EPISODE 2 - MEET MARKITTY, CHICKLEAF, and RODEMART!
RECAP: Francis King, a high school student and an average Pokémon scholar, got really inspired and motivated by his rival's goals: to become a full pledged Pokémon trainer/student, compete in the newly established Pokémon Team League Championships, and become the Pokémon Champion of Fhranisa. Marcus Peace, Francis' rival, has decided to leave home in order to accomplish his dreams and become the greatest Pokémon Champion there is. In order to exceed the same goals as Marcus, Francis must devote his life and time to Pokémon, form a team of three to qualify for the championships, earn gym badges and diplomas, and travel all around the region of Fhranisa providing philanthropy, sportsmanship to other trainers and citizens in need, and most importantly, meet all the Pokémon there is to meet. Francis, who didn't take Pokémon training seriously and knows little about Pokémon, has determined that he must change his priorities and learn everything there is to know about Pokémon and their worlds. Johnny and Belen Mezza, Francis' best friends, have decided to join Francis in his quest and become the team needed for the championships. Marcus, having little luck at first, had asked Kalel, his little brother, and Kassie, Francis' older sister, to join him and become his team; they agreed. All of them are almost ready to start their journey of a lifetime, but they need to enroll for the championships, get a PokeDEX, and have at least a starter/one Pokémon to begin their training. Francis and co. had asked Pokémon Professor Pine for help and they were invited to her labs to get everything they needed.
[Rio Town/Pokémon Labs and Ranch/Sunday Late Morning]
"It's about to be 11 AM! I can't believe it!" Francis exclaimed agitated while rushing towards the Pokémon Labs.
Francis and his crew crossed Rio Town to get to the Pokémon Labs and Ranch, which were right across from the entrance of Route 1. The Pokémon Labs were approximately the size of a baseball field, while the Ranch was the size of four football fields put together or as big as the Wild Areas...from other regions. The Ranch has been built and divided into different sections/areas where Pokémon with different attributes and personalities can live and prosper. Nobody knows how many Pokémon really live in the Ranch, although the Professor believes it has been all tracked since day one. Francis and co. arrived at the famous Pokémon Labs and Ranch of the Fhranisa Region at last. It was exactly 11 AM. They rang the doorbell, but no one answered. They decided to check if the doors were open and they were.
"Should we just go in?" Francis asked the group while examining the area.
"Well, the doors were open. The professor must have left them opened for us since she knew we were coming." Johnny figured and went in. He began to browse around the labs; everyone followed.
"We should had come here early like we were supposed to, BUT Francis took forever to get ready and here we are." Josh uttered while wondering around the labs fascinated by all the equipment.
"HEY-HEY-HEY! You guys didn't get me when YOU were ready! I had to eat, plan, and talk to our parents about my decision, but KK was talking with them already for a long- long time that I just had to wait. Don't blame ME!" Francis defensively remarked and reminded Josh.
"It's weird cuz the Peace should be here working…unless they requested off or called out because, you know, too much partying last night..." Belen remembered.
"True! But no one is here!" Francis commented while looking for clues.
"Guys I found something!" Johnny hollered. "It's a note from the Professor: "Dear Francis and company, if you find this note, it means that I had left the labs already and had started doing my daily checkup and routine around the Ranch and labs. I'm also in the middle of working on an important research based at Rio Lake, which parts of it traverses the Ranch. I might actually stay here for the whole day and camp overnight; so, if you're reading this, it's likely that I'm already doing research over there so you guys should come find me. I have also been thinking about your Pokémon partners, so I can't wait to share my idea. Lastly, besides acquiring your PokeDEX with me, I will be teaching you all how to battle a Pokémon! Can't wait! …SO? Why are you still readings this, come find me! I'm excited to see you all! Oops! Too much caffeine again! Sincerely, Professor Pine.", and that's what's up!" Johnny concluded.
"So, what are we waiting for?! Let's go meet the professor! C'MON!" Francis blurted out while running towards the way that leads to the Ranch entrance. He left to find the professor.
"Francis, WAIT!" Johnny and Belen exclaimed and then got disillusioned.
"There HE goes again! Doing before thinking, so impulsive!" Josh, annoyed, commented, "Does he even know where exactly the professor is located at?"
"I don't think so!" Johnny said.
"He is very smart though; I'm sure he'll figure it out on his own cuz catching up to him now is kinda pointless..." Belen expressed while looking a bit disappointed Francis left her, left them, behind.
"Guys look! I found the map of the whole area. It's over here in this gigantic monitor." Josh pointed out.
The Mezza and Josh checked the area map and studied it for a bit. Josh decided to download the map to his PokePAD to keep in files. They found a way to Rio Lake from the labs and thru the Ranch. After Belen used the restroom, they headed out to find Professor Pine.
Francis, all caught up in his Pokémon daydream, was wondering in the woods for a moment. He was walking actively, but he was not paying attention where he was going or what was happening around him. His legs were automatically leading to somewhere while his mind was somewhere else. He also hasn't realized yet that he didn't know where to meet the professor exactly. "I wonder and wonder…what Pokémon will be my actual first?" He spoke to himself, "I've met and seen so many Pokémon, but I honestly don't know too much about each one of them…I need to do better than this if I want to catch up to Marcus' level…" He kept on walking and talking, "I hope my first Pokémon really likes me and it's strong enough to defeat Marcus' Perro-oh…I would like for my first Pokémon to be a Fire type, so that'll teach Marcus not to play with fire…but then again, there's other types of Pokémon like Rock, Bug, Electric, Dragon, Steel, Ghost, Psychic, Water…SO MANY TO CHOOSE FROM! I want to meet my Pokémon partner already…HUH?!" Francis stopped. He had heard a scream for help coming from around but he wasn't sure. He looked around and about and discovered... "OH MAN! Where's my team? Where am I?!"
