Episode 8: Team Rocket Digs It
Just after defeating Misty and earned his second Gym Badge, Sora, Kairi, Pikachu, and Angel met up with Ash and Leaf.
On the same night, a male Team Rocket grunt broke into a house and robbed the place blind while the owners were away. It wasn't until after they came home when they found the house had ben ransacked.
On the very next morning, Sora and Kairi decided to hang out with Ash and Leaf before they set off for Vermilion City. They started off with a pancake breakfast at one of the local resturants.
"Man, this feels like the good ol' days, right?" Sora asked.
"It sure does, Sora," Leaf said.
"Yeah. We used to hangout with each other like this," Ash said.
"Is it okay for me to be a part of this?" Kairi asked.
"It's fine, Kairi. I told you, that you're welcome to join, didn't we?" Ash asked.
"Also, we like having you around," Leaf said.
"See, Kairi, I told you that they'd like you," Sora said. This made Kairi smile having to be included.
Meanwhile, Jessie, James, and Meowth arrived in Cerulean City, still in pursuit of Pikachu.
"Check supplies," Jessie said. "Rubber gloves."
"Check," James said, holding up a pair of rubber gloves.
"Electric-proof cage," Jessie said.
"Check," Meowth said, straining himself with the cage.
"Key and lock," James said, holding the key and lock.
"Excellent. Everything's going as planned," Jessie said.
"Pikachu won't know what hits it," James said.
"This'll tickle the boss's fancy when we bring in Pikachu," Meowth said.
They snickered to one another.
Back to Sora, Kairi, Ash, Leaf, Pikachu, and Angel, they went into the local park and hung out there. It was there that Ash and Leaf revealed their partners to Sora and Kairi. Ash's starter is revealed to be Charmander while Leaf's Pokémon is Bulbasaur. The two Pokémon got to know Pikachu and Angel quite well.
"I gotta say, it's not surprising to see your partners being what I always thought they'd be," Sora said.
"Yeah?" Leaf asked.
"You knew they would choose a Charmander and a Bulbasaur, Sora?" Kairi asked.
"Always did. And I have to say, they suit them a whole lot better than I ever thoughg they would," Sora said.
"It's like you've been reading our minds, Sora," Ash said.
"I just know you guys," Sora said.
"He always did. I remember on your sixth birthday when Sora brought over that Buzz Lightyear video game to play," Leaf said.
"Oh, I always loved that game ever since Sora came over with it," Ash said fondly.
"I think I remember that you would pretend that you were Buzz Lightyear and made the sounds of lasers firing," Leaf said.
"To infinity and beyond!" Sora and Ash said, laughing afterwards.
"Yeah, that was loads of fun, right?" Ash asked.
"Yeah. I remember when you tried to fly just like him, and your mom gave you an earful for ripping your new pants," Sora said. Ash didn't needed to reminded of that incident, so he blushed.
"Anyway, Sora. How are things going for you? You got two Gym Badges, so what about Pokémon? You get any others since you got Pikachu?" Ash asked.
"So far these with me," Sora said, taking out his Pokéballs and let out Pidgeotto, Weepinbell, Sandshrew, Paras, and Butterfree. Ash whistled, impressed.
"Nice," Ash said.
"There are others back home in Professor Oak's lab," Sora said.
"Since you have a Sandshrew, that means you'll be up against Electric-type Pokémon in the Vermillion City Gym," Leaf said. Sora looked at Sandshrew and stroked his chin.
"You know, I think you're right, Leaf. Also, I have an Onix and a Geodude, so why not?" Sora asked himself. "Also, Sandshrew needs to be trained for it."
"And I think I can help you out, Sora," Ash said. "A one-on-one battle, so why not?" Sora smiled.
"I knew there would be a time we have a battle, Ash," Sora said. "I'll take you up on it."
"Thought you would. Let's go for it," Ash said. Both Sora and Ash got in position for their battle to begin. Ash has his Charmander already out. And Sora will be going with his Sandshrew.
