Name Translations:
Sato – Ash
Lila – Anabel
Takeshi – Brock
Kasumi – Misty
Kojiro – James
Musashi – Jessie
Muno – Flint
Jiro – Forrest
-:-
On the route to Pewter City, three figures were working on digging a large hole in the middle of the road. It turned out that those three figures were Team Rocket.
"I don't know why we didn't think of this sooner," said Kojiro, continuing to dig.
"I know. I guess the simplest ideas are the most overlooked," replied Musashi.
"Would you stop yapping and get working, nya!" yelled Meowth.
Finishing up with the digging, Team Rocket then covered the hole with sticks, leaves, and dirt as to hide it from anyone who came down the path. Mainly a certain Pikachu using trainer and his friends.
"Now all we do is wait," said Musashi.
"Musashi?"
"Hai, Kojiro?"
"Where'd was the hole again?"
Looking at the ground, Team Rocket couldn't remember where they had dug the hole. They looked for it for a few minutes, but still couldn't find it. They stood there thinking of where it could be when all of a sudden…
*CRACK*
"Uh oh."
*CRASH*
…Team Rocket fell through their own trap.
"Itai…"
-:-
On a different path to Pewter City, Sato, Lila, Pikachu, and Kasumi made it to their destination.
"Yatta! We made it!" exclaimed Sato. He sat on a large boulder that overlooked the city from a nearby hill. "Wow, it's bigger than Pallet Town, that's for sure."
"Pewter City, the city between rugged mountains," said a voice that startled the group.
Looking down on the side of the ledge, the group saw a bearded man sitting next to a shelf filled with rocks. He wore green jeans, a yellow sleeveless shirt, and a red wool cap that covered his eyes.
"Who are you?" questioned Kasumi.
"My name is Muno and you are sitting on my merchandise," responded the man.
Scrambling to get off of the rocks, the three kids bowed apologetically.
"Gomen, we did not mean to," apologized Lila.
"Hmm, so what brings you kids to Pewter City?" asked Muno.
"I plan on becoming a Pokémon Master, so I'm traveling around the region to get stronger!" exclaimed Sato, giving off a grin.
"A Pokémon Master, huh? Not likely," said Muno, striking down Sato's ego a little. "Follow me. Since you three are new in town, I'll show you to the Pokémon Center."
Muno then started to walk away, making Sato, Lila, and Kasumi confused by his personality. Muno then stopped and turned his head back to them.
"By the way, that'll be fifty yen for sitting on my rocks."
Sato and Kasumi just facefault, while Lila sweatdrops.
-:-
At the Pokémon Center, Sato placed Pikachu and the Poké Balls containing Butterfree and Pidgeotto on the counter, waiting for the nurse to come and heal them. When she came, Sato was very surprised to see whom it was.
"Nurse Joy? What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be in Viridian City?" questioned Sato, a confused look on his face.
"Viridian City? Oh, you must mean my little sister! She's the one who works at the Pokémon Center in Viridian," smiled Joy.
"Okay…"
"Here, let me take your Pokémon and make sure they're healthy."
With that, Joy took Pikachu and Sato's other Pokémon to the back. Meanwhile, Sato walked over to Lila and Kasumi, who were looking at a poster that was advertising the Pokémon League.
"Pokémon League?"
"Don't you know anything, Sato? The Pokémon League is a competition where trainers compete to try and become the regional champion," explained Kasumi.
"Really? That sounds cool! I want to try!"
"It says you need to collect at least eight regional gym leader badges to be able to enter, Sato-kun," said Lila, reading the rules off the poster.
"Then that's what I'll do. I battle the gym leaders and enter the Pokémon League!" declared Sato, pumping a fist into the air with determination.
"You honestly think you can beat the gym leaders? I bet you can't even beat Pewter City's gym leader," interrupted a voice. The Sato-tachi turned to see Muno walking towards them.
"Oh yeah? I know I can win! Just watch me!" declared Sato, turning to glare at the man.
"Don't say I didn't warn you, kid," laughed Muno as he walked off. "Just to let you though, a gym leader isn't like a normal trainer. They're much more powerful."
-:-
After the confrontation with Muno, the Sato-tachi went to grab lunch at the restaurant in the Pokémon Center. Sato and Kasumi sat across from each other, while Lila took a seat next to Sato. She tried hard not to blush.
