On The last episode of The Johto Story Rarely Told, Nick learned of Falkner's Flying-types and Ellie learned a new Electric-type attack. If you've ever seen the original anime episodes you know that means nothing and this won't be pretty. See how the battle goes on The Johto Story Rarely Told!

I now prefer the anime, because despite a lot of confusion, at least the Pokémon know to fight when something threatens them... most of the time. This is still game based though.

(THE NEXT DAY, VIOLET CITY POKEMON CENTER)

"So, things are okay back home?" asked Nick.

"Well mostly," answered his mother. "Professor Elm has been a little nervous around a couple of Hoppip, but other than that it's fine."

"You know you didn't have to call me," Nick pointed out.

"How else am I going to learn about your journey? A lot of Trainers forget to call home, and then their parents just have to hope for the best," she answered, sounding a little worried herself.

Nick sighed. "How about this: I promise I'll call every time I get to a new town," he offered.

"Sounds like a good idea. I hope you find what you're looking for honey," she said.

"Yeah," said Nick as she hung up. "So do I."

Nick put away his PokéGear and looked at his Pokémon. "Alright gang," he said as they finished breakfast

(Ellie) read a notebook (Jerry) and stretched (Amy). "Today we challenge the Violet City Pokémon Gym!"

A cry echoed from all of Nick's Pokémon, mingled excitement and trepidation in the air. They began talking amongst themselves for a few minutes before Nick spoke again.

"We'll need to play this safe. Lots of Pokémon have more than one type, so us knowing he's got Flying-types isn't much of an advantage. I'm going to need everyone except Amy to stay in their Pokeballs for now. That okay?" Jerry nodded and Nick recalled him, picking up the notebook he'd been reading. Ellie hurriedly finished the last of her breakfast before she was recalled, Nick rolling his eyes at her appetite.

Nick attached the Pokeballs to his belt before gesturing to Amy. "Well partner, lead the way."

"Yeah!" exclaimed Amy, running ahead out the door. "Let's go whoop some Flying-type butt!"

Nick, unable to understanding anything she'd said, shrugged and ran after her.

This shouldn't be too hard, he thought. And we'll get to the Gym in no time.

(VIOLET CITY GYM, 3 HOURS LATER)

"How did we get lost?!" asked Nick for the tenth time as they finally reached the Gym. Amy shrugged for the tenth time.

"Don't look at me, you're the Trainer here," she said.

"And now this officially marks the first and last time you lead me anywhere," said Nick. Amy huffed and looked at the doors of the Violet City Gym, Nick doing the same. "Well, guess we'd better go inside." Nick opened the doors and let Amy enter first, following soon after. He stopped inside and took in the Gym.

Aside from a shadowy, fenced off area at the back and a big round button in front of it the Gym seemed almost empty, though some kind of music could be faintly heard coming from above.

"That looks about the right size for a Gym floor. So where's the Gym Leader? Better yet where's the- Amy?" Nick stopped talking and looked at his Pokémon, who was staring up at something above the fenced off area. Nick looked up and gasped.

There was a large platform resting near the roof of the Gym which looked to be a part of the Gym. The music they'd heard was coming from the platform.

"Now how do we get up there?" Nick asked, looking around for a clue.

"Hey, over here!" Amy called. She knew her Trainer never understood a word she said, and she'd accepted it. There were benefits to him not knowing what she said.

Nick looked over and saw her pointing at a note stuck to the fence. He read it over once and blinked.

Dear Challenger,

Since you've made it this far I suppose congratulations are in order, though me and the Elder are going to have words about him raising his Pokémon stronger. If you are here to challenge me please stand near the big round button and press it when you and your Pokémon are ready. It is highly recommended that you:

a) Sit down before you press the button and,

b) Not have a fear of heights or rapid escalation.

Please follow these instructions to avoid any problems, dizziness, nausea or falls.

Yours Truly, Falkner

"Weird," muttered Nick. He and Amy stood near the button, staring at it. Eventually Amy rolled her eyes and hopped on it. Almost immediately they shot up, raised on a mechanism until they were level with the platform they'd seen earlier.

"Not the smoothest ride I've ever been on," said Nick, one hand holding his head as he walked slowly onto the platform. The music is louder here. Definitely hip-hop, he thought. He looked at Amy as she followed, weaving slightly. "Hey Amy, you okay?"