"Okay, Sandshrew is a Ground-type Pokémon, so it's a win-win! Sandshrew, you ready to go?" Sora asked.
"Sandshrew!" Sandshrew said.
"Just because you're my friend doesn't mean I'm going to pull my punch with you!" Ash said.
"I don't want you to, Ash! Sandshrew! Start up with Scratch!" Sora ordered. Sandshrew ran towards Charmander to scratch it.
"Charmander! Dodge and use Metal Claw!" Ash ordered. Charmander dodged Sandshrew's scratch and came at the Ground-type Mouse Pokémon. The tips on one of Charmander's claws glow white and it slashes Sandshrew with them.
"Metal Claw?!" Sora exclaimed.
"Bet that surprised you. I used this to defeat Brock back at Pewter City. He still gave me a hard time, though," Ash said.
"Sandshrew! Use Sand-Attack!" Sora ordered. Sandshrew rolls and sand is hurled at Charmander.
"Dodge and use Ember!" Ash ordered. Charmander dodged Sandshrew's Sand-Attack and hurls a fireball from the flame at Charmander's tail. It struck Sandshrew. An ember flicked on Sandshrew's body.
"Sandshrew's been burned!" Sora exclaimed.
"Use Scratch!" Ash ordered. Charmander lands a scratch on Sandshrew, finishing him off. Sora had lost. "Good work, Charmander!"
"Char, Char," Ash said.
"Sandshrew, you okay?" Sora asked.
"Shrew," Sandshrew said. Ash walked up to Sora and hands him a Berry shaped like a blue strawberry.
"Feed this Rawst Berry to Sandshrew," Ash said, handing it to him. Sora gave to Sandshrew and ate it. Sandshrew has recovered from his burns.
"Feel better?" Sora asked.
"Shrew!" Sandshrew said.
"Gotta hand it to you, Sora, you had the right idea," Ash said. "Using Sandshrew because of types, and using Sand-Attack to cut Charmander's accuracy. If Gary was watching, he'd be holding this over your head."
"Yeah, he always did gloat at others when they lose at something," Sora said. "I mean, couldn't he be like Daisy?"
"Yeah, when Daisy used to be a Pokémon Ccordinator, Daisy was very humble, and she respected everybody. Even her rivals," Leaf said.
"She never once used her family name to get what she wants, unlike Gary," Ash said.
"You don't seem to like Gary much, do you?" Kairi asked.
"Heh, we could tolerate him if he wasn't such a snob," Sora said. "Karen always called him 'Bighead Oak', and it always drove him crazy." Sora laughed. Ash and Leaf laughed along with him.
"I don't know if Sora told you yet, but Gary a really arrogant jerk. He goes around, saying how he's better than everyone else," Ash said.
"Yeah. Gary was nowhere near as popular as Sora was when we were kids," Leaf said.
"How popular was he?" Kairi asked.
"Oh, come on. It's not that big a deal," Sora said.
"Don't be modest, Sora. To answer your question, Kairi; he was the most popular kid in our class and our summer camp. Many of the girls all had their eyes on him. Even I could admit he was really good-looking back then, and he still is," Leaf said. Sora blushed as Kairi puffed her cheeks a little. Leaf could see Kairi was getting jealous, and that's when she realized she has a crush on Sora. She wondered if Sora was feeling anything for her.
Meanwhile, a boy with pale skin, bright blue-green eyes and silver hair was walking down the road. His hair was shoulder-length. He wore a vest that has a yellow collar and is yellow in the front and black on the sides and back. The vest has two black crisscrossing straps that go over his chest and on his upper back that are trimmed with white and has a white stud on each end. Just above each of his wrists are tight black bracelets and on his hands are black and gray gloves that reach just to the base of his thumb. He wore a black belt with a silver rectangular buckle high on his waist which secures his dark blue-gray pants. His pants are mostly covered by blue wading pants held up by black straps almost identical to the ones on his vest, except they are each layered and have more studs, as well as not being crisscrossed. The wading pants are tightened at the ankle with small black belts. His shoes are white and blue, with some yellow strings on the inner sides, some of which criss-cross each other. The shoes each have two black straps with white trim and gray soles. With him is an Eevee who has the same kind of hairstyle as him.