"Sato, aren't you at all worried about what Muno-san said?" asked Kasumi, while Sato just stuffed his face with rice. He swallowed before he answered.
"Not really. I mean I know that there are stronger trainers out there, so why worry about something I know I'd have to confront one day? Besides, I have confidence in my Pokémon that we can win this," said Sato. He then continued with his eating.
"Really?" questioned Kasumi, not really convinced. "If you want, I'll let you borrow some of my Pokémon."
"No way! I'm going to use my Pokémon and my Pokémon only. I don't need your help with this," said Sato.
"Fine! Be that way!"
Kasumi stood up and stomped away in anger, leaving Sato and Lila to pay the bill, which came to one thousand one hundred fifty yen. Sato could feel his eye twitch in irritation.
"She could at least have paid for a third of this," growled Sato. He was the surprised when Lila placed down more money than what she should have. "Lila?"
"You shouldn't have to pay for Kasumi's meal as well, Sato-kun, so I'll pay for half of the bill if you want," explained Lila, looking down at her lap to avoid eye contact.
"Arigatou, Lila, but you shouldn't have to pay for more than what you should. I'll just try to get Kasumi to pay me back. Knowing her though, she'll probably bring up her bike again and say that she doesn't owe me nothing," said Sato. He took the bill and what money he had, which was just enough to pay the bill, and went to the register.
"Sato-kun…"
-:-
After getting his Pokémon from Nurse Joy, Sato and Pikachu made their way to the Pewter City Gym. It was a large building made of stone under a wooden archway with the words "Pewter Gym" carved into the stone in the top left hand corner.
"You ready Pikachu?" asked Sato.
"Pika!"
Glad to hear the positive reply, Sato opened the doors and went inside, finding that it was completely dark.
"Hello? Anyone here?"
"You must be a challenger if you've come to the gym, am I right?" asked a voice.
A light then turned on revealing a boy of about fifteen sitting on a stone stage. He had tanned skin, spiky brown hair, and squinty eyes. He wore brown pants and an orange t-shirt under a green vest. Sato turned to the boy with determination.
"Hai! I am Sato from Pallet Town and I have come to challenge the gym leader of Pewter City!"
"Hmm, I can tell that this is your first gym battle, so allow me to inform you how things are done, but first, I am Takeshi, the gym leader and your opponent."
'He's the gym leader? But he looks like he's only fifteen! How strong could he be if he's a gym leader at this age?' thought Sato, now starting to get worried.
"The rules are simple. Each trainer will use two Pokémon and the winner is whoever can knock out his or her opponent's Pokémon. The challenger is allowed to substitute, but the gym leader is not," explained Takeshi. "Understood?"
"Hai."
"Then let us begin."
As soon as Takeshi said that, a rumbling sound caught Sato and Pikachu's ears. On the sides on the gym, large shutter doors opened and out came what looked like rocky terrain. Sato and Pikachu, who were in the middle of the gym, had to run back towards the entrance before they were crushed. When the rumbling stopped, Sato saw that what came out from the walls was the battlefield.
"This is it. Pikachu, are you ready for this?"
"Pika!" exclaimed the Electric-type as he got into position.
"Then I shall start off with Onix!" called Takeshi, throwing his Poké Ball.
The Poké Ball opened, sending out a large snake-like Pokémon that was made of stone.
"Graaaaaaaaah!" roared the Pokémon.
"Cha!" cried Pikachu in fear. He ran back to Sato, climbing up his leg to get to the other Pokémon.
"Pikachu! This isn't Pidgeotto's battle!" said Sato grabbing Pikachu. "I know you're scared and that we're at a disadvantage, but you're the only one who could give Onix a run for its money. Please?"
"…Cha," replied Pikachu hesitantly.
Once Pikachu went back onto the field, Takeshi called out his first attack.
"Onix! Use Tackle!"
"Pikachu, dodge it quickly!"
Onix charged forward, but because Pikachu sped away, the Rock Snake Pokémon crashed into the ground.
"Onix, trap Pikachu with a Bind attack!"
With surprising speed, despite his size, Onix wrapped Pikachu up with his tail and started to squeeze.
"Pikachu!"
"It was foolish to send out a Pikachu to fight an Onix. It wouldn't matter how strong the Pikachu is, it will always be at a disadvantage," said Takeshi.