Amy nodded, shaking her head to clear any dizziness. "Yeah, I'm fine." She looked at the elevator like contraption. "We should do that again."

A strong breeze wafted around them and they both looked up, noticing the empty space where the rest of the roof should've been. They looked around them and saw the rest of the platform was firmly fixed to the walls.

As they looked around Nick and Amy caught sight of something across the Gym's battlefield and stared. There sat a boy wearing a blue gi under a green open vest with black sandals and long white socks. He was sitting and bobbing his head to music coming from a boombox on his left. He looked up and noticed them staring before shutting off his music.

"Sorry about that," the boy said as he blushed. He cleared his throat and stood up. "Anyway, I'm Falkner, Leader of Violet City Gym. And you are...?"

"Dizzy," replied Nick.

Falkner stared at him. "Um no, I meant your name."

"I'm Nick and this," he said gesturing to his Pokémon, "is Amy."

Falkner hummed thoughtfully. "So are you here to-" Then he looked at Amy and his eyes widened. "Wait, is that a Grass-type?"

"No, she just had a big breakfast and then some rapid escalation," replied Nick.

Falkner grinned. "Seriously though, you brought a Grass-type to my gym? You're aware of what type I use, right?"

"I can guess," said Nick as he looked up at the skylight. "That reminds me, I'm here to challenge your Gym."

"Well," said Falkner, standing in his place across from Nick on the battlefield, "do you really want to do that? I mean a Grass-type at a Flying-type Gym is kind of..."

"Thanks for the concern, but we really should start," suggested Nick. "And don't worry about Amy, she can handle herself."

"Yeah, what he said!" declared Amy.

Falkner looked at them both, eyes flicking between Trainer and Pokémon. "Okay. Though I don't get why you'd come here with a type disadvantage."

Nick smirked. "Yeah, whatever Karate Kid," he said. Amy giggled, and then whistled innocently when Falkner looked at her.

"Original," muttered Falkner. He cleared his throat. "For this battle I'll use two Pokémon. You, as the challenger, may use as many as you like," said Falkner, holding two Pokeballs in his right hand.

"Why don't you battle with more Pokémon?" asked Nick.

Falkner said something, so softly Nick couldn't hear it. Amy, however, could and began laughing.

"What?" asked Nick.

"I'm only allowed these two Pokémon," admitted Falkner.

Nick paused. "I won't judge," he said finally.

"Thanks. Now, will you send Amy out to battle?" asked Falkner, Amy's laughter stopping.

"Maybe," said Nick, tapping a Pokeball on the back of his belt.

"Alright, go Pidgey!" A bright flash of light and there stood Falkner's Pidgey, shuffling slightly and watching Amy.

Nick pulled the Pokeball from his belt and held it up, smirking as he saw Falkner's eyes widen. "Jerry go!" Another bright flash and Jerry stood on the battlefield, looking up and staring.

"Huh, a Hoothoot," said Falkner. "And you don't find it a little strange to challenge a Flying-type Gym with a Flying-type?"

Nick thought about that for a second. "Okay, I'll admit, that does dumb when you say it like that. It doesn't change anything though. We're still going to win this."

Falkner just stared before he smiled back at Nick. "I'm sure you'll try. Now Pidgey, Tackle!"

Pidgey shot forward and Jerry tensed, stretching his wings out slightly. Just as Pidgey got close Jerry shot up and over it.

"Pidgey, grab him!" Jerry squawked in surprise as Pidgey's leg swung out, grabbed his wing and slammed him into the floor. He hit the ground with a thud, groaning as he got up and shook his head. He looked up and saw Pidgey, hovering above him and smirking.

"Jerry, are you okay?" asked Nick, his left arm aching slightly. Jerry looked at him and nodded.

"So, starting to see what I meant?" asked Falkner. "I've been around Flying-types for most of my life. I know the tricks of the trade, and I know you can't beat me with a Hoothoot." A cry of agreement sounded from Pidgey.

"Jerry, you want to tag out?" asked Nick. To his surprise Jerry shook his head, staring at Pidgey with a fierce determination.

"Jerry, what are you doing?!" shouted Amy.

"This is my first Gym battle!" Jerry shouted back. "Even if I lose against it, I have to try. I have to see this through!"

Nick was silent for a moment. "So Amy, does he want to keep fighting?" he asked finally.

Amy nodded and turned to Jerry. "Hey, if you lose, at least wear him down for me."

