Kanto Chapter 17 - Cinnabar Island
Amber and Pichu finally made it on dry land. The pair boarded on the shore and literally flopped off the surfboard onto the golden sand completely exhausted. It seemed like forever ago that they left Fuchsia City and a lot had happened in that time.
Lifting her head up slightly off the ground Amber looked to her left and saw a massive sign.
"WELCOME TO CINNABAR ISLAND."
"Made it" Amber smiled weakly before dropping her head back into the sand.
Breathing deeply, Amber rolled onto her back and looked up at the sky. The teenager began processing the events that had transpired over the past 24hours.
She pictured the two older teenagers dressed in black with the red R on the fronts of their shirts. The curvy girl with her bobbed blonde hair and the guy with the floppy brown hair and brilliant green eyes.
Her thoughts zoomed into his face, and those eyes that bore into hers.
"We're here for you Amber Ketchum" His voice echoed.
Team Rocket … They're a bigger problem than I knew.
Amber recalled Thea's voice. "We have an interest in your Daddy."
Dad ...When he finds out about this he's going to flip. It'll be the end of my journey. I'll be forced to stay home and I'll never get to travel or battle again. I can forget all about the league challenge that's for sure. But if I don't tell him ...
"Ugghhhhhhhhhhhhhhh" Amber covered her face with her hands. "Why did this have to happen? I just wanted to be … me. I just wanted a starter pokémon like every other trainer, go on a journey and compete in the championship. But no. The world just has to keep reminding me that I'm a Ketchum. I'm a Ketchum and I can't be normal, that is that."
"Piiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii" Pichu lay on his side and called out sadly. Not really knowing what to say to make his trainer feel better … he felt so helpless.
Amber shivered as a cold wind blew.
Why is it so cold suddenly? It's been nothing but cloudless blue skies and blazing sunshine for weeks. Crazy weather …
Amber recalled the sudden storm that capsized the boat.
And that electrical storm. What was with that? It came out of nowhere and vanished just as quickly. I've never seen anything like it. It was so weird. Speaking of weird … Articuno! It just came out of nowhere.
Images of the impressive legendary ice bird flashed in her mind. She recalled its impressive Blizzard attack, entombing Team Rocket in a prison of ice.
I wonder where it went? Did it mean to save me? Or was it a happy coincidence?
She pulled out her communication device still switched off. She stared at the blank screen contemplating what to do next.
"None of this makes any sense Pichu!"
"Piicchuuu" Pichu looked at his trainer, feeling the same as her.
Staring hard at the device, Amber conceded and switched it back on. She was about to check in and seal her fate one way or another when a voice message alert popped up on the screen.
Amber frowned and played the message. Her eyes widened.
Shane and Thea floated in the cold vast ocean. Kneeling on a large floating plank of wood from their recent boating crash, using broken timber for paddles. They were making their way to Cinnabar Island and crossing all their fingers and toes they'd make it in time to salvage their mission, or even at all.
The pair were beyond freaking out, the bosses knew they had the girl and were expecting them, in a day at least to turn up. They would know they had screwed all this up and the Teenage Rocket Duo's failure would mean expulsion from the organisation … at least.
"How, how, how did she get away from us this time? I mean a Legendary pokémon just popped up out of the blue and saved her? Seriously? What the heck? When the bosses find out about this we're doomed. DOOMED!" Thea dropped her paddles on the raft and held her head as she wailed across the empty ocean.
"Oh, chill the heck out." Shane snapped back; he was freaking out too but keeping his internal dilemma much closer to his chest.
"Don't tell me to chill out! Speaking of which, I am fricking freezing dude! Like who turned off the sun?" The Rocket agent wrapped her arms around herself and looked up at the dull sky. Gone was the brilliant hot sun of the days and weeks before, replaced with icy winds and grey clouds.
"Whom."
"What?"
"Whom turned off the sun." Shane replied flatly continuing to paddle.
"I DON'T GIVE A SHIT ABOUT GRAMMER RIGHT NOW!" Thea screamed.
Zubat flapped over, returning from his scouting mission.
"Zubat! You've found the way? Nice work." Shane complimented the bat pokémon.