'Kuso! What can I do? Pikachu's Electric-type attacks won't do anything against a Ground-type like Onix. I guess I have no choice,' thought Sato. He then yelled out, "Stop! …I forfeit."
Hearing this, Takeshi had Onix let go of Pikachu so Sato could take the Mouse Pokémon to get some healing. Sato quickly ran over and picked up Pikachu, holding him carefully in his arms as he walked out the gym.
"Gomen, Pikachu."
"Cha…"
"I see that you lost."
Sato looked up to see Muno standing before him.
"So what if I did?" shot back Sato.
"Come with me," said Muno turning and walking away. Reluctantly, Sato followed.
-:-
In a small shack outside of Pewter City, sat Sato, Pikachu, and Muno. Pikachu was resting after his battle and Sato was still sulking.
"I can't believe how strong Takeshi is. No wonder he's a gym leader at that age," said Sato.
"Takeshi actually has the talent to go on to bigger things than a gym leader, but there's a reason he won't move on," said Muno, taking a sip of his tea.
"Nani?"
"Come with me and I'll show you."
Leaving the shack, Muno led Sato back to the gym. Going around to the back, Muno showed Sato the reason. Inside was Takeshi taking care of nine squinty-eyed children.
"That's why. Takeshi decided to put his own goals behind him so he can take care of his younger siblings."
"What about their parents?" asked Sato.
"Both their mother and father left to pursue their own goals, leaving Takeshi to care for his family and the gym. He's all those kids have left," explained Muno.
Now nighttime, Muno and Sato were on their way back to Muno's shack. Muno continued on with Takeshi's story until Sato stopped him.
"Please stop. If I hear anymore, I might not be able to beat Takeshi because I'd feel too guilty."
"You're a persistent one, aren't you? Tell you what; I have a way that you might be able win against Takeshi with Pikachu."
"Really? Tell me, please?"
"Come with me."
-:-
Muno had led Sato, who now had Pikachu with him after picking him up from Muno's shack, to a small hydroelectric plant.
"How's this going to help me win?" questioned Sato.
"Simple, we're going to hook Pikachu up to the generator and give him a super charge of electricity. Though Ground-types like Onix are naturally immune to Electric-type attacks, the unnatural super charge Pikachu will get should be able to give them a shock. Add the fact that Onix has very low special defense, Pikachu's Electric-type special attacks should do the trick," explained Muno.
"Wow, you seem to know a lot about Takeshi and his Pokémon," observed Sato.
"Oh, that's because everyone in Pewter knows about Takeshi!" fibbed Muno, hoping Sato would believe him.
Sato thought there was more to it, but decided to let it drop. He turned to Pikachu with a grin.
"How about it, Pikachu? You up for this?"
"Pika!"
"Of course, with the river basically dried up, it won't be easy," pointed out Muno.
"Eh? Then how are we supposed to get Pikachu stronger?" demanded Sato. Muno just gave off a smirk.
"You'll be the one turning the wheel," said Muno, taking Pikachu inside the small building.
Sato stared at Muno's retreating form before he gave a sigh of exasperation. He walked over to the water wheel and waited for Muno's signal. Muno taped some wires that were connected to the generator.
"Okay, kid! Now!"
On cue, Sato stepped onto the wheel and started moving it by climbing up like it was a ladder. This caused electricity to flow through the wires and into Pikachu, causing the little Pokémon to feel pain.
"Chaaaa!" cried Pikachu.
"Don't worry, Pikachu. It'll all be over soon," said Muno, trying to soothe the Electric-type.
Back with Sato, who was concentrating on his task, he was startled a little when he heard someone calling his name. Still performing his task, he looked down to see Kasumi and Lila heading his way.
"What are you two doing here?" asked Sato.
"We've been looking for you, Sato-kun," said Lila, worried for the boy. "We went to the gym to see if you were there, but Takeshi-san said you had already left."
"What are you doing exactly?" asked Kasumi.
"If you need to know, I'm helping Pikachu get stronger for my rematch," grunted Sato.
"You don't have to do this, Sato. Just take my offer and use some of my Pokémon," said the tomboy.
"I told you no! I need to be able to win this badge with my own Pokémon and no one else's. If I can't do that, then I can't call myself a trainer," explained the raven-haired boy.
