I'm pretty sure I have somewhat of arachnophobia: the fear of spiders. I can't stand to see those ugly creatures! Eww! Dx But Spinarak is cute. 83 I think I'm slightly hemophobic too. That's the fear of blood. I tend to get lightheaded when I see blood, even if it's my own. I can't stand to see blood. So then….I guess I'm gonna have a problem being a veterinarian…..

Marina

The sound of crashing waves could be heard. Wingulls were soaring overhead, releasing their cry. It was morning.

Zoey opened her eyes slowly. "Huh? Wh...what happened?"

She looked around and noticed she was in a khaki colored tent. She had a different outfit on, like pajamas. It was also warm in the tent. The girl sat up and wondered where she was.

A beautiful woman with blue hair came in. She had a Wigglytuff and a Pokemon that looked like a Misdreveus, but bigger and differently shaped.

"Ah! I see you're awake!" The woman smiled.

"Who are you? And where am I?"

"My name is Marina. And you're in my tent! You're also Zoey right? It said so in your Pokedex before it died out..."

"Huh?! My Pokedex!?"

"I'm sure you'll want to know everything. But first you need to get dressed. Good thing they finished drying."

Marina took Zoey's clothes from a bag that she had in a tent. She handed them to her and then her socks and shoes. Zoey took them and was gonna say something, when Marina said "Dress now, talk later." She gave a warm smile, got out of the tent, and zippered it up.

Zoey began dressing and at the same time wondering just what exactly happened to her.

-----------------------

It only took about a few minutes to get dressed and put on her shoes. So after Zoey was done, she stepped out of the tent and noticed that she was on a small island. There was a campfire feet away from the tent, a clothesline, and a small folding table along with folding chairs and food on it.

"Um..." began Zoey. "You don't live here right?"

"Of course not!" said Marina as she laughed. "I'm just camping out here!"

Zoey saw a Wigglytuff preparing food, a blue alligator bathing in the water, and that ghost Pokemon floating next to Marina.

"Can I ask you a question? What are those two Pokemon you have? You know, the blue one and the ghost one."

"Oh. Well, the blue one is named Feraligatr. He's been my buddy since the longest time. And this is Miss. She used to be a Misdrevous, but she evolved into a Mismagius."

"I've never heard of those Pokemon before...I've only been on my Pokemon journey for a few days..."

"Oh! So you're a beginner! Well, then tell me all about your adventure so far over some lunch!"

Marina invited Zoey to sit down with her and her three Pokemon. They soon started to eat.

"I almost forgot!" said Marina. "Your Pokemon might be hungry too. Here, let them out of their Pokeballs." She handed Zoey a brown suede pouch. "I put them in here because all of your things were wet."

Zoey took out the Pokeballs and released her Pokemon. She was so happy to see them that she hugged them lovingly and began to cry. "I thought I'd never see you guys again!"

Charmeleon patted her on the back. "Char char," as if saying 'There there'. The lizard also gave her trainer the hat she had been holding onto.

"Thanks Charmeleon."

Charmeleon smiled.

Marina gave Zoey's Pokemon some food. They ate it happily. And while they did, the two girls talked.

"You were out cold for a whole day. What happened? Start from the very beginning though. I like stories."

"Ok." Zoey explained to the woman her whole story, starting from the day she met Charmander. Marina was very interested in the story as well as her Pokemon.

"Ah! So that's why I found you unconscious in the water! The SS Anne sank...Again!"

"That evil Team Rocket caused all this trouble…"

Marina suddenly became serious. "Team Rocket? You mean that organization of crooks that steal Pokemon?"

"Yes."

"We had a run in with them back when Jimmy and I were still Trainers. Oh and also our friend Vincent. Well, his name was Jackson before, but I have no idea on why he keeps changing it. Anyway, we can't stand Team Rocket. They tried to steal the legendary Pokemon Raikou. Luckily though, they didn't."

"Sounds like you had trouble with them too."

"Sure did. Listen to me Zoey, be cautious of Team Rocket. From what you have told me, I know that those three who keep following you may seem like a bunch of clowns, but there are stronger Rocket members who won't hesitate to attack you. Be alert all the time."

"Ok. I'll be careful. Thanks for saving me by the way. Did your Feraligatr help?"

"No. That Lapras over there did." Marina pointed in the direction towards the sea. A Lapras was in 'conversation' with Marina's Feraligatr.

Zoey walked over to the Pokemon and said, "So, you saved me?"