His partner lifted her hands into a prayer pose and her eyes gleamed with happiness. "You're the best Zubat! Ok Shaney Boy, start paddling! That'a way!" Thea pointed to the direction her Zubat was moving, her voice filled with enthusiasm, her emotions doing a complete 180.
"Like what I'm already doing?" Shane responded flatly.
"Well paddle harder then! Jeez it'd be quicker if I got off and pushed." Thea quipped back.
"Sure would make the raft lighter." Shame lamented.
Thea narrowed her eyes at her partner, lifting the paddle and knocking him on the head.
"OW!"
Amber was running full pelt down the quaint roads of the island resort, following the signposted directions for the pokémon centre. She had recalled Pichu so he could rest, a luxury she wished for herself right now. Her legs ached and her muscles burned but she didn't care, she had to get to a pokémon centre and quick.
Reaching the familiar looking red roofed building, the impetuous red head flung open the door and practically dived into a communicator. She punched in the contact "BILL." and subconsciously held her breath.
After a few rings, the recognizable face of the researcher came into view. He smiled warmly.
Amber remembered she was still holding her breath and released it unceremoniously.
"Ah Amber, how are you?"
The young trainer stood at the screen trying to catch her breath. Appearing flushed, sweaty and hair dishevelled from the running.
Bill sweat dropped. "Oh my! Looks like you are quite busy! So, I shan't keep you long. Have you got Eevee to hand and data to send?"
Ambers face faltered. "That … that was your big emergency? Eevee data?"
"Yes. After what I've received already from you, the latest read-out shows Eevee is almost ready to evolve."
"Evolve?" Ambers eye widened.
"Yes, so I need get her back as soon as possible before all our hard work and my months of research goes for nothing."
The teens voice went quiet "You … you need Eevee back?"
"Yes please Miss Amber."
Ambers chest tightened as she pulled out Eevee's pokéball, placing it to be transported and slotting her pokénav into the available slot for the data read. The movements were almost as if on autopilot, her mind racing.
"Oh wait!" She cried out as the pokéball glowed and vanished. I, I didn't say goodbye …
She looked at Bill's smiling face in the monitor who proudly showed her the pokéball reaching him safely, oblivious to the emotional turmoil of the young trainer in the monitor screen.
"Wonderful Amber, I have everything I need. Well I won't keep you any longer, I'm sure you're in the middle of some wonderfully exciting things. Speak soon! Take Care. Tat Ta." Bill beamed and waved.
And with that the monitor went blank.
Amber pulled out her pokénav from the machine as hot tears started to roll down her face.
"Eevee … I didn't even get to say goodbye."
She recalled all the battles they fought together, the attempt at teaching Eevee to surf, the pair trying on silly outfits in Celadon, laughing and having fun …
It's not right. Eevee belongs here with me!
Ambers heart broke. She told herself the pokémon wasn't hers to keep, but Eevee felt like hers. She had raised that pokémon and the little fox pokémon felt like a part of her and vice versa. She knew Eevee would have to go back, but she also never thought that day would come.
Eevee was my pokémon ... my friend ...
The teenager slumped down on a bench in the pokécentre, drained physically and emotionally from the past day's events. She put her face in her hands. Her whole body ached from head to toe and her head thumped. Feeling completely overwhelmed, a part of her just wanted to go home and cry.
I feel like just giving up and going home …
Suddenly multiple red lights burst from her waist, forming Electabuzz, Magneton, Voltorb and Pichu.
Sensing her sadness, the pokémon surrounded their trainer, Pichu jumping onto his trainer's shoulder. Magnemite hopped onto her warm lap. Voltorb rocked, rubbing against her lower leg whilst Electabuzz enveloped her in a big bear hug.
Amber smiled as tears continued to fall down her face slowly. She leaned into Electabuzz's hug, nuzzled her cheek to Pichu, and used her hands to pet Magneton and Voltorb, stooping slightly to reach the metal sphere pokémon.
"Thank you everyone." Amber took a big breath and began to speak, her voice shaky. "I, I have some news. Eevee's … gone." Amber gulped and continued. "Back to her home at the lighthouse with Bill. But I …" She paused slightly. "I know she'll be happy with Bill and I'm sure we'll see her again someday."