"So he's not backing down... Quite admirable," said Falkner, looking at Jerry with a new found respect.

"Thanks. Jerry, do your best. Now, try Hypnosis!" commanded Nick.

Jerry fired a Hypnosis directly at the Pidgey. It dodged, then swooped down and tried to Tackle him. When he tried to take off a bolt of pain shot through his wing and he grimaced, slowing down just enough for Pidgey to grab him by the other wing and swing him into the ground again.

"That trick's getting old," groaned Jerry as he got up. He looked and saw Pidgey snickering at him, which only served to anger him further. When he looked towards Nick though he noticed his Trainer shaking his head as if to clear it.

"Your Pokémon will have a hard time flying with injured wings," observed Falkner.

"Jerry, Hypnosis!" Jerry began firing his attacks at Pidgey. It dodged the first, bobbing and swerving as it avoided the rest with relative ease.

"Pidgey, Tackle!" The Pidgey shot towards Jerry, dodging attacks as it went.

Jerry instinctively jumped up to fly, remembering too late what would happen when he stretched his wings. The pain shot through each wing as Pidgey Tackled him into the wall.

"Pidgey, Sand Attack!"

Jerry watched as Pidgey's leg swept towards him, kicking sand into his face to blind him.

"Good job Pidgey. Now let's-"

"Peck!"

As fast as he could Jerry jumped forward and Pecked Pidgey in the face, knocking it over. It squawked and scrambled to its feet, flying up and watching Jerry from a safe distance.

"Are you aware you suck at this?" asked Jerry mockingly.

"Go screw yourself!" was Pidgey's response.

"His Pokémon has Keen Eye," said Falkner to himself. "Pidgey quick, Tackle!"

Pidgey shot towards Jerry again, intent on finishing their fight.

"Jerry, Hypnosis!" Jerry tried the attack, but Pidgey dodged just as easily as it had before.

"Jerry, Peck it!" Just as Pidgey Tackled him Jerry Pecked it between its eyes. As he was thrown into the wall Jerry smirked at the pain on Pidgey's, happy to have hurt it at least once more. He closed his eyes and blacked out.

"Well trained, determined and a pretty strong Pokémon to boot," said Falkner as Jerry fainted. "That Hoothoot gets an eight out of ten."

Nick quickly recalled Jerry when he saw the Hoothoot's eyes swirling, then turned to Amy. "Ready to take that Pidgey on?"

"Yeah, I won't let him get away with that! Only we're allowed to tell Jerry to screw himself!" declared Amy, taking her place on the battlefield.

Falkner stared at Amy before he smiled and laughed a little. "Oh I see. Good one."

"Yeah, not bad, though it doesn't seem very funny," said Pidgey as it landed. Amy was confused.

"What? What's a good one?" asked Nick.

"The idea that you'd actually send a Grass-type to fight me, a Flying-type Gym Leader," answered Falkner, still smiling.

"Yeah, I'm serious about that. I'm really battling you with a Grass-type," said Nick, frowning in irritation.

Falkner smile shrank slightly. "Are- are you being serious?" he asked finally.

"Yes," responded Nick.

Falkner paused for a second, before visibly stifling an outburst of laughter, smiling at Nick apologetically. Pidgey didn't bother stifling anything and burst out laughing at the idea of battling a Grass-type.

Amy, already more than a little upset, Growled at Pidgey, startling it. "Hey Feather Face, are we going to battle or what?"

Falkner, noticing Amy's anger, looked at the Grass-type and smiled sympathetically. "Sorry, it's just a little hard to take this seriously." He took a deep breath to compose himself. "Alright, I'm okay. Let's do this."

"Good," said Nick. "Amy, Razor Leaf!"

Amy wasted no time in firing the attack at Pidgey.

Pidgey jumped up, spread its wings and was promptly hit by the attack. It squawked and dropped down, dazed and annoyed. "What the hell was that?!"

"I wonder if I'll ever meet a Flying-type who doesn't fall for that trick," mused Amy. "Oh well."

"Nice one Amy. Now, Tackle!"

Amy rushed forward, but the Pidgey took off just before she hit it, flying behind her before landing again.

"What's the matter? Can't keep airborne?" asked Amy mockingly.

"I can still fly just fine, unlike your friend," replied Pidgey.

"And yet he takes a hit way better than you do," retorted Amy smartly. That got to him, she thought, watching anger grow on Pidgey's face.