"Humph. Fine! Be that way!" yelled Kasumi. She then turned and left.
Sato noticed that Lila was still there.
"Lila, you know you don't have to stay here. You could back with Kasumi if you want," grunted Sato.
"I know, but I want to be here, Sato-kun. I'll support you all the way," smiled the lavender-haired girl.
Sato was grateful for this. Still, girls were something that confused him greatly, especially if some acted like Kasumi and others like Lila.
Continuing to turn the wheel, the generator reached critical mass as it and Pikachu gained too much power. In turn, this caused a small explosion. Luckily, no one was hurt.
"It is time," said Muno.
-:-
The next day, Sato reentered the gym, pumped for his rematch.
"So you're back, huh? Haven't you learned anything from last time?" questioned Takeshi.
"You could say that I did," grinned Sato.
"Then let's find out. Go, Geodude!"
The Pokémon Takeshi sent out was basically a stone with arms and a face. It didn't look intimidating, but looks can be deceiving.
"Dude Geodude!"
'Another Rock-type, huh? He'll most likely use Onix last then, which means I should save Pikachu for that battle. My only choice then is Pidgeotto, seeing as how Butterfree will take even more damage from Rock-type moves than Pidgeotto would,' thought Sato. "Go, Pidgeotto! Start off with Sand Attack and Gust!"
"Pidgeotto!"
Pidgeotto flew around Geodude, picking up speed as he did so, creating a small sand tornado around the Rock Pokémon.
"If you think that will work, then you are sorely mistaken!" declared Takeshi.
The next thing Sato knew was Pidgeotto trying to dodge Geodude, who was trying to grab it out of the air.
"Nani?" cried Sato.
Up on the balcony stands, Kasumi and Lila were watching the battle unfold.
"Sato no Baka. He should've known Pidgeotto wouldn't have been a good choice," said Kasumi.
"But Kasumi, Sato-kun might not of had any other choice," said Lila, defending Sato.
"I still think Sato will lose," stated Kasumi. "There's no way he can win with the Pokémon he has."
"I think Sato-kun will win. In fact, I know Sato-kun will win!" said Lila, a fierce look of determination in her eyes.
"I doubt it," said a voice to the right.
Kasumi and Lila turn to see what looked like a chibi-Takeshi standing next to them, watching the battle. Standing next to the boy were eight smaller children.
"Who are you?" asked Kasumi.
"The name's Jiro. I'm the oldest of Takeshi-niisan's younger siblings," answered the eight-year-old. "And I doubt your friend can beat Niisan."
Back to the battle, Pidgeotto couldn't take it anymore and was knocked out by Geodude.
"Pidgeotto, return!"
"Are you ready to give up?" asked Takeshi.
"No way! Ready Pikachu?"
"Pika!"
"Again with Pikachu? You really haven't learned anything."
"I'll show you! Pikachu! Show 'em your new Thunderbolt!"
"Pikachuuuuuuuuuuu!"
Pikachu sent a massive surge of electricity at Geodude. Striking its target, everyone but Sato was surprised that Geodude had actually taken damage from the Electric-type attack. The Rock-type was charred black when the Thunderbolt ended.
'Whoa! Muno-san was right. Geodude's low special defense couldn't stand up against an unnaturally powerful Electric-type special attack,' thought Sato as he internally grinned.
"Geodude, return. I have to say, I'm impressed Sato. But you won't win this next one! Go, Onix!"
Like last time, Pikachu was scared to fight against the massive Pokémon. Because of this, Pikachu started to release stray Thunderbolts, almost hitting Sato in the process.
"Pikachu! Stop!"
"Onix! Bind it!"
Once again, Onix wrapped his tail around Pikachu, trying to squeeze the life out of the Mouse Pokémon. Upon reflex, Pikachu blasted another Thunderbolt, actually causing Onix pain.
"!"
"Onix! No!" cried Takeshi worried for his Pokémon. This is the most pain he's ever seen Onix in.
After a few moments, Pikachu stopped, as he had expelled too much energy. Onix then released Pikachu to the ground, where the little Pokémon was dizzy. The next thing that happened was unforeseen. Because of Pikachu's Thunderbolt, parts of the gym's ceiling caught fire, which in turn set off the gym's sprinkler system.