The pokémon all cried out gently in their own way.
"I know I still have all of you, I'm lucky and I love you all." Amber giggled and called down to her one still full pokéball. "Even you grumpy Electrode."
The pokémon again all called out to their trainer in unison. Still embracing her.
No I can't just run home to Mom and Dad just because things look a little tough. Everything going on, everything we face, are just obstacles to overcome. But me and my pokémon will overcome them. Together. We'll defeat anyone or anything that stands in our way and I will protect my family, my friends.
Amber hugged her pokémon in closer. She dried her tears and looked at her pokémon.
Electabuzz, Magnemite, Voltorb and Pichu.
These are my pokémon. My friends. My family, and we'll come through together. No matter what. Because that's what makes a Pokémon Master.
Amber smiled and spoke up. "We've all come too far and been through too much to quit now. Friends may come and go, but they'll always be in our hearts."
All the pokémon nodded and Amber continued.
"We keep going, we battle for them and we battle for us. And if Team Rocket or anyone else for that matter want to get in our way, well, we'll just go through them too! We are a Champion Team and we'll stop at nothing to prove it at the Indigo Plateau, and anywhere else we need to! And our next step, the Volcano Badge." She clenched her fist and hit her open palm with confidence.
...
"But first how about I check you guys in with Nurse Joy and I think I'll rest up too." The teenager sweat dropped.
The pokémon cried out in agreement.
Amber yawned and stretched. Still feeling a little sore from the previous days events but refreshed and clear minded from her much needed nap, provided by the shelter of the pokécentre. The teenager rocked up to the counter and gratefully accepted her fully recovered pokémon from Nurse Joy. Before leaving she had one more thing to do.
Sitting at a video screen she punched in a number she knew off by heart. After a few seconds of connecting the giant beaming face of her mentor appeared.
"Kid! Loooong time no speak." His voice boomed.
"Hi Surge. How is everything there?"
"See for yaself." The giant gym leader turned the monitor and Amber was greeted with the smiling faces of Bailey, Tucker and Dwayne, all clambering to see their fellow gym trainer and friend, before the giant furry face of Raichu took over the whole screen. The fully evolved electric mouse clearly having climbed over the camera to gain the screen time.
Amber giggled. "It's great to see you all, I hope you're looking after things there Raichu?"
"Rai rai rai!" The pokémon chattered back.
"Ok, ok she's happy ta see you too, but it's my turn now." Lt Surge fought back for the camera space and seated himself in front of it once more.
"So, what's happenin?"
Amber paused. An unusual darker sullen look took over her face which immediately caught the old soldiers' attention. He noted the expression but said nothing, allowing his protégé to lead the conversation.
"I need my Chinchou back, is she ready?"
"Well yeah sure, she's all yours, who ya swappin out her for?"
Amber looked to the floor, willing herself not to cry. "No one. I have space. The Eevee I had … she's gone back to her original trainer, Bill."
"Oh I see." Surge knew she was hurting. "I'll get her pokéball now for you."
Amber looked down and bit her lip. Do I tell him about Team Rocket too?
Amber was contemplating when the giant man came back into view.
"Here's ya Chinchou." Surge placed the ball into the transporter, and they watched as she travelled over.
Amber collected the ball and smiled at it. It was a genuine smile but there was still sadness in the girl face.
"Sure that's everything?" The Gym Leader enquired, his eyebrow raised.
" … "
"Kid?"
Amber looked into the monitor. "Sensei … I .."
"Amber. What is it?"
Should I tell ...
"It's ..."
Visions of the previous attack on the Vermillion Gym and Surge injured and strapped up in the hospital rang through her mind.
No. Team Rocket are now my problem, and mine alone. I won't involve Surge or the Gym. No one else is getting hurt.
"Nothing I can't handle." Amber replied straight faced.
Lt Surge looked long and hard, a silent pause lingered between them. Surge finally spoke up. "Ok. I trust you. But ... know, if ya need ta tell me anything, know I'm always ready ta listen."
Ambers face relaxed and she half smiled. Nodding in acknowledgement, she thanked her Master for Chinchou and they saluted each other goodbye.
Surge looked at the now blank monitor, concern written all over his face. He tilted back on his chair and looked up at the ceiling.