"HELP!"
Francis got astonished; he freaked out a little as he was alone in the woods with no Pokémon to defend himself with. Nevertheless, Francis snapped out of his fear and began looking around for the person in distress. "HELLO! HELLO!" Francis shouted out loud expecting for a reply, echo, or a noise.
"HELP! PLEASE!"
Francis kept wondering and looking around. He also began to realize that this voice was very familiar, but it wasn't one of his teammates. "The professor!" Francis discovered himself close to Rio Lake as he heard water and river noises coming from behind a bunch of bushes and big rocks. He spotted the professor close to a waterfall north of the river, but she wasn't alone. A pack of Dingur had surrounded the professor. "PROFESSOR!"
"FRANCIS! FRANCIS! OVER HERE!" Pr. Pine spoke thru her AirWatch calling Francis when she finally noticed him.
A pack of Dingur had became hostile once they noticed that the professor got really close to their breeding terrains and their food nests; Dingur are very territorial and also voracious if disturbed while they're eating. The Dingur had assumed the professor was trying to steal their provisions and their eggs.
Francis picked up: "Hello! Professor! What's going on?!" Francis was trying not to lose his cool and staying safely distant from the wild Dingur.
"The Dingur are very upset as I had accidentally trespassed their territories and stepped on their berries…oops, clumsy me…" The Professor explained while trying to sound gentle and calmed around the Dingur.
"Tough luck! But how are you going to get pass them or escape? It seems like they have you all surrounded...and a wrong move might trigger them…" Francis spoke while trying to find a solution and get the professor out of that dangerous situation.
"Francis, listen! I can't move but YOU can!"
"YEAH! So, what's the plan, professor?"
"THERE! You see my campsite!" The professor declared while pointing at the direction.
"OK! I see it!" Francis located the camp and proceeded to go there, "Now what?!"
"The only way to get out of this one is to battle the Dingur to calm them down. Do you understand, Francis?"
"Yes professor!"
"I didn't bring a Pokémon with me, but I do have some Pokémon in my portfolio! Find the portfolio and get a Pokémon to help us out, Francis!"
"Portfolio? Where?" Francis was looking desperately and a bit nervous to battle.
"Those pokeballs contain the Pokémon starters of this region! Now, just pick a pokeball and battle these Dingur, please!"
The Dingur haven't spotted Francis as they were focused on the Professor's movements. They were ready to attack if provoked.
"Got it!" Francis found the professor's portfolio and opened it. Inside: files, papers, supplies, and three pokeballs. "DOPE! The pokeballs are here!"
"GREAT! Now choose a pokeball, release the Pokémon, and battle! I know you can do this!" The professor pleaded and hoped for the best.
"Battle?! But I haven't battled a Pokémon in ages! I…I'm not sure what to do…but I NEED to help…" Francis said it to himself out loud, but then he thought, {"This will be my actual first Pokémon battle! I…I know how to do this…I know how…now, which pokeball to choose…ok…this one…no…this one…maybe not...but this one will do…I'm certain this is the one…"} Francis picked a pokeball and threw it up in the air, "Pokémon, I choose YOU!"
"I'm sure we are in the right path according to the map I downloaded, but something seems off…" Josh said while looking at his PokePAD and walking around the flower fields and Forest Agijon was nearby.
"We've seen many Pokémon along the way and I'm beginning to understand why Francis and the rest of trainers want to do this!" Belen expressed herself while looking at some Pokémon in the far away distance.
"The map shows that we are supposed to cross the forest to get to Rio Lake, right?" Johnny claimed while studying the area with his TECH-P X1000 binoculars, "What seems to be the problem, lil Josh?"
"Yes, we do have to cross the forest, but there seems to be another better way to get to Rio Lake...now that I have analyzed the map better, that path is the most appropriate to be honest, but there's no point in turning back…"
"That doesn't sound bad, lil Josh."
"Yeah? But according to the map data and info, Forest Agijon is infested, pardon me, inhabited by a lot of Bug-type Pokémon! We have to watch out guys." Josh explained and warned his friends.
"BUGS?! But I'm kinda uncomfortable around Bug-type Pokémon!" Belen yelled paralyzed in fear of encountering such critters along their way.
"But sis, we are already here. The forest is right in front of us. What do you want us to do now?" Johnny asked Belen.
"Well…we do have to find the professor…" Belen thought, "and as Yoshi said, we've made it this far to be turning back…"
"Besides, we will be okay! You have us to protect you!" Josh said confidently.
"He's right! Common sis! And…what if Francis is already there? We have to catch up to him!" Johnny pointed out with a smirk on his face.
"Francis! Right!" Belen got positive and blushed a little, "We're almost there anyways! Let's GO!" Belen entered the forest with optimism. Johnny and Josh followed.
…
"AAAHHH!" Belen screamed.
"Common! Run! Run! RUN!" Johnny yelled.
"This was a BAD IDEA!" Josh yelped.
"A colony of Waspeking! WHY DID WE HAD TO RUN INTO THEM OF ALL BUG-TYPE POKÉMON THERE ARE!" Belen said while running and escaping the aforementioned Pokémon, "HOW AWFUL!"