"Pidgey, Gust!" Pidgey smirked and began beating his wings, sending a powerful, concentrated blast of air at Amy.

"Amy dodge!" Amy jumped to the side, the blast of wind missing her by inches.

"Too slow!" said Amy, taunting and further annoying Pidgey.

"That does it!" declared Pidgey, rushing at Amy with a Tackle.

"Pidgey don't!" Falkner shouted.

"Alright! Amy, tank it!"

Pidgey slammed into Amy, but something was wrong. She wasn't skidding back like it had expected her to.

Wait, when I was laughing at her she- Oh crap! thought Pidgey, eyes widening when it saw Amy's feet firmly planted into the ground and the smirk on her face.

"Amy, return that Tackle!" Amy drew herself back then shot forward, knocking Pidgey back and dazing it. She quickly stepped towards Pidgey and looked it in the eye.

"This may seem rude, so suck it up," she said.

"What the-" was all Pidgey got out before Amy slapped it with her leaf.

"Challenge completed!" she declared.

"Amy, stop fooling around and Tackle!"

"Pidgey, take flight!"

Pidgey tried to fly, but Amy hit it with a leaping Tackle, knocking it unconscious. Pidgey stared at the sky, eyes swirling.

Falkner stared, surprised and more than a little impressed. "Not bad," he said, recalling his Pidgey. "The last guy who battled me fought with just a Fire-type. He won, but I didn't make it easy for him. At least now I know better than to underestimate your Grass-type."

"I can imagine," said Nick. "So, what else you got?"

Falkner smiled, a taunt and a challenge. "Oh, you'll enjoy this one." He drew his arm back, throwing the Pokeball with a flourish. A flash of light and there stood a Pidgeotto.

"A Pidgeotto?!" asked Nick, his surprise evident.

"Yes," said Falkner. "This Pidgeotto was my first Pokémon, and through our friendship it evolved!"

"I've heard of evolutions that happen when the Pokémon have powerful bonds with their Trainers," said Nick. "Good news for you is that your Pokémon is stronger when evolved. Good news for me is that, as long as it hasn't evolved through training, then it's not as strong as it should be yet."

Falkner smiled. "Maybe. Want to find out?"

Nick smirked. "Amy, Razor Leaf!"

The attack shot towards Pidgeotto, who dodged by taking flight with practiced ease.

"Guess one of you has to be smart," said Amy.

"Hope the same can be said for you and yours," replied Pidgeotto.

"Amy keep using Razor Leaf!"

Responding immediately Amy threw volley after volley of the sharp leaves at Pidgeotto as it struggled to avoid them all. After a few minutes some of the leaves hit it, startling it and causing it to fall close to the ground.

"Pidgeotto Gust!"

The Pidgeotto flapped its powerful wings and sent a concentrated burst of air at Amy. She tried to dodge it but was too slow, taking the full brunt of the attack.

"Amy, you need to get up!" urged Nick. He needed to focus. He could faint flashes of pain and a lot of frustration welling up within him, and he wasn't even sure all of it was his.

Struggling to her feet, Amy took a step forward and grimaced. Her chest hurt and the Pidgeotto was smirking at her, all very good reasons to be upset.

"Pidgeotto, let's kick some grass!" said Falkner. "Use Tackle!"

The Pidgeotto shot towards Amy and she tensed, ready to dodge or obey a command.

"Almost," said Nick, watching until Pidgeotto got close. "Amy grab onto it."

Amy moved to the side and used her forelegs to grab one of Pidgeotto's wings. She was yanked off her spot and rose rapidly, Pidgeotto now trying to shake her off. She clamped on it with all her legs and hung on tight.

"Get off of me!" shouted Pidgeotto.

Amy slapped him in the face a few times, stunning him. "That's how we deal with rude people in New Bark Town!"

"Alright Amy. Now, use Poison Powder!"

Amy smirked at Pidgeotto and began waving her leaf at it, releasing a purple powder that Pidgeotto tried desperately to get out of its feathers.

"Pidgeotto, don't worry about the poison. Drop that Grass-type!"

With one final shake Pidgeotto dislodged Amy and she fell. She faced her legs towards the battlefield and prepared to land.

"We've got it. Now Pidgeotto, Gust!"

Just as she got close to the ground Amy was buffeted by a powerful wind and thrown into a wall, landing in a heap.

