to their ears but as I glanced around, one of the Pokéballs wriggled.
"Alright, come on out!" I grinned, turning to face Pidgey's Pokéball as it snapped open.
"Pidgey!" My bird Pokémon called out as the light faded to reveal her pretty speckled body, her wings spread to let her saw over us.
"Pidgey, let's take down these losers!" I called and Pidgey came to perch on my offered arm, calling out proudly and confidently.
"Pidgey!" Misty came forwards too with a smile, Pokéball in hand.
"We'll take care of these three clowns, let's do it!" Jessie laughed, arching a delicately eyebrow.
"That's pretty big talk for such a little lady." Misty smirked.
"At least you're right about the pretty part, thanks for the compliment." I laughed, letting Pidgey hop to the ground where she lowered her stance and spread her wings, preparing for my command.
"The girl thinks she's pretty." James commented slyly and Jessie gave a sour little laugh.
"I agree with her. I think she's pretty too. Pretty pathetic!" Misty's face and entire demeanour changed at the insult and I glanced at her as she growled.
"Agh, I'll show you! Pokéball go!" Pidgey hopped back with a call as the Pokémon formed into shape and I was met with a fish. A pretty fish, with billowing fins and tail but still, a fish.
"Goldeen…Goldeen, Goldeen, Goldeen, Goldeen…" It sang softly as it flailed on the ground. Misty directed the Pokéball back to the pink fish Pokémon.
"Goldeen, return." This time Team Rocket didn't hide their amusement at the rather lame attempt at intimidation.
"That's her best shot?" That Jessie is seriously beginning to twist my tail.
"She's all washed up." And their puns were seriously out of date too.
"You know as well as I do that a water Pokémon can't battle on land. I was just warming up." Misty told them with a bold expression on her face.
"Warming up?" Ash questioned so Misty shot him a look and a hiss.
"Just get Pikachu out of here!"
"Right!" He yelped then began to race away.
"Okay Pidgey, it's up to you and me now." I said to her. "Don't be afraid, I'm right here beside you."
"Pidgey!" Jessie threw back her head and laughed.
"Is this the best you could do? A drowned out fish and a feathered flea bag?" My anger sparked at this. No one insults Pidgey and gets away with it.
"Hit them with your Gust attack Pidgey!" I yelled and Pidgey called out in agreement.
"Pidgey!" She rose up into the air and before either Jessie or James could react, they were flung back out into the corridor then flattened into the wall.
"Quick, get the rest of the Pokéballs!" Nurse Joy called but she sent a smile to me. "Excellent move, Ruby." I smiled shyly with a blush.
"Thanks! Pidgey packs a powerful Gust." Turning around I went to face Team Rocket again but found them all to be gone, even that scary Ekans. "Oh no! Pidgey, help me find them before they cause any more damage." I called then ran to find them Pidgey soaring ahead on her fast wings.
"Pidgey!" She called so I turned and followed her, letting her lead me back to the front of the Pokémon Centre where Ash was peddling hard on Misty's bike with Pikachu sitting at the front. Suddenly he began to spark and then his entire body was covered in sparks, generating a high voltage of electricity. "Pidgey quick, get back!" I yelled and held out my arms, letting her dive into me so that I could shield her with my body. I turned into the wall and hid in the corner, looking out through a small gap to see a powerful bolt shoot out from Pikachu, who directed it at Team Rocket.
They went up in bright sparks, the power from Pikachu's electricity sending them flying backwards through the roof as it exploded further, collapsing part of the building and I cried out in fear, only just hearing Pidgey's frightened coos as I kept her away from the voltage blast. If that's not a Thunderbolt then I don't know what is.
Pikachu's voice rang out clear, echoing as the pace of my heart matched the beating of a herd of Rapidash galloping across a plain. When the buzz died out I slowly uncurled myself and looked at the rubble around me, Pidgey shaking out her feathers before hopping to perch on my knee. "Pidgey?"
"I'm okay." I assured her then stood up, letting her fly up. "Ash! Pikachu!" I raced forwards, jumping over the rubble to where Ash lay on the ground groaning. "Ash, you okay? Come on talk to me!" I gripped his jacket and shook him as Pikachu got up and shook himself off.
"Pika? Pikapi!" He leaped over and nuzzled Ash's face worriedly. "Pikachu?" He sniffed, ears flattening down and I reached out to him, gently rubbing his head and neck.
"It's okay Pikachu, he's still breathing." I assured him gently but Pikachu stepped further up Ash's chest, sniffing him carefully before his body tensed. Instantly I whipped my hand back as Pikachu's eyes narrowed.
"Pikachu!" He snapped and a small shock jolted from him into Ash, who jerked upwards with a yell.
"WARGH!" I laughed, hiding my mouth behind my hand to try and cover the fact that I was laughing at someone else's pain. "Pikachu!" Ash grinned the moment he was fully conscious and Pikachu smiled.
"Pika!" Instantly Ash was tackled with a hug from Pikachu, who nuzzled into his chest and I smiled down at the adorable scene.
"Hey! Are you guys okay?" Misty called as she rushed through with Nurse Joy. I turned and smiled to them both, Pidgey resting happily on my shoulder.
"We're all great! Team Rocket won't be bothering us any longer." I grinned. "How about we all get some rest now? I'm exhausted!" We all blinked, looked around the rubble then began to laugh aloud. I couldn't stop giggling, it was probably because of the adrenaline that was still pumping through my body.
Perhaps I'll leave this little adventure out of my recollections when mom demands the full recount of my journey.
Thanks for reading guys! Remember to review with any questions as I always skim through them, though I would like to know some Pokémon you would like to see any of the main characters catch, so give me a heads up! See y'all :)