"Common sis! Just run!" Johnny directed, "THERE! We can take cover under those rocks!"
Johnny, Belen, and Josh took cover under a formation of big rocks that formed somewhat of a pyramid. They hid under it and waited for the fearsome bugs to go away.
"Guys, do you hear something…" Josh said while trying to focus on the sound he picked up.
"Hear what, Yoshi?"
"I'm trying to figure it out…"
"I don't hear anything. Is it the Waspeking, lil Josh?"
"No…they're gone…"
"Thank goodness!" Belen was relieved.
"I think is water…"
"Water?" Belen and Johnny got curious.
"I think there is a waterfall nearby! We must be close to the river! We need to get out of here and find the Professor and my brother!" Josh perceived and began to make his way out of the rock formation. Johnny and Belen did the same. They all walked towards the water.
"MAR! MEOW! MAR! MAR!" A Pokémon spoke.
"WOW! A Pokémon! This is DOPE!" Francis was so excited to see a new Pokémon that he almost had forgot about the professor.
"FRANCIS! Good job!" Pr. Pine relaxed a bit.
"UH?"
"That's Markitty! A Water-type Pokémon! Now help me out already!" The professor exclaimed while staying put like a statue so the Dingur don't attack her. The Dingur were still onto the professor.
"RIGHT!" "SO, you're Markitty! Nice to meet you, little fellow!" Francis smiled.
"MAR! MEOW! MEOW!" Markitty was happy to meet Francis. It then realized that its friend, the professor, was in danger. "MARKITTY!"
"I know, little fellow! Can we help the professor?!"
"MAR! MAR! MARKITTY!" The Pokémon affirmed. It then approached the area where the Dingur and the professor were; Francis followed Markitty.
The Dingur noticed the intrusion and were starting to forget about the professor. Their attention was now on the little fellow before them and also on Francis.
"What now?" Francis asked himself while thinking his next move, "I know we have to battle them or at least distract them long enough, but it's SIX against ONE!"
The pack leader got close to Markitty. It put its eyes on it and picked up on Markitty's scent. It was studying its opponent before making its next move and lead its pack. The professor was a bit petrified. One wrong move and all of them could be toast, but then the Dingur leader began to move. Dingur used Quick Attack.
"MARKITTY!"
Markitty got hit. "MAR! MARKITTY!"
"Francis! Markitty! This is a battle! Use a move too! Defend yourselves!" The professor yelled.
"GOT IT! Defend ourselves! I need to tell Markitty to use a move…which one though? I'm not sure…UH?"
The Dingur was ready to attack again. The Dingur used Bite.
"MARKITTY! WATCH OUT!"
Markitty avoided the attack in time.
"Markitty is a Water type! I need to try this! MARKITTY, USE WATER GUN!" Francis guided.
Markitty used Water Gun. It was a critical hit!
"DINGUR! GURR!" The Dingur leader was already upset but it got enraged. It commanded two of his comrades to join in and trash Markitty.
"What? What's going on?! Why are they joining in?!" Francis shouted in disbelief. He got worried. "That's not fair! Three against one! UNCOOL!"
Markitty backed up. It knew it had to help the professor and its new friend, Francis, but it was unsure as to what to do next. It got baffled and afraid.
"I wish Johnny and the rest were here! They'll know what to do!" Francis yelled to himself, but then...
"FRANCIS! BIG BRO!"
"HUH?" Francis looked behind him. "JOSH! LITTLE BRO!" Francis hugged Josh.
"Francis!" Johnny and Belen gestured. "And the professor too!"
"Those are Dingur! They do not look happy! What's happening, Francis?!" Josh asked.
"GUYS! OVER HERE!" Francis called out. He needed their help.
"WOW! That's a Markitty! One of the starters of this region! That's SO COOL!" Josh was surprised.
"THIS IS GREAT! If you guys work together, we may be able to calm these Dingur and get out of this mess!" The professor explained promptly. "Johnny! Belen! There are two more pokeballs in my portfolio. Get them and get the Pokémon to help us out!"
"YEAH! The briefcase is over there at the campsite. Get a pokeball each and help us pacify these guys, please!" Francis instructed Johnny and Belen. They took off and got the pokeballs.
"I'll grab this pokeball just because is shiny!" Belen expressed and grabbed a pokeball.
"I guess I'll get the last one then…the best one yet…" Johnny expressed with certainty.
"So, if that's Markitty…the other two must be…" Josh was thinking.
"Pokémon! GO!" Belen yelled and threw her pokeball up in the air.
"Help us, lil fellow!" Johnny asked the pokeball and then threw it up in the air.
"CHICKLEAF! CHICK! CHICK! CHICK!" A Pokémon spoke while floating in the air.
"RODE! RODEMART! RODE! RODEMART!" Another Pokémon spoke while grooming its fur.
"WOW! Those are Chickleaf and Rodemart! This is SO COOL!" Josh was overwhelmed.
"Chickleaf?" Belen said; they approached Francis.
"Rodemart is its name?" Johnny asked, while joining the rest.
Chickleaf and Rodemart spotted the professor and understood the situation. They joined Markitty.
"GUYS! You must work as a team now! Each one of you have to guide your Pokémon and use moves accordingly. Treat this as a real Pokémon battle now. You guys can do this!" The professor was excited and charismatic. She believes in Francis and his team.
"RIGHT!" Everyone affirmed.
The Dingur, seeing there's two more players in the battlefield, decided to all join in, fight, and defeat all these intruders. Its two against one. The Dingur leader instructed its pack and were ready to attack. Dingur used Bite and Quick Attack.