"What do you think, Eevee? Wanna stop somewhere for a break?" The boy asked.
"Eevee, vee," Eevee said.
"Let's do that," the boy said. He sat down and rested his feet. "I hope this journey Professor Kukui sent me on is worth it," the boy said.
"Eevee, vee," Eevee said.
"But it'll have to be if I have to find myself," Riku said. He held out his hand and appeared a Keyblade that takes on the appearance of a pin tumbler lock key instead of the warded-lock key, but has a dimple lock. blade is silver, with two parallel grooves running the length of the blade at the center; several circular intents are etched along each edge asymmetrically. The blade juts out and then cuts back in just before it connects to the guard, which is black and blocky. The Keychain is a Pokéball. "To truly use my Keyblade."
(Flashback)
We have a look at Riku sitting in his house. Sitting beside him is a woman, wearing a white robe and red trimmings. She has blonde hair.
"Um," the boy said.
"I haven't introduced myself. My name is Flora. And what's your name?" Flora asked.
"Riku," Riku said.
"Riku, got it," Flora said. "A fine name."
"Why are you here?" Riku asked.
"I came to see for myself. See if I was right," Flora said.
"Right about what?" Riku asked.
"Right about you," Flora said.
"Me? Why are you interested in me?" Riku asked.
"I can sense there is a great potential within you, Riku. Potential I never felt before," Flora said.
"What potential?" Riku asked.
"Riku, what can you tell me about your dreams?" Flora asked. Riku was shocked to hear her ask him that.
"My dreams?" Riku asked.
"Yes," Flora said.
"I'm not even sure. I remember being in a strange place, and I hear someone's voice talk to me. I have no idea whose voice it was," Riku said. "And that's when these strange, black things came. They all had yellow eyes. There was a bigger one, and it has what looks like an ugly beard," Riku said.
"And has something appeared to you?" Flora asked
"Just this," Riku said, summoning his Keyblade. "I was wondering if you knew what it is."
"I do. It is a Keyblade," Flora answered.
"Keyblade?" Riku asked.
"Yes. And with this Keyblade, you have the powers of both zlightf,w and darkness," Flora said.
"Light and darkness?" Riku asked.
"That is a rare trait for someone like you to have. You are the only one that I have ever encountered that can use both," Flora said.
"You're saying that I'm the only one who can use both light and darkness. You mean, there are others who has one of these key-things?" Riku asked.
"Yes, but there aren't many of Keyblade Wielders left," Flora said.
"This is all kinds of weird. I'm already preparing to be a Pokémon Trainer," Riku said.
"I understand, but the threat of the Heartless is too great to ignore," Flora said.
"Heartless?" Riku asked.
"Yes. They're creatures of darkness. The one thing they fear is the Keyblade. Keep it with you to protect yourself, and use it only when needed," Flora said.
"Okay, I'll do that. It's hard to get rid of anyway," Riku said.
"Also, when you arrive in Kanto, go to Viridian Forest, and search for Teol. He will teach you how to use your magic," Flora said.
"Is the whole light and darkness theme connected with my magic?" Riku asked.
"Yes. It is. The Heartless have different resistances and weaknesses like Pokémon do," Flora said.
"Gotcha. Kanto, Viridian Forest, Teol. I think I got that down in that order," Riku said.