"!" cried out Onix in more pain.
"What just happened?" questioned Sato.
"Sato! Onix is a Rock-type, which means he's weak against water!" yelled Kasumi from the balcony.
"Oh, right. Pikachu…Stand down!"
"Chu?"
"Nani? Why are you giving up?" questioned Takeshi, surprised by Sato's decision. Everyone was surprised by this decision.
"Because Onix got hurt by the sprinklers. It wouldn't feel right to take advantage of that," explained Sato. "Come on, Pikachu, we're leaving."
"Pika!"
With that Sato and Pikachu left the gym.
-:-
Walking by the river, Sato was thinking on what to do next. Lila, who had left the gym soon after he did, was walking next to him.
"Do you think I made the right decision, Lila?"
"I know you did, Sato-kun. Don't worry though. I'm sure you'll be able to win fairly next time!"
"Arigatou, Lila."
"Sato! Wait up!" called a voice.
Turning back, Sato, Lila, and Pikachu saw Takeshi running up to them. When he reached them, he had to catch his breath. Once he did, he held out his hand.
"Here. This is for you," said Takeshi. In his hand was a badge in the shape of an eight-sided gray stone. "It's the Boulder Badge. You deserve it."
"How? I didn't beat you. I gave up," said Sato, confused on how he could have earned the badge.
"You may not have beaten me, but you still earned it. You showed kindness to a Pokémon and to me, that's an important quality a trainer needs," explained Takeshi. "So I want to give you this badge as proof of "beating" the Pewter City Gym."
"Really?" asked an excited Sato. Takeshi nodded in agreement.
"Hai. You know, you're real lucky, Sato," said the gym leader as he handed over the badge.
"What do you mean?" asked Sato. He and Lila were curious by Takeshi's words.
"Like you have the dream to be the world's best trainer, I have the dream to be the world's best breeder. The only thing is I have to stay home and take care of my siblings. Don't get me wrong though, I'd always put my siblings before anything else. I just wish I could travel and achieve my dream."
"Then why don't you?" asked a voice.
The three younger trainers turned to see Muno standing a little down the road.
"You," growled Takeshi.
"Takeshi-san, you know him?" asked Lila.
"Hai. He's my Otousan," answered Takeshi, shocking Sato and Lila.
"Nani?" cried the both of them.
Muno then took of his wool cap and his "beard", revealing his true face. He looked like an older Takeshi.
"Takeshi, I want you to go and live your dreams. You more than deserve it," said Muno.
"You know I can't!"
"I know your reasons, Takeshi, and for that, I am sorry. I just couldn't face my family and tell them that I failed on my journey. But I am ready to take responsibilities and take care of your siblings," explained Muno.
"…If that's the case, then you're going to need this," said Takeshi, taking something out from his vest.
He then handed a needle and a spool of thread to a now flabbergasted Muno. Takeshi then explained everything he had to do in order to take care of the younger children, to which Muno asked for him to slow down so he could write all down.
Life was going to be difficult for Muno.
-:-
"I can't thank you enough for letting join your group, Sato!"
"No problem, Takeshi. The more the merrier!"
It was now nighttime again and Sato, Lila, Pikachu, and new member Takeshi were on their way out of Pewter City to their next destination.
"I do have one question though."
"Shoot, Takeshi."
"Why is that girl following you?" asked Takeshi, pointing at Kasumi, who was indeed following Sato.
"Don't forget, Sato! You still owe me a bike and I'm not leaving your side until you do!" yelled Kasumi.
"Ah, just ignore her! Come on, Pikachu! Let's go!" yelled Sato as he started running away from Kasumi.
"Sato-kun! Wait for us!" yelled Lila as she and Takeshi followed after.
"Get back here!" yelled Kasumi, hot on their tail.
All in all, life goes on for the Sato-tachi. What adventures await them as their journey continues?
TO BE CONTINUED…
-:-
Takeshi, one of my favorite characters. It will be sad to see him not be in the Isshu Arc of the animé TT^TT
Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this chapter. I decided to try and give some explanation on how Pikachu was able to damage Ground-types like Geodude and Onix and I hope it was satisfactory to you readers out there.
I also hope you guys and gals like this more mature version of Sato. I really hated how 4kids made him a complete idiot when they had the show under their iron money-grubbing fists.