"Here they come! Watch it, lil fellow!" Johnny delegated.
Rodemart avoided the attack.
"Belen, better tell Chickleaf what to do! Look out!" Josh said.
Belen was kind of familiar with many Pokémon; she is an adventurer that enjoys hiking and exploring. When she has encountered Pokémon in the wild, she takes times to analyze and study their behavior if possible, but not passionately. "UH? HEY!"
Chickleaf got hit. "CHICK! CHICK!" Chickleaf cried.
"OH NO! I didn't think fast enough!" Belen got worried and approached Chickleaf. "Are you okay, Chickleaf?" Belen was sobbing a bit while nurturing Chickleaf in her arms.
"CHICKLEAF! CHICK! CHICK! CHICK!" Chickleaf loosened itself from Belen's arms and looked at her.
"CHICKLEAF?" Belen was doubtful, "Are you sure?"
Chickleaf ensured Belen that it was good to keep battling.
"HEY! Are you two alright?!" Francis approached Belen and Chickleaf.
"US? We are good to go!"
"I'm glad! Try again and just do your best!"
"You got it, Francis! Chickleaf, use Vine Whip!" Belen asked Chickleaf to fight and do its best.
"Our turn to attack, lil guy! Use Ember!" Johnny told Rodemart.
The Dingur got hit. They were critical hits! 'DINGUR! GURR!"
"Markitty! Calm down the leader so it can reason with us in letting it go! I know you can do it!" Francis directed and was confident in Markitty.
"MARKITTY!" Markitty used Water Gun. It was another critical hit!
Most of the Dingur calmed down as they noticed their opponent was actually a bit stronger than them. The leader, wanting revenge, commanded the pack to get together. It then instructed the pack to attack Markitty altogether and then proceed to do the same with the other two.
"What are they doing?" Francis got confused while also evaluating the status of the battle.
"I think they are planning something. You guys should be careful as they're not retreating!" The professor advised.
The Dingur used Bite altogether against Markitty.
"UH?! NO-NO-NO!" Francis was alarmed, but its intuition was faster than the Dingur. "CHICKLEAF! RODEMART! HELP MARKITTY! YOU ALL TOO MUST USE ALL OF YOUR ATTACKS TOGETHER AND STOP THEM!"
Chickleaf and Rodemart understood. Chickleaf used Vine Whip and Rodemart used Ember.
"MARKITTY! USE WATER GUN!"
…
Markitty, Chickleaf, and Rodemart all used their attacks together in order to stop the pack of Dingur; they succeeded. The Dingur snapped out of their rage and cooled; they proceeded to run into the woods defeated and looking for shelter in the meantime. Francis and his team were appalled.
"We did it?" Francis asked surprised. "DOPE! WE DID IT, TEAM!"
Belen and Johnny were happy and proud of everyone. The Pokémon too were happy and relieved to know the professor is alright.
"Professor! Are you ok?!" Josh asked while helping the professor recover and get her things.
"Thanks! I'm doing fine now…" The professor was alleviated and approached the team, "You guys did great for your first battle, wasn't it?"
"YES! Our first battle professor!" All agreed.
"I guess I do not need to teach you how to battle Pokémon anymore, do I?"
"Guess not..."
"YOU my babies did excellent too! I'm proud of you three!" The professor thanked and smooched her three Pokémon starters that helped them out. She petted them with lots of love and healed them as well. Then, she advanced to relax at her campsite, put her things away, and looked at her research stuff.
"POKE! POKE! POKE!" The Pokémon were happy to be reunited with the professor.
Francis and co. followed the professor. They were still impressed with themselves and excited for what's to come.
"That was a terrific battle! For beginners, of course…" Josh said, "I have seen battles before, but never against wild Pokémon like that. That was SO COOL!"
"It was cool indeed! Thanks for helping out Chickleaf!" Belen commented.
"We did AWESOME! You, lil guy, are STRONG!" Johnny confirmed about Rodemart.
"It was DOPE! Pokémon are something else…" Francis shared with the group. "I've never felt anything like it!" {"This intense fighting feeling…What does it mean?"}
"You guys are going to make a great team! Especially now that you all get along pretty well with your Pokémon partners!" The professor confessed and smiled.
"OUR POKÉMON?" Francis and co. replied were confused, "What do you mean, professor?!"
"Well…" The professor explained, "Since there is no more solo Pokémon League this year, not many beginner trainers will start their own journeys in order to compete for a particular championship, challenge, or contest…" she continued, "For that reason, I haven't been able to give away these Pokémon to these said new trainers because there are none signing up for the Pokémon League lately! I thought, should I keep these babies with me until any trainer shows up? Should I give them away to Pokémon researchers? Should I return them to the Pokémon Federation so they continue for their care? But then it hit me!"
"WHAT HIT YOU?!" Everyone was paying close attention to the professor.
"Why not let Francis and his friends take them along in their journeys? They will be taken care of; they will receive training; they will explore the world and meet friends…" The professor explained, "I figured these babies will be happier going with you guys than going back home or staying here with me…"
Everyone was touched and delighted to hear Pr. Pine's resolution. They were looking at their new Pokémon partners with joy and excitement.
"These babies will make great Pokémon partners! And you three, with the help of Josh here, will become superb trainers and an indominable team! I'm positive!" Pr. Pine winked at everyone.
"THANK YOU, PROFESSOR!" Francis and his team blushed and were looking at each other in reassurance.