A little while later, Riku had just walked into Professor Kukui's lab and he was old enough to have his very first Pokémon. Professor Kukui is a young man with a muscular physique, who has dark eyes, black hair, a black man bun and a goatee. He wears a white hat with a rainbow decoration in the front. Professor Kukui also wears glasses with a teal frame, a white lab coat with rolled-up sleeves, gray baggy pants with a teal stripe and white drawstrings and some teal shoes with a white outline. Professor Kukui has a silver ring on his ring finger.
"Now, Riku, I may not have Rowlet, Litten, and Popplio left, but are you sure you won't wait for them until they're available?" Professor Kukui asked.
"I'm sure. Besides I wanna see what you have left," Riku said.
"If that's what you want, then it's okay with me," Professor Kukui said, taking a Pokéball and unleashing an Eevee. The Eevee looked right up at Riku. "Riku, I would like to introduce you to Eevee, the Evolution Pokémon."
"Eevee? What's so special about a Pokémon like an Eevee?" Riku asked.
"I'm glad you asked. Eevee can evolve into different forms depending on certain circumstances. You can have a Vaporeon by using a Water Stone. If you want a Jolteon, you can always use a Thunder Stone. If you feel Flareon is the best way to go, then you would want a Fire Stone. If you want a Leafeon, you can take it to the Moss Rock in the Lush Jungle or just use a Leaf Stone. But if you think Glaceon is a cool Pokémon to have, then you can either take it to an ice cave on Mount Lanakila or use an Ice Stone. But you can evolve Eevee into an Espeon when you treat it nice during the day, but you might have an Umbreon when you treat it nice at night. But you can have yourself a Sylveon if your Eevee knows a Fairy-type move," Professor Kukui said.
"Wow, so many options," Riku said.
"You don't have to evolve your Eevee right away, because it's best that you get acquainted with your new Eevee," Professor Kukui said. Riku took Eevee in his arms and Eevee just looked right at him. He looked right back at Eevee. "Also, take these." He took out a Pokédex, five Pokéballs, and a Pokémon Box. "The Pokéballs are used to store a Pokémon inside when caught. The Pokédex can provide any information you point or look up when you need the information. And your Pokémon Box is a way to choose any Pokémon you want. You can either send them home, or keep them in exchange for one of your other ones. That's if you have six on your team."
"I'll take them," Riku said. "Thanks, professor."
A little while after, Riku had his first battle with a Trainer with very small, plump, yellow rodent-like Pokémon. It bears a similar appearance to Pikachu, but varies in a number of ways. It has diamond-shaped ears on the top of its head, with the edges being black and the interior yellow. Underneath their head is a black pattern, that somewhat resembles a collar. Their tails are completely black, and resemble a small lightning bolt, similar to its evolved forms, which are larger. It also has round, pink sacs on its cheeks. This Pokémon is Pichu, the pre-evolved form of Pikachu. Pichu had just been defeated in battle.
"Pichu is unable to battle! Eevee wins! The winner is Riku!" Professor Kukui announced.
"Not bad for our first battle, huh?" Riku asked.
"Eevee," Eevee said.
"From now on, we'll be the best team there is. The two of us will do everything together. I mean everything," Riku said.
Later, Riku and Eevee are boarding the plane bound for the Kanto region, as his mother, a woman with long, silver hair waves goodbye to Riku.
"Bye-bye, Riku," Riku's mother said.
"Bye, mom," Riku said.
"Be sure to brush your teeth after every meal!" Riku's mother called out. She sheds a tear. "Oh, my baby."
We go forward in the Viridian Forest as Riku has begins his training with his magic. He managed to learn as much as he can. Along the way, he and Eevee had a run-in with the Heartless. Riku was amazed by how well he was able to fight them off. Eevee also helped out.
"I have taught you all I can teach you. The rest of your quest will contribute to your training. You master many challenges ahead of you, if you truly want to master your Keyblade," Teol said.
(Flashback ends)
"We have been through so much since coming here, Eevee. I protected you, and you protected me. I couldn't ask for a better partner than you, Eevee," Riku said.
"Eevee," Eevee said.