For da greater good. ... I hope.
Amber entered the Cinnabar Island Gym. She made quick work of the intern challengers and soon came to a set of doors guarded by an odd-looking man. He was wearing an oversized cap, swirled glassed and a big thick moustache. The man upon noticing the fire haired girl put his arm across the entrance acting as a barrier. He wore a baggy beige tunic, brown corduroy trousers that tucked into big brown boots at his ankles.
"So you've beaten the Gym Trainers here and now wish to challenge the Leader? Sorry but to progress further you must answer these questions three."
Amber tilted her head at the strange set up but nodded to oblige the weird man.
"How many Badges certified by the Pokémon League are there?"
"Oh that's easy! 8." Amber answered confidently.
"Correct. Next question. "A Steel-type move used on a Fire-type Pokémon will be...?"
Amber put her finger to her chin and thought about her Magnemite. "Not very effective."
"Very good. Last Question. Challenger, tell me... who are you about to battle?!"
Amber paused. I have no idea … Dad battled Blaine, but Blaine left the pokémon league before I was even born …"
The weird guard crossed his arms, a smile coming over his face at the stumped girl before him. He had her on the ropes.
Think Amber think. "The Cinnabar Island Gym … Leader?" The teenager grinned cheekily.
The man deadpanned at the girl before him. But soon burst into laughter.
"Ok good answer. You will be battling" The man pulled away his disguise of the hat, glasses and facial hair to reveal slicked back brown hair, brilliant fire red eyes and a big toothy smile.
"Dusty, the Cinnabar Island Gym Leader!"
…
"Who?"
The man fell over.
He picked himself up and dusted himself down. "I see I don't quite have the celebrity yet of my predecessor yet." The Gym Leader sighed.
He placed his hand on the door handle and lead Amber inside to the arena. "I interned here at the Gym under the tutorage of Blaine. When the old man felt it time to step down, he had no lineage to pass the baton down to. I was hand chosen by him to carry on the Gym name and its honoured traditions."
"That's cool, I interned at a Gym too. The Electric Gym at Vermillion City, under Lt Surge."
Amber and Dusty took to their opposite sides of the battle area.
"Ahh, Surge's protégé huh? Don't expect me to go easy on you then. How many badges do you possess?" The Gym Leader called out.
"4"
"Then this will be a 3 on 3 battle no time limit."
"Sounds good to me." Amber pulled out a pokéball.
"Finalllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllly we're here." Thea was on all fours in the sandy shores of Cinnabar Island, picking up clumps of sand and letting it sift through her gloved fingers in appreciation of the solid ground.
"We need to find her." Shane stood tall, hand to his forehead acting as a visor, surveying the area.
"My guess is she'll be at the Gym, wherever that is." Thea replied getting to her feet.
"Then that's where we're headed." With that Shane started walking. His eyes were focused but his thoughts clearly elsewhere. He thought back to Sea Foam Island, Amber kneeling over him as he came too. Her face hovering above his. Shane blushed.
I shouldn't feel this way …
Thea watched him walk off with a raised eyebrow. "Err wait for me?"
A cold wind blew, and the Rocket agent shivered. Hugging her arms, she jogged after partner and kept pace by his side.
Amber had taken out Dusty's Growlithe and Rapidash with her Chinchou. The victories had not come without cost and Chinchou was now visibly tired.
"Hmm not bad Amber, you're good. I think it's time I turn up the heat!" Dusty's eyes lit up like fire as he threw out his last pokémon.
The red light formed and a flame pokémon with a duck like bill appeared.
"Magmarrrrr."
"A magmar! Hm looks pretty tough … Chinchou return. You were amazing, rest up now." Amber recalled her electric/water dual type and pulled out a new ball. "Go Electabuzz."
Electabuzz burst out and instantly raised his arms and pointed his fingers in "The Lightning Bolt" pose.
"Ooooh Magmar vs Electabuzz! I get a charge out of that!" Dusty called out.
Amber tried her best not to roll her eyes at the awful pun. She wasted no time in attacking. "Electabuzz use Thunder Punch!"
"Magmar counter with Fire Punch"
The two pokémon collided, fists meeting in a contest of pure strength. The flame of the magmar's fist flared up burning Electbuzz on contact. Electabuzz pulled back wincing slightly.