"NOW! Markitty, this is Francis. Your trainer from now on. Please, don't give him a hard time with your antics, ok baby?" Pr. Pine directed to Markitty. Markitty then approached Francis and stared at him.
"HI! I'm Francis! Nice to meet you!"
"MAR! MAR! MARKITTY!"
"Chickleaf, sweetie, this is Belen! She will be your trainer now! Become best friends, could you?" Pr. Pine asked of Chickleaf while Chickleaf ran towards Belen and rubbed on against her legs.
"AWW! It likes me already! Well, I like you too, Chickleaf!" Belen petted Chickleaf.
"CHICKLEAF! CHICK! CHICK! CHICK!"
"Lastly…Rodemart, honey, this is Johnny. He will be training you from now on. I know you are competitive and headstrong, actually hot-headed, but please listen to him at all times!"
"Hello again, lil fellow! Let's get along and do our best, groovy?" Johnny smiled.
"RODE! RODEMART! RODE! RODEMART!"
"NOT FAIR! I wish I was a year older so I can have a Pokémon of my own! Especially Pokémon like yours!" Josh pouted but was happy because he knew he can play with their new Pokémon friends anyways; he loves meeting new Pokémon and befriend them.
"I got something for you, little Josh, so you don't feel left out!" Pr. Pine said.
"REALLY? You got me something, professor?!" Josh got curious and impatient.
"YEP! Since you're also not old enough to own a phone, I got you a HERO AirWatch! From TECH-P!"
"WOW PROFESSOR! You are the bestest and the coolest!" Josh was overwhelmed. He hugged the professor and thanked her. "With this watch, I can call, text, research, and do a lot of cool stuff. This is SO COOL!"
"I guess I have to tell pop and mom that you don't need one for your coming birthday then…" Francis thought loudly.
"Say what, bro?"
"Say, professor, are you sure about this? The watch for my little brother?"
"Of course, Francis. Don't worry about it. It's child proof and a child version. Since there was a sale, I got one for my nephew, Pierre, and one for you, Josh!" The professor confessed.
"Anyways, what about our PokeDEX and Pokeballs professor? Don't we need that too for the Championship?" Francis asked and was eager to discover Pokémon and all their info.
"Don't forget about signing up for the Championship! We need to do that too!" Johnny & Belen remembered.
"A-HA! RIGHT! Well…" Pr. Pine recalled, "While fleeing the Dingur, my computer fell and cracked, so I'm a bit upset about it; I'm also annoyed because now I have to go back to the labs and get my back-up computer to continue my research…"
"That's bad!" Everyone concluded.
"Unfortunately, I can't sign you up for the championships at the moment. That can only be done thru a regular computer…"
"Oh-no…"
"What I can do is give you the code to access the PokeDEX on your smart phones and I also did bring a case of Pokeballs so you guys can take it with you."
"YEY! That's great!"
"SO! Get your phones and download the app "PokeDEX" made by The Pokémon Federation. Then sign up and you will be directed to enter a code to register yourself as a Pokémon Trainer. The PokeDEX will also act as your ID. Go ahead!" The professor instructed.
Francis and co. proceeded to get their respective smartphones and then downloaded the app. Josh was admiring his new watch and playing with it. Pr. Pine got a case of 24 Pokeballs for the team from her tent.
"Here you go, team! Use them carefully and manage them well. Once you're out of them, just go to the PokeMart for more. Of course, you will have to buy them, but you're also welcome to request some for free from The Pokémon Federation if you email them. They will send Pokémon Team Championships participating teams complimentary pokeballs once you are registered as a Team. You can do that at the nearest Pokémon Center, since I told you my computer broke." Pr. Pine explained.
"DONE! Now what professor?"
"GREAT! Now each of you have a PokeDEX with you. When you encounter a Pokémon, just open the app and point your cameras at the Pokémon and it will tell you everything there is about it…unless it's a rare Pokémon…or perhaps a legendary one…or maybe a rare EXTRATERRESTRIAL one too…YES!"
"PROFESSOR?" Everyone was puzzled.
"RIGHT! Sorry for going off topic, but yeah the PokeDEX is neat and very useful!" The professor concluded.
"COOL!" Francis and co. were thrilled. They were also eager to start their adventures with their new Pokémon partners.
Pr. Pine got hungry. She used her own AirWatch and saw the time. "YIKES! It's time for lunch! I also need to hurry back to the labs before sunset in order to get my computer and comeback here!"
"WHAT?!"
"Look at the time, guys!" Josh said while looking at his new watch. "It's 1:15 PM!"
"1:15!" Francis was speechless. Johnny and Belen were surprised it took that long to find the professor and battle Pokémon. They also noticed they were starving but had disregard it because they have been overwhelmed with their Pokémon and the trek.
"Guys, would you like to go back to the labs with me and grab lunch together? I can make something quick, like my famous spaghetti and meatballs! What do you say?" Pr. Pine asked delighted.
{"What should we do? I need to rush to the Pokémon Center to sign up for the Team League and I also need to catch up to Marcus and his team…"} Francis was thinking deeply.
"Francis? What should we do?" Belen asked.
"Yeah bro. I'm starving! And I think I need to use the restroom, for number two, if you know what I mean…" Johnny shared with the group.
"Eww…but really I'm hungry too. What now, big bro?" Josh asked Francis.
"…"
"Big bro?" Josh asked again, but Francis was still thinking, "FRANCIS! WAKE UP!"