"Amy no! Are you okay?" asked Nick, concern evident on his face.

Amy struggled up and looked at Pidgeotto, defiance shining in her eyes.

"Well," said Pidgeotto, trying to be encouraging, "at least you tried. You can always come back next time."

Amy chuckled at that and Pidgeotto looked at her, confused. "I won't be coming back tomorrow Feather Brain," she said. "There's still one more and she's-" Here she paused to consider, actually consider, Ellie. "I may- There's like a fifty-fifty chance I'll be here tomorrow," she decided, falling down.

"Amy, return," said Nick, quickly recalling his starter, phantom pains fading as he did. He clutched Ellie's Pokeball and looked at Falkner. "This is my last one Falkner. She'll win this."

Falkner looked on with interest. "By all means, send her out."

"Go Ellie, take this guy down!" The Pokeball flew, light flashed, and there stood Ellie, still fluffy and staring at Pidgeotto.

"Okay see, this makes more sense. I don't like it, but it makes more sense," said Falkner, nodding as his Pidgeotto did the same.

"See, that's just offensive," muttered Nick. "Ellie," he said, "don't worry about having to beat him. Just survive long enough and you'll win."

Ellie nodded and looked at Pidgeotto. "I don't know who you are," she said, "but I know that if the others aren't here, it's your fault."

Pidgeotto stared before he spoke. "There was another guy here, so technically it's not all my fault."

"Ellie, do your best and we can have waffles," said Nick.

"You speak lies," decided Ellie. "And now I will defeat you, for waffles!"

"Offering incentives is one way to go," said Falkner. "Pidgeotto Tackle!"

Pidgeotto shot towards Ellie, intent on finishing the battle before the poison had time to work.

"Ellie Growl!"

Ellie Growled at Pidgeotto, startling it and causing it to shift slightly. She jumped to the side, barely avoiding the Tackle.

"I hate it when challengers come here with an Electric-type expecting an easy win!" declared Falkner. "I'll show you the true power of Flying-types!"

"Ellie, ThunderShock!"

Ellie blasted the electricity at Pidgeotto, who screeched and dodged, barely avoiding the attack. Before Nick could command her Ellie did it again, this time hitting Pidgeotto dead center and knocking it down.

"Awesome! Way to take the initiative Ellie," praised Nick. Ellie smiled bashfully.

Falkner grunted and gestured to Pidgeotto as it got up. "Quickly Pidgeotto, Tackle!"

Pidgeotto shot forward again, faster than before. This time Ellie moved too slowly, taking the Tackle head on.

She cried out as she was hit and landed awkwardly, though thankfully she was up again without too much trouble.

"Nice work Ellie," said Nick. "Just hang in there."

"Pidgeotto, keep Tackling it!" ordered Falkner.

"Ellie, keep using ThunderShock!" commanded Nick.

Pidgeotto flew towards Ellie as she turned to face it, electricity sparking in her fleece. She ducked around its Tackle and tried to blast it, but it swerved around her attack and tried another Tackle, this one finding its mark and knocking her to the ground.

Ellie struggled to her feet and glared at Pidgeotto. "I will win this. For Amy, for Jerry and for waffles!"

"What is wrong with these Pokémon?" Pidgeotto muttered, more than a little weirded out.

Falkner looked at Pidgeotto and noticed how tired it seemed. The poison has been at work this entire time, he thought. I need to finish this quickly. "Pidgeotto, use Quick Attack!"

"Ellie, ThunderShock!"

Both Pokémon responded immediately, Pidgeotto making a Beedrill-line for Ellie so fast it was a blur as Ellie fired a shot of electricity at it.

Ellie's ThunderShock hit Pidgeotto as it squawked. She was about to smirk before Pidgeotto slammed into her, it's momentum from the Quick Attack causing it to crash into her.

Ellie struggled with Pidgeotto's weight for a second before she threw it off. "If you want anything you're going to have to take me to dinner first," she said.

"Dream on," responded Pidgeotto.

"Quick Attack Pidgeotto!"

Pidgeotto spread its wings to attack and flapped, rising off the ground slightly. As they watched though Pidgeotto's face screwed up and it shrieked, falling forward. Ellie, who had been cringing in preparation for Pidgeotto's attack, looked at the fallen Flying-type and poked it. It groaned in what sounded like pain.

"Pidgeotto what's going on?" asked Falkner. "You have to get up!"