Lapras nodded it's head and gave a sweet cry.

"Thank you so much! I would of died if it weren't for you." Zoey smiled warmly. "So," said the girl as she turned to Marina. "Is this Pokemon yours too?"

"Nope. She's just a wild Lapras. I found her here on this island. Speaking of which, we need to get you back to the Kanto mainland! Didn't you say you needed to get your third Pokemon badge?"

"I did! Oh my gosh! I'll fall behind the other Trainers!"

"Well, then we better get a move on! But first, I need to pack all of my things."

"I'll help you."

"Thanks!"

Zoey helped Marina put all the camping things away. It took almost an hour to finish, but they managed. After that, they went to the shore to go back to Vermillion.

"Um…" started Zoey. "How are we supposed to get to Vermillion if there isn't a boat?"

"We use the Pokemon!" said Marina happily. "I'll ride my Feraligatr and you can ride the Lapras. That is, if she lets you. What do you say Lapras? Will you let this Trainer ride you?"

Lapras gave a happy cry. The Transport Pokemon allowed Zoey to get on her back while Marina returned Wigglytuff and Mismagius before getting on Feraligatr. "Ok, let's go!"

-----------------

It had been a while since the two were out at sea. So Zoey decided it was a good time to start a conversation.

"So Marina, you never really told me about yourself."

"Why would you want to know about me?"

"Because you helped me! I want to at least get to know you a bit more if that's ok."

"Alright. I'll be glad to tell you about myself! Where should I start?"

"Wherever you want."

"Ok. Well, as you know, my name is Marina. And that's probably all you know! Haha! I'm visiting Kanto right now because there are Pokemon Contests here. So…I guess I would consider myself as an adult trainer, but I'm more of a coordinator."

"You are?"

"Yes. I've been to Hoenn, Sinnoh, and my home region, Jhoto."

"You live in Jhoto? That's my next stop after I beat the Kanto Pokemon League."

"Oh yes! You should go to Jhoto. I'm actually gonna head back home to my family."

"So then you're married?"

"Yup! Been married happily for about…oh…I guess a few years now. From what you have told me, I'm about the same age as your mom. I live happily in New Bark Town with my 7 children—"

"Seven!?"

Marina laughed. "Yeah! Seven!"

"Why so many?"

"Well, let's just say I couldn't keep my husband off me." Marina blushed and giggled at the same time. Zoey just blushed.

"Who's your husband?"

"His name's Jimmy. He's really cute and I absolutely love him. He's also a great Pokemon trainer and he has all the badges from all four regions! He even participated in the Battle Frontier and won of course. We've been friends ever since we were little. Then as we got older, we started to fall in love. After that we became an item, and then when we were about twenty, he proposed to me. You could just imagine how happy I was. So after we got married, we decided to have children. I wanted a lot of them because I love kids. Jimmy didn't mind. Our oldest is your age. He's thirteen like you. Our youngest is two years old."

"And how do you take care of them if you're always on the move?"

"Well, Jimmy doesn't really travel anymore. I mean, he's been everywhere. Now he stays home teaching our little ones about Pokemon. But he loves it. I can tell because of the way he acts around them. It makes me happy."

"It seems you have had a good life."

"Yup. My starting Pokemon was a Totodile. But you probably haven't heard of them since you live in the Kanto region. You're starting Pokemon was a Charmander right?"

"Yes. She's my best friend and strongest Pokemon in my team."

"That's wonderful."

"So is there anything else you'd like to talk about Marina?"

"Well, when I was little, I loved FabuLance!" Marina shrieked like a fan girl.

"Uh….Fabu…who?"

"FabuLance! You know, one of the Kanto Elite Four! He has Dragon Pokemon!"

"Oh! Lance! Yeah, I've heard of him. But, why do you call him FabuLance?"

"Because he rocks and he's so handsome! But, he's not as awesome as my Jimmy."

"So let me guess, you got over Lance when you married Jimmy?"

"Oh no Zoey! I never got over Lance. Even today I wish I could meet him. But Jimmy is my one true love and I shall always love him."

"Feraligator!" said the blue Pokemon. Marina looked in the direction Feraligatr was pointing and she saw the Vermillion port. "Oh! We're almost there!"

Zoey was excited. "Yes!"

-----------------

After getting off Feraligatr, Marina returned her Pokemon and helped Zoey off Lapras. The woman released her Mismagius and Zoey released her Charmeleon.