"Magmar is too hot to handle!" Dusty bragged loudly.
"Electabuzz! Hang in there. Use Thunderbolt to avoid contact."
Dusty didn't miss a beat in his counter. "Magmar raise your temperature, heat the area around you."
Magmar blazed his body creating a heat shield against the strong electric attack. He took little damage.
Amber and Electabuzz gritted their teeth. If we go down, we'll go down swinging ...
"Electabuzz use Toxic."
The electric pokémon discharged a thick gooey substance, splattering onto the flame pokémon.
Magmar burned it off, but some of the poison had seeped through and took effect.
"Magmar fire blast!"
The spitefire pokémon launched the blast and hurtled it towards Electabuzz.
"Electabuzz!" Amber cried out.
The cocky electabuzz stood his ground and used his hands to push against the attack. He was successful, but the heat of the flames became too much. Burning his hands, Electabuzz's defence relented and the attack hit full on.
Electabuzz was knocked out.
"Oh no! Electabuzz!" Amber recalled her fallen pokémon "You were great, and you weakened him just enough." Amber pulled out her final pokéball. That magmar had evened the score …
I can't use magnemite it's weak against fire, and Electrode just won't listen ...
"Pichu it's all down to you." Amber threw the ball and the baby mouse appeared, looking up, the Magmar looked giant in comparison.
"A Pichu? Hahaha talk about clutching at straws. Such a promising start as well, too bad. This match is mine." Dusty teased.
Amber paid no attention, they had been underestimated before, but her opponent would soon regret it. Pichu always come through for her and would again.
"Pichu even the playing field, use Raindance."
"Raindance?" Dusty raised his eyebrow. Clouds formed above the arena and rain started to fall.
"Magmarrrr" The fire pokémon looked up at the offending arena weather, steam rising around him from the water drops impacting on his body.
"Magmar use fire punch."
"Pichu, dodge it! If those flames hit you, it's game over!" Amber called out with concern.
"Mag marrrrrrrrrrrrrr" "magmar "mag marrr" Magmar launched at Pichu, punching at the little yellow pokémon with a fiery fist. Pichu ducked and dived, narrowly avoiding the onslaught of heated punches.
"Rrrrr, Magmar use Fireblast. Take that little pip squeak out with one hit." Dusty flexed his wrist and clenched his fist.
Magmar fumbled slightly, the effects of the poison were really starting to take its toll. He fired off the Fireblast attack but Pichu dashed out the away, dodging the attack although barely.
Amber smiled confidently. "Now Pichu, use your new special move. Splishy Splash!"
"Splishy … Splash?!" Dusty gawked at the absurdity.
Pichu used the momentum from his dash and skidded across the water from the rain, causing a surf like torrent of water. It rose up and splashed directly over Magmar. The water subsided to reveal the fire type steaming from the contact and barely standing.
"Ok Pichu, let's win that trainer badge, Thuderbolt."
"Piiiiiiiiiichuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu" Pichu charged up and leashed his powerful electric attack, hitting Magmar head on, frying him. The spitfire pokémon fell to the floor with swirling eyes.
"WHAT NO WAY?!" Dusty clutched at his hair in disbelief.
"Allllllllllrrrrrrrrrrrrriiiiiiiiiiiiight!" Amber punched the air. "Pi pi pichu!" Pichu mirrored his trainers move.
"How could Magmar lose to a little pipsqueak pichu?" The Gym Leader rolled his hands down his face and then recalled his pokémon. Coming to terms with the match outcome he smiled to himself and then looked to the cheering duo. "I'm shocked." He chuckled to himself.
Dusty approached the victorious party. "Congratulations Amber. Pichu. That was a one in a million battle. And that water move? What was that?!"
Amber smiled and scooped up her little friend. "A little something we surfed up." She winked.
"Incredible." Dusty shook his head and smiled to himself. "Well you definitely earned this." The Gym Leader placed the Volcano badge in Ambers hand.
"We got the Volcano Badge Pichu!" Amber grinned ear to ear, showing off the small token to her furry little partner.
"Pichu pi pichu!"