Back in Cerulean City, Sora, Kairi, Ash, Leaf, Pikachu, and Angel continued on as they heard a man yelling in distress.
"Police! I've been robbed!" The man exclaimed. Sora and the rest went up to him.
"What's wrong?" Sora asked.
"My house was just robbed! And the robber is from Team Rocket!" The man said.
"Team Rocket?" Sora asked, assuming it was Jessie, James, and Meowth up to their old tricks. "How many of these guys were there?"
"Just one! He had a Raticate with him! I remembered locking the door when I left!" The man said. "He was in my house when I got home!"
"How did he get in if your door was locked?" Ash asked.
"They dug their way in, and they have taken some of my things!" The man said. "My phone's dead, so I'm going to the police station!" The man took his leave.
"Geez, Team Rocket is starting to become more and more of a pain," Sora said.
"I feel the same way, Sora. There's no forgiving them for what they do! It's already bad enough to steal someone's Pokémon, but robbing someone blind! That's just low!" Leaf said.
"We should find this guy and turn him over to the police," Kairi said.
"Easier said than done, Kairi. They won't hold still for anybody," Ash said.
"Ash is right. It's not like they'll just land right in front of our feet," Sora said.
"Pikachu," Pikachu nodded in agreement.
Just then, the ground opened up, further away from the group. They turned and saw the male Team Rocket grunt come out. With him is is a large, rodent-like Pokémon. It is primarily tawny-colored with a cream underside. It has narrow black eyes, ears with ragged edges and dark insides, and large incisors that grow constantly. There are three whiskers on each side of its face, which it uses to maintain balance. It has short arms with three-fingered hands and webbed feet with three toes. Its tail is long and scaly. This Pokémon is Raticate.
"Kairi, I take back what I just said," Sora said. "Hey, you!" The male Team Rocket grunt looked at the group.
"What do you want?" The male Team Rocket grunt asked.
"We want to put a stop to the likes of you!" Sora said.
"Pika!" Pikachu said.
"I don't have to time to play with the likes of you, so I'll put you out of my way now! Raticate! Use Super Fang!" Raticate's two front teeth glow white and it heads towards the group to bite them. Kairi took out a Pokéball and threw it.
"Go! Raichu!" Kairi called out. Raichu emerged from the inside. "Use Thunder Punch!" Raichu lands a Thunder Punch on Raticate. "Use Seismic Toss!" Raichu grabbed Raticate and gave it a toss. Raticate is falling fast.
"Raticate! Use Dig!" The male Team Rocket grunt ordered. Raticate started to dig through the earth just before it could hit the ground. It didn't take long before Raticate emerged and tackled Raichu, dealing some heavy damage.
"Raichu!" Kairi gasped.
"Your Raichu's strong, but not as strong as my Raticate! And I'll prove it, too! Raticate! Use Super Fang!" Raticate starts to run towards Raichu with Super Fang when Ekans and Koffing came and knocked Raticate to the side. "Hey, what the?!"
"Prepare for trouble!" Jessie started.
"And make it double!" James added.
"To protect the world from devastation!"
"To unite all peoples within our nation!"
"To denounce the evils of truth and love!"
"To extend our reach to the stars above!"
"Jessie!"
"James!"
"Team Rocket blasts off at the speed of light!"
"Surrender now, or prepare to fight!"
Meowth jumps in the scene and finishes this off.
"Meowth! That's right!"
"Oh, it's just you jokers!" The male Team Rocket grunt growled. "If you're here to move in on my operations, then you're even stupider than I heard!"
"We're not here for you," James said.
"We're just here for Pikachu," Jessie added.
"Seriously, those three need a hobby," Sora said.
"You know those three?" Leaf asked.
"Unfortunately, yes," Sora said.
"They won't give up," Kairi said.
"Eevee," Angel said.
"Okay, Thunderbolt on them!" Sora ordered. Pikachu fired Thunderbolt right Team Rocket who very quickly put on some rubber suits.