"Well, I guess this is where you get off," Marina said. "I hope you have good luck on your Kanto journey. And when you finish here, stop by Jhoto! I'd love for you to visit me and my family."

"Ok! Thanks! Hey, can I call you sometime?"

"Of course! Oh wait, your Fame Checker is broken isn't it?"

"Oh…Yeah…" Zoey sadly took out the Fame Checker. She turned it on. And to her surprise, it actually worked, like if nothing had even happened to it.

"Wh..what? It works! That's a surprise! The rest of my stuff have been drenched!"

"You have a Fame Checker that still works? You must of bought it with a water repellent case."

"Huh?"

"It's a plastic case that is inside the Fame Checker. Even if the outside gets wet, the inside, where all the devices are, won't get damaged. Good choice Zoey!"

"But…I didn't buy it with that. Gary bought it for—" But she stopped because she wasn't supposed to say anything.

"Gary? Do you mean Professor Gary or his son?"

"Um…"

"It's ok. I think I know. It's Gary Jr right? I can tell by your face. He bought it for you didn't he?"

"H-how did you—"

"I just know these kind of things. Hmm. But if he bought such an expensive device like the Fame Checker for you, he must be a really good friend, or just has a big crush on you."

Zoey blushed. "Well…I…"

Marina giggled. "Ooooh! Zoey! It looks like you have won somebody's heart already!"

"B-but I don't even know if he—"

"That's ok! This always happens to young people, especially if you've been friends for a long time. You'll understand later. Well, I guess I'd better give you my number." Marina put in her number in Zoey's Fame Checker. "There! Now you're all set!"

"Thanks Marina. For everything."

"No problem! But, you might want to thank that Lapras. She's really the one who saved you. Oh and those two fossils you had in your bag are still in there. I checked them and they seem to be in good condition…Wait…do fossils even have good conditions? Hmm."

Zoey laughed. "Ok."

After saying goodbye to Marina, the blue-haired trainer and her Mismagius went on their way.

"Hey Marina!" called Zoey.

"Yes?" she called back.

"When I get to the Pokemon League and battle Lance, I'll call you so you can meet him!"

Marina screamed like a fan girl. "Would you really?!"

"Yup!"

"Oh thank you so much Zoey! Then you better hurry up on your journey and go get those badges!"

"Ok!"

Finally, Marina continued on her way, exploring the rest of the Kanto region.

Zoey turned to the Lapras and said, "Thank you so much for saving me back there. I would of died and my Pokemon would have been goners if it weren't for you."

Lapras gave a happy cry.

"Well, I better be on my way. Bye Lapras."

"Char!"

Lapras looked sad and gave a cry.

"Huh?" Zoey saw the Pokemon's sad face.

"U..uoh?"

"Aww. I'm sure we'll meet again Lapras. Don't cry."

Zoey patted the Pokemon on her head. "Here, you can have this. I found it on the beach of that island." The girl put a starfish on Lapras's shell. It was orange and it stuck to her like glue. "There. Now you can remember me by that starfish. It's not much, but it's the best I can do."

Lapras still looked a little sad as Zoey waved goodbye, and headed to the Pokemon Center.

The Transport Pokemon gave one more little cry and started to head back out into the open sea.

She hoped she would see the kind female child again someday. And maybe…just maybe…she might be a part of the team….

-------------

Zoey called the Professor because her mom wouldn't pick up the phone. The screen turned on and Prof. Gary answered.

"Hello…?" he sounded sad, but when he saw Zoey, his face lit up. "Zoey! You're alive!"

"Hi Professor! Why the long face?"

"I thought….I thought you died!"

"What? I'd never let myself die so easily! I have a Pokemon League to win!"

"Oh thank goodness you're alive! Your mother has been crying ever since Gary told us about what happened at the S.S. Anne."

"Gary….called you?"

"Yeah. Zoey, you should of seen his face. He looked so sad. I could tell he wanted to cry. You could see it in his expression. But like the stubborn kid he is, he didn't cry. Oh I can't wait to tell him you're alive!"

"No Professor. Please don't tell Gary."

"But why?"

"I want to surprise him." Zoey smiled. "I can't wait to see the look on his face when he finds out I'm alive."

"Are you sure that won't be mean?"

"Of course not! Do you know how many times he has made me worry when we were little? Why, I remember one time when we were playing in the park, I thought he nearly drowned in the lake, only to find out that he was trying to scare me! And THEN he—"

"Professor," said one of Gary's assistants. "Mrs. Ketchum is here again."