"And a gift for you. The technical machine for Fire Punch. I'm sure it will come in handy." The Cinnabar Island Gym Leader snorted. "Handy. Get it?"
"Uh Sure." Amber grimaced at the terrible pun but accepted the gift happily. The two made their way to the exit. Dusty getting the door for the victors.
"Well I'll be sure to look out for your performances in the future young lady, I see a very promising pokémon trainer in my presence."
Amber smiled and with a wave, her and Pichu left the Gym.
That was no ordinary pokémon battle and that girl is no ordinary pokémon trainer.
"Alright Pichu! That's our 5th badge! Only 3 more and we can enter the Pokémon League Tournament."
"Pipi pichu!" Pichu smiled up at his trainer as they walked along the quiet streets.
"I've been thinking, despite a hard couple of days we are doing really well. We've covered a lot of ground in a short space of time and the Pokémon League tournament doesn't start for months. I think maybe with all this Team Rocket drama, a few days downtime could be the perfect solution to our troubles."
"Pi?" Pichu tilted his head to side, inquisitively.
"Pallet Town isn't too far from here, just a ferry ride away. So what do you say? We go back to my home next?" Amber looked down to her faithful partner walking dutifully at her side.
"Pi chu." Pichu nodded in agreement.
"I mean I doubt Team Rocket would dare venture to the Ranch, and more I'd like to see them try!" Amber chuckled at the thought of her Mother and Father going all out on the duo with their pokémon arsenal, the Rockets fleeing with terror.
"And if they did?"
Amber began to dramatize "Ooooh well Mom & Dad I had no issues till I came back here. Guess it's just not safe for me to stay home ..."
"Pi pi pichu pi" Pichu giggled along.
"It's settled then. We'll go see what times the ferries are back to the mainland. I can't wait to show you Pallet Town Pichu. You'll just love home, its packed with so many pokémon you can be friends with. And you'll get to see Pikachu in person!"
"Pi chu chu!" Pichu chirped happily at the idea.
Passing through the main town, Amber paused and stepped back. The teens eyes widened as she caught her reflection in the glass pane of a shop window. Her face paled and she cringed. Her fringe stuck out at the best of times, but due to the exposure to salt water and the extreme humidity of the fire battle almost her entire head frizzed out in a big fiery mop.
"Owwwwww, where are my aunties when I need them!" Amber put her hands to her head trying to flatten down the frizz but it was all in vain. "Oh well at least no one's around to see me like this." she sighed.
"Prepare for trouble!" "Make it double!"
Two shadows loomed over Amber, as two figures appeared on the roof of the shop.
Amber froze in horror, her eyes widening, pupils shrinking. She cringed. "Oh no not now!"
"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 starts above"
"Thea!"
The blonde bombshell jumped down, landing in a perfect superhero pose.
"Shane"
Shane jumped down landing behind his partner, bending his knees on impact but then standing tall and straight. He turned his head and his icy green-eyed stare locked into Amber's wide brown eyes.
"Team Rocket, blast off at the speed of light."
"Surrender now or prepare to fight!"
Thea stood up and the pair stood together in an intimidating stance.
Ohnoohnoohno why now? I look a total mess! Amber internally wailed, keeping her hands on her head to hide the monstrosity hair do. Wait why do I care? She dropped her hands to her belt, ready to defend herself. Oh great my pokémon are worn out battling the Cinnabar Gym ...
"So we meet again, Raggedy Ann." Thea scoffed. Shane turned and smirked at his partner. That was funny.
Amber's face grew red with anger and embarrassment before hotly retorting "Not by my choice, wanna-be Barbie!"
Shane and Thea looked at each other. Lame comeback.
Thea put her hand on her hip and leaned, putting all her weight to the side. She arched her eye brow at the younger teen before her. "Leave the sassiness to us, ok Rag Doll?"
Amber turned even redder, frustrated and embarrassed.
"No escape. You're coming with us." Shane barked, advancing towards the red head. His face focused and determined.
Amber stepped back away from the advancing pair, gritting her teeth. Pichu jumped in front of his trainer. Cheeks sparking.
Thea readied her pokéball. "Zubat go!"
"Zubat!" The bat pokémon formed and flapped wildly.