"I'm trying," said Pidgeotto, voice thick with frustration as it struggled. "I'm tired."

"Ellie, Pidgeotto's weak." Ellie looked back at Nick, worried. He sighed and rubbed his temples. "No Ellie, this is a good thing. Well, for us anyway. Use ThunderShock!"

Ellie fired another ThunderShock at Pidgeotto as it tried to dodge, its body stiffening again just before it was hit. It squawked and fell unconscious, the combination of poison and an Electric-type attack finally knocking it out.

"Pidgeotto return," said Falkner as the Flying-type was sucked back into its Pokeball. Ellie stared for a minute before she broke out in an awkward dance, trying her best to ignore any lingering aches and pains.

"So, now that we've- Oh for Mew's sake, Ellie stop dancing!" said Nick, though he couldn't keep the smile of his face. Ellie stopped her strange gyrating, replacing it with a huge smile that Falkner laughed at.

"That's certainly a happy Pokémon!" said Falkner while chuckling. "Though I guess I'd be happy too if I just won a Gym battle for my Trainer the way you did." Ellie's smile turned bashful and she blushed.

"Yeah, she's definitely getting pancakes," said Nick. Ellie glared at him. "Okay, waffles as promised," he said, laughing a little as Ellie's face lit up and she squealed. "Alright, alright. First though we should get to the Pokémon Center."

"No," said Falkner, smiling as Nick and Ellie stared at him. He pulled something out of his pants pocket and offered it to Nick. "First you should take this, the Zephyr Badge." Nick took the offered badge and stared at it. "Oh, and uh, this TM, Roost. It should come in handy." Nick thanked him and pocketed the TM.

"So, how do I get out of here? Can I just slide down a rope down the side of the building?" asked Nick mockingly.

Falkner looked at him and shook his head. "Uh, no. You go out the same way you came in. On a completely unrelated note, I now have to discuss safety regulations with an old man."

Nick smirked again and made his way to the platform, Ellie following close behind. "See you around, Daniel-san," he said, waving goodbye to Falkner.

"Goodbye Nick. Don't forget to write your name on the winning Trainers list," said Falkner, watching as Nick descended with his Pokémon. He saw Ellie dry heave on the floor and smirked as Nick wrote down his name, sighed and carried her out. Wait, he thought, why would he call me- Oh, good one.

(VIOLET CITY POKEMON CENTER, LATER THAT EVENING)

After the Gym battle Nick took his Pokémon to the Center to get them treated. There Nurse Joy assured him that all they'd need was a few potions and the night to recover. Now, while he used the computer, they enjoyed some delicious waffles and fresh water.

Of course, since everyone else was recalled during her fight with Pidgeotto, Ellie had to explain what happened. But...

"...and then I used ThunderShock and we won and it was awesome and-"

"Ellie, slow down," said Jerry, carefully enunciating each word. "You're speeding through it. Honestly, we barely caught what you were saying the first time."

Ellie blushed and looked down. "Sorry Jerry."

Amy glared at Ellie. "What did I tell you? Sarcasm and bad jokes keep up confidence. Mew knows you need it. Now, try another reply."

Ellie nodded and looked Jerry in his eyes, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Sorry Gramps, I forgot how slow you've been getting."

Jerry thought for a second. "Better, but it could use some work."

"Amy," said Ellie, her tone solemn.

"What?"

"I just wanted to thank you for the advice. Making a game out of it and making dumb jokes really helped so thanks for that."

Amy smiled at Ellie. "Hey, we're a team. We need to help each other if we're going to get anywhere." A moment passed as Ellie considered her words. "Are you going to finish that waffle?"

Ellie laughed and looked at Amy. "Look, I'm grateful and all, but let's not get crazy." They all laughed the atmosphere lighthearted.

"Hey guys, come look at this," said Nick. His Pokémon quickly gathered around him and he turned to face them. "I've been doing some research and apparently I'm not the first Trainer to feel what you're feeling."

"Come again?" asked Amy. The others echoed her and Nick sighed.

"Basically, whatever it is that lets me understand and feel what you're going through isn't rare. There are documented cases from Sinnoh to Hoenn and even Kanto. Hell there are cases of this happening in places I've never even heard of." Her Nick paused. "There's some kind of rumor that Red was like that, that he'd get exhausted as his Pokémon battled."

"Red? As in, the former Champion, the strongest Trainer in Johto and Kanto Red?" asked Amy incredulously.