"Oh this is perfect timing! Send her in!"

Zoey saw the assistant walk away and saw her mom appear beside the Professor.

"Gary, I am so sorry that I'm disturbing you again but—" She stopped because she saw Zoey on the other line. Her face was relieved, but tears came flowing from her eyes.

May pushed Prof. Gary off the chair and sat down immediately. "Zoey! Oh my little darling! You're alive!"

"Mom! It's so good to see you!"

"Zoey! When I heard what happened to you, I almost died myself! I couldn't bare the fact that you weren't on this world anymore! Oh my poor baby!"

"Mom I'm fine. It was just an unpredicted accident—"

"Accident?! That Team Rocket almost killed you! I want you to come home right now!"

"But mom! Please listen!" Zoey explained everything to her mother.

"You were saved?"

"Yes. By a Lapras and that woman I told you about, Marina."

"Oh Zoey…I'm so glad you're safe, but…I think you should come home."

"But why? Mom, I know being a Pokemon Trainer is dangerous, but I want to do this…Please."

Prof. Gary managed to get up from the floor. "May, I think you should just let Zoey do this. I mean, every Trainer has to face dangers. It's the only way they'll learn to deal with living in a world with Pokemon. You were in danger a lot when traveling with Ash."

"I know but…."

"Mom, I'll be fine. I promise, I'll come home safe when my Kanto journey is finished."

Charmeleon got up on the chair Zoey was sitting on and waved. "Charmeleon!"

"Zoey!" said Prof. Gary. "Your Charmander evolved! That's wonderful!"

"I know! She's a lot stronger than she was before. And faster too!"

"That's great! I guess you'll have more of an easy time defeating the Gym Leaders."

"Oh! That reminds me! I need to get my third badge!" But then Zoey remembered something else. "Um….Professor?"

"Yes?"

"I need a new Pokedex….The one I had got drenched."

"Of course. I understand. Hold on a sec."

Prof. Gary got up and went to one of his file cabinets. May was still sitting down on the chair on the other side of the line. She looked at her lap and had a somewhat sad expression on her face.

"Mom."

May looked up at the screen to see her daughter's concerned face.

"I'll be ok."

"I know you will honey. I just….I just don't want to loose you….You're the only child I have. Please….be careful."

"Don't worry. I don't plan on dying. My Pokemon will be here to protect me, just like I would protect them. Isn't that right Charmeleon?"

The red lizard nodded and looked at the screen. "Charmeleon char char!"

"You'll take care of my Zoey, Charmeleon?"

Charmeleon nodded and smiled.

"Thank you so much." May had happy tears rolling down her cheeks.

Prof. Gary returned and gave May a tissue and showed Zoey her new Pokedex. "Ok, I managed to recollect the data your old Pokedex had."

"How did you do that?"

"When your Pokedex collects data, it is sent to my laboratory. Each trainer I register a Pokedex to, their names are recorded on that big computer over there."

Prof. Gary pointed to an extremely large computer in the background. "That is where all the starting Trainers from the Kanto region have their data stored. Only I know the password to get into it's hardrive, as do the Pokemon Police and the Centers. Oh, and the Pokemon League. But don't worry. Nobody else can access that information. So, here you go. I'll put it in this slot and it should come out through the other end."

The professor put the Pokedex in a slot of his side of the phone and seconds later, it came out on Zoey's side. "Wow! Thanks Professor Gary!"

"No problem! Now, go get that badge Zoey! You'll never catch up to Gary if you stay here chatting with us!"

Zoey nodded and then looked at her mom who smiled and said, "I love you sweetie."

"I know. I love you too. And don't worry, I'll be ok."

May smiled again as her tears began to dry. "Go get 'em honey."

"Thanks mom."

After turning off the phone, Nurse Joy came and said "All right. I checked out all your Pokemon and they are fine. Are you sure that you're alright?"

"Of course."

"Ok."

Zoey took her Pokemon and put the Pokeballs on her belt. "Ok Charmeleon, let's go get that badge!"

"Hold on!" Nurse Joy said. She was carrying a bag that looked like Zoey's. "I'm sorry for eavesdropping, but I heard what you told your mother about the accident. So I wanted to help and I got you a brand new bag. It has medicine for your Pokemon, berries, and a first aid kit for yourself."

The girl took the bag and looked inside. There was also a brush, cream, a new map of the region, and some money. "Wow. Are you sure you want to give all of this to me?"