"WHAT? UH? QUE?!" Francis snapped out of his mind. "What, Joshua?! What?!"
"The professor has invited us for lunch. Shall we?" Josh asked timidly and gently.
"FINE! Let's go! Let's have lunch and then continue our journey!" Francis affirmed disappointed.
"GREAT! Shall we go back then?" Pr. Pine got up and grabbed her baggage and her broken PC. She began to walk towards the labs.
"YEAH!" Everyone agreed. They followed Pr. Pine's directions this time since she knows her way around her own state and also the best way to go back to the labs. They were back in the labs in no time; roughly 18 minutes. From Rio Lake to the labs was an 18-minute walk. Pr. Pine refreshed in her own bathroom upstairs while the gang stayed downstairs. Johnny used the guest restroom. Josh was scanning the dining area, the kitchen, and also the hanging edible gardens. Belen and Francis waited in the living room. The professor, with a new outfit, gears, and her back up PC, joined them in the living room.
[Rio Town/Pokémon Labs and Ranch/Sunday 1:33 PM]
"HEY! Why don't you guys go to the Pokémon Battlefield located out in the patio while I cook lunch? Get familiar with your Pokémon partners! Become friends! Battle each other!" Pr. Pine suggested.
"Professor! THAT'S A GREAT IDEA!" Francis got excited. He asked Belen to join him and go outside and battle.
"I wanna watch! This ought to be interesting to see!" Josh exclaimed joining Francis and Belen.
"Where's your brother, Belen?" Pr. Pine asked.
"He…he is using…"
"What about me?" Johnny said while coming from the corridor next to the stairs onto the living room. "What's happening, mates?"
Francis and his crew went outdoors to the battlefield out in the labs' patio.
"So, you guys are going to battle each other? I wonder who's the strongest!" Josh mentioned.
"I'm pretty sure my Markitty is strong enough to defeat your Pokémon, guys." Francis said confidently and proudly. He released Markitty. Markitty came out.
"MAR! MEOW! MAR! MARKITTY!"
"Are you sure bro? My Rodemart might be a Fire-type, but he's burning with determination and eagerness to win always! I can tell!" Johnny released Rodemart out of its pokeball. Rodemart showed up.
"RODE! RODEMART! RODE! RODEMART!"
"I'm pretty sure my Chickleaf can hold its own. I know it has the strength enough to put up with both your Pokémon!" Belen got Chickleaf out of its pokeball. Up in the air it went. Chickleaf came out floating and descending to the ground slowly.
"CHICKLEAF! CHICK! CHICK! CHICK!"
Francis, confident of himself and his new partner, said "I'm a 100 percent sure that Markitty can take on both of your Pokémon at the same time! I know for a fact that it has the power to do so!"
"OH YEAH?" Johnny and Belen were interested.
"YEAH! We can beat you two!"
"YOU'RE ON!" Johnny and Belen accepted Francis' challenge.
"GUYS! GUYS! WAIT!" Josh shouted stopping the group from making mistakes, "That's not the way to properly battle Pokémon, according to the Federation rules and pop and mom! If you really want to make it to the championships, you should at least know the basics!"
"You're right Josh…" Everyone agreed, embarrassed of themselves.
"If you really wanted to fight my big bro with two Pokémon, he shall too have two Pokémon in his rooster, but since this is his "first" Pokémon partner, what you guys will be doing is cheating. So, you should be more thoughtful…" Josh finished his evaluation and criticism. He then suggested, "Why not instead learn about your Pokémon partners before you enter a battle like that? That's what I WOULD DO, but that's just…ME…" Josh crossed his arms.
"Lil Josh here is right! We should know our partners!" Johnny admitted.
"And here I was rushing into things…I'm sorry, Chickleaf…" Belen apologized.
"You're a genius, bro! Why didn't I thought of that! My new PokeDEX app should help me!" Francis conceded. He then got his PokeDEX app ON and pointed his phone's camera towards Markitty, his Pokémon partner.
"That's a good idea!" Johnny and Belen followed suit.
[POKEDEX:
001. Chickleaf – The Sapsucker Pokémon. [GRASS]
"Chickleaf's diet primarily consists of trees' amber and sometimes leaves' chlorophyll. Due to this, its feathers coloration is a combination of shades of green. Its wings have to ability to shift-shape according to its mode: attack, defense, and normal. Chickleaf usually lives close to its kind, but it's not dependent. They're capable of flying very low altitudes, but prefer to roost on trees to preserve stamina and power."
ATTACKS: Tackle/Vine Whip/Peck/Leer
004. Rodemart – The Volcano Rodent Pokémon. [FIRE]
"Rodemart fur is really warm and fuzzy, but beware: it can get really hot or hot-headed according to its emotions. The fur is capable of reaching 250 degrees Fahrenheit without burning Rodemart's body because its skin is fire-proof and almost impenetrable. They light the orb at the end of their tails to guide their pack when hunting and also to confuse foes."
ATTACKS: Tackle/Screech/Ember/Sand-Attack
007. Markitty – The Fishing Kitten Pokémon. [WATER]
"Once the adult stage of Markitty gives birth, it usually consists of an average litter size of 3-6 kittens that stick together until they reach their second stage. The last Markitty to evolve does stay with an evolved Markitty until its ready to make it on its own, evolve, and split ways. They tend to live near lakes, rivers, swamps, or lagoons where they master their fishing skills. They are avid swimmers due to their fishing adeptness and underwater battles."