"Ha! Electricity's no good on rubber!" James said.
"Electricity can't, but fire can!" Ash said, taking out a Pokéball and threw it. "Charmander! Go!" His Charmander emerged from inside. "Charmander! Your strongest Ember!" Charmander builds up energy and sends it at Team Rocket, burning up their uniforms.
"I told you we also needed fire-proof suits, too!" James said.
"It was either this or the horse costume, and neither one of us wanted to be the horse's ass," Jessie said.
"Like they need a costume to make them look like what the really are," Sora whispered to Ash, making him chuckle.
"I heard that!" Jessie barked.
"That kid is actually smarter than he looks," the male Team Rocket grunt said. "I honestly don't care what you're doing here, but I'm here for a mission of my own, and nobody's gonna interfere! Raticate! Use Iron Tail on those losers!" Raticate swings its tail and struck the Team Rocket Pokémon, sending them back to their Trainers.
"Pikachu! Thunderbolt!" Sora ordered.
"You use Thunderbolt, too, Raichu!" Kairi ordered.
Pikachu and Raichu unleashed Thunderbolt and shocked Team Rocket, sending them flying.
"Oh, we blew it again!" James said.
"Stupid grunts, always makes fun of us!" Jessie growled.
"Let's face it, we're the butt of their jokes," Meowth said.
"We're blasting off again!" Jessie, James, and Meowth said as a star twinkled in the distance.
"Now, where were we? Oh yes, I remember. I was about to annihilate you, girl! Raticate! Use Dig again!" Raticate dug into the ground again. Raichu looked around.
"Raichu, keep your wits up! Raticate will come at you at any moment!" Kairi said. Raichu nodded and waited for Raticate to come out. Raticate emerged from the ground. "Behind you!" Raichu grabbed the rat-like Pokémon with his tail. "Seismic Toss!" Raichu jumped and spins around with Raticate still being held by Raichu's tail. Raichu lets go of Raticate and goes falling. Raticate had been taken down.
"Why you!" The male Team Rocket grunt growled. Sora took out a Pokéball and opened it.
"Come out, Butterfree!" Sora called out. Butterfree came put. "Use Sleep Powder!" Butterfree flapped his wings and blue sparkling powder hits the male Team Rocket grunt, and Raticate, making them fall asleep.
"Nice one, Sora," Kairi said. Sora smiled at the compliment and rubbed the back of his head.
"You just softened them up first," Sora said. Kairi smiled along with him. Leaf got her answer. Sora did have a thing for her. She was really happy for her friend, like she always does.
Officer Jenny arrived and arrested the male Team Rocket grunt.
"Once again, you do us a favor. I'll see to it that he is prosecuted to the full extend of the law," Officer Jenny said.
"We hope you do lock up and throw away the key," Ash said.
Officer Jenny drove off with her prisoner. The sun was setting as they head back to the Pokémon Center.
"It was a great day, despite a run-in with Team Rocket," Ash said.
"It's always a blast to hang with you, Ash," Sora said. "You too, Leaf."
"Gary always did call us the Three Musketeers, all for one, and one for all, right?" Leaf asked.
"Right!" Sora and Ash agreed, high-fiving each other. Kairi smiled at the sight of Sora and his friends laughing and having a good time. She could see why Sora liked being with them.
"And, Kairi, you were very impressive back there," Ash said.
"Thank you, Ash," Kairi said.
"I'm looking forward in seeing you in action again sometime," Leaf said.
"I would like to have a battle with you someday," Ash said. "Just don't expect me to go easy on you just because you're with this guy." Ash lightly punches Sora on the arm.
"You didn't go easy on him, so I don't want you going easy on me," Kairi said.
"How about we have some dinner now?" Sora suggested.
"Good idea, because I'm starving," Ash said.
With that said, the four kids, and two Pokémon went to have themselves a meal before they headed out on their journey. And we will leave it right there for now...