"Yes. Not only do I help the Trainer's Pokemon, I also help them! So don't worry about it."

"Thank you so much!"

Zoey unzipped her vest to see if her two badges were still there. And they were. She smiled and zipped up her vest again. Then she put her Pokedex and Fame Checker inside her bag.

After thanking the kind Nurse Joy, Zoey and Charmeleon walked out of the Center and back to the Gym.

----------------

The girl opened the door and proudly walked towards the battle arena.

"Hey Lt. Surge! I'm back for that battle!" Her voice echoed throughout the Gym.

She heard footsteps and saw the Leader with his Raichu. "Well, you've returned. Ready for some discipline kid?"

"I'm ready to battle if that's what you're implying."

"Good. Remember, I'll only use my Raichu against you, but that means only your Charmander can fight."

"She evolved into a Charmeleon."

"Well, then this should be fun! Alright Raichu, you ready?"

"Raai!"

"Charmeleon?"

"Char!"

Silence. And then it broke, when Lt. Surge said "Use Quick Attack!" Raichu dashed at Charmeleon.

"Scary Face!"

Charmeleon glared at Raichu, who stopped dead in his tracks and cowered.

"R-Raiii…"

"What's wrong Raichu? Come on! Beat that reptile!"

"Charmeleon, use Flamethrower!"

The stream of fire shot out so fast of the Pokemon's mouth, that not even Lt. Surge could believe it. The blast of flames burned Raichu to a crisp. They were really hot.

"Now finish him off with Slash!"

Zoey learned that her Charmeleon no longer knew Metal Claw, which was somewhat disappointing, but learned Slash instead. This was ok though. Slash was stronger than Metal Claw anyway.

Charmeleon raked her claws against Raichu's body, who was injured badly and fainted.

"Rai…chu…"

"Yes!" shouted Zoey as she jumped up in the air. "We did it!"

"Charmeleon!"

Lt. Surge walked up to the girl and held out his hand. In the palm of it, was the Thunder Badge. "You did good Zoey. And you got a lot stronger than I thought you would. My Raichu didn't even touch your Pokemon this time."

Zoey took the badge and said "Thanks."

"Keep striving towards your goal kid. The road to becoming the Champion is long and hard. Many challenges await you that might be even more intimidating than the Gyms. It's just like a battlefield in a war. Be careful and cautious. Stay alert, and trust in your Pokemon. That way, you'll win every battle you face. Understood soldier?"

"Yes sir!"

"Good! Now get outta here so you can go get those other badges."

Zoey smiled and ran out of the Gym, Charmeleon right behind her.

Lt. Surge just smirked. Raichu got up slowly to his feet, and walked up to his master.

"That kid. She's just like her father."

Raichu smiled and nodded in agreement.

That's the end of the chapter people. I know, it took me a week to write this. But I honestly don't have a lot of time on my hands like I used to before. I know I keep saying this over and over, but I want to make sure you guys understand.

Marina is the female character you play as in Pokemon Crystal and Jimmy is the male character you play as in Crystal, Silver, and Gold. They also came out in a Pokemon special called The Legend of Raikou or something like that. I have seen it in the Japanese version, and only one third of it on TV. It's really cool. I like Jimmy. He's cute. X333

Oh and besides school, I'm also getting into new animes/mangas. So yeah, that kinda keeps me away from writing. –sweatdrop- I'm STILL not done watching the Bleach anime or reading the manga, I'm not finished reading the Full Metal Alchemist manga, AND my friend got me into Fruits Basket now, so yeah. Darn you anime & manga! Why do you have to be so interesting and awesome?! Dx You can just IMAGINE how much time I wish I had to read those mangas and watch the anime…T-T

The bright side is though, I have three A's and a B in school:D Whoot! An A in English, Computers, and AP World History, while having a B in Chemistry! Yes! XD

By the way, this chapter was supposed to be in the beginning of the week, but my friend is SOOO evil because she is the one who got me into Fruits Basket and NOW I can't STOP reading the manga because it's soooo addicting!!! So yeah. For five whole days I was reading that manga…Heh…

So sorry about this big long message, but I somehow felt I needed to give you guys an explanation as to why I didn't update when I should have.

And Happy Year of the Rat!!! 8DDD Yay! Go Yuki-kun!!! xDDD (He is one of the main characters in Fruits Basket born in the year, and as a rat/mouse).