"Koffing you too!" Shane released his poison type pokemon.
"Zubat use confuse ray." Thea called out.
"Pichu use Thunderbolt."
Confused from Zubat's rays Pichu let off the attack, the aim wasn't perfect but still hit Koffing, although not doing full damage.
"Koffing. Use payback." Shane retorted. His voice calm and authoritative. But inside his heart was pounding.
"Pichuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu." The attack hit full on and the little mouse was hurtled back from the impact.
"PICHUUUU!" Amber cried out as she dived to the floor to catch her pokémon, saving him from further injury. The trainer held her pokémon in her arms cradling him. "Pichu are you ok?"
Pichu looked up into his trainers deep brown eyes. Her eyes were filled with nothing but worry and concern. Worry that was all for him. But she was the one in serious trouble, not him. Team Rocket we're going to take her away. Take her away from him.
"Don't expect big bird to save you this time!" Thea growled, and stepped towards them.
Pichu looked at the Rocket duo walking towards them and freed himself from his trainers embrace. He stood tall, his fur dirty and scuffed from the attack but his eyes shining with determination. They wouldn't take her whilst there was breath in his lungs and life in his body.
"Pichu please! You're too tired to battle!" Amber still on the floor, pleaded holding out her hand to him.
The baby mouse shook his head and growled, refusing to stand down. His trainer, his partner, his best friend needed him, now more than ever before.
"Pichu! Pichuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu"
Pichu began to glow, his body morphed and changed in a brilliant bright white light.
"PikaChu!" The yellow electric mouse squeaked out.
Amber looked up, her eyes glistening "Pi … Pikachu?"
"Pika Chu" Her newly evolved Pikachu nodded then instantly got into a battle stance ready to face off against Team Rocket.
"A … a Pikachu!" Shane stuttered, his eyes widening.
"Huh?" Thea cast Shane a side glance. What is that boys deal with Pikachu's? Before looking back at Amber and Pikachu. "Whatever! The little mouse became a bigger mouse. Big deal. It still doesn't change that its two against one. Zubat, Koffing go! Attack together! We've got this!"
Amber stood up and smiled with confidence. "Pikachu agility!"
"Chuuuuuu!" Pikachu zipped and weaved, easily evading the oncoming attacks.
I thought Pichu evolved into Pikachu when they reached a level of happiness. Amber thought, watching her evolved pokémon coolly dodging tackle attacks and sending the opposing pokémon into a flurry.
But this isn't a happy situation, we're in deep trouble. Pichu stood upto Team Rocket to protect us. To save us. Pichu evolved for us. For our friendship!
"Oh enough of this! Zubat use Venoshock!" Thea shouted out losing her cool as Pikachu neatly dodged another tackle attack.
"Pikachu Thunderbolt." Amber cried out.
"Pika Pikachuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu"
The yellow mouse unleashed a devastating Thunderbolt attack, not only knocking out Zubat but hitting Koffing too, sending both pokémon thundering into their trainers.
"Oooooooof" Thea and Shane thudded to the floor at the sheer impact of their pokémon barrelling into them.
"Now Pikachu! Use your Volt Tackle!" Amber called out pointing at the villains.
"Pika pikapiakpikapikapikapika chuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu" Pikachu sped up into a fully charge tackle attack, hitting Team Rocket full force and launching them clean into the air.
"But howwwwwwwwwwww?!" Thea wailed.
"See, see! This is what Pikachu dooooooo!" Shane cried out.
"We're in deep!"
"Looks like Team Rockets blasting off againnnnnn!" They cried out in unison as they flew across the sky.
Amber put her hands to her mouth and called out after them. "Leave the battling to me, Ok Barbie Doll!" She lowered her hands and cringed "Ughh, I really do need to work on my comebacks ..."
"Pika Chu." Pikachu looked up and smiled.
Amber scooped up her new friend. "Pikachu you saved us all."
"Pi Ka Chu." Pikachu smiled and nodded.
"Thank you. Pikachu. You evolved just for us." Amber snuggled her pokémon into her shoulder and buried her face into his fur, happy tears rolling down her cheeks.
"PiiiiKaa" Pikachu murmured softly. He evolved for her. He would always protect her. His best friend.