ATTACKS: Tackle/Water Gun/Growl/Tail Whip]
"I think all of your Pokémon are SO COOL! I really can't wait to have a Pokémon partner of my own!" Josh expressed avidly and glad to know a bit more about his new Pokémon friends.
"You're right, Yoshi! I didn't really think a Pokémon can be so wonderful beings!" Belen admitted.
"Ditto, sis! They're AWESOME!" Johnny was smiling at Rodemart.
"DOPE! But, now that we have learned something about them, should we battle then?" Francis, now fired up from having battled for the first time, asked his team.
Josh then proceeded, "If your Pokémon partners are alright and ready, we should decide who battles who first with this randomizer app I got in my watch. Are you guys cool with that?"
"YEAH! It's cool." Everyone said.
"Terrific! So…let's see…first to battle: Belen versus my big bro?" Josh shared the results.
"WHAT?! Francis against ME?!" Belen was taken by surprise.
"YES! Don't you want to battle us, Belen?" Francis asked a bit amazed.
"WHAT?! No! It's not that! I'm just a bit shocked we have to battle first…BUT we will take you on! Right, Chickleaf?"
"CHICKLEAF! CHICK! CHICK! CHICK!"
"Then it's settled! Whoever wins this round will battle Johnny next. I will help judge the battle since I can use the holographic referee app with my new watch as well! Isn't that terrific, guys?" Josh explained while getting ready to start the app. "OPEN APP!" A holographic referee, made and programmed by the Pokémon Federation's Software Team, appeared in the battlefield.
"HELLO! My name is Ezra and I will be your battle judge during the matches today. Please, any questions that you have I will be glad to answer them all accordingly with the Federation's rules and policies. Are you ready to battle?" The hologram spoke.
"Guys, ready?!" Josh was excited to witness Pokémon battles between friends/team.
"OF COURSE! Markitty! GO!" Markitty entered the battlefield.
"CHICKLEAF! Let's try our best and also have fun!" Chickleaf entered the battlefield.
"3…2…1…BATTLE BEGIN!" The Hologram directed.
"Markitty! Use Tackle!" Francis decided quick and went offense. "MAR! MAR! MARKITTY!" Markitty used Tackle.
"UH?! How come you moved first?! WATCH OUT, CHICKLEAF!" Belen yelled.
"CHICK!" Chickleaf got hit.
"CHICKLEAF! Are you alright?!" Belen was worried.
"CHICKLEAF! CHICK! CHICK!" Chickleaf got up.
"I'm glad! Use Vine Whip and don't let Markitty get close!" Belen directed. Chickleaf used Vine Whip.
"Look out, Markitty!"
"MARKITTY!" Markitty got hit twice. It's super effective!
"OUCH! You got us there…Belen and Chickleaf!" Francis began to worry. "Markitty, you ok pal?"
"Well of course! Markitty is in a type disadvantage because Chickleaf is a Grass-type Pokémon and as you hopefully know, Grass triumphs Water." Josh commented passionately.
"BUT that won't stop us! Right, Markitty?!" Francis asked compelled. "Markitty, try to get close to Chickleaf and then use Tackle!"
"MAR! MEOW! MAR!" Markitty tried to approach Chickleaf, but Chickleaf was whipping its vines all around it as to shield itself.
"In that case, Markitty, use your best Water Gun attack!" Francis changed strategy. Markitty used Water Gun.
"LOOK OUT CHICKLEAF!" Belen said. Chickleaf got hit. It was a critical hit! Yet, it's not that effective.
"We got it!" Francis was happy. "Now that it's distracted, use Tackle, Markitty!"
Markitty used Tackle. Chickleaf avoided the attack.
"You're doing good, Chickleaf! Use Vine Whip and grab Markitty!" Belen guided Chickleaf. Chickleaf used Vine Whip. It's super effective. Chickleaf wrapped Markitty with its Vine Whip. "YEY! That's wonderful!"
"WHAT?! HOW?! MARKITTY!"
Markitty was struggling. It couldn't move much.
"We should finish this, Chickleaf. Release Markitty brashly and then hit it with a nice Tackle!" Belen ordered Chickleaf. Chickleaf let go of Markitty from its vines…
"This is your chance, Markitty! Use Tackle too!" Francis shouted in desperation.
Chickleaf and Markitty both used Tackle. Markitty…fainted.
"MARKITTY IS UNABLE TO BATTLE! CHICKLEAF WINS THIS ROUND!" The Hologram spoke.
"WHAT…" Francis was speechless.
"Well, I saw that coming. Also, Belen is very good at analyzing stuff…guess she saw thru your strategy, big bro" Josh remarked, "…I mean you rushed into things..."
"Enough Joshua! Markitty, pal, are you alright?" Francis approached Markitty and held it in his arms; he then gave him a potion.
"It is true what lil Josh said though, but you did great bro. I think you're going to get good at it if you keep battling!" Johnny deducted; he then gave his best friend a thumbs-up for trying its best.
Francis smiled, "You always see the greatness in me, in US now, bro. Thanks for that."
"No problem, amigo! ANYWAYS, are you ready, SIS?!" Johnny asked all eager to battle.
"Right! You move to the next round Belen; you have to battle Johnny and lastly Johnny will battle Francis. You ready?" Josh said explaining the mini tournament so far.
"Alright! Chickleaf has recovered. Right?" Belen declared, but then looked at Chickleaf to see if it was alright to battle again. Chickleaf agreed after having eaten an Oran berry Belen gifted to it. It was ready and happy as ever because it has never had a partner before and winning its first two battles so far has demonstrated it that Belen might be okay to be its trainer after all. "We are ready guys!"