"Yeah, but there's no evidence anywhere to support those ideas. He didn't do many interviews. It's just wild speculation," said Nick.

There was silence for a moment before a Trainer burst into the Pokémon Center. "Is there anyone that can help me?" he called out, a Growlithe clutched in his arms.

Nurse Joy ran over and looked at the Growlithe. "What's wrong with it?"

"We were exploring those old ruins when we were attacked. Growlithe beat one of them no problem, but there were too many. Please, you've got to help him!"

"Don't worry," assured Nurse Joy, "we've got him. Chansey, we need a stretcher in here now!" A Chansey wheeled a stretcher in. "Alright, now put the Growlithe on the stretcher and we'll start immediately."

The Trainer did as Nurse Joy said and watched as his Pokémon was wheeled away. He looked around, agitated now that all he had to do was wait.

"Hey," called Nick, the Trainer catching sight of him. "You need to relax. Panicking isn't going to help anyone, least of all your Growlithe."

The Trainer took a deep breath. "You're right," he admitted, calming down slightly. He took a look at Nick and paused. "Didn't I battle you?"

Nick nodded. "Been a while Black Hood. What happened?"

The boy sighed and pulled down his hood, running a hand through spiky green hair. "It's a long story. Honestly I'm ashamed."

Nick walked to the couch and sat down, gesturing the boy over. "I won't judge. Besides, I've got time to kill," he said, offering the Trainer his hand.

The boy stared, then smiled shakily, walked over and took Nick's hand. "Alex," he said, shaking the proffered hand and sitting down.

"Nicholas," said Nick as his Pokémon gathered around. "So Alex, what happened?"

(A HALF HOUR LATER)

"And that's what happened," finished Alex. Nick hummed and Alex frowned. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing really," said Nick. "But for someone who went to the ruins looking for rare and powerful Pokémon, you certainly got what you were looking for."

"I guess," muttered Alex. "But Growlithe got hurt by Mew knows what, and now I've got no idea if he'll be alright."

"He will be," assured Nick. "Caring for Pokémon is practically in the Joy's blood."

"Yeah, you're right," said Alex, perking up slightly.

They chatted for a few minutes before Nurse Joy called Alex from the information desk.

He got up and walked over. "Yes, what is it? Is he going to be okay?"

"Well, mostly," said Nurse Joy. "It's nothing to worry about," she assured when Alex's face fell, "he'll just be on bed rest for a while. We have machines and medicine that will speed up his recovery, but it'll still take time."

"That's okay," said Alex, smiling now. "That's still a lot better than I was expecting."

"So, the Growlithe will be okay," said Jerry.

"Good for him," said Ellie. "He doesn't seem like a bad guy."

Amy squinted at the two of them. "Isn't that the same Growlithe you had to battle to get Ellie on the team?"

"Yes," answered Jerry. "Not bad, though he should work on his temper."

"Well," said Alex to Nick, "I should get home. It's been nice talking to you."

"You too," said Nick as Alex left the Center. "We should probably get to sleep too," he said to his Pokémon.

"He's right," said Amy. "Don't know about you guys, but I'm beat."

Nick walked to his room as his Pokémon followed. He opened the door and made sure they were all inside before he entered himself, looking down the hall at Maya's room as he did so.

"What are you looking at?" asked Amy.

"Nothing much. Just worrying about someone," said Nick, shutting the door.

Nick quickly got into his pajamas, moved his stuff out of Ellie's reach ("You know what you did," he said when she complained), turned off the light, locked the door and slipped into bed. "Goodnight guys."

His Pokémon repeated the sentiment and settled down. Within a few minutes everyone in the room was asleep, the day's events tiring them all. None of them saw the note slipped under the door or heard the footsteps hurrying away.

(END CHAPTER 07)

And that's a wrap. Typing on my BlackBerry is a pain, but it gets the job done. I may not type new chapters for a bit, but I'll get back as soon as I can.

I wanted to know if any of you wanted Nick to travel with Alex, Maya or Alex and Maya. Let me know what you think and I'll see what I can do.

Next time on Johto Story Rarely Told: Nick is called by a mysterious person to meet in a strange location. There he learns something and someone gets stronger. Find out the answers to all these vague snippets...right now. Maya calls him to meet at the Ruins of Alph where she'll ask him to help her train in exchange for information. Also, Vulpix say Vulpix.