"COOL!" Josh and Johnny exclaimed. Johnny then proceeded to enter the battlefield along with Rodemart. Belen and Chickleaf followed.
"OKAY! We have Johnny versus Belen. It's a one-on-one battle. Are you all ready to battle?" The Hologram spoke.
"I've been ready! Rodemart, GO!"
"RODE! RODEMART! RODE! RODEMART!" Rodemart entered the battlefield.
"Let's do our best again, Chickleaf!"
"CHICKLEAF! CHICK! CHICK! CHICK!" Chickleaf was floating around the battlefield.
"3…2…1…BATTLE BEGIN!" The Hologram directed.
{"I suppose Rodemart has the advantage here cuz I know it's a Fire-type Pokémon…I wonder if my brother knows his advantage here…he does…no, don't think so…I guess my only way to go around this is to try to avoid getting too close to Rodemart and getting Chickleaf burned…"} Belen thought.
"Rodemart, use Ember!" Johnny commanded. Rodemart used Ember.
Belen came to her senses. "UH?! ALREADY GOING ALL OUT! JUST LIKE FRANCIS! CHICKLEAF! WATCH OUT!"
Chickleaf noticed the attack in time. Chickleaf avoided the attack.
"Not bad! Rodemart, use Sand-Attack!" Johnny continued. Rodemart used Sand-Attack.
"CHICKLEAF! CHICK! CHICK!" Chickleaf's accuracy fell. It became unable to see properly.
"OH NO! Chickleaf, are you ok?!" Belen got worried. She began thinking what to do next. "It's alright Chickleaf, calm down and use Vine Whip!" Chickleaf stopped panicking about its eyes. It then used Vine Whip, but it failed.
Johnny, laughing a bit, said "You know your Chickleaf is blind, sis! How do you expect it to attack us if it can't see us?!"
"Whatever! We are trying to keep up. Even if we miss some attacks, we won't give up easily!" Belen was agitated. "Chickleaf, use Leer!"
Chickleaf used Leer. It failed.
"Belen! What are you trying to do?" Josh asked while analyzing the battle.
"I think she's trying to buy time! I see it…" Francis deduced, "But what for? What will that do?"
"Rodemart! Let's get this over with while we can! Use Ember!" Johnny decided and directed Rodemart.
"CHICKLEAF! USE VINE WHIP!" Belen quickly advised. Chickleaf's Vine Whip was able to hit Rodemart right in the face, making it unable to use Ember. "YEY! That was wonderful!"
"DARN IT, SIS!" Johnny got upset his Pokémon partner got hit and stalled. Rodemart was hurt a bit, but the attack was not effective. Rodemart began rubbing its face to comfort, but was getting hot.
"Chickleaf! Are you alright?" Belen asked hoping her partner was still good to go and maybe turn things around. Chickleaf recovered its sight due to Leer; it helped open its eyes more and clear out.
"CHICKLEAF! CHICK! CHICK! CHICK!" Chickleaf was ready to go.
"WONDERFUL! Chickleaf, use Tackle!" Belen directed.
"BAD IDEA!" Josh yelled.
Belen saw and heard Josh's remark. She then realized what she said, but it was late. Chickleaf used Tackle. Rodemart got hit, but then Chickleaf started to burn.
"CHICK! CHICK! CHICK!" Chickleaf was crying while running around in flames.
"CHICKLEAF!" Belen shouted distressed. "CHICKLEAF! NO!" Belen tried to help Chickleaf, but…
Chickleaf burned and fainted.
"Guess you didn't remember Rodemart's fur capabilities. While in battle, Rodemart's fur is hot and it can light up anything it touches, including your Pokémon's foliage! Bad move, sis!" Johnny expressed while smiling at their victory.
"CHICKLEAF IS UNABLE TO BATTLE! RODEMART WINS THIS ROUND!" The Hologram spoke.
"Rodemart! You are the Poke-MAN! Awesome battle!" Johnny petted Rodemart and he was proud.
"You guys did great! That was a super cool battle!" Josh commented and high-fived Johnny.
Belen, disappointed, grabbed Chickleaf and started to heal it. "Oh well…we did our best…you are a strong Pokémon, Chickleaf…I'm proud of you…"
"I'm proud of you too!" Francis said while approaching Belen and Chickleaf. Chickleaf recovered and was flying again. "DOPE! Chickleaf is healed!" Markitty got happy for Chickleaf. Markitty was also anticipating the battle against Rodemart, but then…
"GUYS! LUNCH IS READY!"
"UH?!"
Pr. Pine, done cooking her famous spaghetti and meatballs, came out to the patio to get Francis and co. for lunch. "My goodness! It seems like you all had a realization and now can't wait to get battling and learning about Pokémon! I'm glad!" The professor smiled.
"You're RIGHT, professor!" Everyone agreed.
"Alrighty then! Come on in and let's eat!" Pr. Pine instructed and stepped inside.
"BUT…but I was about to battle Johnny and Rodemart…" Francis said to himself softly with disappointment, but he was hungry and also impatient to keep on going and continue his journey.
Everyone went inside and joined the professor for a nice lunch. They all ate, drank juice, and enjoyed themselves. The professor also fed her baby Pokémon, who were starving from battling; they were happily eating the professor's food one last time…at least for now.
Francis, all full and satisfied, looked at his phone and saw the time: "3:30 P.M.! OMG!"
TO BE CONTINUED…
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